Prince William and Harry’s childhood Highgrove House could have surprising future, a royal expert has revealed.
The 18th century countryside estate near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, serves as the private home of Charles and his wife Camilla, now the Queen Consort, and is something of a sanctuary for the King.
With William and Harry “not showing great interest” in their childhood home, a royal source suggested that the countryside estate could be turned into a “Museum of King Charles III” in years to come
In his biography book ‘New King, New Court, Charles III the inside story’ royal author Rupert Bell has also uncovered the Palace’s new funeral plans for the King.
According to the royal expert, the King’s valedictory arrangements have been upgraded to Operation London Bridge, similar to those of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The Prince Wales’s future death has also been granted a new codename. William’s funeral plan is now called “Operation Menai Bridge”, a reference to a structure linking Anglesey to North Wales.
Meanwhile in South Africa, William continues his visit to attend the Earthshot Awards. He has issued a touching health update on his wife, Kate, after the princess finished her cancer treatment.
The Prince of Wales described Kate as “amazing” as he spoke to reporters in South Africa ahead of tonight’s Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town.
Key Points
- Charles could turn Highgrove into ‘Museum of King Charles III’
- New King Charles and William funeral codenames revealed
- Palace reveals date Queen Camilla will return to royal duties
- William shares touching Kate update following her cancer treatment
- Brooklyn Beckham praises Prince William, calling him ‘sweetest guy’
In pictures: Sarah Ferguson attends book signing event in Sydney
10:00
Salma Ouaguira
Royal funeral plan codenames upgraded
09:52
Salma Ouaguira
The King’s funeral plans have been officially upgraded to Operation London Bridge, to copy those of the late Queen Elizabeth, a royal expert has revealed.
In his new book, royal commentator Rupert Bell claimed that the Palace has also come up with new codenames for the Prince of Wales’s future death.
Mr Bell said: “As Prince of Wales, the King’s funeral plan had been codenamed Operation Menai Bridge, from the great structure linking Anglesey to North Wales. That is now the code for the new Prince of Wales, with the ‘Menai’ designation for all his immediate family in numerical order.
“Prince William’s plans had previously been codenamed Operation Clare Bridge, after the famous crossing over the Cam, during his days as Duke of Cambridge. ‘You need a plan for everything.
“Sadly, we all remember the death of a member of the family who died in Paris without a plan,’ explains one Royal Household veteran, alluding to the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. ‘We are so accustomed, in this country, to these things, solemn and tragic though they are, going really well with no one putting a foot wrong.
“If we suddenly couldn’t do that, there would be a big question about the way this country looks at itself.’”
Charles could turn Highgrove into ‘Museum of King Charles III’
09:48
Salma Ouaguira
King Charles’s Highgrove House could have surprising future, a royal expert has revealed.
The 18th century countryside estate near Tetbury, Gloucestershire, serves as the private home of Charles and his wife Camilla, now the Queen Consort, and is something of a sanctuary for the King.
With William and Harry “not showing great interest” in their childhood home, the site is still a “work in progress” as the Palace decides on its future.
Writing on his biography book ‘New King, New Court, Charles III the inside story’ royal author Rupert Bell has shed light onto the potential future of the monarch’s favourite retreat.
He said: “Neither of his sons has shown a great interest in taking on their childhood home. As a Duchy of Cornwall property (on a long lease to the King), Highgrove’s future will need to be decided by the current or future Duke of Cornwall. One close ally of the King has made an interesting suggestion.
“Given the King’s personal devotion to the place, and the way in which it encapsulates so much about the man, would it not make an ideal ‘Museum of King Charles III’ in years to come?”
Prince of Wales to join fishing community in Cape Town
09:45
Salma Ouaguira
The Prince of Wales will be the special guest at a Cape Town braai, or barbecue, as his tour of South Africa draws to a close.
William will join members of a local fishing community working in and around Kalk Bay Harbour as they have a fish lunch.
The future king’s visit will highlight the contributions of 2023 Earthshot Prize finalist Abalobi, founded in South Africa to protect small-scale fishing communities and nurture their ocean stewardship, while educating their customers about the origins of their seafood.
William staged his Earthshot Prize ceremony in Cape Town on Wednesday night and dubbed his environmental awards as a “movement for change” and called on the world to join.
‘Stubborn’ Andrew determined to stay in Windsor, says expert
09:30
Salma Ouaguira
Prince Andrew’s “stubbornness” and “arrogance” has added fuel to the fire in his feud with King Charles over his residence Royal Lodge in Windsor, a royal expert claims.
