• The Princess of Wales is rumoured to be considering attending the Earthshot Prize Awards in India this November with Prince William.
• "The Prince and Princess of Wales stand ready to assist the country however they can," a palace source reportedly told the Mirror. "The plans are in the early stages but it promises to be an amazing experience."
• This comes after the future Queen's recent visit to Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, marking her first official overseas tour since her cancer recovery.

The Princess of Wales has dominated the headlines this month, with the future Queen taking part in her first official overseas tour since her cancer recovery.

Now in remission, the mother of three paid a two day visit to Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy, with the high profile trip being part of Princess Kate's work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

And from the fan reactions to the viral photographs, the 44-year-old's highly-anticipated milestone visit has been a major success.

So much so in fact that royal experts are predicting that she will be making another overseas visit this year, with sources telling the Mirror that the Princess of Wales could potentially attend the Earthshot Prize Awards in India with Prince William this November.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales stand ready to assist the country however they can," the inside source reportedly told the outlet. "The plans are in the early stages but it promises to be an amazing experience."

This, according to royal expert Russell Myers would be a very important visit, noting on the Mirror's 'Pod Save The King' podcast that India holds "a very significant place in the world with the war in Ukraine and the state of trade and the environment as well."

"She is prepared to go and accompany William not only for the Earthshot trip, but the people in the government and the foreign office will be leaping around the room I imagine," he continued.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have not responded to the reports, but Prince William did open up about the possibility of future overseas tours during his recent appearance on Heart FM.

"She's sort of edging herself back into doing more of those trips," the future King explained during the special live broadcast to hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston. "We have to balance that and make sure she's okay and rested but she's in good form."

We will continue to update this story.

• Prince William spoke about his pride in Princess Kate's first overseas tour since her cancer recovery during a special live broadcast on Heart FM this morning.
• "She's an amazing mum and an amazing wife and literally our family couldn't cope without her," the future King told hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston. "She's been absolutely stunning, she really has."
• "She's sort of edging herself back into doing more of those trips," he added. "We have to balance that and make sure she's okay and rested but she's in good form."

The Princess of Wales has been front and centre this month, with the future Queen embarking on her first official overseas tour since her cancer recovery.

The mother of three confirmed her cancer diagnosis in 2024, taking a leave of absence to prioritise her health and focus on her recuperation in private.

And now in remission, the 44-year-old has been increasing her duties, with her recent two day visit to Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy being her biggest milestone to date.

The high profile trip was part of Princess Kate's work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. And it has been widely considered a huge success, with royal fans eager to know where the Princess of Wales will be visiting next.

Prince William weighed in on the situation this morning, giving an update on Princess Kate's health during a recent radio appearance.

Joining Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston on Heart FM from the Isles of Scilly for a special live broadcast, the future King spoke about his wife's return to duties, explaining that he was "so proud" of her progress.

"It must've been a difficult time back then with the kids and seeing her fulfil those duties must've made you very happy," reflected Jamie Theakston.

"Yep, very much so," Prince William responded. "She's an amazing mum and an amazing wife and literally our family couldn't cope without her. She's been absolutely stunning, she really has."

And when asked about the possibility of future oversees tours, William added: "She's sort of edging herself back into doing more of those trips ... we have to balance that and make sure she's okay and rested but she's in good form."

Listen to the full special live broadcast on Heart FM.

We will continue to update this story.

• Royal experts have weighed in on Prince William and Princess Kate's new forever home in Windsor, confirming that the future King and Queen will not move their family to Buckingham Palace in the future.
• "When they left London for Windsor, William and Kate made it clear that they were doing it so their children could have more green space and freedom," reported Emily Nash, via HELLO!. "That won’t change."
• The Wales family relocated to Forest Lodge, in Windsor Great Park, in October 2025.

The Prince and Princess of Wales continue to make headlines. And from the change to the royal couple's roles in 2026, to the emotional shifts for their family behind palace walls, they have been front and centre.

It is the Wales family's recent house move that has undoubtedly got the world talking the most, with Prince William and Princess Kate relocating their household to Forest Lodge in 2025.

The 328-year-old property has been described as the family's "forever home", with the Grade II-listed Georgian-style estate featuring eight bedrooms, marble fireplaces and Venetian windows. As well as a tennis court, stables and a lake, set on 4,800 acres of Windsor Great Park.

However, tradition would dictate that the family of five would move to Buckingham Palace when Prince William one day becomes King, with the historic property being the official London residence of the monarch for 189 years.

This is something royal expert Emily Nash opened up about this week, reporting that the future King and Queen are unlikely to change their minds about Buckingham Palace, and confirming that Forest Lodge is their "forever home".

"When they left London for Windsor, William and Kate made it clear that they were doing it so their children could have more green space and freedom," reported Nash, HELLO!’s royal editor. "That won’t change, and they have since made it very clear that Forest Lodge will be their 'forever home.'

"While Buckingham Palace will always remain 'monarchy HQ,' for now, they want to keep as much normality for their family, and that means not living in a palace or a castle," she continued. "It’s hard to see that changing anytime soon."

Well, that's that.

We will continue to update this story.

• The Princess of Wales reportedly once pushed back against protocol, choosing to delay the announcement of Prince George's birth in 2013.
• "[Princess Kate] insisted, with her husband's backing, that the Palace wait four hours so that they could savour the moment in private 'as any young family would,'" Christopher Andersen claimed in his new book, Kate! The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen.
• Prince George was born at 4.24pm on 22nd July, however the royal family did not announce the news until later that evening.

The Princess of Wales continues to make headlines, with the future Queen embarking on her first oversees trip since her cancer recovery this week.

And with the 44-year-old royal being front and centre this season, emerging as one of the leaders of the fold, experts have been praising her modern approach to public life.

This, according to Christopher Andersen, started early on, with Princess Kate reportedly putting her foot down and changing outdated protocol when necessary.

One such moment happened after the birth of Prince George in July 2013, with the royal expert reporting that Princess Kate chose to keep the news of her son's birth private for longer than was expected.

"It was customary to proclaim a royal birth to the waiting world without delay," Andersen wrote in his new book, Kate! The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen.

However, despite the public interest in Prince George's birth, with the now 12-year-old being second in line to the throne, Princess Kate and Prince William were keen to prioritise their private time together.

"[Princess Kate] insisted, with her husband's backing, that the Palace wait four hours so that they could savour the moment in private 'as any young family would,'" Andersen reported.

And while Prince George was ultimately born at 4.24pm on 22 July 2013 at St Mary's Hospital's Lindo Wing, the royal family did not issue an official press release until that evening, allowing four hours for the young family to celebrate in private.

Kate! The Courage, Grace, and Power of the Woman Who Will Be Queen by Christopher Andersen is out now.

• The Princess of Wales will embark on her first official overseas trip since her cancer diagnosis next week.
• The future Queen will be visiting Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy as part of her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, marking an "important moment".
• “The princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development," a Kensington Palace spokesperson announced in a statement.

The Princess of Wales has been front and centre in 2026, returning to her role as one of the leaders of the royal family, following her cancer recovery.

The mother of three confirmed her cancer diagnosis in 2024, taking an extended leave of absence to prioritise her health and focus on her recuperation in private.

And since confirming that she was in remission last year, the 44-year-old has been increasing her duties, and stepping up as future Queen.

This month will see the Princess of Wales pass one of her biggest official milestones to date, as she embarks on her first official overseas tour since her cancer diagnosis.

The two-day trip will see Princess Kate visit Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy from Wednesday 13 May to Thursday 14 May, as part of her work with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood.

"The princess is very much looking forward to visiting Italy next week and seeing first-hand how the Reggio Emilia approach creates environments where nature and loving human relationships come together to support children’s development," a Kensington Palace spokesperson confirmed in a statement this week.

"As the Centre for Early Childhood continues to build its work internationally, this visit is an opportunity to connect the Shaping Us Framework with leading global approaches, and to highlight a shared understanding, that it is in these early years, through the natural world and the warmth of human connection, that we begin to lay the foundations for a resilient and healthy future."

We will continue to update this story.

• Royal expert Russell Myers has spoken out about Prince William and Princess Kate's 2007 break up, describing the future King as being "more than just crestfallen."
• "He was worried about whether he was throwing away the one constant in his life," sources noted via Myers, with the Queen allegedly stepping in to advise her grandson to have "faith" in their relationship.
• William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Russell Myers is out now.

The Prince and Princess of Wales continue to make headlines. And from the change to the royal couple's roles in 2026, to the emotional shifts for their family behind palace walls, they have been front and centre.

It is their relationship that gets the world talking the most, with the future King and Queen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary last month. And in the weeks since, royal experts have been sharing anecdotes from the couple's decades-long relationship.

This included details from their 2007 break up, with royal expert Russell Myers speaking out about the couple's time apart in his 2026 release, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story.

"In March 2007, William and Catherine, who had barely seen each other since Christmas, were pictured decked out in matching tweed, appearing frosty with each other at the Cheltenham horse racing festival. Sources claimed the relationship had 'soured beyond repair'," reads a segment of the book, alleging that Kate had given William an "ultimatum".

The separation, Myers reported, had left Prince William "more than just crestfallen," with the future King "worried about whether he was throwing away the one constant in his life."

And after he visited the Queen, his grandmother's idea to "judge his mood," it was clear that "he was, according to one well-placed source, 'completely broken'."

"In that moment the Queen advised her grandson that the only certain path is the one supported by faith," the source continued. "It was all she had to say.

"They came back clear that they would face the future together," the source reflected. "That's all Catherine had ever wanted and now that William was fully on board and recognised that it was not solely about him, everything seemed to fall into place."

Well, that's that.

William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story by Russell Myers is available to buy now.

• British baker Fiona Cairns has opened up about her "secret" planning sessions with Princess Kate ahead of the 2011 royal wedding in a recent interview with Country Life.
• Describing the event as "quite stressful" given the stakes, Cairns recalled getting a phone call from the future Queen on the day itself thanking her for "taking part in such a special [occasion].”
• The Prince and Princess of Wales will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday 29 April 2026.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been front and centre this season. And with the future King and Queen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary next week, that shows no signs of slowing down.

In fact, in the days leading up to the milestone anniversary, royal employees and wedding guests have been sharing behind the scenes anecdotes and details from the historic wedding.

It was the royal couple's eight-tiered wedding cake that got the world talking recently, with the iconic display, created by British baker Fiona Cairns, standing at over three feet tall and wide.

This is something Cairns herself opened up about in a recent interview with Country Life, detailing its creation and "secret" planning sessions with Kate Middleton.

"I get goosebumps thinking about that phone call," Cairns recalled to the publication of her "career-defining" moment.

"The couple actually did reach out to us," she continued. "We went to Clarence House and had a meeting with the princess and we had a cup of tea. Three days later we received the phone call, and I will never, ever forget that.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales asked for a classic fruit cake, which is the cake used for all the royal weddings since Queen Victoria’s day," Cairns added, noting that her creation served 600 guests and weighed 70 kilos.

