Royal news – live: King trades bee tips with David Beckham as Prince Andrew ‘refuses’ to leave Royal Lodge
King Charles and David Beckham bonded over the mutual love of bees as the ex-England football captain was unveiled as a King’s Foundation ambassador.
Beckham met privately with the King at Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire retreat to learn more about its work.
Beckham said: “It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”
It came as Prince Andrew was reportedly refusing to leave the £30milion Royal Lodge and was becoming an increasingly isolated figure, who “spends his days watching television in a darkened room” in the crumbling residence.
A friend of King Charles has now claimed that life at the Royal Lodge will become “increasingly cold and uncomfortable” for Andrew if he refuses to hand back the keys.
The friend told The Times: “The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride — and that handing back the keys will afford him far greater comfort, and the continued support of his family.”
Key Points
Kate Middleton ‘considering’ appearance at Trooping the Colour
Royal photographer says Harry and Meghan’s wedding was ‘miserable'
Kate ‘out and about’ again
King Charles 'threatens' to cut Andrew off if Duke refuses to leave Royal Lodge for Frogmore Cottage
Harry and Meghan appoint Meghan’s mum in important new role
Friday 31 May 2024 13:38 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have again chosen to reject royal tradition and appoint Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland as their children’s nanny.
As reported by the Express, the decision was made after a series of unsuccessful partnerships with professional childminders.
The insider claimed that this will allow the children to grow up in a more traditional, close-knit family environment.
“Harry and Meghan have used a number of nannies in the past, but now that Doria has moved in with the family, she has stepped up to help look after the children,” the source said.
“There is sometimes additional help, but Doria is working closely with Meghan to ensure that the children are brought up in a close-knit and loving family environment.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla visit Epsom racecourse
Friday 31 May 2024 16:19 , Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla are enjoying a day at Epsom racecourse today.
The Ladies Day event is of special significance for the Monarch, 75, as it features a horse bred by his late mother, Queen Elizabeth.
The horse in question is called Treasure and it will compete for a prize fund of £541,035 in the Betfred Oaks race.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said the King and Queen “decided to have a go at the Oaks as the ground should be in her favour” revealing that the King has been “very pleased with her progress.”
King and Queen praised as horse owners
Friday 31 May 2024 17:00 , Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been praised for their enthusiasm as horse owners.
The couple are visiting Epsom racecourse today to see the late Queen Elizabeth’s horse Treasure compete in the Betfred Oaks race.
The odds on the horse, which the Queen bred before her death in 2022, are 18/1.
The King could add to his vast personal fortune if the animal emerges victorious, with a prize fund of over £500,000.
Trainer Ralph Beckett said the couple were “such enthusiastic owners and it is great to be training such a nice filly for them who is running in a Classic.”
Netflix ‘losing interest’ in Harry and Meghan
Friday 31 May 2024 20:00 , Emma Guinness
Streaming giant Netflix is reportedly losing interest in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after the couple signed a $100 million deal.
The five-year partnership with Archewell production company, signed in 2020, is set to end next year, and one insider has claimed it’s unlikely to be renewed.
“[The Sussex deal] runs out next year and Netflix are no longer producing the series of The Crown, as they previously were. They might therefore have less interest in the Sussexes,” Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail.
The couple are currently producing two new programmes but Fitzwilliams does not believe this will be enough for Netflix.
“Meghan’s programme for Netflix on cookery and entertaining and her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard and Harry’s series for Netflix on polo, show some much-needed activity [but] they clearly need more A-list endorsements,” he added.
Prince William upset by ‘tasteless and offensive’ comparisons of Meghan to Diana
Friday 31 May 2024 22:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince William is upset by comparisons made between Meghan Markle and Princess Diana in the wake of the Sussex’s unofficial Nigeria tour, it has been claimed.
A royal insider has said he finds the comparisons “beyond tasteless and offensive” to both himself and Kate Middleton.
The insider told Closer magazine: “William doesn’t want to deprive Harry of the right to celebrate their mother’s legacy. What bothers him is how Meghan’s paraded around as the modern-day version of Diana, he finds that beyond tasteless and offensive, not only to him but also to Kate.”
Charles and Camilla’s horse well beaten in racing classic at Epsom
Saturday 1 June 2024 03:55 , Namita Singh
The King and Queen’s sporting hopes were dashed when their thoroughbred was well beaten in one of racing’s most prestigious events.
