The Prince and Princess of Wales have met an aspiring teenage photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting her to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.
Kate, in a rare appearance after completing chemotherapy treatment for her own cancer, hugged Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate.
The princess and her husband met Liz and her family after the ceremony on Wednesday.
On social media, William and Kate said: “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C.”
Later, the Prince of Wales cheered on Aston Villa from the stands as his favourite football team took on German giants Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry is in southern Africa for another solo trip without Meghan Markle after a flying visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, is continuing his charity work with Sentebale, which supports young people affected by HIV.
Key Points
- Prince Harry arrives in South Africa without Meghan Markle
- Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
- Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
- Adorable moment youngster grabs Prince Harry’s beard
King given a Samoan dancing lesson
22:47
Alex Ross
The King has been given a Samoan dancing lesson ahead of his trip to the Pacific nation – and was dubbed a man with “moves”.
Charles did not need to be asked twice when a guest at his Commonwealth reception, celebrating achievements of people from the “family of nations”, asked him to dance.
Freddy Tuilagi, 53, the eldest brother of the famous rugby-playing siblings, choreographed the King’s performance, holding out his arms across his chest and fluttering them, which Charles copied.
The King smiled as he moved and was watched by the Queen, and at one point Mr Tuilagi, an honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission, gave Charles a ceremonial fly swat, which was hung over his shoulder.
Mr Tuilagi said after the performance: “I told King I’m going to dance for you, when you go to Samoa, this is how they will dance.”
Asked to critique the King’s performance, he replied: “Good – he’s got the moves.”
Charles and Camilla hosted the St James’ Palace event ahead of their forthcoming trip to Australia and Samoa later his month, with the Pacific nation the setting for a major gathering of Commonwealth leaders.
Kate hugs teenager with life-limiting cancer
22:14
Alex Ross
The Prince and Princess of Wales have met an aspiring photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting the teenager to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.
Kate was pictured hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate, after the teenager and her family attended the ceremony on Wednesday.
The princess has recently completed her chemotherapy treatment following her own cancer diagnosis.
Liz described being “over the moon” after meeting the prince and princess at the castle.
“Such lovely, genuine and kind people, I’m over the moon that my family and I had this experience,” she wrote on social media.
The teenager began a photography bucket list appeal after being diagnosed with desmoplastic small round cell tumour in January.
Her mum, Vicky Roboyna, said in June doctors have told her daughter she has between six months and three years to live.
Prince Harry praised for affinity with children
21:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has been praised for the clear affinity he showed with children at the WellChild Awards.
In one adorable moment, Harry, 40, burst into laughter as a young boy grabbed his beard.
Body language expert Judi James told The Mirror: “His chats with the children show Harry perhaps at his best, fully immersed in the conversations with the children, leaning forward onto his legs to get to their height and show very active listening skills that will make them feel totally relaxed and important.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to host Commonwealth reception
18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla will host a reception for select guests from across the Commonwealth, it has been revealed.
With a guest list reported to be 300 strong, the event will take place at St James’s Palace at an unspecified date.
Singer Grace Jones, dancer Motsi Mabuse, and rugby player Theo McFarland are all expected to be in attendance as the achievements of those in the Commonwealth are celebrated.
Princess Anne meets with Gurkha personnel
15:00
Emma Guinness
The Princess Royal has continued with her busy schedule by meeting with Gurkha personnel and their families this week.
Princess Anne, 73, was forced to take a step back from her duties earlier this year after reportedly being kicked by a horse.
The Brigade of Gurkhas are said to be some of the best soldiers in the British Army.
Prince Harry did not appear to meet family on flying UK visit
12:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex appears to have not met any of his immediate family on his flying visit to the UK this week.
Harry, 40, attended the WellChild Awards in London on Monday night, which was held in a hotel around a 15-minute walk from Kensington Palace.
It is not known exactly when he last saw his brother, Prince William, but he is believed to have last since King Charles for a reported 45 minutes following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February.
Harry is a patron of the WellChild Awards – an event that celebrates the achievements of seriously ill young people in the UK and their carers.
Prince William looks forward to Earthshot Prize in Cape Town
11:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William appears to be looking forward to the annual Earthshot Prize in Cape Town.
Established by the Prince of Wales in 2020, the Earthshot Prize recognises and supports those who are making an impact to protect the environment.
The official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account said that there are “just five weeks to go” this morning as Prince Harry arrived in South Africa last night to support his charity Sentebale.
