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Former Mastermind winner Chris Hughes – best known for his role on the quiz show Eggheads – passed away recently, it was announced in a statement earlier this afternoon

The late quizzer Chris Hughes’ final appearance on Eggheads has resurfaced following the news of his death.

It was announced this afternoon that Chris has passed away, aged 77. The news was shared by the Channel 5 show in a statement on social media earlier and the post has since prompted tributes to the former Mastermind winner.

Chris is best known for having appeared on long-running quiz show Eggheads for two decades. He was part of the eponymous group, who took on a rival team each episode, alongside the likes of Judith Keppel and Kevin Ashman.

It is understood that his final TV appearance on the show was in an episode that aired in April 2023, in which he competed beside his teammates Kevin, Steve Cooke and Lisa Thiel. The episode saw the Eggheads take on a celebrity team that was comprised of comedians Isy Suttie, Axel Blake, Geoff Norcott and Harriet Kemsley.

Footage from it has resurfaced this week and it shows him delivering the last correct answer for the Eggheads in the final round, which meant they won. As reported by the Sun, Chris hadn’t got a single question wrong during the episode.

The news of Chris’ death was announced by the show on X earlier. Alongside a photo of him, it released a statement on the platform that read: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Eggheads great Chris Hughes. Chris joined the show in 2003 and over the next 20 years gave us not only brilliant answers but very many laughs and happy memories. He will be hugely missed by all his Eggheads family.”

It’s been announced that quizzer Chris Hughes, pictured during what’s thought to be his final Eggheads appearance, has died, aged 77 ( 
Image:
Channel 5)
Chris had joined the show – which was originally broadcast by the BBC – more than two decades ago. He had featured on Egghead since it began on BBC One in 2003. He remained on the panel when the show moved to BBC Two in 2005 and then later when it relocated to Channel 5 in 2021.

During his decades-long career in quizzing, Chris won both Mastermind and International Mastermind in 1983, as well as radio quiz Brain of Britain in 2005. He also competed on the Weakest Link back in 2001 and, after being voted out by his rivals, the show’s host Anne Robinson told him: “You are the best contestant we have had on the Weakest Link.” Chris later returned for a special edition of the BBC quiz show.

Following the news of his death, fans have paid tribute to Chris in posts on social media. One person wrote: “Devastated by the news, our thoughts and prayers go out to all Chris’s family and friends, he was literally one in a billion.” Another said: “Condolences to his friends and family and the Eggheads community – he was always entertaining and will be missed by many.” Whilst a third reacted to the announcement of his passing: “Rest in peace Chris. Will go down as a giant of the quiz world.”

Actress Linda Robson has spoken out about her former co-star Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, saying she doesn’t think her friend remembers her anymore

Linda Robson has given a heart-wrenching update on her friend Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, revealing that the actress doesn’t speak much and no longer recognises her own grandchildren. Last month, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced that she had been diagnosed with the illness in December 2021.

He stated that the 65-year-old actress had withdrawn from all professional and commercial activities, but her nationwide performing arts academy would continue to operate in line with her beliefs. Linda, who starred alongside Pauline and Lesley Joseph in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, has maintained contact with Pauline’s family since the diagnosis.

“I kept in touch with Steve the whole time over the last few years and Emily and Charlie too, those are her kids,” she shared with Love Sunday magazine. Linda, a Loose Women star, noted a significant change in her long-time friend, who she believes no longer remembers her.

“She doesn’t remember her grandchildren,” she said. “So, she’s not going to remember who I am even though we’ve been friends for 56 years. It really is sad.”

Despite finding it difficult to discuss her friend’s “terrible” illness, Linda expressed gratitude for the support shown towards Pauline. The actress is most recognised for her role as Sharon Theodopolopodous in the sitcom Birds of a Feather, which aired for nearly three decades, reports Bristol Live.

Pauline (pictured left) starred in Birds of a Feather alongside Lesley Joseph (centre) and Linda Robson ( 
Image:
ITV)Over her 50-year career, she has appeared in over 60 TV and film productions, including The Sculptress, Broadchurch, Carrie’s War, North and South, Casualty, and ITV’s Emmerdale.

Dementia manifests differently in different people and comes in various forms. However, according to the NHS, there are some common early signs that may emerge before a dementia diagnosis.

