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  • Prince Harry at 40: Called Henry only when he was very naughty (quite often), how the cheeky Duke of Sussex endeared himself to millions… before marriage changed everything, writes royal expert CHARLES RAE

    Prince Harry at 40: Called Henry only when he was very naughty (quite often), how the cheeky Duke of Sussex endeared himself to millions… before marriage changed everything, writes royal expert CHARLES RAE

    The Duke of Sussex was a cuddly child who was fearless and mischievous even at a young age.

    Prince Henry Charles Albert David – the second son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana – was born weighing 6lb 14oz, at 4.20pm on September 15, 1984.

    He made his first public appearance the following day on the steps of the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, wrapped in a white shawl in his mother’s arms.

    It was made clear by his father that the newborn would be known as Harry – except of course when he was very, very naughty.

    So that meant that his full name was used quite often by his parents.

    Harry set his own rules, as proven by the then six-year-old telling his brother William:  ‘You’ll be King. I won’t. So, I can do what I want!’

    Prince Henry Charles Albert David was a cuddly child who was fearless and mischievous even at a young age, writes CHARLES RAE. His father Prince Charles made it clear that the newborn would be known as Harry - except for when he was naughty
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    Prince Henry Charles Albert David was a cuddly child who was fearless and mischievous even at a young age, writes CHARLES RAE. His father Prince Charles made it clear that the newborn would be known as Harry – except for when he was naughty

    Prince Henry Charles Albert David was born weighing 6lb 14oz, at 4.20pm on September 15, 1984
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    Prince Henry Charles Albert David was born weighing 6lb 14oz, at 4.20pm on September 15, 1984

    Prince Harry, in school uniform, wears a Red Nose for Red Nose Day, 1991
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    Prince Harry, in school uniform, wears a Red Nose for Red Nose Day, 1991

    Prince Charles having a quiet word with Prince Harry at a polo match in 1990
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    Prince Charles having a quiet word with Prince Harry at a polo match in 1990

    40 times Harry made us smile as he celebrates milestone birthday

    And he made the most of it.

    Harry’s cheeky sense of humour and ­happy-go-lucky nature made him instantly lovable.

    Diana’s former chef Darren McGrady recalled how Harry tried to trick him into giving him and William pizza for an evening meal.

    It’s no secret that Wills and Harry, who he described as ‘royal princes but with children’s’ palates,’ were partial to the odd bit of fast food.

    American-style foods like loaded potato skins, baby-back BBQ ribs, and pizza were apparently among Harry’s firm favourites.

    Princess Diana would take them down to Sticky Fingers near Kensington High Street for a treat, McGrady said in 2018.

    But their nannies at Kensington Palace — who used to decide on the princes’ menu — were not always as keen to indulge the boys with their favourite foods.

    Instead, they often opted for traditional roast meat and lots of healthy greens like broccoli and cabbage.

    ‘One evening roast chicken was on the menu,’ McGrady said.

    ‘And I found a note on the desk that read “Darren please give the boys pizza” and was signed Jess, the name of the nanny.

    ‘But it was written in [a] 10-year-olds’ handwriting,’ he continued, explaining that he soon realised it was Harry attempting to pick his own menu.

    McGrady said he didn’t make the boys pizza that night and made sure they got the original chicken option ‘because he was too scared of the nanny,’ but he kept the note to tease Harry about it.

    Former Police bodyguard Ken Wharfe first met the boys in 1986 when he was appointed to look after them.

    He recounted that Diana told him: ‘I don’t envy you looking after my kids’.

    And he would often hear more than once Diana scolding Harry with the words: ‘HENRY, NO!’

    Wharfe said the angriest he ever saw Diana was when she was telling off Harry for hitting William with a snooker cue while they stayed on Richard Branson’s Caribbean island, Necker.

    Former Police bodyguard Ken Wharfe (behind Princess Diana)  first met the boys in 1986 when he was appointed to look after them
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    Former Police bodyguard Ken Wharfe (behind Princess Diana)  first met the boys in 1986 when he was appointed to look after them

    Ken Wharfe said the angriest he ever saw Diana was when she was telling off Harry for hitting William with a snooker cue while they stayed on Richard Branson's Caribbean island Necker, seen here in 1990
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    Ken Wharfe said the angriest he ever saw Diana was when she was telling off Harry for hitting William with a snooker cue while they stayed on Richard Branson’s Caribbean island Necker, seen here in 1990

    Prince Harry looking down from a Buckingham Palace window during Trooping the Colour
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    Prince Harry looking down from a Buckingham Palace window during Trooping the Colour

    At eight years old Prince Harry was already showing a keen  interest in all things military. Above: The young Prince riding in a tank during a visit to a British regiment in Germany, 1990
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    At eight years old Prince Harry was already showing a keen  interest in all things military. Above: The young Prince riding in a tank during a visit to a British regiment in Germany, 1990

    Princess Diana's death in 1997 effectively cut short Prince Harry's childhood. Above: Harry walks behind his mother's coffin alongside his father, uncle Earl Spencer, brother Prince William and grandfather Prince Philip
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    Princess Diana’s death in 1997 effectively cut short Prince Harry’s childhood. Above: Harry walks behind his mother’s coffin alongside his father, uncle Earl Spencer, brother Prince William and grandfather Prince Philip

    Harry turns 40! Wills and Harry’s bromance before royal rumble

    He also famously stuck his tongue out at photographers from the back of a car and once also stuck two fingers up at them.

    One of the worst scrapes he ever got into was when he was five or six.

    Dressed in army fatigues, the already soldier-mad youngster went to see Wharfe because he was bored and wanted something to do.

    Wharfe handed him a police radio and gave him various points to go to within the grounds of Kensington Palace.

    He was to report back on his radio with the words: ‘Mission accomplished.’

    After a few times, Harry asked over the radio if he could go and see his aunt Jane, Diana’s sister who also lived at the Palace.

    A short time later when Harry did not come back, he asked Jane where he was, and she told the flustered policeman that Harry had left 10 minutes earlier.

    But instead of turning left he turned right and headed for Kensington High Street.

    Wharfe – seeing his career almost floating away – contacted the young Prince and said: ‘Where are you, Harry.’

    The youngster said: ‘Hang on a minute. I am outside Tower Records.’

    Wharfe recalled: ‘I never moved so fast to recover Harry to the safety of the Palace.’

    Harry, on his sixth birthday, put his hand over the mouth of his two-year-old cousin, Princess Beatrice, on the palace balcony as the royal family watch the Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary Parade.

    He was dubbed ‘Kamikaze Harry’ by his nanny in tribute to his daredevil ways.

    He was also something of a prankster.

    At the age of eight he locked himself in a toilet on board a train just for fun, ignoring Diana’s pleas as she repeatedly banged on the door.

    A lover of practical jokes, he liked whoopee cushions and, as a small boy, a favourite trick was to dismantle his parents’ hi-fi at Highgrove.

    He would wait to watch their faces as they switched on the stereo, and nothing happened.

    But he also suffered with the emotional distress of witnessing the breakdown of his parents’ marriage, and the public fallout that followed.

    Then there was his mother’s death in Paris in 1997, which in effect cut short his childhood

    As a teenager there were drugs, and raucous parties.

    As a young man there were many raucous parties and many, many nightclubs. Above: Harry outside the club Mahiki in Mayfair, 2008
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    As a young man there were many raucous parties and many, many nightclubs. Above: Harry outside the club Mahiki in Mayfair, 2008

    Harry eventually joined the Army and completed two tours of Afghanistan. His service did much to counteract some of his brattish behaviour in his teenage years
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    Harry eventually joined the Army and completed two tours of Afghanistan. His service did much to counteract some of his brattish behaviour in his teenage years

    Prince Harry proposed to the former Suits actress Meghan Markle in 2017. Above: The couple pose in Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden after announcing their engagement, November 2017
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    Prince Harry proposed to the former Suits actress Meghan Markle in 2017. Above: The couple pose in Kensington Palace’s Sunken Garden after announcing their engagement, November 2017

    A 'happy' Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day, May 19, 2018
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    A ‘happy’ Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day, May 19, 2018

    The couple eventually walked away from the Royal family and gave a controversial interview to Oprah Winfrey
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    The couple eventually walked away from the Royal family and gave a controversial interview to Oprah Winfrey

    Prince Harry's bombshell memoir, Spare, was released in January 2023
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    Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, was released in January 2023

    Harry and Meghan’s most adorable PDA moments over the years

    But he eventually joined the Army and completed two tours of Afghanistan, which did much to counteract some of his brattish behaviour in his teenage years.

    But now, following his marriage to one-time actress Meghan Markle, he has turned into a whinger as he enters the early stages of middle age.

    His and Meghan’s controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey came after they walked away from the Royal Family to live in the USA.

    And then of course Harry poured out further venom on his family in his memoir Spare.

    There was also the couple’s Netflix series, in which more ‘truth bombs’ were fired back towards the Palace.

    He no longer speaks to William or sister-in-law Catherine, and rarely to his father.

    When he unexpectedly returned to the UK for his uncle’s funeral last month, he was said to have sat well away from his brother, and witnesses said the pair did not speak to each other.

    Harry seems to spend his life now talking to lawyers and fighting the British Government because he has lost his taxpayer police protection in the UK.

    It is a great pity that the young chap who endeared himself to millions in his home country and beyond has now turned into a sour man as he reaches a milestone birthday.

    Charles Rae is a former royal correspondent and the author of Diana: The People’s Princes – A Personal Tribute in Words and Pictures

  • Inside Prince Harry’s great escape! How the naughty young royal ran down Kensington High Street before using police radio to tell bodyguard: ‘I’m outside Tower Records’

    Inside Prince Harry’s great escape! How the naughty young royal ran down Kensington High Street before using police radio to tell bodyguard: ‘I’m outside Tower Records’

    It was a moment that left royal protection officer Ken Wharfe feeling as though his career was about to end – and with good reason.

    His young charge, the extraordinarily naughty Prince Harry, had snuck out of the confines of Kensington Palace and was standing outside a record shop on the nearby high street.

    Harry, then aged five or six, had used a police radio Inspector Wharfe had given him to cheerily tell the policeman where he was.

    Wharfe previously recalled how his dash to recover his charge was his ‘quickest’ ever.

    The incident was not the first time that Harry, who turns 40 today, stepped out of line.

    He once hit his brother Prince William with a snooker cue and on another occasion forged his nanny’s handwriting in an attempt to convince the family’s chef to make him pizza for dinner.

    Prince Harry, aged eight, seen with his mother Princess Diana and their police bodyguard Ken Wharfe out shopping in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, November 1992. When he was aged five or six he snuck out of the grounds of Kensington Palace and headed down to a record shop
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    Prince Harry, aged eight, seen with his mother Princess Diana and their police bodyguard Ken Wharfe out shopping in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, November 1992. When he was aged five or six he snuck out of the grounds of Kensington Palace and headed down to a record shop

    Inspector Wharfe took charge of security for Prince William and Prince Harry in 1986.

    The following year, he was appointed as a bodyguard to their mother Princess Diana.

    Harry’s escape from the confines of the Palace came after the young, soldier-obsessed royal had gone to Inspector Wharfe looking to be entertained.