Prince Harry all smiles with fellow royal in South Africa
10:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry was all smiles as he reunited with his friend Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in Southern Africa yesterday.
The pair were attending a charity event to raise awareness of the charity Sentebale, which supports young people affected by HIV.
This is the first time that Harry has visited South Africa since 2019 when he was still a working member of the British royal family.
Prince Harry arrives in South Africa without Meghan Markle
08:46
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has continued his charity work without Meghan Markle by raising awareness of Sentebale in South Africa last night.
After a flying visit to the UK for the WellChild Awards, Harry met with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho at a bonfire to reflect on the charity’s progress and the work that still needs to be done.
Established by Harry, 40, in 2006, Sentebale affects young people affected by HIV.
Harry said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people ranging from six to 25 – and the biggest difference of which really needs more work, is when people from the top start listening.”
Prince Harry claims ‘rift’ with family was made worse by tabloids
08:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has claimed that his ongoing rift with the royal family was worsened by the tabloid press.
Harry, 40, made the revelation earlier this year in the ITV documentary Tabloids on Trial.
This comes as he once again appears to have seen none of his immediate family while visiting the UK this week for the WellChild Awards.
“The mission continues,” he said of his fight against press intrusion, “but it has, yes, it’s caused, as you say, part of a rift.”
Queen Camilla’s son opens up about mother’s drinking and smoking in new book
06:00
Emma Guinness
Tom Parker Bowles has shed light on Queen Camilla’s “reputation” for heavy drinking and smoking in a new book.
Mr Parker Bowles, 49, wrote in Cooking and the Crown that the rumours around his mother’s love of certain vices are simply “inaccurate”.
He explained: “If anyone ever meets my mother, they always… I mean, a son would say this, but she’s someone I love going to have dinner with.
“And I go for a walk with her in Scotland. You’re always going to have your rows, differences of opinion.
“It would be very odd if we agreed [on] everything. Creepy. I certainly would annoy her sometimes.
“Oh, you know she has that reputation of drinking gin and smoking? Never drunk a glass of gin in her life. Doesn’t smoke.”
He went on to explain that he has never even seen his mother “so much as tipsy”.
Prince Harry shares sweet insight into Princess Lilibet’s life
03:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry shared a sweet insight into his young daughter Princess Lilibet’s life at the WellChild Awards in London.
The prince opened up when Noah Nicholson, six, threw one of his cuddly toys at him – a giraffe named Raffy.
He said: “Is this the same one? No way! Every parent has a spare. I’ve got at least six spares.
“My daughter Lili has these Lovies.”
Prince Harry given supportive message at WellChild Awards
Wednesday 2 October 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex received a supportive message from an audience member at the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, was attending in his capacity as patron for the charity which supports seriously ill young people and their carers.
While delivering a speech, he said: “So, keep being you. You’ve got this and we’ve got you.”
An audience member proceeded to shout: “We’ve got you too!”
Prince William celebrates exhibition highlighting homelessness
Tuesday 1 October 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has celebrated the success of his Homewards initiative’s art exhibition.
In a post shared by the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account, the charity wrote: “Thank you to everyone who visited & supported Homelessness: Reframed at @Saatchi_gallery.
“Over 47,000 visitors came to see the exhibition that aimed to improve understanding & inspire optimism that homelessness can be ended, this is just the start of our work.”
Homewards was set up with the aim of eradicating homelessness in the UK.
Boris Johnson claims late Queen Elizabeth II was secretly battling cancer
Tuesday 1 October 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
Boris Johnson has claimed in his upcoming memoir that the late Queen Elizabeth II was secretly battling cancer in the leadup to her death.
“Her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline,” Johnson wrote in Unleashed.
“She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections.”
The former prime minister added: “As Edward Young explained to me later, she had known all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty: to oversee the peaceful and orderly transition from one government to the next.”
The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
Princess Beatrice pregnant with second child, Palace announces
Tuesday 1 October 2024 15:26
Emma Guinness
Buckingham Palace has announced that Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child.
The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will be welcoming their new arrival next spring.
They already share a daughter, Sienna, three, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi has a son from a previous relationship, Wolfie, eight.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.
“His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”
The child will be 11th in line to the throne.
Prince Harry explains why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
Tuesday 1 October 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year why he will not bring his wife Meghan Markle to the UK.
Harry, 40, attended the WellChild Awards in London yesterday, but his spouse was notably absent.
Speaking to ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said that he will not risk bringing her to the UK as he fears a “knife or acid attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.
