Royal family lates Feb 9-10: Prince William continues his visit in Saudi Arabia and more

Good morning and welcome to another busy week of royal news. Stay tuned as we will be keeping you across all the latest updates from royal households across the globe. 

So, what's on today's agenda? 

Prince William begins his three-day trip to Saudi Arabia, marking his first visit to the Gulf state, made at the request of the UK Government. 

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Edinburgh, as Patron of the charity Brendoncare Foundation, will visit the nursing home Brendoncare Knightswood in Hampshire. 

The charity provides residential, nursing, dementia and respite care for older people in southern England.

Elsewhere, The King will head to Lancashire, where he will meet farmers, local manufacturers and members of the public at Clitheroe Station in the Ribble Valley.

Prince William’s trip to Saudi Arabia marks his first official overseas visit of 2026, as well as his first to the Middle East since 2023, when he flew to Kuwait to pay his condolences after the death of Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Sabah, its former ruling emir.

While in Saudi Arabia, the future king will meet the next generation of young Saudis, hearing about the country's future plans, including its commitment to sustainability. 

Prince William will arrive in the capital, Riyadh, before travelling to the historic city of AlUla, where he will learn about efforts to protect its natural wildlife and landscape.

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Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have 'not abandoned' their father Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. 

A friend of the family told Best Quality Designer Handbag : "The sisters are not abandoning their father. They aren't turning their backs on him. But everything is obviously very strained and hard."

It comes after the sisters were dragged into the scandal surrounding their father's relationship with the late convicted paedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. 

Last week, further emails emerged from the so-called "Epstein files", revealing Sarah Ferguson's emails, in which she made a comment on Eugenie's love life and called the financier "the brother I have always wished for".

Read our exclusive here. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales have been "deeply concerned" by the ongoing revelations from the Epstein files. 

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "I can confirm that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been deeply concerned by the continued revelations.

"Their thoughts remain focused on the victims."

Congratulations are in order for Prince Abdul Mateen and Princess Anisha of Brunei, who welcomed their first child on 8 February. 

A message posted on the national public broadcaster, RTB News's official Instagram on Sunday read: "In compliance with the orders of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Office of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, hereby announces that His Royal Highness Princess Anisha Rosnah binti Adam, wife of His Royal Highness Prince Muda 'Abdul Mateen ibni His Royal Highness Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, with the permission of Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, has safely given birth to a daughter on Sunday, 20th, Syaaban, 1447 corresponding to 8th, February, 2026, at 8.50 am."

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Today marks 24 years since the death of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The youngest child of George and the Queen Mother, Margaret was born on 21 August 1930. 

Margaret played an active role in the Royal Family's public work, with particular interests in welfare and the arts. She was patron or president of over 80 organisations, including children's charities and ballet companies.

Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960. The couple went on to welcome two children, David Armstrong-Jones and Lady Sarah Chatto. 

Suffering from health issues in her later years, Margaret passed away on 9 February 2002.

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The King  has arrived at Clitheroe Station in Lancashire, where he will meet farmers, local manufacturers and members of the public.

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It's a special day for Princess Eugenie as her son, August Brooksbank, celebrates his 5th birthday. 

Eugenie, 35, will likely be celebrating the milestone in private - either at their London residence, Ivy Cottage, or in Portugal. 

The younger daughter of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Sarah Ferguson shares her eldest son, and two-year-old Ernest, with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, whom she married in 2018. 

While Eugenie has traditionally shared photos of her sons on their birthdays to her official Instagram account, this year's celebrations are likely to be more low-key. 

It comes amid the scandal surrounding convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her parents are both mentioned multiple times in newly released documents concerning the criminal financier.

Read the full story. 

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Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was pictured hugging King Harald of Norway at the Winter Olympic Games on Saturday. 

Maxima, who attended alongside her husband, King Willem-Alexander, and daughter, Princess Amalia, reunited with the King, and his wife, Queen Sonja, while watching the men's 5000m speed skating finals. 

It comes during a challenging time for the Norwegian Royals, with King Harald's daughter-in-law, Crown Princess Mette-Marit, facing widespread backlash for her friendship and email correspondence with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

Get more details here.  

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King Charles was publicly heckled during an engagement in Lancashire today. 

Charles, 77, greeted crowds at Clitheroe train station, where a member of the public shouted a question about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Charles was meeting well-wishers after arriving by train when a man shouted: "How long have you known about Andrew?" The rest of the crowd booed after the question was asked.

Read more here. 

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Princess Diana's brother Charles Spencer has welcomed a new addition to the Althorp Estate, a former police horse named Aslan. 

Taking to X, Earl Spencer, the younger brother of the late princess, introduced Aslan to his followers. 

"So pleased to welcome Aslan to ⁦@AlthorpHouse⁩ - a former Police horse, he needed somewhere to retire to," wrote Charles. "Delighted to look after him now. He’s very charming and playful and has settled in quickly - having been stationed in London, he’s particularly loving the green fields."

The Duchess of Sussex made a rare red carpet appearance on Saturday. Meghan, 44, stepped out at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, an event which celebrates Black-owned businesses.

Meghan looked stunning in a beautiful strapless gown by Harbison Studio, featuring a fitted bodice and full-length skirt. 

See the best photos. 

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Good afternoon, royal fans!

I'm now taking over from the lovely Nicky to bring you an afternoon of royal news. Don't go anywhere...

Zara Tindall looked wonderful over the weekend as she was pictured in a cowboy-themed outfit on Instagram. The mother of three is currently in the USA with her husband Mike, where the couple recently attended the 2026 Super Bowl. During their trip, the pair visited a lively restaurant and posed alongside friends while embracing the cowboycore trend.

