One of the most luxurious gifts ever presented to Princess Catherine came from King Charles, a dazzling diamond bracelet that symbolizes elegance, royal connections, and familial affection. This exquisite piece, custom-designed for Catherine when she married Prince William, is not just a testament to fine craftsmanship but also a symbol of her place within the royal family.

The bracelet is crafted from a mix of white and yellow gold, showcasing an intricate design that complements Catherine’s timeless style. Valued at approximately $275,000, it is a centerpiece of a complete jewelry set that includes matching earrings and a ring. Together, the set is worth around $330,000, making it one of the most extravagant and meaningful gifts she has received as a member of the British royal family.

Catherine first wore the stunning bracelet at the 2011 BAFTA Awards in Los Angeles, where it made a statement of understated opulence. Paired with a flowing lilac gown designed by Alexander McQueen, the bracelet added a touch of regal sparkle to her elegant ensemble, perfectly suited for the high-profile event. The appearance of the bracelet that evening captured the attention of the media and fashion enthusiasts, solidifying its status as a remarkable piece in Catherine’s collection.

 

Since then, she has continued to showcase the bracelet at various glamorous occasions, each time adding a touch of luxury to her refined style. The bracelet’s design, which balances classic elegance with modern sophistication, aligns seamlessly with Catherine’s fashion sense, making it a natural choice for royal engagements and formal events.

Beyond its beauty, the diamond bracelet holds sentimental value. As a gift from King Charles, it represents the close bond between Catherine and her father-in-law, as well as the royal family’s welcome into their circle. It is a piece that Catherine wears not just for its aesthetic appeal but also as a reminder of her role in the family and the history she is now a part of.

The set’s ability to be worn as a complete ensemble or as individual pieces allows Catherine the versatility to style it in different ways, reflecting her personality and preferences while maintaining a connection to royal tradition. Whether worn with a flowing gown at a red-carpet event or paired with a more subdued outfit at a royal engagement, the bracelet is a testament to Catherine’s elegance and the thoughtful nature of King Charles’s gift.

In the world of royal jewels, this diamond bracelet stands out not just for its intrinsic value but for the story it carries—a story of family, love, and the enduring charm of royal tradition.

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The History Behind The Strathmore Rose Tiara

The Strathmore Rose Tiara is a beautiful and storied piece of royal jewelry, steeped in history and symbolism. It has become a symbol of elegance and romance, not only for its intricate design but also for its connection to love, marriage, and tradition. Its origins, use, and timeless beauty make it one of the most enchanting tiaras in the British royal collection.

The story of the Strathmore Rose Tiara begins in the early 20th century. It was a wedding gift given to Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who would later become the Queen Mother, upon her marriage to Prince Albert, Duke of York (who would go on to become King George VI). The tiara was a gift from her father, the 14th Earl of Strathmore, Claude Bowes-Lyon, in 1923. Unlike many other tiaras in the royal collection, which have ancient or royal origins, this piece was a personal gift, intended to be a meaningful token for the young bride.

The Strathmore Rose Tiara reflects the romantic spirit of its time. It features a delicate garland of roses, made of diamonds set in silver and gold. The design is light and floral, with naturalistic rose motifs that evoke the gentle beauty of a garden in bloom. The tiara can be worn in two ways: across the forehead in a bandeau style, which was popular in the 1920s, or as a more traditional crown-like headpiece. This versatility and its delicate charm made it a favorite for Lady Elizabeth, who often wore it during the early years of her marriage.

The rose motif itself holds special significance. Roses have long been a symbol of love and beauty, and their use in the tiara may have been a reflection of the blossoming relationship between Elizabeth and Albert. It is also a nod to the Earl of Strathmore’s Scottish heritage, as roses are a beloved feature in many Scottish gardens. The tiara thus blends elements of romantic symbolism with a sense of family and tradition, making it a particularly fitting piece for a bride.

While the Strathmore Rose Tiara is not as well-known as some of the more prominent royal jewels, such as the Cambridge Lover’s Knot or the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, it holds a unique place in royal history. Its understated elegance contrasts with some of the more elaborate pieces in the royal collection, highlighting Lady Elizabeth’s refined and classic taste. In many ways, it reflects her personality—graceful, gentle, and quietly dignified.

 

Over time, the Strathmore Rose Tiara became less visible in the public eye. As Lady Elizabeth, later the Queen Mother, took on more formal roles and responsibilities, she began to wear other tiaras more frequently for official events. The Strathmore Rose Tiara, with its lighter design, was more suited to smaller, more personal gatherings rather than grand state occasions. Nonetheless, it remained a treasured part of her jewelry collection, a reminder of her early years with King George VI and the love they shared.

