THE Queen’s decision to make Camilla Queen Consort is “driving a wedge” between Prince Harry and William, a royal expert has claimed.
The Duchess of Cornwall will become Queen consort when Prince Charles becomes King, Her Majesty announced ahead of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
But Royal author Christopher Andersen told US weekly that news of Camilla's title of Queen Consort will have strained the relationship between “feuding brothers” Harry & William further.
He said: “It’s just whether or not they can get over this bad feeling. Then, of course, the Queen’s health and these other considerations are there.”
He continued: “I don’t think it helped with the Queen announcing that Duchess Camilla will be Queen Consort and that’s another issue, I can tell you right now that the boys were completely blindsided by this.”
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Queen faces pressure to strip Harry of official role
The Queen is under pressure from both the public and Parliament to strip Prince Harry and Prince Andrew of official roles as Counsellors of State.
According to the Parliamentary paper, Prince Harry should no longer be eligible for the role given that the UK is no longer his permanent residence since he stepped back from royal life.
The guidance under The Regency Act of 1937 states that all people who hold this position should be members of the Royal Family and importantly, “must be domiciled in ‘some part’ of the UK’.”
The Regency Act of 1943 added that “if it appears to the Sovereign that any eligible Counsellor will be absent from the United Kingdom or intends to be so absent during the whole or any part of the period of such delegation, then Letters Patent [a legal tool at the Monarch’s disposal] may make provision for exempting that person.”
- Joseph Gamp
Why Princess Charlotte wasn’t christened in the Chapel Royal like her brothers
THE christening of Prince Louis is just around the corner and will take place at Chapel Royal in St James’ Palace – the same location of the christening of Prince George.
But was there a reason why Princess Charlotte, three, didn’t have her religious ceremony at the same location?
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s only daughter was instead christened at the Church of St Mary Magdalene at Sandringham – the same place that Princess Diana was christened.
The different location was not due to rank or gender, as she is currently higher than Prince Louis in the line of succession.
The reason is thought to the church’s close proximity to the family’s home in 2015, which was Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
It is especially meaningful that Princess Charlotte was christened in the same spot as Diana, as her name is a tribute to the late royal.
Her full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, with her middle name being a nod to Prince William’s mother, who passed away in 1997.
- Joseph Gamp
When will Prince Louis be christened?
Traditionally, a royal baby is christened two to three months after their birth – and this is also the case for Prince Louis.
It has been announced he will be christened on Monday July 9 – and we’re unlikely to see him again before then, according to royal experts.
He will be christened by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby.
The venue is The Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace in London, which is where his brother George was christened back in 2013.
- Joseph Gamp
Thanks for reading
This is Joe Gamp signing off our Royal Family live blog for the evening.
Thanks for reading our live coverage throughout the day.
Milica Cosic is back with you from 6am.
- Joseph Gamp
In pictures: Charles meets staff and patients at new £380m cancer centre
In the image below, Prince Charles meets 12-year-old patient Louise Dawson, who is receiving Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) treatment.
The pair were also joined by Louise's mother Karen Dawson, second left, and Consultant oncologist Dr Yen-Ching Chang, the clinical lead for the PBT service.
Charles opened University College Hospital's new £380m flagship cancer and surgery building in London.
NINTCHDBPICT000715865933Credit: AP - Joseph Gamp
Charles meets a young cancer patient in London
During his visit to the University College Hospital Grafton Way Building in central London, Charles met Karen Dawson, 43, and her 12-year-old daughter Louise, who is into day nine of a 30-day PBT course for a spinal tumour.
The prince and Dr Yen-Ching Chang, clinical lead for PBT, joined the pair, from Wickford, Essex, as they relaxed in a room where the schoolgirl was drawing pictures of rabbits ahead of her next session.
Charles was impressed by her efforts, asking: "You're doing this just freehand? It's very good – fantastic. Do you do a lot of drawing?"
Louise was a little tongue-tied and, when the prince asked about teaching, her mother said a tutor provides the core subjects of maths, English and science, whereupon Charles quipped to the young patient: "You will be an expert in proton beam."
Charles appeared fascinated when Dr Chang, who is overseeing the schoolgirl's PBT care, showed him the suite where the treatment takes place.
PBT is a type of radiotherapy that targets cancer tumours with proton beams, and the consultant oncologist told the prince "essentially it damages the DNA so that the (cancer) cell can't divide in the future".
Before leaving, Charles met staff who had lined the path to his car, and was presented with a multi-coloured face mask.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Charles speaks out on Ukraine war for second day running
The prince told those invited: "I must say my wife and I have been deeply moved by everything we've heard today during our visit and above all by the extraordinary bravery, generosity and fortitude of the Ukrainian community in the face of such truly terrible aggression."
For the second day Charles had spoken out about the conflict in Ukraine, during a ceremony that granted city status to Southend-on-Sea on Tuesday he told guests the values of democracy were under attack in Ukraine in the "most unconscionable way".
It is understood the heir to the throne had approached the Ukrainian community offering his help and he brought representatives from five humanitarian organisations he is connected with to offer practical support.
The couple were also joined by the Ukrainian ambassador Vadym Prystaiko, and his wife Inna Prystaiko, who earlier received a rare tribute from MPs, a standing ovation in the House of Commons when he watched Prime Minister's Questions from the gallery.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Charles 'left moved' by plight of Ukrainians
The Prince of Wales has spoken about the "truly terrible aggression" of President Vladimir Putin's regime as he showed his solidarity with Ukraine by visiting its UK community.
Charles and Camilla lit a candle and left floral tributes at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in London as they acknowledged the plight of the eastern European nation as fears grow Russia is planning a greater onslaught in the coming days.
The heir to the throne said he and his wife had been moved by the "bravery, generosity and fortitude" of the Ukrainians in the face of the military action by Russian forces.
Cathedral staff reported Ukrainian men have been seeking blessings before travelling back to their homeland to join the fight against Mr Putin's army.
Camilla was left close to tears when the leading members of the UK's Ukrainian community sang a mournful version of the song Chervona Kalyna, Red Guelder Rose, to welcome the couple when they walked into a cathedral hall.
The men, women and children performed the song famously sung by Ukrainian insurgents during the Second World War which evokes images of the Ukrainian homeland.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen faces pressure to strip Harry of official role
The Queen is under pressure from both the public and Parliament to strip Prince Harry and Prince Andrew of official roles as Counsellors of State.
According to the Parliamentary paper, Prince Harry should no longer be eligible for the role given that the UK is no longer his permanent residence since he stepped back from royal life.
The guidance under The Regency Act of 1937 states that all people who hold this position should be members of the Royal Family and importantly, “must be domiciled in ‘some part’ of the UK’.”
The Regency Act of 1943 added that “if it appears to the Sovereign that any eligible Counsellor will be absent from the United Kingdom or intends to be so absent during the whole or any part of the period of such delegation, then Letters Patent [a legal tool at the Monarch’s disposal] may make provision for exempting that person.”
- Joseph Gamp
Are William and Charles preparing to take over from the Queen?
PRINCE Charles and Prince William are 'preparing to step into the Queen's role' after Her Majesty's multiple health scares.
According to royal expert Russell Myers, Charles and William are both preparing to take on The Queen’s royal duties as she continues to recover from Covid-19.
Russell says: “There was an awful lot of calls last week even though the Queen was suffering from Covid about whether we would hear from Her Majesty.
“First of all, we heard from Prince William and Kate they showed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine having met their president and wife in recent months.
“But powerful words from Prince Charles yesterday he was in Southend, the town has become a city for the first time in tribute to the late Sir David Ames who was tragically murdered last year.
“I think this is another changing of the guard because we’re hearing from Prince Charles very statesmanlike with those words standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen spent time with William and Kate as she recovered from Covid
THE Queen spent time with Prince William and Kate as she recovered from Covid, it was reported on Monday.
An insider said Her Majesty was joined by a small entourage at Frogmore just over a week after testing positive for the virus.
On this occasion, the 95-year-old monarch was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children who were enjoying the sunny weather.
The pair are set to head to Jamaica in a matter of weeks as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee tour.
They were also accompanied by Princess Beatrice and her baby daughter Sienna – who is now five months old.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen resumes duties – but online only
The Queen has resumed work engagements via video after her Covid diagnosis and was photographed meeting foreign dignitaries yesterday.
She appeared via videolink from Windsor Castle to speak to ambassadors at Buckingham Palace after she was forced to postpone a number of engagements last week.
The Queen, who is 95, tested positive for coronavirus on February 20 and the Palace said then that she was experi- encing mild cold-like symptoms. She continued to carry out light duties at Windsor, which included sending a congratulatory message to Team GB's women's curling team after they won gold at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
The Queen, wearing a green dress with a large brooch and pearls, appeared to be in good spirits while greeting Carles Jordana Madero, the ambassador of Andorra, and his wife, Soraia Maria Valls Pinilla, as well as Kedella Younous Hamidi, the ambassador of Chad
- Joseph Gamp
Special postboxes celebrating authors will mark World Book Day
Royal Mail is unveiling special postboxes celebrating authors and illustrators to mark World Book Day on Thursday.
The postboxes feature lines from books by authors including Greg James and Chris Smith, Nadiya Hussain, Dara McAnulty and Martin Waddell, with artwork from the likes of Harry Potter cover illustrator Jonny Duddle.
The postboxes are located in Luton, Nannerch in Flintshire, Dundee and Castlewellan in Northern Ireland, close to places of significance to either the writers or their work.
Royal Mail is also marking the 25th anniversary of World Book Day with a special postmark.
David Gold of Royal Mail, said: "The UK has produced many world-class authors and illustrators who have written books and created characters that have inspired and entertained children and adults for generations.
"We are proud to be involved in the celebration of World Book Day's 25th anniversary and to honour the works of some of the UK's best-loved authors and illustrators on our postboxes."
Cassie Chadderton, chief executive of World Book Day, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating authors and illustrators from across the UK to mark our 25th anniversary with Royal Mail.
"It's lovely to see some of our £1 book authors and illustrators featured and we hope the postboxes inspire more families to read together and showcase just a few of the wonderful books available for children to explore."
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan & Harry facing £100m 'council tax bill' on Montecito mansion
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle face a 'council tax' bill higher than £100,000 for their American mansion.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex must pay two instalments of £51,978, totaling £103,995, documents reportedly revealed.
The fee is double what experts estimated and is based on the value of their mansion in California, the Sunday Mirror reported.
They bought their nine-bed, 13-bathroom home for around £11.5million in June 2020.
Harry and Meghan’s first payment was reportedly due on December 10 and the second was February 1, with a 10 per cent penalty for any bills unpaid by April 11.
A source said: “The bill is a huge sum but it’s peanuts in relation to their earnings.”
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Charles blasted Putin's 'brutal aggression'
The Prince of Wales yesterday blasted Vladimir Putin's "brutal aggression – and branded his invasion of Ukraine an "attack on democracy".
Charles who has previously compared the Russian tyrant to Hitler, also declared his "solidarity" with the Ukrainian people.
He spoke as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed William and Kate for backing their fight on Twitter.
Charles spoke as he paid tribute to murdered local Tory MP Sir David Amess at a ceremony to mark Southend becoming a city.
The Prince said: "What we saw in the terrible tragedy in Southend was an attack on democracy, on open society, on freedom itself.
"We're seeing those same values under attack today in Ukraine in the most unconscionable way.
"In the stand we take here we're in solidarity with all those who are resisting brutal aggression."
- Joseph Gamp
Charles praises NHS as he opens £380 million cancer treatment centre
The Prince of Wales has praised the NHS for withstanding the "pressure" of the pandemic as he opened a new facility providing ground-breaking cancer treatment.
Charles paid tribute to the "professionalism" and "resilience" of medical staff as he formally launched the site providing cutting-edge Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) and home to one of the largest treatment centres for blood disorders.
The University College Hospital Grafton Way Building in central London is a £380 million project that has been caring for parents since late last year.
After touring part of the building and meeting a young cancer patient midway through her PBT course, the prince gave an impromptu speech before unveiling a plaque to mark his visit.
He told staff, senior figures from University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and private supporters of the Grafton: "It is a remarkable achievement, and for what it's worth I can only offer my congratulations to all those who played such an important part, let alone all those genius physicists who actually understand how the Proton Beam Therapy works, which is truly remarkable."
He added: "I so well understand how much… pressure you've been under for the last two years or more and quite how you've withstood it I don't know.
"It is a great tribute to your professionalism and your resilience that this has been possible and for all of us who rely and depend on you and your skills we cannot thank you enough.
"And now you have to catch up with the backlog which is the other great worry but I'm sure you will do it."
The Prince of Wales has praised the NHS for withstanding the 'pressure' of the pandemicCredit: PA - Joseph Gamp
Should we be asking so much from the Queen?
Prince Charles confirmed the Queen was "a lot better now" as he spoke to well-wishers in Southend while granting city status to the Essex resort yesterday.
But one of the Queen's former aides has questioned whether we are "asking so much" of the Monarch.
Dickie Arbiter, who spent 12 years as Her Majesty's press secretary, said: "It is good to see her back working. People had not seen her and there were concerns. It is pretty important for her to get out."
But he added: "We have to ask ourselves, 'Should we be asking so much from her coming up to her 96th birthday?'"
- Joseph Gamp
Elizabethan mansion to be site of first Platinum Jubilee wood
The grounds of a 16th century Elizabethan mansion will be the site of the first 70-acre wood to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Woodland Trust has said.
The woodland will be planted at Burghley House in Stamford, Lincolnshire – which was built by William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth I – to mark the 70-year reign of the current monarch.
The Woodland Trust is encouraging landowners to help establish up to 70 Platinum Jubilee woods as part of the Queen's Green Canopy, an initiative which is inviting people across the UK to "plant a tree for the jubilee".