A row sparked between the brothers after King Charles cut the Duke of York’s from an annual £1 million “living allowance”, according to a new biography book by Robert Hartman.
Commenting on the rift, royal commentator Rupert Bell told Times Radio: “One of the problems that Prince Andrew has is that he is occasionally convinced of his rightness, and he gets himself into hot water with his stubbornness and sometimes his own arrogance has caused him to create these problems.
“He feels like he lost everything and if he loses his house, well then he probably feels that even more has been taken away from him.”
Prince William meets sea rescue volunteers in Cape Town
09:15
Salma Ouaguira
Queen to return to royal duties this weekend, Palace confirms
09:00
Salma Ouaguira
Buckingham Palace has issued a new update about Queen Camilla’s health following her chest infection.
The Queen was initialing told to rest by doctors, missing key royal engagements ahead of Remembrance Day today and a reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes with the King.
But doctors now believe she can return to her royal engagements from next week.
Camila is expected to host a reception showcasing authors shortlisted for this year’s Booker Prize. The Palace also announced that she could try to attend this weekend’s Remembrance celebrations.
Prince William hires Beckhams’ head of PR
08:40
Salma Ouaguira
The Prince of Wales has hired David Beckham’s former public relations chief to work for his Homewards charity.
Victoria Shires, who worked for the football star’s DB Ventures for three years, is now the new head of communications of his documentary.
She told the Daily Mail: “It’s been a great first few weeks at the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.”
Ms Shires previously worked with ITV for three years, where William’s two-part documentary called ‘Prince William: We Can End Homelessness” was broadcast.
The PR boss added: “It’s been lovely to have launching that as my first project here.”
Brooklyn Beckham praises Prince William, calling him ‘sweetest guy’
08:21
Salma Ouaguira
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham has shared details about his famous family’s relationship with the British royal family.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Monday (November 4), one fan asked Brooklyn how much time he spent with the royals as a child.
The fan also pointed out that his parents, David and Victoria Beckham, have had a friendship with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the past.
Read the full story below:
Watch: Prince William provides update on Kate’s health
08:02
Athena Stavrou
Prince William shares touching Kate update following her cancer treatment
07:01
Athena Stavrou
Prince William has issued a touching health update on his wife, Kate, after the princess finished her cancer treatment.
The Prince of Wales described Kate as “amazing” as he spoke to reporters in South Africa ahead of tonight’s Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town.
She’s doing really well thanks. Hopefully she’s watching tonight and cheering me on,” he said. “She’s been amazing this whole year and I know she’ll be really keen to see tonight be a success.”
Kate has been largely out of the public eye as she underwent preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
In September, she revealed she had completed her treatment and was focusing on “staying cancer free” in a heartfelt video featuring herself, William and their three children.
Queen Camilla ‘unwell with chest infection’ - ICYMI
06:06
Athena Stavrou
Queen Camilla is unwell with a chest infection and has withdrawn from her engagements this week, Buckingham Palace has announced.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “Her Majesty The Queen is currently unwell with a chest infection, for which her doctors have advised a short period of rest.
“With great regret, Her Majesty has therefore had to withdraw from her engagements for this week but she very much hopes to be recovered in time to attend this weekend’s Remembrance events as normal.
“She apologises to all those who may be inconvenienced or disappointed as a result.”
It is understood the Queen will remain at home under doctor’s supervision while she recovers.
Charles and William face calls to abolish private estates
04:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles and Prince William are facing calls to dissolve their private estates after it was revealed they are making millions from Britain’s cash-strapped NHS and public services.
The two estates earned the royals upwards of £50mn in the last financial year, with both estates being exempt from paying corporation tax or capital gains tax.
The monarch and heir to the throne have sparked uproar after it was revealed they are benefiting from rental deals with public services - including the armed forces and state schools - on their private estates, the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.
“The solution is quite simple, abolish the Duchies,” spokesperson for Republic, Graham Smith, said.
He added: “The Dispatches investigation shows how the Duchies are doggedly pursuing profit at every turn, at huge expense to the public and charities.
“The Duchies are not private property, they are state assets. Parliament allowed the royals to maintain control over these estates when other land was surrendered three centuries ago. It’s time parliament abandoned that arrangement.”
King Charles severs financial ties with Prince Andrew - ICYMI
02:01
Athena Stavrou
King Charles has instructed the royal purse-keeper to “sever” Prince Andrew’s annual £1 million allowance, according to royal writer Robert Hardman in a new book serialised by the Daily Mail.
