Latest news with #WindsorCastle
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Princess Anne wants Prince William to ditch this concerning royal habit: expert
Princess Anne reportedly wants Prince William to ditch an annoying habit. Several royal experts claimed to Fox News Digital that the late queen's only daughter, who has been crowned "the hardest-working royal," is hopeful that her nephew will pick up the slack as he prepares to be king one day. "Prince William, in the past, had allegations that he was work-shy," royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital. "… The 'perfect prince' image may be slightly tarnished, and Princess Anne takes no prisoners." "My natural reaction is that Princess Anne will win this battle," Turner added. Turner's comments came shortly after The Sunday Times reported that William "annoys" his aunt when it comes to their shared royal duty. The U.K. published a profile of Anne leading up to her 75th birthday next month. Several unnamed sources close to the princess claimed that she would like to see the father of three do more "bread-and-butter" royal engagements. The outlet pointed out that only King Charles, as well as Anne and William, do investitures, and many of them take place at Windsor Castle, near William's home, Adelaide Cottage. "She's still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there," a source close to Anne claimed to the outlet. "It annoys her." Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment. Investitures are described as ceremonies in which a senior royal presents medals to people recognized for their significant contributions. The special services are traditionally held at either Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle. According to the royal family's website, there are about 30 investitures each year. "Princess Anne's well-deserved reputation stems from her ability to carry out everyday royal engagements without fanfare or praise," royal commentator Amanda Matta explained to Fox News Digital. "So seeing William, who lives just down the road from Windsor, skip out on investitures, she's still doing herself in her mid-70s? I imagine that would absolutely get under her skin." "With fewer working royals in the fold, and even fewer who can carry out significant engagements like investitures, Anne likely wants to see William take on more of the foundational royal work… not just the high-profile tours and splashier events," Matta shared. "The steady, day-in, day-out work is what keeps the monarchy visible and justifies their existence. It also feels like we're watching two very different generations define 'royal duty' in very different ways. Anne's motto is 'just get on with it,' while William always seems concerned with what an event says about the future of the crown." Despite Anne's reported personal feelings, she's adamant about supporting the heir to the throne. The outlet reported that Anne is "fond of her nephew" and will be by his side if she's still working when he accedes to the throne. And the feeling is mutual. Three weeks after suffering a horse-related accident, Anne returned to work, black eye and all. William and his wife, Kate Middleton, acknowledged her dedication on X: "Super trooper! So great to see you back so soon. W&C x." According to the outlet, William "is known to admire his aunt's devotion to duty." "Even if there is any annoyance, there's mutual respect as well as affection between Princess Anne and Prince William as all who know them can confirm," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "Princess Anne remains most supportive of Prince William's future as king," she shared. "She admires his sense of duty and commitment to the crown as well as his being a good family man rather than so many of his Prince of Wales predecessors who have, throughout history, been notorious for their womanizing while awaiting ascending to the throne." "As Prince William grows into his role, we are likely to see more collaboration for future royal events, particularly at Windsor," Fordwich continued. "There is a balance to bear in mind between Prince William's current greater focus on his family versus the more traditional ceremonial approach Princess Anne has upheld. He is well aware of this." WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON 'DEDICATED TO DUTY' AS MONARCHY'S FUTURE: A REAL PARTNERSHIP Fordwich pointed out that William has prioritized being a hands-on parent to his children, including his eldest Prince George, who is second in line to the throne. "By all accounts, Prince George is well-adjusted and a fine king in waiting," said Fordwich. "This is one of the most important roles Prince William has – to raise a great king. He's taking that role most seriously." According to People magazine, Anne will hold the most investiture ceremonies in 2025. In 2023, Anne attended the most engagements of any member of the royal family, reports revealed. She conducted 457 engagements, making her the most industrious for the third year running. William has been accused of being "work-shy" by critics for limiting his royal engagements. Prince Harry wrote about the label in his memoir "Spare." The Duke of Sussex pointed out that when the accusations first came to light, his brother was raising his firstborn, Prince George, and expecting his daughter Charlotte. "The papers were awash with stories about Willy being lazy, and the press had taken to calling him 'Work Shy Wills,' which was obscene, grossly unfair because he was busy having children and raising a family," wrote the 39-year-old. "He did as much as Pa wanted him to do, and sometimes that wasn't much because Pa and Camilla didn't want Willy and Kate getting loads of publicity. Pa and Camilla didn't like Willy and Kate drawing attention away from them on their causes. They'd openly scolded Willy about it many times." In May of this year, Ed Owens, a historian who writes about the British monarchy, told The New York Times that William has been revamping his reputation. The outlet reported that the 43-year-old met with President Donald Trump at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, rode on a tank during a visit to British troops in Estonia, and represented his father at the funeral of Pope Frances. "William has sometimes been seen as work-shy, but we see him gravitating toward bigger, more media-friendly events," Owens told the outlet. "He's burnishing his reputation as a statesman." Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, previously told Fox News Digital that William had prioritized raising his family over the years. But with the king's slimmed-down monarchy, he will be expected to juggle multiple roles. "[William and Catherine] have long been accused of being 'work-shy,' and frankly, it comes from a deep desire to provide a normal life for their family," she explained. "It was easier to accomplish that work-life balance in years past when the kids were young." "There were more working members of the family, and [William and Catherine] were less senior," she said. "But that's no longer the case. And they are going to need to get with the program. They are very duty-driven, and they have a heart for service, but sometimes the country, and indeed the world, expect to see them at a time when it may be inconvenient for them. And that's always been the essential conflict of that job – the crown comes first." As for Anne, she plans to continue working. "She has said her plan is to push on [with work] until she is 80, then start winding down a bit, and then copy the [late] Duke of Edinburgh and wind down completely at 90," a source told the Sunday Times.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Prince and Princess of Wales 'consider leaving Adelaide Cottage'
The Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly considering moving from Adelaide Cottage. The royal couple have lived in the grounds of Windsor Castle for the last three years, but they are now considering relocating to somewhere bigger, with Fort Belvedere - which is located in Windsor Great Park - being tipped as one possible destination. A source told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial. "This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Charlotte loves playing tennis." The Prince and Princess of Wales - who have Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis, seven, together - are currently evaluating their options, but no move is imminent. Earlier this year, the Princess announced that she was in remission from cancer. The 43-year-old royal took to social media in January to reflect on her emotional return to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London, where she received treatment for cancer, and to confirm that she was in remission from the disease. Catherine - who went public with her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 - wrote on X: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. "We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional. "In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C (sic)"
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate and William consider leaving cosy Adelaide Cottage for a grander home - and gothic pile Fort Belvedere, where Edward VIII sealed his abdication, ticks all their boxes
For three years, the Prince and Princess of Wales have brought their children up at Adelaide Cottage, a peaceful refuge in the grounds of Windsor Castle. But the cosy, four-bedroom house, which is relatively modest by royal standards, was never going to be the 'forever home' for William, Kate, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte. Royal sources have told The Mail on Sunday that the prince and princess are considering upsizing to a grander residence. One option, according to sources, could be Fort Belvedere, a magnificent gothic-revival mansion nestled in a hidden corner of Windsor Great Park. Built in the 18th century, Fort Belvedere became the favourite home of Edward VIII, who lived there before he became monarch and after he abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson. In fact, it was there that he signed the papers which sealed his infamous abdication in 1936. The sprawling, grade II-listed property is set in 59 acres of grounds and has an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court, which sources say is particularly appealing for Kate and Charlotte, both of whom are enthusiasts. Known as The Fort, the country house also features a rose garden, walled garden, kitchen garden, large greenhouse, stables, two lakes, paddocks and three cottages for staff. Several cannons used in the Jacobite rising used to be positioned along its battlements. One well-connected source told the MoS: 'They feel they have outgrown Adelaide Cottage and need somewhere more substantial. 