It’s no secret that the Spencer family has a strong pool of genes, as Princess Diana had one of the most recognisable faces in the world.

When Prince William was born in 1982, many wondered what the heir to the throne would grow up to look like.

As he grew older, royalists started to compare him to his mother, as they shared the same golden blonde hair and sharp jawline.

But there is something else that the Prince of Wales, 42, inherited from Diana – a sharp, intense stare that is enough to make anyone crumble.

The deep look has been dubbed the ‘Spencer stare’, by fans of The Firm and it refers to how the royals glare intently with lowered eyebrows, usually with a dignified facial expression.

One of the most famous pictures of the future king sporting the stare dates back to when the then-15-year-old was attending his mother’s funeral in September 1997. Seen alongside his uncle, Earl Spencer, the teenager stared into the distance during the tragic event.

Many have commented on the mother-son likeness, with one noting that the similar looks have spread further: one supporter of the Royal Family noted on a TikTok that ‘William, Charlotte and Diana all have the same eye shape, William even has Diana’s eye colour too’.

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It’s no secret that the Spencer family has a strong pool of genes, as Princess Diana had one of the most recognisable faces in the world

Royal enthusiasts have also likened William’s two children, Princess Charlotte and Prince George, to their grandmother, Diana, adding they have both inherited this gaze.

Resurfaced videos of the two children at various events, including King Charles and Queen Camilla’s coronation, show the young royals showing off their mesmerising glare.

When attending the May 2023 coronation, Princess Charlotte, nine, donned a strikingly similar flower crown tiara to Catherine, the Princess of Wales, looking like a mini-me of her mother as well as sharing some of William’s traits.

The young princess wore a dress and cape made from ivory silk crepe with ivory stitch embroidery featuring rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs, to signify the four nations.

With the world’s eyes on her, Charlotte stood proud and tall, and played the doting big sister by guiding her brothers into Westminster Abbey.

Snaps of Charlotte show her staring into the distance with her large green eyes. As she took it all in, many saw glimpses of Diana in her.

In some of the resurfaced clips, one fan wrote: ‘She looks so much like Diana.’

Another penned: ‘That’s fantastic that Princess Charlotte is following her late grandmother Diana!’

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Snaps of Charlotte at the Coronation show her staring into the distance with her large green eyes. As she took it all in, many saw glimpses of Diana in her

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One photographer managed to capture Charlotte’s glare perfectly at Trooping the Colour

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The Prince of Wales inherited the sharp, intense stare that is enough to make anyone crumble from his mother

Fans have commented on TikTok videos that Princess Charlotte, Prince George and Prince William look like their grandmother Diana

A third chimed: ‘The little princess looks so much like her grandmother Diana beautiful as ever.’

More recently, Charlotte attended Trooping the Colour alongside her family in June, where she again, matched her outfit with her mother’s ensemble.

One photographer managed to capture her glare perfectly, as she looked straight into the lens of the camera with her pensive expression.

Her older brother, Prince George, 11, has also been compared to his grandmother and has been told he also has the ‘Spencer stare’.

The second-in-line to the throne is often compared to his father, as they looked remarkably similar in their youth.

During Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in September 2022, Prince George was pictured sporting the signature stare.

Standing alongside his younger sister, he put on a brave face as he laid his great-grandmother to rest.

George was also snapped at the king’s coronation wearing his scarlet knee-length scarlet coat with gold trimmings, as it is the traditional uniform for the Pages of Honour.

He was seen clasping his hands in front while glaring off into the distance, in scenes reminiscent of a young William.

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Prince George also inherited the stare from his grandmother, Diana. Pictured at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022

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During the Coronation, George was seen clasping his hands in front while glaring off into the distance, in scenes reminiscent of a young William

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Princess Diana would often be captured with her steely-eyed stare, including the infamous interview she did with Martin Bashir

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Australian Elizabeth Debicki came pretty close to embodying Diana’ during her performance as the Princess on The Crown – as she mimicked her stare

Diana, Princess of Wales, would often be captured with her steely-eyed stare, including during the infamous interview she did with Martin Bashir in 1995.

It was here she spilled the secrets of her and Charles’s messy marriage, including the iconic line ‘there were three of us in the marriage, so it was a bit crowded’.

Throughout the interview, Diana remained stone-faced, but the gaze came when Bashir asked whether she thought she’d ever be queen.

Wearing a black ensemble and dark kohl eyeliner to highlight her deep blue eyes, the late Princess of Wales stared at Bashir and said: ‘No. I’d like to be the queen of people’s hearts. But I don’t see myself being queen of this country.’

The late royal’s mannerisms, including the ‘Spencer stare’ has been seemingly hard to capture for actresses playing her. However, Australian Elizabeth Debicki came pretty close to embodying Diana during her performance as the princess on The Crown.

She immersed herself in her character so much so that she told People that found it hard to shake off her mannerisms.

David Beckham praised his wife Victoria Beckham on Thursday as he celebrated her Dover Street store’s 10th anniversary. 

The former footballer, 49, took to his Instagram to share an adorable family snap of himself, his daughter Harper, 13, and his wife, 50, all smiles as he congratulated his wife.

He captioned the snap with: ‘Celebrating 10yrs of Victoria’s Dover Street store. Love what you’ve created with the space @roseuniake @victoriabeckham.’

During the event, Victoria looked nothing short of sensational as she cut a stylish figure in a black lace bodysuit with a sheer design and a plunging neckline.

The fashion designer teamed the bodysuit with a chic oversized tuxedo which boasted satin lapels and opted for a pair of black flared trousers.

Meanwhile, David wrapped up warm in a stylish navy blue double-breasted coat and navy trousers.

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David Beckham praised his wife Victoria Beckham on Thursday as he celebrated her Dover Street store’s 10th anniversary

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The former footballer, 49, took to his Instagram to share a slew of snaps with his followers and in one snap he appeared in his element as he got the party going with his DJ skills

In another sweet snap, David beamed as he posed with his daughter Harper who wrapped up warm for the evening wearing a chic black coat.

During the event, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF appeared in his element as he popped on a pair of green Bowers & Wilkins headphones and got the party going with his DJ skills.

Her store’s 10th-anniversary bash comes after she admitted she ‘cares less’ about the idea of being famous now.

