Royal news - live: King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled from engagement in Jersey over security concern

16 Jul 2024 • 2:24 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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King Charles and Queen Camilla were suddenly pulled from an engagement over a security concern this afternoon, it has been revealed.

The Queen was eating an ice cream on the first day of their tour of the Channel Islands when news of the danger was whispered in her ear.

Following the alert, the couple were taken to the nearby Pomme d’Or hotel in Jersey.

Further investigation by the royal security team established that the threat was a “false alarm”.

In other royal news, King Charles sent a private message to former president Donald Trump after his assassination attempt, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The monarch reportedly condemned gun violence and expressed a speedy recovery to those affected by the incident. Two spectators lost their lives, including the shooter, and another two were left critically injured.

The message came ahead of the King and Queen Camilla’s two-day whistlestop tour of the Channel Islands, which began today.

Key Points

  • Kate and William release photo of Charlotte and Louis watching England in Euro 2024 final
  • King Charles writes to Donald Trump after assassination attempt
  • King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled from Jersey engagement over ‘false alarm’
  • Princess of Wales presents the winning trophy to Carlos Alcaraz
  • Princess Charlotte ‘taking care’ of Kate Middleton

Video of Charles shooting resurfaces after Trump assassination attempt

18:30

Andre Langlois

A resurfaced video of what seemed at the time to be an assassination attempt on then-Prince Charles is going viral in the wake of the attempt on Donald Trump’s life this weekend.

The King, now 75, was unphased when he was fired at during an event in Sydney, Australia in 1994, and proceeded to fix his cufflinks while his assailant was tackled by security.

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Prince William’s heartfelt message to England team after Euros defeat

18:00

Emma Guinness

Prince William has shared a heartfelt message to the Three Lions after their loss in the Euros final to Spain last night.

The heir to the throne, 42, watched on with his eldest son, Prince George, 10, as the England squad put on a valiant display against the team that remained undefeated the entire tournament.

He later took to Twitter/X to express his pride despite the 2-1 loss.

“This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards England. W,” he wrote on the official Kensington Palace account.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘growing rift'

17:00

Emma Guinness

A rift is reportedly growing between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid their plummeting popularity on both sides of the Atlantic, it has been claimed.

This comes just days after the Duke of Sussex, 39, accepted an award for veterans, despite widespread calls for him to decline.

Royal author Tom Quinn told the Mirror: “There is a growing rift between Harry and Meghan caused by Meghan’s increasing concern that her life is not going in the direction she had planned.

“She loves media attention and hates the fact that [it’s been suggested] she and Harry are no longer of much interest to the American public.”

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King Charles and Queen Camilla pulled from Jersey engagement over ‘false alarm’

16:22

Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla were suddenly pulled from an engagement in Jersey over a “false alarm”, it has been revealed.

According to reports, news of the potential danger was whispered into the Queen’s ear as she ate an ice cream before the couple were taken to a nearby hotel.

However, further investigation by the royal security team found that it was a false alarm.

The couple are on the first day of a two-day whistlestop tour of the Channel Islands.

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Charles and Camilla address a rainy Jersey

15:52

Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived on the Channel Island of Jersey.

The monarch gave a speech in celebration of the island’s longstanding relationship with the Crown.

“Jersey has one of the oldest connections to the Crown and we are delighted to be here once again to celebrate the special and close relationship which binds us together,” he said.

Kate and William praise England squad’s ‘grit and determination'

15:00

Emma Guinness

The Prince and Princess of Wales have praised the England squad’s “grit and determination” in the wake of last night’s devastating Euros defeat.

Sharing a picture of Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis in their England shirts on Twitter/X, they wrote: “England, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain. W & C.”

King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate Channel Islands visit

14:00

Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla have provided an insight into their two-day trip to the Channel Islands.

It is the monarch’s first since taking the throne and begins today in Jersey.

Taking to Twitter/X, the official royal family account wrote: “Later today, Their Majesties will arrive in Jersey for a day of engagements, before travelling to Guernsey tomorrow.

“ The visit will highlight the special and historic relationship between the Channel Islands and the Royal Family, which stretches back centuries.”

Princess Charlotte and Kate Middleton’s ‘special bond'

13:00

Emma Guinness

Princess Charlotte and the Princess of Wales’s “special bond” was evident during their appearance at the Wimbledon final yesterday, an expert has claimed.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said the young princess, nine, showed “every sign” of looking after her mother, who is still battling an undisclosed type of cancer.

