Royal news live: King Charles and William ‘making millions from NHS and public services via property empire’

The King and the Prince of Wales are set to earn millions from public services and charities via their property empires, a bombshell new report has claimed.

The privates estates of both Charles and William - the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, respectively - have struck rental deals worth millions of pounds with the armed forces, the NHS and state schools, according to an investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times.

The investigation reported that last year the Duchy of Lancaster agreed a deal to store a new fleet of electric ambulances, owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London, in one of the estate’s warehouses at a cost of £11.4 million over 15 years.

It also said the Duchy of Cornwall had charged the navy more than £1 million since 2004 to build and use jetties and moor warships on the Cornish coastline.

The duchy will also earn around £600,000 over the lifetime of six different leases agreed with local state schools, the investigation found.

It comes as a royal writer claimed the King will cut financial ties to the disgraced Duke of York after he refused to move out of his home.

Prince Andrew’s £1 million “living allowance”, received every year, has been withdrawn by Charles as he continues to seek to distance himself from his younger brother, according to Robert Hardman in the serialisation of his new book, published by the Daily Mail.

Key Points

  • Charles and William’s royal estates ‘earn millions from NHS, armed forces and state school rents’

  • William faces uncomfortable moment in homelessness documentary

  • Late Queen urged William and Harry to prioritise nation’s needs

  • King criticised ‘loathsome political correctness’ of most churches

King open to removing word ‘empire’ from OBE honours amid colonial controversy

12:58 , Rebecca Thomas

The word “empire” may be dropped British honours as part of reforms reportedly being considered by royal officials.

Under the plans, those with an OBE -Order of the British Empire – may choose to recieve an Order of British Excellence, according to a new biography of the King by author Robert Hardman, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail.

A parallel Order of Elizabeth has also been proposed in remembrance of the late Queen.

However in both cases the colonial-era titles could be retained for those who wanted them.

Read the full report:

King open to removing word ‘empire’ from OBE honours amid colonial controversy

Eric Trump launches unprompted attack on ‘black sheep’ Prince Harry and his ‘unpopular’ wife Meghan

11:00 , Alex Croft

Eric Trump has lashed out at the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, claiming the only reason Prince Harry’s US Visa is safe is because “no one cares” about him.

The former President’s son recently discussed how much his father and current presidential candidate Donald Trump “loved” the late Queen Elizabeth II and how much damage Harry caused to the royal family after he and Meghan decided to leave their positions in 2020.

Eric also told the outlet that Harry would not need to worry about being deported if his father is elected on November 5 even if his visa application has been questioned.

Eric Trump launches unprompted attack on ‘black sheep’ Prince Harry

Queen Camilla ‘terrified’ after King Charles’ health admission

09:00 , Alex Croft

Queen Camilla is reportedly feeling “terrified” following King Charles’s recent admissions about his health, with sources suggesting she fears he may be “rushing” his cancer recovery.

Friends close to the Queen have expressed their concerns over the King’s determination to return to full duties too quickly after his diagnosis earlier this year.

While Buckingham Palace outlines plans for Charles to return to a “full” schedule of international travel next year, concerns about his well-being remain.

A senior palace official told GBNews:“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year.”

However, this push for a robust itinerary raises alarm for Camilla, who is worried about the implications of such commitments on her husband’s health.

“It’s hard to overstate the joy that he takes from duty and service,” the official added.

King criticised ‘loathsome political correctness’ of most churches

08:00 , Alex Croft

A private letter from 1998 has revealed that King Charles believed the Orthodox Church was the only Christian denomination untainted by what he described as “loathsome political correctness.”

The correspondence, sent while he was still the Prince of Wales, shows his criticisms of the Church of England, of which he is the supreme governor.

The letter, marked “private and confidential,” was addressed to Dudley Popak, an interior designer who had worked closely with the royal family.

Following Mr Popak’s death in 2005, the letter became part of a collection of royal correspondence that was auctioned by Lay’s Auctioneers in Cornwall for over £1,700.

In the letter, Charles, then 49, wrote: “Personally, the older I get, the more I am drawn to the great, timeless traditions of the Orthodox Church. They are the only ones that have not been corrupted by loathsome political correctness.”

Charles and William’s royal estates ‘earn millions from NHS, armed forces and state school rents’

07:23 , Tara Cobham

The King and the Prince of Wales’s private estates earn millions of pounds from rental deals with the armed forces, the NHS and state schools, it has been reported.

