Arrogant Prince Andrew is too pompous for his own good, there’s NO place for him in Royal Family, expert says
ARROGANT Prince Andrew is too pompous for his own good and there’s no place for him in the Royal Family, an expert has said.
Andrew is disgraced after paying millions to settle an abuse case brought by one of paedo billionaire Jeffrey Epstein’s victims.
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Prince Andrew outside the Chapel of All Saints in WindsorCredit: Getty
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The prince opening a golf club in Peebles in 1998Credit: PA:Press Association
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Royal expert Jennie Bond described Andrew as ‘pompous’ and ‘very arrogant’Credit: The Sun
King Charles has now turned up the heat on Andrew – warning life will become “uncomfortable” if he refused to quit his 30-room mansion.
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond predicted Andrew will never appear on the Buckingham Palace balcony again.
Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Jennie said: “We in the media would make a huge song and dance about it.
“I don’t think there would be jeers from the crowd – but he’s not going to come back to any kind of public role.
“And I think that’s entirely correct. He’s always been a very arrogant man in my view.
“I’ve met him a few times over the years and he was pompous – he said he was too honourable for his own good.
“Well, I think he was too pompous for his own good actually. There is no place for him now among the working royals.”
Andrew’s police protection was removed when he stepped down from public duty amid the Epstein scandal.
The crisis shows no sign of going away after Netflix screened its hit drama Scoop detailing Andy’s ‘car crash’ Newsnight interview.
And there is yet another depiction of his shame in an Amazon series on his downfall where Andy is played by actor Michael Sheen.
Andrew sparked uproar by leading the family into a service for late Greek King Constantine at Windsor Castle in February in the absence of the cancer-hit King.
But last month he was seen playing golf without a care in the world with pals in Scotland.
The father-of-two’s finances are said to be in trouble as he can no longer work.
It is unclear if Andrew received any major windfall from his late mother’s will when she died in September 2022.
The late Queen helped pay Andrew’s multi-million pound out-of-court settlement to sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre.
Scroll on to read how Wills has supported his wife throughout her cancer treatment
PRINCE William shared a tender moment with his mother-in-law Carole Middleton while attending Royal Ascot without Kate.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was spotted chatting to Kate’s parents, along with Zara Tindall, on the second day of the glamorous event in the social calendar.
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Carole Middleton grabs hold of son-in-law Prince William’s hand as she gets her heel stuck in the grassCredit: Max Mumby
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Prince William, Zara Tindall and Michael and Carole Middleton, right, chatted away at the second day of Royal AscotCredit: James Whatling
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Carole Middleton chats to her son-in-law Prince William and Zara TindallCredit: James Whatling
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Queen Camilla was also in the carriage with Prince WilliamCredit: Splash
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Camilla enjoys the ride on the open carriage at AscotCredit: Getty
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Prince William, seen here with Peter Wood, The Earl of Halifax, attended the second day of Royal AscotCredit: Getty
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The Prince of Wales waves to the crowds at Ascot racecourseCredit: Getty
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William with Princess BeatriceCredit: Getty
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While William attended the races, his wife Kate Middleton is still recovering from her cancer treatmentCredit: Splash
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Princess Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton arriving at AscotCredit: POOL
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Carole Middleton appears to be enjoying her day out at Royal AscotCredit: Reuters
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Prince William, Princess Kate and their children stood together at the King’s birthday celebrations at the weekendCredit: PA
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It was the first time Kate had been at a royal event in more than six monthsCredit: Splash
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Carole’s dress appeared to be a subtle nod to Kate’s similar dress she wore back in 2019Credit: Getty
The heir arrived in a carriage with Queen Camilla and others to kick off day two of the star-studded festival at the Berkshire track.
Prince Willam and Camilla looked at ease as they rode with the Earl and Countess of Halifax as they were cheered by onlookers.
It was the first time that Camilla and the heir to the throne have teamed up since they led senior royals at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March.
Wills beamed at fans as he made his way into the course in the traditional carriage procession ahead of today’s first race.
Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall, 43, and her husband Mike were also seen enjoying the races.
Mike and Prince William were spotted sharing a laugh with their arms around one another.
