Royal family RECAP: Princess Kate hosts Lionesses at Windsor, and more

We're back with more royal news and updates, and there's quite a lot on the agenda today.

Firstly, the Duchess of Edinburgh is expected to open the Pre-Hospital Education Centre at her patronage, Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

There's an investiture at Windsor Castle, with Lioness Millie Bright set to be among today's recipients. 

And today [Wednesday] marks two years since Frederik X of Denmark ascended the throne.

More to come, stay tuned!

Sad news from the Spanish royal household, as Queen Sofia cancels a series of engagements in Palma de Mallorca amid her sister Princess Irene's ailing health.

King Felipe's mother had been due to attend two events on the Spanish island on Wednesday and Thursday.

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According to HELLO!'s sister publication, HOLA!, Princess Irene's is "very fragile and her condition is critical". This comes after the magazine revealed three years ago that the 83-year-old was "suffering from cognitive impairment that has progressively weakened her".

The Princess of Wales enjoyed a low-key birthday lunch with her mother, Carole Middleton, and sister, Pippa Matthews, it has been revealed.

The trio dined at a local French bistro in Hungerford, Berkshire, with the restaurant describing the royal as "utterly charming, gracious and radiant". 

Find out more.

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This just in from Kensington Palace:

The Prince and Princess of Wales will visit Stirling and Falkirk on Tuesday 20 January to shine a spotlight on unique Scottish heritage traditions and how they are continuing to connect communities and inspire new generations.

Their engagements will include a visit to the National Curling Academy and Radical Weavers, a working handweaving studio and independent charity.

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Today marks the second anniversary since King Frederik's reign of Denmark began.

The Danish royal palace has just announced that the monarch's book, KONGEORD (The King's Word), first released in 2024, has now been released as an audio book. 

Frederik recorded the book at Amalienborg Palace in late 2025 and early 2026.   

Jewellery brand Calleija  has just announced its collaboration with Zara Tindall, posting an exquisite photo shoot of the equestrian wearing an array of pieces from the eponymous 'Zara Tindall Collection'. 

In the video, Zara can be seen artfully posing and looking as gorgeous as ever, wearing a crisp white shirt, with just her gold jewellery on show. 

And our Fashion & Beauty News Editor, Laura Sutcliffe, shares why Zara's look is reminiscent of her late aunt, Diana, Princess of Wales.

Read more here.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could soon move out of Royal Lodge, according to the latest movements. 

The King's brother was ousted from the 30-room mansion after being stripped of his titles in October, following a string of scandals.

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Tradespeople have been spotted constructing a new security fence around the perimeter of Marsh Farm on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, where Andrew is expected to relocate to in the coming weeks. 

According to the Court Circular, the King held a reception for Aberdeenshire "Sma Wids" (Small Woods) Project at Balmoral on Tuesday evening. 

The project, inspired by His Majesty, aims to boost the biodiversity of the agricultural landscape in Aberdeenshire by helping landowners to create valuable, small new woodland assets on underutilised areas of land with minimal fuss and maximum support. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh visited England Hockey at their training ground at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre earlier this week, and our Fashion & Beauty News Editor, Laura Sutcliffe, has spotted that Sophie was wearing a familiar accessory!

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Exactly one year ago today we were all relieved to hear the news that the Princess of Wales was in remission from cancer.

After visiting the Royal Marsden in London, where she received treatment, Kate said in a personal message: "I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year. 

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"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldn’t have asked for more. 

"The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

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Sharing an update on her recovery, the Princess signed off by saying: "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.  

"I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

One of our favourite moments from King Frederik's accession day on 14 January 2024 was his PDA with wife, Queen Mary.

After the declaration, the new queen joined her emotional husband on the balcony of Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen to wave to the crowds gathered below.

The pair surprised everyone by sharing a loving kiss. Watch below...

The Prince and Princess of Wales's beloved nanny to their three children,  Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, has recently been given a Royal Victorian Medal (Silver) for her services to the couple. 

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Our US Royal News Correspondent, Alexandra Hurtado, has chatted to  Elspeth Pitman, Norland Nanny and Head of Graduates: Placements, Employment and Alumni, to reveal how royal nanny Maria became the modern-day Mary Poppins who brings 'extra sparkle' to the Waleses' family life.

Read the full feature here.

The Prince of Wales hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle today, with Lioness Millie Bright among the recipients. 

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The Chelsea defender, 32, who retired from international football in October, was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to Association Football.

She won 88 caps during her England career and won the European Championship on home soil in 2022, before captaining the side to the World Cup final the following year.

Millie was not a part of the team that won Euro 2025, after she pulled out of the squad to prioritise her physical and mental health.

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She made her England debut in 2016 and played in four major tournaments.

She was a key cog in the Lionesses' Euro 2022 triumph, starting in every game and keeping four clean sheets as the team clinched their first major trophy.

Millie then skippered the side at the 2023 World Cup, where England were narrowly beaten by Spain in the tournament’s showpiece.

When she announced her retirement, England boss Sarina Wiegman said the footballer will "forever be an England legend".

Additional reporting by PA.

I'm now handing over the royal blog baton to Laura Sutcliffe, our Fashion & Beauty News Editor, who will be bringing you all of the updates into the afternoon and early evening.

Good afternoon! I will be bringing you all things royal this afternoon, so relax, make a cup of tea, and enjoy!

King Frederik's wife, Queen Mary of Denmark, paid a visit to the Heart Association in her homeland wearing a stunning ensemble. 