Charles and Camilla spent the day at Epsom race course where, despite the blustery and cold conditions, thousands of racegoers turned out for Ladies’ Day.
All eyes were on the runners in the Oaks - a classic twice won by Queen Elizabeth II - with the monarch and his wife’s horse Treasure a longshot with odds of 16-1.
Jockey Chris Hayes rode the Aga Khan’s horse Ezeliya to a well-judged victory, with Treasure finishing at the back of the pack.
The royal couple had walked into the parade ring in the final moments before the classic was run, to see their horse and chat to its jockey James Doyle and their racing manager John Warren.
Report:
Charles and Camilla’s horse well beaten in racing classic at Epsom
‘He was taking notes’: Rumors of Prince Harry writing Spare sequel
Saturday 1 June 2024 05:00 , Namita Singh
The prospect of a reconciliation between Prince Harry, King Charles and Prince William is said to be only becoming more distant amid rumours that the Duke of Sussex is writing a second memoir.
Prince Harry’s claims in Spare have created deep “trust” issues and fears of another book are preventing any meaningful conversation between them to move past it, revealed King Charles’s biographer Robert Hardman.
“The problem that exists is, at the moment, there is still a trust issue,” he told Tatler on Thursday.
“He gave away so many secrets,” Hardman explained, as he accused the Prince of taking notes when Queen Elizabeth died.
“At the time of the Queen’s death … he was taking notes,” he said, raising suspicions that the prince might be preparing to write a sequel to his memoir.
“As an author, that says to me one thing and one thing only: part two might be on its way,” he said.
Inside the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson’s wedding
Saturday 1 June 2024 06:00 , Namita Singh
The society wedding of the year between the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson is taking place at Chester Cathedral next weekend.
Hugh Grosvenor, 33, is one of the richest men in the UK with a net worth of £10.127bn, according to the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List and was once considered the country’s most eligible bachelor.
But he will officially be off the market on 7 June when he ties the knot with Henson, 31, in a lavish ceremony where Prince William and Prince George are set to play key roles.
My colleague Emma Guinness reports:
Inside the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson’s wedding with royals in key roles
Nigeria’s First Lady slams US celebs after Meghan Markle’s visit
Saturday 1 June 2024 07:00 , Namita Singh
The First Lady of Nigeria has seemingly taken aim at Meghan Markle’s choice of clothing following her and Prince Harry’s recent trip to the country.
The couple, who visited in their capacity as private citizens, spent three days in Nigeria celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu, 63, made the comments during a speech celebrating her husband’s first year in office and discussed her hopes for the modesty of Nigerian women and girls.
Report:
Nigeria’s First Lady slams US celebs after Meghan Markle visit
Prince Andrew ‘ain’t going anywhere’ in deepening battle with King Charles over royal residence
Saturday 1 June 2024 08:00 , Namita Singh
Prince Andrew “ain’t going anywhere” in his battle with the King over his royal residence, a source has claimed, as the royal row between the siblings deepens.
Amid the controversy over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York, 64, stepped down from public duties in May 2020 and was subsequently stripped of his royal titles. However, the prince has continued to live at the royal residence Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion he has called home for two decades.
Charles has been urging his younger brother to vacate the property and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage instead – but Andrew has refused to move, much to his older brother’s frustration. The duke has the lease on Royal Lodge, whereas the King controls the purse strings – and consequently, the siblings have become embroiled in what insiders have called the “siege of Royal Lodge”, according to The Sun.
More here:
Prince Andrew ‘ain’t going anywhere’ in battle with King Charles over royal residence
The King is to take part in the Trooping the Colour, it is understood.
Saturday 1 June 2024 10:45 , Barney Davis
The King is to take part in the Trooping the Colour ceremony next month and will inspect the soldiers from a carriage, it is understood.
The annual event has marked the official birthday of the King or Queen for more than 260 years and will take place on June 15th.
The confirmation comes after Buckingham Palace was forced cancel and review dozens of royal engagements after the General Election was called for July 4.
King Charles 'threatens' to cut Andrew off if Duke refuses to leave Royal Lodge for Frogmore Cottage
Saturday 1 June 2024 11:49 , Barney Davis
The King is threatening to cut ties with his disgraced younger sibling Prince Andrew if he refuses to leave his Royal Lodge home for a smaller residence, according to a royal insider.