An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and The Sunday Times examined the land and properties the two leading royals own through the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.

The investigation reported that last year the Duchy of Lancaster agreed a deal to store a new fleet of electric ambulances, owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London, in one of the estate’s warehouses at a cost of £11.4m over 15 years.

Read the full story here:

Royal estates ‘to earn millions from NHS, armed forces and state school rents’

Prince William hits back at critics over homelessness project

07:04 , Alex Croft

The Prince of Wales has hit back at critics over his homelessness project.

William responded to those questioning whether he is the right person to tackle the issue, given his privileged upbringing, in the first part of his new ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness.

William said: “I think everyone having a right to a safe home benefits us all.

“I come with no other agenda than desperately trying to help people who are in need and I see that as part of my role, why else would I be here if I am not using this role properly to influence and help people while I can.”

Prince Harry urged to ‘eat humble pie’ to heal family rift

05:03 , Alex Croft

Prince Harry has received a three-word ultimatum to repair his strained relationship with the royal family, according to royal commentator Rupert Bell.

Mr Bell suggested that the Duke of Sussex must “eat humble pie” after his brother, Prince William, extended an olive branch in his upcoming ITV documentary about homelessness, set to air tonight.

During a discussion with royal podcast host Kinsey Schofield on her YouTube channel, the royal expert claimed that it would be “odd” if William did not mention Harry in the context of the documentary.

Critics are debating whether any reference to Prince Harry represents a gesture of reconciliation from William, especially given their tense relations since Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

Mr Bell said: “They looked after each other, and that’s what’s so sad about it.”

Meghan Markle rejected ‘golden opportunity’ in Hollywood

03:05 , Alex Croft

Meghan Markle reportedly turned down a “golden opportunity” that could have earned her millions, according to industry experts.

The Duchess of Sussex, who played Rachel Zane in the hit legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2019, previously earned nearly £40,000 per episode ($50,000) before stepping away from acting following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.

The show recently gained renewed popularity, amassing 57.7 billion minutes of viewership on Netflix last year, and is set to expand into a “major franchise” with its upcoming spin-off, Suits: LA.

But Hollywood insiders have criticised Meghan’s refusal to return for the new series, which was reportedly written with her in mind, suggesting that she may have missed a lucrative opportunity.

Media finance analyst Mike Raia said: “This could become the costliest decision of her life and one that she may bitterly regret in years to come.”

Late Queen Elizabeth urged William and Harry to do one thing

01:09 , Alex Croft

Queen Elizabeth offered a crucial piece of advice to her grandsons, Princes William and Harry.

According to royal author Angela Levin, the late Queen, who passed away at 96, was increasingly troubled by what she perceived as a misalignment in their priorities.

Levin’s book, ‘Harry: Conversations with the Prince’, reveals that the Queen expressed her worries in a direct nine-word warning: the brothers must “think of the nation’s needs rather than their own.”

At the time, the Queen’s concerns were particularly focused on Harry’s vision for his role within the family.

Mr Levin said that Duke of Sussex envisioned a life for the young royals that embraces a sense of “ordinary life,” suggesting that their familial obligations might sometimes take precedence over their commitments to the monarchy.

This perspective seemed at odds with the Queen’s traditional views on royal responsibilities.

Insiders close to the royal family said that this was a serious concern for the Queen, who, while known for her stoic demeanour, felt the weight of her legacy and the institution she represented.

Queen Camilla’s barefoot stroll in Australia is a royal tradition

Saturday 2 November 2024 23:11 , Alex Croft

Queen Camilla made a keynote appearance earlier this week as she and King Charles toured the streets of Sydney, opting to remove her heels for a relaxed walk back to Admiralty House.

The 77-year-old monarch, fresh from a six-day visit to Samoa, embraced a more casual look, shedding her shoes and enjoying the warm pavement.

While this move may have surprised some, it aligns with a trend among high-profile royals.

Notably, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has also gone barefoot on several occasions, first making headlines when she did so in 2012.

 (Toby Mellville/PA Wire)
(Toby Mellville/PA Wire)

Meghan Markle could release ‘new memoir’ in next career move

Saturday 2 November 2024 21:16 , Alex Croft

Speculation is swirling around Meghan Markle’s potential next career move, with some royal experts suggesting she may release her own memoir.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield said she could make new revelations about her time in the Palace to “monetise her truth”.

He told Talk TV: “A part of me wonders if, similar to Jada Pinkett Smith, Meghan’s going to wait to reveal her truth until she finds a way to monetise it.

“Jada did that with her book, and Meghan has technically already done that with the Netflix series.”

Princess Kate forms ‘very close’ bond with King after shared health battles

Saturday 2 November 2024 19:19 , Alex Croft

Princess Kate has developed a notably close relationship with King Charles in recent months.

Known for her connections with various royals, Kate’s bond with the King appears to have deepened after both faced significant health challenges this year.

The Princess of Wales and the King underwent surgeries at the same hospital, both receiving cancer diagnoses shortly after their procedures.

This shared experience has seemingly strengthened their relationship, lending credence to Prince Harry’s assertion that illness can bring families closer together.

A source close to the Palace revealed that King Charles made a poignant gesture during Kate’s health scare in January, visiting her in her hospital room while he was also a patient at the London Clinic for his own prostate surgery.

According to Palace sources, the King views Kate with deep affection, considering her as a daughter.

“They are very close, and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter,” the source said.

The Princess of Wales announced in September she had completed her course of chemotherapy (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)
The Princess of Wales announced in September she had completed her course of chemotherapy (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Busy past month for the Prince and Princess of Wales

Saturday 2 November 2024 17:24 , Alex Croft

It’s been a busy October for the Prince and Princess of Wales.

With the launch of new London air ambulances, a memorial for the Southport stabbings, the release of a documentary on homelessness and much more, Prince William has been busy and Kate Middleton has enjoyed a partial return to work after her cancer diagnosis earlier in the year.

Here’s what the pair got up to in October:

Full report: King ‘cuts financial ties to disgraced Prince Andrew after refusal to move out of home’

Saturday 2 November 2024 15:29 , Tara Cobham

The King is cutting financial ties to the disgraced Duke of York after he refused to move out of his home, a royal writer has claimed.

In what is a new low in the brothers’ relationship, Prince Andrew’s annual £1 million “living allowance” has been withdrawn by Charles, according to a new book by Robert Hardman.

The move will be seen as another step the monarch has taken to publicly distance himself from his younger brother following his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Tara Cobham reports:

King ‘cuts financial ties to disgraced Andrew after refusal to move out of home’

In pictures: Military Wives’ Choir releases new song to mark King’s 76th birthday

Saturday 2 November 2024 13:35 , Alex Croft

Military Wives’ Choir performing the song November Sunday, released to mark the King’s forthcoming 76th birthday (Military Wives' Choir/PA Wire)
Military Wives’ Choir performing the song November Sunday, released to mark the King’s forthcoming 76th birthday (Military Wives' Choir/PA Wire)
King meets the Military Wives' Choir in 2014 (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
King meets the Military Wives' Choir in 2014 (Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)

King ‘heartbroken’ about the ‘destruction and devastation’ following Spain floods

Saturday 2 November 2024 11:40 , Alex Croft

King Charles has offered his “sincere and heartfelt condolences” to the people of Spain following the devastating floods which have so far killed more than 200 people.

Addressed to King Felipe VI of Spain, the King wrote: “My wife and I were utterly heartbroken to learn of the destruction and devastation following the catastrophic flooding in Southern and Eastern Spain.

“So many in the United Kingdom have strong, personal ties to Spain, and our nations are bound by so much that we have in common.

“We extend our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and to the people of Spain for the tragic loss of so many lives. Our special thoughts, prayers and deepest possible sympathy are with all those who have lost loved ones and livelihoods this terrible week.”

King Charles severs financial ties with Prince Andrew

Saturday 2 November 2024 09:43 , Alex Croft

King Charles has instructed the royal purse-keeper to “sever” Prince Andrew’s annual £1 million allowance, according to royal writer Robert Hardman in a new book serialised by the Daily Mail.

The keeper of the privy purse was “instructed to sever [Andrew’s] living allowance” after the Duke of York refused to move out of his 30-room mansion the Royal Lodge into the smaller, nearby Frogmore Cottage.

“’The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King,’ confirms one familiar with the situation,” Mr Hardman writes.

“’He claims to have found other sources of income related to his contacts in international trade, sufficient to cover all his costs - which would be a welcome outcome for all parties if that turns out to be the case.