Kate’s parents Michael and Carole Middleton were also snapped smiling as they arrived at Ascot.
Carole appeared to give a subtle nod to her daughter with her choice of dress – Kate loves Self-Portrait and regularly wears the brand.
It featured chiffon sleeves with a pussy-bow at the neckline – similar to an Elie Saab look first worn by daughter Kate in 2019 at Ascot.
It comes just days after he and Kate stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their children and other royals on the Buckingham Palace balcony.
It was the Princess of Wales’ first public appearance on Saturday since Christmas – and husband Wills stood proudly alongside her.
Kate, who is undergoing cancer treatment, had revealed the day earlier that she would be at the King’s birthday celebrations, but said she still has “good and bad days”.
The Princess said she expected to be out of the public eye for a “few more months” while she continued to focus on her health.
King Charles was in high spirits yesterday as he rolled into the Royal Ascot on a horse drawn carriage, before congratulating winners.
Charles, who is also undergoing cancer treatment, will not head along today, but will return tomorrow and Saturday. These are unprecedented times – but King & Kate shoulder to shoulder proves they’re fighting together, royal expert
The monarch yesterday wished racegoers the “best of luck” in chasing the “thrill of a Royal Ascot winner”.
The King has a number of horses running at the iconic British meet.
Writing jointly in the official programme, Charles and Camilla said: “It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.
“We wish all the participants this week the very best of luck in seeking that unique thrill of a Royal Ascot winner.
“We also hope that those here at the racecourse and watching from home will enjoy five days of the finest racing that this sport has to offer.”
Seven races will take place on each day of Royal Ascot, with this year’s overall prize pot worth a record £10million.
At the King’s Trooping the Colour ceremony, he and Kate stood shoulder to shoulder on the balcony – in what’s been labelled a show of solidarity.
The royals waved to crowds on Saturday afternoon and adoring fans erupted as the royals stepped out.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said the late Queen would have been proud of Charles and Kate’s “gesture of solidarity”.
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Prince William gives Princess Beatrice a kiss at AscotCredit: Mark Stewart
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Zara Tindall greets Princess BeatriceCredit: Mark Stewart
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Princess Eugenie with her mum Sarah FergusonCredit: Rex
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Wills puts a friendly arm around Mike TindallCredit: James Whatling
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Wills also greeted Sophie, Duchess of EdinburghCredit: Mark Stewart
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Carole Middleton and Princess Eugenie say helloCredit: Mark Stewart
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Mike attends Royal Ascot with his wife Zara, the daughter of Princess AnneCredit: Rex
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Zara also greets Sarah, Duchess of YorkCredit: Mark Stewart
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King Charles and Queen Camilla arrived on a carriage for the tradional procession yesterdayCredit: Simon Jones
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The monarch revealed he would not attend todayCredit: Reuters
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Mike and Zara Tindall were all smiles when they arrived yesterdayCredit: POOL
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Princess Anne, Lady Gabriella Kingston and Peter Phillips arrived on carriages, tooCredit: Getty
He told The Sun: “What I think the image I think so many people will have is of Catherine standing next to King Charles on the balcony.
“This can be interpreted as a gesture of solidarity and support from Charles to Catherine.
“Let’s be frank. It would have been very stressful to go through with all of the ceremony.
“It’s all in the eye of a worldwide media storm. Britain is known for its ceremonial brilliance.
“King Charles and the Princess of Wales knew very well every movement would be photographed that was public.
“Point was obviously that this was something that went very successfully, and the image was of absolute solidarity.”
King Charles’ honest opinion of Kate Middleton’s time as Princess of Wales – and as a mum
In Robert Hardman’s new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, a friend of the King revealed just what the monarch thinks of his daughter-in-law
King Charles’ honest evaluation of Kate’s time as the Princess of Wales is as strident as you’d expect.
The monarch is close with his daughter-in-law, the future queen. She has become an integral part of the Firm in her years as a royal and is one of the most popular figures in the family. It was announced this week that the Princess of Wales underwent abdominal surgery and would spend months away from public engagements to recover.
