The Princess of Wales has made a surprise joint appearance with Prince William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport attacks today.
Marking their first joint engagement since Kate’s cancer treatment, the couple privately met the bereaved families in Merseyside.
The Princess is said to have attended because she wanted to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community”.
As well as meeting with the victim’s families, Kate spoke to first responders and the dance teacher who was present at the July attack.
Meanwhile, King Charles has issued a statement expressing his “greatest sadness” after the death of inspirational Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert.
Ms Ebert won global praise for speaking out about her experience of Auschwitz, where she lost her mother, younger sister, and brother to the gas chambers.
She passed away peacefully at the age of 100 yesterday (10 October), having previously met the King in 2022 after he commissioned a portrait of her.
The monarch said: “It was with the greatest sadness that I heard this morning the news of Lily Ebert’s death.
“As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed.
“Her extraordinary resilience and courage [are] an example to us all, which will never be forgotten.”
Key Points
- Prince and Princess of Wales carry out first joint engagement since Kate’s cancer treatment
- King Charles speaks of ‘greatest sadness’ after heartbreaking death
- Princess of Wales quietly uploads new picture of herself and Prince William
- Duchy of Cornwall town subject to serious complaints – ‘There are rats everywhere’
Prince William praises Southport emergency workers
16:45
Emma Guinness
Prince William has praised the emergency workers who attended the Southport stabbings and stressed the importance of them taking care of themselves.
The heir to the throne, 42, described them as “true professionals” and said they had endured a “bumpy few months”.
He said: “The first thing we thought about was actually how on earth you guys are going to handle having seen what you’ve seen.
“So please take your time, don’t rush back to work, do whatever you need to, talk about it, give your superiors a hard time if they are not letting you have that time to decompress because it’s so important you have those moments.”
Princess of Wales hugs bereaved Southport families
16:24
Emma Guinness
The chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service has revealed that the Princess of Wales hugged the families bereaved by the Southport stabbings.
Phil Garrigan said he had a “really lovely fleeting conversation” with both Kate and William.
He added: “The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been.
“I think that just shows a really caring side and is very, very touching for them.”
It is believed that the visit was planned as a solo engagement for William, but Kate, who has recently finished chemotherapy, wanted to attend to show her support as well.
Prince and Princess of Wales carry out first joint engagement since Kate’s cancer treatment
16:12
Emma Guinness
The Prince and Princess of Wales have carried out their first joint engagement since Kate’s cancer treatment today.
They visited Southport to privately meet with the bereaved families of the Southport attacks, as well as the dance teacher who was present and first responders.
Kate, 42, is said to have wanted to attend to show her “support, empathy and compassion to the local community”.
Duchess of York ‘so moved’ by Kate’s cancer video
14:35
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of York has said that she was “so moved” by the recent video announcing that the Princess of Wales has completed her chemotherapy treatment.
Sarah, 64, who has also recently experienced cancer, told ITV’s This Morning that she loved how Kate is “showing the world what it is to really look after yourself”.
“I think that’s extraordinary, what’s she doing,” she added, describing the video, which featured Prince William and the Wales children as “just incredible”.
William and Kate mark World Mental Health Day
12:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince and Princess of Wales have revealed the organisations that have inspired them for World Mental Health Day (10 October).
Taking to Twitter/X, they wrote on the official Kensington Palace account: “A #WorldMentalHealthDay thread with people who’ve inspired us and resources that could help you or those you know who may be struggling.”
The couple then recommended organisations including YoungMindsUK to any young people who are struggling, MindCharity, as well as the Matrix Project in the West Midlands.
Duke of Edinburgh speaks of ‘deep and sincere’ affection for Queen Elizabeth II
11:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Edinburgh has opened up about the Maltese people’s “deep and sincere” affection for his late parents, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Edward, 60, made the revelations at the residence of the High Commissioner on a four-day trip to the country to mark the 60th anniversary of its independence.
