“I went bright red and sort of scuttled off”: Prince William and Princess Catherine’s iconic romance – in their own words

Their romance reads like a real-life fairytale – from their fateful meeting at university to their incredible wedding on April 29, 2011, and of course their three gorgeous children.

On the 29th of April, Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s relationship takes another exciting turn to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.

Despite the pressure of their royal roles, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have always managed to put their young family first.

As they ring in the exciting milestone, we relive their best quotes of all time…

Ten years on and three babies later, the couple are still having a ball!

On their engagement

“We had a little private time away together with some friends and I just decided that it was the right time really. We had been talking about marriage for a while so it wasn’t a massively big surprise. I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya and I proposed,” William said.

“It was very romantic. There’s a true romantic in there,” Kate added.

On their extravagant wedding at Westminster Abbey in London

“It was supposed to be a small family affair,” Prince William joked to father-in-law Michael Middleton as he gave his daughter away.

On Catherine’s sense of humour

“She’s got a really naughty sense of humour, which kind of helps me because I’ve got a really dry sense of humour,” the Duke of Cambridge pointed out.
“When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her!”

The Cambridge clan are incredibly close.
On raising their children and the struggles of parenthood

“Catherine and I are clear that we want both George and Charlotte to grow up feeling able to talk about their emotions and feelings,” the Prince once told CALMzine.

“It is lonely at times. You do feel quite isolated. But actually so many other mothers are going through exactly what you’re going through. But it’s being brave enough, like you obviously were, to reach out,” Catherine said of the challenges of motherhood.

On their festival wish-list

“I’ve talked about going to Glastonbury before because I do love my music and Catherine as well. I’ve got into enough trouble with my dancing recently. So it’s probably best to stay away from that one,” William joked on Radio 1.
The gorgeous duo beamed with excitement when they announced their engagement in 2010.

On how they unwind together

Although they don’t watch The Crown, the couple love bingeing on box sets like Game Of Thrones and Homeland “once the kiddies are in bed.”

They also love ordering in. “It’s a real conundrum when it comes to it – pizza, curry or Chinese,” William quipped to Catherine during their Radio 1 chat. “You do struggle for choice,” Kate teased back. “I’m not so good with the spicy food,” the Duke explained.

On their first encounter

“We obviously met at university – at St Andrews we were friends for over a year first and it just sort of blossomed from then on. We just spent more time with each other had a good giggle, had lots of fun and realised we shared the same interests and just had a really good time,” Wills reflected.

“Well I actually think I went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you. Actually William wasn’t there for quite a bit of the time initially, he wasn’t there for Freshers Week, so it did take a bit of time for us to get to know each other but we did become very close friends from quite early on,” Kate remembered.
“When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her.” (All images: Getty)

On their famous break-up in 2007

“I think at the time I wasn’t very happy about it, but actually it made me a stronger person, you find out things about yourself that maybe you hadn’t realised, I think you can get quite consumed by a relationship when you are younger and I really valued that time for me as well although I didn’t think it at the time,” the mother-of-two has confessed.

“We were both very young, it was at university, we were both finding ourselves as such and being different characters and stuff, it was very much trying to find our own way and we were growing up, it was a bit of space and a bit of things like that and it worked out for the better,” the future King of England explained.

On why they work

“When I first met Kate I knew there was something very special about her. I knew there was possibly something that I wanted to explore there. But we ended up being friends for a while and that was a good foundation,” Wills has gushed.

“I think if you do go out with someone for quite a long time you do get to know each other very, very well, you go through the good times, you go through the bad times. Both personally and within a relationship as well. I think if you can come out of that stronger and learn things about yourself,” Kate pointed out.

Princess Catherine has received a boost of support as it’s revealed she’s well enough to host her annual Christmas carol concert this year

THE Princess of Wales has delivered an early Christmas present by revealing she is well enough to host her annual carol concert.

Kate is set to be joined by husband Prince William and other senior royals to film the festive extravaganza.

