The Princess of Wales has been photographed in public for the first time since announcing that she has completed chemotherapy.
Kate, 42, was seen being driven to church on Sunday by Prince William on the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.
In a poignant video announcing the end of her treatment, the princess said she would be returning to light duty until the end of the year.
Expected engagements include the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall and the princess’s annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry has arrived in New York alone for a series of engagements to promote his philanthropic projects.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, attended a high-profile, glitzy dinner hosted by the World Health Organisation over the weekend in aid of survivors of childhood violence.
Other notable attendees included Queen Mathilde of Belgium, but Meghan Markle was absent.
Royal expert Phil Dampier told The Sun: “It is significant that he is doing so much on his own now. They are living more separate lives as it looks like Harry is trying to carve out what exactly his future is.”
Key Points
- Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since completing chemotherapy
- Prince Harry arrives in New York for solo trip
- Late Queen was ‘aware’ of Mohamed Al-Fayed allegations, former security head claims
Harry showed ‘possible signs of struggling’ at New York event
Monday 23 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
It has been speculated that the Duke of Sussex showed “possible signs of struggling” at a glittering event hosted by the World Health Organisation in New York.
Harry, 40, is currently visiting the city to promote his philanthropic projects without Meghan Markle.
Body language expert Judi James told FEMAIL of his interaction with Queen Mathilde of Belgium: “As Harry and Mathilde walk in a group, it’s Harry who seems to be walking behind to emphasise the fact that he’s no longer the only royal in the room in New York.
“His facial expression appears to have fallen into the ‘haunted’ look that is sadly a signature signal for Harry when he’s not being upbeat and animated.”
Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge ‘alternative’ ruled out by Fergie
03:00
Emma Guinness
An alternative home for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson has now been ruled out after the Duchess of York put a lavish London property she owns on the market for £16,000 a month.
The couple are now facing increasing pressure from King Charles to vacate the lavish Royal Lodge, with the monarch removing the security he was privately funding for the 30-room mansion at the end of October.
A source said of the London townhouse, worth a reported £4.25m: “Relocating to a luxury townhouse is a move that most people could only dream of, and it would save the Yorks £200,000 per year – it’s a no-brainer.
They added to the Daily Mail: “It’s time for the Yorks to be independent, they’ve got a long-term lease with the Crown Estate and if they can pay their fully independent means to live at Royal Lodge, they’re very welcome to, but they need the right security for a building of that size.
“If they can find the money that’s great, but if they can’t then a smaller property would be much less expensive.”
King Charles ‘really disappointed’ after birthday phone call with Prince Harry
Tuesday 24 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles was reportedly left “really disappointed” after phoning Prince Harry to wish him a happy 40th birthday earlier this month.
Royal expert Rebecca English said that while the monarch is pained by Harry’s ongoing enstrangement with his family, he will always be open to putting the situation right.
But she admitted the recent call could have opened old wounds from last year, when Harry called his father on his own birthday and had Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet sing to him.
She told Palace Confidential: “Charles is angry and he is hurt, but he is still his son at the end of the day, which is why it’s always been said as much as he is keeping distance at the moment, he will never entirely shut that door to him.
“One thing I did find out is how really disappointed the King was back in November when Harry did call him to wish him not just a happy 75th birthday but also his children did a little video singing happy birthday to the grandpa they barely even see.”
She added: “Within hours of that happening that was leaked from the Sussex side to favoured media and that really crossed the line in the sand for the Royal Family because so very little of their lives is genuinely private.
“So much is lived in public or even surrounded by staff watching everything they do. So private conversations, particularly private phone calls are really considered just that.”
Harry’s US visa application should remain private, judge rules
Monday 23 September 2024 21:41
Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex’s US visa application should remain private despite him admitting taking drugs in his memoir, a judge has ruled.
Harry’s reference to taking cocaine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms in his book Spare prompted a conservative Washington DC think tank to question why he was allowed into the US in 2020.
In his ruling seen in court documents on Monday, US judge Carl Nichols said “the public does not have a strong interest in disclosure of the duke’s immigration records”.
