Latest news with #Firm
Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles and Queen Camilla send special message to senior royal
Charles and Camilla have wished a happy birthday to the Duchess of Gloucester on her 79th birthday, as she continues her lifetime of service to the Firm King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent a special message to the Duchess of Gloucester on her 79th birthday, sharing a unique portrait of the senior working royal. Marking her birthday on Friday, the King and Queen shared an elegant photo of Birgitte on social media, wishing her the best for her birthday celebrations. The photograph showed the Duchess dressed in a cream ensemble with a wide-brimmed hat and pearl necklace. The photo was captured during her hosting of the Not Forgotten Association garden party at Buckingham Palace in May. The birthday message featured a simple caption reading "Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Gloucester!" accompanied by a celebration emoji. The Danish-born royal, who is married to the late Queen Elizabeth II's cousin Prince Richard, continues her extensive programme of royal duties as one of the senior working members of the royal family. Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester - born Birgitte Eva van Deurs Henriksen on June 20th 1946 - first met Prince Richard while studying at Cambridge University in the late 1960s, with the couple marrying on July 8th 1972 at St Andrew's Church in Northamptonshire. On her wedding day, Birgitte opted for a dress created by one of the late Queen Elizabeth's favourite designers Norman Hartnell, and teamed the stunning look with a floral headpiece instead of a traditional tiara. Just six weeks after their wedding, Prince Richard's elder brother, Prince William of Gloucester, was killed in a flying accident, with Prince Richard then unexpectedly became heir apparent to the dukedom. Prince Richard and Birgitte assumed their current titles as Duke and Duchess of Gloucester when Prince Richard's father, Prince Henry, passed away in 1974. The Gloucesters have three children together - Alexander, Davina and Rose. The couple's union has now spanned five decades, as they continue their years of service and dedication to the Crown, attending many royal engagements alongside King Charles and Queen Camilla. Recently, the Duchess made a notable appearance earlier this week at the Garter Day procession in Windsor, having been invested as a Royal Lady Companion to the Order of the Garter last year. She also attended Royal Ascot on Wednesday.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Special way Princess Kate leans on Sophie for support in cancer recovery
As Princess Kate has made her return to royal duties after completing her cancer treatment, she has found comfort and reliability in Duchess Sophie, as their sisterly relationship continues to grow stronger As Princess Kate has made her triumphant return to select royal duties since announcing her cancer is now in remission, she has found comfort in one key royal player: Duchess Sophie. The pair have often been seen sharing laughs and conversing during royal engagements, with their friendship only growing stronger over the years. Kate has found solace in Sophie's friendship at royal events in years past, with the dynamic duo even occasionally dressing in complimenting outfits when stepping out together. Sophie and Kate were seen looking dazzling at Garter Day on Monday, wearing matching pastel ensembles, as they reminded royal onlookers of their tight-knit bond. The sisterly friendship between Kate and Sophie stems back to when Kate first joined the royal family in the late 2000s with her marriage to Prince William, and was fostered by the fact that both women were seen as a safe pair of hands to represent the royal family by the late Queen Elizabeth. The two women have much in common - not least they were both from non-royal families and held down normal jobs before marrying into the Firm. Sophie has also brought up her now-grown-up children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, while juggling full-time royal duties - something that Kate is also now grappling with as she raises Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. And former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror: "There seems to be a real friendship between Sophie and Catherine. It's hard to think of them as aunt and niece. They seem much more like sisters or cousins." "I think Sophie has been able to offer Catherine a huge amount of advice over the years – not just about how to fit into this very elite family, but also about how to juggle a hectic working life with bringing up children. "And I suspect that Sophie has been a great comfort to Catherine (and indeed to William) during the past very difficult 18 months. Sophie went through some alarming health scares during childbirth and would have been a shoulder to cry on if Catherine felt the need. "When you join the royal family, it must be rather like subscribing to a secret society. There are so few people you can trust, so few friends you can confidently confide in. I'm sure Catherine has always felt that Sophie is a safe pair of hands and someone she can easily trust - and visa versa." Today marks a special day for Sophie as it is her and Prince Edward's wedding anniversary, with the pair marking 26 years of marriage. Unlike the late Queen's other children, Edward is the only one not to have divorced. And Jennie believes there is one major key that contributes to their successful marriage. She explained: "I think they have said it themselves. They are best friends. In Sophie's own words, delivered in a tearful tribute to her husband for his 60th birthday, she called him 'the best of fathers the most loving of husbands and still my best friend'. "Edward has described his wife as his rock and said he was 'incredibly lucky to have found Sophie'. To be perfectly frank I used to think Edward was slightly pompous. But I was wrong. I've met him a few