Princess Kate and Prince William recently had the opportunity to meet 16-year-old photographer Liz Hutton, who is bravely fighting cancer.
The royal couple praised Liz for her creativity and strength after she captured moments at an event held at Windsor Castle.
This meeting not only highlights their support for young individuals facing significant challenges but also reflects the royal family’s commitment to inspiring resilience in the face of adversity.
In a heartfelt social media message, Kate and William expressed their delight in meeting Liz, emphasizing her remarkable talent and determination.
This interaction serves as a testament to their genuine engagement with young people, encouraging them to pursue their passions even in difficult circumstances.
Liz’s invitation to photograph recipients at Windsor Castle provided her with a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in her craft, showcasing the royal family’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
As Princess Kate gradually returns to public engagements following her own cancer treatment, her resilience shines through.
She is actively involved in planning events, including the upcoming Christmas Carol service, and participated in Remembrance Sunday activities.
This return to royal duties symbolizes her commitment to her role and her determination to support others facing similar battles.
The meeting with Liz not only underscores the importance of creativity in overcoming challenges but also highlights the power of support from influential figures.
Kate and William’s engagement with young individuals like Liz fosters a sense of hope and encouragement, reinforcing the notion that strength can be found in the pursuit of one’s passions, no matter the obstacles.
Prince Harry Breaks Down in Tears as Video Surfaces of Meghan Markle and Prince Andrew on a Yacht.
A royal saga unfolds: when secrets surface, the world listens. Imagine the weight of royal duties—not just the public eye but also the emotional burden of sharing one’s personal life with millions. Prince Harry has faced this head-on, especially now, as a video has surfaced that raises questions about the trust in his marriage. This incident has sparked curiosity and intrigue; a video, a yacht, and Andrew—elements that spell drama in the British royal world. But this story goes deeper than a scandal. It’s about relationships, public image, and a man caught between family and love. Buckle up for this royal rollercoaster, where each twist might make you rethink the cost of love, fame, and loyalty.
What is it about a single video clip that can ignite the world? This particular clip allegedly shows Meghan Markle with Prince Andrew on his yacht, a situation fraught with complex implications due to Andrew’s controversial past. The clip’s impact on Prince Harry is clear; when the news broke, Harry was reportedly deeply shaken. Sources say his reaction was heartbreaking—but why such a strong response?
The video raises serious questions: What is Meghan’s relationship with Andrew? Was this meeting innocent, or does it imply something more? Speculation is inevitable with the mystery surrounding the video. For Harry, it’s about loyalty, honesty, and the protection of his family. For the public, it’s a mystery we can’t help but try to solve.
To understand Harry’s reaction, we must look back at his journey. Once seen as the “spare” to William’s “heir,” Harry has always been more complex than the tabloids portray. He has faced challenges from his mother’s death to his turbulent teenage years and has longed for a life beyond royal norms. Meghan Markle, with her independent spirit, gave him that chance, but this quest for freedom has come with its own challenges, including strained family ties.
Imagine Harry’s shock when a video surfaces that potentially undermines his trust. For him, this is more than a scandal—it strikes at the heart of his values. Since leaving royal life, Harry has sought to live authentically, but moments like these remind us all of the limits we face.
Meghan Markle’s past is as vibrant as it is complex. Born in Los Angeles, she navigated the Hollywood world before meeting Harry. Her life has been marked by ambition and resilience but has not been without controversy. Before marrying Harry, Meghan was known for her powerful connections, high-profile friendships, and strong independence—qualities that sometimes clashed with royal life’s expectations.
Now, with Prince Andrew involved, Meghan’s past seems to cast a shadow over her marriage. This isn’t just about trust; for Harry, it’s a reminder of the struggles they’ve faced in trying to redefine royal norms.
Prince Andrew has long been a figure of scandal in the monarchy, and his presence in this story raises the stakes. Seeing Meghan with Andrew would likely be a nightmare for Harry, as Andrew’s image is already problematic. It represents a darker side of royal life that Harry has actively worked to distance himself from. This incident reveals the hidden power struggles within the royal family, which, when they surface, expose deep-rooted secrets.
Media plays a massive role in stories like these. A single clip can change entire relationships, and for Harry and Meghan, the media has been both a blessing and a curse. Since stepping down, they’ve tried to control their narrative, but this video shows that their lives remain open to interpretation. For Harry, this incident feels like a fresh wound—a reminder of the power the media holds over their public image. Fair or not, this is the reality of fame, highlighting how media can shape perceptions without always giving the full story.