The keeper of the privy purse was “instructed to sever [Andrew’s] living allowance” after the Duke of York refused to move out of his 30-room mansion the Royal Lodge into the smaller, nearby Frogmore Cottage.
“’The duke is no longer a financial burden on the King,’ confirms one familiar with the situation,” Mr Hardman writes.
“’He claims to have found other sources of income related to his contacts in international trade, sufficient to cover all his costs - which would be a welcome outcome for all parties if that turns out to be the case.
“’But as to whether this funding can be relied upon in the long term is another matter.’”
Former Johnson aide dubbed ‘Party Marty’ honoured at Windsor Castle
00:02
Athena Stavrou
A former prime ministerial aide who arranged a bring-your-own-booze garden party during coronavirus restrictions received an honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.
Martin Reynolds was dubbed “Party Marty” after the revelations emerged about the May 20 2020 gathering in the Number 10 garden.
Mr Reynolds, who was principal private secretary to Boris Johnson, was made a Companion of the Order of Bath for public service.
Appearing before the UK Covid-19 Inquiry last October, Mr Reynolds apologised when asked about the party.
He told the inquiry he was “deeply sorry” for “my part in those events and for the email message which went out that day”.
William confirms bracelet is Taylor Swift ‘relic’ made by daughter
Wednesday 6 November 2024 22:01
Athena Stavrou
Prince William has confirmed speculation that the friendship bracelet he wears that made by his daughter was part of a movement by Taylor Swift fans.
He said: “Well, this is a… I think, a relic, if you like, from a Taylor Swift concert that my daughter decided that she wanted to create a bracelet for.
“She gave it to me when I came away. So I promised to wear it and try not to lose while I was out here.”
The prince has been wearing a blue and white bracelet on his right wrist with the words “Papa” printed on four of the beads.
The bracelets are tokens of love and friendship that are said to have made a comeback thanks to Taylor Swift fans who have been exchanging the handmade jewellery.
William: I hope my children are proud of Earthshot bid to ‘repair’ planet
Wednesday 6 November 2024 21:02
Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has said he hopes his children are “proud” of the work of his Earthshot Prize, which champions solutions to “repair” the planet.
In a BBC interview ahead of the Earthshot awards ceremony in Cape Town, William also revealed his family is eco-conscious and minimises their effect on the environment – just like other households.
William said they recycle, reduce their water use and turn off the lights when leaving their home, ahead of his Earthshot Prize awards ceremony being hosted by Cape Town.
The heir to the throne said he hoped his children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis – and the Princess of Wales would be would watching the awards being screened online later on Wednesday.
What Donald Trump’s presidency could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid US visa row
Wednesday 6 November 2024 20:02
Athena Stavrou
As Donald Trump secures his second term as US president, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have cause for concern about their new life in Montecito.
Trump’s victory coincides with a precarious visa battle for the Sussexes, which may be complicated by their strained relationship with the president.
The Republican has previously weighed in on Prince Harry’s US visa application, which has come under scrutiny after Harry admitted in his memoir Spare to using cocaine, smoking marijuana, and experimenting with magic mushrooms as a teenager.
Read the full story here:
Charles’ ‘pen pal’ back in the White House
Wednesday 6 November 2024 19:02
Athena Stavrou
Melania Trump is once again the First Lady of the US after her husband, Donald Trump, secured a second term in office.
Earlier this year, the former fashion model revealed an unlikely friendship between herself and the monarch in her memoir, Melania.
She explained that after their first meeting in New York in 2005, the pair reconnected in 2019 during a state visit to the UK, by which point Trump was in the White House.
“The evening’s state banquet was a formal and elegant affair. I was seated next to Prince Charles, and it was an absolute pleasure to reconnect with him,” Melania wrote. “Our paths had crossed many years ago in New York City. This time we engaged in an interesting conversation about his deep-rooted commitment to environmental conservation.”
She added: “Our friendship with the royal family continues and we exchange letters with King Charles to this day.”
What happened with the royals during Trump’s last presidency?
Wednesday 6 November 2024 18:01
Athena Stavrou
The royal family plays a key part in the UK-US special relationship, and Donald Trump is well known for his love of the monarchy.
During his last term, Trump visited the UK on a grand state visit, hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.
He boasted he had “automatic chemistry” with late Queen and said: “I really got to know her because I sat with her many times and we had automatic chemistry, you will understand that feeling.”
