Royal blog RECAP: King Charles's sustainability-focused evening and more


All the royal news from 11 and 12 March - including the royals at Cheltenham Festival and King Charles' evening engagement


King Charles revealed his cancer diagnosis in February 2024© Samir Hussein/WireImage
HELLO!
Rachel AveryHomes Editor
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
Rebecca LewisLos Angeles correspondent
Katie DalyLifestyle Writer
Updated: March 12, 2026
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  • Prince William and Princess Kate visit the RNLI Tower Station in Westminster
  • Cheltenham Festival continues
  • The King will attend the conclusion of the second annual sustainable markets initiative exhibition and reception at Hampton Court Palace
  • The Duke of Gloucester will visit RAF Brize Norton
  • Celebrities celebrated 50 years of The King's Trust at a Mayfair gala

Happy Wednesday!

It's Isabelle here with your morning royal blog, and we have a busy day ahead.

Prince William will be stepping out today. Meanwhile, Cheltenham is kicking off today, as well as investitures at Windsor Castle. 

Later this evening, King Charles will host a reception at St James's Palace for members of the Nigerian Diaspora in the UK ahead of the upcoming state visit. Stay tuned!

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Good morning

Happy Wednesday!

It's Isabelle here with your morning royal blog, and we have a busy day ahead.

Prince William will be stepping out today. Meanwhile, Cheltenham is kicking off today, as well as investitures at Windsor Castle. 

Later this evening, King Charles will host a reception at St James's Palace for members of the Nigerian Diaspora in the UK ahead of the upcoming state visit. Stay tuned!

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Royals on the slopes!

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima have enjoyed a few days of winter vacation. 

The Spanish royals jetted off to Austria, where they stayed at an exclusive ski resort where the Dutch Royal Family likes to escape.  

The pair love skiing, see them here in 2017© Getty Images
The pair love skiing, see them here in 2017

According to our sister publication, HOLA, in previous years, around this time, they would usually go to Argentina, so the Queen could reconnect with her roots and be close to her family. However, this time they opted for a few days of skiing at the luxurious resort, Lech, a popular destination for international royalty. 

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King Charles' comments on Australia

King Charles referred to Australia during an after-hours guided tour to one of the UK's leading art galleries, shortly after it was revealed his son, Prince Harry is planning to visit there.

Charles, 77, was "very keen" to see the Tate's Turner and Constable: Rivals and Originals exhibition in London, which marks 250 years since artists JMW Turner and John Constable were born, exploring their rivalries and legacies. 

The King viewed nearly 200 artworks on Tuesday, including rare loans from private and public collections around the world, leading Charles to ask "how many others" might be hidden away "in Australia or something". Read the full story here.

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Royal spring style

Our favourite sustainable royal fashionista, Lady Amelia Windsor, has been gracing social media with her dazzling array of spring outfits, and we are just in love with her lilac look!

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On this day in royal history

We may be one day late, but we thought it remiss not to share a stunning photograph of Crown Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, who married her husband, Claus von Amsberg, in Amsterdam, Holland, 60 years ago, on 10 March 1966.

The royal couple tied the knot in 1966© Getty Images
The royal couple tied the knot in 1966

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Peppercorn rent

Ahead of the recent developments of the scandal embroiling Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, there was speculation about the "peppercorn rent" he and Prince Edward paid on their royal homes.

But it turns out, the brothers had different agreements entirely when it came to their homes. The Duke of Edinburgh's contract says that he can sell on his lease in future, which means he is able to benefit financially from the transaction, keeping any profits. Edwards lives at Bagshot Park with his wife, the Duchess of Edinburgh.

A National Audit Office report  reads: "The terms of the August 2003 lease agreement between The Crown Estate and HRH the Duke of York prevent him from gaining financially from any increase in the value of the property, as the freehold rests with The Crown Estate and the leasehold cannot be assigned to anyone else except to his widow or his two daughters (or a trust established solely for their benefit)."

Meanwhile, Andrew didn't have this clause in his own contract.

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Kisses at Cheltenham!

Mark and Zara Tindall were certainly feeling the love at Cheltenham today and were photographed sharing a kiss as they made their glamorous arrival.

A photo of Mike and Zara Kissing next to Carole Middleton© James Whatling
The happy couple shared a kiss as they arrived
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Andrew's new home - update

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor's new home in Windsor appears to be nearly ready, according to a new development. 

The former Duke of York, 66, is currently living at Wood Farm Cottage, as preparations are underway for him to permanently live at Marsh Farm at Wolferton. 

A six-foot fence is currently being installed as a security measure around the new property, with just a gate now needed to complete the installation.

The structure appears to be almost finished, with Andrew expected to move in over the coming weeks. It will mean his two-storey home is shielded from the nearby road. Meanwhile, a trench has been dug across the drive in recent days between the farmhouse and a barn next door, the Eastern Daily Press reported, though it's not clear yet what it could be for. 

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Sir Warwick Davis!

Warwick Davis received his Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from Prince William after being named in the 2026 New Year Honours for his services to drama and charity.

Warwick Davis is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire© Alamy
Warwick Davis is made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire

 

Known for his roles in Star Wars and Harry Potter, he was recognised for over 40 years of acting, his advocacy work, and for co-founding the charity Little People UK. Congratulations Sir Warwick!

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Feathered and fabulous!

Queen Camilla was feathered and fabulous when she stepped out alongside her royal family members at Cheltenham. 

A photo of Queen Camilla kissing Zara Tindall© AFP via Getty Images
The Queen was photographed kissing Zara Tindall on the cheek

Looking spectacular in a beige coat and matching hat - complete with standout feathers. Her majesty was all smiles as she graced the course.

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Another win for the Lionesses!

Lioness Alex Greenwood received her MBE from Prince William at Windsor today for her services to football. 

Alex Greenwood is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales© Alamy
Alex Greenwood is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales
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Prince Albert

The Commonwealth are launching an ocean alliance, and the Prince Albert II Foundation will support work in Asia and the Pacific, specifically.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Hon Shirley Botchwey, invited Prince Albert II to Commonwealth Day activities.

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He was a surprise to many owing to the fact that Monaco is not a Commonwealth country, but he and his Foundation are now critical partners in ocean protection across the Commonwealth.

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Homes Editor

Afternoon shift

I'm Rachel, and I'm pleased to be reporting for royal duty this PM! Thank you to the lovely Isabelle Casey for this morning's news, and now I'll be taking over, keeping a watchful eye over everything royal. Stay tuned! 

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Homes Editor

Carole Middleton steps out at the races

Princess Kate's mother Carole Middleton has been spotted at Cheltenham Races, alongside Zara Tindall. The 71-year-old looked incredible as she stepped out in the sunshine to watch the horses. Discover which item of her amazing power outfit was borrowed from her daughter's wardrobe in our full story here.

Carole Middleton close up in blue fedora© PA Images via Getty Images
Carole Middleton attending day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse.
James Nesbitt, Natalie Pinkham, Carole Middleton attending day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival © PA Images via Getty Images
James Nesbitt, Natalie Pinkham, Carole Middleton attending day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival
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Homes Editor

Prince William commends 'spirit of service' of Navy in new speech

As Commodore-in-Chief of the Royal Navy Submarine Service, The Prince of Wales has released a new video to mark the Royal Navy Submarine Service and the Royal Australian Navy turning 125 this year. The royal paid tribute to the "spirit of service" across two World Wars and in the decades since. 

He also spoke about the historic visit of HMS ANSON to Australia being the latest phase of the AUKUS partnership, a historic collaboration between the UK, Australia, and the US.

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Homes Editor

Princess Anne joins in the Cheltenham fun

Princess Anne has joined Queen Camilla and Zara Tindall at the races! The Princess Royal was pictured chatting with her husband Sir Timothy Laurence in between watching the races. The royal chose an emerald green outfit, which must be her go-to colour this season as she also opted for this hue for the Commonwealth Day service. 

The Princess Royal pictured on day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse© Alamy Stock Photo
The Princess Royal pictured on day two of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse
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Homes Editor

Camilla's big fear

Queen Camilla is expected to travel frequently, up and down the country for official engagements - and often overseas for royal tours. But did you know Her Majesty suffers with a fear of flying? We've got a Harley Street phobias expert to break down the psychology behind her emotional response and tell us how she can tackle it. Read it here. 

King Charles and Queen Camilla getting off of a plane© Getty Images
King Charles and Camilla leaving a plane in Canada
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Homes Editor

105-year-old veteran honoured at Buckingham Palace

105-year-old Flight Lieutenant, Colin Bell, has been honoured at Buckingham Palace today. He was World War II Mosquito bomber pilot and has been presented with the citation to his Distinguished Flying Cross, which was awarded to him by King George VI in 1945.

