Author: bang7

She felt that now was the right time

25 years after she first arrived on Coronation Street, Eileen Grimshaw star Sue Cleaver has now spoken out on her soap exit.

Speaking on Loose Women recently, the Corrie actress addressed the real reason for her decision to leave.

Sue has left the cobbles (Credit: ITV/ Loose Women)

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver shares real reason for leaving soap

With Sue’s exit as Eileen airing on screen this evening (Friday, June 6), the actress has revealed why she’s decided that now is the right time to leave the show.

She shared: “I’m now 61 and I feel I’m now at a stage in my life, like most mums we have responsibilities, we have other things we have to consider [and] we’re bringing up our families – and I’ve got to the stage, my son is grown up now, he’s 29, I have no responsibilities left and I want to do something new. I want this decade to be about me.

“I really want to empower other women. Society at this point wants us all to shuffle off, don’t they. Just go away quietly, ‘You’ve had your days.’

“No, this is my decade. I’m more excited about this decade, hopefully you know, as long as I remain well, that this is going to be the most exciting decade for me. I’m really excited.”

Eileen left for Thailand (Credit: ITV)

Eileen Grimshaw’s exit from Coronation Street

Eileen Grimshaw decided to leave Coronation Street this evening as she packed her bags and headed off to the airport.

George Shuttleworth asked her to be honest with him about their relationship. Eileen then admitted that she only loved him as a ‘very dear friend.’

George then urged her to go to Thailand without him, with Eileen then deciding to move there with Jason Grimshaw and run the bar with him.

Asking Todd to visit them once she was settled out there, she then jumped into a cab with Jason and waved goodbye to the cobbles.

No more ‘come on Eileen’ jokes

After 25 years on the cobbles, tonight’s episode (Friday, June 6) saw Eileen Grimshaw leave Coronation Street for a fresh start in Thailand.

She bid the Street goodbye and joined Jason in a taxi as she headed to the airport for her new venture.

But, as Sue Cleaver departs from the ITV soap, what is she up to next?

Eileen is off to Thailand (Credit: ITV)

Eileen’s exit in Coronation Street

This evening, Eileen decided to take Jason up on his offer and help him run his bar in Thailand.

With Eileen now being a free woman without the risk of prison hanging over her for Julie’s death, she was ready to go on holiday to Thailand without the stress.

But, George didn’t think that was a good idea anymore. He thought Eileen was kidding herself into thinking their relationship was working, prompting her to make the decision to leave Weatherfield without him and move to Thailand permanently.

She told George she loved him like a friend instead of romantically, with George thanking her for her honesty and telling her he was staying put.

Eileen then packed her bags and said her goodbyes to everyone, making Todd Grimshaw promise that he’d come and visit them.

She and Jason then got into a taxi and headed off to the airport.

Sue is excited about the future (Credit: ITV)

Coronation Street star Sue Cleaver’s next career move

Speaking on Loose Women a couple of months ago, Sue Cleaver revealed that she was ‘ready to get out of her comfort zone.’

She shared: “This is my decade. I’m more excited about this decade, hopefully you know, as long as I remain well, that this is going to be the most exciting decade for me. I’m really excited.”

In December this year, she’s set to switch the cobbles for the stage as she appears in panto. She’ll be starring as Mrs Potty in Beauty and the Beast at Hull New Theatre alongside Paul Chuckle.

But, as she excitedly looks forward to new adventures and opportunities, could she ever return as Eileen in the future? It is possible…

Speaking to the Mirror, Sue shared: “There was always the risk that they might have killed me off, but they were supportive and said ‘Eileen’s a big part of the show.’ They asked what kind of ending I wanted, and I said I didn’t want to call it a day, because I love the place. I said I wanted a happy ending. Basically, the journey Eileen is taking is pretty much what I’m choosing to do.”

Meghan’s dancing video has sparked much debate

Acandid video of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry dancing in the hospital before Princess Lilibet’s birth has sparked a wave of backlash, with royal fans and commentators now calling for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to be stripped of their royal titles.

In the now-viral Instagram clip, a heavily pregnant Meghan dances to the viral TikTok song The Baby Momma Dance in a hospital room.

Prince Harry joins her briefly to show off his moves.

Donning a black maternity dress, the duchess cradles her bump, lifts her skirt above her knees, and dances with her hands on her hips.

The video was intended to be a celebration of the day Princess Lilibet was born. However, it left royal traditionalists fuming.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle criticised for dancing hospital video

Nile Gardiner, a former aide to Margaret Thatcher, wrote on X: “Meghan and Harry’s royal titles should be removed as soon as possible.”

Many royal fans agreed, flooding the comments with demands for the couple’s titles to be revoked.

“Removal is necessary,” one wrote.

Another agreed: “It needs to be done asap, because they continue to debase the monarchy.”

Another post read: “Absolutely. Both have proven to be tasteless, classless and vulgar.”

Meghan and Harry’s Royal titles should be removed as soon as possible.

However, not everyone agreed. Some came to the Sussexes’ defence, accusing critics of overreacting.

“Why??? Dancing is great in childbirth!! I did it to help with the pain,” one fan commented.

“I don’t get the rage over a young couple having fun in the delivery room. They’re not hurting or insulting anyone, are they?” Another questioned.

Still, the outrage wasn’t limited to fans. Royal biographer Angela Levin also weighed in. “I’m appalled, too. Just awful,” she tweeted.

The clip was one of three posts Meghan shared to mark her daughter’s birthday, including never-before-seen photos of the little girl.
Royal fans have called for Meghan and Harry to be stripped of their titles (Credit: SplashNews)

Meghan and Harry royal titles

The backlash has reignited a long-running debate over Harry and Meghan’s continued use of their royal titles despite stepping down from official royal duties in 2020.

Just last month, Meghan appeared on entrepreneur Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast.

A gift basket the duchess had previously sent Jamie was shown on camera, featuring a card that read: “With the Compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.”

The moment sparked immediate backlash from royal watchers. They accused Meghan of violating the terms of the couple’s 2020 exit agreement.

Harry and Meghan can’t use their HRH titles publicly (Credit: Cover Images)
Under the arrangement made during the “Sandringham Summit,” Harry and Meghan were allowed to retain their His and Her Royal Highness (HRH) titles, but explicitly agreed not to use them publicly.

Buckingham Palace made this clear in a statement at the time. “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family,” they announced.

A source close to the couple later clarified the card had been sent as a personal gesture, not a commercial one. However, critics argued it still disrespected the boundary that was set by the monarchy.

Would you buy Meghan’s version of Spare?

Meghan Markle could be in line for a payout of MILLIONS if news and rumours about a memoir come true.

According to a report, the Duchess of Sussex could shock the world if she follows the example set by husband Prince Harry and shares her own bombshells in book form.

Bookies have also predicted that Meghan could “outsell” Harry’s book Spare with her own memoir.

Meanwhile, one writer who has experience of helping stars get their words down on the page reckons Meghan Markle could be in for a huge windfall with her own published account. However, she may need to take a unique approach to pulling it off…
Could Meghan Markle pair with Spare and release her own memoir? (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Meghan Markle memoir could earn her ‘millions’

Prince Harry’s own memoir Spare was published in January 2023. It contained eye-opening claims about drugs – and astonishing passages concerning his relationships with his brother Prince William, father King Charles and stepmother Queen Camilla.

Among the more surprising secrets to be spilled were the claims the brothers begged Charles not to marry Camilla, and William and Kate Middleton’s first reaction to hearing about Meghan.

No doubt a similar tome would have Meghan laughing all the way to the bank.

Odds on Meghan releasing a book

According to Casino Beats, Meghan has odds of 1/3 to publish a memoir.