She will be missed by the royal family, as it was revealed in a new book just how much the King values her. In Robert Hardman’s new book Charles III: New King. New Court. The Inside Story, Charles was said to be a huge fan. of Catherine’s. A friend reportedly said: “He thinks Catherine is doing a wonderful job, not just with her royal duties but also bringing up his grandchildren.”
Alongside that, the book drew similarities between Kate and Queen Camilla. It said: “Both Camilla and Catherine are keen readers of books. Unlike their husbands, both keep an eye on the press (including, in the case of the princess, the Mail Online website). Both have very strong non-negotiable relationships with their own families which continue very happily parallel to their respective royal roles.
“They even share similar artistic tastes, with a particular fondness for ballet (the Princess of Wales took Charlotte to watch the Royal Ballet’s Cinderella for her eighth birthday). Both are also firm believers in the merits of gradual, thorough engagement with an issue or an organisation rather than instant, headline-grabbing initiatives.”
Yesterday, the Princess of Wales underwent successful abdominal surgery and won’t be back performing her royal duties until Easter. The 42-year-old was admitted to the London Clinic this week for the planned procedure. She is expected to remain there for ten to 14 days before returning home to continue her recovery.
The royal family are down a few members due to health issues(
Image: Getty Images)
Protecting Kate’s privacy, Kensington Palace wouldn’t confirm what it was the surgery was for, but confirmed it was non-cancerous. It is understood that husband Prince William will curtail his public engagements while his wife is in hospital and immediately after she returns home. He will also scale back his duties to help support her and their children.
A statement from Kensington Palace this afternoon said: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to The London Clinic yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery.
“Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter. The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate. She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.
“Kensington Palace will, therefore, only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share. The Princess of Wales wishes to apologise to all those concerned for the fact that she has to postpone her upcoming engagements. She looks forward to reinstating as many as possible, as soon as possible.”
Less than two hours after this revelation, Buckingham Palace also revealed that King Charles was undergo a surgery of his own next week, for an enlarged prostate. It is understood that Charles wanted to share the details of his procedure to encourage other men with symptoms to get checked out.
The statement read: “In common with thousands of men each year, the King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate. His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure. The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry branded ‘ruthless’ as expert sends huge warning to Duchess
Meghan Markle in particular has come in for furious criticism after more products from her American Riviera Orchard brand emerged over the weekend.
Meghan Markle andd Prince Harry have been branded ‘ruthless’ by one royal expert (Image: GETTY)
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been branded “ruthless” following their latest controversial move, with a royal expert sending a huge warning to the Duchess of Sussex.
Senior members of the Royal Family were in attendance for Trooping the Colour on Saturday, an important annual event where they come together to mark The King’s official birthday.
But on the morning of the celebration, which also saw Princess Kate make her first public appearance since starting her cancer treatment earlier this year, some new products from Meghan’s brand American Riviera Orchard emerged online.
Richard Fitzwilliams claimed the “Sussexes were always ruthless in disregarding events in the diaries of other members of the Royal Family, ignoring protocol which was they didn’t clash”.
He told The Mirror: “An example was the release of a trailer for their Netflix docuseries Harry and Meghan which coincided with the Cambridge’s trip to the United States for the Earthshot Prize in 2022.”
Meghan Markle has come in for criticism over when the new products from her lifestyle brand emerged (Image: GETTY)
Hours before Trooping the Colour, Nacho Figueras, a friend of Harry’s since 2007, took to social media to to share that he had been sent some American Riveria Orchard produce.
The polo player was seen displaying a jar of raspberry jam and a jar of dog biscuits.
Fitzwilliams lashed out at the timing of the product unveiling from the Sussexes while also sending a huge warning to Meghan.
He continued: “Apparently two more products, raspberry jam and dog biscuits, have just been launched. To do this on the same day as Trooping the Colour shows a very naive approach to marketing as they know journalists keep an eye on what they do.
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“Nacho Figueras, Harry’s polo-playing friend, posted that he’d received jam and dog biscuits and posted photos.
“Whereas cynics might say the raspberry sums up the Sussexes destructive attitude to the royal family rather well, on the jar it said two of two.
“If she wants her brand to succeed, Meghan better be more adventurous than this!”