The Princess of Wales, pictured here in 2022, has delivered an early Christmas present by revealing she is well enough to host her annual carol concertCredit: The Times
Kate is set to be joined by husband Prince William and other senior royals to film the festive extravaganza, the royals seen last yearCredit: Getty
This will be the fourth year Kate, above pictured in 2021, has hosted Together at ChristmasCredit: PA
This year’s concert — to be screened on Christmas Eve — will have added poignancy after both Kate, 42, and King Charles, 75, have been treated for cancer.

Suitably, the show at London’s Westminster Abbey will include 1,600 unsung heroes who have helped their family and friends or have given up their time to ­volunteer.

It comes after Prince ­William last week called for more empathy in the world.

Filming takes place on Friday, December 6, and will feature carols by the Westminster Abbey choir as well as performances from ­singers Olivia Dean, Paloma Faith and Gregory Porter.

This will be the fourth year Kate has hosted Together at Christmas.

And there will be 15 other ­concerts across the country including at Blackpool Tower and Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro.

In previous years, Kate has played the piano and Wills has provided Bible readings.

The couple’s children George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and Louis, six, have attended each.

Sir Tom Jones, 84, left hardly a dry eye among BBC viewers on Saturday night with his powerful performance at this year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance.

Singing before King Charles III, Princess Anne, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the nation’s military heroes, Jones rose to the occasion, delivering show-stopping vocals that honored the significance of the event.

The Voice UK judge Sir Tom Jones was one of the first acts welcomed onto the stage by host Adrian Lester, delivering a heartfelt rendition of *I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall.*

Jones had previously performed this emotional track at the D-Day 80 commemoration in Normandy earlier this year, paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

During Saturday’s show at the Royal Albert Hall, Jones once again honored the fallen, remaining at his spot on stage, accompanied by the military orchestra. Within moments of his performance, social media lit up with praise for the singer, and several viewers couldn’t help but mention a rather eye-catching detail they noticed during the performance.

Sir Tom Jones received widespread praise from BBC viewers following his moving performance. While many fans were left teary-eyed by his rendition, others couldn’t help but marvel at how Jones, at 84 years old, can still deliver such powerful vocals.

One amazed fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Tom Jones seems to be defying nature. His voice hasn’t deteriorated one iota #RemembranceDay2024.”

Another echoed the sentiment: “Sir Tom Jones still has an incredible voice and looks physically strong and well #RoyalBritishLegionFestivalofRemembrance.”

“Sir Tom Jones sounds amazing considering he is 84 years old. #FestivalOfRemembrance,” a third fan noted, while a fourth added, “Sir Tom Jones, at 84, still sings like an angel. Extraordinary. #RemembranceDay2024.”

Sir Tom Jones shared a heartfelt message on Instagram about his performance.

Meanwhile, fans continued to express their emotions. One viewer wrote, “Watching Tom Jones at the Festival of Remembrance has left me in tears. It’s the first time since my great nanny’s funeral in February that I’ve listened to *I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall.*”

Meghan Markle and Grace Kelly: Parallels Between Two Princesses

 

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is frequently compared to Grace Kelly, the iconic American actress who became Princess of Monaco. Both women captured the world’s imagination with their beauty, talent, and eventual transition from Hollywood to royalty. While they lived in different eras, the striking similarities between Meghan and Grace reveal a shared narrative of love, resilience, and reinvention in the face of tradition.

From Hollywood Spotlight to Royal Court

Grace Kelly was already a celebrated film star when she met Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1955, leaving behind a successful career to marry him and embrace her role as a European royal. Decades later, Meghan Markle would make a similar choice, stepping away from her acting career after her role on Suits to marry Prince Harry. For both women, this decision marked a drastic shift, trading the independence and glamour of Hollywood for the duty-bound life of royalty.

