Which is why it's nice to be reminded that, deep down, the royals are just like us. Whether it's Prince William's relatable parenting nightmare or the Princess of Wales sharing she was once a "terrible" waitress, there's plenty that people can relate to with the royals - including wanting to get hold of a ticket to one of the most iconic festivals.

Each year, Glastonbury tickets sell out in minutes, leaving frustrated Brits (and music lovers from elsewhere) desperate for a ticket. And it turns out William is also keen to go - but his problem isn't getting hold of a ticket.

During an appearance on BBC Radio 1 back in 2017, William revealed, "I’ve talked about going to Glastonbury before because I do love my music and Catherine as well," he said before adding that, unfortunately, "it’s kind of best to keep away from that" for security purposes.

That being said, we do know that Kate has made a rogue incognito appearance at a music festival before.

And that's not all, he revealed that they had managed to sneak under the radar to see one of their favorite bands, Coldplay, live at Wembley, which William said was "amazing."

The pair hinted that they possibly have a sneaky workaround to get into events like the Coldplay gig unnoticed. The interviewer asked William if they'd ever considered wearing a "comedy beard and a hat" to sneak into crowds, to which William replied, "It has crossed our minds - and who's to say we haven't done that already?"

We'd love to see William and Kate in the Glastonbury crowd. And, if they do make it to the festival, they may bump into an unexpected relative.

That's because the couple's son, Prince Louis, has previously made a surprise appearance at the music festival - though not in person. In a stunt that gained a lot of appreciation on X/Twitter, a member of the crowd printed the iconic picture of the youngster covering his ears on the Buckingham Palace balcony on a large flag and held it up for all the crowd to see.

Who knows, maybe William and Kate had donned their disguises and were in fact there to see the flag in person?

Their cousins also have a high level of privacy at Adelaide Cottage, though they do take part in certain royal events and appear in plenty of official pictures as they are gradually introduced to royal life. However, all six of them are keeping a royal tradition alive and it strikes me as particularly adorable - and meaningful.

Prince George, Charlotte and Louis and Prince Archie and Lilibet all call their fathers "Papa". It seems like such a small thing, however, it’s a sweet connection to the Royal Family, and I might have expected the Sussexes to use "Dad" instead.

After all, they’re living away from the royal bubble in California and Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan often refer to themselves as just "Harry and Meghan" in public. Meghan has even revealed her husband’s nickname "H" in interviews, whilst he is known to call her "Meg".

This all indicates quite a relaxed approach, so "Dad" might be the obvious choice if you had to guess what Archie and Lilibet call Prince Harry. "Papa" sounds a little more formal and the Duchess explained recently that this is the name they use.

During an appearance on Jamie Kern Lima’s podcast in April, she read out a letter written by her children with a little help from the Prince.

"From Archie and Lili via Papa. We love your cooking. We love your pancakes and we love, love, love your hugs. You're the best mummy and we love you," she said, as per the Evening Standard.

So it seems they do call their father "Papa" and Meghan also remarked on how much she loved that they said "mummy, instead of mommy", noting it’s "very British". "Papa" also sounds quite British, especially given that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis use it too.

In the Wales family’s 2025 Father’s Day photos taken by Josh Shinner the caption referred to the Prince of Wales in this way, stating, "Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L".

In the past, they’ve also shared glimpses of Father’s Day cards addressed to him as "Papa", showing this isn’t a recent thing at all. It’s adorable that the cousins have this in common but this takes on even more significance as it’s continuing a long-standing royal custom.

Prince William and Harry call King Charles "Pa", which appears to be a shortening of this and King Charles himself called the late Prince Philip "Papa". Meanwhile, in a letter written to her parents describing their coronation, Queen Elizabeth II is said to have addressed the Queen Mother and King George VI as "Mummy and Papa".

"Dad" might be more common nowadays, but for the royals "Papa" has never gone out of favour and the Wales and Sussex cousins are keeping it alive as a tradition.

It’s by one of Zara’s favourite designers, Rebecca Vallance, and she wore it earlier this year during her trip to Australia for the Magic Millions events. It ticks so many boxes for timeless Ascot style - with a slight twist! The front section of the bodice has a lace panel, giving a semi-sheer effect that the royals don’t often go for.

It looks to be lined in a neutral fabric which ensures the lace panel isn’t too revealing. This has the added benefit of making the floral detailing really shine in contrast and the neat collar and feminine puffed sleeves also balanced things out.

Shop Dusty Blue Dresses

The colour was sensational and as a fan of pastel shades all year round (and especially in summer), I was transfixed by this cornflower blue. There’s nothing wishy-washy about this tone but it’s still got the softness I love about pastels over bright hues.

It was striking in the June sunshine at Ascot and I can imagine this as a wedding guest dress or a garden party look. A dress in a similar shade to Zara Tindall’s would be a lovely alternative to a classic white frock when you want your outfit to exude understated elegance.

Tan, white and natural woven accessories are always popular this time of year and they’d complement a dusty blue dress perfectly. For an elevated feel, metallic shoes and bags are gorgeous options that can bring a dressier edge to a blue ensemble.

Shop Pink Accessories

Although she’s partial to a silver shoe every now and again, Zara went for beige suede court shoes with her Rebecca Vallance dress. Going so neutral and classic with her heels was a clever move as she added a contrasting colour with her other accessories.

Her hat and clutch bag were both pale pink. Styling pink and blue together isn’t a go-to for me though Zara might just have convinced me to give it a try sometime. The King’s niece could have easily opted to go for a head-to-toe blue outfit.

Tonal looks are popular with the royals and I can see why as they bring an instant sense of cohesion. But Zara’s contrasting pink accessories were a little different and, if anything, they actually made the dress pop even more as it was the only blue element.

She finished off her outfit with the Finlay Ledbury sunglasses and swept her short blonde hair into a wavy updo. Zara wasn’t the only royal who went all-out with pastels for the first day of Royal Ascot as Queen Camilla stepped out in an aqua dress and Princess Beatrice wore a pink and white gingham frock.

I’d expect Zara to attend the races multiple times again this week and she rarely wears the same colour twice. Pale pink, butter yellow and soothing green are more favourites for Ascot and I’ll be keeping an eye out to see whether she brings back old favourites like this Rebecca Vallance dress or debuts new dresses instead.

In a candid and raw interview on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast, Naga revealed that her and her husband's 'conscious' decision not to have children was something that had caused a rift between her and her mum.

“My mum was devastated; she was from a different generation," she shared. But she "gets it now," Naga added, saying that her mum is happy that her and her husband James Haggar are living fulfilled lives without kids.

Naga said, "She is so proud of me and so happy to see me happy and thriving. It was a conscious [decision] and I am doing lots of other things and living a very fulfilling life. She doesn't think I’ve wasted an opportunity. My mum has evolved in that sense.”

Adenomyosis diagnosis

Elsewhere in the interview, she revealed that she was left 'exhausted' and in crippling pain as she struggled to get a diagnosis for the debilitating womb condition adenomyosis, which she described as the ‘evil twin of endometriosis.’

It is thought, according to Circle Health Group, that one in 10 women may suffer from the condition, which causes the womb lining to grow within the muscular wall of the womb. It can cause severe symptoms, including extremely heavy and painful periods, a bloated tummy and pain during sex or when going to the toilet.

Naga was eventually diagnosed back in 2023, saying she "was just exhausted," after going back and forth to doctors. Since then, she has also shared the sentence to say in a GP appointment for better help so others can get help faster than she did.

Speaking about the pain on the podcast, Naga said, "I thought it was normal, but there is a real distinction. If something is common, it doesn't mean it's normal."

Revealing her diagnosis back in 2023 while live on BBC Radio 5 Live, she shared the details of a flare-up she experienced. "The pain was so terrible I couldn't move, turn over, sit up. I screamed non-stop for 45 minutes," she said.

"Right now as I sit here talking to you: I am in pain. Constant, nagging pain. In my uterus. Around my pelvis. Sometimes it runs down my thighs. And I'll have some level of pain for the entire show and for the rest of the day until I go to sleep."

Speaking on the podcast, Naga added that she felt a little ashamed over the pain she felt and wondered why she couldn't push through the symptoms when it seemed that other women could.

“I thought all the other women in the world are coping and thriving" she said. "If I’ve dared to bring it up I am (perceived as) weak, so you push yourself even harder.”

But, after celebrating her 50th birthday in February earlier this year, her outlook has changed and she revealed that she is now working at "being a bit kinder to myself."

She said, "It's ok, you are doing your best and you are doing ok. Some people bash you just because they want to. And I realised they were fools.”

For the annual parade celebrating the monarch’s official birthday, King Charles’s grandson, Louis, was all smiles as he copied his grandfather’s regal wave and had the crowds outside Buckingham Palace cheering him on.

The always-excitable Louis might have seemed quieter than past appearances – apart from some playful behaviour with his great-aunt Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh – but it’s been revealed that Louis had to be kept in check by his mum and his older brother.

A lip reader has reportedly revealed the strict command given to the youngster by his mum, Catherine, Princess of Wales, as they gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

After watching the Red Arrows fly-past, Louis might have temporarily been too excited to remember protocol. After the impressive display ended and the band started playing the national anthem, it appeared that Kate had to quickly and firmly remind the young prince of the proper protocol.

According to Cambridge Live, lip reader Jeremy Freeman has alleged that the future Queen said, “National anthem, Louis stand.”

It is customary for all royals who are less senior than King Charles - even the young children - as well as members of the public, to stand during the anthem.

"As the youngest of the Wales children it's a particularly long day for Prince Louis and his spirited personality means that he does occasionally have to be prompted by his siblings or parents," says woman&home Royal Editor, Emma Shacklock.

She adds, "I'm not surprised by the Princess's reported remark - she knows how to gently encourage Louis to follow protocol without making a big deal about it. She's showing him the ropes."

The lip reader also picked up on a conversation between Charles and William, with the father and son both apparently impressed by the turnout of the day. William reportedly said to his father, “Oh my word, what a day” to which His Majesty replied, “Great theatre.”

Meanwhile, it wasn’t just the Princess of Wales who had to keep Louis in check on the day. Before Kate’s reminder, Prince George also had to step in to remind Louis of the protocol of the day.

As the royals first appeared on the balcony, Louis was a little too eager and started to wave before the rest of his family. Quickly noticing, George gave his youngest sibling a quick nudge on the other arm to signal that he should stop waving.

It was once again a streamlined selection of royals on the balcony this year – with King Charles and Queen Camilla joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Such a special occasion means pulling out the style stops and the future Queen stepped out at Windsor Castle wearing an oldie but a goodie. Her white Self Portrait tailored boucle dress has been in her collection for years and resembles a classic blazer worn over a pleated midi skirt.

The beauty of it is that it’s an all-in-one design and the textured bodice with its crisp lapels drapes over the flowing chiffon skirt underneath. Delicate lace with a scalloped hem runs along the bottom and this is one of two things about Kate’s look that surprised me.

Shop White Dresses

Lace is one of those fabrics that can be tricky to style. I often find lace-focused designs a bit too twee, or else look too much like nightwear.

The Princess of Wales effortlessly avoided this with her midi dress, as the structure of the blazer-style bodice balanced the feminine, whimsical lace. Lace is still not something she tends to wear, though, making this dress stand out to me.

It was a subtle way to wear a sheer material and still felt modest and sophisticated. The underskirt helped with this, as did the fact that the lace was minimal.

Although a white frock isn’t going to make many people’s list of the best wedding guest dresses for obvious reasons, they do work for so many other occasions like garden parties, picnics and the races.

Many of us get a lot of wear out of black dresses for date nights and parties and a Little White Dress is a fabulous summer alternative. They don’t have to be quite as formal as hers, either. A smart-casual outfit of a white midi dress and raffia accessories is a failsafe, and if you prefer bright bags and sandals then you have a neutral base to pair with them.

Kate’s Self Portrait dress had multiple textures to add dimension to the otherwise plain white dress, and this was a clever choice. She matched her hat to her clothes and accessorised with timeless court shoe heels in a soft beige tone.

For a comfier option, white trainers would also work but stilettos brought the sophistication we’d expect from the Order of the Garter service.

These were stunning finishing touches, though the second aspect of her look that really caught my attention was her hair. The Princess used to wear her brunette tresses loose a lot but since becoming more senior within the Royal Family this has changed.

She now favours sleek up-dos for official events and occasions - as we saw a few days earlier at Trooping the Colour. Her decision to leave her hair down in loose waves was unusual and felt more relaxed. It worked with the smart white dress and softened the tailored silhouette.

This was a chic look for the service, which honours the Order of the Garter as the oldest and most senior order of chivalry in Britain.

He took the salute of the regiment whose colours were being trooped, he travelled back to Buckingham Palace waving to the crowds, and watched the fly-past on the balcony with his family. However, unlike the first Trooping the Colour parade of his reign in 2023, King Charles didn’t ride on horseback at the head of the soldiers.

Instead, His Majesty rode with Queen Camilla in a carriage like they did last year (minus the roof that was required in rainy 2024). This makes complete sense in so many ways, though it could also suggest that this tradition won’t be seen again for many years.

The King is still undergoing cancer treatment, and so it might well be more comfortable and simpler for him to travel via carriage rather than riding. According to The Times, the monarch isn’t expected to ride in the parade again, going forwards.

Although he’s an accomplished equestrian, so was the late Queen Elizabeth, and she last rode at Trooping the Colour in 1986 before her horse Burmese retired. At the time, she was 60 and King Charles will be turning 77 on 14th November.

When he rode on horseback at the 2023 parade, this marked the first time a British monarch had done so for almost 40 years. It was also the first Trooping the Colour of his reign, making it extra momentous.

Now he’s done it once, making history, the King’s decision to travel by carriage again this year could indeed indicate that his parade riding days are behind him. If so, we won’t get to see a British monarch riding on horseback at Trooping the Colour for potentially decades.

The next time would be whenever Prince William ascends the throne. A source close to the future King claimed to The Times that he "really enjoys it" and will continue to ride.

Given that both his father and grandmother rode at Trooping the Colour at least once in their respective reigns, I would be surprised if Prince William doesn’t do so when he’s monarch - especially if he likes it so much.

Whether or not the tradition will be upheld after him depends on Prince George’s preference and prowess with equestrianism.

All three of the Wales children are said to have taken to the saddle by now, with The Times reporting in 2021 that they had become "avid riders".

They were allegedly "practising their skills" at Anmer Hall in Norfolk, where they spent much of the lockdown. The Prince of Wales was said to be "thrilled" that Prince George, Charlotte and Louis had taken up his much-loved hobby.

In contrast, it’s been claimed that the Princess of Wales is allergic to horses. Despite these reports, in 2012 Paralympic medallist Lee Pearson revealed, as per The Telegraph, that she said she was learning to ride.

"Kate said she's learning to ride so I offered to give her some lessons. She held my medals and said how heavy they were, and asked if me if I'd been riding all my life," he disclosed.

During an appearance on This Morning to promote her book The Let Them Theory, motivation, confidence and mindset expert Mel shared how people can 'gain control' of their lives.

"The 'Let Them' theory is a mindset tool that shows you, like that," she said, clicking her fingers, "what's in your control and what's not in your control.

"It's so simple to use. Literally any moment you feel stressed out, worried, annoyed, frustrated, upset, hurt in life, you just say; let them."

Explaining why the simple two word saying is so impactful, she said: "We live in a moment in time where there is so much out of your control." And while she admits: "All that stuff out there, yes, it's real. Yes, it's important. But it doesn't and shouldn't impact you in here," she said, placing her hands to her chest, "to the extent that it does.

"There is a better way to go through life," she added.

Not being impacted by those around you is easier said than done, but Mel reminded us much of what happens in day-to-day life is "beyond your control" and the only way to "gain control of your life" is by "managing" your response to it.

So, instead of trying to manage everybody else, which is "why you're so stressed out," Mel says, she wants you to manage just yourself. "Let's take our power back," she said. "Let me remind myself there's three things in life I can control. I control what I think about this. I control what I do and don't do. I control how I respond to my feelings."

It's one of the most powerful ways to reduce stress and also one of the best ways to look after your mental health, Mel believes, and it's taught her that she can't - and never will - be able to manage other people and their moods or actions.

"What you'll recognise is, you have no idea how often you allow the world to stress you out," Mel added. "And that's why you're tired. That's why you have no energy.

"When you protect your time and energy from all this meaningless stuff and from things you can't control, you get your time and energy back. It's crazy simple."

This Morning fans were quick to applaud Mel's mantra, with hundreds of people sharing how her insight has already helped to reframe their mindset.

"Yes yes yes! You are so right! I’ve been in this situation and turning to this has been magical," one fan wrote.

"So true," another commented. "We can only control ourselves and our thoughts and mindset as Mel so rightly says - so brilliant." While a third said, "This woman is incredible ... game changer for me. I need to practise this."

Kate and Princess Charlotte sat side-by-side to travel down the Mall and as soon as I saw them, something struck me. You should never underestimate the amount of consideration that goes into every royal outfit and the Princesses were both wearing turquoise with ivory detailing.

This won’t have been a coincidence and I think the decision to have a mother-and-daughter matching moment at Trooping the Colour signals a return to an old tradition. They abandoned it for several years, but Princess Charlotte has been Kate’s mini-me at the parade surprisingly often.