Victoria shot to fame alongside Geri Halliwell, Mel B, Emma Bunton and Melanie C as part of the Spice Girls in the late 1990s.

They became the best-selling girl group of all time, and Victoria later had a brief solo career before going on into the world of fashion.

But the star – who is also known for her marriage to footballer David – recently admitted that the idea of fame doesn’t really appeal now.

She told Harper’s Bazaar magazine: ‘I suppose it used to be fun to go out and be chased by paparazzi walking down Bond Street – and you would dress knowing you were going to get that. I don’t want that anymore.’

‘I’ve been doing this too long. I suppose I did when I was growing up but, nowadays, there’s just too much going on; too busy; too many kids to worry about.’

Victoria Beckham showcases new partywear collection at event

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In another sweet snap, David beamed as he posed with his daughter Harper who wrapped up warm for the evening wearing a chic black coat

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Meanwhile, his wife Victoria looked nothing short of sensational as she cut a stylish figure in a black lace bodysuit with a sheer design and a plunging neckline

‘I woke up at 50, and I gave a s*** less.’

Victoria has Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, as well as daughter Harper with David, and her eldest has recently spoken out about being a nepo baby.

Brooklyn told Grazia: ‘Obviously I am one. But I couldn’t help how I was born, at all.’

While he understands why the public can feel irked by nepo babies, Brooklyn said he tries to ignore the ‘rubbish’ people say rather than dwell on it.

He added: ‘There’s always going to be people that say rubbish. But as long as you do something that makes you happy and you’re kind to people, that’s all that matters.’

‘I’m always gonna get it, no matter what I do. And I’m fine with that. It makes me work harder, because I’m like, I’m gonna prove these people wrong.’

Kath Phipps after she passed away at the age of 85.

United announced news of her passing on Thursday and shared a heartfelt 454-word statement to honour Phipps, who worked for 55 years in a variety of roles at the club.

In the tribute, United hailed Phipps as an ‘omnipresent figure since the late 1960s’ and a ‘one-woman institution’.

Several former United players and staff members also paid tribute to Phipps and Beckham penned his own message to her on Thursday evening.

Taking to Instagram alongside a photo of him holding Phipps’ hand, Beckham said: ‘Forever in our hearts… The first and last face I would always see was Kath sat at reception at Old Trafford waiting to give me my tickets for the game.

‘She was the heartbeat of Manchester United, everyone knew who Kath was and everyone adored her.

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David Beckham has paid tribute to Manchester United’s much-loved receptionist Kath Phipps

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Beckham hailed Phipps, who appeared in his Netflix documentary, as the ‘heartbeat of Manchester United’ and said ‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile’

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United announced news of Phipps’ passing at the age of 85 on Thursday and paid tribute to her

‘I moved up to Manchester at 15 and Kath made a promise to my mum and dad: “I’ll look after your boy for you don’t you worry”, and from that first day till the last day I spent with her that’s exactly what she did .

‘Old Trafford will never be the same without your smile as we walk through those doors… We love you.’

Phipps, who appeared in Beckham’s Netflix documentary about his life, started working at United as the club’s first switchboard operator back in 1968 during Sir Matt Busby’s reign.

In May 2022, after over five decades of service, she was honoured with a Service to Football Award – with Beckham admitting the ‘amazing’ receptionist ‘really deserved’ the honour for her services to football and United in general.

In a statement earlier on Thursday, United had said: ‘We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague Kath Phipps at the age of 85.

‘An omnipresent figure at Manchester United since the late 1960s, Kath worked for the club for over 55 years in a variety of roles, but her contribution went beyond any particular job title.

‘Having become a key member of the club’s office staff in the ensuing years, Kath later became a matchday fixture at Old Trafford’s directors’ entrance and took on the role of training ground receptionist, ensuring that any visitor to Carrington was greeted by the cheeriest of welcomes.

‘For regulars, that greeting would extend to warm hugs and friendly chats as Kath came to embody the familial atmosphere underpinning the club’s culture.

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Wayne Rooney was among the first to pay tribute to Phipps with an emotional post on Instagram

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Harry Maguire (left) and Patrice Evra (right) also paid tribute with heartfelt social media messages

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United legend Paul Scholes described Phipps as ‘the heart and soul’ of the football club

‘If Kath ever had a bad day, she never brought it to work; her positive attitude helped set the mood for everyone entering the training ground, always ready to lend an ear and offer words of encouragement to anyone who needed them – be they megastar footballers, casual staff or occasional visitors.

‘Kath was a one-woman institution, whose memory will be cherished by everyone at the club who had the privilege of knowing her. She said last year: “I can’t imagine doing anything else.” Well, we can’t imagine the place without her.

‘Rest in peace, Kath.’

Several of Beckham’s former team-mates also shared similarly heartfelt messages towards Phipps.

This included Wayne Rooney, who said: ‘The heart and soul of Manchester United. Everything what the club is about. A legend who will be greatly missed. Thanks for the memories Kathy. Thoughts with family and friends.’

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also posted: ‘A legend that will never be forgotten. I will miss you. We will miss you. RIP Kath.’

Meanwhile, former Red Devils captain Gary Neville shared the club’s emotional tribute, simply adding a broken heart emoji.

Fellow ex-United skipper Patrice Evra, displayed a photograph of him hugging Phipps and said: ‘Losing a family member is never easy.’

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The long-serving receptionist meeting new Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe in 2024

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Phipps with Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick after winning her Service to Football Award

Man United loanee Jadon Sancho – who currently plays for Chelsea – also penned an emotional farewell to Phipps on social media.

Sancho wrote: ‘I’m grateful that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you. Such a lovely kind hearted soul. She always made sure I was OK and always put a smile on my face whenever I felt down, I appreciate you Kath.

‘My condolences go out to her family through this tough time’.

Former Red Devil Scott McTominay, now at Italian club Napoli, added: ‘You were loved and adored by everybody Kath. You made me smile each and every time I saw you and could brighten up any room you walked into. Rest in peace’.

Mike Phelan – who worked alongside legendary coach Sir Alex Ferguson – also paid a touching tribute to Phipps. He said: ‘RIP Kath Phipps. The Real Assistant Manager’.

United legend Rio Ferdinand added: ‘Kath. An absolute mainstay of Manchester United.

‘Always welcomed me and everyone else who visited with a warm smile! Looked at life positively, incredibly selfless & would put others first! RIP’.