The charity, which is a leading delivery partner of the Queen's Green Canopy, is offering advice and support for landowners to create 70-acre woodlands as part of the celebrations.
Burghley House, a stately home set in a 300-acre deer park landscaped by "Capability" Brown, has become the first confirmed Platinum Jubilee Wood under the scheme.
The new woodland will add to the 60-acre Diamond Jubilee Wood, created by the estate with the Woodland Trust in 2012.
- Joseph Gamp
William & Kate 'getting kids involved in farming'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting their children involved in farming, the couple revealed on a day out to Wales to mark St David's Day.
The future Prince and Princess of Wales were visiting a goat farm in Llanvetherine, near Abergavenny, and shared how Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis had helped with their animals during half term.
It is thought the family were in Norfolk, where the Prince of Wales has been working to turn the Queen's Sandringham estate into a fully organic operation.
During a day spent in the Welsh valleys, the couple tried making traditional Welsh cakes at a community centre but the future king told the young people watching: "Do not judge my cooking…"
As they toured Pant Farm, where Gary and Jess Yeomans, both 50, produce goats' milk that has supplied a local cheesemaker for the past two decades, William spotted a robot silage sweeper in one of the barns.
Gary explained it could also be used to move feed, and the duchess replied: "That was George's job at half term – moving feed."
William told his hosts the children had been getting involved on the farm and added: "We are trying some Agroforestry as well."
The method involves planting crops in between rows of trees to provide healthier soil, higher yields and vital homes for wildlife.
- Joseph Gamp
Hi all, Joe Gamp here signing in
I'll be bringing you all the latest Royal Family gossip and news – as it happens – all the way through to 10pm this evening.
- Milica Cosic
My colleague Joseph Gamp will now be taking over the Royals blog.
For any tips and feedback please contact @joegampjourno on Twitter.
- Milica Cosic
Changing over…
According to royal expert Russell Myers, Charles and William are both preparing to take on The Queen’s royal duties as she continues to recover from Covid-19.
Russell says: “There was an awful lot of calls last week even though the Queen was suffering from Covid about whether we would hear from Her Majesty.
“First of all, we heard from Prince William and Kate they showed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine having met their president and wife in recent months.
“But powerful words from Prince Charles yesterday he was in Southend, the town has become a city for the first time in tribute to the late Sir David Ames who was tragically murdered last year.
“I think this is another changing of the guard because we’re hearing from Prince Charles very statesmanlike with those words standing shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.”
“Again, something that we’re seeing both Charles and William step to the role that the Queen has had for many years,” he added.
- Milica Cosic
William & Kate want George to 'forget about his destiny'
According to a royal expert, Prince William and Kate want Prince George to "forget about his huge destiny" to become King.
Royal author Duncan Larcombe has claimed George could move to a school outside London to make his life seem "normal".
Larcombe said: "I think it's a good statement of intention from William and Kate because Kate obviously grew up there and William went to school there.
"They live in London because they kind of have to but they're country people at heart.
"This is a natural move for two very caring parents to follow the Middleton framework.
"Berkshire is also closer to the grandparents on both sides so maybe their intention is almost to let George forget about his huge destiny, go off to a school in the Home Counties and try and make it as normal as possible."
- Milica Cosic
Kate opens up about ancestry
During her most recent trip to Wales, Kate Middleton opened up about her ancestry.
During the trip, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a goat farm in Llanvetherine, where Kate revealed she has a farming background.
She told her hosts at the farm: "I was looking into my ancestry and there was someone who was a rare breed goat farmer.
"I will have to find out which one it was. It was just after the First World War."
- Milica Cosic
Pictured: Inside Kate & William's trip to Wales
Yesterday, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited Wales to celebrate the nation's people and culture to mark St David's Day.
During their visit, the royal couple visited Pant Farm, which has been providing milk to a local cheese producer for nearly 20 years.
The duke and duchess also took the opportunity to celebrate an important historical moment as they "planted a tree for the Jubilee" as part of the Queen's Green Canopy, an initiative created to celebrate the monarch's 70-year reign.
This was done at the Blaenavon Heritage Centre in Blaenavon, where after the royal couple visited the Neon Youth Club at Blaenavon Hwb in Blaenavon where they chatted to youngsters.
Prince William and Kate Middleton visit a cheese stall at Abergavenny MarketCredit: Reuters Kate Middleton during a visit Abergavenny and Blaenavon in WalesCredit: PA Prince William plants a tree at the Blaenavon Heritage Centre, Wales.Credit: PA The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Neon Youth Club at Blaenavon HwbCredit: PA
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