The first time Prince William and Kate brought their daughter to mark the monarch’s official birthday was in 2016. The future Queen wore a coat dress in the softest shade of petal pink and Charlotte’s outfit and Mary Jane shoes were also blossom-hued.

A year later, the two royals upped the brightness and the Princess of Wales went for a vivid candy pink dress. The then-two-year-old Princess Charlotte wore an adorable bubblegum-coloured dress with puffed sleeves and a scalloped collar.

Just when it looked like they were sold on pink being their go-to tone for Trooping the Colour outfits, in 2018, mother and daughter switched things up and stepped out in soft aqua-blue. This was the last time - until 2024 - that Kate and Charlotte coordinated.

Although the Princess of Wales did have navy blue on her hat in 2022, it wasn’t too similar in colour to Princess Charlotte’s baby blue frock. However, last year the matching looks were back in action in the chicest way.

Kate made a rare appearance at Trooping the Colour amid her cancer treatment and wore an elegant white and navy blue ensemble with a statement bow. Her daughter also went for navy and white, but with the amounts of each shade opposite to her mum’s dress.

After a few years of going for different colours, I wasn’t sure if this was a one-off, so I was excited to see Kate and Charlotte in their turquoise dresses on 14th June. The future Queen’s vibrant coat dress was by one of her favourite British clothing brands, Catherine Walker.

Princess Charlotte’s dress was slightly paler and the neckline was trimmed in white. There was a contrasting white panel at the waist and these details echoed the ivory cuffs and collar on the Princess of Wales’s outfit.

The coordination between the two royals created a lovely sense of cohesion and family unity. It could be seen as a special nod to their bond and perhaps also of Charlotte’s admiration for Kate and her style, as the ten-year-old likely has more of an input into her outfits now than she did as a very young child.

Instead of one particular outfit drawing the eye more than the other, both were in harmony and also worked well with the navy suits and white ties worn by Prince George and Charlotte.

I’m already looking forward to the parade next year and hope that the Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte’s renewed love for matching outfits will continue.

Whether it's diving into a good book, watching one of the most stylish movies of all time, or getting into a new box set, we all need to abscond from our chores and to-do lists from time to time.

And when it comes to really escaping into a world unlike our own, there's nothing that compares to tales of royalty, thanks to everything from the epic jewellery and sweeping costumes to old world romance and palatial residences.

Get comfy, polish your crown and check out our favourite shows and films full of regal glamour.

The best films and TV shows ever made about royalty

The Queen (2006)

Chronicling one of the hardest times the Royal Family have faced in modern memory, Dame Helen Mirren bore a striking resemblance to Queen Elizabeth II when she took on the daunting role in 2006. The Queen follows the royals as they navigate the shocking death of Princess Diana, and the intense public scrutiny they came under in the weeks following.

For her role, Helen Mirren won the Academy Award for Best Actress.

After playing Queen Elizabeth II, Helen Mirren took to Instagram to pay tribute to her following her death in 2022. She posted on Instagram, "I am proud to be an Elizabethan. We mourn a woman, who, with or without the crown, was the epitome of nobility."

The Crown

No stranger to the royals, writer and filmmaker Peter Morgan created Netflix's epic, sprawling historical drama series spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth from 1947 through to 2005. Peter Morgan had previously written 2006's Oscar winning film, The Queen.

The Crown begins with the unexpected crowning of Queen Elizabeth II in 1947 following her father's untimely death. Then, over six seasons, the show imagines the behind-the-scenes drama behind the real-life news headlines during her decades-spanning reign.

Storylines covered include Charles and Camilla's complicated romance, the death of Diana and, in the later seasons, Prince William and Kate Middleton's first meeting at the University of St Andrews.

While criticised by some for historical inaccuracies and fictional liberties, the series won a total of 24 Emmys for its six-series run.

Wolf Hall

Perhaps because many associate history with dusty school textbooks and exams, we forget that the real royal courts were full of passion, betrayal, and plenty of soap-worthy drama.

The likes of Wolf Hall, adapted by two of Hilary Mantel's best-selling books, capture this perfectly, gripping viewers with the political backstabbing and tension of Henry VIII's court, as Thomas Cromwell rises through the ranks (until he crosses the wrong players).

The King’s Speech

The 2010 film The King's Speech brings to life the moving and true tale of a man forced to lead a nation while confronting his own personal battles.

After the surprise abdication of King Edward VIII—later known as the Duke of Windsor—his younger brother, George VI, becomes King. Never expecting it, and suffering with a stammer, the film follows his friendship with a speech therapist who helps the unlikely king step into his destiny, ultimately becoming a beloved leader for the people.

Colin Firth won the Academy Award for his moving portrayal, and several reports at the time indicated that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved of the film about her father.

The Great

If you like your historical dramas with a bit more drama and a bit less historical accuracy, The Great might be for you.

Starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, over three seasons, The Great follows a young Catherine the Great as she comes to Russia to get married to Peter III. From outsider to ruler of the court, the story is full of lavish costuming, hilarious moments and a delightfully modern twist on a real chapter of Russian history.

Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story

Netflix brought the Regency era to a whole new audience with the anachronistic, pop-culture-infused historical drama, Bridgerton.

A spin-off series in 2023 focused on a fictionalised account of a real couple, Queen Charlotte and King George. A real-life married couple, who would later set up Kew Palace as one of the official royal residences, Queen Charlotte became a steadfast leader who helped her husband as he later succumbed to mental illness.

Spencer

Who would have ever imagined Californian-born-and-bred actress Kristen Stewart could transform so believably into the late Diana, Princess of Wales? But that's exactly what the Twilight star did in 2021, when she took on the role for Pablo Larrain's gripping, fictionalised tale of the late Princess.

Fusing known facts with a fictionalised spin, the film is set around Christmas, when the royals are known to take off and gather at Sandringham House, Norfolk. Some elements of the film are reportedly true—like the controversial 'game' of weighing guests before and after arriving—but liberties were taken in depicting Diana's torment as she discovers her husband's affair and ponders life outside of the royals.

Mrs Brown

Mrs. Brown is a beloved gem which became a breakout hit in 1997. It tells the story of an unlikely friendship between the widowed Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her servant John Brown (Billy Connolly).

The friendship was real, and the nature of the couple's closeness was never fully confirmed, with only rumours of a potential romance. But the film focuses more on how the grieving Queen Victoria navigates her mourning and life after Albert, thanks to the unconventional and relaxed friendship with Mr Brown.

While Dame Judi Dench is now considered bona fide acting royalty, it was the success of Mrs Brown that many contributed to her 'second act' in film. Judi had been best known as a successful stage and television actress with only infrequent film appearances up until Mrs. Brown, a performance which led to a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.

W.E.

A movie about a controversial royal couple directed by music and pop culture royalty? W.E. definitely deserves a second look after slipping under the radar somewhat after its 2011 release.

Directed by Madonna in her directorial debut, the film follows a 1990s New York housewife, Wally Winthrop, who is obsessed with the love story of the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson, and the ultimate sacrifice the one-time king made abdicating for true love. Both stories are intertwined as Wally researches the couple more, all while embarking on her own extramarital affair.

Versailles

For a blast of true regal glamour and excess, there was nowhere like Louis XIV's court.

Over the show's three seasons, viewers are transported to King Louis XIV's Le Grand Siecle era, as he moved the court from the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye near Paris to his father's former hunting lodge near the hamlet of Versailles, where he built a lavish palace on the grounds.

It doesn't end well for Louis, as history tells us, but for a show based on decadence, betrayal and power plays, this one could very well take the crown.

Anastasia (1956 or 1997)

The stranger-than-fiction tale of Anastasia is so enchanting it's famously been told in two major adaptations - one starring icons like Ingrid Bergman in 1956 and one animated with music in 1997.

Whichever you prefer, the tale of Anastasia is a gorgeous epic centred around the possibility that a poor, street-girl might actually be the missing surviving child of the Russian Royal Family following the Bolshevik uprising and killing of the Romanovs.

Is it historically accurate? No. But do both films include sweeping romance, epic ballrooms and glamour and a bewitching tale? Most definitely!

Victoria (2016-2019)

Queen Victoria has so often been relegated in the annals of history as the permanent widow, shrouded in black and never smiling.

The ITV series, Victoria, helped reimagine the second-longest serving monarch in British history, starting with her accession at the age of 18. Played by Jenna Coleman for three seasons, the show is full of opulent costuming, historical details and the young queen's first meeting with Prince Albert, the man she'd go on to mourn for years.

The Duchess

Queen of the period dramas, Keira Knightley once again stepped into a world of corsets, wigs and regal glamour for 2008's The Duchess.

Based loosely on a true story, the film follows a seventeen-year old Georgiana Spencer as she is married to the Duke of Devonshire. Their marriage is a loveless one, and he only wants a male heir.

Much ado was made about the fact that the real-life Georgiana Spencer was distantly related to Princess Diana, and the pair's seemingly paralleled royal marriage woes.

Georgiana was the older sister of Diana's great-great-great-grandfather, George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer, and promotion for the film paraphrased Diana's iconic quote from her Panorama interview, citing "There were three people in her marriage" across the posters.

A Little Chaos

Starring acting royalty—including Kate Winslet, the late Alan Rickman, and Stanley Tucci—A Little Chaos transports these stalwarts to a fictionalised twist on King Louis XIV's royal court.

While not the most historically accurate, the film follows a passionate love story taking place between two artists working together to bring to life Louis' plans of transforming Versailles into the sprawling palace and epic gardens.

Don't come for historical accuracy, but rather stellar performances, awe-inspiring costuming and stunning sets.

Marie Antoinette (2023-)

Synonymous with opulence, glamour and extravagance, Marie Antoinette—the last Queen of France—was famous for living large and losing it all (including her head) in the revolution. But how did she get to that position?

That's what the 2023 series, Marie Antoinette, details with vivid storytelling, attention to historic detail, and often unearthing some of the forgotten elements of the Austrian princess's ascension in the French court and marriage to Louis XVI.

The show was created and written by Deborah Davis, who wrote The Favourite, and Emilia Schule plays the Queen before she becomes the 'let them eat cake' monarch who faces a revolution.

Victoria & Abdul

Two decades after starring as Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown, Dame Judi Dench returned to the role for 2017's Victoria & Abdul.

Once again exploring an unlikely relationship between the grieving monarch and a confidant, the film focuses on the friendship between the royal and Abdul Karim (played by Ali Fazal), her Indian Muslim servant.

Their relationship shocked 1800s England, beginning when Abdul travels from India to present the Queen a gift at her Golden Jubilee, and they became close friends. Based on a historian's book, the writer Shrabani Basu insists the film is mostly founded on facts.

She told The Independent, "The thing is, it’s not fiction - it’s fact. Whatever is being shown on screen actually happened — it’s not some cooked-up ‘jewel in the crown’ Raj nostalgia story. This happened. Queen Victoria learned Urdu, she wanted her mango and she stood by Abdul Karim. It sounds like a fantasy, but it isn’t."

A Royal Night Out

Picture it. 8 May 1945. After six years of World War Two, Victory in Europe is announced. A war torn but jubilant England comes together to celebrate what we still celebrate today as VE Day. In London, the Royal Family and Winston Churchill wave to crowds of thousands from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The royals never abandoned the people of London during the hard times, and they wanted to join in during the good times. And that is when a young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, in a historic first, were able to sneak out of the confines of the palace and celebrate with the masses in the streets of London.

This true moment of history is explored in 2015's A Royal Night Out, starring Sarah Gadon and Bel Powley and the royal sisters.

The Young Victoria

Starring Emily Blunt and written by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, 2009's The Young Victoria is perfect for a regal, escapist film about Queen Victoria succeeding the throne aged 18 and falling for her German cousin, Prince Albert.

Julian Fellowes wanted to make the film as historically accurate as possible, which included incredible attention to the costuming (designed by Sandy Powell), and filming took place at various historical landmarks in England.

This film also got something of a royal seal of approval - Princess Beatrice made a notable cameo in the film about her great-great-great-great grandmother.

The Tudors

This isn't history like you studied in school...

The Tudors was the 2007 breakout hit that amped up the scandal and salacious details of Henry VIII's Tudor court. Across four seasons, we see Jonathan Rhys Meyers' Henry - a far cry from the portly portraits many are familiar with - as he goes from meeting his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, all the way until the last of the six.

The show is noted for being an early vehicle for breakout stars like Henry Cavill and Natalie Dormer.

The Madness of King George

Adapted by Alan Bennett from his own 1991 play The Madness of George III, 1994's The Madness of King George tells the true story of George III as he faced mental illness and the Regency Crisis of 1788–89.

Starring Helen Mirren and Nigel Hawthorne, the British Film Institute voted The Madness of King George the 42nd-greatest British film of all time in 1999.

Elizabeth

1998's Elizabeth was proof that people just can't get enough of period films and stories about royalty.

The film, based on the early years of Elizabeth I's reign after she succeeded the throne following Mary Tudor's death, ended up grossing over $80 million against a relatively modest $30 million budget.

Not only that, the film is widely regarded as the international breakout role for Cate Blanchett.

Marie Antoinette (2006)

Alive with technicolour and a parade of Versailles fashion made Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette biopic one for the books (but maybe not the history books, as many have contested the historical accuracy).

Sofia Coppola makes the film look as sumptuous and rich as Marie's reputation for finery, with a feast of silks, frills, florals and candy-like colour combinations enough to distract from any exaggerated historical facts.

The Favourite

Part fiction, part fact, The Favourite was the Oscar winning 2018 epic which saw Olivia Colman once again stepping into the royal of a British queen.

While she won legions of fans for playing Queen Elizabeth II in seasons three and four of The Crown, Olivia won the Oscar for her unhinged performance as Queen Anne, the last of the Stuart monarchs.

As much about the scheming players in her court as the Queen's historically-reported maladies and madness, the film also starred Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

Grace of Monaco

Grace Kelly is one of the few people who can lay claim to being Hollywood royalty and real royalty, swapping her illustrious, Oscar-winning film career to become the Princess of Monaco upon her marriage to Prince Rainier III in 1956.

Acting royalty herself, Nicole Kidman stepped into the role of Princess Grace for 2014's Grace of Monaco, which followed the Princess as she struggled to find her place within the confines of the palace, and during Monaco's fraught relationship with France.

If you want to see some of Hollywood's brightest stars - Nicole, Parker Posey, Milo Ventimiglia, and Tim Roth - play real life icons, plus soak up opulent glamour with Cartier inspired jewels and Monaco ballrooms, this is worthy of a watch.

Lady Jane

For a slice of historical period drama, Helena Bonham Carter fronts the 1986 film Lady Jane, which tells the story of Lady Jane Grey.

After the death of Henry VIII, there was a crisis facing the court. His heir, Edward VI, was underage and in ill health. Protestants wanted to keep Mary Tudor off the throne.

So, John Dudley arranges a marriage between his son to Henry VIII's grand-niece, ensuring her place on the throne as well as his. She only sat on the throne for nine days, before being imprisoned and executed by Mary Tudor.

Henry V

A Shakespeare classic turned to film, Henry V recounts the short but eventful reign of King Henry V, who played a key role in the Hundred Years' War.

Starring British acting royalty, including the then married Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench and Derek Jacobi, Henry V was an Oscar winning epic which brought to life Shakespeare's tale of war, scheming and the pursuit of glory.

Queen Christina

Ready for a royal story with a difference? 1933's Queen Christina starring the elusive screen legend Greta Garbo tells the true story of Sweden's first ever female regent, who shockingly abdicated in the name of Catholicism.

It's widely believed by historians the Queen of Sweden stepped down to become a Catholic and evade marriage as she was most probably a lesbian, but the film puts a more Hollywood spin, making Garbo's queen abdicate in the name of love, for a Spanish envoy.

Historical accuracies aside, Queen Christina is a must watch for elegant glamour, a beguiling chapter of European royal history and acting royalty.

Anne of the Thousand Days

Perhaps one of the more overlooked titles on the list, 1969's Anne of the Thousand Days is a lavish telling of Henry VIII giving up his first wife to pursue Anne Boleyn, and the strife that arises from having no male heir.

Starring Richard Burton—and a surprise, unlisted cameo from his then-wife Elizabeth Taylor—the film was nominated for ten Academy Awards.

The Other Boleyn Girl

History remembers Anne Boleyn as Henry VIII's second wife - and the first to be beheaded. But there was a second Boleyn.

Starring Natalie Portman as Anne and Scarlett Johansson as her sister, Mary Boleyn, 2008's The Other Boleyn Girl is a fictional account of an alleged plot to set Henry VIII up with Mary when Anne fails to produce a male heir.

Perfect for those wanting a soapy, salacious slice of royal drama.

The Lion in Winter

Perhaps most known as the film which earned Katharine Hepburn her third Oscar for Best Actress, making her the first ever star to achieve such a feat, The Lion in Winter is an interesting tale of a royal chapter not as well known.

Hepburn starred as Eleanor of Aquitaine, the Queen of France before her marriage to King Louis VII was annulled in 1152, who later remarried King Henry II of England. The film takes place long into Eleanor and King Henry II's marriage, when she has been imprisoned as a result of plotting against her husband to put one of their sons on the throne.

The Scarlet Empress

When you have Marlene Dietrich kitted out in some of the finest outfits, you don't really need to worry about such things as historical accuracy. Which is handy, because 1934's The Scarlet Empress doesn't exactly concern itself with too much fact-checking. However, the debauched and decadent imagining of how Prussian princess Sophia Frederica became Catherine the Great is full of escapist glamour and movie magic.

