Royal news – live: Kate ‘excited’ as she gives update on early years project as she continues cancer treatment
The King and Princess of Wales are not expected to join the celebrations
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An “excited” Princess of Wales has given her first major project update since beginning her cancer treatment.
Her Royal Foundation Business Taskforce for Early Childhood has released a new report today (21 May) that suggests £45.5 billion could be added to the economy a year if businesses introduce more family-friendly working practices.
Palace sources have confirmed that the report has been viewed in full by Kate from home.
A spokesperson said: “The work of The Prince and Princess’ projects is ‘always on’… early childhood is a huge priority for The Princess and so she has been kept fully updated throughout the development of the Taskforce’s work and she has seen the report.”
The report comes after Kate hinted at a return to work last week on the Kensington Royal Twitter (X) account, where she and Prince William released another project update – a “special film” highlighting the mental health struggles faced by young farmers.
Meanwhile, the Sussexes have celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in LA just days after returning from Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.
They were spotted celebrating at a luxury steakhouse in Montecito, where a bottle of wine can set diners back as much as $1,402.
Dismay over Windsor Castle decision to end free entry perk for local residents
Windsor Castle is bringing an end to free admission for the town’s residents, in a move criticised by locals who say they see those in the “big house on the hill” as their neighbours.
The Royal Collection Trust is halting the long-established perk, which offers free entry to local people who have a Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Advantage Card, from June 1.
Cardholders will now have to pay for a ticket to world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, but will receive a 50% discount, costing £15 in advance or £16.50 on the day, with free entry for one child up to the age of 17.
The King uses the 1,000-year-old fortress in Berkshire as one of his official residences and it is a working palace, often staging investitures and state visits, but remains open to the public throughout the year.
When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837, she introduced tickets for visitors which could be obtained from the Lord Chamberlain’s Office or from select London booksellers.
King and Queen meet given tour of Chelsea Flower Show by Alan Tichmarsh
Prince Laurent: ‘Belgium’s Prince Harry’ set to quit royal family for dream life abroad
Prince Harry’s departure from the royal family changed the face of the British monarchy forever – but he is not the only royal black sheep to turn his back on palace life.
In Belgium, 60-year-old former playboy Prince Laurent has similarly established himself as an outsider in his own clan – much in the way that a young Harry did during his own turbulent formative years.
Laurent was affectionally known in the corridors of The Palace of Laeken as the “Playboy prince” before his marriage to Claire Coombs in 2003, while he courted further controversy with his spending and alleged entrepreneurial work.
Read the full article here:
Prince Laurent: ‘Belgium’s Prince Harry’ to quit royal family for dream life abroad
‘I don’t compare myself to Prince Harry. But I would like to start a new life,’ he said.
Earl Spencer celebrates 60th birthday today
The Earl Spencer is celebrating his 60th birthday today after recently showing his support for Prince Harry at the Invictus Games thanksgiving ceremony.
Charles Spencer, Princess Diana’s brother, alongside other members of the Spencer family turned up at the event in a show of support after none of Harry’s immediate family attended.
The Earl has remained close to Harry despite consistently frosty relations with King Charles following Princess Diana’s death.
King Charles takes on two of Queen Elizabeth’s patronages
King Charles has taken on two of Queen Elizabeth’s civil service patronages, continuing an almost 140-year-old tradition.
The Monarch, 75, is now the patron of the Charity for Civil Servants and patron of the Civil Service Club, which provide support to current, former and retired civil servants in need.
News of the King’s appointment was met with delight by their chief executive Graham Hooper.
“We are extremely proud and honoured that his majesty has chosen to continue the tradition started by Queen Victoria when she became our inaugural patron in 1886,” he said.
“His patronage of the charity recognises the vital work civil servants do day in day out in service of the country.”
King and Queen arrive to preview Chelsea Flower Show
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived at the Chelsea Flower Show ahead of its official opening tomorrow.
Alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, they will tour the displays in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The couple are also set to visit the Royal Horticultural Society’s “no adults allowed” garden, which aims to highlight the importance of giving children access to the natural world.
Their visit comes after King Charles was recently named the patron of The Royal Horticultural Society.
King Charles set to break tradition at this year’s Trooping the Colour
King Charles will reportedly ride in a carriage at this year’s Trooping the Colour and not on horseback as is tradition, it has been reported.
This comes amid a tumultuous year for the Monarch, 75, who was diagnosed with cancer following a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.
A source told The Telegraph that a carriage will be the “most likely” option to avoid any risk to the King’s health, as he is still battling the disease.
The event will take place on 15 June, the King’s official birthday.
Lady Amelia Windsor visits Chelsea Flower Show ahead of floral debut
Lady Amelia Windsor has attended the Chelsea Flower Show today ahead of its public opening tomorrow.
The royal, 28, is participating in this year’s event with a wildflower pot. She is 43rd in line to the British throne.
“So excited and honoured to be a very small part of the team for Kent Wildflower Seeds’s first garden at the Chelsea Flower Show,” she wrote on Instagram.
She is not the only member of the family in attendance today, and King Charles and Queen Camilla are also set to make an apperance alongside the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Harry and Meghan enjoy date night for wedding anniversary
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were spotted celebrating with friends at a Los Angeles steakhouse on their anniversary weekend.
The couple, who recently returned to the US from an unofficial tour of Nigeria, married six years ago on 19 May at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.
According to reports, they were seen out on Saturday with their friends Brian and Tracey Robbins at Lucky’s in Montecito.
The restaurant features a range of dishes which vary in price up to $175 for a porterhouse steak and a staggering $1,402 for a bottle of wine.
Harry and Meghan have seemingly struck up a close friendship with the Paramount CEO and his designer wife in recent years and the foursome even travelled to Jamaica in January for the premier of the Bob Marley biopic One Love.
King Charles now richer than his late mother Queen Elizabeth
King Charles officially has a higher net worth than his later mother Queen Elizabeth, the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List has revealed.
The current Monarch is worth £610 million, which is significantly more than the £370 million the Queen had in 2022 before her death.
The King’s wealth can, in part, be credited to his mother though as she left him an investment portfolio worth almost £120 million.
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