Behind the headlines, Harry and Meghan’s marriage faces tests familiar to many couples but amplified by public scrutiny. Trust is vital, but it’s difficult to build when the world is watching. Harry’s emotional reaction shows that even the strongest marriages have cracks, which may actually signify authenticity. Love and vulnerability are intertwined for everyone, and this is a lesson we all can learn from.
Harry and Meghan are symbols of modern love—imperfect, real, and open. Their relationship represents a new era for royal couples, one that is willing to challenge expectations. However, openness comes with its own challenges. Modern relationships often face the pressures of social media, the broader media landscape, and public expectations. For Harry and Meghan, this incident serves as a lesson in handling public pressure, while, for us, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how we view and judge public figures. Every story has a human side filled with triumphs and heartaches.
As the dust settles, one question lingers: What’s next for Harry and Meghan? They have an opportunity to rebuild and reconnect, turning a moment of vulnerability into a show of strength. They’ve faced public challenges before and emerged stronger, seeking to live life on their own terms. For us, it’s a reminder that public figures are human. Their stories show that they, like us, are navigating life’s challenges, striving for happiness amidst adversity.
This saga invites us to rethink our judgments, revealing the real emotions behind the royal glamour. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s humanity. As we follow Harry and Meghan’s journey, we’re reminded that love, trust, and resilience are essential, even in the public eye.
So, what are your thoughts on this unfolding story? How do you view the pressures Harry and Meghan face? Share your thoughts, join the conversation, and explore what it truly means to be human—even in the spotlight. For Harry and Meghan, this may be a challenging moment, but it’s also a testament to their commitment to each other and to their values. They’re crafting a life beyond traditional expectations, navigating a world with scarce privacy while keeping their humanity at the forefront.
As spectators, we can see this story as more than entertainment. It’s an invitation to question our assumptions, empathize with people we may never meet, and consider the weight of public life. Their story continues to unfold, filled with complexities and unexpected turns. At the heart of every headline, let’s remember, there’s a person who laughs, cries, and hopes just like us.
In a world where perceptions often cloud reality, perhaps the best approach is to see beyond the surface. So, what’s your take on this royal journey? Do you believe Harry and Meghan’s love will withstand the pressures of public scrutiny, or is there more at play here than meets the eye? Share your thoughts, and let’s dive deeper into what it means to live and love under the world’s watchful gaze.
Letterman made some bombshell revelations regarding Meghan Markle, calling out certain lies she allegedly told during her interview with Oprah Winfrey last year.
To provide some context, David Letterman hosted *The Late Show* on CBS for over 30 years before handing the reins over to Stephen Colbert in 2015. Over his remarkable career, Letterman welcomed countless A-list celebrities to his show. Among those guests was Meghan Markle, who appeared in the late ’90s while she was still rising to fame on the TV show *Suits*.
Though their interview back then didn’t gain much traction, everything changed once Meghan became a royal following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018. After stepping back from their senior royal duties in early 2020 and relocating to California, Meghan and Harry participated in a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. This interview made global headlines, as Meghan made shocking claims about her time in the royal family, including allegations of racism and a lack of support during her struggles with mental health while pregnant with their son, Archie.
The interview stirred up considerable controversy. Supporters rallied behind Meghan’s claims, while critics questioned the authenticity of her accounts. This public fallout deeply impacted the relationship between Prince Harry and the royal family, particularly with his brother, Prince William.
Fast forward to June 2022, when David Letterman appeared as a guest on *The Late Show* with Stephen Colbert. During this lively interview, Colbert brought up Letterman’s previous interview with Meghan back in 2013 for his Netflix show *My Next Guest Needs No Introduction*. This prompted Letterman to reveal some intriguing new details about Meghan that seemed to contradict her later claims to Oprah.
Specifically, Letterman recalled Meghan expressing excitement and appreciation for the royal family’s support during the early stages of her relationship with Prince Harry. He said, “In the run-up to her marriage, she was celebrating how welcoming the royal family was, how supportive they were, and how excited she was.”
However, Letterman also noted the stark contrast between Meghan’s earlier sentiments and her later claims, stating, “Now, it seems like it’s been shattered or changed because of, I don’t know, pressure or whatever.”