Mary, Queen of Scots

With respect to William and Harry, family drama is nothing new for royals. Back in the 1500s, cousins Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I proved that blood didn't mean too much.

Returning from France as a recent widow, Mary expects to take her place on the throne of Scotland, as the only living child of James V. However, her cousin Elizabeth I was in charge of both England and Scotland.

The warring cousins and queens navigate tough choices and political crises in this epic telling of the historic chapter, starring Margot Robbie and Saoirse Ronan.

As has become normal for any major royal event where Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children will be in attendance, fans were eager to see what antics their youngest would get up to.

From poking fun at his older brother Prince George, to playing with the crowds, Louis always puts on quite the show. And the royal parade yesterday was no exception.

Louis delighted fans as he mimicked his grandfather, King Charles, waving to the crowds. Every time Louis waved, the crowd cheered, which he was visibly delighted by. So much so Prince George had to go full big brother and nudge his little brother to stop.

But it was a moment between the young Prince and Duchess Sophie that really warmed our hearts. The pair were pictured having some cheeky fun, with Prince Louis pulling a funny face at his great aunt. While Sophie's faced is obscured, we can imagine her joining in with his playful moment.

Will Louis eventually grow out of this and start acting more serious like George? Time will tell (but we really hope not).

While Louis was still playful at Trooping the Colour, he was already showing a calmer side – lest we forget him having to be told off by Kate Middleton and Mike Tindall at the 2022 Platinum Jubilee. And his good behaviour might have to do with Duchess Sophie.

Sophie’s close relationship with Princess Charlotte is already well known, and it’s rumoured the Duchess stepped in to help with the Wales children as the Princess of Wales faced her cancer treatment.

Sophie is the children’s great-aunt, but it’s clear she enjoys a close relationship with them – and that they adore her.

She still has time to have fun with her own, grown up nephew, too. William and Sophie enjoyed a rare joint appearance earlier in the month, visiting the Royal Cornwall Show, where the pair enjoyed a couple of sneaky shots together. She truly is the fun aunt!

Just a day after the family were all together for Trooping the Colour, which saw Kate and Charlotte shine in matching outfits and Prince Louis won the crowd over with his hilarious behaviour, the royals are celebrating again.

Posting to the official Prince and Princess of Wales social media account, a heart-warming post from the Wales children was shared wishing their “Papa” a happy day.

The tribute from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis includes two photos, one beautifully posed and staged, with all of them hugging and smiling sweetly.

The second photo is much more relatable to parents everywhere and captures the chaos that goes into getting everyone to smile for the camera. Fallen over in the grass, the three children are piling on top of their Dad who is caught laughing under the bedlam.

The caption to the post read, “Happy Father’s Day, Papa (before and after!) We love you! G, C & L.”

In a break from recent tradition for special family events including Charlotte's 10th birthday, the photos weren’t taken by the Princess of Wales - both photographs were taken by Josh Shinner in Norflok this year.

Over on the official account for the Royal Family, King Charles and Queen Camilla shared two photos with their fathers.

For His Majesty, an old photo from his childhood, with a young Prince Philip pushing Charles and Princess Anne on a swing. Capturing a slice of royal life we seldom see, fans are loving this playful side.

The second photo shared is from Charles and Camilla’s 2005 wedding day, with Her Majesty smiling warmly alongside her father, Bruce Shand.

Camilla’s father was a former officer in the British Army, who served during the Second World War. He died in 2006, aged 89.

Fans absolutely loved the rare and revealing photos from the royals.

One fan commented, "Happy Father’s Day to you Prince William and thank you to the Kensington Palace team that made these beautiful pictures to share with all of us."

Another called out a touching likeness to another late royal, sharing "A very lovely family. I can see the resemblance to the late Queen Elizabeth in the two boys."

If you're eager to look at what's right in front of you, our weekly horoscopes will help provide a guide for your next seven days. Our resident world-class psychic astrologers forecast for every star sign on love, family, career, and more. So check back weekly for our free forecast!

About our astrologers

Weekly horoscope for 16th - 22nd June 2025

Aries Weekly Horoscope

Aries are born between March 21—April 19. Aries is the first fire sign in the zodiac, with the symbol of an Aries being a ram. Aries are typically passionate, confident, and motivated.

Taurus Weekly Horoscope

Taurus' are born between April 20-May 20. Taurus is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Taurus being a bull. Taurians are typically hardworking, intelligent, and dedicated.

Gemini Weekly Horoscope

Geminis are born between May 21-June 21. Gemini is an air sign, with the symbol of a Gemini being twins. Geminis are typically easy-going, enthusiastic and sociable—but are said to have two sides to their personality.

Cancer Weekly Horoscope

Cancers are born between June 21-July 22. Cancer is a water sign, with the symbol of a Cancer being a crab. Cancers are typically loyal, caring, and very protective over loved ones.

Leo Weekly Horoscope

Leos are born between July 23-August 22. Leo is a fire sign, with the symbol of a Leo being a Lion. Leos are typically confident, comfortable being the center of attention, and big-hearted.

Virgo Weekly Horoscope

Virgos are born between August 23-September 22. Virgo is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Virgo being a 'maiden'. Virgos are typically hardworking, reliable, and stubborn.

Libra Weekly Horoscope

Libras are born between September 23-October 22. Libra is an air sign, with the symbol of a Libra being scales. Libras are typically diplomatic, fair, and very sociable.

Scorpio Weekly Horoscope

Scorpios are born between October 23-November 21. Scorpio is a water sign, with the symbol of a Scorpio being a scorpion. Scorpios are typically brave, determined, and ambitious.

Sagittarius Weekly Horoscope

Sagittarius' are born between November 22-December 21. Sagittarius is a fire sign, with the symbol of a Sagittarius being a bow and arrow. Sagittarius' are typically optimistic, fun-loving, and intellectual.

Capricorn Weekly Horoscope

Capricorns are born between December 22-January 19. Capricorn is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Capricorn being a sea-goat. Capricorns are typically very hard-working, persistent, and sensitive.

Aquarius Weekly Horoscope

Aquarius' are born between January 20-February 18. Aquarius is an air sign, with the symbol of Aquarius being a water-bearer. Aquarians are typically assertive, analytical, and independent.

Pisces Weekly Horoscope

Pisces' are born between February 19-March 20. Pisces is a water sign, with the symbol of Pisces being two fish. Pisces men and women are typically empathetic, romantic, and imaginative.

Cathie Rowe, 52, a pharmacy owner and mum of two from south Wales, and Tricia Sail, 51, a charity co-ordinator from Devon, won season 3 of the show. Here they tell woman&home how taking part in the race helped them step out of their comfort zones and gain newfound confidence and self-belief – and reveal where they're hoping to travel to next.

Tricia says: "Race Across the World was a life-changing experience for my best friend Cathie and me. The show sees teams competing to travel long distances across the globe.

"Having met when we were 13, Cathie has always been there for me, supporting me. Entering us in the race was another instance of her gently pushing me out of my comfort zone. It’s a special friendship – when together, we feel we can do anything."

"The challenge was to cross Canada from west to east by land, with only a paper map, no phone, and a daily budget of £100 for food, lodging and transport. As two middle-aged women with [menopause symptoms such as] night sweats, brain fog and buckets of self-doubt, we never expected to be invited to take part, let alone win.

"Diagnosed with a serious eye condition, I started to lose my vision in my late 30s. For years, I stopped travelling – I was too scared and thought everyone was staring at me with my cane. But the race lit a fire in me to see the world."

"Together with Cathie’s husband, Gareth, we went on to trek Peru’s Inca trail in 2022 and walked a remote section of the Great Wall of China in 2023.

"We’ve been back to Canada twice and are currently working with P&O Cruises as guest speakers, while enjoying trips to places like Norway and Mauritius.

"It’s such a joy to share it all with Cathie, my best friend of nearly 40 years. We have ambitions to visit Patagonia, Jordan’s Petra, Vietnam, Cambodia and Bhutan in our 50s. I can’t wait to plan where we go next."

Returning to Canada

Cathie says: "The enormity of what we achieved together winning Race Across the World sank in when we returned to Canada in June last year.

"Standing in a (rare!) moment of silence by the iconic, white lighthouse on the cliffs at Cape Spear, the race finish line and most easterly point of Canada, we realised we were different people to the women who had set off on that TV challenge on 4 May 2022. We had gained such confidence and self-belief.

"We are humbled to hear that we have inspired others to step out of their comfort zone, too. My message to anyone considering a big trip is to be brave and believe in yourself. Getting older need not stop you from having adventures."

Naked dinner parties, political betrayals, royal trysts, and more than a few mysterious deaths - whether it’s a crumbling gothic tower or a glittering palace, murky secrets abound as these estates have more than a few scandalous stories to share.

Their exteriors may be elegant, but the tales within are downright wild, so if you're ready for a peek behind the curtain, scroll on…

Appuldurcombe House

Though famed as a masterpiece of English baroque architecture and certainly one of the grandest houses on the Isle of Wight, Appuldurcombe became infamous thanks to Lady Seymour Worsley; a privileged wild child turned scandalous sensation. In 1781, she eloped with her lover, Captain George Bisset, prompting her husband, Sir Richard Worsley, to sue for damages. But the 1782 trial revealed he had not only enabled her numerous affairs but had watched some of the trysts, leading him to lose the case. As for Lady Seymour, she became a rebellious icon in a society that expected women to stay silent.

Carew Castle

Beneath the fairytale turrets of Carew Castle lies a tale of royal romance, betrayal and bloodshed. Built by Gerald de Windsor, it became infamous after his wife, the striking Nest ferch Rhys, a 12th-century princess whose beauty saw her dubbed the “Helen of Wales”, was abducted from the castle in 1109 by her cousin, Owain ap Cadwgan. Some claimed she went willingly, others called it a scandalous kidnapping. Either way, it sparked a violent feud that led to exile, revenge, and ultimately Owain’s death.

St. James' Palace

A royal residence for over 300 years, St. James’ Palace, nestled in the heart of the capital, has been the backdrop to countless key events in British history. Perhaps one of the most curious was in 1810, when it became the centre of a 19th-century chilling murder mystery. A palace valet, by the name of Joseph Sellis, was found with his throat slit in a locked room after his employer, the Duke of Cumberland (son of George III), claimed he’d also been attacked in his bed. Rumours swirled: was it murder, suicide, or a royal cover-up?

Chatsworth House

One of Britain’s most iconic stately homes, Chatsworth, nestled in prime Derbyshire countryside, is known for its grand architecture, sprawling grounds, and centuries of aristocratic drama. Most notably in 1774, when Georgiana Spencer (an ancestor of Princess Diana) became Duchess of Devonshire and transformed the estate into a dazzling hub of politics, literature, and scandal. Her best friend, Lady Elizabeth “Bess” Foster, became her husband’s (William Cavendish, the 5th Duke of Devonshire) mistress, and the three of them lived together openly, in an eyebrow-raising throuple. Georgiana also later had a secret affair with future Prime Minister Charles Grey, giving birth to his child in secret exile. Two years after Georgiana’s death in 1809, Bess and William married, but in a nod to true love, the new bride kept a lock of Georgiana’s hair for the rest of her life.

Highclere Castle

Long before it doubled as Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle was once home to George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who famously financed Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Shortly after the tomb's opening, Carnarvon died from an infected mosquito bite, fueling rumours of a “pharaoh’s curse”. But much later, in 1988, in a bizarre turn of events, over 300 Egyptian artefacts, including items linked to Amenhotep III, were discovered hidden within the castle, possibly stashed away following disputes over ownership.

The Tower of London

Long before it became a notorious medieval prison, the Tower of London was built as a royal residence by William the Conqueror in the late 11th century. But few royal abodes can match its scandal-laced, blood-soaked history. Chief among them: the chilling mystery of the Princes in the Tower. In 1483, Edward V and his younger brother Richard vanished while under the protection of their uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, soon to be crowned Richard III. Widely believed to have ordered their murder to secure the throne for himself, Richard’s legacy has been shrouded in suspicion ever since.

Brocket Hall

Located in stunning Hertfordshire, Brocket Hall has long been a stage for power, passion, and political drama. It was once home to Queen Victoria’s first Prime Minister, Lord Melbourne and his wife, the infamous Lady Caroline Lamb, who had a fiery affair with Lord Byron and once shocked guests by leaping naked from a silver soup tureen during dinner. Later, Lord Palmerston, another Prime Minister linked to Brocket, died here in 1865, officially of a fever, though whispers claim it happened mid-tryst with a maid on the billiard table. While in the build up to WWII the 2nd Lord Brocket, Arthur Ronald Nall-Cain, a known Nazi sympathiser, was interned for his far right-wing leanings, and in 1939, the War Office took over the estate turning it into a Red Cross maternity hospital.

Hughenden Manor

Not your typical scandal, but one shrouded in secrecy. During WWII, this grand Buckinghamshire country house became the covert base for Operation Hillside, where map-makers created detailed bombing visuals for RAF Bomber Command. So, what thickens the plot? Locals, and even many staff working at Hughenden were led to believe the manor was actually housing evacuees. The truth, buried for decades, only emerged after the operation was declassified.

Belvoir Castle

In the early 1600s, Belvoir Castle (pronounced “Beaver”) in Leicestershire was rocked by a chilling witchcraft scandal. After the Earl and Countess of Rutland and their children fell ill with violent symptoms, their two sons died, leaving the family without a male heir. Accusations fell on dismissed servants Joan Flower and her daughters, Margaret and Philippa, herbalists accused of revenge by curse. Joan died en route to trial, while her two daughters were executed in 1619.

Edinburgh Castle

In 1440, 16-year-old William Douglas and his younger brother David, thought to have barely been in his teens, were invited to dine at Edinburgh Castle with 10-year-old King James II. But the feast ended in horror when a bull’s head, the symbol of execution, was slammed on the table. Seized by rival powerbrokers Crichton and Livingston, the boys were dragged outside, tried in a sham court, and beheaded. The brutal betrayal is said to have inspired Game of Thrones’ infamous Red Wedding.

Glamis Castle

Said to have been born and to have died on the same day at Glamis Castle in Angus, Thomas Lyon-Bowes, son of the late Queen Mother’s great-grandparents, became the subject of eerie speculation. The child’s midwife apparently claimed he was a “deformed, but healthy” baby, fuelling rumours that he didn't die, but was actually locked away in a tower and raised in isolation. The rumour gained momentum and gave rise to the enduring legend of the “Monster of Glamis”. But, the castle’s dark reputation doesn’t end there, as in 1034, King Malcolm II of Scotland was allegedly murdered on the grounds, left to bleed to death after a violent attack.

Cliveden House

Perhaps home to the most scandalous society drama of them all, Cliveden House, a grand riverside estate in Berkshire, played backdrop to the infamous Profumo Affair. In 1961, Secretary of State for War John Profumo (then 46 and married) began a relationship with 19-year-old showgirl Christine Keeler, who was also involved with Yevgeny Ivanov, a Soviet naval attaché. What started as one of Lord Astor’s pool parties quickly became a tabloid page-turner, and ultimately a sex-and-spy scandal that shook the government, led to Profumo’s resignation in 1963, and contributed to the downfall of the Macmillan government.

Clandon Park

The scandal surrounding Clandon Park isn’t your typical aristocratic affair but instead a modern-day heritage controversy. After a devastating fire in 2015 gutted the early 18th-century Surrey mansion, leaving only one room intact, a very public spat erupted between the National Trust, who propose leaving the house as a “managed ruin”, and Restore Trust, a splinter group campaigning for full restoration of the Marble Hall and other interiors. Critics, including some of the descendants of the original family, argue this approach erases the home’s historic significance, compounded by an ongoing debate over how the Trust has addressed the property's links to slavery.

Witanhurst

Second only to Buckingham Palace in terms of property size in London, Witanhurst is a sprawling Hampstead mansion with a murky modern twist. Once home to a soap tycoon and glittering post-Wimbledon parties, it later sat eerily underused, until it was finally discovered that it had secretly been bought via offshore firms linked to Russian oligarchs. Within its walls was a woven web of lies that surrounds hidden wealth, shadowy shell companies, and power laundering.

Ardlamont House

In 1893, this tranquil Argyll estate became the backdrop to a chilling murder mystery. Young aristocrat Windsor Dudley Cecil Hambrough was fatally shot during a hunting trip with his tutor, Alfred Monson, and a “dubious” companion, Edward Scott. Suspicion deepened when it emerged Monson had recently taken out life insurance on Hambrough, and that the fatal shot came from Monson’s gun, not Hambrough’s. Despite forensic testimony and commentary from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself, the trial ended with Scotland’s “not proven” verdict, leaving one of the era’s most baffling whodunnits unresolved.

Uppark House

Uppark House in West Sussex is no stranger to scandal, thanks to its rakish second baronet, Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh, a close friend of the Prince Regent (later King George IV). At 26, he began a passionate affair with 15-year-old Emma Hart (later Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson’s famous mistress), whom he’d hired as a party hostess. When she became pregnant a year later, he cast her out. Decades on, true to form, the 71-year-old baronet married 21-year-old dairy maid Mary Ann Bullock, whom he controversially left Uppark to after his death at 90.