Chavdar Vasilev, spokesperson for Casino Beats, said: “If Meghan Markle does decide to put pen to paper, the public interest for her story would be enormous – and the odds reflect that. Should Markle publish a memoir, it’s heavily backed at 1/5 to outsell Prince Harry’s Spare.

“While 2026 is the current favourite year for a release at 6/4, punters clearly believe it’s a matter of when, not if, Meghan’s memoir hits the shelves. It’s 4/1 that it’ll be released in 2027 and a longer 6/1 for 2028 or later. Being already halfway through the year, a 2025 release is a longer shot at 8/1.”

Does Meghan Markle have a book in her? (Credit: Splashnews.com)

What might a Meghan Markle memoir include?

Elsewhere, celebrity ghostwriter Joshua Lisec advised she should go about sharing her stories in a different manner.

Speaking to the US Daily Express website, Joshua Lisec suggested Meghan may be best served by penning a “memoir mashup”.

That involves an author relating experiences from the life. However, it is formatted “in the service of a self-help category, a how-to, a personal development”.

He also said it is possible Meghan could write about “finding your own identity as a woman who’s potentially overshadowed by previous relationships”.

The selling point is it’s Meghan’s memoir.

“It’s sort of a find-your-voice, claim-your-identity-as-a-woman,” he added. “And so the selling point is it’s Meghan’s memoir and it has more broader appeal behind her super fans.”
Meghan Markle might choose to write about her marriage to Prince Harry (Credit: Splashnews.com)

How much would a Meghan memoir be worth?

Additionally, Josh pondered how Meghan could write about her marriage to Prince Harry, suggesting it might make a self-help book titled “How to have a feminist marriage”.

“I’m sure there are a number of people in the world who would be curious how to cultivate a relationship like that and how to raise children like that and travel,” he added.

Josh also indicated he felt there was a 60-70% chance a Meghan memoir will come along in the next three years.

How much might she earn from it? Even if critics don’t like it, Josh believes her fans would love to read all about Meghan’s exploits. And that could mean commanding an advance of between £4million to £9million ($5m to $12m), in his opinion.

Sunshine, sangria and stunning Michelle back in her bikini

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright have enjoyed their first holiday with baby Palma – and it was a huge family affair.

“Princess P’s first family holiday,” the new mum, 38, posted, alongside numerous pictures of their sun-soaked trip.

Michelle Keegan gave birth to Palma, her first child with husband Mark, also 38, back in March. The tot is now three months old, and is already a little jetsetter…

Michelle Keegan and Mark Wright – seen here on a previous holiday – have recently enjoyed a trip to Spain with baby Palma (Credit: Splash News)

Michelle Keegan takes baby Palma on first overseas trip

Earlier this week, Michelle celebrated her 38th birthday in Spain. Pictures in the tabloids showed the actress and husband Mark enjoying a stroll just outside Marbella, on mainland Spain.

However, it appears the trip was quite the family affair. Not only did Michelle and Mark take baby Palma on the trip, the TOWIE star’s siblings also came along for the ride.

As well as Michelle’s posts, Mark’s sisters Jessica and Natalya Wright have also posted. Jess’ son Presley was also in the pictures Natalya posted. He was seen alongside his cousins Joshua and Dustin – the sons of Mark, Jess and Natalya’s brother Josh.

The family stayed at a stunning resort on Spain’s Costa Del Sol (Credit: Instagram)

£7,000-a-week hotel

The family stayed at the SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort Hotel in southern Spain, down the coast from Marbella.

The five-star resort costs around £7,000-a-week staying on an all-inclusive basis in a two-bedroom family suite.

It’s a stunning hotel, sitting at the westernmost point of Spain’s Costa Del Sol. The hotel features a gorgeous pool, stunning restaurants, a spa and even has an on-site golf club.

Michelle shared pictures of the hotel’s stunning grounds and pool, surrounded by Balinese day beds.

Michelle’s back in her bikini

Just 12 weeks after welcoming her first baby, Michelle was back in her bikini during the break. She shared a picture of herself in a brown bikini, which she teamed with a white kafta.

She also wore a form-fitting pale yellow crochet dress from her collection with Very on the trip, posting it to her Instagram Stories. She shared: “Wore my latest Very collection every night on holiday. Which was perfect because my holiday packing was already done months ago.”

The actress looked sensational in her summer wardrobe (Credit: Instagram)

Michelle Keegan shares baby Palma’s holiday wardrobe

Baby Palma also looked super-stylish for her first trip abroad.

Michelle posted a picture of a white dress with bunnies on it hanging in the hotel wardrobe. She shared: “Loved hanging Palma’s outfit up like this every night before we went out.”

Natalya also shared a picture of Palma in a crochet romper suit dotted with daisy shapes. She was also seen being held by her mum while wearing a pretty pink gingham dress and a pale pink romper suit dotted with pretty white flowers.

Baby Palma’s holiday wardrobe was to die for (Credit: Instagram)

‘Smelt of garlic the whole week’

Michelle and Mark also indulged in some pretty tasty cuisine while overseas.

Earlier in the week, Mark had visited cousin Elliott Wright’s restaurant, Olivia’s La Cala, in Marbella. He revealed the eatery has recently undergone a renovation, and shared a wealth of delicious-looking seafood dishes.

Michelle also posted pictures of some tapas she enjoyed, posting: “Smelt of garlic the whole week too.”

The new mum also enjoyed a tipple, sharing a picture of what looked to be two glasses of sangria to her Stories.

Michelle dined out in style while in Spain (Credit: Instagram)Wright and Palma inset

‘Best time with our princess’

Baby Palma is the first baby girl in the Wright family, and they’re certainly enjoying their time with her.

Summing up the family trip, Jess Wright posted on Michelle’s pictures: “Best time with our princess.”

Josh Wright’s wife Hollie also commented. She posted a red heart emoji. Natalya Wright added: “Love,” followed by a red love heart emoji.

Royal experts have theorised that Meghan is preparing to release more content featuring her children

Meghan Markle’s surprise video of herself dancing in a hospital room while heavily pregnant, with a cameo from Prince Harry, has stunned viewers and prompted a prediction that full glimpses of their children, Archie and Lilibet, may not be far off.

The now-viral Instagram reel shows the Duchess of Sussex, 43, in a black maternity dress dancing and cradling her bump as she attempts to bring on labour with Princess Lilibet.

Prince Harry also appears in the video, which was filmed in 2021, awkwardly dancing in a hoodie as Meghan beckons him into the frame.

“Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates,” Meghan captioned the clip. “When spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work, there was only one thing left to do!”

While fans praised the candid moment, royal commentators have been quick to weigh in on the deeper implications.

 

Meghan Markle shares pregnant dancing video

Royal historian Dr. Tessa Dunlop told The Mirror the video represents a fundamental shift in how the Sussexes share their lives with the public.

“Let’s not pretend otherwise, that Baby Momma dance was Instagram magic,” she said. “The twerking, the baby brain, the Harry cameo, you could not make it up. The haters were horrified. How dare she so publicly demean the royal brand? Does the duchess not know who Harry is? Fifth in line to the throne. No matter. Meghan is all woman, and to hell with what the rest of the world thinks.”

Surely it will only be a matter of time before we get a proper peek at Lilibet and Archie.

According to Tessa, Meghan’s boldness is calculated. “Nothing is out of bounds as long as she controls the clicks,” she said.

Tessa describes the duchess’ unapologetic online presence as her unique selling point. But with this kind of openness comes rising expectations.

The Sussexes released a series of intimate, never-before-seen family photos on Lilibet’s birthday on June 4, including a windswept boat snap of Meghan and Lili, and a tender image of Meghan doing skin-to-skin with her newborn. Tessa believes this slow rollout is part of a bigger plan.
Royal experts have theorised that Meghan is preparing to release more content featuring her children (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet prediction

“Yesterday we got a little hand here, a wisp of hair there,” Tessa said. “Surely it will only be a matter of time before we get a proper peek at Lilibet and Archie. Perhaps the only thing stopping full four-year-old facials is the moral high ground.”
Harry and Meghan have been sharing some glimpses into their personal lives (Credit: Cover Images)
Meghan’s hospital video has sparked debate over whether the royal couple are preparing to make Archie and Lilibet more visible to the public.

With Meghan re-emerging online through her As Ever brand launch and recent Instagram activity, royal watchers are wondering: is a full family reveal coming soon?

Insiders suggest Meghan is slowly building a lifestyle empire, one that may, intentionally or not, include more of her family life.

Becks has waiting a long time

England football legend David Beckham will finally receive a knighthood in King Charles‘ birthday honours list, a tabloid report claims.

According to The Sun, Becks will become a Sir in the king’s birthday honours list next week.

The 50-year-old former Manchester United star received an OBE in 2003. But following a pally appearance with the monarch and Queen Camilla at the Chelsea Flower Show last month, it seems David’s long wait for another honour may come to an end soon.
King Charles and David Beckham – soon to receive a knighthood – enjoyed a happy interaction at the recent Chelsea Flower Show (Credit: Photo by Paul Grover/Shutterstock)

David Beckham ‘to receive knighthood from King Charles’

David has reportedly struck up a firm friendship with King Charles over the years. And their most recent appearance together led to reports the king and his wife had sent David a present for his recent milestone birthday.

“You got it, didn’t you?” the king reportedly asked David.

A grateful David, also an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, reportedly replied: “It was incredible. Thank you, it was very kind.”

Additionally, Queen Camilla reportedly added: “Nice to see you again. Glad you got the roses.”

Now, according to The Sun, this interaction could have been a “potential hint” that a knighthood is on the way.
David Beckham has become an ambassador for The King’s Foundation (Credit: Cover Images)

Victoria Beckham set for ‘new title’

If she becomes the wife of a knight, Spice Girl Victoria Beckham would reportedly receive the title of Lady Beckham.

And if Becks is set to kneel and be tapped on the shoulder with a sword in the near future, he will probably have already been informed – and may have known as he and the royals mixed at the horticultural event in London.

That’s because letters inviting potential recipients to accept honours are sent out weeks in advance.

However, if The Sun’s report proves accurate, don’t expect David to comment on it before  a formal announcement. And the government will also not make a remark on expected honours before awarded later this month.

A Government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation on honours.”

 

Could David Beckham miss out on a knighthood?

Meanwhile, another tabloid reckons Becks could be “at risk of losing” the possible knighthood before it is awarded.

The Mirror reports the announcement “getting out” could jeopardise David’s chances.

An unnamed source claimed: “David’s long-awaited knighthood could be on the ropes after the news leaked.”

They went on: “The last thing David needs is the horse bolting before he’s able to close the stable door. But, there are rules and protocols that those being awarded Honours must abide by – including a strict embargo on keeping hush hush before The Gazette shares the list.”

However, while royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agrees any leaking could prove a “theoretical threat”, he added it was “highly unlikely” any potential honour would be revoked.
Prince William, David Beckham, and Prince Harry pictured together in 2010 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

David Beckham’s path to a knighthood

It’s said that Becks’ name may have initially been put forward for the honour after assisting with the process to bring the Olympics to London in 2012.

However, this 2011 consideration was reportedly blocked by the Honours Committee amid claims concerning his tax affairs at the time.

He also attended events alongside Prince William and Prince Harry, particularly with regards to FA activities, and attended both of their weddings.

With politicians backing David over the years, many thought the honour may come in 2022. That year he queued for hours to pay his respects at Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin, which lay in state in Westminster. And The Sun also claims he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year Honours List published in December 2024.

Georgia Harrison is also tipped to receive an MBE

Footballer David Beckham is set to finally get his knighthood, it’s been reported.

The sporting legend has been rumoured to be becoming Sir David Beckham for years. Now it looks like he finally will be!

