King Charles has given a rare update on his health while meeting with New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The monarch, 75, announced that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer in February.
He expressed his regret that he would be unable to visit New Zealand too when he travels to Australia next month for a five-day tour.
Charles told the team: “I am extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders. But I hope there will be another excuse before too long.”
The monarch then encouraged the team to “make the most” of the opportunity, “as you don’t stay young for very long, as I discovered,” the Express reports.
This comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding a new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which critics have demanded be “melted down”.
Unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday (6 September), the bronze artwork has been slammed by many for allegedly failing to resemble the late monarch.
The statue has since been defended by the council, who said it shows the queen “in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service.”
Key Points
- King Charles gives rare health update
- Statue of Queen Elizabeth II slammed for resemblance to late monarch
- 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'
Prince William warns of ‘future threats’ during RAF speech
15:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has warned of the likelihood of the UK facing “future threats” during a speech at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell today.
The heir to the throne, 42, said: “We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.”
William is himself a former search and rescue pilot.
Prince Harry ‘obsesses’ over public image in UK
14:22
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry wants to be warmly regarded in the UK after stepping down as a working member of the royal family, an expert has claimed.
“Over the years, Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him,” broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.
“He still obsesses over his public image here in the UK. He is on a mission to change public perception, desperate to be seen in glowing lights rather than the constant negative PR whirl that surrounds him.
“Prince Harry… is interested in turning his public image around.”
Meghan Markle’s popularity soaring amount UK’s Gen Zs
14:13
Emma Guinness
A new YouGov poll has found that the Duchess of Sussex’s popularity in the UK is soaring among Gen Zs.
The poll of 18 to 24-year-olds found that Meghan was seen favourably by 48 percent of respondents, and she has an overall net positivity rating of 18 percent.
To put this into context, Prince William has a net positivity rating of 20 percent amongst this group and the Princess of Wales has a net positivity rating of 23 percent.
14:00
Emma Guinness
A Northern Irish council has defended a controversial new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has been slammed by critics for failing to resemble the former queen.
The bronze statue, which was unveiled on Friday at Antrim Castle Gardens, evoked such strong opinions that some suggested it should be melted down.
A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council told The Independent: “The Council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.
“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign.
“The Council is particularly pleased with how the sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis. This thoughtful arrangement has resonated strongly with visitors, who appreciate the personal touch it brings to the memorial, within the Gardens.”
King Charles gets ‘unexpected' group hug
13:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles received an unexpected group hug when he hosted New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace last night.
The monarch, 75, also took the opportunity to express his regret that he would be unable to visit the country when he tours Australia next month because of his ongoing health concerns.
“Thank you, @blackferns, for dropping into Buckingham Palace during your end of year tour!” the royal family wrote on their official Twitter/X account.
“Last night, The King welcomed the Black Ferns rugby team ahead of their match against the Red Roses at Twickenham this weekend and received an unexpected group hug in return!”
Meghan Markle debuts new $30,000 diamond necklace
12:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex wore what appeared to be a brand new $30,000 diamond necklace while attending a bookshop opening with Prince Harry in California.
Hello! magazine reports that Meghan wore the “18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds in Yellow Gold’ from Logan Hollowell – a piece that sets its wearer back $30,000 (£23,261).”
It has been said that the necklace could have been a birthday present from Harry. The former actress turned 43 on 4 August.
The jeweller wrote of the piece: “Introducing the 18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds, a divine embodiment of luck and fortune inspired by the Roman goddess herself. Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and luck, serves as the muse for this exquisite piece, seamlessly blending elegance with the whims of fate.”
Prince Harry ‘is not even the spare to his wife’, biographer claims
11:00
Emma Guinness
A royal biographer has claimed that the Duke of Sussex “is not even the spare to his wife” after analysing the couple’s recent quasi-royal tours of Colombia and Nigeria.
Harry, who turns 40 this weekend, famously penned a 2023 memoir about his status as the “spare” in the royal family.
As reported by the Sun, biographer Angela Levin said: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing.
“She [Meghan] treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. He’s pushed out of the way.”
Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
10:00
Emma Guinness
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s premium event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
Watch the full event here. If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
King Charles gives rare health update
09:01
Emma Guinness
King Charles has given a rare update on his ongoing battle against cancer while meeting New Zealand’s female rugby team at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday.
The monarch, 75, expressed his regret that he would be unable to visit the country too when he travels to Australia in October for a five-day tour.
“I am extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders. But I hope there will be another excuse before too long,” he said.
