Author: bang2

Since her cancer diagnosis announcement that shocked the world in March, the Princess of Wales has been out of the public eye. 

But there was a positive sign about her recovery this week with news that she has been seen out and about more with family in recent weeks.

It will leave many royals fans hoping that Kate can get back to her all-action, sporty best.

At previous engagements she has enjoyed abseiling, tennis, football and even a foot race with her husband Prince William and his now-estranged brother Prince Harry – as we outline below.

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Kate has always had a strong competitive streak and sprinted in a race against Prince William and Prince Harry in 2017

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Abseiling

Kate has tried out abseiling more than once – and has proven herself to be a dab hand at the pursuit.

In an engagement with Air Cadets in Cumbria in 2021, she put her skills into practice with ease.

She looked relaxed khaki puffer jacket and white helmet as she chatted to the cadets before easing herself down the rock face at Cathedral Quarry in Little Langdale.

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Kate has tried out abseiling more than once – and has proven herself to be a dab hand at the pursuit. In an engagement with Air Cadets in Cumbria in 2021, she put her skills into practice with ease

The princess, who is Honorary Air Commandant of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, also chatted to recruits.

The Princess of Wales dusted off her abseiling knowledge again in April last year when she linked up with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team in Wales.

Putting safety first, the princess wore a helmet, a bright red jacket and practical hiking boots.

She looked confident as she carefully lowered herself down a rocky edge with Prince William, who is patron of Mountain Rescue England and Wales.

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She looked relaxed khaki puffer jacket and white helmet as she chatted to the cadets before easing herself down the rock face at Cathedral Quarry in Little Langdale

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The Princess of Wales dusted off her abseiling knowledge again in April last year when she linked up with the Central Beacons Mountain Rescue Team in Wales

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Putting safety first, the princess wore a helmet, a bright red jacket and practical hiking boots

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The Princess of Wales, known for always getting involved in anything sporty or outdoors, pictured as she abseils down a quarry

Tennis

In September 2021, Kate impressed US Open champion Emma Raducanu at an official ‘homecoming’ organised by the Lawn Tennis Association, which the princess is a patron of.

Kate played doubles with the tennis star and even earned a compliment from her. Raducanu said Kate’s forehand was ‘incredible’.

She eagerly swung her Babolat racket wearing a Poivre Blanc top and skirt, as well as trainers designed by Roger Federer.

The Princess also played alongside US Open doubles champion Joe Salisbury and his fellow players Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, who were both silver medalists at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Kate had played tennis earlier that year with local school children as part of the LTA youth programme in Edinburgh.

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In September 2021, Kate impressed tennis champion Emma Raducanu and even earned a compliment, with Emma saying, ‘Her forehand was incredible!’

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Kate playing tennis earlier in 2021 with local school children as part of the LTA youth programme in Edinburgh

Sailing regatta

Keen to get stuck in on both land and at sea, Kate went head to head with William at a charity sailing regatta.

The family attended the King’s Cup regatta at Cowes, Isle of Wight on August 8, 2019 and soon the princess was the skipper of a boat.

Prince George and Princess Charlotte cheered their parents on as they competitively sailed.

Despite being seen with face of fierce concentration as she worked with her team, she came last in the race and was awarded a giant wooden spoon, much to her amusement.

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Keen to get stuck in on both land and at sea, Kate went head to head with William at a charity sailing regatta off the Isle of Wight in 2019

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The family attended the King’s Cup regatta at Cowes, Isle of Wight on August 8, 2019 and soon the princess was the skipper of a boat

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Despite being seen with face of fierce concentration as she worked with her team, she came last in the race and was awarded a giant wooden spoon, much to her amusement

Football

Sport fanatic Kate was in her element during a visit to Belfast’s Windsor Park stadium on February 27, 2019.

She got stuck in with excited school children and showed off her footballing skills in a spirited kickaround.

She wore a relaxed cream jumper and played alongside William, kicking the ball and running around the pitch with the youngsters.

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Sport-fanatic Kate was in her element during a visit to Belfast’s Windsor Park stadium on February 27, 2019

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She got stuck in with excited school children and showed off her footballing skills in a spirited kickaround

Running

In perhaps one of the royal couple’s more iconic moments, Kate raced William and Harry during a training day for their Heads Together team for the London Marathon at the Olympic Park on February 5, 2017.

Showing her competitive streak, the princess sprinted down the track in a red quilted jacket, black jeans and trainers.

At the start of the race it looked as though Kate might be taking the lead and had a shot at winning.

However, despite her best efforts, the princess was toon overtaken by her husband and brother-in-law.

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Kate raced William and Harry during a training day for the Heads Together team for the London Marathon at Olympic Park in 2017

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Showing her competitive streak, the princess sprinted down the track in a red quilted jacket, black jeans and trainers

Cricket 

Swinging like a natural, Kate enjoyed a game of cricket with India’s former captain Sachin Tendulkar during a visit to Mumbai’s iconic Oval Maidan recreation ground in April 2016.

She confidently batted the balls and fielded in front of Indian children, prompting Tendulkar to call her ‘very, very sporty’.

The athletic princess also did other sporty drills with William – all while wearing a stunning dress by Mumbai designer Anita Dongre.

During the royal tour, the event was arranged for them to meet representatives and children from three charities – school transport organisation Magic Bus, the Door Step School and India’s Childline.

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Swinging like a natural, Kate enjoyed a game of cricket with India’s former captain Sachin Tendulka in 2016

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She confidently batted the balls and fielded in front of Indian street children leaving the legendary cricketer impressed and saying how she ‘very, very sporty’

Hockey

A year after marrying William, Kate got stuck in with a game of hockey at her old prep school, St Andrew’s in Berkshire, in November 2012.

She opened the new Astroturf pitch during the visit and grabbed a hockey stick to join in with the fun.

Perhaps not best dressed for a competitive sports game, the princess was wearing a tweed coat and high heeled boots but did not let her outfit choice stop her.

She confidently hit the ball around the pitch and played with the thrilled school children.

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Kate got stuck in with a game of hockey at her old prep school, St Andrew’s in Berkshire, in November 2012

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Perhaps not best dressed for a competitive sports game, the princess was wearing a tweed coat and high heeled boots but did not let her outfit choice stop her

American socialite Wallis Simpson is dubbed a ‘Queen Dictator’ who never loved Edward in newly-discovered memoirs by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s former butler.

The unpublished memoirs of Alan Fisher, a man from the slums of Manchester who rose to become one of the most sought after butlers in the world, are going under the hammer.

They will be offered at Rare Books Auctions, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, on June 4 guided at £3,000-£5,000.

The lot includes a never-before-seen photo of Edward in royal robes, as if dressing up as a king, with Wallis at his side, and an equestrian portrait given to the butler, who died in 2006, by his royal employer.

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A never-before-seen photo of Edward in royal robes, alongside Wallis Simpson, has emerged alongside an unpublished memoir by their butler

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Former butler Alan Fisher has referred to Wallis as a ‘Queen Dictator’ who longed for control

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Alan Fisher put pen to paper in the late ’70s to document the five years he spent serving the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

The memoirs lift the lid on high society courtesy of a man who served royalty, the rich and famous.

As well the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Alan worked for Bing Crosby for 17 years, Ralph Lauren and Robert Lehman of Lehman Brothers. Alan’s last formal engagement in the 1980s was butler for Charles and Diane, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Alan famously said: ‘The perfect butler sees all, hears all and tells nothing’. He lived this definition until his death in 2006. But in the late ’70s he put pen to paper to record memories of his six years, serving the Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their home in Bois de Boulogne, France.

From 1954, Alan and his wife Norma, maid to the Duchess of Windsor, resided on site in ‘The Cottage’.

Alan wrote: ‘The Duchess taught me everything I know – twice over. She had impeccable taste, was impeccable in the way she dressed and lived her life. I was very aware that I was living a part of history.

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Norma and Alan Fisher pictured after they retired from royal duties. They spent five years living in France with Edward and Wallis

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Equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales inscribed at the lower margin ‘To Alan Fisher Christmas 1956 Edward Duke of Windsor’

‘It was a great thrill…they lived on a scale that far surpassed the Royal Family’s. When you have worked for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor you’re not going to impress me if you’re Rock Hudson or Carol Burnett.’

However, he found the Duchess difficult and ruthless and on one occasion told her to ‘stick her job’. He also believed she never loved Edward. The king abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry her, sparking a constitutional crisis.

Alan wrote: ‘He was in love with her to hundred percent of the time. She was in no way in love with him. So many of her actions spelt it out so violently. Of course she had a façade she kept up publicly.

‘There must have been many moments in both their lives when she looked at him and thought of all that might have been. It must have made her extremely bitter.’

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A photograph of The Queen Mother c1950 with daughters Margaret and Elizabeth Prince Philip King George VI and grandchildren Prince Charles and Princess Anne, among Alan’s possessions

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Alan Fisher memorabilia relating to the royal family and the funeral of the Duchess of Windsor

Alan’s memoirs reveal he heard the Duchess of Windsor before he met her and that she would never have been happy with being ‘Queen Consort’, claiming ‘Queen Dictator’ suited her better.

He also noted that she continued to host dinner parties while her husband was dying.

During the Duchess’s first visit, a guest remarked, ‘There’s forty people in there and there’s only one bloody voice you can hear – hers!’

He also reveals being told, ‘Alan, Her Royal Highness wants you to get a haircut immediately.’ Consequently, he felt ‘very insecure and extremely nervous at the thought of our first face-to-face confrontation’.

He described the moment vividly: ‘Next, the sound of the high heel on the cold marble slowly descending. She moved towards me. My heart was really in my mouth. Finally the candlelight caught the flash of diamonds, of which there were plenty.

‘There was a warm smile and an outstretched hand. The utter surprise of the deep deep violet of the eyes, the voice thanking me for joining the household and hoping I would be very happy with them.

This is 1954 and it may have been her halcyon days. Clothes were at their most attractive. Dior was alive, Balenciaga, Givenchy – all the great houses of haute couture helped keep her at the pinnacle of fashion.’

Of the Duke, he wrote: ‘As he was Royal and I was British, I never felt annoyed…His blond gold hair, his turquoise eyes all seemed to blend in with his Joseph’s outfits of many colours – and many there were…After being a footman for two years in Paris, the Duke asked me to be his valet…I liked the Duke enormously.’

Describing his near-resignation, Alan recounts the night on which some windows hadn’t been secured, [the Duchess said] ‘You know, Alan, if you don’t want this job, there are plenty of people who would really like it’.

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The butler was able to observe every moment of the couple’s daily routine, and shared his clashes with the Duchess

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Letters and photos of the royal family, as well as his manuscript, are being auctioned by the couple’s niece and nephew

‘That was all I needed. I flung the silver onto the the chair she was sitting on along with the gloves I was wearing. I said, “Your Royal Highness, you can stick your job. I don’t need this kind of nonsense from you or anyone else. Jobs are not that hard to come by. Thank you”.

‘I do not have total recall, but as my anger and words were so short, I’ve never forgotten them.

She screamed, “Go to bed. Go to bed. You’re tired. You’re obviously tired”. My last words were, “Yes, Your Royal Highness. Please remember, I may be tired, but I’m not drunk”, and away I went.

‘I realised I’d burnt my boats behind me, and I was really very sad. It had all come to an end even before it began, but I told myself that I couldn’t have let her dominate my life … especially when one was working at full tilt. We were not playing around out there. It was work with a capital W.’

The following morning, the Duke had a meeting with Alan and suggested he was feeling ‘unwell’ during this ‘uncontrollable outburst’, to which Alan said, ‘Your Royal Highness, no one can work as hard as we do and take that kind of an upbraiding at that hour unless they’re completely mad or incapable of finding another job. I am neither’

The matter was amicably resolved: ‘From that day to the day I left some fourteen months later, she never once crossed swords with me…No one had a more fertile mind than the Duchess. Her wit was remarkable…We’d both won really. I wanted to continue working there. She wanted me there.’

On the subject of the Windsors’ relationship, Alan wrote: ‘She knew how weak he was, and it must have often struck her with a more dominant man, might the crown of England sat on her brow?

‘She would never have settled for being the Queen Consort. I think Queen Dictator would have been nearer her title. Don’t for a brief moment, kids, ever believe she would not have been capable of it.

‘She could be ruthless, and with the assurance she was Queen of England until the day she died, it would have given her all the assurance she needed.’

Alan also revealed: ‘I found out later that even though the Duke was dying of cancer of the throat, and it must not have been pleasant.

Almost to the end the Duchess continued giving dinners when she should have been looking after the poor Duke, making his last moments as happy as she could so easily have done. It took so little to please him. Certainly any small gesture from the Duchess was all important to him.

‘One night, two or three evenings before he actually died, he asked Sidney to call the Duchess. She was giving a dinner for twelve that evening. In she came, going on about her new dress. Did he like it. Had he noticed it, etc.

‘Senility slowly took hold… She said how she liked Prince Charles. She said, “I heard from him some time ago. He wants to come and stay. I suppose I’ll have to gather some young people for him”.

‘I feel confident that Prince Charles had never written asking her to stay. The whole thing was a figment of her imagination. Why, I’ll never figure out.’

Another extract details the difficulty of dressing the Duke in a hurry: ‘That was when the s*** hit the fan.

‘He knew he was late, and it would be murder trying to fasten his shirt, keep him still long enough so you could tie his bow tie, get his trousers on, his shoes and socks, and to add to the comedy, one always laid summer evening socks on one arm of the chair and winter socks on the other arm of the chair, and he would choose accordingly to how he felt – warm or cold.

‘But in the rush, he would constantly take one winter and one summer sock, and he’d look down and say, “Alan, you’ve given me odd socks”. Finally you’d get him dressed and on his way, leaving you as limp as if you’d been in World War III. The worst thing to me was the Duke should decide to wear his kilt.’

Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, said: ‘This is an extraordinary and immensely readable work. Every line is quotable. Reading through it, I get a crystal sense of this utterly private little world. I can smell the bottles of burning perfume; I can see the ivory and gold swizzle-sticks stirring up the champagne bubbles; I can hear the Duchess’s heels on the cold marble.

‘It’s written with such humour and humanity that it must surely appeal to a publisher. It’s not quite Jeeves and Wooster, but there’s certainly a feeling of the quiet dignity, intelligence and tact that comes from someone who is ostensibly a servile valet. As Alan himself says in these memoirs, ‘You didn’t care how idiotic you appeared if it saved the day’.’

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Alan Fisher’s manuscript notes and typed draft recording his time spent serving the Duke of Windsor and Duchess of Windsor

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Works on paper expert Jim Spencer with the butler’s manuscript and an equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales given to Alan Fisher by the former king

The manuscript, comes to auction through family descent. Siblings Georgina Edwards and David Summers, from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, stated: ‘Alan and Norma Fisher were our uncle and aunt.

‘We inherited the manuscript and memorabilia following their passing. We had all grown up hearing stories regarding their life in service and have been lucky enough to visit many royal palaces and celebrity homes because of this connection.

‘We believe Alan was in advanced negotiations with a US television company to make a series out of his memoirs. Included in the papers is an envelope from The Konigsberg Company, part of 20th Century Fox.

‘I suspect Alan knew Frank Konigsberg through Bing Crosby. Bing encouraged Alan to share his memoirs of his time with the Duke of Windsor for historical purposes. Konigsberg was one of Hollywood’s biggest talent management agents.

‘We do not wish to keep the manuscript and picture (equestrian portrait of Edward) simply stored away in a box at home in Kenilworth (Warwickshire). It would be far better for someone to own and appreciate them, and for the story of Alan and Norma’s time with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to be passed on.’

Lot 140 details: Alan Fisher’s manuscript notes and typed draft recording his time spent serving the Duke of Windsor [Edward VIII, 1894-1972] and Duchess of Windsor [Wallis Simpson, 1896-1986] together with a colour-printed equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales [after Sir Alfred J. Munnings, the original of which was in the French villa, and a copy of which sits above the fireplace in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House], signed and inscribed at the lower margin, ‘To Alan Fisher, Christmas 1956, Edward, Duke of Windsor’.

Auction: June 4, 2024, Rare Book Auctions – Hansons Auctioneers, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.

Catalogues: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com

Enquiries: [email protected]

Captions | Credit: Rare Book Auctions/Hansons – unless otherwise specified – please refer to captions on images which include:

Alan Fisher’s royal memorabilia, memoirs and images.

Norma and Alan Fisher in their retirement years.

Unseen picture of Edward, Duke of Windsor, dressed as a king in royal robes, a role he gave up to marry the Duchess of Windsor who is by side.

Works on paper expert Jim Spencer with the manuscript and an equestrian portrait of Edward which the royal gave to Alan Fisher.

Equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales, inscribed at the lower margin, ‘To Alan Fisher, Christmas 1956, Edward, Duke of Windsor’.

Alan Fisher memorabilia relating to the royal family including his invitation to the funeral of the Duchess of Windsor.

The Queen Mother c.1950 with daughters Margaret and Elizabeth, Prince Philip, King George VI and grandchildren Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

Alan Fisher’s typed memoirs.

Alan’s handwritten memories and notes.

Editor’s notes:

l Hansons Auctioneers was launched by Derbyshire-born Charles Hanson in 2005. He is known for appearances on TV shows such as Bargain Hunt and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

l Hansons’ headquarters: The Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS.

l London: Hansons Richmond T6 Parkley’s Parade, Upper Ham Road, Richmond, TW10 5LF

l Staffordshire: Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN.

l Oxfordshire: Hanson Holloway’s, 49 Parsons Street, Banbury, 0X16 5NB,

l Kent and Sussex: The Old Post Office, Leicester Square, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8BJ.

l Bedfordshire: www.hansonross.com

l Hertfordshire: Unit 1 The Power House, Lumen Road, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7AG

l Nottinghamshire: Valuation and Consignment Centre, Memory Lane Antiques, 14 Queen Street, Southwell, NG25 0AA

l Norfolk: The Rostrum, Jewellery and Fine Art Auctioneers, The Old Bakery, Thorpe Market Road, Roughton, NR11 8TB

l Hansons Auctioneers offer free antique valuations, probate/insurance services and a wide range of general and specialist auctions.

l Bidding/catalogue platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk

l Website: www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

The Princess of Wales was described as the ‘driving force’ behind a major report this week that called on businesses to introduce more family-friendly ways of working.

Yet a spokesman has been keen to stress that Catherine’s involvement should not be seen as an indication that she is returning to work.

The princess’s many admirers could be forgiven a little confusion, perhaps, as the signals seem mixed – and will naturally wonder what’s really going on behind the scenes at Kensington Palace.

It is certainly true that Catherine’s work with the Royal Foundation’s Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, and this latest report, is a sign of her dedication to the subject – ‘a huge priority for the princess’, as her spokesman confirmed.

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In the brave and moving video message that she recorded for the nation back in March, the princess pleaded for ‘some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment’

But I believe we should read no more into it than that.

As we know, the princess, 42, is having what was described as ‘preventative chemotherapy’ for cancer, after previously undergoing major abdominal surgery.

She has not undertaken any public engagements this year and friends I spoke to in the past few days suggest we might not see Catherine again until the autumn – and only then if she has recovered fully.

In the brave and moving video message that she recorded for the nation back in March, the princess pleaded for ‘some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment’.

She added: ‘My work has always brought me a deep sense of joy and I look forward to being back when I am able, but for now I must focus on making a full recovery.’

And it is that focus which continues to take priority.

Indeed, other aspects of the work she shares with Prince William have been put on hold.

Take, for example, the planned appointment of someone to run the Waleses’ household.

I disclosed in my social diary, Eden Confidential, last September that William and Catherine planned to create a new role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who would be responsible for about 60 staff.

The new boss would report directly to the royal couple and – notably – would not answer to the private secretaries who have long held power behind the scenes at the royal Palaces.

‘This is a revolutionary move,’ a source told me, a little excitedly, at the time. ‘They are overthrowing the traditional, hierarchical structure in which staff answer to private secretaries.’

Kensington Palace duly hired a high-powered recruitment firm, Odgers Berndtson, to find the best candidate and an advertisement was placed online which stressed the unprecedented nature of the position.

The search for a CEO has now been suspended, however. As a palace spokesman explained: ‘With everything going on, the Royal Household’s focus is on the Princess’s recovery, so no appointment has been made.’

Although the prince and princess have often carried out separate engagements and pursued different interests, they are very much a team.

Their charity is the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, remember, and they have joint offices, working closely together.

And, as the postponement of such a key appointment shows, big decisions must wait until Catherine is recovered.

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In March, Kensington Palace released the first picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery

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The London clinic, where Catherine had treatment after her diagnosis earlier this year

‘No one wants to put any pressure on Catherine,’ a source tells me. ‘The only thing that matters at the moment is her getting better. She has been through an ordeal this year.

‘What this means in practice is that big decisions, such as the appointment of new staff, can wait.

‘It’s a reflection of Her Royal Highness’s importance to the future of the Monarchy that she has been given as much time as she needs.’

King Charles very much wanted to be seen by the public while he was undergoing his own cancer treatment – but this has not been the case for his daughter-in-law, however disappointing that might be for her admirers.

‘As Sovereign, His Majesty is in a very different position from the Princess of Wales,’ says the source. ‘There is no need for her to be seen while she’s recovering.’

And that is not a position that is about to change – despite the persistent online trolling of Catherine, which has regrettably increased in recent weeks.

American socialite Wallis Simpson is dubbed a ‘Queen Dictator’ who never loved Edward in newly-discovered memoirs by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor’s former butler.

The unpublished memoirs of Alan Fisher, a man from the slums of Manchester who rose to become one of the most sought after butlers in the world, are going under the hammer.

They will be offered at Rare Books Auctions, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire, on June 4 guided at £3,000-£5,000.

The lot includes a never-before-seen photo of Edward in royal robes, as if dressing up as a king, with Wallis at his side, and an equestrian portrait given to the butler, who died in 2006, by his royal employer.