“I think there is always a special bond between mother and daughter, and as Charlotte grows older and witnesses the shock of her mum being ill I’m sure that bond has become even closer,” Bond told OK! magazine.

“Charlotte is now of an age where she probably feels she can reverse the roles a little, and take care of her mother as she recovers. Charlotte certainly shows every sign of taking after Catherine in looks and her love of sport and the great outdoors.

“As time goes on, I’m sure they will become more than just mum and daughter but also great companions to one another....just like Catherine and her mother Carole.”

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Kate and William release photo of Charlotte and Louis watching England in Euro 2024 final

12:24

Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted a photo of Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte watching the Euro 2024 final on their Instagram page.

The photo shows the couple’s oldest two children wearing England tops with their names as they watch England take on Spain in the final.

William and Kate posted a message to England alongside the photo, which said: “@england, your teamwork, grit and determination were an inspiration to all of us, young and old. Congratulations to Spain. W & C”

Resurfaced video of King Charles being shot at goes viral

12:00

Emma Guinness

A resurfaced video of King Charles being shot at while on stage has gone viral in the wake of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

The now Monarch was attacked at an event in Sydney, Australia back in 1994 and appeared totally unphased by the incident, pausing to adjust his cufflings.

The video has been viewed almost five million times after it was posted to Twitter/X yesterday (14 July).

In an interview about the incident, then-Australian prime minister Paul Keating said: “His control in the circumstances, I think, reflected the professional attitude that he has... the important thing to record about this is that it was not an assassination attempt. It was a political demonstration.”

King Charles’s message to Donald Trump

11:00

Emma Guinness

King Charles has condemned gun violence in a private message to Donald Trump after his assassination attempt, it has been reported.

The Monarch echoed the sentiments of the new Prime Minister Keir Starmer, offering his condolences to those affected by the incident and expressing his wishes for a quick recovery to those injured.

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King Charles writes to Donald Trump after assassination attempt

09:38

Emma Guinness

Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles has privately written to Donald Trump in the wake of his assassination attempt.

The former president, 78, was shot at during a Pennsylvania rally this weekend. A spectator lost his life alongside the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.

Trump emerged from the incident relatively unscathed, sustaining a minor injury to his ear.

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Body language expert says Kate was ‘delighted’ by Wimbledon standing ovation

09:10

Emma Guinness

A body language expert has weighed in on the Princess of Wales’s reaction to receiving a standing ovation at Wimbledon.

Kate, 42, made her second public appearance of the year to present the trophies and was greeted by a warm welcome.

Prior to this, the princess admitted that she was not “out of the woods” yet when it comes to her ongoing cancer battle.

“Kate’s body language signalled surprise, delight and a huge desire to re-bond with her supportive and very caring public during this one in her first few steps of recovery from illness,” body language expert Judi James said, per the Metro.

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King Charles and Queen Camilla begin Channel Islands trip

08:21

Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to begin their two-day tour of the Channel Islands today.

They will spend today in Jersey before travelling to Guernsey tomorrow on a historic visit that will be the Monarch’s first since being crowned.

The couple’s engagements today include a visit to the Jersey capital of St Helier, a special sitting of the States Assembly and the Royal Court, and what’s been described as a large-scale open-air expo.

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Football fan William reveals how England’s Lions inspired charity project

07:30

Barney Davis

The Prince of Wales has revealed how Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 team has inspired his project to end homelessness.

William marked the first year of his Homewards initiative by returning to the London Borough of Lambeth where he launched the programme, and revealed he shouted himself hoarse during the Three Lions’ thrilling semi-final victory over the Netherlands, in Germany.

The future King apologised for his slight loss of voice as he met representatives working to eradicate homelessness across the UK.

In a speech he reiterated his belief that homelessness “can be ended” and said the ideas and approaches being developed in the six target areas “will have the power to inspire change across the UK and beyond”.

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Prince Andrew’s royal lodge ‘like Miss Havisham’s house'

06:30

Barney Davis

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.

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Harry and Meghan planning to take Archie and Lilibet to major event

05:30

Barney Davis

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.”

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King and Queen set to skip New Zealand as Charles recovers from cancer

04:43

Barney Davis

A previously hoped-for trip to New Zealand is not taking place because the King’s doctors advised that an extended programme should be avoided to prioritise his continued recovery, a Palace spokesperson said.

