Royal news – live: King Charles to ‘pause’ cancer treatment as Meghan Markle debuts surprise new look

Prince Harry was honoured with a thoughtful gift by one of the many inspirational children at this year’s WellChild Awards.

The Duke of Sussex, who recently turned 40, flew to London especially for the occasion, which honours the achievements of seriously ill young people and their families.

Scarlett Cripps, 10, who won the Inspirational Child Award in the seven to 11 category, said she wanted to give the prince and his family a present that might help them if they are ever “feeling down”.

She was in attendance with her mum, Aby, and younger sister, Sienna, seven, who also met with the prince.

“[Sienna] gave Prince Harry some crystal hearts so if he feels down he can give a crystal heart to each of his family members to squeeze and make them feel a lot happier,” the proud mum explained.

“They’re little baby crystal hearts. She said he does so much for other people as well. She’s getting an award tonight for the stuff she does for others and wanted to give him something back, as well.”

Reflecting on meeting Harry, the youngster told PEOPLE: “It was really exciting. We were talking about his charities.”

Scarlett, who has complex medical needs, was recognised for her determination to cheer up others facing similar health battles.

The Prince of Wales celebrated Aston Villa’s historic win over Bayern Munich so hard that he lost his voice.

In scenes that have not been seen since their European Cup final win 42 years ago, the team emerged victorious with a final result of 1-0 over their German rival last night.

William said: “I’ve lost my voice. I can’t quite believe it. 42 years.”

The heir to the throne met the team ahead of the historic game at the Villa Park stadium in Birmingham.

The teenager with a rare form of cancer who met the Princess of Wales as she returned to duty on Wednesday has revealed what was said during their touching conversation.

Photographs of the meeting show Kate, 42, who recently finished chemotherapy, hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures on Wednesday.

Liz has described getting a hug from Kate as “really special” as she revealed what they spoke about during their “genuine” and “lovely” half-an-hour chat.

“There was nothing about them that suggested they were superior,” she told The Mirror. “They were just really human to be honest and really natural. There was never a moment of awkwardness. It was normal to talk to them. They talked a lot about my photography.”

She added that Kate talked a “little bit” about her own love of photography and she asked about what camera she uses.

The Prince of Wales is travelling to Birtley in Tyne and Wear to open a new local community swimming pool.

Explaining the importance of the engagement, Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Although swimming is a vital life skill and the only sport that can save lives, almost one in three children in the UK currently leave primary education unable to swim.

“The Royal Foundation recently convened people from across the swimming sector to share their expertise, helping us shine a spotlight on the importance of access to swimming in local communities.”

King Charles did not think twice when he was asked if he would like to take a Samoan dancing lesson at St James’s Palace.

Freddy Tuilagi, 53, choreographed the monarch’s routine which took place at a 300-guest-strong Commonwealth reception.

He described the king’s performance as “good” and admitted “he’s got the moves”.

The Princess of Wales yesterday met with an inspiring teenager battling a rare and aggressive form of cancer as she continues her return to duty.

Kate, 42, announced last month that she had completed chemotherapy for her own undisclosed form of cancer.

A picture of the princess hugging Liz Hatton, 16, from Harrogate after she was invited to photograph the investitures at Windsor Castle was later posted to social media.

Kate and Prince William wrote: “A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both.

“Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us. W&C”

Prince Harry was described as a “warrior” by fellow royal Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

The pair co-founded the charity Sentebale in 2006, which helps children and young people affected by HIV and AIDS diagnosis.

They reunited last night for a bonfire in Lesotho where they reflected upon the charity’s progress in recent years, and Prince Seeiso, 58, described the duke as “my younger brother Mohale, the warrior”.

Harry, who recently turned 40, said: “We’re hitting the targets, not just Sentebale but in general all of the departments are, and it’s making a massive difference, and it is this surge of energy and optimism and the voice of young people, ranging from six to 25.

“And the biggest difference, of which really needs more work, the biggest difference is when people from the top start listening.”

Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?

These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s virtual event on the future of the royal family.

Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.

If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.

Prince Harry explained earlier this year why he will not bring his wife Meghan Markle back to the UK.

The Duke of Sussex made a flying visit to his home country for the WellChild Awards this week before immediately jetting off to Southern Africa for another solo charitable engagement.

Speaking to ITV’s Tabloids on Trial, he said that he has genuine concerns for his wife’s safety in the UK because of negative tabloid stories.

“All it takes is one lone actor, one person who reads this stuff to act on what they have read,” Harry said. “And whether it’s a knife or acid, whatever it is, and these are things that are of genuine concern for me.”

The King has been given a Samoan dancing lesson ahead of his trip to the Pacific nation – and was dubbed a man with “moves”.

Charles did not need to be asked twice when a guest at his Commonwealth reception, celebrating achievements of people from the “family of nations”, asked him to dance.

Freddy Tuilagi, 53, the eldest brother of the famous rugby-playing siblings, choreographed the King’s performance, holding out his arms across his chest and fluttering them, which Charles copied.

The King smiled as he moved and was watched by the Queen, and at one point Mr Tuilagi, an honorary consul with the Samoan High Commission, gave Charles a ceremonial fly swat, which was hung over his shoulder.

Mr Tuilagi said after the performance: “I told King I’m going to dance for you, when you go to Samoa, this is how they will dance.”

Asked to critique the King’s performance, he replied: “Good – he’s got the moves.”

Charles and Camilla hosted the St James’ Palace event ahead of their forthcoming trip to Australia and Samoa later his month, with the Pacific nation the setting for a major gathering of Commonwealth leaders.