Author: Mr Bang

EXCLUSIVE: The Princess of Wales has confirmed her attendance at the Royal Family’s festive feast this Christmas and will appear only if she feels “fit and well” on the day.

Princess Kate is planning to join the Royal Family at Sandringham this Christmas (Image: Getty)

Princess Kate is set for a return to public life at the Firm’s Christmas gathering at Sandringham this yearafter appearing there last year just before her emotional cancer announcement, Express.co.uk has learned.

According to a well-placed source, the Princess of Wales, 42, has confirmed her attendance at the Royal Family’s festive feast and will appear only if she feels “fit and well” on the day.

The source adds that the princess is still taking tentative steps in her return to public life following her recovery from cancer.

“Kate is on the guest list for this year’s Christmas gathering,” said the source. “She’s keen to join her children and family to celebrate the holidays, but there’s no pressure for her to attend.

“Obviously everyone is looking forward to having her there, but if she doesn’t feel up to it on the day, the family will understand.”

Kate made an appearance at last year’s Sandringham Christmas gathering which was the last public appearance the princess made before the public found out about her abdominal surgery, and later her cancer diagnosis.

However, the public were delighted last month when the Princess of Wales shared the happy news that she had successfully completed her chemotherapy.

Princess Kate has undertaken a small number of public engagements since then and has slowly been making her way back into public life.

The source adds that at this year’s Christmas gathering, Prince William and Princess Kate will be staying at nearby Anmer Hall with their three children – Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 – but will join the rest of the family at Sandringham for dinner.

Buckingham Palace aides sent out feelers to the family last week for this year’s Royal Family Christmas dinner which will be held in the ballroom at Sandringham House due to the sheer number expected.

“There will be a large number of people present at this year’s dinner,” said a source. “It was trialled in the ballroom for the first time last year and proved a big success so this year will be held in a similar fashion.

“There will be a buffet style roast served where members of the family can help themselves.

“It will include a traditional roast dinner spread with all the trimmings.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited this year.

Although the Firm’s gathering will be minus the Sussexes, it will still be a large family affair as Queen Camilla has invited her children and grandchildren and the rest of the family are expected.

Princess Kate joined the Royal Family at Sandringham last Christmas (Image: Getty)

Camilla, 77, has two children and five grandchildren of her own. Her son Tom Parker Bowles has one daughter Lola, 17, and a son, Freddy, 14, while her daughter Laura Lopes has a daughter Eliza, 16, and twins Gus and Louis, 14.

Princess Beatrice is also set to appear this year and show off her baby bump – along with debuting her daughter Sienna.

According to a source, Bea, 36, will join her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their three-year-old daughter Sienna and Bea’s eight-year-old stepson Wolfie for the celebrations.

Princess Anne and her children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, are expected along with their children.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and their two children – Lady Louise Windsor and James Wessex – are also on the guest list.

The Duke and Duchess of York, along with Princess Eugenie and her children have also been invited.

In total, around 100 guests are expected at Sandringham this Christmas which will include members of the Royal Family, their children and grandchildren, members of the extended family, and Queen Camilla’s family.

A smaller number of guests are expected to join in the fun on Christmas Eve where the tighter family will exchange joke gifts during an Afternoon Tea.

On Christmas morning, the Royal Family are expected to congregate for breakfast before walking to St Mary Magdalene Church for the traditional Christmas service.

Kensington Palace has been approached for comment.

A royal expert claimed there is one problem standing in the path of a future relationship between the Duke of Sussex and the King

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Image: Getty Images)

King Charles is reportedly “constantly worried” about a particular issue involving Prince Harry that could potentially hinder any meetings between the two, as per a Royal expert.

The Sunday Times’ Roya Nikkhah was discussing the future of Harry’s relationship with his father on The Royal Beat when she highlighted a significant obstacle – his security.

According to those close to the Duke of Sussex, if his security situation was resolved, it could lead to a “swords down” scenario. However, this solution is more complicated than it initially appears.

Roya elaborated: “There is an issue, an ongoing issue which people close to the King and people very close to Harry have talked about. It is the ongoing fight with the Home Office over his security in the UK which was downgraded when he left as a working member of the Royal Family.”