Club legend Paul Scholes was another who shared an emotional tribute to Phipps as he posted: ‘The heart and soul of our special football club, will be sadly missed by all and impossible to replace… RIP Kath’.

Former Man United assistant coach Mike Phelan shared a touching tribute to Phipps online

Ex-United defender Ferdinand labelled Phipps ‘an absolute mainstay’ at the Red Devils

It didn’t take long for United to release an emotional tribute to Phipps in the form of a two minute video on social media.

The caption to the video read: ‘In loving memory of Kath Phipps: friend, confidant and treasured colleague. United will never be the same.’

Speaking in 2022 after she collected her Service to Football Award alongside Sir Alex Ferguson and Michael Carrick, Phipps had reflected on the ‘great honour’ and opened up on her role at the club.

‘In September 1968, I just applied for the job to Les Olive and got it within a couple of days,’ she told United’s website.

‘Sir Alex was my longest-serving manager. He’s always been there for me, every time. He’s absolutely brilliant to work for.

‘I don’t think we’ve ever had a cross word all these years I’ve known him. Even on matchdays. We’re like brother and sister – he talks to me like that.

‘I just get up every morning as a happy person. I come here and I just love seeing them all. I’ll miss them one day, when I’m not here, but I don’t want to give it up just yet.’

Prince William had a surprising reaction after Meghan Markle was compared to Princess Diana during her recent visit to Nigeria, insiders have claimed.

While visiting the country in West Africa with Prince Harry earlier this month, the Duchess of Sussex wore a plain gold necklace similar to one Diana donned on her own trip with the now King Charles in 1990. A second necklace Meghan wore, featuring a diamond cross, was reported to have once belonged to her husband’s mum, Diana, even though a source close to the late Princess of Wales said they “didn’t recognise [the necklace] at all.”

But the comparison with Diana has allegedly been criticised by William who is said to be “bothered” by how Meghan is “paraded around as the modern-day version” of his late mother, a source has claimed. The insider claimed that William does not want to “deprive Harry of the right to celebrate their mother’s legacy” but is said to be unhappy about comparing her to anyone else, including his own wife, Catherine.

Harry and Meghan visit the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 10 ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)

Diana during a visit to Lagos, Nigeria, in 1990 ( 
Image:
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

According to William, the comparison between Meghan and Diana is “beyond tasteless and offensive”, the source said. They told Closer magazine: “William doesn’t want to deprive Harry of the right to celebrate their mother’s legacy. What bothers him is how Meghan’s paraded around as the modern-day version of Diana, he finds that beyond tasteless and offensive, not only to him but also to Kate.

“To add insult to injury, Harry’s not consulted with him about these trips abroad and future plans they’ve apparently got in the works to celebrate Diana’s life and legacy. The fact that the tension with the Sussexes is now impacting celebrating their mother’s legacy is beyond the pale for William, but it’s not as though he can really speak about it with Charles and Camilla because there’s obviously history there with Diana being estranged from the royals so he’s feeling pretty alone on this.”

Princess Diana during a visit to the Molai Centre, a leprosy hospital and rehabilitation village in Maiduguri, Nigeria ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Don’t Miss
Last month, a royal expert claimed that Meghan is “echoing Princess Diana” after stepping down from the monarchy. The former Suits actress recently announced the launch of her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, and one royal expert has claimed her new venture was inspired by Diana.

Darren Stanton believes Meghan “followed her heart” by quitting the monarchy, and her comments about leaving the Royal Family were reminiscent of Diana’s own criticism of the monarchy. He said there were “a lot of parallels” between Meghan and Prince Harry’s mother, and by focusing her attention on her new lifestyle brand, he thinks the mother-of-two is ready to focus on others – just like her late mother-in-law.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

“When Meghan was first brought into the Royal Family, it elevated her status to a global scale. She holds great precedence with Princess Diana. She represents a lot of strength in first joining the Royal Family and then stepping away,” he said. “She followed her heart and what she cared about over everything else. There are lots of parallels between them and I get a sense Meghan wanted to follow in her footsteps. They both share a passion and drive to help others.”

He said the launch of American Riviera Orchard suggests the ex-actress is now “in a good place” and wants to revamp her image by reconnecting with the public in an effort to boost her popularity. “The fact that Meghan is launching a new lifestyle brand tells us she’s in a good place and feels motivated,” he added. “It’s a natural transition for her to embark on. Meghan has a voice and wants to use it in a good positive way to help women feel empowered and heard in today’s society.”

Princess Diana’s former lover James Hewitt has hit out at former BBC reporter Martin Bashir and claims he made him “the most hated man in the world”.

The former British Army cavalry officer, who disclosed a five-year extra-marital affair with Diana, which ended in 1991, has slammed Bashir for taking advantage of the late princess in a new interview.

He claims Bashir was a “toad” and tricked Diana into confirming the affair took place in the infamous 1995 Panorama interview that recently saw Bashir the subject of an inquiry.

Mr Hewitt told the Sun : “I think the chap needs to seriously search his conscience. To do it by deception is unforgivable and there is very little road back from that. I don’t know him personally, but I think any underhandedness — and particularly if it’s taking advantage of someone’s weakness and being a toad — is wrong. It did affect me and it had a huge effect.

“I hope people realise that the whole of the programme should be seen for what it was — and that was to deceive somebody into saying things and doing things that they may not necessarily have been willing to say had all the facts been known. It was not good for anybody except BBC figures and Martin Bashir’s career. It wasn’t exposing anything, it was just using lies and half-truths.”

Princess Diana and James Hewitt in the 1990s ( 
Image:
Ron Dadswell/REX/Shutterstock)
In the infamous chat with Bashir, Diana discussed her break-up with the then-Prince Charles. She told Bashir: “Yes, I was in love with him, but I was very let down.”

A recent inquiry found Bashir used “deceitful means” to bag the interview, including drop-feeding the princess false claims about her friends and staff.

Mr Hewitt, now 66, now hopes the inquiry’s findings have given the public a better understanding of the situation and put the story in a different context.

James Hewitt in 2004 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
He claims the backlash turned him into an international pariah at the time and permanently damaged his reputation. And he insists he first met Diana two years after Prince Harry was born.