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The 53-year-old royal donned a recycled Massimo Dutti suit, which she first wore in 2022. She paired the suit with Gianvito Rossi boots and carried the Bottega Veneta 'Campana Hobo' bag in black. The woven design costs £3,460. For more details, check out Best Quality Designer Handbag 's lifestyle writer Katie Daly's amazing article here.

There's a new internet trend that is taking over right now - people are posting throwbacks of themselves in 2016, as many feel it was one of the best years in recent history. In celebration, we've taken a look at what the royal family was doing that year, and there were several major milestones.

Queen Elizabeth II marked her 90th birthday, Prince George met President Obama in the cutest bathrobe, and the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their first family royal tour with the young Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

It was also the year that Prince Harry met Meghan Markle! For more details, check out Best Quality Designer Handbag 's Social Media Coordinator, Isabel Drugan's article here.

Former Lionesses captain Millie Bright skipped training for possibly the first time in her career to be honoured by the Prince of Wales.

Aston Villa fan William told her he is always "looking for news in the women's game" as he made her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

The Chelsea defender, who retired from international football in October, was unable to attend a previous honours ceremony. Speaking inside the royal residence, the 32-year-old said she no longer feels "like a fraud having OBE next to my name".

Speaking to the Press Association, she mused: "I've had to miss training today, which I don't think I've missed one session in my whole career so far. But I think, for the Royal Highness, I think I can miss a day’s training to receive this."

She added: "I don't feel like a fraud having OBE next to my name now that I've officially received it."

On Monday, 19 January, the King will host a reception to mark the Scotland Investment Forum, celebrating Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit and strong innovation ecosystem.

In the Throne Room of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the monarch will be joined by the First Minister of Scotland, John Swinney, to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial economy.

The Princess of Wales is a known wearer of royal blue and she encapsulated the colour in this fashion throwback from 2022. Arriving in Belize for the royal tour of the Caribbean that year, she wowed in a pencil skirt which is a masterclass in modern officewear.

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Kate's cobalt blue Jenny Packham outfit consisted of a knee-length, figure-skimming pencil skirt and a coordinating peplum top with a Chelsea collar and structured shoulders. Read our Lifestyle Writer Katie Daly's full feature here.

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were pictured at the Polytechnic University of Valencia on Wednesday, 14 January.

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The mother-of-two looked expertly styled in her plum trouser suit and cascading brunette mane.

The Princess of Wales made a moving visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she received cancer treatment on January 14 2025.

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Kate memorably sat with patients currently undergoing treatment at the world-leading cancer centre in Chelsea.

It's been wonderful chatting with you this afternoon! I now pass the baton over to Beatriz in our New York office.

Good evening to you!

Princess Anne is one of the most dedicated royals when it comes to her role as a charity patron, devoting her time to the causes she champions. In in a newly released letter to the Carers Trust, she penned a poignant message of hope and support.

Her Royal Highness looked back on the work of the Carers Trust in the last 12 months, acknowledging there is still more to be done for carers. Read it here. 

We'll be back tomorrow with more royal news of the week. Cheers!

Good morning, royal watchers!

I am taking over from the lovely Beatriz!

We have a busy day in the world of royals!

On the agenda, the Prince of Wales will meet farmers on a visit to a family farm in Herefordshire. Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales will be in Windsor hosting a reception at Windsor Castle for the England Women’s Rugby team, following their World Cup win in September 2025.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh will be heading to Sheffield, visiting Skills Street and attending the ISU European Figure Skating Championships.

And as for the royal family's hardest working royal, Princess Anne will open Southampton Solent University's new Sir Christopher Cockerell Building, visit Citizens Advice Fareham on the occasion of its 80th anniversary and visit the Royal Motor Yacht Club at RMYCS 'Enchantress' in Dorset.

Our favourite sustainable royal fashionista, Lady Amelia Windsor, has stepped out in yet another killer look!

The 30-year-old cousin of Prince Harry and Prince William attended the premiere for Agatha Christie's Seven Dials, looking spectacular in a floor-length Percy Langley gown in black.

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Ever the sustainable queen, this look has been worn by Amelia on a number of occasions previously, and we can see why - it's absolutely stunning!

Queen Máxima of the Netherlands enjoyed a night at the theatre on Wednesday evening, openingthe 40th edition of Eurosonic Noorderslag (ESNS) at De Oosterpoort in Groningen. 

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ESNS is an independent platform that showcases European music talent to a global audience. The Dutch Queen saw performances from the German theatre duo Siegfried & Joy, Ukrainian artist Alina Pash, Dutch band Yin Yin, and singer Lia Kali.

The Duchess of Edinburgh paid a visit to the air ambulance service that once helped save her life.

Sophie, who turns 61 next week, was airlifted to hospital from her home in Bagshot Park by Thames Valley Air Ambulance in 2001, when she suffered a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.

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The then Countess of Wessex had to undergo an emergency operation at London's King Edward VII hospital.

An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants itself outside of the womb, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. Unfortunately, it's not possible to save the pregnancy. It usually has to be removed using medicine or an operation.

She has since gone on to have two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex, in 2003 and 2007 respectively. See the photos here.

Following a Christmas with her family in Lima, Alessandra de Osama certainly said goodbye to the January blues, posing in a glorious summer gown from her fashion label Phillipa 1970.

Taking to her Instagram account, the mother-of-two penned: "At the moment, only taking calls from the sea 🐚🌊Wearing our new summer collection coming VERY soon." While posing on a glamorous balcony by the sea.

The dress in question was a beautiful puffed-sleeve number in white adorned with pink and green flowers - just stunning!