Wilton House

Behind its stately Palladian façade, Wilton House was once home to one of Britain’s most violent aristocrats, Philip Herbert, 7th Earl of Pembroke. The 17th-century writer and antiquary John Aubrey, best known for his gossipy yet historically rich Brief Lives, described Pembroke as keeping 52 mastiffs, 30 greyhounds, bears, and even a lion at the Wiltshire property, along with “60 fellows more bestial than they”.

Pembroke’s explosive temper earned him a stay in the Tower of London in 1678 by order of Charles II for “blasphemous words and actions,” and just weeks later, he beat a man named Nathaniel Cony to death in a tavern. Tried by his peers, Pembroke was found guilty of manslaughter but escaped punishment by claiming the privilege of peerage.

He later assaulted the Earl of Dorset and, in 1680, murdered a night watchman named William Smeeth after a drunken evening. Though he could no longer claim peerage protection, he was pardoned after 24 peers petitioned the king. Some historians have also linked him to the infamous murder of magistrate Sir Edmund Berry Godfrey, found impaled on his own sword in 1678, who had been foreman of the grand jury that indicted Pembroke for Cony’s death. Though never proven, the motive was compelling.

Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court is unquestionably ground zero for Tudor scandal. This is where a married Henry VIII openly courted Anne Boleyn, only to later accuse her of adultery and witchcraft so he could marry Jane Seymour, who died on the property just days after giving birth to his only male heir. He later wed teenager Catherine Howard, but when her real affair with Thomas Culpepper came to light, she was swiftly executed. With all this betrayal, heartbreak, and death, it’s no surprise the Greater London palace is rumoured to be one of the most haunted hotspots in the country.

Pengersick Castle

This foreboding Cornish medieval manor has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted spots in England. Legends whisper of murderous monks, poisoned wives, and devil worship. Though likely more myth than fact, these tales have fuelled ghost stories for centuries. The spirit of a woman writhing in agony is said to haunt the master bedroom, and the castle’s eerie grounds still lure thrill-seekers hoping to glimpse spectral monks, a vengeful black dog (a tale told by smugglers), and the infamous Lady in the Window.

Kensington Palace

Perched on the edge of London's Hyde Park, Kensington Palace has long been a stage for royal intrigue. In 1839, Lady Flora Hastings, lady-in-waiting to Queen Victoria's mother, was falsely accused of being pregnant by Sir John Conroy, a rumour allegedly fuelled by the young Queen herself. In truth, Lady Flora had a fatal liver tumour, and the scandal cast a shadow over Victoria's early reign.

A century earlier, Queen Anne’s intense relationships with Sarah Churchill and Abigail Masham here sparked whispers of romance and political power plays. And in the 1970s, Princess Margaret’s affair with Roddy Llewellyn, 17 years her junior, scandalised the nation and helped end her marriage to Lord Snowdon, cementing the palace’s status as a hotbed of royal gossip and rebellion.

Blenheim Palace

This opulent Oxfordshire estate has certainly seen its fair share of scandal, not least the loveless 1895 marriage between American heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt and the 9th Duke of Marlborough. It wasn’t long into their tumultuous relationship that both strayed: she with aristocrats and members of high society, he with the eccentric Gladys Deacon, whom he later married. Gladys famously kept a revolver at the dinner table and was eventually locked out of the palace by the Duke, living the rest of her life in seclusion.

Hatchlands Park

Born into privilege at Hatchlands in Surrey in 1862, Beatrice Holme Sumner ignited one of Victorian society’s biggest scandals of the time. At just sixteen, she began an affair with married banker Charles Hoare, 15 years her senior and father of five. Despite being made a ward of court and exiled to Berkeley Castle, Beatrice reunited with Hoare at 21 and bore him a child, Sybil, sparking a sensational court case. The fallout shattered reputations, forced family exiles, and even led to the sale of Hatchlands.

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress in Gloucestershire, has been the ancestral home of the Berkeley family for centuries and is one of the most continuously occupied castles in England, but in the 1680s, a family scandal nearly brought the clan to its knees when Lady Henrietta Berkeley, daughter of the 1st Earl of Berkeley, embarked on a scandalous affair with her older sister’s husband, Lord Grey of Warke.

When the affair was discovered, her family attempted to separate them, but Henrietta defied societal norms by eloping with Grey and living under an alias. The ensuing legal battle captivated the public, with Henrietta boldly and brazenly defending her choices in court. The affair shocked society, inspired Aphra Behn’s novel Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister, and nearly ruined the family’s reputation.

Cumnor Place

On September 8, 1560, while her servants were away at a fair, Amy Dudley, wife of Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, was found dead at the foot of a staircase in their Oxfordshire home. Though Dudley was at Windsor with the Queen at the time, some suspected he arranged her death to clear the way for his marriage to the monarch, while others whispered of suicide, driven by heartbreak as his affections drifted. An inquest ruled it an accident, but rumours of foul play never faded.

Knole

The sprawling Jacobean estate of Knole in Kent has a history tangled in illicit affairs, illegitimate heirs, and bitter inheritance battles. In the 18th century, John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset, had a long affair with Italian ballerina Giovanna Baccelli, who bore him an illegitimate son and lived at Knole, until he married heiress Arabella Cope, who had Baccelli’s sensual statue banished to the attic.

Decades later, descendant Lionel Sackville-West’s liaison with Spanish dancer Pepita de Oliva produced several children out of wedlock. After his death, their daughter Victoria proved her own illegitimacy in court to help her husband, the “rightful heir”, inherit Knole over her brother Henry, who later took his own life.

Scandal continued with Victoria’s daughter, Vita Sackville-West, a poet and Virginia Woolf’s lover, who immortalised Vita and Knole in Orlando. Like Vita, her husband Harold Nicolson quietly pursued same-sex relationships, in an open-marriage arrangement that, if known publicly, would have shocked more than just their social circle.

Marlborough House

London’s Marlborough House was the official residence of Queen Victoria’s eldest son, Edward VII, during his decades as Prince of Wales in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The grandiose house notoriously became the epicentre of his scandalous social life.

While Buckingham Palace remained the formal royal seat, Marlborough House provided a more relaxed and private setting, perfect for entertaining his notorious inner circle, known as “Bertie’s Set,” famed for their loose morals and glittering social scandals. Here, Edward hosted raucous dinners and lavish parties, often attended by his celebrated mistresses, including actress Lillie Langtry, Daisy Greville (Countess of Warwick), and Alice Keppel (the great-grandmother of Queen Camilla). Rooms were allegedly arranged to discreetly accommodate these romantic liaisons, fuelling gossip across high society and beyond.

Middlewick House

This charming country home, nestled in the lush Wiltshire countryside, became part of royal scandal lore in 1993, when a story was published on how in 1989, a private phone call between the then married Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles, who was at Middlewick House and still married to Andrew Parker Bowles, was intercepted and later leaked to the press. Dubbed “Tampongate,” the conversation’s intimate tone stunned the nation and fueled tabloid frenzy, laying bare the affair that would ultimately redefine the royal family’s future.

Clarence House

In the 1950s, this London royal residence was home to Princess Margaret, younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, and the discreet backdrop to her controversial romance with royal equerry Peter Townsend. Townsend, a senior royal aide and former military officer, was serving the Queen Mother at the time, placing him in close proximity to Margaret. Their relationship, considered scandalous because Townsend was a divorced man, forced her to choose between love and royal duty. Pressure from the Crown, the government, and the Church of England made it almost impossible for Margaret to continue the relationship without her sister’s approval, which wasn’t forthcoming; thus, Clarence House bore silent witness to her ultimate heartbreak.

What’s more, in 2015, it was here that the then-Prince Charles accepted millions in cash donations from Qatari Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani. Delivered in suitcases and Fortnum & Mason bags, the funds were directed to the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund. While not illegal, the unconventional method of donation sparked public scrutiny and raised questions about royal financial practices.

Fonthill Abbey

Commissioned by novelist and heir to a fortune made in part from sugar and slavery, William Beckford, an exiled bisexual scandal magnet with a penchant for towering architecture, Wiltshire’s Fonthill Abbey epitomised Gothic grandeur gone mad.

Built hastily with dubious materials and a 270-foot spire, it collapsed more than once, echoing Beckford’s fall from grace after a scandal involving the young William Courtenay (later the 9th Earl of Devon), who was just 10 when he first met an 18-year-old Beckford. Fonthill Abbey became Beckford’s self-imposed prison as he lived reclusively with only his valet and a collection of peacocks for company, behind a 12-foot-high, 12-mile wall known as “The Barrier”. The abbey is long gone, but the Lancaster Tower remains.

Kirk o’ Field

In 1567, Mary, Queen of Scots’ second husband, Lord Darnley, was found dead under mysterious circumstances that occurred at a residence he was staying in, in Edinburgh. Just months after he orchestrated the brutal murder of Mary's confidant, and some say, lover, David Rizzio, Darnley was recovering from illness at a former ecclesiastical lodging when it exploded.

Strangely, his body showed no signs of blast injuries, suggesting he may have been strangled. Suspicion quickly fell on Mary’s close ally, the Earl of Bothwell, whom she later married, sparking scandal and ultimately sealing her downfall.

Welbeck Abbey

This stately Nottinghamshire pile was home to one of Britain’s most reclusive eccentrics, the 5th Duke of Portland. Obsessed with privacy, he built over 15 miles of underground tunnels and rooms, including a library, a billiards room and a great hall with a lift big enough for 20 people, though he never hosted a single ball.

He communicated only via notes, wandered the grounds at night, and was rarely seen, fueling wild rumours of disfigurement and madness. After his death in 1879, things got even stranger. In one of the Victorian era’s most bizarre inheritance scandals, it was claimed the Duke had lived a secret double life as London upholsterer Thomas Druce.

His daughter-in-law, Anna Maria Druce, insisted he’d faked Druce’s death in 1864 to return to his aristocratic identity, making her son heir to the Portland estate. Years of sensational legal wrangling followed, culminating in the 1907 exhumation of Druce’s grave, which revealed a body. The case collapsed in scandal, with witnesses charged with perjury and others declared insane.

Holyrood Palace

Scotland’s dramatic royal residence was once the stage for a shocking royal drama. In 1566, Mary, Queen of Scots watched in horror as her jealous husband, Lord Darnley, burst into her private chambers at the stately Edinburgh palace and had her close confidant and rumoured lover, David Rizzio, brutally stabbed to death in front of her very eyes. The gruesomely violent and shocking murder shattered the court and went on to fuel one of history’s most infamously plagued love triangles.

Joining his family - including his mum and sister who had a matching moment in shades of turquoise - Louis was all smiles as he rode in a carriage with his siblings and excitedly watched the Red Arrows flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

Louis, the youngest child of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, is no stranger to stealing the show at these events, whether it’s being a little naughty at the Platinum Jubilee concert or most recently teasing his older brother at the VE Day celebrations.

The seven-year-old was met with roaring cheers from fans outside Buckingham Palace as he adorably copied his grandfather’s regal wave.

Louis even made sure to give the crowd exactly what they were after, as he couldn’t resist sneaking in one last wave even after his family had turned to go back inside the palace.

Earlier on in the day, Louis had fans in hysterics thanks to his toothy grin, when he seemed to be cracking up his older brother in the carriage procession.

A lip reader for The Sun reportedly captured the sweet moment between the brothers, and suggests Louis was egging on his brother to share a moment.

Louis was seen turning to his brother to ask, "Should I wave?"

"It's up to you,” George reportedly replied, before – in true British nature – added, “I can't believe how sunny it is.”

An excited Louis apparently then told his brother, “Let's do it together.”

Back on the balcony, the King and Queen Camilla were clearly enjoying the high-spirited nature of the day and were seen smiling and pointing along with their grandson.

Louis and Charles’ adorable relationship is well known, with Louis eager to sit on his grandfather’s knee during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Previously, during a 2018 interview for Prince, Son & Heir – Charles at 70, Queen Camilla shared how, despite his title, Charles is just like any other doting grandfather. She said of how he acts with her own grandchildren, "He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my Grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him."

Riding in a carriage with her three children, Kate Middleton practically glowed in the summer sunshine wearing a bright, turquoise coatdress with crisp colour blocks of white on the collar and sleeves.

For the parade, the Princess of Wales turned to one of her go-to designers, Catherine Walker, opting for the brand’s Bria coatdress, described online as a deep aquamarine wool coatdress with ivory contrast lapels and cuffs.

The Princess of Wales matched her coatdress with a jade side-sweep hat with bow detailing from Juliette Millinery. The elegant wide-brimmed hat is very in keeping with styles we’ve seen Kate wear before, and it featured a sweeping design that rises up at one side for a dramatic flair. The fine straw base – perfect for summer occasion dressing, like outdoor weddings or what to wear to the races - is adorned with a stylish bow with gold lurex edging.

Catherine was also wearing the Bahrain pearl drop earrings, formerly belonging to the late Queen Elizabeth II. However, Kate’s best accessory might have been her only daughter, Princess Charlotte.

The adorable ten-year-old royal matched her mum in a lighter shade of the same colour, and her dress also included subtle pops of white and ivory, including a bow fastening around the waist.

It’s understood that Kate and Charlotte didn’t just opt for the summery hue because of the time of year, but it’s a nod to the blue plume of St Patrick’s blue which is the colour worn on the right side of the bearskin worn by the Irish Guards.

As Princess of Wales, Catherine has acted as Colonel of the Irish Guards since 2022. Touchingly, the turquoise shade might also have a connection to Prince William. William was made Colonel-in-Chief of the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, and they are known for their pale blue berets and colours.

The lack of sleeves is the most obvious plus point and this neckline also feels quite vintage and chic. Knowing how to style halternecks isn’t something I’m an expert in, so it was great to see Princess Eugenie showing how it's done.

As Global Ambassador for The Coral Collective, the King’s niece attended the exclusive opening of the Thirty Six For Coral art exhibition in France on 12th June. Just like many of us, she wasn’t afraid to re-wear a tried and tested combination for the event: her Rebecca Vallance orchid dress and Staud satin mules.

Shop Princess Eugenie's Dress

This was the same stylish combination Princess Eugenie wore to Chelsea Flower Show in May and I wouldn’t be surprised if the dress and slip-ons get another chance to shine this summer too. Although she often champions the best British clothing brands, Rebecca Vallance is an Australian designer whose pieces are also regularly worn by the royals.

Made from a linen blend, it has a collared neckline with structured lapels that give it a refined edge. The bodice is fitted and the midi-length skirt flares out into an elegant silhouette.

Running all over the white base is a pattern of electric blue orchids and vines that bring added brightness. Part of why I love the Princess’s frock so much is because it feels sophisticated, whereas some halterneck pieces can be a bit too revealing or beachy-casual.

Shop Mules

I can imagine this as a date night outfit, as well as something you could wear to a family BBQ or a garden party. When you’re looking for a halterneck dress, consider something that has a classic shape like fit-and-flare or A-line, and is generally neutral in colour.

The white background tone of Princess Eugenie’s dress balances the blue flowers and I’d recommend following a similar approach. If you choose a halterneck dress which is mainly black, white or a tone you wear consistently, you’ll always be able to find accessories that complement the outfit.

To make it slightly more relaxed the royal could have worn trainers but she went for camel satin heels from Straud. Kitten heeled mules were a clever pairing as they are comfortable and quick to slip on and off and yet look quite glamorous.

Princess Eugenie painted her toenails red and they were just visible through the peep-toe cut-out. The warm weather required a breathable outfit and she spoke at the launch of the exhibition, which coincided with the UN Oceans Conference.

Her Royal Highness is a member of the Thirty Six For Coral art committee and helped to shape the exhibition, which includes 36 original works from artists including Rocco Ritchie and Vik Muniz. The online auction is running until 22nd June and proceeds go to support coral reef protection and global restoration efforts.

Speaking to Marie Claire, Princess Eugenie described coral reefs as the "rainforest of the sea" that "support billions of human lives".

"Across the planet, coral reefs are in trouble. The loss of coral reefs could be the first functional climate extinction in our lifetime," she declared.

In recent years a new tradition was started for only working royals and their children would step out for the event. However, there’s still plenty who attend, including the entire Wales family.

Not everyone might know exactly what to expect from Trooping the Colour, though, and here we reveal what the name actually means, what it is and the time to watch.

What does Trooping the Colour mean and what is it?

Trooping the Colour is a rather grand and unique name, but it refers to the Regimental Colour or flags of a particular regiment being displayed at a military parade held every June in honour of the monarch’s official birthday.

King Charles’s actual birthday is 14th November and the late Queen Elizabeth’s was 21st April, however June typically has better weather and it’s been suggested that this is a factor in keeping it to this specific month.

As per the British Army website, the ceremony of Trooping the Colour is thought to have first taken place during the reign of King Charles II in the 17th century. In 1748 it was decided that it would be used to mark the Sovereign’s official birthday.

It only became an annual royal event after King George III ascended the throne in 1760. The Guards who take part in Trooping the Colour are drawn from the Regiments of the Sovereign’s Household Troops.

Regiments of Foot Guards are chosen to troop their colours and this changes every year. For Trooping the Colour 2025 the Coldstream Guards will be the ones Trooping their Colour, but last year it was the Irish Guards.

The Princess of Wales is their Colonel and she made a rare public appearance amid her cancer treatment in 2024 to attend the parade and watch her Regiment. Trooping the Colour isn’t just attended by the royals and one regiment, though.

