Royal news - live: Queen Camilla to miss Remembrance events as Kate to make poignant return
The Queen will not join other members of the royal family at Remembrance events over the weekend after falling ill with a chest infection.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Camilla will not attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening, nor the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday.
It is understood there is no downturn in her condition, but the Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.
While Camilla will be absent, the Princess of Wales is continuing her steady return to royal duties and will appear at the two events.
The news comes as Prince William candidly described the past year as “brutal” and the “hardest” of his life as both his wife and father battle cancer.
Asked by reporters how his year has been, he replied: “Honestly? It’s been dreadful. It’s probably been the hardest year in my life.”
William added: “I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”
Latest Royal Family News
Camilla to miss Remembrance events
Kate to attend remembrance events over the weekend
Prince William laments ‘dreadful year'
Charles could turn Royal Lodge into ‘Museum of King Charles III’
Queen to miss Remembrance weekend events after falling ill with chest infection
16:51 , Athena Stavrou
The Queen will not be joining other members of the royal family for a full schedule of Remembrance events as she continues to fight a chest infection.
Buckingham Palace confirmed a disappointed Camilla will not go to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening, nor attend the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday.
It is understood there is no downturn in her condition, but the Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.
Read the full story:
Watch: Prince William breaks silence on 'brutal' year
15:38 , Athena Stavrou
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far, from cancer diagnosis to royal return
15:01 , Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.
In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”. She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.
Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that she is to make an appearance at both the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
Here is a full timeline of Kate’s health journey in 2024 so far:
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis
What is wrong with Camilla?
14:20 , Athena Stavrou
Queen Camilla, 77, pulled out of an Olympic and Paralympic reception at the Palace and the opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey earlier this week after developing the seasonal respiratory bug following her long-haul tour to Australia and Samoa and spa break in India.
She is said to have dearly wanted to pay tribute in person to the nation’s fallen servicemen and women this weekend. But royal doctors ordered her to have another few days’ rest to get back to full strength.
She plans to return to London early next week if royal doctors give her the go-ahead.
She has a number of diaried engagements, including a Booker Prize event at Clarence House on Tuesday, a Palace reception celebrating the TV and film industry and a night out with the King at the star-studded global premiere of Gladiator II on Wednesday.
Thursday is also the King’s 76th birthday.
‘Stubborn’ Andrew determined to stay in Windsor, says expert
13:36 , Athena Stavrou
Prince Andrew’s “stubbornness” and “arrogance” has added fuel to the fire in his feud with King Charles over his residence Royal Lodge in Windsor, a royal expert claims.
A row sparked between the brothers after King Charles cut the Duke of York’s from an annual £1 million “living allowance”, according to a new biography book by Robert Hartman.
Commenting on the rift, royal commentator Rupert Bell told Times Radio: “One of the problems that Prince Andrew has is that he is occasionally convinced of his rightness, and he gets himself into hot water with his stubbornness and sometimes his own arrogance has caused him to create these problems.
“He feels like he lost everything and if he loses his house, well then he probably feels that even more has been taken away from him.”
Queen to miss Remembrance events with chest infection
12:47 , Athena Stavrou
The Queen is set to miss a full schedule of Remembrance events this weekend as she continues to recover from a chest infection.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Camilla will not attend the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening, nor the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Sunday.
A Palace spokesperson said: “Following doctors’ guidance to ensure a full recovery from a seasonal chest infection, and to protect others from any potential risk, Her Majesty will not attend this weekend’s Remembrance events.
“While this is a source of great disappointment to The Queen, she will mark the occasion privately at home and hopes to return to public duties early next week.”
It is understood there is no cause for alarm, and no downturn in her condition.
The Queen is said to be mindful of minimising the risk of passing any last lingering infection to others.
The Princess of Wales, who is recovering from cancer and the King, who is still having ongoing treatment for cancer, are both attending the Remembrance events.
How are the royals involved in the Remembrance Sunday service?
12:33 , Athena Stavrou
Senior royals will appear at the Cenotaph tomorrow to honour the nation’s war dead.
King Charles will lay a wreath of poppies on Sunday at the base of the memorial, leading the nation in tribute to its fallen servicemen and women.
Thousands of veterans proudly wearing their medals, military families and the public will gather in remembrance of all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
William will also leave a floral tribute – featuring the Prince of Wales’s feathers and a new ribbon in Welsh red – at the historic Portland stone monument.