Their journeys from Hollywood to royalty transformed their lives but also brought challenges. Grace had to adapt to a life of diplomacy, leaving behind her acting career and adopting a new role as Monaco’s princess. Similarly, Meghan left the familiarity of her career and home in the United States, facing the demanding and traditional life of British royalty.

Bridging Cultures: The American Princesses

 

 

As American women entering European royal circles, Meghan and Grace both introduced a fresh perspective. Grace brought a touch of Hollywood sophistication and glamour to Monaco, helping put the small principality on the global stage. Likewise, Meghan’s American background, paired with her modern, progressive ideals, brought diversity and change to the British royal family, attracting a new, younger audience.

Their cultural differences sometimes caused friction with traditional royal circles, but both Grace and Meghan found ways to adapt while staying true to their values. Grace became a beloved figure in Monaco, known for her grace and commitment to philanthropic work, and Meghan, too, has focused on social issues, using her platform to promote causes close to her heart, from mental health to racial justice.

Challenges Within Royal Life

 

Both Meghan and Grace faced unique pressures in royal life. Grace was said to have struggled with the isolation of royal life in Monaco, which contrasted with the vibrant Hollywood lifestyle she had known. Likewise, Meghan has spoken openly about the personal and mental health challenges she faced within the British monarchy, describing moments of loneliness and feeling misunderstood.

 

Their struggles reflect the complexities that come with marrying into royalty. While Grace had to navigate the expectations of Monaco’s people and the demands of royal etiquette, Meghan encountered intense media scrutiny in the UK, often amplified by her background and race.

Defining Their Legacy Through Philanthropy

Grace Kelly found purpose in her royal role through her philanthropic work, championing the arts and social causes, which helped endear her to Monaco’s people. She created the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging artists, securing her legacy as a patron of culture and charity.

Meghan, similarly, has carved out her own path through her charity work. Together with Prince Harry, she founded the Archewell Foundation, focusing on humanitarian projects that align with her progressive values. From promoting gender equality to supporting mental health initiatives, Meghan has used her influence to bring about social change, cementing her role as a modern-day philanthropist.

Challenging Royal Norms

Both Grace and Meghan challenged traditional royal norms in ways that set them apart. Grace’s glamorous, American style was unlike anything seen in European royalty, influencing royal fashion for years to come. Meghan, known for her modern style, broke several fashion protocols of the British royal family, choosing outfits that reflect her personality rather than sticking to conservative royal expectations.

 

Moreover, Meghan’s openness about issues like mental health and systemic racism has helped destigmatize these topics, breaking with the monarchy’s traditionally reserved stance. Like Grace, Meghan has taken bold steps that challenge the status quo, showing that a royal title doesn’t have to mean sacrificing individuality.

An Enduring Legacy

The parallels between Meghan Markle and Grace Kelly reveal two women who, despite immense pressure, shaped their own destinies. Grace’s influence in Monaco remains strong to this day, while Meghan’s legacy is still evolving as she navigates her role beyond the confines of royal life. Their stories of resilience, independence, and advocacy resonate with millions and continue to inspire new generations.

Both Meghan Markle and Grace Kelly exemplify the unique journey of those who transition from Hollywood stardom to the strictures of royalty, merging the worlds of glamour and duty while forging a legacy of compassion and strength.

Prince Andrew has been described as a “loose canon” as a royal expert believes the King has just weeks to decide about the Firm’s Christmas arrangements.

Prince Andrew currently lives at Royal Lodge in Windsor (Image: GETTY)

Prince Andrew’s future is said to be hanging in the balance as King Charles is set to make a major decision in coming weeks, it has been reported.

The disgraced royal and the 76-year-old monarch are still seemingly at odds over whether Andrew should be allowed to remain living at his beloved Royal Lodge, with his annual £1million “living allowance” having reportedly been cut by the King.

Andrew, 64, stepped back from royal duties in 2019 after a disastrous interview for Newsnight. In the infamous interview, Andrew failed to speak of his regret over his association with convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

With this still lingering in the background, the King is now facing decisions over whether he should allow his younger brother to join the royals at Sandringham this Christmas – and on the public walkabout on Christmas morning.