New blow for Prince Harry as ‘closest cousin’ seen joking around with Prince William
Princess Eugenie and Prince Harry have maintained a close friendship since the Duke of Sussex stepped away from Royal Family duties and relocated to the US.
Prince William and Princess Beatrice playing with Princess Eugenie’s hat at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
The royals were out in full force today to attend the second day of Royal Ascot with Prince William delighting fans with his dapper appearance, but Prince Harry wasn’t in attendance.
Beaming as his carriage entered the parade ring, the Prince of Wales was the first of the royal procession and included Queen Camilla and the Earl and Countess of Halifax.
Also in attendance were Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugiene. The trio were spotted laughing and joking as William and Beatrice played with the tassels on Eugenie’s hat.
The cousins certainly looked like they have a close relationship as they chatted at the racecourse.
Prince William smiling at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Prince William joking with Princess Eugenie and Beatrice (Image: Getty)
This will come as a fresh blow to Prince Harry with Eugenie being his ‘closest cousin’ with the pair maintaining a close friendship.
The York sisters appear to have remained fairly neutral in the feud between the Sussexes and the Firm, with Eugenie still on very good terms with Harry and Meghan Markle.
She paid a visit to their Montecito home when she was in California and sat chatting with Harry when he attended the King’s Coronation solo on May 6, 2023.
However, neither her nor Beatrice attended the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service earlier this month which the Duke flew back to the UK for.
Prince William, Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall chatting at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
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Zara and Mike Tindall were in happy spirits as they stared lovingly at each other, attending the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting alongside the Princess of Wales’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton, making their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis.
Yesterday, King Charles and Queen Camilla led the royals during day one of the races as their carriage was the first of the royal procession and were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Wellington.
Charles and Camilla wrote: “It gave us immense pleasure and joy to witness Desert Hero’s victory in the King George V Stakes last year, particularly as he was bred by Her late Majesty.”
Prince Harry’s swipes at Queen Camilla ‘unforgivable’ for King with Duke now ‘on his own’
King Charles is reportedly not able to forgive Prince Harry for criticising Queen Camilla in his bombshell memoir, Spare.
Harry casted his mother-in-law as the ‘villain’ in his memoir (Image: Getty)
King Charles is reportedly not able to forgive his youngest son, Prince Harry for harshly criticising his wife, Queen Camilla, in his bombshell memoir, Spare. While the Duke of Sussex has reportedly been attempting to have peace talks with the Firm, his pleas have not been listened to.
Prince Harry stepped down from working as a senior royal in 2020 and released his tell-all book on January 10, 2023, after eventually settling in Montecito, California with his wife Meghan Markle and two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Christopher Andersen, author of ‘The King’, told Fox News: “I think people have to realize that the one thing that Charles finds unforgivable is criticism of Camilla.”
The author explained Harry “said some pretty devastating things” about his father’s wife, painting her as the “villain” and describing Harry as “on his own”.
He added: “I think that still bothers the king, and I don’t know that it will be easy for him to [forgive]. I don’t think they’ll ever forgive Harry for that.”
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A royal author has claimed Charles is “unable” to forgive Harry (Image: Getty)
The last time Prince Harry visited his father was when he rushed to the UK for a 25-hour visit in February after the King publicly declared he had an “undisclosed type of cancer”.
Prior to that, Harry and Meghan detailed their rocky relationship with the Royal Family in an Oprah interview and their Netflix documentary titled ‘Harry & Meghan’.
He also accused members of his family of getting “into bed with the devil” to gain good tabloid coverage, singling out the Queen’s efforts to rehabilitate her image with the public after her affair with his father.
The allegations about Camilla come as Prince Harry says he was affected by her role in the breakdown of Charles’ marriage to Princess Diana, Harry’s mother.
While many members of the public initially shunned Camilla, she has won fans by taking on a wide range of engagements and charity activities.
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Harry visited Charles in London after his cancer diagnosis (Image: Getty)
Speaking of Camilla becoming Queen, Christopher told Fox news: “The King pressured the Queen for so long, and in so many ways, to accept Camilla… We have to remember, he promised he would never make Camilla queen. And I think that’s one thing that still bothers both Harry and William.”