Colbert then pointed out that Meghan had previously said she wasn’t aware of the constraints and protocols associated with being a working royal until after her marriage. Letterman challenged this notion, recalling how Meghan enthusiastically discussed the protocols she was learning, including curtsying lessons.
He remarked, “How can someone so thoroughly briefed on the proper ways and traditions not be aware of the circumstances they were entering into?” This highlights the inconsistency between Meghan’s enthusiastic words during their earlier conversation and her later assertions to Oprah about being blindsided by royal life.
Letterman expressed sympathy for the immense pressure and tabloid scrutiny that comes with being part of the royal family. However, he also suggested that there needs to be a reckoning regarding some of Meghan’s contradictory claims, noting, “It causes you to go home and think, ‘Where did that come from?’”
In summary, David Letterman’s recent interview on *The Late Show* sheds new light on Meghan Markle’s past claims compared to her more recent statements. While we don’t have the full video clips from Letterman’s original interview with Meghan, his clear recollections raise questions about the accuracy of her claims during the Oprah interview, particularly regarding the supportiveness of the royal family.
This revelation has reignited debates among royal observers. Supporters of Meghan argue that Letterman’s interview occurred during a time when everything seemed rosy for her, while critics contend that she misled the public about her knowledge and the initial support she received.
The conversation has also sparked interest in the idea of releasing the full, unedited video footage of Letterman’s original interview with Meghan for further context. Only time will tell if this footage becomes available, but for now, it adds another twist to the ongoing saga between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the institutions they have both felt let down by.
As an outsider with no stake in the royal race, David Letterman provides a unique perspective from a time when things seemed relatively calm. This story continues to evolve, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
That’s all I have for you regarding the recent developments involving David Letterman and Meghan Markle. If you think any part of my summary needs more context or clarification, feel free to let me know! Every complex situation involving the British royal family has multiple sides, and only those directly involved truly know the full realities of what has transpired privately.
The heir to the throne Prince William has revealed how his mother Princess Diana inspired the young prince to be aware of those without somewhere to live
Prince William has opened up about his personal crusade to end homelessness, saying it is inspired by his mother. And the heir to the throne says Princess Diana’s compassionate example has spurred him to educate his own kids on the issue.
Talking on a landmark TV documentary to be shown this week, he says: “My mother introduced me to homelessness a long time ago.” William says on the programme: “I have taken some inspiration and guidance from what my mother did, particularly with homelessness. That has grown more over the last few years. When I was very small my mother started talking about homelessness – much like I do now with my children on the school run.”
The documentary shows William on a visit to the same homelessness charity where his mum first took him when he was 11, along with brother Harry. Down-to-earth and unguarded, he embraces people at a Christmas lunch and happily clears away plates and glasses while having a chat.
Previously unseen images flash across the screen, in which we see the young prince playing chess with a man at The Passage in London in 1993. He recalls: “I had never been to anything like that before and I was a bit anxious at what to expect. But Mother went about her usual part of making everyone feel relaxed, having a laugh and joking with everyone.
William at The Passage as an adult(
Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
“I remember thinking if no one has a home everyone would be really sad but it was incredible how happy an environment it was. I remember having good conversations, playing chess and chatting. That’s when it dawned on me that there are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do. She made sure when we grew up that the life outside the palace walls was real.”
It’s a message William passes on to his kids George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six. “When you are that young you are curious, you just want to know what is going on,” he says. “We saw homeless people on the streets and you just ask, ‘Why are they sitting there?’ and my mother would talk a bit about why they were there and it definitely had a big impact.
The documentary shows previously unseen photos from the 1993 visit
“I am starting to introduce homelessness to my children on the school run. The first few times I thought, ‘Do I bring this up or should I wait to see if anybody noticed?’ Sure enough they did and they were just sort-of silent. After I said what was going on, I could see their brains try to work out what that means. I do think it’s really important that we start those conversations when the children are small so they’re not just living, you know, in their own little worlds.”
After his boyhood introduction to homelessness, William went on to become a patron of The Passage and the Centrepoint charities. The prince slept rough for a night in 2009 to understand the plight of those left without a roof over their heads and to raise awareness.
William says his mother made sure “life outside the palace walls was real”
He says: “When you talk to them you understand – well, I can’t pretend I understand homelessness but you see in their eyes and the way they talk, the pain and the journey they’ve been on. How they are carrying this huge weight.
