Latest news with #Royal Family
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Middleton's go-to brand for chic blazers, co-ords and court shoes launches huge summer sale - here are the best Princess-approved buys
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Royal favourite LK Bennett has just unveiled a huge online sale, offering significant savings across blazers, dresses, handbags and more. The label, beloved by several members of the Royal Family - including the Princess of Wales - is known for its timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship. Kate owns an array of LK Bennett clothing and accessories, many of which have become style signatures. One of her most-worn staples, the Fern Patent Leather Courts, is now 25 per cent off. Handcrafted in Spain from buttery-soft nude nappa leather, these elegant heels feature a pointed toe and sleek stiletto - perfect for transitioning from office hours to evening plans. For a touch of refined tailoring, the Charlie Tweed Jacket is a standout. Made from luxurious Italian fabric and finished with embossed buttons, it works beautifully with the matching skirt or paired with jeans on a more casual occasion. If you're shopping for an event, the Jem Tea Dress - in vivid fuchsia scattered with wildflowers - is ideal for weddings, while the pastel blue Kate Shirt Dress, complete with contrast collar and cuffs, offers understated elegance. For evening glamour, the Sequin Maxi Dress is a true showstopper with its flattering square neckline, a skimming silhouette and eye-catching purple hue. Trend-lovers will appreciate the Leigh Wool Blend Jumper in this season's must-have orange, a versatile knit that works now and well into autumn. Another clever style update comes in the form of Allie Pearl Shoe Clips - a chic and affordable way to refresh your trusty heels. And if you're heading on holiday, don't miss the foldable Straw Visor and coordinating Raffia Pouch, both now half price - stylish, practical and suitcase-friendly. Explore these finds and more in LK Bennett's online sale while stocks last.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Anne Didn't Just Curtsy to Her Mother Queen Elizabeth, She "Took It Further," Per Royal Biographer
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. When it comes to royal etiquette, few traditions spark more stress than the idea of curtsying. For those meeting the Royal Family, knowing when—and to whom—to curtsy or bow to can feel like a social minefield. Even within the Royal Family, the rules of deference can weigh heavily, as author Craig Brown wrote in his biography Q: A Voyage Around The Queen. Noting that Queen Elizabeth "took the order of precedence very seriously," he shared the intricacies of curtsying—and how Princess Anne took royal etiquette even more serious than most. Brown wrote that Queen Elizabeth "expected everyone, including her sister, her mother and her children, to greet her with a bow or a curtsy"—even when "others in her circle" thought the practice was "roughly a couple of centuries out of date." Throughout her 70-year reign, members of the Royal Family dutifully bowed or curtsied to Queen Elizabeth—even when viewing her coffin—but Brown noted that one member of the family "took it further." According to the author, "A friend of Princess Anne noticed that she would automatically stand up when taking a telephone call from her mother." View Deal View Deal As the times (and marriages) changed, the author noted that "rules had to be rejigged" as to who curtsied to whom, calling it "a matter of some complexity." When Camilla Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in 2005, Queen Elizabeth tasked her private secretary with creating a document titled "Precedence of the Royal Family to be Observed at Court." This laid out who would curtsy to each other, and only Duchess Sophie, who was born to a middle-class family, was required to curtsy to Camilla at the time. When Kate Middleton married Prince William, the rules changed again, and when Meghan Markle started dating Prince Harry she was given a crash course in curtsying by none other than Sarah Ferguson. However, the tradition might not be long for this world. Earlier this year, etiquette expert William Hanson told Marie Claire that he "wouldn't be surprised" if bowing and curtsying goes away for all but the most formal of court occasions when Prince William takes the throne. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS The secret Harry peace summit: King Charles and Duke of Sussex's senior aides meet for talks near royal palace in first step towards reconciliation and strongest sign yet both sides want to resolve bitter family feud
King Charles and Prince Harry 's senior aides have held a secret peace summit, The Mail on Sunday can reveal, marking the first significant move to resolving their rancorous family feud. Sources said last week's meeting was the initial step in a 'rapprochement process' to restore the broken relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the rest of the Royal Family. Aptly, the talks were held at a London private members' club that champions international friendship, and whose patron is the King. It is not known whether it was Charles or Harry who extended the olive branch, but insiders said the summit is the strongest sign yet of the determination on both sides to resolve the bitter House of Windsor feud. 'There's a long road ahead, but a channel of communication is now open for the first time in years,' said a source. 