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Katie Piper left her fellow Loose Women co-stars stunned on Wednesday’s show as she unveiled her “stunning” hair transformation as she ditched her blonde locks for a new look

Katie Piper left her fellow Loose Women co-stars stunned on Wednesday’s show as she unveiled her jaw-dropping hair transformation.

The presenter, 40, has rocked blonde locks but has ditched her signature hairstyle for a new gorgeous brunette look, revealing the makeover on Wednesday’s show. The Loose Women panel were left amazed over the new look with host Christine Lampard joking: “I thought we had a completely new panellist today, as well as Jill Scott, and it was Katie with new hair!”

Talking about her new hair, Katie continued: “It’s the new me, I always feel when you change your hair colour, you’ve got to change your makeup, your jewellery, your wardrobe. I’ve experimented with my hair quite a lot over the years.

Katie Piper left her fellow Loose Women co-stars stunned on Wednesday’s show as she unveiled her jaw-dropping hair transformation ( 
Image:
ITV)
“It is something I quite enjoy doing, I never get frightened about it, I mean, I’ve been purple, jet black, white blonde, so yeah… I’ve got different foundations in all my makeup kits depending where I’m going to go [with my hair].”

Katie also took to Instagram to show off her new hair, writing: “New hair, who dis? Ready for today’s @loosewomen”. Katie’s 1.1m followers were quick to go wild over the look. One person said: “Wow great look loving the brunette!”, a different account put: “HOW!! HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO LOOK THIS INSANE BOTH BLONDE AND BRUNETTE!!!” with heart eyes, while another fan wrote: “Beautiful!” Someone else raved: “This is stunning, perfect colour on you!!!!”

It comes as Katie returned to Loose Women in December for the first time since undergoing surgery. The presenter suffered life-changing burns, injuries and blindness in one eye after being attacked with acid in 2008 when she was 24. Katie underwent pioneering surgery to restore her face and vision, but has faced many complications since.

Only recently, Katie underwent tarsorrhaphy surgery in November to her left eye, which joins parts or all of the upper and lower eyelids to completely close the eye. Katie said at the time of the procedure, which is used to help or heal the cornea: “In my case I am trying to preserve the eye, avoid perforation and loosing my eye completely.”

Katie added at the time: “Also, if this helps anyone else…. yes I do sometimes find it hard. I’m ok with looking different to everyone else but operations can sometimes take me back to memories of how this all started and that’s hard mentally.”

Appearing on Loose Women for the first time since the procedure, host Kaye Adams said: “Hello stranger! First of all, Katie, we haven’t seen you for what, five or six weeks?” Katie then explained why she had been absent, discussing her recent procedure. She said: “I had a planned procedure done called tarsorrhaphy, which is a semi-permanent closure of the eye. It’s an operation done in theatre and your eye is fully or partially stitched up.

“Some people might be familiar with it, you normally see it when somebody has disease of the cornea. Closing the eye gives it the optimum environment to heal so I’ve had quite a lot of problems with my eye over the last year and a half. I don’t like to go on about it because there’s always somebody worse off!”

Katie added: “It’s been quite painful so it’s quite a relief for me to finally have it stitched up because it’s a lot more comfortable! It’s not permanent, it’s going to be for just about a year like this then hopefully I can have it opened!”

Rather than showcasing a new look for every engagement, Kate often purchases her favourite designs in different colours.

She has her favourite dress – an Emilia Wickstead frock that was named after her – in four different colours.

The royal’s demure, streamlined fashion formula is evident; she rarely deviates from it.

Here, we delve deeper into Kate’s coveted – and colourful – closet, which also features outfits by designers including Catherine Walker and Alexander McQueen.

Emilia Wickstead ‘Kate’ dress 

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Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Kate’ dress works so well for the Princess of Wales that she owns it in four colours

A single dress has become a staple for the Princess of Wales.

Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Kate’ dress was even named after the royal, following her repeat orders.

Long-sleeved and cinched at the waist, the bespoke A-line frocks do differ slightly in length and neckline, with some featuring a bateau neck, while others are square.

Kate was first spotted wearing the lilac version in 2018, when she attended the Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit in London.