Arise, Sir David Beckham! (Credit: CoverImages.com)

David Beckham tipped to receive knighthood

According to The Sun, David, 50, is finally going to get his wish as he’s knighted. King Charles will announce his Birthday Honours List next week, and David’s name is expected to be at the top of the list.

The ex-footie star has longed to become a Sir for years, with politicians and sports stars calling for him to receive a knighthood since his playing days.

David – who is father to Brooklyn, 26, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 – has made major contributions to charities over the years and has struck up a firm friendship with King Charles.

“You got it, didn’t you?

Last month, the monarch hinted that Becks may finally get his much-coveted knighthood. David, who is an ambassador for The King’s Foundation, was seen greeting the King and Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show.

“You got it, didn’t you?” the King was heard asking David. “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind,” David replied.

This conversation is believed to be about the letters that are sent out inviting recipients to accept honours. They’re sent out weeks in advance, so one may have arrived at Chez Beckham before the Chelsea Flower Show.

Should David become a Sir, his wife will become Lady Victoria Beckham.

The news will come as welcome happy news amid reports that David and his family are feuding with son, Brooklyn, and his wife, Nicola Peltz.

Is the wait finally over? (Credit: CoverImages.com)

David’s near misses

David was first put forward for a knighthood back in 2011, after he helped to secure the 2012 Olympics in London. However, he was blocked from getting the title by the Honours Committee after becoming caught up in a tax avoidance scheme. His finances have since been cleared. As a result, this means he’s now eligible to receive the honour.

Many thought he would finally get his knighthood in 2022, when he spent 13 hours queuing to pay his respects to the late Queen as she laid in state. However, he was once again left waiting. According to The Sun, he narrowly missed out on a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours List published in December last year.

David received an OBE for his services to football in 2003.

In a statement to ED!, a government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation on honours.”

Georgia will reportedly receive an MBE (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Who else could receive an honour?

David isn’t the only star set to receive an honour from the King.

Love Island star Georgia Harrison, 30, is reportedly set to receive an MBE. The star – who is expecting her first child –  has dedicated her career in recent years to raising awareness around revenge porn and issues surrounding consent.

Georgia was a victim of revenge porn herself when her ex-boyfriend, Stephen Bear, posted their sextape to his OnlyFans without her consent.

The star took him to court, and was granted damages of £207,900. Bear was handed a 22-month prison sentence, of which he served half.

“Georgia is incredibly proud to receive such an honour. She has been campaigning and working hard for many years now. So to be recognised for her efforts means everything to her,” a source told the MailOnline.
“Georgia will continue to raise awareness. Hopefully this will be the beginning of more improvements for women and girls and their fight for online safety.”

He died aged 67 on the Greek island of Symi in June 2024

Alex Jones paid touching tribute to Dr Michael Mosley on The One Show last night (June 5), a year after his death on the Greek island of Symi.

Dr Mosley – a regular on the BBC show – went missing after heading off on a hike on June 5, 2024. A search and rescue operation was launched after he failed to return to the villa where he was staying with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey.

His body was found four days later. Dr Mosley was 67 when he died.

It’s been a year since friend of the show Dr Michael Mosley died (Credit: BBC)

The One Show tribute to Dr Michael Mosley

At the start of last night’s episode, Alex Jones shared a touching tribute to Dr Mosley.

She shared: “It’s been a year since our friend Dr Michael Mosley sadly died. He had a long history with this show and one of his sons, who’s also a doctor, shared with us how he hopes to continue his father’s legacy.”

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year.

A special segment then aired, with Michael’s son, Dr Jack Mosley, explaining how he planned to follow in his father’s footsteps.

On the impact of his dad’s death, Jack revealed: “It was such a sudden thing when Dad did pass away. It has been difficult for my siblings and I, my mum. The only positive I can think to come out of it is it has brought us closer together as a family, and that’s something that he would have liked to see.”

Michael’s wife Clare – who he left a substantial fortune to – went on to share how messages from the public have been a great source of comfort for her.

