Author: bang1

  • Denise Welch’s health struggle made her ‘want a drink and a cigarette’ after 11 years sober

    Denise Welch’s health struggle made her ‘want a drink and a cigarette’ after 11 years sober

    Much loved Loose Women star, Denise Welch has revealed how she risked sobriety as she struggled with health problems last year

    Loose Women star and actress Denise Welch has revealed that a recent health issue saw her hit ‘tipping point’.

    The former Coronation Street actor opened up to Alex Partridge on the ADHD Chatter podcast, as she admitted that an incident involving her health last year nearly made her turn back to drinking alcohol and smoking. The 66-year-old had stopped drinking after she had initially turned to it after suffering with clinical depression.

    Despite originally deciding that she was not going to take medication for ADHD, the mum-of-two was later convinced by her husband, Lincoln, and she first chose to take the tablets last year on the night she was due to see her eldest her son, Matty Healy, perform with his band, the 1975.

    Describing the impact she expected the medication to have, the Loose Women icon believed that she would be able to see an instant difference in how she behaved, as she jokingly said that she thought she would have been more ‘focused’ and her head would be less ‘scrambled’.

    Denise Welch
    Denise Welch revealed that she nearly hit ‘tipping point’ after recent health battle 
    Image:
    S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

    But, as time ticked by, she soon noticed that the reality did not meet her expectations: “So, I thought I’m going to take this tablet and by the time I leave our London apartment, I’m going to have vacuumed everywhere and I’m going to have thought, right, for once I really want to settle down to that bulk of affairs that I’ve ignored since I was 18-years-old.”

    Unable to notice any impact from the medication, she joked as she claimed she still didn’t feel the ‘need to do her taxes,’ reports Gloucestershire Live.

    But, as more time passed, that would soon change: “An hour later I wanted a drink and a cigarette for the first time in 11 years and it was horrendous how it affected me. Had I not been so many years into (it) and so secure managing my sobriety it would have been a very very dangerous tipping point for me.”


    Denise Welch spoke candidly about her health battle 
    Image:
    ITV)Despite not seeing positive results from her own experience, she said: “One of the things I am always glad of the opportunity of being able to tell people is that, ADHD medication changes so many peoples lives for the better, but there are some people it is not good for and I was absolutely one of them.”

    According to the NHS Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ‘is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.’

    Their website also adds that symptoms of the condition ‘tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.’ And, while diagnoses are also occasionally not made until adulthood, in some circumstances, symptoms can improve with age.

  • Mark Labbett’s love life – The Chase Beast’s marriage to cousin and brutal split

    Mark Labbett’s love life – The Chase Beast’s marriage to cousin and brutal split

    The Chase star Matt Labbett – best known as The Beast – has opened up about his split from Hayley Palmer, who was 17 years his junior

    Mark Labbett claims his last relationship ended because of his age – and doesn’t think he’ll be finding love again any time soon.

    In May this year, the Chase quizmaster, known as The Beast on the hit ITV daytime show, called things off with TV presenter Hayley Palmer just days before after their one-year anniversary. Opening up about their split, Mark revealed he thought he was too old to continue dating.

    “She’s [Hayley’s] a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said…it’s me, I got old,” he told the Sun. “There’s been no one since Hayley, I’m not saying there won’t be another one. But I’m certainly not looking.”

    Mark joked he’s a “shed man” and enjoys his own company, but isn’t fussed about being in a relationship. “It’s not that I miss anyone in particular, I was single not coincidentally for a long long time when I was a 29-stone maths teacher, who knew it was quite hard to attract a partner then. So I’m quite comfortable without a partner,” he said.

    Hayley Palmer and Mark Labbett at the beach
    Hayley Palmer previously said she had ‘a panic attack on the spot’ when Mark Labbett called to end their relationship 
    Image:
    Instagram/Hayley Palmer)

    Mark, at 59, was 17 years older than the Sky TV presenter when he broke up with her, and they’d previously discussed their large age gap. But Hayley was still heartbroken when they split earlier this year, saying: “We had the best year together and I truly wish him all the best for the future.”

    Prior to Hayley, Mark was married to his own cousin, Katie, who was also 17 years his junior. The pair had never met growing up so weren’t aware they were second cousins when they met on Facebook in 2010. “It wasn’t something we were aware of at the time – it was one of those things that happened,” Mark previously told the Loose Women panel.

