The Princess of Wales will miss a major royal event today after announcing she hoped to attend “a few engagements” over the summer.
Kate, 42, returned to public life at last month’s Trooping the Colour but stressed she was not “out of the woods” yet with her cancer treatment.
Prince William will play in the Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup at Windsor Great Park today and will not be joined by his wife.
Meanwhile, Princess Anne has made a surprise return to duty by attending the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucestershire this afternoon.
This comes almost three weeks after she was forced to step back from her work after she was kicked by a horse while on a walk on her Gatcombe Park Estate.
The Princess Royal, 73, sustained a concussion and minor injuries and was forced to postpone her upcoming engagements, missing the Japanese state visit and a planned trip to Canada.
It is believed that today marks the start of a “gradual” return to duty.
Key Points
- Prince Harry collects military award despite backlash
- Princess Anne to return to duty next week
- Princess Charlotte ‘taking care’ of Kate Middleton
- Wimbledon officials remain ‘hopeful’ of Kate Middleton appearance
Kate Middleton to miss key event
15:19
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales will miss a key event this afternoon as she continues her treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer.
Prince William is set to play in a charity polo match this afternoon in Windsor Great Park, Kensington Palace confirmed, before adding that he will not be joined by his wife.
News of Kate’s absence from the Out-Sourcing Inc Royal Charity Polo Cup 2024 comes amid hopes that she could still appear at Wimbledon this weekend to present the trophies.
Princess Anne appears delighted to be back at work
15:14
Emma Guinness
Princess Anne made a surprise return to duty this afternoon and appeared to be delighted to be at work again.
The Princess Royal, 73, is attending the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucestershire.
Chief executive Michael Bishop said they were honoured to welcome the princess.
Mr Bishop said: “We are honoured to welcome the Princess Royal to our flagship event the RDA National Championships, at which we are celebrating our 55th anniversary and delighted that she has chosen to join us as she returns to royal duties.
“As our president, the princess holds a very special place in the hearts of the entire RDA community and has helped us celebrate many significant milestones and provided invaluable support for over five decades.”
The princess was forced to take a step back from her duties almost three weeks ago after being kicked by a horse.
Harry and Meghan praised as royalty at EPSY awards
15:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were yesterday praised as royalty despite no longer working for the institution.
The couple stepped out in public last night for the EPSY Awards in Los Angeles and host and friend Serena Williams did not hold back with her praise of the duo.
“It’s, well, actually only pretty often that I get to be in a room with actual royalty, and tonight is no exception,” the tennis star said in her opening speech. “Prince Harry and Meghan are here. Let’s give it up for them.”
Princess Anne makes surprise return to duty
14:30
Emma Guinness
Princess Anne has made a surprise return to duty this afternoon by attending the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) National Championships in Gloucestershire.
While it was initially reported that the Princess Royal, 73, would return to duty next week, she is famed as being one of the hardest-working members of the royal family.
She had to take a temporary step back from her work after she sustained a concussion and minor injuries after reportedly being kicked by a horse on her estate.
It is understood that today marks the start of a “gradual” return to work for the princess.
Prince Harry praises the unifying power of the Invictus Games
13:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry praised the unifying power of the Invictus Games while accepting the Pat Tillman Award for veterans in Los Angeles.
The event, founded by the Duke of Sussex in 2014, celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick and injured service people.
He said: “While so much progress has been made since those first games, the world outside seems to be in an even more precarious state.
“We live in an age marked by polarisation and division. Conflicts rage around the globe. Anger and resentment towards those who are different, seem to pervade societies everywhere.
“Our community challenges that. Our community proves that unity is not just possible, but formidable.
“The beauty of the Invictus Games lies in how it brings people together, no matter one’s nationality, background, or personal struggles.
“It is a collective, built from courage and mutual respect, where athletes discover time and time again, the common denominator of their humanity.
“Having survived the crucible of armed combat, and forged through the challenge to rebuild bodies and minds impacted by conflict, they form a family.
“They exemplify the very best in all of us.”
First King Charles postbox unveiled
12:00
Emma Guinness
The first Royal Mail postbox featuring the cypher of King Charles has been unveiled today (12 July).
Located on the High Street in Great Cambourne, England, the first people to use the new postbox were local schoolchildren.
The postbox is the latest in a continuation of an almost 175-year tradition.
Prince Harry dedicates award to everyone involved in the Invictus Games
11:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry said the Pat Tillman Award does not belong to him but to everyone involved in the Invictus Games.
