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Royals issue public birthday message to Prince Harry amid rift

<p>The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a public birthday message to the Duke of Sussex amid their family rift. </p> <p>Kate and William wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, with an old photo of him shared on Instagram. </p> <p>“Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to the Duke of Sussex,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote on Sunday morning. </p> <p>The royal family's official Instagram account also marked the occasion, sharing their first public post for Harry since 2021. </p> <p>“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” they wrote in the caption. </p> <p>Many royal fans applauded their decision to acknowledge the occasion and wished the Duke a happy birthday. </p> <p>“The Royals have class &amp; it’s a milestone birthday that’s it. Nothing else should be interpreted into that,” one person wrote on X.</p> <p>“It's great you've done this. Unify &amp; lead, go towards peace, the world will watch &amp; applaud,” another commented. </p> <p>While a few others were "in disbelief" following the tensions created by the release of Prince Harry's memoir, <em>Spare</em> last year. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_7ey6lMCDE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_7ey6lMCDE/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>On Monday, <em> Sunrise</em> royal correspondent Rob Jobson spoke about the public message.</p> <p>“I think it is better than nothing. I mean, the fact that they did it … They would have gotten more bother if they hadn’t done it, so by doing it they cover themselves,” Jobson said.</p> <p>“(It would have been nicer) If it had been a bit more brotherly … rather than ‘we wish the Duke of Sussex a good day’, I think he could have been more personal. But it is better than nothing.”</p> <p>Prince Harry, who turned 40 on September 15, is spending the milestone birthday with his wife Meghan and their two kids. He will then reportedly embark on a group trip with a few close friends to an unknown location.  </p> <p>In a statement to the BBC ahead of his birthday, the Duke of Sussex said: "I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40." </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Laughably bad": New sculpture of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip divides opinion

<p>A newly unveiled bronze sculpture of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has received somewhat mixed reviews from the public, with many criticising the piece for looking "nothing like" them. </p> <p>The artwork was unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday, and was commissioned by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, which said the piece  “captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.</p> <p>It also depicts two of her famous corgis at her feet and her husband, Philip standing behind her with his hands behind his back. </p> <p>While the local council told CNN that the bronze statue of the Queen "has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person," many have ridiculed the statue for looking nothing like them. </p> <p>One user wrote on X that it was "laughably bad", adding: "It doesn't even look an iota like her, does it? Am I blind, or is that just nothing like the Queen? Surely they pay a fortune for these commissioned pieces - is there no requirement that there actually be a likeness?"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It doesn't even look an iota like her, does it? Am I blind, or is that just nothing like the Queen? Surely they pay a fortune for these commissioned pieces - is there no requirement that there actually be a likeness?</p> <p>Why is everything so shit, now?</p> <p>— Dr Dani Sulikowski (@DrDaniS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrDaniS/status/1832347891433927015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Another user on X wrote: “It is awful...It looks nothing like the Queen or the Prince.. Terrible..Dreadful..Melt it down and start again”. </p> <p>One person commented on the council's announcement of the artwork that while it was "beautiful" the statue didn't "look like our late queen or represent how she always dressed".</p> <p>"Even the corgi is confused," another user wrote.</p> <p>“Would you know this was the late Queen if I didn't tell you?" another wrote on X. </p> <p>Following the wave of criticism, the council acknowledged that at "art can sometimes spark diverse opinions" but said that it "was particularly pleased with how the (Elizabeth) sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis."</p> <p><em>Images: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council</em></p>

Art

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Kate Middleton confirms the end of her chemotherapy

<p>The Princess of Wales has confirmed that she has finished chemotherapy and is now focused on staying cancer free. </p> <p>Kate Middleton, who announced in March that she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy for an undisclosed type of cancer, shared the update on social media with a deeply personal message. </p> <p>"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she began in the video, which was shot last month in Norfolk. </p> <p>"The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown," she continued.</p> <p>“The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.</p> <p>“With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all feature alongside Kate in the video, as they're surrounded by nature, with the couple even showing a rare display of public affection. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_s6SukNNne/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_s6SukNNne/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The Princess said that going forward her focus would be on “doing what I can to stay cancer-free” but was “looking forward to being back at work”, with plans to undertake a light program of engagements until the end of the year. </p> <p>“Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes,” she added.</p> <p>“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”</p> <p>She then thanked the public for their support, saying how grateful the family were and how they  had “drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time”.</p> <p>"Everyone's kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling."</p> <p>“To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright,” she concluded.</p> <p>The Princess of Wales plans to support her family at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday in November and host her annual televised <em>Together At Christmas </em>carol service at Westminster Abbey the following month. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ Kensington Palace</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Meghan Markle opens up about past trauma