Meanwhile, his dream of having children of his own has been ruined by his being known as Diana’s lover, and branded a “cad”. He told the paper it is difficult to see it happening now and he believes he was once the most hated man in the world.

Mr Hewitt has in recent years suffered some serious health issues. In 2017 he suffered a stroke after open heart surgery. He was given a 20 per cent chance of surviving after he contracted an infection which affected a valve in his heart. He was left paralysed on his left-hand side and claims it took half a year for the feeling to return.

Diana, Princess of Wales, during her interview with Martin Bashir for the BBC in 1995 ( 
Image:
PA)
He also suffered a septic embolism and lost a clementine-sized ball from the frontal lobe of his brain, spending five months in hospital after being told he could have died if he’d remained untreated for one more day.

An independent investigation in 2021 by Supreme Court Judge John Dyson found Bashir used deceitful methods in securing his Panorama interview with Diana.

A report into the interview concluded that Bashir acted inappropriately and in serious breach of BBC guidelines.

Martin Bashir in 2019 ( 
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It read: “I have also concluded that, without justification, the BBC covered up in its press logs such facts as it had been able to establish about how Mr Bashir secured the interview and failed to mention the issue at all on any news programme and thereby fell short of the high standards of integrity and transparency which are its hallmark.”

The now infamous and explosive interview in 1995 featured Diana saying: “Well, there were three of us in this marriage, so it was a bit crowded.”

Her hairdresser of 10 years tells never-been-shared anecdotes about the late Princess of Wales’ “amazing, wicked sense of humor” in a new book

Princess Diana on Jan. 27, 1988. Photo: PATRICK RIVIERE/AFP via Getty

As Princess Diana’s former hairstylist Richard Dalton put it, in his decade working with the late Princess of Wales, he probably spent more time alone with her than anybody.

His new book, It’s All About the Hair—My Decade with Diana — written with friend Renae Plant, the curator of The Princess Diana Museum — is filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses of a woman everyone thought they knew (after all, she was the most photographed woman in the world during her lifetime) but few actually did.

“After seeing her every day for over a decade, it was fun to relive the memories,” Dalton tells PEOPLE, adding one of his goals in writing the book was showing “how funny Diana was,” he says. “Just what a wonderful, genuine person that she was.”

In the book, Dalton recalled the royal’s “amazing, wicked sense of humor,” he wrote. “Her jokes were hysterical.” He said Diana was constantly telling jokes and playing pranks, adding that her sense of humor was “very naughty at times.”

Princess Diana in 1990. Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images
Princess Diana’s Hairdresser Reveals Why She Once Wore a Necklace as a Headband — with ‘Knicker Elastic!’

“She always had plastic vomit or plastic dog poop in her bag to place on people’s seats when we traveled on long flights,” according to Dalton, who worked with the princess from before her 1981 wedding to the future King Charles until 1991. He added, “She was hysterically funny and loved playing jokes on all of us.”

Plant, who turned Dalton’s memories into a 444-page book, tells PEOPLE, “I do find the humorous side of Diana to be very sweet,” she says. “She just wanted to be ‘normal’ and was just like the rest of us.”

‘It’s All About The Hair – My Decade with HRH Diana Princess of Wales’.The Princess and the Platypus Foundation

Diana was often able to laugh through life, Dalton writes, recalling a time when, after styling the Princess of Wales’ hair, he was followed by one of Queen Elizabeth’s corgis to a dressing room.

“I was patting it, as I love dogs, when Diana came up and the corgi started to lick her legs,” he wrote. “She said, ‘Whose dog is that?’ I said, ‘It’s your mother-in-law’s new corgi.’ She replied with a laugh, ‘Well, get it out of here, as it’s licking all the fake suntan off my legs.’ “

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Princess Diana watches Prince Charles playing polo at Guards Polo Club on Smiths Lawn in Windsor, Berkshire in July 1986.

David Levenson / Contributor / Getty Images

Princess Diana’s Personal Hairdresser Reveals the Reason Prince William Liked Childhood Haircuts

As much fun as she was prone to have, Princess Diana was serious about her royal work, right down to her hairstyle.

“Diana was very conscious that she did not want her hair to overshadow the charity she was representing that day and supporting,” Dalton tells PEOPLE.

In his book, Dalton highlights Diana’s unwavering dedication to her work, noting, “She was genuinely interested in people and she always did her homework and remembered the smallest detail which made that connection.”

He adds of the princess, “She was more beautiful in real life than she was on camera.”

Beyond her appearance and sense of humor, Dalton says he hopes his new book shows the public “just what a wonderful, genuine person she was,” he says. “I hope it inspires them to be kind and treat others with compassion, just like she did while she was alive.”

It’s All About the Hair—My Decade with Diana is out now.

When David Beckham confidently strode into his first-ever state banquet alongside his wife Victoria on Tuesday night, he seemed as though he belonged there.

The ex-footballer, 49, looked the part in his formal white tie as he mingled with King Charles, Queen Camilla and the Prince of Wales at the glittering event held for the Emir of Qatar and his wife.

But the three-course dinner is just the latest example of the former England captain, who has long been tipped for a knighthood, growing closer to the Royal Family.

He held a meeting with the King where they discussed their passion for beekeeping in May, became an ambassador to educational charity The King’s Foundation in June and helped Prince William raise funds for the London Air Ambulance in October.

However his deepening relationship with The Firm comes after his spectacular falling out with Prince Harry and Meghan over rumours of a ‘leaking’ spat dating back to 2018.

And with Harry becoming estranged from his family and abandoning Britain for California in 2020, some royal watchers have suggested there is now a ‘Harry-sized hole’ waiting to be filled.

They believe Beckham could be just the fit, pointing out he knows how to handle a press conference (and if needed a media backlash), looks good in a suit, and Victoria could bring the star power of the Spice Girls to any occasion.

From their plush home in the Cotswolds they could be on the M40 and at the Palace in little more than 90 minutes – a tad closer than Harry and Meghan across the Atlantic.

Perhaps the biggest example of things moving in the direction of ‘Prince Beckham’ was seen in May when King Charles held a private meeting with him –  but snubbed his son Harry by saying he was too busy with ‘various other priorities’.

Here, MailOnline looks at Beckham’s spectacular falling out with Prince Harry and how he has become the royals new right-hand man.