“’But as to whether this funding can be relied upon in the long term is another matter.’”

Princess Kate to miss Prince William’s Earthshot Prize Awards

Saturday 2 November 2024 07:00 , Alex Croft

As Prince William prepares to travel to Cape Town next week for the fourth Earthshot Prize Awards, Princess Kate will remain in Windsor with their three children.

After being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and completing chemotherapy just two months ago, the 42-year-old Princess has chosen to prioritise her health and family during this time.

This marks the second consecutive year she has opted out of the event.

Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize is environmental awards back in 2020 to champion for green solutions for the world’s climate problems.

Last year, Kate missed the ceremony in Singapore while Prince George was taking his exams.

At the time, a senior Palace source said: “The Princess will not be attending. Prince George has exams that week and the Princess wants to be at home to support him.”

 (Matt Porteous)
(Matt Porteous)

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘a loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

Saturday 2 November 2024 06:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Elizabeth II’s death had a profound impact on national sentiment towards the monarchy, a study has claimed.

Academics from The Open University focused on individuals who participated in mourning events in Edinburgh and London following the monarch’s passing on 8 September, 2022.

During the ten-day mourning period that followed the longest-reigning monarch’s death, over 250,000 people queued to pay their respects in Westminster Hall.

You can read the full story below:

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

King criticised ‘loathsome political correctness’ of most churches

Saturday 2 November 2024 06:00 , Salma Ouaguira

A private letter from 1998 has revealed that King Charles believed the Orthodox Church was the only Christian denomination untainted by what he described as “loathsome political correctness.”

The correspondence, sent while he was still the Prince of Wales, shows his criticisms of the Church of England, of which he is the supreme governor.

The letter, marked “private and confidential,” was addressed to Dudley Popak, an interior designer who had worked closely with the royal family.

Following Mr Popak’s death in 2005, the letter became part of a collection of royal correspondence that was auctioned by Lay’s Auctioneers in Cornwall for over £1,700.

In the letter, Charles, then 49, wrote: “Personally, the older I get, the more I am drawn to the great, timeless traditions of the Orthodox Church. They are the only ones that have not been corrupted by loathsome political correctness.”

Unseen pictures from William, Harry and Princess Diana’s trip to homeless shelter

Saturday 2 November 2024 05:00 , Salma Ouaguira

William playing chess during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William playing chess during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)
William and Diana, Princess of Wales during a visit to The Passage in London in 1993 (The Passage/PA) (PA Media)

Watch: Prince William confronted by founder of The Big Issue in awkward interaction

Saturday 2 November 2024 04:00 , Salma Ouaguira

ICYMI: King Charles facing calls for ‘full disclosure’ of royal gifts

Saturday 2 November 2024 03:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Campaigners have called for “full disclosure” of gifts received by the royal family after it emerged King Charles has failed to publish an annual list for four years.

Unlike MPs, members of the royal family are not required to declare gifts, donations and hospitality on a public register of interests.

Campaigners demand ‘full disclosure’ of royal gifts after four-year silence

Watch: Diddy’s former publicist reveals rapper was ‘obsessed’ with Prince Harry and Prince William

Saturday 2 November 2024 02:00 , Salma Ouaguira

ICYMI: Unseen picture of Meghan Markle posted by former Suits co-star

Saturday 2 November 2024 01:30 , Salma Ouaguira

They played out the couple Mike Ross and Rachel Zane, now Suits actor Patrick J Adams has reminded us all of his friendship with Meghan Markle by posting an unseen photograph of her on Instagram.

The post is to promote the latest episode of his podcast with Sarah Raffery, who played Donna Paulsen in the legal drama series - but it’s also got fans hoping the Duchess of Sussex could be invited for a mini reunion.

One fan wrote: “Keeping my fingers crossed Meghan comes on, love those Suits days.” Another wrote: “I’d sign that petition.”

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘a loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

Saturday 2 November 2024 01:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Elizabeth II’s death had a profound impact on national sentiment towards the monarchy, a study has claimed.

Academics from The Open University focused on individuals who participated in mourning events in Edinburgh and London following the monarch’s passing on 8 September, 2022.

You can read the full story below:

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

‘It’s important to change the narrative around homelessness’, says William

Saturday 2 November 2024 00:30 , Salma Ouaguira

In the ITV documentary We Can End Homelessness, Prince William said it is vital to change attitudes towards homelessness.