    Describing him as a ‘real tearaway’ on GB News, Inspector Wharfe said: ‘I nearly lost my job once over him. Because he was trying to relieve a sense of boredom.

    ‘He came into my office, said, “Ken, I need to do something.”

    I said, “Ok, look, here’s a radio, go up to the garage, speak to the chauffer, make a phone call and I’ll give you another job.

    ‘So we did that four or five times, gone to the chef, gone to the flower seller whatever, in the end he said, “can I go down and see Aunt Jane?“, which was Diana’s sister, just outside the front of Kensington Palace.’

    Inspector Wharfe recalled how Harry used a police radio he had given him to cheerily tell the policeman that he was standing outside Tower Records (above) on Kensington High Street, after sneaking out of the Palace grounds
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    Inspector Wharfe recalled how Harry used a police radio he had given him to cheerily tell the policeman that he was standing outside Tower Records (above) on Kensington High Street, after sneaking out of the Palace grounds

    Inspector Wharfe checked with Lady Jane Fellowes and then allowed Harry to go and see her.

    She told the policeman that she would call him when he was on his way back.

    He continued: ‘About 20 minutes later, I rang Jane and said, “have you sent Harry back yet?”

    She said, “I sent him back ten minutes ago.”

    ‘A slight panic set in. So I called him up on the radio. I said, “Harry, it’s Ken, where are you?”

    Prince Harry lived at Kensington Palace with his mother Princess Diana, father Prince Charles and brother Prince William
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    Prince Harry lived at Kensington Palace with his mother Princess Diana, father Prince Charles and brother Prince William

    Prince Harry sticks his tongue out at photographers from the backseat of his car as he and his brother are driven away after seeing their newborn cousin Princess Beatrice at Portland Hospital in London, 1988
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    Prince Harry sticks his tongue out at photographers from the backseat of his car as he and his brother are driven away after seeing their newborn cousin Princess Beatrice at Portland Hospital in London, 1988

    40 times Harry made us smile as he celebrates milestone birthday

    Prince Harry and Prince William sitting on a police motorbike alongside their mother Diana in 1987
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    Prince Harry and Prince William sitting on a police motorbike alongside their mother Diana in 1987

    He said that Harry replied, “Just a moment, I’m outside Tower Records”.

    ‘It was the quickest run back I had ever done. But anyway, there he was this small kid stood outside Tower Records with my radio,’ he added.

    The policeman remained in royal employment until late 1993, after Prince Charles and Diana had separated.

    Tower Records’ first store, which opened in 1984, was the one on Kensington High Street.

    The following year, the firm’s flagship outlet at Piccadilly Circus opened. Both stores were sold to Virgin in 2003 and then renamed Zavvi in 2007.

    Zavvi went into administration in 2008.

    Inspector Wharfe is the author of Diana – Closely Guarded Secret and Guarding Diana – Protecting the Princess around the World.

    An advert for the opening of Tower Records on Kensington High Street
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    An advert for the opening of Tower Records on Kensington High Street

  • Diana’s cry for help: How the distraught Princess threw herself down the stairs at Sandringham while pregnant with Prince William… and the horrified Queen Elizabeth was the first on the scene

    Diana’s cry for help: How the distraught Princess threw herself down the stairs at Sandringham while pregnant with Prince William… and the horrified Queen Elizabeth was the first on the scene

    Their 1981 wedding captivated the world, with millions delighting in what appeared to be a royal fairy tale.

    From the outside, Princess Diana‘s relationship with Prince Charles was a match made in heaven.

    But, by early 1982, now-pregnant Diana was so unhappy that she resorted to throwing herself down the stairs to get her husband’s attention during a visit to Sandringham, the late Queen Elizabeth’s estate in Norfolk.

    The Queen witnessed the aftermath and was left ‘shaking’ and ‘absolutely horrified’, Diana later told royal biographer Andrew Morton.

    In audio tapes sent to Morton for his biography, Diana, Her True Story, she claimed she was dismissed by her husband when she initially threatened to throw herself down the stairs.

    Prince Charles and Princess Diana joining the late Queen Elizabeth at the Braemar Games in Scotland in September 1981
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    Prince Charles and Princess Diana joining the late Queen Elizabeth at the Braemar Games in Scotland in September 1981

    Princess Diana attending a church service in Windsor on Christmas Day in 1981
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    Princess Diana attending a church service in Windsor on Christmas Day in 1981

    The Prince and Princess were staying at Sandringham House, pictured, when the incident happened in 1982
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    The Prince and Princess were staying at Sandringham House, pictured, when the incident happened in 1982

    Accusing her of crying wolf, Charles allegedly told her: ‘I’m not going to listen. You’re always doing this to me. I’m going riding now.’

    In response to Charles’s disregard and in a bid to get his attention, Diana revealed to Mr Morton: ‘I threw myself down the stairs.’

    She said she was trying to get Charles’s attention and wanted him to listen to her.

    The couple were staying at Queen Elizabeth’s Norfolk residence at the same time as the monarch and she happened to witness the incident as it played out.

    Diana said: ‘The Queen comes out, absolutely horrified, shaking – she was so frightened.’

    The Princess was four months pregnant with Prince William at the time but explained: ‘I knew I wasn’t going to lose the baby, [though I was] quite bruised around the stomach.’

    Prince Charles, Lady Diana Spencer and the Queen in Buckingham Palace in March 1981, four months before the royal wedding
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    Prince Charles, Lady Diana Spencer and the Queen in Buckingham Palace in March 1981, four months before the royal wedding

    The couple, next to the Queen, waving from Buckingham Palace balcony on their wedding day in 1981
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    The couple, next to the Queen, waving from Buckingham Palace balcony on their wedding day in 1981

    Diana and Charles standing outside of St George's Chapel on Christmas Day in 1981
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    Diana and Charles standing outside of St George’s Chapel on Christmas Day in 1981

    However, the incident didn’t spark the reaction from Charles that Diana desperately desired and she told Mr Morton how ‘it was just dismissal’.