Less than a year later, the royal debuted an olive green version of the dress to open the Anna Freud Centre in London.

In 2019, she wore the royal blue dress to attend the launch of the National Emergencies Trust.

Most recently, Kate opted for a longer, teal version, when she welcomed Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden to Windsor Castle last November.

Emilia Wickstead wrap coat dress

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Kate first wore this Emilia Wickstead coat dress in bright coral in 2012 and then showcased it again twice in 2022 in pastel blue and forest green

Kate also owns an Emilia Wickstead coat dress in three different colours. She has been spotted wearing variations of the outfit since 2012.

Crafted from wool, the elegant fit-and-flare silhouette is characterised by a wrap front, peak lapels and concealed closure.

Kate aptly wore the design in forest green for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day parade held in Aldershot.

Ten years later, in 2022, she opted for a pastel blue version to attend the Easter Sunday church service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

That same year, she made a sartorial entrance at a Buckingham Palace garden party, this time wearing the dress in bright coral.

Jenny Packham sequin ‘Tenille’ and ‘Georgia’ gowns

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Kate dazzled in Jenny Packham sequinned gowns in 2021 (left) and 2023 (right)

We caught our first glimpse of the Princess’ shimmering Jenny Packham dress during her five-day official tour to Pakistan in 2019.

Crafted from emerald satin, the £3,640 gown was drenched in sequins and boasted strategically placed crystals at the waist.

Kate chose to repeat the exquisite design at the Royal Variety Performance in 2021, teaming it with a bespoke clutch by the British designer.

The royal’s wardrobe also features a sparkling champagne version of this dress, which she has worn on two notable occasions.

She debuted the piece at Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif’s wedding reception in Jordan in 2023, before wearing it to a reception at Buckingham Palace later that year.

Catherine Walker ‘Marianne’ coat dress

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The ‘Marianne’ coat dress by Catherine Walker was a go-to for Kate between 2011 and 2017

Kate has worn countless coats by Catherine Walker since joining the Royal Family.

Interestingly, Princess Diana was also a loyal client, having worn over 1,000 outfits from the designer during her lifetime.

Emilia Wickstead’s ‘Marianne’ coat dress, featuring peak lapels, a single-breasted front and pleated skirt, was a go-to for Kate between 2011 and 2017.

The royal showcased a scarlet version during the 2011 royal tour of Canada and the 2016 Order of the Garter ceremony at Windsor Castle.

In 2017, she opted for the same wool coat dress, in cornflower blue, to mark her arrival in Berlin with Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Suzannah ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress 

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Suzannah’s ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress is a favourite of Kate’s. She owns versions in emerald green and white

The Princess epitomised summer chic when she arrived at Wimbledon in 2019, wearing Suzannah’s iconic ‘Flippy Wiggle’ dress.

Channelling the All England Club’s all-white dress code, her 1940s-inspired dress was crafted from Italian crepe, with a skimming fit and fluid skirt.

Kate was so fond of the design that she wore it a further three times in 2020, 2022 and 2023.

Shortly afterwards, the royal wore a forest green version during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

Preen ‘Finella’ dress 

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Kate demonstrated her flair for diplomatic dressing by selecting a red dress for a reception in Canada during her 2016 royal tour (left). Hailing from Preen, the asymmetric ‘Finella’ gown was made from a heavyweight satin fabric with a breezy A-line skirt. Later that year, she wore a black version of the dress to an awards ceremony in London

Kate demonstrated her flair for diplomatic dressing by selecting a red dress for a reception in Canada during her 2016 royal tour.

Hailing from Preen, the asymmetric ‘Finella’ gown was made from a heavyweight satin fabric with a breezy A-line skirt.

The Princess was so enamored with the design that she obtained the same style in black, wearing it to the Place2Be Wellbeing in Schools Awards later that year.

Catherine Walker ‘Beau Tie’ coat dress

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At the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service in 2021, Kate wore a coat dress by Catherine Walker.  Sharp-eyed fans noticed that Kate had previously worn the ‘Beau Tie’ coat, in black, to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021

The Princess is acknowledged for her penchant for literal dressing. This style asset was exemplified with her Christmas 2021 ensemble.

Kate wore head-to-toe red for the ‘Together at Christmas’ carol service, held at Westminster Abbey.