Following the Queen Mother’s passing in 2002, the Strathmore Rose Tiara became a part of the wider royal collection, though it has rarely been seen in public. Its delicate condition and age mean that it is more fragile than some of the more robust tiaras, making it less suited for regular wear. However, its historical and sentimental value remains significant. It is a piece that connects the modern royal family to a more intimate, personal chapter of their history, one that predates the pressures of the crown.

Today, the Strathmore Rose Tiara remains a hidden gem among the royal jewels, appreciated by those who have a deeper knowledge of the British monarchy’s history. It represents a time when Lady Elizabeth was a young bride, stepping into a new chapter of her life, unaware of the pivotal role she would play in British history. The tiara’s story is one of love, heritage, and the timeless beauty of family traditions, making it a symbol of a bygone era that continues to enchant those who admire it.

Though it may not shine as often in the spotlight as other royal tiaras, the Strathmore Rose Tiara’s delicate beauty and rich history ensure that it holds a cherished place in the legacy of the British royal family. Its legacy serves as a reminder that some of the most meaningful treasures are not those that are worn often or seen by many, but those that carry the whispers of love, memory, and a family’s enduring heritage.

Harry and Meghan buy a holiday home in EUROPE after Charles asked them to give up their British base Frogmore Cottage:

When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were evicted from their cottage at Windsor by King Charles, they were left without a home in this country.

The California-based couple have, however, ensured that they retain a foothold on this side of the Atlantic.

The Daily Mail understands that Prince Harry and Meghan have bought a home in Portugal.

They are not the only royals who have a Portuguese property, with Harry’s cousin Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, owning a home in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club, a luxury development of 300 properties by the sea in Melides, south of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Mr Brooksbank, 38, works in marketing and sales for CostaTerra. He, Eugenie, 34, and their two sons, August, three, and Ernest, 16 months, split their time between Portugal and London.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are understood to have bought a home on the coast in Portugal. The couple are pictured in Bondi, Hawaii, in 2018

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank also own a portuguese property – located in the CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club. The couple are pictured with their two children

The purchase of the home in Portugal may have allowed the Sussexes to acquire a so-called Golden Visa, under which they would have visa-free access to the European Union’s Schengen area.

This could have been a major attraction to Meghan, who is a US citizen. When the couple got engaged in November 2017, Kensington Palace said Meghan would apply for British citizenship in due course, with a spokesman confirming that ‘she will go through the process [which] takes a number of years’.

However, she eventually abandoned her bid to become a British citizen after she and her husband left the country in March 2020, less than two years after their wedding.

A spokesman for the Sussexes confirmed in January last year that they had been asked by the King to give up their British home, Frogmore Cottage.

The five-bedroom property in the grounds of Windsor Castle was offered to Prince Andrew, the King’s brother, who rejected a move from the much larger Royal Lodge elsewhere at Windsor.

The King’s move followed the publication of Harry’s highly controversial memoir, Spare, in which he criticised members of the Royal Family including his stepmother, Queen Camilla, and his brother and sister-in-law, the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Frogmore Cottage was given to the Sussexes by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, shortly after the couple were married at St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Officially, however, the Crown Estate owns the property.

The CostaTerra Golf and Ocean Club (pictured), is a luxury resort an hour south of Lisbon on Portugal’s picturesque Atlantic coast

Jose Santos, head of the Alentejo Tourism Board, confirmed that the Sussexes had enjoyed a ‘short stay’ at the CostaTerra

Harry and Meghan carried out some £2million worth of taxpayer-funded renovations, though they subsequently repaid the cost in full through a contribution to the Sovereign Grant.

After Harry and Meghan moved to North America and quit royal duties in 2020, Frogmore Cottage was leased to Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank until 2022.

The Sussexes are known to be close to Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank, who featured in their 2022 Netflix ‘docu-series’ Harry & Meghan.

Last year, it was reported that the Sussexes enjoyed a ‘romantic three-night break’ in Portugal after attending the Invictus Games in Germany.

The couple are said to have flown from Dusseldorf to Lisbon before travelling an hour south to Melides in a ‘mega-secret’ operation.

A source close to the Sussexes confirmed that they had been to Portugal. At the time, it was thought that they stayed with Eugenie and Mr Brooksbank, who have visited them at their home in Montecito, California.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared previously unseen photographs as they partied with Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank on Halloween in their Netflix documentary

In one snap from the big night out, Meghan can be seen posing for a playful selfie with Princess Eugenie

Jose Santos, head of the Alentejo Tourism Board, confirmed that the Sussexes had enjoyed a ‘short stay’ at the CostaTerra.

What would YOU prefer?

Frogmore Cottage
Portugal Holiday Home

‘We have no idea how many people linked to cinema, royalty, arts, design and fashion visit us, precisely because they value discreet travel, which is something they find in Alentejo like nowhere else in Europe,’ he said.

CostaTerra Golf is owned by a company founded by Mike Meldman, one of George Clooney’s business partners in tequila firm Casamigos.

