Royal news – live: Kate Middleton’s touching conversation with cancer teen who has weeks left to live revealed
William and Kate met Liz and her family after the ceremony on Wednesday
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
The teenager with a rare form of cancer who met the Princess of Wales as she returned to duty on Wednesday has revealed what was said during their touching conversation.
Photographs of the meeting show Kate, 42, who recently finished chemotherapy, hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures on Wednesday.
Liz has described getting a hug from Kate as “really special” as she revealed what they spoke about during their “genuine” and “lovely” half-an-hour chat.
“There was nothing about them that suggested they were superior,” she told The Mirror. “They were just really human to be honest and really natural. There was never a moment of awkwardness. It was normal to talk to them. They talked a lot about my photography.”
She added that Kate talked a “little bit” about her own love of photography and she asked about what camera she uses.
Kate and Prince William later said on social media: “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today.
“A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C.”
Prince Harry praises ‘little legends’ at WellChild Awards
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
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
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.
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at charity event
Prince Harry burst into laughter when a young boy grabbed his beard at the WellChild charity event. The Duke of Sussex met with children, teenagers, and their parents at the WellChild Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Monday (30 September). In a rare royal event in the UK honouring the achievements of youngsters battling serious conditions, Harry had conversations with children and their families, joking with them and answering questions. Seven-year-old Noah Nicholson, from Grimsby, who has complex medical conditions, met with Harry and proceeded to grab his bead and cheeks in a touching moment.
‘Rather ugly’ statue of Prince Philip removed
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.
Today in Cambridge, ‘The Don’, the controversial statue of HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh pic.twitter.com/iI96FwMq9F
— Lyn Edmonds (@edmondslyn) April 10, 2024
King Charles sends condolences following death of Dame Maggie Smith
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.”
A message of condolence from His Majesty The King following the passing of Dame Maggie Smith. pic.twitter.com/SiKw8EEHva
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 27, 2024
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
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.
What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
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
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.
Filming for a very special @EarthshotPrize project earlier today ☔️
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 27, 2024
Watch this space 🌎 pic.twitter.com/yZyyjcPe3I
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at WellChild charity event
Prince Harry bursts out laughing as young boy grabs his beard at charity event
Prince Harry burst into laughter when a young boy grabbed his beard at the WellChild charity event. The Duke of Sussex met with children, teenagers, and their parents at the WellChild Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on Monday (30 September). In a rare royal event in the UK honouring the achievements of youngsters battling serious conditions, Harry had conversations with children and their families, joking with them and answering questions. Seven-year-old Noah Nicholson, from Grimsby, who has complex medical conditions, met with Harry and proceeded to grab his bead and cheeks in a touching moment.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments