Mystery surrounds Prince William after he makes ‘secret visit’ to MI6
The Prince of Wales met with the Secret Intelligence Service on Thursday
Prince William visited MI6 HQ in London (Image: Getty)
Mystery surrounds Prince William after he made a “secret visit” to MI6 yesterday.
The Prince of Wales met with the Secret Intelligence Service, also known as MI6, which protects the UK from risks abroad, on Thursday afternoon.
The visit was not announced in advance and only appeared today in the Court Circular, the daily list of official royal engagements, which is published the next day.
The entry in the Court Circular read simply “The Prince of Wales this afternoon visited the Secret Intelligence Service” with no location or additional details given.
It is not known whether the future King met MI6 boss Sir Richard Moore, codenamed “C” and Kensington Palace delined to provide further information on the visit.
MI6’s headquarters in London (Image: Getty)
William went to the MI6 headquarters in London with the now-Princess of Wales in 2012 and made a similar visit in 2022, just hours before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
No further details about either visit, including who he met and what was discussed, were revealed either.
In 2019, he spent three weeks working with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ to learn how the UK’s security and intelligence agencies work
“These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe,” he said at the time. “They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.”
In March, MI6 launched a recruitment drive to hire more spies from black and Asian backgrounds.
The first black spy to give a live broadcast interview told BBC Radio 1Xtra that working for MI6 was more exciting than James Bond the fictional MI6 spy who serves king and country.
Express.co.uk has contacted Kensington Palace for further information.
Prince William and kids didn’t face camera in Father’s Day photo for ‘intimate’ reasons
Prince William turned away from the photographer for ‘intimate’ family reasons, a body language expert has explained
The Royals take to the balcony (Image: Samir Hussein/WireImage)
Prince William’s three children, Princes George and Louis as well as their sister, Princess Charlotte, posted a heartwarming Father’s Day picture on their social account that speaks to the family’s “intimacy”, claims a body language expert. The photo, which was posted on Sunday, showed the three royals with their backs to the photographer in Norfolk.
The sweet photograph has drawn much admiration from social media users. Offering insights into the underlying meaning behind it, renowned body language expert Judi James analysed the image.
According to her, the choice to capture the shot from the back reveals that intimacy is at play rather than a desire for ostentation “Photographed from the back view, they avoid actually communicating with the camera. It suggests this is an intimate and loving moment caught rather than a ‘show pony’ one posed to please the viewer.”
This sweet note shared on the official Kensington X handle marks the first time the young ones have sent out a post signed by them. The heartfelt post on what was formerly known as Twitter read, “We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day.” Signed off with, “G, C and L.”
The family’s Father’s Day picture (Image: Kensington X)
In addition to celebrating their dad, Prince William also took the opportunity on Father’s Day to pay homage to his own father, the King. He chose to express his affection for the monarch through a touching post.
Inscribed was “Happy Father’s Day, Pa. W”, adjacent to a fond remembrance in the form of a snapshot of a young Prince William and the future king with a football nestled at his feet.
Taken on the June 12, 1984, within Kensington Palace’s gardens, a still image showcases young Prince William, scarcely two years old reports the Mirror. It was in this year that he gained a younger sibling – the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, born in September.
The Royal Family’s X account also shared footage of Charles and his late father, Prince Philip, sourced from the BFI’s lengthy archive.
“Wishing all Dads, and those who may be missing their parents today, a relaxing Father’s Day,” the royal family’s official account said. Set to piano music, the footage showed several scenes of Philip and Charles together. In one clip Philip lifts baby Charles out of a pram, in another, the pair are seen sailing together.
Last year for Father’s Day the royal family shared a photo of a young Prince Harry and William with their dad. Three images were shared on Twitter with the caption: “To Dads everywhere, we wish you a very special Father’s Day today.”
One image shows Prince Philip with his son Charles and the second one shows Queen Camilla with her father Major Bruce Shand. The third image shows Charles with his two sons William and Harry. The sweet image, taken in 1997, shows the three above the Falls of Muick on the Balmoral estate in Scotland.
