The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will “undertake light engagements” until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course.
Her heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the couple and their children enjoying the outdoors, with the couple cuddling as they hold hands.
She describes the past nine months since her serious health issues began as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and how the “cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone”, with the experience giving her a “new perspective on everything.”
The princess revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate has stayed largely out of the public eye since her diagnosis, having only been seen at official engagements twice since January.
The mother-of-three attended Trooping the Colour in June and presented the Wimbledon men’s trophy in July and it is now understood she will return to work this autumn.
Key Points
- Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
- Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback'
- Harry ‘to receive millions’ on 40th birthday from Queen Mother
- King’s health ‘heading in positive trajectory’
Harry and Meghan share first look at new Netflix show
08:12
Emma Guinness
Hours after the Princess of Wales announced that she is cancer-free, a first look at Harry and Meghan’s latest show was shared by Netflix.
Alongside pictures from the upcoming series, which is a part of their multi-million deal with the platform, the teaser explained: “POLO is a new documentary series that follows elite global players and offers an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced world of the sport.
“From Archewell Productions and Boardwalk Pictures. Premiering this December.”
‘Out of darkness, can come light’: Kate’s full statement
06:00
Athena Stavrou
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
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.
Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
Watch: Kate Middleton says she has completed cancer treatment
05:00
Athena Stavrou
Kate’s personal video shows ‘vulnerability while staying in control’
04:00
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales’s deeply personal video is a “groundbreaking moment” and “tectonic shift” in how the royal family controls its image, a PR guru has said.
Public relations and crisis consultant Mark Borkowski said the “polished” footage, featuring precious family moments and Kate sharing a health update in a voiceover, sets a new precedent, showing vulnerability while staying in command.
“This is film for the YouTube Insta generation – deeply personal yet controlled to convey a family dealing with cancer. A happy family portrait,” he said.
Mr Borkowski added: “It’s groundbreaking, an absolute first – a tectonic shift in how the royal family controls its image.
“Kate’s journey is profound and deeply personal, but they’ve learned that emotion can be controlled – and weaponised – in small, potent doses.
“By doing this through a polished film, they maintain dignity and control while still appearing relatable.”
Kate’s cancer update: The timeline of her ‘incredibly tough’ nine months
01:30
Athena Stavrou
Tuesday January 16: Kate is secretly admitted to The London Clinic and undergoes abdominal surgery. Kensington Palace announces the princess’s operation the next dat and says she will remain in the private hospital for 10-14 days. She is not expected to return to duties until after Easter, taking up to three months to recover.
Monday March 4: The princess is photographed for the first time since undergoing abdominal surgery. Kate is pictured in paparazzi shots near Windsor Castle wearing dark sunglasses in the passenger seat of a car, which was being driven by her mother, Carole Middleton.
Sunday March 10: Questions are raised that the first picture of the princess to be released after her abdominal surgery may have been manipulated before it was posted on social media by Kensington Palace. Kate publicly takes the blame for the manipulated photograph and issues a personal apology for the “confusion”.
Friday March 22: Kate announces she is undergoing chemotherapy for cancer in an emotional video message. She describes the “huge shock” after tests identified cancer following her abdominal surgery and the “incredibly tough couple of months” her family has experienced.
Friday June 14: Kate issues a written message saying she is “making good progress” and has “good days and bad days”, adding: “I am not out of the woods yet.”
Saturday June 15: The princess looks relaxed during her first day in the spotlight following her cancer diagnosis at the traditional Trooping ceremony.
Sunday July 14: Kate presents the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, in her second public engagement since her diagnosis.
Sunday August 11: William, sporting a beard, and Kate appear in a video message congratulating Team GB after the Paris Olympics, with a compilation of messages from celebrities including Snoop Dogg and David Beckham.
Sunday August 25: Kate joins William, and the King and Queen at Crathie Church, near Balmoral Castle, in Scotland during a summer break in the Scottish Highlands.
