Prince William stepped out in London today with David Beckham following Prince Harry’s triumphant appearance at the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, made headlines with his affinity for the children present and burst into laughter when a cheeky youngster grabbed his beard.
He was attending the event, a mere 15-minute walk away from Kate and William’s London home, as a patron. The WellChild Awards celebrate the achievements of seriously ill young people and their carers.
William, 42, meanwhile, met David Beckham as he viewed the new London Air Ambulance helicopters and their crew following a successful fundraising appeal.
He will also promote his Earthshot Prize today with a visit to a 2023 finalist, ENSO, which specialises in creating sustainable tyres for electric vehicles.
The award, established by the prince in 2020, recognises and supports those doing groundbreaking environmental work.
It is believed the two brothers will not see each other, despite appearing to be in the city at the same time, following a deterioration in their relationship in recent years.
They are said to have kept their distance at their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’s funeral this summer.
Key Points
- Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
- Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
- Adorable moment youngster grabs Prince Harry’s beard
Princess Beatrice pregnant with second child, Palace announces
15:26
Emma Guinness
Buckingham Palace has announced that Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child.
The daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 36, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will be welcoming their new arrival next spring.
They already share a daughter, Sienna, three, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi has a son from a previous relationship, Wolfie, eight.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.
“His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”
The child will be 11th in line to the throne.
Prince Harry explains why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year why he will not bring his wife Meghan Markle to the UK.
Harry, 40, attended the WellChild Awards in London yesterday, but his spouse was notably absent.
Speaking to ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said that he will not risk bringing her to the UK as he fears a “knife or acid attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.
Meghan, 43, last stepped out in public in the UK for the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022.
Prince William celebrates new helicopters with David Beckham
13:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William has today celebrated the unveiling of the London Air Ambulance’s new helicopters with none other than David Beckham.
A series of images of the pair posing with the vehicles and their crew was shared to the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account.
Prince William to celebrate London Air Ambulance’s new fleet
12:00
Emma Guinness
Prince William will attend an event celebrating the introduction of the London Air Ambulance’s new fleet.
The Prince of Wales, 42, is set to view the helicopters themselves and meet with their crew following a successful fundraising effort to introduce two new vehicles.
Praising the success of the Up Against Time appeal on Twitter/X, William, a former air ambulance pilot himself, wrote: “Fantastic News! This is going to have a life-saving impact.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated W.”
Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
09:25
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex took the opportunity to praise the “little legends” being honoured at the 2024 WellChild Awards as he gave a brief speech at the event.
Harry, 40, has been a patron of the charity which supports and celebrates seriously ill young people and their carers since 2007.
Harry said: “Thank you for your courage, your perseverance, your kindness and of course your humour. And thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you.
“The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me.
“The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays and endless appointments, remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.
“For many of us, it is a daily life we can hardly imagine, and yet somehow, the young people I meet are always smiling and every room they walk into seemingly lights up with warmth and positivity.”
Prince William to step out in London today
09:04
Emma Guinness
Prince William is set to step out in London today following Prince Harry’s triumphant appearance at the WellChild Awards in the city last night.
The heir to the throne, 42, will be visiting a 2023 finalist of his Earthshot Prize, ENSO, which specialises in creating sustainable tyres for electric vehicles.
This will see him meet with the company’s CEO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, to discuss the progress it has made over the past year.
Adorable moment youngster grabs Prince Harry’s beard
08:59
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry proved that he has a natural affinity with children at yesterday’s WellChild Awards when a young boy grabbed his beard.
In response, the duke, who recently turned 40, simply burst out laughing.
Harry was attending the event in his capacity as patron for the charity, a role he has held since 2007, and gave a brief speech as he presented an award.
The event celebrated the achievements of seriously ill children and their carers.
‘Rather ugly’ statue of Prince Philip removed
06:00
Emma Guinness
A statue of the late Prince Philip that was described as “rather ugly” by a local councillor has been removed.
The controversial artwork, known as the Cambridge Don, was located outside an office building in Cambridge and had been moved to the spot without the correct planning permission in 2023.