The King’s wreath pays tribute to that of his grandfather George VI, and his mother Elizabeth II, incorporating the sovereign’s racing colours of scarlet, purple and gold.
Even if Camilla attends the service, her poppy wreath will be placed by an equerry from the Royal Household, as is the custom.
Kate will watch, as is tradition, from above, on the nearby Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office balcony overlooking Whitehall, taking part in the solemn two-minute silence and viewing the veterans’ march past.
What is the Festival of Remembrance?
11:44 , Athena Stavrou
It was confirmed by Buckingham Palace yesterday that Kate, Princess of Wales, will be joining other royals to attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is staged annually on the Saturday evening of Remembrance weekend.
It honours sacrifices made by the British and Commonwealth armed forces community and includes musical performances and personal testimonies.
This year’s festival will showcase the contribution of the Second World War generation 80 years on from the D-Day landings, and commemorate 25 years since Nato peacekeeping forces were deployed in Kosovo, and 10 years since the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan.
What are the royals doing this weekend?
11:01 , Athena Stavrou
Remembrance weekend is always busy for the royal family - and this year is no different.
On Saturday evening, the Princess of Wales will join the the King, the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family at the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
They will also attend the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph tomorrow morning.
It marks the next significant step in Kate’s gradual return to public royal duties as she prepares to join the Charles and William to honour the nation’s war dead.
However, the Queen’s attendance at Remembrance events will be subject to medical advice nearer the time, the Palace said.
Camilla, 77, is unwell with a chest infection and was forced to pull out of engagements earlier this week.
Queen says Archers star June Spencer was ‘much-loved part of people’s lives’
10:20 , Athena Stavrou
The Queen has said The Archers actress June Spencer will be “greatly missed” following her death aged 105.
Spencer had played matriarch Peggy Woolley in the BBC Radio 4 show since its first episode in 1951, and was credited as being the longest-serving character in the programme when she announced her retirement in 2022 – at the age of 103.
Her many fans over the years included Camilla, who invited Spencer and her co-stars to Clarence House for a reception marking the show’s 70th anniversary in 2021.
Camilla also made a cameo appearance as herself in a special episode marking the 60th anniversary of the show.
“For over 70 years, June Spencer was a much-loved part of so many people’s lives, brilliantly combining in Peggy Woolley the roles of reassuring matriarch and ‘gangsta granny’,” the Queen said in a statement shared on the official Royal Family social media accounts.
“She will be greatly missed and I send my heartfelt condolences to her family.”
A message of condolence from The Queen, a devoted Archers fan, following the death of June Spencer. pic.twitter.com/1gPRg640bv
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 8, 2024
William looking forward to playing role at Cop30 in Brazil
09:34 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales is “looking forward” to “playing a role” at the Cop30 UN climate change conference being hosted by Brazil, a royal source has said.
There is speculation William could stage his Earthshot Prize environmental awards in the Brazilian city of Belem on the Amazon delta, which is hosting the global conference in November next year.
A royal source said: “This week, the Prince of Wales visited South Africa to spotlight African innovation and young people, as Earthshot hosted its fourth annual awards in Cape Town.
“Throughout his trip, the prince spoke about the importance of not losing sight of what needs to be done between now and 2030 – the Earthshot decade.
“His commitment to restoring the future of the planet is unwavering and the Prince is determined to do all he can to use his platform to spread urgent optimism.
“Next year, the Climate Cop will take place in Brazil and it’s set to be hugely consequential. The Prince of Wales is looking forward to playing a role there.”
Prince William hires Beckhams’ head of PR
08:00 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has hired David Beckham’s former public relations chief to work for his Homewards charity.
Victoria Shires, who worked for the football star’s DB Ventures for three years, is now the new head of communications of his documentary.
She told the Daily Mail: “It’s been a great first few weeks at the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.”
Ms Shires previously worked with ITV for three years, where William’s two-part documentary called ‘Prince William: We Can End Homelessness” was broadcast.
The PR boss added: “It’s been lovely to have launching that as my first project here.”
‘We are at a crossroads’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue new video message
07:00 , Athena Stavrou
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have issued a new joint video message.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appeared side-by-side in a video message they sent to a United Nations conference in Colombia on Friday (8 November), calling for the end to violence against children.
