Royal news live: Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s special Christmas with George, Charlotte and Louis

The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.

In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”.

She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.

Athena Stavrou has more.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are still “very into each other” despite all odds, according to Roya Nikkhah, the royals editor of The Sunday Times.

“When you see them on engagements, they’re obviously still very into each other,” Ms Nikkhah told Fox News.

“One’s always looking out for the other. Recently, when they were in Southport together, you could see that… she was a bit more vulnerable. I think they’ve got each other’s backs.”

British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said that when the Princess of Wales returns to royal duties, Prince William will be by her side.

“A picture tells a thousand words and there have been several times when their affection is reminiscent of two teenagers in love, which of course they initially were, well in their early 20s.”

The King’s Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute next to Buckingham Palace to mark King Charles’ 76th birthday.

Some of the artillery horses refused to behave themselves for the big occasion with at least one ditching its rider for a solo canter around Green Park.

With the horses under control the King’s Artillery proceeded to fire off 41 blank rounds at 10-second intervals, while the Irish Guards provided musical accompaniment.

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The Duke of Sussex “is one of two claimants whose claims are still live” against the publisher of The Sun over allegations of unlawful information gathering, his barrister has told the High Court.

A hearing on Friday was told that Harry, 40, and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson are now the only people continuing their claims against News Group Newspapers (NGN) after several others settled their cases.

The court was told 39 cases have been settled since a previous hearing in July.

The two remaining cases are expected to go to trial in January 2025, with Harry alleging he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for NGN, which also published the now-defunct News Of The World.

The publisher has previously denied unlawful activity took place at The Sun.

Many others have settled their claims in recent years including actor Hugh Grant, actress Sienna Miller, ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, comic Catherine Tate and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm.

King Charles this week revealed that a new 90-minute documentary on Queen Camilla made him cry.

The film titled Her Majesty the Queen: Behind Closed Doors highlighted her work raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence.

“It’s very moving isn’t it? I think BAFTA [British Academy of Film and Television Arts] are interested in it,” Charles said, according to The Telegraph.

“I am very proud of it,” he said, adding: “It reduced me to tears.”

Meghan Markle was in a “joyful mood” amid ongoing professional separation from Prince Harry, People Magazine reported citing a source.

“She was dancing and celebrating with her friends,” the source added.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly going separate paths professionally. The couple had undertaken multiple solo engagements across the last couple of months.

Denzel Washington appeared nervous and awestruck as he shook King Charles III’s hand at the Gladiator II premiere.

The monarch stepped out solo on the eve of his 76th birthday to attend the sequel’s screening at Leicester Square’s Odeon theater, chatting on the red carpet with director Ridley Scott, 86, and the cast.

The film’s stars lined up to greet the king before heading into the theater. When the King reached Washington after first chatting with Scott and lead actor Paul Mescal, 28, the Training Day star looked flustered, confessing that he wasn’t sure of the proper royal handshake protocol.