The King will miss next month’s COP29 climate summit, it has been reported.
Charles, 75, has allegedly not been invited to this year’s event after government officials concluded that it would be in the best interests of his health and schedule.
“The King will not be going to COP. He has not been asked by the government to attend the event and he is also mindful of his own commitments following the upcoming autumn tour,” a source told The Mirror.
Taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan from 11 to 22 November, COP29 will see world leaders gather to discuss climate change and the collaborative steps they can take to tackle it.
The monarch won widespread praise last December for a speech at COP28 where he stressed the importance of urgently meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement goals
This comes after it was reported that the King is to “pause” his cancer treatment while taking part in a high-profile visit to Australia and Samoa this month after getting the go-ahead from doctors.
Charles, who will make the nine-day visit with Queen Camilla, was first diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year after a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.
It is understood that he will continue his treatment upon his return, following 11 days of travelling. His doctor will accompany him on what is the most significant overseas tour he has made since the diagnosis.
The Independent has approached Buckingham Palace for comment.
Key Points
- King Charles to miss key event over health concerns
- King Charles to pause cancer treatment for overseas trip
- Duchy of Cornwall town subject to serious complaints – ‘There are rats everywhere’
- Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance at children’s hospital in LA
Duchess of York opens up about cancer experiences
14:41
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of York has opened up about her recent cancer battle while on a visit to a cancer charity centre with Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor.
Sarah, 64, was diagnosed with breast cancer, like Ms Dynevor, after a routine mammogram last year before being diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer just months later.
During the visit, Sarah, who is now in remission, spoke to staff and patients and stressed the importance of speaking openly about the illness.
She said: “I think a lot of people are frightened to talk. They’re frightened that they don’t know where to go or what to do.”
The duchess added: “What I noticed today was I had a few private conversations with patients and they couldn’t get over that I was here having had a mastectomy, and that I said, ‘I’ve had a mastectomy. Here I am’.
“One of them in particular said, ‘Oh, so it wasn’t as frightening as you being led to believe?’.
“And I said, ‘No, it’s OK, just get good lymph drainage in after the operation’.
“I think that’s crucial because it is nothing worse than that fear.
“I had that fear as soon as I was diagnosed, I had that fear of death. You think it’s a death sentence. It’s not.”
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh recreate Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s photographs
12:30
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have today not only followed in the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s footsteps but recreated some of their photographs.
The couple are currently on a four-day visit to Malta, marking the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh visit Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip's former home
12:07
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have paid a poignant visit to the former home of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in Malta.
Villa Guardamangia was home to the royals during the early part of their marriage between 1949 and 1951 while Philip was stationed as a Royal Navy officer in the country.
“Visiting Malta is always very special for me. I remember happy days here with Prince Philip when we were first married,” the late queen said.
Prince William wants to ‘challenge’ the narrative around homelessness
11:30
Emma Guinness
Prince William has said that he wants to “challenge” the existing narrative around homelessness in a trailer for an upcoming documentary about the subject.
He is currently tackling the issue through his Homewards project.
The heir to the throne, 42, said: “I think it’s really important that we can try and change, and tackle, the narrative around homelessness.
“People live with it, we see it every day in our lives, that’s something I want to challenge.”
Prince William could be coming into conflict with Anne’s 'raison d’être’
11:00
Emma Guinness
A royal commentator has speculated that Prince William’s vision for a radically slimmed-down monarchy could affect Princess Anne, widely believed to be the hardest-working royal.
Tom Skyes, royal editor at The Daily Beast, noted that the Princess Royal’s “raison d’être is zooming around the country, squeezing in 500-plus engagements a year.”
He explained: “William has made it very clear he doesn’t see that as the family’s role anymore, preferring a tiny number of limited, high-impact engagements and events to the paternalistic, seen-to-be-believed, helicopter-riding royal attitude of old.”
The princess carried out 172 engagements between January and April of this year – more than double the number of any other working royal.
Duke of Kent celebrates 89th birthday
10:45
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Kent is today celebrating his 89th birthday today (9 October).
He is the first cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II and has held his title for over a record-breaking 82 years.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh commemorate war dead in Malta
10:30
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have paid tribute to those who gave their lives during the Second World War while on their ongoing visit to Malta.