“The statue was erected without planning permission and was in breach of planning control like anything erected without the correct permission,” a spokesperson for the council said.
“Given its size and location in the New Town and Glisson Road conservation area, it would have been unlikely to receive planning approval even if it had been sought because it would have contravened national and local planning policies.
“As we have said throughout this process, it’s frustrating that the council has had to spend time and money to achieve this outcome, but the inspector’s decision makes it very clear that planning policies are in place for a reason and should be respected.”
The late Duke of Edinburgh was the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University and the 3,000kg work was said to represent him in his role.
King Charles sends condolences following death of Dame Maggie Smith
03:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a condolence message following the death of Dame Maggie Smith on Friday (27 September).
In a statement shared to official Buckingham Palace channels, the monarch wrote: “My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith.
“As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances, and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage.”
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Tuesday 1 October 2024 00:00
Emma Guinness
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s virtual event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Prince William films video for upcoming Earthshot prize project
Monday 30 September 2024 21:00
Emma Guinness
The Prince of Wales has shared some behind-the-scenes snaps of himself out in nature for an upcoming Earthshot prize project.
William, 42, launched the prize in 2020 to recognise and support individuals making significant contributions towards protecting the environment.
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at WellChild charity event
Monday 30 September 2024 20:08
Holly Evans
Boy, seven, grabs Prince Harry’s beard during sweet encounter at awards
Monday 30 September 2024 19:15
Holly Evans
As part of his role as patron of Wellchild, Prince Harry met with families and children, including Noah Noah Nicholson, who has complex medical needs.
He has cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease and other serious health issues, but his mother, Tracey Nicholson, 42, from Grimsby, said he remains happy and positive and lives life to the full.
The seven-year-old brought his prized comfort toys – George the cat and Ratty the Giraffe in the shape of a blanket – and delighted in throwing them on to the floor.
When Ms Nicholson apologised for her son’s antics, Harry, who is WellChild’s patron, replied: “Don’t apologise, I love it.”
Harry recognised Ratty the Giraffe and called the blanket comforter “lovey”, a name used in American, and said: “Every parent has about six spare.”
At one point Noah, who has brain damage and won the most Inspirational Child aged four to six, grabbed Harry’s beard and made him grin.
Harry upstaged by boisterous Noah at WellChild awards
Monday 30 September 2024 18:40
Holly Evans
The Duke of Sussex has been upstaged by a boisterous boy who threw his toys away during an awards night and laughed as Harry picked them up.
The duke met seven-year-old Noah Nicholson – who has complex medical conditions – when he returned to the UK to honour children, teenagers and their parents who have been recognised with awards from the charity WellChild.
Harry was asked by some of the youngsters whether he had a passport, and received gifts for his own children in the US.
He told one winner at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel: “My award is being here with you guys.”
The WellChild awards celebrate the inspiring qualities of some of the country’s seriously ill young people and the dedication of those who keep them healthy and happy, including health, social care and education professionals.
King Charles speaks of royal affection for Scotland
Monday 30 September 2024 18:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles has spoken of his family’s love of Scotland in a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
In a speech at Holyrood, the monarch said: “We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland. Because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based as it is on the extraordinary diversity of its peoples, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions, and frequently deeply-held beliefs, never cease to inspire me.”
He then noted that his family’s love of the country runs so deep that the late Queen Elizabeth II chose to spend her final days in the country before passing away at their Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.
Prince Harry arrives in London for WellChild Awards
Monday 30 September 2024 16:15
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he arrived in London this afternoon for the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, is expected to present an award at the prestigious event and deliver a brief speech, having been a patron of the charity since 2007.
Prince Harry explained why he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK
Monday 30 September 2024 15:00
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex explained earlier this year that he will not bring Meghan Markle to the UK because he fears “an acid or knife attack” inspired by negative tabloid stories.
Harry, 40, has been engaged in a lengthy battle to have his taxpayer-funded security reinstated after it was removed when he stepped down as a working royal.