    When he came back from riding, the Princess claimed he ‘just carried on out of the door’.

    His response was influenced by advice from his friends who felt Diana needed to ‘pull herself together’, Robert Lacey wrote in his book, Battle of Brothers.

    However, as Prince William’s due date approached, Charles did spend more time with Diana and stayed by her side when their first son was born.

    In doing so, he became the first male royal to be present at a birth.

    In a letter to his godmother, Patricia Knatchbull, Charles said how he was ‘so thankful I was beside Diana’s bedside the whole time’.

    The couple were staying at the late Queen Elizabeth's Norfolk residence at the same time as the monarch and she happened to witness the incident as it played out
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    The couple were staying at the late Queen Elizabeth’s Norfolk residence at the same time as the monarch and she happened to witness the incident as it played out

    Princess Diana during a visit to Wales in October 1981
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    Princess Diana during a visit to Wales in October 1981

    However, Princess Diana’s struggles with her mental health continued later on. When William was four years old, the princess fainted during a trip to Canada.

    She was battling bulimia at the time and told Charles she thought she was ‘about to disappear’ before passing out during an exhibition at Expo’86.

    The Princess received some help from doctors but continued to struggle and her marriage to Charles continued a downward spiral.

    They eventually separated in 1992 before divorcing in 1996.

    She said to Mr Morton how Charles ‘told a lot of people the reason why the marriage was so wobbly was because I was being sick the whole time.

    ‘They never questioned what it was doing to me.’

  • Royal expert BRIAN HOEY on the history behind the royals’ love of kilts and tartan – as King Charles continues his stay at Balmoral

    Royal expert BRIAN HOEY on the history behind the royals’ love of kilts and tartan – as King Charles continues his stay at Balmoral

    His Majesty has been at Balmoral with Queen Camilla since August, and is set to stay there until October.

    In spending the summer and autumn at the castle that was so much loved by his mother, King Charles is demonstrating his deep affinity with Scotland.

    Fittingly, the monarch arrived at Balmoral wearing a tartan kilt, although his chosen pattern on August 19 was not Royal Stewart.

    That pattern is the personal tartan of the monarch and officially no one can wear it without his permission.

    But that exclusion is mainly ignored these days – for commercial reasons.

    The companies who sell the tartan and kilts know there is a market throughout the world, so they encourage the sale wherever they can.

    And people will always buy it, believing they are achieving a connection with royalty.

    You can even buy boxes of shortbread bearing the royal tartan emblem.

    His Majesty has been at Balmoral with Queen Camilla since August, and is set to stay there until October. Fittingly, the monarch arrived at Balmoral wearing a tartan kilt, although his chosen pattern on August 19 was not Royal Stewart
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    His Majesty has been at Balmoral with Queen Camilla since August, and is set to stay there until October. Fittingly, the monarch arrived at Balmoral wearing a tartan kilt, although his chosen pattern on August 19 was not Royal Stewart

    Her Late Majesty the Queen wearing a tartan skirt as she greets incoming prime minister Liz Truss at Balmoral on September 6, 2022. She passed away two days later
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    Her Late Majesty the Queen wearing a tartan skirt as she greets incoming prime minister Liz Truss at Balmoral on September 6, 2022. She passed away two days later

    There is no record of anyone being prosecuted for wearing the tartan.

    I have experienced just a single occasion when the wearing of a kilt with Royal Stewart tartan was punished.

    I was talking to a member of the Household at Balmoral when he told me about one of his predecessors.

    How past prime ministers have fared at Balmoral

    Every year, the prime minister of the day is invited to Balmoral.

    Margaret Thatcher hated the place and couldn’t wait to leave.

    James Callaghan was very comfortable there, and enjoyed walking in the grounds with the late Queen and discussing wildlife.

    And Alec Douglas Home, who had known the Queen privately for years before he entered Number 10 Downing Street, was arguably even more at home because he was a fellow Scottish landowner.

    Harold Wilson said it remined him of ‘Bloody Brigadoon’, the fictional Scottish village in the famous Hollywood movie of the same name.

    He said: ‘He suddenly appeared one evening in the downstairs sitting room wearing a kilt with the Royal Stewart tartan and curtseyed to the head butler, who wasn’t amused.

    ‘The next morning he disappeared from Balmoral – and the Household, and has never been seen again, And never will be!’

    Although the history of wearing a kilt goes back centuries and relates to the clan system in Scotland, the Royal Family adopted it only in 1830.

    But since then, every year as Summer approaches, the King and his family goes ‘native’– no offence to the People of Scotland intended.

    In the 19th century it was Queen Victoria (who else) who first adopted the tartan and kilt.

    With Victoria, her word was sacred and every syllable had to be obeyed immediately and without question.

    Her husband Prince Albert is said to have designed so-called Balmoral tartan, which is distinct from Royal Stewart tartan.

    The Balmoral pattern is said to have been based on Royal Stewart and was first manufactured in the 1850s.

    All of Victoria’s successors, with a few reluctant exceptions, have worn kilts. The late Queen Elizabeth’s father, King George VI, didn’t like them but for his older brother King Edward VIII, later Duke of Windsor, the dislike was a positive hatred.

    He refused to wear one on any occasion, even the Highland Games, saying they made him look like a pantomime dame.

    Perhaps it was because he simply did not have the legs to support a kilt.

    Of course, King Charles has never known what it’s like not to wear a kilt in Scotland. He grew up being used to it and he claims he loves them.

