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Next week, King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel to Australia and Samoa as part of an Autumn tour – but it seems one word closely associated with royal visits has been banned for the upcoming trip

In just a matter of days, King Charles will be starting the long journey Down Under for his eagerly-awaited trip to Australia.

Both the King and Queen Camilla are set to visit both Sydney and Canberra starting next week, as well as pay a visit to Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm). It is Charles’ first trip to Australia, where he is head of state, since becoming monarch and his first major overseas tour since his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Palace aides have confirmed that the utmost care has been taken when putting together the King and Queen’s itinerary for the trip, which includes many of the hallmarks of a traditional royal tour, including meeting officials, laying wreaths and when in Sydney, visiting the famous Opera House.

But when it comes to their schedule, it appears that one word nearly always used when it comes to the royals has been banned from being used on the tour – and it’s all down to the destination.

Like in many places they visit, in Australia, the King and Queen will be able to greet wellwishers who turn out to see them. These are usually referred to as a walkabout – with the term first being used to describe the meet and greet under the late Queen Elizabeth II.

However, out of respect for Australia’s Aboriginal communities, it appears that the term ‘walkabout’ will not be used in this context on the tour. In Aboriginal culture the term refers to a person travelling around the Australian bush at a time of ritual, grief or when they are coming of age. With this in mind, the term has been dropped in favour of them being referred to as an “opportunity to meet the public”.

Charles meets wellwishers near Buckingham Palace before his Coronation last year ( 
Image:
PA)
Last week it emerged that during the trip, Charles will pause his cancer treatment after getting the go-ahead from doctors. Since Charles, 75, was diagnosed with cancer in February, he has been having weekly treatment. However, it is understood that while this will continue until he is due to travel, the treatment will stop briefly for 11 days while he is out of the country but will then resume when he returns.

It is said that ‘workaholic’ Charles has had to be “persuaded to be mindful of pacing his diary”, but he has since found great solace in focusing on his recovery to get back to his best. A source said: “The King, by his very nature, is a workaholic. If he’s not on public engagements, he is working on the next set while staying across his government papers or responding to correspondence.

“He hasn’t really slowed down despite the protests from those around him, but it has been important to him to remain to be seen. Even during his treatment, he was keen to make sure things were in place for him to make a full-time return. Now things are moving in a very positive direction which has enabled him to make long-term plans.”

Reports the King could press ahead with 12 engagements a day while in Australia and Samoa were dismissed by aides, who confirmed the utmost care had been taken to tailor specifics in line with palace doctors who are confident Charles will be able to miss out on his scheduled cancer treatment for the period he is away. As part of the visit, Charles and Camilla will lay a wreath at the Australian War Memorial, and visit the “For our Country” memorial, dedicated to the service of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

In the capital Canberra, they will be welcomed to the Australian parliament by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The royal couple will attend a barbeque in Sydney and visit the iconic opera house perched on the harbour. Perhaps most poignantly the King will meet two cancer doctors, both Australians of the Year who were recognised for their work on skin cancer.

Despite the local anti-monarchy lobby suggesting 40% of Aussies don’t realise he is their head of state, one weekend poll found the King’s popularity is soaring, says the Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers

If you ever want to find a clearer and more blatant example of political point scoring, then look no further.

We all hope, mainly in vain, for our politicians to be principled and accountable. But this collection of sorry excuses for last minute no shows is rather pathetic.

The King and Queen’s tour of Australia has been long in the planning, their visit to the capital Canberra in the diary for months.

It certainly hasn’t been sprung on unsuspecting hosts at the eleventh hour.

Yet those on display here opted for a weasel way of snubbing the royals rather than present valid and principled arguments as to why they can not welcome Charles and Camilla Down Under.

Many Aussies I have spoken to since arriving here in preparation for the royal tour have labelled this collective as “rude”, “arrogant” and “disrespectful”.

Others, even in agreement with their point of view, suggest their actions as displaying “bad manners”.

According to one major poll issued at the weekend, the King’s popularity is soaring in ,

Despite the local anti-monarchy lobby suggesting 40 per cent of Australians don’t realise that King Charles III is their Head of State, he seems to be enjoying record approval ratings.