Her look featured a familiar coat dress by Catherine Walker. Made from wool, it boasted two soft pleats at the shoulder that were tied into a striking bow.

Sharp-eyed fans noticed that Kate had previously worn the ‘Beau Tie’ coat, in black, to the funeral of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2021.

LK Bennett ‘Madison’ dress 

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It’s clear that LK Bennett’s ‘Madison’ midi dress is a favourite of Kate’s. She has demonstrated its versatility by wearing the design on both formal and informal occasions between 2015 and 2022 . Above: Kate wearing the raspberry pink version during a day out at the polo (left); in a similar version in Cambridgeshire in 2022

It’s clear that LK Bennett’s ‘Madison’ midi dress is a favourite of Kate’s.

She has demonstrated its versatility by wearing the design on both formal and informal occasions between 2015 and 2022.

The royal debuted the lavender version while attending an exclusive event at Berry Brothers & Rudd in Kensington, pairing it with sky-high heels.

In 2019, Kate obtained the raspberry pink version, teaming it with espadrille wedges and a crossbody bag, for a family day at the polo.

That same year, she chose to wear it for the CBBC Blue Peter Royal Garden Competition and, in 2020, during a virtual game of bingo for care home residents.

She later styled the frock with a longline wool coat, during a visit to Cambridge in June 2022.

Emilia Wickstead ‘Alice’ dress 

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Kate first wore the Emilia Wickstead ‘Alice’ dress in pale pink (2012) before purchasing the design in teal (2015)

Emilia Wickstead’s fit-and-flare dresses were frequently worn by Kate during her initial years as a member of the Royal Family.

For one of her first official engagements – a Buckingham Palace garden party in 2012 – Kate selected the brand’s ‘Alice’ frock in pale pink.

She exuded elegance in the design, combining a square neckline, cinched waist and pleated skirt that fell to the knee.

Soon afterwards, the Princess opted to have the dress made in teal.

She wore this version in 2015, during a visit to the Centre for Addiction Treatment Studies, in Warminster.

Alexander McQueen V-neck gown

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The Princess has showcased black velvet and ivory silk crepe versions of Alexander McQueen’s glamorous V-neck gown

The Princess of Wales stunned in an Alexander McQueen ivory silk crepe gown at the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla last May.

The figure-skimming piece was elevated by silver bullion and embroidery, incorporating the floral emblems of the UK: rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock.

Its silhouette mirrored that of the velvet dress that Kate wore to a reception for members of the Diplomatic Corps at Buckingham Palace in 2019.

Alexander McQueen pleated dress 

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The royal wore two pink pleated dresses from Alexander McQueen in 2017 (left) and 2018 (right)

Kate chose to wear a dress from Alexander McQueen’s autumn/winter 2016 collection for Trooping the Colour in 2017.

The luxurious silk-wool blend design featured a paperbag waist and pleated skirt.

McQueen added sleeves and a longer length skirt for the royal, who looked radiant in the cotton candy hue.

Kate repeated the skater style at the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank in 2018, this time selecting a deeper raspberry shade.

Alexander McQueen coat dress 

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Kate’s Alexander McQueen coat dress was an elegant choice for Charlotte’s christening in 2015 (left). She opted for the same style, in primrose yellow (centre), for Prince Harry’s wedding in 2018. Later that year, Kate wore the design for the third time, in pale blue, to attend the Westminster Abbey service commemorating the Centenary of the Royal Air Force

Kate has chosen this elegant Alexander McQueen coat dress for significant occasions, such as weddings and christenings.

For Princess Charlotte’s christening in 2015, Kate looked impeccable in an ivory wool coat dress.

She opted for the same style, in primrose yellow, for the 2018 wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel in Windsor.

Later that year, Kate wore the design for the third time, in pale blue, to attend the Westminster Abbey service commemorating the Centenary of the Royal Air Force.

Eponine London midi coat dress 

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This elegant coat dress from Eponine London has been key to Kate’s wardrobe, making appearances on several occasions. Kate opted for the cobalt version of this outerwear during a trip to Clydeside Distillery in Scotland in 2021 (left). She sported the same design in burgundy for the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022 and during a visit to St David’s Cathedral in 2023

This elegant coat dress from Eponine London has been key to Kate’s wardrobe, making appearances on several occasions.