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A never-before-seen photo of Edward in royal robes, alongside Wallis Simpson, has emerged alongside an unpublished memoir by their butler

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Former butler Alan Fisher has referred to Wallis as a ‘Queen Dictator’ who longed for control

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View gallery

Alan Fisher put pen to paper in the late ’70s to document the five years he spent serving the Duke and Duchess of Windsor

The memoirs lift the lid on high society courtesy of a man who served royalty, the rich and famous.

As well the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Alan worked for Bing Crosby for 17 years, Ralph Lauren and Robert Lehman of Lehman Brothers. Alan’s last formal engagement in the 1980s was butler for Charles and Diane, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Alan famously said: ‘The perfect butler sees all, hears all and tells nothing’. He lived this definition until his death in 2006. But in the late ’70s he put pen to paper to record memories of his six years, serving the Duke and Duchess of Windsor at their home in Bois de Boulogne, France.

From 1954, Alan and his wife Norma, maid to the Duchess of Windsor, resided on site in ‘The Cottage’.

Alan wrote: ‘The Duchess taught me everything I know – twice over. She had impeccable taste, was impeccable in the way she dressed and lived her life. I was very aware that I was living a part of history.

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Norma and Alan Fisher pictured after they retired from royal duties. They spent five years living in France with Edward and Wallis

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Equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales inscribed at the lower margin ‘To Alan Fisher Christmas 1956 Edward Duke of Windsor’

‘It was a great thrill…they lived on a scale that far surpassed the Royal Family’s. When you have worked for the Duke and Duchess of Windsor you’re not going to impress me if you’re Rock Hudson or Carol Burnett.’

However, he found the Duchess difficult and ruthless and on one occasion told her to ‘stick her job’. He also believed she never loved Edward. The king abdicated the British throne in 1936 to marry her, sparking a constitutional crisis.

Alan wrote: ‘He was in love with her to hundred percent of the time. She was in no way in love with him. So many of her actions spelt it out so violently. Of course she had a façade she kept up publicly.

‘There must have been many moments in both their lives when she looked at him and thought of all that might have been. It must have made her extremely bitter.’

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A photograph of The Queen Mother c1950 with daughters Margaret and Elizabeth Prince Philip King George VI and grandchildren Prince Charles and Princess Anne, among Alan’s possessions

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Alan Fisher memorabilia relating to the royal family and the funeral of the Duchess of Windsor

Alan’s memoirs reveal he heard the Duchess of Windsor before he met her and that she would never have been happy with being ‘Queen Consort’, claiming ‘Queen Dictator’ suited her better.

He also noted that she continued to host dinner parties while her husband was dying.

During the Duchess’s first visit, a guest remarked, ‘There’s forty people in there and there’s only one bloody voice you can hear – hers!’

He also reveals being told, ‘Alan, Her Royal Highness wants you to get a haircut immediately.’ Consequently, he felt ‘very insecure and extremely nervous at the thought of our first face-to-face confrontation’.

He described the moment vividly: ‘Next, the sound of the high heel on the cold marble slowly descending. She moved towards me. My heart was really in my mouth. Finally the candlelight caught the flash of diamonds, of which there were plenty.

‘There was a warm smile and an outstretched hand. The utter surprise of the deep deep violet of the eyes, the voice thanking me for joining the household and hoping I would be very happy with them.

This is 1954 and it may have been her halcyon days. Clothes were at their most attractive. Dior was alive, Balenciaga, Givenchy – all the great houses of haute couture helped keep her at the pinnacle of fashion.’

Of the Duke, he wrote: ‘As he was Royal and I was British, I never felt annoyed…His blond gold hair, his turquoise eyes all seemed to blend in with his Joseph’s outfits of many colours – and many there were…After being a footman for two years in Paris, the Duke asked me to be his valet…I liked the Duke enormously.’

Describing his near-resignation, Alan recounts the night on which some windows hadn’t been secured, [the Duchess said] ‘You know, Alan, if you don’t want this job, there are plenty of people who would really like it’.

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The butler was able to observe every moment of the couple’s daily routine, and shared his clashes with the Duchess

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Letters and photos of the royal family, as well as his manuscript, are being auctioned by the couple’s niece and nephew

‘That was all I needed. I flung the silver onto the the chair she was sitting on along with the gloves I was wearing. I said, “Your Royal Highness, you can stick your job. I don’t need this kind of nonsense from you or anyone else. Jobs are not that hard to come by. Thank you”.

‘I do not have total recall, but as my anger and words were so short, I’ve never forgotten them.

She screamed, “Go to bed. Go to bed. You’re tired. You’re obviously tired”. My last words were, “Yes, Your Royal Highness. Please remember, I may be tired, but I’m not drunk”, and away I went.

‘I realised I’d burnt my boats behind me, and I was really very sad. It had all come to an end even before it began, but I told myself that I couldn’t have let her dominate my life … especially when one was working at full tilt. We were not playing around out there. It was work with a capital W.’

The following morning, the Duke had a meeting with Alan and suggested he was feeling ‘unwell’ during this ‘uncontrollable outburst’, to which Alan said, ‘Your Royal Highness, no one can work as hard as we do and take that kind of an upbraiding at that hour unless they’re completely mad or incapable of finding another job. I am neither’

The matter was amicably resolved: ‘From that day to the day I left some fourteen months later, she never once crossed swords with me…No one had a more fertile mind than the Duchess. Her wit was remarkable…We’d both won really. I wanted to continue working there. She wanted me there.’

On the subject of the Windsors’ relationship, Alan wrote: ‘She knew how weak he was, and it must have often struck her with a more dominant man, might the crown of England sat on her brow?

‘She would never have settled for being the Queen Consort. I think Queen Dictator would have been nearer her title. Don’t for a brief moment, kids, ever believe she would not have been capable of it.

‘She could be ruthless, and with the assurance she was Queen of England until the day she died, it would have given her all the assurance she needed.’

Alan also revealed: ‘I found out later that even though the Duke was dying of cancer of the throat, and it must not have been pleasant.

Almost to the end the Duchess continued giving dinners when she should have been looking after the poor Duke, making his last moments as happy as she could so easily have done. It took so little to please him. Certainly any small gesture from the Duchess was all important to him.

‘One night, two or three evenings before he actually died, he asked Sidney to call the Duchess. She was giving a dinner for twelve that evening. In she came, going on about her new dress. Did he like it. Had he noticed it, etc.

‘Senility slowly took hold… She said how she liked Prince Charles. She said, “I heard from him some time ago. He wants to come and stay. I suppose I’ll have to gather some young people for him”.

‘I feel confident that Prince Charles had never written asking her to stay. The whole thing was a figment of her imagination. Why, I’ll never figure out.’

Another extract details the difficulty of dressing the Duke in a hurry: ‘That was when the s*** hit the fan.

‘He knew he was late, and it would be murder trying to fasten his shirt, keep him still long enough so you could tie his bow tie, get his trousers on, his shoes and socks, and to add to the comedy, one always laid summer evening socks on one arm of the chair and winter socks on the other arm of the chair, and he would choose accordingly to how he felt – warm or cold.

‘But in the rush, he would constantly take one winter and one summer sock, and he’d look down and say, “Alan, you’ve given me odd socks”. Finally you’d get him dressed and on his way, leaving you as limp as if you’d been in World War III. The worst thing to me was the Duke should decide to wear his kilt.’

Jim Spencer, director of Rare Book Auctions, said: ‘This is an extraordinary and immensely readable work. Every line is quotable. Reading through it, I get a crystal sense of this utterly private little world. I can smell the bottles of burning perfume; I can see the ivory and gold swizzle-sticks stirring up the champagne bubbles; I can hear the Duchess’s heels on the cold marble.