An impressive 45 percent of Aussies say they want to keep the monarchy, while 22 per cent remain undecided.

Just one in three (33 percent) said Australia should become a republic, suggesting that support for the movement has significantly reduced from the 39.4 percent who voted that way in the 1999 referendum.

Pretty impressive stats for a monarch who the naysayers claimed would be toast after the passing of the much revered late Queen Elizabeth.

The people would have more respect for their politicians if they stood by their principles, rather than using lame excuses not befitting their office.

Publishers are said to be battling it out for the Duchess of Sussex’s explosive tell-all book which will reportedly offer “an insight into the royals that no one else can share”.

Meghan Markle may be poised to write her eagerly awaited memoir – but it seems most Mirror readers will be leaving it on the shelf.

The royal is set to earn ‘tens of millions’ as publishers battle it out to land the explosive tell-all, said to offer “an insight into the royals that no one else can share”. But when we asked Would you read Meghan Markle’s tell-all memoir? A staggering 7,324 said no, ‘I’m not reading that’, while 295 said yes, ‘they’d be fascinated by it’ and 124 remained undecided.

Many of you commented on our original story. Here’s what just some of you had to say: Tulip44: “I wouldn’t read anything by her or him”.

JanePowell: “There will be more truth in a Barbara Cartland.”

Russ Biker: “Not into that kind of fiction.”

Dorie: “Absolutely no way would I waste my time reading that.”

Laus84: “Nope, didn’t read Prince Harry’s either.”

Gemini53: “I’d rather watch paint dry … What section would it be under in the library? Fiction?”

MC172: “No intention at all of putting my hard earned money into her pocket thank you very much.”

Myeye: “Recollections will really really vary on the contents of this book.”

Mrsmayy: “Harry’s book was the fastest-selling of all time. Meghan’s will be the best-selling of all time. Meghan is a people’s princess.”

If you can’t see the poll, click here

A source says the Duchess of Sussex has a “remarkable story” to tell but is patiently waiting for the ideal time to reveal it. Meghan has long been rumoured to put her side of the story down on paper following the success of Prince Harry’s best-selling memoir Spare, published last year.

They claimed: “The word in publishing circles is that everyone’s mad to land Meghan’s memoirs and the numbers being thrown around are ridiculously high. We’re talking tens of millions for her authorised biography.”

Speaking to Closer magazine, the source further stated: “There’s no doubt Meghan has a remarkable story, it’s just a question of timing. She’s strategically chosen to hold off for the sake of peace, but she absolutely wants to share her truth, and why shouldn’t she when she’s endured so much?”

They added: “Make no mistake, she will not be told what she can and cannot say, so when she decides that the time is right, she will write a very truthful and detailed memoir that will delve into every aspect of her journey.”

Prince Harry’s page-turning memoir has sold more than 1.43 million copies in all formats across Britain, the United States and Canada. The book gave fans an extraordinary peek into life behind the palace walls.

Spare chronicled his childhood in the public eye as well as his experience with drugs in his older years. The Duke of Sussex also opened up about a rather fiery row he had with brother William, during which the Prince of Wales allegedly called Harry’s wife Meghan “difficult”, “rude” and “abrasive”. Harry claims his brother then “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor”.

Fans of The Voice were overjoyed when legendary actress and singer Hannah Waddingham joined Tom Jones as a guest mentor on the ITV show.

The Emmy Award winning star, 50, is known for starring in hits including Ted Lasso and Game of Thrones but she has also made a name for herself for a number of lead roles in theatre productions. The mum of one, who is a friend of the Welsh icon, sat beside him as his hopefuls belted out song, hoping to make it through to the next round.

And while viewers were stunned and excited at her appearance, Hannah confessed that it was a “pinch me” moment for her as she was “thrilled” to be part of the show. And so it’s no surprise that fans rushed to X asking ITV bosses to make Hannah a permanent mentor as she became an immediate hit among the audience.

When asked why he had chosen Hannah to be his guest mentor, he said it was down to the fact that she was a “strong performer”, so knew what she was talking about. This was in stark contrast to Will.i.am’s use of artificial intelligence as his guest mentor, who he named Felicia.

Hannah Waddingham delighted fans with guest appearance on The Voice ( 
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ITV)

And fans were not impressed. One person said: “Imagine finding out that Jones had Waddingham as guest judge, and you had AI with Will #TheVoice #TheVoiceUK.” Another person said: “Added nothing, except slight awkwardness. Especially after having guest Hannah Waddingham light up the judging panel.”

A third person wrote: “Can we please get Hannah Waddingham on the proper panel next year? #TheVoiceUK” Meanwhile a fourth person commented: “hannah is the perfect person to help tom with who makes it through. she’s compassionate and kind but she’s also super talented and, as someone with over 25 years’ experience, she knows what to look out for.”

The excitement of Hannah being on the show was also shared by host Emma Willis. She said: “This is one of my if not my favourite day at work because Hannah’s here.” Discussing the first three performances, she told the hopefuls: “You really were quite something else’ before joking: ‘You can’t see but my legs have got goosebumps.”

And when Tom’s second group featuring Keely, Abdul, Jack and Holly sang Everytime by Britney Spears, she clapped her hands and quietly said: “Oh I feel for them.” Once all the contestants had given it their all to get through to the next round, Hannah told the camera: “How do you choose? You’ve already got a ridiculous calibre.” Speaking to the group before revealing the decision, she told them: “You all completely owned the songs and have exquisite tones and have great voices.”

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing are convinced a bitter feud is forming between pro-dancer Johannes Radebe and judge Anton Du Beke.

The long-running BBC show has been under something of a dark cloud this year since Amanda Abbington accused her 2023 dance partner Giovanni Pernice of being abusive behind-the-scenes of the show – accusations he long refuted and of which the BBC later cleared him of. So now viewers have been searching for clues of other secret feuds behind all the glitz and glamour of the dance competition.

This weekend, some viewers became convinced they could see a bit of tension between Johannes, 37, and Anton, 58. Tensions appeared to flare after Johannes and his celebrity partner, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, 38, took to the floor to perform.

The pair received glowing reviews from the judges – securing 33 out of a possible 40 points. However, eyebrows were raised when Johannes revealed he had been trying not to get a rise out of Anton.

Johannes and Montell Douglas scored well on Saturday night ( 
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BBC)

Speaking to host Claudia Winkleman after the performance, viewers were surprised to hear the Traitors star comment: “What I love about JoJo is that your main aim – and he doesn’t know this – was not to get a demonstration from Anton.” Johannes confirmed this was his objective and joked: “I said to Montell at the beginning of the week that the last thing I want to see is Anton standing up and reminding us of how to go into hold for the thousandth time.”

Saturday saw the pair receive a warm review from Anton, who described it as his “favourite dance of the night”. But viewers were convinced Johannes’ and Claudia’s exchange hinted at tension between the two.

One wrote on social media: “JoJo roasting Anton.” A second added: “Good to know that Johannes has also had enough of Anton.” And another fan wrote: “Johannes kinda real as f*** for that we don’t need an Anton demo every week.” While a furhter fan added: “JoJo calling Anton out.”

Elsewhere in Saturday night’s episode, fans were surprised to see Katya Jones slap the hand of Wynne Evans off her when he placed his palm on her stomach in the green room. But the Russian answer has hit back at a backlash that threatens to engulf her celebrity partner.

She said in a video statement released via social media on Sunday: “I need to make something crystal clear. The hand incident that happened on Saturday night was a very silly inside joke between Wynne and I. So even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is complete nonsense. It’s actually absurd.”

She added: “So let’s focus on how brilliantly @wynneevans is doing and what an amazing dancer he’s becoming!” On Saturday night, Wynne and Katya scored 34 from the judges after they performed a Tango to the sound of the Strictly house band singing Money, Money, Money by ABBA.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have demanded to know what the joke was between Katya Jones and Wynne Evans amid the ‘hand drama’ which took place on the show this weekend.

Fans of the long-running BBC dance competition were stunned on Saturday night when they saw 52-year-old opera singer Wynne seemingly caress the stomach of 35-year-old professional dancer Katya on the show. The attention-grabbing moment occurred while the cast of the 2024 season were gathered together in the green room.