“But in the meantime, give my love to New Zealand, please, and New Zealanders, we get lots of nice Kiwi coming here in this part of the world as well, so we are very lucky indeed.”
Charles also appeared to impart some wisdom he gained in his later years, telling the women: “I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you don’t stay young for very long, as I discovered, it all goes quicker than you think,” as reported by the Express.
Prince Harry reveals the ‘best gift’ he has ever had ahead of milestone birthday
06:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has revealed the “best gift” he has ever been given ahead of his 40th birthday on Sunday (15 September).
Harry is understood to be having a “low key” celebration with his family at their home in California.
He told PEOPLE ahead of the milestone: “The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids.
“I enjoy watching them grow every single day, and I love being their dad.”
Harry will ‘involve’ King Charles in 40th birthday celebrations
03:00
Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that Prince Harry will involve King Charles in his 40th birthday celebrations this weekend despite his strained relationship with the royal family.
Harry, 39, last saw his father following his diagnosis with an undisclosed type of cancer in February.
The insider told News International: “Harry could send a video of Archie and Lilibet’s celebrations to King Charles.”
Another source added: “King Charles still loves his estranged son even after Harry’s claims against the royal family. He will send a private message to the Duke on his big day.”
The duke is reported to be having a “low key” celebration with his family in California on the big day itself (15 September) before enjoying a “weekend getaway” with friends.
Prince Harry’s unusual birthday treat
Wednesday 11 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
New details have emerged about Prince Harry’s alleged birthday getaway with friends in California.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, will celebrate his milestone 40th birthday on Sunday (15 September) and is said to be having a low key celebration with his family.
This will be followed by a “weekend getaway” with friends, with a source telling The Express that the group will travel to the Cold Spring Trail in California.
“The Cold Spring Trail has lots of streams and pools which people regularly take a dip in,” they said. “But there are also lots of snakes and other wildlife to contend with, like large cats.
“Harry and his friends will truly experience the outdoors as they take on one of the long hikes. Let’s hope he’s taking an experienced guide with him.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Australia
Wednesday 11 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Australia next month on an official visit.
“The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa, and attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 18th v 26th October 2024,” an official statement read.
Meghan Markle’s bookstore speech interrupted by Oprah Winfrey
Wednesday 11 September 2024 15:27
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex’s speech at a bookstore opening in California was interrupted by none other than Oprah Winfrey.
Meghan, 43, was speaking about the “safety” she felt in bookstores when the star, 70, arrived late and began looking for her seat in the front row.
Footage of the awkward moment was later shared to Instagram by journalist Elizabeth Holmes.
Ms Holmes said: “She came in so quietly that I didn’t even realise, I am sat there studiously filming and then all of a sudden it’s like Oprah right there, and she is like ‘sorry’ and I am like no you never need to say sorry. Anyway, surreal.”
Prince Harry’s visa ruling kept private
Wednesday 11 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The ruling on whether the Duke of Sussex lied on his US visa application has been kept private.
An investigation was launched following revelations about the subject in Harry’s bombshell 2023 memoir Spare.
Newsweek reports the case was closed on Monday (9 September). It is not known at this time if the outcome will be made public.
New video of Princess of Wales ‘humanized’ royal family
Wednesday 11 September 2024 14:00
Emma Guinness
A new video of the Princess of Wales and her family announcing that she is now cancer free has been praised for “humanizing” the royal family.
Sky News’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills said: “The Princess of Wales has obviously decided that in the next part of her cancer journey, she wants to be as open as possible.”
Ms Mills added: “What she very clearly wants us to understand that the last nine months have reset how she feels about life, her family and her duties.”
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh attend garden party in Northern Ireland
Wednesday 11 September 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have recognised those making a positive impact in their local community at a garden party in Northern Ireland.
A picture of the couple was shared on the official royal family Twitter/X account with the caption: “The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh had a wonderful afternoon yesterday, meeting guests at a Garden Party, which took place at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.
“Guests were invited in recognition of their work to make a positive impact in the local community.”
Princess of Wales has a ‘long way to go’ in cancer journey
Wednesday 11 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has said that the Princess of Wales still has a “long way to go” in her cancer journey, despite having completed chemotherapy.
While greeting royal well-wishers in Wales yesterday, the heir to the throne said that while it is “good news” that she is now cancer free, she still has a “long way to go”.
Statue of Queen Elizabeth II slammed for resemblance to late monarch
Wednesday 11 September 2024 11:07
Emma Guinness
A statue of the Queen Elizabeth II has been slammed by visitors for failing to resemble the late monarch.
She was depicted alongside her late husband Prince Philip and beloved corgis.
