Royal news live: Prince Harry award backlash continues as petition against the Duke reaches almost 60,000 signatures

Harry has been defended for his ‘incredible’ work with the Invictus Games

Princess Anne recalls the moment she survived a kidnapping attempt

Prince Harry has been defended as a petition calling for a “rethink” on the decision to give him an award for veterans approaches almost 60,000 signatures.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to receive the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games, which celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick and injured service people.

But tens of thousands of people, including the late Tillman’s mother, Mary, believe there are more deserving recipients.

Now the sporting network behind the award, ESPN, has defended its decision, hailing the “incredible” work of the games.

“While we understand not everyone will agree with all honorees selected for any award, The Invictus Games Foundation does incredible work and ESPN believes this is a cause worth celebrating,” a spokesperson told Sky News.

This comes amid the revelation that Kate Middleton and Prince William have made a private donation to the victims of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.

The couple are said to be closely following the impact of the storm and the relief efforts.

Key Points

• Petition against Prince Harry reaches almost 60,000 signatures
• Prince William and Kate Middleton make private donation to hurricane victims
• Prince Harry slammed by mother of war veteran
• Wimbledon officials hope for Kate Middleton appearance

[1 July 2024 18:00 · Emma Guinness]

Phones banned on new tours of Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle opened its doors today to give the public a never-before-seen insight into the royal Highland residence.

But those who attend the tours, which sold out in less than 24 hours, will banned from taking their mobile phones inside.

In a bid to keep the residence pristine, those on the 45-minute tours will also have to wear dust covers over their shoes, the MailOnline reports.

The tours will take place from today until King Charles and Queen Camilla’s return to the Aberdeenshire residence in August.

Visitors will be able to see parts of Balmoral Castle used by the royal family for the first time this summer. (PA Wire)

Selfies inside the castle will not be possible. (Visitor Enterprise for Balmoral Castle/PA Wire)

[1 July 2024 17:00 · Emma Guinness]

Princess Diana remembered on her birthday

Royals fans have been taking to social media to pay tribute to Princess Diana on what would have been the late royal’s 63rd birthday.

The hashtag, "Princess of Wales", began trending on Twitter (X) because so many people were acknowledging the occasion.

One fan wrote: “1 July 1961. Diana Spencer (later Princess of Wales), was born in Park House, Sandringham. She was the 1st wife of Charles, then Prince of Wales, and mother of Prince William and Prince Harry.

“Her activism and glamour made her an international icon.”

The title has now been passed to Diana’s daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton.

Princess Diana died in a car crash in 1997 (Neil Munns/PA) (PA Archive)

[1 July 2024 16:00 · Emma Guinness]

Prince William reacts to Euros rollercoaster

Prince William has taken to Twitter (X) to share his reaction to last night’s rollercoaster Euros game for England.

“Emotional rollercoaster! Let’s go @England! Quarter finals here we come! W,” he shared, alongside a repost from the team itself announcing their qualification for the quarter-finals.

The heir to the throne, who is president of the FA, flew out to Germany last month to support the team in person.

Emotional rollercoaster! Let's go @England! Quarter finals here we come! W https://t.co/4KaJkJcWAa

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) June 30, 2024

[1 July 2024 14:30 · Emma Guinness]

Petition launched to stop Prince Harry receiving military award

A petition has been launched asking sporting network ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give the Pat Tillman Award to Prince Harry.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to receive the honour for his work with the Invictus Games, which celebrates the sporting achievements of wounded, sick or injured service people.

“Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude,” the Change.org petition reads.

“He has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills.

“The Prince also allegedly targeted his own father, Prince Charles, during a flyover.

“More recently, his role in the Invictus games, a platform meant to celebrate the resilience and dedication of veterans, has been criticised as self-centered.”

The petition currently has over 28,000 signatures.

A petition has been launched to stop Prince Harry receiving an award. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

[1 July 2024 13:39 · Emma Guinness]

Household cavalry horses bolt through London again

Military horses belonging to the Household Cavalry have once again thrown off their riders and galloped through London.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment were conducting the exercise with six horses and five soldiers when a horse that was being led rather than ridden was spooked by a bus.

Today’s incident comes after military horses were similarly spooked earlier this year by noise from a building site, resulting in dramatic scenes as they ran through the capital covered in blood.

The horses involved in the April incident are all expected to make a full recovery and returned to duty at last month’s Trooping the Colour.

Dash cam video grab courtesy of black cab taxi driver @Davenoisome of two of three military horses which bolted through central London (@Davenoisome/PA Wire)