"The wedding did feel like a family wedding but on a huge global scale," Cairns reflected, noting that it was "quite stressful, particularly when the queen is coming to visit you".

"On the day of the wedding, all that mattered to myself, my husband, the team was, ‘what did the couple think of the cake?’," she continued, before revealing that she received a personal phone call from Princess Kate herself.

"My mobile rang [on the wedding day] and it was actually the princess," Cairns recalled. "She was just thanking us all for taking part in such a special day."

Well, that's lovely.

• The Prince and Princess of Wales have publicly celebrated Prince Louis' eighth birthday by releasing a brand new photograph of their youngest son.
• "Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today," the royal couple captioned the portrait, captured by Matt Porteous.
• The new release is part of a longstanding tradition, seeing the Wales family share home photographs of their three children to mark each birthday.

The Wales family continues to make headlines. And from Prince William and Princess Kate's recent role changes to Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10 and Prince Louis, 8, appearing to increase their public duties, the family of five has been front and centre.

This week, it was Prince Louis who garnered the most attention, with the young royal celebrating his eighth birthday.

And as per Wales family tradition, Prince William and Princess Kate took to their social media to share a brand new portrait of their son with the public.

"Happy birthday, Louis! 8 today," the future King and Queen captioned the sweet never-before-seen photograph, showing the young royal smiling on the side of a boat.

The portrait, captured by Matt Porteous, is believed to have been taken earlier this month, during the Wales family's recent holiday to Cornwall. And with the post going viral, the upload has already raked in thousands of comments from well wishers, with fans particularly struck by Louis' resemblance to his older brother.

"For a moment I thought it was George!!," read one comment. "He's growing so fast." While another read: "More and more like big brother."

It is not known how the Wales family will be celebrating the occasion behind closed doors, but Princess Kate has explained in the past that she always insists on baking her children's birthday cakes.

"I love making the cake," the mother of three revealed to Mary Berry during her appearance on BBC One’s A Berry Royal Christmas in 2019.

"It's become a bit of a tradition that I stay up til midnight with ridiculous amounts of cake mix and icing and I make far too much. But I love it."

Well, this is lovely.

We will continue to update this story.

• The Princess of Wales has revealed that her "soft voice" makes loud royal receptions challenging.
• "I find these environments are really hard," Princess Kate reportedly explained during a Buckingham Palace reception commemorating Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday on Tuesday.
• "I always get told, 'Speak up a bit louder!'," she can be heard explaining in video footage posted to X.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been front and centre in 2026. And from their Forest Lodge relocation to the major changes to their official roles, the future King and Queen are becoming leaders within the fold.

This is especially true of Princess Kate, with the 44-year-old mother of three noticeably scaling up her public appearances and duties to become the "key" to the royal family.

However, despite her power and popularity, Princess Kate is always quick to point out her limitations, speaking openly about the challenges of royal work that she has found particularly difficult.

One such occasion happened this week, as the Princess of Wales attended a Buckingham Palace reception commemorating Queen Elizabeth's 100th birthday on Tuesday 21 April.

And while talking to a group of women at the busy celebration, the future Queen admitted that she struggles to be heard in loud settings, because of her naturally quiet voice.

"I find these environments are really hard," she can be heard explaining in video footage from the event, shared to X. "I've also got a very soft voice, so I always get told, 'Speak up a bit louder!'"

The Princess of Wales is also known to have struggled with public speaking, especially in the early days of being a royal, with Kate herself describing giving speeches as "nerve wracking".

"According to those close to Kate, who used to be so afraid of public speaking that she would visibly shake before taking to the lectern, she feels much more confident now because ‘she knows what she wants to say,’" Camilla Tominey reported in the Telegraph.

We will continue to update this story.

• Royal expert Emily Andrews has opened up about what Princess Kate "is really like", noting the mother of three's "cracking sense of humour".
• "She’s quite guarded in some respects," Andrews recalled. "But she’s quite funny. She is just like meeting an old friend."
• Emily Andrews co-hosts the popular podcast, Catching Up with the Royals.

The Princess of Wales has been front and centre in 2026. And from her vital royal role to her popularity with the public, the future Queen has emerged as one of the leaders of the family.

However, it is her life behind palace walls that makes the most headlines, with royal experts opening up about what Princess Kate is like in person. And unsurprisingly, her words about the royal's "cracking sense of humour" and "charming" personality have subsequently gone viral.

"What is the Princess of Wales really like in real life?," royal expert Emily Andrews reflected this week in an Instagram teaser for her Catching Up with the Royals podcast.

"Well, I’ve met Kate — or rather, Catherine — on a number of occasions and she has a cracking sense of humour. She’s very, very funny.

"She’s quite guarded in some respects, but she’s quite funny," Andrews continued, adding: "She is just like meeting an old friend."

This is not the first time that royal experts have opened up about the mother of three's sense of humour, with Robert Jobson once revealing that the Princess of Wales is "a lot more fun" behind palace doors.

"I think she's very careful with what she says to the press," the royal author explained on The Sun's Royal Exclusive show in 2024. "I think that she's a lot more fun than the image that is presented.

"She laughs a lot and I think anybody who laughs a lot is obviously somebody who's got that sense of humour," Jobson continued.

Well, this is lovely.

We will continue to update this story.

The Prince of Wales has previously discussed the key changes he intends to make when he one day becomes King. Both Prince William and Princess Kate are often touted as the future of the monarchy, and have made key moves to modernise the institution - whether their focus on social impact or the choice of schooling for their young children.

And when it comes to William's reign as monarch, he will continue to do things his own way according to a source who spoke to journalist, Rob Shuter. In fact, we can expect that the Prince will be unafraid of ruffling feathers during his royal tenure. They said: "William is not afraid to make hard calls. And right now, that’s exactly what the Royal Family needs. Charles leads with his heart. William leads with strategy."

They also went on to note that William, who was previously described as a 'tough leader' by insiders, 'doesn't forget, and doesn't forgive easily.' At present, the royal household is reportedly supportive of the Prince of Wales' 'ruthless' approach, as they are looking for a future leader who can 'make tough, unpopular decisions'.

The insider continued: "He understands the stakes. This isn’t just family—it’s a business. Andrew is a problem. Harry is a problem. William knows that—and he acts accordingly. He’s not trying to be liked. He’s trying to protect the monarchy."

The family has faced a turbulent few years. The late Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II passed away in 2021 and 2022 respectively, and both King Charles and the Princess of Wales underwent cancer treatments in 2024. There have also been a number of changes to royal roles; Charles' plans for a 'stripped down monarchy' were well known ahead of his coronation, while Prince Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020.

In recent months, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's titles were removed following mounting public interest into his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince William is reportedly taking a 'hard line' with Andrews daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams the Daily Mail earlier this year: "It may fall to William to make a decision on the future of Beatrice and Eugenie. Neither are reportedly particularly close to him or to Catherine. If it came to choosing, Zara and Mike [Tindall] would naturally support William and Catherine if William should feel the need to oust Beatrice and Eugenie."

Princess Charlotte's royal future may look very different to those of her brothers. Over the years, royal experts have speculated that the Prince and Princess of Wales' three children could be forced to grow apart as Prince George, 12, is already preparing to become King. While Prince Louis' future titles - and responsibilities - are currently unclear, it seems that Princess Charlotte, who turns 11 next month, is likely to become a working royal one day.

Charlotte is regularly praised for her exceptional royal etiquette - often spotted reminding her brothers how to behave at public engagements - and it appears that the young Princess is already following in her mum's distinct royal footsteps. Last weekend, Prince William and Princess Kate attended the 2026 Easter Matins Service at St George's Chapel in Windsor, with their three children - marking the first time the whole family has attended since 2023.

In photographs from the event, Kate and Charlotte can be seen sharing a sweet moment as they walk side-by-side. But the key signifier that the young Princess is emulating her mother is through their joint sense of style. Both Kate and Charlotte wore Self-Portrait dresses with complimentary colour palettes; Kate opted for a cream midi, while Charlotte chose pastel blue. Noticeably, Charlotte also re-wore her Christmas day coat, a bespoke camel Catherine Walker button-up with brown detailing. Princess Kate is known for recycling outfits, and has famously done this ever since she became a working royal - carving a path for Charlotte to do the same.

Last year, royal expert Ingrid Seward told Hello! that Charlotte is 'full of admiration for her mother', adding: "Kate and Charlotte are great friends, and I think to Kate, their bond is very precious. The mother-daughter relationship is obviously particularly important to Kate because she has such a close relationship with her own mother, Carole Middleton."

Kate and Charlotte have always had a particularly strong bond. At the Princess of Wales' 2025 festive concert, Together at Christmas, Kate and Charlotte performed a sweet mother-and-daughter piano duet, and the young Princess was said to be very 'protective' of her mum as she underwent cancer treatment in 2024. Seward added at the time: "I think that Charlotte is really taking care of her mum."

Royal photographer Karwai Tang echoed the sentiment in another interview with the publication, stating that Charlotte was a 'great source of strength' to Kate. Going on to discuss the family's appearance at Wimbledon in 2025, Tang added: "You can see that they are so close. At one point Charlotte started fanning her mum – it was really sweet. Kate gently tapped her arm to get her to stop, maybe so she didn't cause any distraction while the players were serving. But it was a really nice bit of interaction."

• The Princess of Wales is reported to have "acted as a peacemaker" between William and Harry in the early days of their rift, having "witnessed their competitive nature".
• Royal expert Russell Myers credits the future Queen's involvement to her own "upbringing in a close-knit, loving family environment, where supporting each other was almost an unofficial family motto".
• "Whether counselling William or having a quiet word in Harry's ear, she saw it as her duty to keep the two brothers on the same team," Myers alleged in William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.

Prince Harry's relationship with Prince William continues to generate headlines, with tensions between the brothers being widely-acknowledged since before the Sussex family's step down from royal life.

And following Prince Harry's explosive memoir, Spare, and the Sussex couple's tell-all Oprah interview, the brothers are reported to have ceased contact.

There have reportedly been efforts from both sides to restore peace over the years, with Princess Kate said to have played a major role, particularly in the early days.

This is something royal expert Russell Myers opened up about recently, detailing the situation in his new book, William & Catherine: The Intimate Inside Story.

According to Myers, Princess Kate "often acted as a peacemaker", stepping up as a mediator between the brothers before Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's 2020 departure.

The future Queen had reportedly "witnessed their competitive nature" and had seen it as her "duty" to keep William and Harry "on the same team".

This, Myers alleged, was for a surprising reason, with the royal expert reporting that Princess Kate's involvement in the brother's relationship was actually inspired by her own family.

"Her upbringing in a close-knit, loving family environment, where supporting each other was almost an unofficial family motto, spurred her actions," Myers reported. "Whether counselling William or having a quiet word in Harry's ear, she saw it as her duty to keep the two brothers on the same team, as did their senior aides."