Mr Brooksbank previously worked as a brand ambassador for Casamigos.

The Sussexes’ main home is a £19.5 million Tuscan-style mansion in Montecito with seven bedrooms, 13 and a half bathrooms, library, cinema, gym, pool and chicken coop.

A spokesman for the Sussexes was contacted for comment.

The Truth Uncovered”: William and Kate’s Adventure

Real bomb alert! Brace yourself as the truth is revealed: rumors of romance finally confirmed! Get ready to delve into the scandal that is shaking the monarchy. Don’t miss the juiciest news of the year!

William and Kate are seen as a perfect match. They met in college and went through difficult times before getting married and starting a family. People are waiting to see when William will become king, as his father, King Charles, is getting older. William and Kate met while studying at the University of St Andrews. They became friends and eventually fell in love. They graduated in 2005. Their relationship faced challenges. William’s friends were not always kind to Kate due to her family background. Some people even made fun of her. But Kate stayed strong and didn’t let it get to her.

In 2007, William and Kate briefly separated. But they got back together after talking to their families. They married in 2011 and now have three children. In 2019, rumors surfaced that William had had an affair with a friend of Kate’s named Rose Hanbury. But there is no evidence, and both sides denied it. Rose is a long-time friend of Kate’s. She is also married and has children.

 

The rumors have upset everyone involved, but there’s no evidence that they’re true. Recently, Kate and Rose were spotted together at a music festival, suggesting that they are still friends. In general, rumors about a relationship between William and Rose seem to be false. Let’s hope that both couples and their children continue to have happy moments together.

Liam Payne’s links with the Royal Family from Kate Middleton to the Queen

As the world mourns the loss of former One Direction star Liam Payne, fans have been sharing memories of the singer – including his links with the Royal Family

Liam Payne had numerous brushes with royalty during the height of his fame (Image: Getty)

The world is in mourning following the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne. Fans of the beloved singer have been sharing touching memories and reflecting on his impactful legacy since the news broke that he had died at the age of 31.

Liam tragically lost his life on Wednesday October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was vacationing with his girlfriend. Amidst the sorrow, fans have also been recounting heartwarming anecdotes that illustrate the vibrant life Liam led in the limelight, including his encounters with British royalty during his music career.

Notably, Liam and his One Direction bandmates met Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance on Nov. 13, 2014.

At that event, pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate caught the eye of the young musicians, leading Harry Styles to comment, “congratulations on the bump … [though] she didn’t look bumpy,” as reported by Newsweek.

Kate Middleton met with One Direction back in November 2014 (Image: Getty)

The following year, on November 13, coinciding with the release of One Direction’s final album ‘Made in the A.M. ‘, the group once again mingled with the royals, this time meeting Prince Harry, reports the Mirror.

PEOPLE reports that the prince shared a lively banter with Harry Styles, humorously inquiring, “When was the last time you had a hair cut? ” To which Styles responded, affirming his charitable intentions by saying, “at some point I’ll be cutting it [his hair] for charity.”

The friendly back-and-forth didn’t seem to faze Liam, who looked on smiling and attentively listened, appearing perfectly at ease while mingling with royalty once more. However, contrast this with 2017 when Liam found himself quite spellbound by the late Queen Elizabeth during a Queen’s Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace.

 

Liam Payne looks on curiously as Prince Harry and his bandmate Harry Styles exchanged words (Image: Getty)
Recognising young community leaders’ efforts, Liam attended solo this time and although he bumped into Prince Harry again, it was his encounter with Her Majesty that truly struck him.

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Following the prestigious event, he expressed his reverence on social media: “An absolute honour to meet the Queen today on such a fantastic occasion. Privileged to share the room with such inspirational @queensyoungleaders, hear their stories and how they are helping to rebuild and preserve a sometimes broken world,” Payne penned online.

Moving to 2018, Liam had yet another opportunity to meet the Queen at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 12. The singer was also deeply moved by the death of a monarch in September 2022, and three months later, he shared a 4ft oil painting in tribute to her that had taken over 50 hours to create, as reported by the Independent.

Liam Payne was hugely in awe of the late Queen Elizabeth and even painted a portrait in her memory (Image: Getty)
Tragically, Liam died on Wednesday afternoon after falling several stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Before emergency services arrived, the hotel receptionist called 911 due to concerns about his erratic behaviour and suspicion that he might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The receptionist urgently requested help fearing he might harm himself.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from his hotel room balcony. A preliminary autopsy conducted on Thursday October 17 revealed that he died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” haemorrhages caused by the fall.

The prosecutor’s office handling the case stated that a toxicology report is still pending.

Kate Middleton ditching her engagement ring is a ‘subtle nod’ about relationship with William

Kate Middleton was seen wearing an eternity band on her ring finger on her first official engagement since ending her treatment – and a jewellery expert claims it’s a ‘subtle nod’ from the couple.