Speaking on ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said: “All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff, to act on what they have read. And whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is.”
“They are genuine concerns for me,” he added. “They are one of the reasons I won’t bring my wife back to this country.”
Harry has returned to London today alone for the WellChild Awards.
King Charles hugged at Holyrood
Monday 30 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
King Charles received a hug from a royal well-wisher while attending an engagement marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
Yvonne Macmillan, 59, from East Renfrewshire, asked the monarch about his health and offered a hug in light of his recent struggles.
She said: “I asked him if he was feeling better and if I could give him a hug. I actually said to him: ‘Can I hug you?’
“As I hugged him I said: ‘God bless you’, so it was like God giving him a hug.”
Ms Macmillan was attending the event in her capacity as a ‘local hero’ after setting up her Good Causes charity, which helps people in need.
Prince Harry to arrive in London today
Monday 30 September 2024 08:58
Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is set to arrive in London today as he visits the city to attend the WellChild Awards.
Harry, 40, will be present in his capacity as patron for the charity, which celebrates the achievements of seriously ill children living in the UK and their caregivers.
The duke is expected to give a brief speech at the event and present an award.
Samoa’s prime minister urges King to swap suit for ‘island vibe’ during meeting
Monday 30 September 2024 07:00
Holly Evans
The King has been urged to swap his suit for “more of an island vibe” when he joins world leaders at a major Commonwealth summit in Samoa next month, according to reports.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called for those attending the meeting to dress comfortably, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The King is head of the Commonwealth and for the first time will preside over the gathering of presidents and prime ministers as head of state, during the event hosted by Samoa which will also be attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Read the full article here:
King Charles is the ‘loveliest man in the world’, says Camilla’s son
Monday 30 September 2024 04:00
Holly Evans
Queen Camilla’s son, the food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, has revealed his thoughts on spending time with his mother and King Charles in a column with the Telegraph.
Recounting his day as part of their weekly My Saturday, which sees celebrities recount their favourite weekend rituals, Mr Parker-Bowles said he was more likely to see the royal couple during the week, and often visits for a cup of tea.
“I know some people might visit their family for a bite to eat on a Saturday, but I don’t tend to nip down for lunch at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House as my mother is usually in the country at weekends now,” he said.
“Charles, who genuinely is the loveliest man in the world, and I’m not just being oily, knows so much about food and loves his food, as does my mother,” he added.
Palace did not ask Boris Johnson to give Prince Harry ‘pep talk’ over leaving UK
Monday 30 September 2024 01:00
Holly Evans
Buckingham Palace did not ask Boris Johnson to attempt to persuade Prince Harry to stay in the UK, according to reports.
The former PM has claimed in a new book he was urged to give the Duke of Sussex a “manly pep talk” to convince him to stay in the UK and not step back from royal duties.
In his memoir, Unleashed, which will be published on 10 October, Mr Johnson describes “a ridiculous business... when they made me try to persuade Harry to stay. Kind of manly pep talk. Totally hopeless”.
Read the full article here:
Royal biographer explains why people ‘behaved so oddly’ around the late Queen
Sunday 29 September 2024 22:00
Holly Evans
A royal biographer has explained why so many who met the late Queen Elizabeth II found themselves acting so strangely.
Craig Brown told an audience at the Henley Literary Festival - with which The Independent has joined as its exclusive news partner for the second year in a row - about how even the most composed and famous people often found themselves “discombobulating” as they met the monarch.
His biography, A Voyage Around the Queen, paints a picture of the Queen using tales from those who met and knew her during her 96-year life.
Read the full article here:
King reflects on late Queen’s final days in ‘uniquely special’ Scotland
Sunday 29 September 2024 19:00
Holly Evans
King Charles III has reflected on his mother’s final days at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, saying it continues to be a “special place” for the royal family.
Speaking at an event to mark 25 years of theScottish Parliament on Saturday (28 September), the monarch suggested that the late Queen Elizabeth II “chose” to spend her last living moments there due to her well-known love for the royal family’s countryside residence.