times over the years and watched him at work. He's actually very engaging, almost relentlessly jolly - and throws himself into every engagement: asking numerous questions and chatting quite freely with the crowds." With the slimmed-down monarchy looking even slimmer of late, especially since the departure of Prince Harry and Meghan, Edward and Sophie have been described as filling the gap. It is said that the King regards both of them as key players, with them also tipped to play a huge role when William becomes King. And Jennie said: "Sophie is a diamond. Unpretentious, down to earth – often does her own make-up and even drives herself to her engagements. She's the easiest person in the world to chat with and doesn't seem bothered about attracting headlines. Sometimes her visits aren't even flagged up to the press. "Recently, though, as they assumed their very senior positions as Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, we have learned more about their work and I think they're getting some of the recognition they deserve. "Like other members of the royal family, they're not fussed about having publicity about themselves: what they want is publicity about the causes and charities they are supporting. "They, in turn, will continue to play an important role in supporting King Charles, and then King William. And, for the next decade or two at least, I think we shall be seeing more and more of Edward and Sophie."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Have you say on Harry and Meghan being stripped of their Sussex titles
As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle face renewed calls to have their royal titles stripped after allegedly showing 'no interest in Sussex' - we want to hear your thoughts on the topic A former Sussex MP has called for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to have their titles stripped following their silence on Sussex Day - and we want to hear your thoughts. The occasion, which takes place on June 16 every year, celebrates the county's heritage and culture, with towns across Sussex hosting music, dancing, and market stalls. However, furious local residents have slammed the Duke and Duchess for failing to acknowledge Sussex Day both this week, and in previous years. It comes after the pair are reported to have visited Sussex just once since receiving their titles in 2018 - a trip that lasted only six hours. Now, Sussex MP Tim Loughton has backed calls for the former royals to be stripped of their titles, as he told MailOnline: "Yet again the interest of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the county from which they continue to use their title has been underwhelming to say the least. It is time we had a Duke of Sussex who has a genuine interest in our County, and wishing Sussex residents a happy Sussex Day is hardly a tall order.' He added: "They rarely visited Sussex even before they abandoned the UK for California and on our County Day they have again shown no interest in Sussex". The couple were granted the title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex by the late Queen Elizabeth following their 2018 wedding, with Meghan becoming the first Duchess of Sussex in history, and Harry being the second person to ever hold the title of Duke of Sussex. The couple retained their titles when they stepped down as senior royals in January 2020, despite losing their HRH styles. According to insiders, Prince William has completely cut off contact with Harry and Meghan after what he sees as repeated public attacks on the Firm. One source told HELLO!: "There is zero trust." It has been reported that the family believes "private conversations with Harry are not possible." While Harry told the BBC himself that "some members of my family will never forgive me" for what he wrote. In May, we asked Mirror readers if Prince William would strip Harry and Meghan's titles when he becomes King and a whopping 9,806 said yes, they could see that happening, while just 1,203 thought William would never do such a thing. Several readers felt that Harry's actions - including his departure from royal life and inflammatory public statements - have made him unworthy of retaining his royal title. While some believe the future monarch may hesitate or lack the resolve to make such a move. As the California couple fail to acknowledge Sussex Day for another year, we want to know if you think Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their titles. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
King Charles welcomes new member to royal fold with telling Ascot move
Princess Anne's son Peter Phillips has made his public debut with his new girlfriend in the royal procession at the first day of Royal Ascot, being warmly welcomed by King Charles and Queen Camilla Peter Phillips has made his debut with his new girlfriend on the first day of Royal Ascot, with King Charles and Queen Camilla welcoming her into the Firm. The King and Queen led the procession into the Ascot racecourse yesterday to mark the first day of the five-day meet in Berkshire, arriving in the royal carriage. Closely followed behind them were three more carriages, transporting a select group of royals and their confidants. In the third carriage to enter the racecourse was Peter Phillips, Princess Anne's son, and his girlfriend, NHS nurse Harriet Sperling. The couple have been dating for over a year, but this is the first time the two attended a royal engagement together. At the end of the procession, those in carriages mingled on the race track before heading to the royal suite, where Harriet was warmly welcomed to the royal event by Charles and Camilla. Harriet, 45, dressed to impress as she wore an ivory jacket and matching skirt, accessorising with a woven hat. Peter, 47, donned his suit and top hat to keep with the event's strict formal dress code. Harriet and Peter have been dating for over 12 months, with rumours of their relationship emerging in the weeks after Peter broke up with his previous partner of