Monday September 9: The Princess of Wales says she has finished chemotherapy and is “looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months” but adds her focus is on “doing what I can to stay cancer free”. She shares a video montage of precious family time spent with William and her children over the summer.
Voices: As a cancer survivor, this is what I want the Princess of Wales to know
Tuesday 10 September 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
If I could write a letter to Kate Middleton after watching her powerful video about finishing her chemotherapy treatment, this is what I’d want to her to know: that her cancer message is moving, powerful, important and timely.
Watching the poignant footage made me cry. Seeing the Princess of Wales and her precious family enjoy the beautiful North Norfolk woods and beaches that I also love moved me deeply. And her carefully chosen words echo very many of my own feelings about having cancer.
As Kate Middleton releases an emotional video updating the nation on her health, Leah Hardy writes about why it means so much to her:
King Charles ‘losing patience’ over Prince Andrew’s living arrangements at Royal Lodge
Monday 9 September 2024 23:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles is “losing patience” with Prince Andrew after making several attempts to make him leave Royal Lodge.
The now disgraced Duke of York, 64, has occupied the 30-room mansion on the Windsor estate with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson since 2003 after being gifted a 75-year lease on the property for a reported notional rent of £260,000 a year by the late Queen Elizabeth II, with the added stipulation that he maintains the property.
Following the duke’s public fall from grace due to his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the monarch wants him to move to a smaller, “more appropriate” home, but the duke is said to have consistently refused to leave.
A source told The Times that the monarch plans to privately rent out Royal Lodge for an estimated sum of £1m a year.
The property is reported to be in dire need of repairs Andrew has failed to carry out. “It is now two years into the King’s reign, and he wants the matter settled,” an insider stressed to the newspaper.
“It can be done tidily or untidily. It can be done with grace and dignity or it can be forced upon him. It’s all rather sad.
“But as things stand, life at Royal Lodge is set to become increasingly cold and uncomfortable for the duke. The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride.”
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis show off playful sides in snapshot of royal life in Norfolk
Monday 9 September 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis showed off their playful sides as they frolicked through the countryside in a new video giving an update about their mother’s health.
The Princess of Wales confirmed she had completed her chemotherapy treatment as she spoke about her journey over a deeply personal montage of images of herself and her family.
The video, by filmmaker Will Warr, features the princess and her husband, Prince William, share cuddles in the Norfolk woods as they enjoy precious time with their three children.
Daredevil Louis climbs high in a tree, watched by Kate at the bottom, and William uses a playing card to remove a green caterpillar from Charlotte’s hair, showing it to her which makes her squeal.
Read the full story here:
Who filmed Kate’s emotional video?
Monday 9 September 2024 21:00
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales gave a positive update on her health in a deeply personal video released on Monday.
The video was shot by filmmaker Will Warr, who has worked with Kate and Prince William before, in 2021 when he filmed their 10th anniversary video.
That film - much like the most recent - showed the couple with their three children enjoying some precious family time together.
Mr Warr is the creative director of Detail Films and also does wedding films.
Starmer sends well wishes to Kate
Monday 9 September 2024 20:00
Athena Stavrou
The prime minister has said he is “pleased to hear” that the Princess of Wales has completed her chemotherapy treatment as he sent his well wishes.
Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: “Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy. On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery.”
Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 9, 2024
On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery. https://t.co/HI4ILmErqu
Is the shrinking Royal Family about to collapse? Join our event on the British Monarchy’s personnel crisis
Monday 9 September 2024 19:07
Athena Stavrou
The future direction of the monarchy is on a knife-edge, amid the passing of the late Queen, tense relationships, and a shrinking inner circle bolstered by an unprecedented health crisis.
Less than two years into his tenure as monarch, King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosis, reducing his public duties to recover. The Princess of Wales is also unable to carry out public duties, dealing with her own cancer diagnosis.
The event will be hosted on Zoom and will last one hour. It will take place on Tuesday September 10 and will start at 7pm BST.
Once signed up you will be able to ask questions to the panel. You can also post questions in the comments of this article.
For more information and to sign up for a free ticket click here.