“The King is constantly worried that if he gets on the phone to Harry or if he sees him in person Harry is going to lobby him on this and wants him to intervene and he’s not going to intervene it’s a judicial process.”

“Harry has made it very clear through friends close to him who briefed American magazines saying ‘This is the key issue’ If this was resolved, he feels his father is the only person that can solve it, it would be, the phrase was ‘Swords down’.

Roya’s insights join an ongoing conversation around Prince Harry’s potential move back to the UK, a topic hot on the lips throughout 2024 since his departure in early 2020.

Recently, the Prince has been seen making solo visits to British shores for events such as the WellChild Awards and Invictus’ 10th-anniversary ceremony, both hosted in London.

He also flew back following news of King Charles’ cancer diagnosis this year. Speculation is rife about what Harry’s possible return could entail and if he’d relocate his family from Montecito, California, to the UK.

Discussing the royal’s probable reentry with the Daily Express, ex-Royal butler Grant Harrold remarked: “Never say never.”

He continued, admitting that trust might be a stumbling block with the Royal Family, yet hopeful reconciliation is within reach: “I’d like to think because of knowing how close they were that it’s possible, but I think the trust with the Royal Family is a big issue and I think in the back of their minds they are always going to worry.”

He further speculated, “Never say never, time is a healer. I think it depends on what he does over the next couple of years if we can see him come back in. I’m sure his father would probably love to welcome him back with open arms, they’ve just got to be sure that what’s happened in the past few years is not going to happen again.”

The Express has requested comments from Buckingham Palace.

EXCLUSIVE: Buckingham Palace aides have sent out feelers for this year’s Christmas dinner which will be held in the ballroom at Sandringham House due to the sheer number expected – but the Sussexes have not been invited.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be joining the royals this Christmas (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla have sent out their invitations for this year’s Sandringham Christmas gathering, Express.co.uk has learned.

However, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have not been invited and are unlikely to travel to the UK this festive season.

According to a well-placed source, Buckingham Palace aides have sent out feelers for this year’s Christmas dinner which will be held in the ballroom at Sandringham House due to the sheer number expected.

“There will be a large number of people present at this year’s dinner,” said the source. “It was trialled in the ballroom for the first time last year and proved a big success so this year will be held in a similar fashion.

“There will be a buffet style roast served where members of the family can help themselves.

“It will include a traditional roast dinner spread with all the trimmings.”

Although Harry, 40, and Meghan, 43, will not be joining the Royal Family this year, they have been extended an invite to spend the Christmas holidays with the Spencer family at Althorp.

The source adds that despite their invite to Althorp, it is unlikely that the Sussexes will head to the UK this December.

“Harry and Meghan are not going to spend Christmas with the Spencers or the Royal Family this year,” said the source. “It’s just not an option with the children at the moment due to what’s been going on with their security.”

However, although the Firm’s gathering will be minus the Sussexes, it will still be a large family affair as Queen Camilla has invited her children and grandchildren.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been ‘iced out’ by the Firm (Image: Getty)
Camilla, 77, has two children and five grandchildren of her own. Her son Tom Parker Bowles has one daughter Lola, 17, and a son, Freddy, 14, while her daughter Laura Lopes has a daughter Eliza, 16, and twins Gus and Louis, 14.

The source adds that although members of the Royal Family will congregate on the estate, not all of them will be staying there.

Prince William and Princess Kate will be staying at nearby Anmer Hall but will be in attendance for the family festivities.

Princess Beatrice is also set to appear this year and show off her baby bump – along with debuting her daughter Sienna.

According to a source, Bea, 36, will join her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their three-year-old daughter Sienna and Bea’s eight-year-old stepson Wolfie for the celebrations.

Buckingham Palace has been approached for comment.

EXCLUSIVE: Meghan Markle’s choice to wear red may have a special meaning according to a style expert who analysed which colours suit the Duchess of Sussex best.

Meghan Markle wears red for a very particular reason, according to a style expert.

The Duchess of Sussex made headlines last week after she stepped out in LA wearing a striking red dress she recycled from 2021.

Meghan chose to remove the overskirt from Carolina Herrea’s stunning gown and opted for a sleek look to attend the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Gala.

