Royal news - live: Prince William shares touching Kate Middleton update following her cancer treatment

The Prince of Wales has hit back at critics over his homelessness project.

William responded to those questioning whether he is the right person to tackle the issue, given his privileged upbringing, in the first part of his new ITV documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness.

William said: “I think everyone having a right to a safe home benefits us all.

“I come with no other agenda than desperately trying to help people who are in need and I see that as part of my role, why else would I be here if I am not using this role properly to influence and help people while I can.”

The Prince of Wales has been spotted wearning a Taylor Swift-style friendship bracelet made by his daughter while on his trip to South Africa.

William was seen sporting the accessory as he he attended Earthshot+ in Cape Town.

He was wearing a blue and white bracelet made by Princess Charlotte on his right wrist, with the word “Papa” spelled out by four of the beads.

Such tokens of love and friendship have made a comeback thanks to fans of US singer Taylor Swift who have been exchanging the hand-made jewellery.

The royal family’s health blows have led to one of the most personally challenging years for the Windsors.

News of the King’s cancer – undisclosed in its form – came in February, after it was discovered while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate in January.

Online conspiracy theories began to escalate about Kate’s health, with the princess in the end delivering a bombshell video message to the nation in March revealing she was undergoing chemotherapy after post-operative tests showed she also had cancer.

There was a further health blow for the royal family in late June when the Princess Royal, now 74, was rushed to hospital after being struck by a horse while out walking on her Gatcombe Park estate.

Sarah, Duchess of York meanwhile was diagnosed with malignant melanoma skin cancer, just months after facing breast cancer. She later said her treatment had been successful.

Charles, who made an appearance at church on Easter Sunday, returned to public-facing duties in April by visiting a cancer centre in London, while Kate announced she had finished her chemotherapy course in a heartfelt video in September. Kate is hoping to join the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in honour of the war dead on Sunday – an important fixture in the royal family’s calendar – but her attendance is yet to be confirmed.

Camilla too has pledged to be there after pulling out of the annual Field of Remembrance opening at Westminster Abbey on Thursday due to her chest infection.

The Prince of Wales has revealed his children regularly quiz him about his love of African wildlife as he visited one of the continent’s most picturesque spots.

He was questioned by Robert Irwin, the son of the late wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, about his favourite African animal as they walked up the hill and a short video of the chat was posted on social media.

When William was asked about his favourite African animal during a trek to the top of Cape Town’s Signal Hill, he replied the cheetah, the world’s fastest land animal.

The prince said: “It’s a really tough question. My children ask me this regularly. I think I’m going to have to say the cheetah…Yeah, I love cheetahs. Fantastic animals.”

Irvin, an ambassador of the Prince of Wales’ Earthshot Prize replied: “Cheetahs ok. Very cool, very cool…It’s chameleons for me. The unsung hero. I love them.”

The Queen has been forced to withdraw from her engagements and is resting at home after being diagnosed with a chest infection.

Chest infections – an infection of the lungs or large airways – are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter. Most chest infections are mild and clear up on their own, others can be severe and sometimes even life threatening.

A number of groups can be at higher risk of developing serious chest infections, these include babies and very young children, people who smoke and people with long-term health conditions.

Queen Camilla used to be a heavy smoker – a habit her husband Charles loathed – but she gave up many years ago.

The main types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. According to NHS Inform, most bronchitis cases are caused by viruses while most pneumonia cases are due to bacteria.

If The Queen has been diagnosed with a bacterial chest infection, then she will be treated with antibiotics.

The King is cutting financial ties to the disgraced Duke of York after he refused to move out of his home, a royal writer has claimed.

In what is a new low in the brothers’ relationship, Prince Andrew’s annual £1 million “living allowance” has been withdrawn by Charles, according to a new book by Robert Hardman.

The move will be seen as another step the monarch has taken to publicly distance himself from his younger brother following his association with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Read the full story below:

As the Queen pulls out of engagements after falling ill, the King is carrying on with his duties.

Charles held an audience at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, holding audiences with two new ambassadors and a high commissioner.

The 75-year-old monarch welcomed Qatari ambassador Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani; Rajendre Khargi, who is the ambassador from the Republic of Suriname; and the High Commissioner for the Republic of Vanuatu, Georges Maniuri, who presented their credentials in the 1844 room.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted the Queen a get-well message on social media.

Sir Keir wrote: “On behalf of the whole country, I wish Her Majesty The Queen a speedy recovery.”

Birgitte, The Duchess of Gloucester has stepped in on the Queen’s behalf to attend the annual opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday.

Camilla has also pulled out of a Buckingham Palace reception for Olympic and Paralympic athletes hosted by the King the same evening.

It is understood the Queen is currently resting at home.

No further details regarding her illness or treatment have been released but she is understood to be under doctors’ supervision.