King to speak at Scottish Parliament 25th anniversary celebration
Monday 9 September 2024 18:35
Athena Stavrou
The King will address the Scottish Parliament at its 25th anniversary celebration later this month.
The event on Saturday September 28 marks a quarter of a century since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened.
Charles and the the Queen will attend and meet First Minister John Swinney and other party leaders ahead of the King’s speech in the chamber.
They will then meet people from across Scotland nominated by MSPs as “local heroes” for their extraordinary contribution to their communities at a parliamentary reception.
Scottish Parliament presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who will make opening remarks in the chamber ahead of the King’s speech, said: “25 years of the Scottish Parliament marks a significant milestone in the country’s political journey.
“I am delighted that Their Majesties The King and The Queen will join us to mark this special occasion.”
Family moments captured on film as Kate shares cancer journey update
Monday 9 September 2024 17:57
Athena Stavrou
Moments of the Princess of Wales’s family life, from snuggling with the Prince of Wales to spending precious time with her children, feature in footage released by Kate as she opened up about her cancer journey.
The montage, by filmmaker Will Warr, captures the princess enjoying the summer sunshine in the Norfolk woods with William and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Embraces between the princess and her husband appear throughout, with a message from Kate played as a voiceover against a backdrop of gentle music.
Kate is shown cuddling into William, with her head on his shoulders as he holds and pats her hand, as they sit on a picnic blanket in the forest.
The family is seen happily, and competitively, playing cards around a table with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton.
There are hugs for Charlotte and a cuddle and kiss on the head for George from Kate, and Louis is shown embracing his father William.
Daredevil Louis climbs high in a tree, watched by Kate at the bottom, and William uses a playing card to remove a green caterpillar from Charlotte’s hair, showing it to her which makes her squeal.
In another clip, George peers into the camera and asks: “Is this filming?” and Charlotte and Louis press their faces near the lens giggling and both saying “Hello”.
Full story: Kate Middleton completes cancer treatment as palace announce health update
Monday 9 September 2024 17:31
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm the news as she described the past nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family”.
The princess has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
Read the full story here:
Kate releases message on social media
Monday 9 September 2024 17:19
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales shared her deeply moving video message in a social media post on Monday afternoon.
Alongside her statement, giving an update on her health, the princess spoke over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
Kate to return to royal duties
Monday 9 September 2024 17:08
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales will now ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ this year after completing chemotherapy treatmenent.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video message alongside Prince William and their three children to announce the news and give an update on her health.
The princess, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years and she has begun working with her team on the project.
‘Out of darkness, can come light’: Kate’s full statement
Monday 9 September 2024 16:59
Athena Stavrou
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
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.
Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
In pictures: Kate and William cuddle in moving video message
Monday 9 September 2024 16:50
Athena Stavrou
Watch Kate’s full video message as she completes cancer treatment
Monday 9 September 2024 16:41
Athena Stavrou
Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
Monday 9 September 2024 16:39
Liam James
The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm the news as she described the past nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family”.
The princess has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
Meghan Markle’s ‘chapter of joy’ on anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Monday 9 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
Meghan Markle attended a bookshop event with her friend Oprah Winfrey on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death (8 September).
Oprah’s book club event took place at Godmothers bookstore, in Summerland, California, while other members of the royal family marked the second anniversary of the late queen’s passing.
As reported by the Sun, the Duchess of Sussex said: “I’m looking at this time as my chapter of joy.”
She added: “The more you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognise and be able to be grateful for your life – you have to be grateful for all aspects of it.”
King Charles’s second year on the throne marked with 41 gun saltue
Monday 9 September 2024 13:32
Emma Guinness
The second anniversary of King Charles’s ascension to the throne has been marked today with a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September, 2022, at the age of 96.
The Band of the Welsh Guards also marked the occasion with music.
Late Queen Elizabeth II would have been ‘proud’ of King Charles
Monday 9 September 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II would have been “extremely proud” of how King Charles’s has handled the many challenges he has faced in his reign so far.