Discussing the importance of prioritising children’s safety online, Harry declares: “We are at a crossroads”.
The Duke adds: “The urgency to reassess and redefine our approach to protecting children has become increasingly evident.”
Meghan states: “My husband and I recognise that today’s reality is marked by greater connectivity and advanced technology which, of course, has many positives. However, it also compels us to better understand how digital violence against children is manifesting itself in this age.”
‘We are at a crossroads’: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle issue new video message
‘Stubborn’ Andrew determined to stay in Windsor, says expert
06:00 , Athena Stavrou
Prince Andrew’s “stubbornness” and “arrogance” has added fuel to the fire in his feud with King Charles over his residence Royal Lodge in Windsor, a royal expert claims.
A row sparked between the brothers after King Charles cut the Duke of York’s from an annual £1 million “living allowance”, according to a new biography book by Robert Hartman.
Commenting on the rift, royal commentator Rupert Bell told Times Radio: “One of the problems that Prince Andrew has is that he is occasionally convinced of his rightness, and he gets himself into hot water with his stubbornness and sometimes his own arrogance has caused him to create these problems.
“He feels like he lost everything and if he loses his house, well then he probably feels that even more has been taken away from him.”
COMMENT | I was there for Diana & Dodi’s love story – it wasn’t like The Crown
04:00 , Athena Stavrou
As Mohamed Al-Fayed’s biographer, Mark Hollingsworth witnessed Dodi and Diana’s romance first-hand – and the inside story he tells here is more gripping and surprising than anything portrayed in the hit Netflix show...
I was there for Diana and Dodi’s summer of love – it wasn’t like The Crown
Charles could turn Royal Lodge into ‘Museum of King Charles III’
02:00 , Athena Stavrou
The Duke of York’s Royal Lodge may have an unexpected future, a royal author has revealed.
The 30-room mansion in Windsor Great Park has been at the centre of a rift between Prince Andrew and Charles after the King scrapped his brother’s £1 million-per-year allowance.
With neither William nor Harry “showing great interest” in the property, a royal source has suggested it could one day be transformed into a “Museum of King Charles III.”
Writing in his biography book ‘New King, New Court, Charles III the inside story’ royal author Robert Hardman has shed light on the potential future of the monarch’s favourite retreat.
He said: “Neither of his sons has shown a great interest in taking on their childhood home. As a Duchy of Cornwall property (on a long lease to the King), Highgrove’s future will need to be decided by the current or future Duke of Cornwall. One close ally of the King has made an interesting suggestion.
“Given the King’s personal devotion to the place, and the way in which it encapsulates so much about the man, would it not make an ideal ‘Museum of King Charles III’ in years to come?”
Family Feud reveals the most common fact Americans know about Prince Harry – and it’s not flattering
00:02 , Athena Stavrou
The hit game show Family Feud has revealed what Americans really know about Prince Harry.
During a recent episode of the show, the Hernandez family competed against the Colley family, and they shared a few facts about Harry. In Family Feud, which has been running since 1976, two families guess the most popular answers to survey questions to win cash prizes.
At the start of the recent episode, host Steve Harry asked contestants to say “something that people know about Prince Harry,” with the six correct answers hidden on the board. In response, Fabian Hernandez answered: “He’s married to Meghan Markle.”
Read the full story below:
Family Feud reveals the unflattering facts most Americans know about Prince Harry
Duchess Sophie’s praised for ‘funny’ reaction after being hit with golf ball
Friday 8 November 2024 22:00 , Athena Stavrou
The Duchess of Edinburgh has been praised for her “funny” reaction after being hit on the head by a golf ball.
The incident last Tuesday happened when Sophie was playing mini golf as part of a visit to Legoland as patron of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
Photographer Tim Rooke, who captured the moment, said the Duchess “laughed” and “found it funny.”
He told Hello: “The Duchess was playing adventure golf, going around with the kids. She hit the ball, and it bounced straight up in the air. You could see her watching it, and it just sort of whacked her.
“She laughed; she found it funny – she’s a good sport. You can see the guy behind her in the picture was in hysterics.
“She doesn’t mind a photo like this going around – what she cares about is raising awareness of the charity. She is really good at these events; she always makes everyone feel quite special.”