<p>Meghan Markle has opened up about her mental health struggle in a new interview. </p> <p>In a joined interview with <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">her husband Prince Harry for <em>CBS Sunday Morning</em>, </span>the Duchess of Sussex admitted that she hasn't "really scraped the surface" on her struggle, as the couple launched their new project <a href="https://archewell.org/theparentsnetwork/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Parents' Network</a>. </p> <p>The Parents’ Network aims to support parents who lost or almost lost their child to cyberbullying and other traumas related to social media use. </p> <p>While speaking about online bullying and its effects on young children, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">the Duchess of Sussex spoke about her own experience and connection to the families, as she also had suicidal thoughts in 2021. </span></p> <p>“When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey — certainly part of mine — is being able to be really open about it,” she told Jane Pauley. </p> <p>"And you know, I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way," she continued.</p> <p>"And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed."</p> <p>"So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything's OK, then that's worth it.</p> <p>"I'll take a hit for that."</p> <p>In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed that she had suicidal ideation while pregnant with son Archie due to the pressure of life as a royal and the way the British media treated her. </p> <p>“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” she said at the time.</p> <p>She also recalled reaching out to palace officials and said that she did not receive any mental health help. </p> <p>The initiative, launched with the couple’s Archewell Foundation, aims to make sure that no other families go through what they did. </p> <p>“Our kids are young; they’re 3 and 5. They’re amazing,” she told Pauley. </p> <p>“But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”</p> <p><em>Images: CBS Sunday Morning</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Prince Harry finally speaks out on "rift" with royal family

<p>Prince Harry has finally opened up on his "rift" with the royal family for the first time, in an interview for the ITV documentary, <em>Tabloids on Trial</em>.</p> <p>The Duke of Sussex revealed that his decision to launch multiple legal battles against a string of tabloid newspapers was central to his rift with the royal family. </p> <p>He said that his determination to fight the publications ruined his relationship with them. </p> <p>“That’s certainly a central piece to it,” he said.</p> <p>“But, you know, that’s a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press.</p> <p>“I’ve made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we, you know, did it as a family," he continued. </p> <p>“I believe that, again, from a service standpoint and when you are in a public role, that these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good.</p> <p>“But, you know, I’m doing this for my reasons. I think everything that’s played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is.</p> <p>“For me, the mission continues, but it has, it has, yes. It’s caused, yeah, as you say, part of a rift.”</p> <p>In December, London's High court ruled that he had been the victim of phone-hacking and other unlawful acts by journalists, with the knowledge of their editors at Mirror Group Newspapers. </p> <p>Harry said that the publications under MGN had targeted him for 15 years. </p> <p>He was awarded £140,600 ($267,400), and called the judge's ruling in his favour a "monumental victory". </p> <p><em>Image: ITV</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Prince William’s huge salary revealed

<p>Buckingham Palace has released its annual report, known as the Sovereign Grant Report, into the royal family's finances, revealing Prince William's whopping annual salary. </p> <p>The Palace said the findings of the report "reflects a time of unforeseen challenges for the royal family", referencing the cancer diagnosis that struck both King Charles and Princess Kate this year, as the senior royals stepped back from official duties to undergo treatment. </p> <p>Despite the "challenging" year for the royals, Prince William earned a whopping salary of $45 million AUD in the last financial year. </p> <p>After inheriting the title of Prince of Wales, Prince William, receives the majority of his personal wealth from the Duchy of Cornwall, which he inherited from his father after the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.</p> <p>That extensive estate is worth more than £1 billion (approximately $1.8b AUD) and includes 52,450 hectares of land, mostly in the south-west of England.</p> <p>Prince William has made a major change since inheriting the title, choosing not to reveal how much tax he pays on the private income from the duchy. </p> <p>The royal family is also set for a huge pay rise next year, as profits from the monarch's Crown Estates has risen by 53 per cent in the past financial year. </p> <p>That means the monarchy is to receive a boost of more than £45 million (approximately $87m AUD).</p> <p>Across 2023-24, profits for the royal family rose to £1.1 billion mainly due to offshore wind farms, meaning the Sovereign Grant (the annual payment the royals get from the government each year) will increase from £86.3 million (approximately $167m AUD) in 2024-25 to £132 million (approximately $257m AUD) in 2025-26.</p> <p>The majority of the royal family's wealth comes from the Crown Estate, roughly about £16 billion (approximately $31b AUD ) of an estimated £20 billion (approximately $40b AUD).</p> <p><em>Image credits: Isabel Infantes/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

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Prince George looks all grown up in new birthday portrait

