Royal news live: Kate spotted in public for first time since chemotherapy as Harry arrives in New York alone

The Princess of Wales will be undertaking light duties for the remainder of the year

The Princess of Wales has been largely absent from public life this year

The Princess of Wales has been photographed in public for the first time since announcing that she has completed chemotherapy.

Kate, 42, was seen being driven to church yesterday (22 September) by Prince William on the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire.

In a poignant video announcing the end of her treatment, the princess said she would be returning to light duty until the end of the year.

Expected engagements include the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on Whitehall and the princess’s annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry has arrived in New York alone for a series of engagements to promote his philanthropic projects.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, attended a high profile, glitzy dinner hosted by the World Health Organisation over the weekend in aid of survivors of childhood violence.

Other notable attendees included Queen Mathilde of Belgium, but Meghan Markle was absent.

Royal expert Phil Dampier told The Sun: “It is significant that he is doing so much on his own now. They are living more separate lives as it looks like Harry is trying to carve out what exactly his future is.”

Key Points

• Princess of Wales makes first public appearance since completing chemotherapy
• Prince Harry arrives in New York for solo trip
• Late Queen was ‘aware’ of Mohamed Al-Fayed allegations, former security head claims
• Prince Harry to return to UK later this month
• Harry ‘unlikely’ to see King Charles on UK visit

[16 September 2024 12:00 · Emma Guinness]

How late Queen Elizabeth II influenced Harry’s unexpected birthday message

The late Queen Elizabeth II is reported to have influenced the royal family’s seemingly unexpected decision to acknowledge Prince Harry’s 40th birthday.

According to several claims, the former monarch set a precedent for acknowledging the birthdays of non-working royals on birthdays ending with 0 on official channels.

🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today! pic.twitter.com/sAlSiV9EaZ

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 15, 2024

[16 September 2024 11:21 · Emma Guinness]

Meghan Markle was NOT cropped out of Harry’s birthday image by royal family

The Duchess of Sussex was not cropped out of Prince Harry’s birthday message from the royal family, The Independent can reveal, despite reports to the contrary.

While Meghan, now 43, was included in the original image alongside the duke, the cropped version simultaneously appeared on Getty Images alongside the full photograph in 2018.

This means that the decision to zoom in on Harry and edit the picture was made long before the couple’s relationship with the royal family appeared to sour.

🎂 Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today! pic.twitter.com/sAlSiV9EaZ

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 15, 2024

[16 September 2024 11:00 · Emma Guinness]

Meghan Markle has ‘reduced grown men to tears'

A bombshell report has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex has “reduced grown men to tears”.

The news comes amid the recent revelation that the Sussex’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left the role after three months on what was described as a “mutual” decision.

A source told The Hollywood Reporter: “Everyone’s terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesn’t take advice.

“They’re both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. Harry is a very, very charming person – no airs at all – but he’s very much an enabler. And she’s just terrible.”

Another source added to the publication: “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.

“I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”

Harry and Meghan have had several staff members leave their roles in recent years. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)