The Prince and Princess of Wales met the emergency responders at Southport Community Centre in Southport (Image: Iain Watts/Liverpool Echo)

Kate Middleton’s decision to leave her stunning engagement ring at home during a recent public outing has sparked chatter among royal enthusiasts. However, a jewellery expert has suggested that there could be several practical and personal reasons for the Kate’s choice.

The iconic ring, originally belonging to Princess Diana, is usually seen on Kate’s finger during public events, except for athletic activities or hospital visits. However, it was noticeably absent during her first official engagement following the end of her chemotherapy treatment.

Kate made a surprise appearance alongside Prince William in Southport, meeting with families and emergency workers affected by the tragic Southport stabbings, including three young girls who lost their lives at a Taylor Swift-themed party over the summer holidays.

Observant fans were thrilled to see her accompanying William again, but also noted that while she wore several ‘eternity bands’ and her wedding ring, her famous sapphire engagement ring was missing.

Diamonds Factory’s jewellery expert, Ella Citron-Thompkins, revealed to the Mirror: “Recently, The Prince and Princess of Wales visited the families of the Southport victims. Eagle-eyed fans noticed that there was something a bit different about the jewellery Kate was wearing on her hand, specifically that she had opted for several ‘eternity bands’, alongside her wedding ring, as opposed to her 12-carat diamond and sapphire engagement ring.

Kate has worn the new diamond and sapphire ring several times now (Image: PA)

“The Princess of Wales may have chosen to wear the eternity brands to represent her relationship with Prince William surpassing several major milestones – like anniversaries or births – or as a show of love and commitment. With the rumours that have surrounded the couple earlier in the year, this can be seen as a subtle nod to the public by Kate and Will that they are in love more than ever.”

The expert added: “It is not the first time that the famous Princess Diana ring has been missing during an outing, and it could simply be that it is being cleaned or resized, and Princess Kate has used the eternity rings in its place to help disperse any rumours. It could also be a matter of comfort, or practicality.

“The Princess’s engagement ring is quite extraordinary and very precious, so it may be that she prefers to keep it safe at home for most engagements.”

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Royal fashion enthusiasts have been scrutinising Kate Middleton’s recent jewellery choices. This year, the Duchess has frequently been spotted wearing an ‘eternity band’ or her wedding ring, and at times, she opts for no rings at all, reports the Mirror.

Jewellery expert Ella commented on Kate’s new selection of rings, suggesting they could be a “perfect” tribute to a ring Prince William gave his wife early in their relationship. “The eternity rings look to be a more subtle and understated band compared to her sizable engagement ring,” Ella observed.

 

Kate usually sports a different ring (Image: PA)

“The style of the rings seems to be gold composed with small gemstones which are either garnets or sapphires. This looks to resemble the promise ring that Prince William gave Kate at university when they first started dating.

“This was a rose-gold Victorian band embellished with pearls and garnets: representing both their birthstones. If the stones are sapphires, then it is the perfect homage to the ring it replaced.”

Ella further noted: “Kate Middleton’s usual jewellery style tends to be very influenced and dependent on what outfit she has chosen to wear. Because of this, she has been seen to style both gold and silver jewellery.

“The designs of her rings and earrings are traditionally fitting for the modern world of jewellery trends, with intricate gold and silver designs that emboss gemstones to give them a subtle statement. Amongst her favourites are pearls which are fitting for them being Prince William’s birthstone.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Her Royal Highness’s penchant for ornate gold and silver bracelets is evident, as she frequently sports designs with textured bands of chains or gemstones on her right hand. This preference is reflected in her necklace choices, often featuring a delicate chain with a standout gemstone pendant.

The Princess’s selection of gemstones is setting the trend, with the jewellery market increasingly embracing classic stones like emeralds and sapphires, echoing her fondness for garnets and pearls. Alongside her Welsh gold wedding band, Kate has been seen with a new diamond and sapphire band, which appears to be a recent addition, accompanied by two diamond eternity bands.

The Princess of Wales’s latest diamond and sapphire band, first noticed during her celebration of Team GB’s Olympic achievements in August, is speculated to be a comfortable stand-in for her iconic engagement ring. On TikTok, Royal enthusiast and fashion historian Victoria Campbell remarked: “Princess Catherine was not wearing her engagement ring at the visit that took place in Southport, England, [last week]. The iconic engagement ring that was once Princess Diana’s is of course very hard to miss.”

Liam Payne’s links with the Royal Family from Kate Middleton to the Queen

As the world mourns the loss of former One Direction star Liam Payne, fans have been sharing memories of the singer – including his links with the Royal Family

Liam Payne had numerous brushes with royalty during the height of his fame (Image: Getty)

The world is in mourning following the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne. Fans of the beloved singer have been sharing touching memories and reflecting on his impactful legacy since the news broke that he had died at the age of 31.