Princess Kate is also reported to have played a role in peacekeeping since the Sussex couple's relocation, with experts alleging that she has tried on multiple occasions to repair Harry and William's relationship.

"It bothers Kate that William and Harry are still estranged so she's taking matters into her own hands," a source previously told Star magazine, via the Mirror. "She feels their feud has gone on long enough and that it's time for William and Harry to be brothers again. She believes there's still time to repair the damage and has been quietly pushing for a truce."

We will continue to update this story.

• The Prince and Princess of Wales are planning to modernise the monarchy during their reign, with their "slimmed-down" approach said to be more relatable.
• This reportedly involves moving away from outdated traditions, with the future King and Queen already parting with "archaic" systems behind closed doors.
• "Even though they of course hope the King is around for many years to come, they are both ready to step into the roles when required," royal expert Russell Myers has explained. "Which has come from a reliance on each other."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been front and centre in 2026, stepping up as leaders within the royal family.

And with the future King and Queen widely acknowledged as change makers, the royal couple is said to be planning to reshape the monarchy during their reign, opting for a more relatable, slimmed-down and modern system.

This is something royal expert Russell Myers has opened up about this month, releasing new biography, William & Catherine: The Monarchy’s New Era: The Inside Story.

And in a recent conversation with Vanity Fair, Myers went on to explain how Prince William and Princess Kate are already prepping for their royal future as King and Queen.

"We have seen in recent times William openly speaking about change - and 'change for good,'" Myers explained in the recent interview.

"This will involve making the monarchy more accountable, such as William’s ongoing audit with the Duchy of Cornwall, and more relatable, such as William and Catherine centering on public work that has more impact across many years, such as his homelessness project Homewards, the environmental project Earthshot, or Catherine’s early years work."

"Both the Prince and Princess of Wales want to rule, when the time comes, with more empathy and a greater personal relationship with the people," he continued. "And we are seeing that with the way they speak about their own mental health and wellbeing, it’s incredibly forward-looking."

This, according to Myers, also involves ending various outdated traditions behind the scenes, with the royal couple already changing the way they raise Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

"The children are aware of their position in the family and the wider world, but in a way that is very different to William and Harry’s upbringing," Myers reflected. "The concept of 'heir and spare' may be clear in the different roles the children will play in the future, but both William and Catherine view it as damaging and archaic, and it doesn’t feature in their upbringing of the children."

"They may only have a few more years until they are king and queen when their roles will change dramatically," Myers later reflected, noting that Prince William and Princess Kate have found "a great deal of common ground" navigating the situation together.

"Even though they of course hope the King is around for many years to come, they are both ready to step into the roles when required," Myers added. "Which has come from a reliance on each other and an appreciation that they will be leading a much slimmed down monarchy in the future."

We will continue to update this story.

The royal family has often used fashion as a way to subtly communicate a message. The late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her bright ensembles, but experts regularly claimed that beneath the vivid hues she regularly used her outfits to show support for causes, send messages of hope, or to signal change.

Since joining the royal family, the Princess of Wales has seemingly followed suit by including subtle nods in her outfits. Not only did she include a secret message in her wedding dress, but Princess Kate also uses colour to communicate a feeling to the public, according to insiders.

During the Nigerian state visit this week, it appeared that Princess Kate was signalling that she is preparing for her future role as Queen. At the event on Wednesday 18th March, held at Windsor Castle, Kate joined King Charles, Queen Camilla and her husband, Prince William, as the family welcomed Nigeria's President and First Lady. Notably, the Princess of Wales wore one of her favourite accessories: the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara.

According to royal commentator Amanda Matta, Kate's decision to wear the Lover's Knot is a subtle but significant nod to how she's preparing for her future role as Queen. She told Fox News Digital: "Kate’s tiara choices tend to prioritize messages of continuity, usually indicating that she’s taking up the legacy of royal women who came before her."

Often considered a tribute to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, the tiara was not seen for several years after Diana's death in 1997. Then, in 2015, Princess Kate wore the historic royal headpiece in public for the first time. Since then, she has only worn the tiara on a handful of occasions, including a State Banquet in 2018 to welcome the King and Queen of the Netherlands, a Diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace in 2016, and a State Banquet for President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2022.

The Lover's Knot Tiara is one of the most famous in the world. Initially commissioned in 1913 for Queen Mary, it features ornate diamond detailing alongside nineteen hanging pearl embellishments. It is currently estimated to be worth £1,000,000. It was eventually passed on to Queen Elizabeth II, who often loaned it to Princess Diana.

• The Princess of Wales sent a bouquet of narcissi from the Isles of Scilly and a note to patients and staff at The Royal Marsden, where she was treated for an undisclosed form of cancer.
• "As spring arrives, these narcissi from the Isles of Scilly are to say I am thinking of you all" read Princess Kate's message.
• The Royal Marsden has praised their Joint Patron for "the kind donation of beautiful narcissi", calling it an "incredibly thoughtful gesture."

The Princess of Wales has been front and centre in 2026, returning to her role as one of the leaders of the royal family, following her cancer recovery.

Princess Kate confirmed that she had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in March 2024, taking a temporary break from duties as she focused on her recovery.

And while the mother of three is now in remission, she has made a point of returning to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she received treatment, recognising the work that they do in her new role as Joint Patron.

This weekend, it was her "kind" gesture to the staff and patients that got the world talking, as the Princess of Wales sent a bouquet of narcissi to the Royal Marsden.

"To all the Patients and Staff at The Royal Marsden, as spring arrives, these narcissi from the Isles of Scilly are to say I am thinking of you all. Catherine," read Princess Kate's message, shared on Instagram alongside photographs of the bouquet.

"What a thoughtful delivery," commented one follower, while another wrote: "So very lovely and thoughtful!"

"Beautiful gesture and thought," added another. "She is a pure, gentle soul and we are lucky to have her."

Among those to praise Princess Kate was The Royal Marsden, who expressed their thanks to the future Queen in the comment section.

"A huge thank you to HRH The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden with HRH The Prince of Wales, for the kind donation of beautiful narcissi to display in our hospitals so our patients and staff may enjoy them," they wrote. "An incredibly thoughtful gesture."

We will continue to update this story.

• Royal author Russell Myers has spoken out about Prince William's "reliance" on Princess Kate in his new biography, William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story.
• "I went into the project with a completely open mind but what struck me, as it was explained to me time and time again by those closest to them, was just how reliant William is on Catherine," Myers recalled.
• "They are a real partnership, but William really leans on his wife for guidance, both personally, professionally and emotionally."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been front and centre this season, with the future King and Queen dominating the headlines in 2026.

This is largely down to new biography, William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story by Russell Myers, published this week.

And with the biography promising to reveal "seismic shifts" about the royal couple, both Prince William and Princess Kate's marriage and professional partnership have been getting the world talking.

It was a surprising revelation about the future King and Queen's relationship that went particularly viral, as the royal author opened up about Prince William's "reliance" on Princess Kate.

"I went into the project with a completely open mind but what struck me, as it was explained to me time and time again by those closest to them, was just how reliant William is on Catherine," Myers explained in an interview with Marie Claire US.

"They are a real partnership, but William really leans on his wife for guidance, both personally, professionally and emotionally, and I don't think many people would recognize that."

"Certainly those close to them told me how Catherine was arguably the stronger of the two during her cancer diagnosis and treatment," Myers continued. "While William told friends the whole experience was ‘like being hit by a bus’ and ‘completely disorientating,’ Catherine was the one who was able to take a back step and work out how they would deal with it all, both personally and publicly.

"There is a real strength to their partnership that I explore in the book which a lot of people will not be familiar with, which I believe provides a completely new insight into who they are as people."

William and Catherine, The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story by Russell Myers is out now.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's recent trip to Jordan could be an attempt to make amends with the estranged royal family, according to royal experts. One royal author has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who relocated to the US in 2020, are sending a 'not-so-secret message' to the Prince and Princess of Wales that they 'can help' the monarchy amid ongoing royal turmoil.

Harry has detailed the breakdown of his relationship with William in recent years, discussing their fallout in both his autobiography, Spare, as well as in various televised interviews. Although William has not publicly commented on his relationship with Harry, insiders have claimed that he is reluctant to make amends - despite reports that King Charles is now building bridges with the Duke.

However, royal author Ingrid Seward has claimed that Harry and Meghan's two-day trip to Jordan - where they were invited to support humanitarian efforts by the World Health Organisation’s director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus - could be the Sussexes signal that they are ready 'to help' the royals. In February, months after he was stripped of his royal titles, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct while in public office. He has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.

"Their trip to the Middle East appears to be part political, part message – and is it a secret message to William and Kate, or a blatant one?” royal author Ingrid Seward told The Mirror. "Of course, they wouldn’t have known what was going to happen [with Andrew] when they planned the trip, but the not-so-secret message is: ‘We’re here, we can help, we can do this with you’ – and that can only work to Harry and Meghan’s advantage."

She added that 'a personal royal truce and a reunion' is 'very possible', but continued: "A professional royal truce, in terms of the Sussexes ever working as royals again, is very unlikely, despite the other difficulties in the family."

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The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at the BAFTAs this year, after skipping the ceremony in 2025 during Princess Kate's cancer recovery. While the royal couple's attendance thrilled many royal watchers, a body language expert claimed that William and Kate appeared 'tense and anxious' at the event, which took place mere days after Andrew's arrest.

Although the Waleses have not publicly commented on the Andrew's arrest, they did issue a rare statement expressing their concern at the unfolding revelations from the Epstein files, earlier this month. A spokesperson said, on behalf of the royal couple: "I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations."

King Charles also released a statement at the time, confirming that he will offer his 'full co-operation' with authorities.

• The Prince and Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at the 2026 British Academy Film Awards on Sunday.
• This was the future King and Queen's first joint appearance at the BAFTAs since 2023, with Prince William attending solo in 2024.
• Prince William has been President of BAFTA since 2010.

The 2026 BAFTAs are officially underway, with A-listers descending on London's Royal Festival Hall from far and wide to celebrate the past year in film.

And while the 79th British Academy Film Awards attracted Hollywood royalty from Kate Hudson to Paul Mescal, it was an actual royal appearance that made the most headlines.

In a surprise move, Prince William and Princess Kate graced the BAFTA red carpet, attending the ceremony together for the first time since 2023. And with their impromptu award season appearance being their first in three years, the news has of course gone viral.

The future King and Queen's appearance is not completely unexpected, with Prince William being a regular attendee of the Awards since he became President of BAFTA in 2010. And in the years since, the Prince and Princess of Wales have attended together on five separate occasions.

However, the Princess of Wales has not attended the ceremony since 2023, missing the Awards in 2024 to focus on her cancer recovery, with Prince William attending solo. And neither Prince William nor Princess Kate made an appearance the following year.

It was not known whether the Prince and Princess of Wales would attend this year's BAFTA Awards, particularly given the recent royal controversy, with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Prince William and Princess Kate have not commented on Andrew's arrest, however they did issue a rare statement expressing their concern at the unfolding revelations from the Epstein files.