Princess Kate’s two-word instruction to Princess Charlotte during Trooping the Colour
Kate, Princess of Wales, made a brief return to public life to celebrate the King’s official birthday with the rest of the Royal Family.
Kate gave firm instructions to Charlotte and her brothers on how to behave (Image: Getty)
Kate, the Princess of Wales, gave strict instructions to Princess Charlotte, as they enjoyed Trooping the Colour, according to a lip reader.
The Princess of Wales briefly returned to public life to support the King and her husband, Prince William, at the celebrations for His Majesty’s official birthday.
The royal observed the proceedings from the balcony of the Duke of Wellington’s former office overlooking Horse Guards Parade with Charlotte and sons Prince George and Prince Louis.
The foursome could be seen enjoying themselves as they watched the ceremony but lip reading Nicola Hinckley claimed the Princess gave clear instructions to her daughter and her brothers.
Ms Hinckley told The Mirror that Kate appeared to say: “Keep smiling. And stay here for one moment.”
Princess Charlotte stood right in front of her mother as they watched the flypast (Image: Getty)
The expert noted the Princess of Wales’s instructions came shortly after Kate appeared to tell George and Louis: “You stay there, OK?”
The event marked the first public event Kate has attended since the start of the year.
In January, Kensington Palace announced she would take a break from official duties after undergoing abdominal surgery.
Two months later, Kate personally confirmed she was receiving “preventative chemotherapy” in a heartfelt video message to the public.
After weeks of speculation, the royal confirmed on Friday she would be attending Trooping the Colour but said she is “not out of the woods yet.”
Kate said she has “good days and bad days”, and has started taking meetings when she feels up to it.
Princess Kate shows behind-the-scenes of Trooping of the Colour
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The Palace reiterated her appearance at the event on Saturday should not be considered a sign she will be resuming her official duties.
The Princess of Wales also thanked the public for the outpouring of support shown to her and the Prince of Wales since she announced her cancer diagnosis.
Her brief return to public life was greeted with loud cheers as she was spotted riding the Glass Carriage to Horse Guards Parade with George, Charlotte and Louis.
She later was reunited with William, the King and Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF Red Arrows’s flypast.
King Charles’s sweet gesture to Princess Kate that proves just how close they are
The Princess of Wales beamed as she made a spectacular return to public life at Trooping the Colour while she continues to receive chemotherapy.
King Charles made a sweet gesture to Princess Kate (Image: Shutterstock)
In her first public appearance in 173 days, Kate, 42, looked happy and in good health as she joined her children and senior members of the Royal Family to celebrate the King’s official birthday.
And in a sweet gesture, Charles and his beloved daughter-in-law stood side-by-side in a symbol of strength and unity, as last year the Prince of Wales was positioned next to his father.
Both Kate and the King were diagnosed with cancer at the start of the year and have grown closer as they support each other through this difficult period.
The princess spoke to her father-in-law personally to let him know that she would be attending Trooping the Colour – her first public appearance since Christmas – and he was “delighted” by the news.
Pictures showed the Princess of Wales arriving at Buckingham Palace with her three children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six, ahead of the King’s birthday parade.
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Wearing a crisp white Jenny Packham dress with black details and a hat by Philip Treacy, Kate gazed out of the car window less than 24 hours after she shared a deeply moving message about her ongoing cancer treatment.
It wasn’t long before they appeared from the famous residence in the glass state coach to deafening cheers and cries from the crowds in The Mall.
Kate showed no sign of nerves as she travelled along one of London’s most famous thoroughfares, smiling and waving to those gathered and keeping an eye on her brood.
She was surrounded by other members of the family, with her husband the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, on horseback, as were the Princess Royal, Colonel Blues and Royals, and the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel Scots Guards.
The King also rode in a carriage with the Queen, as he was unable to participate on horseback because of his illness.
Princess Kate stood next to the King on the balcony (Image: Getty)
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But if he was annoyed by the change it didn’t show, as he waved at the crowds while travelling to Horse Guards Parade.