“You can’t help but think it is a long way back for some. It is all about understanding why they are there. Because when you chat to them they are wonderful and really nice people. They have just had bad things happen to them. Things have conspired against them. Things go wrong and it just gets worse and worse. You feel it. They are really vulnerable. You feel like you want to protect them.”
William plays chess at The Passage
In June last year he launched Homewards, which aims to eradicate homelessness in all its forms, “making it rare, brief and unrepeated”. Since he announced the project, some have questioned if he is the right person to front such a campaign given his own privileged position.
A defiant William explains: “If I answered every critic I would be here all day. But I think criticism drives you forward. I think it is right to question but ultimately we are pushing forward to deliver change, hope and optimism into a world that frankly has had little of it for a long time. I hope I can bring something that hasn’t been done before. Why else would I be here if I wasn’t using my position properly to help people in need? I don’t believe we should be living with homelessness in the 21st century.
“There are other people out there who don’t have the same life as you do,” William says(
Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
“At some point you really have to say, ‘Right, let’s do something that is really going to make a difference to people’s lives’. I have spent enough time learning and listening to what people have been through, I feel almost guilty every time I leave that I am not doing more to help. I feel compelled to act. I don’t just want to talk about it or listen. I want to see someone smile because their life has been made better. Building a project is the only way I can see to help people who are in a very difficult situation.”
Six Homewards locations were chosen – Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield and three Dorset towns, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions in each area.
In the ITV documentary we see William meet heads of charities tackling the issue, like Shelter and The Big Issue, as well as people who have been homeless, like TV presenter Gail Porter. Gail, 53, became homeless in 2015 when she suffered mental health issues and says William is the perfect person to drive change.
“People have said to me, ‘What does he know about homelessness?’ But they also say to me, ‘I don’t believe you were really homeless’,” she says. “It all went wrong for me. I was embarrassed and ashamed. I didn’t want to tell anyone and didn’t know where to go or who to speak to. So to have someone like Prince William doing this amazing campaign gives people access to not feel ashamed.”
Compassion drives him to use privilege for destitute
By Russell Myers, Mirror Royal Editor
The easy reaction is to question what on earth Prince William knows about the homelessness crisis in Britain. A man born into incredible privilege who will one day become King, living a life in palaces and castles – and who will obviously never have to deal with issues arising from the increased cost of living.
But it’s exactly this criticism that drives him forward. It is no secret the Royal Family has had a tough few years. Plagued by scandal and infighting, questions have been raised as to the future shape of the monarchy – and, in some quarters, whether it has any future at all.
Step forward Prince William, who has quietly got to work on this most ambitious of projects, even amid his own personal challenges – including his father and his wife, the Princess of Wales, both dealing with cancer this year. In response to those critics, William asks: “Why else would I be here, if I wasn’t using my position properly to help people in need?”
In the ITV film we see William talk about his ever-present inspiration, his late mother Princess Diana, as well as his sense of what people expect of him in his role.
It was Diana’s vision to show William and his brother Harry what life was like beyond palace walls – while her own marriage and life spiralled out of control – that has had the biggest impact on his life.
Much like breaking the generational curses of a family, which he has sought to do in his own home life, William also wants to break the cycle of homelessness for the most vulnerable in our society.
Anyone watching this documentary cannot fail to be moved by his authenticity, his warmth – and his genuine compassion to help others to be able to forge a better life for themselves.
Kensington Palace has made a big announcement after King Charles issued emotional statement as the monarch and Queen Camilla bid farewell to Samoa at Siumu village on the southern coast.
King Charles, who is granted a new chief title in Samoa, says: “I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back again and see you.”
The royal family also shared King Charles and Queen Camilla’s photos and videos as they departed Samoa Saturday, wrapping up a marathon 11-day tour that included their Australian realm.
The palace tweeted, “No dampening of spirits despite the rain on this parade!
“It was a bittersweet goodbye as local people at Siumu Village popped out to wish Their Majesties well, before their departure.”
Following King Charles emotional statement, Kensington Palace made a big announcement regarding the presenters and performers as Prince William’s Earthshot Prize ceremony is set to take place in Cape Town next month.
