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 yesterday (22 September) 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 Organization 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
- Late Queen was ‘aware’ of Mohamed Al-Fayed allegations, former security head claims
- Lord Robert Fellowes knew Mohamed Al-Fayed was ‘a dirty old man’
- Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since completing chemotherapy
- Prince Harry to return to UK later this month
- Harry ‘unlikely’ to see King Charles on UK visit
Prince Harry arrives in New York for solo trip
10:46
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has arrived in New York for a series of solo philanthrophic engagements.
Harry, 40, began his visit at a glitzy dinner in hosed by the World Health Organization in aid of childhood voilence 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 here.”
Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since completing chemotherapy
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.
Lord Robert Fellowes knew Mohamed Al-Fayed was ‘a dirty old man’
09:08
Emma Guinness
A former head of royal security has claimed that the late Queen Elizabeth II’s private secretary, Lord Robert Fellowes, knew about Mohamed Al-Fayed’s reputation as a “dirty old man”.
Speaking to the Daily Mail following a slew of shocking allegations against the former Harrods owner, Dai Davies said that Fayed had a “salacious reputation” even in 1997 – the year Princess Diana and her son’s holidayed on his yacht.
He said: “In 1997 there were already allegations he had been bribing MPs to table questions in the House and he had a salacious reputation. There were concerns about his persona as a dirty old man.
“There were allegations I was aware of that Al Fayed had sexually assaulted women then paid them off. I had no compunction in warning the Queen about this individual.
“I advised the Queen, through Lord Fellowes, not to let the boys go away on holiday with him because of the allegations I was aware of – that he was a salacious attacker of women.
Mr Davies admitted: “Ultimately my advice was ignored. [Diana] flew off from Kensington Palace when Al Fayed sent his helicopter.”
Late Queen was ‘aware’ of Mohamed Al-Fayed allegations, former security head claims
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 Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.
“Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.”
The former working royals added: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.
“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. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters.
“Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”
The couple moved to California in 2020 after stepping down from their previous roles in the British royal family.
New Prince Andrew drama to air tomorrow
Wednesday 18 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
A new drama series based on the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview will be released on Amazon Prime tomorrow (19 September).
The three-part series, A Royal Scandal, will bring to life the events leading up to the interview that ultimately forced the Duke of York to step down as a working member of the royal family.
Watch the trailer below:
King Charles ‘relieved’ that new edition of Spare is not updated
Wednesday 18 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles is reportedly “relieved” that Prince Harry made the decision not to update Spare in light of its impending paperback release.
The bombshell memoir, which was first released last January, featured several shocking revelations about the royal family, including the claim that Prince William attacked Harry during an argument about Meghan Markle.
Vanity Fair reported the insider claim, adding: “They do speak on the phone. Charles wants to know what’s going on in Harry’s life and hear about the children, but he’s guarded because Harry has breached the trust between them on a number of occasions. Charles needs to know their private conversations remain just that. Private.”
Meghan Markle ‘genuinely happy’ after Kate’s positive health update
Wednesday 18 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex is said to be “genuinely relieved” that the Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment.
Speaking to Closer magazine, an insider said that the Sussexes have “complicated” feelings about the Wales family video released to announce the happy news last week.
“There’s still an element of guilt that she and Harry are grappling with. They both have regrets over going so public with their complaints about the family and Kate in particular,” the source said.
“When they spoke out, Meghan felt they had no other choice, but now that time has passed and those heightened feelings have cooled off, she realises things could have been handled more discreetly. It’s not something she likes to dwell on, but of course, watching Kate’s video brought it all to the surface.”
King Charles ‘will have spoken to Prince Harry on his birthday'
Wednesday 18 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that King Charles will have spoken to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday, despite ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.
The revelation comes after the royals posted an unexpected birthday message for the duke on Sunday, which was shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
As reported by Vanity Fair, a source said: “It was always the king’s intention to publicly acknowledge his son’s 40th, and I am sure that the king will have spoken to Harry on his birthday.
“After all, it is his son, and whatever has happened, Charles loves Harry unconditionally as any parent does, and Sunday was an important day.”
Harry is reported to have marked the occasion in a low-key manner with his family in California and is set to further celebrate on a weekend getaway with friends.
Prince Harry to return to UK later this month
Wednesday 18 September 2024 08:29
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK at the end of September in his capacity as patron of the charity WellChild.
Harry, 40, will attend the charity’s awards in London on 30 September. WellChild provides support to seriously ill children and young people in the UK.
It is not known whether the duke will be accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle.
Princess of Wales returns to work after cancer treatment
Wednesday 18 September 2024 08:12
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales has appeared on the royal rota for the first time since completing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Kate, 42, attended a meeting at Windsor Castle yesterday (17 September) with her task force that supports early childhood development.
Yesterday’s Court Circular read: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”
The meeting likely concerned the Shaping Us campaign that aims to raise the profile of the importance of early childhood development and the impact it can have later in life.
This marks the princess’s third royal engagement of the year and her first work engagement.
King Charles has ‘ambition’ to reconcile with Prince Harry
Wednesday 18 September 2024 04:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to have an “ambition” to welcome Prince Harry back into the royal fold and reconcile.
The monarch last saw his youngest son for a reported 45 minutes in February following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.
A family friend told The Daily Beast: “The King has made it very clear that he loves Harry and wants to be part of his and his family’s life.
“Publicly wishing him a happy 40th birthday is completely of a piece with that ambition.”
Kate and William’s birthday message to Harry ‘not sent personally'
Wednesday 18 September 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that the Prince and Princess of Wales’s birthday message to Prince Harry was not sent personally by the couple.