A friend of the monarch says Andrew is testing the King’s “patience and tolerance” by staying in the 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park, Berkshire.
“The King’s kindness is not without limit,” a friend of Charles told the Times on Saturday.
“There is a very good option for Andrew to move into Frogmore Cottage, recently vacated by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.”
Kate and William’s never-before-seen holiday snap
Saturday 1 June 2024 13:36 , Barney Davis
A Welsh bed and breakfast has shared a never-seen-before picture of the Prince and Princess of Wales taken on a getaway last year.
Duffryn Mawr Country House shared the picture featuring the royal couple with their staff to their social media.
“It’s been 1 year since we welcomed William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, to Duffryn Mawr!” the social media post read.
It added: “So kind and friendly, it was a pleasure to have them stay here.”
Pictures show Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge in state of disrepair
Saturday 1 June 2024 14:45 , Barney Davis
Prince Andrew can not meet the £400,000-a-year upkeep of the Royal Lodge but is resisting being moved, according to reports.
Prince Andrew was told to leave the property, but was granted a “stay of execution” after he made a deal with the King to carry out repair works on the residence, which is worth around £30 million.
But drone pictures show the building needs more work with paint peeling and scaffolding erected possibly igniting another row between Andrew and his brother King Charles.
King Charles is reportedly urging him to move into Frogmore Cottage which is said to be in good condition after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carried out renovation work, and would make significant savings if Andrew were to move in.
How Harry can repair his relationship with King Charles, royal insider reveals
Saturday 1 June 2024 17:17 , Barney Davis
King Charles won’t heal the rift with Harry and Meghan “anytime soon”, says a royal insider – but there is a way forward for the father and son.
Robert Hardman is the author of Charles III: New King, New Court, The Inside Story, which was published in January this year and gave an insight into the first year of the King’s reign.
Speaking at Hay Festival, Hardman suggested that Harry’s explosive memoir Spare is still casting a long shadow over family relations. “The problem that exists is, at the moment, there is still a trust issue. People are still very wounded, particularly Prince William, that these intimate private childhood family moments all spilled out in Harry’s book,” Hardman said.
“It’s not what Harry said, it’s the fact that he said it, and he gave away so many secrets. And he was, effectively, at the time of the Queen’s death, you know, he was taking notes.”
Hardman also suggested that Harry hadn’t told the full story – but there might be a cynical reason for that. “If you do read that book, and as I said it’s amazing, but if you get to the bit about his wedding to Meghan, it boils down really to about four or five pages. Now, as an author, that says to me one thing and one thing only: part two might be on its way.”
How Harry can repair his relationship with King Charles, reveals royal insider
Prince Andrew ‘watches TV in darkened room’ in Royal Lodge and is a ‘prisoner of his own pride’ King’s friend says
Saturday 1 June 2024 18:30 , Barney Davis
Prince Andrew cuts an increasingly isolated figure, who “spends his days watching television in a darkened room”.
A friend of King Charles has now claimed that life at the Royal Lodge will become “increasingly cold and uncomfortable” for Andrew if he refuses to hand back the keys.
The friend told The Times: “It can be done tidily or untidily. It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. It’s all rather sad.
“But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke.
“The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride — and that handing back the keys will afford him far greater comfort, and the continued support of his family.”
Royal family removes Harry and Meghan statement from website
Saturday 1 June 2024 19:30 , Barney Davis
The royal family has removed a historic statement confirming Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship from their website.
The statement, from Prince Harry’s spokesperson in 2016, confirmed that the pair were together and requested for the “wave of abuse and harassment” Meghan was facing to stop.
It cited “racial undertones of comment pieces” and “outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments.”
‘Shake up of Royal family needed’ - PR expert
Saturday 1 June 2024 21:30 , Barney Davis
King Charles has been urged to “shake up the Royal Family” by a PR expert after “losing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle”.
Publicist Haddy Folivi spoke exclusively to GB News, arguing that the Royal Family needs to make some drastic changes.
He claimed: “The Royal Family definitely needs a shake-up.
“With King Charles somewhat limited in what he can do work-wise, there is only so much that Prince William and the Queen can do.