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David and Victoria Beckham looked at home among the guests at a glittering state banquet in Buckingham Palace in honour of visiting Qatari royals on Tuesday night

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There have been suggestions that with Harry (pictured with Meghan in 2020) becoming estranged from his family and leaving Britain for the US, Beckham could become the royals’ right-hand man

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David Beckham met with King Charles to offer him a jar of his own home-produced honey during an industry showcase event in May

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His Majesty and Beckham shared a joke as they took pictures at Highgrove to announce the ex-footballer had become an ambassador for the The King’s Foundation in July

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Prince William is pictured with Beckham in front of one of the new London Air Ambulance Charity helicopters at RAF Northolt in October

David was once so close to Harry, 40, that he and his wife, Victoria, 50, were among the guests when the prince married Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor, in 2018.

The Beckhams, who have a combined fortune estimated at £455million, made a very generous gesture in the run-up to the Sussexes big day.

When Meghan returned to her native Los Angeles to find paparazzi camped outside her mother’s home, the Beckhams offered the former actress the use of their six-bedroom, Italian-style villa in the city, where she was waited on by their staff.

And after Meghan moved into Kensington Palace, Victoria, whose fashion label was expanding into beauty products, gave her advice on make-up and a member of her staff provided her with help on facials and hairdressing. Free of charge, of course.

When news of the Beckhams’ generosity made the Press, however, Meghan was said to be outraged.

The Beckhams denied that they had leaked any information but the reportedly hyper-sensitive Harry and Meghan became distrustful of them.

The Mail on Sunday was told in July 2023 that the accusation of leaking left David ‘absolutely bloody furious’.

And while David and Victoria did go on to attend Harry and Meghan’s wedding ceremony, they were not invited to the evening reception.

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Beckham was amongst distinguished guests at the Qatari state banquet. Pictured: King Charles and the Emir of Qatar led the royal procession, with Queen Camilla and the Emir’s wife Sheikha Jawaher behind

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David and Victoria Beckham were guests at Meghan’s wedding to Prince Harry at Windsor in 2018 (pictured)

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David and Victoria also went to the wedding of Prince William and Catherine in 2011

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Beckham is said to have bonded with the King over their shared love of beekeeping, after the ex-winger got stuck into the hobby during lockdown at his home in the Cotswolds

Instead, the Sussexes invited some showbusiness figures they barely knew, according to the Daily Mail’s Richard Eden.

Another royal expert claimed the move was a ‘near-unforgivable insult’, citing that many Hollywood stars who attended the dinner ‘were not friends’ with Harry or Meghan.

Despite that snub, David agreed to Harry’s request to fly to Australia, where he was hosting the Invictus Games, his celebrated competition for injured servicemen and women, later that year.

He made the arduous 22-hour journey from London to Sydney only to discover that the duke would not see him or even be pictured with him.

The reason, according to distinguished biographer Tom Bower, was Meghan. ‘She wanted no competition in the media from David,’ he wrote in his book, Revenge.

‘It seemed she was not prepared to tolerate anything flattering regarding the Beckhams and the Games to appear in the media.’

Regardless, the Beckhams seemingly tried to maintain a relationship with Harry and Meghan.

The couples were neighbours in Oxfordshire after the Beckhams built a home there and Harry rented a converted barn.

The biographer claims that while the men ‘occasionally met at weekends’, Meghan had already ‘put on airs’.

But when Harry and Meghan prepared to make their move to California and step away from royal life, the Beckhams refused to take sides in the row between them and Prince William and his wife Kate.

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Prince William, David Beckham and Prince Harry at an Football Association reception in Johannesburg in 2010

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Beckham got to know Prince William when they both played a part in the bid for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Although the bid was unsuccessful, the pair stayed in touch

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A graphic showing how Beckham and the Sussexes relationship fell apart – from wedding invitation snubs and disagreements over designer clothing to fears of an upstaging

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(Left to right) Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry, Queen Elizabeth II and David Beckham at a reception for the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards at Buckingham Palace in June 2016

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Harry holds hands with Victoria Beckham at a Spice Girls concert in South Africa in 1997

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Charles III speaks to David Beckham as they attend The King’s Foundation charity’s inaugural awards at St James’s Palace in London on June 11, 2024

Beckham had previously got to know Prince William when they both played an important part in the bid for the 2010 Fifa World Cup. Although the bid was unsuccessful, the pair stayed in touch.

Mr Bower claimed their friendship ‘annoyed the Sussexes’.

Further evidence of the growing distance between the couples was seen when Meghan and Harry were not guests at the wedding of the Beckhams’ son Brooklyn to US heiress Nicola Peltz in April 2022.

The Sussexes alleged distaste towards the Beckham’s friendship with the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge was furthered in 2023 when David flew from Qatar to Boston during the World Cup to help William and Kate with their philanthropic efforts.

US media highlighted the moment David kissed Kate on the cheek as she hosted the Earthshot prize ceremony alongside her husband.

The now Prince and Princess of Wales’s ceremony, which was attended by President Joe Biden, seemingly upstaged an event hosted by the Sussexes in New York that same weekend.

Mr Bower says the spat was again furthered in 2023 when the Beckhams hosted a star-studded celebration after Lionel Messi scored a last-minute goal for David’s football team in Miami, Florida.

Meghan and Harry were reportedly not invited to the party, which is understood to have carried on into the early hours.

David had always been an ardent royalist, who would stand up for the Queen’s Speech every Christmas dressed in his Sunday best. Years later, he queued for 12 hours to view the Queen’s coffin when her body was lying in state in Westminster.

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Meghan and Harry were not guests at the wedding of the Beckhams’ son Brooklyn to US heiress Nicola Peltz in April 2022 (pictured)

A-list guests seen at Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding to Nicola Peltz

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Prince Harry smiles with David Beckham at an FA reception in South Africa in 2010

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Prince William speaks with David Beckham at the Bafta Film Awards on February 18, 2024

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David Beckham stands with his wife Victoria, as he shows off the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) he received from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2003

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Victoria Beckham receives her OBE from Prince William at Buckingham Palace in 2017

So it is perhaps no surprise that the Sussexes’ attacks on the Royal Family failed to impress the Beckhams.

‘Both David and Victoria put great importance on family and would never, ever turn on their relations the way that Harry and Meghan did,’ one of their associates told Richard Eden in October.

