Royal news – live: King Charles and Queen Camilla ‘snub’ by Australian leaders ahead of tour sparks backlash
Charles and Camilla to begin royal tour of Australia later this week
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
King Charles and Queen Camilla are facing an embarrassing snub by leading Australian politicians ahead of their tour of the country.
As the couple prepare to kick off their nine day visit Down Under on Friday, every single state premier has turned down invitations to attend their royal reception in Canberra on October 21, reports suggest.
The King is set to deliver a speech at the event to recognise Australians for their achievements in the arts, culture, sports and health.
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan is the latest representative to snub the invitation, whilst other politicians have given excuses such as “schedule clashes” and “election campaign duties”.
The first royal visit to Australia in more than a decade has sparked debate about the role of the monarchy in the Commonwealth country, with some republicans selling ‘farewell tour’ merchandise ahead of their arrival.
Australian pro-royalists have called the backlash a “slap in the face” to the royal monarchy, with the Australian Monarchists League telling local media: “All premiers and ministers have sworn allegiance to our monarch, Charles III, and it is a monumental insult that they now spit in his hand extended in friendship.”
Sarah Ferguson describes Kate in two words as princess makes first public appearance after cancer treatment
Campaigners demand ‘full disclosure’ of gifts to King Charles and royals after four-year silence
James Middleton shares how sister Kate helped him with depression in first live TV interview
Meghan Markle’s bestie makes rare comments about their ‘close’ friendship
King to host Emir of Qatar at Buckingham Palace for incoming state visit
Watch back our event: 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 premium 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.
Watch the full event here. 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.
King Charles shows off his dance moves with rugby star at glitzy palace reception
King Charles shows off his dance moves with rugby star at glitzy palace reception
The King was given a Samoan dancing lesson ahead of his trip to the Pacific nation – and was dubbed a man with “moves”. Charles did not need to be asked twice when a guest at his Commonwealth reception, celebrating achievements of people from the “family of nations”, asked him to dance on Wednesday evening (2 October) Freddy Tuilagi, 53, the eldest brother of the famous rugby-playing siblings, choreographed the King’s performance, holding out his arms across his chest and fluttering them, which Charles copied. The King smiled as he moved and was watched by the Queen.
Duchess of Edinburgh praised for ‘wonderful’ CBeebies role
The Duchess of Edinburgh has been praised following her “wonderful” appearance on CBeebies for World Sight Day (10 October).
Sophie, 59, appeared on the show to read a story named Specs For Rex, about a young lion who is reluctant to wear his glasses to school.
She said in a trailer ahead of the program: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly. World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.
“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”
Taking to social media after the story aired, one fan wrote: “The Duchess of Edinburgh would have made a wonderful teacher. Her voice is soft and soothing.”
A second agreed, adding: “Couldn’t agree more! What a gorgeous voice.”
King Charles to take two doctors on overseas trip
King Charles is reported to be bringing two doctors with him on his upcoming trip to Australia and Samoa.
While the monarch, 75, will “pause” his cancer treatment during the visit, the presence of the medical professionals will allow him to continue to be monitored closely, a palace source said according to The Times.
Hugo Vickers, historian and author, added: “I’m sure that the medical team has been consulted and will look after the King and make sure that he doesn’t overwork, as we know he has a propensity to do. I’m sure he wouldn’t be undertaking the trip unless he was fit enough to do it.”
Prince William – 'We must fix the world’s climate’
The Prince of Wales has said that humanity “must fix” the world’s climate while promoting his Earthshot Prize.
The Earthshot Prize exists to recognise and support those who making a difference in the field of environmentalism.
“This is the decade in which we must fix the world’s climate,” read a statement posted by Kensington Palace.
“With the @EarthshotPrize to Fix our Climate, we commit to a thriving world that will only come from cutting carbon. This year’s Finalists are working towards net-zero emissions and a carbon-neutral economy, protecting our most vulnerable populations, and future generations, from climate-driven disasters.”
This is the decade in which we must fix the world’s climate.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 11, 2024
With the @EarthshotPrize to Fix our Climate, we commit to a thriving world that will only come from cutting carbon. This year’s Finalists are working towards net-zero emissions and a carbon-neutral economy, protecting… pic.twitter.com/fCTG40cAI8
Visitors can now dine in King Charles’s favourite room at Scottish mansion
Royal enthusiasts will now be able to enjoy a feast in King Charles’s favourite room at Dumfries House.
The King, 75, is said to have most of his meals in the Pink Dining Room when he stays at the Ayrshire mansion.
Visitors will sit at the very table the monarch uses, beneath a 35kg Murano glass floral chandelier, and enjoy an 18th-century feast.
Prince and Princess of Wales – Unity brings hope for the future
Prince William and Kate Middleton have spoken of the healing power of unity in the face of adversity.
Their comments come following the couple’s first joint engagement to meet those affected by the Southport attacks yesterday.
“A heartfelt thank you to the people of Southport for talking about your experiences and honouring the young lives lost,” the official Kensington Palace Twitter/X account said.
“In the face of tragedy, this community’s strength and resilience has been a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us.
“As the healing continues, take comfort in the incredible support around you. Each shared memory, act of kindness, and moment of unity brings hope for the future and ensures that those lost are never forgotten.”
A heartfelt thank you to the people of Southport for talking about your experiences and honouring the young lives lost. In the face of tragedy, this community’s strength and resilience has been a powerful reminder of the bonds that unite us.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2024
As the healing continues, take… pic.twitter.com/y0AfKWIqPR
Prince Harry speaks out about online dangers
The Duke of Sussex has discussed the dangers of the internet in a conversation with the author of The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.
Harry, 42, a passionate advocate of mental health awareness, told Fortune: “The smartphone is stealing young people’s childhoods.”
“It’s a double-edged sword,” he said, discussing the potential safety benefits of mobile phones.
“[Parents] want them to have their phone at school in case of emergency, but once, like any kid, you have your phone, even if you’re told you’re not allowed to download that app, kids have a way of working around it.”
Acknowledging the upsides of social media for some children, he added: “Social media, we know, to a large extent, is giving an outlet, an added resource, to kids that perhaps don’t feel comfortable coming to us to talk about their issues and their troubles and their worries.”
Duchess of York shares rare health update
The Duchess of York has provided a rare update about her health as she promotes her new children’s book.
Sarah, 64, appeared on ITV’s This Morning to discuss Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, which is said to have a message of community and sustainability at its heart”.
She said: “It was such a vision of mine, I really am determined children should read [and] use their imagination… One in twelve children don’t have a book.”
The duchess then said that her recent health scare has inspired her to live life to the fullest.
She added: “I think it’s extraordinary, you said about living every moment, [I had] a mastectomy last year [and] here I am now.
“You’re never the same after beating cancer.”
Kate and William reflect on poignant Southport visit
The Prince and Princess of Wales have reflected on their poignant visit to Southport yesterday to meet those affected by July’s devastating attacks.
Taking to Twitter/X, they wrote on the official Kensington Palace account: “We continue to stand with everyone in Southport.
“Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.
“You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. W & C”
The visit was the couple’s first joint engagement since the princess completed her cancer treatment.
We continue to stand with everyone in Southport. Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. W & C pic.twitter.com/CP2DXJaqW2
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) October 10, 2024
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