‘It’s written with such humour and humanity that it must surely appeal to a publisher. It’s not quite Jeeves and Wooster, but there’s certainly a feeling of the quiet dignity, intelligence and tact that comes from someone who is ostensibly a servile valet. As Alan himself says in these memoirs, ‘You didn’t care how idiotic you appeared if it saved the day’.’

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Alan Fisher’s manuscript notes and typed draft recording his time spent serving the Duke of Windsor and Duchess of Windsor

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Works on paper expert Jim Spencer with the butler’s manuscript and an equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales given to Alan Fisher by the former king

The manuscript, comes to auction through family descent. Siblings Georgina Edwards and David Summers, from Kenilworth, Warwickshire, stated: ‘Alan and Norma Fisher were our uncle and aunt.

‘We inherited the manuscript and memorabilia following their passing. We had all grown up hearing stories regarding their life in service and have been lucky enough to visit many royal palaces and celebrity homes because of this connection.

‘We believe Alan was in advanced negotiations with a US television company to make a series out of his memoirs. Included in the papers is an envelope from The Konigsberg Company, part of 20th Century Fox.

‘I suspect Alan knew Frank Konigsberg through Bing Crosby. Bing encouraged Alan to share his memoirs of his time with the Duke of Windsor for historical purposes. Konigsberg was one of Hollywood’s biggest talent management agents.

‘We do not wish to keep the manuscript and picture (equestrian portrait of Edward) simply stored away in a box at home in Kenilworth (Warwickshire). It would be far better for someone to own and appreciate them, and for the story of Alan and Norma’s time with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor to be passed on.’

Lot 140 details: Alan Fisher’s manuscript notes and typed draft recording his time spent serving the Duke of Windsor [Edward VIII, 1894-1972] and Duchess of Windsor [Wallis Simpson, 1896-1986] together with a colour-printed equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales [after Sir Alfred J. Munnings, the original of which was in the French villa, and a copy of which sits above the fireplace in Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House], signed and inscribed at the lower margin, ‘To Alan Fisher, Christmas 1956, Edward, Duke of Windsor’.

Auction: June 4, 2024, Rare Book Auctions – Hansons Auctioneers, Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.

Catalogues: www.hansonslive.co.uk | www.the-saleroom.com

Enquiries: [email protected]

Captions | Credit: Rare Book Auctions/Hansons – unless otherwise specified – please refer to captions on images which include:

Alan Fisher’s royal memorabilia, memoirs and images.

Norma and Alan Fisher in their retirement years.

Unseen picture of Edward, Duke of Windsor, dressed as a king in royal robes, a role he gave up to marry the Duchess of Windsor who is by side.

Works on paper expert Jim Spencer with the manuscript and an equestrian portrait of Edward which the royal gave to Alan Fisher.

Equestrian portrait of Edward as Prince of Wales, inscribed at the lower margin, ‘To Alan Fisher, Christmas 1956, Edward, Duke of Windsor’.

Alan Fisher memorabilia relating to the royal family including his invitation to the funeral of the Duchess of Windsor.

The Queen Mother c.1950 with daughters Margaret and Elizabeth, Prince Philip, King George VI and grandchildren Prince Charles and Princess Anne.

Alan Fisher’s typed memoirs.

Alan’s handwritten memories and notes.

Editor’s notes:

l Hansons Auctioneers was launched by Derbyshire-born Charles Hanson in 2005. He is known for appearances on TV shows such as Bargain Hunt and Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.

l Hansons’ headquarters: The Auction Centre, Heage Lane, Etwall, Derbyshire, DE65 6LS.

l London: Hansons Richmond T6 Parkley’s Parade, Upper Ham Road, Richmond, TW10 5LF

l Staffordshire: Bishton Hall, Wolseley Bridge, Staffordshire, ST17 0XN.

l Oxfordshire: Hanson Holloway’s, 49 Parsons Street, Banbury, 0X16 5NB,

l Kent and Sussex: The Old Post Office, Leicester Square, Penshurst, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8BJ.

l Bedfordshire: www.hansonross.com

l Hertfordshire: Unit 1 The Power House, Lumen Road, Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7AG

l Nottinghamshire: Valuation and Consignment Centre, Memory Lane Antiques, 14 Queen Street, Southwell, NG25 0AA

l Norfolk: The Rostrum, Jewellery and Fine Art Auctioneers, The Old Bakery, Thorpe Market Road, Roughton, NR11 8TB

l Hansons Auctioneers offer free antique valuations, probate/insurance services and a wide range of general and specialist auctions.

l Bidding/catalogue platform: www.hansonslive.co.uk

l Website: www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk

It is through that door that a milk float arrives at 3 o’clock in the morning, direct from the Royal Dairy at Windsor, where the cyphers on the bottles were changed to K111R from the moment Queen Elizabeth II died.

Following the milkman comes a parade of tradesmen with fruit, vegetables, meat and a variety of other requirements for both the Royal and Household tables.

A special Royal Mail van arrives with the daily post – up to 5,000 items each time – so the Private Secretaries, who normally get in before 7am, can go through every letter and choose which ones to place before His Majesty when he sits at his desk at 9.30.

Six hundred meals are cooked every day and the royal chef Mark Flanagan and his staff are on duty very early.

And Britons who want to be a part of feeding the Royal Family should get their CVs in order. Three chef positions are among 10 Palace vacancies currently open for applications.

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Buckingham Palace never sleeps. It is open for business 24/7 and the side door, where all the staff enter and leave, never closes, writes BRIAN HOEY

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A special Royal Mail van arrives with the daily post – up to 5,000 items each time – so the Private Secretaries, who normally get in before 7am, can go through every letter and choose which ones to place before His Majesty when he sits at his desk at 9.30

Fancy making the King’s pastries? The current vacancies at Buckingham Palace

Sous Chef / Salary: Competitive plus benefits

Chef De Partie / Salary: Competitive plus benefits

Pastry Sous Chef / Salary: Competitive plus benefits

Kitchen porter / Salary: Competitive plus benefits

Staff coordinator / Salary: £26,000

Property project manager / Salary: £50,000-£60,000

Visitor services manager / Salary: £40,000

Fire and access officer (part-time) / Salary: £28,719 pro rata

Events process and administration officer / Salary: £32,000

Gardener / Salary: £24,400-£26,000

The King offers excellent facilities to his staff, but what he doesn’t offer is a lot of money.

Working for the Royal Family means one can easily get a better paid job outside, as one former footman discovered when he was persuaded to accept a job in the United States paying $75,000 a year, plus a free car for himself – and his wife.

Junior Palace staff start on around £10 an hour. But they do get accommodation inside the Palace and their meals for free.

Everyone who works at the Palace is entitled to a (full English) breakfast, luncheon (never just lunch) and dinner and nobody is charged for a glass or two (or three) of wine.

The staff dining room is located on the first floor and they all eat together, much to the dismay of certain members of the ‘old guard’ who cherished their separate, highly privileged dining rooms where liveried footmen waited on their more senior colleagues.

But the days of senior staff being waited on by servants have long disappeared. It’s self-service for everyone, even the Lord Chamberlain, the man right at the top.

But a certain amount of discrimination remains as it depends on your status where you sit and with whom. A Page of the Chambers would never dream of sharing a table with a newly arrived footman. But they might find themselves next to each other holding trays in the lineup for food.

However, there is still a Household breakfast room where members can entertain outside guests once a month. This delightful room is on the ground floor overlooking the garden.

Although there used to be two kitchens – with one reserved for the royals and the other for staff – today there is just one.

That change is down to the late Prince Philip, who found out about there being separate kitchens and thought it was all nonsense.  He ordered them to be amalgamated together into a single operation.

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Buckingham Palace head chef Mark Flanagan (left) is seen with other kitchen staff, as they prepare for a reception to mark the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture, 2017

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Charles III at Buckingham Palace reading cards and messages sent by wellwishers following his cancer diagnosis

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An Argos delivery van outside Buckingham Palace, December 2004

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Kitchen staff at Buckingham Palace are seen busy at work preparing food, 2000

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Buckingham Palace head chef Mark Flanagan shows off his array of copper pans in the kitchen

The men who guard the front gates at the Palace are officers from ‘A’ Division of the Metropolitan Police.

Technically they are not members of the Royal Household, even though some spend most of their careers at the Palace.

They have their own separate dining room in a compound within the Palace grounds.

All unmarried footmen and housemaids are required to live in. Their accommodation is on the top floor, with the females in one corner and the men as far away as possible.

Newcomers get rooms at the rear and move to the front as they progress up the career ladder.

None of the staff rooms is en-suite, so there is usually a rush for bathrooms early in the mornings.

One favourite practical joke is to persuade newcomers that if they want to be accepted into the Household, they must run naked along the corridors and through the female quarters.

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King Charles III, accompanied by the Princess Royal, presents the new Sovereign’s Standard to The Blues and Royals during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, June 2023

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Staff sort through letters sent to Queen Elizabeth II after her Diamond Jubilee in 2012

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Palace staff carrying table cloths out to the royal tea tent in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, 2001

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A photo from the year 2000 showing a staff member sorting through letters in the post room

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Buckingham Palace is the most famous royal residence in the world

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A cleaner hard at work, before staff arrive at one of the many desks in an office at Buckingham Palace, 2000

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Edward Griffiths, then Deputy Master of the Household, walks through the picture gallery at Buckingham Palace, 2011

Most first-timers fall for this one, only to discover that when they return to their own room, the door has been locked.

Some of the women are in on the joke and they take photographs which are then circulated.

When Prince Andrew was young, he allegedly enjoyed showing some of the pictures to his friends.

So, bar the cruel initiation, there is plenty to enjoy in working at Buckingham Palace (or Windsor Castle).

Fashion publicist Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy became a style icon in the 1990s, to the extent that she rivalled Princess Diana’s impact. 

Both married into royalty, one literally and the other figuratively; both died tragically young, and both knew how to dress casually.

So it’s no surprise that Carolyn’s style – which also had a place in the political world given that she was the spouse of John F Kennedy Jr – has inspired Meghan.

The Duchess of Sussex shared her admiration for Carolyn long before she married Prince Harry, describing Carolyn’s Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress as ‘everything goals’ and using it as inspiration for her own.

This minimalist aesthetic and refined simplicity is clearly reflected in the Duchess of Sussex’s own fashion choices.

In recent days, the Duchess of Sussex’s supporters have declared that she is ‘heading to the White House’ after her presidential-like visit to Nigeria with Prince Harry.

Experts have highlighted how she could just be a few steps from the US Presidency, so her style will be a crucial weapon if she does make a tilt into politics.

As is clear below, on numerous occasions Meghan has channelled particular outfits worn by Carolyn – who died alongside her husband in a plane crash in 1999 – at the peak of her fame.

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Meghan apparently used Carolyn’s dress as one of her inspirations when choosing her dress. Above: With Prince Harry after their wedding ceremony inside Windsor’s St George’s Chapel

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Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy marrying JFK Jnr in a Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress

White shirt and maxi skirt

In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in an ensemble that was straight out of the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy look book.

The duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, paired a Givenchy white button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt.

It was strikingly similar to a look worn by Carolyn to a benefit gala in March 1999.

The former publicist tucked a men’s white shirt, its top buttons left undone like Meghan’s, into a long black skirt with a ruffled hem, both designed by Yohji Yamamoto.

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In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in an ensemble that was straight out of the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy look book. The duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, paired a Givenchy white button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt. It was strikingly similar to a look worn by Carolyn to a benefit gala in March 1999

Ripped Jeans

For her very first official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend in 2017, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white oxford by Misha Nonoo.

A white button-down is universally considered a wardrobe staple, but the garment also happens to have been a fond favourite of Carolyn.

She dressed for Labour Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans, tousled hair and sunglasses.

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For her very first official public appearance as Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white oxford by Misha Nonoo. Meanwhile, Carolyn dressed for Labour Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans, tousled hair and sunglasses

Camel Skirt

For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid homage to an outfit Carolyn wore in a similarly pivotal public moment.

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For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid homage to an outfit Carolyn wore in a similarly pivotal public moment. Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while making an appearance with her husband JFK Jr. outside their Tribeca apartment following her own wedding

The looks may be over two decades apart, but the basic elements are all there: a black sweater, a camel midi skirt, and knee-high boots.

Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while making an appearance with her husband JFK Jr. outside their Tribeca apartment following her own wedding.

Meghan chose a Joseph skirt and Kurt Geiger to seemingly echo Carolyn’s appearance.

Asymmetric Neckline

Another aspect where Meghan Markle channels Carolyn is through her choice of sophisticated dresses that combine simplicity with a fashionable edge.

In 2018 she wore the Black Halo ‘Jackie O’ dress named after Carolyn’s mother-in-law – 1960s style icon and former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

It featured the same asymmetric neckline as the gown Carolyn wore to The White House in 1998.

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Meghan wearing a Jackie O’ dress in 2018 is a little bit of a hint towards her obsession with the Kennedy clan’s fashion

Black t-shirt and jeans

Accessories play a crucial role in drawing the fashion parallel between the two icons.

Like Carolyn did, Meghan often dresses down in classic staples – such as at the Invictus Games in 2023 when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans.

The look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and t-shirt combination when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996.

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Accessories play a crucial role in drawing the fashion parallel between the two icons. Like Carolyn did, Meghan often dresses down in classic staples – such as at the Invictus Games in 2023 when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans (left). The look was similar to Carolyn’s denim and t-shirt combination when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996

Carolyn was known for her minimalist approach to accessories, often seen with simple gold hoops or a delicate chain necklace.

Meghan follows suit, usually opting for understated jewellery that complements her outfits without overwhelming them.

She appears to share with Carolyn the style philosophy that less is undeniably more.

Monochrome

Meghan also channels Carolyn in her love for monochromatic ensembles.

Carolyn was frequently seen in all-black or all-white outfits and Meghan has adopted a similar approach.

She often opts for monochrome looks that are both sophisticated and modern.

When launching her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw trousers and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Carolyn’s ensemble at Hyannis Port in 1998.

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When launching her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan’s Jigsaw trousers and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Bessette-Kennedy’s ensemble at Hyannis Port in 1998

Strapless

Markle’s preference for shoulder bearing strapless dresses is another nod to Carolyn’s influence.

Both women favour chic and polished dresses that emphasise structure and form.

For an appearance in 2016, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.

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Markle’s preference for shoulder bearing strapless dresses is another nod to Bessette-Kennedy’s influence. For an appearance in 2016, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn’s evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998

In a world where the royals are often seen as the epitome of luxury and exclusivity, it’s refreshing to see them wearing accessible high street brands.