Unveiled in Northern Ireland’s Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday (7 September), one local visitor said: “Whoever signed that off needs their eyes tested. It’s not good.
“I would take it away,” they added, the BBC reports. “It doesn’t do anything in memory for Her Majesty, so definitely I would remove it.”
Prince William wants marriage to Kate to ‘last forever'
Wednesday 11 September 2024 09:09
Emma Guinness
A British photographer has claimed that Prince William once told him that he took his time proposing to the Princess of Wales as he wanted the union to “last forever”.
Arthur Edwards told The Sun: “Once William told me the reason he and Kate took their time getting engaged was because he wanted to make sure his marriage would last forever.”
The future king and queen famously split for a few months in 2007 when William felt unable to propose because of his age before quicky reconciling.
Kate Middleton swaps Princess Diana ring for eternity ring in cancer free annoucement
Wednesday 11 September 2024 08:07
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales appears to have poignantly chosen to wear an eternity ring in the video announcing she is cancer free.
Kate, 42, wore the silver band instead of her sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana in the joyful video with her family.
Royal fans have now suggested that this was a deliberate choice to reflect a “fresh start” for the princess now that her chemotherapy has come to an end.
It was also suggested that the ring was changed due to chemotherapy-related weight changes the princess may have experienced.
Harry ‘frightened’ by possible outcome of UK security battle
Wednesday 11 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is “frightened” by the potential outcome of his ongoing battle to have his taxpayer-funded security in the UK reinstated.
According to reports, this is a matter of the utmost importance for Harry, who turns 40 this month, as he wishes to return to the UK more often.
A Palace insider told People magazine: “Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father, [but it is not in] Charles’s hands.”
This comes after Donald Trump said that he would treat Harry like any other citizen should he be reelected and it emerges that the duke lied on his visa application, which is currently under review.
Netflix reveals details of Sussex’s latest show
Wednesday 11 September 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
Netflix has finally shared a title and release date for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s new series about polo.
Alongside teaser images from the show, the streaming giant wrote: “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.”
Inside Charles and Camilla’s upcoming Australian tour
Wednesday 11 September 2024 14:51
Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla are preparing for the monarch’s first tour of Australia since becoming king.
The couple will visit Sydney and Canberra for five days of engagements in October that include a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy ships in Sydney harbour as well as a community barbeque with those making an impact in their local area, the MailOnline reports.
It is the first time that Australia will have hosted a reigning British monarch since Queen Elizabeth II visited in 2011.
Prince Harry’s 40th birthday plans revealed
Wednesday 11 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex plans to have a “low key” celebration with his family when he turns 40 this weekend.
An insider told Hello! magazine that the occasion will then be marked by a “weekend getaway” with friends.
Prince Harry was born on 15 September 1984.
Prince William greets royal well-wishers in Wales
Tuesday 10 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William took the opportunity to greet royal well-wishers in Wales today and provide an update on the Princess of Wales’s health.
“It’s good news, but there is still a long way to go,” he said of yesterday’s revelation that Kate is now cancer free.
The heir to the throne, also 42, added: “She is better, and thank you.”
Meghan Markle slammed for ‘tasteless’ decision on late queen’s anniversary
Tuesday 10 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex has been slammed for appearing at a book club event with Oprah Winfrey on the anniversary of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s death.
As reported by the Express, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam described the California appearance as a “dreadful mistake”.
He said: “I think it was an absolutely dreadful choice of venue to appear at, especially on a very special anniversary.
“I mean, we all know that when Meghan and Harry gave the interview on Oprah, which is infamous.
“Although they didn’t plan this, by the time the interview aired, Prince Philip was in hospital. We know that he died shortly afterwards.
“We also know that the interview was like exploding a nuclear weapon in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace.
“What is remembered is that the Queen’s comments. ‘Some recollections may vary’ sums it up very well. But that was absolutely tasteless place to be seen.
“We know that Meghan and Oprah are friends, but to be seen in a place which brought back memories of that interview on that anniversary is just extraordinary.”
Prince William celebrates Air Ambulance Week
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.”
Prince William reacts to Kate Middleton’s cancer free announcement
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.”
Harry and Meghan’s next ‘faux royal’ tour locations revealed
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.
The Princess of Wales’s potential upcoming engagements
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.
Princess of Wales’s cancer-free video ‘reinforces image of normal family'
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.”
New video of the Wales family praised as ‘extraordinary'
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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
Tuesday 10 September 2024 05:00
Athena Stavrou
Kate’s personal video shows ‘vulnerability while staying in control’
Tuesday 10 September 2024 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.”
