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Royal news - live: Prince William’s awkward interaction with homelessness campaigner in moving documentary

The first part of the Prince of Wales’ documentary about ending homelessness launched last night

Salma Ouaguira
Thursday 31 October 2024 11:14
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Prince William confronted by founder of The Big Issue in awkward interaction

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Prince William faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last night.

In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.

Lord Bird bluntly stated he wanted no “b******t” in their discussions, urging the prince to spearhead a new approach through his Homewards programme - an ambitious initiative aiming to end homelessness within five years.

He criticised the fragmented efforts of local authorities, charities, and government departments over the past three decades.

William responded with an invitation for open dialogue, adding: “I’m conscious that it’s a team environment, please do feel free to pile in when you need to.”

The Prince’s goal of ending homelessness has been inspired by his childhood experiences visiting shelters with his late mother, Princess Diana.

On the ITV series, he shared an anecdote about visiting a homeless charity with his mother, Diana, and brother, Harry. The second part of the documentary will air tonight.

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Unseen picture of Meghan Markle posted by former Suits co-star

They played out the couple Mike Ross and Rachel Zane, now Suits actor Patrick J Adams has reminded us all of his friendship with Meghan Markle by posting an unseen photograph of her on Instagram.

The post is to promote the latest episode of his podcast with Sarah Raffery, who played Donna Paulsen in the legal drama series - but it’s also got fans hoping the Duchess of Sussex could be invited for a mini reunion.

One fan wrote: “Keeping my fingers crossed Meghan comes on, love those Suits days.” Another wrote: “I’d sign that petition.”

Alex Ross30 October 2024 13:56
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King to return to full schedule of overseas trips

King Charles is set to return to his normal schedule of overseas tours next year, amid his ongoing cancer treatment.

In an update given by a palace official, it was revealed Charles will fly abroad during the spring and autumn in 2025, provided doctors sanction the travel.

“We’re now working on a pretty normal looking full overseas tour programme for next year, which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms,” the official said.

An update about the state of the King’s health or his treatment has not been given but the news that Charles will take on more overseas trips suggests his cancer is being managed successfully.

(AP)
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 13:40
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Sarah Ferguson claims Princess Kate and William’s wedding triggered ‘great regret’

Royal fans around the world celebrated the marriage of Prince William and Princess Kate during their lavish ceremony in April 2011.

However, a former member of the Royal Family who did not attend the ceremony, Sarah Ferguson, expressed “great regret” at the time.

In a resurfaced interview on the US TV show The Daily, the Duchess of York recalled her own wedding to Prince Andrew at Westminster Abbey on 23 July, 1986.

“I was that bride, and at 25 years old, I went down the aisle of Westminster Abbey,” she said.

Fergie explained that William and Kate’s big day triggered “great soul searching on regret”.

She added: “If I, being me now, could go back to that young girl when I was 24, I would say to her, ‘You know what? I will stick with you. I will stay with you. I’m with you…. You don’t need to run around trying to get everyone to love you. I love you, i.e. yourself, myself’.”

The Duchess continued: “You’ve got me. Listen to me. I will guide you. Listen to your instincts Sarah and be aware of your behaviour and be aware of how lucky you are.

“You’ve got the world. You’ve got the best-looking prince. You’ve got the world at your feet. Don’t blow it.”

Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 12:58
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Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets

Tom Parker Bowles has lifted the lid on the cooking of his mother, Queen Camilla, and the meals they ate at home while he was growing up.

Describing Camilla as a “good, basic cook”, he said she perfected slow-cooked scrambled eggs (always on the Aga) and roast chicken – but steered clear of all spice and curries.

In an exclusive interview with The Independent’s editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, the renowned food writer discussed everything from his fondest childhood food memories to the one meal that causes Buckingham Palace to grind to a halt.

You can read the full interview below:

Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets

Cooking expert Tom Parker Bowles also tells of his mother’s special way of scrambling eggs– and which meal still causes Buckingham Palace to grind to a halt

Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 12:30
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King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is engaged

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, affectionately dubbed the ‘hot equerry’, has announced his engagement to Olivia Lewis, his girlfriend of 18 months.