Queen Camilla tied the knot to the now-King Charles in Windsor in April 2005, a special occasion that made her his second wife. Charles and Camilla married in a civil ceremony rather than in a Church of England service, making Charles the first royal to marry in a civil ceremony in England.
After the 2005 ceremony, Camilla became known as “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall” – a title she would keep until the King’s coronation ceremony, which saw her become Queen Camilla.
HOwever, Omid Scobie, in his bombshell book Endgame, called Camilla an “anchor” for King Charles, which forced his sons into accepting her. He wrote, though it took some years, Harry and William eventually accepted Camilla “or what she was and still is – an anchor for their father, an unflinching, steady support system for which he could not do without”.
Prince William ‘shows he’s a true gentleman’ helping Carole Middleton in awkward moment
Carole Middleton had a graceful recovery with Prince William by her side at the Royal Ascot.
Prince William helps Carole Middleton out of a blunder (Image: Getty )
Carole Middleton was saved by Prince William after her ‘heel-in-mud’ moment, showing off the future monarch’s warm side in an exchange at Royal Ascot.
In an unpredictable turn of events that makes each year so memorable at Royal Ascot, Carole’s foot fell out of her shoe as her heel got stuck in a grassy area.
Prince William charmed his mother-in-law by laughing at the situation and helping her regain her balance. Carole’s brief encounter with the mud at Royal Ascot not only added a touch of spontaneity to the day’s proceedings but also endeared her further to the public.
The Princess of Wales’s parents Carole and Micheal Middleton made their first public appearance since their daughter’s cancer diagnosis on June 19 on the second day of Royal Ascot.
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William's helping hand for Carole: Prince shows he is a true gentleman as he helps Kate's mother when she gets her heel stuck in Ascot turf | Daily Mail Online https://t.co/JYQKyJ5K5s
Carole and William share a laugh together (Image: Getty)
The Daily Mail’s royal editor, Rebecca English called William a “true gentleman” on social media platform X as he helped his mother-in-law. Fans have since rushed to social media to show praise for the Prince.
Royal fan, @sueberry1954 exclaimed: “They are very close. Lovely photo.”
Whereas, @Emmab402 wrote: “It looks like they have a wonderfully close relationship with lovely Prince William, it so nice to see them all relaxed and enjoying the day today.”
The smiling and smartly dressed parents of Kate were also pictured arriving for the second day of the Royal Ascot horse racing meeting. Carole looked stunning in a floral light blue organza dress by Self Portrait which she paired with a colour-matching fascinator.
The Prince of Wales, 41, was spotted chatting to both of Kate’s parents on the second day of the glamorous event. In a brief moment, while chatting to other attendees, the two held hands and shared a tender moment. The touching gesture showed their close, familial bond which was a heartwarming display of unity and affection.
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Prince William helps his mother-in-law’s balance (Image: Getty)
The Princess of Wales was not at the annual event, popular with senior members of the Royal Family, as she continues her cancer treatment. Kate has been absent most of the year after having been diagnosed with a form of cancer but made her triumphant return last weekend, when she attended Trooping the Colour in London.
Although it was Princess Kate’s first royal appearance since she announced her cancer diagnosis in March with an emotional video, she is not officially back to work.
The princess is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy and in her latest message, she said the treatment is ongoing and will be for the next few months.
Her mother is said to have been a pillar of strength to her daughter, rallying around her family and helping her through her treatment. Behind the scenes, the Princess of Wales has started to work from home and hold meetings with her teams in Windsor, where she lives in Adelaide Cottage with her family.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie subtly coordinate for Royal Ascot outing
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie stepped out in style for day two of Royal Ascot, as the fashionable sisters opted for co-ordinating subtle pastel shades
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie looked sensational in complimentary pastel outfits at Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie stepped out in style for day two of Royal Ascot, as the fashionable sisters opted for co-ordinating subtle pastel shades while attending the annual horse racing event.
Beatrice, 35, looked stunning in a pale pink and white mid-length dress by Zimmerman, that featured a statement belted waist, long puff sleeves and a blend of linen and silk to help keep the Princess cool and chic during her time at the sun soaked event.
To complete her outfit, the Princess opted for an oversized pink headband adorned with flowers, along with a complimentary pair of closed toe shoes and a matching clutch bag.