‘The truth is that Victoria never really liked Meghan much. She was friendly and welcoming to her but is not bothered about staying in touch.’

Given that Beckham owns a football club in Miami and the couple have an increasingly prominent position in American society, it might seem natural that they would join the court of Harry and Meghan.

But they instead stuck with the Windsors and have been growing closer ever since.

Prince Harry himself admitted the Royal Family needs a supporting ‘Spare’ to the monarch, and with him stepping aside there could be space on the stage for another.

Caitlin Moran wrote in a Times column in May that the Duke of Sussex ‘could easily be replaced by the Duke of Sex’, referencing Beckham’s habit of regularly topping polls as the World’s Sexiest Man.

She writes that ‘we can never underestimate the extent to which royalty is essentially showbiz’ and that King Charles choosing to meet Beckham instead of Harry was an example of him acting like ‘a million film directors before him’.

‘If one of your key cast members is proving difficult, simply be seen lunching with one of their greatest rivals’, she wrote.

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Beckham endured the lengthy queue to pay his respects to Queen Elizabeth inside Westminster Hall in September 2022

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Visiting the Snowdon School of Furniture in July where students are taught specialist woodworking skills under The King’s Foundation at Highgrove

The Beckham’s star power has never been in doubt, with their eponymous Netflix documentary hitting the top spot for global viewing with a whopping 43.9million views between July and December last year.

In comparison, Harry and Meghan’s docuseries limped in with just 1.9million views across the same period and 12.6million total views.

When it first aired in December 2022 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s docuseries was an instant hit, giving Netflix its biggest debut with 81.6million hours viewed in the first four days.

But after an initial frenzy figures began a steady slide as millions of viewers lost interest and the series lost traction well before the sixth episode aired.

The show slumped to 211 on the streaming platform’s global chart while ‘Beckham’ was No  1, with 208.5million hours viewed in the first two months alone.

MailOnline’s chief investigative reporter Laura Collins wrote: ‘The disparity is perhaps due in part to the fact that fans who had tuned into Harry and Meghan’s docuseries hoping for insight and intimacy were instead left tired by their relentlessly “woe is me” tone.

‘Viewers complained about the couple’s self-absorption and the fact that for all their enviable privilege they seemed to do nothing but bemoan their lot.

‘In stark contrast, “Beckham” was a show that left viewers uplifted by the Beckham’s family life, relationship and work ethic. Fans raved at the couple’s resilience and marvelled at their self-effacing grit and ambition.’

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The Beckham’s star power has never been in doubt, with their eponymous Netflix documentary hitting the top spot for global viewing with a whopping 43.9million views between July and December last year

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Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan’s show slumped to 211 on the streaming platform’s global chart while ‘Beckham’ was No 1 in the summer with 3.5 times the viewing figures

Perhaps it came as no surprise, then, that when King Charles announced in June that David would become an ambassador for the King’s Foundation, formerly the Prince’s Foundation, it was a sign for many that the charity was being rejuvenated.

The educational foundation had been embroiled in controversy following claims of ‘cash for access’ after allegations that its chief executive offered to secure a Saudi billionaire a knighthood and UK citizenship in return for donations.

However with Beckham in tow the charity, which offers educational programmes to up to 15,000 people a year to create sustainable communities, was seen as finding a new lease of life.

Prince William has been following his father’s lead and growing closer with the Beckhams, too.

In November Richard Eden revealed the Prince of Wales had appointed David Beckham’s former public relations chief as the new Head of Communications for his landmark Homewards initiative to help end homelessness.

More clues of the Beckham’s blossoming relationship with the heir to the throne, and corresponding distance from the Sussexes, were seen through his son Brooklyn.

In November the 25-year-old appeared on a TV show to discuss his friendship with Selena Gomez and plug his new hot sauce – but conversation swiftly turned to his famed family’s close friendship with royalty.

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Brooklyn Beckham ignored the mention of Prince Harry and Meghan on a TV show in November and instead told the host William was ‘the sweetest guy ever’

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David Beckham, his son Brooklyn (left) and Prince William applaud Ryan Giggs’s goal at Wembley Stadium during the 2012 Olympics

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Charles talks to Beckham and his son Brooklyn at the Global Premiere of Our Planet in London on April 4, 2019

He was asked by the host: ‘Growing up, which members of the royal family did you see most often, especially since your family is friends with Harry and Meghan?’

Ignoring the mention of the California-based Royals, Beckham responded: ‘Probably William.’ The host then asked: ‘Yeah? What’s he like, is there something about him people don’t get? Is he fun?’

Beckham said: ‘He’s just, like, the sweetest guy ever. He really is. He’s really down to earth. He’s a really good guy.’ The stunned host simply replied: ‘Wow.’

Meanwhile, David appeared to be happy with his choice of royal friends at the Qatari State Banquet on Tuesday night.

The senior royals present included Princess Anne, who was seated on the top table with the King, Queen and Prince of Wales, as well as the Qatari dignitaries. The Duke and Duchesses of Edinburgh and Gloucester were also present.

It is understood that Beckham was invited to the lavish dinner because of his previous role as an ambassador for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Former Spice Girl Victoria – sealing her stratospheric rise from pop stardom to the seat of power – was sat even closer to the ‘top table’ than her husband.

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On Tuesday night the Beckhams were among the 170 guests in the Buckingham Palace ballroom for the Qatari state banquet

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King Charles and Queen Camilla joined the Emir of Qatar and his wife for a photograph on the steps of Buckingham Palace ahead of a lavish state banquet on Tuesday

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If the state banquet was anything to go by, Beckham seems suited to the royal limelight

The presence of the Beckhams at the event will surely only add fuel to the fire of speculation that David will be knighted in the near future.

During a short speech at The King’s Foundation awards ceremony in June, Sir Rod Stewart teased Beckham that his knighthood would be ‘coming soon’ after the singer received his own in 2016.

Social media users seemed to agree, suggesting it is time that Beckham, who earned 115 caps for his country and helped secure the London 2012 Olympics, is recognised appropriately. He was previously awarded an OBE for his services to football in 2003.

And with Harry not looking like he will be returning to royal duties anytime soon, could it be that Sir David Beckham steps up as the Royal Family’s right-hand man in the future?

If the state banquet was anything to go by, he seems suited to the royal limelight.