His acceptance came amid widespread calls for ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give the Duke of Sussex, 39, the award for veterans, with many arguing that there were more deserving recipients.
Harry said in his acceptance speech: “I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality.”
“This award belongs to them, not to me.”
Serena Williams jokes about Harry and Meghan controversy
09:56
Emma Guinness
Serena Williams appeared to make light of the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after they stepped down as working royals.
The tennis star was presenting the EPSY Awards in Los Angeles, where Harry controversially accepted an award for veterans despite calls for him to decline.
She joked: “Please Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight, because this is my night, and I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen.”
Princess Anne to return to duty next week
08:41
Emma Guinness
Princess Anne will reportedly return to duty next week after she was hospitalised after being kicked by a horse.
The Princess Royal, 73, suffered a concussion and minor injuries as a result of the incident on her Gatcombe Park Estate in June.
As reported by the Daily Beast, it has been claimed that she will attend a scheduled conservation engagement in a remote part of Scotland next week.
Anne is widely considered to be one of the royal family’s hardest-working members and has attended over 200 engagements this year so far.
Prince Harry collects military award despite backlash
08:37
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry has collected the Pat Tillman Award for veterans in Los Angeles amid intense backlash over his receipt.
Tens of thousands of people signed a petition urging ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give the award to the Duke of Sussex, 39.
Meanwhile, the late Tillman’s mother, Mary, said she could not understand the decision to give the honour to such a “controversial and divisive” individual.
Harry was honoured for his work with the Invictus Games, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
He took the opportunity to praise Mary as well as his own mother, the late Princess Diana, in his acceptance speech, telling the audience that “the bond between a mother and son is eternal.”
Tillman was a former American professional footballer who gave up his career to serve in the wake of 9/11. He was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.
The Invictus Games celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick or injured service people.
Princess Anne remains off duty
06:00
Emma Guinness
Princess Anne remains off duty as she continues to recover after being kicked by a horse.
According to reports, the Princess Royal, 73, suffered a concussion and minor injuries in the incident, which took place on her Gloucestershire estate last month.
It is not known when Anne, who is regarded as one of the hardest-working royals, will return to work.
Prince Andrew’s royal lodge ‘like Miss Havisham’s house'
04:00
Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge has fallen into a state of disrepair amid reports that King Charles has asked him to move out.
“Your immediate impression walking in, it is like Miss Havisham’s house, unloved. It is also freezing in there,” an insider told the Express.
“There is less staff about and simple household jobs like opening windows, letting in a bit of air, are rarely done.
“Like all houses of that age, it [Royal Lodge] needs ventilation. It just aggravates the damp and causes mould.
Prince William wants to change perceptions of homelessness
02:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has asserted his belief that homelessness “can be ended” and hopes that his charity Homeward can help to change perceptions.
During a speech in Lambeth yesterday (11 June) to mark the charity’s first anniversary, he said: “Already, a pipeline of nearly 100 homes is being established through the innovative housing projects which will be developed in each location, and believe me, my ambitions alone mean there will be so many more.
“We are also working to change the way we all think about homelessness. Today, homelessness touches so many more than the men and women we sadly see on our streets.
“We will improve understanding about the different forms of homelessness, shifting perceptions and boosting optimism that it can be ended.”
Prince Harry ‘out of his depth’, expert claims
Friday 12 July 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
Following the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s receipt of the Pat Tillman Award, an insider has claimed he is “out of his depth”.
Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition urging ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give the Duke of Sussex, 39, the award for his work with the Invictus Games.
Biographer Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “I think it is a bit uncomfortable, he doesn’t need an award. I think what he did with the Invictus Games was brilliant and I am glad he is still doing things for them.
“I feel sorry for Harry because he looks unhappy, I think he is out of his depth if I am to be honest.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘drowning out the outside noise'
Thursday 11 July 2024 22:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “drowning out the outside noise” amid the ongoing backlash to Harry’s receipt of an award for veterans.
Former royal butler Grand Harrold, who previously worked for King Charles, said the couple are “very used to criticism, given everything that’s gone on over the last few years.”
He told the New York Post: “I’m sure they’ll be drowning out the outside noise by continuing with their normal and everyday life and trying not to turn on the television, or read the papers as much.”
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis ‘shown how to make a success of life as a spare'
Thursday 11 July 2024 20:00
Emma Guinness
Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis reportedly are being shown how to make a success of life in the royal family as a “spare”.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said that the youngsters are being set a great example by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie.
She told OK! magazine that the couple “thoroughly deserve the recognition they are now getting.”