Kensington Palace, the office of Prince William and Kate Middleton, retweeted the post on their Twitter timeline.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are once again swirling in the vortex of tabloid rumors, with headlines screaming of a potential divorce and a hefty payout for Prince Harry.
While these claims are certainly captivating, a closer look reveals a tangled web of speculation and unsubstantiated reports.
The latest buzz surrounds a supposed $80 million divorce filing by Meghan Markle.
This allegation lacks any credible source and carries echoes of previous unfounded rumors about the couple’s relationship. Fortunately, reputable publications like Newsweek have debunked this claim as unreliable.
Adding fuel to the fire are whispers of Harry and Meghan living separately and Markle ditching her wedding ring.
However, these observations are inconclusive. The couple has attended some events solo, which doesn’t necessarily signify a marital breakdown. Additionally, changing jewelry styles isn’t a definitive sign of trouble.
In contrast, reports of a planned joint public appearance suggest a united front. While details remain under wraps to avoid paparazzi attention, the potential public outing contradicts the dire narrative of an imminent divorce.
It’s crucial to recall that similar rumors surfaced in June 2022, only to be dispelled by subsequent public appearances.
Let’s step back and acknowledge the financial aspect. Prince Harry’s inheritance upon his 40th birthday is a factual occurrence.
The details surrounding the exact amount and his potential advantage over Prince William are based on unnamed sources and should be treated with caution.
While Harry and Meghan have achieved financial independence, their decision to leave royal duties in 2020 was driven by a desire for a different life, not just monetary gain.
In conclusion, the current state of the Sussexes’ relationship remains unclear. The constant stream of unverified rumors only muddies the waters. Until a credible source provides concrete information, it’s best to approach sensationalized claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Perhaps, with time, the truth will emerge. However, for now, it’s a waiting game for fans and royal watchers alike.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, and her husband, Prince Harry, 40, have been living in America for four years. However, they are facing problems with their brand image.
Meghan Markle believed her and Harry could be Hollywood stars. (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)
Meghan Markle reportedly “persuaded” her husband, Prince Harry, that she could make the couple “Hollywood stars” due to her former life as an actress, a royal expert has claimed.
When the couple quit life as senior members of the Royal Family in 2020, they quickly relocated overseas to America, where they bought a large nine-bedroom mansion in Montecito.
Although Harry had only ever known life as a royal or serving in the military, an expert believes he followed Meghan to the States like a “child,” believing that she could help them become financially independent.
Tina Brown, who was friends with Princess Diana and wrote her biography in 2007, opined on GB News: “She persuaded him that she was the savvy Hollywood wheeler-dealer who could come in and make them stars and all the rest of it. He just sort of blindly followed her like a child, really.”
This comes after Tina, the former editor of Vanity Fair previously slammed the 43-year-old duchess on The Ankler podcast.
Prince Harry has recently carried out solo engagements. (Image: Brian Otieno/Getty Images for Sentebale)
The duke then made matters worse in 2023 by publishing his memoir Spare, which reportedly left him and his brother William on non-talking terms and the prince increasingly unpopular in the UK.
Since then, and in more recent months, Harry has been seen taking a professional split from his wife by going on a solo tour, with successful engagements in New York, the UK and Africa.
He spent weeks away from his wife, who stayed at home in the couple’s Montecito mansion caring for their two children and attending events alone, such as the red carpet for a children’s hospital gala. The move is believed to be a way of rebuilding the couple’s brand image as separate entities.
PR expert Ed Coram James told The Mirror: “Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand. That brand is based on a duo. Call it ‘Harry and Meghan’, call it ‘the Sussexes’, call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.
“When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly changing tactics regarding their professional life as their brand image as a couple has dwindled, one PR expert believes.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been leading increasingly separate professional lives lately, with the married couple seen at plenty of events without each other since the duke’s 40th birthday last month.
While the prince went off on a solo tour in New York, the UK and Africa, Meghan stayed home with the couple’s children in their large Montecito mansion, and even spent one night out on a red carpet without her husband by her side.
Although rumours of a personal divide between the pair were squashed, the decision to separate work could have been for commercial reasons.
PR expert Ed Coram James told The Mirror: “Since their marriage, Harry and Meghan have had a distinct brand. That brand is based on a duo. Call it ‘Harry and Meghan’, call it ‘the Sussexes’, call it whatever you like. The fact is that for years they have become synonymous with one another.