“I think it’s really important that we can try and change and tackle the narrative around homelessness,” he said. “People live with it, we see it every day in our lives, that’s something I want to challenge.”

One of the clips shows the prince looking through photos of a visit to a homeless charity when he was a child, with his mother, Princess Diana.

“That’s when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do. When you’re quite small, you just think life is what you see in front of you, and you don’t really have the concept to look elsewhere,” he said.

“It’s when you meet people, like I did then, who put a different perspective in your head and say like, ‘well, I was on the street last night’, and you’re like, ‘whoa’,” he added.

Prince William faces uncomfortable moment in homelessness documentary

Saturday 2 November 2024 00:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Prince William has faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last tonight.

In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.

Lord Bird bluntly stated he wanted no “b******t” in their discussions, urging the prince to spearhead a new approach through his Homewards programme - an ambitious initiative aiming to end homelessness within five years.

“We need the expertise of everybody,” Lord Bird said during their meeting in episode one.

He criticised the fragmented efforts of local authorities, charities, and government departments over the past three decades.

William responded with an invitation for open dialogue, adding: “I’m conscious that it’s a team environment... please do feel free to pile in when you need to.”

To which Lord Bird replied: “I hope you mean that,” before jokingly adding: “Sorry, I’m jumping in.”

The Prince’s goal of ending homelessness has been inspired by his childhood experiences visiting shelters with his late mother, Princess Diana.

ICYMI: King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is engaged

Friday 1 November 2024 23:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, affectionately dubbed the ‘hot equerry’, has announced his engagement to Olivia Lewis, his girlfriend of 18 months.

The announcement, first reported in The Times, has sent ripples through royal circles, as admirers of the dashing equerry come to terms with his impending nuptials.

The engagement announcement read: “The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”

You can read the full story below:

King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson announces his engagement

The £3,000-a-week luxury spa resort King Charles has visited

Friday 1 November 2024 22:00 , Salma Ouaguira

With 21 deluxe rooms, private gardens and open-air showers, the SOUKYA spa resort looks to be the perfect stop-off for King Charles on his way back from his tour in Australia and Samoa.

The health care centre, spread over 30 acres of scented orchards, is a renowned resort for celebrity clientele, with the likes of Dame Emma Thompson and the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu having stayed there.

It’s been reported that King Charles and Queen Camilla have enjoyed morning yoga sessions along with rejuvenation treatments at the £3,000-a-week site.

The Palace issued a statement on Sunday revealing that King Charles will return to regular overseas trips next year as he adapts to living with cancer.

An update about the state of the King’s health or his treatment has not been given but the news that Charles will take on more overseas trips suggests his cancer is being managed successfully.

The yoga hall at the SOUKYA spa resort where King Charles has visited (Sourced/ The Independent)
The yoga hall at the SOUKYA spa resort where King Charles has visited (Sourced/ The Independent)

Queen Camilla ‘terrified’ after King Charles’ health admission

Friday 1 November 2024 21:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Camilla is reportedly feeling “terrified” following King Charles’s recent admissions about his health, with sources suggesting she fears he may be “rushing” his cancer recovery.

Friends close to the Queen have expressed their concerns over the King’s determination to return to full duties too quickly after his diagnosis earlier this year.

While Buckingham Palace outlines plans for Charles to return to a “full” schedule of international travel next year, concerns about his well-being remain.

A senior palace official told GBNews:“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year.”

However, this push for a robust itinerary raises alarm for Camilla, who is worried about the implications of such commitments on her husband’s health.

“It’s hard to overstate the joy that he takes from duty and service,” the official added.

Donald Trump’s son attacks Meghan Markle and Harry

Friday 1 November 2024 20:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Donald Trump’s son, Eric, has attacked Meghan Markle describing the Duchess of Sussex as “pretty unpopular”.

A row between the Trumps and the Sussexes was ignited in 2016 after Meghan described the former US president of being “divisive” and misogynistic” during an interview on The Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore.

Three years later, the Republican candidate replied by saying: “I didn’t know she was nasty,” and attempted to dismiss the comment.

In 2020, Trump slammed Meghan again and said: “I’m not a fan of hers. I wish a lot of luck to Harry, he’s going to need it.”