Now a fashion expert has claimed the meaning behind Meghan’s style choice was to showcase two of the biggest “qualities that she embodied” – strength and warmth.

Megan Watkins, Head Stylist at SilkFred, told Express.co.uk: “Red is a standout colour on Meghan, and she wears it beautifully because it exudes both strength and warmth, qualities that she embodies.

Meghan Markle was a vision in read last weekend (Image: Getty)

“The rich, bold hue compliments her radiant complexion and dark hair and is bang on trend for A/W 24.”

However, the style expert added that while bold hues do seem to suit Meghan, the duchess also shines in muted tones.

Ms Watkins explained: “While red is a great choice for bigger events where she is keen to make a statement, Meghan also shines in neutral tones like ivory and muted gold, as these shades highlight her natural glow and exemplify her laid-back Californian vibe.”

Last weekend’s appearance was the first engagement in recent weeks Meghan attended without her husband, Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle recycled her Carolina Herrera dress from 2021 (Image: Getty)

The Duke of Sussex had been touring New York, London and Southern Africa to promote causes that are close to his heart.

An expert has claimed that King Charles had delivered a “hidden message” to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle suggesting a possible re-entry into the ‘royal world’, last year

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex stepped down as senior royals in January 2020 (Image: Getty)

Royal expert suggests King Charles III may have sent a “hidden message” indicating a door open for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s potential return to Royal duties. Since their high-profile departure from ‘The Firm’ in 2020, the couple’s relations with the monarchy have soured, says the Express.

This decline was enflamed by their Netflix documentary and Prince Harry’s controversial memoir, ‘Spare’. But a monarch’s confidante hinted last year at a possible thaw due to Charles offering a olive branch to his scandal-ridden sibling, Prince Andrew.

Commentator Tom Sykes remarked on his podcast The Daily Beast: “A family friend of the King’s [has said] that it was clear there had been a willingness to bring Andrew in from the cold, and, intriguingly, hinted that it could be a template for future reconciliation with his son.

“The extent to which the King has publicly made it clear Andrew is still part of the family has caught some people by surprise.

“But ultimately, he has the interests of the monarchy at heart, and that means a united family, whatever its problems. Hopefully that message is getting through to Harry and Meghan.”

No leadtext (Image: (Image: Andrew Milligan – Pool/Getty Images))

Recent reports suggest that Prince Charles is eager for a family reconciliation, and despite the King leaving him without a UK residence, Prince Harry is keen to visit his homeland more frequently, reports the Daily Record. 

Prince William gave a huge speech at a major royal event, and people were quick to point out a connection to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Viewers think William took aim at his younger brother Prince Harry during concert (Image: Getty)

King Charles’s Coronation concert on May 7, 2023, saw a variety of performers flock to the grounds of Windsor Castle, and the event included a heartfelt speech by Prince William.

The King’s eldest son had thousands of concert-goers applauding as he spoke about his father, but many people were quick to point out a connection between his words and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

At the historic royal event, William recognised his father’s decades of service and commitment to society. After honouring the late Queen Elizabeth II, he said: “For all that celebrations are magnificent, at the heart of the pageantry is a simple message: Service. My father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey yesterday were a pledge of service. It was a pledge to continue to serve.”

After hearing William’s words, a number of people took to social media and believed it was a dig at Harry and Meghan who had quit royal duties in 2020 to live their lives in California.

One viewer said “Service Harry. Do you hear that? Not a free ride”, whereas another stated “SERVICE. Something Harry doesn’t understand.”

Buckingham Palace released a statement when the royal duo stepped back from Royal Family duties in early 2020, adding “It is not possible to continue with responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service”.

EXCLUSIVE: Prince Andrew is trying to secure Frogmore Cottage for his daughter Princess Eugenie, her husband Jack Brooksbank and their two children August and Ernest.

Prince Andrew is trying to find his daughter Princess Eugenie her ‘forever home’ (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s old home Frogmore Cottage has sat officially empty since the couple were evicted by the Crown Estate last summer.

Despite the keys being handed to Prince Andrew last year, the Duke of York still hasn’t moved in and the property has remained vacant for over a year.

However, a source tells Express.co.uk that Andrew is trying to secure the cottage for his daughter Princess Eugenie, 34, her husband Jack Brooksbank and their two children August, 3, and Ernest, 1.