Viewers watched as Wynne stood behind Katya with his hand on her waist. As he slowly moved his hand around the side of the professional dancer’s body, she noticeably slapped the wandering hand away.

Katya spoke out following backlash over the gesture made by Wynne. Katya hit out against a backlash against Wynne after some fans accused him of acting in an ungentlemanly fashion – with the Russian dancer claiming it was all a joke. She said: “I need to make something crystal clear.

The moment caused chaos with Strictly viewers

Katya hit back at Strictly viewers ( 
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PA)

“The hand incident that happened on Saturday night was a very silly inside joke between Wynne and I. So even the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is complete nonsense. It’s actually absurd.”

Now, fans have insisted that Katya and Wynne share what the inside joke is. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans have demanded that the world needs to know the details of the said joke.

Others commented on Katya’s post and complained that she wasn’t explaining what actually happened. “Your not explaining how it was a joke? I think it’s exactly how it come across on camera. You didn’t want his hand there, so moved it? Not a big deal,” one insisted.

“Katya, blink twice if you need help? The explanation videos only make the situation stranger. How is inappropriately touching someone an inside joke,” another quipped. Meanwhile, someone else commented: “The side eye and face said otherwise and really didn’t look like joke.”

Katya’s statement comes after Wynne discussed their close bond with the Daily Mail. He told the publication: “She’s almost 20 years younger than me, and she seems 20 years wiser than I am. We talk a lot about what’s going on in life and what’s going on in the world.

“I suppose I’ve learned that I can only focus on myself. I can’t control anything else around me. And I mean, I still not very good at that, but I can’t control everything around me. I can only control what I’m doing and how I’m doing and how I’m performing and how I’m behaving, and that’s all I can really focus on.”

Katya broke her silence on the Strictly scandal ( 
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PA)Don’t Miss
After the clip was shared widely on social media, Katya and Wynne posted a video to explain the moment, telling fans it was a “joke”. Addressing concerned fans in a video, Katya began: “Hello everybody it’s Wynne and Katya here. We just wanted to say we were just messing around in the Clauditorium on Saturday night and just want to say sorry. It was a silly joke.” Wynne added: “Yes sorry.”

In the caption, Wynne added: “Apologies for this tonight we were just messing around. We really are amazing friends. The high 5’s is a running joke. Have a great evening @katyajones.” But fans were less interested in the high fives and commented about opera singer Wynne’s wandering hand on Katya’s waist, although there is no suggestion on the show that he behaved inappropriately.

A Strictly source told the PA News agency: “Wynne and Katya have confirmed that their interactions in the Clauditorium were silly jokes they had planned together and have apologised to anyone who may have misinterpreted them. They addressed them on Wynne’s Instagram, where their apology can be found. Katya would like to clarify further that she was not offended by Wynne and was not made to feel uncomfortable in the least.

“The welfare team have checked in on the pair and there are no further actions planned.”

Coleen Rooney has signed up for a huge TV comeback.

Reports claim that the WAG and former telly star is set to reveal all after signing for ITV’s flagship I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! While ITV have previously splashed out on the likes of Caitlyn Jenner and even parted with a hefty £1.5million for Nigel Farage, Coleen’s fee is set to be extremely higher.

Bosses are believed to be praying that Coleen, 38, will share everything about her husband, former Manchester United and Everton legend Wayne, as well as the infamous Wagatha Christie drama with Rebekah Vardy. Liverpudlian-born Coleen will head out ot Australia next month and will take part in the famous Bushtucker Trials as she competes to earn stars in order to feed her campmates.

Shoppers with thinning hair hail ‘life-changing’ serum that helped ‘reduce hair loss’

“I’m A Celeb bosses have pulled off a huge coup ­getting Coleen for the jungle this year and the team are thrilled to have her on board,” a source told The Sun on Sunday. Coleen and her sons are said to be huge fans of the programme and often tune in each year to see a a variety of celebs swap their lavish lifestyles for a more economic approach, living in the Australian jungle.

“Coleen has a huge fanbase and she won massive plaudits for her classy handling of the Wagatha Christie case. She’s excited to show fans a different side to her and prove she can survive without her creature comforts,” the source went on to tell the outlet. Bosses believe that the former telly star will be very popular with viewers and will triumph over Rebekah Vardy once more.

Are you excited to watch Coleen Rooney on I’m A Celeb? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Meanwhile, a TV source told the Sunday Mirror: “She’s in the jungle and she’s going to set the record straight on Wagatha. This is a major coup For ITV. The kids are growing up now. The time is right for Coleen. She’s got the potential to go all the way and win this.”

Coleen hinted at her shock reality TV debut last month in an interview with the Sunday Mirror. Asked what upcoming projects she had on the horizon, she teased: “You’ll be seeing a lot more of me soon.” Rebekah, the wife of Jamie Vardy previously competed on the programme back in 2017 and was the third campmate to be booted out and sent back home. She had been left in tears moments before her exit from the show after she received a message from her kids and footballer husband Jamie who she had been desperately missing.

During her time on the show, Rebekah was caught up in a bullying row where she, Amir Khan and Jamie Lomas were accused of ganging up against Iain Lee – who she blasted as being “fake”. Joining Ant and Dec after her exit, Rebekah said: “I have had the most amazing time but I am so glad to get out of there. What a great bunch of people and I will never forget it.

“It’s harder than I ever anticipated, the feeling of being completely separated form the outside world was nothing I have ever experienced. I thought we were going to get backhanders, bananas and energy bars but you don’t. And I am sick of rice and beans.

“I have learnt that I am so miserable and cranky sometimes and I can kill looks that literally kill but I have learnt how to be compassionate. You have all got to be there for each other and support each other. I have definitely become more tolerant.”

Just this week, the WAGs came head to head again after Vardy’s legal team accused Coleen of “deliberately deceiving” the court over the £1.8 million Wagatha Christie court costs. Former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Rebekah was ordered to pay 90 per cent of Coleen’s legal fees after she lost the infamous 2020 libel case.

This week, Rebekah was ordered to pay Coleen a further £100,000 following their high-profile libel battle ahead of the full amount owed being decided. Coleen had accused Rebekah of leaking her private information to the press on social media. Rebekah was later ordered to pay 90% of Coleen’s fees, with an initial payment of £800,000. While this week, judge Andrew Gordon-Saker ordered her to pay a further £100,000 to Coleen within 21 days.

Following the court stint this week, a source close to Rebekah revealed to OK! magazine that she is far from done with her feud against Coleen. According to the insider: “Becky can’t help herself and she is determined to get the final say in all of this. She is still furious that the judge ruled in Coleen’s favour initially, as she insists she didn’t do it. She’s upset at this latest ruling, but she’s not letting it get her down as she’s determined Coleen and her team won’t get away with this.”

Ant and Dec will welcome a new group of celebrities into the jungle ( 

Coleen has been in the spotlight following the case with the release of her Disney Plus documentary, The Real Wagatha Story, where she and her husband Wayne, 38, spoke publicly about the scandal for the first time. She has also been featured in Vogue and has written a book, ‘My Account’.

Coleen isn’t the only name reported to be taking on this year’s Bushtucker trials. Rumours have been swirling over who could be entering this year’s camp including Loose Women’s Jane Moore, former Republic of Ireland manager and captain Mick McCarthy and the Traitor’s star Harry Clark.

Last month, retired artistic gymnast Max Whitlock reportedly met with those behind the ITV show and talks are “ongoing”. While, former X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos is said to be preparing to make a big return to the world of mainstream showbiz and appear on this year’s series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!.

Big Brother fans have called for one contestant to be put up for eviction due to their habit.

The hit reality show has returned for another series on ITV as a set of housemates were welcomed into the iconic house by AJ Odudu and Will Best. However, contestant Lily, 20, had viewers fuming during the recent episode after they noticing a very unusual habit. Some fans of the show couldn’t contain their “disgust” and even called for her to leave the show.

The Chinese restaurant server was seen picking her nose and eating it. Her move came as all the housemates were gathered on Friday evening for the first eviction of the series. While sitting alongside her co-stars, Lily was seen putting a finger up her nose before eating what came out.

Viewers were left feeling “sick” as they took to X to share their thoughts. One said: “This nose picking thing is not cute, ITV do not show us that s*** again.” Another added: “Is lily ok? Why would you pick your nose and eat your bogeys I’m genuinely concerned for her.”

Lily was seen picking her nose and eating it ( 
Image:
ITV)

She even admitted her habit to her housemates ( 
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ITV)

Someone else commented: “”What grown person picks at their nose and eats it. Lily makes me feel sick.” A fourth wrote: “Lilly picking her nose in front of everyone and the cameras is one thing, but eating it after?? Should be up for immediate eviction.” One viewer fumed: “Lily needs to be evicted purely for picking her nose and eating it. Dirty cow.”

Another shared: “Why do big brother need to show Lily pick her nose & eat it. F****** vile, absolutely no need to air it!” Lily even fessed up to her habit when speaking to her housemate Aki, 35. The forensic scientist was left visibly horrified when Lily said she picks her bogeys and eats them.

Her admission came when she sniffed her slippers when talking to Ali and Daze. Ali asked: “Do we need to have a little conversation about shoe hygiene?,” to which Lily replied: “I think hygiene in general, maybe? I picked my nose and I showed it…” Daze then cut in and told Ali: “She picks her nose – like a big bogey, a big one, chunky. And she goes…”

Daze then showed how Lily puts her bogey-covered finger in her mouth and continued: “She eats the whole thing.” A stunned Ali quipped: “Stop that,” before Lily asked what Ali does with her bogeys. She stated: “Blow my nose. I try to clean my nose quite regularly so they don’t build up.”

During the opening episode, Lily divided viewers when she snorted in the Diary Room when talking about “fit boys”. She also belched at the camera while cheekily saying ‘bless me’, which stirred up a reaction online as some dubbed her “a bit much”. One viewer wrote: “Lily is A LOT! ! She’s going to be the marmite this season.” Another agreed: “I fear Lily is trying too hard to be iconic it’s icky.” Yet, some fans rooted for her, with one declaring: “Best housemate this year! I’m officially on The Lily Bandwagon.”

Joel Deering in Coronation Street is the latest whodunnit victim, with the ITV soap’s new murder storyline kicking off on Monday night.

The villain was finally about to face justice for his crimes, including him trying to kill Lauren Bolton’s unborn baby, when he vanished. The police believed he may have taken his own life after a suspicious note was found along with his abandoned car.

Monday night will see a horror update for those involved with Joel, as his body is found in a river. Soon news reaches the street about his demise, according to spoilers released last week.

But with his body comes another discovery, and soon officers are announcing he has been murdered. No killer is revealed, but a weapon and a likely cause of death are confirmed.

It’s revealed this week that Joel was already dead before he hit the water, and that he sustained two blows to the head. So someone, or maybe more than one person, killed him and then either pushed him into the water or he fell in.

But who really killed Joel and is he actually dead? The death is confirmed with actor Calum Lill leaving his role. His body is found this week and a cause of death is established.

Joel Deering did die on the ITV soap, an episode on Monday night will confirm ( 
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ITV)
As for who kills him, this remains to be unknown. A number of suspects including Lauren, DS Swain and Dee-Dee Bailey will no doubt be revealed, after they all act suspiciously.

Other suspects include Dee-Dee’s family Ed and Ronnie Bailey, Kit Green, Betsy Swain and anyone else that wanted to see the back of him. His own father Gus is called in for questioning too.

That said, viewers are still convinced he isn’t dead. Monday’s episode may change that opinion once they see the storyline kick off, but it is soap land after all.

With Joel now dead, we’re about to find out who in Weatherfield is and isn’t keeping secrets and what they might be. It’s thought several residents will face suspicion and questioning, with some likely trying to cover up something.

Just weeks ago fans were suspicious of Dee-Dee after she began acting out of character, amid her turmoil over Joel’s lies. Then there was DS Swain who appeared to be hiding an injury, with no clue as to how she got it, while there was also a text clue about Betsy which revealed Joel had threatened to kill her.

Kate Middleton offered words of comfort to the Southport stabbing victims families, as she visited the grieving town today.

While Prince William had promised the community that he would visit as soon as possible, the Princess of Wales’ decision to join him is understood to have been more recent, as she wanted to ‘show her support, empathy and compassion to the local community’.