The announcement, first reported in The Times, has sent ripples through royal circles, as admirers of the dashing equerry come to terms with his impending nuptials.

The engagement announcement read: “The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”

You can read more about the King’s ‘hot equerry’ below:

King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson announces his engagement

King Charles and Queen Camilla could be among the attendees at the wedding of the ‘hot equerry’

Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 12:07
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Charles and Camilla loved Bengaluru food so much they ‘plan to bring royal chefs for training'

King Charles and Queen Camilla are said to have expressed such fondness for the cuisine at their recent retreat in Bengaluru that they are considering bringing their royal chefs to India for training.

Dr. Isaac Mathai, who runs the renowned holistic destination, revealed that the royal couple is eager to learn how to replicate the delicious dishes they enjoyed during their stay.

Dr Mathai said: “They love the food to the extent that they are ready to bring down their royal chefs to India and train them – and have often expressed their wish to do so.”

“One time, she wanted us to pack the soup we make here and take it with her on her private jet, we of course agreed!”, he added during an interview at the lush, 30-acre institution, suggesting that she loves the leek soup made at the premises.

Dr Mathai also extended an open invitation for the royal couple to visit again, allowing for the pair to disconnect from the trials and tribulations of leading a life in public.

“Of course, we are very excited to see them again at Soukya. They are our least demanding guests and soak in every bit of our retreat... Be it the morning yoga, the sattvic food – which is strictly vegetarian – [or] the ayurveda treatments,” he said.

(Sourced/ The Independent)
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 11:47
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Queen Camilla ‘terrified’ after King Charles’ health admission

Queen Camilla is reportedly feeling "terrified" following King Charles's recent admissions about his health, with sources suggesting she fears he may be “rushing” his cancer recovery.

Friends close to the Queen have expressed their concerns over the King's determination to return to full duties too quickly after his diagnosis earlier this year.

While Buckingham Palace outlines plans for Charles to return to a "full" schedule of international travel next year, concerns about his well-being remain.

A senior palace official told GBNews:“We’re now working on a pretty normal-looking full overseas tour program for next year.”

However, this push for a robust itinerary raises alarm for Camilla, who is worried about the implications of such commitments on her husband's health.

“It’s hard to overstate the joy that he takes from duty and service,” the official added.

Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 11:27
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Watch: Diddy’s former publicist reveals rapper was ‘obsessed’ with Prince Harry and Prince William

Diddy's former publicist reveals rapper was 'obsessed' with Prince Harry and Prince William
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 11:07
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Camilla’s son hasn’t been to a Royal family Christmas ‘for various reasons'

Tom Parker Bowles, stepson of King Charles and Queen Camilla, has revealed that he and his children have yet to join the royal family for their traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.

In a candid interview with People, he said: “We are married in; we are not the royal family.”

Despite his close ties to the royals, he explained that various commitments, including as his job and his children’s schooling, have prevented them from attending the festive celebrations.

“I find everyone incredibly nice and friendly, and we’ve known them all for a long time. It does seem natural,” he added.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have fostered a blended family since their marriage nearly 20 years ago.

Bowles added that his children, Lola, 17, and Freddy, 14, have grown fond of their step-grandparents, affectionately referring to them as “Gaga and Uppa.”

His younger son even participated in the coronation ceremony, serving as a page alongside Prince George.

(Chris Jackson/PA)
Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 10:47
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Meghan Markle could release ‘new memoir’ in next career move

Speculation is swirling around Meghan Markle’s potential next career move, with some royal experts suggesting she may release her own memoir.

Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield said she could make new revelations about her time in the Palace to “monetise her truth”.

He told Talk TV: “A part of me wonders if, similar to Jada Pinkett Smith, Meghan’s going to wait to reveal her truth until she finds a way to monetise it.

“Jada did that with her book, and Meghan has technically already done that with the Netflix series.”

Salma Ouaguira30 October 2024 10:27

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