Latest royal pictures
Friday 8 November 2024 20:00 , Athena Stavrou
The King acknowledges his ‘advancing years’ ahead of 76th birthday
Friday 8 November 2024 19:00 , Athena Stavrou
The King has acknowledged his “advancing years” as he revealed his approach to birthday celebrations ahead of turning 76.
Charles wrote personally to thank the Military Wives Choirs, who produced a record as a birthday gift in his honour, saying he was “deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute”.
The monarch added “while those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute.”
Charles reaches his 76th birthday on November 14 after a personally difficult year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.
Read the full story:
The King acknowledges his ‘advancing years’ ahead of 76th birthday
ICYMI: King faces calls to abolish estates which ‘earn millions from NHS’
Friday 8 November 2024 18:00 , Athena Stavrou
King Charles is facing calls to dissolve his lucrative private estates and refund the cash-strapped NHS after it emerged he is making millions from renting out ambulance parking spaces and sub-standard properties.
The monarch and Prince William have sparked uproar after it was revealed they are benefiting from rental deals with public services – including the armed forces and state schools – on their private estates, the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.
Read the full story below:
Charles and William face calls to dissolve estates which ‘earn millions from NHS’
Health crises and conspiracy theories: How 2024 became Prince William’s ‘annus horribilis’
Friday 8 November 2024 17:16 , Athena Stavrou
During what was perhaps the lowest point in her reign, the late Queen delivered a sobering speech famously labelling 1992 her “annus horribilis”.
Public opinion had turned sharply on the royals that year with the then Prince and Princess of Wales at war, the Duke and Duchess of York separated and Princess Anne divorced.
To make matters worse, the Queen’s home, Windsor Castle, had gone up in flames.
Elizabeth did not refer directly to her family’s problems as she made the stark evaluation, but the meaning was clear - it had been a terrible year and everyone could see it.
Now - over 30 years later - her grandson has had what he believes to be his own ‘annus horribilis’.
Read the full story here:
Health crises and conspiracy theories: How 2024 became William’s ‘annus horribilis’
Watch: Prince William breaks silence on 'brutal' year
Friday 8 November 2024 16:31 , Athena Stavrou
Who is Lady Louise?
Friday 8 November 2024 15:44 , Athena Stavrou
The royal family has wished a happy 21st birthday to Lady Louise Windsor, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Lady Louise – the youngest niece of the King and granddaughter to the late Queen – is studying English Literature at St Andrews University. She is following in the footsteps of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who met at the university in Fife, Scotland in 2001.
She is 16th in line for the throne and she and her younger brother James, the Earl of Wessex, will be expected to work for a living and are unlikely to use HRH styles as adults.
Louise was born prematurely in November 2003, weighing just 4lb 9oz. Her mother, Sophie, was rushed to hospital at eight months pregnant, with severe internal pains and doctors found she was dangerously ill from blood loss and performed an emergency Caesarean.
Newborn Louise was transferred to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, for specialist care, while the duchess remained at Frimley Park Hospital near their Bagshot Park home. They were separated for six days.
The late Prince Philip taught Louise how to drive a carriage and she is often seen at the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show. She occasionally accompanies her parents at events and attends royal celebrations such as Trooping the Colour.
William tells Heidi Klum he woke feeling ’emotional’ after Earthshot awards
Friday 8 November 2024 15:01 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has told supermodel Heidi Klum he woke feeling “emotional” and “excited” after his Earthshot Prize awards.
William sat by the waterside in Kalk Bay Harbour in Cape Town with the celebrity and fellow model Winnie Harlow and reflected on his “green Oscars” as they enjoyed a braai or barbecue.
They were joined by celebrities Billy Porter and Tobe Nwigwe, who had also taken part in Wednesday’s ceremony which saw five environmental winners awarded £1 million to develop their ideas to “repair” the planet.
William told the famous Earthshot advocates: “I really appreciate all your support,” and Harlow replied: “It was an honour.”
He added: “I woke up this morning feeling quite emotional and excited.”
Klum, who announced the Fix our Climate category winner, won by an organisation that converts waste heat into energy, said: “I was emotional on the stage.”
William: I miss working in search and rescue
Friday 8 November 2024 14:33 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has admitted he misses his former “life” working in search and rescue as he took to the seas with a lifeboat crew in Cape Town.
William kicked off his final day in South Africa with a visit to Simon’s Town Harbour, home to the country’s largest naval base.