    Queen Elizabeth wore tartan plaid throughout her stay at Balmoral and, as far as anyone knows for sure, it was one of her favourite patterns.

    Of the present generation, Prince William is believed to be hesitant about wearing a kilt – although was spotted in one when he was a young boy.

    Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is pretty easy-going about such things, but again, a picture of him in a kilt would be a worldwide hit.

    Royal Stewart is worn by military pipers of the Black Watch, Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and the Scots Guards.

    And certain privileged civilian groups, mainly in Canada, with one in Australia, are also permitted to wear it as part of their official uniforms.

    Prince Charles wearing a tartan kilt with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, by the River Dee, August 1997
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    Prince Charles wearing a tartan kilt with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry, by the River Dee, August 1997

    Queen Victoria at Balmoral in later life, with her family and servants
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    Queen Victoria at Balmoral in later life, with her family and servants

    Scottish ghillies wearing tartan at Balmoral in the 1860s. Victoria was a huge fan of the patterned cloth
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    Scottish ghillies wearing tartan at Balmoral in the 1860s. Victoria was a huge fan of the patterned cloth

    King George VI was apparently not a fan of wearing a kilt, but did still wear one on occasioin. Above: King George standing wearing a kilt alongside his daughters and wife Elizabeth at Abergeldie Castle near Balmoral, August 1939
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    King George VI was apparently not a fan of wearing a kilt, but did still wear one on occasioin. Above: King George standing wearing a kilt alongside his daughters and wife Elizabeth at Abergeldie Castle near Balmoral, August 1939

    Prince Philip attending the garden party that was held at Balmoral to mark the end of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Tour in 2002
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    Prince Philip attending the garden party that was held at Balmoral to mark the end of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Tour in 2002

    The only picture of Prince William wearing a kilt at Balmoral in 1988
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    The only picture of Prince William wearing a kilt at Balmoral in 1988

    Prince Charles aged 7 wearing a tweed jacket with his Balmoral tartan kilt
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    Prince Charles aged 7 wearing a tweed jacket with his Balmoral tartan kilt

    In Scotland, Charles was the Duke of Rothesay before becoming King and now Prince William holds the title. Above: Charles in a Balmoral Tartan kilt alongside Camilla in a matching skirt leaving Crathie Church near Balmoral on their first wedding anniversary in 2006
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    In Scotland, Charles was the Duke of Rothesay before becoming King and now Prince William holds the title. Above: Charles in a Balmoral Tartan kilt alongside Camilla in a matching skirt leaving Crathie Church near Balmoral on their first wedding anniversary in 2006

    When kilts first came to be used it was as a form of clan identity. But not, as many people believe, on the bodies of men killed in clan battles.

    The tartan kilt was worn before a battle started and then it was discarded and a plain, tougher leather kilt was put on, to provide more protection against weapons.

    They were also all worn just below the knee, as protection from the heather as well as the enemy, who happened to be another clan.

    However, there is one rule that govern the wearing of the kilt that all true Scotsman follow.

    True Scots should not wear any form of underwear under their kilt. Nobody knows if the Royals obey the rule by ‘going commando’.

    But nothing will ever change the attitude of the Royal Family towards Balmoral, or towards kilts and Royal Stewart tartan.

    The love of all three is a tradition engrained in the very souls of the royals. And it won’t change any time soon.

  • When Diana turned thousands of Americans into ‘avid royalists’: Princess’s 1989 solo trip to New York was a huge success – so will Prince Harry’s visit without Meghan be a triumph too?

    When Diana turned thousands of Americans into ‘avid royalists’: Princess’s 1989 solo trip to New York was a huge success – so will Prince Harry’s visit without Meghan be a triumph too?

    It was a trip that captured the hearts of sceptical Americans, and made Princess Diana more popular than ever across the pond.

    The late Princess of Wales‘s three-day visit to New York City in 1989 – her first overseas engagement without her husband Prince Charles – was a huge success.

    The Daily Mail reported at the time that the tour ‘enchanted hardened New Yorkers and turned thousands of ordinary Americans into avid royalists.’

    Diana embraced a dying young AIDS patient, visited a housing project for homeless people and wowed at a glamorous gala dinner.

    At the weekend Prince Harry followed in his mother’s footsteps by arriving in the city without his wife Meghan Markle for a series of engagements.

    He will be attending events with African Parks, The HALO Trust and The Diana Award, among others.

    Princess Diana greets crowds during a visit to the AIDS unit of Harlem Hospital in New York in 1989
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    Princess Diana greets crowds during a visit to the AIDS unit of Harlem Hospital in New York in 1989

    The late Princess of Wales on her first night of her solo trip to New York in 1989
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    The late Princess of Wales on her first night of her solo trip to New York in 1989

    1989: Princess Diana travels solo to New York in very successful trip

    Diana used her trip to build her own independence and work on humanitarian causes she was passionate about, while also having fun.

    After arriving on Concorde, she had to be escorted into Manhattan by an armed SWAT squad in a convoy made up of ten cars due to threats of an IRA protest.

    Thousands of people lined up to welcome the Princess, with her arrival receiving ‘more media attention than a meeting of world leaders’.

    She kicked off her visit with a glamorous appearance at a party for Dawson International, a Scottish clothing company.

    The Princess wore a classy blue and black dress, paired with a patent clutch bag and a single string of pearls.