Alongside a post showing the couple placing tributes into Valletta harbour, the royal family acknowledged the awarding of the George Cross to the Maltese population in 1942.
“In 1942, at the height of the attacks, King George VI awarded the George Cross to the Maltese population in recognition of their resistance, endurance and loyalty,” it was said in a statement.
Duchess of Edinburgh to read special CBeebies bedtime story tomorrow
10:15
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s special reading of a bedtime story to mark World Sight Day will air on CBeebies tomorrow.
She said in a trailer for the programme: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly.
“World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.
“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”
The duchess is set to read Specs for Rex, written by Yasmeen Ismail – a story about a young lion who is reluctant to wear glasses to school.
Melania sheds new light on the Trumps relationship with the royal family
10:00
Emma Guinness
Melania Trump has shed light on the royal family’s relationship with the former president and first lady ahead of next month’s presidential election.
This could see Donald Trump enter the White House for a second term after he lost to Democratic candidate Joe Biden in November 2022.
Writing in her new memoir, she revealed that she shares an “ongoing correspondence” with King Charles and explained that she and her husband “truly connected” with the late Queen Elizabeth II on a state visit in 2019, during Mr Trump’s first presidential term.
She proceeded to praise the royals for their hospitality during the visit, revealing that the late queen even gifted her a specially commissioned silver box engraved with the ceiling motifs from the Buckingham Palace music room.
King Charles ‘reluctantly’ agrees to eat lunch
09:45
Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to have finally broken his decades-long aversion to eating lunch on the advice of doctors and Queen Camilla.
The monarch, 75, is now reported to be eating half an avocado for the sake of his health as he continues to undergo treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.
A source told the Daily Mail: “With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime – a snack, really.
“He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day.
“It’s important, particularly if you have got an illness.”
Duke of Edinburgh meets young people taking part in International Award
09:30
Emma Guinness
Prince Edward yesterday met with young people taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.
The meeting came as part of a four-day tour of Malta that will see the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh undertake a packed schedule of engagements as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence.
The royal family said on their official Twitter/X account: “The Duke of Edinburgh was also able to tour the new Maltese HQ of @intaward where he met young people taking part in activities as they work towards their bronze, silver and gold awards.”
Prince Harry shares sweet detail about Princess Lilibet’s hair
09:15
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry shared a sweet detail about Princess Lilibet’s hair at the WellChild Awards last week.
Giving a rare insight into the young princess’s life, he said that Lilibet, three, had inherited her mother Meghan Markle’s thick hair.
Hello! magazine’s CEO, Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, who was in attendance, revealed: “He marvelled that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers.”
Harry, 40, flew to the UK especially for the event, which celebrates the achievements of seriously ill young people and their carers.
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s Malta tour continues
09:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will continue their brief tour of Malta to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence today.
Their Wednesday schedule will see them visit the home shared by the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the early days of their marriage between 1949 and 1951, Villa Guardamangia.
The couple lived there while Philip was stationed in the country as a serving Royal Navy officer.
King Charles to miss key event over health concerns
08:48
Emma Guinness
King Charles will not attend the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan next month after the government exercised “an abundance of caution” regarding his health, it has been reported.
This comes after it was claimed that the monarch will temporarily “pause” his cancer treatment during his nine-day tour of Australia and Samoa this month after getting the go-ahead from doctors.
The decision was also made in the interests of his schedule, The Mirror reports, with the event taking place from 11 to 22 November – two weeks after the king returns from his overseas tour this month.
A source said: “The king will not be going to COP. He has not been asked by the government to attend the event and he is also mindful of his own commitments following the upcoming autumn tour.”
Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.
The monarch, who turns 76 next month, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year following a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.
Royal family gives rare insight into Buckingham Palace restoration
08:25
Emma Guinness
The royal family have given a rare insight into the ongoing restoration work being carried out at Buckingham Palace.
Sharing a video to Twitter/X, the official royal family account explained: “The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.”
In response to the footage, one watcher praised the work being done to modernise the iconic building.
They wrote: “Preserving Buckingham Palace’s history while modernizing its infrastructure is essential. It’s great to see such important work being done to maintain this iconic landmark!”