Liam tragically lost his life on Wednesday October 16 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he was vacationing with his girlfriend. Amidst the sorrow, fans have also been recounting heartwarming anecdotes that illustrate the vibrant life Liam led in the limelight, including his encounters with British royalty during his music career.

Notably, Liam and his One Direction bandmates met Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Royal Variety Performance on Nov. 13, 2014.

At that event, pregnant with Princess Charlotte, Kate caught the eye of the young musicians, leading Harry Styles to comment, “congratulations on the bump … [though] she didn’t look bumpy,” as reported by Newsweek.

Kate Middleton met with One Direction back in November 2014 (Image: Getty)

The following year, on November 13, coinciding with the release of One Direction’s final album ‘Made in the A.M. ‘, the group once again mingled with the royals, this time meeting Prince Harry, reports the Mirror.

PEOPLE reports that the prince shared a lively banter with Harry Styles, humorously inquiring, “When was the last time you had a hair cut? ” To which Styles responded, affirming his charitable intentions by saying, “at some point I’ll be cutting it [his hair] for charity.”

The friendly back-and-forth didn’t seem to faze Liam, who looked on smiling and attentively listened, appearing perfectly at ease while mingling with royalty once more. However, contrast this with 2017 when Liam found himself quite spellbound by the late Queen Elizabeth during a Queen’s Young Leaders reception at Buckingham Palace.

 

Liam Payne looks on curiously as Prince Harry and his bandmate Harry Styles exchanged words (Image: Getty)
Recognising young community leaders’ efforts, Liam attended solo this time and although he bumped into Prince Harry again, it was his encounter with Her Majesty that truly struck him.

Promoted Stories

Following the prestigious event, he expressed his reverence on social media: “An absolute honour to meet the Queen today on such a fantastic occasion. Privileged to share the room with such inspirational @queensyoungleaders, hear their stories and how they are helping to rebuild and preserve a sometimes broken world,” Payne penned online.

Moving to 2018, Liam had yet another opportunity to meet the Queen at the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey on March 12. The singer was also deeply moved by the death of a monarch in September 2022, and three months later, he shared a 4ft oil painting in tribute to her that had taken over 50 hours to create, as reported by the Independent.

Liam Payne was hugely in awe of the late Queen Elizabeth and even painted a portrait in her memory (Image: Getty)
Tragically, Liam died on Wednesday afternoon after falling several stories at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Before emergency services arrived, the hotel receptionist called 911 due to concerns about his erratic behaviour and suspicion that he might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The receptionist urgently requested help fearing he might harm himself.

Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene after falling from his hotel room balcony. A preliminary autopsy conducted on Thursday October 17 revealed that he died from multiple injuries and “internal and external” haemorrhages caused by the fall.

The prosecutor’s office handling the case stated that a toxicology report is still pending.

A Look Back at Royal Tours of Australia, from Queen Elizabeth’s Historic Visits to Meghan Markle’s Pregnancy Announcement

Ahead of King Charles and Queen Camilla’s visit kicking off Oct. 18, here are some of the royal family’s most memorable trips there

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Bondi Beach on Oct. 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Pool/Samir Hussein/WireImage

When Queen Elizabeth visited Australia for the first time in 1954, she was only two years into her history-making reign that would ultimately last 70 years until her death on Sept. 8, 2022. Queen Elizabeth, then Princess Elizabeth, had been en route to Australia as part of a larger royal tour on Feb. 6, 1952 when she found out, at just 25 years old, that her father King George VI died unexpectedly while Elizabeth and her husband Prince Philip were in Kenya.

When she finally did make it Down Under on Feb. 3, 1954, she became the first British monarch to step foot on Australian soil. When her son and heir, King Charles, visits Australia on Oct. 18 alongside his wife Queen Camilla, he will be only the second British monarch to visit the Commonwealth realm — and the first British King.

When the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Australia for the first time, they stayed from Feb. 3 to April 1. According to Australia’s Centre of Democracy, it is estimated that close to 75% of Australia’s population saw the Queen in person on her 1954 visit alone.

Queen Elizabeth is escorted by Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies leaving a banquet at Parliament House, Canberra in 1954.

“Royal visits are a part of the history of national pride in Australia. This was especially the case for the 1954 tour,” according to the Centre. “For Australia, the visit was a chance to promote the post-war development of the country, while for the Crown, it was a chance to strengthen alliances throughout the Commonwealth countries.”

It would be nearly a decade before they returned, visiting again in 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006 and, for the final time, in 2011.