His judgment added: “Like any foreign national, the duke has a legitimate privacy interest in his immigration status.”
The Middletons ‘go through things together'
Monday 23 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
James Middleton has shared some insight into how the Princess of Wales has been supported by her family during her cancer battle.
The princess announced her diagnosis in March after taking a step back from her duties, but earlier this month, she announced that she had completed chemotherapy and would be returning to work.
Ahead of the publication of his new memoir, Meet Ella, James, 37, told Hello! magazine: “We are certainly a close family that goes through things together.
“That was the experience I had through my challenges, and I certainly feel like it’s something that her [Catherine’s] family and our family are doing too.”
Watch live: Harry follows in Diana’s footsteps and attends landmine charity event in New York
Monday 23 September 2024 20:33
Tara Cobham
Watch live as Prince Harry follows in his mother Diana’s footsteps to attend a landmine charity event in New York on Monday (23 September).
The Duke of Sussex will take to the stage at an event hosted by the HALO Trust, a charity that works to clear landmines and other explosive devices left behind by conflicts.
The charity gained international prominence in 1997 after Harry’s mother, Princess Diana walked through an active minefield in Angola.
Lucy Leeson reports:
Prince Harry speaks about mental health at The Diana Awards
Monday 23 September 2024 15:13
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is today opening up the conversation about mental health at The Diana Awards.
Set up in honour of the late princess, the charity recongises young people who have made significant contributions to improve the lives of others.
You can listen to the duke’s speech below:
Prince William ‘protected’ Kate Middleton’s family from public scrutiny
Monday 23 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales is said to have protected the Middletons from the public scrutiny generated by his relationship with Kate.
Speaking ahead of the publication of his mental health memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James Middleton told the Sunday Times that he found the level of press interest in his family “shocking”.
“William was a fantastic support for us as a family,” he said. “He did everything he could to protect us from the intense interest, not just in Catherine, but also her immediate family.
“But at that time I was already in a vulnerable state of mind and it was an added pressure.”
Princess Anne attends engagements in the Netherlands
Monday 23 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Princes Anne attended a series of engagements in the Netherlands over the weekend.
The Princess Royal, 73, is widely considered to be one of the hardest working members of the royal family, but she was forced to take a temporary step back from her duties earlier this summer after being kicked by a horse.
A post on the official royal family Twitter/X account read: “This weekend, The Princess Royal attended events in the Netherlands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of The Battle of Arnhem.
“At the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, The Princess joined veterans, Armed Forces personnel and the public in remembrance, placing a wreath at the Cross of Sacrifice.”
Prince Harry arrives in New York for solo trip
Monday 23 September 2024 10:46
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has arrived in New York for a series of philanthropic engagements.
Harry, 40, began his visit at a glitzy dinner hosted by the World Health Organisation in aid of childhood violence survivors, which aimed to raise awareness of the impact this can have on mental health.
Royal expert Phil Dampier told The Sun: “It is significant that he is doing so much on his own now. They are living more separate lives as it looks like Harry is trying to carve out what exactly his future is.
“I suspect Harry has been feeling very much like a spare part.
“He wants more fulfilling roles for himself so we may well be seeing more of him [in the UK].”
Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since completing chemotherapy
Monday 23 September 2024 09:47
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales has been photographed in public for the first time since announcing that she has completed chemotheraphy.
Kate, 42, attended church at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire and was seen being driven to the service at Crathie Kirk on Sunday (22 September) by the Prince of Wales.
Late Queen was ‘aware’ of Mohamed Al-Fayed allegations, former security head claims
Monday 23 September 2024 08:59
Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II was “aware” of the allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed before Princess Diana and her sons went on holiday with the businessman.
Former head of royal security Dai Davies claims that he expressed his concerns about the former Harrods owner, currently under investigation for the alleged rape and abuse of 37 women, to the royal family.
Mr Davies told Sky News: “I was horrified because I was aware of some of the allegations even then that were going around.
“I was aware that he had tried very hard to ingratiate himself with the Royal Family and obviously knowing, as I did, the reputation he was alleged [to have] then, I was concerned, and I took the opportunity to inform the Royal Family.”