Duchy of Cornwall town subject to serious complaints – ‘There are rats everywhere’
07:00
Athena Stavrou
A town built to King Charles’s specifications of an idealised community is suffering from a serious waste collection problem.
Residents of Poundbury, Dorset, which is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, have now spoken out in a bid to solve the problem, appealing to the king directly.
One local told The Telegraph: “There are rats everywhere and the smell is awful. No one seems to be bothered.”
A second said that the king “would be horrified” and compared the development, which is due to be completed in 2026, to a “third-world country.”
Explaining the root of the problem, a third added: “The number of bins is not sufficient, there needs to be a second refuse and recycling point. It’s carnage around Christmas with rubbish everywhere.”
Watch: Inside Buckingham Palace’s refurbishment
06:00
Athena Stavrou
The palace has revealed the latest work that has been done in Buckingham Palace’s extensive reservicing programme.
The refurbishment is expected to cost £369m and began five years ago.
In a clip shared to social media, the palace offered a glimpse into the replacement of 3.5km of electric cabling, which had previously not been updated since the 1950s.
It wrote on X: “The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.”
The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 8, 2024
Watch more! pic.twitter.com/Z1jCM3WaBt
James Middleton says Princess of Wales was an ‘exemplary’ student
05:00
Athena Stavrou
James Middleton has said that his older sister the Princess of Wales was an “exemplary” student in his new memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
The memoir, which recounts the 37-year-old’s struggles with his mental health, touches upon his radically different school experience.
He wrote: “Naturally, Catherine and Pippa, being exemplary students, managed to get through their entire school lives without a single demerit, but I amassed a handful of them every term.
“So while the female Middletons would be applauded for being helpful to teachers – opening doors and carrying books for them – I’d undo all their kind deeds by scampering along the corridor instead of walking because I was late for a lesson.”
The King is to pause his cancer treatment during his high-profile tour to Australia next week.
04:00
Athena Stavrou
Royal doctors gave Charles, 75, permission to briefly halt the weekly cycle in order to fly around the world for his key visit Down Under, followed by a state visit to Samoa in the South Pacific.
The monarch, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease in February, will receive treatment up until his departure, and resume the outpatient appointments when he returns to the UK, the Daily Mail reported.
He will be away for 11 days, with the tour covering nine days with two days of travel either side, and his entourage will include, as is usual for Charles’s official overseas visits, his doctor.
The long-haul trip with the Queen is a major milestone for the King.
It will be his most significant overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis and his first to Australia as the nation’s head of state, looking set to prompt debate about the future of the monarchy in the country and whether it should become a republic.
King Charles favours millennial lunch staple
02:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles is reported to have finally started eating lunch and his meal of choice is a millennial staple – the humble avocado.
The monarch, 75, has reportedly acted upon the advice of his wife, Queen Camilla, and doctors, who have urged him to stop skipping lunch as he continues to battle an undisclosed form of cancer.
A source told the MailOnline: “With some reluctance, he now has something to eat at lunchtime – a snack, really. He now eats half an avocado to sustain him through the day. It’s important, particularly if you have got an illness.”
Idris Elba’s foundation joins with Prince’s Trust to support young creatives
01:00
Athena Stavrou
Hollywood star Idris Elba’s foundation has joined forces with The Prince’s Trust to support young people who want to get into creative careers.
The new project, titled Creative Futures – which launched in Manchester on Wednesday, will provide free courses over the year which help build the skills and confidence needed to find a job, train or start a business in the creative industries.
Luther star Elba was supported by The Prince’s Trust as a teenager and has continued to work closely with the charity during his career.
The 52-year-old, who founded The Elba Hope Foundation with his wife Sabrina, said: “Many of us working in the arts today, myself included, only made it because of programmes like this when we were young.
“Today’s youth deserve at least the same chance, and more. ‘Creative Futures’ exists to give the same hope, support and success I’ve found to the next generation.”
Meghan Markle urged to feature in Suits podcast by co-star
Wednesday 9 October 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
Meghan Markle’s former Suits co-stars have extended an invitation to their former colleague, to appear on their new podcast in which they rewatch the show.
Before the 43-year-old married Prince Harry and became the Duchess of Sussex, she was known for her role as paralegal Rachel Zane on the legal drama.