 

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.Hulton Royals Collection

Both Prince Charles and Princess Diana had been to Australia independently — the then-Lady Diana Spencer even made a private visit to the country in February 1981, less than one week after Prince Charles proposed. They married that summer (July 29, to be exact) and the then-Princess of Wales made history in 1983 when she insisted that their nine month old son, Prince William, accompany her and her husband on their tour of Australia beginning March 20, 1983. The visit, which made its way into season four of Netflix’s The Crown and the subject of a documentary called Charles and Diana: 1983, encompassed more than a month across Australia and New Zealand.

An article from PEOPLE at the time said that “The couple’s travel agenda holds a number of unprecedented events for the princess, who is making her first official overseas visit.” Though there was originally trepidation about how Diana would fare while on tour, it turned out that her star eclipsed that of her husband.

Prince Charles and Princess Diana pose before the Australian Monolithic Rock during their tour of Australia.Bettmann / Contributor / Getty Images

“The prince was embarrassed the crowds so favorably favored her over him,” Sally Bedell Smith wrote in her biography Prince Charles: The Passions and Paradoxes of an Improbable Life. “For her part, Diana was upset by the disproportionate interest in her, especially when she realized that it was disturbing Charles. She collapsed under the strain, weeping to her lady-in-waiting and secretly succumbing to bulimia. In letters to friends, Charles described his anguish over the impact ‘all this obsessed and crazed attention was having on his wife.’ ”

Princess Diana’s eventual biographer Andrew Morton said that the Australia tour “was a terrifying baptism of fire … Just 21, the newly minted royal was petrified of facing the crowds, meeting the countless dignitaries as well as the fabled royal ‘rat pack,’ the media circus who follow the royals around the globe.”

He later wrote for The New York Post that “the tour was utterly traumatic. Back in the privacy of her hotel room, she cried her eyes out, unable to handle the constant attention. … It didn’t help that Prince Charles, the former top of the billing, was reduced to a walk-on part, the crowds groaning when he came to their side of the road during their many visits. As Diana told me, ‘He was jealous. I understood the jealousy but I couldn’t explain that I didn’t ask for it.’ ”

In biographer Sarah Bradford’s book Diana, she quotes a bodyguard who said the Princess of Wales’ reception in Australia was comparable to Beatlemania.

Princess Diana traveling in a stagecoach in Ballarat, Australia on April 15, 1983.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty

Diana’s persistence that William join her and Charles warmed the hearts of Australians, PEOPLE previously reported. “Bringing William is what made it really different. There was a huge amount made of Diana being a breath of fresh air and [so] modern. It was enormous,” said Jane Connors, author of Royal Visits to Australia.

Charles, Diana and William left Australia on April 17 and headed off to New Zealand, where they remained for two weeks before heading back to London on April 30.

While other royals like Princess Anne and Prince Edward and Sophie, now-Duchess of Edinburgh, have visited Australia, perhaps the two most memorable visits of the modern royal era were undertaken by Prince William, Kate Middleton and a young Prince George — who, at nine months old, was the exact same age his father was when he visited the country 30 years prior. The three were in Australia from April 16 to April 25 — significantly shorter than Charles, Diana and William before them, and did the reverse order of visiting New Zealand first (from April 7 to April 16) then Australia, rather than Australia then New Zealand as was done in the 1983 trip.

Kate Middleton and Prince George on their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2014 alongside Prince William, not pictured.

Prince William and Kate Middleton walk from the top of the stairs of Sydney’s iconic landmark Opera House on April 16, 2014. AFP/Getty
Prince George’s Cute & Fun Royal Tour Gifts

While there, little George got to visit the Taronga Zoo in Sydney with his parents, where he visited his namesake — George the Bilby! The future king “squealed with delight” when he met the real-life animal, PEOPLE reported, but had a different reaction when presented with the stuffed toy version of the marsupial — he threw it on the floor. “He does love it, honestly,” dad Prince William clarified.

That wasn’t the only stuffed animal George received as a gift while on tour in Australia. He received a stuffed wombat by the family of three’s Australian hosts, Lady and Sir Peter Cosgrove. (William’s nickname as a little boy was William the Wombat, so the gift was packed with meaning.)

“He is obsessed with wombats at the moment,” Kate reportedly said while on tour. “He is really into them.”

Prince William, Kate Middleton and Prince George visit the Nightlife display at Taronga Zoo, view a Bilby and officially name the Prince George Bilby Exhibit on April 20, 2014. Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock

 

George was also apparently into sweet potatoes at the time, but not long flights — he got grumpy! — or jet lag. George took three days to get over his jet lag, William said while visiting, revealing his son “was a bit jet-lagged and it was a bit hot for him.”

“Although George made only a handful of appearances with his parents, he stole the show with every outing,” PEOPLE previously reported.

Kate Middleton, Prince George and Prince William on their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2014.

Prince William and Kate Middleton on their royal tour of Australia and New Zealand in 2014.