    Two years after their Facebook connection, Mark invited Katie to a celebrity special filming of The Chase, and the pair hit it off from there.

    Katie also didn’t know Mark was a TV star before they got together. “I had never heard of Mark, or watched The Chase, but my gran mentioned him so I was intrigued,” she previously said. The couple wed at Arundel Cathedral in West Sussex in 2014 and went on to welcome son Lawrence.

    Mark was previously married to his second cousin, Katie Labbett
    Mark was previously married to his second cousin, Katie Labbett 
    Image:
    Brett D. Cove / Splash News)

    The pair split 18 months after announcing they had an open marriage
    The pair split 18 months after announcing they had an open marriage 
    Image:
    Tom Dymond/REX/Shutterstock)

    But their marriage hit the rocks in 2018 and they opened their relationship up to other parties, with Katie finding extramarital fun with senior design engineer Scott. Just 18 months later, in 2020, the pair split and Mark moved out of the family home.

    Now the newly single quizmaster says he has no plans to couple up again, insisting he’s “content” with his relationship status. “I’m 59 now, I’ve reached the sort of slippers and comfy chair kind of thing. Right now I’m in my PJs and pottering around the place,” he told the Sun.

    “I’m settled down a little bit. I am an old man, I might not look it but I am. I’m quite content doing my own thing.”

  • ITV Coronation Street favourite’s soap future revealed amid multiple exits

    ITV Coronation Street favourite’s soap future revealed amid multiple exits

    Coronation Street aired some big scenes with Lauren Bolton tonight, as she faced trial for the murder of her evil ex and attacker Joel Deering

    Coronation Street have revealed Lauren Bolton’s future – amid a string of big soap exits.

    A number of stars have departed or will be leaving the soap in the coming months. Most have left of their own accord, including the likes of Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, and Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw.

    Bethany Platt star Lucy Fallon will be taking a break from the show whilst she goes on maternity leave, whilst Colson Smith, who stars as Craig Tinker, has been axed and Sue Devaney’s character Debbie Webster will leave in sad scenes next year.

    Tonight, the fate of another big character was seemingly confirmed as Lauren Bolton faced the court. She has been put on trial for killing her former lover and father of her child Joel Deering. Fans of the show will remember Joel attacked Lauren and left her for dead, before she ended up welcoming his baby into the world.

    Evil Joel was killed by Lauren
    Evil Joel was killed by Lauren 
    Image:
    ITV)

    In shock scenes, it was revealed that Lauren had attacked and killed Joel – despite many other characters being suspects. Whilst Max initially covered for her, it was later confirmed that Lauren wielded the deadly blow.

    Tonight, Lauren was found not guilty in the murder of Joel, but will she stay on the Cobbles for good?

    A Coronation Street insider recently revealed exclusively to The Mirror that some big scenes were ahead on the soap as they rubbished rumours of a cast ‘cull’ with multiple actors leaving.

    The source told us: “Corrie is in no way on the brink of collapse. Corrie’s vision for the future on the show has secured its place on screens for years to come. Fans can ignore any idea that within a decade the soap will be gone, because it’s in no way on the brink of collapse. There’s some really exciting twists ahead for our favourite characters and couples, with a massive stunt that will no doubt bring the drama, as well as some hard-hitting storylines bringing some of soap’s biggest characters to the forefront.

    “It really is a case of one door closes and another opens in that some familiar faces will be leaving, but others will be back – and the new faces could be just what the show needs. There’s so much ahead so the idea the end of Corrie is in sight is bonkers.”

  • Paul Danan planned huge return to TV on unlikely show just before tragic death at 46

    Paul Danan planned huge return to TV on unlikely show just before tragic death at 46

    Paul Danan, whose funeral was held on Tuesday, had planned to make a return to TV before his tragic death at the age of 46, with producers hoping to sign him up for a popular dating show

    Paul Danan had planned a return to TV before his death.

    The 46-year-old had previously experienced a health scare six months ago when he almost died from respiratory failure brought on by his addiction to vapes, and had said it was a “miracle” he survived and he was planning on making changes in his life.