<p>Prince George is 11! </p> <p>The Princess of Wales has celebrated her son's birthday by sharing a new portrait of the young royal on social media. </p> <p>“Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!” she captioned the black and white photo of George looking all grown up in a button up shirt and black blazer. </p> <p>Royal fans also flooded the comment section with happy birthday wishes for the young monarch. </p> <p>"This picture is so beautiful, he is growing up so fast! I wish the happiest birthday to Prince George, have the best day," one wrote</p> <p>"Prince George looks so much like his Dad," another added.</p> <p>"HE'S GROWING UP SO FAST! I can't believe! Happy birthday George!" a third commented.</p> <p>"Happy birthday! I hope you have so much fun," a fourth wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9t-OYdNdUb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C9t-OYdNdUb/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This comes as Prince George's godmother, Julia Samuels revealed the young royal's birthday tradition that was inspired by the late Princess Diana. </p> <p>Speaking on the <em>How to Fail with Elizabeth Day</em> podcast, she shared that each year she buys noisy toys for George that take the Prince of Wales "days to put together" in a running joke inspired by Diana. </p> <p>"I come in slightly tipped by the size of the present that William then has to spend days putting together," she said. </p> <p>"And then put all the machinery together and it makes awful tooting noises and lights flashing and all of that. That makes me laugh and it makes George laugh."</p> <p>She also praised the young prince saying:  “He is amazing. He’s funny and feisty and cheeky and God she [Diana] would have loved him so much.</p> <p>“That is heartbreaking for all of them.”</p> <p>Julia Samuels is one of seven godparents for Prince George, and she was a close friend of Princess Diana, who she met at a dinner party in 1987. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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"Such dad vibes": Prince William spotted on electric scooter

<p>Prince William has been captured whizzing around the grounds of Windsor Castle on his electric scooter. </p> <p>The now viral <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@a.n.g.e.l.a_xue_/video/7387939184310258986?_r=1&amp;_t=8nlhHj5x223" target="_blank" rel="noopener">video clip</a> showed the royal keeping up with the times and riding the scooter in style - wearing a a blue jumper, black pants, sneakers and sunnies. </p> <p>The text overlay on the video read: "Happy 4th of July from Prince William on a scooter."</p> <p>The royal was filmed whizzing down a pathway at Windsor Castle before turning down an archway and disappearing from sight. </p> <p>Many viewers were amused at the sight of the next King casually zooming past them. </p> <p>"Pulling up to Windsor Castle on a scooter is the funniest thing," one wrote. </p> <p>"Prince William has such dad vibes and I love it," added another. </p> <p>A third commented that the senior royal has been "hip these days... dancing like no one's watching to [Taylor Swift], riding scooters... love that for him."</p> <p>"Didn't know he was chill like that," another commenter remarked.</p> <p>Prince William reportedly bought the two-wheeled ride last year so he could easily travel from his family home in Adelaide Cottage to the castle. </p> <p>"It just makes sense. He whizzes up to the castle when he needs to see the King," a royal source reportedly told <em>The Sun</em>. </p> <p>"It's a two or three-mile round trip from his family home at Adelaide Cottage to Windsor Castle so it is much easier by scooter than car or walking."</p> <p>It is reported that William was dropping by the castle to visit his dad, King Charles, who was there on Thursday, before he headed to Buckingham Palace to hold audiences with outgoing and incoming prime ministers, Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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“Grief eats you away”: Prince Harry's candid interview about losing his mother

<p>Prince Harry has spoken candidly about his ongoing struggles with grief following the death of his mother, the late Princess Diana, when he was just 12 years old. </p> <p>Upon his brief return to the UK, the Duke of Sussex opened up in a new interview as part of his role as global ambassador for Armed Forces charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, who work to support children who have lost parents in the military, admitting that “grief eats you away”.</p> <p>Harry detailed how difficult it was losing his mother at such a young age, admitting he spent nearly two decades “not thinking” about her death and was forced to eventually get help after years of “total chaos”.</p> <p>He added that learning how to celebrate a late loved one is difficult for a child, as it made them “sad”.</p> <p>“But ­realising if I do talk about it, and I’m celebrating their life, then things become easier,” he said.</p> <p>Harry went on, “You convince yourself that the person you’ve lost wants you, or you need to be sad for as long as possible to prove to them that they are missed … Especially when every defence mechanism in your mind, nervous system and everything else is saying ‘do not go there.”</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YY-W6VEXlZM?si=SBQyGGCKAOhELxlv" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>"But then there’s this realisation of, no, they must want me to be happy”.</p> <p>The 39-year-old royal shared how, after decades of silent mourning, he learned suppressing grief was “in fact not” the best form of coping with loss.</p> <p>“It can be for a period of time,” he went on to say.</p> <p>“But…if you suppress this for too long, you can’t suppress it forever it’s not sustainable and it will east away at you inside."</p> <p>“Once realising that if I do talk about it and I’m celebrating their life then actually things become easier.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: YouTube</em></p>