"I can confirm The Prince and Princess have been deeply concerned by the continuing revelations," a spokesperson announced on behalf of the royal couple.

We will continue to update this story.

The BAFTAs is available to watch on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Prince Harry will return to the UK next week as part of his ongoing lawsuit against Associated Newspapers. The Duke of Sussex, along with the likes of Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley, is expected to appear in a London court for the opening of the trial, with the high-profile figures alleging illegal information gathering by the publishers of The Daily Mail and the Mail on Sunday. Associated Newspapers has 'vigorously' denied the accusations.

Harry returned to London a number of times last year, with many of his trips related to either his legal appeal over UK security or the aforementioned privacy lawsuit. During his time the UK, the Duke finally met with his father, King Charles, after sharing in a BBC interview that he was hoping for 'reconciliation' with his family. Though Harry and Charles are believed to be building bridges, the future of William's relationship with his estranged brother is less clear. According to various insiders, the Prince of Wales is less interested in mending the rift and has already determined Harry's role in his coronation.

With Harry's return to the UK comes growing speculation that the brothers may plan to meet. However, it has been confirmed that Prince William and Princess Kate won't meet Harry during his trip. Instead, the couple will be in Scotland as they head to Stirling for an official royal engagement. They're scheduled to meet Team GB's Olympic and Paralympic curling teams at the National Curling Academy, ahead of the Winter Olympics and Paralympic games in Italy next month.

Kensington Palace announced details of their upcoming engagement yesterday (14th January), which also includes a trip to Falkirk to spotlight Scottish heritage traditions which foster community connection.

Prince Harry has been building bridges with his father, King Charles, after a highly-publicised fallout with the royal family following his departure from the monarchy. The Duke of Sussex stepped down as a working royal in 2020, and subsequently discussed the breakdown of his relationships with the King and his brother, Prince William, in both his Netflix docu-series and best-selling memoir, Spare.

However, in light of King Charles' cancer diagnosis, Harry claimed in an interview last year that he hoped to reconcile with his father and has since made trips to the UK to make amends. While the future of Harry's relationship with Prince William remains unclear, it's claimed that Meghan Markle's latest move could be an olive branch to the Princess of Wales.

Princess Kate celebrated her 44th birthday last week, sharing a 'deeply personal' video on Instagram expressing her gratitude for the natural world. Although members of the royal family often mark birthdays with social media well wishes, many noted that Harry and Meghan didn't not share a happy birthday message for the Princess.

Some sources claimed to journalist Rob Shuter via his Substack blog, ShuterScoop, that the Sussexes decision not to share a public message was 'deliberate', alleging: "They’re making it clear they’re done. It’s a line in the sand." A second insider claimed: "The Sussexes are still railing in the media, but Kate? She’s calm, grounded, moving forward. It’s a quiet power play."

However, an additional source alleged that Meghan simply 'wanted Catherine to have space', adding: "This isn't spite - it's respect for what she's going through."

In Kate's birthday video, she discussed the power of Mother Nature and the healing impact it has had on her following her cancer diagnosis in early 2024. She explains: "Even in the coldest, darkest season, winter has a way of bringing us stillness, patience and quiet consideration. Where the stream slows just enough for us to see our own reflection. To discover the deepest parts of ourselves. Alongside the whispers in the pulse of every living thing. I find myself reflecting on how deeply grateful I am."

She continues: "For the rivers within us flow with ease, fears washed away, cleanse and purify. Come to peace with our tears and discover what it means to be alive. To be at one with nature; a quiet teacher and a soft voice that guides. In memory. Helping us to heal."

The royal family has a number of interesting Christmas traditions, from opening their gifts early to a strict ban on this divisive board game. But there's one brilliant festive hack that Princess Kate shared several years ago, and it's going viral once again.

Back in 2019, during a festive trip to Peterley Manor Farm in the Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire, the Princess of Wales helped children to make reindeer food, craft festive decorations and pick out Christmas trees. At the time, Kate was marking her newly appointed patronage for the charity Family Action - but it was her very specific Christmas tree rule that piqued the interest of royal fans. Following the royal engagement, the owner of the farm, Roger Brill, told press that the Princess had shared her secret to picking the perfect tree. He told reporters: "She said they now have a Nordmann Fir which doesn’t drop needles."

He also added that Princess Kate "was asking about different types of Christmas trees". In an article for woman&home, Amy Stubbs - the project and development manager at British Garden Centres - confirmed that the Princess had made an excellent choice with her preferred tree as it's great for those with young children or pets. Stubbs told the publication: "The Nordmann Fir is one of the most popular and best-selling Christmas tree varieties. It has a symmetrical shape, well-spaced branches, soft, glossy, dark green foliage and excellent needle retention, making it an ideal choice for families with children and pets."

This year, the Princess of Wales hosted her fifth Together at Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. The event was attended by royals and celebrities alike, with actors Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor joining the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, as well as Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, and Zara and Mike Tindall.

• Prince William previously admitted that 'change is on the agenda' when he becomes King
• Royal commentators have claimed that the Prince of Wales is 'moulding the monarchy' now in preparation for his royal future
• They add that William and Kate play a 'vital role' in the preservation of the institution for future generations

The Prince of Wales has opened up about the significant changes he wishes to make within the monarchy as he prepares for his future as King. During a recent appearance on Eugene Levy's Apple TV+ series, The Reluctant Traveler, Prince William explained that change is 'on [his] agenda', adding that he 'doesn't fear it'. According to insiders, William's candour caused tensions with King Charles and his approach was deemed 'deeply unsettling' by some royal experts - but his openness was received well by the public, and he is often praised for his relatability.

As King Charles continues to focus on his health after a cancer diagnosis in 2024, William is subtly 'moulding' the monarchy in preparation for his future. In an interview for Fox News Digital, royal commentator Hilary Fordwich claimed that William is 'determined to modernise' the institution, stating: "Much of what we don’t see front and centre is actually rather critical in this moulding of the monarchy’s future image to ensure it remains relevant. Given his immense popularity and that of Princess Catherine – we know she will play a vital role – particularly as their children grow and are launched."

He added: "We should expect her to become ever more influential behind the scenes, even with King Charles III as they have a rather wonderful rapport strengthened by their shared health crisis."

Following King Charles' cancer diagnosis last year, William's royal responsibilities expanded and he stepped in for the monarch at several engagements. While some insiders have claimed he will a 'tough ruler', he is also expected to prioritise his family when he eventually takes the throne. Princess Kate's own cancer diagnosis reportedly forced the couple to reevaluate their work life balance, and the couple are 'setting boundaries' when it comes to both royal commitments and family time.

During the segment with Eugene Levy, William said: "I think it’s really important that that atmosphere is created at home. You have to have that warmth, that feeling of safety, security, love. That all has to be there, and that was certainly part of my childhood."

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told the publication: "William early on laid down the markers for his apprenticeship before becoming king, priority and privacy for his family."

As a seasoned fashion writer who regularly covers the Princess of Wales' style, I've come to expect refined, understated pieces in her wardrobe—especially when it comes to her collection of handbags. One of her latest appearances in London was no exception. During a visit to the Anna Freud Centre, the Princess carried one of Demellier's newest designs: the Hudson.

The London-based brand is known for its refined minimalist aesthetic and enduring appeal—designs that strike a balance between elegance and practicality. My own large Demellier tote has become a reliable work bag, comfortably accommodating a 16-inch laptop.

Demellier Black Friday Sale: Quick Shopping Links

• The New York Midi: was £475.00, now £380
• The Hudson: was £585.00, now £468
• The Miami: was £485, now £339
• Capri Canvas Tote Bag: was £265, now £185

If a compact silhouette is more your pace, take a page from Kate Middleton's book and opt for their newly reimagined style. A reimagining of one of the brand's best sellers, the small Hudson is now available in three colourways: chocolate-brown suede (as seen on Middleton) and tan and black in grain fabric.

Now available for pre-order, all of these iterations and more are currently 20% off during Demellier's Cyber Monday weekend sale. Simply add to your cart and use code MARIECLAIREUK20 at checkout.

Avid followers of the brand will recognise this rare opportunity to acquire one of the celebrity, fashion editor, and now royal-loved brand's pieces, as it seldom discounts its best-sellers.

From The New York to the Hudson, in a variety of sizes and finishes, we've rounded up the standout handbag styles currently on sale if you're looking to invest in one of these timeless accessory staples.

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The Prince and Princess of Wales are set to make an historic trip overseas next summer. The royals are said to be considering travel plans to the US to celebrate the 4th July, with 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. Although King Charles is still undergoing regular treatment for cancer, he is believed to be making the trip across the Atlantic to mark the occasion with Queen Camilla.

Prince William and Princess Kate are also in line to visit, according to several media outlets, with claims that the family will attend as a unit to represent the crown. A source told Page Six that the King has been invited to Washington in April 2026 for a state visit, and there are hopes that the royals will make several trips to the states next year, with the insider telling the publication: "We're hoping all the senior royals will come over. This is going to be a huge year for both the US and the UK."

However, the insider claimed that invitations for the royal family won't extend to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who currently live in the US. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle relocated to Montecito, California in 2020 shortly after stepping down as senior royals. The source alleges that the Sussexes will likely be 'iced out' of the Wales' plans, with their attendance hinging on the royals themselves. They told the outlet: "Obviously the Duke and Duchess of Sussex aren’t working royals, so they will not be invited to any celebrations. Any invitation would have to come at the behest of the royal family themselves."

Although Prince Harry and King Charles are said to be rebuilding their fractured relationship, royal insiders previously claimed that there's 'no turning back' for Prince William.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are working hard to ensure that their royal duties aren't overshadowed by the recent removal of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's titles. Last month, King Charles withdrew his younger brother's Prince, Earl of Inverness, Baron Killyleagh and His Royal Highness titles, and Sarah Ferguson also lost her duchess title. The historic move came as a result of Andrew's ties to convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

During a recent interview, Prince William expertly avoided discussing the matter and pivoted a probing question back towards his work for the Earthshot prize. Additionally, royal experts have claimed that Princess Kate is hoping to avoid personal distractions when she hosts her annual carol concert next month. Every year, Kate leads the Together at Christmas service at Westminster Abbey, and she is often joined by royals and celebrities to mark the festive season. This year, the Princess of Wales has reportedly offered 'personal invitations' to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie as an olive branch. While the sisters will retain their titles amid the scandals surrounding their father, the offer to join the royal family at the highly publicised event poses a 'difficult dilemma' for Beatrice and Eugenie, according to one royal expert.

Royal commentator Neil Sean claimed in an interview with Fox News: "Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie received personal invitations for this year’s Together at Christmas from Princess Catherine’s office. This is Catherine’s project, and she has the final say - very similar to the way Prince William operates Earthshot. Above all, yes, the Royal Family wants to be seen as united amid what has been a very difficult year."