Constructed from wool, the longline silhouette has a wrap front, ruched seams and contrasting buttons.

Kate opted for the cobalt version of this outerwear during a trip to Clydeside Distillery in Scotland in 2021.

She sported the same design in burgundy for the Royal Carols: Together At Christmas 2022 and during a visit to St David’s Cathedral in 2023.

Former Loose Women star Ayda Field alarmed fans when she revealed she had been rushed to hospital. Now she has given a further health update after undergoing medical tests

Ayda Field has updated fans on her health after her date night with husband Robbie Williams ended up with a dash to the hospital.

The 44-year-old star – who has been married to Robbie, 49, since 2010 and shares a son named Charlton, nine, and daughters Theo, 11, and Colette, five with him – alarmed fans when she revealed she had been hospitalised earlier this week. Ayda shared a photo via social media of herself looking glum while hooked up to a heart monitor and with a drip attached to her arm late on Sunday.

She wrote at the time: “After a picture perfect evening, a less than picture perfect ending.” However she didn’t elaborate further on the reason for her hospital visit – but added she was glad to have her husband Robbie at her side.

Now the former Loose Women star has given a new update – showing her back in a medical facility and undergoing further tests. Taking to Instagram Stories on Tuesday, the star first shared a snap of herself alongside her mother, Gwen.

The star had alarmed fans at the weekend by sharing a snap from hospital ( 
Image:
Ayda Field / Instagram)

She was joined by her mother, Gwen Field, for support while undergoing tests ( 
Image:
aydafieldwilliams/Instagram)

Boots ‘firming’ anti-ageing mask that ‘reduces wrinkles’ is down to £10 in one-day deal

She wrote: “Mom came with me to my doctors appointment today,” and while Gwen had an expression that had concern, Ayda was flashing a defiant smile as she prepared to meet with a doctor. A subsequent slide showed Ayda lying on a hospital bed with a number of monitors attached to her body.

With electrodes on her shoulders, chest and stomach, Ayda looked very still in the image. She added a simple, and teasing, caption, stating: “And after running a few tests…”

The following slide showed the TV star looking very happy and showcasing a beaming smile. She added: “The doctor gave me the all clear. So grateful.” She also added that she was feeling “f**king fantastic” thanks to the test results, and her doctor was happy to pose alongside her.

The doctor gave Ayda the all clear ( 
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aydafieldwilliams/Instagram)

Ayda was back to health by Tuesday night and joined husband Robbie Williams to attend an A List birthday ( 
Image:
Instagram)It seemed Ayda was raring to get back out to celebrate her life, as she later took to Instagram to share a snap of herself at a glamorous party. Ayda was dressed in a shimmering dress to attend a fashion party – where she rubbed shoulders with Kardashians star Kris Jenner, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, and businesswoman Veronica Smiley Grazer.

Another snap showed Ayda and Dee posing happily alongside their husbands Robbie Williams and Tommy Hilfiger respectively. The group were out in force to celebrate the birthday of Lauren Sanchez – the fiancée of Amazon billionaire owner Jeff Bezos.

Fans were encouraged to see Ayda up and about and back on the party scene. One follower commented on Instagram: “AYDA, you and ROB look fabulous! Everyone else can take a step back. So glad the doctor cleared you today. Hope that means you’re feeling better.”

Loose Women star Gloria Hunniford touched a nerve with viewers with comments she made about Oprah Winfrey’s weight as the TV legend turned 70 this week

Loose Women fans have called for the ITV daytime show to be “binned” after Gloria Hunniford became embroiled in a fat-shaming row.

It came after the veteran broadcaster made comments about TV legend Oprah Winfrey’s weight as she turned 70 this week, which were branded “unacceptable” by viewers. Despite saying she was a huge fan of Oprah’s, Gloria followed it up with: “Oprah fluctuates a lot. Sometimes she’s very overweight and now she looks great. She’s very, very thin.”