Linda says Pauline doesn’t recognise her grandchildren anymore ( 
Image:
PA)

These include difficulty concentrating, struggling with daily tasks, having trouble following conversations or finding the right words, confusion about time and place, and mood changes. The NHS website states: “These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually.”

It further explains, “It’s often termed ‘mild cognitive impairment’ (MCI) as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.”

The NHS also emphasises that dementia is not a natural part of ageing and advises seeking medical advice sooner rather than later if you’re concerned about memory issues or other symptoms.

Loose Women’s Denise Welch has shared more information on her recent hospital dash, revealing that she was made to wait for 24 hours in A&E despite being in agonising pain

Loose Women star Denise Welch has opened up about her recent trip to hospital, revealing that she was forced to wait 24 hours for a hospital bed.

Today’s show saw the Loose Women panel discuss the NHS Trust’s recent advert for a “corridor care” doctor as pressure on Accident and Emergency departments across the UK worsens.

The TV presenter and actress had just returned from holiday when she was rushed to hospital with acute peritonitis. Speaking on the show, she said: “I’m going to say this. I was in hospital a few weeks ago.

“I was rushed into hospital. I was alright but I was in A&E for 24 hours,” she added. “Now they were looking after me and there was no bed, they kept saying, ‘There’s no bed.’

Denise Welch opened up about her recent hospital dash on Loose Women ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

“They wanted me on the surgical ward. [They said,] ‘There’s no bed, there’s no bed, there’s no bed.’ Somebody spotted me and phoned the press – and I was in a bed in 15 minutes.”

After a disappointed groan from the audience, host Charlene White added: “That’s not going to go down well.”

“We do have a statement from a spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care,” Charlene continued. “‘It’s shocking that corridor care has become a feature of our NHS. We will deliver a from and investment through our plan for change so the NHS is there when we need it once again.’”

Denise announced that she had been rushed to hospital after returning from holiday earlier this month.

She told the Loose Women viewers that she had been rushed to hospital after suffering with acute peritonitis – an infection of the inner lining of the abdomen.

“I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday. All bronzed looking forward to coming on here and showing off my suntan. I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis – a perforated diverticulitis,” she said.

“I’ve been in hospital for a drip for a week! They didn’t have to do surgery, they got it with antibiotics thankfully. As my mother said, ‘Take me to the knacker’s yard!’”

She added that she’s recovering but still feeling the effects. She said: “I’m eating and believe you me, what’s going on down there, I’m a Loose Women – believe you me!”

Brenda Edwards emotionally opened up about losing her son Jamal on Loose Women, giving an insight into the ‘gloomy’ days after his passing

Brenda Edwards has opened up about the tough days she faced following her son Jamal’s tragic passing. The TV star spoke about her loss during Wednesday’s (26 February) instalment of Loose Women.

Brenda appeared on the panel alongside fellow stars Christine Lampard, Jane Moore and Coleen Nolan. The four women discussed moving home and the memories that properties hold, as they shared different reasons for deciding to move homes

Brenda spoke about the numerous times she’d moved, before opening up on her decision to swap to a new property with her daughter Tanisha following Jamal’s sudden death in February 2022.

Christine, Coleen, Brenda and Jane appeared on Wednesday’s Loose Women
Brenda revealed she’d moved a total of 13 times in her life, with nine of the occasions occurring after the age of 18. She openly discussed moving as a child after the deaths of her parents, as well as leaving the home she lived in for over two decades with her ex-husband.

The singer then spoke about moving home after Jamal’s passing, saying: “I made the decision to move from the other house, that we moved to after Jamal passed. It was a bright house, we all lived there together. But, when he passed, all of a sudden, the walls just seemed really dark. And I can’t explain that, it was just really gloomy.”

She went on to discuss her daughter Tanisha, adding: “Well, Tanisha as well. I was battling on with it and getting through it, I didn’t realise Tanisha was seeing Jamal come round ever corner. And that, I think, created a darkness.”

Brenda shared the news of Jamal’s death in February 2022. The entrepreneur, who was 31 years old at the time of his death, suffered from cardiac arrhythmia.

Brenda and son Jamal in 2021

In a heartfelt statement, Brenda expressed her sorrow: “It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness. Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world.

“As we come to terms with his passing we ask for privacy to grieve this unimaginable loss. I would like to thank everyone for their messages of love and support. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. Our love for him lives on, his legacy lives on. Long live Jamal Edwards MBE, MBA, PHD.”