Little sister Eugenie, 34, meanwhile opted for a slightly more pared back look as she selected a cream ribbed dress complete with collared neckline and buttoned front.
Princess Beatrice looked sensational in a pink floral gown at this year’s Royal Ascot (Image: Getty)
Yet just like her sister, she too had opted for puff sleeves and added a pop of colour to her ensemble with a pale pink hat that perfectly co-ordinated with Beatrice’s outfit.
During event, the stylish sisters were seen laughing and chatting away with their cousins Prince William and Zara Tindall, and were both later joined by Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh to make the most of the family reunion.
Interestingly, while Beatrice and Eugenie coordinated in similar colour palettes for their day at the races, Duchess Sophie was also following the same style cues.
The 59-year-old had been spotted wearing Beatrice’s exact Zimmerman dress just two days prior.
Princess Eugenie meanwhile looked equally stylish in a stunning cream ribbed dress (Image: Getty)
Sophie wore the elegant Summer dress at this year’s Garter Day service on Monday June 17, however she accessorised her outfit with a pink fascinator and white chain-link purse alongside a pair of timeless nude heels.
One royal who sadly didn’t make it to the event this year, was Princess Kate, who missed the annual social event due to her ongoing cancer treatment.
Her parents Carole and Michael Middleton however did manage to attend in her stead, and were spotted enjoying the second day of race proceedings.
Carole looked stunning in a floral light blue organza dress by Self Portrait which she paired with a colour-matching fascinator.
Meanwhile Michael looked equally dapper in his coat tails and hat.
Princess Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton were also in attendance (Image: Getty)
Royal’s ‘secret weapon’ who reached out to Meghan Markle and was Queen’s ‘second daughter’
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are being hailed as two of the most important ‘secret weapons’ in the Royal Family, as they celebrate their 25th anniversary
Meghan and Sophie with the other royals at the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II (Image: Getty)
Since their wedding in 1999, Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh have seen a steady rise in their popularity. Their nuptials were far more low-key than the grand Royal weddings of the Prince and Princess of Wales or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, setting the tone for their down-to-earth approach to Royal life.
As they mark their 25th wedding anniversary, Edward and Sophie – now the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – are frequently hailed as two of the Royal Family’s most vital “secret weapons”. The couple, Edward, 60, and Sophie Rhys-Jones, 59, tied the knot in a modest ceremony at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on 19 June, 1999, and their relationship has only grown stronger since.
Former BBC Royal correspondent, Jennie Bond, believes their unpretentious wedding and subsequent behaviour, despite being part of one of the world’s most famous families, has played a key role in their growing popularity. “Understated, unshowy and as down-to-earth as you can be when you are born into the royal family. That’s how Edward and Sophie are today… and it’s how they were 25 years ago on their relatively understated wedding day at Windsor,” Jennie said.
Royal expert Jennie has heaped praise on the Duchess of Edinburgh for her genuine demeanour and her seamless adaptation to Royal duties, both in the public eye and behind closed doors. “Sophie is a natural, humble woman – clearly still very much in love with her husband – and a woman who has grown into her role without fuss or fanfare,” she remarked.
Sophie and Kate share a joke at Royal Ascot (Image: Jason Dawson/JASONPIX)
“Perhaps part of the secret of their successful marriage is that they spent five years in a relationship before tying the knot. And that was pretty unusual at the time,” Jennie told OK!.
“Sophie had seen at first hand the trauma of the Diana years, the breakdown of Charles and Diana’s marriage, the Yorks’ divorce and Anne’s divorce and second marriage.”
“It was probably quite courageous to become another royal bride! But, by the time they got married, both Edward and Sophie were mature enough to know that they were right for one another.”
The love story of Edward and Sophie began when they first crossed paths at London’s Capital Radio in 1987, but it wasn’t until a fortuitous encounter at a charity tennis match six years later that sparks truly flew. Edward popped the question while on holiday in 1998, leading to a public announcement of their engagement in January 1999.
King Charles and Sophie are close (Image: Getty Images)
In a move to keep their nuptials relaxed, the couple opted for an “informal” wedding ceremony, inviting guests to wear evening attire and forgoing the traditional hats during the service.
However, one steadfast family member completely disregarded this request, rarely seen without her signature hat. The Queen Mother, then 98, arrived at the service donning a large, lilac feathered hat.
Edward looked dapper in his morning suit, while Sophie dazzled in a gown designed by Samantha Shaw. She completed her wedding ensemble with the Anthemion tiara, incorporating several of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal jewels.
Today, the couple epitomises duty and devotion, juggling their roles as parents to Lady Louise Windsor, 20, and James, Earl of Wessex, 16. However, they’ve had their share of nerve-wracking moments over the years.
The Queen thought of Sophie as like a second daughter (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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During her 36th week of pregnancy with Lady Louise, a year after being airlifted to hospital due to an ectopic pregnancy, Sophie experienced severe internal pains. She was admitted to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey where doctors discovered she was critically ill from blood loss, leading to an emergency Caesarean section.
Upon birth, Lady Louise weighed 4lb 9oz and spent two weeks in a specialist neonatal unit at St George’s Hospital, South West London. As Sophie was too unwell to be moved to be with her newborn daughter, mother and child were separated during these crucial early days.
The tragic losses of Sophie’s cherished mother, Mary Rhys-Jones, in 2005, and the subsequent bereavements of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II have undoubtedly tested the couple’s resilience. Yet, it is their unwavering love and mutual support that has seen them emerge stronger in the face of sorrow.
Sophie’s empathy extends beyond her immediate family, as she reportedly offered a helping hand to both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle during pivotal junctures in their Royal journeys.
Sophie and Prince Edward on the day of their engagement (Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Royal author Jennie reveals: “Sophie has become one of the most loved members of the royal family, forging a deep and mutually affectionate relationship with both of her in-laws, the late Queen and Prince Philip,” highlighting how the Queen herself saw Sophie as akin to a “second daughter”, alongside Princess Anne.
Jennie shared insights into Sophie’s open-hearted nature, saying: “Sophie is delightfully open about her love for her husband, she is close to Catherine and has no doubt been a great support to her in her health crisis.”
Despite a significant age difference, Sophie and Catherine share much common ground, quickly establishing a strong friendship. “Even though a 17-year age gap seems a lot to bridge, the two women have a lot in common and became firm friends quite early on. Sophie knew exactly what lay in wait for Catherine as she joined the family and she knew it wouldn’t always be easy.”
Described as inherently kind and generous, Sophie has played various roles for those around her from mentor to confidante, or simply a friend to laugh with.
“By nature, Sophie is a kind and generous person who has always been happy to act as sounding board, mentor, confidante… or sometimes just another girl to share a giggle with,” says Jennie. “So I have no doubt that Sophie has been someone to whom Catherine has frequently turned.
Sophie meets with children as she visits the family center of the NGO Save Ukraine (Image: Getty Images)
“They’ve often been seen enjoying a private joke in public and certainly seem more like sisters than aunt and niece by marriage. Sophie has retained a girlishness about her, while Catherine perhaps because of her very senior role in the family sometimes seems mature beyond her years.
“I’m sure both Sophie and Edward would have been in close contact with William and Catherine throughout her illness, offering moral support as well as practical help by stepping up to take on extra royal duties while both she and the King recover.”
The affection King Charles holds for Sophie is evident, as Jennie explains that it’s Sophie’s unassuming nature that has made her an integral part of the family.
Jennie said: “She is seen as a safe pair of hands when carrying out her royal engagements either with the rest of the family or by herself.
Edward and Sophie with baby Lady Louise (Image: Getty)
“She doesn’t complain, she doesn’t demand, she just gets on with supporting the King when asked, and with pursuing her interests the rest of the time. She often does this under the radar, expecting no special treatment and is now absolutely part of the core working royals.”
When not performing ceremonial duties, the Duchess’s main charitable focuses include supporting young people with disabilities, eradicating avoidable blindness, agriculture, fashion and preventing sexual violence in conflict zones.
Sophie has been a pillar of strength and compassion, embarking on solo tours to some of the world’s most challenging environments such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and recently Ukraine.