It’s understood that over 1,350 soldiers of the Household Division and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will be taking part this year, featuring over 300 musicians from the Massed Bands, as well as 250 soldiers from the Foot Guards who line the route.

What happens at Trooping the Colour?

On 14th June, King Charles and other members of the Royal Family will arrive at Horse Guards Parade in Whitehall, close to Buckingham Palace. His Majesty will be greeted with a Royal Salute and then inspect the troops in their ceremonial red uniform and bearskin hats.

The military bands will perform and then the escorted Regimental Colour (flag) will be processed down the ranks of soldiers.

Once the Foot Guards have marched past the King, he will travel back to Buckingham Palace at the head of the soldiers. The Sovereign will then take the salute again from a dais and after a short pause he will appear on the balcony alongside his fellow working royals to watch a fly-past by the Royal Air Force.

In nearby Green Park, a 41-gun salute will typically be fired to mark the occasion too.

What time is Trooping the Colour and how can you watch it?

Although you can apply in advance for tickets and can also show up and watch from the streets in London, the BBC will also be broadcasting Trooping the Colour live from 10:30 am BST on Saturday, 14th June until 1:10 pm.

Coverage will be presented by Clare Balding, and the parade itself begins at 10:30 and will finish by 12:25. If you’re particularly interested in watching the fly-past and seeing the Royal Family on the balcony, then make sure you’re tuned in just before 1 pm as this is when it will take place.

BBC One is the place to head to watch Trooping the Colour 2025 for free. If you’re determined not to miss it and are going to be abroad when it airs, then you can still enjoy it as you normally would at home with the use of a VPN.

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I take a similar approach to jewellery as I want to get maximum wear out of my pieces and I loved seeing Sophie step out in an old favourite pair of earrings on 12th June. She was one of several royals who attended a reception for recipients of the King's Award for Enterprise at Windsor Castle and wore her Monica Vinader Siren Stud Earrings.

At £100 they’re one of the most affordable items in her royal jewellery collection and they match the stacking Siren rings that she’s still been sporting a lot recently. The Siren Earrings come in different colourways and Duchess Sophie has the rose gold vermeil and rose quartz ones.

Shop Duchess Sophie's Earrings

Shop Floral Dresses Like Sophie's

This design is one of Monica Vinader’s best-selling gemstones and the rose quartz is hand-cut, giving each pair of earrings a unique look. You can wear them on their own as the Duchess did or if you have multiple piercings, they’re not so big that you can’t wear them with other items.

Drop earrings are often people’s go-tos for special events in particular and hoops will always be chic. However, I think stud earrings like this can be so much more versatile precisely because they’re understated.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s earrings would look just as elegant with relaxed looks, smart-casual outfits and occasionwear too. They bring a touch of glamour and these rose quartz earrings tied in with the senior royal’s dress too.

Colour coordination can make a huge difference to your style as it creates a sense of cohesion and polish. One of Duchess Sophie’s most-worn shades all year round, but especially in the warmer months, is pink.

Whether blossom-pink, fuchsia or somewhere in between, she’s probably worn this hue before. For the reception the Duchess opted for a Suzannah London Grandad Silk Tea Dress with dusty pink flowers on a rich, plum-toned background.

The blend of pastel pink and dark purple is an unusual one and having such a stark contrast between the shades makes the pattern stand out even more. It’s crafted from pure silk and has a tea dress silhouette, with a bias-cut midi skirt.

Smocking follows the empire-line seam and also features on the shoulders and cuffs. These details reflect the 1930s inspiration and the Duchess of Edinburgh often favours a vintage-esque design with her dresses.

This piece is a rather luxurious addition to her wardrobe at £1,250, although there are so many floral options around right now as alternatives. They’d make a gorgeous wedding guest dress and tying in your frock with your earrings like Sophie did is a stunning style choice.

She’s had her high-street Siren studs in her collection since at least 2017 and before now, hasn’t been seen wearing them since 2018. That year she pulled them out incredibly regularly and it seems she’s rediscovered them for summer alongside her matching rings.

This means more coverage on a sunny day, but Kate does occasionally swap her midi dresses and co-ords for shorts. This is usually because she’s throwing herself into an activity-based engagement. However, in 2022 she wore a stunning pair of Holland Cooper linen blend shorts as part of her arrival outfit for a visit to Plymouth.

The Princess met with sailing teams from the UK and New Zealand and she did take part in some sailing herself. She swapped into a wetsuit when she took to the water, though her original pair were a soft white tone and would rival any denim shorts.

Shop White Tailored Shorts

Holland Cooper still makes these £199 tailored shorts in a range of hues, including the white that the Princess of Wales has in her collection. The single knife pleats give them a crisp look that enhances their smartness.

They’re high-waisted and also feature the brand’s signature gold rivets for a glamorous edge. Every summer, no matter the denim trends, shorts always surge in popularity as we search for a staple to wear in the sunshine.

Denim shorts can look quite casual, thanks to the fabric and wash pattern. Many designs are also far shorter than I personally prefer to wear and some denims can be quite stiff.

Shop More Tailored Shorts

In contrast, white shorts like Kate’s feel quite sophisticated and are just as easy to style with different tops. If you pick a linen or cotton blend, there’s usually a bit more softness to them, too. Tailored options are also traditionally not so fitted on the legs which can be very flattering.

It’s worth considering adding some to your collection if you're not sure how to style shorts and usually avoid denim ones, but want something comfier and easier to dress up. For her visit to Plymouth, the future Queen wore hers with her go-to Superga trainers and a blue and white nautical striped knit.

As she was at the coast where it can often be cooler than inland, the long-sleeved jumper was a clever choice to balance out the reduced coverage on her legs. This was a quintessential smart-casual outfit pre-sailing, although with the addition of a blazer and some sleek ballet flats or wedges it would become more elevated.

I would wear white tailored shorts with a colourful cami top on a scorching day for a touch of brightness, and the beauty of them being so neutral is that they’d work with pretty much anything.

Since 2022 Kate hasn’t re-worn these shorts on a visit. Back then she wasn’t Princess of Wales yet and it’s possible that now she’s even more senior within the Royal Family we won’t see them again.

That doesn’t mean that she hasn’t kept the tailored shorts in her collection to wear when she’s at home at Adelaide Cottage or Anmer Hall, though.

However, whilst it might sound like a very easy-to-prepare choice, this apparently isn’t the case at all. As reported by Hello!, former royal chef Darren McGrady previously suggested to Today that the Princess Royal "almost always" preferred completely black bananas.

Waiting for the fruit to ripen is one thing, holding out for this is quite another and the Princess’s alleged preference won’t be for everyone. According to Darren, though, there’s a reason for this and the bananas were also prepared just-so.

"[Princess Anne] almost always preferred the bananas almost black - overripe - because they digest easier," he claimed, before adding, "First, the ends of the banana are cut off. Then the banana peel is sliced down the middle from end to end so the unpeeled fruit can be opened."

The final piece of the breakfast puzzle is supposedly slicing the overripe banana into "circles" before it’s "eaten with a fork". In the past, Darren McGrady has alleged that this was exactly the same way that Queen Elizabeth ate them.

Whether or not the late monarch also ate them quite that overripe isn’t known, but Princess Anne might be on to something. As reported by the Leicester Bowel Clinic in January 2025, as bananas ripen, the resistant starch "converts into simple sugars, making them easier to digest".

Even so, as someone who prefers this fruit on the green side, I’m not sure I’ll be trying Her Royal Highness’ go-to "almost black" bananas anytime soon. Surprisingly enough, this isn’t the only specific fruit-related habit she has.

As per the Daily Mail, in Robert Hardman’s bestselling royal biography, Queen Of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II, Zara Tindall reportedly explained that her mother "always has a kiwi fruit" with her when she’s on the go.

Kiwis are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin K, as well as fibre and antioxidants. Robert alleged that the Princess Royal often prefers to eat a kiwi instead of having a full lunch.

Fruit seems to be a staple in her diet at all times of day and the idea that Princess Anne could be carrying a kiwi around with her in her handbag is brilliant. It’s a good source of sustenance when she’s busy and the senior royal is known to be one of the most hard-working members of the Royal Family.

Her schedule is always packed full of engagements and she is incredibly open about how she wants the focus to be on the organisations and charities she visits, rather than on her. In August, the Princess Royal will turn 75 and instead of celebrating with a party, she hosted more than 100 organisations at Buckingham Palace this month.

"This personifies what Her Royal Highness cares about," declared a palace source to The Telegraph. "She didn’t want to do anything for her birthday but bring her charities together to hear more about their work and how she can help them."

Where she excels is adapting her fashion to the occasion, and for her many appearances at Wimbledon, Carole tends to keep her looks neutral and minimalist. But that doesn't mean boring – Carole is a pro at blending timeless styles with colorful accessories.

A great example is the outfit she wore to Wimbledon in 2017, which paired a simple white shift dress with a high crew neck and short sleeves with a peach Jaeger ‘Kate’ bag.

woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr says: "Carole's daughter Kate also owns this Jaeger bag in the navy colorway, and it's easy to see why they're both such big fans. The quilted finish has a distinctly Chanel feel to it, and it's the perfect size for all your essentials for a day out. Kate has continued to carry hers for years, which proves what a good investment a chic little bag can be."

Shop Bags Like Carole Middleton's

The bag was crafted from luxurious leather with a padded quilted finish to it that instantly drew the eye. It had gold-toned hardware for a touch of glamour and the warm undertone was perfect with the peachy-nude shade.

The soft hue of Carole’s quilted peach bag meant that it worked perfectly as a subtle contrast with her white dress. However, it would’ve looked just as fabulous with more vibrant items and a neutral bag, no matter the design, is such a versatile piece to have in your wardrobe for this very reason.

The Princess of Wales’s mum wore hers as a shoulder bag although the chain strap was retractable and so she could also have worn it as a crossbody bag or even a clutch.

Crossbody bags are everywhere right now, proving Carole's skill at picking out a timeless accessory.

Sadly, it’s no longer available although that won’t stop us (or any other handbag fans) being tempted by similar-toned crossbody bags on the market right now. The quilting made Carole Middleton’s bag stand out, although if smooth leather is something you prefer for an ultra-minimalist look then there are still so many to choose from.

Shop More Crossbody Bags

Carole’s choice of bag couldn’t have been more perfect for a day watching the tennis where it’s helpful to be hands-free and where only the essentials are needed. She finished off her look with a pair of sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun and allowed the contrast of her white dress and peachy-nude bag to do all the talking.

This accessory clearly remained a favourite of Carole’s as she wore it again to Wimbledon in 2018 - this time with a polka dot shirt dress and nude and raffia wedges. We haven’t seen her attending the Championships for several years now and last time she was there she wore two fabulous floral dresses.

She opted for raffia and top handle bags for the two days rather than her quilted one, but both highlighted Carole’s continued love for neutral bags. We can only hope that we get another glimpse at her Jaeger bag during summer events this year as it’s possible she could return to watch Wimbledon 2024.

Like Kate, she’s understood to be a huge tennis fan and they’ve previously attended Wimbledon on the same day, with OK! claiming that it was to Carole and Michael Middleton that Kate adorably blew a kiss in 2022.

Last year, the Princess of Wales made a highly anticipated appearance at the event whilst she was still undergoing cancer treatment. In January 2025, she confirmed she was in remission and I’m looking forward to seeing her on 14th June alongside Prince William and their children.

As with any royal event, the fashion is sure to attract a lot of attention and I have my suspicions about what Kate could wear. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if she arrived at Horse Guards Parade in head-to-toe white and avoided one of her favourite hues.

Shop White Dresses For Summer

Dressing for official occasions like Trooping the Colour is a bit like figuring out what to wear to the races - it takes consideration, has to be sufficiently formal and includes headpieces. For last year’s parade, he future Queen wore a Jenny Packham dress with a Philip Treacy hat.

The frock had a fun bow detail at the front with navy detailing and this dark shade was echoed in the hat’s design, but they were both predominantly white. Back in 2022, Kate also wore a white dress and hat to Trooping the Colour during the Platinum Jubilee Weekend.

Admittedly, she went far more vibrant in 2023 with her emerald green Andrew Gn dress. However, I believe this was a nod to the Irish Guards as it was the first parade since the Princess of Wales became their Colonel.

The Coldstream Guards are trooping their colours this year and King Charles is their Colonel-in-Chief. Part of the reason I predict Kate will wear white (aside from her favouring this colour in the past) is because it’s very simple and pared-back.

White doesn’t draw the eye the way a bright colour might, and Kate is known for wanting the importance of her engagements and events to speak for themselves. This shade also features on the British flag and since Prince William always wears his red Welsh Guards uniform to Trooping the colour and the kids tend to wear blue, Kate wearing white would complete the tones.

I would be shocked if she wore red, despite it being a favourite of hers. Her Royal Highness re-wore her scarlet Catherine Walker dress at the Commonwealth Day service and stepped out in an equally bright red coat in Wales in February.

A month earlier, she’d visited The Royal Marsden Hospital wearing a burgundy knitted dress and her carol service ensemble was a cherry hue. Even her outfit for the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations was a berry-red tone. Red is clearly a colour the Princess feels comfortable wearing to high-profile events and engagements.

However, she’s never worn it to Trooping the Colour. There could be many reasons for this, though a red dress would match Prince William and possibly look a bit too overwhelming or overshadow his uniform.

There is also always a sense of cohesion between the Wales family’s outfits. Prince George and Prince Louis will likely wear blue suits and white shirts again and so if Kate wears white, possibly with a hint of blue, she will coordinate with them.

We'll all just have to wait and see on 14th June and I know no matter what she wears, the Princess of Wales will look as fabulously elegant as always.

She wasn’t the only royal to appear in the film, though her comments about her experience adjusting to royal life are unique. The Princess reflected at the time that "everyone" in the family used to tease her for a habit she had at walkabouts.

"The most memorable engagement for me, I suppose, was an away day to Leicester and I went without William, so I was rather apprehensive about that," she said, adding, "I think there is a real art to walkabouts, everyone teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting."

Walkabouts are a key part of many engagements and allow royals like the Princess of Wales to meet and engage with the public. Given the number of people that often turn out hoping to see a member of the Royal Family, it’s impossible to chat to everyone - though it sounds like Kate used to give it a good go!

The royals’ schedules are tight and learning when and how to graciously move on from one person to another is a skill the future Queen needed to master. She explained that she thought she’d "still got to learn a little bit more" and "pick up a few more tips".

Almost ten years later, I suspect that Kate has picked up a huge amount of tips from her fellow royals. She’s no doubt got used to being speedier with her walkabouts, but seeing the Princess at engagements, it’s clear that her charisma and love of chatting to people have gone nowhere.

She always looks delighted whenever she interacts with the public and particularly when she meets children - not surprising given her interest in Early Years development. In the 2016 documentary, Kate explained that Queen Elizabeth made sure she was "looked after" on that day in Leicester, despite her nerves.

She said, "The fact she took the time to make sure that I was happy and looked after for that particular occasion, which probably in everything that she's doing is a very small element, which just shows how caring she is, really."

As a role model for how to navigate royal life, it doesn’t come much more experienced or inspiring than Queen Elizabeth. Former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond previously suggested to OK! that the Princess "will draw" from her example when she’s Queen Consort.

She thinks Kate is "very much her own woman", but "would be crazy to ignore the example of a Queen who was so accomplished, so wise and experienced".

Jennie added: "When her time as Queen comes, I imagine she will draw from the late Queen’s dignity, discretion and dedication, but add her own mix of informality when appropriate, for example, by joining in with sports, sitting on the floor with children or going down a slide."

In her mind, the Princess of Wales has "already shown" how relatable she is and is "perfectly aware of what a ‘normal’ life is like" thanks to her non-royal upbringing. This could reportedly "stand her in good stead" when she becomes Queen Consort.

While we are treated to the beauty of a Strawberry Moon every June, this year's will mark the lowest-sitting full moon since 2006 .

We also won't see an impressive supermoon this low again until 2046. So it's a celestial moment not to be missed.

How to see the Strawberry Moon

While Tuesday 10th June saw the Strawberry Moon glowing in the night sky and into the early hours of Wednesday, the striking moon will be visible tonight (11th June) and over the following nights, rising in the east and setting in the west.

So if you missed out on spotting the June Strawberry Moon last night, you still have a chance. This isn't an astronomical occurrence that you need any special equipment to view, either. Simply head outside or to a window this evening and look up at the sky.

The night sky is forecast to be clear for much of the UK tonight, so there's a good chance of getting a beautiful view of the Strawberry Moon.

What causes the Strawberry Moon and what does it mean?

What really makes June's yearly Strawberry Moon stand out in the night sky is the pinkish hue that the moon takes on during this event.

When the moon sits so low in the sky, it allows more of it to shine through our atmosphere. This can sometimes give off a more pink or red-ish hue to those observing it, though, of course, the moon hasn't actually turned pink.

Though it's only natural to assume the name Strawberry Moon is inspired by the moon's unusual pink shade, it actually has far more to do with the time of year this moon occurs.

Historically, according to The Old Farmer's Almanac, the name Strawberry Moon was used by Algonquin, Ojibwe, Dakota, and Lakota tribe peoples, as well as others, to mark the time that strawberries were ripe for picking. The arrival of the pink Strawberry Moon was used as an indicator that it was time to gather berries for the community.