Kyle Shaw, 37, appeared before a judge in Liverpool today after being accused of causing serious distress to the BBC star between 2017 and 2023

A man has pled guilty to stalking Strictly judge Shirley Ballas.

Kyle Shaw, 37, pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court to stalking Ballas, 64, between August 31 2017 and November 29 2023. He also admitted possession of a quantity of cannabis.

The defendant, of Whetstone Lane in Birkenhead, Wirral, was given conditional bail ahead of a sentencing hearing due to take place on April 1. Ballas, originally from Wallasey, Wirral, has been head judge on the BBC show since 2017.

Shaw had been given bail with conditions including not to enter London and not to contact Ballas or her partner. A provisional trial date had been set for January 12 next year, with the case expected to last five days. Judge Robert Trevor-Jones adjourned the case for a hearing today.

Kyle Shaw arriving at court today ( 
Image:
PA)

Shirley previously referred to her stalking hell ( 
Image:
PA Wire)

The Strictly Come Dancing judge referred to the alleged stalking on The Mirror’s Invite Only podcast, during which she admitted that it had left her fearful. She went on to explain that it has made her very “vigilant” and said: “I always have George, the guy who’s driven me for the last five years, get out of the car first, always scanning. I wouldn’t say it’s the healthiest thing. You know, I like to be kind of like a free bird, but we’re coming into times now where you have to be more vigilant of yourself. I am a very vigilant person. When I go out, I’m careful not to go alone.

During the chat, Shirley praised the BBC for the support and revealed the message she sends her mum every single time she’s out.

“You’re upping your level of alarms. And (now) I always tell my mum: ‘I’m here, I’ve arrived’. I wouldn’t bother normally but it’s become a thing that we do. I always like to say: ‘I’m safe, I’m in the right place, I’m where I should be.’ Thankfully the BBC’s duty of care towards me has been one thousand percent, they have been fantastic,” she said.

A government source has claimed that when Keir Starmer travels to the US this week, he might invite Donald Trump to the UK – and the US president could stay at Balmoral Castle

Donald Trump will be invited to stay with King Charles at Balmoral when Keir Starmer travels to the US this week, according to reports.

The US president has already been hosted at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in the past – and a stay at Balmoral could be “the obvious choice” due to Trump’s Scottish heritage and the fact he has a golf course nearby, a government source has claimed. The castle, in Aberdeenshire, is where the monarch usually spends the summer, often joined by the extended Royal Family.

The PM also typically visits the residence. Only one previous US president, Dwight D. Eisenhower, visited the Scottish castle in the past, when he stopped in to see Queen Elizabeth II alongside former Prime Minister Harold MacMillan in August 1959.

The monarch usually stays at Balmoral Castle over the summer ( 
Image:
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
The claim that Trump may be invited to Balmoral was reported by The Sun this evening, with the newspaper mentioning political and royal sources who said the unique offer could be made in days. A Downing Street source said an invitation to a state visit would be communicated by the PM once he arrives at the Oval Office on Thursday to hold talks with Trump.

A Whitehall insider claimed: “He’s already been to Windsor and Buckingham Palace, so Balmoral is being talked about. Everyone knows he loves Scotland and it’s near his golf course.” The Mirror has contacted Buckingham Palace for comment.

It comes after the Mirror reported that the King and Queen are to be deployed on their biggest royal tour yet – a “charm offensive” in the USA. Charles and Camilla are expected to head to America and Canada, in a jaunt our government hopes will help diplomatic relations with Trump. The royals will first be deployed to Canada, Charles’ first visit to the British realm as monarch, before being welcomed to the US by President Trump.

Next year is also the 250th anniversary of American Independence, which will be celebrated across the nation on July 4, 2026. Sources close to the planning say discussions between governments have already begun, with an official invitation from Washington expected imminently.

The Mirror understands both North American tours will be agreed for the first half of next year, most likely the Spring. In line with the King’s continued cancer treatment, a US visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales has been earmarked as a contingency, although it is the preference to host Their Majesties, sources said.

It will be the first time a British monarch has visited the United States since 2007, the last of five royal tours the late Queen Elizabeth undertook. As Prince of Wales, Charles undertook more than 20 official visits to the US. The King’s most senior aides will be key to developing the framework for the highly anticipated trip.