They sometimes choose items that cost less than £100, yet are still royal worthy.

The Princess of Wales has previously opted for affordable retailer & Other Stories, the Duchess of Edinburgh loves Spanish brand Zara and Meghan has chosen Banana Republic.

Embracing high street fashion not only humanises the royals but also has a profound impact on the fashion industry.

‘The royals have such a strong influence around the world, they are seen everywhere and always create a huge amount of coverage when they step out,’ says fashion brand consultant Clare Alexander.

She has worked with many brands, including Kate Middleton‘s go-to designers Temperley and Topshop.

Ms Alexander explains ‘people want to copy their [the royals’] looks, as they look clean, elegant and classy, and especially when they are wearing affordable items, it is accessible for the outfit to be recreated.’

The Princess of Wales

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Kate with Prince Louis at her Chelsea Flower Show garden wearing the £79 floral &Other Stories long sleeve midi dress

Many eyes were rightly on one-year-old Prince Louis playing on the rope swing during Kate Middleton’s unveiling of her garden for the Chelsea Flower Show in 2019.

But another star of the outing was Kate’s £79 floral printed long-sleeve midi dress from affordable retailer & Other Stories.

Cinched in at the waist and featuring an elegant bib style at the neck, it’s chic yet pretty and playful.

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The Princess of Wales looked stunning in the high street dress as she and her family were seen walking into the flower show in 2019

The Princess of Wales’ willingness to mix high-end designers with high street fashion is estimated to give a £1billion annual boost to the industry.

Ms Alexander would love Kate and other royals to go further however by championing more sustainable brands as well as high street names.

Ttheir power can be life-changing for small brands due to the exposure it creates and when they wear a dress that is affordable for the masses it can be a turning point for a clothing brand,’ she said.

Queen Letizia of Spain 

Queen Letizia was effortlessly elegant as she recycled a high street staple dress to the Antonio de Nebrija exhibition in March 2023, pairing it with her Magrit clutch and heels.

The £99.99 Massimo Dutti navy frock featured cut-out detailing along the collar and a colourful polka dot design.

It was the fifth time that Spain’s Queen – who is known for her love of bringing new life to her clothes and recycling them – has been spotted in it.

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Queen Letizia was effortlessly elegant as she recycled a high street staple dress to the Antonio de Nebrija exhibition in March 2023, pairing it with her Magrit clutch and heels

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The £99.99 Massimo Dutti navy frock featured cut-out detailing along the collar and a colourful polka dot design

Duchess of Edinburgh 

Sophie looked sensational in a £69.99 Zara dress when she attended a reception for the Trachoma Elimination Programme during her visit to Malawi in 2022.

The lightweight broderie anglaise frock featured puff sleeves and a full skirt, while the tie belt cinched in her waist.

Styled for the sunshine, she added Chloé sandals, a blue croc-effect clutch bag by Sophie Habsburg and her hair was in loose waves.

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Sophie, then the Countess of Wessex, looked fabulous in Malawi wearing a £69.99 dress from Zara

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The style really suited her and the white broderie anglaise was perfect for the sunshine

Princess Beatrice 

Princess Beatrice wore a recycled H&M dress hosted a tea party at St James’s Palace for the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity earlier this year.

She dressed in a recycled H&M dress which was first worn in 2016.

Blooming in the £27.99 floral frock, she completed the look with a blazer that added structure to the pretty print.

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Princess Beatrice held a tea party at St James’s Palace wearing a £27.99 H&M frock

Duchess of Sussex 

Not everything in Meghan Markle’s wardrobe comes with a royally big price tag.

For the second evening of the Invictus Games in Germany last year she stepped on the stage in a budget-friendly look.

Her £86.50 Banana Republic shirt dress was given a high fashion twist, as she swapped the tie waist for a Bottega Veneta belt and added her favourite Aquazzura pumps.

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Not everything in Meghan Markle’s wardrobe comes with a royally big price tag. Above: In an £86.50 Banana Republic shirt dress at last year’s Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany

Princess Victoria of Sweden 

Radiant in a palette of vibrant pinks, Princess Victoria wore a floral midi skirt by & Other Stories for an event last year.

The visit to mark the 400th anniversary of Rudbeckianska school in Sweden marked the second time that Victoria wore the sell-out £95 skirt.

On this occasion, she paired it with a fuchsia Zara blazer.

She also mixed in high-end brands with a Vesna W top, Saint Laurent bag and bright green Gianvito Rossi pumps.

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Radiant in a palette of vibrant pinks, Princess Victoria wore a floral midi skirt by & Other Stories for an event last year. The visit to mark the 400th anniversary of Rudbeckianska school in Sweden marked the second time that Victoria wore the sell-out £95 skirt

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands

Queen Maxima donned a £39.99 H&M dress with billowing sleeves as she visited key healthcare workers at a hospital in Amsterdam in November 2020.

The royal customised the dark beige dress with a wide belt which accentuated her waist and added a neutral clutch and pumps.

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Queen Maxima looked so elegant on a visit to a hospital in 2020 in this H&M dress, which was just £39.99

Zara Tindall 

Zara Tindall headed to Aintree for the famous Grand National in 2022 showing us all how to dress for the races in a Lalage Beaumont fitted jacket and trousers with Jimmy Choo heels.

However, it was her eye-catching £45 Monsoon ruffled blouse that stood out and gave the ensemble a fashion forward edge, showing that the high street is the addition you need for a winning fashion formula.

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Zara’s eye-catching blouse was £45 from Monsoon when she attended the Grand National

Queen Mary of Denmark

Not one to shy away from mixing the high street with high fashion, Queen Mary occasionally opts for the Swedish fashion brand H&M.

She choose to wear this brand  for the Joaquín Sorolla exhibition in Copenhagen in 2023, where she upcycled a £95.99 green floral midi dress which was customised into a skirt.

The royal has worn the skirt to various events, including the Copenhagen Fashion Summit in 2018, and on this occasion it was paired with a Self Portrait top.

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This glamorous evening skirt worn by Queen Mary of Denmark in November last year was £95.99 from H&M

Recently, Meghan Markle expressed frustration over Kate Middleton’s frequent sharing of fan photos and letters on social media. Meghan criticized this practice as unnecessary self-promotion, implying that it was a form of showing off rather than a genuine interaction with the public.

 

Kate Middleton, known for her engagement with royal fans, often posts pictures and letters she receives, showcasing the support from the public. Meghan’s comments suggest that she sees these actions as excessive and believes they detract from more meaningful royal duties.

This criticism has added to the ongoing tension between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family. Meghan and Harry have previously faced scrutiny for their approach to public life and their distancing from royal traditions, which contrasts sharply with Kate and William’s more traditional methods of maintaining public relations.

The backlash from Meghan’s statement reflects the broader issues of privacy and public engagement that have characterized the rift within the royal family. While Meghan’s intention might have been to highlight what she sees as an overemphasis on public image, her comments have been met with mixed reactions, with some seeing them as an unnecessary attack on Kate’s way of connecting with royal supporters.

 

PRINCE William and Kate Middleton often share sweet details about their kids, George, Charlotte and Louis, during public engagements.

And royal experts have questioned if this could be a “conscious” move, and a power move that the late Queen used to do.

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Prince William often reveals sweet details about his kids during engagementsCredit: Getty

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George, Charlotte and Louis may not be seen in public as much as their parents, but William and Kate reference them with fansCredit: Getty

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Prince William revealed at a royal garden party this week that he reads books to Prince Louis at bedtimeCredit: AFP
Just last week, Prince William attended a Buckingham Palace Garden Party this week and let slip an adorable detail about his bedtime routine with Prince Louis, six.