Meghan, 43, last stepped out in public in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
Tuesday 1 October 2024 13:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has today celebrated the unveiling of the London Air Ambulance’s new helicopters with none other than David Beckham.
A series of images of the pair posing with the vehicles and their crew was shared to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account.
Prince William to celebrate London Air Ambulance’s new fleet
Tuesday 1 October 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William will attend an event celebrating the introduction of the London Air Ambulance’s new fleet.
The Prince of Wales, 42, is set to view the helicopters themselves and meet with their crew following a successful fundraising effort to introduce two new vehicles.
Praising the success of the Up Against Time appeal on Twitter/X, William, a former air ambulance pilot himself, wrote: “Fantastic News! This is going to have a life-saving impact.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated W.”
Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
Tuesday 1 October 2024 09:25
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex took the opportunity to praise the “little legends” being honoured at the 2024 WellChild Awards as he gave a brief speech at the event.
Harry, 40, has been a patron of the charity which supports and celebrates seriously ill young people and their carers since 2007.
Harry said: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.
“The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us, it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”
Prince William to step out in London today
Tuesday 1 October 2024 09:04
Emma Guinness
Prince William is set to step out in London today following Prince Harry’s triumphant appearance at the WellChild Awards in the city last night.
The heir to the throne, 42, will be visiting a 2023 finalist of his Earthshot Prize, ENSO, which specialises in creating sustainable tyres for electric vehicles.
This will see him meet with the company’s CEO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, to discuss the progress it has made over the past year.
Adorable moment youngster grabs Prince Harry’s beard
Tuesday 1 October 2024 08:59
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry proved that he has a natural affinity with children at yesterday’s WellChild Awards when a young boy grabbed his beard.
In response, the duke, who recently turned 40, simply burst out laughing.
Harry was attending the event in his capacity as patron for the charity, a role he has held since 2007, and gave a brief speech as he presented an award.
The event celebrated the achievements of seriously ill children and their carers.
‘Rather ugly’ statue of Prince Philip removed
Tuesday 1 October 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
A statue of the late Prince Philip that was described as “rather ugly” by a local councillor has been removed.
The controversial artwork, known as the Cambridge Don, was located outside an office building in Cambridge and had been moved to the spot without the correct planning permission in 2023.
“The statue was erected without planning permission and was in breach of planning control like anything erected without the correct permission,” a spokesperson for the council said.
“Given its size and location in the New Town and Glisson Road conservation area, it would have been unlikely to receive planning approval even if it had been sought because it would have contravened national and local planning policies.
“As we have said throughout this process, it’s frustrating that the council has had to spend time and money to achieve this outcome, but the inspector’s decision makes it very clear that planning policies are in place for a reason and should be respected.”
The late Duke of Edinburgh was the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University and the 3,000kg work was said to represent him in his role.
King Charles sends condolences following death of Dame Maggie Smith
Tuesday 1 October 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a condolence message following the death of Dame Maggie Smith on Friday (27 September).
In a statement shared to official Buckingham Palace channels, the monarch wrote: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Tuesday 1 October 2024 00:00
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 virtual 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.
If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Prince William films video for upcoming Earthshot prize project
Monday 30 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales has shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of himself out in nature for an upcoming Earthshot prize project.
William, 42, launched the prize in 2020 to recognise and support individuals making significant contributions towards protecting the environment.
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at WellChild charity event
Monday 30 September 2024 20:08
Holly Evans
Boy, seven, grabs Prince Harry’s beard during sweet encounter at awards
Monday 30 September 2024 19:15
Holly Evans
As part of his role as patron of Wellchild, Prince Harry met with families and children, including Noah Noah Nicholson, who has complex medical needs.
He has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and other serious health issues, but his mother, Tracey Nicholson, 42, from Grimsby, said he remains happy and positive and lives life to the full.
The seven-year-old brought his prized comfort toys – George the cat and Ratty the Giraffe in the shape of a blanket – and delighted in throwing them on to the floor.
When Ms Nicholson apologised for her son’s antics, Harry, who is WellChild’s patron, replied: “Don’t apologise, I love it.”
Harry recognised Ratty the Giraffe and called the blanket comforter “lovey”, a name used in American, and said: “Every parent has about six spare.”
At one point Noah, who has brain damage and won the most Inspirational Child aged four to six, grabbed Harry’s beard and made him grin.