But author Craig Brown, in his new biography A Voyage Around The Queen, has since claimed that the monarch found Mr Trump “very rude”.
She is said to have “particularly disliked” the way he “couldn’t stop looking over her shoulder, as though in search of others more interesting”.
In 2018, Mr Trump joined the Queen for tea at Windsor Castle. As they inspected a Guard of Honour, the president walked along before standing still in front of the Queen, meaning she had to navigate her way around him so they could walk side by side.
At the state visit a year later, he was treated to a full programme of pomp and pageantry, with a ceremonial welcome and a glittering ballroom banquet at Buckingham Palace.
Charles inspected a Guard of Honour with Mr Trump on the lawns of the royal residence, dined with him at the banquet and had tea with him, Mrs Trump and the then-Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House.
Mr Trump, who is known for his extreme hand-holding, appeared to deliver a fist bump to Elizabeth II in the Palace gardens, but it was more likely an unusual clench of her hand. He tweeted the London trip had been a success, adding: “The Queen and the entire Royal family have been fantastic.”
Will Trump meet the King?
Wednesday 6 November 2024 17:16
Athena Stavrou
As Donald Trump makes a dramatic return to the White House, it is expected he and the King will meet eachother once again.
President-elect Trump was already feted with a grand state visit to the UK, hosted by the Queen in 2019, making it unlikely he will be invited to make a second one.
Precedent for second-term US presidents who have already made a state visit appears to be tea or lunch with the monarch at Windsor Castle, as was the case for George W Bush and Barack Obama.
But nothing should be ruled out when it comes to Mr Trump and the King and Queen could instead be invited to America by Trump.
Foreign monarchs, presidents or prime ministers are invited to visit the King on the advice of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, so any decision ultimately lies with the Government.
Mr Trump and the King, as the Prince of Wales, have met several times, although not since Charles acceded to the throne in 2022, with Mr Trump’s first term as American leader ending in 2021 - but they appear to be on friendly terms.
Prince William makes promise to Princess Charlotte as he shares update on Kate’s health
Wednesday 6 November 2024 16:34
Athena Stavrou
Prince William revealed a promise he made to Princess Charlotte as he shared an update on the Princess of Wales’ health.
Speaking from Cape Town in South Africa on Wednesday (6 November), as he prepares to award winners of the EarthShot Prize, the Prince of Wales sported a special bracelet given to him by his daughter.
William told Sky News: “I made a promise to Charlotte to wear it.”
The prince was then asked how Catherine is following her cancer treatment.
William replied: “She is doing relly well. She’s doing amazing.
Watch here:
Queen to attend Gladiator II premiere after cancelling engagements with chest infection
Wednesday 6 November 2024 16:17
Athena Stavrou
The Queen is set to attend the glitzy global premiere of Gladiator II next week despite falling ill with a chest infection.
Buckingham Palace announced the King and Camilla will meet the stars of the blockbuster, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Connie Nielsen and Pedro Pascal, and director Sir Ridley Scott.
The royal couple will settle down to watch the screening of the highly-anticipated sequel at the Royal Film Performance in London’s Leicester Square next Wednesday evening.
Camilla, 77, who this week was forced to pull out of engagements after catching a seasonal illness, will also join Charles as they host a special reception at Buckingham Palace to celebrate the UK’s television and film industry earlier in the day.
The King and Queen will welcome guests including directors, actors, TV presenters, stunt performers and costume designers.
Camilla’s health over the years: Her broken toe, leg in plaster and hysterectomy
Wednesday 6 November 2024 16:01
Athena Stavrou
The Queen has withdrawn from official engagements this week due to a chest infection in the latest of royal health concerns this year.
Camilla has had her own hare of hospital stays and setbacks over the years. She has suffered a broken leg, back pain, had a hysterectomy, and contracted Covid twice.
The former Mrs Parker Bowles took on the role of Queen Consort when she was 75 – an age at which many people are already well into retirement.
After one well-wisher in Cardiff remarked she must be absolutely exhausted, Camilla replied: “Yes, we are, but we have to carry on, stopping would be worse.”
The Queen used to be a heavy smoker – a habit Charles loathes – but she gave up many years ago. In 2019, she pulled out of a gala dinner on medical advice after contracting a chest infection.
Prince of Wales announces insurance for rangers who safeguard Africa’s wildlife
Wednesday 6 November 2024 15:33
Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has announced a potentially game-changing new life insurance cover for rangers who safeguard Africa’s wildlife.
