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As it happenedended

Royal news – live: King trades bee tips with David Beckham as Prince Andrew ‘refuses’ to leave Royal Lodge

Charles met David Beckham to compare gardening tips as football icon named King’s Foundation ambassador

Emma Guinness ,Namita Singh,Barney Davis
Monday 03 June 2024 08:15 BST
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Related: Prince William and Prince George award Manchester United FA Cup trophy

King Charles and David Beckham bonded over the mutual love of bees as the ex-England football captain was unveiled as a King’s Foundation ambassador.

Beckham met privately with the King at Highgrove, Charles’s Gloucestershire retreat to learn more about its work.

Beckham said: “It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens – and compare beekeeping tips!”

It came as Prince Andrew was reportedly refusing to leave the £30milion Royal Lodge and was becoming an increasingly isolated figure, who “spends his days watching television in a darkened room” in the crumbling residence.

A friend of King Charles has now claimed that life at the Royal Lodge will become “increasingly cold and uncomfortable” for Andrew if he refuses to hand back the keys.

The friend told The Times: “The only question now is when he will realise that he has become a prisoner of his own pride — and that handing back the keys will afford him far greater comfort, and the continued support of his family.”

Prince William cameos in Welcome to Wrexham documentary

In the latest episode of the popular Disney+ series, Prince William made an unexpected visit to the Wrexham AFC club to see an old friend.

“Prince William is here in Wrexham today because it is St. David’s Day, which is obviously the Welsh, sort of, national holiday,” explained Humphrey Ker, executive director of Wrexham AFC.

“Only we don’t get the day off St. David’s Day, which is a bit of a swiz!”

St. David’s Day, celebrated on March 1, is a day of widespread Welsh pride. It was also the day that William, aged 41, met with Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney at The Turf pub to join in the festivities.

“As Prince of Wales, Prince William has gotta come and press the flesh, kiss babies and do all that sort of business that princes do,” Ker said. “For us, it’s great that Wrexham Football Club and Wrexham as a whole has become a place the royals put on their itinerary when they’re coming to visit Wales.”

It emerged William and Ker both attended Ludgrove School and Eton College. The Prince remarked “it’s been a while” during their warm handshake.

“I went to school with Prince William. I have known him since I was 7, or something like that,” Humphrey confessed. “We literally shared a bedroom from 7 until 10.”

The Prince of Wales meets Executive Director of Wrexham AFC Humphrey Ker during a visit to The Turf public house at Wrexham AFC
The Prince of Wales meets Executive Director of Wrexham AFC Humphrey Ker during a visit to The Turf public house at Wrexham AFC (PA)
Barney Davis3 June 2024 06:32

We’re pausing our live royal coverage but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

Sam Rkaina3 June 2024 08:15

We’re pausing our live royal coverage but keep checking independent.co.uk for the latest updates.

Sam Rkaina3 June 2024 08:15

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