“They have always been quietly devoted to their various causes, but their work has been overshadowed by other royals. I suppose every cloud has a silver lining... and as the King calls on them to take a more prominent role, Edward and Sophie are showing they are very much up to the task.
“They are also serving as excellent role models to their great nephews and niece – showing that you can be a ‘spare’ or even a ‘spare to the spare’ and make a real success of working as a valued member of the Royal Family.”
Harry and Meghan planning to take Archie and Lilibet to major event
Thursday 11 July 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to take their children to the first winter incarnation of the Invictus Games.
The couple will reportedly be bringing Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilbet, three, to Vancouver to show people that the games are family-friendly.
“Harry and Meghan are planning to take Archie and Lilibet to help promote a new ‘family-friendly’ Invictus Games,” the source told the Express.
“The Sussexes have been very involved with the organisational elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler events and it was very much their idea to make this a family-friendly games so that those taking part can bring their children along.”
Queen Camilla opens up about royal family drama with 12 words
Thursday 11 July 2024 17:00
Emma Guinness
Queen Camilla appeared to give a behind-the-scenes insight into the royal family’s ongoing troubles at Wimbledon yesterday.
She appeared in the Royal Box to enjoy the second week of the tournament and admitted that it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.
Camilla has been praised for supporting King Charles as he continues to battle cancer.
Kate Middleton ‘arguing’ with Prince William over George’s future
Thursday 11 July 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales is reportedly “arguing” with Prince William about Prince George’s future secondary school.
While the heir to the throne allegedly wants his first-born son to attend Eton, Kate is reportedly not in favour of sending George, who turns 11 this month, to boarding school.
This is because she was “horribly bullied at her first boarding school” and “can’t bear the thought of George suffering through that.”
“Kate thinks sending George to such a stuffy, upper-crust institution goes against all of their efforts to modernize the monarchy,” a source close to the family told InTouch Weekly.
Prince Harry petition approaches 75,000 signatures
Thursday 11 July 2024 14:00
Emma Guinness
A petition urging American sports network ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games has almost 75,000 signatures.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to receive the award for veterans for his work with the Invictus Games today (11 July).
The Change.org petition reads: “Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude.
“He has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills.
“The Prince also allegedly targeted his own father, Prince Charles, during a flyover.
“More recently, his role in the Invictus games, a platform meant to celebrate the resilience and dedication of veterans, has been criticized as self-centered.”
ESPN has defended its decision to give Harry the award, citing the “incredible” work of the games.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in Wales
Thursday 11 July 2024 13:04
Emma Guinness
King Charles and Queen Camilla have been photographed greeting well-wishers after arriving in Wales.
The couple are marking the 25th anniversary of Senedd in Cardiff and the Monarch said it was a privilege to share in the journey.
The former Prince of Wales also took the opportunity to praise Prince William’s growing relationship with the country.
Charles said: “It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege, all my life, to share with you – during times which have seen great change, profound sorrow, and tremendous achievement.
“Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year.”
He added: “It has given me great pleasure to see my son’s relationship with this special land continue, including returning only this week to Anglesey – Ynys Mon – a place which I know means so much to him.
“So, it is with countless special memories and particular pride that I am able to join you as we reflect upon the last quarter-century of the history we have shared, and which you – in your work in this Senedd – have the great responsibility of making.”
Sarah Ferguson reveals she and Princess Diana were arrested
Thursday 11 July 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of York has opened up about an incident that saw her and the late Princess Diana arrested.
Fergie, now 64, told how they dressed up as policewomen on her hen night, which had repercussions as it is illegal to impersonate a police officer in the UK.
“On my hen night we did dress up as policewomen and we were arrested by Parks Police,” she said on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast.
“We were put in the back of a Parks Police van and Diana then leant and ate his smoky bacon crisps.”
King Charles congratulates England for reaching Euros final
Thursday 11 July 2024 11:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has extended his congratulations to the England squad for reaching the final of the 2024 Euros.
The Monarch joked that, if possible, it would be good for the nation if the team could avoid any “last-minute wonder goals” in Sunday’s final against Spain.
He said: “My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.
“If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last-minute wonder goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated!
“Good luck, England.”
Prince Harry praised for ‘saving lives’ with Invictus Games
Thursday 11 July 2024 10:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry has been praised for “saving lives” through the Invictus Games.
The event, which was founded by the Duke of Sussex, 39, in 2014, celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick and injured service people.
The captain of the UK team, Stephen Hooper, 40, said Harry’s personal involvement has helped participants improve their mental health through the opportunities provided by the games.