Caring

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Prince William shakes it off at Taylor Swift's concert

<p>Prince William has celebrated his 42nd birthday with a boogie at the first of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts at Wembley Stadium in London.</p> <p>The pop star took to Instagram to share a selfie she took with the future King and his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte, as well as her boyfriend NFL star Travis Kelce</p> <p>She captioned the photo: "Happy Bday M8! London shows are off to a splendid start." </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/taylorswift13?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@taylorswift13</a> for a great evening! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LondonTSTheErastour?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LondonTSTheErastour</a> <a href="https://t.co/NFSi8hAl1o">pic.twitter.com/NFSi8hAl1o</a></p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1804489979294364005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>The Prince and Princess of Wales also shared another angle of the selfie, this time without Kelce included in the photo, to their joint Instagram account.</p> <p>"Thank you @taylorswift for a great evening! #LondonTSTheErastour," they captioned a photo. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">📲| Prince William dancing to "Shake It Off" at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in London <a href="https://t.co/c0J7aSM1Li">pic.twitter.com/c0J7aSM1Li</a></p> <p>— The Swift Society (@TheSwiftSociety) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSwiftSociety/status/1804453576560808210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Eagle-eyed fans who attended the show also spotted the royal shaking it off on the balcony of a private box at the stadium on Friday night and shared a snippet of Prince William dancing the night away to X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>"Prince William dancing to "Shake It Off" at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in London" they captioned the video. </p> <p>Fans were amused at the royal cameo, with one saying: "He was getting it with the ultimate dad moves." </p> <p>Another quipped: "Prince William got moves and boy I tell you George &amp; Charlotte are definitely embarrassed." </p> <p>"Shake it off Prince William! Shake it Off!" added another.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ X </em></p> <p> </p>

Music

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Kevin Costner reveals heartwarming interaction with Prince William

<p>Kevin Costner has revealed that Prince William left a strong impression on him after the royal organised a meet-up with him several years ago. </p> <p>"I happened to be in England, and I got this message that the Prince would love to talk, and I said, 'What?'... and then I went, 'Okay'," the Hollywood actor told <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>"We met in this room, and it was just us. He walked up, and we shook hands. ..." </p> <p>What came out of the royals mouth next left the actor feeling delighted, as he revealed that his late mother, Princess Diana, had a crush on Costner. </p> <p>"The first line out of his mouth was, 'You know, my mom kind of fancied you'."</p> <p>He described Prince William as "quite a young man," and that the interaction had left him with  "fond memories of who he was, how I was approached and what we talked about."</p> <p>Costner also revealed that he had talks with the late Princess about being involved in the sequel to his iconic film <em>The Bodyguard</em>. </p> <p>"There was a moment that that was really flying down the tracks, very quietly, because it's how I operate," he said. </p> <p>The three-time Golden Globe winner shared that Sarah Ferguson was the one who introduced him to the Diana. </p> <p>"It was so sweet. Sarah was the one that set this up. Sarah was very cool... when she could have been going, 'Well, I'm a princess too. What about me? ' She didn't do that at all. Diana and I began to talk," he praised the Duchess of York. </p> <p><em>Images: Marina Takimoto/ZUMA Press Wire/ Shutterstock editorial/ Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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"We love you, Papa": Sweet father's day tribute to Prince William

<p>Kate Middleton shared a sweet new photo she took of her husband, Prince William, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for Father's Day. </p> <p>The Princess of Wales shared the tribute not long after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/princess-kate-makes-first-public-appearance-since-cancer-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">returning to her royal duties</a> at Trooping the Colour on Saturday. </p> <p>The photograph was captioned: "We love you, Papa. Happy Father's Day. G, C & L." </p> <p>In the image, William has his arms around his children as they all stand on a beach facing the sea. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Rb1TRtNnh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Rb1TRtNnh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Royal fans took to the comments to wish Prince William a happy Father's Day. </p> <p>"This is a lovely photo of a lovely family. Happy Fathers Day, Prince William," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Really lovely photo, Happy Fathers day William," added another. </p> <p>"What a beautiful photo of William and the children and a sweet message! Happy Father’s Day William," wrote a third. </p> <p>‪"Aww what a beautiful picture taken by our talented Princess of Wales!! And the message from the kids is adorable. You are such a wonderful, loving dad and you just deserve the best!" added a fourth/</p> <p>A few hours before the Father's Day tribute for William was posted, the Prince of Wales shared his own throwback photo with King Charles. </p> <p>"Happy Father's Day, Pa. W," he captioned the photo of them playing football when he was a boy. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Prince William gives emotional update on Princess Catherine

<p>Prince William has shared an update on Princess Kate's condition, as she continues to undergo cancer treatment away from the public eye. </p> <p>The Prince of Wales was accompanied by King Charles and Queen Camilla at an event honouring the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when William was asked about Kate's condition. </p> <p>One conversation, which was filmed by a bystander, shows William talking to World War II veteran Geoffrey Weaving who asked how the Princess was recovering.</p> <p>“I was going to ask you if your wife was getting any better?” asked Weaving, who was in a wheelchair.</p> <p>Bending down to be at his eye level, William remarked: “Yes... she would have loved to have been here today.”</p> <p>“I was reminding everybody, her grandmother served at Bletchley so she would have had quite a bit in common with a few of the other ladies here who served at Bletchley but never spoke about it until the very end,” he added.</p> <p>Questions still surround the timing of Kate’s return to the public eye after official confirmation that she will miss an important military ceremony this month.</p> <p>The princess has not been seen in public since she revealed she had cancer, in a video in March this year, and was undergoing preventive chemotherapy. </p> <p>As the royal family continues to grapple with Kate's absence following her diagnosis, Sarah Ferguson has reflected on how the difficult news impacted the family. </p> <p>Speaking candidly on <em>Good Morning Britain</em>, The Duchess spoke emotionally about how "brave" the Princess of Wales was.</p> <p>"Lovely Princess Catherine doing the video was so brave," Sarah, 64, told the morning show hosts. </p> <p>"I think family unity is an extraordinary thing and I'm honestly just so proud and I just send them lots of love and lots of support."</p> <p class="css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020" style="box-sizing: border-box; overflow-wrap: break-word; word-break: break-word; margin: 0px 0px 1.125rem; line-height: 25px;"><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-32aeb4ab-7fff-6706-7244-7bb7a979d2c0">Image credits: Various/POOL supplied by Splash News/Splashnews/Shutterstock Editorial</span></em></p>

Caring

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Prince William delivers surprise address at star-studded Steve Irwin gala

<p>Prince William has delivered a surprise address at the Steve Irwin Gala in Las Vegas on Saturday. </p> <p>The royal filmed a special video message for the star-studded event, as he welcomed guests to the  gala, “which celebrates the life and legacy of the brilliant Steve Irwin.”</p> <p>“Tonight is all about conservation and continuing Steve’s global mission to protect life on our planet,” the Prince of Wales said. </p> <p>“His dream was to have the cleanest water, the freshest air and wildlife in abundance. But most of all, he wanted a future for our children."</p> <p>“Advocating for the preservation of life on our planet, it is a passion that I share, and it is why I launched the Earthshot Prize to search for and scale innovative solutions to the world’s greatest environmental challenges," he continued.</p> <p>"Our mission is to protect and restore our planet in this critical decade leading up to 2030.”</p> <p>He then thanked the Irwin's and said he was “hugely grateful" for their support of Earthshot, with a special mention to Robert Irwin who is an advocate and ambassador for the prize. </p> <p>The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2020, is awarded to five winners each year for their contributions towards environmentalism.</p> <p>“And I'm proud to join you virtually tonight to celebrate their work through Wildlife Warriors,” Prince William continued. </p> <p>“Seeing the global impact of the charity, founded by Steve and Terri in 2002, brings hope for the future.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C62jRMaLiP9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C62jRMaLiP9/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Wildlife Warriors (@wildlifewarriorsworldwide)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>He then went on to say that “never before has it been so important for every single one of us to make environmentally conscious choices that will ensure the health and future of our planet.”</p> <p>“I hope you have an enjoyable night, and thank you for caring about the future of our wildlife, our wild places, and our planet.</p> <p>“Together, we can make a difference," he concluded. </p> <p>Robert and Prince William have combined their platforms to advocate for the environment for several years now. </p> <p>Last November, Robert even praised the royal and his conservation contributions through the Earthshot prize. </p> <p>“It’s hard to put into words just how massive Earthshot is for wildlife conservation, for climate action, for the world,” he told <em>People</em> at the time. </p> <p>“For Prince William, who has such a great platform, to lend his voice, his resources into creating positive change is such a refreshing, wonderful thing to see. I applaud what he is doing.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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William and Kate share previously unseen wedding photo