He met volunteers working for the National Seas Rescue Institute (NSRI) to hear about their lifesaving work and asked what inspired them to get involved.
Before donning a life jacket and heading out with the crew, he asked how choppy the water was and joked that he should possibly be wearing more kit so he did not get wet.
William also revealed that he was trying to teach his three children about rip tides and admitted he wished his family had been with him for the four-day trip.
He was asked by a member of the crew if he had ever done search and rescue work, he replied: “I miss this life. Any chance to get back, I’ll take.”
The future king was a search and rescue helicopter pilot based at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales before working as a pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
Harry tells bereaved children he ‘understands’ losing parent at a young age
Friday 8 November 2024 14:01 , Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex has told bereaved military children he “understands, perhaps more than most” the weight of losing a parent at a young age.
In a letter to young people supported by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Harry said it can be “overwhelming and isolating” and acknowledged that remembrance is “not only time to honour the extraordinary sacrifices made by our service members but also to recognise the impact these sacrifices have on families”.
Harry lost his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car crash in 1997 – when he was just 12 years old.
The duke added in his letter: “We find strength in the love and memories left behind, and I have seen how communities like yours can offer deep comfort and healing.
“Scotty’s Little Soldiers embodies this spirit of community. In coming together to support one another, you not only honour the memories of your loved ones but also forge bonds that can and will carry you through the toughest times.
“The tears and laughter, the shared experiences, and the moments of joy you create together are powerful reminders that love endures.”
King shares exercise routine details with Team GB athletes
Friday 8 November 2024 13:36 , Athena Stavrou
The King shared details of his exercise regime with Team GB athletes as he congratulated this year’s Olympic and Paralympic squads at Buckingham Palace.
Charles told the women’s athletics squad that he works out twice a day as he and the Princess Royal honoured them at an informal reception on Thursday.
The King also revealed he looked forward to watching Britain’s most decorated Paralympian, Dame Sarah Storey, compete on Dancing On Ice next year.
Sprinter Desiree Henry, who was part of the silver medal-winning women’s Olympic 4x100m relay team, told the PA news agency: “He said he squats and does the pull-up bars.”
Charles has followed the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 5BX (Five Basic Exercises) regime for years.
Eleven minutes long and equipment-free, the routine of simple exercises was designed in the 1950s to keep Canadian pilots fit at home and abroad.
Charles welcomes King Abdullah of Jordan to Windsor Castle for tea
Friday 8 November 2024 13:03 , Athena Stavrou
The King gave King Abdullah II of Jordan a special gift as he welcomed him to Windsor Castle to celebrate his silver jubilee.
The Jordanian monarch, who met Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Downing Street on Wednesday, joined the King for tea at the castle on Thursday, where Charles presented him with a silver beaker. The gift, engraved with the ciphers of the King and Queen, marks 25 years since Abdullah became King of Jordan.
As the King of Jordan arrived in a grey Range Rover, the guard of honour gave a royal salute and the band played the Jordanian national anthem.
The two kings shook hands and Major Edward Emlyn-Williams, the Captain of the Guard, in Arabic invited Abdullah II to inspect the guard.
Afterwards the kings watched a military march-past before they laughed as they spoke to a guard before going into the castle for tea.
Full story: Prince William reveals Princess Charlotte had very unexpected reaction to his designer beard
Friday 8 November 2024 12:33 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has revealed his daughter was not a fan of his beard when he first grew it - and had to shave it off after it left her “in floods of tears”.
Prince William revealed Princess Charlotte hated his newly grown facial hair at first, but has since come round to the idea of seeing her father with a beard.
The heir to the throne debuted his new look in an online video with his wife, Kate, in August, when they praised the achievements of the nation’s athletes after the Paris Olympics.
Speaking at the end of a four-day visit to Cape Town, he said: “Charlotte didn’t like it the first time. I got floods of tears the first time I grew a beard, so I had to shave it off.
“And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”
Read the full story here:
Prince William reveals Charlotte had very unexpected reaction to his designer beard
Watch: Prince William makes beard joke as he is greeted by well-wishers in South Africa
Friday 8 November 2024 12:03 , Athena Stavrou
Prince William made a joke about his beard as he greeted well-wishers during his visit to Cape Town.