William described the workers as “guardians of our planet’s most precious resources” as he outlined the five-year Ranger Welfare and Standards Initiative, providing 10,000 rangers working across Africa access to the financial scheme.
The death toll among rangers was significant during the period from June 2023 to May 2024, with 140 losing their lives to a range of factors from animal attacks and occupational accidents to targeting by poachers.
Giving the keynote speech at the start of a two-day summit for his United for Wildlife organisation, which combats the illegal trafficking of animals, the prince said: “Rangers are fundamental if we are to meet our global conservation targets for 2030 and prevent the dangerous tipping points that threaten our planet.
“These people do far more than protect wildlife. They are educators. They are community supporters. And they help regulate the sustainable use of natural resources.”
Slice of Queen and Prince Philip’s wedding cake sells for more than £2,000
Wednesday 6 November 2024 15:04
Athena Stavrou
A slice of cake from Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip’s wedding has sold at auction for £2,200.
The fruit cake was found under a bed in a suitcase in the original box, along with a presentation card postmarked April 21 1948, auctioneers Reeman Dansie said.
The fully packaged cake in its original state is “very rare” and was expected to gather £500, but was sold over the phone on Tuesday to a Chinese buyer for £2,200.
“It’s incredibly rare because normally, of course, people would have eaten it,” said Jonathan Benson, auctioneer at Reeman Dansie.
It was put up for sale by the family of Marion Polson, an ex-member of the Royal Household who worked at Holyroodhouse from 1931 to 1969 and who later died in the 1980s.
Slices of the cake were gifted to royal staff to mark the wedding of then-Princess Elizabeth to Lieutenant Prince Philip of Greece R.N. on November 20 1947.
Royal family accused of levying charges on land that ’doesn’t belong to them’
Wednesday 6 November 2024 14:30
Athena Stavrou
The royal family have been accused in Parliament of levying charges on land that “doesn’t really belong to them”.
The criticism came after a Sunday Times and Channel 4 expose was published on the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall, which fund the King and the Prince of Wales.
The report revealed that the royals are making millions of pounds a year by charging government departments, councils, businesses, mining companies and the general public via a series of commercial rents and feudal levies on land seized by medieval monarchs.
Lord Berkeley, who questioned the legitimacy of this ownership, said he has seen the effects of this where he lives on the Isles of Scilly, where most the land and nearly a third of the residential buildings are owned by the Duchy of Cornwall.
He said: “We’ve got one example of farmers on the Isles of Scilly, [who] want to see an abattoir built so they don’t have to transport animals to the mainland, which I think is a very good idea.
“The Duchy said, ‘well you can have the land’ – well, many of us think that they don’t own the land anyway, but leaving that to one side – they allocate land to an abattoir, they are then going to charge the farmer for using it.
“Is that right when the land probably doesn’t really belong to them and they’re not contributing to the cost?”
Latest pictures of William’s trip to South Africa
Wednesday 6 November 2024 14:03
Athena Stavrou
Watch: Prince William provides update on Kate's health
Wednesday 6 November 2024 13:31
Athena Stavrou
We are here for you, William tells Earthshot finalists ahead of awards ceremony
Wednesday 6 November 2024 13:01
Athena Stavrou
The Prince of Wales has told his Earthshot Prize finalists “we are here for you” as he geared up for the awards ceremony being staged in Cape Town.
William chatted to the 15 environmental entrepreneurs in the picturesque setting of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in the shadow of Table Mountain.
He told the group: “You are all amazing. You should be immensely proud of yourselves. The whole Earthshot team loved hearing about your ideas, the solutions you are all coming up with, and I hope you’ve found it beneficial to be here together and creating such a great vibe.
“We are here for you for the next 12 months and I want to get around to see as many of you as possible, but good luck tonight.”
Prince William shares touching Kate update following her cancer treatment
Wednesday 6 November 2024 12:35
Athena Stavrou
Prince William has issued a touching health update on his wife, Kate, after the princess finished her cancer treatment.
The Prince of Wales described Kate as “amazing” as he spoke to reporters in South Africa ahead of tonight’s Earthshot Prize awards in Cape Town.
She’s doing really well thanks. Hopefully she’s watching tonight and cheering me on,” he said. “She’s been amazing this whole year and I know she’ll be really keen to see tonight be a success.”
Kate has been largely out of the public eye as she underwent preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
In September, she revealed she had completed her treatment and was focusing on “staying cancer free” in a heartfelt video featuring herself, William and their three children.