He was told that the monarch was “aware” in response to the revelation, and the princess and her children proceeded to holiday with Fayed and his son Dodi in Saint Tropez in July of 1997.
The Princess of Wales’s cancer journey: A timeline
Saturday 21 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
Following the news that the Princess of Wales has completed her first work engagement since finishing her cancer treatment, The Independent has taken a look back at her cancer journey so far.
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Saturday 21 September 2024 03:00
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.
Diana’s brother celebrates charity’s 25th anniversary
Saturday 21 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
Princess Diana’s brother, the Earl Spencer, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of her charity by inviting a choir to her family home.
This saw a whopping 350 members of the Rock Choir perform ‘Make Your Own Kind Of Music’ at Althorp House in Northamptonshire today.
The performance will be used in a new music video to raise funds for The Diana Award.
Prince William previously said that the charity was established “to reflect my mother’s belief that young people can change the world.”
William and Kate’s birthday message to Harry ‘just a company thing'
Friday 20 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince and Princess of Wales’s apparent birthday greeting to Prince Harry has been described as “just a company thing”.
It has been noted that the message, shared to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account, was not signed off as “W&C”, indicating that had not been personally written by the couple.
A palace insider told The Daily Beast: “It was just a company thing. Happy birthday blah blah blah.”
King Charles thanks Royal Navy for their service
Friday 20 September 2024 16:20
Emma Guinness
King Charles took the opportunity to thank the Royal Navy for their service on an engagement in Scotland yesterday.
Footage of the event was shared by the royal family today with the following statement: “His Majesty paid a visit to @royalnavy crew members stationed in Scotland yesterday to thank them and their families for their service.
“As well as meeting serving personnel and their loved ones, The King boarded a Vanguard-class vessel and was given a tour.
“Before departing the submarine, His Majesty met the Submariners who have spent the greatest amount of time under the waves.
“Thank you to all our Armed Forces for your service! To read more about The King’s visit, head to http://Royal.uk”
Prince Harry ‘kept on a tight leash'
Friday 20 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
A British socialite has claimed that Prince Harry is kept “on a tight leash” by Meghan Markle who allegedly stopped him from having a large 40th birthday party.
According to reports, the Duke of Sussex, 40, had a low-key celebration with his family in California.
Lady Victoria Hervey told GB News: “40 is still very young – men are quite juvenile at 40 years old. If he had a choice, he would have probably been in England with a lot of his old friends, but she’s not going to let him do that, is she?”
“I think she keeps him on a really tight leash. You can see it in him, he’s deprived of freedom. She’s sort of his therapist and his babysitter and he’s very, very dependent on her.”
Prince Harry ‘hates’ King Charles for ‘nightmare scenario’
Friday 20 September 2024 11:00
Emma Guinness
A royal author claims that Prince Harry “hates” King Charles for creating a “nightmare scenario” by leaving him out of his succession plans.
The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, is currently fifth in line to the throne and the insider said he believes this gives him a right to be involved in future planning.
Harry moved to California with his family after stepping down as a working royal in 2020.
Royal author Tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Harry hates the fact that he is being left completely out of the succession planning, but he has only himself to blame.
“His choices illustrate perfectly the old adage - beware you get what you wish for. Harry wanted his freedom and he has it, but there is a price to pay and he is paying it.”
Prince William thanks those working to combat homelessness
Friday 20 September 2024 10:02
Emma Guinness
Prince William thanked those working to combat homelessness at an engagement in Aberdeen yesterday (19 September).
The heir to the throne, 42, made the visit as part of his work with his Homewards project, which aims to end the problem.
A post on the official royal family Twitter/X account read: “A huge thank you to the incredible homelessness workers and organisations in Aberdeen for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts.
“Your work in supporting those most vulnerable and commitment to making a difference in the community is truly inspiring. Together we can end homelessness.”
Harry and Meghan accused of ‘harvesting votes for Kamala Harris'
Friday 20 September 2024 09:01
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been accused of “harvesting votes for Kamala Harris” ahead of the US election.