Charles highlighted his mother’s adoration for Scotland, especially since the Balmoral estate was where she spent her summers as a child and later in life with her husband, Prince Philip.
Read the full article here:
A ‘manly pep talk’ from Boris Johnson would make anyone leave Britain
Sunday 29 September 2024 18:00
Holly Evans
I have not always felt great sympathy for Prince Harry. The dramatic departure from home; the tell-all interview with Oprah; and the commercialisation of his royal status. All have made it harder to feel for a guy who has been through some terrible times, and whose marriage has put him at odds with his family in a way that is genuinely saddening.
However, the news that Harry was forced to endure a “manly pep talk” from Boris Johnson at the peak of the crisis that ultimately led him to quit Britain has removed any sense of conflict. I now stand with the Duke of Sussex, beyond question.
Unusually, the revelation of this meeting has not come from the chatty prince, but rather from the former prime minister – the latter presumably hoping his memoir might get even vaguely close to Harry’s Spare in terms of sales figures.
Read the full article here:
Prince Harry ‘knows that time is running out’ for royal reconciliation
Sunday 29 September 2024 16:00
Holly Evans
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry “knows that time is running out” for a reconciliation with the royal family.
His relationship with the firm has steadily deteriorated since he stepped down as working royal in 2020 and gave several tell-all interviews.
Royal commentator Maureen Callahan told GB News: “He still has tenuous connections with a few friends of his and William’s back in the UK. But he also knows that time is running out.
“Charles is being treated for cancer. He’s an old man. If he does not make his way back into good graces with Charles while he has the chance, he’s never going to have that chance with William.
“But William won’t have it now. He won’t have it at all. William will be the next King, also.”
Samoa’s prime minister urges King to swap suit for ‘island vibe’ during meeting
Sunday 29 September 2024 14:03
Holly Evans
The King has been urged to swap his suit for “more of an island vibe” when he joins world leaders at a major Commonwealth summit in Samoa next month, according to reports.
Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa has called for those attending the meeting to dress comfortably, according to The Sunday Telegraph.
The King is head of the Commonwealth and for the first time will preside over the gathering of presidents and prime ministers as head of state, during the event hosted by Samoa which will also be attended by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Read the full article here:
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Sunday 29 September 2024 12:00
Emma Guinness
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s virtual event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Queen Elizabeth’s blunt response to Prince Harry marrying Meghan Markle
Sunday 29 September 2024 09:00
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry said that the late Queen Elizabeth II had a very blunt response when he asked for her permission to marry Meghan Markle.
Writing in his 2023 memoir Spare, which is being released in paperback for the first time next month, Harry recalled her less than enthusiastic response.
As a direct heir to the throne, Harry was obliged to seek the monarch’s permission to marry.
He wrote: “I stood completely still, as motionless as the birds in my hands. I stared at her face, but it was unreadable. At last, she replied: ‘Well, then, I suppose I have to say yes’.”
Harry managed to see the bright side though, adding: “She’s saying yes, you muppet! She’s granting permission. Who cares how she words it, just know when to take yes for an answer.”
King Charles praises Maggie Smith’s ‘warmth and wit’ in touching tribute to late film star
Sunday 29 September 2024 06:00
Holly Evans
King Charles III has praised the late Dame Maggie Smith for her “warmth and wit” after the actor’s death at the age of 89.
The monarch shared his statement alongside a photograph of the pair speaking at the Pride Of Britain awards at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel in October 2016.
“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith,” said Charles.
Read the full article here:
Holyrood guest gives King a hug at event to mark 25 years of Scottish Parliament
Sunday 29 September 2024 03:00
Holly Evans
A woman has said she gave the King a hug as he visited Holyrood “because of him being unwell”.
Yvonne Macmillan, 59, from East Renfrewshire, chatted to Charles as she attended a special ceremony to mark 25 years of the Scottish Parliament.
The King was diagnosed with cancer in February this year, and underwent treatment shortly afterwards.
He has now returned to public duties, with Mrs Macmillan telling the PA news agency: “I asked him if he was feeling better and if I could give him a hug. I actually said to him: ‘Can I hug you?’