The Prince of Wales arrived at Simon’s Town Harbour on Thursday (8 November), where crowds waited to eagerly meet him.
Several people commented on William’s newly grown beard.
Smiling, the prince thanked them, before joking about shaving it off.
The prince earlier revealed he had to shave the beard after he first grew it because it left his daughter Princess Charlotte in floods of tears
Prince William makes beard joke as he is greeted by well-wishers in South Africa
Charles acknowledges his ‘advancing years’ ahead of 76th birthday
Friday 8 November 2024 11:33 , Athena Stavrou
The King has acknowledged his “advancing years” as he revealed his approach to birthday celebrations ahead of turning 76.
Charles wrote personally to thank the Military Wives Choirs for their gift of a new single in his honour, saying he was “deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute”.
The monarch added, in a nod to reaching a “certain age”: “While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am none the less deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute.”
Charles reaches his 76th birthday on November 14 after a personally difficult year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.
Queen Elizabeth’s final diary entry revealed
Friday 8 November 2024 11:01 , Athena Stavrou
The late Queen Elizabeth wrote about swearing in new ministers in her final diary entry, it has been revealed.
Elizabeth died on Sept 8 2022 at the age of 96, two days after meeting and appointing Liz Truss as the new prime minister.
Royal author Robert Hardman has now discovered the Queen kept a private diary up to two days before her death and said in his new book.”
He added: Her last entry was as factual and practical as ever. It could have been describing another normal working day starting in the usual way – ‘Edward came to see me’ – as she noted the arrangements which her private secretary, Sir Edward Young, had made for the swearing-in of the new ministers of the Truss administration.”
Camilla’s appearance at Remembrance events uncertain
Friday 8 November 2024 10:31 , Athena Stavrou
Buckingham Palace confirmed the Princess of Wales will join the the King, the Prince of Wales and other members of the royal family at the national commemoration on Sunday, and also attend the annual festival on Saturday evening.
But the Queen’s attendance at Remembrance events will be subject to medical advice nearer the time, the Palace said.
Camilla, 77, is unwell with a chest infection and was forced to pull out of engagements earlier this week.
The announcement marks the next significant step in Kate’s gradual return to public royal duties as she prepares to join the King and the Prince of Wales to honour the nation’s war dead on November 10.
It comes after William revealed how 2024 has been “brutal” and the “probably been the hardest year in my life” with both Kate and the King were diagnosed with cancer.
Kate to attend remembrance events over the weekend
Friday 8 November 2024 09:55 , Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales is set to attend two remembrance events over the weekend as she continues to make a steady return to royal duties.
Kate is to attend both the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph and the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Lady Louise turns 21
Friday 8 November 2024 09:47 , Athena Stavrou
Down-to-earth royal Lady Louise Windsor is celebrating her 21st birthday on Friday.
The daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh is known for her resemblence to her late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II and is currently studying at St Andrews University.
The English student has followed in the footsteps of William and Kate as like them, she has also met her rumoured boyfriend, Felix da Silva-Clamp, at the Scottish university.
As 16th in line for the throne, Buckingham Palace marked birthday on social media on Friday.
Happy 21st Birthday to Lady Louise! 🎂 pic.twitter.com/gG0AkDpQHs
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 8, 2024
Prince William’s beard left Princess Charlotte ‘in floods of tears’
Friday 8 November 2024 09:18 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has revealed his daughter was not a fan of his beard when he first grew it - and had to shave it off after it left her “in floods of tears”.
Prince William revealed Princess Charlotte hated his newly grown facial hair at first, but has since come round to the idea of seeing her father with a beard.
The heir to the throne debuted his new look in an online video with his wife, Kate, in August, when they praised the achievements of the nation’s athletes after the Paris Olympics.
Speaking at the end of a four-day visit to Cape Town, he said: “Charlotte didn’t like it the first time. I got floods of tears the first time I grew a beard, so I had to shave it off.
“And then I grew it back. I thought, hang on a second and I convinced her it was going to be okay.”
William: 'I don’t like the responsibility that goes with being heir to throne’
Friday 8 November 2024 08:41 , Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has said he does not like the added responsibility that now comes with being heir to the throne.
Speaking at the Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town he said: “Do I like more responsibility? No.
“Do I like the freedom that I can build something like Earthshot? Then yes. And that’s the future for me. It’s very important with my role and my platform, that I’m doing something for good. That I’m helping people’s lives and I’m doing something that is genuinely meaningful.