<p>Prince William and Kate celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary on Monday by sharing a previously unseen photo from their big day. </p> <p>"13 years ago today!" they captioned the black and white portrait shared across their  social media accounts.</p> <p>The royal bride wore a lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, while the Prince donned his military uniform. </p> <p>This wedding anniversary marks their first since Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis in late March. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6WDpq3NZmI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6WDpq3NZmI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Last year the couple released a more casual image, showing the couple on their bikes in Norfolk. The year before that they didn't post anything, and in 2021 they released specially commissioned photos taken at Kensington Palace, to mark their 10th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>The royal couple also released a video back then, featuring all three of their children - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.</p> <p>The photo was taken by portrait photographer Millie Pilkington, who has taken a few other royal portraits - including Prince George's 10th birthday image last year and a Father's Day image of Prince William and his kids shared last June. </p> <p>Pilkington also took the image of King Charles and Queen Camilla, released by Buckingham Palace last week ahead of the first anniversary of their coronation next month. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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Prince and Princess of Wales receive new royal title

<p>King Charles has issued new royal titles for Prince William and Princess Kate. </p> <p>Kate has been appointed Royal Companion of The Order of the Companions of Honour.</p> <p>The Order was founded by King George V in 1917 to recognise outstanding achievements in the Arts, Sciences, Medicine and Public Service.</p> <p>Since becoming a member of the royal family, a lot of Kate's work has been on the arts, mental health and early education.</p> <p>The appointment comes after the Princess of Wales was diagnosed with cancer, and is currently undergoing treatment for it. </p> <p>Prince William was also given a new title as the Great Master of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath. </p> <p>The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, and is awarded to members of the military or civil service for their exemplary service. </p> <p>King Charles had received the same title when he was the Prince of Wales, and the position was left vacant until now. </p> <p>Previous Grand Masters include Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn.</p> <p>The Buckingham Palace have announced several other new appointments this week. </p> <p>Queen Camilla as been appointed the Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.</p> <p>The title was previously held by the late Duke of Edinburgh, the late Queen's grandmother – Queen Mary of Teck, and King George VI when he was the Prince of Wales.</p> <p>The Duchess of Gloucester has become a Royal Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and is expected to make her debut at the ceremony on June 17.</p> <p>The Order of the Garter is the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, which was established by King Edward III almost 700 years ago. </p> <p>Other appointments to the Order include Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach, The Right Honourable the Lord Kakkar and Lord Lloyd-Webber.</p> <p>These appointments come after the monarchy was rocked by a number of unexpected health challenges this year, namely King Charles and Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Kate Middleton shares new birthday photo of Prince Louis

<p>Prince Louis has turned six! </p> <p>Prince William and Princess Kate have released a new photo of the young royal to mark his special day. </p> <p>"Happy 6th Birthday, Prince Louis! Thank you for all the kind wishes today,” the couple wrote on social media. </p> <p>In the picture, taken by the Princess of Wales, the young royal donned a plaid shirt with blue pants and was smiling at the camera. </p> <p>Eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed one sweet detail in the photo: Prince Louis appears to have had a visit from the tooth fairy, as one of his bottom front-teeth was missing. </p> <p>“Thank you so much for sharing this delightful picture. I see the tooth fairy has been visiting - goodness time flies so fast,” one fan wrote on X. </p> <p>"Happy birthday Prince Louis!! Can’t believe how grown up he is looking, hope he has the best day!" wrote another on Instagram. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6GhkvDNg0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6GhkvDNg0H/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"So glad to hear from Princess Catherine via this delightful photo. HBD, little Louis !" added a third. </p> <p>"Wishing this sweet little prince the happiest of the birthdays," commented a fourth. </p> <p>Kate is known for taking photos of her kids for their birthdays, and this milestone comes after a difficult period for the royal family, with both Kate and King Charles' cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>The family of five have taken time out of the spotlight in recent weeks and celebrated a more low-key and private Easter break in Norfolk. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Royal family mourns shock death just months after wedding