 King Charles did the honours in the Chinese Drawing Room inside the iconic palace. Colin Bell is the last surviving bomber pilot to have flown the de Havilland Mosquito aircraft during the conflict, and during the palace visit he gave the monarch a copy of his memoir, Bloody Dangerous, which details his time in the military, including numerous hits to his plane.

Britain's King Charles III greets World War II Mosquito bomber pilot, Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, during an audience in the Chinese Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace© POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Britain's King Charles III greets World War II Mosquito bomber pilot, Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell, during an audience in the Chinese Drawing Room of Buckingham Palace

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Homes Editor

Birthday celebrations in Spain

King Felipe of Spain's aunt Infanta Margarita has celebrated her 87th birthday surrounded by family in Madrid. The royal famously renounced her right to the Spanish throne after her wedding in 1972. Discover how she decided to mark the special occasion...

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Homes Editor

Duchess Sophie's hack in VB suit

Last week we saw Duchess Sophie step out in a powder blue suit designed by Victoria Beckham. Here's the secret to it being oh-so-flattering.

The Duchess of Edinburgh in lilac suit sitting in room talking to two women© PA Images via Getty Images
The Duchess of Edinburgh in Victoria Beckham suit

 

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Homes Editor

Greek royals hit NYC

Crown Prince Pavlos and Crown Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece have touched down in New York, Marie-Chantal's Instagram has revealed. She shared a photo of her husband and her pet pooch at a traditional diner for breakfast. What a way to start the day! 

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Homes Editor

Pippa Middleton's relatable mum moment

Pippa Middleton has flown under the radar on a train journey with her seven-year-old son and a bystander noticed her have a relatable mum moment where she had to exercise a classic parenting technique. Read the full piece now.

Pippa Middleton wearing floral dress at Wimbledon© Getty Images
Pippa Middleton has three children
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Homes Editor

Prince Harry and Princess Kate's broken bond

Amid the royal rift, we take a deep dive into the relationship between Prince Harry and sister-in-law Princess Kate, which once seemed to be thriving. From Harry opening up about silly, playful times with Kate to not speaking at all. What went wrong?

Kate Middleton and Prince Harry relationship
Kate Middleton and Prince Harry used to be close
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Homes Editor

King Charles to be inspired by slimmed down European monarchies?

There have been rumours of a slimmed down monarchy ever since King Charles took to the throne, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. We've seen streamlined royal families for both Sweden and Denmark - could it be time for Charles to follow suit? Read more.

King Charles is doing things his way as head of the monarchy© Getty Images
King Charles is doing things his way as head of the monarchy
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Homes Editor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor returns prestigious honour

It has come to light that after giving up his royal titles and royal home, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has also returned a prestigious honour bestowed to him in 1988. However, there is one particular honour which is unable to be stripped. Read more.

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Homes Editor

Princess Anne advises husband amid heckles

When Princess Anne arrived at Monday's Commonwealth Day service, she clocked protestors outside and she swiftly advised her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, on what to do. Watch the video here

The Princess Royal in a deep green skirt and jacket ensemble alongside husband arriving at abbey© PA Images via Getty Images
The Princess Royal arriving at Westminster Abbey

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Homes Editor

The best royal nannies

We adore seeing the royal children at special events like the King's Coronation and royal weddings, and they are often accompanied by their royal nannies. These are people who work incredibly hard behind the scenes in royal residences and beyond to help out busy royal parents. Take a look at the nine royal nannies who have become part of the family.

Royal nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo with Prince George© Chris Jackson
Royal nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo with Prince George
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Homes Editor

Handover time

Signing off now and leaving you with the evening team who will bring you the latest on the royal beat! 

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New York WriterNew York

The strict Cheltenham Festival style rules the royal ladies always follow

The Cheltenham Festival is back, and it's even more stylish than last year. Racegoers head to the famous Cotswolds racetrack to enjoy a day of sports spectatorship, rocking an eclectic array of stylish outerwear in the process. 

The royal family are regulars at the horse racing event and always look chic. Although there are no official style regulations for the festival, royal ladies from horse racing style veteran Zara Tindall to Queen Camilla never fail to make a statement in their attire. 

British heritage style is a recurring theme, and no one knows this better than designer and creative director Amanda Wakeley OBE. Amanda has dressed many of the world's most stylish women, including the late Princess Diana, and exclusively gives Best Quality Designer Handbag readers an insight into modern race-day dressing.

See what she had to say here

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