three-years, Lindsay Wallace. Despite their relationship still being relatively new, by Harriet receiving an invitation to the royal procession, it seems she has been given the tick of approval by the Firm. The smitten couple have been spotted together at a number of social events, such as Wimbledon, the Badminton Horse Trials, and Cheltenham Races in January. While at Ascot, Harriet was seen getting on effortlessly with the royals, chatting with Princess Anne on the balcony of the royal suite, while Peter's sister Zara Tindall was at one point seen helping out by fixing her hat. In years past, the late Queen Elizabeth didn't include royal girlfriends in the procession unless they were engaged. However, with the inclusion of Harriet in the procession, it seems King Charles is welcome to include unmarried partners at royal events. Day one of Royal Ascot kicked off yesterday with the royal procession before the first race of the day commenced, as Charles and Camilla watched on in disappointment as their horse, Reaching High, placed a disappointing ninth place. Charles and Camilla, who are both fans of racing, wrote in the official Royal Ascot programme: "Having experienced the thrill of victory at Royal Ascot ourselves in 2023, we can only wish all those competing this week the very best of luck and that everyone watching has a most enjoyable five days." Queen Elizabeth II was a passionate owner and breeder of thoroughbreds and had more than 20 Royal Ascot winners during her 70-year reign. Charles and Camilla have taken on her stable of horses and enjoyed their first Royal Ascot winner in 2023 when their horse Desert Hero triumphed in the King George V Stakes. The tradition of Royal Ascot stems back to the early 1700s, with Queen Anne seeing the potential for a racecourse at East Cote, declaring that it looked an ideal place for 'horses to gallop at full stretch' while out riding. Her Majesty's Plate, which was a race open to any horse over the age of six, first took place on August 11th 1711, with Royal Ascot only growing from then, with this year marking the 200th anniversary of the royal procession, which was started during the reign of George IV in 1825.
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Meghan Markle says a 'lie can't last forever' as she addresses 'false' public narrative about her
Meghan Markle has taken a fresh swipe at the Royal Family as she hinted at an ongoing "lie" about her which she says has been going on for "eight years" in a new podcast interview Meghan Markle has said that if she was able to rewrite her own public narrative, she would simply "ask people to tell the truth". In a brand new podcast interview with the Duchess of Sussex, the former royal alluded to a "lie" that has persisted for the past eight years. Meghan said: "A lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever." Flashback eight years to 2017, Meghan was an actress in the hit legal series Suits, and had just started dating her now-husband, Prince Harry. As their relationship continued, she prepared to transition into life as a member of the Royal Family after Harry asked for her hand in marriage in November 2017, following 16 months of dating, six of which were kept a secret from the public at the time. That year also included Meghan's first meeting with Kate Middleton and the beginnings of Prince William's fallout with Harry after he urged his younger brother not to rush into the relationship. Entrepreneur Emma Grede asked Meghan on her Aspire podcast: 'I want to say this to you in the best way, because I wonder if you could rewrite your public narrative from scratch, is there anything that you would do differently?' Meghan replied calmly: 'Yes, I would ask people to tell the truth.' The duchess did not give any specific context regarding whom she was referring but later hinted at a 'lie' told eight years ago. Grede said: 'You're very measured about it. I would just get so angry if I felt like everyone was lying about me all the time.' Meghan replied: 'Peaks and valleys… Of course, I've gone through those chapters and you do a lot of work, you do a lot of self work and go, what's the why? It's happening for a reason.' She added that her "dear friend" tennis champion Serena Williams, who recently visited Scotland to attend a wedding with her husband, told her 'a lie can't live forever'. The duchess said: 'She told me years ago, a lie can't live forever. Eight years is a long time, but not forever.' In her infamous 2021 Oprah interview, Meghan said she could not be expected to stay quiet if 'the Firm is playing a role in perpetuating falsehoods' about her and Harry. She also publicly singled out Kate for allegedly making her cry in the run-up to her wedding and said it was important for people to 'understand the truth'. It was a dispute over flower girl dresses but according to Harry's memoir Spare, this happened in 2018, four days before the wedding. Meghan said the Palace failed to correct reports which said she left Kate in tears. In the YouTube footage of the podcast interview, Meghan acknowledged her life now was 'very different' from when she was an actress. She also addressed her recent twerking video, which showed her dancing to the Baby Mama song with Harry while heavily pregnant with Princess Lilibet in the hospital as she tried to hurry the birth on. She described the moment as a reminder of a 'real authentic fun life". Meghan said it felt freeing to be back on social media where she can share things on her own terms. The 43 year old previously ran her lifestyle blog, The Tig, but was forced to delete it after she started dating Prince Harry. Speaking of the 'twerking' clip, she said: 'That wasn't yesterday. That was four years ago so it's also a really great reminder that with all the noise or whatever people do, there's still whole life, a real, authentic, fun life that's happening behind the scenes. 'I'm just grateful that now, being back on social as well, I have a place where I can share it on my own terms. It feels liberating.'