These include several health problems within the royal family, including his own cancer diagnosis, as well as ongoing tensions with his youngest son, Prince Harry, who he last saw in February.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! magazine: “The Queen always had that ‘keep calm and carry on’ work ethic, and we’ve really seen that continue with the King.
“He has kept going, and you get the impression he’s been doing as much as he physically can. I wonder if his doctors might privately be a bit annoyed that he hasn’t rested as much as he could have.”
Queen Elizabeth predicted big changes in monarchy before death
Monday 9 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II appears to have predicted the many changes that the monarchy would undergo after her death.
This year, in particular, has put King Charles’s vision for a comparatively slimmed-down monarchy to the test as the family battles several health problems, including his own cancer diagnosis.
As reported by the Express, the late monarch said four months before her death: “I have lived long enough to know things never remain quite the same for very long. Events and situations change with startling speed.”
Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the queen’s passing.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘sitting on goldmine'
Monday 9 September 2024 10:40
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “sitting on a goldmine” if Meghan decides to write a memoir, it has been claimed.
This comes ahead of the paperback release of the Duke of Sussex’s bombshell 2023 memoir Spare, which is said to have bagged him a $20m advance.
But royal expert Tom Bower said that should the duchess write her own account, it would destroy any hopes of a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family.
He told Talk TV: “The only thing she has got left – and I think that is her potential gold mine – is her autobiography.”
Mr Bower added: “She has a very, very vivid imagination and she’ll be able to spell out an amazing story... to increase her income.”
The duchess currently has no known plans to write an autobiography.
Watch: King Charles attends church on second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death
Monday 9 September 2024 07:00
Athena Stavrou
Songs Of Praise filmed at Balmoral church for first time
Monday 9 September 2024 06:00
Athena Stavrou
The Scottish church where Queen Elizabeth II worshipped has hosted the BBC’s Songs Of Praise programme for the first time to mark the second anniversary of her death.
The special programme, which was screened on Sunday, featured a hymn commissioned by the King called Crathie in honour of the building.
During the programme, presenter Claire McCollum meets Crathie’s minister and chaplain to the monarch, Reverend Ken MacKenzie, to reflect on the late Queen’s deep faith and how she always felt part of his congregation.
He took the broadcaster on a historical tour of the kirk, including the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1893 and the royal pews where the King and Queen Camilla regularly worship.
The King’s ‘rollercoaster year’ filled with family health challenges
Monday 9 September 2024 05:00
Athena Stavrou
The King faced a “rollercoaster” second year as sovereign, with the Queen proving herself the “star of the show” thanks to her support for her husband and the monarchy, a royal expert has said.
Sunday was the second anniversary of Charles’s accession to the throne and the loss of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The year 2024 looked set to offer a chance for the King and the royal family to settle in amid the aftermath the late Queen’s death and the King’s accession in 2022 and the hectic demands of the coronation in 2023.
But the health blows faced by Charles and the Princess of Wales torpedoed any plans for a run-of-the-mill year.
Joe Little, of Majesty magazine, said: “Nobody saw those things coming and they had a profound impact. It has been a rollercoaster year for the King, not just for him, but for his family, and it will have been of great concern to the Queen.
“Nonetheless he has been remarkably active for someone with his condition and given his age.
“He hasn’t really let the treatment hold him back, but I’m sure he hasn’t done anything near as much as he would have liked to have done.”
Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback’
Monday 9 September 2024 04:00
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales is hoping to join the royal family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and host her Christmas carol concert, according to reports.
Kate, who has undergone months of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, is “potentially” set to join the King on November 10 at the national service in Whitehall in honour of those who died in conflict, The Sunday Times said.
Planning is also said to be under way for her annual televised Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in December, if she continues to have “more ‘good days’”, the newspaper revealed.
Kate, 42, has made two official public appearances since her diagnosis – attending Trooping the Colour in June and presenting the Wimbledon men’s trophy in July.