“And, since the famous Oprah interview, in which they took a simmering disagreement between themselves and the rest of the Royal Family and essentially declared all-out-war, that brand has been steadily becoming more toxic and thus commercially untenable to the point where not that many major brands are going to be rushing to write them a large cheque based on their brand value.
“When combined, the Sussexes brand is, from a PR perspective, toxic. But, when separate, they have a genuine chance of creating an entirely separate brand, with completely different labels.”
Charles found the visit to Australia and Samoa “the perfect tonic” (Image: Getty)
King Charles and Queen Camilla will resume a full schedule of royal tours next year as Charles found the visits to Australia and Samoa “the perfect tonic” to his ongoing cancer treatment.
A Senior Palace official said the King has “genuinely loved” the nine-day tour and “thrived” on the busy programme of engagements.
They added that it has lifted “his spirits, his mood and his recovery. In that sense, the tour – despite its demands – has been the perfect tonic.”
Charles paused his cancer treatment for his first long-haul trip since his diagnosis in February, and will resume his course upon his return to the UK early next week.
The location of the Spring and Autumn schedules has not been confirmed, as that decision will be made by the Foreign Office. The tour will need to be approved by the Foreign Secretary, Prime Minister – and the King’s doctors – but this the plan is in motion is a reassuring step in Charles’ cancer recovery.
King Charles and Queen Camilla will resume a normal schedule of royal tours next year (Image: Getty)
The Senior Palace official said: “We’re now working on a pretty normal looking full overseas tour program for next year, which is a high for us to end on, to know that we can be thinking in those terms – subject to sign off by doctors.
“It is hard to overstate the joy that he takes from duty and service and being in public and seeing those crowds engaging with communities across the spectrum. That really does lift the spirits. You can see that.”
It comes as the King and Queen waved goodbye to Samoa on Saturday morning by attending a farewell ceremony at a village twinned with the UK for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) hosted by the Pacific island.
Villages around the Samoan capital Apia are twinned with each of the 56 member states of the Commonwealth, flying the flags of the countries they have adopted, with street furniture painted in the national colours.
In his impromptu speech Charles said: “We’ve been so impressed by the beautiful way in which all the villages have decorated the roadsides, it is something very special about Samoa.”
He thanked residents for their “wonderful generosity” bringing gifts of food and “other wonderful things”, and said the royal couple would take away “special memories of our time here”.
King Charles and Queen Camilla left Samoa on Saturday morning (Image: Getty)
The King concluded: “I shall always remain devoted to this part of the world and hope that I survive long enough to come back and see you.
Their Majesties arrived at the village in the middle of a downpour, which drenched villagers and elders gathered for the ceremony.
The King was honoured with the chiefly title of To’aiga-O-Tumua by the village’s high chief, as he and Camilla were presented with sacred kava in coconut shells with straws.
“May God bless this kava,” Charles said as he lifted the cup and drank.
The chief told His Majesty: “Your papa, Prince Philip, was here, so thank you for making the time. Your royal visit has lifted our house.”
The wet weather continued as they made their way to the airport and sheltered under umbrellas as they boarded their plane home – ending their tour in the same weather conditions as their arrival at a rain-drenched Sydney.
Camilla went ahead of her husband, who chatted to dignitaries for a few minutes before joining his wife at the top of the steps and they both waved goodbye to the Pacific nation.
A new official portrait of Their Majesties was released on the Royal Family social channels on Saturday night to mark their state visit to Samoa, taken by Getty royal photographer Chris Jackson on a beach on Friday morning.
Accompanying the new pictures, the King and Queen said: “As our visits to Australia and Samoa come to a close, my wife and I would like to thank both nations for the warmest of welcomes and for the countless fond memories we will carry in our hearts for many years to come.
“Even when we are far apart in distance, the many close connections that unite us across the globe and through our Commonwealth family have been renewed, and will remain as profound as they are enduring. Charles R. and Camilla R.”
The Queen is understood to have been an unwavering support to her husband throughout the exhausting tour.
“The King gets great strength from the Queen being there, not least because when she keeps it real,” a senior Palace official said.
Charles and Camilla spent three nights in Samoa where Charles officially opened his first CHOGM since becoming Head of the so-called family of nations.
He packed in a busy schedule of up to 10 engagements in a day, as he was determined to go ahead with the trip despite his diagnosis.