Buckingham Palace said: “In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand prime ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only.

“Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”

Further details of the visit to both countries are to be announced soon.

Charles, 75, returned to public-facing duties earlier this year while still receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

Meghan Markle ‘very pleased’ with response to lifestyle brand

03:30

Barney Davis

The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly “very pleased” with the initial response to her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

While its products have yet to officially go on sale, the brand does have a website and social media presence.

Products including jams and dog biscuits have also been teased by Meghan’s celebrity friends and influencers on social media.

A source close to the royal told Us Weekly: “The rollout for American Riviera Orchard is already off to a strong start. The website has over 100,000 who have signed up to hear about the first products launched.

“Meghan is very pleased with the early interest it has gained.”

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King and Queen set to visit Australia

02:00

Barney Davis

The King and Queen are set to visit Australia and Samoa this autumn.

Charles and Camilla will undertake a tour of both countries in October 2024, Buckingham Palace said, however doctors have advised against a further extension to the visit.

The Australian leg of the trip, at the invitation of the country’s government, will see them carry out engagements in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

In Samoa, they will celebrate “the strong bilateral relationship” between the Pacific Island nation and the UK, and the couple are expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) 2024.

The Chogm brings together delegations from 56 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.

Buckingham Palace says the couple’s programme will be subject to doctors’ advice, with any necessary modifications to be made on health grounds.

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Prince of Wales speaks of pride despite heartbreaking defeat to Spain

Sunday 14 July 2024 23:59

Barney Davis

The Prince of Wales told England’s football team “we’re all still so proud of you” after they lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain.

William, who attended the match in Berlin alongside his son Prince George, said: “It just wasn’t meant to be.”

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while England fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

The prince said on social media: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W”

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King urges England team to ‘hold your heads high’ after Euro 2024 final defeat

Sunday 14 July 2024 22:47

Barney Davis

The King urged England’s football team to “hold your heads high” after their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, while the Prince of Wales said “we’re all still so proud of you”.

Spain claimed a 2-1 win while the Three Lions fell at the last hurdle for a second European Championship final in succession.

Charles, in a message to manager Gareth Southgate and the team, said: “Although victory may have eluded you this evening, nevertheless my wife and I join all my family in urging you and your support team to hold your heads high.

“All those who have participated in sporting activities at any level will know how utterly despairing such a result can feel when the prize was so near – and will join me in sending heartfelt sympathy, even as we congratulate Spain.

“But please know that your success in reaching the European Championship final is a really great achievement in itself, and one that brings with it the pride of a nation which will continue to roar for the Three Lions today – and in the many triumphs which I have no doubt lie ahead.

“Charles R.”

William, who attended the match in Berlin with his son Prince George, said on social media: “This time it just wasn’t meant to be. We’re all still so proud of you. Onwards. W.”

The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa but not New Zealand

Sunday 14 July 2024 22:02

Holly Bancroft

The King and Queen are set to visit Australia and Samoa this autumn, but the couple are not going to New Zealand due to Charles’ ongoing treatment for cancer.

Charles and Camilla will undertake a tour of both countries in October 2024, Buckingham Palace said, however doctors have advised against a further extension to the visit.

The Australian leg of the trip, at the invitation of the country’s government, will see them carry out engagements in the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales.

In Samoa, they will celebrate “the strong bilateral relationship” between the Pacific Island nation and the UK, and the couple are expected to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) 2024.

The Chogm brings together delegations from 56 countries in Africa, the Caribbean and Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.

Buckingham Palace says the couple’s programme will be subject to doctors’ advice, with any necessary modifications to be made on health grounds.

A previously hoped-for trip to New Zealand is not taking place because the King’s doctors advised that an extended programme should be avoided to prioritise his continued recovery, a Palace spokesperson said.

‘As a family we play alot’ Kate Middleton reveals Royals love playing tennis

Sunday 14 July 2024 21:30

Barney Davis

While meeting the players, Kate said Charlotte, who was wearing a navy polka dot dress, had been “practising yesterday” and that tennis was “really great for the youngsters”.

Kate said she had been “filling in the leaderboard” with Charlotte during Wimbledon, adding: “As a family, we play a lot.”

Kate and Charlotte were greeted by British players Emma Raducanu, Sonay Kartal, Lily Miyazaki, Lucy Shuker and Flora Johnson as they arrived on the players’ lawn at Wimbledon.