And it wasn’t long before fans took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to blast the 83-year-old over her choice of words on Monday afternoon’s show. One fumed: “Gloria is essentially saying that women are only beautiful and accomplished if they’re ‘very, very thin’. Very telling that it’s her first thought when discussing Oprah. This show is toxic and should be binned #LooseWomen.”

“Gloria’s comments about Oprah’s weight as usual were unacceptable and off topic. She’s just awful. Get her off!” said another. A third chimed in: “’She looks fantastic. She’s very very thin’. Okaaaaay.”

While a fourth compared Gloria to Cliff Richard who appeared to make fat-shaming remarks about Elvis Presley while being interviewed This Morning host Alison Hammond last year and added: “Gloria being a little fatphobic like her beloved Cliff Richard #loosewomen.”

The Mirror has approached reps for Gloria and Loose Women for comment.

The Mirror has approached reps for Gloria and Loose Women for comment.

Fans were quick to applaud the Big Brother star for her handling of Cliff’s comments, with many taking to X to share their support. Not everyone interpreted Cliff’s statement as offensive, however, with one person arguing, “Being generous to Cliff I think he was probably trying to say he was young & foolish and paid the price by losing his only chance to meet Elvis. I’m pretty sure his words came out wrong & he regretted it straight away. Cliff is from a time when stars had to look a certain way.”

Prince Harry’s friend lifts lid on reason Duke is ‘really sad’ after Lilibet’s birthday

Harry is reportedly open to a return to the UK as he hopes his children can build a relationship with the Royal Family.

Prince Harry’s friend has claimed that the Duke is “really sad” because his children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are not able to have a relationship with their cousins.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently held a birthday party for Lilibet as she turned three on Tuesday.

According to reports, the party was comprised of close friends and family at Harry and Meghan’s Montecito mansion.

Royal expert Tom Quinn provided some insight, claiming that Hollywood heavyweight Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom were in attendance with their daughter Daisy.

Speaking to The Mirror, Mr Quinn also shed light on how Prince Harry is rueing the fact that Archie and Lilibet are unable to bond with their family in the UK.

He said of the party: “Rather than go for a low-key celebration Harry and Meghan have spent the past weekend enjoying a pre-birthday bash for their daughter Lillibet’s third birthday – hugely expensive presents have been ruled out but the couple’s mansion in California was awash with celebrities including Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom and their daughter Daisy who is just a few months older than Lilibet.

“Shockingly no invitations to Lilibet’s party were issued to members of the Royal Family.

“One of Harry’s old army friends said: ‘Harry knew they wouldn’t come anyway and he was pretty sure he would not have wanted them there.

“But he is really sad that Archie and Lilibet cannot have any kind of relationship with their cousins while his feud with his family continues’.”

Royal experts have claimed that, while Harry would be open to a return to the UK, Meghan is certain she wants to remain elsewhere.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, expert Phil Dampier said a recent event showed just how determined Meghan was to leave the UK in her past.

Meghan traveled to the UK to meet with Harry before they headed off to Nigeria for their tour in May.

Mr Dampier said: “He had the opportunity to recently, didn’t he, on his way to the Invictus Games event and Nigeria, Meghan didn’t want to know.

“That’s twice now that she’s just stopped off at the airport at Heathrow, I think in the lounge there.

“She clearly thinks that she’s unpopular in this country.

“I don’t think she wants to come back to this country.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if she never came back to this country, to be honest.

“And I think that’s where we are, it’s very, very sad.”

The monarch, who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, told friends that he is ‘keener than ever’ to build a relationship with Archie, five, and Lilibet, two, royal sources told the Mirror. 

He has only met the Sussex children a handful of times since they were born, and wants to ‘make up for lost time’, given the long-running falling out Harry has had with the rest of the royal family over their alleged treatment of his wife.

Sources told the paper that King Charles, who managed to make it to D-Day commemorations last week, sent Lilibet a ‘heartfelt gift and card’ in celebration of her birthday last week.

A source said: ‘The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives.

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King Charles (pictured), who has been undergoing cancer treatment since February, told friends that he is ‘keener than ever’ to build a relationship with Archie, five, and Lilibet, two,

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Tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have remained high, even through King Charles’ cancer diagnosis

‘He values family above everything and whatever the course of his ­relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.’