Their Majesties were preceded by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence’s carriage, while the Duchess of Edinburgh travelled in a coach with her daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and the Duke of Kent.
Charles is Colonel in Chief of the regiments of the Household Division which include the Life Guards, Blues and Royals and all five regiments of Foot Guards – the Welsh, Scots, Irish, Coldstream and Grenadier – on parade for the official birthday, alongside the mounted Band of the Household Cavalry and the massed Foot Guards bands.
When the inspection of the Guardsmen in their scarlet tunics and bearskins began, the King cast his eye over the servicemen who are fighting soldiers when not performing ceremonial duties.
Sat beside him in the carriage was the Queen who wore a pale green silk crepe dress and coat by Anna Valentine, Philip Treacy hat and her Grenadier Guards military brooch.
The Princess of Wales looked happy and healthy (Image: Getty)
During the pageantry, the colour was first trooped through the ranks of soldiers before the guardsmen marched past the King, first in slow then in quick time with the King acknowledging the command of “eyes right” with a salute.
In a change from last year, Kate did not join senior family members on a dais, but watched the spectacle from the Duke of Wellington’s former office with her children.
Young Louis got up to his usual cheeky antics, as he was pictured yawning, trying to open a window and dancing to the military music during the impressive display of pomp and pageantry.
At the conclusion of the military spectacle, the members of the Firm travelled back to Buckingham Palace for the iconic balcony appearance.
Stepping out to huge cheers from the thousands gathered outside the steel gates below, the Royal Family put on a united front as they watched the spectacular flypast by the RAF.
The rain briefly relented and blue skies appeared for the show, which concluded with the red arrow display.
The Wales family on the Buckingham Palace balcony (Image: Getty)
Standing shoulder to shoulder, the King’s closeness with his beloved daughter-in-law was for all to see, as Kate was seen leaning over to speak to the King, prompting the pair to giggle and share fond glances at one another.
Garrison Sergeant Major Stokes who helped plan Trooping praised Kate for attending today, he said: “I think it’s such a nice thing for the Princess of Wales to come and attend today.
“It is probably the only day we see the entire royal family together in public and I think the royal family really appreciate the day as well – it’s the closest thing we get in the United Kingdom to a national day, so all of that makes it incredibly special.”
Kate said in a statement on Friday she was making “good progress” with her treatment, but candidly said she has “good days and bad days” and although she has been working from home, said: “I am not out of the woods yet”.
Support from the public has made a deep impression on the princess, who said she had been “blown away” by the “kind messages” that had made a “world of difference to William and me and has helped us both through some of the harder times”.
Piers Morgan’s three-word response as Princess Kate returns to royal events
Princess Kate joined members of the Royal Family in her first public appearance since her cancer diagnosis.
Princess Kate waving to crowds in London (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate shows behind-the-scenes of Trooping of the Colour
The Princess of Wales was pictured celebrating King Charles III’s birthday with her family as the royal returned to public life today for the first time since telling the world of her cancer diagnosis.
The 42-year-old Princess was seen sharing a tender moment with her husband, the Prince of Wales during today’s RAF flypast for Trooping the Colour.
Princess Kate was cheered by crowds as she smiled at them through her carriage window. Her children, Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine and Prince Louis, six, also waved at wellwishers.
The future Queen opted for a monochrome outfit, with matching accessories and striking pearl earrings by Cassandra Goad, which cost £5,000.
Her dress was a recycled Jenny Packham number which she wore multiple times in 2023. But for today, a black and white bow was added to the collar.
All eyes were on the brunette beauty throughout the day, including Piers Morgan’s.
The TalkTV broadcaster took to Twitter to share a photograph of Princess Kate smiling at the event with a sweet message attached.
He captioned the image: “Great to see the Princess of Wales back on duty at Trooping of the Colour, and looking so glamorous.”
Piers Morgan made a sweet comment about Princess Kate (Image: Getty)
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Royal recipe: How to make Kate Middleton’s ‘perfect heatwave salad’
The chef captioned her post by saying: “It’s so fresh, so delicious and perfect for this heatwave. We loved it so much we ate the entire platter, despite it being for four people.”