“So the royals will have to draw on the reserves and enlist some more working royals so us, the taxpayers, feel like we are getting our money’s worth.”
Prince Andrew must give Windsor home paint job every five years
Sunday 2 June 2024 00:32 , Barney Davis
Prince Andrew has to lick the Royal Lodge “with two coats of paint” every five years under the terms of his lease, and he is already a year behind, according to reports.
The Duke’s 75-year lease agreement with the Crown Estate, which was signed in 2003 and has now been seen by The Times, states that he must “repair, renew, uphold, clean and keep in repair and where necessary rebuild” the home.
It adds that he must repaint the external walls “with two coats of paint” every five years from 2008 onwards – work that was due to have been completed last year.
Duke of Westminster: Billionaire Hugh Grosvenor set for ‘society wedding of the year’ with William as usher
Sunday 2 June 2024 04:32 , Barney Davis
The seventh Duke of Westminster – once dubbed one of Britain’s most eligible bachelors – is officially the richest man in the UK under 40.
According to the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List, Hugh Grosvenor, 33, has a net worth of £10.127 billion – a substantial increase from the £9.878 billion he had in 2023.
However, he is soon set to lose his bachelor status when he ties the knot in the society wedding of the year next month.
‘Britain’s most eligible bachelor’ who owns half of Mayfair reveals shock next move
Prince Andrew at odds with his brother King Charles over Royal Lodge
Sunday 2 June 2024 09:15 , Barney Davis
Prince Andrew “ain’t going anywhere” in his battle with the King over his royal residence, a source has claimed, as the royal row between the siblings deepens.
Amid the controversy over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York, 64, stepped down from public duties in May 2020 and was subsequently stripped of his royal titles. However, the prince has continued to live at the royal residence Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion he has called home for two decades.
Prince Andrew ‘ain’t going anywhere’ in battle with King Charles over royal residence
David Beckham trades beekeeping tips with King as he is named ambassador
Sunday 2 June 2024 10:00 , Barney Davis
David Beckham and the King compared “beekeeping tips” when they met ahead of the ex-England football captain being named a King’s Foundation ambassador.
The former sporting star was confirmed as an official supporter of Charles’s charitable organisation a few weeks after he reportedly met the monarch privately to learn more about its work.
In photographs released to mark the announcement, Beckham is pictured with the King on the doorstep of Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire retreat, and shown trying out his carpentry skills with foundation students taking part in woodworking courses at the Snowdon School of Furniture.
Beckham said: “Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the foundation’s work.
“It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”
Since reportedly buying a converted barn in the Cotswolds, Beckham has posted on social media about his bee keeping.
He uploaded an Instagram video on World Bee Day last year showing him working on a beehive and in another post he is pictured next to a hive with the words “Be kind & they will be calm”.
David Beckham excited to work with King’s Foundation
Sunday 2 June 2024 11:02 , Barney Davis
In photographs released to mark the announcement of becoming a King’s Foundation ambassador, David Beckham is shown trying out his carpentry skills with foundation students taking part in woodworking courses at the Snowdon School of Furniture.
The foundation is the custodian of the Highgrove gardens and offers workshops, programmes and short courses focused on heritage and craft skills at its Barley Court education centre on the estate.
Alongside its education programmes to protect traditional skills, the foundation, based at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire, aims to revitalise communities through urban regeneration and planning, and support sustainable food production and teach rural skills.
Beckham, who is the first ambassador to be named by the charity since Charles was crowned, said: “I’m excited to be working with the King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work. I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the foundation’s education programmes and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.”
The former footballer joins other foundation ambassadors like The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades, who represents building crafts, Alan Titchmarsh, horticulture, and Sarah Beeny, buildings and heritage.
Royal historian says slimmed down monarchy poses new challenge for King Charles
Sunday 2 June 2024 13:50 , Barney Davis
Royal historian Kelly Swaby says the Royal Family stands at a defining moment with an increased reliance on fewer, older members.
She told Metro: “The Queen’s Coronation was indicative of a time when deference to the monarchy was high; people doffed their caps and curtsied and bowed to royalty.”
“But last year’s Coronation faced a lot more questions and resistance than the Queen’s did, which is a sign of how much the UK has changed.
“King Charles has wanted for many years to slim down the monarchy, but in effect he has been left with no choice because it has happened naturally.