It marks her most significant engagement of the year so far, as Catherine, 42, met with the families of little Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine.

At the time of the incident the couple shared a personal message of shock and sympathy for those affected and, like her husband, the princess has kept a keen eye on events since.

In a deeply personal statement released in the wake of the attack, the Princess wrote: ‘As parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.’

Their meeting with the victims’ families was held completely in private and not announced publicly until they had left.

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The trip was the first public engagement since the Princess of Wales announced she had completed her chemotherapy treatment

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While Prince William had promised the community that he would visit as soon as possible, the Princess of Wales’ decision to join him is understood to have been more recent

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Catherine met the families of the three girls killed in July’s Southport knife attack during an emotional visit to the town with her husband, Prince William (both pictured today)

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In an emotional post following their visit, the couple pledged that they ‘continue to stand with everyone in Southport’

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Three girls were killed at the Taylor Swift-themed dance class, including Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven (pictured)

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Bebe King (left), six, was also killed in the horror attack in Southport in July, alongside Alice Aguiar, nine (pictured right)

‘Thank you’: Kate’s message to Southport emergency service workers

The prince and princess spent half an hour in private with each of the girls’ families. No further details will be given out of respect for their ongoing grief.

They also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters as they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class.

Afterwards the couple spoke to emergency responders who attended and helped on the day, with the Princess hailing them ‘true heroes’, while William called them ‘true professionals’.

In an emotional post following their visit, the couple pledged that they ‘continue to stand with everyone in Southport.’

They said: ‘Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.’

Prince William had promised the families and local community he would visit as soon as possible and his visit has long been scheduled in for today.

It is the first public engagement for the princess since she announced last month that she had complete treatment for cancer and would undertake a carefully calibrated return to public duties.

Apart from a small media contingency, the visit was kept deliberately low key as both the prince and princess wanted it to remain as discreet as possible out of respect to those involved.

Prince and Princess of Wales visit Southport community centre

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The prince and princess spent half an hour in private with each of the girls’ families. No further details will be given out of respect for their ongoing grief

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The royal pair also spent time with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters (Prince William and Princess Kate are pictured on Thursday)

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Kate and Prince William spoke with survivors as well as emergency services involved in the dealing with the aftermath of the attack

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The Prince and Princess of Wales meet a critical care paramedic from the Air Ambulance during a visit to Southport Community Centre

William and Kate wave to the crowds as they arrive in Southport

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The Princess appeared emotional while talking with one critical care paramedic today

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Later the royal couple had a sit down meeting with other members of the emergency services

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Pictured is the royal couple speaking with emergency workers who were among those to respond to the tragedy in July

Kate and Wills wear matching outfits visiting Southport

The couple then walked from their last meeting, with dancer teacher Leanne Lucas, to the nearby community centre to speak to the first responders.

They were met by Peter Oliver, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside at Southport Community Centre.

William was dressed in jacket and tie while Catherine wore a brown coat and heels and looked visibly moved as they spoke, gesturing with her hands.

However, the couple then went onto meet with emergency responders who were involved in the aftermath of the attack at a local community centre to hear about their experiences and speak to mental health practitioners who have been working to deliver long term support to the blue light community in Southport.

While speaking to the emergency personnel, Kate was asked how the families of the three girls killed in the attack were doing.

She said: ‘They’re OK. They’re managing it differently. All the families are so different. Individually too they are managing it and processing this tragic event in very different ways but they’re getting support from families and officers and things like that.

‘I think being able to have opportunities to be able to speak to different people in the community about the experience and drawing that together and sharing their experience I think is massively helpful.’

Referencing the earlier meeting with the families of those who died in the attack, the Princess of Wales said: ‘I can’t underestimate how grateful they all are for the support you provided on the day.

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The Princess of Wales made the surprise visit as she slowly makes a return to public engagements following her cancer treatment

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The Princess of Wales hailed the emergency workers ‘true heroes’ while William praised them as being ‘true professionals’ during an intimate meeting in Southport on Thursday

‘On behalf of them, thank you.’