'There was no formal agenda, just casual drinks. There were things both sides wanted to talk about.' Harry was represented by Meredith Maines, his chief communications officer and head of his household in Montecito, California, who flew in from Los Angeles. She met Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary, at the Royal Over-Seas League (ROSL) a three-minute walk from Clarence House, the monarch's London residence. Also present was Liam Maguire, who runs the Sussexes' PR team in the UK. King Charles and Prince Harry's senior aides have held a secret peace summit in London (pictured: the head of communications for Royal Family Tobyn Andreae (left) and Meridith Maines head of communications for The Sussexes (right) with Liam Maguire, who runs the Sussexes' PR team in the UK (centre) It was Ms Maines who organised Harry's BBC interview in May in which he said he 'would love a reconciliation' with the Royal Family, but that the King 'won't speak to me because of this security stuff'. The Duke was referring to the removal of his automatic police security detail in Britain, which he called an 'old-fashioned establishment stitch-up' and suggested his father could have resolved the situation. Despite this adding to a history of wounding remarks, Charles was still said to be hopeful of a reunion with his younger son and that he might yet build a relationship with his two grandchildren, six-year-old Prince Archie and four-year-old Princess Lilibet. Ms Maines, wearing a sleeveless cream jacket and high heels and carrying a black Louis Vuitton bag, arrived at the club by taxi with Mr Maguire at 3.50pm on Wednesday. Mr Andreae turned up several minutes later carrying a gift from Berry Bros & Rudd, the wine and spirits merchant which has been supplying the Royal Family since 1760. The trio were later seen chatting over drinks in the 26C (78F) sunshine on the club's first-floor garden terrace overlooking Green Park. After ten minutes they got up and resumed their discussions inside. The source said the summit was only the 'first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction. 'Everyone just wants to move on and move forward now. It was finally the right time for the two sides to talk.' Founded in 1910, the Grade I-listed ROSL was an apposite choice of venue. It is dedicated to 'fostering international friendship and understanding'. Its website says its members 'benefit from the club's stunning interior design and restoration combined with historic features and architecture whilst enjoying a world of dining, events, arts and accommodation all under one roof.' Tobyn Andreae (left), the King's communications secretary, met with Meredith Maines (right) - who is Harry's chief communications officer, in London Mr Andreae is seen leaving from his private meeting with Prince Harry's royal aide last Wednesday Harry was represented by Meredith Maines, his chief communications officer and head of his household in Montecito, who met Tobyn Andreae, the King's communications secretary The talks were held at a London private members' club that champions international friendship, and whose patron is the King Ms Maines – who was also in the UK to meet her British-based team for the first time since she was appointed as the Sussexes' first chief communications officer on March 3 – flew back to the US after the meeting. She is understood to have reported straight to the Duke. She is based at the Sussexes' £15 million mansion, from where they conduct their affairs, rather than using a separate office. A seasoned Silicon Valley strategist with past roles at Google and a software company, Ms Maines spends most days at Meghan and Harry's home managing their day-to-day operations and overseeing a team of eight staff. She is the most senior aide in the newly formed 'Sussex Royal Household', which was formed last month in a bid to emulate the rigid hierarchical structure Harry operated in when he was a working member of the family at Kensington Palace. Ms Maines is said to have masterminded the unveiling of the duchess's Netflix show With Love, Meghan, and her lifestyle brand As Ever. Mr Maguire, who, like Harry, is a graduate of the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, has worked on projects associated with the Invictus Games for wounded service personnel since Harry launched it in 2014. The Windsor feud began shortly after Harry and Meghan moved to California and gave an explosive interview to US chat show queen Oprah Winfrey in March 2021. Insiders said the final straw for Prince William were claims made his younger brother made in memoir, Spare, including that they had physically fought over Harry's relationship with Meghan (William and Harry are pictured together in June 2021) The Duchess described approaching Harry and the Royal Family, seeking help with suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy. 'I just didn't want to be alive any more,' she said. 'And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought. And I remember – I remember how he [Harry] just cradled me.' Meghan said she asked a senior royal about the possibility of seeking help and was told that would not be possible because it 'wouldn't be good for the institution'. Harry further claimed that while his wife was pregnant, a member of his family had expressed 'concerns' to him about the baby's skin colour. Insiders said Harry's memoir, Spare, was the final straw for his brother William, as it made public claims such as a physical fight the pair are said to have had over Harry's relationship with Meghan. The Royal Family responded with expressions of empathy, couched with the now infamous line: 'Recollections may vary.' Last year, The Mail on Sunday revealed that the Duke of Sussex had begun consulting with old friends from the UK about how to mastermind a return from exile. The Royal Family reportedly had 'zero trust' in Prince Harry following his bombshell BBC interview earlier this year, an insider previously claimed (pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Prince and Princess of Wales and King Charles departing Westminster Abbey after attending a Commonwealth Service in 2020) At the time, sources said that Harry was