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Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Kate Middleton's 'real fuss' over Prince William after spotting poignant 'change'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Throughout the Princess of Wales' cancer journey, he has been her steadfast support, prioritising her and their three children above all else. With Father's Day upon us, it's certain that Kate, along with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will want to make it an exceptionally special day for Prince William. This time last year, the Wales family were still coming to terms with Kate's cancer diagnosis and her subsequent chemotherapy treatment as she geared up for her first significant public appearance since her shocking health news at Trooping the Colour. However, things seem much brighter now, with the princess in remission from cancer and gradually increasing her Royal duties, and both William and Kate appearing as proud parents watching their children participate in VE Day commemorations last month. READ MORE - Sam Fender joined on stage by music icon and special guest no one expected READ MORE - Brooklyn Beckham in telling Father's Day move as 'family feud' continues It's a stark contrast to the previous year when Kate was admitted to hospital for major abdominal surgery, and William immediately cleared his schedule to be there not just for his wife, but also for their three children. During a trip to South Africa, he later revealed that it had been a 'brutal' year for the family and one of the toughest of his life as he also grappled with his father, the King's cancer diagnosis. But 12 months on, the Wales family are in a very different place, and former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond tells the Mirror that this Father's Day will be one where Kate will particularly want to express her gratitude to her husband for all he does as a father. She detailed: "I'm sure Catherine will want to make a real fuss of William after the year and a half they've been through. The truth is, though, that they'll probably both be rather knackered because the Trooping the Colour is the day before! So they'll probably be spending Father's Day at home in Windsor - or very possibly with Catherine's family in Berkshire.", reports the Mirror. "Last year Catherine posted a beautiful Father's Day picture of William and the children with their backs to the camera, on a Norfolk beach, staring out to sea. "It was a touching portrait of a dad with protective arms around his children and I'm sure it represented how grateful the princess was for the rock-solid support and love that William has given her throughout their marriage - but particularly through the emotional turmoil of cancer treatment." When discussing the upbringing of their children, it's evident that nothing is more significant to William and Kate than family. Family nearly always takes precedence, as was clearly demonstrated this Easter when the couple chose to forgo the traditional Easter Sunday church service with the King and Queen Consort at Windsor, opting instead for cherished family time, all with the King's approval. The Duke and Duchess are also notably hands-on parents, personally managing the school run and chauffeuring their children to various extracurricular sports clubs and activities. During various Royal engagements, William and Kate frequently share stories about George's passion for football, Charlotte's enthusiasm for dancing, and Louis' drumming lessons. Jennie thinks Kate particularly values William's distinct approach to parenting, which diverges from traditional Royal norms. She noted: "Both he and Harry learned from their mother that parents can be fun and funny, loving and tactile, hands-on and cuddly. Charles was some of these things too, but he was always extremely busy with his work. From the off, though, William has been very obviously hands-on - helping to strap newborn George into the car seat all those years ago (with some trepidation) and sharing all the fun and sleep deprivation of life with a tiny baby. "Diana once told me that the country was very lucky to have William. I think Catherine is very lucky to have him as well. I think they have put on a united front about their priorities at this stage of their lives: family comes first and sometimes duty has to be put on a bit of a back burner." William and Kate's harmonious family life at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, which they've carefully cultivated with their children, has the King's full approval. The King himself has had to cope with a cancer diagnosis and continues to receive weekly treatment for his condition. It is worth noting that the King's diagnosis has given him a fresh perspective, leading to him supporting William in putting family first and rearranging his priorities. The diagnosis followed a procedure the King underwent for an enlarged prostate earlier in 2024, with his recovery at the London Clinic coinciding with Kate's recuperation from serious surgery. It was during this time that sources claim the King would 'toddle' down to visit Kate, offering support as she convalesced. Post-Kate's cancer diagnosis, it's understood that the King shared a poignant, supportive lunch with her before she went public with her health news. Adding light-hearted moments to their bond, their shared humour shone through last year on the King's birthday when Kate's official Prince and Princess of Wales account posted a jovial picture of the King complete with sunglasses and a garland, celebrating the occasion. And Jennie commented: "In this, they have both had the full support of King Charles – and I think Catherine has very much appreciated this attitude from her father-in-law. Their shared cancer journey has also brought them closer together and I think there's genuine affection between them. "He refers to her as his beloved daughter-in-law and, in some ways, I think she is the daughter he always wanted. I remember Diana telling me about how much Charles had hoped their second child would be a girl." Father's Day arrives amidst continued estrangement between the King and his son, Prince Harry, as well as Kate's brother-in-law. Last month, Harry alleged that his father refuses to communicate with him due to an ongoing legal dispute concerning his security arrangements in the UK, yet he expressed a desire for 'reconciliation' with his family. These revelations emerged during a startling interview with the BBC following Harry's defeat in his Court of Appeal case. Jennie commented on the situation, suggesting that the chances of mending the Royal rift before Father's Day are slim: "This bombshell of an interview is unlikely to bring that invitation any closer. And that's because at the root of the rift is the question of trust." She added, "Harry's father and brother do not trust him to keep conversations private. And this loudspeaker of a diatribe against them is not going to make them change their minds." However, for Kate, Father's Day will also be a time to celebrate her non-royal relative, her father Michael Middleton. Michael, along with Kate's mother Carole, has been a constant presence, supporting Kate and her children through her health issues. The Middletons have reportedly been involved in the school run and entertaining their lively grandchildren when needed. The support provided by the Middletons to their eldest daughter is said to be epitomised by the 3 Rs - rescue, reassurance, and rock - and they are also hailed as the key figures in maintaining family unity. Kate's deep connection with her parents was brought to light when they were the sole non-royal figures featured in her profoundly personal video from the previous year, which marked the end of her chemotherapy treatment. In a brief but telling moment captured on camera, they were all seen sitting together around the kitchen table at William and Kate's Amner Hall home, engaging in a card game. Moreover, the children's fondness for their maternal grandparents was evident for all to witness during Kate's last year's Christmas carol service, where Prince Louis placed a note on a kindness tree to thank his 'Granny and Grandpa' for 'playing games with me'. Furthermore, Jennie noted: "Kate will want to show her love and gratitude not only to William but also to her father. Her parents have been the most incredible support through the trauma of her illness, providing solace and comfort and shoulders to cry on – as well as all the practical help of looking after the children and doing the school run." She also stated: "I think they will have much to celebrate on Father's Day this year, and the men in the family can sit back and enjoy being fussed over."