The late Elizabeth and Philip lived in Malta between 1949 and 1951, during the early part of her marriage to Philip, who was stationed there as an officer in the Royal Navy.
Prince Edward said: “The other thing that comes across so strongly is the very deep and sincere affection that so many people on this island have for my parents and that very special time that they had here with their young family, and it was lovely to visit the villa where they stayed during that time.
“The number of people who have said, ‘Have you been to the villa and are you going to go and see it?’, it obviously means a great deal to everybody here.”
Prince William makes plea for new Jason Bourne film at Baftas
10:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William took the opportunity to personally request a new Jason Bourne film during a visit to Bafta’s offices in central London.
He jokingly made the request to director Paul Greengrass, clasping his hands together and saying “Another Bourne, another Bourne”.
The visit was made to celebrate the work of young people in the film and creative industry and the prince met with those who had received a bursary in his name as part of the visit.
Princess of Wales quietly uploads new picture of herself and Prince William
09:03
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales has quietly uploaded a new picture of herself and Prince William to the official Kensington Palace Instagram account - featuring an outtake from their Paris Olympics video.
It is now the cover for the account’s August Instagram Stories highlight and features the pair in blue polo shirts.
The video itself was initially uploaded two months ago and saw the couple congratulate Team GB for their efforts at the Paris Olympics and express their personal enjoyment of the event itself.
King Charles speaks of ‘greatest sadness’ after heartbreaking death
08:28
Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a statement expressing his “greatest sadness” after the death of inspirational Holocaust survivor Lily Ebert.
Ms Ebert, who lived to be 1000, won worldwide praise after speaking out about her horrific experience at Auschwitz, where she lost her mother, younger sister, and brother to the gas chambers after arriving at the camp in 1944 when she was 20 years old.
The monarch said: “It was with the greatest sadness that I heard this morning the news of Lily Ebert’s death.
“As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed, as a permanent reminder for our generation – and, indeed, for future generations – of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are abandoned.
“Alongside other Holocaust survivors, she became an integral part of the fabric of our nation; her extraordinary resilience and courage an example to us all, which will never be forgotten.”
Ms Ebert is said to have passed away peacefully yesterday (9 October). She previously met the king in 2022.
Royal photographer Anwar Hussein dies aged 85
06:00
Emma Guinness
The longest-serving British royal photographer Anwar Hussein has passed away at the age of 85.
Responsible for iconic images like the late Princess Diana sitting in front of the Taj Mahal, his impressive portfolio of work spans over five decades of royal life.
He also photographed Diana’s infamous “revenge dress”, with the pair reported to have struck up a close friendship, that sadly ended with him photographing her funeral in 1996.
Mr Hussein is said to have died from a long illness on 23 September.
Meghan Markle’s best friend makes rare comments about ‘close’ friendship
03:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex’s best friend has paid tribute to her character following a surprise appearance at a hospital charity gala at the weekend.
Kelly Zajfen, who was also in attendance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles event, paid tribute to the staff at the hospital and then the duchess.
“I was also beyond grateful to share in this beautiful evening with one of my closest friends. Meg, your commitment to supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and community is truly inspiring. I’m so grateful to have you by my side,” Ms Zajfen wrote.
Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Thursday 10 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 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.
Queen Elizabeth II was not ‘a regular sailor’s wife’ in Malta
Wednesday 9 October 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh today made a poignant visit to the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s former home in Malta.
Living there during the early days of their marriage, the couple were brought to the country by Prince Philip’s job in the Royal Navy.
However, today it was stressed that the queen was not “a regular sailor’s wife”.
Giancarlo Azzopardi, assistant curator at Heritage Malta, said this is a common “misconception”, explaining: “The princess was living here at a time when there was a question about whether or not independence was going to happen and the princess was at work putting on a public image for Britain, for post-war Britain.
“Despite the idea, the misconception, that she was here as a regular sailor’s wife, she was quite busy. Every single day she was at an event.”
King Charles honours ‘extraordinary’ Auschwitz survivor
Wednesday 9 October 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has paid tribute to “extraordinary” Auschwitz survivor Lily Ebert who passed away peacefully today at the age of 100.
