Ant McPartlin's absence at the King's Trust Awards reception REVEALED as Dec Donnelly appears without his right hand man to greet His Majesty
Dec Donnelly mingled amongst Hollywood superstar George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney as they attended a star-studded reception at Buckingham Palace On Wednesday.
However as the TV presenter, 49, warmly greeted King Charles alongside his wife Alison there was one notable absence.
Dec's co-host Ant McPartlin was no where to be seen as he failed to make an appearance at the King's Trust Awards reception during the afternoon.
However it has now been confirmed Ant was away on a family holiday so was unable to make the reception.
The King's Trust said in a statement: 'Ant is currently away on a pre-arranged family holiday so is unable to attend today.
'He will be back from his holiday to present The King's Trust Awards tomorrow.'
Yet it isn't the first time Ant's absence has been noted after the Geordie TV star failed to attend the reception for the winners of the 20th Prince's Trust Awards at the palace in May 2024.
King Charles couldn't contain his laughter during a sweet encounter with Dec as he asked where his right-hand man was.
Explaining why Ant wasn't able to attend his event, Dec joked that Ant was 'too busy breastfeeding' after welcoming his first child with wife Anne-Marie, a son named Wilder.
Dec said: 'Good to see you, nice to see you too. He's [Ant] not here today but he sends his apologises. He's got a week old baby so he's home breastfeeding or something.'
King Charles asked: 'Is it his first one [child]?'
Dec responded: 'Yeah, it's his first one. They've got daughters from previous marriages but it's his first one.'
'So will you please give him my many congratulations', King Charles added.
Dec said: 'I will, of course.'
Meanwhile George and wife Amal were in good spirits on Wednesday as they arrived hand in hand at the event.
The Hollywood icon, 64, and his human rights lawyer wife, 47, dressed to impress as they attended the reception celebrating the winners at the palace.
The actor was back to his grey locks, much to the delight of his wife who George previously said 'hated' the freshly brown dyed locks he had for his latest Broadway show.
The couple couldn't contain their smile as King Charles III chatted away to the couple before greeting guests.
The Clooneys have long supported the work of The King's Trust, formerly known as The Prince's Trust.
The Amal Clooney Women's Empowerment Award, launched in 2019 with the Trust, celebrates the achievements of inspirational female youngsters around the world.
The actor cut a dapper figure in a grey suit which he teamed with a matching open collar shirt.
Meanwhile Amal made sure to turn heads in a black off the shoulder gown which she teamed with towering heels and a gold clutch.
The King met with the winners of the eight UK categories during the day as well as the three winners of the three global categories ahead of the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Royal Festival Hall on Thursday.
Also mingling with the royal was make-up mogul Charlotte Tilbury, who looked to enjoy a spirited chat with the royal, and national treasure Dame Joanna Lumley.
Actor Joseph Fiennes, presenter Fearne Cotton, Rosie Huntingdon-Whiteley and members of girl group the Sugababes were also present at the glitzy reception.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
Denis Villeneuve: Director of next James Bond film announced - and says he's a 'diehard 007 fan'
The director of the next James Bond film has been announced. - a four-time Academy Award nominee who earned critical acclaim for the Dune Franchise and Blade Runner 2049 - said the role is a "massive responsibility". The Canadian filmmaker described himself as a "diehard" fan since childhood, adding that it is a "huge honour" to come on board. "Some of my earliest movie-going memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr No with Sean Connery," Villeneuve said. Reassuring fans, the director continued: "To me, he's sacred territory. I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come." His appointment comes as the British spy franchise experiences a major overhaul, with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson handing over creative control to Amazon MGM Studios. The Broccoli family have long been the force behind the Bond films, and now co-own the intellectual property. Two recently appointed producers - Spider-Man's Amy Pascal and Harry Potter's David Heyman - said securing a director and developing a screenplay were top priorities before deciding who would succeed Daniel Craig in the role. The head of Amazon MGM Studios, Mike Hopkins, described Villeneuve as a "cinematic master whose filmography speaks for itself". He added: "Denis has delivered compelling worlds, dynamic visuals, complex characters, and - most importantly - the immersive storytelling that global audiences yearn to experience in theatres. "James Bond is in the hands of one of today's greatest filmmakers and we cannot wait to get started on 007's next adventure."