Edinburgh Live
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Prince George 'made huge decision' at VE Day event as plans become clear
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince George made an unexpected appearance at a VE Day event, earning praise from both experts and veterans. The young royal joined his parents on the Buckingham Palace balcony for the anniversary fly past, but also accompanied his father, Prince William, to meet World War Two veterans - an engagement he wasn't originally scheduled to attend. During this meeting, George interacted with individuals who served in a conflict that ended long before he or his parents were born. Hello! magazine reported that one veteran warmly welcomed George's presence. They told the prince: "It's very important you're here today. It's days like this that we should use to talk about things like this, so the younger generation can have some understanding." World War Two veterans weren't the only ones impressed by George. Author Robert Jobson also praised the strategy employed by his parents. He commented: "I thought it was a really good move by William and Princess Kate." He added: "They are preparing him for public life. Kids can find it difficult to meet people, shake their hands and look them in the eye, but he does it very well." Mr Jobson isn't alone in his observations as former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond suggested that the entire outing was part of a smart strategy by the Prince and Princess of Wales, reports Cambridgeshire Live. Speaking to The Mirror, she expressed her delight at seeing Prince George in a more relaxed setting. She said: "I love seeing [George] at football matches when he can let his hair down. "But at big events like this, he looks as if he is taking it all in, and understanding that his life will be punctuated by national occasions where his will be a key role. And I'm sure his parents have schooled him in how to behave and what it all means. "I think they had prepared him to sit down with some of the veterans, and he looked genuinely interested and concerned to hear their stories of the war." Jennie pointed out the significance of George's interactions with the veterans, noting that it was an experience not shared by his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte, 10, or Prince Louis, seven, but one that is essential considering his future responsibilities. She explained: "The VE Day commemorations may be the only opportunity George will ever have of speaking to men and women who served their King and country during the war. "One day he will be Chief of the Armed Forces himself, and he may well look back at some of those conversations and be glad that he had the chance to meet some of the few remaining veterans." Highlighting William's parenting approach, she observed: "It was noticeable that William sometimes put George first and foremost, letting him sit with veterans while he hovered behind. That was a clever and reassuring way for William to mentor his son."
Irish Daily Star
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Star
Prince Louis given 'affectionate' nickname by siblings hours after being born
Prince Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Kate, reportedly earned a sweet two-word nickname inspired by his name when he was born seven years ago. In his 2024 book about Princess Kate , titled 'Catherine, the Princess of Wales: The Biography', author Robert Jobson shared the story of Prince Louis's birth in 2018. The young prince , who celebrates his seventh birthday today, was born in a private wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, where he was welcomed by his older siblings, the future King George and Princess Charlotte. The Prince and Princess of Wales later introduced their son to the world, with William humorously telling well-wishers that there was "thrice the worry now". Meanwhile, the smitten siblings had given the newborn a charming nickname. Princess Kate and Prince William's youngest turns seven on Wednesday (Image: Getty Images) Robert penned: "Catherine gave birth to her third child, a son they named Louis, on 23 April 2018, again at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington. "Before introducing him to the world, William had brought the baby's older siblings, George and Charlotte, to meet him. They affectionately called him 'Lou Lou'." That wouldn't be the only nickname attached to a Royal that day, as the waiting media dubbed the future Queen "super mum". However, Robert mentioned that Kate felt "fragile" and was keen to leave quicker than on the previous two occasions. Louis was christened Louis Arthur Charles on July 9th, 2018, in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace. King Charles III and Queen Camilla turned up for the bash, along with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Princess Kate's kin. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond reckons that Kate "probably lets Louis run wild more" than she did George. William jokingly told well-wishers there was "thrice the worry now" (Image: Getty Images) Jennie Bond dished to the Mirror : "Catherine probably lets Louis run wild more than she did with George. She and William are very experienced parents and I'm sure they love all three kids equally but probably in different ways. "George because he's the firstborn and has a destiny to fulfil, Charlotte because she's the only girl, and Louis because he's the youngest." The Princess of Wales, who now calls her youngest "Lou-bugs", has been seen attempting to stop herself from laughing when Louis shows his mischievous side at the Royal Family's events. Kate previously shared insights into how she views her son. Speaking at a royal engagement at a maternity unit some years ago, she said: "I keep thinking Louis is a baby, but he's a big boy now." Louis's birthday plans haven't been revealed to the public, but it's thought that he will mark the day with his relatives. The Express also reports that Kate could make a cake, having once revealed that baking a cake for her children's birthdays had become something of a tradition.