“We wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for him being there, creating this environment for us,” he told The Telegraph.
“And I can honestly say it’s probably saved lives. It’s bettered lives, it’s saved lives. To have him there, to at least just say a thank you, it means an absolute huge amount.
“He doesn’t sit in the shadows, he fully injects himself, he wants to be part of it and I think that’s fantastic.”
Inside new documentary featuring Prince Harry
Thursday 11 July 2024 09:00
Emma Guinness
New details have been provided about Prince Harry’s upcoming appearance in a documentary about phone hacking.
This comes as the Duke of Sussex, 39, continues his legal action against the publisher of The Sun, News Group Newspapers (NGN).
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tabloids on Trial “hears about his mission to continue his fight to expose the illegal tactics of Britain’s tabloid press and explore what those in charge at Fleet Street really knew as this scandal unfolded.”
The documentary is set to air on ITV1 at 9 pm on 25 July.
Prince Harry to appear in new documentary about phone hacking
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:30
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is set to appear in a new documentary about phone hacking that’s set to air later this month.
Harry, 39, will open up about his experience of the issue as his trial against the publisher of The Sun, News Group Newspapers, continues.
News of the documentary, Tabloids on Trial, was revealed by ITV’s royal editor Chris Ship on Twitter/X.
“He tells our reporter @BeccaBarry why he is fighting to expose what he says are the illegal activities of Britain’s tabloid newspapers,” Ship wrote.
“Hugh Grant, Charlotte Church, Paul Gascoigne also speak. ‘Tabloids on Trial’ ITV1, 9pm on July 25.”
Prince Harry to receive Pat Tillman Award today
Thursday 11 July 2024 08:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award today despite backlash in the US over his receipt of the award for veterans.
The Duke of Sussex, 39, is being honoured for his work with the Invictus Games, which celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick and injured service people.
But over 70,000 people have signed a petition calling on the American sporting network ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give Harry the award.
The Change.org petition reads: “Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude.
“He has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills.
“The Prince also allegedly targeted his own father, Prince Charles, during a flyover.
“More recently, his role in the Invictus games, a platform meant to celebrate the resilience and dedication of veterans, has been criticized as self-centered.”
Prince William ‘understands trauma'
Thursday 11 July 2024 06:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has been praised for his empathy on the first anniversary of his homelessness project, Homeward.
Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, chief fire officer for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, made the comments ahead of the heir to the throne’s visit to Tower Hamlets to mark the occasion today (11 July).
She was previously homeless as a teenager.
“He understands trauma, he does understand trauma,” Ms Cohen-Hatton said, appearing to reference the untimely death of William’s mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.
“He can see echoes of it in himself I think, from that experience of trauma and how it affects you and how it affects the way you see things.”
Meghan Markle worried 'Hollywood network is falling apart’
Thursday 11 July 2024 04:00
Emma Guinness
Meghan Markle is reportedly worried that her “Hollywood network is falling apart” following new revelations about her and Prince Harry’s soured relationship with the Beckhams.
As claimed in Tom Bower’s House of Beckham, the British power couple distanced themselves from the Sussex after they were accused of leaking information about the royals to the press.
The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly keen to maintain her friendship with Beyoncé, who is allegedly one of the few famous faces who remains in her circle.
A source told Heat magazine: “With practically every other famous friend distancing themselves from her and Harry, Meghan is understandably worried that their Hollywood network is falling apart, and Bey is the most well-known of the few stars who will still associate with her. She feels she needs her support to save the Sussex brand.”
Prince William says homelessness ‘can be ended’
Thursday 11 July 2024 02:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has expressed his belief that homelessness in the UK “can be ended”.
This comes on the first anniversary of his homelessness project, Homeward, which he will mark with a visit to the London borough of Tower Hamlets.
The prince is expected to say: “It’s fantastic to be back in Lambeth, where a year ago we launched Homewards and began our journey of working together to demonstrate that it is possible to end homelessness…
“Homelessness is a complex societal issue and one that touches the lives of far too many people in our society. However, I truly believe that it can be ended.”
Prince William ‘moved on’ from Harry to protect the crown
Thursday 11 July 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
It has been claimed that Prince William distanced himself from Prince Harry to protect the monarchy.
The pair’s relationship has grown increasingly strained since Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Omid Scobie wrote in Endgame: “I was talking to a source quite early on in the process, and they called Harry a ‘defector’ and said that was William’s view. These were two men who once upon a time were firmly aligned in their outlook.
“One of them had to move on to also protect the crown.”
It is not known exactly when the brothers last saw each other in person.