Latest Aston Villa news from BirminghamLive as star striker Ollie Watkins fires England into the Euro 2024 final against Spain

David Beckham (Image: Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

David Beckham has sent Ollie Watkins a message after his Euro 2024 heroics for England.

Aston Villa’s star striker was the Three Lions’ super sub as he fired them into the Euro 2024 final with a dramatic injury time winner against the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday night. They will now face Spain in the final on Sunday.

And Beckham joined the likes of Watkins’ England team-mates Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, as well as Prince William, Gary Lineker, Steven Gerrard and Alan Shearer in celebrating his sensational goal that sparked euphoric celebrations across the nation. “That’s why they call it a TEAM,” Beckham said on Instagram Stories. “What a moment. Well done Ollie.”

Speaking on ITV, Watkins described the moment he scored the winning goal as “unbelievable”, adding: “I’ve been waiting for that moment for weeks. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to where I am now. I’m grateful I got the opportunity and I grabbed it with both hands, I’m delighted.

“I swear on my life, on my kids’ lives, I said to Cole Palmer, ‘We’re coming on and you’re going to set me up’ and that’s why I was so happy with Coley, I knew as soon as he got the ball he was going to play me.

“You’ve got to be greedy, touch and shoot, and when I see it going into the bottom corner it’s the best feeling ever.

“There’s been a lot of criticism but at the end of the day we’re in the final and that’s all that matters. Forget all the outside noise, we’re in the final.

“We’ve got that kind of bounce-back factor, going a goal behind seems to kick us into gear. We never give up. We’ve won on penalties and come from behind. There’s one more game now – we’re ready.”

Like Beckham, Bellingham hailed the team effort to reach the final – and Watkins. “Ollie came on and won it,” Bellingham said on ITV. “I’m so happy for him. He came on and took his opportunity. I couldn’t be prouder. The whole team are buzzing for him. He’s the hero and he saved us.”

“Of course she was a Spice Girl and sexy and beautiful and charming,” David tells PEOPLE of first meeting his wife of 25 years

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham in London in 2018. Photo: Joe Maher/BFC/Getty Images

David Beckham realized his wife Victoria was special from the moment he met her in 1997!

While speaking exclusively to PEOPLE at Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner event at Cipriani in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 19, David, 49, explained that from the minute he first laid eyes on his wife Victoria, 50, he knew that she was the one.

When questioned if it was “love at first sight,” the Stella Artois global ambassador insisted, “Absolutely.”

David Beckham attends Stella Artois’ Let’s Do Dinner NYC event on September 19, 2024.Kevin Mazur/Getty

David Beckham Admits He’s Just as Competitive with His Kids as He Is On the Field: ‘I Want to Win’

“Well, of course. She was a Spice Girl and sexy and beautiful and charming,” the former professional soccer player continued.

He added, “Then I found out what a strong woman she is. So it’s again the gift that kept on giving.”

David and Victoria tied the knot on July 4, 1999 and share four kids together; Brooklyn Beckham, 25, Romeo Beckham, 22, Cruz Beckham, 19, and Harper Beckham, 13. They first met at a Manchester United game — the soccer team David used to play for — in 1997.

David Beckham and wife Victoria Beckham in 1999 in London.Dave Hogan/Getty

The former soccer player also spoke to PEOPLE about entering his farmer era, with his chickens making appearances on his social media recently.

“My wife gets a lot of content out of the chickens,” he joked to PEOPLE, revealing that the family had unfortunately lost one of the pets.

“I’m down a chicken. The others are doing great. I’m sure you’re going to be seeing a lot more content,” he said.

David and Victoria Beckham in London in 2019. Darren Gerrish/Darren Gerrish/WireImage
David Beckham Says His Packing Habits ‘Annoy’ Wife Victoria and He Always Packs This One Thing

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Forever his wife’s hype man, David recently spoke about his other half while talking at a Bowers & Wilkins event in N.Y.C. on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

David credited Victoria for inspiring him to try new looks, saying at the event, “She always gave me that confidence and, and she still does now, even after 27 years. She still gives me that confidence that, you know, wanting to look good and wanting to feel good.”

David added of whether he’s influenced his wife’s style, “I’m not sure. I like to think I do,” he began, adding, “To be honest, she always looks good. It’s a good problem but it’s a problem. She always looks great. So it’s a pretty easy job for me.”

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“She has a huge influence in my style,” the soccer icon shared. “When I put something on, I know from her reaction whether I need to take it off or whether I need to keep it on.”

For their recent 25th wedding anniversary, they surprised fans, in an Instagram post on Wednesday, July 3, by wearing the purple Antonio Berardi looks from their 1999 reception in a photo shoot.

“Look what we found… ,” David jokingly captioned a post at the time.

Kate Middleton sends moving message to those suffering from addiction as she emphasises importance of ‘simple acts of kindness’

 

The Princess of Wales has issued a moving message of support to those suffering from addiction.

Emphasising the importance of ‘simple acts of kindness’ and understanding, Catherine said it was important not to ‘judge or criticise’ those affected but to understand they are suffering from a ‘serious mental health condition’.

The Princess, who announced in September that she would make a slow and measured return to royal duties after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy following major abdominal surgery in January, issued a message in her role as Patron of the Forward Trust to support Addiction Awareness Week, which begins tomorrow.

She writes: ‘It has been heartening to see that progress is still being made to end the stigma surrounding those battling addiction. For too long, many have suffered in silence, harbouring feelings of shame and guilt about their condition, despite their vulnerability.

‘Everyone suffering from addiction is another human being, with a story of their own, which many of us don’t understand or see.

‘It is not our place to judge or criticise, we must take the time to sit by someone’s side, learning the values of love and empathy.

‘Being a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, these simple acts of kindness are crucial in breaking down the misunderstandings that so many face. ‘

The princess insisted that addiction was ‘not a choice’ and that no-one was immune from its grip.

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The Princess of Wales, 42, has delivered a powerful new message about addiction and recovery for Taking Action on Addiction

In a message that the Prince and Princess of Wales have reshared on X, mother-of-three Kate encourages people to show empathy towards those battling addiction

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The Princess of Wales has issued a moving message of support to those suffering from addiction. Kate is pictured in October meeting the families of those who were victims of the Southport attacks

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Kate is pictured talking to families of recovered addicts at the launch of the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction in 2021

She added: ‘Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental health condition that could affect any one of us. By acting with humility and compassion we can all make a difference and support those who are suffering.