A Senior Palace aide said: “I think it is a great testament to the King’s devotion to service and duty that he was prepared to come this far and he was incredibly happy and very, very determined to do so.”
The King and Queen’s final morning was met with heavy downpours (Image: Getty)
The King also continued to receive important documents in the famous red boxes which had been flown in for him to sort through with his Private Secretary.
But the couple also enjoyed some time for rest and relaxation in the beautiful locations they stayed in, going for short walks and reading. Though one source joked: “The King considers reading his briefs as downtime.”
It is understood that the workaholic King resisted attempts by aides to lighten the schedule, as he believes looking after his “mind, body and soul” is important to his overall recovery.
The senior aide added: “It is also a great measure of the way that the King is dealing with the diagnosis, and he’s a great believer in mind, body and soul.
“This combination works very well on a visit like this, because he feels that sense of duty so strongly that to keep his mind and his soul engaged, and then the doctor is here to make sure that his body is properly looked after.
“You’ve got what makes for a very successful visit in these circumstances.”
King Charles gave an impromptu speech on his final day in Samoa (Image: Getty)
The King and Queen are understood to have greatly enjoyed their six days in Australia and four days in Samoa and are keen to travel more of the world next year.
In his speech at a dinner on the last night of his stay, Charles spoke of his lifelong aspiration to visit every country in the Commonwealth.
“It remains a lifelong aspiration to have visited all the countries of the Commonwealth,” he told guests at an official dinner for the Commonwealth Heads of Government.
“Although nowadays it seems to be a race against our rapidly increasing numbers – as well as doctors orders.”
His first viist to Australia since his accession has also been widely hailed as a success, with local press celebrating the visit and Palace aides congratluating a job well done.
Charles made sure he was addressing potential issues and topics head on, with the senior palace aide adding: “It’s very easy to run away from some of these issues. But the King isn’t one for doing that.
“He is always someone who wants to understand before he says anything. He’s a listener more than he’s a talker.”
Queen Camilla burst into a fit of giggles as the torrential rain came down (Image: Getty)
The King is keen to leave a legacy from each of his tours, which is why he launched the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme in Samoa on Thursday.
It will offer fellowships to mid-career professionals, undergraduate scholarships, and PhDs, to candidates based in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
It has been inspired by His Majesty’s life’s work to create opportunity and to tackle contemporary challenges including climate change and inequality.
“The idea of these tours always is to leave a trace behind,” a senior palace officials said.
“And that was why the king was very keen that those legacy projects should be launched while we were here.”
As the Palace gears up for Spring and Autumn tours next year we can expect more legacy projects to be announced as the King aims to build on his four C’s: climate, community, culture and Commonwealth.
EXCLUSIVE: A royal expert was critical of Prince Harry’s latest move which coincided with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour.
Prince Harry has been accused by a royal expert of “seizing the limelight” from the Royal Family with his latest move.
The Duke of Sussex’s memoir, Spare, was released in paperback in the UK on Thursday, more than a year and a half after its original release in January 2023.
While the paperback edition contains no new material, its release has coincided with King Charles and Queen Camilla’s royal tour in Australia and Samoa.
Now a royal expert said that Spare’s paperback release will be seen by some as another “example” of the Sussex couple “seizing the limelight”.
Harry and Meghan have been previously been criticised for making announcements or appearances that clash with the royal schedule.
Prince Harry was criticised by a royal expert over the paperback release of Spare (Image: Getty)
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “It is open to question whether Harry chose the date of the release of his memoir, Spare, or whether its publishers Random House, decided on it.
“However, it is inconvenient, to put it mildly, that it is in the middle of a highly significant royal tour for King Charles.
“Some will see this as an example of the Sussexes, once again, seizing the limelight.”
He also noted that the new book features no new material against the royals and that the Duke of Sussex will not be giving any interviews to promote it.
Spare was released in paperback this week (Image: Getty)
Mr Fitzwilliams added: “If he had, the optics, given that the memoir paints the Royal Family in a highly pejorative light, would have been terrible as the King and the Princess of Wales are both battling cancer.”
There is no proof to suggest the release of Spare’s paperback edition was planned around the royal tour or that the duke had any say in it.
The royal commentator continued: “The hardback was a global best-seller, with more than six million copies sold and it was a global number one. The paperback will make it more easily accessible. This is a book which should never have been written.”