Princess Kate and Prince William with their family (Image: Getty)
His millions of followers agreed with his sentiment, taking to the comment section to voice their opinions.
Danny wrote: “She always looks so good and elegant, doesn’t she?”
Meanwhile, a second person said: “Absolutely gorgeous! Wishing her a speedy & full recovery.”
This is the image of Princess Kate which Piers Morgan shared (Image: Getty)
Yair noted: “God bless her – she’s truly an inspiration and a role model for dealing with complicated health conditions. She looks great and I hope she overcomes all of the challenges and struggles. Wishing her nothing but the best.”
Some fans compared Princess Kate’s look to Audrey Hepburn’s in the iconic film My Fair Lady when the actress wore a black and white ensemble with striped bows to a horse racing day.
The royal’s triumphant return to Buckingham Palace’s balcony comes months after she announced her cancer battle to the world after not being seen in the public eye for months.
Hilarious moment Prince Louis ‘tries to escape’ out of Buckingham Palace window
Prince Louis was seen grappling with a window in what might appear to some as a bid to escape or an attempt to get a better view of Trooping the Colour.
Prince Louis appeared to make an escape attempt through a window of Buckingham Palace as the cheeky chap stole the show again at Trooping the Colour. Pictures show Louis, six, straining as he tries to lift the frame upwards as his mum, Princess Kate, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh appear behind the Waleses’ youngest son.
Louis might also of course have been trying to get a better look at the pomp and pageantry below in honour of his grandfather, King Charles, and marking the monarch’s official birthday.
The fourth in line to the throne is widely held to have stolen the show on Saturday (June 15), by dancing to the quick march of the Scots Guards to Highland Laddie, at one point yawning and straining at the window.
At one point, the prince was spotted playing with the cord of a window blind in what was not only his first public appearance since last year, but also Princess Kate, Princess Charlotte and Prince George’s.
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Prince Louis grapples with a window during Trooping the Colour (Image: George Cracknell Wright)
Prince Louis looked dapper in a blazer, tie and shorts (Image: Getty)
Prince Louis stole the show again at this year’s Trooping the Colour (Image: Getty)
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George, Charlotte, Louis and the Princess of Wales travelled in the Glass State Coach along the Mall at the start of the day’s celebration.
The carriage came after an excited Louis took a tumble as he waited on the steps of Buckingham Palace, but the little prince regained his balance to join the Waleses as they waved to the crowds on their way to Horse Guards Parade.
Louis could also be seen pulling faces inside the carriage, making his mum and siblings chuckle.
While waiting for the excitement to begin, Louis struggled to keep still, prompting Charlotte to tell him playfully to “stop”.
Today marks Princess Kate’s first official public outing after her cancer diagnosis, with the future queen appearing relaxed as she re-entered the spotlight.
Princess Kate, Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Princess Charlotte travelled by coach (Image: Getty)
Princess Kate was cheered by the crowd as she stepped onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Image: Getty)
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the celebrations to mark the monarch’s official birthday (Image: Getty)
Kate joined one of the highlights of the royal calendar, but still maintained a watchful eye on her children.
During the day Kate was surrounded by fellow members of the Royal Family, with her husband Prince William, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, on horseback, as were Princess Anne, Colonel Blues and Royals, and Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel Scots Guards.
King Charles also rode in a carriage with Queen Camilla in a departure from last year due of his own cancer diagnosis. He inspected officers and guardsmen on Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall from the coach rather than from a horse.
When the Princess of Wales made her way onto the balcony of Buckingham Palace to mark the end of the day’s official celebrations she was greeted with cheers from the crowd outside.
Princess Charlotte drove royal fans into a frenzy today after she appeared beaming after six months during the Trooping the Colour ceremony.
Royal fans were delighted after they caught a new glimpse of Princess Charlotte during today’s Trooping the Colour ceremony in London.
The middle child of the Prince and Princess of Wales was all smiles as she was pictured in a carriage joined by her mother, Princess Kate and her two brothers, Prince George and Prince Louis.
Charlotte wore a navy long-sleeved dress which featured white accents around the waist, collar and sleeves and a white bow at the front.
She finished the look with a pair of white Mary Janes and a white bow to tie half her hair up.
The young princess matched her mother, who was seen in public for the first time in six months, after having been diagnosed with a form of cancer.
Princess Charlotte made a new appearance today (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Royal newsJoin us on WhatsApp
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Kate wore a white dress and white shoes which featured black accents all over. She paired it with a colour-matching hat.
Royal fans could not contain their excitement for seeing the young royal after six months, as Charlotte’s last public appearance was, like her mother, on Christmas Day in 2023 in Sandringham.
One user wrote on X: “Charlotte will be a force to be reckoned with when she’s older! She is such a beautiful girl.”
Another one agreed: “Beautiful Charlotte will make a fantastic Princess Royal.”
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Princess Charlotte in a carriage with her family (Image: Getty)
Princess Charlotte was all smiles as she arrived at Buckingham Palace (Image: Getty)
A third one added: “A combination of Queen Elizabeth and Diana! Her eyes speak of power and royalty.”
A fourth one also commented on Charlotte’s resemblance to the late Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, saying: “I see Diana in her and the late Queen.”
A fifth user added: “She’s going to be another fierce princess royal someday.”
Lastly, a sixth one said: “She has the look of Princess Anne about her, that “don’t mess with me” look….. Love it!!”
Prince William’s striking resemblance to Prince Philip at Trooping the Colour stuns fans
Prince William’s stoic appearance on horse-back has sparked a series of comments about how he resembles his late grandfather, Prince Philip.
Then and now: Prince Philip in 1963 vs. Prince William today (Image: Getty)
The Royal Family were out in force today as they marked the annual Trooping the Colour 2024. But eagle-eyed fans were quick to pick-out a striking similarity between Prince William and his grandfather, the late Prince Philip.
Prince William was stood next to his wife, Princess Kate, on the infamous Buckingham Palace balcony. The nation had been unsure a as to whether Kate’s recovery would allow her to attend the prestigious event.
But at 6pm yesterday, she announced she would be coming – and looked the picture of elegance as she stepped out with her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
While the spotlight somewhat centred on the princess, who has not been seen in public since Sandringham on Christmas Day – some were quick to point out an astonishing resemblence between future King William and Prince Philip who died in April 2019.
Fans took to X to share their opinions, with one adding: “Prince William once again looking so much like his grandfather Prince Philip, always proud to serve monarch, military, country, and the legacy of his grandmother and ancestors.”
Other commenters responded naming him “iconic” and agreeing with the sentiment.
Another said: “I love Prince William. He’s such a presence, a true gentleman, strong and kind. I think he looks like a combination of his mother and his grandfather, Prince Philip.”
Today, Prince William demonstrated his horseback riding abilities as he took part in the parade alongside his uncle, Prince Edward and aunt Princess Anne. He rode a horse named Derby through the capital, in front of excited spectators lining The Mall.
It is the decades-old ritual that his late grandfather had carried out, alongside his wife, the late Queen Elizabeth for many years. As it customary, William wore the red uniform, which Philip would have also worn for the event – then his wife’s birthday.
King Charles was forced to stand down from riding a horse in the parade under the guidance of medics. This is because he is undergoing cancer treatment. He was required to perform his duties from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.
Prince George’s adorable four-word remark to mum Princess Kate during carriage ride
Prince George, the king of future generations, was spotted making a sweet comment to his mother Princess Kate as they turned up at the Trooping the Colour 2024.
Prince George appeared stunned at how the crowds were reacting to the Royal Family coming into the spotlight for today’s Trooping the Colour.
The young prince, aged 10, the oldest child of Prince William and Kate, sat opposite his mother as they rode into the King’s birthday parade this morning (June 15). According to lip-reader Juliet Sullivan, as enthusiastic spectators came into his eyeline, he said to his mum: “They all look so happy.”