    At the weekend Prince Harry followed in his mother's footsteps by arriving in the city without his wife Meghan Markle for a series of engagements. Above: The Duke of Sussex seated alongside outgoing Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo at a dinner organised by the World Health Organisation in New York on Sunday
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    At the weekend Prince Harry followed in his mother’s footsteps by arriving in the city without his wife Meghan Markle for a series of engagements. Above: The Duke of Sussex seated alongside outgoing Belgian prime minister Alexander De Croo at a dinner organised by the World Health Organisation in New York on Sunday

    Princess Diana meets royal fans at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, 1989
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    Princess Diana meets royal fans at the Henry Street Settlement in New York City, 1989

    Princess Diana during a visit to a day care centre in Harlem with the former First Lady of New York, Matilda Cuomo
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    Princess Diana during a visit to a day care centre in Harlem with the former First Lady of New York, Matilda Cuomo

    The princess talking to a child in Henry Street Settlement during her solo trip in 1989
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    The princess talking to a child in Henry Street Settlement during her solo trip in 1989

    A man holding up a cardboard placard with the words, 'Bless you Princess Di in Jesus name' at Harlem Hospital
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    A man holding up a cardboard placard with the words, ‘Bless you Princess Di in Jesus name’ at Harlem Hospital

    Princess Diana walking through the Henry Street Settlement in New York in 1989
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    Princess Diana walking through the Henry Street Settlement in New York in 1989

    The following day, another crowd of people waited to greet Diana when she arrived to the Henry Street Settlement – a housing project for homeless people – on the Lower East Side.

    While she was there, Diana visited a day care centre with the First Lady of New York, Matilda Cuomo.

    In the evening, Diana wore a glamorous gown by Victor Edelstein to a gala dinner for the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

    However, the Mail reported how actor Michael Douglas failed to show up, mirroring another royal snub twelve months earlier when he didn’t accompany Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, to a theatrical workshop.

    Aside from glittering parties, Diana’s most notable part of her visit was in Harlem, when she hugged a seven-year-old boy who was dying of AIDS.

    Diana during the 'Winter Garden' Opera gala for the Brooklyn Academy of Music
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    Diana during the ‘Winter Garden’ Opera gala for the Brooklyn Academy of Music

    The princesses returned to New York many times and often stayed at The Carlyle Hotel, pictured here in 1997
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    The princesses returned to New York many times and often stayed at The Carlyle Hotel, pictured here in 1997

    Prince William, following his mother's footsteps, visiting New York with Kate in 2014
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    Prince William, following his mother’s footsteps, visiting New York with Kate in 2014

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an awards ceremony in New York City in 2023
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    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at an awards ceremony in New York City in 2023

    Dr Margaret Heagarty, the head of the paediatric unit at Harlem Hospital, said at the time: ‘She is a wonderful person – kind, compassionate and very sensitive.’

    She shook hands with the princess and told her: ‘By coming here today, you have given this hospital and our poor community an enormous uplift.’

    Diana’s impact on the AIDS ward was profound, a man in the hospital even held a cardboard placard with the words, ‘Bless you Princess Di in Jesus name’.

    Everywhere Diana went she was greeted by hoards of people wanting to catch a glimpse of royalty.

    She produced a reaction so noticeable that she was even dubbed ‘Queen of New York,’ by the Mail.

    Diana would go on to visit the city several times afterwards.

    A favourite place to stay was The Carlyle Hotel. She was there in December 1995, when she visited New York for a charity dinner.

    She returned to the hotel in June 1997, when she met Mother Teresa in the city.

    The front page of the Daily Mail on February 3 reports how Diana was snubbed by Michael Douglas
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    The front page of the Daily Mail on February 3 reports how Diana was snubbed by Michael Douglas

    A clipping from February 4 about Diana hugging a child with AIDS at Harlem Hospital during her solo trip
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    A clipping from February 4 about Diana hugging a child with AIDS at Harlem Hospital during her solo trip

    In December 2014, Prince William stopped at The Carlyle Hotel during a visit to New York with his wife Kate.

    During Harry’s own trip to the Big Apple, he will be paying tribute to his mother at the 25th anniversary of The Diana Award.

    The organisation posted a statement from the CEO Dr Tessy Ojo: ‘In our 25th year, The Diana Award is delighted to be leading an event with Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex in New York this September.

    ‘The event will be driven by young people and their insights on the biggest issues facing their generation today.’

    It was initially speculated that Harry’s brother, Prince William, could also be in the city at the same time for the third annual Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit.

    However, it has been confirmed that the heir to the throne won’t be making the journey overseas.

  • When William flew the nest: The Prince of Wales started at university 23 years ago today – after enduring photo op and meeting royal fans at St Andrews

    When William flew the nest: The Prince of Wales started at university 23 years ago today – after enduring photo op and meeting royal fans at St Andrews

    Every September, thousands of young adults pack up their most treasured possessions and embark on their next step: university.

    Twenty-three years ago today, it was Prince William‘s turn to do just that on his first day at St Andrews in Scotland.

    The Palace had struck a deal with the media to give William privacy while he was studying, aside from agreed photo opportunities.

    One of those occasions was his arrival for the start of term with his father King Charles, then the Prince of Wales.

    William’s student life began with a slight mishap – Charles, who was driving, missed the university’s entrance at first and had to reverse in front of the 5,000 onlookers, the Daily Mail reported at the time.

    Twenty-three years ago today, Prince William, then 19, arrived for his first day at university. He turned up with his father King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales
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    Twenty-three years ago today, Prince William, then 19, arrived for his first day at university. He turned up with his father King Charles, who was then the Prince of Wales

    Prince William originally enrolled to study art history at the Scottish university
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    Prince William originally enrolled to study art history at the Scottish university

    William's student life began with a slight mishap - Charles, who was driving, missed the university's entrance at first and had to reverse in front of the 5,000 onlookers, the Daily Mail reported at the time
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    William’s student life began with a slight mishap – Charles, who was driving, missed the university’s entrance at first and had to reverse in front of the 5,000 onlookers, the Daily Mail reported at the time

    Whilst Charles was dressed in a blazer, chinos and shirt and tie, William chose an understated jumper and shirt combo, which he paired with jeans.