Now, his son has hit out at Harry. He told the Daily Mail: “Kate, I think she conducts herself so incredibly well and has been such a rock in the next generation of the family.

“And William, obviously I don’t really think has made a misstep.

“And yet, you look at this one black sheep [Harry] who doesn’t exactly know where he is, led by a wife who’s pretty unpopular, both here and over where you are.”

Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets

Friday 1 November 2024 19:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Tom Parker Bowles has lifted the lid on the cooking of his mother, Queen Camilla, and the meals they ate at home while he was growing up.

Describing Camilla as a “good, basic cook”, he said she perfected slow-cooked scrambled eggs (always on the Aga) and roast chicken – but steered clear of all spice and curries.

Never following a recipe, she relied on “very, very simple food” while providing meals for Tom and his sister Laura at their home near Chippenham in Wiltshire.

Read the full story below:

Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets

VOICES: The royal family’s finances are a mystery: it’s time to open the books

Friday 1 November 2024 18:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The view of the monarchy in the UK remains overwhelmingly positive, writes Alan Rusbridger.

But the public deserve full transparency on the family’s staggering wealth:

The royals’ finances are shrouded in mystery: they need to open the books

Pictured: Duchess Sophie showcases £1,600 Valentino skirt in Reading

Friday 1 November 2024 18:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Duchess of Edinburgh Patron, meets
Duchess of Edinburgh Patron, meets

Princess Kate forms ‘very close’ bond with King after shared health battles

Friday 1 November 2024 17:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Princess Kate has developed a notably close relationship with King Charles in recent months.

Known for her connections with various royals, Kate's bond with the King appears to have deepened after both faced significant health challenges this year.

The Princess of Wales and the King underwent surgeries at the same hospital, both receiving cancer diagnoses shortly after their procedures.

This shared experience has seemingly strengthened their relationship, lending credence to Prince Harry’s assertion that illness can bring families closer together.

A source close to the Palace revealed that King Charles made a poignant gesture during Kate’s health scare in January, visiting her in her hospital room while he was also a patient at the London Clinic for his own prostate surgery.

According to Palace sources, the King views Kate with deep affection, considering her as a daughter.

“They are very close, and he thinks of Catherine as his daughter,” the source said.

A photo of the Princess of Wales during the first state banquet of the King’s reign, which inspired Hannah Uzor’s portrait of Kate for Tatler (Chris Jackson/PA) (PA Archive)
A photo of the Princess of Wales during the first state banquet of the King’s reign, which inspired Hannah Uzor’s portrait of Kate for Tatler (Chris Jackson/PA) (PA Archive)

Late Queen Elizabeth urged William and Harry to do one thing

Friday 1 November 2024 17:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Elizabeth offered a crucial piece of advice to her grandsons, Princes William and Harry.

According to royal author Angela Levin, the late Queen, who passed away at 96, was increasingly troubled by what she perceived as a misalignment in their priorities.

Levin’s book, ‘Harry: Conversations with the Prince’, reveals that the Queen expressed her worries in a direct nine-word warning: the brothers must “think of the nation’s needs rather than their own.”

At the time, the Queen’s concerns were particularly focused on Harry’s vision for his role within the family.

Mr Levin said that Duke of Sussex envisioned a life for the young royals that embraces a sense of “ordinary life,” suggesting that their familial obligations might sometimes take precedence over their commitments to the monarchy.

This perspective seemed at odds with the Queen’s traditional views on royal responsibilities.

Insiders close to the royal family said that this was a serious concern for the Queen, who, while known for her stoic demeanour, felt the weight of her legacy and the institution she represented.

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘a loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

Friday 1 November 2024 16:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Elizabeth II’s death had a profound impact on national sentiment towards the monarchy, a study has claimed.

Academics from The Open University focused on individuals who participated in mourning events in Edinburgh and London following the monarch’s passing on 8 September, 2022.

During the ten-day mourning period that followed the longest-reigning monarch’s death, over 250,000 people queued to pay their respects in Westminster Hall.

You can read the full story below:

Ditching monarchy would represent ‘loss of identity’ to many Brits, argues new study

Princess Kate to miss Prince William’’s Earthshot Prize Awards

Friday 1 November 2024 16:00 , Salma Ouaguira

As Prince William prepares to travel to Cape Town next week for the fourth Earthshot Prize Awards, Princess Kate will remain in Windsor with their three children.

After being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year and completing chemotherapy just two months ago, the 42-year-old Princess has chosen to prioritise her health and family during this time.

This marks the second consecutive year she has opted out of the event.

Prince William founded the Earthshot Prize is environmental awards back in 2020 to champion for green solutions for the world’s climate problems.

Last year, Kate missed the ceremony in Singapore while Prince George was taking his exams.

At the time, a senior Palace source said: “The Princess will not be attending. Prince George has exams that week and the Princess wants to be at home to support him.”

‘It’s important to change the narrative around homelessness’, says William

Friday 1 November 2024 15:30 , Salma Ouaguira

In the ITV documentary We Can End Homelessness, Prince William said it is vital to change attitudes towards homelessness.

“I think it’s really important that we can try and change and tackle the narrative around homelessness,” he said. “People live with it, we see it every day in our lives, that’s something I want to challenge.”

One of the clips shows the prince looking through photos of a visit to a homeless charity when he was a child, with his mother, Princess Diana.

“That’s when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do. When you’re quite small, you just think life is what you see in front of you, and you don’t really have the concept to look elsewhere,” he said.

“It’s when you meet people, like I did then, who put a different perspective in your head and say like, ‘well, I was on the street last night’, and you’re like, ‘whoa’,” he added.

Watch: Tom Parker Bowles full interview with Geordie Greig

Friday 1 November 2024 15:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Camilla’s barefoot stroll in Australia is a royal tradition

Friday 1 November 2024 14:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Camilla made a keynote appearance earlier this week as she and King Charles toured the streets of Sydney, opting to remove her heels for a relaxed walk back to Admiralty House.

The 77-year-old monarch, fresh from a six-day visit to Samoa, embraced a more casual look, shedding her shoes and enjoying the warm pavement.

While this move may have surprised some, it aligns with a trend among high-profile royals.

Notably, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has also gone barefoot on several occasions, first making headlines when she did so in 2012.

 (Toby Mellville/PA Wire)
(Toby Mellville/PA Wire)

Inside the no-frills health retreat Charles and Camilla can’t keep away from

Friday 1 November 2024 14:00 , Salma Ouaguira

It is a place where the Queen has brought a number of friends and relatives – returning a total of seven times.

Eschewing her hectic day-to-day schedule, it is at the Soukya health retreat in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru that Camilla is said to be a devotee of yoga, embracing the ritual and championing the food.

Arpan Rai reports from the Soukya retreat where the King and Queen have found a home away from home in Bengaluru, India.

Inside the no-frills health retreat Charles and Camilla can’t keep away from

Princess Diana biographer issues withering Meghan Markle verdict

Friday 1 November 2024 13:30 , Salma Ouaguira

The former editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair has given a withering assessment of Meghan Markle, claiming she is “flawless about getting it all wrong”.

Tina Brown, who led the magazine from for eight years until 1992, is no stranger to ranting about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, having previously dubbed the couple as being “addicted to drama” and branding their exit from the royal family as a “disaster”.

You can read Ms Brown’s full verdict below:

Princess Diana biographer issues withering Meghan Markle verdict

Meghan Markle could release ‘new memoir’ in next career move

Friday 1 November 2024 13:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Speculation is swirling around Meghan Markle’s potential next career move, with some royal experts suggesting she may release her own memoir.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield said she could make new revelations about her time in the Palace to “monetise her truth”.

He told Talk TV: “A part of me wonders if, similar to Jada Pinkett Smith, Meghan’s going to wait to reveal her truth until she finds a way to monetise it.

“Jada did that with her book, and Meghan has technically already done that with the Netflix series.”

Late Queen urged William and Harry to prioritise nation’s needs

Friday 1 November 2024 12:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Queen Elizabeth offered a crucial piece of advice to her grandsons, Princes William and Harry.

According to royal author Angela Levin, the late Queen, who passed away at 96, was increasingly troubled by what she perceived as a misalignment in their priorities.

Levin’s book, ‘Harry: Conversations with the Prince’, reveals that the Queen expressed her worries in a direct nine-word warning: the brothers must “think of the nation’s needs rather than their own.”

At the time, the Queen’s concerns were particularly focused on Harry's vision for his role within the family.

Mr Levin said that Duke of Sussex envisioned a life for the young royals that embraces a sense of “ordinary life,” suggesting that their familial obligations might sometimes take precedence over their commitments to the monarchy.