Through their Archewell Foundation, the Sussexes announced that they were writing to unregistered voters and encouraging them to use their voices.
A statement posted to their website read: “Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.”
It added: “At The Archewell Foundation, we recognise that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world.”
While the couple have taken no political stance in the election, the move has been slammed by the Chairman of the Republican movement in the UK, Greg Swenson.
He told the Daily Mail: “By encouraging people to vote they are essentially ballot harvesting for Kamala.
“You don’t have to say it... you don’t need a bumper sticker, we know who you voted for.”
King Charles ‘fed up’ with Prince Harry’s security requests
Friday 20 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to be “fed up” with Prince Harry’s requests for security on his UK visits.
This comes following the revelation that the Duke of Sussex, 40, will visit his home country later this month for the Wellchild Awards in London. According to reports, he will not see his father, who will be in Scotland, on the visit.
British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital: “All royal family members want to be sure that their conversations remain private.
“King Charles is thoroughly fed up with Prince Harry assuming that he can [manage] his security requests. He will not be available 24/7 for Prince Harry’s demands.”
“However, King Charles loves Prince Harry as a father. [He] will make an effort to communicate with him, especially on important days.”
Prince George and Princess Charlotte to be ‘separated’ in less than a year
Friday 20 September 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
Prince George and Princess Charlotte will no longer be able to travel together in less than a year in a bid to protect the line of succession.
Under typical royal protocol, once George turns 12 next summer, he will no longer be able to travel with his nine-year-old sister, who is fourth in line to the throne.
This unique travel arrangement is done to protect key members of the monarchy should an accident occur when travelling by plane or similar.
Prince Harry ‘prepared to take the risk’ of visiting the UK
Friday 20 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is said to be willing to personally “take the risk” of visiting the UK.
Harry, 40, is set to return to his home country at the end of the month for the WellChild Awards in London, however, he will not be accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle and their children.
He recently told ITV that he believes the UK is too dangerous for his family to visit because he fears “a knife or acid attack”.
Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker told GB News: “He’s prepared to take the risk, but not for Meghan and the children.”
Mr Walker added: “It’ll be interesting to see where Harry stays.
“We’ve seen him stay at hotel rooms - last month, he stayed with Diana’s family, Diana’s brother on their estate.”
New Amazon Prime Prince Andrew docuseries released today
Thursday 19 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
A new documentary drama series about Prince Andrew’s notorious 2019 Newsnight interview, A Very Royal Scandal, is being released on Amazon Prime today (19 September).
The Duke of York’s attempts to explain his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein ultimately forced him to step down as a working royal.
The three-part series’s synopsis reads: “Based on the real-life 2019 interview between Emily Maitlis and Prince Andrew over the scandalous accusations the Prince faced regarding his involvement with Jeffrey Epstein and Virginia Giuffre.
“A Very Royal Scandal follows the actions of Maitlis and Prince Andrew in the lead-up to the interview, the event itself and the many questions left in its wake that would change their lives forever.”
Duchess of Edinburgh carries out engagements in Tanzania
Thursday 19 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
An update has been provided about the Duchess of Edinburgh’s current tour of Tanzania.
Sophie, 59, was photographed at Mlandizi Health Centre, with an official statement explaining: “HRH saw trachoma screenings and surgery, and heard about progress to rid the country of the infectious and blinding disease.”
Friend says Harry and Meghan are in an ‘extraordinary’ situation
Thursday 19 September 2024 14:46
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry’s friend and fellow mental health advocate Bryony Gordon has opened up about the Sussex’s “extraordinary” situation.
Writing to mark the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday, she explained that they are an “ordinary” couple and described Harry as “pretty damn normal” after an almost decade-long friendship.
She told the Daily Mail: “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people. A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”
Ms Gordon added: “This is not what people want to hear, but it is what I’ve found, time and time again.”
Friend claims Prince Harry is ‘pretty damn normal’
Thursday 19 September 2024 14:06
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry’s friend has claimed that people are always disappointed when she tells them that the Duke of Sussex is “pretty damn normal”.
