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Royal news – live: King Charles and Queen Camilla face surprising ‘snub’ by Australian leaders ahead of tour

Charles and Camilla to begin royal tour of Australia later this week

Athena Stavrou
Monday 14 October 2024 10:52
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Britain Royals
Britain Royals

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King Charles and Queen Camilla are facing an embarrassing snub by leading Australian politicians ahead of their tour of the country.

As the couple prepare to kick off their nine day visit Down Under on Friday, every single state premier has turned down invitations to attend their royal reception in Canberra on October 21, reports suggest.

The King is set to deliver a speech at the event to recognise Australians for their achievements in the arts, culture, sports and health.

Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan is the latest representative to snub the invitation, whilst other politicians have given excuses such as “schedule clashes” and “election campaign duties”.

The first royal visit to Australia in more than a decade has sparked debate about the role of the monarchy in the Commonwealth country, with some republicans selling ‘farewell tour’ merchandise ahead of their arrival.

Australian pro-royalists have called the backlash a “slap in the face” to the royal monarchy, with the Australian Monarchists League telling local media: “All premiers and ministers have sworn allegiance to our monarch, Charles III, and it is a monumental insult that they now spit in his hand extended in friendship.”

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Royal family share behind-the-scenes look at Buckingham Palace as 780-strong team undertake £360m renovation

Behind-the-scenes at Buckingham Palace as 780-strong team undertake £360m refurb

The royal family has shared a behind-the-scenes look at Buckingham Palace as a 780-strong team undertake a £360 million refurbishment of the historic building. As part of the palace’s reservicing programme, work is taking place in the basement, replacing old electrical cabling with brand new cables under the floors and throughout the historic building. In a new video, released by the royal family on Tuesday (8 October), workers can be seen pulling some of the 25,000 metres of cable through the basement. The vast amount is equivalent to the weight of 12 elephants and runns the length of 250 football pitches.

Alexander Butler12 October 2024 20:00
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Kate and William meet families of Southport victims in first joint engagement since end of cancer treatment

Kate and William meet Southport victims’ families in first job since cancer treatment

Kate has been slowly returning to a light programme of public duties

Alexander Butler12 October 2024 18:00
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The Princess of Wales makes surprise public appearance in British labels

The Princess of Wales has made her first official public engagement since her chemotherapy ended alongside her husband.

Kate wore her favourite British labels for the occasion, donning the trending autumn colour palette of burgundies and chocolate browns to match William.

Kate re-wore an Alexander McQueen brown double breasted wool jacket and a burgundy and white polka dot midi dress with a pussy bow detail.

Read the full article here:

The Princess of Wales makes surprise public appearance in British labels

The princess wore tried and tested British designers.

Holly Evans12 October 2024 12:21
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Sarah Ferguson describes Kate in two words as princess makes first public appearance

Sarah Ferguson describes Kate in two words as princess returns to public life

Sarah Ferguson described the Princess of Wales in two words as Catherine made her return to work following her cancer treatment The Duchess of York called the Princess “brave and courageous” as she made her first public appearance on Thursday (10 October), after finishing her chemotherapy treatment. Kate joined the Prince of Wales to meet with families of victims of the Southport Taylor Swift dance class tragedy. The Duchess told Channel 5 News on Friday: “It’s such a brave and courageous move and it is so wonderful to see. “It will inspire and help those poor families. That’s what we should be looking at, courage and courage and courage.”

Holly Evans12 October 2024 09:38
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Meghan Markle joins non-profit to help girls be ‘strong, smart and bold’

Meghan Markle recently joined a local non-profit for a games and crafts session that aims to encourage girls to be “strong, smart and bold”.

The session, which took place in Santa Barbara, was held by Girls Inc., and the duchess helped the organisation launch their new digital wellness programme called Social Media U.

As reported by the MailOnline, a friend said: “The Duke and Duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple.

“The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her entrepreneurial track.”

The Duchess of Sussex also appeared at a charity gala last week.
The Duchess of Sussex also appeared at a charity gala last week. (Getty Images for Children's Hosp)
Emma Guinness12 October 2024 06:00
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Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?

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?

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.

What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?

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.

Emma Guinness12 October 2024 03:00
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King Charles shows off his dance moves with rugby star at glitzy palace reception

King Charles shows off his dance moves with rugby star at glitzy palace reception

The King was 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 on Wednesday evening (2 October) 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.

Alexander Butler12 October 2024 02:00
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Duchess of Edinburgh praised for ‘wonderful’ CBeebies role

The Duchess of Edinburgh has been praised following her “wonderful” appearance on CBeebies for World Sight Day (10 October).

Sophie, 59, appeared on the show to read a story named Specs For Rex, about a young lion who is reluctant to wear his glasses to school.

She said in a trailer ahead of the program: “Millions of us need glasses to see the world clearly. World Sight Day is a reminder to all of us to take care of our eyes, whether we need glasses or not.

“Our eyes are precious, and our sight is something to cherish and look after. So, let’s remember to take care of our eyes this World Sight Day.”

Taking to social media after the story aired, one fan wrote: “The Duchess of Edinburgh would have made a wonderful teacher. Her voice is soft and soothing.”

A second agreed, adding: “Couldn’t agree more! What a gorgeous voice.”

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s reading has been praised as ‘wonderful’
The Duchess of Edinburgh’s reading has been praised as ‘wonderful’ (BBC / Guy Levy)
Emma Guinness12 October 2024 00:00
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King Charles to take two doctors on overseas trip

King Charles is reported to be bringing two doctors with him on his upcoming trip to Australia and Samoa.

While the monarch, 75, will “pause” his cancer treatment during the visit, the presence of the medical professionals will allow him to continue to be monitored closely, a palace source said according to The Times.

Hugo Vickers, historian and author, added: “I’m sure that the medical team has been consulted and will look after the King and make sure that he doesn’t overwork, as we know he has a propensity to do. I’m sure he wouldn’t be undertaking the trip unless he was fit enough to do it.”

The king will be out of the UK for 11 days for the nine-day tour.
The king will be out of the UK for 11 days for the nine-day tour. (Jeff J Mitchell/PA)

Emma Guinness11 October 2024 21:00
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Prince William – 'We must fix the world’s climate’

The Prince of Wales has said that humanity “must fix” the world’s climate while promoting his Earthshot Prize.

The Earthshot Prize exists to recognise and support those who making a difference in the field of environmentalism.

“This is the decade in which we must fix the world’s climate,” read a statement posted by Kensington Palace.

“With the @EarthshotPrize to Fix our Climate, we commit to a thriving world that will only come from cutting carbon. This year’s Finalists are working towards net-zero emissions and a carbon-neutral economy, protecting our most vulnerable populations, and future generations, from climate-driven disasters.”

Emma Guinness11 October 2024 18:00

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