Kate Middleton cancer latest: William reveals ‘delight’ but warns princess has ‘long way to go’ with recovery

WorldEntertainment
10 Sep 2024 • 11:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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Prince William has today shared his delight that the Princess of Wales is cancer free after the news was publicly announced yesterday.

The heir to the throne, 42, reacted to the “good news” as he met with royal well-wishers outside a primary school in Llanelli, west Wales.

He told Pauline Thomas, 74: “It’s good news but there is still a long way to go.”

Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family on Monday confirming her positive progress and revealing she would start to “undertake light engagements” until the end of the year.

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.”

Kate has stayed largely out of the public eye since her diagnosis, having only been seen at official engagements twice since January.

Upcoming engagements could now include a service for Remembrance Sunday in November and an annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which the princess has previously hosted.

Key Points

  • Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
  • Prince William reacts to Kate Middleton’s cancer free announcement
  • Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback'
  • Harry ‘to receive millions’ on 40th birthday from Queen Mother
  • King’s health ‘heading in positive trajectory’

Prince William celebrates Air Ambulance Week

16:25

Emma Guinness

Prince William, himself a former air ambulance pilot, has been celebrating Air Ambulance Week today.

Taking to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account, the heir to the throne wrote: “Air Ambulance Week is the perfect time to say thank you for everything Air Ambulance charities across the country do in saving lives.

“Supporting these brilliant charities up and down the country helps them in their vital work – today, tomorrow and every day.

“Great to catch up with the Wales @Air_Ambulance team on base today!”

Harry and Meghan could return to UK for Christmas

15:00

Emma Guinness

An insider has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited to the UK to spend Christmas with the Spencer family.

Should they accept the invitation, it will be the first occasion Meghan, 43, has attended in the country since the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.

A source told The Express: “Charles [Spencer] has invited Harry, Meghan and the children to Althorp this Christmas.

“It’s far too early to say whether they will take him up on it, but the offer is there if they want it.”

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Prince William reacts to Kate Middleton’s cancer free announcement

14:00

Emma Guinness

Prince William has today reacted to yesterday’s “good news” that the Princess of Wales is cancer free.

However, the heir to the throne, 42, stressed that his wife’s battle with the disease, which began earlier this year, is far from over.

While meeting royal well-wishers outside a primary school in Llanelli, west Wales, he said: “It’s good news but there is still a long way to go.”

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Harry and Meghan’s next ‘faux royal’ tour locations revealed

13:00

Emma Guinness

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have already decided on the locations of their next two faux royal tours, an insider has claimed.

While carried out in their capacity as private citizens, the visits have many of the hallmarks of royal tours, and the couple’s recent visit to Colombia was designed to “illuminate” the country’s role as “a beacon of culture and innovation”.

The insider alleged to HELLO! magazine that the couple’s next destinations are Lesotho and Botswana and said they plan to undertake a third tour before the end of 2024.

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The Princess of Wales’s potential upcoming engagements

11:00

Emma Guinness

Following the news that the Princess of Wales will return to “light duty”, her potential upcoming engagements have been revealed.

It is widely speculated that she will attend an annual service for Rememberance Sunday in November and a Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey, which she has previously hosted.

Another potential engagement is the diplomatic reception that takes place in Buckingham Palace in December.

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Princess of Wales’s cancer-free video ‘reinforces image of normal family'

10:00

Emma Guinness

The new video of the Wales family announcing that Kate is cancer free has been said to “reinforce the image of a normal family”.

Released yesterday, the poignant video sees the Princess of Wales reflect upon her cancer journey and the impact it has had on her life and family.

Royal commentator Duncan Larcombe said: “[The video] reinforces that brand of a close knit, normal family – normal in inverted commas, obviously.

“It follows from the one they released a couple of years ago around Easter time, which again was shot in Norfolk and showed them playing on the beach and toasting marshmallows and lots of hugs and happy children.

“That’s clearly the image that that William and Kate are trying to present, and I think they’re doing it quite successfully.”

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New video of the Wales family praised as ‘extraordinary'

09:00

Emma Guinness

A video released to reflect upon the Princess of Wales’s cancer journey and to announce her return to duty has been praised as “extraordinary”.

Sky News’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said: “It’s an extraordinary video, especially when you consider just how private the Royal Family are.”

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.”

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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.”

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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:

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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.”

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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:

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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.”

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.

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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.”

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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”.

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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:

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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.

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.”

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In pictures: Kate and William cuddle in moving video message

Monday 9 September 2024 16:50

Athena Stavrou

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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