“Andrew won’t move into Frogmore but is still trying to wangle it for his family,” said the source. “Eugenie has stayed there on and off since Harry and Meghan left for America, she helped pack up their things.

“She’s [Eugenie] stayed there a number of times since the Sussexes departed and Andrew is trying to secure the property as a full-time home for his daughter.”

Princess Eugenie currently resides at Ivy Cottage on Kensington Palace grounds while she’s in the UK.

In the past few years, Eugenie has also spent considerable amounts of time at Frogmore Cottage – which underwent a £2.4 million renovation shortly before Harry and Meghan moved in.

The Princess of York also spends a lot of the summer months in the villa she shares with husband Jack Brooksbank in Portugal.

However, the couple are keen to spend more time in the UK and have their two sons educated in England.

“Eugenie and Jack’s hearts lie in the UK and they need a bigger home for their family,” said the source. “They adore Frogmore Cottage and have stayed there often so making it into a full-time home makes sense.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle spent £2.4 million renovating Frogmore Cottage before their eviction (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, Eugenie’s sister Princess Beatrice, 36, has found her forever home in the Cotswolds with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, their daughter Sienna, 3, and part-time addition of stepson Wolfie, 8.

Beatrice announced earlier this month that she is expecting her second child, due next spring.

“Andrew knows Beatrice is settled so wants to make sure Eugenie finds a property that she can call a family home,” said the source. “Although he won’t move out of Royal Lodge and into the cottage himself, he would still like to hold onto the property for his daughter.”

Despite trying to ensure that his daughter’s living arrangements have been finalised, the Duke of York is still in the midst of his own housing crisis with Royal Lodge.

Express.co.uk revealed last week that Andrew has been given until the end of the year to prove that he has the financial resources to refurbish his 30-room mansion or he will be evicted.

The Duke has fallen foul of the Crown Estate’s lease rules which outline that repairs must be made to the property in regular intervals otherwise they can force him out.

There has been ongoing public interest in the strained relationship between Prince Harry, King Charles III, and Prince William, particularly when they are in the same country.

However, according to royal commentator Christopher Andersen, Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, is distancing herself from this family drama.

Andersen recently told Fox News that, given Kate’s own health concerns as she recovers from cancer,

she has more pressing issues to focus on and is no longer trying to play “peacemaker” between Harry, William, and Charles.

Kate, who revealed her cancer diagnosis earlier this year, has been prioritizing her recovery. In a video released in September, the princess shared that she had completed chemotherapy but emphasized that her journey to full recovery is ongoing. She stated, “Even though I have finished chemo, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams also noted that given the challenges Kate has faced this year, she is likely avoiding any unnecessary negativity. While the ongoing family tensions between the royal brothers and their father may attract media attention, it is not a focus for Kate as she continues to heal.

Kate has quietly resumed some of her royal duties, making surprise appearances alongside Prince William, such as their visit to Southport, England, to meet with emergency responders and the families affected by a tragic knife attack in July. Though she is gradually returning to her public role, Kate is taking a cautious approach, appearing only when she feels up to it. Fans, however, can expect her to attend her annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey, which she has already begun planning.

Meanwhile, King Charles has reportedly been making efforts to build a relationship with his grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who live with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in California. Despite the geographical distance and the tensions within the family, Prince Harry has expressed his gratitude for being able to visit his father when King Charles was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. In a February interview with *Good Morning America*, Harry reflected on his visit to see the King, saying, “I am grateful that I was able to board a plane and visit with him and spend any time with him.”

The royal family’s dynamics continue to evolve, but it seems that Princess Kate is focusing on her health and her immediate family while maintaining a distance from the ongoing tensions between Harry, William, and King Charles.

The Duchess of Sussex stunned at her first solo appearance this month at a children’s hospital gala in Los Angeles – and boldy walked the red carpet in a glitzy low-cut dress

Meghan Markle had heads turning as she dazzled in a glitzy red dress marred by controversy – with insiders claiming the move was her own “version of Diana’s revenge dress” with hints that the Duchess may be “moving on towards a new chapter.”