Ms Ebert lost her mother, younger sister, and brother to the gas chambers and went on to tell her story in a bestselling memoir, Lily’s Promise: How I Survived Auschwitz and Found the Strength to Live.
The monarch met Ms Ebert in 2022 when a portrait of her was unveiled.
Charles, 75, said in a statement: “It was with the greatest sadness that I heard this morning the news of Lily Ebert’s death.
“As a survivor of the unmentionable horrors of the Holocaust, I am so proud that she later found a home in Britain where she continued to tell the world of the horrendous atrocities she had witnessed, as a permanent reminder for our generation – and, indeed, for future generations – of the depths of depravity and evil to which humankind can fall, when reason, compassion and truth are abandoned.
“Alongside other Holocaust survivors, she became an integral part of the fabric of our nation; her extraordinary resilience and courage an example to us all, which will never be forgotten.”
Duchess of York hoping for Coronation Street Cameo
Wednesday 9 October 2024 17:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of York has said that she would like to make a cameo appearance onCoronation Street after a visit to the set today.
She made an appearance at the Rovers Return alongside Corrie star Sally Dynevor after they toured the nearby Prevent Breast Cancer charity headquarters in Manchester.
The duchess said: “Coming on the cobbles is quite a huge moment.”
While there, she met the executive producer of continuing drama Iain MacLeod, the soap’s assistant producer Verity MacLeod, and Matt Cleary, director of production.
She joked: “I’ve got to bamboozle you three to allow me to do a cameo.”
Duke of Kent is treated to birthday bagpipe perfomance
Wednesday 9 October 2024 16:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Kent was treated to a special birthday bagpipe performance at Kensington Palace today in honour of him turning 89.
A statement posted to the official royal family Twitter/X account read: “In celebration of The Duke of Kent’s Birthday today, three pipers from the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, of which His Royal Highness is Deputy Colonel-in-Chief, performed for The Duke at Kensington Palace.”
The duke is the oldest working member of the royal family.
Duchess of York opens up about cancer experiences
Wednesday 9 October 2024 14:41
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of York has opened up about her recent cancer battle while on a visit to a cancer charity centre with Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor.
Sarah, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer, like Ms Dynevor, after a routine mammogram last year before being diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer just months later.
During the visit, Sarah, who is now in remission, spoke to staff and patients and stressed the importance of speaking openly about the illness.
She said: “I think a lot of people are frightened to talk. They’re frightened that they don’t know where to go or what to do.”
The duchess added: “What I noticed today was I had a few private conversations with patients and they couldn’t get over that I was here having had a mastectomy, and that I said, ‘I’ve had a mastectomy. Here I am’.
“One of them in particular said, ‘Oh, so it wasn’t as frightening as you being led to believe?’.
“And I said, ‘No, it’s OK, just get good lymph drainage in after the operation’.
“I think that’s crucial because it is nothing worse than that fear.
“I had that fear as soon as I was diagnosed, I had that fear of death. You think it’s a death sentence. It’s not.”
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recreate Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s photographs
Wednesday 9 October 2024 12:30
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have today not only followed in the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s footsteps but recreated some of their photographs.
The couple are currently on a four-day visit to Malta, marking the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's former home
Wednesday 9 October 2024 12:07
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have paid a poignant visit to the former home of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Malta.
Villa Guardamangia was home to the royals during the early part of their marriage between 1949 and 1951 while Philip was stationed as a Royal Navy officer in the country.
“Visiting Malta is always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married,” the late queen said.
Prince William wants to ‘challenge’ the narrative around homelessness
Wednesday 9 October 2024 11:30
Emma Guinness
Prince William has said that he wants to “challenge” the existing narrative around homelessness in a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the subject.
He is currently tackling the issue through his Homewards project.
The heir to the throne, 42, said: “I think it’s really important that we can try and change, and tackle, the narrative around homelessness.
“People live with it, we see it every day in our lives, that’s something I want to challenge.”