Buckingham Palace is understood to be “overwhelmingly keen” on the tour and is committed to working with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the plans, sources suggest. A government source said: “This will undoubtedly be the biggest tour of the King’s reign so far, a huge undertaking for a British monarch to be hosted in the United States.

“Americans love the British Royal Family and it is a great opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the special relationship in such an important and historic year for the US. The King has been especially keen to travel to Canada, a country and people he holds so much affection for, it will be a charm offensive on both sides.”

However, the Palace remained tight-lipped over the royal tour plans, with one palace source remarking: “There are no current dates in the diary for Their Majesties to tour either Canada or the USA, or active Palace planning taking place for either option.”

Canadian stylist Jessica Mulroney was once incredibly close to Meghan Markle – and now she has been praised after sharing an important message about her children

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent time away from their two children earlier this month when they travelled to Canada as part of the Invictus Games.

The couple made a number of joint, loved-up appearances during the event, before Meghan flew home early to reunite with Archie, five, and Lilibet, three. Both Harry and Meghan attended the welcome reception on 7 February, before she headed home to Montecito alone as part of what was described as a “pre-planned arrangement” on 12 February.

And now the Duchess’s former best friend Jessica Mulroney has shared a new post on Instagram about the importance of spending time with her children at home. It’s unclear whether the remark was subtly aimed at Meghan, but some fans are speculating whether that’s the case.

Jessica shares three kids with her husband Ben Mulroney, identical twins John and Brian, 14, and Isabel, known as Ivy, 11. All three were included in Meghan’s wedding party.

Alongside a glam photo of herself, the Canadian fashion stylist wrote: “Doing this thing today for work with a brand I truly love. As I get older, I’ve gotten over the travel of it all. Nothing compares to spending time with my kids at home. Absolutely nothing.”

Fans were quick to compliment Jessica on her appearance – and praise her ethic. “Great attitude. Family comes first. Kids grow up soooo fast. Enjoy every precious moment.” one wrote. A second added: “Lovely and stunning! Keep shining and being a beautiful mom, woman.”

Among those to like the post was Michael Buble – who coincidentally spent time with Harry and Meghan during the Invictus Games.

Meghan and Jessica, daughter-in-law of former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, were once inseparable. From curating Meghan’s royal wardrobe to planning her baby shower, Jessica quickly became the Duchess’s right hand-woman and confidante after they met in 2011, and it came as no surprise that the Canadian stylist’s children played an important role in Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding.

But the BFFs were rumoured to have drifted apart after Jessica was called out for her ‘white privilege’ by influencer Sasha Exeter in 2020. In an 11-minute video posted on Instagram, Sasha alleged Jessica had threatened her connections with brands and sponsors after the women sent each other messages regarding a misunderstanding over a Black Lives Matter post.

Jessica and Meghan have reportedly fallen out ( 
Image:
Instagram)
“If you go to the press over this nonsense and threaten to go to your followers, I won’t be afraid to go to brands and tell them what you are doing to me,” Jessica said in a text message to Sasha, which promptly marked the beginning of her downfall.

Despite issuing three public apologies, and releasing all of her text messages and emails to Sasha, Jessica was dropped by Good Morning America and Canadian TV network CTV, where she hosted her wedding-themed reality TV show I Do Redo.

At the time, it was reported Meghan had cut ties with Jessica, but just a few months later, the mother-of-three posted an update on her friendship with the Duchess on her Instagram Story. “I’m going to tell this once and for all. Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me everyday,” Jessica wrote. And six months later, she posted a snap of the flowers she had received from Meghan on her 41st birthday, with a sweet card that read: “LUCKIEST FRIEND XXXX, THX MM.”

But less than a year later, Jessica hinted that her friendship with the former actress had soured, as she shared a cryptic quote on Instagram about losing important people from her life. “Life changes. You lose love. You lose friends. You lose pieces of yourself that you never imagined would be gone. And then, without even realizing it, those pieces come back. New love enters. Better friends come along. And a stronger, wiser you, is staring back in the mirror,” it read.

Tellingly, Jessica has also chosen not to support Meghan’s new Instagram page, which she launched at the start of the year.

The Canadian stylist does not appear amongst the 2.1million people following the Duchess of Sussex’s Instagram, @meghan – which many see as confirmation that their once-close friendship has completely come to an end.