“Many of the senior royals, such as Princess Anne and the Duke of Kent, are getting older and are not able to do as much.
“The late Queen understood that she couldn’t do everything herself and while she was the main attraction she remained incredibly humble and had lots of other members of the royal family deputising for her.
“I fear that the slimmed-down monarchy will backfire quite significantly in years to come as the older members step back from public life.”
David Beckham’s countryside obsession fueling his desire to become King’s Foundation
Sunday 2 June 2024 13:59 , Barney Davis
David Beckham had swapped tips with King Charles about the pair’s hobby - beekeeping.
In a post uploaded an Instagram video on World Bee Day last year shows the former England Captain working on a beehive and in another post he is pictured next to a hive with the words “Be kind & they will be calm”.
Beckham said: “Having developed a love for the countryside I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the foundation’s work.”
The former footballer joins other foundation ambassadors like The Repair Shop presenter Jay Blades, who represents building crafts, Alan Titchmarsh, horticulture, and Sarah Beeny, buildings and heritage.
Married to former Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer Victoria Beckham since 1999, the ex-midfield player has gone on to co-own the US team Inter Miami, which signed Lionel Messi last summer.
Prince William to ‘find own voice’ as he seeks to modernise royal family
Sunday 2 June 2024 15:03 , Barney Davis
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s popularity stretches across age groups and regions, at a time when the public has grown sceptical about the monarchy in general, a new poll has revealed.
“The next few years will see him thinking through what kind of monarch he wants to be and what kind of monarch the country will need to have in the mid-21st Century,” historian Sir Anthony Seldon told the BBC.
“He has been defining his own agenda, much of it overlapping with his father’s interests and passions.”
A revealing survey from YouGov showed Prince William and Catherine as having approval ratings of over 70%, while support for the monarchy as an institution was at 56%.
Positive that doctors are allowing King Charles to return to public duties
Sunday 2 June 2024 17:28 , Barney Davis
Gareth Russell, a royal author, told GB News that it is good to see King Charles back meeting the public after his shock cancer diagnosis.
“Broadly speaking, all the opinion polls that we have, indicated there’s a huge amount of goodwill and support for him and for his candour with his battle with cancer.
“We’ve heard him talking to some people during the meet and greets about shared experiences of battling cancer.
“I think it’s been very well received and certainly the King has said he feels as if he’s come out of his cage and he’s very keen to get back to his public-facing duties.”
The royal family have lost trust in Prince Harry - expert
Sunday 2 June 2024 19:02 , Barney Davis
A royal expert has suggested that the late Queen was so worried about ending up on a documentary that she shunned Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Phil Dampier, who spoke to The Sun, explained: “The big fear that the late Queen had and that the King now has is that when [Harry and Meghan] turn up, they do tend to turn up with a sort of Netflix film crew or a photographer in tow.
“You always get the feeling that whatever happens, whatever the discussions are, that it’s going to sooner or later end up on a programme or in some sort of podcast. And that’s unfortunately where the trust has gone and they just don’t trust [Harry].”
Queen Elizabeth gave Meghan Markle a verbal dressing down - historian claims
Sunday 2 June 2024 20:30 , Barney Davis
Meghan Markle is alleged to have been taken to one side by the late Queen after she became unhappy while taste-testing for her wedding in 2018.
It’s reported the now Duchess of Sussex got “very upset” after saying she “felt that she could taste egg” in one of the dishes that had been prepared.
A royal author claims Meghan was told there was no egg in the dish, Meghan allegedly hit back: “No, I can taste it.”
Royal author Katie Nicholl claimed to Yahoo’s Royal Box that Queen Elizabeth II then intervened.
She claims the late monarch, who died in 2022, walked into the room at Windsor Castle and “quietly took Meghan to the side”.
She allegedly told Meghan “the Royal Family does not speak to people like that”.
Prince Harry’s relationship with David Beckham has ‘gone out of the window’ after picture with King Charles - claim
Sunday 2 June 2024 22:01 , Barney Davis
Royal author Charles Rae, has weighed in on the effect of David Beckham being given an ambassador role at The King’s Foundation.
A rift between the Beckhams and the Sussexes appeared to have heightened when the Sussexes allegedly accused David and Victoria of leaking stories about them to the press - while royal biographers claimed Meghan “didn’t like the footballer’s friendship with Prince William.”