'This is the perfect new home for them. It has a swimming pool and tennis court, and Charlotte loves playing tennis.' The MoS understands that although the royal couple are considering their options, no move is imminent. William and Kate, both 43, have previously been linked with a potential move to Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion in Windsor where Prince Andrew lives, but Andrew resisted pressure from the King to leave. This newspaper has learnt that an alternative plan involved the prince and princess and their family moving into a wing of Windsor Castle. However, that is also understood to no longer be viable. The couple moved from Kensington Palace in west London to Adelaide Cottage in August 2022, along with George, 12, Charlotte, ten, and Louis, seven. The property is a ten-minute walk from Windsor Castle and a short drive from Lambrook School, which is attended by the three children. Their move coincided with a challenging period for the Royal Family, with Queen Elizabeth dying at Balmoral Castle only weeks later. Adelaide Cottage also provided a private and tranquil setting for Kate's recovery from chemotherapy after she was diagnosed with cancer last year. Insiders say a move to a more substantial property would mark a new chapter for their family. The couple are weighing up which senior school to choose for Prince George, with Eton, where fees are more than £63,000 a year, believed to be the front-runner. William and Kate are said to put a high value on privacy and a rural setting – two requirements they would continue to maintain if they were to move to The Fort. Edward VIII rescued the building, which was used as a summer tea house by Queen Victoria, from falling into decay and installed a swimming pool, tennis court and even a Turkish bath. In the two decades after he left, the property remained largely empty until 1956, when Queen Elizabeth's cousin Gerald Lascelles moved in. Originally a mansion with 30 to 40 rooms, he is believed to have reduced it to an eight-bedroom house. It was leased to Canadian retail billionaire Galen Weston and his wife Hilary in the early 1980s. The Westons built a polo stud in the grounds and hosted Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Princess Caroline of Monaco for Hilary's 60th birthday party in a huge marquee next the house. Mr Weston, who was said to be worth £5.2 billion, died at 80 in 2021, but his family continued to live at the property, which is owned by the Crown Estate.
Daily Mail
23-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
The surprising reason why Prince William 'annoys' his aunt Princess Anne is revealed
Princess Anne is often regarded as the 'hardest working' member of the royal family, and Prince William, the future King, no doubt admires his aunt's devotion to the monarchy. But perhaps their work goals differ ever-so slightly - as several sources claiming to be close to the Princess Royal, 74, told The Sunday Times that the King's sister would like to see her nephew do more 'bread-and-butter' royal engagements. For instance, only the monarch, Princess Anne and Prince William perform the investitures, the formal ceremonies where those who have been awarded a royal honour receive their insignia. Many of these take place at Windsor Castle, near the Prince of Wales' home of Adelaide Cottage. A source close to Princess Anne told the publication: 'She's still doing most of the investitures [at Windsor] even though William lives there. It annoys her.' The Royal Family's official website notes that around 30 Investitures are held each year, with over sixty recipients attending each ceremony, either in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, or in the Grand Reception Room at Windsor Castle. 'Investitures also happen occasionally at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, or overseas during State or Royal visits,' adds the site. 'Investitures are hosted by The King, The Princess Royal and The Prince of Wales.' Elsewhere in The Sunday Times article, published ahead of the royal's 75th birthday, it was revealed that Princess Anne's injuries after suffering a concussion last year were 'much worse' than the public knew at the time. The Princess Royal was admitted to intensive care last June with concussion and head injuries after reportedly being kicked by a horse at her Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire. She was taken to Southmead Hospital in Bristol for tests, treatment and observation, before returning to duties that July. Now, a source said to know Anne well has told The Sunday Times that her accident was 'so much worse' than initially revealed at the time. They said: 'Her accident was so much worse than anyone let on and it took quite a while for her to feel herself again.' Following her accident, Anne was forced to miss at least nine engagements, including a trip to Canada and a banquet for the Japanese State Visit in London. When Anne returned to work in July, she was seen sporting a black eye. Prince William and Kate shared a rare personal message on X/Twitter, writing: 'Super trooper! So great to see you back so soon. W&C x.' The royal, a skilled horsewoman who competed in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, was