Meghan’s new company As Ever is reportedly facing another delay – so her offerings from her new product range might not be available to purchase for some time

Meghan Markle appears to have faced another setback with her lifestyle brand, after days of controversy.

The Duchess has been gearing up for her highly anticipated cooking show to launch on Netflix next week, but it seems fans will have to wait a while longer to actually purchase any of the products from her lifestyle brand, which Netflix has partnered with her on.

With Love, Meghan is an eight-part series which will see the former actress explore hosting and entertaining tips that her audience can try to implement in their own lives – with the assistance of some A-list pals like actress Mindy Kaling, 45.

Alongisde promotion for her new show, the Duchess recently announced that her lifestyle brand America Riviera Orchard has been officially renamed to As Ever. Meghan explained in an Instagram video that there were some issues with the initial name for the company, which would have limited her to selling products that were made in the ‘American Riviera’ – a nickname for her home of Montecito, in Santa Barbara county, California.

With Love, Meghan is an eight-part series which will see the former actress explore hosting and entertaining tips that her audience can try to implement in their own lives – with the assistance of some A-list pals like actress Mindy Kaling, 45.

Alongisde promotion for her new show, the Duchess recently announced that her lifestyle brand America Riviera Orchard has been officially renamed to As Ever. Meghan explained in an Instagram video that there were some issues with the initial name for the company, which would have limited her to selling products that were made in the ‘American Riviera’ – a nickname for her home of Montecito, in Santa Barbara county, California.

The snap that features on Meghan’s new website featuring Princess Lilibet ( 
Image:
As Ever)

Meghan’s new brand name allows her more flexibility on the products she can sell, and she also announced she has a high-profile “business partner” for the venture – Netflix. The streaming giant is set to open brick-and-mortar stores called Netflix House in the US, where they will sell merchandise relating to a selection of their hit TV shows, and their partnership with Meghan is said to be part of this new venture. But according to US site Page Six, the products from As Ever – including Meghan’s iconic jam – won’t be available to buy until “months” after her Netflix show airs.

In her announcement, Meghan explained how close to her heart the new project is, writing: “I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into. ‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’. If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me. This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish — food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday.”

The Tig was a popular lifestyle blog that Meghan ran for many years before she got serious with Prince Harry and shut the website down, as she was poised to become a full-time working royal in the UK. Meghan is expected to sell products like dog biscuits, jams, candles, jewellery, tablecloths, and napkins, according to patent applications submitted back in 2022.

It has been reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are on holiday on an exclusive island in the Caribbean

The Prince and Princess of Wales will miss tonight’s BAFTAs as they are on holiday 4,000 miles away.

As the president of BAFTA, Prince William has attended the annual film awards in London for several years running – and has been joined in the past by wife Kate on the red carpet. However, earlier this week, Kensington Palace revealed that neither of them would be at the glitzy event tonight at the Royal Festival Hall.

The awards fall at the start of their children’s half-term holiday from school, with both William and Kate often taking time away from royal duties to spend time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis when on their breaks from class.

The Wales family have reportedly headed off to Mustique ( 
Image:
PA)
According to the Mail On Sunday, the family is using the school holiday to enjoy a sun-drenched getaway on the exclusive luxury Caribbean island of Mustique. The publication reports that the family flew business class on a commercial British Airways flight to St Lucia before then heading on to Mustique, where Kate’s mum, Carole, is also believed to be on holiday.

The island is a favourite among A-list celebrities and was a particular favourite destination of William’s great aunt, Princess Margaret. The Wales family has been to Mustique several times before, including in 2019, when George spent his sixth birthday on the island. It is owned by a private company and has no hotels, meaning visitors must own a villa there or be invited to stay in one.

The royals will also be able to enjoy their privacy on the trip as Mustique enforces a no-fly zone, preventing paparazzi from getting any photographs from the air.

The exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
The trip is believed to have been their second holiday in as many months after it was reported the family enjoyed a New Year skiing break. The getaway also comes just weeks after Kate revealed she is now in remission from cancer and has been gradually returning to royal duties.

However, despite missing the BAFTAs tonight, William did drop in on budding moviemakers during a special visit last week. The Prince of Wales operated a camera while sitting on the dolly and track as he took shots for part of a film scene at the London Screen Academy (LSA) in Highbury, north London, on Wednesday.