The future king was given a copy of a children’s book by budding author Rowan Aderyn, and said “This is great, so inspirational. I’ll read this to Louis tonight at bedtime.”

Speaking on their podcast, royal editors Roya Nikkhah and Kate Mansey shared how the Prince and Princess of Wales used to be “quite private”, but are “more confident” when it comes to sharing family details now.

The Times’ Kate said on The Royals with Roya and Kate: “I wonder if it’s conscious though, a lot of the engagements we see him on now he is quite confident when it comes to talking about his children.

“Whereas there was this element for a long time it was quite private, you know occasionally he’d say something like ‘Louis likes eating fairy cakes’ or something and everyone would go ‘oh my gosh, that’s really interesting.’

“But now it seems every time he’s out he does reference that.”

The royal expert questioned the reason behind Prince William opening up more about family life.

Kate continued: “I wonder if it’s a conscious – with this kind of slimmed down monarchy, when you’re drafting in non-working cousins to help bolster up public engagements.

“This idea that, as the Queen did so well, this idea that it’s not just me, there is a chain, there is a kind of generation after generation trying to present this idea of stability, stretching forwards and backwards.”

The Sunday Times Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah added if William reveals details to help the public “feel a bit closer to them.”

She added: “Which has always been done so successfully most of the time visually with those set piece portraits that we used to have of the late Queen, Charles, William, George mixing in a tuppence in the Christmas pudding.

“But now I think maybe William feels there’s another way of doing it.

“We still have these big set piece portraits sometimes but there’s a way of doing it, just in conversation and in passing comments to members of the public which get picked up by us and our coverage.

“And it brings the public closer to the idea of what’s coming next.”

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The late Queen was also said to ‘present an idea of stability, stretching forwards and backwards’Credit: AFP

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The experts shared how the royals often do ‘set piece portraits’ for the public, like this shot of George mixing a Christmas pudding with William, Charles and the late QueenCredit: AFP

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However, they shared how William and Kate often slip in heartwarming details about the kids during engagementsCredit: Getty
Kate added: “It’s the idea that it is the royal family, people can see that and relate to it.

“Putting their own children to bed and it speaks to what Kate was doing as well, early childhood reading to children.

“They’re on brand those two, aren’t they, Prince and Princess of Wales?”

Kate Middleton’s ‘golden rule’ with George, Charlotte and Louis

KATE’S key rule for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis is about kindness.

According to HELLO! Online’s Royal Correspondent: “Based on observations of photographs of Princess Diana at the time, and the current Princess of Wales, they are both very affectionate with their children.

“Kate is often seen holding her children’s hands or picking them up for cuddles when they were smaller.

“There are often lots of comforting gestures, such as a pat on the back or stroking their hair. When interacting with other children on her public engagements, Kate often crouches down to their level to engage with them – something that Diana would often do.”

When she’s at the family’s home of Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, despite her royal status, insiders say Kate is just like any other “normal mum”.

A friend explained that behind closed doors, the 42-year-old is “very chilled at home” but definitely not a pushover and will tell the kids off when needed.

They told PEOPLE: “It’s a normal, busy family home with kids running around and knocking things over. There’s no airs and graces.

“She is doing that to help her children be more grounded and keep their reality in check. That’s what really matters to her.”

The daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew paid tribute to her second child, who is affectionately nicknamed “Ernie.”

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Princess Eugenie shared sweet snaps of son Ernest to mark first birthday on InstagramCredit: Instagram

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Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank have two kids together, August and ErnestCredit: Instagram

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Eugenie, right, pictured with sister Beatrice, left, is the daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince AndrewCredit: Social Media – Refer to Source
She wrote: “One year of you my dear Ernest. Happy birthday!! We all love you so much, especially your enormous smile you give the world.. but you always save an extra special one for Mumma.”

The post was poignant, particularly Eugenie typically keeps her family life fairly private and has rarely shared photos of her youngest son, who was born on 30 May 2023.

Princess Eugenie, 34, and her British marketing executive husband Jack Brooksbank, 38, have two kids together, August, three, and Ernest.

Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous that little Ernie will likely be celebrating in style.

He shared: “The royal children tend to get very expensive gifts throughout their younger years, including horses, fishing rods, rifles and mini-cars, sometimes provided by manufacturers.

“They are spoilt rotten, whereas at Christmas for example the adults give each other joke presents worth virtually nothing!

“They like to give silly gifts like whoopee cushions or singing fish wall ornaments to each other on the basis that they have everything in life. So they prefer the jokes.

“Apart from his parents Eugenie and Jack wanting only the best for him, he has doting grandparents on both sides, although Jack’s father sadly died a couple of years ago.

“The Duke and Duchess of York will want to give him the best and I’m sure that will include riding lessons, bikes, and expensive toys.

“Fergie, as we know, likes spending money and she will lavish presents on him, believing that as children of Prince Andrew his grandchildren should get the best, just like the children of William and Kate and Harry and Meghan.”

Being in the royal family can come with some great perks – particularly when it comes to your birthday.

This is certainly true of Prince George, who has a £18k playhouse and classic car collection including a mini Aston Martin and a SUV car gifted to him from uncle Prince Harry.

Meanwhile he once received a birthday “card” worth a staggering £120,000 for his first birthday.

In honour of the young prince’s celebrations, aviation company Hangar8 repainted a private Bombardier Challenger jet with a special greeting.

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Princess Eugenie, 34, and her British marketing executive husband Jack Brooksbank, 38, have two kids together, August, three, and ErnestCredit: Instagram

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One new photo showed Ernest playing in the garden with an Easter signCredit: Instagram

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Another showed the youngster with a name badge stuck to his backCredit: Instagram

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Prince George, who is now 10, received a very lavish first birthday present from an aviation companyCredit: Getty

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Hangar8 Aviation repaints a Bombardier Challenger in a £120,000 make-over for Prince George’s birthday.Credit: Hangar8
It was covered with the message “Happy Birthday Prince George”, and it reportedly cost a six-figure sum to achieve, making it one of the most expensive ‘cards’ ever.

But sadly Prince George was not able to see the plane in person – let alone take a ride in it.

Marketing director Janus Kamradt told the Oxford Mail: “It was great fun, we’re really proud of the design.

“Four painters spent a month on it and they worked really, really hard.

“We’re unable to fly it to Prince George at Kensington Palace, so we sent him a picture of his biggest birthday card.”

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice’s close bond

Over the years, the Queen’s granddaughters have often spoken about their incredible bond and have previously described themselves as “each other’s rocks.”

Princess Beatrice was the first child born to the Duke and Duchess of York – Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson – back on August 8, 1988.

The Duchess gave birth at London’s Portland Hospital for Women and Children, and Beatrice’s full name was announced as Beatrice Elizabeth Mary almost two weeks later.

The couple – who divorced in 1996 – then welcomed Princess Eugenie, whose full name is Eugenie Victoria Helena, on March 23, 1990.

As a result of their close bond, it’s no surprise that back in 2018, as Eugenie made her way down to Windsor Castle for her royal nuptials, her maid of honour Beatrice was firmly by her side.

When asked about her maid of honour by TLC, Princess Eugenie said, “I can’t think of anyone I’d want by my side other than her.”

Sadly the plane’s birthday greeting was short-lived, as it was repainted following the royal’s birthday.

It’s the thought that counts.