Royal news - live: Prince William’s awkward interaction with homelessness campaigner in moving documentary
The first part of the Prince of Wales’ documentary about ending homelessness launched last night
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Prince William faced an uncomfortable moment during the premiere of his documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, which aired its first part last night.
In the film, the Prince of Wales, 42, was confronted by Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, who challenged him to address the “failed thinking” surrounding homelessness.
Lord Bird bluntly stated he wanted no “b******t” in their discussions, urging the prince to spearhead a new approach through his Homewards programme - an ambitious initiative aiming to end homelessness within five years.
He criticised the fragmented efforts of local authorities, charities, and government departments over the past three decades.
William responded with an invitation for open dialogue, adding: “I’m conscious that it’s a team environment, please do feel free to pile in when you need to.”
The Prince’s goal of ending homelessness has been inspired by his childhood experiences visiting shelters with his late mother, Princess Diana.
On the ITV series, he shared an anecdote about visiting a homeless charity with his mother, Diana, and brother, Harry. The second part of the documentary will air tonight.
Kate Middleton sent touching letter to actor with cancer
The Princess of Wales recently connected with Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala, both of whom are cancer survivors.
Koirala, who has overcome stage IV ovarian cancer, received a heartfelt letter from the Princess of Wales congratulating her on her recovery and return to work.
She said: “I wanted to reach out to HRH The Princess of Wales to send my good wishes. I am deeply heartened to receive such a warm response from her.
“I want to use my voice to not only support cancer patients but also to raise awareness about the need for equitable healthcare access and the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. Having faced cancer myself, I know how isolating and challenging the journey can be, and I believe it is essential that we all play a part in changing that reality for others.
Kate, now cancer-free and back to her royal duties, has not revealed the specific type of cancer she faced, which needed major abdominal surgery earlier this year.
Beatrice and Eugenie supported Sarah Ferguson through cancer battle
Sarah Ferguson has opened up about her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, playing a crucial role in her battle with cancer.
Diagnosed with melanoma in early 2024, the Duchess of York revealed how her family has helped her navigate the difficult moments since her diagnosis.
She told Hello: "My children, the joy of being a grandmother, writing my children's books, and working on my next novel have been my lifelines.
"Writing is my escape. I write in longhand with a fountain pen in my study, and the stories just flow. I love to explore my imagination, inspired by nature."
In January, Ferguson announced she had been diagnosed with a melanoma. A spokesperson explained that her dermatologist had removed several moles for analysis during reconstructive surgery following her mastectomy, with one being identified as cancerous.
Recently, Princess Eugenie shared an emotional birthday tribute to her mother on her 65th birthday, posting a series of photos that captured their close bond.
The images included moments with Eugenie's son, Ernest, as well as family photos featuring Beatrice, Eugenie, and Sarah together.
Voices: The royal family’s finances are shrouded in mystery – it’s time to open the books
The view of the monarchy in the UK remains overwhelmingly positive, writes Alan Rusbridger. But the public deserve full transparency on the family’s staggering wealth.
Read the full story:
The royals’ finances are shrouded in mystery: they need to open the books
The view of the monarchy in the UK remains overwhelmingly positive, writes Alan Rusbridger. But the public deserve full transparency on the family’s staggering wealth
‘Feels like he’s coming home’: William’s connection to homeless centre
The Passage, a homeless centre in central London where William volunteers, has said his visits “feel like he is coming home”.
The Prince of Wales has been supporting the centre since he was 11, when his mother, Princess Diana, took him there with Prince Harry in 1993.
The shelter’s director Mick Clarke said: “We see him as the real person. When he comes, he is very relaxed, very chilled.”
Mr Clarke said there is a familial bond between the Prince and the centre, adding: “People who have lived with homelessness are very good at instantly sussing whether someone is straightforward and authentic or not, and Prince William just seems very comfortable.
“You can see his shoulders drop as soon as he walks in. It feels like he is coming home.”
William has praised his late mother, Diana, for inspiring his commitment to addressing homelessness in a new two-part documentary series, which chronicles the first year of the Prince Homewards programme.