However, he added: "This puts the sisters in a very difficult dilemma. If they don’t attend, it looks like they’re snubbing a prestigious invite. If they do attend, they know there could be a media circus with them at the centre of attention."

It's unclear whether or not the Princesses will attend this year, but the event - which is due to be held on Friday 5th December 2025 - will see the likes of Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet and Chiwetel Ejiofor giving readings. The service will then air on Christmas Eve, on ITV and ITVX .

Princess Charlotte is set to break a centuries-old royal dilemma, according to experts. The young royal is often praised for her poise in public, and she regularly reminds her brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis, of royal etiquette; at the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022, Charlotte was spotted telling George when to bow, and she was also seen telling Louis off for dancing on the Buckingham Palace balcony last year.

However, she is also reported to be a strong and fearless member of the Wales family. During a public engagement in 2017 - when Charlotte was just 2 years old - Princess Catherine told those in attendance that she was already 'the one in charge' at home, and at school, her nickname was 'Warrior Princess'.

Although she's just 10 years old, Charlotte's royal future is already being assembled behind the scenes, according to insiders. Shortly before she was born, Queen Elizabeth II officially changed the rules around the order of succession and according to political and contemporary historian Dr Nige Fletcher, this has completely changed the historical 'heir and spare' narrative. In a Channel 5 documentary released last year, titled Royal Heirs and Spares: Rivalry and Resentment, he explained: "For the first time in British history, the spare is a princess, even though she has a younger brother. Princess Charlotte is in line after George, after a change in the law, and she now outranks her brother, Louis."

In his memoir, Prince Harry discussed how he felt impacted by the 'heir and the spare' attitude, and he also said he 'worries' about Charlotte and Louis facing a similar fate. At the time of the book release, he told The Telegraph: "Though William and I have talked about it once or twice, and he has made it very clear to me that his kids are not my responsibility, I still feel a responsibility knowing that out of those three children, at least one will end up like me, the spare. And that hurts, that worries me."

According to insiders, William and Kate are working hard to ensure that their three children remain close despite the fact that George will have to follow a different path. A source told New Idea that George and Charlotte are already veering away from the 'fraternal curse', claiming: "William’s observed there’s much less competition between George and Charlotte, who’s become her big brother’s number one cheerleader. She wants him to be the best, and he trusts her to tell him the truth, even when it hurts."

They added: "It’s a very similar dynamic to Charles and Anne, who would have made an incredible monarch. William and Kate agree that modernising the succession rules and the arrival of Charlotte may have stopped this awful fraternal curse."

Prince Andrew announced that he would 'no longer' be using his Duke of York title last week. The royal is facing renewed pressure to step down from his royal roles following the release of private emails to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre's memoir. In a statement, Andrew wrote: "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family."

It was reported that Prince William plans to completely 'ban' Andrew from royal life when he one day assumes the throne. Royal insiders have claimed that William has held a 'grudge' against his uncle for a number of years, as he was unhappy with how Andrew treated Catherine, Princess of Wales, in the early days of their relationship. However, the numerous scandals surrounding Prince Andrew - from his association with Epstein, to the explosive accusations in recent royal biography, Entitled, and the accusations now levelled against him in Giuffre's memoir - have left William and Kate no choice but to plan for his 'exile' from royal life.

According to royal expert Tina Brown, who wrote the best-selling royal biography The Palace Papers in 2022, William and Kate are looking to 'banish' Andrew from the royal fold completely. Brown claims that the Waleses 'can't abide' by the disgraced Prince and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has also faced criticism in recent weeks for maintaining contact with Epstein.

In fact, the former Duke and Duchess of York's current home, Royal Lodge, is just four miles away from William and Kate's new home, Forest Lodge, both of which are situated on the Windsor estate - and the set-up is less than favourable for the Waleses, apparently. Andrew's residence has been a point of contention among the royals in recent years, as he has 'refused' to leave the property. In her Substack Fresh Hell, Tina writes (per Daily Mail): "Unless Andrew can be persuaded to banish himself to a cottage on the Balmoral estate or a cushy villa on a Dubai golf course, his scowly, jowly visage will keep seeping back into the national consciousness."

Brown goes on: "How do you disappear a 6-foot-tall, 190-pound, 65-year-old man in robust good health who has an iron-clad contract to live in the Queen Mother’s former mansion, a short neigh from Windsor Castle and just four miles from the new “forever” home of Prince William and Kate, who can’t abide him?"

The author also questioned how the royal family will navigate Andrew's public appearances at important royal events, such as William's future coronation, adding: "The thornier question, perhaps approaching faster than anyone is indelicate enough to discuss, is whether, in the fullness of time, Andrew will be allowed to attend his brother, the king’s, funeral."

Andrew's living situation has been in the spotlight again this week following the release of his lease agreement with the Crown Estate. According to the BBC, the Prince has only ever paid 'token rent' on the property, instead paying large lump sum payments up-front to 'buy himself out of future rent obligations for the duration of the 75-year lease.'

The Palace has not yet commented.

Since leaving royal life behind five years ago, Prince Harry has discussed the breakdown of his relationship with Prince William at length. Throughout his memoir, Spare, and in a number of subsequent interviews, Harry has detailed his estrangement from members of the royal family - but most notably, a reunion between himself and William appears to be a long way away. While the Duke of Sussex has spent time reconnecting with his father, King Charles, in recent months, royal insiders have suggested that reconciliation between the brothers will be far more difficult.

According to sources, William 'will never' forgive Harry for publicly discussing their fallout and was less willing than the King to meet for peace talks during Harry's recent trip to the UK. Now, a new report claims that William's recent interview with actor Eugene Levy - where he expressed a desire to make substantial changes when he becomes King - indicates exactly where he stands when it comes to Harry and Meghan's royal association.

A source told the National Examiner: "It's pretty much accepted within the royal household that once he does take the throne, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will immediately get their titles yanked. He hasn’t said it publicly but the things he’s said in this interview, this big emphasis on how he will change things, is certainly being seen by a lot of people as him all but coming out and confirming that cutting Harry and Meghan completely loose is part of the plan."

The conversation around Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's titles has been ongoing since the couple left the UK in 2020. Following their decision to step away from royal duties, they retained the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as their official titles but no longer use the 'HRH' styling in public.

How Prince William intends to make changes within the monarchy is yet to be seen, but some insiders have claimed that he has already thought about Harry's involvement in his future coronation, and the Duke of Sussex even responded to claims that his older brother would 'exile' him when he becomes King.

In his candid chat with Eugene Levy on an episode of The Reluctant Traveller, William did speak about his future as monarch, explaining: "I think it's safe to say that change is on my agenda. Change for good, and I embrace that, I enjoy that change. I don't fear it, that's the bit that excites me, the idea of being able to bring some change. Not overly radical, but changes that I think need to happen.

"I think if you're not careful, history can be a real weight and an anchor around you, and you can feel suffocated by it, and restricted by it too much," he later added. "And I think it's important to live for the here and now. There are points when you look at tradition and go, is that still fit for purpose today? Is that still the right thing to do? Are we still doing and having the most impact we could be having? So I like to question things, is what I'm really getting at."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have lived in several homes across the UK, starting married life in Anglesey, Wales before moving to Norfolk and then on to London. After five years in Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace, the couple relocated to Windsor in 2022 where they now live with their three young children.

Prince William and Princess Kate reportedly moved to Adelaide Cottage, which is located on the Windsor Castle estate, to ensure that Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had privacy and freedom. However, after three years, William and Kate are moving once again - and this time, it's to their 'forever home'.

According to new reports, the Wales' are relocating to Forest Lodge - and very soon. The impending royal move has already sparked 'privacy concerns' as the Palace installed metal fences and screens to ensure the family were protected, as per Daily Mail. But the move is 'just weeks away', according to an insider. A source told the Mirror: "It is hoped they will be in the new home in time for Bonfire Night. That will make a fun start for the children."

A second insider added: "The builders have been working flat out, week-in, week-out, so that the family could move in as soon as possible. Christmas was always the deadline but it's great that it's going to happen much earlier."

William and Kate are keen for a 'fresh start' following a difficult few years. They had been living at Adelaide Cottage for just a month when the late Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and in 2024 both Princess Kate and King Charles were diagnosed with cancer - something that William candidly spoke about in a new interview. An additional source told the Daily Mail: "Adelaide Cottage really does have some difficult memories associated with it, sadly. They have experienced some of their most challenging times there... The family are really happy about this [move] and excited for a fresh start."

The Prince and Princess of Wales are one of the most beloved royal couples. The pair, who will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary next year, met as students at university and have gone on to become one of the most influential couples within the British monarchy. While Prince William is preparing for his future role as King, Princess Kate is said to be a true leader behind closed doors, and is often touted as the family's "secret weapon".

But according to royal correspondent Katie Nicholl, William and Kate are quite different when the cameras stop rolling. In fact, they are reportedly far more affectionate than they would be in most public settings while carrying out royal duties. Nicholl told The Mirror: "I’ve been with them on many occasions, and when the cameras drop, you’ll often see them walk away and Kate will put an arm around his waist, or he’ll place his hand in the small of her back. There’s a lovely closeness between them, and whereas at the start of their marriage they seemed shy about being affectionate in public, they’re so much more confident now."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have often been compared to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip when it comes to public displays of affection. Ever since the couple tied the knot in 2011, they have famously avoided engaging in PDA while they are working, but when their private moments have been captured by photographers, the sweet moments often go viral.

According to body language expert Darren Stanton, who spoke to The Daily Mirror back in 2022, William and Kate prefer to keep their tactile behaviour behind closed doors as their "deep connection... is noticeably visible without the need for the couple to indulge in overzealous PDAs." He told the publication: "[Kate] and William are a pair that appear so connected on a deeper level that they don’t need to be showing continuous signs of reciprocal liking - like tactileness or prolonged eye contact - during public outings to prove they have a deep connection."

A second body language expert, Robert Kermode, told The Daily Mail in 2018 that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip set a royal precedent by choosing not to hold hands in public. He claimed that it was simply a personal choice for the late monarch, and that while it isn't royal protocol, it is something which William and Kate have largely upheld.

The Princess of Wales is widely regarded as one of the most popular members of the royal family. Insiders and experts often remark on what makes Princess Kate so relatable to the British public, whether it's her refreshing approach to parenting, her ability to show 'real leadership' within the Palace or the fact that she has consistently ripped up the royal rulebook in a bid to modernise the monarchy.

But it seems that she had one particularly important and impactful mentor within the royal fold: the late Prince Philip. In a 2021 biography about the late royal titled Philip: The Final Portrait, author and journalist Gyles Brandreth wrote about the one piece of advice he gave to Princess Kate, his 'golden rule' for navigating life in the royal spotlight. During her early years in the family, Prince Philip reportedly told Kate: "If you think the attention is on you personally, you’ll end up in trouble... The focus is on your role, what you do, what you support. It’s not focused on you as an individual. You’re not a celebrity. You represent the royal family."