Prince William could be coming into conflict with Anne’s 'raison d’être’
Wednesday 9 October 2024 11:00
Emma Guinness
A royal commentator has speculated that Prince William’s vision for a radically slimmed-down monarchy could affect Princess Anne, widely believed to be the hardest-working royal.
Tom Skyes, royal editor at The Daily Beast, noted that the Princess Royal’s “raison d’être is zooming around the country, squeezing in 500-plus engagements a year.”
He explained: “William has made it very clear he doesn’t see that as the family’s role anymore, preferring a tiny number of limited, high-impact engagements and events to the paternalistic, seen-to-be-believed, helicopter-riding royal attitude of old.”
The princess carried out 172 engagements between January and April of this year – more than double the number of any other working royal.
Duke of Kent celebrates 89th birthday
Wednesday 9 October 2024 10:45
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Kent is today celebrating his 89th birthday today (9 October).
He is the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and has held his title for over a record-breaking 82 years.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh commemorate war dead in Malta
Wednesday 9 October 2024 10:30
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have paid tribute to those who gave their lives during the Second World War while on their ongoing visit to Malta.
Alongside a post showing the couple placing tributes into Valletta harbour, the royal family acknowledged the awarding of the George Cross to the Maltese population in 1942.
“In 1942, at the height of the attacks, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Maltese population in recognition of their resistance, endurance and loyalty,” it was said in a statement.
Duchess of Edinburgh to read special CBeebies bedtime story tomorrow
Wednesday 9 October 2024 10:15
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s special reading of a bedtime story to mark World Sight Day will air on CBeebies tomorrow.
She said in a trailer for the programme: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly.
“World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.
“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”
The duchess is set to read Specs for Rex, written by Yasmeen Ismail – a story about a young lion who is reluctant to wear glasses to school.
Melania sheds new light on the Trumps relationship with the royal family
Wednesday 9 October 2024 10:00
Emma Guinness
Melania Trump has shed light on the royal family’s relationship with the former president and first lady ahead of next month’s presidential election.
This could see Donald Trump enter the White House for a second term after he lost to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in November 2022.
Writing in her new memoir, she revealed that she shares an “ongoing correspondence” with King Charles and explained that she and her husband “truly connected” with the late Queen Elizabeth II on a state visit in 2019, during Mr Trump’s first presidential term.
She proceeded to praise the royals for their hospitality during the visit, revealing that the late queen even gifted her a specially commissioned silver box engraved with the ceiling motifs from the Buckingham Palace music room.
King Charles ‘reluctantly’ agrees to eat lunch
Wednesday 9 October 2024 09:45
Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to have finally broken his decades-long aversion to eating lunch on the advice of doctors and Queen Camilla.
The monarch, 75, is now reported to be eating half an avocado for the sake of his health as he continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
A source told the Daily Mail: “With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime – a snack, really.
“He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day.
“It’s important, particularly if you have got an illness.”
Duke of Edinburgh meets young people taking part in International Award
Wednesday 9 October 2024 09:30
Emma Guinness
Prince Edward yesterday met with young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
The meeting came as part of a four-day tour of Malta that will see the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh undertake a packed schedule of engagements as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
The royal family said on their official Twitter/X account: “The Duke of Edinburgh was also able to tour the new Maltese HQ of @intaward where he met young people taking part in activities as they work towards their bronze, silver and gold awards.”
Prince Harry shares sweet detail about Princess Lilibet’s hair
Wednesday 9 October 2024 09:15
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry shared a sweet detail about Princess Lilibet’s hair at the WellChild Awards last week.
Giving a rare insight into the young princess’s life, he said that Lilibet, three, had inherited her mother Meghan Markle’s thick hair.
Hello! magazine’s CEO, Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, who was in attendance, revealed: “He marvelled that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers.”
Harry, 40, flew to the UK especially for the event, which celebrates the achievements of seriously ill young people and their carers.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s Malta tour continues
Wednesday 9 October 2024 09:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will continue their brief tour of Malta to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence today.