going for a walk when the incident occurred. The Princess Royal is often regarded as the 'hardest working' member of the royal family. Last year, Anne clocked up 474 engagements, with King Charles completing 372. She has been a cornerstone in the King's slimmed-down working monarchy, and has played a big role by stepping up in support of Charles amid his cancer diagnosis. The Princess is known for her no-nonsense approach and her commitment to royal duty, and the King made a point of making public his 'fondest love and well-wishes' for his sister after her accident. Anne was understood at the time to have been taking an evening stroll on her estate with horses nearby when she was hurt. The Princess was left with minor wounds to the head. Her medical team are understood to believe the injuries were consistent with a potential impact from a horse's head or legs. In January, speaking out about the accident for the first time, Anne said she remembers 'nothing' about it. Talking at the Grand Military Cup Day at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey, after a whirlwind trip to South Africa, Anne revealed that she was on the way to see chickens on her estate when the accident happened. When questioned whether the last thing she recalled was walking into a field, Anne said: 'No, I don't even remember that. 'I know where I thought I was going and that was to go to the chickens, no, nothing to do with horses.' She added that seeing the chickens was 'my regular visit, I don't have any idea what I was doing in the field, because I never normally went that way. 'It just... shows you - you never quite know, something [happens], and you might not recover.' Anne spent five nights in hospital after the accident on June 23 and did not return to public royal duties until almost three weeks later. Asked about any lasting ill effects, she lightened the mood and joked: 'Apparently not, at least I don't think so. As far as I know, nobody else thinks so - they haven't been honest enough to tell me yet. So far so good.' She added: 'You are sharply reminded that every day is a bonus really.' Interviewed after a whirlwind two-day tour of Cape Town, Anne also discussed her future and was asked whether retirement was an option, she replied: 'It really isn't written in, no. It isn't really an option, no, I don't think so.' Her father, the late Duke of Edinburgh, did retire from royal duties in 2017, but he was 96 when he took the decision and had supported Queen Elizabeth II for more than 65 years at the time. Anne is known for her busy work schedule, and as she approaches her 75th birthday in August, the royal will continue to lead the monarchy in various engagements. She carried out her first public engagement in 1969 aged 18 when she opened an educational and training centre in Shropshire, and a year later, she began her longest association with a charity, becoming president of Save the Children and later patron. Anne has two children - Peter Phillips, 47, and Zara Tindall, 44 - from her first marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, before their divorce in 1992. She has been married to Sir Timothy Laurence since December that year. Anne said: 'I don't think there's a retirement programme on this particular life. You're jolly lucky... if you can continue to be more or less compos mentis and last summer I was very close to not being.' She added: 'Take each day as it comes, they say.'
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sarah Lancashire says Happy Valley performance 'born of fear'
Bafta-winning actress Sarah Lancashire has said her award-winning performance in gritty TV drama Happy Valley was "born out of fear".Lancashire, 60, who rose to fame as barmaid Raquel Wolstenhulme in Coronation Street, won two leading actress Baftas for playing no-nonsense Sergeant Catherine Cawood in the BBC decades-long "brilliant and intangible" working relationship with writer Sally Wainwright influenced her role, but she said fear was key to her the role at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, after being formally made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE), Lancashire said: "That was just born out of fear, abject fear, of feeling quite off-piste. "Literally it was a leap of faith, jumping off the cliff at midnight in the dark."But knowing that somebody has the confidence in you and the belief in you - Wainwright is deeply persuasive as an individual, which I absolutely, really admire, I'm very grateful, always."Lancashire starred in Coronation Street from 1991 until 1996, appearing in more than 260 and Wainwright first met when they were "cutting their teeth" on the soap pair later collaborated on the BBC comedy-drama Last Tango In Halifax, for which Lancashire won her first Bafta in 2014 for her supporting worked together again on Happy Valley, which ran from 2014 to what made playing Sgt Cawood so terrifying, Lancashire said: "The setting of it, being asked to play something which I had no knowledge of at all - absolutely no knowledge."And knowing that the level of research that was available to me was going to be quite limited in the time available."But in actual fact - as Wainwright always said - it wasn't a procedural drama, it was not a police drama, it was a family." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