Charles Rae told GB News: “Let’s not forget Harry and particularly Meghan accused Victoria of doing something she shouldn’t have done.
“Obviously Beckham came to the defence of his wife, so that relationship has gone out of the window.”
“But Beckham has got a fabulous relationship with the King, certainly has a brilliant relationship with William and Catherine, so losing one royal is not going to be a problem for the Beckhams.”
He added people have been naming the pair Chaz and Dave, and the former England captain expects to be knighted soon.
Sarah Ferguson opens up on her own cancer battle
Sunday 2 June 2024 23:30 , Barney Davis
The Duchess of York has spoken about feeling “better than ever” following two different cancer diagnoses.
The 63-year-old discovered she had an early form of the disease during a routine mammogram last summer.
“I have to be checked regularly and I have to put cream on my face to get out past sun damage, which means big blisters on my face, chest and hands for three weeks. But I’m not doing immunotherapy, taking any drugs or doing chemotherapy, for which I’m very grateful.”
“I have the most exceptional family and I have an extraordinarily great team and I have an enormous ability to turn to joy,” she tells HELLO!
“I have always brought up my girls to be so honest and frank that they know I’m going to tell it to them straight, however difficult it is,” she continues. “So when they said: ‘Mummy, tell us the absolute truth – have they got all the cancer out?’ and the answer was yes, they knew they were safe.”
Prince George’s adorable nickname for Kate spotted by lipreader
Monday 3 June 2024 00:15 , Barney Davis
Prince George had been waving to the crowds at the Trooping The Colour ceremony in 2022 before turning to Kate and calling her “Momma”, as spotted by lip reader Jeremy Freeman.
Kate is reported to have bestowed on her eldest child and future King a distinctly British moniker: PG tips.
The famous British tea company matches the second-in-line to the throne’s initials, and George is said to be referred to as simply ‘Tips’ for short.
A royal source speaking to The Sun explained that there is a reason the royals use so many nicknames for one another, “The royals are not very good at communicating with one another so this is one way around it. Nicknames are a way of taking the family tension out of things,” the source claimed. “They can also be a rather childlike family. They love to play games and they give each other silly presents. I think it’s because they have to be so earnest in their public lives.”
Kate wanted people ‘to see she was doing okay’ in cancer video
01:01 , Barney Davis
The Princess of Wales “wanted people to see that she was doing okay” by announcing her cancer diagnosis via a video, it has been claimed.
The poignant footage came in March following weeks of speculation about Kate’s whereabouts after she stepped back from public duties for planned abdominal surgery.
The revelation was made by insiders to Vanity Fair alongside the revelation that the Princess has now “turned a corner” in her cancer treatment.
Does the King get a vote in the general election?
02:00 , Barney Davis
As election campaigns ramp up to levels of hysteria ahead of July 4 there is one family who won’t be swayed.
Despite not being written in law it is thought that if a member of the royal family would reveal their political leanings it could create a constitutional crisis in the UK.
Dr Craig Prescott, lecturer in law and a constitutional expert at Royal Holloway University of London, told Sky News: “Clearly the King is in a unique position as head of state and, as such, is expected to remain ‘above’ politics.
“Not voting on election day reflects this position. There’s also a more constitutional reason. Members of the House of Lords cannot vote because they are part of parliament, and so it has always been the case that peers had no right to vote for members sitting in the other house of parliament.
“In this sense, the practice that the monarch does not vote reflects that they are part of parliament, and it is for the general public to choose who represents them in the Commons.”
Kate to miss Trooping the Colour rehearsal as cancer recovery continues
02:02 , Barney Davis
The Princess of Wales is to miss a Trooping the Colour rehearsal as it was confirmed the King will take part in his official birthday celebrations.
Kate will not inspect the troops at the event known as The Colonel’s Review on June 8, held seven days ahead of the famous ceremony which has marked the sovereign’s birthday for more than 260 years, it is understood.
But it remains unclear whether the princess, who is undergoing chemotherapy after a cancer diagnosis, will attend Trooping the Colour, a major fixture in the royal calendar.
She appealed for time, space and privacy for her family when she announced on March 22 she was being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand could rake in seven figures in its first year
03:00 , Barney Davis
Meghan Markle’s new lifestyle brand American Riveria Orchard could make seven figures in its first business year, it has been claimed.