No date has been set for her return to public life, but the princess is understood to be holding more regular meetings as she works from home, having enjoyed the summer with the Prince of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate to return to royal duties
Monday 9 September 2024 20:13
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales will now ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ this year after completing chemotherapy treatmenent.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video message alongside Prince William and their three children to announce the news and give an update on her health.
The princess, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years and she has begun working with her team on the project.
King’s health ‘heading in positive trajectory’
Monday 9 September 2024 02:30
Athena Stavrou
The King’s health is “heading in a very positive trajectory”, royal sources have said, as he marks the second anniversary of his accession to the throne.
Charles’, second year as sovereign has been filled with health concerns, having been diagnosed with cancer and dealing with ongoing treatment alongside his royal duties.
But a source said Charles had coped with the past year with a “determination to be as public as he was able” to reassure the nation about how much he could still do.
The King spent around three months away from public-facing duties and returned in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London.
He had a high profile run of engagements through the next few months with D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Portsmouth and Normandy, Trooping the Colour, the incoming Japanese state visit, a short trip to Jersey and Guernsey, the appointment of a new Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide general election, and the State Opening of Parliament.
The King and Queen are gearing up for an important tour to Australia and Samoa in the autumn – their first major overseas trip since news of Charles’s cancer was announced.
“Health has to remain the number one priority, albeit heading in a very positive trajectory,” the source said.
Sir Ian McKellen says ‘he’s most definitely on Prince Harry’s side’
Monday 9 September 2024 01:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Ian McKellen has asserted his support for Prince Harry as the duke’s estrangement with his brother and father continues.
The veteran British actor, 85, told The Times he believed Harry isn’t “bright enough” to deal wit the turmoils of royal life.
Reportedly pointing to a copy of Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, in his east London home, Sir Ian said: “I’m most definitely on Harry’s side.”
He added: “Imagine being born into the royal family. I’ve been in public life a bit, but these people are in prison. They can’t do anything normal. Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?”
“Hats off to anyone who manages to stay sane in that world,” he said.
“Like the [late] Duke of Edinburgh managed to do, although even he was deeply, deeply eccentric and I suspect deeply unhappy. Same with the present king. He sort of survives, but he is clearly damaged. As for Harry, he’s probably not bright enough or doesn’t have the right friends to really help himself.
“Mind you, he had the pick of all the pretty women in the world. I hope he’s got the right one.”
Harry ‘to receive millions’ on 40th birthday from Queen Mother
Sunday 8 September 2024 23:30
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive millions from the late Queen Mother when he celebrates his 40th birthday next week.
Prince Harry will reportedly become eligible to receive a large sum on September 15 from a trust set up by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother when he was ten years old.
An estimated £19 million was set aside by the dukes great-grandmother to be shared between her grandchildren, The Times reports.
Citing contemporary reports, the newspaper claimed William and Harry were set to receive £6 million between them when they turned 21 and a further £8 million when they turned 40. It is believed Harry would receive a larger share as William would benefit from the income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
A former Palace aide told The Times: “There was a trust fund set up at the time. It was a way in which the Queen Mother could set aside money for when her great-grandchildren were older and a way of passing a slice of her estate down in a tax-efficient way. It was a way in which some of her estate could be ring-fenced for them.”
Reports name Zara and Peter Phillips, Beatrice, Eugenie, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto as the other beneficiaries of the fund.
King clocks up more than 100 days of engagements in scaled-back second year
Sunday 8 September 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
The King’s second year as monarch has been less hectic than his first, with cancer treatment understandably having an impact on his schedule, though he has still undertaken dozens of visits, meetings and events.
Charles has carried out official engagements on 132 days during the past year, compared with 161 days in the previous 12 months.
The second year of his reign can be divided roughly into three sections: a full schedule during the autumn of 2023, with trips around the UK as well as to France, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, a period out of the public eye following his prostate operation in January 2024 and subsequent diagnosis of cancer, and a gradual return to regular activity from May onwards, including visits to Scotland and the Channel Islands.
The figures have been compiled by the PA news agency using the Court Circular, which is the official record of the royal family’s daily activities.