consulting with people 'from his old life' as a working royal after allegedly growing dissatisfied with advice from American-based image experts. The overtures signified the first stage in a strategy to 'rehabilitate' Harry that he hoped would involve him spending more time in the UK to repair his relationship with his father. But during his BBC interview, the Duke expressed uncertainty about 'how much longer my father has left,' sparking criticism for fuelling speculation about the 76-year-old monarch's health. Harry admitted that he didn't expect forgiveness across the board from his family, saying, 'Of course, some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. Of course, they will never forgive me for… lots of things.' Despite this, he expressed a clear desire for a rapprochement, saying, 'I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight any more.' Last month, The Mail on Sunday revealed that The Duke of Sussex had decided to extend an olive branch to the Royal Family by inviting them to the 2027 Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham. He is said to be hopeful that the event could spell the end of his self-imposed exile in California, and mark a return to the royal fold. Meanwhile there are still hurdles to overcome with Harry's Home Office battle over security. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, Harry lost his automatic taxpayer-funded police protection, but has fiercely contested the decision, insisting that he and his family are at risk whenever they visit the UK. He maintains that if his father would only 'step out of the way' he could get his police protection back. In the BBC interview, Harry accused his father of standing in the way of his fight for protection. The issue became emblematic of the deep mistrust that now defines his relationship with his father and the wider royal household –but which may now, finally, be beginning to thaw.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Willie Mullins gets royal seal of approval as he becomes first Irish trainer to saddle a horse for the British monarch
The bell to herald history tolled at 820pm on Friday evening. A small, enthusiastic crowd had gathered around the parade ring at Leopardstown racecourse and there they saw the most distinguished silks in racing appear. Here was Jody Townend, younger sister of multiple Cheltenham Gold winning jockey Paul, in the colours of The King and Queen. No matter how many times you have seen them, the black hat, purple sleeves and red body with the gold braids, never fail to catch your eye. Royal runners here are rare, the last high-profile one being Dartmouth in the 2017 Irish St Leger, but this was something different. Townend, after chatting to Paul Johnston, the British Ambassador to Ireland, was legged up to ride Reaching High in the Lady Riders Handicap. Together they were ready to break new ground. For Reaching High became the first runner to be saddled by an Irish trainer for the reigning British Monarchs, the responsibility of preparing the horse being granted to Willie Mullins. Here was the start of a new – and fascinating – relationship. 'It's a huge honour, isn't it?' said the trainer's son, Patrick. 'It's fantastic King Charles has carried on the support that the late Queen Elizabeth II was so good with. It created a huge buzz way beyond the sport. I was invited on (popular radio show) Morning Ireland on Thursday to talk about it. 'It made the national newspapers and it was clear to see it had been picked up beyond the boundaries of racing in a very positive light. I don't ever recall seeing the silks 'live', so to speak. They are unusual, so distinct and classy, as you would expect.' John Warren, Racing Manager to the Royal Family, explained The Queen drove the decision to send Reaching High to Ireland with the potential to one day run at Cheltenham, a meeting where she watched the then Prince Charles suffer a high-profile fall in the 1981 Kim Muir Chase. It is their wish, according to Warren, to 'have some fun' with Reaching High, who used to be trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Some will wonder why the horse didn't stay in Newmarket after Stoute retired but the relationships with the Royal Family and Mullins can be traced to Ascot last summer. 'We got a phone call a little while after asking whether we would be interested,' Patrick adds. 'And, of course, we were more than delighted. We'd know exactly, too, how important it is for the Royal family to have that interest in racing.' It makes total sense, in that respect, to turn to the services of the king of National Hunt racing, a man who has been the UK's champion for the last two seasons and has more than 100 Cheltenham winners on CV. There will, however, be more immediate targets to pursue. Mullins is no stranger to success at the Royal meeting and has been trying to win the Gold Cup for years; it was the late Queen's wonderful filly Estimate who denied the yard in 2013, so it is fitting the mare's son, Reaching High, should end up in the 68-year-old's care. 'I was travelling through Australia in 2013,' Patrick recalls. 'I was with my cousin, Emmett, in Airlie Beach listening to commentary of the Gold Cup. We were screaming for our horse, Simenon, but he just couldn't get by Estimate.' There was some screaming done on Friday, too, from the stands. Reaching High hadn't run since last August and he wasn't fully fit but plenty backed him and Townend almost conjured a winning run after being bumped, the pair being denied in a photo-finish and then, again, in a stewards' enquiry. 'It was great to be a part of history and there was definitely a buzz around the course,' said Townend. 'It was a shame we didn't get up but he ran a cracker. To wear these silks was a brilliant. I'd have loved to have won but I'd say he will get his head in front soon enough.'