Blazers are a timeless choice, but Duchess Sophie’s cropped white jacket is an alternative that’s caught my eye. Hers is from Prada and she wore it with a simple T-shirt and a flowing maxi skirt for a visit to Northampton Bike Park on 9th June.

It’s a new specialist Mountain Bike Park located on a former golf course and the Duchess of Edinburgh went for a smart-casual outfit that wasn’t too over-the-top regal. It was the kind of look that would work for so many different occasions and the jacket was the most classic item.

Shop Cropped Jackets Like Sophie's

These kinds of designs will never go out of fashion and boucle options are associated with Chanel in particular. The Duchess’s wasn’t as textured and had a neat collared neckline that made it feel very polished.

Three gold-toned buttons can be used to fasten it at the front, although the royal left hers undone. When you’re wearing a smart jacket like this and want to make it feel a little more relaxed, leaving it unbuttoned can work wonders.

It’s a simple touch and it also means that the rest of your outfit underneath can be glimpsed too. Duchess Sophie had a crew neck white T-shirt on with her cropped jacket and tucked it into the waistband of her floral Gabriela Hearst maxi skirt.

Shop Maxi Skirts

Like the jacket, she’s worn this piece several times before. It’s got pleats that give it a fabulous shape, a matching waist belt and buttons down the front. Running all over the white base shade are tiny pink flowers with olive green leaves.

The print is delicate and understated, with the hints of colour lifting the otherwise entirely neutral ensemble. The Duchess’s combination of the high-waisted skirt and cropped jacket was beautiful and felt incredibly elegant and put-together.

However, they weren’t quite as formal or structured as a blazer and dress would have been. Add in the T-shirt and this look was sophisticated yet comfortable.

For an even more off-duty style on a cooler day you could swap out a maxi skirt for your favourite jeans and slip on some white trainers to balance out the cropped jacket.

The Duchess of Edinburgh instead wore beige Jimmy Choo kitten heels and a Sophie Habsburg handbag. She finished off her outfit with diamond drop earrings and wore her blonde hair pulled back into a chignon.

Her style was summery and chic for a busy day in Northampton, as she also made several other visits that day aside from the Bike Park. Earlier in the day, Duchess Sophie celebrated Blackthorn Good Neighbours Nursery’s 10th anniversary and met some of the children, staff members and families.

She also went to Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, the Market Square, Guildhall and All Saints Church as part of the celebrations marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton.

Appearing on This Morning on 9th June to discuss her new book, The Let Them Theory, she revealed that she was inspired by a rocket launch countdown to create the 5-Second Rule.

"Motivation is complete garbage. Motivation is complete and utter rubbish, as you would say because it is never there when you need it. I mean, if motivation were easy we’d all have a million dollars and six-pack abs," she declared. We’d all be living our dream life. The secret to life, honest to goodness, is making yourself do the things you don’t feel like doing."

Her 5-Second Rule was based upon the popular belief of the same name, where if you drop a piece of food on the floor and pick it up within five seconds, it’s supposedly ok to eat.

Mel explained, "If you have an idea and you think about it for longer than five seconds, your mind contaminates your desire to do it."

To avoid talking herself out of something she doesn’t really want to do, the author counts backwards from five before immediately doing it.

"The hack that I had was, I just was inspired by this rocket launch and I started counting backwards. Every morning I’d be lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, thinking about all my problems, rotting away like a human pot roast. And then I would just start counting backwards five, four, three, two, one and then I would get out of bed," she said.

It might sound very easy - and that’s because it is - but Mel believes that you’ve "gotta move in five seconds" to get that burst of motivation and not put yourself off. This technique is something that she has used to "push" herself into being motivated day-to-day.

Mel said she used this "little countdown thing five, four, three, two, one to push myself everyday through the anxiety" and excuses.

"I think we all know what we need to do but we’re waiting to feel ready to do it and that’s the trap," she concluded.

Her 5-Second Rule revelation on This Morning came just a few weeks after Mel appeared on an episode of The Rich Roll Podcast and spoke of how important mindset truly is. She focuses on her mantra that there’s no way working as hard as she does, that she would not be rewarded, and finds this creates momentum and resolve to achieve her goals.

She stated, "You have to believe that this moment is preparing you for something amazing that hasn’t happened yet. Keep going. And so, I repeated that over and over and over and over and over again as I wanted to throw in the towel, as I would start to bash myself, as I would start to feel sorry for myself."

"And when you get yourself into that mindset it creates a sense of resilience and momentum and resolve that you need in order to keep going," she continued.

Court shoes and stiletto sandals are classic, but block heels can be just as chic and they’re also more comfortable. I often find that they have more stability than kitten heels too and Queen Letizia wore a beautiful pair of Boss Melanie sandals as she and King Felipe marked National Armed Forces Day in Tenerife.

The couple presided over a military parade and laid a wreath in remembrance of those who lost their lives fighting for Spain. Her Majesty went for a white and blue theme with her outfit and styled a Carolina Herrera embroidered dress with her block heels.

Shop Sandals Like Queen Letizia's

She wore these Melanie sandals a lot last summer and I’m not surprised she’s already brought them back out for this summer. They have a 5cm heel, a padded strap running across the foot and a secure ankle strap too.

They’re made from leather and Queen Letizia’s are the white colourway with gold hardware. Neutral shoes might not be exciting for everyone, but they’re worth investing in because they work with any other hue so you can get a lot of wear out of them.

Mid-height block heels are perfect for special occasions and date night outfits and can also work well for more casual day-to-day looks. In contrast, stilettos are something many people will only want to wear for a particular event or for a shorter period of time.

Shop More Block Heels

In recent years the Queen of Spain has moved away from high heels in favour of trainers, block heels and kitten heels. Kitten heels are still quite thin and so you can find them a bit too wobbly and challenging to walk on grass in.

Block heels won’t sink into the earth as easily which makes them great for garden parties, Wimbledon, outdoor weddings and picnics. The senior royal matched her footwear to her dress as the white tone complemented the base colour of its design.

Running up the left side from the hem and down from the right shoulder were delicate floral motifs that looked a lot like bluebells. They drew the eye without being overpowering and the dress’s silhouette was modest, with a crew neckline, midi length and short sleeves.

This was ideal for such a poignant occasion. Queen Letizia added a touch more blue into her ensemble with her clutch bag and topaz and diamond drop earrings. Keeping to just a few key colours within an outfit gives it a sophisticated and cohesive edge.

It’s an approach the royals often take and the Queen’s outfit felt very elegant and understated because of it. We’re used to seeing her in power suits or bright dresses at engagements so her white block sandals and flowing dress were a little different.

In this Ask Anna column, a reader who hasn't been seeing eye to eye with her neighbours over their garden maintenance sought my advice.

Rather than seeking a cheap way to block a neighbour's view or asking 'Can you cut overhanging branches from a neighbour's tree?', they want the people next door to remove or reduce a tree that they say is blocking their light. Asking them to do so has caused a bit of a dispute, so they want to find a way to resolve that tension.

Neighbour dispute over a tree

The reader said: "Until recently, we’ve rubbed along well with our neighbours for the past 10 years. They’re not what I’d call friends, as they keep to themselves, whereas we’re sociable and outgoing.

"But they have a large sycamore in their rather neglected garden that is blocking light on our veg patch. When we asked them if they would consider cutting it down, they were disgruntled.

"They said it gives them privacy and that we could move our vegetable beds. We don’t really want to do that, as the beds are established, the soil is perfect and it would spoil the look of our garden.

"Now they turn away whenever they see us. How can I rebuild the relationship and hopefully get them to consider pruning back the tree (we’d be willing to cover the cost)?"

Garden and tree maintenance is a common source of disagreement

The other week, I woke up to the sound of a chainsaw at the end of my back garden. I flung open my curtains to discover that an entire hedge of 30ft Leylandii had disappeared from my view. A view that used to provide a screen of much-needed privacy in London.

Overnight, I had hundreds of eyes scrutinising me as I wandered around my bedroom. I was livid. And a quick online search to understand my rights revealed that everyone in the entire world has a problem when it comes to trees, gardens and other people.

Before I offer some practical pointers when it comes to your rights, let’s look at the psychology of what’s going on here. There’s a beautiful metaphor in how you and your neighbours approach your outdoor space, and how it reflects our own individual interiority.

Try to see their point of view

By your own admission, you’re different beings – and with that comes judgement – whether you mean it or not.

You’ve said that you are outgoing and friendly people, with a well-ordered garden. It makes sense then, that you have an established vegetable patch where the soil is ‘perfect’ and your plants can quite literally thrive.

Because that’s who you are as people. You thrive.

By contrast, you say that your neighbours are quieter, and have a ‘rather neglected’ garden with an overgrown sycamore. Isn’t it interesting that this tree is ‘blocking your light’? I just wonder if that is how you feel about your neighbours as individuals? They dim you.

I completely sympathise with your frustration – but I also want to congratulate you on being grown up enough to want to repair this relationship.

How to repair the neighbourly relationship

First, acknowledge that the tree may hold sentimental value for the owners. As well as privacy, the sycamore could also offer shade, reduce noise or hold personal significance.

Letting them know you respect their feelings about the tree, even though it impacts your garden, shows that you respect them – and that can help to soften their stance.

Perhaps your first step should be rebuilding trust. Start small by opening up friendly conversation about other topics of interest – neighbours, the local area, community news – whatever.

But don’t expect too much back for now. This is going to take patience, empathy and compromise.

The tree issue

Having said all of that, you do have rights. In the UK, according to the gov.uk website, your neighbour is responsible for maintaining the tree.

If the sycamore is over two metres tall and is affecting your enjoyment of your home or garden, then you are within your rights to log a complaint with the council.

If the branches are overhanging your garden, then you also have the right to cut them back – so long as you don’t trespass on their property.

Even if the tree issue isn’t resolved as you would like for now, restoring a friendly rapport will make home life more harmonious – and that’s just as important as the state of your garden.

If you would like help with a problem, email askanna@futurenet.com or leave a voice note at hello@itcantjustbeme.co.uk and mention you’re a woman&home reader. Note that Anna may choose your dilemma to discuss on her podcast, It Can't Just Be Me.

In a loving birthday tribute in January, he wrote a special message to the "most incredible wife and mother". His devotion and care for her couldn’t have been clearer and Kate apparently always believed he was "kind", even before they met at St Andrews University.

According to The Telegraph, her friend Jessica Hay claimed back in 2010 that when they were at school the Princess was already smitten with the future King.

Jessica, who previously dated Prince William’s mentor at Eton, Nicholas Knatchbull, supposedly explained, "We would sit around talking about all the boys at school we fancied. But Catherine would always say, 'I don't like any of them.’"

She alleged that Kate remarked, "There's no one quite like William. I bet he's really kind. You can just tell by looking at him.'"

It’s been suggested that the senior royal, who took on the prestigious title Princess of Wales in 2022, had a picture of Prince William on her wall at Marlborough College. Because of this, she was reportedly called a "Princess in waiting" by her school friends.

Her predictions about the Prince of Wales’s kindness turned out to be correct, though despite the supposed picture on her wall, Kate was left in a fluster after meeting him in person in Scotland. The Princess was asked about her first impression of her now-husband in their engagement interview in 2010, and she revealed she went "bright red".

"Well, actually, I think I actually went bright red when I met you," she said, glancing adoringly towards Prince William. "And sort of scuttled off feeling very shy about meeting you."

The Prince missed Freshers’ Week and so it "did take quite a bit of time" for him and Kate to "get to know each other". This late and "shy" meeting didn’t stand in their way, though, and the Princess of Wales said they became "very close friends from quite early on".

This firm friendship later blossomed into romance and he proposed to the Princess during a holiday in Kenya in 2010 before they tied the knot the following April. In every message Kate shared last year, she spoke of how her husband had been there for her during this unimaginably difficult time.

"Having William by my side is a great source of comfort and reassurance too. As is the love, support and kindness that has been shown by so many of you. It means so much to us both," she declared in a video which made her diagnosis public.

In September 2024 she shared another video, this time filmed by Will Warr and announcing that she had completed her treatment. The Princess of Wales reflected that the cancer journey is "complex, scary and unpredictable", especially for "those closest to you".

"This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved," she added.

We've previously seen Kate Middleton's bargain cozy essential and, as it turns out, her brother James Middleton shares a similar sense of homely, welcoming decor. James' homely snug with its rustic brick fireplace and bare wooden table is the perfect space for cozy cheese nights with Alizée.

Although we might not have had a glimpse inside Prince William and Kate's Adelaide Cottage since they moved in, James Middleton gave fans a few tantalising insights into his own home with his wife, Alizée. The couple bought their current home back in 2021, when they excitedly shared some snaps on social media.

On the outside red brick walls are the key feature and this very much continues inside James and Alizée’s home too, including in what looks to be some sort of snug or living area.

The rustic brick fireplace is the focal point of this room with a dark wooden mantle piece that matched the statement wooden beams running across the ceiling. Pictured sitting at a bare wooden table in the foreground of this particular picture is Alizée and the lighter wood finish is gorgeous.

It contrasts with the darker wooden features and lifts the colour palette of the room, whilst enhancing its farmhouse-style feel - something woman&home Digital Lifestyle Editor Tamara Kelly feels comes across beautifully.

She says: "James’s farmhouse-style snug features all the signature ingredients to create a cozy home; the statement fireplace to anchor the room around and welcome a warming element, the exposed brickwork adding a natural touch of terracotta undertones and the exposed wooden ceiling beams that cocoon the space in a lovely rustic way."

Shop Rustic Home Inspiration

The warmth of the terracotta shade and the fireplace give it a lovely traditional feel and Tamara went on to reflect upon how James and Alizée’s table and other home furnishings all work with their cottagecore interior design vision.

"The farmhouse wooden table, artisan heart-shaped wooden chopping board and stone jug all perfectly add to the sense of charm and indicate that the wider decor is in keeping with the traditional vibes of a homely country cottage," Tamara adds.

In his caption, the Princess of Wales’s brother expressed how he felt buying a house was "up there" with "one of the most stressful experiences" of his life. However, he added that they "couldn't be happier" to be moved in and settling into life in the country and they looked to be making the most of this snug space.

They made use of the wooden chopping board and some equally fabulous goblet-style glasses for what looked to be a wonderful cheese and wine night together after moving in. This probably wasn't the only cheese night the couple have enjoyed in their snug and the traditional, rustic decor lends itself perfectly to wholesome nights in and hosting others.

Their love for wooden details in their home doesn't just apply to Alizée and James Middleton's snug, though. Before moving into their dream house, James shared a look at their living room back in 2020 and it featured another wooden table decorated with tea lights in glass holders and some baby’s breath displayed in a blue jug. His and Alizée's interior taste seems to have carried through into their new home and it looks just as timeless and cozy there.

Despite its name, the pattern doesn’t include bluebells, but the background colour is a bold electric blue. This is a shade that so many of her fellow royals love too and it makes an instant impact, but goes with so many different tones, especially neutrals.

Shop Dresses Like Sophie's

Shop Corduroy Blazers

The orange, yellow and red flowers are striking against the blue and the vibrant colour palette made Duchess Sophie’s dress feel a little bit different to the soft pastel frocks we often see this time of year. Made from lightweight crepe, it’s midi-length and has long billowy sleeves.

This is one of the Duchess of Edinburgh’s go-to silhouettes and although you might prefer shorter sleeves to wear in the heat, for a milder or rainy summer day, longer sleeves are great. The tiered flowy skirt on Sophie’s dress is so elegant and feminine.

It has a smarter edge like so many of ME+EM’s designs, but you could easily make an item like this more relaxed by adding a pair of your best white trainers and a blue denim jacket. These staples are naturally casual so they help to tone down the formality of a dress.

Duchess Sophie went for classic espadrille wedges for the Windsor Flower Show on 7th June, which were an equally gorgeous option. Their warm tan tone complemented the fiery flowers and electric blue of her dress and she finished off her outfit with a Frame corduroy blazer.

This luxurious piece is single-breasted and a deep navy blue, with the characteristic lined finish you get from corduroy. For a day that was sunny one minute and rainy the next, the Duchess’s choice of outerwear worked well.

Yes, she still would have needed an umbrella in a downpour, but the coverage this jacket provided her was brilliant for cooler temperatures. Because corduroy is traditionally made from cotton or a cotton blend, this material isn’t too heavy when the sun comes out either.

The texture of Duchess Sophie’s blazer softened the shape and ensured it wasn’t too structured. This made it more low-key and less corporate-esque, which was perfect alongside her dress, and this is a silhouette I’d recommend if you want an extra layer for a relaxed day out.

The King’s sister-in-law has plenty of blazers in her collection and this might be the first time we’ve seen this Frame corduroy one, though I suspect it won’t be the last. The dress is also something Sophie will likely reach for again and I think it would look sensational as an outfit for Royal Ascot 2025.

This is always a huge event in the royal calendar and the Duchess of Edinburgh is usually there on multiple days. Royal Ascot is not a time for smart-casual outfits, so she probably wouldn’t wear the jacket with her ME+EM dress if she does re-wear it for the races, but the dress itself fits all the requirements and is so stunning.

The Duchess's impressive style tips and tricks keep her looking elegant at official engagements and important events, while still being able to dress down and look on trend for more casual moments. And we love the brilliant balance she drew between the two back in 2019 with the perfect business-casual look for an appearance at the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

Stepping out to support fellow royal Zara Tindall as she competed in the trials, Sophie wore a statement midi skirt plastered with burgundy and pink stripes, giving us all the summer capsule wardrobe inspiration we need.

woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr: "A statement skirt like Sophie's is a great way to introduce color or print to your wardrobe. Or in Sophie's case - both! It's also proof that, contrary to popular belief, you shouldn't be afraid of horizontal stripes - they can actually be really flattering."

Shop Stripe Midi Skirts

The funky piece featured horizontal stripes at its top, bleeding into a chevron style stripe at the bottom to give the silhouette movement and shape.

The skirt, made from super soft cashmere, was from the designer Gabriela Hearst and has been re-worn by the Duchess on numerous occasions. Unfortunately, it's no longer available from the brand but there are plenty of similar pieces out there on the market.

While Sophie could have leaned into the skirt's bold colors, she instead toned down the statement piece with some brilliant styling. Opting for a navy blue top, matching blazer, and navy ankle boots, the skirt suddenly doesn't seem so daunting to step out in.

It's a brilliant styling trick that brought in a darker shade without any harsh tones clashing with the bright skirt and we love the simple, silver jewelry she accessorized with.

Shop Navy Accessories

Sophie kept her makeup minimal - again proving that a bold, statement skirt can be dressed down and made versatile - and relied on a favorite look of hers for her hair.

Whether it's her voluminous and versatile ponytail that's the perfect spring/summer up-do, or she's opted for a low pony and added interest with her go-to vibrant hair scarf, the royal is a huge fan of a simple style that keep her hair off of her face and we're definitely going to be recreating her style this summer as temperatures rise.

And with the warm weather creeping in, we've remembered a pair of Kate's slingback pumps that could give any summer sandal a run for their money.

Appearing at the Royal Charity Polo Cup 2022 in Windsor to watch Prince William compete, Catherine looked like a summer dream in a monochrome midi and an elegant style of flats that is one of the biggest 2025 shoe trends.

Kate's white summer frock by Emilia Wickstead, one of her favourite designers, featured angular black detailing and a modest boat neck, sleeveless fit.

Keeping her footwear of choice comfy and easy to walk in for a day pitch-side, Catherine chose the perfectly neutral yet effortlessly elegant Alicia shoes by Camilla Elphick.

Shop Sleek Slingbacks

The pointed pumps boast a low-key taupe tone, with a black capped toe, while a pearl-embellished slingback strap adds an extra layer of subtle glamour.

While you might be accustomed to a pair of strappy sandals being one of the summer capsule wardrobe pieces you wear most, we think taking a leaf out of Kate's book and opting for some flats with a stylish slingback detail is the way to go this year. They're ideal for elevating looks for garden parties and beyond.

Caroline Parr, woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor, is all for switching out her usual summer sandals for something a little sleeker, and is always happy to see Kate in a reliable pair of flats.

"It's rare to see Kate wearing anything other than heels with a dress, so when she made an exception for these grass-friendly low-heel slingbacks, I knew they had to be good," she said.

"With the pearl embellished buckle and contrast toe, they're every bit as glamorous as heels, but with the comfort factor of flats. Perfect for a summer wedding or to feel a bit more polished at work."

If you're eager to look at what's right in front of you, our weekly horoscopes will help provide a guide for your next seven days. Our resident world-class psychic astrologers forecast for every star sign on love, family, career, and more. So check back weekly for our free forecast!

About our astrologers

Weekly horoscope for 9th - 15th June 2025

Aries Weekly Horoscope

Aries are born between March 21—April 19. Aries is the first fire sign in the zodiac, with the symbol of an Aries being a ram. Aries are typically passionate, confident, and motivated.

Taurus Weekly Horoscope

Taurus' are born between April 20-May 20. Taurus is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Taurus being a bull. Taurians are typically hardworking, intelligent, and dedicated.

Gemini Weekly Horoscope

Geminis are born between May 21-June 21. Gemini is an air sign, with the symbol of a Gemini being twins. Geminis are typically easy-going, enthusiastic and sociable—but are said to have two sides to their personality.

Cancer Weekly Horoscope

Cancers are born between June 21-July 22. Cancer is a water sign, with the symbol of a Cancer being a crab. Cancers are typically loyal, caring, and very protective over loved ones.

Leo Weekly Horoscope

Leos are born between July 23-August 22. Leo is a fire sign, with the symbol of a Leo being a Lion. Leos are typically confident, comfortable being the center of attention, and big-hearted.

Virgo Weekly Horoscope

Virgos are born between August 23-September 22. Virgo is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Virgo being a 'maiden'. Virgos are typically hardworking, reliable, and stubborn.

Libra Weekly Horoscope

Libras are born between September 23-October 22. Libra is an air sign, with the symbol of a Libra being scales. Libras are typically diplomatic, fair, and very sociable.

Scorpio Weekly Horoscope

Scorpios are born between October 23-November 21. Scorpio is a water sign, with the symbol of a Scorpio being a scorpion. Scorpios are typically brave, determined, and ambitious.

Sagittarius Weekly Horoscope

Sagittarius' are born between November 22-December 21. Sagittarius is a fire sign, with the symbol of a Sagittarius being a bow and arrow. Sagittarius' are typically optimistic, fun-loving, and intellectual.

Capricorn Weekly Horoscope

Capricorns are born between December 22-January 19. Capricorn is an earth sign, with the symbol of a Capricorn being a sea-goat. Capricorns are typically very hard-working, persistent, and sensitive.

Aquarius Weekly Horoscope

Aquarius' are born between January 20-February 18. Aquarius is an air sign, with the symbol of Aquarius being a water-bearer. Aquarians are typically assertive, analytical, and independent.

Pisces Weekly Horoscope

Pisces' are born between February 19-March 20. Pisces is a water sign, with the symbol of Pisces being two fish. Pisces men and women are typically empathetic, romantic, and imaginative.

“But after we started descending, another climber above me dropped their oxygen bottle and it came crashing down, hitting me and knocking me over into the snow.

“'I can’t get up,' I said, terrified.

“My left leg was throbbing in pain. As we were too high for a helicopter rescue, I had to crawl and hobble down the mountain for two days until we finally reached camp two, where I was rescued and taken to hospital.

“It wasn’t how I’d imagined completing the ‘Sea, Street, Summit Challenge’, which consists of swimming the English Channel, running a marathon and summiting Everest."

Sofa time

“While you might think I’ve been a sporty, adventurous person all my life, it’s quite the opposite.

“For years, I preferred chilling on the sofa watching trash TV after a hard day at my job as the Executive Director at The Lyric Hammersmith Theatre in London.

“In my early 30s, my partner and I had decided to start trying for a baby. After an unsuccessful year, we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility and started IVF. The next 10 years were the hardest time of my life as we experienced multiple miscarriages and an ectopic pregnancy.

“I was desperate to be a mother, but nothing was working.

“And just after my 43rd birthday, when our 11th IVF attempt failed, it was time to move on.”

Changing the narrative

“Realising that I'd lost a decade to project baby, I knew I needed to do something different. Life is short, and I was desperate to feel alive again.

“I thought about how when I was a little girl, I'd told my dad I'd swim the English Channel one day. Maybe this was the time to try?

“Heading online, I started researching the idea and came across a swimming coach called Jon who ran an open water swimming course on the island of Formentera in Spain. A few months later, I found myself flying out there and swimming in open water for the very first time.

“It was freezing cold and horrific, but it was the start of my journey."

Swimming the Channel

“After months of training, it was time to try to swim from England to France. Setting off at 1.30am on 2nd September 2015 in pitch black, I began the 21-mile journey from Dover to Calais. A support boat sailed alongside me as I navigated the freezing cold water, determined to make it to the end.

“It was tough going. I was violently sick and when I reached the middle of the Channel, I got badly stung by jellyfish all over my body and face, including my mouth. The pain of it all was horrendous, but I refused to give up.

“When I finally reached France after 17 hours, 44 minutes and 30 seconds of swimming, it was the best moment of my life.

“The challenge felt like my own version of labour – I forgot about the pain as soon as I left the water. Nature hadn't given me a happy ending with a baby, but it had handed me another, and swimming had healed my sadness.

“However, more sorrow was to follow when the relationship between my partner and I broke down, leaving me crushed."

Healing from heartbreak – by running a marathon

“With a newfound taste for adventure, I decided to throw myself into something else. As a Londoner, running a marathon had always been on my bucket list, so I signed up for the 2017 London Marathon.

“I was in a dark place after the breakdown of my relationship, but training gave me something to focus on. Running for the charity Fertility Network UK, I pounded the streets I called home, all while listening to my favourite radio programme, Desert Island Discs.

“In the episode with comedian Jimmy Carr, he spoke about how working out what you want from life is the most important question and once you know it, getting it is comparatively easy.

“Realising I wanted another adventure. I decided I’d climb the highest mountain in the world while listening to every episode of Desert Island Discs.

“And I did just that. Becoming the first woman in the world to complete the Sea, Street, Summit Challenge."

Lessons from the challenge

“Three years on from my summit, I feel incredibly proud and wouldn't change anything about it – even the trauma that I suffered from the accident. When things are difficult, you can learn and grow from them.

“For the many years when I tried to conceive, I felt so much stigma and shame that I couldn't do what other women could.

“But my experience has taught me that you can have an amazing life without children, even though the sadness will never go away.

“Adventure makes you feel energised and alive – whether it's a massive adventure or a micro one. I believe that we should all live our biggest, bravest, best lives and enjoy the time that we have on this beautiful planet.”

But before you think you have to try and rock a pair of short daisy dukes, look at Duchess Sophie's effortlessly laid back - and flattering - take on the trend back in 2018.

Duchess Sophie’s denim shorts from 2018 are perfect for sunny summer days. She wore them during an Association of Sail Training Organisations’ sailing day and they were a fabulous Bermuda short cut in a classic mid-wash denim color.

woman&home's Fashion Editor, Rivkie Baum, shares why a pair of jean shorts should be in everyone's closet this summer.

"When it comes to denim shorts this season, forget Daisy Dukes and make a beeline for Bermuda length designs instead. Sophie's denim shorts offer the style solution to this tricky trend, delivering the wearability of jeans, but with a distinctly more summery feel.

"Pairable with everything from crisp white linen shirts to slouchy tees and even light, relaxed knitwear, a longer pair of shorts is great for holiday and casual weekend looks."

Shop Jean Shorts For Summer

The longer, looser cut of Sophie's jean shorts, falling just below the knee, offer an elegant way to wear jean shorts if you’re not so comfortable having a lot of your bare legs visible.

The soft blue shade of her shorts was gorgeous and the subtle lighter wash running down the centre helped to give a leg lengthening effect. With a straight leg fit that accentuated the casual feel, Duchess Sophie’s denim shorts were a very different look for her.

Whether or not you’re tempted to copy Her Royal Highness’s denim choice this summer, a pair of denim shorts is such an easy item to style. There are so many lengths and washes to choose from depending on what you’d be wearing with them the most and if blue denim just isn’t for you then a pair of white denim shorts is a versatile alternative that can look more formal.

The senior royal paired them with a loose pale gray tee worn untucked over the top. It had a classic crew neck and capped sleeves, making it a timeless staple that can be styled with so many outfits.

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s outfit was an inspired blend of functional and fashionable and she accessorized with a pair of sporty brown sunglasses that had black and white on the arms for added detail.

The combination of the neutral tones made these so wearable and Duchess Sophie was seen with them on throughout her sailing day.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is Royal Patron of the Association of Sail Training Organisations and is known for her love of many sports. In 2020 she ran part of the virtual London marathon and in 2016 she cycled from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Buckingham Palace for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Diamond Challenge and raised more than £180,000 as the Award celebrated its 60th anniversary. She was met at the end by her delighted husband Prince Edward and their children, Lady Louise and James, Earl of Wessex.

“If you told me that I would feel like this at the end of seven days cycling I would never have believed you,” she declared at the finish. “I do feel good and it has been a lovely, lovely experience.”

As well as an adorable series of photos showing Lilibet hugging her mother, Meghan posted a sweet shot of the youngster walking with her dad, Prince Harry - but it was the video of Meghan and Harry dancing in the labour ward before Lilibet's birth that fans really loved.

Alongside the hilarious video of a heavily pregnant Meghan and excited Prince Harry dancing, Meghan revealed in the caption that the boogying was intended to help induce labour.

"Four years ago today, this also happened," she wrote. "Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work - there was only one thing left to do."

While this is the first time footage from Meghan's pregnancy has been shared, Prince Harry previously detailed the cheeky moment in his memoir.

Writing in Spare, Prince Harry relived the time he spent dancing with Meghan before Lilibet was born.

"We ate and ate and then did the Baby Mama dance around the hospital room," he said, adding that there was "nothing but joy and love in that room" when his daughter was born.

The couple weren't too worried about Lilibet's late arrival, he explained, as her older brother Prince Archie had also been "intent on staying put" and was a week overdue himself.

Speaking about the methods they used to try and get "things moving" after he failed to arrive on his due date, Harry revealed a trick that his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth, taught him.

He wrote, "Meg's doctor had tried several homeopathic ways to get things moving, but our little visitor was just intent on staying put. (I don't remember if we ever tried Granny's suggestion of a bumpy car ride.)"

In another poignant Instagram post, Meghan revealed that Lilibet has grown into a 'daddy's girl,' and shared some gorgeous snaps of the youngster with her father.

"The sweetest bond to watch unfold," she said in the photo's caption. "Daddy’s little girl and favorite adventurer. Happy birthday Lili!"

And while we love to see her step out in a new piece we've never seen before, she has some trusty favourites that never fail her. Her Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair Bags, for example.

We've watched on as Kate's style has evolved over her years in the royal spotlight, but as she's transitioned from wearing brighter and bolder colours to honing a more quiet luxury look, her favourite top handles have remained.

Since stepping out with the Aspinal of London Midi Mayfair Deep Shine Black Croc Bag in 2018, she has been frequently spotted carrying the piece, and also owns the same style in a stunning pastel pink shade.

A black handbag is a failsafe - but Aspinal of London have just given the Midi Mayfair a pastel update in time for summer - and our summer capsule wardrobes need one.

Shop Pastel Midi Mayfair Bags

The Midi Mayfair range boasts a seriously chic and luxurious look, no matter the colour. With a sleek, envelope-style flap bringing interest to the front of the boxy design, you get a hit of gleaming gold from the brand's signature shield clasp hardware, which is subtly engraved with the Aspinal logo.

Made from a high-shine, patent leather that's full grain for a premium finish, the luxury continues to the leather-wrapped top handle. While this is always how Kate carries her Aspinal bag, you also have the option of using the detachable gold chain strap, which has a leather shoulder panel to ensure comfort and ease when wearing it.

Kate carries the medium size of the Midi Mayfair bag, though it also comes in a small and a large.

At £650, the small Midi Mayfair bag is one of the most affordable designer handbags on the market, but Aspinal of London's latest sale means you can grab some of their other popular designs for an absolute steal.

Shop The Aspinal of London Sale

Marking their first joint engagement in two years, the pair were all smiles as they arrived at the event, which is William's first since becoming the Duke of Cornwall and inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall from his father, King Charles.

They wasted no time in heading to the Royal Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, where the best food and drink producers from across Cornwall had set out their delicious offerings. We got some hilarious photos of them both trying out some local gin, clinking their paper cups before taking a sip.

It's not the first time we've seen a member of the royal family drink alcohol whilst carrying out a public engagement, but if William's reaction to the strength of the tipple is anything to go by, then the pair might be at risk of breaking a longstanding royal protocol.

According to royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam, staying sober while out on engagements is a top priority for those in the royal line of succession, and, while there is no official ban on having a drink, the rule is there for a very understandable reason.

Speaking to FEMAIL, he explained, "They just don't drink to excess, ensuring there is no embarrassment."

He added, "All public figures, especially royals, have to be wary of alcohol, lest they be photographed in undignified poses."

However, he claimed that the rule has been bent before - even by the late Queen Elizabeth herself. Richard said, "Queen Elizabeth told Michelle Obama, 'royal protocol is rubbish.' So they can make it up! But not get inebriated - at least not in public."

Shop Duchess Sophie's Outfit

The unlikely duo didn't just step out together for the fun of it, though it looks like they're enjoying themselves. Both attended the Royal Cornwall Show in official capacities; William as patron of The Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and Sophie as patron of The Association of Agricultural Show Organisations (ASAO) and Vice President of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association.

For the event, William looked dapper in a checked blazer, blue shirt, and blue tie, while Sophie opted for a more country-chic look and paired the stunning Terrassa Button-Front Panelled Suede Midi Skirt by PAIGE with a light pink blouse, checked blazer, and a practical pair of flat, burgundy boots.

She finished off her outfit by carrying the Sophie Habsburg Paloma Bag. Her green style is no longer available, but there are a variety of stunning colours still on offer from the brand, as well as high street alternatives that can give you Sophie's look for less.

After her son Chris was killed in 2001, Vi Donovan and her husband Ray made the decision to forgive the boys responsible, and now campaign for restorative justice around the UK. Here, she shares her emotional story with woman&home.

"On the evening of Friday 26 May 2001, the two youngest of our four children, Christopher and Phil, then 18 and 17, had met for a pizza after Phil finished work," remembers Vi. "My husband Ray and I were in bed when the doorbell rang just after 1am. Two policemen were on the doorstep – the boys had been involved in an altercation and Chris was seriously injured."