Charlotte gave wheelchair tennis player Shuker a “pinky promise” that she would try the sport alongside her mother.

After being asked to try wheelchair tennis by Shuker, Kate said: “I’ve tried wheelchair rugby before, but not tennis. You’ll have to hold me to that.”

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Recap: Who’s who in the Royal Box on Wimbledon men’s final day

Sunday 14 July 2024 21:22

Holly Bancroft

Wimbledon’s Royal Box is known for hosting a starry guest list – and there are plenty of familiar faces in the stands for the men’s final.

Read more for a full recap from Lydia Spencer-Elliott:

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Photo recap: Princess Kate at Wimbledon

Sunday 14 July 2024 20:38

Holly Bancroft

The Princess of Wales has presented the Wimbledon men’s final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, in her second public engagement since announcing her cancer diagnosis.

Kate, wearing a purple Safiyaa dress, spoke to ball boys and girls after she entered Centre Court to loud applause.

Before passing the trophy to Alcaraz, she commiserated and shook the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic.

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Kate Middleton beams in vivid purple dress at men’s Wimbledon final

Sunday 14 July 2024 19:22

Holly Bancroft

Kate, 42, wore a bright violet capped sleeve midi dress from Safiyaa for her appearance at Wimbledon Centre Court.

She paired the dress with nude Camilla Elphick sling back pumps and a matching LK Bennett leather box bag with gold hardware.

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‘Great to be back at Wimbledon’

Sunday 14 July 2024 18:10

Holly Bancroft

The Princess of Wales has said it’s “great to be back at Wimbledon” as she was pictured at Centre Court for the gentlemen’s singles final.

Princess Kate awards Novak Djokovic with the runners up trophy

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:57

Holly Bancroft

Princess Kate has awarded Novak Djokovic with his runners up trophy at the Wimbledon gentlemen’s singles final.

Novak Djokovic paid tribute to his family, who were watching on, as he was interviewed by Annabel Croft on Centre Court.

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Princess of Wales presents the winning trophy to Carlos Alcaraz

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:52

Holly Bancroft

Princess Kate has awarded Carlos Alcaraz with the Wimbledon trophy after he beat Novak Djovokic decisively in three sets in the gentemen’s singles final.

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Recap: Watch as Princess Kate is welcomed to the Royal Box at Centre Court

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:52

Holly Bancroft

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:42

Holly Bancroft

In just a few moments, the Princess of Wales will present the Wimbledon gentlemen’s single trophy yet again to Carlos Alcaraz, who has beaten Novak Djokovic in three sets to retain his title.

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Princess Charlotte is feeling the tension on Centre Court

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:30

Holly Bancroft

Princess Charlotte, 9, is engrossed in the men’s final as she is pictured next to her mother Kate, who will present the trophy to the eventual winner of the Carlos Alcaraz - Novak Djokovic rematch.

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Which celebrities are in Centre Court?

Sunday 14 July 2024 16:19

Holly Bancroft

Actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Julia Roberts and Tom Cruise were among those in the royal box today for the gentlemen’s singles final.

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was also pictured in the box above Centre Court. Elsewhere in the stands Normal people actor Paul Mescal and Euphoria star Zendaya watched on as Carlos Alcaraz took the lead in his match against Novac Djokovic.

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Which other royals are at Wimbledon today?

Sunday 14 July 2024 15:20

Holly Bancroft

The Princess of Wales is watching the gentlemen’s singles final at Wimbledon today, but which other members of the royal family are also in attendance?

Princess Kate was pictured with her daughter Princess Charlotte and her sister Pippa Matthews nee Middleton.

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Prince and Princess Michael of Kent were also in the royal box, as well as Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor.

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Princess Kate was also pictured greeting Australian tennis pro Lleyton Hewitt.

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Kate stuns centre court in purple Safiyaa midi dress

Sunday 14 July 2024 14:52

Joe Middleton

Kate Middleton wowed spectators on centre court today in her stunning purple Safiyaa midi dress.

The Princess of Wales thrilled fans as she arrived at Wimbledon with her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and sister Pippa Middleton.

She is wearing a dazzling purple dress which has a small green and purple ribbon attached, which is a nod to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, of which Kate is a patron.

Kate paired the dress with a beige bag and heels.

Kate’s dress echoed her most worn silhouettes from designers such as Roksanda (Princess Charlotte’s dress was chiffon with feminine frilled details (Aaron Chown/PA)