    Sadly, Paul died at a luxury apartment near Bristol last week. It was later reported that he died after he “slipped and fell” in the property. His management announced his death on Thursday 16 January, hailing Paul as a “beacon of light”. They said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.”

    “Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”

    Paul Danan
    Paul had appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 
    Image:
    WireImage)

    Paul Danan
    Paul first became known for Celebrity Love Island 
    Image:
    ITV)

    His funeral was held on Tuesday 21 January. Paul’s close friends and former co-stars were among those attending his funeral and friends also paid tribute to the actor and reality star online. Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was among stars paying tribute to Paul, writing: “Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories.” Alongside a broken heart emoji, she concluded: “RIP u beautiful amazing talented human.”

    While EastEnders star Michael Greco, who played Beppe di Marco in the soap, also shared a message on X. He wrote: “So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan. In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone. A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy.”

    The former Hollyoaks and Love Island star was reportedly in talks to appear on the Channel 4 dating series First Dates just weeks before his death.

    A source told The Sun: “Paul was feeling so excited about the future again and optimistic about finding someone he could share the rest of his life with. He loved being on telly and First Dates seemed like a great opportunity to get back onto the dating scene. Obviously producers were really keen to sign him up knowing how popular he was and they were in discussions about him joining the next series.” The Mirror has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.

  • Sky News presenter breaks down for second time over heartwrenching Southport victim statements

    Sky News presenter breaks down for second time over heartwrenching Southport victim statements

    Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is set to find out the number of years he will spend behind bars for murdering three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport

    A Sky News presenter has broken down in tears for the second time after being left unable to speak while reporting on the Axel Rudakubana sentencing.

    Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is set to find out the number of years he will spend behind bars for murdering three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. After he entered the dock at Liverpool Crown Court prosecutors said the injuries suffered by his victims were “difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature”

    Earlier today, presenter Sarah-Jane Mee broke down in tears as she reported on the upsetting details that witnesses found the attacker standing over the body of Bebe King “holding a kitchen knife”. “Ugh, just going take a breath after that,” Sarah-Jane could be heard saying. Sarah could be heard breathing deeply as silence fell over the life broadcast.

    “Right, sorry, it’s just so distressing isn’t it?” Sarah added. “Look, we’re here for those girls and their families so try not to get upset because it is such an important day for them and this horror that came to their door.”

    The Sky News presenter was visibly upset
    The Sky News presenter was visibly upset

    She broke down for a second time while reporting further on the sentencing while stood outside Liverpool Crown Court today. Reading out one of many victim statements being read in court, the presenter choked up as she read out the statement, which said: “‘I have scars I know that will be with me forever, but I want to look forward.’

    “‘When people in school asked me ‘do you wish you weren’t there that day?’ I said that in some ways, I wish I wasn’t. But also, if I wasn’t there, someone….’”. The presenter was then unable to finish her report as she broke down in tears again.

    Viewers at home rushed to social media to comment on it, with one user saying: “So awful to hear @SkyNews presenter @skysarahjane break down.. Understandable, it’s horrific…. .” Another said: “I think the Sky news presenter has just broken down. The horrors being described is unreal.” One user posted: “Sky News presenter in tears. Horrendous stuff to hear.”

    She broke down twice on air
    She broke down twice on air 
    Image:
    XXXXXXXXXX)
    Images and documents found in his home “demonstrated he had a longstanding obsession with violence, killing and genocide,” the prosecutor added. “His only purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.”

    As an 18-year-old, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all 16 offences he faced on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack in The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town on July 29.

    The defendant admitted their murders as well as the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

    Rudakubana interrupted the hearing on Thursday to yell out “I feel ill!” He was heard shouting “I’m not fine, I feel ill” in the dock. He added: “I need to speak to a paramedic because I feel ill. They’re not giving me any support. I feel ill.” Liverpool Crown Court also heard Rudakubana said: “I’m glad they’re dead” as he was held in a custody suite after killing three girls in a knife attack at a Southport dance class.

  • BBC The Traitors stars rocked by huge twist that could change everything ahead of final

    BBC The Traitors stars rocked by huge twist that could change everything ahead of final

    With just days to go before The Traitors’ series three final, the remaining contestants were hit with a major twist in the game by host Claudia Winkleman on the BBC hit show

    The Traitors cast were hit with a surprise twist in the latest episode as host Claudia Winkleman made a huge revelation.