‘Many charities up and down the country are guiding individuals and families through the toughest of times. But they cannot do it alone.

‘It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think about and consider the many people coping with addiction. Because recovery is possible.’

The princess will be seen next week as she takes part in her most significant public engagement since she effectively withdrew from public duties to focus on her health at the start of the year.

She and Prince William will represent the King at the State Visit of the Amir of Qatar, greeting the ruler and his wife at their London residence and escorting them to Horse Guards for an official ceremonial welcome.

She is also working on last minute arrangements for next Friday’s ‘Together At Christmas’ annual carol service at Westminster Abbey.

Royal aides said today’s message around the importance of empathy will also be a theme of the service.

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The princess insisted that addiction was ‘not a choice’ and that no-one was immune from its grip. Pictured visiting Brynawel Rehabilitation in 2023

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Kate pictured during the first annual gala dinner in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week in 2019

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The princess said: ‘It is up to each and every one of us to change the way we think about and consider the many people coping with addiction. Because recovery is possible.’ Pictured in 2019 attending a gala in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week

Working with those suffering from addiction has long been an issue high up on the Princess’s agenda.

Addiction Awareness Week is something she has advocated strongly in the past. She has been at the forefront of Addiction Awareness Week for several years running, offering her support and heartfelt words to those battling addiction.

Since the very beginning of her royal tenure, Catherine has been passionate about the issue. One of the first charities of which she became a patron of was Action on Addiction.

The princess has also  been a patron of the Forward Trust since 2021, which offers support via an online chat service for people struggling with addiction, as well as other social issues including homelessness, unemployment and criminal offences.

According the charity, 45 per of British adults aged 18 to 75 – around 22 million people – have either experienced addiction or dependency on alcohol, drugs, medication, gambling or sex themselves or are close to someone who has.

Last year, Catherine visited a prison in Surrey ahead of the annual month to raise awareness about addiction. The princess shadowed a family during a normal visit, where she served usual protocol and was checked my sniffer dogs.

There, she heard of the work the Forward Trust were doing to rehabilitate prisoners including a Stepping Stones programme to help those maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs.

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The Princess of Wales during a visit to Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre near the town of Pontyclun, Mid Glamorgan, to hear about the work they do to support those struggling with the effects of drug and alcohol addiction in Feb 2023

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At the event three years ago, Catherine spoke to TV presenters Ant and Dec, with the former opening up about his previous experience battling addiction to painkillers

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The Duchess of Cambridge talking to families of recovered addicts at the launch of the Forward Trust’s Taking Action on Addiction campaign at BAFTA, London. Picture date: Tuesday October 19, 2021

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In 2021, Kate and William visited homeless charity The Passage, speaking to frontline workers about challenges including drug addiction and mental health issues

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The Princess of Wales pats a dog during a visit to Brynawel Rehabilitation Centre in February 2023

The theme for last year’s Addiction Awareness Week was ‘Everyone Knows Someone’, recognising the widespread impact it has on everyone.

At the time, the princess said: ‘This year, we are reflecting on how ‘Everyone Knows Someone’ affected by addiction.

‘I hope, by talking more openly, we can consider the people in our own lives and communities who have been impacted.

‘Addiction affects people in so many ways beyond that one person who is experiencing it themselves – be they parents, children, siblings, friends or neighbours.

‘By understanding their experiences, and starting from a position of compassion and empathy, we can help to break the cycle.

‘Addiction is not a choice. It is a serious mental health condition. And with the right support delivered by wonderful charities like The Forward Trust, recovery is possible,’ she concluded.

In 2021, Catherine also supported the charity’s Taking Action on Addiction Awareness week. At an event held by Forward Trust, the then Duchess of Cambridge delivered a passionate speech on the devastating impact of addiction, while emphasising the importance of battling misinformation.

At the event three years ago, Catherine spoke to TV presenters Ant and Dec, with the former opening up about his previous experience battling addiction to painkillers.

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The Princess of Wales, 42, continued her return to public duties as she attended Remembrance events earlier this month

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The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol concert this year, Kensington Palace has announced. Pictured at the 2022 service

This year the campaign is focusing on the fact that addiction affects everyone, but recovery is possible.

Running from November 20 to December 7, and now in its fourth year, the campaign will provide an intense focus on addiction and recovery and its impact on people in the media.

It comes after the Princess of Wales paid tribute to aspiring photographer Liz Hatton, who passed away yesterday morning at the age of 17.

Liz, from Harrogate, Yorkshire, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning, her mother Vicky Robayna, announced on X/Twitter last night, after a battle with desmoplastic small round cell tumour, a rare and extremely aggressive form of cancer.

Posting a heartfelt message on the same social media platform, as well as their Instagram story, the royal couple wrote: ‘We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman.

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz’s parents Vicky and Aaron and her brother Mateo at this unimaginably difficult time.’ The parents-of-three signed off the message with their initials, ‘W & C’, indicating they had written the tribute personally.

Tragically, Liz passed away days before she was due to celebrate an early Christmas with her family.

Speaking to the Mail last night, Vicky said: ‘Our lovely Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to her last. Even yesterday she was telling me that I had better get nurses sorted so she could do more things.

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Liz Hatton made headlines after she was invited to Windsor Castle to photograph an investiture, where she found herself meeting the Prince and Princess of Wales

The Prince and Princess of Wales posted on X/Twitter to share their sadness at the death of Liz Hatton, who passed away in the early ours of Wednesday morning

Cancer-stricken teen hugged by Kate reflects on meeting the princess

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Liz Hatton, the talented teen photographer who moved the royals with her candid cancer journey, has passed away aged

‘She went out in a blaze of glory with almost everyone she cared out seeing her for the last time at her exhibition last week.’

Kate, an amateur photographer herself, first met Liz at Windsor Castle at the beginning of October, when the 17-year-old was invited by the Prince and Princess of Wales to take photos of Prince William carrying out investitures that day – giving her the chance to capture famous faces including Mark Cavendish.

Earlier this month, the Princess of Wales attended events for remembrance as she continues her slow and measured return to royal duties following her treatment for chemotherapy.

She has also been confirmed to be hosting her annual Together At Christmas carol concert on Christmas Eve on ITV.

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