<p>Princess Rajwa of Jordan has found herself in mourning just eight months after her <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/kate-and-will-s-stunning-appearance-at-royal-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fairy-tale royal wedding</a> to Crown Prince Hussein.</p> <p>The sombre news of her father's passing was solemnly shared on Prince Hussein's social media accounts, accompanied by a heartfelt message and a poignant photograph capturing a tender moment between the Crown Prince and his father-in-law, Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fsAFooyLt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C3fsAFooyLt/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Al Hussein bin Abdullah II (@alhusseinjo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>With heavy hearts, the announcement conveyed the depth of loss felt by the royal family. Prince Hussein's message, translated into English, reads: </p> <p>"With more sadness and sorrow, we mourn the death of my wife's father, my beloved uncle Abba Faisal.</p> <p>"We knew him as a generous person with good character and religion. We can only be satisfied with God's judgement and destiny. May Allah have mercy on him and dwell him in his spacious paradise and inspire us patience and solace.</p> <p>"With profound sadness and sorrow, we bid farewell to my beloved father-in-law.</p> <p>"We will always remember his kindness, generosity, and integrity. May God bestow mercy upon him and grant us patience and strength."</p> <p>Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, 71, served as the chairman and chief executive officer of the esteemed Al Saif Group, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and philanthropy. Survived by his wife, Azza Al Sudairi, and four children – Faisal, Nayef, Dana, and Rajwa – Al Saif's passing leaves a void not only in his family but also in the business and social spheres he influenced.</p> <p>Al-Saif's absence was notably felt during his daughter's wedding to Crown Prince Hussein on June 1, 2023. Though he couldn't walk Princess Rajwa down the aisle, his presence and support were evident as he stood alongside his wife and daughter to greet guests at the reception. The absence of Princess Rajwa's father during such a significant life event is undoubtedly a poignant aspect of her wedding day memories.</p> <p>The cause of Al Saif's death remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to the solemn proceedings. A statement from the royal family, shared on the official website, conveyed condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family members:</p> <p>"The Royal Hashemite Court mourns the passing of the father of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, may his soul rest in peace.</p> <p>"By His Majesty King Abdullah's orders, the Royal Hashemite Court has announced three days of mourning, as of Sunday, 18 February 2024.</p> <p>"The Royal Hashemite Court expresses its deepest sympathies and condolences to Their Majesties King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah, Their Royal Highnesses Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, and to Al Saif family in these difficult times."</p> <p>The wedding of Princess Rajwa and Crown Prince Hussein was a momentous occasion, graced by the presence of dignitaries and royalty – including <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/kate-and-will-s-stunning-appearance-at-royal-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kate and William, the Prince and Princess of Wales</a>. Hosted at the Zahran Palace in Amman, the ceremony symbolised the union of two families and the beginning of a new chapter for the young couple. </p> <p>Since her marriage, Princess Rajwa has seamlessly integrated into royal life, representing her father-in-law, King Abdullah II, in official capacities. Her grace and poise have endeared her to the Jordanian people, even as she navigates the complexities of her newfound role.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"I was not alone": Another royal diagnosed with cancer

<p>Not long after King Charles announced his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/palace-reveals-king-charles-serious-health-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cancer diagnosis</a>, Crown Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia felt inspired by his "dear cousin and friend" and decided to go public with his own prostate cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>In a statement, Prince Alexander shared that he was moved by Charles’ courage in sharing his diagnosis with the public, as royal health matters are usually kept private. </p> <p>The 78-year-old royal then shared details of his own medical intervention. </p> <p>"The love of all of us who know him, and of his people, we deeply care for him, will support His Majesty in persevering and winning this most important battle. The news that it is early stage gives high hope," he said.</p> <p>"The unfortunate news about cancer is not something you wish to hear.</p> <p>"And I can say it personally, as I very well know how you feel once you hear it. How frightening and terrifying it is also for the family, how all the feelings get mixed up, and how you cannot think about anything else." </p> <p>He then revealed: "I can say it now because I only recently defeated cancer.</p> <p>"I had avoided speaking about it, as it is a personal matter concerning only me and my family, but King Charles' openness moved me and encouraged me to also speak up," he added. </p> <p>"I am sharing this now, because this kind of tragic news can encourage people to react and take care of their health."</p> <p>He added that news of King Charles' cancer diagnosis and his honesty about getting a check-up had resulted in a rise in online searches and appointments for medical check-ups in the UK.</p> <p>“That is why people should hear my story, to see it is something that can happen to all of us,” he said.</p> <p>“But when we are responsible, the outcome can be good.”</p> <p>He shared details of his own treatment, which began two years ago, after results from an MRI found a cancerous growth. </p> <p>"At that moment, I was terrified. But I was not alone.</p> <p>"I am not speaking about family and friends who knew this and shared their support, which meant so much and cannot be described in words, but also all the other people who are fighting this disease."</p> <p>He then underwent pre-intervention tests, surgery, and mandatory checkups, and has since received “the most joyous words from my doctor — ‘All is clear now’.”</p> <p>He then urged the public to be more vigilant about their health, and to not put of their doctors appointment any further. </p> <p>“Be responsible with yourself, listen to the doctor’s advice, and monitor your health,” he said.</p> <p>“Preserve it and nurture it as the greatest wealth and gift you will ever receive.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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How to navigate a parent’s cancer diagnosis – like Princes William and Harry will now have to do