“So, the Earthshot is a culmination if you like of all that put together.”
Queen to attend Gladiator II premiere after cancelling engagements with chest infection
Friday 8 November 2024 08:00 , Salma Ouaguira
The Queen is set to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II next week despite falling ill with a chest infection.
Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.
The royal couple will settle down to watch the screening of the highly-anticipated sequel at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.
Camilla, 77, who this week was forced to pull out of engagements after catching a seasonal illness, will also join Charles as they host a special reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the UK’s television and film industry earlier in the day.
The King and Queen will welcome guests including directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers.
King ‘deeply touched’ by gift as he shares view on birthdays as he ages
Friday 8 November 2024 07:30 , Salma Ouaguira
The King has revealed his approach to birthday celebrations as he acknowledged his “advancing years” ahead of turning 76.
Charles wrote personally to thank the Military Wives Choirs for their gift of a new single in his honour, saying he was “deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute”.
He expressed his “warmest possible gratitude for your very kind early birthday present” in the form of the choirs’ song, November Sunday, which was released last week.
The monarch added, in a nod to reaching a “certain age”: “While those of us of a certain age may feel the need for any such birthday celebrations is in inverse proportion to our advancing years, I am nonetheless deeply touched by your wonderfully thoughtful tribute.”
The King also told how he experienced the “joy” of being in a choir at school and the bonds of friendship it nurtured.
And he praised the group for their steadfast support for loved ones who serve in the military, and for one another.
Charles reaches his 76th birthday on November 14 after a personally difficult year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.
Queen to return to royal duties this weekend, Palace confirms
Friday 8 November 2024 07:00 , Salma Ouaguira
Buckingham Palace has issued a new update about Queen Camilla’s health following her chest infection.
The Queen was initialing told to rest by doctors, missing key royal engagements ahead of Remembrance Day today and a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes with the King.
But doctors now believe she can return to her royal engagements from next week.
Camila is expected to host a reception showcasing authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. The Palace also announced that she could try to attend this weekend’s Remembrance celebrations.
Prince William hires Beckhams’ head of PR
Friday 8 November 2024 06:30 , Salma Ouaguira
The Prince of Wales has hired David Beckham’s former public relations chief to work for his Homewards charity.
Victoria Shires, who worked for the football star’s DB Ventures for three years, is now the new head of communications of his documentary.
She told the Daily Mail: “It’s been a great first few weeks at the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.”
Ms Shires previously worked with ITV for three years, where William’s two-part documentary called ‘Prince William: We Can End Homelessness” was broadcast.
The PR boss added: “It’s been lovely to have launching that as my first project here.”
Brooklyn Beckham praises Prince William, calling him ‘sweetest guy’
Friday 8 November 2024 06:00 , Salma Ouaguira
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has shared details about his famous family’s relationship with the British royal family.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Monday (November 4), one fan asked Brooklyn how much time he spent with the royals as a child.
The fan also pointed out that his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, have had a friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the past.
Read the full story below:
Brooklyn Beckham praises Prince William – after ignoring Harry and Meghan mention
Watch: Prince William confronted by founder of The Big Issue in awkward interaction
Friday 8 November 2024 05:30 , Salma Ouaguira
COMMENT | I was there for Diana & Dodi’s love story – it wasn’t like The Crown
Friday 8 November 2024 05:00 , Salma Ouaguira
As Mohamed Al-Fayed’s biographer, Mark Hollingsworth witnessed Dodi and Diana’s romance first-hand – and the inside story he tells here is more gripping and surprising than anything portrayed in the hit Netflix show...
I was there for Diana and Dodi’s summer of love – it wasn’t like The Crown
What Donald Trump’s presidency could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid US visa row
Friday 8 November 2024 04:30 , Salma Ouaguira
As Donald Trump secures his second term as US president, Prince Harryand Meghan Markle may have cause for concern about their new life in Montecito.
Trump took to the stage in Florida in the early hours of this morning to address the nation, celebrating his “unprecedented and powerful mandate” after being widely projected to sweep through key swing states, including North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
His victory coincides with a precarious visa battle for the Sussexes, which may be complicated by their strained relationship with the president.
Read the full story below:
What Trump’s presidency could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid visa row