Writer and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon explained that the pair struck up a friendship around eight years ago, and she has received many questions about the duke’s character ever since.
She told the MailOnline: “When I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of ‘well, you would say that, you know him,’ as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them.
“I’ve heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man I’ve come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and who’s done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in [the UK].”
Prince Harry ‘banned’ from having large birthday celebration
Thursday 19 September 2024 13:30
Emma Guinness
A British aristocrat has claimed that Prince Harry was “banned” by his wife Meghan Markle from having a large 40th birthday celebration.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, is said to have had a low-key celebration with his family on the day itself before he heads off on a weekend getaway in California with friends.
Lady Victoria Hervey claimed to GB News: “He wanted to do a big party and she did not want that.
“I think she’s so worried about him straying and seeing his old friends and spending time with them and remembering his old life, that she’s got him in this cage where all he knows is this life that he has with her.”
Harry turned 40 on Sunday, 15 September.
Prince William to visit Aberdeen to raise awareness of homelessness
Thursday 19 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William is set to visit the Scottish city of Aberdeen to raise awareness of the homelessness sector.
The heir to the throne, 42, is promoting the cause through his Homewards project, which operates in the city.
As part of the visit, he will meet with staff at the city’s Shelter Scotland offices to learn more about how homeless people and those at risk of homelessness are being supported.
King Charles issues statement on floods in Central Europe
Thursday 19 September 2024 11:13
Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a statement this morning on the devastating floods sweeping through Central Europe.
It read: “My wife and I are profoundly saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe.
“Many people in the United Kingdom have strong, enduring ties to the region and, together with them, my wife and I send our deepest condolences.”
Duke of Sussex to travel to UK without Meghan Markle
Thursday 19 September 2024 10:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is reported to be travelling to the UK at the end of the month without his wife Meghan Markle.
Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday, recently told ITV that he will not bring the duchess to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid” attack.
The Times said that he is therefore thought to be travelling alone to the WellChild Awards on 30 September.
In his capacity as patron, he is scheduled to present an award and give a speech.
Prince Harry ‘unlikely’ to see King Charles on UK visit
Thursday 19 September 2024 09:18
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is unlikely to see his father King Charles when he travels to the UK at the end of the month for the WellChild Awards.
The monarch has a prior engagement in Scotland marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament on 28 September and is believed to be spending an additional few days in the country.
Harry’s event, which he is attending in his capacity as patron, is taking place on 30 September.
The father and son have not seen each other since February, when Harry flew to the UK following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. They met for a reported 45 minutes.
Prince William writes foreword for new book
Thursday 19 September 2024 08:24
Emma Guinness
Prince William has paid tribute to the “legend of rugby league” Rob Burrow in a foreword to a new memoir penned by his wife Lindsey.
The sporting star, 41, passed away from motor neurone disease (MND) in June after spending the past two years raising awareness of the devastating illness.
A promotional statement about the book read: “Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis.
“Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who couldn’t move or talk, and could only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND.”
Royal family thanks well-wishers for 100,000 letters
Thursday 19 September 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
The royal family have thanked well-wishers who have sent them over 100,000 letters to Buckingham Palace alone in the past year.
In a post shared to Twitter/X, it was revealed that the messages came from all over the world.
“Thank you to everyone who has written to the Royal Family in the past year,” the post read. “To find out more about our Correspondence Team, visit http://Royal.uk.”
Prince Harry ‘honoured’ to attend UK event this month
Thursday 19 September 2024 03:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has said he is honoured to attend the 2024 Wellchild Awards in London later this month.
Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday (15 September), will attend in his capacity as a patron of the charity, which supports seriously ill British children and young people.
He said in a statement: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.
“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”
The MailOnline reports that Harry will give a speech at the event and present the Award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encourage people to vote in the US election
Thursday 19 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have encouraged people to vote in the upcoming American election.
Making yesterday’s National Voter Registration Day, they released a joint statement on the Archewell Foundation’s website, explaining that they had written letters to unregistered votes encouraging them to make their voices heard.
It read: “In honour of National Voter