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lydia-harkin-1510450">Lydia Harkin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a></em></p> <p>King Charles’ <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-68209998">cancer diagnosis</a> means the royal family has joined the approximately 3 million families in the UK affected by the disease. His family has already gathered around in support. William, Prince of Wales, has taken over some public duties for his father. And younger son Harry, who lives in California, flew to the UK to visit after the diagnosis was announced.</p> <p>If you, like William and Harry, are navigating a parent’s diagnosis, you are not alone. Around 400,000 people are <a href="https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/research/cancer-statistics-fact-sheet">diagnosed</a> each year. This can be a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4287">frightening</a> and difficult time for families, and can change family dynamics.</p> <p>Adult children may find themselves offering emotional and practical support for a parent in a way that has not been required before, through managing medications and symptoms, travel to medical appointments, help with meal preparation and financial support.</p> <p>It can be rewarding to support a loved one and an important way to actively work together, but it can also be stressful. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4056">Studies have found</a> that family caregivers are generally more anxious and more likely to hide their emotional distress when compared with their family member with cancer.</p> <h2>Being a supportive family, even in conflict</h2> <p>Family support can act as a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2333">“social cure”</a> against the stress of a life-changing illness. The social cure theory proposes that being a part of a social group (or multiple groups) has benefits for our health and wellbeing. Social groups, particularly those with whom we strongly identify, like families, provide support and help us to combat times of stress.</p> <p>The key psychological component here is that people feel they belong to and identify with their groups. While undergoing cancer treatment, someone may not be able to participate in their usual social groups – through work or hobbies – as much as they used to. These groups may then become incompatible with a person’s new identity as a cancer survivor.</p> <p>Of course, not all families work together harmoniously, and may be in conflict through divorce, separation or estrangement. Social psychologists have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.12155">found that</a> “incompatible” social groups can lead to poorer mental health.</p> <p>Separated families can still come together and be a helpful social group, but they must offer the kind of support that their loved one needs. To figure this out, it is important to think about the person’s <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/ejsp.2333">identity</a> within the family.</p> <p>For example, a father may view his identity as an advisor, but a cancer diagnosis requires him to be cared for and to seek advice. He may feel a sense of loss for his typical family role, a loss of meaning and of control.</p> <p>However, if his family communicates openly about the difficulties they are all facing, the father may be able to continue to advise his family, in addition to receiving their advice. This can help to maintain his sense of identity as an advisor within his family, while navigating a new status as a cancer survivor.</p> <h2>Communication and support networks</h2> <p>Cancer throws patients and their loved ones into a complex health system, often for the first time, where medical decisions and terminology become important every day. Understanding <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2014.03.012">the “language of cancer”</a> can help families feel more in control after a diagnosis.</p> <p>Equally important is communication within a family. Talking about the cancer, rather than treating it as a taboo topic, can improve <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2020.101841">mental health for both patients and their families</a>. It may also be an opportunity to empower patients and their loved ones to seek outside support, such as counselling.</p> <p>Families spread across geographical distances (like the royal family) can offer emotional support through regular phone calls or online tools. During the pandemic, <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/42172">I developed</a> and trialled an app to help older adults combat loneliness. The app allowed them to see a digital map of their social groups, including family members.</p> <p>Your family member with cancer may feel like a burden. This is a common fear in older adulthood generally. But reminding them of how many people are in their lives – and how many people they support – can combat this feeling.</p> <p>Social media is one way to get more involved in these reciprocal support networks. In my work, families affected by cancer have reported using online communities to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-017-0616-1">better understand what their family is going through</a>. Private social media groups <a href="https://doi.org/10.1177/2055207619898993">dedicated to illness</a> can be helpful spaces to meet other patients and families, share experiences and normalise cancer.</p> <p>Cancer communities exist on <a href="https://doi.org/10.4103%2Fijpvm.IJPVM_36_19">Instagram</a>, on <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-018-2254-2">YouTube and X/Twitter</a> and through registered cancer charities like <a href="https://www.macmillan.org.uk/">Macmillan Cancer Support</a>. These online resources all provide a way to build a network following a cancer diagnosis.</p> <p>Just as group identification is important within families, having more groups to connect to can act as a buffer during stressful times and help you all cope with your new reality.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/223214/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lydia-harkin-1510450"><em>Lydia Harkin</em></a><em>, Principal Lecturer in Psychology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/nottingham-trent-university-1338">Nottingham Trent University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-to-navigate-a-parents-cancer-diagnosis-like-princes-william-and-harry-will-now-have-to-do-223214">original article</a>.</em></p>

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