    The BBC hit show returned tonight for its final week of episodes, with the remaining six contestants fighting their way through the last remaining roundtables to make it to the finale. With two Traitors – Charlotte Berman and Freddie Fraser – left in the competition, it’s not certain which team will take home the £100,000 jackpot prize.

    While contestants were only just getting used to the BBC gameplay, Wednesday’s episode proved that you can never predict what will happen on The Traitors as Claudia told the cast that one player would become The Seer.

    “The Seer has the power to learn one other player’s identity,” Claudia said. “The Seer will invite one player this evening to a private, face-to-face meeting. That player that they’ve chosen, will have no choice and must reveal if they are a faithful or a traitor. This power could turn the entire game on its head.”

    Claudia Winkleman
    Claudia shocked the Traitors contestant with a massive twist 
    Image:
    BBC)

    The big twist was teased last week, with Claudia revealing ahead of the last few episodes: “Someone will win an extraordinary power that could turn the entire game on its head.” Fans took to social media to work out what this meant – and some even spotted a scene in Friday’s episode which showed a bookshelf with The Seer one display.

    The Seer is a character from the party game Werewolf, on which The Traitors is loosely based. In the game, The Seer is given the power to secretly find out one player’s true identity to help the Villagers find who the Werewolf – aka The Traitor – is.

    The twist was teased last week ahead of the show's final week
    The twist was teased last week ahead of the show’s final week 
    Image:
    BBC)
    Earlier this week, Traitors contestants were warned that one particular habit could result in their banishment by TV journalist Marina Hyde. Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, she said that portraying yourself as “very intelligent” would most likely result in your murder after communications director Yin, 34, was the first to be killed off by the traitors.

    ““Don’t make your character ‘I am very intelligent’ so that when you get in the castle…what about that one girl, she wouldn’t stop going on about how she was a behavioural expert?” she said. “Honestly, almost the last thing she said to a bunch of the contestants of the group was ‘I’m not going to sleep tonight because I’ve not built up enough social capital’. Bye, bye Yin.”

  • Zara and Mike Tindall tipped to follow Meghan and Harry in making major life change

    Zara and Mike Tindall tipped to follow Meghan and Harry in making major life change

    Zara and Mike Tindall have spent more time in the royal spotlight in recent years and it’s seen their popularity grow – and now bettors reckon the pair could be set to quit the UK for good

    Zara and Mike Tindall, the royal couple with a love story that began in Australia, are rumoured to be considering a move Down Under. The pair first locked eyes in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and have described Australia as a “home from home for us” in an interview with HELLO!

    Following their recent visit this month, betting experts are suggesting the move could become permanent, with odds of 8/13 being offered.

    Casinos.com’s James Leyfield commented: “During their latest Australian trip, Zara admitted the couple ‘couldn’t ask for a better way to start the year.’ The pair’s connection to Australia is deeply rooted.”

    He recounted their romantic beginnings: “They first met in Sydney in 2003-introduced by Zara’s cousin, Prince Harry-while Mike was playing rugby for England during the World Cup and Zara was on a gap year.”

    Despite Mike’s career hiccup at the time, having been dropped before the semi-final, their romance flourished after a ‘boozy lunch. ‘ Mike eventually played in England’s historic World Cup final win over Australia, reports Gloucestershire Live.


    The happy couple met Down Under
    Leyfield added, “Despite a low point for Mike, having just been dropped ahead of the semi-final, the pair hit it off, with their relationship blossoming over a ‘boozy lunch.’ Mike went on to regain his place in the starting line-up for England’s iconic World Cup final victory against Australia. Their story almost reads like a fairy tale-what better way to begin a new chapter than by returning to where it all started?”

    Zara, 43, and Mike Tindall, 46, have increasingly been in the limelight, winning the public’s affection along the way. Royal insiders hint they might ‘step up’ to support key royals like Prince William, given their unique position.

    “They enjoy the very best of both worlds,” royal commentator Jennie Bond claimed, highlighting their non-titled status yet significant Royal ties. She noted: “Although they don’t have titles, they obviously have the cachet of being so much part of the extended Royal Family. They have managed to use that commercially without getting into too much bother.”