This perspective seemed at odds with the Queen's traditional views on royal responsibilities.

Insiders close to the royal family said that this was a serious concern for the Queen, who, while known for her stoic demeanour, felt the weight of her legacy and the institution she represented.

Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA) (PA Wire)
Queen Elizabeth II (Steve Parsons/PA) (PA Wire)

George, Charlotte and Louis quiz Prince William on homelessness

Friday 1 November 2024 12:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Prince William has shared that his children have been quizzing him about homelessness.

In the two-part documentary, titled Prince William: We can End Homelessness, that premiered last night. the future King reflected on how his own experiences shaped his understanding on the issue.

He said: “When I was very small, my mother started talking about homelessness, much like I do now with my children on the school run.

“We saw people on the street. When you’re that small you’re just curious and you’re trying to work out what’s going on.

“You just ask the question like, well, why are they sitting there?

“And my mother would talk to us a bit about why they were there. And it definitely had a really big impact.”

King criticised ‘loathsome political correctness’ of most churches

Friday 1 November 2024 11:30 , Salma Ouaguira

A private letter from 1998 has revealed that King Charles believed the Orthodox Church was the only Christian denomination untainted by what he described as “loathsome political correctness.”

The correspondence, sent while he was still the Prince of Wales, shows his criticisms of the Church of England, of which he is the supreme governor.

The letter, marked “private and confidential,” was addressed to Dudley Popak, an interior designer who had worked closely with the royal family.

Following Mr Popak's death in 2005, the letter became part of a collection of royal correspondence that was auctioned by Lay’s Auctioneers in Cornwall for over £1,700.

In the letter, Charles, then 49, wrote: “Personally, the older I get, the more I am drawn to the great, timeless traditions of the Orthodox Church. They are the only ones that have not been corrupted by loathsome political correctness.”

The context of Charles's irritation remains somewhat unclear.

By 1998, the Church of England had recently altered its laws to allow the ordination of women as priests, with the first women being ordained in 1994.

However, there were no indications of royal opposition to this significant shift.

At the time of the letter, the Church of England had yet to change its stance on the remarriage of divorced individuals with living ex-spouses, a decision that would ultimately benefit Charles by paving the way for his marriage to Camilla, whose former husband was still alive.

This change would come four years later, in 2002.

 (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

ICYMI: King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is engaged

Friday 1 November 2024 11:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, affectionately dubbed the ‘hot equerry’, has announced his engagement to Olivia Lewis, his girlfriend of 18 months.

The announcement, first reported in The Times, has sent ripples through royal circles, as admirers of the dashing equerry come to terms with his impending nuptials.

The engagement announcement read: “The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”

You can read the full story below:

King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson announces his engagement

Princess Beatrice spotted at Saudi Investment Conference

Friday 1 November 2024 10:30 , Salma Ouaguira

Princess Beatrice of York, 36, was recently spotted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, attending the Future Investment Initiative conference on Thursday.

The event, ending today, sees worldwide leaders and innovators discuss the future of global investment.

Beatrice is believed to have attended alongside her sister Princess Eugenie. A social media post by an Al Monitor reporter shows the princess at the event:

Watch: Prince William confronted by founder of The Big Issue in awkward interaction

Friday 1 November 2024 10:00 , Salma Ouaguira

Study reveals nation’s sentiment after Queen’s death

Friday 1 November 2024 09:30 , Salma Ouaguira

A recent study by psychologists from multiple universities, including The Open University, has shed light on the impact of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on the nation.

Conducted in the wake of her passing on 8 September 2022, the research focused on individuals who participated in national mourning events in Edinburgh and London.

The findings, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, have revealed a desire for the monarchy to continue playing a significant role in British life.

During the official ten-day mourning period, the nation witnessed an unprecedented outpouring of grief.

Over 250,000 individuals queued to pay their respects at Westminster Hall, while the Queen’s funeral attracted one million attendees and an estimated 29 million viewers in the UK alone - four billion worldwide.

Researchers claim that many mourners still have a deep connection between their national identity and the Queen, who, in their view, “represented something of who we were.”

Researchers said: “You cannot have a future Britain without the preservation of the institution of monarchy.”

The study also highlighted that significant portions of the British public actively engaged in commemorative activities surrounding the Queen's death.