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

Last night, Grand Duke Guillaume and Grand Duchess Stéphanie hosted the traditional New Year’s Reception for members of the Government, the Council of State, representatives of the Judiciary, heads of the administration, and foreign ambassadors at the Luxembourg Grand Ducal Palace in Luxembourg.

The occasion was a poignant one this year, as it marked the first traditional New Year’s Reception to be held since Grand Duke Guillaume’s accession to the throne.

Charlotte Casirhagi, the daughter of Princess Caroline of Monaco, is set to publisher first-ever solo book. 

Her debut solo book is titled 'La Fêlure,'  which translates from French as The Crack or The Fracture, and will hit shelves on 29 January. 

Earlier this week, her publisher, Julliard unveiled the beautiful cover of the project, which you can see in the fabulous photos above.

The Duke of Sussex is expected to return to the UK next week for his trial against the publisher of The Daily Mail, but any reunions with members of the royal family look to be off the table.

The High Court case against Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL) is reportedly scheduled to begin on 19 January.

© PA Images via Getty Images

Despite Prince Harry meeting with the King for the first time in 19 months on his last visit in September, the monarch is expected to be in Scotland for his traditional post-Christmas stay for much of January and won't be meeting with his son.

Despite their past difficulties, father and son are now said to be in regular contact, however The Telegraph also reported that royal sources acknowledged Charles did not wish to be linked to any court proceedings, so will give his son a wide berth on this occasion. Read the full story here.

Prince William showed off his country side when he met farmers John Bowler, his wife Laura, and the founder of We are Farming Minds, Sam Stables, to discuss the importance of supporting farmers with their mental health.

© Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace

 The Prince, who enjoyed a hot beverage during the visit, then joined John and his wife Laura as they went about some of their daily tasks on the farm, including pruning the apple trees in the orchard, building new fencing on the border of their land, and feeding the sheep. 

Princess Irene of Greece, the younger sister of Queen Sofia, has died at the age of 83, the Spanish palace has confirmed.

In a statement seen by HELLO!'s sister publication, HOLA!, the royal household said: "Their Majesties the King and Queen and Her Majesty Queen Sofia  regret to announce the passing of Her Royal Highness Princess Irene of Greece at 11:40 a.m. today at the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid."

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It comes after Queen Sofia cancelled engagements in Palma de Mallorca this week to be by her sister's side after a decline in her health. HOLA! revealed three years ago that Princess Irene was "suffering from cognitive impairment that has progressively weakened her".

While on the visit to Hertfordshire, William got stuck in and fed the sheep!

© Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Palace

The Duke of Sussex is expected to appear in court next week to give evidence in his legal action against the publisher of the Daily Mail.

Harry, and a group of six others are bringing the claim at the London court, alleging that Associated Newspapers Limited carried out or commissioned unlawful activities such as hiring private investigators to place listening devices inside cars, “blagging” private records and accessing private phone conversations.

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The group includes Sir Elton John, Baroness Doreen Lawrence, politician Sir Simon Hughes, and actresses Sadie Frost and Liz Hurley.

Harry is expected to give evidence lasting a full day next Thursday, according to a draft trial timetable seen on Thursday. Other people expected to give evidence during the nine-week trial include Lady Lawrence, Sir Elton and Ms Hurley.

A hearing on Thursday dealt with a number of outstanding issues ahead of the trial, which is due to begin on Monday.

Though her cousin Prince William and his wife have a nanny to look after their kids, Zara Tindall, the daughter of Princess Anne, has opted go for a very different childcare route. When she was asked if she would put her work on hold to be a full-time mother, she had quite the determined, assertive response. Read the full story here.

The Princess of Wales, as part of her role as Patron of the Rugby Football Union, is currently hosting a reception at Windsor Castle for the Red Roses, England's Women's Rugby team, following their victory in the World Cup back in September last year.

The players and staff on the team were given a tour of the castle, before joining the 44-year-old for a celebration and some group photographs.

© Toby Shepheard / Kensington Palace

The Greek royal family has officially released a statement following Princess Irene's death on their website. It reads: "Quiet, unconventional, and interesting, with a spiritual and humorous side, Princess Irene, the second daughter and third child of King Pavlos and Queen Frederica, dedicated her life to music, describing it as "one of the faces of God," as well as to charity and the relief of human suffering.

"With a wealth of charitable and social work, always pursued with tireless devotion, she earned the title she loved most: 'Irene, the princess of the poor.'

""The purpose is not to save the world, but to offer it a little relief, a little hope, a little harmony where there is suffering," she used to say, knowing that no organization can by itself bring about the universal harmony she sought and faithfully served."

 HELLO! can exclusively confirm that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson have to leave their Windsor home, Royal Lodge, by 25 January. It has also been revealed that the former Duchess of York will not be moving with Andrew to Sandringham. Read the full exclusive here.

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh paid a visit to Skills Street in Rotherham, South Yorkshire together in a joint public outing. The pair seemed to especially enjoy stepping into the flight simulator!

© PA Images via Getty Images

Princess Charlene of Monaco's wedding day in 2011 was a sight to behold,. However, there's one choice that the royal made with her outfit that broke traditional protocol. Learn all about her choice that proved she was a 'modern woman' here.

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That's everything from this side of the Atlantic, but, fortunately, I'm leaving you in the safe hands of Rebecca Lewis, our Los Angeles correspondent, who will keep you up-to-date with all the latest in royal news and lifestyle. Have a great evening!

Princess Kate has admitted that she does not enjoy playing sports at home with her children anymore - especially 12-year-old George!

As patron of the Rugby Football Union, the 44-year-old was hosting a reception at Windsor Castle for the Red Roses, the women's national team, to celebrate their World Cup victory in September 2025, when she revealed: "George now, if we play at home, I do not want to get tackled by George!"

Read more our report here.

Have you ever wondered why Princess Kate's royal nanny always sits in the back seat with George, Charlotte and Louis?

Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo is occasionally spotted during public car journeys with the royal couple's three children, but little do many know that these car journeys are a key part of her duties.  In 2024, HELLO! spoke to Louenna Hood, a childcare professional who trained at the same prestigious Norland College as William and Kate's nanny, who revealed the role of a Norland nanny during car rides with the children they are looking after.

Read more here.

HELLO! has exclusively confirmed that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been given a move-out date for Royal Lodge in the coming days.

A source also confirmed to HELLO! that his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson is "ready to spread her wings," and will not be moving with Andrew, 65, to Marsh Farm on the King's Sandringham estate or residing with her eldest daughter, Princess Beatrice, at her Cotswolds home.

Our full story can be read here.

During a discussion about how schools often don’t segregate boys and girls for sport when they are younger, Princess Kate said: “Charlotte is playing rugby but at home with the family, so she isn’t yet at school. Rugby is so accessible; Louis is playing touch rugby and it’s such a great game. Actually, they shouldn’t necessarily need to pigeonhole boys and girls in particular sports too early."

What do you think of her words?

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