Royal news live: Prince Harry issues internet warning to parents as Kate Middleton ramps up return to duties

The Duke of Sussex has discussed the dangers of the internet in a conversation with the author of The Anxious Generation, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt.

Harry, 42, a passionate advocate of mental health awareness, told Fortune: “The smartphone is stealing young people’s childhoods.”

“It’s a double-edged sword,” he said, discussing the potential safety benefits of mobile phones.

“[Parents] want them to have their phone at school in case of emergency, but once, like any kid, you have your phone, even if you’re told you’re not allowed to download that app, kids have a way of working around it.”

Acknowledging the upsides of social media for some children, he added: “Social media, we know, to a large extent, is giving an outlet, an added resource, to kids that perhaps don’t feel comfortable coming to us to talk about their issues and their troubles and their worries.”

The Duchess of York has provided a rare update about her health as she promotes her new children’s book.

Sarah, 64, appeared on ITV’s This Morning to discuss Flora and Fern: Wonder in the Woods, which is said to have a message of community and sustainability at its heart”.

She said: “It was such a vision of mine, I really am determined children should read [and] use their imagination… One in twelve children don’t have a book.”

The duchess then said that her recent health scare has inspired her to live life to the fullest.

She added: “I think it’s extraordinary, you said about living every moment, [I had] a mastectomy last year [and] here I am now.

“You’re never the same after beating cancer.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have reflected on their poignant visit to Southport yesterday to meet those affected by July’s devastating attacks.

Taking to Twitter/X, they wrote on the official Kensington Palace account: “We continue to stand with everyone in Southport.

“Meeting the community today has been a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting one another in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.

“You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. W & C”

The visit was the couple’s first joint engagement since the princess completed her cancer treatment.

The Prince and Princess of Wales have made their first joint public appearance since Kate finished cancer treatment, as they met the bereaved families of the Southport knife attack on Thursday.

Kate and William spent 90 minutes chatting privately with them after making an unannounced visit to the town.

At an undisclosed location, the couple privately met the families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine – all fatally stabbed during a Taylor Swift-themed dance class on 29 July in Southport, as well as the children’s dance teacher.

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The Emir of Qatar is to pay a state visit to the UK hosted by the King, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Charles and the Queen will welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, to London on December 3.

They can expect to be feted with a traditional ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade and a grand state banquet at Buckingham Palace during the two-day incoming state visit.

Charles has visited Qatar eight times as the Prince of Wales and met the Emir at the Cop28 summit in Dubai in December. The Qatari leader and Sheikha Jawaher also attended the King’s coronation in Westminster Abbey, and the late Queen’s funeral.

The Qatari royal family is one of the richest in the world, with a reported fortune running into the billions.

Sheikh Tamim, 44, was educated in Britain, attending public schools Sherborne and Harrow, before graduating from the Sandhurst military academy. He set up Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2005, which owns the French football team Paris Saint-Germain.

Qatar – one of the richest Gulf states – is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war and the ruling Emir is likely to meet Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for talks at Downing Street during his stay.

The King will join Sir Keir Starmer in meeting business leaders from across the world at a reception linked to the Labour Government’s first major investment summit.

Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles’ attendance at the event, which will take place on Monday evening at St Paul’s Cathedral following the summit.

Alongside the Prime Minister, he will meet guests from sectors including technology, energy and the performing arts.

The reception will be held after around 300 industry leaders gather in London for the Government’s flagship investment summit, at which Sir Keir will pitch the UK as “open for business” as part of his bid to drive growth into the country.

It is not the first time Charles has attended such an event, having hosted former premier Rishi Sunak at a similar reception at Buckingham Palace last year to conclude 2023’s UK Global Investment Summit.

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 premium 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.

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

The Duchess of York has praised King Charles’s decision earlier this year to return to duty by visiting a cancer treatment centre.

Speaking on ITV’s This Morning, she said: “I love when the King went to the Cancer Research UK [in April] and actually sat on the sofa.

“And of course, it’s coming from a place of empathy, because he does understand, and… yesterday, the first time when I was sitting there with someone, it’s not just ‘I understand’ – patronising. It’s ‘I know’.”

Sarah, 64, yesterday visited a cancer treatment centre in Manchester, having also recently battled the disease.

The royal family has marked World Homelessness Day, which is taking place today (10 October).

In a post shared to Twitter/X, they congratulated walkers for their extraordinary achievement of walking 450 miles, through 11 countries over a six-week period in aid of an anti-homelessness charity.

It read: “Congratulations to Chloe, Jagger, Peter, Cecile and Lorie on your extraordinary achievement! The walkers have been raising money for homelessness charity Emmaus, of which The Queen is Patron.”

A link was then shared for anyone who wishes to donate to the cause. It can be found here.