According to Brandreth, he advised Kate to 'never look at the camera' during royal outings or while engaging with the public, instructing the Princess to avoid looking at photographers - something which he and the late Queen Elizabeth II did to ensure that the people they were speaking to felt acknowledged. He wrote: "I have been on walkabouts with [Princess Kate]. She does not look at the camera. Whenever she is interviewed, Catherine talks about the matter at hand, never about herself."

In an interview for Fox News, royal expert Helena Chard added: "She was taught by the best. Prince Philip reminded her that she wasn’t a celebrity. She represents the royal family. She needs to dedicate herself to a life of service, concentrate on the job at hand and never smile directly at the camera."

A second royal expert, Hilary Fordwich, confirmed that Kate followed Philip's advice - and with great success - as she also 'values tradition, service' and 'stability', explaining: "He implored her to always focus on the role, that of dedication and duty, not on herself. That’s why she avoids seeking public attention for personal fame. He made it blatantly clear that royalty and celebrity are two completely different things. Philip’s advice has helped her preserve the monarchy’s respected public image, rendering her as one of the most level-headed, grounded, popular, revered and trusted members of the royal family."

The Prince and Princess of Wales are preparing for a house move, three years after relocating to Adelaide Cottage. The couple previously lived in London, making Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace their base until the summer of 2022 when they decided to move to the royal estate in Windsor. However, as Prince William and Princess Kate prepare for their roles and responsibilities to evolve, the family is planning to move to a larger property. The Palace confirmed that William, Kate and their three children will move homes later this year, and the property has been confirmed as Forest Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

According to a source, the move 'gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter' and they 'see it as their forever home'. The Grade II-listed Georgian estate is over 300 years old, and boasts eight bedrooms, marble fireplaces and Venetian windows as well as its own tennis court and lake.

Last week, William and Kate's new neighbours spoke about the impending royal move with many stating that they were 'happy' for the family of five. One said via The Manchester Evening News: "I welcome them. But I hope the public allow them to live there quietly as a family. It's a less private spot than their previous home. They have young children after all. They deserve privacy."

Others claimed that they're thrilled to have their 'favourite royals' nearby, adding: "I think they're wonderful people and will make a great King and Queen. I just hope they don't mind living near us."

However, concerns have already been raised over the Wales' privacy in their new home. According to the Daily Mail, the Palace has already installed a metal fence and privacy screens, as well as larger shrubs as additional measures. According to a second publication, two families living in neighbouring properties were asked to vacate before the Wales' move in. In an interview with Fox News Digital, royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed: "Close neighbours have been surprised to be ordered to leave their properties so that no prying eyes can see the Prince and Princess with their children."

Those who moved out of nearby homes remain housed within Crown Estate properties, according to the report, and no eviction notices were handed out. A second source told the Daily Mail: "I guess they were given somewhere else, but they were told they had to move. They were not expecting it. Those houses are very close to the Lodge, so they're not going to want any Tom, Dick, or Harry living in those houses if there are going to be royals there."

It was initially reported that Prince Andrew would leave his home, Royal Lodge, to allow William and his family to live there. However, it seems that the Wales' have settled on Forest Lodge, which is just four miles away and also in the Windsor Great Park. William and Kate are expected to make the move before Christmas, although dates have not yet been confirmed by the Palace.

Prince Harry's fractured relationships with the royal family have been widely documented in recent years, particularly since the Duke of Sussex relocated to the US with his family. In his memoir, Spare, Harry discussed the breakdown of his bond with Prince William and in a recent interview with the BBC he claimed that King Charles "won't speak" to him - although the monarch recently employed his aides to engage in "peace talks".

Now, a former Palace butler is opening up about Harry's former friendship with Princess Kate. He was famously close to the Princess of Wales; the pair reportedly shared funny Christmas gifts and Kate was "in tears" at the news of his departure from royal life. In fact, earlier this year, it was reported that the Princess has devised a plan to reunite her husband and brother-in-law.

In his new book, The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service, former butler Grant Harrold has shared details about Harry and Kate's close bond. In an excerpt shared by The Telegraph, he writes: "[William and Kate] involved him [Harry]. He used to go out with Kate. William would be away, and Kate and Harry would be off doing stuff together."

According to Harrold, Harry and Kate would spend time together shopping or at the pub. He added: "I think when people say, 'Oh he was left out' he really wasn't, but also, he was with Chelsy. Chelsy was always around, and Chelsy and Kate got on really well."

Before he started dating Meghan Markle, Prince Harry was in a relationship with Chelsy Davy for six years, with the former couple parting ways in 2010. However, the pair remained friends and Chelsy a guest at Harry and Meghan's wedding.

The Royal Butler: My Remarkable Life of Royal Service is set for release on 28th August 2025.

An explosive new royal biography about Prince Andrew has dominated headlines in recent weeks, and according to insiders the damning accusations have led Prince William to consider stripping the Duke of York of his royal titles when he becomes King. Palace sources have often claimed that the Prince of Wales will be a 'tough' ruler when he takes the throne, and it seems that the new book by royal author Andrew Lownie has convinced William to take a "different approach" with his uncle.

While it has been said that William is opposed to Andrew's return to the royal fold following his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, last month it was reported that William's 'grudge' against Andrew started long ago. In fact, journalist Richard Kay claimed that the Prince's issue with his uncle stems from comments that were made about his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, in the early days of their relationship. He told the Daily Mail at the time that Andrew was 'unwelcoming when he first introduced the then Kate Middleton to the Royal Family'.

In the controversial new biography, Entitled: the Rise and Fall of the House of York, Andrew Lownie has reportedly elaborated on the wider impact the comments have had. It's unclear if the exact remarks are shared in the book as its release is set for later this week, but Lownie states the claims 'surprised' him, as he thought that Andrew would have more 'respect' for the future King than to be 'nasty about his wife'.

In an interview with OK! magazine, he explained: "I can't see how anyone could make unkind comments about Kate when she's been the family's saving grace. It surprised me, but people do get jealous. I'd have thought Prince Andrew would respect William as future king though."

He continued: "William has a very strong sense of public duty and is doing his best to keep the show on the road. He's all about doing things the right way and has enough on his plate without having to think about his uncle."

Entitled: the Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie will be released on Thursday 14th August 2025.

Royal experts have often spoken about the different paths that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will take as they grow up. Despite the Prince and Princess of Wales doing their best to ensure that their two youngest children never feel like 'spares', the fact remains that as an heir, Prince George will one day be King and he will be 'forced to grow apart' from his brother and sister.

George is already said to have 'some questions' about his future royal role, but one of the biggest unknowns for the 11 year old has been where he will go to school once he finishes at Lambrook next summer. According to recent reports, William and Kate have finally settled on sending their eldest son to Eton College after many years of discussions. The couple were said to be undecided for a long time, with Kate hoping to send George to Marlborough College, where she studied, while William was keen for his son to follow in his footsteps at Eton.

Now, as reports suggest that the Wales' have agreed on the prestigious Windsor institution, many royal experts are left wondering where William and Kate will send Princess Charlotte, 10, when the time comes. The siblings have always schooled together - first at Thomas' School in Battersea, and then at Lambrook when the family moved to Adelaide Cottage in 2022. Interestingly, for the first time, George and Charlotte will be separated, and William and Kate will be forced to choose a different school for Charlotte as Eton College is an all-boys boarding school.

As per a report in the Daily Mail, the young Princess is expected to follow in her mother's footsteps and attend Marlborough College. Kate is said to have fond memories of her time there, and a fellow pupil once told Daily Mail:"Catherine arrived suddenly during the middle of the year. Apparently, she had been bullied very badly at her previous school and she certainly looked very thin and pale. She had very little confidence."

The same pupil added that once Kate joined Marlborough College, she went on to 'bloom' and found her confidence again.

Prince William and his mother-in-law Carole Middleton shared the sweetest interaction at Royal Ascot on Wednesday after Princess Kate unfortunately had to pull out of the event at the last minute. Kensington Palace confirmed on the day that the Princess of Wales would be skipping the races, which she had previously been scheduled to attend.

According to unnamed royal sources, Kate pulled out of the event as she continues to find "the right balance" for her working and personal life following her cancer diagnosis and treatment last year, as reported by BBC News. Meanwhile, the Princess was apparently "disappointed" to miss the royal calendar staple.

William attended despite his wife's absence, arriving at the races alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. The Prince of Wales also had plenty of others in his corner, as Kate's mum Carole Middleton was in attendance alongside James Middleton's wife Alizee Thevenet.

Carole was generous with her support for William on the day, with a body language expert sharing what her attitude at the races said about their relationship, including the warm hug she gave her royal son-in-law. "Carole's Ascot mood appeared upbeat and cheerful, but here with William her strong, intense-looking eye-gaze with a questioning-looking expression and a small frown of concern looks very maternal and caring," Judi James told the Mirror US.

"William does tend to get surrounded by royal 'aunties' when he appears here without Kate and Carole seems to be one of the group of support, along with Zara and Sophie. Her hug looks loving and warmly intimate and the way it's performed smoothly despite the wide brim of her hat suggests a close, relaxed relationship." William and Carole's sweet friendship was already evident at Royal Ascot last year, when the two were pictured clutching hands.

Kate revealed to the public that she had been diagnosed with cancer in March 2024, having retreated from her royal duties since after Christmas. Happily, the Princess shared that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment in September, but was careful to note that she didn't yet consider herself entirely out of the woods, and would be taking things one step at a time — which is exactly what she decided to do yesterday.

If I told you I owned the same necklace as the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, you’d probably look at me in disbelief. With an arsenal of heirloom and one-of-a-kind jewellery at her disposal, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking there was no chance that I could even hope to own a piece with royal approval—yet, that’s exactly the case.

You see, while it’s a commonly known fact that many of Kate Middleton’s favourite brands can be found on the British high street, what you may not know is that this actually applies to her jewellery collection, too. In fact, it’s these more affordable jewellery pieces that she regularly opts for when attending informal events or when making appearances day-to-day. I'm talking brands like Missoma, Monica Vinader and Spells of Love, who you will most likely have come across before, possibly without knowing you were shopping from the same places as the Princess herself.

But while Kate’s everyday jewellery may sit at the more affordable end of what I imagine is an elaborate jewellery collection, the pieces she opts for are no less royal-worthy. Many of the designs that Kate wears on repeat draw upon classic jewellery trends, like pearl detailing and delicate gemstones, proving that elegant, timeless jewellery needn’t cost the earth.

What I love most about Kate’s jewellery collection, however, is that unlike the enviable pieces in her wardrobe which tend to sell out the minute she steps outside (hey, they don’t call it the Kate Middleton effect for nothing), her best affordable jewellery tends to be much more accessible meaning we can still shop many of her exact pieces today.

To prove it, I’ve scouted her favourite jewellery brands and tracked down the pieces that you can still shop. Spoiler alert: there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the perfect set of pearl earrings, a classic pair of hoops or a statement necklace to pair with your blazer and jeans à la Kate, I’ve found them all. Keep scrolling to see Kate Middleton’s best affordable jewellery (and shop them yourself) below…

Kate Middleton’s Best Affordable Jewellery

1. Laura Lombardi, Portrait gold-plated chain necklace

Most recently, for a visit to the V&A Museum, Kate paired her Laura Lombardi necklace with a simple vest and blazer.

2. Carousel Jewels, Stella earrings

The necklace wasn't the only affordable jewellery piece Kate opted for while at the V&A Museum. She mirrored the navy tones of her jacket through to her earrings with Carousel Jewels' Lapis & Moonstone drop earrings.

3. By Pariah, Sabine hoops

For the 2024 Wimbledon finals, the Princess kept things sleek and simple in By Pariah's Sabine Hoops in gold.

4. Monica Vinader, Nura pearl necklace

The Princess' single pearl Monica Vinader necklace is one of her most-loved pieces. Worn on a visit to Copenhagen in 2022, as well as for a number of appearances here in the UK, it's chic, simple and incredibly elegant.

5. Spells of Love, Teardrop garnet charm hoops

Kate is a pro as matching her jewellery to her outfit and this look proves it. These garnet hoops from Spells of Love may be subtle, but when paired with her matching red coat, they offer the perfect amount of coordinated sparkle.

6. Annoushka, Baroque pearl drop earrings

Sources state that Kate has worn these earrings at more than 70 public engagements over the years, proving they're an earring that you will reach for time and time again.

7. Astley Clarke, Stilla lapis pendant necklace

Featuring a Lapis Lazuli gemstone set in 18ct gold, this necklace is both striking and simple at the same time.

8. Heavenly London, The pearl and ‘diamond’ earrings

Proof that even a Princess wears faux diamonds on occasion, Heavenly London's drop earrings are made from diamond lookalike stones to give the luxury look for less.

9. Missoma, Pyramid rhodochrosite hoop earrings

Kate has a few pairs of Missoma earrings in her collection including this rhodochrosite set. Believed to radiate love and compassion, the gemstone feels a fitting choice for the Princess.

10. Orelia, Chain huggie hoop earrings

While Kate opts for so many great affordable jewellery options, if you're looking for incredible value for money, you need Orelia's huggie hoops. At just £25, they're the perfect way to buy into the Princess' style without the need for a royal allowance.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are two of the most popular members of the royal family, with many insiders believing that they will make a powerful pair when the time comes for William to ascend the throne. Experts often claim that Kate holds the future of the monarchy in her hands, while William's 'informal, approachable way of going about his work' will make him a popular monarch.

However, in a new report from The Scottish Express, royal experts have claimed that the Palace is 'frustrated' with the Wales' change in 'attitude' when it comes to their royal duties. William and Kate had an extremely challenging year in 2024, with both the Princess and the King receiving cancer diagnosis' within weeks of one another. William's royal responsibilities increased as he regularly stepped in for his father at engagements, and he was simultaneously trying to support his wife as she underwent chemotherapy. As a result, the couple's public appearances were understandably reduced while the Princess was in treatment and recovery.

Now, Camilla Tominey - journalist and Associate Editor at The Telegraph - has claimed that William and Kate are 'under growing pressure to up their workload'. According to Tominey, Palace aides are worried that the couple 'may be spending too much time with their immediate family instead of supporting the "firm".'

Kate has gradually returned to work since completing her cancer treatment in September. In a message posted on social media at the time, the Princess reflected on how her cancer journey gave her a 'new perspective', explaining: "This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."

In January, royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed that William and Kate are facing huge 'generational pressure' when it comes to their future roles within the monarchy. He told Fox News Digital at the time: "[Prince William] is also under huge generational pressure since the increasing public popularity of the monarchy ranks highest for both him and Princess Catherine."

However, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl claimed that Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis could permanently change the way she operates within the family, and that the royals could 'think outside the box'. She told The Sun's Royal Exclusive show: "She did a lot of running up and down the country, juggling that with the three children doing the overseas tours. People would be quite surprised to learn just how hands on William and Catherine are as parents. And I think this is just, well, it's a wake up call, isn't it? This is a real reality check for her."

Prince William and Princess Kate's incredible work in philanthropy is getting a much-coveted honour. William and Kate have been named to this year's TIME100 Philanthropy list, sitting alongside major players like David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, and Warren Buffett.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are being recognised for what the magazine called "modernising royal philanthropy," with their report pointing out that while royal charity work is nothing new, the Waleses have totally reshaped what it looks like today. The short article praised the royal couple for being "attuned to social issues, tackling homelessness and rural mental health through their Royal Foundation and spotlighting innovative solutions to climate change through the Earthshot Prize." It added: "Crucial to the Waleses’ approach is aligning social imperatives with sound business strategies and building corporate alliances to expand their reach."

It also focused on Kate's amazing work in partnership with big corporations, which have the power to help move the needle on early childhood welfare. As the Waleses make the list, it won't escape royal watchers' attention that Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have not been named on this year's list despite their extensive work in the philanthropy arena.

As reported by Hello!, William recently addressed his and his wife's fresh approach to royal philanthropy while he was in Cape Town for the 2024 Earthshot Prize. He said at the time: "I can only describe what I'm trying to do, and that's I'm trying to do it differently and I'm trying to do it for my generation. And to give you more of an understanding around it, I'm doing it with maybe a smaller R in the royal, if you like, that's maybe a better way of saying it."

He continued: "It's more about impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people. And I'm also going to throw empathy in there as well, because I really care about what I do. It helps impact people's lives. And I think we could do with some more empathetic leadership around the world."

Princess Kate fights for the causes she believes in, and her dedication isn't going unnoticed. For a long time, the Princess of Wales has been focusing on causes related to wellbeing in children's early years — which includes the wellbeing of their parents, too. As part of this work, Kate started the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, which launched the Shaping Us campaign in January 2023.

Shortly afterwards, the Princess launched the Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, which calls on companies to support their employees who are new parents. The task force has been a resounding success, with one of its most tangible achievements being Deloitte UK's decision to instate 26 weeks of fully-paid paternity leave to match their maternity leave policy. The Dad Shift, a charity which campaigns for equal parenting leave for fathers, is excited about the news as they continue their work to improve the UK's current requirement of just two weeks' paid paternity leave.

"Just last week we were outside Buckingham Palace hanging up baby grows spelling 'Two weeks isn't enough', so we're delighted to learn the Princess of Wales has been championing good paternity leave behind the scenes," The Dad Shift co-founder Alex Lloyd-Hunter has said (via Hello!).

"It's good to see more and more companies realising that better paternity leave is in their interest and stepping up with generous policies. But the vast majority of smaller businesses can't afford to do this, and that means their employees are stuck with the worst paternity leave in Europe — two weeks at less than half the minimum wage. And you get nothing at all if you're self-employed."

Alex continued: "That's why we need urgent government action to significantly improve our statutory offer so every father and non-birthing parent gets a decent amount of properly paid leave, not just those lucky enough to work for the most progressive employers. The Princess has shown real leadership on this issue — now it's time for ministers to follow her example."

The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, and The Dad Shift, are hoping that other companies will follow this example by pointing out the economic advantages of doing so.

Princess Kate is known for sending messages with her outfit choices. So when she wore a Victoria Beckham suit for her latest engagement, was that a deliberate show of support for the designer amid her rumoured family feud? Well, we'll never know for sure, but it's certainly a theory that certain royal watchers believe holds water.

On Tuesday 13th May, the Princess of Wales visited the British Fashion Council at 180 Studios in London, where she also presented the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to Patrick McDowell — a British leader in sustainable luxury fashion. Of course, it's expected that the Princess would wear clothes by a British designer to the event, which is sure to have been a major driver behind the choice.

Kate looked radiant in an olive green suit jacket and matching, slightly flared trousers by Victoria Beckham, worn over a white blouse and accessorised with drop earrings. She wore her long hair down and wavy.

Writing on Instagram after the event, the Prince and Princess of Wales said: "Honoured to present the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design to @patrick__mcdowell. A huge well done to Patrick, whose bold, sustainable vision is helping to shape the future of British fashion. Their commitment to creativity, community and circular design is truly inspiring."

Prince William and Kate have a long-standing friendship with the Beckhams. It's also not the first time the Princess has worn Victoria's designs - over the years, Kate has been seen wearing Victoria's designs at various public events.

Meanwhile, a source close to the Beckhams spoke to the Mirror about Kate's latest fashion statement, claiming: "The Princess of Wales has worn Victoria's designs before and it's really great to see that she's wearing one again, especially as the outfit was not gifted and was very much her own call to wear it. Both couples support each other's charities and David and William are friends too, so there is a great deal of mutual respect there."

Victoria's family has come under the spotlight recently as there have been mounting rumours about a feud between the mum of four and her eldest son Brooklyn, and his wife Nicola Peltz. Speculation of a rift between Victoria and Nicola has been simmering for a number of years, but the couple's decision to skip David Beckham's 50th birthday last week is the latest development that's raising eyebrows about their family relationships. So, whether purposeful or not, Kate's show of support for Victoria came at a significant time.

At MC HQ, a sartorial appearance by Kate Middleton never goes unnoticed. Thankfully, with the Princess of Wales well and truly back on royal duty, we never have to wait long for her next fashion moment.

While touring the Isles of Mull and Iona in the breathtaking Inner Hebrides alongside husband, Prince William, she stepped out in an understated yet impeccably styled look, proving that an expertly curated wardrobe of timeless essentials is the key to effortless elegance.

The Princess of Wales stuck to a tried and tested style formula for the outing: a tweed blazer and shirt combo. A great blazer is a staple in her wardrobe, and this tweed style from Holland Cooper gave her look a relaxed equestrian feel.

She paired the sleek jacket with one of summer's most versatile essentials: a blue linen shirt. What makes this style extra special is that it's not only from one of Kate Middleton’s favourite brands, but her light linen shirt is from the high street too. We quickly identified it as Boden’s linen safari style, an elevated take on the classic style featuring pocket detailing and a textured chambray finish.

To complete the look, the Princess opted for a relaxed finish. Her chocolate brown trousers are a now sold-out style from Massimo Dutti (although they have great alternatives), while matching dark brown boots from See By Chloe (also sadly sold out) gave her outfit the polish that elevated it from the ordinary to the sublime.

With the 'Kate Middleton effect' in full swing, we anticipate the blazer or shirt not being in stock for long. With that in mind, if you do want to channel Princess’ heatwave-approved look, now is the time to invest in these refined essentials before they're gone.

Recreate Kate Middleton's look

If you aren't able to get your hands on Kate's exact style, don't worry—there's only one key piece you truly need if you want to recreate her warm-weather-approved look. What this outfit proves is that a great blue linen shirt will work hard in your wardrobe through spring and summer, giving your outfits a smart, sophisticated feel while also ensuring you remain comfortably cool during the height of summer. With that in mind, I’ve created an edit of the best blue linen shirts so you can channel the Princess in your own wardrobe.

Plus, if you’re looking for alternative ways to style it, Kate’s not the only one who’s a fan of a crisp blue button-down. Earlier this month, Gigi Hadid took to the stage at Jimmy Fallon in her own blue shirt, offering fresh inspiration for restyling this perennial classic. So, however you're wearing it, count this as your sign to add a chic blue shirt to your wardrobe ASAP.

The best blue linen shirts

Prince William and Princess Kate are looking at making a major change to their Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage, apparently.

The house has an "abandoned" outhouse that used to be "inhabitable," according to the Mirror (via Hello!), and the Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly set to renovate the building so that they can use it as an annexe.

However, the Waleses were apparently previously not sure what exactly they wanted to do with the building, so they took their time discussing it — as well as prioritising more pressing issues.

It's not surprising that Kate and William would want to maximise the space they have access to, since as far as royal homes go, Adelaide is actually quite small: it's only got four bedrooms. This means that, as things are, they have to choose between some of the children sharing their bedrooms and having space for guests to stay (it's not known how exactly they utilise the space).

Obviously, many families have similar decisions to make as to how to use their space, but since Kate and William potentially have the option to expand the liveable area of their home, it makes sense that they would want to take advantage of it.

The family of five have lived in the property on Windsor Great Park since 2022, moving in just weeks before the late Queen's sad passing.

They apparently were craving more time in the countryside, and Windsor emerged as a fantastic solution.

While they also own a home in Norfolk, this was likely too far away from London to be considered a suitable option — since, as senior royals, they're often required to be in the capital for official events.

They were also able to enrol their children at the nearby Lambrook School, meaning one of the parents could easily do the school run most days.

Besides, Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, also live in Berkshire, under an hour's drive away from Kate and William — adding to the appeal of Windsor.

Since joining the royal family, experts and insiders have often claimed that the Princess of Wales holds the 'future of the monarchy' in her hands. Not only did she get a rapid stamp of approval from the late Queen Elizabeth II when she started dating Prince William, but she has gone on to become the 'face' of the royal family thanks to her ongoing charity work, popularity with the public, and tradition-breaking relatability.

Kate and her husband William have consistently ripped up the royal rule book, whether it's through their modern parenting techniques or their willingness to be vulnerable. But the Princess of Wales has also gone on to change, and make, history- and her latest privileges only serve to highlight her importance within the royal fold.

The Princess is set to break a century-old tradition as she will be permitted to issue royal warrants, an honour which has not been given to a Princess of Wales since 1910. The last royal to hold the Princess of Wales title and also boast this power was Mary of Teck, who was privy to issuing royal warrants before her husband, George V, became the King.

Currently, the authority to issue royal warrants is limited to King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince William. This prestigious recognition is used as a universally acknowledged marker of a brand's quality, and usually the approved people and companies supply goods or services to the royal household. Publicly, it shows that a product has a veritable royal seal, and this lasts for up to five years at a time.

The royal warrant spans across industries, too, with notable names including Burberry, Barbour, Fortnum & Mason, Cartier, Twinings and Elizabeth Arden. Given that Princess Kate has become something of a style icon over the years, she may well use the power to recognise some of her go-to fashion brands and designers.

Kate Middleton is masterful when it comes to polished, timeless style, but if there’s one piece that defines her wardrobe, it’s the coat.

Yesterday, Catherine Princess of Wales made a public appearance at the mother and baby unit at HMP Styal in Cheshire, England, where she met with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, as well as staff and advocates. For the occasion, she opted for a tried-and-true wardrobe favourite: a bespoke Blaze Milano coat in rich maroon with tonal windowpane checks.

Offering a masterclass in elegance and practicality, the princess layered the Blaze Milano coat over a chic turtleneck sweater by Gabriela Hearst, an Edeline Lee skirt, and brown suede boots with a practical block heel and pointed toe.

The deep burgundy shade not only complemented her signature polished look but also nodded to her love of refined, regal dressing.

Kate Middleton, who is known for rewearing styles, last wore this checked coat for her first public outing of 2025: an official visit to Royal Marsden in Chelsea, where she received her course of preventive chemotherapy in 2024. The princess also wore the longline coat—which was lengthened especially—for Christmas Day mass in 2021.

Kensington Palace might’ve announced that it will no longer share details on what the princess wears to official appearances, as per reporting from The Times, but one thing is certain: Kate Middleton’s wardrobe is as influential as ever.

Shop Kate Middleton-inspired staples

The Prince and Princess of Wales have often forged their own path when it comes to their royal roles. They have regularly broken traditions, whether through their controversial wedding guest list or their family ritual that the late Queen Elizabeth II 'couldn't stand'.

And when it comes to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' schooling, it seems that William and Kate may be preparing to break another long-standing royal custom: boarding school. According to reports, the prospect of George following in William and Harry's footsteps by enrolling at Eton is one that has caused some tension between the Wales' over the years.

Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: "From the reports we've had, it certainly seems that William and Catherine have undertaken a great deal of research into the best school for George - and, perhaps, the other children. I think it's quite likely that, after the year they have had - and how unsettling it must have been for George and the other children, no matter how hard their parents tried to lessen the trauma of cancer - that they would all feel happier and more secure if they could remain as a tight family unit."

As Kate slowly returns to work and resumes her royal duties, the Princess is said to be discussing George's future with William. While he is keen for George to attend Eton as he did, Kate preference is a co-education school like Marlborough College, where she was once enrolled.

However, according to Bond, the family could abandon royal tradition completely. Discussing George, Charlotte and Louis' futures, she continued: "Personally, I think it would be brilliant if they completely broke with tradition and, indeed, their own school background and sent all three the children to a day school for the rest of their education. That really would signal that this royal couple intend to do things differently."

The sentiment has been echoed by a number of royal experts in the past, including Katie Nicholl who told the publication: "Kate’s preference is for George to be at a co-education school, so he can be with his siblings, which is what Kate experienced at Marlborough with her sister, Pippa, and brother, James. It was a very happy school life for her, but William has very fond memories of Eton, which has a long history with aristocrats and members of the royal family. There’s always the possibility of traditions being changed... it may be that George breaks the Eton mould and ends up somewhere else."

In 2022, royal expert Ingrid Seward told OK! magazine that William and Kate would 'never force' their children to attend boarding school. She claimed: "Kate and William are modern parents and will weigh up the decision very carefully. I think they’ll wait to see how the children’s personalities develop, and take into consideration whether or not they would be happy to live away from home."

Prince George will celebrate his 12th birthday in July. Given that his current school, Lambrook, educates children up to 13 years old, he would not be expected to change schools until autumn next year.

Prince William and Princess Kate have often spoken about how they parent their three children, whether it's their use of a 'chat sofa' or adopting a 'hands off approach' in order to give them freedom and independence. While reports claim that the couple is also having conversations with Prince George about the responsibility of his future role, it seems they are also ensuring that their eldest son is involved in discussions about important, serious matters now that he's a little older.

William opened up about this during Holocaust Memorial Day, when he met with survivors including Alfred Garwood and Sabina Kadic-Mackenzie. He explained: "George is getting to the age where he's starting to understand things. So, it's getting interesting to talk to him about what happened."

According to a report published in the New York Post last year, William and Kate took a similar approach when sharing news of the Princess' cancer diagnosis with their children. Grant Harrold, the former butler to King Charles, said: "I'm sure it was a very difficult and very different conversation between children. For instance, for Louis I’m sure the conversation was more sugarcoated than it was with George and Charlotte. The older children can understand more, so I’d imagine it was a little more frank but undoubtedly staying positive, which is so important."

Both William and Kate participated in remembrance events this week. Writing on Instagram afterwards, they shared: "A solemn moment of remembrance and hope for the future at today’s Holocaust Memorial Day service. Honoured to take part in this important event to commemorate the lives lost in the Holocaust and other genocides."

On the day, the royal couple were also able to reconnect with Holocaust survivors Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, both of whom the Princess photographed with their grandchildren in 2020.

Speaking of the photographs at the time, Kate said: "I wanted to make the portraits deeply personal to Yvonne and Steven — a celebration of family and the life that they have built since they both arrived in Britain in the 1940s. The families brought items of personal significance with them which are included in the photographs."

The Princess continued: "It was a true honour to have been asked to participate in this project and I hope in some way Yvonne and Steven’s memories will be kept alive as they pass the baton to the next generation."

Over the years, Kate has been able to meet and forge strong bonds with several Holocaust survivors. As well as Yvonne and Steven, she first met a man named Manfred Goldberg in Poland in 2017, and he was then invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2022, when Kate was delighted to be reunited with him.

Following her shock cancer diagnosis last year, the Princess of Wales took a step back from royal duties to focus on her recovery and spent the summer with her family in Windsor, away from the public eye. In September, she confirmed that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and slowly returned to work, which included hosting her annual carol concert at Westminster Abbey and joining the royals at their traditional Christmas morning church service in Sandringham.

However, her husband, Prince William, has emphasised that Kate still has a 'long way to go' with her recovery, and during a recent public engagement at the London Royal Marsden Hospital, Kate opened up about her experience of cancer treatment for the first time, admitting that 'it's hard to get back to normal'.

Now, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl has claimed that the Princess is returning to her royal role 'on her terms', and consequently it could mean that Kate adjusts her historically hectic work schedule. She told The Sun's Royal Exclusive show: "She did a lot of running up and down the country, juggling that with the three children doing the overseas tours. People would be quite surprised to learn just how hands on William and Catherine are as parents. And I think this is just, well, it's a wake up call, isn't it? This is a real reality check for her."

During Kate's solo trip to the hospital to talk to patients and staff, she explained that despite completing her treatment she still sees the difficulties of the road ahead. She said: "You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but that's still a real challenge. The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment but actually there are more long term side effects."

Princess Kate's cancer journey was 'harder' than expected for her and her family, according to one source. The Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer in early 2024, and underwent chemotherapy in the summer before officially sharing that she had completed her treatment in the autumn. However, William has stressed that Kate still has 'a long way to go' and during a recent engagement, Kate spoke about the 'tough' reality of her treatment.

"It has been a tough journey — harder than we perhaps thought," one insider told People. "She has been through a lot, and it has been a rough road. Serious illness like cancer does change you. She has a young family, and it makes you rethink everything — your purpose and what you want to do with your life."

Indeed, some experts think that Kate will now focus part of her work on supporting cancer patients, as she has already done this month. Her illness and recovery are also likely to influence how she thinks about her life more generally. With all that being said, a second source who spoke to People believes Kate is in a really positive mindset now that she's in remission. The insider said: "She has drawn a line under the last year, and she can move forward. The word 'remission' is such a positive one to use, and it just feels a veil has been lifted on their life of the last year, and that they can move forward with positivity and hope."

The Princess of Wales confirmed that she was in remission during her visit with cancer patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London last week, which is where she was treated last year.

In a message shared on social media after her visit, Kate wrote: "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."