Harry, 39, and his wife Meghan, 42, have lived in Montecito, California, ever since they officially left their lives as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2020.

Tensions between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family have remained high, even through King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.

While Harry rushed more than 5,000 miles back to the UK to visit his father following the news, the pair met for just twenty minutes.

He later told American broadcaster ABC: ‘I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go and see him and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.’

Despite his fractured relationship with Harry, King Charles is reportedly a ‘fantastic and enthusiastic grandpa’ to Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince Louis, five, sources say.

Queen Camilla, 76, is also ­understood to be a driving force behind his decision to ramp up efforts to see his other grandchildren.

Prince William led guests at Chester Cathedral as he took on a key role during the ceremony.

Prince of Wales arrives for wedding of Duke of Westminster

The Prince of Wales was pictured beaming proudly as Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson exited Chester Cathedral after what has been dubbed the society wedding of the year.

The seventh Duke of Westminster, 33 – crowned Britain’s richest resident under 40 – married 31-year-old Olivia in a lavish wedding ceremony which included the crème de la crème of the British aristocracy.

The bride looked breathtaking in a sleek wedding dress and veil designed by Emma Victoria Payne. Olivia wore the Faberge Myrtle Leaf Tiara – a family heirloom since 1906, while her bouquet was made of flowers picked from the gardens of the Duke’s family home, Eaton Hall. The 31-year-old beamed and was cheered on by the crowds as she made her way to church, shortly before 12pm.

Hugh also looked dapper in a black longtail coat, a black waistcoat, grey pin-striped trousers, a white and light blue shirt and a pink tie which featured dragonflies. Hugh made quite the entrance as he arrived at the ceremony in a green Land Rover and waved to the crowds who had gathered in the streets just before greeting the Dean of Chester the Rev Dr Tim Stratford and going inside.

Prince William arrived just before 11am as he was playing an important role as an usher. Princess Eugenie was also pictured beaming as she arrived at the cathedral shortly before 11.20am. She donned a sage green long-sleeved dress with a cream fascinator.

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Hugh Grosvenor and Olivia Henson shared a kiss after their lavish wedding ceremony (Image: Getty)

King Charles, Prince William and Queen Camilla all joined crowds to mark the day the world remembers fallen heroes and veterans of World War II on Thursday, but there was one person noticeably missing – Prince Harry.

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Prince Harry is the only member of Royal Family to have fought on the front line twiceCredit: AFP

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Prince William attended the official international ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of D-DayCredit: Getty
Katie Nicholl told The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show how it would’ve been a “hard” and “pretty stomach-clenching moment” for him to watch the two days of commemorations and know he wasn’t a part of it.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson, the royal commentator explains that Harry’s fought in Afghanistan and is the only member of Royal Family to have fought on the front line twice, so on another parallel universe, he would’ve been there.

“Every time we cover the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday, if there’s anyone that’s earned the right to be there and to lay a wreath, it’s Prince Harry because he fought for his Queen and his country in Afghanistan twice,” she says.

“And I can only imagine, and we was talking about how happy is out in Montecito and I believe he is, he’ll be watching those D-Day commemorations.

“He was a soldier for a big part of his life as we know through the Invictus community and I think it’s a pretty stomach-clenching moment for him where it’s that realisation that despite what he did, he wasn’t a part of this because he’s not a part of the working class Royal Family.”

It’s a pretty stomach-clenching moment for him where it’s that realisation that despite what he did, he wasn’t a part of this because he’s not a part of the working class Royal Family

Matt goes on to note how the reality of Prince Harry being absent for the D-Day commemorations is simply the repercussions of him burning bridges with the royal family, to which Nicholls agrees.

“They are, they are,” she says.

“Currently, we don’t know whether he did anything in Montecito, but if he did, he didn’t do anything publicly.

“And you’ll remember that one Remembrance Sunday when him and Meghan were photographed laying a wreath and that backfired on them so badly.

“So I think they’ve learned from things like that so it must’ve been a hard moment for him to watch these two days of commemorations in Normandy and in Britain and know that just like being a solider, he wasn’t a part of it.”

Matt goes on to point out how Prince William made a surprise stop in Arromanches to meet veterans on the D-Day 80th anniversary.

The royal was visiting the D-Day museum, which wasn’t meant to be an event for the press of public, when several veterans of the Gloucestershire Regiment in the Army saw him go in and were keen to meet him, to which he happily obliged.

PRINCE William offered an update on Princess Kate’s health as he chatted warmly to veterans after today’s D-Day commemorations.

The Heir joined his father, Queen Camilla and other leaders alongside war heroes in a moving anniversary event in Portsmouth.

King Charles and William both took to the stage to pay tribute to the veterans and their families.

Afterwards, William revealed Kate was feeling “better”, adding: “She would’ve loved to be here today.”

In a sweet clip that showed Prince William bending down to chat with a 95-year-old veteran he was asked: “I was going to ask you is your wife getting any better?”

William revealed she was well, before adding: “I was reminding everyone her grandmother used to work at Bletchley Park.

“She had a lot in common with some of the ladies here who never spoke about anything until the very end.”

William spoke to a Bletchley Park codebreaker about Princess Kate’s grandma Valerie, who also helped to break the Enigma code.

He said: “My wife’s grandmother did the same sort of thing as you. Catherine only found out at the end of her life.”

The Prince spoke to other veterans, too – thanking them for their service and telling them how special it had been.

He said: “I found it very moving, all the stories and letters, even now 80 years later.”

When one hero said “thank you”, the Prince of Wales replied: “No, we are here to thank you.”

William said: “We are here to say a big thank you and to all your colleagues and friends who didn’t make it back.”

“I love that spontaneity about the Prince of Wales and I think we’ve both been on tours and visits when he’ll make a detour,” Nicholls explains.

“He’ll spot someone in the crowd or he’ll see a post and he’ll be drawn to it – and he’s not afraid to go off-piste when it comes to his schedule some times.”

The Prince of Wales paid tribute to the courageous D-Day heroes who ran into the “fury of battle” on Normandy beaches.

He laid a wreath and honoured 14,000 Canadians who stormed Juno Beach 80 years ago today.

Meanwhile, King Charles also made a powerful and emotional D-Day speech as he praised D-Day veterans at the UK’s commemoration event in Ver-sur-Mer, France, saying we “must stand together to oppose tyranny.

He added: “It is with the most profound sense of gratitude that we remember them and all who served at that critical time.”

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King Charles III laying wreath during the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal British Legion’s commemorative eventCredit: Getty

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King Charles also made a powerful and emotional D-Day speech to commemorate the 80th anniversaryCredit: Getty

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Prince Harry would’ve found it ‘hard’ to watch the two days of commemorations and not be a part of itCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The regiment – of which the royal is Colonel-in-Chief – shared a video on X this morning showing the note being read out to troops as they prepared for today’s precursor to Trooping the Colour.

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The Princess continues to recover from cancerCredit: The Mega Agency

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The Irish Guards posted a video on X of soldiers being read Kate’s messageCredit: X/irish_guards

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Soldiers listened in silence to the heartfelt message as they prepared for the ceremonyCredit: X/irish_guards

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The letter Kate sent to the Irish GuardsCredit: X/irish_guards
She said her role as Colonel “remains a great honour”, adding: “I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.”

The Colonel-in-Chief would typically take the salute at the review, which took place this morning.

It is a major hint that she will miss the main ceremony on June 15 entirely – though there is a chance she could watch it from the Buckingham Palace balcony and not take an active role.

Her letter said: “I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour.

“I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practicing for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drill are immaculate.

“Being your Colonel remains a great honour, and I am very sorry that I’m unable to take the salute at this year’s Colonel’s Review.

“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.

“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Quis separabit.”

In the X post, the Irish Guards said: “The Irish Guards were deeply touched to receive a letter from our Colonel, Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales this morning.

“We continue to wish Her Royal Highness well in her recovery and send Her our very best wishes. Quis Separabit.”

With the ceremony marking King Charles’ official birthday, Kate would’ve taken a key role.

The Colonel’s Review is identical to The King’s Birthday Parade or Trooping the Colour, with the exception that some additional mounted officers ride on the latter.

Taking part were 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including 400 musicians from the Massed Bands, all of whom will paraded on Horse Guards.

It also included 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards who lined the processional route along The Mall.