Looking in great spirits, Zara can be seen raising her hand in the air as she smiles at the camera. The blonde beauty had her hair styled sleek and straight and perched a fabulous black cowboy hat on her head. Keeping it simple, she teamed the look with a chic white t-shirt and dark denim jeans. Love it!

In case you missed it, Prince Albert of Monaco made an outing over the weekend to Italy for the Winter Olympics.

The royal, who previously took part in five Winter Olympics as a bobsleigh pilot, had the honour of presenting the medals of men's downhill (alpine skiing) and men's big air snowboarding. 

King Charles met Pearl, a Fell pony, at Clitheroe Auction Mart, during his visit to Lancashire today.

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The King was all smiles as he stroked Pearl's nose and met her owner.

Pearl wasn't the only horse that King Charles met today.

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In another photo, the monarch was introduced to shire horses, Thunder and Regal from Thwaites Brewery, during a visit to the 700-year-old medieval manor, Samlesbury Hall, in Preston.

The British royal family is facing mounting pressure to speak out about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor – with the Prince and Princess of Wales releasing a statement saying they are "deeply concerned" ahead of Prince William's touchdown in Saudi Arabia later today. 

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Emily Nash, Best Quality Designer Handbag 's Royal Editor, says the real person who should be apologising and taking responsibility for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is the former Duke of York himself.

Emily has also emphasised that William's statement today came with "crucial" timing, as it means the focus will be back on his work for the all-important Saudi visit. Read the story for Emily's opinion in full.

It wasn't just horses that kept King Charles entertained this afternoon!

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The royal also viewed some sheep at Clitheroe Auction Mart, having met Graham and Sarah Whitwell, and their children, Thomas and Charlotte, with their cow.

You might have seen that on Saturday, 7 February, Queen Rania of Jordan stepped out with her husband, King Abdullah, during their state visit to Turkey.

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The royal, 55, looked so sophisticated as she opted for a stylish coat for a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and First Lady Amina Erdogan at Dolmabahçe Palace. 

We've unpacked her look in full and are obsessed with her ALAIA coat which retails for £4,100 and features dramatic, rounded shoulder pads and a cinched silhouette.

Now, an update from the royal family in Denmark. King Frederik has appeared in a new set of photos on the family's official Instagram account as last week he stopped by the courtyard behind Christian VIII's Palace in Amalienborg to be updated on the work in the different workshops there and to greet the carpentry workshop's new furniture carpenter's apprentice.

The workshop currently has two apprentices attached, one senior and one junior. They are stationed in the workshop for approximately three and a half years before they graduate. The Royal House has had apprentice cabinetmakers since the late 1990s.

It wasn't all about the animals in Lancashire today. 

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King Charles also met with members of the Field Nurse charity, which helps farmers with their mental health, at Clitheroe Auction Mart. 

The charity was established in 2016 and sees experienced registered nurses run drop-in clinics at livestock auction marts in and around Lancashire, North Yorkshire, and Cumbria.

King Charles has been reminded of his late mother The Queen during his visit to Clitheroe today. 

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The King met a relative of the late Queen's beloved pony Emma, as he received a warm welcome at an auction mart in Lancashire.

As he unveiled a plaque in the auction ring to mark the visit, Charles said: "I promise you I know only too well how vital the rural sector and the farming sector are to this country.

"Having started the Countryside Fund nearly 20 years ago, I hope that is at least contributing to some degree to the welfare and I hope also the adaptability of farmers to the endless complications and challenges you have to meet. For me I do have some appreciation of what you put up with."

Prince William has touched down in Saudi Arabia, commencing the most important foreign visit of his public career as he is being hosted by the country's controversial leader.

William has begun a three-day visit to the Gulf state, at the request of the Government, to strengthen ties with the country.

The prince will hold talks with Saudi leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, followed by a private dinner at his farm.

Once he had wrapped up his time at Clitheroe Auction Mart, King Charles headed to Samlesbury Hall, where he was seen taking a look at the artefacts on display at the 700-year-old medieval manor.

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HELLO!'s Royal Editor, Emily Nash, has unpacked why Prince William was keen to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while reporting live from Riyadh. 

Emily details how the request for William to visit Saudi Arabia and cement ties with his counterpart, as the two countries approach a century of diplomatic relations, was said to have been the UK Government's "number one ask" of the future King for this year. 

"What's really important is the Prince building a really strong relationship with the Crown Prince to allow every element of our bilateral relationship to be explored," said a palace source. "If there's something on the Prince of Wales’s mind, he shares that with whoever he is with."

For all the details, click here.

While Prince William gets to work in Saudi Arabia, Princess Anne has jetted off to Italy. 

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King Charles' sister was spotted in a navy puffer coat and beanie hat after the Women's Slopestyle Final on day three of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at Livigno Snow Park.

I'm now handing you over to Beatriz Colon in our New York office for an evening of royal updates.

Stay tuned...

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor appears to have retained custody of the late Queen's corgis, despite the stripping of his titles and eviction from Royal Lodge in Windsor. 

Pictured in Norfolk on Monday, Queen Elizabeth's beloved companions, Muick and Sandy, were spotted with members of Andrew's private protection, who took them for a walk around the grounds of his new home, Wood Farm Cottage on the Sandringham estate. 

Following his departure from Royal Lodge last week, Andrew, 65, has taken up residence in the modest cottage, while his permanent property, Marsh Farm, undergoes renovations.

See the photo here.  

King Charles will "stand ready to support" a police investigation into allegations against his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Buckingham Palace confirmed tonight.

In a statement, a spokesman for the monarch said he had expressed his "profound concern" over the onslaught of new revelations about the former Duke of York which have emerged from the Epstein files.

It read: "The King has made clear, in words and through unprecedented actions, his profound concern at allegations which continue to come to light in respect of Mr. Mountbatten-Windsor's conduct."

Emily Nash reports more here.