For the past two years, Andrew has been allowed to join the Royal Family as they walk to church on Christmas morning.

Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson pictured at Sandringham last December (Image: GETTY

According to The Times, a decision to allow his brother to join the celebrations will show that the King hasn’t completely frozen out Andrew – and his former wife, Sarah Ferguson, who has previously joined him at Sandringham.

As reported by the Mirror, royal author Stephen Bates said: “Charles has a clear sense of the damage Andrew has done to the institution of monarchy.”

With the plan to move his brother out of Royal Lodge, Frogmore Cottage – which is the former home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex – is said to have been a possible home for Andrew and Sarah.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – who now live in the US with their children – were forced to hand back the keys to Frogmore Cottage last year.

It has recently been reported that Andrew has come up with a cunning plan in order to stay at Royal Lodge. According to the Sun on Sunday, the royal has reportedly “negotiated a cheaper protection deal at his leased home which he refuses to leave. His plan is believed to be bankrolled by Middle East money.”

Meghan Markle’s pinky ring carries a deeper meaning behind it, a jewellery expert has claimed.

Meghan Markle wore her sparkly pinky ring again (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle wanted to communicate a particular message through her sartorial choices during her latest solo night out in LA, a jewellery expert has claimed.

The Duchess of Sussex attended the launch of a new haircare line by the brand Highbrow Hippie last Friday.

Prince Harry’s wife stunned in an all-black co-ord which featured a strapless top and wide-leg trousers which she paired with strappy heeled sandals.

Meghan paired the look with gold jewellery, including a new gold diamond necklace with her children’s names engraved on it but she also sported another beloved piece – her sparkling pinky ring.

The duchess first wore the ring in October 2020 for an official portrait with Prince Harry for Time magazine.

Meghan Markle’s pinky ring is estimated to be worth £56,000 (Image: Getty)

Meghan’s ring is thought to be a custom design by Lorraine Schwartz with diamonds the Sussex couple reportedly received as gifts from the Middle East.

She also wore it for the Invictus Games in Germany in 2023.

According to a jewellery expert, the ring, which is estimated to be worth £56,000, carries a deeper meaning for the duchess.

Maxwell Stone of Steven Stone said: “Created by celebrity jeweller Lorraine Schwartz, Meghan’s pinky ring appears to feature a 3-carat emerald cut diamond in a solitaire setting.

“Though there have been suggestions that the ring was gifted to Meghan by a mystery donor from the Middle East, its origin has never been confirmed.

Meghan Markle wearing her pinky ring in 2023 (Image: Getty)

“Thus, the ring has become a source of speculation – particularly since Meghan wore it on the cover of Time magazine.

“The shape of the diamonds cut represents stability and strength, which is particularly fitting for Meghan who has faced a series of hardships since her and Prince Harry made the decision to withdraw from the Royal Family.

“I’d estimate the ring to be worth £56,000 ($70,000).”

Meghan Markle looked radiant as she stepped out in a stunning red dress in Tonga, before suffering a huge blunder with Prince Harry back in 2018.

Meghan Markle left red-faced after embarrassing wardrobe malfunction on royal tour with Prince Harry (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle is known for her polished persona and sophisticated style but she suffered a huge slip-up in Tonga. Before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down as working members of the Royal Family, they carried out a number of tours and engagements representing the crown.

Back in 2018, Meghan, 43, went on a 16-day tour alongside Prince Harry, 40. The couple’s visit to Tonga was part of their first joint tour of the four countries.

Upon arrival at Fua’amotu airport in Nuku’alofa, the country’s capital, they were greeted by Princess Angelika Latufuipeka Tukuʻaho. Although, Meghan who looked dazzling in a beautiful deep red dress suffered a huge wardrobe malfunction.