Away from the public eye, Sophie and her husband Prince Edward lead a tranquil life at Bagshot Park in Surrey, cherishing moments with their children and three beloved dogs – Teal the labrador, Mole the cocker spaniel, and Teasel, a labrador puppy.
The couple were originally styled as the Earl and Countess of Wessex (Image: Getty)
Royal commentator Jennie reflected on the couple’s quarter-century journey together, stating: “Sophie’s longstanding and loyal love for her man speaks volumes. They have a very secure marriage and seem to support one another in everything they do.”
The depth of their bond was touchingly showcased when Sophie delivered an emotional tribute for Edward’s 60th birthday celebration in March.
In a speech that moved Edward to tears, Sophie expressed, “Like my father-in-law, my husband never seeks compliments for himself. So when acknowledgment has come his way it has always been a total surprise to him, which is why I am grateful for this chance to, for once, be able to publicly celebrate and compliment him.”
She continued with heartfelt admiration, “He is the best of fathers, the most loving of husbands and still is my best friend. So here’s to you my darling Edward and may I along with all your family and so many friends and many others wish you the happiest of birthdays!
“In many ways Edward and Sophie have managed to be the most private of couples,” Jennie praises. “They look like a strong and stable team but without being particularly tactile in public or showy and the strength of their marriage speaks for itself.”
Inside Princess Diana’s near brush with Hollywood fame as movie role unveiled
Princess Diana could once have been a Hollywood star, after Kevin Costner revealed he was ready to protect the late Princess of Wales in The Bodyguard 2.
Princess Diana almost became a Hollywood icon, according to one Oscar winning actor (Image: Getty)
Princess Diana could once have been a Hollywood star, after Kevin Costner revealed he was ready to protect the late Princess of Wales in The Bodyguard 2.
The 69 year old actor, had once been in talks with the Princess to produce a sequel to his hit film The Bodyguard, with a script featuring the royal already written at the time of her tragic passing back in 1997.
Opening up about what the sequel may have entailed on The Howard Stern Show, the acclaimed actor revealed that he would once again have reprised his role as former Secret Service agent, Frank Farmer and would have been visiting Hong Kong to look after a prized racehorse when he his character crossed paths with Diana.
“He’s on a plane, Princess Di’s up front, everyone has to get off the plane,” he explained. “Di goes off the plane first, she goes into Hong Kong, because she’s going to this [horse] race too.”
Kevin Costner had pitched a sequel to his hit film The Bodyguard to Princess Diana (Image: Getty)
“Princess Di, I meet her the next day at a party and I’m looking at her like everybody else. And she finally walks over and goes, ‘I know who you are!’ And I said, ‘What the f–k are you talking about?’ She goes, ‘I know you’re here to watch over me.’ And I said, ‘No, I’m not actually. I’m watching over a horse,’” Costner continued.
“In the story, she had broken with the royal family.”
The unexpected collaboration spawned from an earlier meeting between Kevin and the Princess back in the early 1990s, after the pair had been introduced by Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
At the time, Diana had already begun the process of divorcing King Charles, and was impressed by Kevin’s pitch when he asked her to be involved.
According to Kevin, the Princess has specifically requested a kissing scene! (Image: Getty)
“I said, ‘I’m going to do Bodyguard 2 and I think I can build this around you. Would you be interested?’” Costner said.
“She goes, ‘Yes … My life’s about to change.’ I thought I understood what she’s saying: ‘I’d like to open my life… I think I would like to do this.’”
Interestingly, the Princess even allegedly pitched a kissing scene between them according to the star – which is perhaps unsurprising, after it was revealed earlier this week that Prince William had once informed the actor that his mother had “fancied him”
“The second time we talked she said, ‘Is there going to be a kissing scene?’ I said, ‘Do you want there to be one?’ She said, ‘Yeah,’ and I said, ‘Then we’ll do that,’” Costner explained.
However, it is understood that the Princess would not have been his main love interest in the film.
Following Diana’s death, the project was shelved as Kevin no longer felt it was viable to continue and likened the royal’s instrumental role in bringing the film to life as his former co-star Whitney Houston had been.
“I could not replace Princess Di,” he said. “Kind of like, if I couldn’t have done Bodyguard with Whitney, I don’t think I was gonna make it with anybody.”