Alex Jones and Roman Kemp paid tribute to Michael Mosley on The One Show last night (Credit: BBC)

‘Hard to believe’

Back in the studio, once the film had finished, Alex shared her sadness. Speaking to Roman Kemp, she said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a year… Our thoughts, of course, are with the whole family at this time.”

Viewers shared her sadness. Commenting on Facebook, one said: “I miss Dr Mosley and his marvelous way of explaining all things health and his continuing positive outlook on life. It hit me hard, when the news of his tragic death hit. The same feeling hit me, when you talked about him tonight. Bless his family.”

They’ve always been close

Princess Anne has expressed her gratitude to her brother King Charles ahead of her 75th birthday in August.

The Princess Royal, who is 20 months younger than her older sibling, hosted over 100 charities at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

And during Thursday’s (June 5) charities’ forum – as per the royal’s reported birthday request to have as many good causes present for a special gathering – Princess Anne also gave a glimpse of the tender bond she has with the monarch, as his only sister.
Anne features prominently alongside King Charles during Buckingham Palace balcony appearances (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Princess Anne delivers speech at palace event

Princess Anne has 400 patronages to her name. And according to a palace source, she wants to focus on the work of charities she supports, rather than blow out candles.

The insider is said to have said: “This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about. She didn’t want to do anything for her birthday but bring her charities together to hear more about their work and how she can help them.”

Meanwhile, the private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II’s only daughter told guests as they arrived at the the Palace’s ballroom: “There has been a significant amount of interest in HRH’s 75th birthday celebrations. As you are aware the princess has given decades of time and support to more than 400 charities and patronages.

“It probably won’t come as a surprise, given HRH’s commitment to you all, that the way the princess wants to celebrate this milestone is to replicate what she’s done on previous significant birthdays and hold this charities forum again to once again understand how she can help you, at a time when the third sector is facing unprecedented challenges and transformations.”

And in a speech to 216 guests from 111 organisations, Anne mentioned how she “had no choice” but to attend.
Princess Anne hailed her brother during charity event (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Princess Anne on ‘gratitude’ to King Charles

She joked: “You very kindly asked me to become patron of your organisations. So it’s an honour for me to have all of you here.”

Princess Anne also highlighted how pleasurable she find visiting charities, and discovering more about what they do.

And after she spoke at the podium following addresses from charity leaders, one executive told Princess Anne: “Your leadership… and encouragement to a group of charities that range in size, in location, in purpose, is quite extraordinary.”

Modestly, Princess Anne reflected on how her brother had helped facilitate the event.

We’re very fortunate that His Majesty has allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event.

She said: “I would just like to make the point that we’re very fortunate that His Majesty has allowed us to use Buckingham Palace for this event… And I need to say that!”

Princess Anne concluded by saying: “The responsibility and respect that you give to your own organisations, the people who work for you and your own beneficiaries, is perhaps the key to what makes you so important. Respect and responsibility. Thank you very much for doing what you do.”

According to reports, Princess Anne is not expected to mark her birthday publicly in any other manner.
King Charles and Princess Anne mourning during their mother’s funeral in September 2022 (Credit: Splashnews.com)

Are King Charles and Princess Anne close?

Reports across the decades have always indicated Princess Anne and King Charles have a close relationship.

Although she is quoted as saying they “fought like cats and dogs” while growing up, Princess Anne has been viewed as a key ally of her brother as monarch.

Additionally, he supported her when she was part of the 1976 Olympics team. And they are also said to have shared interests in horse riding, nature, sustainability and gardening.

King Charles previously revealed on Radio 4: “My sister and I had a little vegetable patch in the back of some border somewhere. We had great fun trying to grow tomatoes rather unsuccessfully and things like that.”

Furthermore, she has performed as Gold Stick in Waiting for King Charles during public occasions, including during his coronation in 2023. This honorary position involves acting as a ceremonial bodyguard to the sovereign.