Little did she know that when they stepped out to meet King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u in the city centre, the tag was still attached to the bottom of her dress. As she greeted onlookers a gust of wind came from behind her which revealed the ticket under the hem.

The stunning look was from Self Portrait – which gave a nod to the people of Tonga as it was an exact colour match to their flag. Looking regal the dress features a large belt that cinched her in at the waist.

Meghan Markle’s label was attached to the hem of her dress (Image: Getty)

Meanwhile, it also boasted a stunning pleated midi-length gown that flowed just below the knee, with a round neck, long sleeves, and floral embroidery.

Meghan accessorised with a Christian Dior clutch bag and her signature Manolo Blahnik BB pumps – which she has in a range of different colours.

Despite the blunder it did not stop her and Prince Harry from stealing the show as all eyes were on them when they walked the red carpet.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Tonga back in 2018 (Image: Getty )

Today the couple live in Montecito, California with their two children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lillibet, three – and rarely return back to the UK.

They recently squashed rumours that swirled suggesting that they had gone their separate ways.

Over the past few months, the couple have attended a number of solo events – which drew attention to their relationship – but earlier this month, they uploaded a joint video where they stood side by side.

Meghan Markle co-ordinated with Prince Harry in a chic blazer (Image: Archwell)

Back in September and October, the Duke spent a number of weeks away after embarking on his own solo tour.

Both Meghan and Harry shared an inspiring video about protecting children online just before Remembrance Day.

They put on a united front and co-ordinated with Meghan looking effortlessly chic in a navy blazer, which squashed the rumours that they are going their own ways when it comes to their personal life.

Prince Harry stepped out in Canada on Sunday to promote the Invictus Games, days after Meghan Markle’s night out in LA.

Prince Harry visited Canada over the weekend (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry delighted royal fans on Sunday after he made a surprise appearance at the Canadian football cup final in Vancouver.

The Duke of Sussex was all smiles as he attended the 2024 Grey Cup ahead of the game between Toronto Argonauts and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

He gave an interview to The Sports Network and was snapped on the pitch waving to the crowds before he left.

Harry is in Canada to promote his passion project, the Invictus Games, which will take place in Vancouver and Whistler in February.

It will be the first time that the event will feature winter sports.

Prince Harry attended the 2024 Grey Cup (Image: Getty)

On Sunday, the prince was joined by Invictus Games competitor Wen Nie.

During his interview, Harry said that it was his first time attending the cup, adding: “Really looking forward to the game getting started. Let’s go!”

Asked about what position he’d play if he was part of the Canadian Football League, he replied: “I think quarterback is a cool place to be.”

It comes shortly after Meghan Markle made another appearance on her own last week, after she attended a glitzy launch party in LA to celebrate a new haircare line by the brand Highbrow Hippie, which she has invested in and is co-founded by her friend, Kadi Lee.

Prince Harry gave a TV interview during pre-game festivities at the Canadian Cup (Image: Getty

Meghan oozed elegance in an all black ensemble as she was snapped dancing and mingling with guests at the star-studded event.

The duchess had previously told Instyle about her investment in the company: “I am so proud to invest in [Kadi] as a friend and as a female founder. Kadi has a mastery of hair health, and her Highbrow Hippie collection is a perfect reflection of that.”

Coronation Street’s Mason Radcliffe actor Luca Toolan has hinted at worrying scenes ahead on the ITV soap following the arrival of two new baddies

Actor Luca Toolan has teased what’s ahead for his Coronation Street character Mason Radcliffe, and he could be in danger.

The soap star spilled all on the latest twists on the show following the arrival of his villainous brothers. Logan and Matty Radcliffe have caused trouble for the youngest of the siblings, and next week he continues to fear them.

But the brothers could be about to go “too far” leading to Mason fighting back, while actor Lucas has hinted major danger ahead for the teen. Asked if he’s in trouble and whether he should be scared of his siblings, Luca said: “He should be running for the hills! Those two are nutters – they are as mental as they can get.”

But as they target Tim and Sally Metcalfe and Mason’s pal Betsy Swain in upcoming scenes according to new spoilers, Mason actor Luca warned he may have been pushed to his limit. He teased: “I think that could potentially be a turning point for Mason.

“It’s a step too far, Mason can take all the stick from Matty and Logan, but as soon as they go after someone who is vulnerable, and someone he deeply cares about, then that will push Mason too far and I expect that he will want to fight back.”

Actor Luca Toolan has teased what’s ahead for his Coronation Street character Mason Radcliffe ( 
Image:
ITV)
After months of being the baddie for bullying young Liam Connor, Mason has been seen trying to turn his life around in recent weeks. But has he really changed or is it all an act?

Luca said: “Yeah, I definitely think Mason has changed. I think you’ve got to remember how much rubbish this troubled lad has been through. Mason has gone to jail, then gone to jail again for something he didn’t actually do, his brothers torment him and now he’s so clearly trying to change his life around.

“The easier option for Mason would be to give in and join his brothers, but I think it speaks volumes about where his head is at because he’s fighting against it and wants better for himself, which is a really brave thing for him to do.”

On what it’s been like to explore Mason’s past, he went on: “It’s been mint having two brothers on the street. Working with them has been great, they are two crazy boys who are a lot of fun and they’re both really loving off screen – it’s similar to my friendship with Charlie (Liam Connor) and Liam (Dylan Wilson) off screen, there’s a bond there that allows a certain level of trust where we can really push ourselves and test the limits of the scene.”

EastEnders’ Lauren Branning discovered she was pregnant on the BBC soap on Tuesday night after feeling unwell recently, and fans think Peter Beale isn’t the father

Viewers tuning into EastEnders on Tuesday believed they had rumbled a paternity twist, amid Lauren Branning’s pregnancy.

Lauren uncovered she was pregnant after taking a test in the latest episode of the BBC soap. After weeks of feeling unwell, months on from a horror crush that left her injured, Lauren learned the truth.

Amid concern for her health she visited a doctor where she was told that she needed to reduce her pain medication for her crush injuries, and that she wasn’t able to have another prescription. Lauren was in turmoil, claiming to still be in pain and later she told sister-in-law Anna Knight she was having daily headaches.

When she revealed she’d also been sick that morning Anna questioned if she might be pregnant. Lauren wasn’t sure but soon realised it was a possibility, eventually taking a test and seeing it was positive.

But before the news was revealed, something about Lauren’s reaction to Anna’s question and what she said to Anna sparked suspicion. Lauren and Peter recently reunited around the time she was seriously hurt in the crush.

Lauren had told Anna she couldn’t be pregnant because Peter “hadn’t been near her” since everything had happened. She then pulled a face before fleeing, later shown taking the test.

Viewers tuning into EastEnders on Tuesday believed they had rumbled a paternity twist ( 
Image:
BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
Lauren had also said her menstrual cycle had been all over the place, but she didn’t specify how long for. Now, viewers are wondering if Lauren has been pregnant for longer than she realised.

They think Peter is not the father of Lauren’s baby, and it will actually be someone else. While some fans questioned if Junior Knight might be the father, most viewers believed it was Zack Hudson after the pair slept together earlier this year.

While it possibly isn’t the case given Lauren and Zack slept together at the end of April, so around seven months ago, fans can’t help but suspect there is more to the baby storyline. One viewer posted on X: “Peter ain’t been near me??? Sorry don’t tell me Lauren is having Zack’s baby… didn’t they sleep with each other MONTHS ago.”

Another viewer said: “The question is how Lauren tell Zack she’s pregnant and how will Zack react.” A third fan commented: “Blimey didn’t Lauren use protection with Zack?” as a fourth said: “Zack’s storyline will be having Lauren’s baby.”

Spoilers for next week reveal Lauren is struggling, as she makes a confession to cousin Penny Branning. But will Lauren tell Peter about the baby?