    They “enjoy the best of both worlds” according to one royal commentator

    Reflecting on their readiness to assist William, Bond concluded: “They are both very close to William, and if he calls on them again (as he did at a garden party last year), they will definitely agree. Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”

    Captured during their recent Australian visit, the couple’s affection was evident, with Jennie Bond telling the Mirror: “Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. The feeling is mutual: she oozes love for her big bear of a rugby star husband, with his crooked nose and rugged appeal. I think we all enjoy seeing them out and about together, usually arm in arm or having a cuddle – living life to the full.”

    Amid whispers that Zara and her brother, Peter Phillips, might hop over to Australia, curious minds are buzzing about the future of their Gatcombe Park abode once Princess Anne passes away. The scoop comes from none other than Majesty Magazine’s top dog, Ingrid Stewart, who confidently stated: “I think it’s absolutely no doubt that Zara and Peter [Philips] will keep Gatcombe going, the last thing in the world they’d want to do is to have to sell it and they won’t.”

  • Kate Middleton had surprising connection to Royal Family long before she met Prince William

    Kate Middleton had surprising connection to Royal Family long before she met Prince William

    The Princess of Wales has forged close bonds with the Royal Family – and she had a surprising connection to her in-laws long before she fell in love with the future king

    Princess Kate officially became a member of the Royal Family when she married Prince William in Westminster Abbey in April 2011.

    But she had a connection to The Firm long before she had even met her future husband. Kate actually shared a special bond with the late Prince Philip, having completed the DofE programme during her time at Marlborough College.

    And in 2016, Kate – who was presented with the award at St James’s Palace – appeared in a documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the scheme.

    She confessed: “I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet. Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we’re just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter!”

    Kate Middleton leaning in to talk to Prince Philip
    The Princess forged a close connection with Prince Philip 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Little did she know at the time that the Duke of Edinburgh would later become her grandfather-in-law – and that they would share a touching bond.

    According to insiders, the pair shared a similar sense of humour and devotion to duty. Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who met Philip several times, previously said, “It is known Prince Philip likes her.”

    And in his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, royal author and long-time friend Gyles Brandreth revealed the compliment Philip gave to Kate. He wrote, “When Catherine Middleton came along as a potential bride for his grandson, Prince William, the Duke of Edinburgh was, he told me, ‘relieved to find her such a level-headed girl’.”

    Gyles also revealed the advice Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, gave to the Princess. He said, “‘If you believe the attention is for you personally’, he warned her, ‘you’re going to end up in trouble. The attention is for your role, what you do, what you’re supporting.

    “‘It isn’t for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You are representing the royal family. That’s all. Don’t look at the camera. The Queen never looks at the camera. Never. Look at who you’re talking to’.”

    Prince William and Kate Middleton with the Queen and the late Prince Philip and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte in an informal photo taken at Balmoral in 2015
    The Duke was said to be ‘relieved’ that his grandson had found ‘such a level-headed girl’ in Kate
    After his death, Prince William reflected on Kate’s relationship with the Duke, saying, “I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her.”

    Prince Philip founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956. Following his death, his youngest son Prince Edward took over as the new Duke of Edinburgh, and also patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

    Edward – along with his wife Sophie – had long been key ambassadors of the award, often standing in for Philip to hand out the gold, or top, honours to young people

    Edward said in a statement at the time: “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time.”

    “Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility. Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing the Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate.

    “Above all, I hope to ensure the Award to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve,” Edward – who achieved his own gold award in 1986 – added.

  • Kate Middleton continuing Princess Diana’s ‘legacy’ after challenging year – expert

    Kate Middleton continuing Princess Diana’s ‘legacy’ after challenging year – expert

    After facing an incredibly challenging year, Princess Kate has put her best foot forward with her return to work, and is channelling the ‘legacy’ of her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, an expert has claimed

    In her first solo engagement in a year, Princess Kate was channeling none other than the late Princess Diana, an expert has claimed.

    After an incredibly difficult 12 months, which saw the future Queen take a break from public life as she underwent a course of chemotherapy, Kate returned to solo duties last week with a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received her own treatment.

    The surprise visit saw Kate enter the building through its front entrance for the first time, after making discreet visits for her own chemotherapy – something she said was “quite nice” – and she met with patients and staff whilst she was there.