Last year the popular series made its debut on Netflix, and gained a new onslaught of fans along with a record 26.5 billion minutes watched in just eight weeks.
Markle starred on the show for seven seasons, before her exit shortly after her engagement announcement. Her final episode saw her character finally tie the knot with Mike Ross, played by Patrick J Adams.
My colleague Maira Butt has the full story:
Melania Trump reveals she’s pen pals with King Charles
Tuesday 8 October 2024 23:00
Athena Stavrou
Melania Trump has revealed in her new memoir that she is pen pals with King Charles.
The former first lady, 54, claims that the pair, who first met in New York in 2005, bonded on a 2019 state visit over their shared passion for environmental protection.
She described the meeting as an “absolute pleasure” and said the pair now have an “ongoing correspondence”.
“This time we engaged in an interesting conversation about his deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation,” Ms Trump explained.
Melania: A Memoir is being released later this month.
King Charles ‘shrieked’ when he first saw cling film
Tuesday 8 October 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles was reportedly unfamiliar with the common kitchen staple that is cling film and is said to have “shrieked” when he first came across it.
Thankfully, the queen consort, Camilla, was nearby to inform him that it was nothing to be afraid of.
Writing in his biography of the late Prince Philip, Rebel Prince, royal author Tom Bower claimed that the late Duke of Edinburgh frequently grew frustrated at how disconnected his son was from the real world.
He wrote: “He walked into the dining room and shrieked. Fearing the worst, Camilla dashed in after him. ‘What’s this?’ asked her husband, pointing at the food.
“‘It’s cling film, darling,’ she replied.”
King to miss Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan
Tuesday 8 October 2024 21:25
Athena Stavrou
The King will not attend the Cop29 climate summit being hosted by Azerbaijan next month, it is understood.
Charles has long campaigned on environmental issues but will be absent from the United Nations gathering being held in the oil-rich state from November 11 to 22.
The head of state has been receiving treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer since early in the year and the global climate change conference will begin just over two weeks after the King and Queen Camilla’s long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa ends.
Charles missed Cop27 in 2022, the first climate change summit of his reign, after a “unanimous agreement” was reached that the King should not attend the gathering in Egypt after advice was sought by his office from Liz Truss’s government.
But the following year the head of state delivered an address on the opening day of Cop28 in Dubai, warning delegates that the world remains “dreadfully far off track” in key climate targets and called for meaningful change.
Meghan Markle debuts new look at children’s hospital gala - ICYMI
Tuesday 8 October 2024 21:00
Athena Stavrou
The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise solo appearance at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday (3 October).
Meghan, 43, wore a red dress on the solo visit and is said to have spoken to everyone who stopped her at the high-profile event attended by other big names, including Jamie Lee Curtis.
Praising the work of the hospital, she said: “Oh my goodness, the work they do at Children’s Hospital LA is otherworldly.
“I think from my standpoint as a mother, no one wants to be in a position where you need to go to a place like this, but if you have to, the best place in the world you could go would be Children’s Hospital LA.”
She also revealed that the hospital was assisting some of her close friends from high school.
Watch: Inside Buckingham Palace’s refurbishment
Tuesday 8 October 2024 20:00
Athena Stavrou
The palace has revealed the latest work that has been done in Buckingham Palace’s extensive reservicing programme.
The refurbishment is expected to cost £369m and began five years ago.
In a clip shared to social media, the palace offered a glimpse into the replacement of 3.5km of electric cabling, which had previously not been updated since the 1950s.
It wrote on X: “The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.”
The Reservicing Programme has been continuing work in the Basement of Buckingham Palace, replacing old electrical cabling under the floors and throughout the historic building.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 8, 2024
Watch more! pic.twitter.com/Z1jCM3WaBt
Edward and Sophie commemorate war dead in Malta
Tuesday 8 October 2024 19:10
Athena Stavrou
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh have sailed through the harbour in Malta before throwing a wreath and posy into the sea to commemorate British and Maltese lives lost during the Second World War.
On the second day of their trip to the island nation, Edward and Sophie boarded a military ship and sailed through Valletta harbour, where they were treated to dramatic views of the capital’s yellow limestone buildings.