Times
2 hours ago
- Times
The Scott hotel, Edinburgh: a tranquil, trendy escape from the city
I'm sipping fizz in a grand baronial drawing room with original 1750s ruby-red velvet walls, gilded cornicing and a vast marble fireplace. I'm not sure what I was expecting from a hotel owned by Edinburgh University — let's not forget, it also owns some decidedly unplush student halls — but this elegant, low-lit, seductively grown-up spot sure ain't it. I have come to the Scott, a handsome, turreted 18th-century mansion less than 30 yards from Pollock Halls student accommodation — but a lifetime from the spartan vibe of undergrad living. Reopened in 2022 after a boutique makeover by its owner, the University of Edinburgh Hospitality Collection, the Scott is a just-right marriage of the traditional and the contemporary: think original oak-panelled halls with striking modern artworks from Glasgow's Artpistol gallery; lipstick-pink chaises longues in high lounges with corniced ceilings. The bedrooms feel more modern. There are 36 in all, each with a distinct design, though marble bathrooms, tall windows and the semi-obligatory 'boutique hotel' teals, greys and greens are a common theme, with colourful paintings, bright cushions and throws adding pleasing pops of colour. The bathtub in my room was enormous, coupled with a curiously low toilet seat. Cards with messages to be mindful, left on your pillow, were an unusual — and actually quite welcome — touch; the whiskies and complimentary salted caramel chocolates were a winner. • The 15 best restaurants in Edinburgh — our critic's guide Crucially, given its proximity to Pollock Halls, the hotel is wonderfully quiet. Despite staying on a Saturday night, we heard not a peep from our neighbours. No student raves, no loud teenagers fumbling in the dark for keys as they returned from Sneaky Pete's in the wee hours. • These are my favourite almost-secret beauty spots in Scotland The real star at the Scott is the dining room, Bonnar's. Dominated by a magnificent fresco by the 19th-century interior designer and architect Thomas Bonnar, the restaurant oozes an elegant, rococo vibe. Headed by Pier Berretta — the Italian chef has worked at Noma in Copenhagen as well as a galaxy of Michelin-starred restaurants in Paris — the restaurant's focus is local, seasonal and delicious, with seafood from Peterhead and many ingredients harvested from the hotel's kitchen garden. With mains starting at £20 and a five-course tasting menu for £65, Bonnar's feels like a pretty good deal considering the pedigree of its chef and the quality of its food. Spacing between tables and soft background jazz cultivates an intimate atmosphere too — though I could have done without the clank of cutlery towards the end of our meal as staff set up for breakfast. Still, it did mean we went through to the Velvet Lounge for a nightcap a bit earlier than we might otherwise have done, and for that I will be for ever grateful — not least because it was about to close for the evening. It was a shame, because this is a wonderfully moody speakeasy for a whisky cocktail or two — with original velvet walls, soft, seductive lighting and blue crushed-velvet armchairs that wouldn't look out of place in Soho House. Some music would have helped too, but that may just be me; guests coming for peace and calm away from Auld Reekie will feel considerably less aggrieved. Back in my room, a French 75 in one hand and an espresso martini in the other (when in doubt, double slainte), I found myself reflecting on what makes this place special. It's not the view — mine was of a driveway, not Arthur's Seat or Holyrood Park — nor do you get a sense that trendy interiors are king. It's the quiet, the attention to detail, the sense that every little thing has been considered to make you feel, if not at home, then at least somewhere maybe even better than your home. As I drained the last of the prosecco and sank into the oversized bed, I realised the Scott isn't trying to dazzle you. It's trying to soothe you. And in a city as lively as Edinburgh that's no small feat — even if the toilet was ridiculously Halford was a guest of the Scott (B&B doubles from £195,
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Kelly Osbourne is unrecognisable at summer party - and tells me her stunning tirade for critics who say she is taking Ozempic 'too far': RICHARD EDEN'S DIARY
New-look Kelly is unrecognisable at summer party The Serpentine Gallery's summer party is one of the highlights of the London social season and attracts famous faces from around the world.