Kate uploaded a video to Instagram in which she bravely announced she was undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer.

In January it was confirmed she would be cancelling all royal engagements to undergo major abdominal surgery.

Palace sources insisted the Princess would continue to rest and recover until given the all-clear by her doctor.

Timeline of Kate’s health battle & recovery

JAN 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery

JAN 17: Kensington Palace announce the princess underwent surgery

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside

JAN 23: The princess’ hospital stay passes one week

JAN 29: Kate leaves hospital

FEB 27: Prince William pulls out of service last-minute due to ‘personal matter’, sparking wave of unfounded conspiracy theories about Kate’s health

MAR 4: Princess pictured in the car with mum Carole on the Windsor estate

Mar 10: Royal posts a sweet snap of her and the kids for Mother’s Day – then fans started spotting flaws, and massive agencies put out ‘kill notice’ on photo

Mar 11: Kate admits she edited photo, and is snapped in car with William

Mar 16: Royal fans spot the princess at farm shop near Windsor

Mar 17: Onlookers see Kate watching her youngsters playing sport

Mar 18: The Sun exclusively published video of Kate and Wills from two days prior

MAR 22: Kate bravely reveals in an emotional video that she was given a shock cancer diagnosis

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Members of the Household Cavalry took part in the Colonel’s review rehearsalCredit: Reuters

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The event is a precursor to the Trooping the Colour ceremony on June 15Credit: Reuters

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Over 1,400 soldiers take part, with 250 sold from the Foot Guards taking part in the ReviewCredit: Rex

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Kate’s personal royal crest could be seen on the back of the letter in the videoCredit: X/irish_guards

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Kate would usually play a key role in the Trooping the Colour ceremonyCredit: The Times

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Kate during her first visit to the 1st Battalion Irish GuardsCredit: AP

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The Princess of Wales sits with the officers of the Irish Guards at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in AldershotCredit: The Times

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Kate announced on Instagram she had cancerCredit: BBC STUDIOS

Back in February Prince Harry lost his case against the Home Office following their decision to strip him of his level of taxpayer-funded police protection.

Prince Harry has been given the green light to appeal the case he lost in the High Court against the Home Office, although it is still unclear whether he will do so.

The Duke of Sussex first took legal action in February 2020 when the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) decided he should receive a different degree of protection to other members of the Royal Family.

Just a few weeks earlier Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step down as working members of the Firm, leading to his security being reviewed.

In a judgement from February this year High Court judge Peter Lane rejected the Duke’s claims that the decision was unfair and ruled that the Home Office and Ravec’s decision would stand.

But now Harry has been told he can appeal the verdict at the Court of Appeal, according to an order from Lord Justice Bean dated May 23 2024.

Prince Harry can appeal the High Court ruling on his security (Image: Getty)

In his 52-page ruling Sir Peter argued that lawyers representing the Duke of Sussex had made “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process” during the High Court case.

He added: “The ‘bespoke’ process devised for the claimant in the decision of February 28 2020 was, and is, legally sound.”

Sir Peter accepted the decision of Sir Richard Mottram, Ravec’s former chairman, and argued that he would have come to the same conclusions back in 2020 even if he had been presented with Harry’s argument then.

The Home Office delegates responsibility for security arrangements of the Royal Family to Ravec, who also handle security for other important overseas guests.

The Sussexes are no longer working royals and as such receive a different level of protection (Image: Getty)

 

Following the ruling earlier this year a spokesperson for Harry said: “The Duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec’s own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with Ravec’s own written policy.

“In February 2020, Ravec failed to apply its written policy to the Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis.

“The Duke’s case is that the so-called ‘bespoke process’ that applies to him is no substitute for that risk analysis.

“The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal, and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing.”

Security concerns continue to plague Harry while he is in the UK (Image: Getty)

Security concerns are said to be the reason why Harry refused to stay in a royal residence when he was in the UK for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary service last month.

Instead of accepting King Charles’s offer he reportedly opted for a hotel, as he did when he flew to London for a last minute visit in February this year.

As a result Harry was not able to meet with his father or any other members of the Royal Family while he was over here, as the King was hosting a garden party at the same time as the Invictus service.