    It was a visibly emotional first outing for the Princess of Wales as she chatted and hugged patients, fuelled by the empathy of her first-hand experience of the cancer journey. At one point, whilst speaking to Tina Amudou, the mother of a 19-year-old patient who was in the ICU, she wished “there was more I could do to help” and reminded her that “there is light at the end of that tunnel…You are in the very best of hands.”

    For one royal expert- editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, Ingrid Seward – Kate’s hands-on, empathetic approach showed that she is determinedly carrying on the “legacy” of the late Princess Diana, who last held the title of Princess of Wales.

    “It was incredibly genuine – she really cared, and they obviously felt it too,” the expert said to People magazine about Kate’s approach to her first solo engagement after her time away. “She made them feel special. It is unusual with royalty – but you certainly had that with Diana, and now we have Kate. She has really got it.”

    Kate chats to cancer patient Katherine Field at the Royal Marsden
    Kate chats to cancer patient Katherine Field at the Royal Marsden 
    Image:
    POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
    One of the patients who Kate chatted with that day, 45-year-old mother Katherine Field, certainly agreed that Kate’s empathetic approach had a massive impact and that the future Queen had none of the formality associated with royalty during their conversation, and instead felt like she was simply chatting with a pal.

    “It was just like talking to a friend about a really horrible time in life and how you find ways of getting through it. She is very special – to be able to connect with people so quickly and so empathetically,” Katherine told the outlet.

    In another move upholding the late Diana’s legacy – who was known for her informal and personable approach when she conducted her engagements – Kate was announced as the new Joint Patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside her husband William, who has held the position of President of the specialist hospital since 2007.

    Before him, it was Diana who held the position of President from 1987.

    After the visit, Kate posted on her social media accounts announcing that she was in “remission” from cancer and expressing her “heartfelt thanks…to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything” as well as her gratitude for the excellent care she received at the hospital.

  • Kate Middleton and Prince William ‘talk about their relationship’ after ‘brutal’ year

    Kate Middleton and Prince William ‘talk about their relationship’ after ‘brutal’ year

    After going through what Prince William has described as a ‘brutal’ year together, Kate and the Prince of Wales have started ‘talking about their relationship’ a new report has claimed

    Prince William left royal watchers in awe when he very candidly admitted just how “brutal” last year was for his family.

    When post-operative tests showed that Kate had cancer early last year, she was forced to take an extended break from public life, focussing instead on her health and her three children: Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six.

    Kate tentatively returned to the public eye when she attended Trooping the Colour – King Charles’ official birthday parade – and in September 2024 she announced she had completed chemotherapy and would be slowly easing back into more engagements, with her primary focus remaining on her recovery.

    She then attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Cenotaph along with the other senior royals and then hosted her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey during the festive period. But it was only last week that she attended her first solo engagement in over a year – and it was an emotional day that saw the future Queen return to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she received her own chemotherapy.

    That same day Kate announced that her cancer is in “remission” in an emotional post expressing her gratitude for the medical team who took care of her and the support she had received during the difficult period.

    While Kate remained out of the public eye for much of the last year, William was forced into something of a balancing act as he continued his royal duties. This included his major project Homewards, which aims to end homelessness in the UK within five years – with his responsibilities to his family, all whilst his father King Charles was also undergoing cancer treatment.

    Despite these major personal challenges, in what William called “probably the hardest year in my life” the couple have only become closer over the last year, a new report has claimed. Sources speaking to People magazine have said that the couple are now spending time discussing their relationship after their shared challenges.

    The couple – who have been together since they were undergraduates at the University of St. Andrews, and have been married for nearly 14 years – are “more open” these days, the source claimed. Kate and William “talk about their relationship together,” the source said, adding: “For the princess, family — her husband and­ children — are more important than anything else.”

    Kate and William have certainly been more candid about their affection for each other in recent months. When Kate announced she had completed her chemotherapy it was accompanied by a sweet video that featured a montage of clips of the Wales family spending time together, including some PDA from William and Kate.

    Equally, for Kate’s 43rd birthday on 9 January, William posted a sweet tribute to his long-term partner on social media, writing: “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you, W.”

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