Accompanied by the armed forces of Malta, the duke threw a wreath and the duchess a posy of flowers into the water before a gun salute sounded from one of the city’s high points.
Duchy of Cornwall town subject to serious complaints – ‘There are rats everywhere’
Tuesday 8 October 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
A town built to King Charles’s specifications of an idealised community is suffering from a serious waste collection problem.
Residents of Poundbury, Dorset, which is built on Duchy of Cornwall land, have now spoken out in a bid to solve the problem, appealing to the king directly.
One local told The Telegraph: “There are rats everywhere and the smell is awful. No one seems to be bothered.”
A second said that the king “would be horrified” and compared the development, which is due to be completed in 2026, to a “third-world country.”
Explaining the root of the problem, a third added: “The number of bins is not sufficient, there needs to be a second refuse and recycling point. It’s carnage around Christmas with rubbish everywhere.”
King Charles new patron of National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
Tuesday 8 October 2024 17:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has been named as the new patron of the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC).
The monarch, 75, will succeed his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II in the role, which she held for 65 years.
NFYFC chair of council Drew Bailey said: “NFYFC is honoured that His Majesty The King is our Royal Patron. His Majesty’s commitment to Young Farmers’ Clubs reflects our proud history of nine decades of developing rural young people’s skills.
“As a former president of the National Federation, we are privileged to now have His Majesty serve as our patron.
“His Majesty’s commitment to the countryside and the welfare of rural communities perfectly aligns with the mission of NFYFC and its clubs and counties. Much of our work focuses on developing rural young people’s skills and raising awareness about opportunities in the sector.”
Duchess of Edinburgh to remind children to ‘cherish’ their eyesight
Tuesday 8 October 2024 16:30
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Edinburgh is set to remind people how important it is to “cherish” their eyesight when she makes an appearance on a CBeebies bedtime story.
To be aired on World Sight Day, which is taking place on Thursday (10 October), Specs for Rex is centred around a young lion named Rex who is reluctant to wear his glasses to school.
The duchess said in a trailer for the program: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly.
“World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.
“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”
James Middleton reveals what makes him the ‘most proud’ of Kate
Tuesday 8 October 2024 16:00
Emma Guinness
James Middleton has revealed the characteristic that makes him “most proud” of his older sister, the Princess of Wales.
He told US Weekly: “Catherine is very much on a public stage and I’m in awe of a lot of the things she does. I think the thing I’m most proud of is that she’s still the same person that I grew up with.”
Mr Middleton, 37, reflected upon his relationship with his sister and wider family in his new memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.
Powerful reason behind Meghan Markle’s dress colour in LA
Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:30
Emma Guinness
This weekend, the Duchess of Sussex stepped out in a stunning red gown as she attended a charity gala at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
Now, psychotherapist Dr Robi Ludwig has speculated about the deeper meaning behind the gown, which she paired with a never-before-seen mermaid waves hairstyle.
He told Fox News Digital: “Wearing red is a powerful, boss lady colour. It says, ‘I’m here, I’m not hiding, and I’m ready to assume my position of power.’ Wearing red often symbolizes attraction, confidence and empowerment.
“The ‘red dress effect’ studies found that red enhances the male gaze and encourages men to find women wearing red more appealing. In fashion, red is also considered a power colour that represents strength and determination. The hair is a throwback to her Hollywood actress days. It’s all in sync with Meghan taking control of her life and doing things her way again.”
Prince Harry says Lilibet has been ‘blessed’ with Meghan Markle’s hair
Tuesday 8 October 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry provided a rare insight into Princess Lilibet’s life at the Wellchild Awards last week, revealing that his children have been “blessed” with their mother’s hair.
The charity celebrates the achievements of seriously ill children in the UK and their carers and Harry flew especially to the UK for the occasion.
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon, who was in attendance, told HELLO! magazine: “From the moment he arrived in the reception room, he had an infectious energy about him, and there were no airs and graces at all as he chatted animatedly about his own children ahead of the event.”
“Archie and Lili have been blessed with their mother’s thick hair, he told us, self-effacingly, as he marvelled that it won’t be long until Lili can sit on hers.”
Tuesday 8 October 2024 14:30
Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Edinburgh was awarded a badge to recognise her new role as patron of the Girlguides – a position previously held by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