Their Wednesday schedule will see them visit the home shared by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the early days of their marriage between 1949 and 1951, Villa Guardamangia.
The couple lived there while Philip was stationed in the country as a serving Royal Navy officer.
King Charles to miss key event over health concerns
Wednesday 9 October 2024 08:48
Emma Guinness
King Charles will not attend the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan next month after the government exercised “an abundance of caution” regarding his health, it has been reported.
This comes after it was claimed that the monarch will temporarily “pause” his cancer treatment during his nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa this month after getting the go-ahead from doctors.
The decision was also made in the interests of his schedule, The Mirror reports, with the event taking place from 11 to 22 November – two weeks after the king returns from his overseas tour this month.
A source said: “The king will not be going to COP. He has not been asked by the government to attend the event and he is also mindful of his own commitments following the upcoming autumn tour.”
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.
The monarch, who turns 76 next month, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year following a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.
Royal family gives rare insight into Buckingham Palace restoration
Wednesday 9 October 2024 08:25
Emma Guinness
The royal family have given a rare insight into the ongoing restoration work being carried out at Buckingham Palace.
Sharing a video to Twitter/X, the official royal family account explained: “The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.”
In response to the footage, one watcher praised the work being done to modernise the iconic building.
They wrote: “Preserving Buckingham Palace’s history while modernizing its infrastructure is essential. It’s great to see such important work being done to maintain this iconic landmark!”
Duchy of Cornwall town subject to serious complaints – ‘There are rats everywhere’
Wednesday 9 October 2024 07:00
Athena Stavrou
A town built to King Charles’s specifications of an idealised community is suffering from a serious waste collection problem.
Residents of Poundbury, Dorset, which is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, have now spoken out in a bid to solve the problem, appealing to the king directly.
One local told The Telegraph: “There are rats everywhere and the smell is awful. No one seems to be bothered.”
A second said that the king “would be horrified” and compared the development, which is due to be completed in 2026, to a “third-world country.”
Explaining the root of the problem, a third added: “The number of bins is not sufficient, there needs to be a second refuse and recycling point. It’s carnage around Christmas with rubbish everywhere.”
Watch: Inside Buckingham Palace’s refurbishment
Wednesday 9 October 2024 06:00
Athena Stavrou
The palace has revealed the latest work that has been done in Buckingham Palace’s extensive reservicing programme.
The refurbishment is expected to cost £369m and began five years ago.
In a clip shared to social media, the palace offered a glimpse into the replacement of 3.5km of electric cabling, which had previously not been updated since the 1950s.
It wrote on X: “The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.”
The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 8, 2024
Watch more! pic.twitter.com/Z1jCM3WaBt
James Middleton says Princess of Wales was an ‘exemplary’ student
Wednesday 9 October 2024 05:00
Athena Stavrou
James Middleton has said that his older sister the Princess of Wales was an “exemplary” student in his new memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
The memoir, which recounts the 37-year-old’s struggles with his mental health, touches upon his radically different school experience.
He wrote: “Naturally, Catherine and Pippa, being exemplary students, managed to get through their entire school lives without a single demerit, but I amassed a handful of them every term.
“So while the female Middletons would be applauded for being helpful to teachers – opening doors and carrying books for them – I’d undo all their kind deeds by scampering along the corridor instead of walking because I was late for a lesson.”
The King is to pause his cancer treatment during his high-profile tour to Australia next week.
Wednesday 9 October 2024 04:00
Athena Stavrou
Royal doctors gave Charles, 75, permission to briefly halt the weekly cycle in order to fly around the world for his key visit Down Under, followed by a state visit to Samoa in the South Pacific.
The monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February, will receive treatment up until his departure, and resume the outpatient appointments when he returns to the UK, the Daily Mail reported.
He will be away for 11 days, with the tour covering nine days with two days of travel either side, and his entourage will include, as is usual for Charles’s official overseas visits, his doctor.
The long-haul trip