Buckingham Palace to open up East Wing to visitors outside summer months
Wednesday 6 November 2024 08:00
Athena Stavrou
In exciting news for royal fans, Buckingham Palace has announced it is set to open up its East Wing outside the traditional summer tourist season.
The expanded programme follows the success of this year’s annual summer opening, when it welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors and allowed access to the wing - which includes the famous central balcony - for the first time since it was built 175 years ago.
The 90-minute guided tours, from January to May and costing £90, will offer a more in-depth look at the history of the rooms in the East Wing at a time when the palace is not usually open to the public.
Early in the King’s reign, it was reported Charles planned to give people greater access to the palace all year round.
For the first time, visitors will be able to enter through the palace’s front gates and proceed across the forecourt, just as guests do for official royal events.
Charles faces calls to back out of lucrative NHS deal
Wednesday 6 November 2024 07:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles is facing calls to dissolve his lucrative private estates and refund the cash-strapped NHS after it emerged he is making millions from renting out ambulance parking spaces and sub-standard properties.
Charles has been asked to reconsider an £11.4m deal struck by the Duchy of Lancaster last year to store a fleet of electric ambulances, owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London, in one of the estate’s warehouses for 15 years.
Campaigners described the deal as “disgraceful” and a “money-grabbing activity” which ought to be reconsidered by the King.
“I think it is disgraceful actually, given the NHS is under so much pressure, for the Royal Family to charge for ambulance parking and other NHS uses,” Dennis Reed from Silver Voices, a campaign group for elderly people, told The Daily Mail. “[It] sounds rather like a money-grabbing activity. And I would hope because of the publicity there will be a rethink in the Royal Household.”
Camilla seen visiting refuge in new documentary - ICYMI
Wednesday 6 November 2024 06:00
Athena Stavrou
In her new documentary, Camilla is seen visiting a refuge and speaking candidly with domestic abuse survivors about their deeply personal experiences.
Earlier this year, Camilla backed The Independent’s Brick by Brick campaign to build two new refuges for women fleeing abuse. Thanks to generous donations from readers the initial £300,000 target has recently been reached, with more than £500,000 of donations pouring in so far and plans are already underway for the building of a second home.
Speaking about the importance of refuges in the documentary Camilla says: “You flee and you arrive at this haven. Room of their own, a door they can lock. And as time goes by, they start having their confidence restored and start their life anew.
“These refuges are literally life savers. Without these refuges, where would they go?”
Royal estates ‘to earn millions from NHS, armed forces and state school rents’
Wednesday 6 November 2024 04:00
Athena Stavrou
The King and the Prince of Wales’ private estates have struck rental deals worth millions of pounds with the armed forces, the NHS and state schools, it has been reported.
An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches and the Sunday Times examined the land and properties the two leading royals own through the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.
The investigation reported that last year the Duchy of Lancaster agreed a deal to store a new fleet of electric ambulances, owned by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London, in one of the estate’s warehouses at a cost of £11.4 million over 15 years.
It also said the Duchy of Cornwall had charged the navy more than £1 million since 2004 to build and use jetties and moor warships on the Cornish coastline.
The duchy will also earn around £600,000 over the lifetime of six different leases agreed with local state schools, the investigation found.
Charles and William face calls to abolish private estates
Wednesday 6 November 2024 02:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles and Prince William are facing calls to dissolve their private estates after it was revealed they are making millions from Britain’s cash-strapped NHS and public services.
The two estates earned the royals upwards of £50mn in the last financial year, with both estates being exempt from paying corporation tax or capital gains tax.
The monarch and heir to the throne have sparked uproar after it was revealed they are benefiting from rental deals with public services - including the armed forces and state schools - on their private estates, the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall.
“The solution is quite simple, abolish the Duchies,” spokesperson for Republic, Graham Smith, said.
He added: “The Dispatches investigation shows how the Duchies are doggedly pursuing profit at every turn, at huge expense to the public and charities.
“The Duchies are not private property, they are state assets. Parliament allowed the royals to maintain control over these estates when other land was surrendered three centuries ago. It’s time parliament abandoned that arrangement.”
King Charles severs financial ties with Prince Andrew - ICYMI
Wednesday 6 November 2024 00:01
Athena Stavrou
King Charles has instructed the royal purse-keeper to “sever” Prince Andrew’s annual £1 million allowance, according to royal writer Robert Hardman in a new book serialised by the Daily Mail.
The keeper of the privy purse was “instructed to sever [Andrew’s] living allowance” after the Duke of York refused to move out of his 30-room mansion the Royal Lodge into the smaller