Read the full article here:
Duchess of Edinburgh carries out engagements in Surrey
Saturday 28 September 2024 23:00
Holly Evans
The Duchess of Edinburgh was busy this week with a series of community engagements in Surrey.
Her busy schedule was shared on the official royal family Twitter/X account in a post that read: “This week, The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Surrey, engaging with local initiatives.
“At Hale Community Centre, The Duchess met community groups and admired artwork by Creative Response.
“At Mane Chance Sanctuary, The Duchess helped groom and feed horses with @DofE Award students.
“At Parity for Disability, The Duchess joined students for sensory activities and cake decorating.”
Taxpayer-funded grant to monarchy to rise by £45m
Saturday 28 September 2024 20:00
Emma Guinness
The taxpayer-funded grant to the monarchy is set to rise by £45m - a raise being funded by soaring profits from the Crown Estate.
The money is said to be used for ongoing renovations to Buckingham Palace.
The raise will see the Sovereign Grant increase from £86.3m for the years 2024 to 2025 to £132m for the years 2025 to 2026.
King Charles is the ‘loveliest man in the world’, says Camilla’s son
Saturday 28 September 2024 17:30
Holly Evans
Queen Camilla’s son, the food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, has revealed his thoughts on spending time with his mother and King Charles in a column with the Telegraph.
Recounting his day as part of their weekly My Saturday, which sees celebrities recount their favourite weekend rituals, Mr Parker-Bowles said he was more likely to see the royal couple during the week, and often visits for a cup of tea.
“I know some people might visit their family for a bite to eat on a Saturday, but I don’t tend to nip down for lunch at Buckingham Palace and Clarence House as my mother is usually in the country at weekends now,” he said.
“Charles, who genuinely is the loveliest man in the world, and I’m not just being oily, knows so much about food and loves his food, as does my mother,” he added.
King warns of climate change dangers as he marks 25 years of Scottish Parliament
Saturday 28 September 2024 15:58
Holly Evans
Prince Harry screams and swears his way through surprise Jimmy Fallon appearance
Saturday 28 September 2024 13:40
Holly Evans
Prince Harry unexpectedly showed up on Jimmy Fallon’s US talk show – and his appearance left him screaming and swearing.
Harry was invited to walk through a “haunted” maze with the host, and the result was broadcast on Thursday night’s episode of The Tonight Show (26 September).
Based on Fallon’s nightmares, the maze is a New York-based attraction set to feature several rooms filled with actors jumping out at attendees.
Read the full article here:
Charles says Scotland has ‘uniquely special place’ for royal family
Saturday 28 September 2024 12:28
Holly Evans
The King said Scotland “has always had a uniquely special place” in the hearts of his family.
He said: “We are all, at the end of each day, united by our love of Scotland, because of its natural beauty, of course, but also because of its strength of character, based, as it is, on the extraordinary diversity of its peoples, whose range of ideas, skills, energy, passions and frequently deeply held beliefs never cease to inspire.
“From the central belt to the north Highlands, across the islands in Ayrshire, in the Borders, the cities, towns and villages, all the coastal communities, who I wonder, could not fail to be moved by this complex Caledonian kaleidoscope?
“Speaking from a personal perspective, Scotland has always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself.
“My beloved grandmother was proudly Scottish, my late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there in the most beloved of places, where she chose to spend her final days.”
King Charles marks 25th anniversary of Scottish Parliament
Saturday 28 September 2024 12:06
Holly Evans
The King has marked the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, saying it has more than “thrived”.
Charles and the Queen, during their visit to Holyrood on Saturday, were met by presiding officer Alison Johnstone and deputy presiding officers Liam McArthur and Annabelle Ewing.
The royal couple then greeted Holyrood’s party leaders: First Minister and head of the SNP John Swinney, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, Scottish Green co-leader Lorna Slater and Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton
Addressing the chamber on Saturday, the King said: “This place has not just thrived, but in doing so has borne witness to t