The Prince of Wales told the personnel: ‘You’re all heroes. Please make sure you look after yourselves, please take your time, don’t rush back to work.’

The couple shook hands with the emergency workers after the conversation.

Kate rested a hand on William’s back as she joined him to speak to a member of air ambulance crew.

William called the emergency workers ‘true professionals’ and said they had a ‘bumpy few months’ ahead but would get through it together.

He said: ‘The first thing we thought about was actually how on earth you guys are going to handle having seen what you’ve seen. So, please take your time, don’t rush back to work, do whatever you need to, talk about it, give your superiors a hard time if they not letting you have that time to decompress because it’s so important you have those moments.’

Chief fire officer for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service Phil Garrigan said he had a ‘really lovely fleeting conversation’ with William and Kate after they had spoken to the group of emergency personnel.

He said: ‘The Princess of Wales broke off and came back into the building to give a hug to the people who responded because she could see the emotion in them and could see it was difficult for them to relay their feelings and to say how impactful events have been.

‘I think that just shows a really caring side and is very, very touching for them.’

It is understood that it was important to them to go now, three months later, to show the people of Southport that they have not been forgotten and they’ll continue to stand by the community today and in the future.

William and Catherine’s Royal Foundation made a donation to the the National Police and Wellbeing Service’s fundraiser to help fast track psychological and physical rehabilitation for police and ambulance personnel who were involved in the attack and the subsequent riots.

Last month the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed a course of preventative chemotherapy after it emerged earlier this year that evidence of cancer had been found following abdominal surgery.

Kensington Palace said she would embark on a slow and measured return to public duties, bearing in mind her continued recovery.

Although she had held meetings in private and photographs of her hugging cancer patient Liz Hatton, 16, were released last week, today’s event is her first official public engagement since then.

Kate shares intimate glimpse into her family life in moving video

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Last month the Princess of Wales announced that she had completed a course of preventative chemotherapy. She is pictured in a video with Prince William announcing the news

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In the video, Kate and William are seen playing with their three children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, six

She also made a private visit a few weeks ago to watch the English National Ballet’s matinee show of Giselle at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, and posted on social media about the ‘moving and inspiring’ performance.

The Princess also hopes to join her family on Remembrance Sunday.

In August, King Charles paid tributes to the victims of the Southport stabbing during an emotional visit to the town.

The monarch was greeted with cheers and applause as he viewed a floral display honouring the youngsters killed in the horror knife attack.

He also met with survivors of the rampage.

Reacting to the tragedy at the time, King Charles said: ‘My wife and I have been profoundly shocked to hear of the utterly horrific incident in Southport today.

‘We send out most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of those who have so tragically lost their lives, and to all those affected by this truly appalling attack.’

During the his trip to Southport town hall, Charles was greeted by Dr Ruth Hussey, the vice lord lieutenant of Merseyside, and counsellor June Burns, the mayor of Sefton.

He then viewed a large makeshift memorial dedicated to the victims, gesturing in appreciation at the scale of it. One member of the public gave him three cheers and another shouted ‘thank you for coming’ as he greeted the crowds.

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The King visited Southport in August, a month after the horrific stabbings took place

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The monarch appeared moved by the huge number of floral tributes left in Southport

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At the time, King Charles said he and Queen Camilla were ‘profoundly shocked’ by the attack

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Prince William and Kate also sent their ‘love, thoughts and prayers’ to the families of those killed in the ‘horrid and heinous attack’

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Prince William and the Princess of Wales are pictured arriving in Southport on Thursday

The King affectionately patted one young girl on the shoulder as he shook hands with many of the hundreds gathered to see him.

One little boy, Max, eight, gave him a small red silk heart he had made himself, prompting the King to gently pat his head in thanks.

The monarch was also given some pink hearts crocheted by a woman and promised to ‘give them to Kate and Charlotte’.

Following the stabbings, rioting broke out in Southport with the local mosque targeted and a popular convenience shop attacked, with further violence across the country for a number of days.

The disorder included looting with hotels housing asylum seekers also attacked before counter demonstrations appeared to quell the disturbances.

The violence, denounced as ‘far-right thuggery’ by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, was sparked by false claims about the identity of a teenage suspect later charged with three counts of murder.