The free-to-attend academy provides students skills and training with courses in film production, costume, editing and animation – and was created to address the skills shortage and lack of diversity in the UK screen and creative industries.

Among the academy’s co-founders are David Heyman, producer of all eight Harry Potter films, and Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who oversee the James Bond franchise.

William has been the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) since 2010, when he succeeded the actor and director Richard Attenborough.

Kensington Palace has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.

The Princess of Wales spent many happy years studying at Marlborough College in Wiltshire – but the exclusive school had a bit of a raucous past, according to one former pupil

It won’t be long before Prince George finishes his time at Lambrook and heads off to secondary school. And while Princess Kate and Prince William have not yet confirmed where their son will head next, according to numerous reports, their top choice for their eldest child is Marlborough College, which the Princess herself attended between 1996 and 2000.

The co-educational boarding school is one of the country’s most prestigious facilities, where fees reportedly come in at an eye-watering £19,714.20 each term / £59.142.60 a year. And while it has attracted some notable alumni – including Kate – it once had a very wild side, according to one former pupil.

Journalist Lebby Eyres joined the school in 1988 and she has now lifted the lid on what went on behind the scenes. According to Lebby, at the time she attended, female pupils who attended Marlborough were ‘howled’ at by boys in their shared houses when we first walked into house assembly. And “marks out of 10 were given to the girls eating in the dreaded Norwood Hall dining room”.

Weekends, meanwhile, were usually spent ‘oating’ – the pupils’ code word for ‘snogging’ – and drinking in the local pubs while trying to avoid getting ‘gated’, the equivalent to being grounded. “If you had snogged someone (or worse), the Hall would erupt to the sound of 800 trays being bashed on the tables,” she said.

Lebby, who attended the school alongside Samantha Cameron, told for The Sun that pupils would usually head to a local pub on a Saturday evening, “escaping into the car park at the back if we caught sight of a beak [teacher] coming in to ‘bust’ us”.

Sundays, meanwhile, allegedly saw students drink home brew in house bars, in addition to the allotted two glasses of beer or wine (for sixth form students only). “In reality, two turned into several glasses of disgusting red wine or beer, which often led to our loos being redecorated in a fetching shade of scarlet,” she confessed.

Much has changed for Marlborough since then, however, and it is now one of the country’s leading schools, with a progressive female Master, Louise Moelwyn-Hughes, at its head.

Prince William’s future wife Kate joined the prestigious co-ed boarding school in 1996, having moved after enduring bullying at her previous school, Downe House. Kate is believed to have felt at home from the start of her time at Marlborough, where she joined the school’s cosy all-girls boarding house, Elmhurst.

Contemporaries recalled her as the perfect pupil to the Daily Mail, remembering her as listening to her Walkman, watching Friends and indulging in Marmite sandwiches.

She also made a very close group of friends – but there was one thing that set her apart. According to the publication, Kate remained a responsible role model and was never caught with illicit alcohol – unlike her friends, one of whom once confided: “A group of us used to sneak off to Reading to go drinking but she would never join us.”

Another pal, Gemma, revealed that it was when 16-year-old Kate returned to the school for sixth form after the holidays, she had transformed into “an absolute beauty”.

But despite the fact she turned heads, the future royal didn’t have many romantic entanglements. Her first kiss was reportedly with a boy named Woody, who was the older brother of Alice St John Webster, one of Kate’s closest friends.

She is also said to have had a brief romance with Harry Blakelock, captain of the rugby team, which fizzled out after he left school, reportedly leaving Kate ‘heartbroken’.

By the time Kate was ready to leave Marlborough College, she had made a big impact and was voted ‘Person most likely to be loved by everybody’ in her yearbook.

Kate gained 11 GCSEs at the College before going on to achieve As in Maths and Art and a B in English for her A-levels. Just like William, she took a gap year before going to university – and actually did a surprisingly similar trip, undertaking a Raleigh International programme in Chile.

Then in 2001, she headed to St Andrews University in Scotland to study History of Art – and met her future husband, who was enrolled on the same course.

Kate is not Marlborough’s only famous alma mater. Other notable former pupils include Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman, wartime poet Siegfried Sassoon, writer Dick King-Smith, singer Chris de Burgh and comedian Jack Whitehall.

Kate’s younger sister Pippa Middleton and Princess Eugenie are also Old Marlburians, as is Olivia Grosvenor, the Duchess of Westminster.