She told MailOnline his comment was followed by a wave, which was mimicked by his younger sister, Princess Charlotte, nine – sitting alongside him with Prince Louis, six, who was seen making hilarious faces at crowds.
Thousands of people lined The Mall to wish King Charles a happy birthday. Despite being born on November 14 – it’s customary for the monarch to have two birthdays.
The King, undergoing treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer, was able to make today’s parade – but was unable to ride in on horseback along with his siblings, Princess Anne and Prince Edward – and Prince William.
Prince George ushered four sweet words to Princess Kate, as decoded by a lip-reader (Image: Getty)
Instead, he was transported via horse-drawn carriage alongside his wife Queen Camilla under the instruction of medics.
Attentions quickly turned to Princess Kate, who stepped out for the first time in months. The future Queen stunned in a white and navy dress, with a matching hat.
Kate has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy treatment for cancer – and has asked for privacy while she recovers. But today she was able to make her first official public appearance since Christmas Day when she was seen out at Sandringham.
She entered the parade alongside her children in the carriage, and then joined senior royals on Buckingham Palace’s balcony later on to watch the RAF flypast. In a statement issued yesterday (June 14) she admitted she is “not out of the woods yet”.
But said like anyone suffering with cancer, she has “good days and bad”.
Alongside Kate, Prince Louis stole the show on plenty of occasions with his mischevious ways. He was seen in Buckingham Palace straining as he tried to open a window. He was also pulling an array of cheeky expressions in the carriage leading up to the palace.
Louis was also seen yawning and dancing along during the Scots Guards’ march to Highland Laddie. But his older sister noticed and appeared to tell him off.
Lip reader Nicola Hickling told the Mirror that as Louis danced, Charlotte appeared to tell him: “You have to stop doing that. Watch the parade”, to which he replied: “I won’t”.
Charlotte added: “Do as you’re told” but her brother responded: “Nope.”
Princess Charlotte’s incredible £36,000 gift that she was forced to give back
A company gifted Princess Charlotte a luxury 18ct item worth an eye-watering sum – but it’s unlikely that she was able to keep it.
Princess Charlotte received a gift worth £36,000 upon her birth (Image: Prince and Princess of Wales)
Princess Charlotte received an incredible £36,000 present as a baby – but she never got the chance to use it. The only-daughter of Prince William and Princess Kate was gifted a luxe item when she was just a newborn – but due to strict Royal rules, the little one didn’t get to fully enjoy the unbelievably pricey gift.
The expensive present came from the Natural Sapphire Company and it’s likely one of the most luxurious baby rattles ever made. The rattle was crafted from 18ct white gold and decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to form a Union Jack.
The company explained on their website why they went all out: “When Kate and William were engaged with the iconic blue sapphire ring that once belonged to Princess Diana, our sapphire ring sales rocketed. Women everywhere wanted to be just as fashionable as Kate.
“Today, we continue to grow as a business and it is with great joy that we celebrate the birth of a new royal.
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The rattle was crafted from 18ct white gold and decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to fo (Image: Natural Sapphire Company)
“We’re thanking Kate and William for introducing our company to the world, by gifting a custom-designed baby rattle, fit for their Princess.
“Baby gifts made from precious metals are a tradition dating back to the 18th century. Our luxury rattle, worth $45,000 (£36,000), is made from 18k white gold; lined with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds to produce the Union Jack flag.
“Such a unique gift, unlike any they will receive from well wishes around the world, will surely be treasured.”
But despite the thoughtful gesture for their newborn daughter, it was reported in 2015 that it was highly unlikely that Charlotte was ever allowed to keep the extravagant rattle.
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Kensington Palace could not confirm whether the lavish baby toy was received by William and Kate, but as a general rule, it said, gifts from commercial companies were not accepted.
However, just because Charlotte – who celebrated her ninth birthday starring in a sweet new photograph – wasn’t allowed to keep the jewel-encrusted rattle, doesn’t mean she didn’t have one to play with.
King Charles reportedly bought her one made from willow, costing a much more reasonable £25; making it a far less valuable item to play with.