    Before disappearing off to the relative privacy of university life, he took the time to chat with some of the royal fans who had flocked to see him.

    William originally enrolled to study art history and the course fees – £1,075 per term – were paid for by Charles for ‘the first year at least,’ the Mail reported, despite William’s offer to cover them himself.

    His student accommodation consisted of a small room in St Salvator’s Hall – a housing block nicknamed ‘Sallies’ by students – and he brought bedding, a television and a stereo to kit it out.

    William had specifically requested a room without an en-suite so he could get the full student experience of queuing for the communal showers.

    The father and son were greeted by 5,000 royal fans hoping to catch a glimpse of them
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    The father and son were greeted by 5,000 royal fans hoping to catch a glimpse of them

    Prince William in St Salvator's, his first year university accommodation, in November 2004
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    Prince William in St Salvator’s, his first year university accommodation, in November 2004

    Prince William studying in the main library at St Andrews in 2004
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    Prince William studying in the main library at St Andrews in 2004

    He had been offered a place to stay at the residence of principal Dr Brian Lang but turned it down.

    Charles’ suggestion of renting a private house was also declined.

    Instead, a nearby room was reserved for a police bodyguard who had a bathroom especially installed.

    William was very aware of his impact on people, however, and was keen to make genuine friends.

    The young prince said in an interview around the time: ‘People who try to take advantage of me and a get a piece of me, I spot it quickly and soon go off them.’

    He added: ‘I just hope I can meet people I get on with. I don’t care about their background.’

    However, William’s first term at St Andrews got off to a rocky start.

    The prince playing in a rugby tournament during his final year at university in 2005
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    The prince playing in a rugby tournament during his final year at university in 2005

    William met Kate Middleton, who he later married, at university. The pair are pictured on their graduation day in 2005
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    William met Kate Middleton, who he later married, at university. The pair are pictured on their graduation day in 2005

    Prince William walking in his graduation gown with Charles and Camilla in June 2005
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    Prince William walking in his graduation gown with Charles and Camilla in June 2005

    He returned home to Highgrove for Christmas and had spent most of his weekends during term time there or in London.

    According to royal expert Robert Lacey in his 2020 book Battle of Brothers, William expressed doubts to his father during the holidays over his choice of course and institution and told him how he wanted to move,

    His grandfather, Prince Philip, is said to have responded: ‘William needs to knuckle down and not wimp out.’

    He found life in the small Scottish town to be quiet, with the highlight of his week being shopping at Tesco and playing sport on a Wednesday.

    Kensington Palace and St Andrews managed to resolve the issue by liaising with one another and agreed for William to switch courses to Geography.

    Charles spent the Christmas holiday having a heartfelt discussion with William, who eventually decided against moving away.

    William later said he felt he was ‘daunted’ rather than homesick.

    He said at the time: ‘My father was very understanding about it and realised I had the same problem he had probably had.

    Kate chatting with her friends while watching William play rugby at university in 2005
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    Kate chatting with her friends while watching William play rugby at university in 2005

    The Daily Mail's coverage of William on his first day at St Andrews in 2001
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    The Daily Mail’s coverage of William on his first day at St Andrews in 2001

    ‘We chatted a lot, and in the end we both realised – I definitely realised – that I had to come back.

    ‘I think it was the new surroundings. When I was with Raleigh International in Chile during my gap year, it was the same sort of thing. You’re thrown into completely new territory.

    ‘I don’t think I was homesick. I was more daunted.’

    The decision paid off, as it was at St Andrews that William met and fell in love with Kate Middleton.

    It was at a charity fashion show in St Andrews where William exclaimed, ‘wow! Kate’s hot’, as his future wife walked down the catwalk in a see-through dress.

  • Emma Raducanu stirred controversy by mentioning Romeo Beckham’s “bedroom skills” in a recent interview: “He’s amazing, just like his dad” (video)

    Emma Raducanu stirred controversy by mentioning Romeo Beckham’s “bedroom skills” in a recent interview: “He’s amazing, just like his dad” (video)

    Emma Raducanu reached the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2021 US Open.

    Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham’s son, Romeo Beckham,

    reportedly waited for British tennis star Emma Raducanu after she defeated Elise Mertens in the second round of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships.

    English football legend David Beckham joined the Royal Box at Wimbledon in the initial few days to watch the tennis action.

    The Inter Miami co-owner was also accompanied by his son, Romeo Beckham, at the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

    They watched Home Hope Raducanu’s first and second-round matches from the Royal Box.

    As per the Sun, Romeo Beckham also waited for Emma Raducanu after she defeated Belgian tennis star Elise Mertens.

    In addition to that, he watched Raducanu’s third-round fixture against Greece’s Maria Sakkari via laptop.

    However, he wasn’t present in the audience when the former US Open champion suffered a three-set loss against qualifier Lulu Sun. As per the aforementioned report, the British tennis star was also asked about Romeo Beckham during a post-match press release.

    She said: “He’s really cool. His dad is someone every athlete looks up to.” The two also follow each other on social media. According to the Sun, Raducanu broke up with his boyfriend, Carlo Agostinelli, and also blocked him on Instagram.

    Meanwhile, Beckham parted ways with Mia Regan in February, earlier this year. Beckham made the announcement (via social media). He wrote, “Mooch and I have parted ways after five years of love. We still have a lot of love and respect for each other, and still hold a strong friendship and always will.”

    Raducanu suffered a shocking fourth-round defeat in front of the home audience. In addition to that, she won’t be participating in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Thus, she might shift her focus to the hardcourt season.

  • David and Victoria Beckham astonished fans with a special announcement concerning their daughter (video)

    David and Victoria Beckham astonished fans with a special announcement concerning their daughter (video)

    David and Victoria Beckham have left their fans in awe with a special announcement about their daughter, Harper Seven.

    David, 49, who is also the proud father to sons Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, and Cruz, 19,

    with his wife Victoria, 50, took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to Harper on her 13th birthday.

    The footballing legend posted a video montage showcasing Harper’s journey from infancy to her current tween years.

    In his heartfelt Instagram post, David expressed his deep affection for Harper, calling her ‘his whole world’.

    “Happy 13th birthday to my beautiful little girl. Daddy is so proud of you.

    You’ve blossomed into a kind, generous, and beautiful young lady with the most incredible heart and the most amazing smile that we all adore so, so, much.

    Always remain the beautiful person that you are. Harper Seven, you’re my whole world,” David gushed, reports the Daily Star.

    Victoria echoed her husband’s sentiments by posting the same video on her Instagram, where she called her teenage daughter her ‘best friend’. Alongside the touching video, the fashion icon added: “Happy birthday to my best friend. You are sweet and kind and your smile warms our hearts every day. You truly are our everything Harper Seven, and we are so proud of the happy, beautiful, and talented young lady you are becoming. We love you so much. Kisses.”

    Fans were astounded as they shared their reactions to touching posts honouring Harper. One fan said: “Feels like we’ve all watched her grow up into this beautiful young lady. It’s hard to believe she’s 13. Gorgeous girl.” Another voiced their disbelief, stating: “I can’t believe Harper Beckham is 13. I’ve never felt so old. What a gorgeous young lady, she is the perfect mix of Victoria and David.”

    Another fan said: “She is just perfection. Hard to believe she’s now 13. The years really do fly by.” Even Eva Longoria, a close friend of Victoria, expressed: “Happy birthday beautiful Harper. We love you so recruit.” Celebrities including Yolanda Hadid and Gemma Collins echoed the sentiments, both sharing: “Happy birthday Harper.” For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.

  • Inter Miami struggles as Messi is injured and faces a potential six-month hiatus from playing (video)

    Inter Miami struggles as Messi is injured and faces a potential six-month hiatus from playing (video)

    Because he is busy with Copa America 2024, Messi has not played for Inter Miami since mid-June 2024.

    The South American Nations Championship has ended, but the team of owner Beckham continues to be without the service of El Pulga.

    Young talent Yamal reunites with Messi in the Finalissima 2025 match

    As is known, in the match where Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 in the Copa America 2024 final on the morning of July 15, Messi suffered an ankle injury.

    Therefore, the former Barca and PSG striker had to leave the field in the 66th minute.

    El Pulga cried a lot in the cabin after being forced to leave the field to make way for Nico Gonzalez.

    According to TyC Sports, Messi suffered an ankle ligament injury. Luckily for El Pulga, his condition is not serious. Instead of surgery, Messi will undergo physical therapy.

    Also related to Messi’s condition, according to ESPN, the captain of the Argentine national team will have to rest for about 40 days.

    This is bad news for Inter Miami because El Pulga has been injured frequently since joining this American team. Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has suffered 5 different injuries.

    It is even more worrying for owner Beckham’s team because they are showing signs of running out of steam after nearly 3 weeks of success. Specifically, since Messi participated in Copa America 2024, Inter Miami has won 4 consecutive matches in the US professional league.

    After 4 consecutive wins, Inter Miami lost miserably to Cincinnati with a score of 1-6 on July 7. This shocking defeat caused Inter Miami to lose the top spot to Cincinnati.

  • David Beckham almost got excluded from the guest list of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding just because he had previously courted Radhika’s sister (video)

    David Beckham almost got excluded from the guest list of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding just because he had previously courted Radhika’s sister (video)

    Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant‘s highly anticipated wedding is scheduled for July 12, 2024, at Mumbai’s renowned Jio World Convention Centre.

    The three thrilling days of the couple’s wedding celebrations promise to be the start of an amazing celebration that will end on July 14, 2024.

    Three Days of Extravaganza

    The initial wedding invite revealed that the first day, July 12, will witness the grand wedding ceremony, or Shubh Vivaah.

    The festivities will continue with two major events: the Shubh Aashirwad on the second day and the Mangal Utsav (reception) on the final day.

    Each event is meticulously planned to offer a unique experience to the esteemed guests.

    Star-Studded Guest List

    This wedding is set to be a star-studded affair, attracting not just Bollywood and political bigwigs but also Hollywood celebrities. According to reports, among the notable international guests is Mario Dedivanovic, the renowned makeup artist for Kim Kardashian. Mario, who is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, according to media reports these guests will be flying in on a private jet to attend the celebrations.

    International Glamour

    Adding to the international glamour, David Beckham and his wife Victoria and US TikToker and gem dealer Julia Chafe has also been invited. Julia is well-known for sharing insights into the exquisite jewelry adorned by the Ambanis at various events. Moreover, Chris Appleton, the famed hairstylist for numerous Hollywood celebrities and social media influencer, will also be present at the wedding on July 12.

    A-List Bollywood Presence

    Bollywood’s biggest stars are expected to attend the Shubh Aashirwad ceremony. As per a report from India Today, the guest list includes Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, Kiara Advani, Shahid Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal, among others.

    Political Heavyweights

    Prominent political leaders such as members of the Thackeray family, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknaath Shinde have been invited. Additionally, members of the Gandhi family will be making their first appearance at an Ambani event, marking a significant moment.

    Shubh Aashirwad Details

    On July 13, 2024, at the Jio World Centre, the Shubh Aashirwad celebration is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. The dress code is Indian formal. It is noteworthy that attendees must be at least 14 years old for entry in the ceremony’s main programme.