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle visited Australia in October 2018 — the first stop on a 16-day, four-country tour that included visits to Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand — they brought with them an exciting announcement: Meghan was pregnant with their first child! The same day they touched down in Sydney, palace officials made the announcement; Prince Archie would be born on May 6, 2019, nearly seven months after their visit Down Under.

“I’m very excited to show her this incredible country of yours,” Prince Harry said of Meghan in footage captured by Nine News Australia.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex watch a performance during their visit to Macarthur Girls High School on Oct. 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Phil Noble – Pool/Getty

“We’re both absolutely delighted to be here,” he continued. “Thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and the chance to meet so many Aussies from all walks of life.”

Harry added, “We also genuinely couldn’t think of a better place to announce the, er, upcoming baby,” Harry said, looking over to Meghan. Appearing slightly nervous, Harry added, “whether it’s a boy or a girl.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at Kingfisher Bay during their visit to Fraser Island on Oct. 22, 2018. REX/Shutterstock

The Australian Governor-General and his wife presented the couple with their first official baby gifts. “That’s so cute, it’s our first baby gift!” Meghan said as she received a fluffy stuffed kangaroo (complete with a baby joey!) and fleece Ugg booties.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in Australia in 2018.Getty Images

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex talk to members of OneWave, an awareness group for mental health and wellbeing at South Bondi Beach on Oct. 19, 2018 in Sydney, Australia.Chris Jackson – Pool/Getty

Harry and Meghan also visited Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, where they met two new koala moms and their joeys before visiting the Sydney Opera House. Later in the visit, the two visited Bondi Beach, and Prince Harry enjoyed a world-famous view after scaling the 1,000-plus step Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise the Invictus Flag, officially ushering in the 2018 Invictus Games, held from October 20 to October 27, 2018.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney on Oct. 16, 2018. DEAN LEWINS/AFP/Getty

Meghan Markle has two requirements before she and her husband Prince Harry can reconcile with his brother Prince Wiliam and sister-in-law Ka…

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Meghan Markle has two requirements before she and her husband Prince Harry can reconcile with his brother Prince Wiliam and sister-in-law Kate Middleton, a royal expert has claimed.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are said to be making efforts to mend the rift with the younger Windsor brother and former ‘Suits’ actress turned Duchess of Sussex, Meghan, but the Sussexes’ ties with the Royal Family have become tense since they walked away from royal duties, and they remain distant.

 

And now Royal author Tom Quinn has suggested that, while William and Kate are keen on reconciliation, Meghan isn’t quite ready to bury the hatchet – and there are two things preventing a reconciliation.

Since walking away from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have made a series of bombshell claims about royal life, in high-profile interviews – including with megastar Oprah Winfrey – and in in their dramatic Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan. Royal commentator Mr Quinn even suggested Meghan is blocking Harry from engaging in peace talks with Kate and William, forming a barrier preventing her husband from reaching out with an”olive branch” even after Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

Since walking away from royal duties, Harry and Meghan have made a series of bombshell claims about royal life, in high-profile interviews – including with megastar Oprah Winfrey – and in in their dramatic Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan. Royal commentator Mr Quinn even suggested Meghan is blocking Harry from engaging in peace talks with Kate and William, forming a barrier preventing her husband from reaching out with an”olive branch” even after Kate’s cancer diagnosis.

Mr Quinn said: “There has been a shift here since Kate’s illness Harry and Meghan do feel they need to extend an olive branch, but Meghan’s sense of grievance is still preventing anything really meaningful happening. Illness often brings warring family members together, and there have been hopes at Kensington Palace that Kate’s illness might do it. The royal author claims William and Kate have made efforts to repair ties with the Sussexes and have extended an invitation to Meghan and Harry, encouraging them to bring Archie and Lilibet to the UK for a visit – but Meghan has refused.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Mr Quinn said: “Harry would like a reconciliation, but supports his wife completely and until she feels that the Royal family have been sufficiently nice to her – and grovelingly apologised for the past – it’s not going to happen.”

“There is no way Meghan would bring the children to the UK,” he added. “William and Kate have suggested that Meghan and Harry bring the children and that the two couples and their families try to makeup, but the suggestion is not leading anywhere so far.” The relationship between Meghan and Harry and William and Kate has been strained following the Sussexes’ candid revelations about Royal life in their Netflix documentary series and their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In his tell-all memoir ‘Spare’, Harry levelled several allegations against his brother and sister-in-law. In his book, Harry recounts a fierce argument with William, claiming that the Prince of Wales branded Meghan as “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”. Harry goes on to allege that during this confrontation, William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor”.

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Police Liam Payne questioned five people: Three hotel staff and two escorts testified and concluded something that shocked fans

Liam Payne police question five people: Three hotel staff and two escorts give evidence as witnesses in investigation into death

Police investigating the balcony hotel fall death of Liam Payne have spoken to three hotel staff and two escorts.