Meghan, 43, debuted the daring new look at a children’s hospital gala in LA on October 5 as she rubbed shoulders with stars like Demi Lovato, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks. The bold number featured a plunging neckline and detachable, billowing overskirt, which Meghan finished off with tousled hair

But insiders say the dress was worn to send out a particular message, with Meghan drawing inspiration from her late mother-in-law.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the 2024 CHLA Gala in LA ( 
Image:
Variety via Getty Images)

Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing her ‘revenge’ dress in 1994 ( 
Image:
PA)
A source from California shared with Mail+: “The belief is that this red dress is Meghan’s version of Diana’s revenge dress. Physically this looks like a new Meghan, as if she is moving on towards a new chapter. Some feel it’s no accident.”

Princess Diana famously broke Royal protocol when she stepped out in a revealing off-the-shoulder, short black dress on June 29, 1994, the same day Prince Charles admitted his infidelity. This bold move was seen as part of Diana’s “revenge” couture following the collapse of her marriage to Charles.

Diana had purchased the dress in 1991 and thought it was too risque to wear at the time, but in a historic move, she donned it for the first time at a 1994 dinner at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens – coinciding with the night Prince Charles confessed his affair with Camilla Parker-Bowles during a notorious TV interview with Jonathan Dimbleby.

Meghan, who was undeniably the focus of attention at last week’s Gala, last wore the dress in 2021 during one of her and Prince Harry’s first public outings after welcoming their daughter, Princess Lilibet. The glitzy gown made headlines at the time, with Royal fashion enthusiasts commenting on its unusually “daring” neckline – a style choice Meghan likely wouldn’t have made had she not stepped back from Royal duties.

The Duchess has previously gone for more neutral ensembles and said she was compelled to wear subdued colours during her time as a working Royal. In the 2022 Netflix special, Harry and Meghan, the Duchess showcased her more thoughtful approach to fashion. She revealed her wish to make a statement and dress “like a rainbow” during her final week as a working Royal two years ago, after years of trying not to “overshadow” or “ruffle any feathers” with the establishment.

She said: “To my understanding, you can’t ever wear the same colour as Her Majesty if there’s a group event. But then you also should never be wearing the same colour as one of the other more senior members of the family. So I was like…well, what’s a colour they’ll probably never wear? Camel? Beige? White? So I wore a lot of muted tones but it was also so I could just blend in.”

But her recent move to re-wear the £4,595 Caroline Hererra dress suggests that these worries may now be a thing of the past.

King Charles, 77, who is battling an undisclosed form of cancer, will be accompanied by his own doctors on his first overseas Royal tour since becoming king in May

King Charles is said to be taking two doctors and a supply of his own blood on his forthcoming tour of Australia and Samoa. The 77 year old monarch, who has been battling an undisclosed form of cancer since February, will reportedly have the medical team on standby round-the-clock during his Royal trip from October 18 to 26.

A report by The Times suggests that Charles will be “monitored closely during the visit”, with a palace insider revealing that Michael Dixon head of the Royal medical household and known for his interest in homeopathy “will not be travelling” with His Majesty. This upcoming visit to Sydney and Canberra marks Charles’ first to a Commonwealth realm since ascending the throne in May, and it’s understood he is pausing his chemotherapy treatment until after the journey.

They also noted that the measures taken to support Charles abroad are “the same as arrangements put in place for the late Queen”. These provisions will reportedly include travelling with a supply of the king’s blood to ensure a match if a transfusion was required.

It was also mentioned that besides travelling with his own doctors, the King will be supported by medical teams during the trip. In Australia, Charles’ schedule will include a rest day and there will be no evening engagements.

However, Charles and his wife Queen Camilla, 77, will arrive in the evening in Samoa and are due to attend a state dinner.

Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles had been “greatly encouraged” by his doctors’ advice in April, indicating he could resume public engagements despite ongoing treatment. Despite the positive news on his health front, his trip to New Zealand was cancelled from his forthcoming tour due to medical recommendations.

At a Buckingham Palace reception for New Zealand’s female rugby team in September, King Charles expressed his regret, saying: “I’m extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October it’s on doctors’ orders.”

He added, optimistically: “But I hope there will be another excuse (to come) before too long.”

The prince concluded with affection: “In the meantime, give my love to New Zealand.”