"Immediately, we rushed to the hospital, where Chris was in the operating theatre and Phil was covered in blood. He explained that he’d been walking down the road with Chris when a big group of youths came towards them. Completely unprovoked, one boy had punched Phil on the nose, knocking him to the ground, and a group of them started kicking him.

"Chris tried to pull them off, and they wrestled him to the ground, stamped on his head and kicked him in the face. Then they ran away, leaving Chris unconscious in the middle of a road, where a car hit him."

"When the doctor came in, his face told us what he was going to say. Our lovely son Christopher – a hard-working, fun-loving boy who was always laughing – died on the operating table that night, just a week away from his 19th birthday.

"Ray fell to the floor. I ran out of the room. I wanted to go home, wake up and escape the nightmare.

"A policeman grabbed me and I went berserk, punching and kicking him. Rage exploded out of me.

"Physically, Phil wasn’t badly hurt, and was released from hospital that night. But he was traumatised and blamed himself. I think he’s always felt guilty, which is so unfair. Even now, 24 years later, he still has flashbacks."

Losing our son

"We had to identify our son – his poor face was smashed in and just about every bone in his body had been broken. Later, forensic evidence showed that his brain was dying before the car struck him.

"They wouldn’t let us hug him – he’s a crime scene, they said.

"On the way home, Ray said that, as Christians, we must forgive the boys who did this. Filled with anger, I told him they were animals who did not deserve forgiveness.

"The police picked up the boys responsible within 24 hours. Aged 15, 16 and 19, they were high on drink and crack – an accident waiting to happen. They were arrested for murder.

"In the months that followed I clung to my rage, hating the world and pushing everyone away.

"But as their 2002 trial approached, something started to shift within me when my six-year-old granddaughter, Rena, refused to sit on my lap one day, saying, ‘You’re not nice any more.’ It dawned on me that the hatred I held inside was hurting those I loved the most."

No remorse

"The boys who killed my son showed no remorse at their trial. But in court, their parents looked almost as shattered as us and compassion grew within me.

"All three boys were found guilty – the older two were given life in prison with a minimum of nine and 10 years. The youngest was given a minimum of six years.

"There was no cheering, no joy. It just felt terribly sad, and I began to understand that forgiveness was the only way to free myself from the hatred that was poisoning me."

"In 2003, one of the offenders contacted us from prison saying he wanted to meet and apologise. I wasn’t ready but we wrote to all three boys, explaining that we’d chosen to forgive them.

"Seven years later, we learnt that the youngest of the boys wanted to meet through a process of restorative justice, whereby the victims and offenders come together. The idea is that offenders acknowledge responsibility for their actions and are hopefully able to move forward in a positive way.

"For victims, hearing honesty and remorse can help heal the pain and, by then, we were open to the idea of a face-to-face meeting, and decided to go ahead."

"It didn’t mean we missed Chris any less – over the years, we’d missed our lovely boy every single day, and many times I was overwhelmed with grief, as birthdays and other family events came and went without him. On the day of the meeting, I was terrified at the thought of coming face-to-face with the person who was responsible for this pain.

"Our son’s killer was a grown man by then, but I could still see the 15-year-old child from court. This time, though, his remorse was as clear as day.

"To my surprise, I hugged him and said, ‘Have the life that Chris couldn’t and make it a good one. We forgive you.’

"He burst into tears, saying ‘I was a 15-year-old coward, and I murdered your son. That’s the truth, and I’m sorry.’

"A huge weight fell from all of us. The feeling was unbelievable.

"Since then, we’ve also met the other two boys, and it was equally emotional. Two are now leading good lives, with a positive future. The third hasn’t had such a good outcome, but we hope he may yet turn his life around."

A way to move on

"Ray and I campaign extensively for restorative justice, telling our story in prisons, schools and youth clubs around the country. We set up The Chris Donovan Trust, a charity to educate prisoners and young people on the impact of violent crime, and in 2018 we both received MBEs for our work.

"Restorative justice is about understanding, truth and finding a way to move on. Some victims don’t want to forgive, and that’s OK. But for us, forgiveness has given us back our lives. I choose not to live in anger. I choose to forgive, and I make that choice every minute of every day."

The Princess Royal delighted fans with her appearances during the Paris Olympics, spotted wearing her Team GB bucket hat and debuting a much more casual style from from the formalwear we're so used to seeing her in, including her choice of sneakers.

Visiting the Team GB house in Paris, the Princess Royal stepped out in a pair of Adidas shoes that immediately caught our attention. The trainers are already a hit, with many reviewers on the Adidas website raving about their comfort and stylish design.

But for those just looking for the most comfortable trainers for women to keep feet cushioned while walking, there are a couple of alternative options, including a pair from Kate Middleton's favorite sneaker brand.

Shop Princess Anne's style

Much less in price, the Blondo sneakers are a hit with online customers. One purchaser wrote, "They are exactly what I was looking for...casual, slip ons to make any outfit fun! The shoes are well made, very comfortable and WATERPROOF."

Our woman&home Fashion Writer Molly Smith comments, "It's always refreshing to see a royal take on off-duty style in such a relatable way. These Adidas trainers strike the perfect balance between being practical enough for all-day wear and feeling fashionable and on-trend."

"I don’t feel as young, though, now that I can't see,” Judi said in a candid interview with HELLO! , before going on to detail her struggle with age-related macular degeneration (also known as AMD).

She revealed her diagnosis back in 2012, bringing AMD, which is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, into the spotlight. Now, 13 years on, she's revealed that she is now "not far away" from becoming completely blind due to the condition.

"I don’t know how far I am from not being able to see at all, but it's not far away," she said. "That's very irritating."

One of the biggest issues she's faced with her sight loss has to do with recognising her friends, she added, saying that she routinely walks past those she knows without saying 'hello' - and she's also had a few mishaps with strangers, too.

She explained, "You end up cutting a lot of people dead, then you go up to complete strangers, give them the most enormous hug and say: 'I'm so sorry I haven't seen you for so long.'"

However, she has learnt a thing or two from her acting career and is now implementing those lessons into her everyday life to cope with her sight loss. "If you're an actress, you can act that you can see," she said. "I've had to act all my life, so I can act that I can see."

Judi also revealed that she's experiencing a lot of signs of hearing loss too, though she finds it "exciting" for a hilarious reason.

"My hearing is going, too," she shared. "Goodness knows what I nod and say 'yes' to. It's quite exciting, actually."

This is the positive attitude Judi is honing as she takes on her health struggles. "My mantra is to look at the positives. It's easier to live by than to let the minuses overwhelm you," she said.

Meghan delighted her millions of Instagram followers as she shared a rare look at her daughter to mark the special milestone. But it’s not just fans who haven’t seen too much of the young princess, as it’s not known if Prince William and Kate Middleton have been able to connect with their niece.

Per the Mirror, after Lilibet’s birth in 2021, the Princess of Wales revealed her heartfelt wishes for the new family member born across the pond.

In the clips, she says, “I wish her all the very best… I can't wait to meet her, because we haven't met her yet, so hopefully that will be soon.”

However, it was a later question that proved to be the more heartbreaking admission and hinted at continuing tension between the families.

When asked whether she had been able to connect with her niece via FaceTime or another virtual means, Kate added, “No, I haven't. No.”

It’s not known if William and Kate have met their niece since, as Lilibet was born after Prince Harry and Meghan quit life in the United Kingdom and moved to the States.

Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California, and lives in Montecito with her parents and older brother, Prince Archie.

Since that time, it’s only been publicly confirmed that Lilibet met her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth, from whom she got her name, and her grandfather, King Charles.

This in-person meeting took place when the Sussex family travelled to London for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

"Each time, they won. I stayed home, deciding it was better to protect my children from the possibility of losing me.

"In truth, I was losing opportunities for us day by day.

A nervous start

As a child, I’d been in two minor car accidents. Though I was physically unscathed, the emotional imprint lingered.

I hated learning to drive. It took me five attempts to pass my test, and I didn’t emerge from the process with any confidence in my driving ability. I drove only when necessary, each journey a test of endurance.

Six years passed with barely any driving while I attended university and worked abroad. When I finally sat in a driver’s seat again, I felt like a complete novice: anxious, tense, and overwhelmed.

Precious cargo

When I discovered I was expecting twins when my daughter was only nine months old, my first concern was that I’d need to drive a bigger car. I cried walking around the car lot as we tried to find something that would accommodate three car seats.

A large car with a back row tightly packed with such precious (and noisy!) cargo took my driving fear to a whole new level. My heart pounded, my throat felt restricted, and my hands gripped the steering wheel so tightly that it was often hard to release them when I arrived tearful at my destination.

A life on hold

Over time, I avoided driving more and more. I made excuses to avoid situations that might require me to drive, especially if it involved someone else’s child.

This slowly chipped away at my independence and my children’s opportunities.

I knew it was irrational, yet every time I considered driving, the mental headlines screamed louder.

By the end of the Covid-19 lockdowns, during which I hadn’t driven at all, I was done with driving. Mould had sprouted all over the car seats, and the little red box on wheels sitting dormant on the drive became a symbol of my shame.

I hated what I had become: a mum afraid to take her kids where they wanted to go. Worse, I feared I was passing that anxiety on to them. My two biggest fears – causing harm by driving versus failing my children by not driving – waged a war in my mind daily.

A chance encounter

In November 2024, I attended the Mind, Body & Spirit Festival, hoping to meet inspiring women to write about in my job as a journalist. That’s when I stumbled upon Carl. I told him I was looking for interesting women, but asked what he did anyway. “I remove negative memories in under 20 minutes,” he replied with total confidence.

Sceptical but intrigued, I challenged him: “Do it.”

And so, I found myself in the middle of a bustling exhibition hall, sitting on a stool, eyes closed, stroking my face and counting backwards as I silently remembered picking glass out of my young brother’s hair after our childhood car accident.

Minutes later, I couldn’t summon the image. It was gone. I was left speechless and elated. If this memory could be distorted, then perhaps all my memories of feeling petrified of driving could be too?

Therapy

Desperately but cautiously, I booked a three-day healing retreat at Carl and his wife Kim’s home, The Manse Retreat. When Kim greeted me at the train station with warmth, my concerns about staying with strangers melted away. Carl took time explaining his neuroscience-based methods, refined over decades of treating trauma and PTSD internationally.

I spent the next few days visualising distressing driving memories, whilst Carl used psycho-sensory techniques, eye movement therapies, and hypnotherapy to reframe them.

When asked to ‘go back to the memory’, it had either faded or lost its emotional grip. I cried a lot. My eyelids swelled up like small fat sausages through the volume of tears I shed as I released all my guilt, shame and fears. The weight that I’d carried for decades was gone.

The drive that meant everything

I left feeling uplifted, but the true test would be the following day. Could I drive my daughter 30 minutes to the theatre?

To my surprise, I felt something close to excitement. I wasn't gripped by fear. I didn’t worry I might kill someone. I just wondered where I’d park.

As I drove, I was happy. The heavy lump of fear in my throat wasn’t there. So, when I cried upon my arrival, this time it was from joy.

For nearly 30 years, driving had symbolised danger, failure, and guilt. Now, it represented freedom.

I didn’t just drive that day, I moved on.

The always stylish Kate Middleton has long been a fan of a pair of comfy and casual boat shoes paired with summer outfits - and they're poised to be a major trend of summer 2025. And what's great about Kate is that we can look back to her throwback styles to still take inspiration. Take her stylish boat shoes she first wore in 2011.

woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor, Caroline Parr says: "I always forget about boat shoes, but they're super versatile in the warmer weather. Does it get any more classic than a Breton striped top, jeans and some nautical boat shoes? They exude 'quiet luxury' and they're some great styles to snap up on the high street right now. Rarely does fashion and function come together when it comes to footwear, so enjoy this incredibly comfortable trend while you can."

Shop Kate's Boat Shoes and More

The Princess of Wales has always had a thing for practical and sensible shoes - although she loves a pair of gorgeous heels too. We love her collection of white trainers that bring a casual feel to many of her power-suit looks but now that boat shoes are back in style, there's a different style of Kate's flats that we want to get our hands on.

It just goes to prove how ahead of trends Kate can be. Over a decade after she first stepped out in boat shoes, the style was back on the catwalk with designers like Miu Miu, Prada and Dior all releasing their own versions of the style.

Instead, the Prince of Wales will be joining forces with his aunt, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. The popular royals will come together for a rare joint appearance as they attend the Royal Cornwall Show on Friday (June 6).

The show was established in 1793 by the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association, and over 200 years later, it has grown into a massive agricultural event, attracting up to 120,000 visitors annually.

It aims to highlight causes important to Prince William, including the improvement of agriculture and associated industries. William has in recent years spearheaded the Earthshot Prize, which celebrates those contributing towards environmental work around the world.

This isn’t the only reason it’s a special appearance for William, though. It will mark his first time appearing at the show since becoming the Duke of Cornwall and inheriting the Duchy of Cornwall following King Charles’s ascension to the throne.

As the previous Duke of Cornwall, and with his own passion for farming and organic produce, Charles enjoyed visiting the Royal Cornwall Show over the years.

On arrival, William and Sophie are expected to visit the Royal Cornwall Food and Farming Pavilion, which showcases dozens of the best artisan food and drink producers from across Cornwall.

The Duchess will later visit two organisations of which she is Patron, LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) a leading organisation promoting sustainable food and farming, and the Girl Guides.

While we don’t see them appearing together too often, this isn’t the first time the Prince and the Duchess have teamed up - the pair appeared together at Battersea Power Station in 2023.

In recent years, following their shift and new titles after the late Queen Elizabeth II’s death, it’s been widely reported that Prince William and Kate Middleton have become closer to Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie, with Sophie stepping in to show a "maternal" side with her nephew.

And during Kate’s cancer treatment and time out of the public eye, it was suggested Sophie was a massive support and help with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The Duchess and Princess Charlotte even offered a rare glimpse into their close bond during the VE Day 2025 celebrations.

Fans will no doubt be excited to see the aunt and nephew having fun together!

While travelling across continents for a two-day trip would be considered tiring work for people of any age, the fact that Their Majesties are in their 70s – and King Charles is still facing cancer treatment – makes their recent visit to Canada all the more impressive.

Considering Queen Camilla is the "only person" the King will listen to when it comes to his health, the two of them choosing to take on these activities together is proof that they're both tirelessly dedicated to their work.

During Charles and Camilla’s Canadian royal visit, their official itinerary was packed, starting with community gatherings not long after landing and going on to include tree plantings, audiences with dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney. Plus, delivering a speech from the throne to open Parliament.

It was royal expert and Daily Mail’s Editor at Large Richard Kay who revealed a clever, but tiring, trick that keeps them going for short trips and helps to avoid jet lag,

It turns out the royals will opt to stay on UK time, meaning they plough ahead without giving themselves the time to properly adjust to a new time zone - and they are still on UK time when they return home.

Richard explained on the Palace Confidential podcast, “One of the problems that you get on a tour where you're eight or nine hours away from the UK, you've got to adjust your body [clock]. On this occasion, they knew they simply weren't going to have enough time to do that. So credit to the king, who's still having cancer treatment - and credit to the queen who's come to this [job] late in life.”

Canada is five hours behind the United Kingdom, so when Charles was giving a speech to Canada’s parliament at 11am on May 27, he was operating at 6am UK time.

Despite this potential for tiredness, the King was warmly received during the royal tour, and a Buckingham Palace spokesperson later confirmed he had been left “deeply moved” by the visit.

The palace spokesperson confirmed to CBC News that “His Majesty was deeply moved and touched by the enthusiastic response to his visit… On the speech, the standing ovation in particular was an unexpected and emotional moment for His Majesty. You can hear his voice go a bit crackly in the final lines.”

Stepping out in Windsor for an afternoon tea to honour women of distinction, Duchess Sophie epitomised the early days of June in a flowing frilly midi by Aspiga that is already one of our favourites of her summer wardrobe.

The fresh blue hue of the brand's Victoria Broderie Dress gave the perfect lift to Sophie's skin tone and creamy blonde locks, demonstrating the power that knowing which colours suit you can garner.

"The combination of the blue hue and Broderie anglaise fabric just made this my new favourite dress from Sophie's wardrobe," Caroline Parr, Fashion Ecommerce Editor at woman&home says.

"The V-neckline is super flattering, and the flared cuffs are a really nice touch."

"The combination of the blue hue and Broderie anglaise fabric just made this my new favourite dress from Sophie's wardrobe," Caroline Parr, Fashion Ecommerce Editor at woman&home says.

"The V-neckline is super flattering, and the flared cuffs are a really nice touch."

Shop Blue Broderie

As any dedicated royal fashion fan will know, a pair of espadrille wedges is a key component in the warm-weather shoe collection of not only Duchess Sophie, but also the Princess of Wales. Both royal women regularly elevate their dresses with the more casual take on heels during the summer season - and they're a particular favourite when it comes to dressing for Wimbledon.

While we often see Sophie sport a pair of closed-toe wedges, she chose a slightly more summery open-toe option in white, with a beige ankle tie detail that provides more of a playful feel than a standard buckle.

The Duchess of Edinburgh is all for a standout summer handbag choice, too, having stepped out with some cool slogan clutches and swoon-worthy designer picks in hand in the past.

Her blue and beige top-handle is a real eye-catcher, adding a sprinkle of that holiday wardrobe feel.