Prosecutors have also been questioning three employees at the Casa Sur hotel to reconstruct the incident, according to the Argentine outlet Clarin.

Police in the capital said Payne’s hotel room had been ‘in complete disarray’ with ‘various items broken’ – adding that a whiskey bottle, lighter and mobile phone had been retrieved from the internal hotel courtyard where his body was found.

And in sworn statements to the Buenos Aires prosecutor, the two women, who are both 25 and admit to working in prostitution, said they were booked for a client at the CasaSur hotel through an online escort service.

They arrived at the hotel at 11.30am and left at 4pm.

The pair said the singer did not consume drugs while he was with them and seemed normal. ‘We drank alcohol,’ the two women stated.

They gave their evidence on Wednesday night, just hours after Payne’s body was discovered. A source said: ‘The witnesses were co-operative, not only in their statements but also in offering access to their phones.’

Liam Payne has died at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony on Wednesday. The star is pictured drinking mocktails in the same US bar where he met girlfriend Kate Cassidy

A drone view shows part of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Liam Payne fans grieve outside the Casa Sur Hotel where the British pop singer fell to his death on Wednesday

The women said they had expected to leave the hotel earlier, but they hung around as they claimed they had not been paid, according to sources close to the investigation.

One Direction fans and celebrities have paid tribute to Payne while others mourned his death at a vigil outside the hotel where they lit candles and laid flowers.

The singer died of multiple traumas and ‘internal and external haemorrhage’, a post-mortem examination report said.

Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No 16 said it was investigating the incident as an ‘inconclusive death’ following the report.

Meanwhile, staff have revealed they were concerned about the star’s access to a balcony prior to his fall.

Employees reportedly feared that the 5ft 10in star was so inebriated he could easily fall over the glass railing of the balcony which is said to stand at a height of around 4ft and was ‘easy to fall over.’

People stand next to tributes left outside the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires where Liam was found dead on Thursday

The judicial morgue in Buenos Aires, where Liam Payne’s body is being held, is pictured today

Forensic police arrive at the hotel where Liam Payne died in Buenos Aires on Wednesday

Argentinian police are now hypothesising that he was ‘going through some type of outbreak as a result of substance abuse’ prior to his death.

The  star plunged 45ft from the third floor into the courtyard of the Casa Sur Hotel in Argentina’s capital on Wednesday at 5pm local time (9pm UK time), before medics confirmed his death.

In the lead up to his death, a panicked hotel worker made two calls, saying in the first: ‘We have a guest who’s off his head on drugs and is destroying everything in his room. We need someone to come.’

He then phoned back after the line went dead, saying: ‘I don’t know if the guest’s life is in danger. The room has a balcony and we are afraid he might do something.’

Payne was said to have been ‘acting erratically in the hotel lobby and smashed his laptop’ before he ‘had to be carried back to his room’, according to local media.

Police in the hotel reception area of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires after Liam Payne fell

Fans wait outside the hotel on Wednesday following the star’s shock death

Police officers are seen stood outside the Casa Sur hotel on Wednesday shortly after the singer’s death

Seconds later the employee, who identified himself as Esteban, added: ‘Just send an ambulance, only an ambulance.’ Workers had heard a loud sound in the courtyard before the singer’s body was discovered just after 5pm local time (9pm UK time).

The singer died from 25 injuries sustained in his fall that led to ‘internal and external haemorrhaging’, preliminary autopsy results have revealed with the ‘injuries to his head alone enough to cause death.’

Medics announced that the singer ‘did not adopt a reflex posture’ during his fall suggesting he may have been fully or semi unconscious at the time of his death.

Last night, guests staying in the same hotel as Payne shared recollections of the moments leading up to his death including hearing ‘violent noises’ and a ‘scream’.

One, Doug Jones, told the BBC: ‘I thought they were working on the room. There was a lot of noise, like heavy lifting, like banging, a lot of loud, violent noises, I thought.

Payne said he was ‘happy to have some time away’ less than an hour before he fell to his death

Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy posted a picture of the pair on her Instagram from last August

A heartbreaking video shows Liam singing and dancing at Horan’s concert in Argentina just days before he was found dead

(From left) One Direction band members Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne in 2010

‘And I saw hotel people going in and out of that room, so I thought they were doing work on the room.

‘So about 4pm, 4.30pm, I started hearing some more noise, I was still doing work, and I heard a really loud, violent scream around 4.45pm, 5pm.’

Hotel staff raised the alarm at 5.04pm following Payne’s fall. An ambulance arrived at 5.11pm and Payne was then certified dead.

Payne’s One Direction toured across the globe and had five chart-topping albums, as well as four number one singles in the UK chart with hit tracks including Little Things.

Payne, who was born in Wolverhampton, released his debut solo album LP1 in 2019, which included the songs Polaroid and Strip That Down featuring Quavo.