The estimate was made by PR expert Mayah Riaz ahead of the brand’s official launch, with its official website and Instagram page still displaying none of its products.
Meghan has, however, sent out 50 limited edition jars of its jam to soft launch the brand, and Riaz believes they could retail for a staggering amount of money.
“So far, the jams have been sent to only 50 people. This suggests that it will be an exclusive and limited edition item,” Riaz told the Mirror.
“It has already been reported a single jam jar could cost three figures. I believe that is entirely likely from what we have seen so far. This is not rare for a celebrity brand.”
“Therefore, my estimation is that American Riveria Orchard in under a year could make Meghan seven figures. It is entirely possible for the brand to make multi-seven figures by the end of next year.”
Queen Elizabeth did not approve of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress
04:00 , Barney Davis
The late Queen Elizabeth reportedly did not approve of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress because of her status as a divorcée.
Royal biographer Ingrid Seward said the late Monarch thought the gown was “too white” for someone who was entering their second marriage.
“In the monarch’s view, it was not appropriate for a divorcée getting remarried in [a] church to look quite so flamboyantly virginal,” Seward wrote in an extract of her book published by the Daily Mail.
The revelation comes as the First Lady of Nigeria appeared to criticise Meghan’s “nakedness” while on an unofficial tour.
Inside Royal Lodge: Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that he is ‘refusing to leave'
04:32 , Barney Davis
Inside Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s 30-room mansion that William ‘has his eye on’
Prince Andrew ‘ain’t going anywhere’ in deepening battle with King Charles
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Prince Andrew “ain’t going anywhere” in his battle with the King over his royal residence, a source has claimed, as the royal row between the siblings deepens.
Amid the controversy over his friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the Duke of York, 64, stepped down from public duties in May 2020 and was subsequently stripped of his royal titles.
However, the prince has continued to live at the royal residence Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion he has called home for two decades.
Charles has been urging his younger brother to vacate the property and move into the smaller Frogmore Cottage instead – but Andrew has refused to move, much to his older brother’s frustration.
Tara Cobham has more.
Prince Andrew ‘ain’t going anywhere’ in battle with King Charles over royal residence
D-Day veteran speaks of meeting King Charles on 100th birthday
05:30 , Barney Davis
A D-Day veteran was “surprised and delighted” to be invited to Buckingham Palace where he was presented with his 100th birthday card from the King.
Jim Miller, who turned 100 on June 1, landed on the Normandy beaches in June 1944 and took part in the Allied military operation to liberate occupied France and western Europe.
“I am humbled to reach such a great number, especially when I think of those who fell on the Normandy beaches all those years ago.
“The King was very interested to hear about my military service and personal experience of such a momentous and harrowing time.
“I am proud that I can still share my memories with the generations that come after me and thankful that young people are interested in what happened.
“I’m looking forward to attending the Royal British Legion’s commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum in June.”
Prince William cameos in Welcome to Wrexham documentary
06:32 , Barney Davis
In the latest episode of the popular Disney+ series, Prince William made an unexpected visit to the Wrexham AFC club to see an old friend.
“Prince William is here in Wrexham today because it is St. David’s Day, which is obviously the Welsh, sort of, national holiday,” explained Humphrey Ker, executive director of Wrexham AFC.
“Only we don’t get the day off St. David’s Day, which is a bit of a swiz!”
St. David’s Day, celebrated on March 1, is a day of widespread Welsh pride. It was also the day that William, aged 41, met with Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney at The Turf pub to join in the festivities.
“As Prince of Wales, Prince William has gotta come and press the flesh, kiss babies and do all that sort of business that princes do,” Ker said. “For us, it’s great that Wrexham Football Club and Wrexham as a whole has become a place the royals put on their itinerary when they’re coming to visit Wales.”
It emerged William and Ker both attended Ludgrove School and Eton College. The Prince remarked “it’s been a while” during their warm handshake.
“I went to school with Prince William. I have known him since I was 7, or something like that,” Humphrey confessed. “We literally shared a bedroom from 7 until 10.”
08:15 , Sam Rkaina
We’re pausing our live royal coverage but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.
08:15 , Sam Rkaina
We’re pausing our live royal coverage but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.