Harry upstaged by boisterous Noah at WellChild awards
Monday 30 September 2024 18:40
Holly Evans
The Duke of Sussex has been upstaged by a boisterous boy who threw his toys away during an awards night and laughed as Harry picked them up.
The duke met seven-year-old Noah Nicholson – who has complex medical conditions – when he returned to the UK to honour children, teenagers and their parents who have been recognised with awards from the charity WellChild.
Harry was asked by some of the youngsters whether he had a passport, and received gifts for his own children in the US.
He told one winner at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel: “My award is being here with you guys.”
The WellChild awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who keep them healthy and happy, including health, social care and education professionals.
King Charles speaks of royal affection for Scotland
Monday 30 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has spoken of his family’s love of Scotland in a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
In a speech at Holyrood, the monarch said: “We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland. Because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based as it is on the extraordinary diversity of its peoples, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions, and frequently deeply-held beliefs, never cease to inspire me.”
He then noted that his family’s love of the country runs so deep that the late Queen Elizabeth II chose to spend her final days in the country before passing away at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.
Prince Harry arrives in London for WellChild Awards
Monday 30 September 2024 16:15
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he arrived in London this afternoon for the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, is expected to present an award at the prestigious event and deliver a brief speech, having been a patron of the charity since 2007.
Prince Harry explained why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
Monday 30 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year that he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK because he fears “an acid or knife attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.
Harry, 40, has been engaged in a lengthy battle to have his taxpayer-funded security reinstated after it was removed when he stepped down as a working royal.
Speaking on ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said: “All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff, to act on what they have read. And whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is.”
“They are genuine concerns for me,” he added. “They are one of the reasons I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”
Harry has returned to London today alone for the WellChild Awards.
King Charles hugged at Holyrood
Monday 30 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles received a hug from a royal well-wisher while attending an engagement marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
Yvonne Macmillan, 59, from East Renfrewshire, asked the monarch about his health and offered a hug in light of his recent struggles.
She said: “I asked him if he was feeling better and if I could give him a hug. I actually said to him: ‘Can I hug you?’
“As I hugged him I said: ‘God bless you’, so it was like God giving him a hug.”
Ms Macmillan was attending the event in her capacity as a ‘local hero’ after setting up her Good Causes charity, which helps people in need.
Prince Harry to arrive in London today
Monday 30 September 2024 08:58
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is set to arrive in London today as he visits the city to attend the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, will be present in his capacity as patron for the charity, which celebrates the achievements of seriously ill children living in the UK and their caregivers.
The duke is expected to give a brief speech at the event and present an award.
Samoa’s prime minister urges King to swap suit for ‘island vibe’ during meeting
Monday 30 September 2024 07:00
Holly Evans
The King has been urged to swap his suit for “more of an island vibe” when he joins world leaders at a major Commonwealth summit in Samoa next month, according to reports.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called for those attending the meeting to dress comfortably, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The King is head of the Commonwealth and for the first time will preside over the gathering of presidents and prime ministers as head of state, during the event hosted by Samoa which will also be attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Read the full article here:
King Charles is the ‘loveliest man in the world’, says Camilla’s son
Monday 30 September 2024 04:00
Holly Evans
Queen Camilla’s son, the food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, has revealed his thoughts on spending time with his mother and King Charles in a column with the Telegraph.
Recounting his day as part of their weekly My Saturday, which sees celebrities recount their favourite weekend rituals, Mr Parker-Bowles said he was more likely to see the royal couple during the week, and often visits for a cup of tea.
“I know some people might visit their family for a bite to eat on a Saturday, but I don’t tend to nip down for lunch at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House as my mother is usually in the country at weekends now,” he said.
“Charles, who genuinely is the loveliest man in the world, and I’m not just being oily, knows so much about food and loves his food, as does my mother,” he added.
Palace did not ask Boris Johnson to give Prince Harry ‘pep talk’ over leaving UK
Monday 30 September 2024 01:00
Holly Evans
Buckingham Palace did not ask Boris Johnson to attempt to persuade Prince Harry to stay in the UK, according to reports.
The former PM has claimed in a new book he was urged to give the Duke of Sussex a “manly pep talk” to convince him to stay in the UK and not step back from royal duties.
In his memoir, Unleashed, which will be published on 10 October, Mr Johnson describes “a ridiculous business... when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless”.
Read the full article here:
Royal biographer explains why people ‘behaved so oddly’ around the late Queen
Sunday 29 September 2024 22:00
Holly Evans
A royal biographer has explained why so many who met the late Queen Elizabeth II found themselves acting so strangely.