The documentary focuses on six locations significantly affected by homelessness, including Aberdeen, Bournemouth, Lambeth in London, Newport in Northern Ireland, and Sheffield.
Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets
Tom Parker Bowles has lifted the lid on the cooking of his mother, Queen Camilla, and the meals they ate at home while he was growing up.
Describing Camilla as a “good, basic cook”, he said she perfected slow-cooked scrambled eggs (always on the Aga) and roast chicken – but steered clear of all spice and curries.
Never following a recipe, she relied on “very, very simple food” while providing meals for Tom and his sister Laura at their home near Chippenham in Wiltshire.
Queen Camilla’s son reveals her kitchen secrets
Cooking expert Tom Parker Bowles also tells of his mother’s special way of scrambling eggs– and which meal still causes Buckingham Palace to grind to a halt
Queen Camilla’s barefoot stroll in Australia is a royal tradition
Queen Camilla made a keynote appearance earlier this week as she and King Charles toured the streets of Sydney, opting to remove her heels for a relaxed walk back to Admiralty House.
The 77-year-old monarch, fresh from a six-day visit to Samoa, embraced a more casual look, shedding her shoes and enjoying the warm pavement.
While this move may have surprised some, it aligns with a trend among high-profile royals.
Notably, the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has also gone barefoot on several occasions, first making headlines when she did so in 2012.
King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson is engaged
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, affectionately dubbed the ‘hot equerry’, has announced his engagement to Olivia Lewis, his girlfriend of 18 months.
The announcement, first reported in The Times, has sent ripples through royal circles, as admirers of the dashing equerry come to terms with his impending nuptials.
You can read the full story below:
King’s ‘hot equerry’ Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson announces his engagement
King Charles and Queen Camilla could be among the attendees at the wedding of the ‘hot equerry’
Meghan Markle rejected ‘golden opportunity’ in Hollywood
Meghan Markle reportedly turned down a “golden opportunity” that could have earned her millions, according to industry experts.
The Duchess of Sussex, who played Rachel Zane in the hit legal drama Suits from 2011 to 2019, previously earned nearly £40,000 per episode ($50,000) before stepping away from acting following her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018.
The show recently gained renewed popularity, amassing 57.7 billion minutes of viewership on Netflix last year, and is set to expand into a "major franchise" with its upcoming spin-off, Suits: LA.
But Hollywood insiders have criticised Meghan's refusal to return for the new series, which was reportedly written with her in mind, suggesting that she may have missed a lucrative opportunity.
Media finance analyst Mike Raia said: "This could become the costliest decision of her life and one that she may bitterly regret in years to come."
Prince Harry urged to ‘eat humble pie; to heal family rift
Prince Harry has received a three-word ultimatum to repair his strained relationship with the royal family, according to royal commentator Rupert Bell.
Mr Bell suggested that the Duke of Sussex must "eat humble pie" after his brother, Prince William, extended an olive branch in his upcoming ITV documentary about homelessness, set to air tonight.
During a discussion with royal podcast host Kinsey Schofield on her YouTube channel, the royal expert claimed that it would be "odd" if William did not mention Harry in the context of the documentary.
Critics are debating whether any reference to Prince Harry represents a gesture of reconciliation from William, especially given their tense relations since Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020.
Mr Bell said: "They looked after each other, and that’s what’s so sad about it.”
Camilla’s son hasn’t been to a Royal family Christmas ‘for various reasons’
Tom Parker Bowles, stepson of King Charles and Queen Camilla, has revealed that he and his children have yet to join the royal family for their traditional Christmas gathering at Sandringham.
In a candid interview with People, he said: “We are married in; we are not the royal family.”
Despite his close ties to the royals, he explained that various commitments, including as his job and his children’s schooling, have prevented them from attending the festive celebrations.
“I find everyone incredibly nice and friendly, and we’ve known them all for a long time. It does seem natural,” he added.
King Charles and Queen Camilla have fostered a blended family since their marriage nearly 20 years ago.
Bowles added that his children, Lola, 17, and Freddy, 14, have grown fond of their step-grandparents, affectionately referring to them as “Gaga and Uppa.”
His younger son even participated in the coronation ceremony, serving as a page alongside Prince George.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments