The Royal Family is an important institution of historical significance, so it makes sense that future spouses might feel nervous about the prospect of becoming royal. According to a former royal employee, one royal bride found Buckingham Palace particularly difficult to navigate for an understandable reason.

In his book, A Royal Duty, Princess Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, discussed how the former Princess of Wales adapted prior to, and just after, joining the Royal Family.

"The Queen was always accommodating even if she rarely went out of her way to ensure that her prospective daughter-in-law was settled," Burrell shared. "However, adaptability and strength of character are perceived as part of duty, and The Queen herself had had to learn the harsh protocols and isolation of palace life during her childhood."

According to Burrell, the fact that Princess Diana was raised within the nobility, and wasn't a mere commoner, meant she was expected to know how the Royal Family functioned.

"It was assumed that...she would cope with the transition, but where there was assumption there should have been assistance," Burrell explained.

The former butler continued, "What she didn't possess was The Queen's iron will. Essentially a people person, she did not grasp the wholly different way of palace life, which she found friendless, foreign, and peculiar."

Former butler Burrell also suggested that Princess Diana might have benefited from more support from Queen Elizabeth herself.

"It is ironic that The Queen left her to her own devices out of faith in her: she had adopted the trusting attitude that 'if she needs me, she knows where I am,'" the former royal employee shared. "The monarch had belief in her—even if the future Princess of Wales did not share it."

It's likely that most people would share Princess Diana's trepidation upon joining the Royal Family, with her reaction to Buckingham Palace seeming totally appropriate, in fact.

Prince William and Princess Kate tied the knot on April 29, 2011, in a fairytale wedding at Westminster Abbey in London. The unforgettable event was watched by royal fans worldwide, with onlookers delighted to celebrate the happy couple. But according to a new royal biography, Princess Kate caused "panic at the palace" with one particular decision during wedding planning.

In his new book, William and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside Story, royal expert Russell Myers discussed the huge undertaking palace staff faced in planning Kate and William's wedding.

"Courtiers were also surprised when Catherine announced her wish not to travel in the traditional horse-drawn Glass Coach, as used by Diana, Princess of Wales as well as Queen Elizabeth," Myers shared. "As much as tradition was at the forefront of her mind, Catherine wanted a modern slant on the proceedings and was of the view that she was not yet a 'princess' who would use such a mode of transport."

Princess Kate's choice to arrive at her wedding "in a 1977 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI that had been gifted by the manufacturer to The Queen on her Silver Jubilee" was apparently pretty unusual.

As palace courtiers hadn't anticipated Princess Kate's unexpected choice of transport, they were allegedly thrown into disarray.

"This prompted panic at the palace, who feared that an alternative vehicle might be necessary: in December 2010 vandals had splattered the car with white paint and smashed a rear window as [King] Charles and [Queen] Camilla were heading to the Royal Variety Performance," Myers shared.

According to the royal author, "An immediate review was undertaken by the Metropolitan Police, with extra briefings to all officers to remain vigilant for similar protests."

Looking back on Princess Kate's special day, it's clear she made the right choice by arriving at Westminster Abbey in a classic Rolls Royce. The photographs of Kate and her dad, Michael Middleton, traveling in the car remain iconic.

Prince Philip was known for many things, including his penchant for playing pranks with his grandchildren. He also became known for being "brilliantly funny, very clever," and "very popular" with royal staff members. Now, a new report has suggested that Prince Philip had one "playful habit," and he enjoyed "testing" staff by "hiding" food in odd places in Buckingham Palace.

As reported by Hello! magazine, Queen Elizabeth II's husband "really loved the Chinese Dining Room, located in the East Wing" of Buckingham Palace. It was there that Prince Philip allegedly exhibited one rather "playful habit."

Per the outlet, "Under the mantel, where an ornate clock sits in the room, is a dragon. Prince Philip...would hide peas in the mouth of the dragon to test the housekeeping staff at Buckingham Palace." The publication explained, "It was the duke's way to see if they were really checking...and, yes, they were."

Hiding peas for Buckingham Palace staff wasn't the only so-called "funny" thing Prince Philip did. His grandson, Prince William, opened up about Philip's keen sense of humor during an episode of Apple TV's The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy.

"My grandfather was incredibly amusing," the Prince of Wales explained (via People). "Sometimes not deliberately, sometimes by accident!"

William further explained, "But we had a lot of laughs and he had a great sense of humor, as did my grandmother as well, actually. But my grandfather definitely was the one who would create quite a few laughs."

The Prince of Wales reflected on the "happy times" he spent with his grandparents, telling Levy, "There was always a warmness, there was always a laughter, there was always a family feel. And my grandparents loved having the family around them, so we were always encouraged to turn up and be around."

Whether he was hiding food, or telling jokes, Prince Philip seemingly enjoyed making other people laugh.

The Royal Family is facing criticism after the British government appeared to delete files relating to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's behavior.

As reported by the Daily Mail, the government has been "accused" of a "cover-up after censoring details of Andrew's taxpayer-funded travel." Per the publication, "Minutes of a 2004 Royal Visits Committee meeting which discussed allocating an extra £90,000 [approximately $121,000] for Andrew's many foreign trips were originally due to be among the annual release of historic public documents by the National Archive." Instead, "a legal exemption" was applied to the information as it related to the Royal Family.

Graham Smith, the CEO of anti-monarchy group Republic, told the outlet, "There should be no royal exemption at all. But this exemption surely doesn't apply to Andrew now he's no longer a royal."

As noted by the Sun, the files appeared to be "hastily redacted" in what was referred to as an "admin error."

Smith discussed the reasoning behind the sudden redaction, telling the Daily Mail, "The most likely reason for this attempt to stop disclosure is pressure from the palace. The royals have sought to keep everything under wraps when it comes to Andrew, not to protect him but to protect themselves."

Taking aim at the Royal Family, Smith explained, "The royals are one of the most secretive institutions in the [United Kingdom]. These documents should be released without fear or favor, to allow the public to make informed judgments about the royals."

GB News reported that the "decision to withhold [the] Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor files sparks fury," and suggested that "withholding the files cannot be justified" following the former duke's demotion. For now, though, the information won't be released to the general public.

Over the years, the Royal Family's favorite alcoholic drinks have been revealed. While Queen Elizabeth was said to favor gin and Dubonnet, Princess Kate is reportedly a fan of the classic gin and tonic. Now, a former royal butler who served at Buckingham Palace has revealed that gin was the drink of choice for many members of the family. In fact, staff even became known for having to "sneak alcohol around Buckingham Palace" on a regular basis.

Former royal butler Paul Burrell, who worked for Queen Elizabeth and Princess Diana, has opened up about the Royal Family's alcoholic proclivities in his new book. Writing in The Royal Insider: My Life With The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana, Burrell dished (via The Sun), "I quickly became familiar with the ingenious ways in which the household smuggled booze for their soirees."

He continued, "I would be ordered by senior members of staff to empty a screw-topped tonic water bottle each night and fill it with gin for them to use for parties in their rooms."

Burrell further alleged that "gallons of gin were consumed every week—some legitimately, some not." As for how staff would transport the copious volumes of gin, Burrell recalled his fellow footmen carrying "electric kettles around the palace, not full of water but full of gin." Presumably, no-one accidentally boiled the gin that was discreetly hidden in the electric devices.

Secret gin deliveries were far from the only revelation Burrell made in his new book. In fact, the former royal employee was candid about facing accusations of theft following Princess Diana's death.

A trusted employee of the late princess, Burrell allegedly took some of Diana's positions following her tragic death in a car crash in Paris in 1997. Despite having informed Queen Elizabeth of his plans to protect the former Princess of Wales's private belongings, crossed wires led to Burrell being arrested and facing a court case. According to the butler, it was The Queen herself who "saved" him from prison in an extraordinary, last-minute addition of evidence from the Royal Family.

A plethora of former royal employees have opened up about what it's like working for Queen Elizabeth II. However, one former butler's story about a private meeting with the late monarch is perhaps stranger than the rest.

Paul Burrell, who recently released the book The Royal Insider: My Life With The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana, got candid about a meeting he had with Queen Elizabeth after working at the palace for one year. As reported by the Daily Star, Burrell said of the encounter, "That morning in the staff canteen we had sausages for breakfast. I wrapped two up in a paper napkin and put them into my tailcoat pocket. I thought, 'She's got dogs.'"

Burrell reportedly continued, "Went upstairs, knocked on the door, she said, 'Come in.' She said, 'You're Paul.' I said, 'Yes, Your Majesty,' and I bowed."

Elizabeth subsequently asked the butler whether he was a fan of dogs, to which he replied, "I love dogs." Burrell continued, "She said, 'Well let's see if they like you.' So she handed me all the leashes."

The Queen reportedly introduced Burrell to each of her pups by name. "This is Smoky, this is Shadow, this is Piper, this is Chipper, this is Jolly, this is Socks," the late monarch reportedly told Burrell.

Reflecting on the meeting, Burrell explained, "I thought, 'Oh my goodness, I'm never going to remember all these names.'" According to the former butler, the monarch had 10 dogs at the time, comprised of nine corgis and one Labrador.

Once outside, Burrell reportedly had a secret plan for the dogs. "I thought, 'I'm going to take them all off the leads and I'll run across the lawns and they'll follow me,'" he explained. "And they did, because they could smell the sausages."

According to the former royal employee, he fed sausages to the dogs "behind the greenhouse," out of view of The Queen, and "could see the net curtain twitching."

The former monarch was allegedly impressed with Burrell's control of her pets. The royal employee explained, "When I got back into her room she said, 'That's quite extraordinary, they do like you—I think I'll keep you.'" He continued, "She kept me for eleven years. What a lovely lady she was."

While working for the Royal Family is undeniably prestigious, roles within the Royal Household come with a plethora of rules. According to one former royal butler, who started his tenure at Buckingham Palace, one rule made him particularly "nervous," and it involved Queen Elizabeth herself.

In his new book The Royal Insider: My Life With The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana, former royal employee Paul Burrell discussed what it was like starting work as a royal butler. "I had progressed beyond empty cups to potatoes and gravy," Burrell wrote of the tasks he was allowed to carry out as a new member of staff (via Manchester Evening News). "We were always told never to look at The Queen or to stare at her: never look her in the eye, always look down."

According to the outlet, Burrell was especially "nervous" during one of his encounters with Queen Elizabeth as "he was carrying a silver tray with 20 Royal Worcester coffee cups, saucers, and gilt spoons."

Burrell revealed in his book, "Then my nerves got the better of me and the cups and saucers all started to rattle." He continued, "I will never forget the noise. All I had to do was stand behind The Queen and the pages would come to me and collect the cups."

The former royal employee claimed that the items on his tray were rattling "so loud" that the monarch turned around to "look at what the commotion was."

According to the outlet, Burrell's fears about looking Queen Elizabeth in the eye were entirely unfounded. "The Queen simply smiled back," the outlet explained. From there, Burrell became a trusted member of staff, and would go on to work for Princess Diana. Still, starting his role at Buckingham Palace was understandably overwhelming.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to host Donald and Melania Trump during their presidential state visit to the U.K. this week. Throughout her time on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II met a plethora of American presidents, and she appears to have developed a soft spot for Barack Obama. However, his final state visit to the U.K. in 2016, which coincided with the monarch's 90th birthday, apparently caused an argument to erupt.

During an episode of the Daily Mail's "Queens, Kings, and Dastardly Things" podcast, royal expert Robert Hardman revealed that the late monarch wanted to "pop out" and meet the Obamas in her own vehicle upon their arrival. Unsurprisingly, the Secret Service agents tasked with protecting the president were reportedly displeased with the idea.

According to Hardman, Queen Elizabeth's casual suggestion caused a "very serious row" to start between the Secret Service and Buckingham Palace. "The Secret Service said absolutely no way is that happening," the royal biographer explained. "The president can only be driven around by us."

Hardman further revealed that Obama's staff had "said there was a very serious row over which car they were going to go in and who was going to drive it." He continued, "This dilemma went right the way up to Obama himself, who had to decide. He thought, well it obviously means quite a lot to them, so I'll go in their car."

According to the royal expert, Obama had the final say in how he traveled to Windsor Castle. "For the only time in his entire presidency, he and the First Lady were driven, not in a bullet-proof, bomb-proof whatever, but in a Range Rover driven by Prince Philip," Hardman shared.

Clearly, the Obamas put a lot of faith in the British Royal Family.

A plethora of former Royal Family staff members continue to discuss their memories of their favorite royals. One such employee is Paul Burrell, a former royal butler for Princess Diana and her family. In his new book, The Royal Insider: My Life with The Queen, The King, and Princess Diana, the former butler reflected on being arrested for allegedly stealing some of Princess Diana's possessions following her death. He also discussed how a private meeting with Queen Elizabeth II helped to change his fate.

In an extract from Burrell's forthcoming book, which is being serialized by the Daily Mail, the former butler explained, "[O]n 16 August 2001, I had been charged with stealing 315 items from the estate of my late employer Diana, Princess of Wales, six items from Prince Charles, and 21 items from Prince William." As a result, Burrell was facing a five-year prison sentence, if he was found guilty of taking the items illegally.

"The police had torn my home apart, like a burglary in reverse," Burrell wrote. "Items that Princess Diana and Prince Charles had given me and my family over the years were all taken away, including clothes, shoes, and handbags that Diana had gifted to my wife Maria and a writing bureau she had given one of my sons."

According to Burrell, he was tasked with "cataloging and packing away" Diana's possessions, but he was left feeling "concerned that not enough was being done to protect Diana's legacy." The weight of his former employer's legacy quickly combined with his own personal issues, which included becoming "homeless and unemployed, after years of living and working at Kensington Palace."

The former butler decided to arrange a private meeting with Elizabeth, whom he had previously served. According to Burrell, he met the late monarch one evening in December 1997 at Buckingham Palace, and he addressed the "grave concerns" he had regarding Diana's property.

"[T]he family have been through all the princess's personal belongings and have taken away a great deal of her property, much of which I believe William and Harry should have," Burrell wrote, recalling his conversation with Queen Elizabeth.

Burrell continued, "I was asked to bring down her monogrammed luggage which was filled with her clothes, and Mrs. Shand Kydd [Frances, Diana's mother] sits on the princess's [couch] sorting through papers and shredding personal correspondence, including letters from you. That shredding machine is smoking, Your Majesty!"

Sharing his concern regarding the destruction of Diana's property, Burrell allegedly told The Queen, "So I have taken it upon myself to rescue documents which I think are important. I could not stand by and watch history be erased or the princess's world changed. She had fought so hard for the little privacy that she had and I have kept safe the personal items which she entrusted to me and were locked in my filing cabinet in my pantry."

According to Burrell, "The Queen raised her eyebrows but said nothing" at his revelation about Diana's property.

The pair subsequently discussed numerous topics, the former royal butler explained, including Diana's continued fondness for her ex-husband Charles and her ability to connect with people from all over the world. However, it was Burrell's revelation regarding Diana's personal possessions that "changed the course of my life," he wrote.

During his trial, the Royal Family was able to share "new evidence," after Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and King Charles discussed the topic while traveling to an event together. The Queen's recollection of her conversation with Burrell changed everything for the former butler, who was allowed to walk free. "The Queen had saved me," he wrote.

Following the sad news that the Duchess of Kent has passed away at the age of 92, Buckingham Palace has shared details about the royal's funeral. Katharine, the Duchess of Kent died in her Kensington Palace home on Sept. 4, and her funeral—which will break from royal tradition in one particular way—will take place on Sept. 16.

The Royal Family shared a press release announcing details regarding the Duchess of Kent's funeral, which will take place at Westminster Cathedral on Sept. 16. As Katharine was a Catholic, her funeral will include a Requiem Mass, making it "the first royal Catholic funeral in the U.K. in modern history," the BBC reported.

King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to attend the funeral, along with other members of the Royal Family, including Katharine's husband, the Duke of Kent. "Afterwards, the coffin will be taken by hearse to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor," the Royal Family's press release explained.

Incidentally, the Duchess of Kent's funeral will take place during Donald Trump's state visit to the U.K. later this month.

The official press release further noted, "Flags will be half-masted at all official royal residences flying the Union Flag on the day of the Funeral.

Sharing news of the duchess's death, an official statement previously explained, "It is with deep sorrow that Buckingham Palace announces the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent." The statement continued, "Her Royal Highness passed away peacefully last night [on Sept. 4] at Kensington Palace, surrounded by her family."

The statement further elaborated, "The King and Queen and all members of The Royal Family join the Duke of Kent, his children and grandchildren in mourning their loss and remembering fondly The Duchess's life-long devotion to all the organizations with which she was associated, her passion for music and her empathy for young people."

Princess Kate and Prince William are set to leave their "modest" home, Adelaide Cottage, in favor of the much larger Forest Lodge in Windsor. Sources have suggested that the Prince and Princess of Wales view Forest Lodge as their "forever home," and that they have little inclination to move into Buckingham Palace. Now, a former royal employee has suggested that Kate and William are actually following in King Charles's footsteps.

Speaking to GB News on behalf of Heart Bingo, former royal butler Grant Harrold explained, "The Royal Family are moving the 'hub' of monarchy to Windsor. That's my gut feeling." Harrold continued, "The King hasn't moved into Buckingham Palace, despite a lot of the work being completed."

Elaborating on Charles's decision to avoid Buckingham Palace, Harrold told the outlet, "He still lives at Clarence House and spends a lot of time at Highgrove and Windsor." He continued, "Windsor has become the essence of the monarchy, and it is the spiritual home. It's steeped in history for the Royal Family, so it does make sense to make it the base."

However, royal commentator Hugo Vickers seemingly disagrees with Grant Harrold's suggestion, telling Page Six, "[Kate and William] will have to have a London base." Vickers continued, "The King has to be somewhere convenient to the center of government. They can't expect ministers to come to Windsor. I am sure William and Catherine will have to use Buckingham Palace as their London base and also for ceremonial duties."

Royal biographer and expert Robert Lacey previously told The Telegraph of Buckingham Palace. "I don't think it was ever loved." He continued, "If you read what kings have said in their diaries, it was always seen as an office. I think, actually, as an office it has been very successful. As a ceremonial figurehead for the Royal Family, as the place that visitors identify with, it's been a great success."

Amid discourse regarding whether Prince William will live at Buckingham Palace when he's king, reports suggest that King Charles's wife, Queen Camilla, is planning some "major changes." During a solo appearance at York Racecourse's Ebor Festival, The Queen was candid about a so-called "terrible" "ongoing battle" she's been dealing with at Sandringham.

While attending the annual festival on August 20, Queen Camilla reportedly discussed the "terrible" issue, which has been affecting King Charles's Sandringham Estate, as well as her own private Wiltshire home.

According to Hello! magazine, Queen Camilla told one couple "that her own bees at her private home in Wiltshire have been giving her trouble because of the way they are swarming," while "the infestation at King Charles's Norfolk estate had become a 'terrible' nuisance."

The outlet reported that signs had been placed on display at Sandringham to warn visitors, saying, "Please be aware that wasp activity is currently high in this area."

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace is currently undergoing a "complete overhaul," which includes modernizing the historical building, Hello! reported. The extensive renovations won't be completed until 2027, and according to the outlet, "there's still one additional major change that Queen Camilla wants to make to the palace."

As reported by Hello! magazine, Queen Camilla is "hoping to build a library in Buckingham Palace, which is the only residence that does not yet have one."

The Scottish Daily Mail alleged that Camilla "has been struck that there is one royal residence which has no library." A royal source told the publication, "The Queen is simply looking to see if it might be at all possible, as rebuilding a Buckingham Palace library would be a wonderful idea."

However, even if a library is built inside Buckingham Palace, "Queen Camilla has no wish to move out of Clarence House," according to the Scottish Daily Mail. As a source told the outlet, "Do not for one minute imagine that this means she wants to live at 'BP.'" The source continued, "She is extremely happy with the status quo."

Summer 2025 has been pretty meaningful for Prince William and his family. For instance, the Royal Family announced that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be leaving the "modest" Adelaide Cottage in favor of mansion Forest Lodge. Royal experts have also mused about Prince William's future, and whether he might move into Buckingham Palace when he becomes king. Now, a seasoned royal biographer has called one of Prince William's choices "untenable."

Speaking to GB News, royal expert and biographer Robert Hardman discussed Prince William's alleged hope to remain in "forever home" Forest Lodge, rather than move into the Royal Family's iconic palace. "I don't think that's tenable," Hardman explained. "When the late Queen came to the throne in 1952, she and Prince Philip had just done up Clarence House as a sort of family home with their two young children. They loved it, and they didn't want to move. The Queen Mother, who was resident at Buckingham Palace, didn't want to move out."

Hardman continued, "[T]hey presented [their plans] to the prime minister, Winston Churchill, and it was Churchill who said, 'No, no, no, you've got to move in [to Buckingham Palace]. The monarch has to live [there].'"

As for whether or not William will be able to stay at his so-called "forever home" Forest Lodge, Hardman told the outlet, "That will be a difficult conversation for whichever prime minister it is...Of course, [Prince William] will be a harder nut to crack for a future [prime minister], but I think Buckingham Palace depends on having a visceral connection between the monarch and Royal HQ."

As it could be quite some time before Prince William becomes king, the Prince and Princess of Wales's future living situation remains unclear. However, William is likely to carve out his own path, which might include avoiding moving into Buckingham Palace.

King Charles is preparing to host Donald and Melania Trump when they embark on a state visit to the U.K. in September 2025. It's already been suggested that Princess Kate will be the "icing on the cake" of Donald's trip, but it's now been confirmed that two significant senior members of the Royal Family won't be available to host the American president.

Two Buckingham Palace press releases have revealed that Prince Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie, will be out of the country when the Trumps arrive. Between September 14 and 17, the Duke of Edinburgh will travel to Papua New Guinea, where he will help to commemorate the country's 50th anniversary of independence from Australia. Prince Edward's excursion will include "a dawn flag-raising ceremony and a state dinner, to mark the occasion."

Between September 18 and 22, Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie will visit Japan, per a press release. "In Osaka and Tokyo, the duke and duchess will undertake engagements on themes which resonate in both countries, including youth opportunity, sustainability and innovation, educating the next generation, and women in leadership," Buckingham Palace explained.

During the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh's trip, they will also attend "Japan's largest international event," which is "the U.K. and Japanese Pavilions at EXPO 2025, Osaka, Kansai." According to GB News, Edward and Sophie's absence during the state visit could be viewed as a "setback."

Donald and Melania Trump will visit the U.K. between September 17 and 19. "Catherine will be the icing on the cake for a man as vain as Donald Trump," former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond previously told the Mirror. "To be seen with her will be gold dust in his eyes."

It was recently confirmed that Princess Kate and Prince William would be leaving their "modest" Windsor home, Adelaide Cottage, in favor of the much larger Forest Lodge. The mansion is being described as the Prince and Princess of Wales's "forever home," and they seemingly have no intention of leaving the estate, even once William becomes king. Now, one royal expert has shared why Prince William is so averse to living at Buckingham Palace, despite Royal Family tradition.

"I don't think it was ever loved," royal biographer and expert Robert Lacey told The Telegraph of Buckingham Palace. "If you read what kings have said in their diaries, it was always seen as an office. I think, actually, as an office it has been very successful. As a ceremonial figurehead for the Royal Family, as the place that visitors identify with, it's been a great success."

A royal source told the publication that Kate and William's "move" to Forest Lodge is "for the long term," suggesting they're unlikely to move their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—again. "It is the family's intention to stay in their new home after [the] reign change." The source also claimed that the Prince of Wales would handle Buckingham Palace in a "pragmatic" way when he's on the throne.

As an actual residence, Lacey believes Buckingham Palace hasn't been entirely successful overall. "People forget that at the beginning of the [late] Queen's reign, no-one went into Buckingham Palace," Lacey said. As noted by the royal historian, Queen Elizabeth II changed how Buckingham Palace was viewed by the general public by giving visitors access to the royal collections. "It turns it from an impressive but perhaps empty facade into a meaningful exploration of the way in which constitutional monarchy works," Lacey explained.

The Telegraph also reported that, when Elizabeth II was young, her "governess described the experience of staying at Buckingham Palace as being 'like camping in a museum.'" It would seem as though Kate and William are focused on creating a warm and welcoming environment for their children and, as a result, are unlikely to move into Buckingham Palace in the future.

Following reports that Kate Middleton and Prince William were considering moving into the gothic-revival mansion Fort Belvedere, the couple's "forever home" has finally been confirmed. The couple's children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—are set for a huge move, as the family will be leaving the cozy Adelaide Cottage for a much bigger property in Windsor, Kensington Palace has revealed.

Rather than making King Edward VIII's former residence of Fort Belvedere their home, the Prince and Princess of Wales have settled on Forest Lodge. The 8-bedroom property is situated within Windsor Great Park, and will provide more space for the family.

Speaking to the BBC, a royal source said, "Windsor has become their home. However, over the last few years while they have lived at Adelaide Cottage there have been some really difficult times." The source continued, "Moving gives them an opportunity for a fresh start and a new chapter...It's an opportunity to leave some of the more unhappy memories behind."

According to the BBC, Kate and William "will not have any live-in staff as they focus on creating as private a family home as is possible." The publication also suggested that, when Prince William becomes king, the family will stay at Forest Lodge rather than moving to Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, Kate and William are reportedly "funding the move privately and they will pay market rent on the property," the BBC explained.

Before Kate and William move into Forest Lodge, a number of alterations are reportedly being made. "The works include replacing doors and windows, stripping out internal walls, renovating the ceilings, and replacing some floors," The Independent reported.

Since moving to Adelaide Cottage in 2022, the Prince and Princess of Wales and their family have faced a number of personal crises, including Kate's cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales has since completed chemotherapy treatment and has resumed her duties as a senior royal, making 2025 the ideal time to have a "fresh start" by moving into a new home.

On March 20, 1974, a man attempted to abduct Princess Anne, injuring four people, including her chauffeur, Alex Callender, and a private detective named James Beaton. Now, Princess Anne's attempted kidnapper, Ian Ball, has spoken about the ordeal an interview, revealing he was "scared" during the incident.

As reported by the Daily Mail, a then-26-year-old Ball "was detained 'without limit of time' under the Mental Health Act after admitting attempted kidnap and two attempted murders." After being sent to a high-security psychiatric hospital, Ball was released in 2019, and has since claimed his innocence, per the outlet.

"I'm an innocent, sane man because I had good reason to believe the gunpowder had been taken out of the bullets and another girl had been substituted for Princess Anne," Ball told the Daily Mail in an interview.

Ball also shockingly discussed Princess Anne's supposed reaction during his attempted abduction, telling the publication, "She wasn't bothered on the night...I didn't scare her. I was more scared than she was."

Claiming that the entire incident was a "hoax," Ball told the Daily Mail in his new interview, "[Princess Anne] said, 'You just go away and nobody will think any more about it', which fueled the belief that I thought it was a hoax." He continued, "At the time I thought it wasn't Princess Anne in the car. She looked nothing like Princess Anne. The personality was nothing like Princess Anne."

The Guardian further reported, "In the attempt to drag Anne away, [Ball] shot her bodyguard, chauffeur, a police officer, and a journalist. The princess was said to have infamously retorted 'not bloody likely' [when Ball tried to kidnap her]."

According to the Daily Mail, "It was only by chance that no-one died" during the attack, when "a passing boxer helped police to subdue" Ball before he could allegedly cause any more injuries.

Queen Elizabeth lived her entire live in the public eye, meaning that the general public witnessed her expressing just about every emotion. While the usually jovial monarch was known for playing pranks on tourist and mocking relatives, she was less than impressed when a royal expert "ruined" a surprise that was planned in her honor.

Royal expert Richard Eden reflected on the awkward incident, during which he seemingly angered the Royal Family, while writing in the Daily Mail's "Palace Confidential" newsletter. In 1996, in honor of Elizabeth's 70th birthday, members of the Royal Family planned to "travel via the River Thames to the famous Waterside Inn at Bray in Berkshire." However, Eden reported on the supposedly secret plan before the late Queen was made aware of it.

"There was uproar at Buckingham Palace," Eden explained. "I was accused of spoiling a surprise party, and told that The Queen, because of the very nature of her role, got very few unexpected treats and I had ruined one."

At a subsequent garden party, Eden was allegedly instructed to avoid Queen Elizabeth, which he attempted to do. However, Prince Philip reportedly saw the royal reporter talking to some of The Queen's ladies-in-waiting, whom he scolded, calling Eden "that bloody man."

While the late Queen was rarely angry in public, several stories have suggested she occasionally had outbursts. For instance, Elizabeth was reportedly "very annoyed" when Donald Trump criticized her sister, Princess Margaret, calling his comments "ignorant and hurtful," via the Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, a senior royal aide told Robert Hardman, for the book Queen of Our Times: The Life of Queen Elizabeth II, (via People), "There's a withering look [The Queen gives], and it looks you up and down, and it was terrifying when it first happened to me."

After recreating Meghan Markle's viral "Baby Mama" dance video at Buckingham Palace, one reality star has revealed they were left "mortified" having broken royal protocol. On June 25, former Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing and his pregnant wife Sophie Habboo attended a King's Trust reception at the palace, but it didn't completely go to plan.

Laing and Habboo reportedly broke royal protocol by filming themselves dancing "on the Grand Staircase, breaching rules against photography inside Buckingham Palace." However, the couple's decision to recreate Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry's delivery room dance wasn't as potentially problematic as another of Habboo's actions.

During an episode of their podcast, "Nearly Parents," Laing said (via GB News), "[King Charles] kept looking towards Sophie. And as soon as he went towards Sophie, Sophie put her hand up—5 times."

Recounting the excruciating moment, Laing said, "And then what happened was, the last time he turned towards Sophie, she put out her hand—she didn't withdraw it. She just held it there. She just held it there and didn't move it."

Habboo agreed with Laing, saying she was concerned she'd miss her "opportunity" with King Charles, which led to her acting over-eager. Ultimately, it doesn't seem as though the Royal Family was upset with either Habboo or Laing. As GB News reported, "When Habboo finally greeted The King, he responded graciously despite the protocol breach."

Laing shared a video clip of the dance he performed in Buckingham Palace with his wife on Instagram. "They said we couldn't film in Buckingham Palace," he captioned the post. Proving they weren't upset about the viral moment, the Royal Family's official Instagram account cheekily commented, "We see you 👀😉."

When Prince William becomes king, his eldest son, Prince George, will step into the role of heir apparent. As a result, Prince George is growing up with a "massive responsibility" on his shoulders, in the knowledge he'll one day become monarch, too. Following George's kingship lesson on VE Day, at which he attended a special tea party for veterans with his parents, Prince William and Princess Kate, the little royal appears to be growing in confidence.

Dr. Arthur Cassidy, a chartered member of the British Psychological Society, analyzed the young royal's behavior at Trooping the Colour, telling Hello! magazine, "Prince George reveals the positive impact of good posture—his head is held high with an open chest, while his personality type serves to positively reinforce just how vital his childhood and teenage development will be for his future role as monarch."

The expert also noted that George "is very aware of his gestures and expressions" at public events. For instance, at Trooping the Colour, "George has his hands in the clenched overlap position just below his belt, demonstrating a relaxed mode and positive self-confidence," Dr. Cassidy explained.

Discussing the significance of Prince George attending a VE Day tea party alongside his parents, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror, "[A]t big events like this, he looks as if he is taking it all in, and understanding that his life will be punctuated by national occasions where his will be a key role."

Bond also noted the importance of meeting World War II veterans, saying that 2025's VE Day tea party "may be the only opportunity George will ever have of speaking to men and women who served their King and country during the war."

Prince Louis appeared to be having a ball at Trooping the Colour on June 14, 2025. The little royal was photographed laughing alongside his brother, Prince George, as the pair traveled by carriage to the event with mom Kate Middleton, who twinned with Princess Charlotte for the occasion. However, royal fans expressed concern after spotting Prince Louis getting scolded by both Kate and George when the Royal Family stood on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch the RAF flypast.

One photo of the Prince and Princess of Wales's children showed Prince George placing an arm on his little brother, which seemed to be a warning gesture in an attempt to stop Louis waving at the crowds.

Commenting on the moment, one person wrote on Reddit, "Louis figured out the crowd would cheer every time he waved and then George put a stop to it." Another commenter explained, "I've done this a time or two to my brother. He ignored me and did his thing."

Another eye-catching photo appeared to show Princess Kate glaring at Prince Louis and saying something to the young royal. Speaking to the Mirror, lip reader Jeremy Freeman suggested that Kate told her youngest son, "National anthem. Louis, stand." Prince Louis appeared to heed his mother's warning, although it's unclear if there was anything else involved in the seemingly tense interaction. "I feel sorry for the kids having their every move analyzed," one commenter wrote on Reddit.

"They all seem to have their hands full with little Louis," one commentator wrote on Reddit. Another person joked, "As the mother of 3 kids, nothing is more relatable than this little mini drama."

One person who didn't seem to mind Prince Louis's "cheeky" behavior was King Charles. In photos of the pair, Charles could be seen giggling while his grandson made exaggerated gestures.

"Louis turned to look at his grandfather waving and quickly mimicked the gesture as other members of the family grinned and joined in," per GB News. "In a cheeky gesture, Louis stole one last wave just as he was ushered out of view by his mother."

Queen Elizabeth was known for exhibiting iconic behavior in just about every aspect of her life, including when it came to her culinary tastes. From ordering a special menu for her corgis to her love of the "jam penny" sandwich, the late Queen clearly knew what she wanted from the Buckingham Palace chefs. In a new interview, one former royal chef has revealed why Queen Elizabeth was actually "very frugal" when it came to food.

Speaking exclusively to Heart Bingo, Darren McGrady, who worked with the Royal Family for 15 years, explained, "We didn't do anything over-the-top extravagant. The Queen was very frugal, likely due to her wartime upbringing."

McGrady continued, "Ingredients like lobster, caviar, and foie gras were reserved for state banquets. On normal days, she was perfectly happy with comfort food, so we cooked meals like cottage pie."

As well as preferring "comfort food" to luxurious delicacies, Queen Elizabeth reportedly had some simple dislikes, too. "There weren't banned foods, but The Queen didn't like garlic or strong onions, viewing them as antisocial," McGrady told the outlet. "So we didn't use garlic in her meals."

However, Elizabeth's husband, Prince Philip, apparently "loved garlic and would have it at his dinner parties," McGrady noted.

The former royal chef also claimed, "The idea that The Queen didn't eat seafood while traveling isn't true—we regularly cooked scallops and shrimp for her."

During the summer, when the Royal Family retreated to Balmoral in Scotland, the royal chefs had a few less responsibilities. "Every summer we spent 8 weeks at Balmoral," McGrady explained. "Even in bad weather, the royals would go out to the hills and cook at lodges."

The former royal chef elaborated, saying, "Prince Philip loved to grill; [King] Charles and Prince Andrew would help with sides. We'd prepare marinated meats and side dishes, and The Queen would bring ice cream in a thermos. It was a chance for them to unwind without staff."

King Charles may be "forced" to skip one particular tradition at this year's Trooping the Colour, by trading horseback riding for a carriage arrival. According to one royal expert, The King might also be considering extending an "olive branch" to Prince Andrew's daughters, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice. However, The King's kindness could allegedly backfire.

It's currently unclear whether Beatrice and Eugenie will join the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Trooping the Colour on June 14. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams spoke to GB News about why any potential decision to include Eugenie and Beatrice could cause a "huge problem" for King Charles.

"It would bring into focus the fact that [Prince] Andrew does not appear, and anything to do with him is still too toxic," Fitzwilliams told the outlet. "Unfortunately for the Yorks, there is a problem, a huge problem, and it would send a message that would not be appropriate at the moment."

While Prince Andrew did attend the Royal Family's Easter church service in April, he's been largely absent from public life in recent years. Following his disastrous Newsnight interview in 2019 and his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Andrew was forced to take a step back from carrying out any official royal duties.

As for The King's decision to forgo horseback riding at Trooping the Colour, in favor of arriving by carriage with Queen Camilla, Fitzwilliams told the outlet, "I think that it's only sensible, given the treatment for cancer and the fact that he did so last year for the same reason." The royal expert continued, "He'll be accepting it."

According to the Express, it's believed that Prince William, Princess Kate, and their three children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—will join Charles and Camilla on the Buckingham Palace balcony. Princess Anne and her husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, and Prince Edward and his wife, Duchess Sophie, are also thought to have received an invite to stand on the balcony for 2025's Trooping the Colour.

Buckingham Palace is an exquisite building, and royal fans would happily fight one another for the chance to stay there for even one night. However, not every Royal Family resident who has had the pleasure of residing in the palace has taken the best care of it. In fact, one unexpected royal allegedly set fire to their room inside Buckingham Palace on more than one occasion.

In his book Yes, Ma'am: The Secret Life of Royal Servants, author Tom Quinn interviewed Agnes Cooke, a former palace kitchen worker who recalled the "fiery habit" Prince Philip's mom was known for. Cooke explained (via the Daily Mail), "Well, there was a lady-in-waiting who was very friendly with Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, when Alice was living at Buckingham Palace, and they used to smoke cigarettes together in Alice's apartment—so much so that they regularly set fire to it."

Further elaborating on the strange occurrence, Cooke told Quinn, "And despite being very grand indeed—a member of one of Britain's oldest and most aristocratic families—this particular lady-in-waiting used to wander about with a cigarette stuck behind her ear, like a coal miner or a carpenter."

Having been born at Windsor Castle in 1885, Princess Alice married Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark in 1903. According to The New York Times, the royal wedding took place "at the Old Palace" in Darmstadt, Germany, "in the presence of a glittering assembly of 200 sovereigns, princes, diplomats, and cabinet ministers." After the wedding, Alice and Andrew moved to Greece and welcomed five children together—including Prince Philip.

Unfortunately, Princess Alice lived an extremely difficult life. The family was exiled from Greece in 1922, and Alice was "sent to the Tegel Clinic in Berlin" without her consent due to alleged mental health issues, per The British Psychological Society. After eventually leaving Berlin, following some intrusive treatment protocols, Alice spent time in Europe before returning to Athens, where she founded the Christian Brotherhood of Martha and Mary, via Greek Reporter.

It was in the final two years of Alice's life that she moved into Buckingham Palace, where she was allegedly responsible for starting several fires.

King Charles is reportedly upset that one of his favorite Christmas traditions might be coming to an end. The Royal Family famously spends the holiday season at Sandringham, which recently encountered a security threat on account of unidentified drones. Even though Charles's relatives are likely returning to Sandringham for Christmas in 2025, one important tradition might be canceled, for good.

According to The Sun, King Charles has been "livid" as the Sandringham Boxing Day hunt might be called off, as "his royal estate is running out of pheasants to shoot." As reported by the outlet, "a series of blunders" occurred, which "left the game bird numbers dwindling at Sandringham."

A source with knowledge of the situation reportedly told the outlet, "No birds, no bang, just red faces...The King wasn't having it." Elaborating on the seriousness of the situation, The Sun explained, "[Charles] even faces calling off his annual Boxing Day shoot—and a long-serving gamekeeper at the Norfolk estate has been [fired]."

The Royal Family's history of hunting is well documented. It has long been speculated that Prince George will go hunting with his father, Prince William, as a rite of passage.

Meanwhile, Kate Middleton reportedly "put her foot down" when it came to her kids—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis— taking part in the Royal Family's "blooding" tradition.

Prince Harry wrote about the gruesome tradition in his memoir Spare, sharing his experience of being taken hunting in Balmoral when he turned 15. In his visceral account, Harry alleged that his hunting guide took the "blooding" tradition too far, and pushed the young royal's head inside an animal carcass.

"I was shocked by his insane strength," Harry wrote in Spare, via Hello! magazine. "And by the infernal smell. My breakfast jumped up from my stomach."

As for why the Royal Family continues to partake in their annual Boxing Day hunt, The Sun wrote, "The occasion is seen as a rare chance for family bonding, despite protests from animal rights campaigners who particularly dislike children taking part."

Queen Elizabeth II raised 4 children while simultaneously working as the U.K.'s monarch—which is quite an unusual feat. Having grown up with parents who were allegedly "party animals," the late Queen likely had a plethora of ideas about how children should be raised. While Kate Middleton "refused to be rushed" when it came to raising her own children, Queen Elizabeth apparently had some no-nonsense parenting advice for another professional mother hoping to learn from an expert.

The Guardian published an extract from Jacinda Arden's memoir, A Different Kind of Power, on May 31, in which the former prime minister of New Zealand reflected on Queen Elizabeth's astute advice. While 7 months pregnant, Arden flew to London to attend The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which included a reception at Buckingham Palace. "While in London, we met Queen Elizabeth," Arden wrote. "She had, of course, raised children in the public eye, so in our private meeting I asked if she had any advice."

Arden probably wasn't expecting the late Queen's straightforward advice. "'You just get on with it,' she said simply," Arden wrote. "She sounded so matter of fact, just as my grandma Margaret might have."

Arden also addressed the challenges she faced as a pregnant prime minister. "I had braced for the worst," the politician wrote. "I was a public figure, used to judgment and scrutiny. Now I was pregnant and unwed. I was also new to the job. If people wanted to have a go at me, they had plenty of reason to."

In the extract, Arden elaborated, "But for all this support, my pregnancy added a new kind of pressure. I was only the second world leader in history to have a baby in office."

She continued, "The first was Benazir Bhutto. She was the first woman to lead Pakistan, and in 1990, two years into her first term in office she had a baby girl. I didn't think the world's eyes were on me, but I did think naysayers' were. Those who might be waiting to say: See, you can't do a demanding job like that and be a mother."

Hopefully, Queen Elizabeth's practical advice helped Arden overcome some of the difficulties she faced as a new mother raising children on a world stage.

The Royal Family recently stepped out for VE Day, where Prince Louis shared his unfiltered review, and Princess Kate subtly honored Holocaust victims with a special piece of jewelry. Prince George also played an important role during the day, particularly when it came to looking out for his dad, Prince William. Now, a viral video clip of the young royal has made fans realize just how crucial George was at the key occasion.

As reported by Hello! magazine, footage shared after the event showed Prince George standing next to William, who appeared to be distracted while speaking to Queen Camilla. In anticipation of the VE Day flypast, which the Royal Family watched from the Buckingham Palace balcony, George attempted to capture his dad's attention. After gesturing for some time, George was successful in alerting William that the flypast was starting.

"George made sure William turned his attention skyward at just the right moment," Hello! magazine reported. "His helpful action did not go unnoticed by royal watchers."

Royal biographer Robert Jobson spoke to Hello! magazine about the added responsibilities Prince George took on at VE Day, including attending a tea party for World War II veterans with his parents. "They are preparing him for public life," Jobson told the outlet. "Kids can find it difficult to meet people, shake their hands and look them in the eye, but he does it very well. I think what they're trying to achieve is that he's relaxed in that sort of situation, and I thought it was very successful."

Robson—who wrote royal biography Catherine: The Future Queen—added, "I think they're trying to be careful not to overwhelm [George], because he's at a delicate age, but it's very important, given that the late Queen is no longer here, to have that continuity going forward."

Since returning to her role as a senior member of the Royal Family, Princess Kate has been widely praised for showing "inner steal." Following a cancer diagnosis in early 2024, the Princess of Wales underwent preventative chemotherapy. Now, Kate is being celebrated for showing "real leadership" by helping to effect change in an important area.

In 2023, Kate Middleton launched a Business Taskforce for Early Childhood, with a view to inspiring companies to change their policies regarding parental leave to help nurture families. As reported by Hello! magazine, Princess Kate's efforts appear to be paying off, as "Deloitte UK [is] changing its parental policies to give all parents 26 weeks full pay."

An organization called The Dad Shift is campaigning to change the law and allow fathers access to more paid parental leave. Co-founder Alex Lloyd-Hunter told Hello!, "Just last week we were outside Buckingham Palace hanging up baby grows spelling, 'Two weeks isn't enough,' so we're delighted to learn the Princess of Wales has been championing good paternity leave behind the scenes."

Lloyd-Hunter continued, "It's good to see more and more companies realizing that better paternity leave is in their interest and stepping up with generous policies. But the vast majority of smaller businesses can't afford to do this, and that means their employees are stuck with the worst paternity leave in Europe." The Dad Shift's co-founder suggested that the government needs to step in to "significantly improve our statutory offer so every father and non-birthing parent gets a decent amount of properly paid leave."

Celebrating Kate's contribution to the important issue, Lloyd-Hunter told the outlet, "The princess has shown real leadership on this issue—now it's time for ministers to follow her example."

The United Kingdom is known for its historic sites, which include locations beloved by the Royal Family and their ancestors. While most royal fans are likely to have visited the gates of Buckingham Palace or the Tower of London—where everyone from Anne Boleyn to Elizabeth I was imprisoned—the U.K. boasts a smorgasbord of castles and stately homes with regal roots. Throughout England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, visitors can immerse themselves in royal history, and even plan the perfect vacation around it.

London undoubtedly has a huge selection of Royal Family-related attractions. But outside of the capital, travelers will find immaculately preserved summer homes, important landmarks in the current King's history, and expansive estates to explore. From retired royal yachts to Queen Victoria's beach house, we've rounded up 10 must-see Royal Family destinations to plan your next vacation around.

1. Windsor Castle

As well as being home to Kate Middleton and Prince William's "modest" home, Adelaide Cottage, the town of Windsor is built around one of the Royal Family's most beautiful castles. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at St. George's Chapel inside Windsor Castle in May 2018, and the impressive property became Queen Elizabeth II's permanent home in the years before her death.

The 11th century castle is open to the public, and includes a number of stores and cafes, while visitors can also attend regular events and exhibitions. Nearby Eton College—where Prince Harry and Prince William went to school—allows members of the public to visit its museums and galleries. No trip to Windsor would be complete without stopping by the Crooked House, an iconic Instagram-worthy destination that features a bar inside. Frogmore House, where Meghan and Harry held their wedding reception, is occasionally open to visitors, too.

Where to stay:

The Castle Hotel. Rates start at $155 per night.

Macdonald Windsor Hotel. Rates start at $140 per night.

2. Osborne House

Prince Albert wanted Osborne House, Queen Victoria's seaside retreat on the Isle of Wight, to resemble an Italian Renaissance palazzo. Featuring a private beach, palatial gardens, and a well preserved home, Osborne House is an unusual Royal Family property, now managed by English Heritage and open to visitors. Osborne is also embedded in a royal wedding tradition—Queen Victoria planted myrtle on the estate, which is regularly used in royal bridal bouquets, including Duchess Meghan's.

Not far from Osborne is Carisbrooke Castle, an Anglo-Saxon fortress steeped in Royal Family history. King Charles I was locked up in the castle for more than a year, and Queen Victoria's daughter, Princess Beatrice, later turned it into her own summer retreat. Victoria's Island Trail provides a blueprint for any royal fan's perfect week on the Isle of Wight, and it's well worth incorporating a ride on the Steam Railway in Havenstreet. Meanwhile, foodies absolutely shouldn't miss Mexican kitchen Prickly Pear and seafood restaurant Smoking Lobster, both of which are in Cowes, where Princess Kate and Prince William have been known to go sailing.

Where to stay:

One Holyrood in Newport. Rates start at $140 per night.

Tom's Eco Lodge Glamping on Tapnell Farm. Rates start at $115 per night.

3. Edinburgh Castle & the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Edinburgh is home to two unmissable Royal Family locations—Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Built on a volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle provides a dramatic backdrop for the city. Home to Mary, Queen of Scots and her son, King James I, the stronghold has been at the center of some of the Royal Family's biggest scandals. Holyrood Palace is King Charles's official residence whenever he visits Scotland, and its expansive architecture and galleries will delight regal aficionados.

History buffs will enjoy a tour of Edinburgh's underground vaults below the city's Old Town, while the Real Mary King's Close tour will provide an insight into the living and working conditions of the past. For food, The Palmerston comes highly recommended, and has a focus on sustainability and local produce, while Junk quickly found fans thanks to its promise of a "sophisticated take" on street food.

Where to stay:

W Edinburgh. Rates start at $300 per night.

VOCO Haymarket by IHG. Rates start at $150 per night.

4. Balmoral Castle

A visit to Balmoral Castle is all but essential for any Royal Family enthusiast. Set within the Scottish Highlands, Balmoral was beloved by Queen Elizabeth II, who enjoyed trolling American tourists on the grounds of her property. King Charles and Queen Camilla made the decision to allow members of the public to visit Balmoral, which includes pristine gardens, incredible state rooms, and curated produce for purchase.

Nearby church Crathie Kirk is frequented by the Royal Family when they're in Scotland, and Royal Lochnagar distillery—visited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1848—is the ideal spot for whiskey lovers. Ballater Railway Station, known as Old Royal Station, features Queen Victoria's waiting room, and was renovated thanks to financing from The King's Foundation. Drum Castle, one of Scotland's oldest tower houses, includes a walled rose garden and a beautiful chapel.

Where to stay:

Fife Arms. Rates start at $400 per night.

Balmoral Arms. Rates start at $390 per night.

5. Hampton Court Palace

Located in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a wonderfully maintained royal residence with jaw-dropping gardens. The Great Hall and Tudor kitchens invoke life in the time of King Henry VIII and his six wives, while the Magic Garden children's playground brings the palace into the 21st century. Hampton Court also provides the perfect setting for concerts, an extremely elevated alternative to the regular music festival, complete with champagne. Exhibitions focus on royal fashion and life as a member of the Royal Family.

Next to Hampton Court Palace is Bushy Park, beautiful woodland gardens once beloved by Henry VIII. Deer still roam the land, while the Diana Fountain, a 17th century water feature, pays tribute to the Roman Goddess Diana. The location also has historical significance for the United States, as General Dwight D. Eisenhower established his headquarters in Bushy Park during the Second World War.

Where to stay:

The Lion Gate Mews. Rates start at $165 per night.

The Mitre Hotel, Hampton Court. Rates start at $215 per night.

6. Glamis Castle

Visitors can explore the rooms and gardens of Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland, which has a ton of impressive Royal Family connections. Not only was it the Queen Mother's childhood home, but she also gave birth to Queen Elizabeth II's sister, Princess Margaret, in the castle in 1930. Dating back to 1372, Glamis Castle reportedly inspired William Shakespeare, as his character Macbeth lives in the regal property.

For food, the Castle Kitchen Restaurant utilizes produce from within Glamis Castle, while Armstrongs Bar and Restaurant in the village of Glamis has positive reviews. Gin drinkers should gravitate towards The Bothy Experience. On the nearby coast, visitors can explore the industrial heritage of Dundee at the Verdant Works Museum, learn about Captain Scott's 1901 Antarctic exhibition on the Royal Research Ship Discovery at Discovery Point, and savor the collections inside The McManus, Dundee's art gallery and museum.

Where to stay:

Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort. Rates start at $285 per night.

Hotel Indigo Dundee. Rates start at $100 per night.

7. Hillsborough Castle

Located close to Belfast, Hillsborough Castle is Northern Ireland's royal residence and is still used by the Royal Family during official visits. In fact, when King Charles's pen malfunctioned soon after he took the throne, he was taking part in a ceremony at Hillsborough Castle. The Georgian estate has been a crucial location in Northern Irish history, and visitors can explore the building's state rooms and its gorgeous walled garden.

The city of Belfast isn't far from Hillsborough Castle, and includes The Titanic Experience, which recreates what it was like to travel on the historic vessel. Visitors can also step on board the SS Nomadic, the last White Star Line ship, sharing much commonality with the Titanic itself. For food and atmosphere, Berts Jazz Bar inside The Merchant Hotel offers crafted cocktails, French cuisine, and live music 7 days a week.

Where to stay:

Arthur's, Royal Hillsborough. Rates start at $155 per night.

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast. Rates start at $390 per night.

8. Caernarfon Castle

King Charles's investiture as the Prince of Wales took place in 1969 at Caernarfon Castle in North Wales. The iconic royal moment was recreated in The Crown, making it no surprise that fans continue to flock to the royal fortress and palace. Dating back to the Middle Ages, Caernarfon Castle is especially picturesque as its set on the water and is often surrounded by small boats. The Old Courthouse, Caernarfon, a music venue and restaurant, comes highly recommended and is located opposite the castle.

The castle's location, North Wales, has many interesting royal connections, and several unusual buildings that are worth visiting. Other places to visit include Plas Newydd House and Garden, a grand country home dating back to 1470, and Beaumaris Castle, a beautiful but unfinished fortress on the island of Anglesey. Prince William and Princess Kate lived in Anglesey early in their relationship, as the Prince of Wales was working as a search and rescue pilot.

Where to stay:

Celtic Royal Hotel and Spa. Rates start at $125 per night.

Coed Helen Holiday Park. Rates start at $90 per night.

9. Royal Yacht Brittania

When the Royal Yacht Brittania was decommissioned, Queen Elizabeth II was moved to tears, an exceedingly rare action for the late monarch. The impressive vessel took members of the Royal Family on official visits, vacations, and even honeymoons. Now docked in Leith, outside of Edinburgh, visitors can experience the same luxuries once frequented by the royals themselves. The Royal Galley serves food to patrons, welcoming visitors to The Royal Deck Tearoom to partake in coffees, cocktails, and champagne cream teas.

Docked nearby is the Fingal, a luxury floating hotel, with The Lighthouse Restaurant serving award-winning dishes on board. The Port of Leith Distillery Restaurant and Bar offers a wide range of whiskeys and magnificent views of the water, including Figure VI of artist Anthony Gormley's 6 Times series.

Where to stay:

Fingal Hotel. Rates start at $390 per night.

Ocean Mist, Leith. Rates start at $140 per night.

10. Sandringham Estate

Members of the Royal Family generally travel to the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk for Christmas. Now, royal devotees can explore the house at Sandringham, book a tour of The King's Gardens and devour an afternoon tea, and take in the annual exhibition—this year's focuses on the signatures of Royal Family members. Concerts by musicians such as Mariah Carey and Michael Bublé also take place in the grounds, while Sandringham Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Former royal residence and hunting lodge Castle Rising is in the vicinity, as is Wolferton Station near King's Lynn, once known for its regular use by the Royal Family. Also close by is Houghton Hall, the residence of Rose Hanbury and her husband, the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley. Visitors can enjoy extensive art exhibits, attractive gardens, and pristine state rooms at the property.

Where to stay:

The Coaches and Horses, Dersingham. Rates start at $160 per night.

Congham Hall Hotel and Spa. Rates start at $325 per night.

King Charles was recently hospitalized due to side effects caused by his ongoing cancer treatment, but don't expect the monarch to slow down any time soon. Despite it being reported that there is only one person King Charles will listen to regarding his health—his wife Queen Camilla—it appears as though The King's spouse has her limitations. According to Buckingham Palace sources, everyone from Charles's royal aides to wife Camilla has tried to influence the monarch's schedule, and they've all been unsuccessful so far.

When asked whether King Charles had been officially advised to scale back on his workload, a senior palace official told The Sun, "We've all tried! But as people will have seen, The King enjoys his work."

Queen Camilla weighed in on her husband's fast-paced lifestyle, telling reporters (via The Sun), "No, I think he loves his work and it keeps him going." She continued, "And I think it's wonderful, you know, if you've been ill and you are recovering, you're getting better and now he wants to do more and more and more. That's the problem."

Earlier this month, royal commentator Phil Dampier appeared on an episode of The Sun's "Royal Exclusive" show, and suggested that The King needs to cut back on his "ridiculous" schedule. "Camilla is forever telling him to slow down," Dampier explained. "She'd like him to pace himself. She'd like him to take it easy, but he's just got this work ethic."

Dampier also shared that King Charles was known for "working late into the night and literally falling asleep at his desk." According to the royal expert, The King "likes being busy," but it seems as though he "needs to curtail that sort of ridiculous workload."

King Charles was hospitalized on March 27 due to side effects caused by his ongoing cancer treatment. Buckingham Palace has issued an update regarding the monarch's health, as the Royal Family's state visit to Italy fast approaches.

As reported by People, Buckingham Palace shared that King Charles enjoyed a "restful" weekend at his private home, Highgrove House, and would be returning to his "usual working week." The outlet reported that, per the palace, Charles "will carry out a series of duties that take him from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace. He will also undertake his weekly in-person meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer."

It was revealed that Charles's workload will be lightened throughout the week, "to allow a suitable period of rest ahead of his and Queen Camilla's trip to Italy." The international trip is due to begin on April 7, "and is still set to go ahead."

Buckingham Palace previously shared that The King had been "experiencing temporary side effects during cancer treatment," which led to his hospitalization last week, via the BBC. By the time the general public was informed of Charles's health issues, The King had already been released from hospital.

It was also claimed by an insider that Prince Harry wasn't informed of his father's hospitalization any earlier than the general public. This was allegedly because Buckingham Palace didn't want to "cause unnecessary alarm," according to The Sun. The Express reported, "[I]t looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media when it was announced publicly to the rest of the world."

One royal expert also noted that Queen Camilla is "showing her strength" amid King Charles's ongoing cancer treatment. "There is clearly a rod of steel that runs through her. She is so strong, so resilient," royal editor Katie Nicholl told OK! magazine. "She also has a great sense of herself and an ability to overcome all sorts of adversity. Those are the qualities you really see in her when the going gets tough—and it did get tough last year."

On Thursday, March 27, it was revealed that King Charles had been hospitalized amid his ongoing cancer treatment. However, it's since been suggested that Buckingham Palace shared the news with the general public before Charles's son, Prince Harry, was informed.

Buckingham Palace revealed that King Charles had been "experiencing temporary side effects during cancer treatment," which led to his brief hospitalization, via the BBC. The monarch canceled several official engagements that had been set to take place on March 28, and instead returned home to Clarence House on Thursday night. The following day, he was photographed leaving London by car for his private home, Highgrove House.

According to The Sun, an insider claimed that Prince Harry wasn't told about his father's hospitalization prior to the public announcement because Buckingham Palace didn't want to "cause unnecessary alarm." "[I]t looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media when it was announced publicly to the rest of the world," the Express reported.

On March 27, Buckingham Palace said in a statement, "Tomorrow, [King Charles] was due to undertake four public engagements in Birmingham and is greatly disappointed to be missing them on this occasion." The statement continued, "He very much hopes that they can be rescheduled in due course and offers his deepest apologies to all those who had worked so hard to make the planned visit possible."

As for the severity of King Charles's symptoms, which led to his hospitalization, Buckingham Palace said it was the "most minor bump in a road that is very much heading in the right direction."

King Charles and Queen Camilla are scheduled to visit Italy in April, Buckingham Palace recently announced. However, the couple's trip is reportedly "in doubt" due to an official's concerning health issues.

"Their Majesties The King and Queen will undertake State Visits to the Holy See and the Republic of Italy in early April 2025," Buckingham Palace announced in February. "During Their Majesties' State visit to the Holy See, The King and Queen will join His Holiness Pope Francis in celebrating the 2025 Jubilee Year. Traditionally held once every 25 years, the Jubilee is a special year for the Catholic Church; a year of walking together as 'Pilgrims of Hope.'"

Unfortunately, Charles and Camilla's trip is "in doubt" on account of Pope Francis's current health issues, the Mirror reported. Pope Francis has been in Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 and has been diagnosed with double pneumonia. "He has had several setbacks in that time, including two episodes of respiratory failure...and he is in regular need of oxygen," the Mirror explained.

In a statement released on March 8, the Vatican said that Pope Francis had shown a "good response" to his current treatment plan, and there had been a "gradual, slight improvement" in his condition, via Reuters. The Vatican also noted that Pope Francis's health remains "complex."

King Charles and Queen Camilla had been set to visit Rome and Ravenna during their trip to Italy. It's believed that the trip may coincide with the couple's 20th wedding anniversary, which takes place on April 9.

Meanwhile, King Charles is continuing to receive treatment following a cancer diagnosis in early 2024.

In September 2024, Queen Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, revealed that Charles's "doctor says the treatment is going well," via the Express. King Charles shared his own health update in December 2024, during a visit to the London Borough of Walthamstow. When asked how he was, King Charles joked, "I'm still alive," via the Mirror.

Queen Camilla regularly carries out official royal engagements, but it's not often she seems lost of words. However, on Feb. 26, The Queen hosted a reception at Buckingham Palace for young authors who had taken part in the BBC's 500 Words competition. A plethora of celebrities were also in attendance, some of whom were wearing fewer clothes than others.

Photographs revealed the moment Queen Camilla met with two of the stars of British TV series Gladiators, a competition show in which contestants compete in sporting challenges against professional athletes. For the occasion, two of the show's stars, "Nitro" (Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) and "Fire" (Montell Douglas), dressed up in their costumes to meet the royal. Unsurprisingly, Camilla's reaction to meeting the scantily clad entertainers was highly relatable.

Aikines-Aryeetey, a championship sprinter for Team GB, revealed that he'd previously visited Buckingham Palace as an Olympian, meeting both Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Harry, per the Mirror. Noting that he "had a few more clothes on" during his first visit to the palace, Aikines-Aryeetey continued, "I was dressed well."

Revealing how he ended up wearing a singlet to meet Queen Camilla, Aikines-Aryeetey said, "To be fair I did come dressed correctly and once I got here they told me [to put on my shorts and singlet]. I thought gosh, surely I must be the least dressed man in this room. I've added to the history."

As for Queen Camilla's reaction to his costume, Aikines-Aryeetey revealed the royal didn't "even blink." "She wasn't surprised," he explained. "I guess it's 2025 and we are welcoming all sorts into the house!"

It's been a busy week for the Royal Family. On Thursday, Feb. 27, British prime minister Keir Starmer hand delivered a letter from King Charles to Donald Trump inviting him for a second official state visit. "This is really special," Starmer told Trump. "This has never happened before...This is unprecedented."

"Quite apart from this presenting an opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, it would also offer a valuable chance to plan a historic second state visit to the United Kingdom," The King wrote in his letter to Trump. According to the Mirror, the president "accepted the invitation immediately."

Dame Anna Wintour received a major royal honor at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, Feb. 4 as she was made a Companion of Honour by King Charles. And while she looked sophisticated as ever in an asymmetrical gray blazer and matching midi skirt, she added what appears to be a piece of actual royal history to her investiture look.

The legendary Vogue editor-in-chief arrived at the palace wearing her signature sunglasses, but what caught the eye of royal history aficionados was Wintour's massive amethyst necklace. The dazzling purple piece would be noteworthy on its own, but in fact, it looks to be a reworked design that was once worn by The King's great-grandmother, Queen Mary.

The necklace has a bit of a mysterious history, as it was once sold at auction to an unknown buyer—and it seems that person is none other than Met Gala icon Wintour.

According to The Royal Watcher, the design was part of a set including an amethyst tiara, earrings and a ring that was given to Queen Mary by Princess Catherine of Württemberg in 1898.

After Queen Mary died, the set was said to have been passed on to another family member, per The Royal Watcher, who then "discreetly sold it, reportedly to settle debts." According to Rorik Ravel, whose wife wore the full parure of jewelry for their 1983 wedding, "As far as I know PM [Princess Margaret] inherited it directly from QM [Queen Mary]." Ravel continued that Margaret sold the set "when her mother was still alive."

The amethyst collection was put up for auction in 1993 and "sold for £55,357 to an unknown seller," per the royal blogger. But here's where Anna Wintour comes into play.

The parure was later put up for sale at the London Grosvenor House Antiques Fair and went to another "unknown" buyer, but in 2007, the Vogue editor wore the necklace to a party at the V&A Museum in London.

At the time, it was assumed the necklace was on loan—but then Wintour arrived to the palace in all of her royal finery. The design appears to have been altered to be less, shall we say, blingy, with the stones reset into gold versus diamond settings. But Queen Mary, known for her love of layering jewels, would certainly approve.

The holiday season comes with a plethora of rules for Royal Family members. From their annual celebration at Sandringham to their Christmas Eve gift tradition, the royals have little time to stop and think over the holidays. However, according to a former royal butler, Prince William did allow himself to have some fun at a Christmas party in the past.

Speaking to Slingo, via the Express, Grant Harrold, a former butler for the Royal Family, said, "I remember going to one [party] at St. James' Palace and hanging out with Prince William, Prince Harry, and Camilla." It would seem that the event quickly got quite raucous, with William even ending up in a "fight" with a member of staff, according to Harrold.

"I remember there was a water fight going on between another member of staff and Prince William—and I was in the firing line sitting between them!" he explained. "It was always so festive and made you feel so involved and welcome to be a part of the celebrations. We would always be invited to the Christmas parties within the family, which were always so exciting."

Harrold also noted that "everyone was in fits of laughter" when Prince William took part in the water fight.

Meanwhile, Paul Burrell, another former royal butler, opened up about the changes Prince William is likely to make when he becomes King. "I think it's already changing in shape," Burrell told Marie Claire on behalf of Spin Genie. "We're seeing things aren't quite the same as they used to be, the monarchy is changing, the coronation honeymoon seems to be over."

Burrell continued, "When William becomes King, the Middletons will be with them... They will have Christmases at Sandringham and the Middletons will be there."

Princess Diana's former butler also predicted that William "will clear out all the stuffed shirts, and all the people who shouldn't be there and it will be very much a family Christmas and not a court Christmas."

King Charles paid tribute to Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29 at the age of 100. The celebrated former president was beloved by people worldwide, many of whom paid their respects online once news of his death broke. But rumors regarding Carter's 1977 visit to Buckingham Palace also resurfaced, with many wondering what really happened when the politician met the Queen Mother.

Carter traveled to the United Kingdom in May 1977, where he joined a group of NATO leaders for dinner at Buckingham Palace, via People. Hosted by Queen Elizabeth II, Carter came face to face with royalty, which included meeting the now-King Charles, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother. The event marked Carter's very first trip overseas as President of the United States.

Reports regarding Carter's meeting with the Queen Mother appear to vary greatly. According to the Associated Press, Carter eagerly greeted the Queen Mother when she entered the room. "Ever the Southern gentleman, Carter broke away, took her by the hand and escorted her to the assembled line of guests," the outlet reported. "The no-frills Georgia peanut farmer-turned-president ate chicken mousse off a gold plate and seemed excited by his dinner seating between the Queen and her sister, Princess Margaret, and across from her son, Prince Charles, Prince Philip, and the Queen Mother."

This version of events appears to be corroborated by a photograph of Carter holding hands with the Queen Mother as they stand in a line with other guests and members of the British Royal Family.

Biographer William Shawcross shared a very different version of events in his 2009 book, Queen Elizabeth: The Queen Mother: The Official Biography. According to Shawcross, the Queen Mother wrote in a letter about receiving a kiss from Carter, saying (via an excerpt from the book in the Daily Mail), "I took a sharp step backwards—not quite far enough." Shawcross revealed, "She never kept a diary after her marriage but wrote these brilliant letters in this wonderful hand all her life."

Furthermore, the Queen Mother allegedly included Carter's name in an "anti-toast" she gave to individuals she didn't like at a dinner party years later, via The Independent. When someone asked the royal why she included Carter on the unsavory list, she allegedly responded, "Because he is the only man, since my dear husband died, to have had the effrontery to kiss me on the lips."

Carter, of course, denied any such impropriety, and was seemingly extremely upset by the implication. Instead, the former president said he simply kissed the Queen Mother "lightly on the cheek" when dinner ended, per People.

Writing about the alleged incident in his 2016 autobiography A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety, via The Independent, Carter explained, "More than two years later, there were reports in the British papers that grossly distorted this event, stating that I had deeply embarrassed her with excessive familiarity." He continued, "I was distressed by these reports, but couldn't change what had happened—nor did I regret it."

It would seem that Carter had nothing but the utmost respect for Queen Elizabeth II's mother, and that whatever happened in 1977, he meant no harm whatsoever.

Princess Michael of Kent had a terrible accident ahead of Christmas, but that didn't stop her from attending King Charles' festive lunch at Buckingham Palace for the Royal Family.

Earlier this week, a plethora of royals were photographed arriving at Buckingham Palace for the annual pre-Christmas lunch hosted by the monarch. While Prince Andrew didn't attend, Princess Michael of Kent was seen arriving by car with her husband. The royal looked to be in surprisingly good spirits, despite having broken both of her wrists in what the Express described as a "horror fall."

According to GB News, Princess Michael of Kent fell down the stairs at her Kensington Palace residence, and was injured while trying to stop herself from falling. "She was carrying an armful of overcoats when the accident occurred, with the fall cushioned by the coats," the outlet reported. "However, she broke multiple small bones when putting her hands out to break her fall."

Princess Michael of Kent spoke with Majesty Magazine about the terrible accident, explaining (via GB News), "So many things that you rely on being able to do, like cleaning your teeth, are impossible." She continued, "I am told that, after an accident like this, if you do one wrong movement on top of the unhealed bones, you are back where you started."

The Princess also opened up about the devastating death of her daughter's husband, Thomas Kingston. In February, it was reported that Lady Gabriella's husband had died at the age of 45, with an inquest later revealing that Kingston had died due to a "traumatic head wound" caused by suicide.

"Tom was a lovely man, so kind and thoughtful," Princess Michael told Majesty Magazine (via Hello!). "They were very happy together. We often had them here with Freddie and Sophie and the girls for Sunday lunch." She continued, "We never had an inkling anything was wrong."

Unfortunately, 2024 has been a somewhat tumultuous year for Prince Andrew. But that won't necessarily stop him from crashing the Buckingham Palace Christmas party.

Following news that one of Andrew's business associates was an alleged "Chinese spy," it was revealed that the Duke of York wouldn't be spending Christmas with the royals at Sandringham. Further reports alleged that King Charles is "finished" with his brother after yet another public scandal. However, the Duke reportedly wants attend King Charles' pre-Christmas lunch for the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.

The annual event has been held at Windsor Castle in recent years following the COVID-19 pandemic, but will return to Buckingham Palace for 2024. According to the Express, "Prince Andrew is hoping to attend" his brother's pre-Christmas event, "despite opting to skip Royal Family celebrations in Sandringham." The special lunch will reportedly attract as many as 70 guests, including lesser known members of the Royal Family.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are set to spend Christmas at their home, Royal Lodge in Windsor. Meanwhile, their daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, will reportedly celebrate the holiday season with their respective in-laws.

In spite of Prince Andrew's recent scandals, his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson showed her support in an interview with The Sunday Times. "I was totally and utterly in love with Andrew," she told the outlet. "I would do it all over again, 100 percent." She continued, "He’s the best, a great man with a great heart, and kind."

Pledging her support for the future, Ferguson told the outlet, "I won’t let him down." She continued, "He supports me as much as I support him. He's supported me through thick and thin, not just marriage or divorce."

Following allegations that one of Prince Andrew's business advisors was a Chinese "spy," the royal released an official statement. "The Duke of York followed advice from HMG (His Majesty's Government) and ceased all contact with the individual after concerns were raised," the statement explained. "The Duke met the individual through official channels, with nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed. He is unable to comment further on matters relating to national security."

If you assumed that working for the Royal Family would be a strictly professional affair, you'd apparently be mistaken. According to multiple reports, this year's Christmas party for Buckingham Palace staff got a little out of hand and even led to one person getting arrested.

After having pre-party drinks at Buckingham Palace, approximately fifty staff members attended a planned party at the venue All Bar One in London, per The Sun. It reportedly didn't take much time for the party to get entirely "out of control," however, with the outlet reporting, "A woman believed to be a housemaid aimed a punch at the manager, smashed glasses and was arrested." A source told the outlet that the party had been "a tough night" for all concerned.

Of the alleged incident, a Met Police spokesperson told Hello! magazine, "On Tuesday, December 10, officers were called to a bar in Victoria Street, SW1 following reports that a customer had smashed glasses and attempted to assault a member of staff."

"Officers attended and arrested a 24-year-old woman on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage, and being drunk and disorderly," the Met Police statement continued. "She was taken into custody and released the following evening having been given a penalty notice for disorder."

Buckingham Palace provided a response to the outlet, saying of the Christmas party, "We are aware of an incident outside the workplace involving a number of Household staff who had previously attended an early evening reception at the Palace." The statement continued, "While this was an informal social gathering, not an official Palace Christmas party, the facts will be fully investigated, with a robust disciplinary process followed in relation to individual staff and appropriate action taken."

Discussing the alleged events that transpired at the party, a source told The Sun, "I've never seen one person get that crazy during a night out. She was on another level."

Describing the altercation in more detail, one source alleged to the outlet, "She started smashing glasses and abusing our staff members, so we had to call the police." Another source claimed, "It had been a crazy night, we were incredibly busy and we had to deal with so many bookings."

Presumably, the Royal Family's Christmas party at Sandringham will be a little more sedate than the staff member event. In fact, Prince William recently described his Christmas plans, which sounded very low-key.

Kate Middleton might have missed the glittering Buckingham Palace state banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 3, but one surprising couple on the guest list almost made up for her absence.

David and Victoria Beckham took part in the state banquet honoring the Amir of Qatar and his wife, Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, on Tuesday night, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla and Prince William at the white-tie banquet. David served as an ambassador for the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and was invited because of his connections to the country.

The formal soccer star—who is a longtime monarchist—looked dapper in a black tuxedo with a white shirt, waistcoat and bow tie, while wife Victoria rocked a long-sleeved black dress with twisted detail at the waist.

The creation was, unsurprisingly, one of her own designs, with the $1,490 Victoria Beckham gown crafted from a shiny stretch jersey fabric. The Spice Girl wore her hair in a simple, slicked-back style for the event and carried a gold clutch.

Victoria, who showed off a smokey eye at the banquet, finished off her look with black open-toed heels and dangling drop earrings.

The Beckhams' attendance at the event shouldn't come as too much of a shock, as the couple has participated in several royal events over the years. Both Victoria and David attended Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding, as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's nuptials.

The Inter Miami CF owner has also teamed up with Prince William for charity initiatives like a recent London Air Ambulance fundraising effort. Additionally, the former England captain took part in the 2022 Earthshot Prize ceremony in Boston with the prince and princess, as well as a 2020 video call for their Heads Up mental health campaign.

David is such a fan of the Royal Family that he famously waited in line for more than 12 hours with members of the public (while wearing a suit, on top of it) to view Queen Elizabeth's coffin ahead of her funeral.

As for the royals, Queen Camilla made a sparkling statement in a red velvet gown and a diamond kokoshnik tiara that belonged to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth, while Duchess Sophie made a style statement in an off-the-shoulder black gown.

Although the Princess of Wales didn't attend the banquet, she did join The King and Prince William to officially welcome the Qatari royals to London earlier in the day. The princess wore a rich burgundy Alexander McQueen coat in the color of Qatar's flag, adding a matching hat, tall leather boots and Chanel bag.

Will Posh and Becks show up at Princess Kate's Christmas carol concert on Friday, too? Only time will tell.

When Queen Camilla invited this Spice Girl to the palace, she said she'd be there.

Geri Halliwell-Horner, better known as Ginger Spice, joined The Queen for a special Buckingham Palace reception on Thursday, Nov. 21 to honor young writers from across the Commonwealth of Nations. The pop star—who has long been an advocate of literacy-based charities—was one of the famous faces who celebrated winners and finalists of the 2024 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition.

Although Queen Camilla was forced to cancel her appearance at the Royal Variety Performance on Nov. 22 due to a "lingering" chest infection, she appeared to be in good spirits as she chatted with the "Say You'll Be There" singer at Thursday's reception. The two are already well acquainted, as Halliwell-Horner serves an ambassador for the Royal Commonwealth Society, where she advocates for literacy in the U.K.

And Queen Camilla isn't the only royal the star has worked with; the Spice Girl teamed up with Prince William to launch his Homewards program to end homelessness in 2023.

Along with being a member of one of the most iconic pop groups of all time, the singer serves as an ambassador for numerous charities such as the United Nations Population Fund. As well promoting literacy in the U.K., she works with the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in the United States.

During Thursday's reception, Queen Camilla paid tribute to the winners of the 2024 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition, which, per Buckingham Palace, was launched in 1883 and is the world’s oldest writing competition for schools. Two winners were chosen—one in the senior category and one in the junior category—from nearly 35,000 entries around the world.

During her speech, Camilla shared a tidbit about the late Queen Mother, stating that she was given a copy of Mary Poppins "from 1934, the year it was published, that belonged to my husband's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, which, in a moment, you can all have a look at."

As for Halliwell-Horner, she's not the first Spice Girl to have a brush with royalty. In 2018, the pop star shared an adorable photo of the entire group posing with a young Prince Harry and King Charles during the '90s, and of course, Victoria Beckham (aka Posh Spice) has attended the royal weddings of both Prince Harry and Prince William.

And while Queen Camilla might be missing out on the 2024 Royal Variety Performance, it turns out the Spice Girls once took the stage at the event—and shook hands with Queen Elizabeth—during the Royal Variety Charity's 1997 performance.

In his new documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness, the Prince of Wales discusses his ongoing journey to end the homeless crisis once and for all. The U.K.'s skyrocketing cost-of-living situation has many calling for radical action—and in the wake of the documentary, one suggestion is aimed at the Royal Family.

The Big Issue, a magazine created to give jobs to unhoused individuals, recently published an opinion piece about why the Prince of Wales should consider opening up Buckingham Palace, along with other royal residences like Windsor Castle, to the growing homeless population.

"Slap-bang in the centre of London, there’s a huge bit of very fancy housing that barely gets used," the outlet wrote, adding, "The problem is, Buckingham Palace currently belongs to the crown."

The Big Issue cited a 2023 Savanta poll for Yahoo that reported 52 percent of respondents were in favor of the Royal Family opening Buckingham Palace to the homeless. The idea was challenged more in the 55-64 age bracket, per Yahoo, with 44 percent of these older respondents "strongly opposed" to the idea.

While the media outlet "crunched the numbers," claiming "Buckingham Palace alone could fit 1,974 studio flats into its 77,000 square meters," the idea isn't quite that simple. Flipping a building with this much cultural and historical significance into apartments is an idea that would be incredibly difficult to pull off for many reasons.

The practical and logistical challenges of such an endeavor would be immense, considering security, staffing and the taxpayer costs of retrofitting historic royal residences to accommodate the homeless.

And while the media outlet claims Buckingham Palace is "barely" used, the building serves as the administrative center for the Royal Family, housing office space, meeting rooms, staff apartments and of course, serving as one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country with more than 500,000 ticket-paying visitors last year.

While the palace (along with other residences like Balmoral Castle) does remain closed to the public for months at a time, King Charles has expressed his wish to move to a more open model. He opened Balmoral for public tours for the first time ever this past summer, and reports that Buckingham Palace will welcome tourists year-round have been swirling in recent years.

While Prince William continues "desperately trying to help people who are in need," as he noted in his new documentary, it doesn't sound like this is one idea that will pan out in the prince's quest to end homelessness.

Over the weekend, it was alleged that Buckingham Palace had cropped Meghan Markle out of a photo used on Instagram to celebrate Prince Harry's 40th birthday. However, royal sources claim that King Charles and Queen Camilla didn't crop Duchess Meghan out of anything.

In a sweet social media post, Charles and Camilla sent birthday wishes to Harry on his milestone birthday. They used a photo of the Duke of Sussex smiling, which was taken during a visit to the Dogpatch startup hub in Dublin in July 2018. Prince William and Princess Kate shared Charles and Camilla's post, along with their own message to Harry.

While it's true that Meghan was present at the 2018 visit to Dublin, the photo in question wasn't altered by the Royal Family. "The Duchess was not cropped out by Buckingham Palace," royal sources reportedly told Us Weekly. "The image was provided to them by a picture agency, as a complete stand-alone image of The Duke."

Some royal fans were shocked when King Charles and Prince William shared rare public birthday messages to Prince Harry. However, the Express reported that the royals were simply following protocol.

"Although Harry is no longer a working member of the Royal Family, the public greetings come after the late Queen set a social media rule before her death that non-working members of the royal family can have their birthdays celebrated on official social media channels for milestone birthdays ending in 0," the Express reported.

Ahead of his birthday, the Duke of Sussex shared a statement with the BBC, saying, "I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40." He continued, "Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world."

As well as reportedly having a small celebration with friends and family, Prince Harry attended the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles on his birthday. The event was held in honor of George Zajfen, the late son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's friends Kelly McKee Zajfen and Julian Zajfen.

When Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer married on July 29, 1981, there were 3,500 people at St. Paul’s Cathedral to watch them exchange vows, and an additional 750 million people watching from home. “Decades later, we now know the fairytale ceremony didn’t continue into a fairytale marriage,” The Mirror writes. “But that does not mean the day itself wasn’t something to behold.”

The outlet added that “excitement reached fever pitch” when Diana, who had just turned 20 years old earlier that month, emerged from her carriage at St. Paul’s in her ivory silk taffeta gown, “and there were cheers all around when the couple said ‘I do.’” Now, nearly 43 years later, lip readers have decoded what the late Queen Elizabeth said to her new daughter-in-law, Princess Diana, on the famed Buckingham Palace balcony as throngs of people waited to see them below. As they waved at the crowds assembled, Her late Majesty, according to the lip reader, advised Diana to look at the people who had been there “all day to see her.”

Charles also apparently told his bride “you look perfect” when he first saw her during the ceremony, and then asked her to give him her hand. He then, interestingly, said “kissy.”

The couple’s interaction on their wedding day is fascinating to pay attention to, considering what had happened the day before. The Mirror reports that, on the eve of their big day, to ease the rather shy Diana’s tensions, Charles sent his bride-to-be a secret note that offered sweet advice: “The night before the wedding, which Diana spent at Clarence House with her sister, Jane, he [Charles] sent her a note, along with a signet ring bearing the Prince of Wales feathers,” royal author Penny Junor wrote in her book The Duchess: The Untold Story. Charles wrote “I’m so proud of you, and when you come up I’ll be there at the altar for you tomorrow. Just look ‘em in the eye and knock ‘em dead.”

But, as sweet as that was, that note was in opposition to the admission Charles made to Diana, also the night before the wedding, because he “did not want to go into the marriage on a false premise,” according to Diana’s astrologer Penny Thornton, who worked closely with the then Princess of Wales. Thornton said that Charles told his soon-to-be wife that he didn’t love her, which naturally left Diana devastated.

“One of the most shocking things that Diana told me was that the night before the wedding, Charles told her that he didn’t love her,” Thornton said on the ITV documentary The Diana Interview: Revenge of a Princess. “I think Charles didn’t want to go into the wedding on a false premise. He wanted to square it with her, and it was devastating for Diana.”

Charles’ heart was likely otherwise occupied by one Camilla Parker-Bowles, now known as Queen Camilla, whom he had met and fallen head over heels for in the early 1970s. Charles and Camilla carried on an extramarital affair for a large chunk of Charles and Diana's marriage; Charles and Diana ultimately separated in 1992, 11 years after marrying that day in 1981. Their divorce was finalized in 1996, almost one year to the day before Diana died in a car accident in Paris at just 36 years old.

As Marie Claire reported earlier this week, the news surrounding the health of the Princess of Wales—which has remained top of mind since her March 22 video announcement that she was being treated for a publicly undisclosed type of cancer—is positive; she has reportedly “turned a corner” and is “feeling a lot better” within the past month.

Royal biographer Katie Nicholl reported in Vanity Fair that Kate’s condition has improved recently, and she quoted a source as saying that “It has been a great relief that she is tolerating the medication.” Though Kate continues to need the time, space, and privacy that she asked for on March 22—and as her return to public duty remains unclear, with some saying it’ll be this autumn at the earliest, and some predicting as far out as 2025—there is a chance we might see her sooner than we think.

Kensington Palace has confirmed that Kate will miss the June 8 Colonel’s Review, the traditional rehearsal for Trooping the Colour—the annual birthday parade for the monarch—which this year is set for June 15. At the Colonel’s Review, Kate, because of her role as Colonel of the Irish Guards, would have taken the salute; instead, Lieutenant General James Bucknell, KCB, CBE, will do so. As such, it can be inferred that Kate will also be absent from the June 15 event itself, but reports are emerging today that, though she likely won’t take part in the carriage procession as she’s done in years past, “if she is feeling well enough,” Kate could make a surprise Buckingham Palace balcony appearance alongside the rest of the working royals to see the Royal Air Force flypast that typically concludes Trooping the Colour each year. 

The Daily Mail reports that Kate is “considering” such an appearance, which would signal the first time the public has seen her in an official capacity since Christmas Day, when she joined the rest of the royal family for the traditional church service at St. Mary Magdalene Church at Sandringham. In January, Kate underwent a planned abdominal surgery during which cancer was detected; she is reported to have found out the diagnosis the next month, in February. After rampant speculation as to her whereabouts and well-being, her March 22 video message was the last time Kate has been seen by the public at large, though she has reportedly been getting out and about with her family in recent weeks as she, gratefully, is feeling up to do so.

It has been stressed that Kate won’t return to public life until she has gotten the green light from her doctors, and the potential Buckingham Palace balcony appearance will no doubt be a game time decision—but the fact that it’s even under consideration at all is exciting. Imagine the cheers from the crowds assembled when she’s seen for the first time in six months—the roar and eruption of applause would be extraordinary. 

The Mirror, giving us hope, reports that “the Princess of Wales has not been ruled out of making an appearance” at Trooping the Colour, which is one of the largest military ceremonies of the year and features 1,600 parading soldiers, 400 musicians, and more than 200 horses.

Regardless of Kate’s attendance at Trooping the Colour, what matters most is that “Kensington Palace is confident that Kate will make a full recovery,” The Daily Express reports—and that recovery should continue to be the primary focus. 

Prince William may be the heir to the throne, sure, but he’s made it very clear over the years—especially this year—that, to him, family comes first. A proud dad he most certainly is, and he couldn’t help chatting with guests at yesterday’s Buckingham Palace garden party about his sons in particular—10-year-old Prince George and six-year-old Prince Louis. (William is also dad to daughter Princess Charlotte, who turned nine years old earlier this month.)

If we’re lucky, royals will let slip details about their personal and home lives at engagements like this, and William—in an upbeat mood despite the downcast skies raining over London—delivered at the garden party yesterday. During a chat with Rowan Aderyn, a member of William’s Homewards foundation (which works to fight homelessness), the author gave William one of only 10 copies of the children’s book Homewards, after which William let slip a detail about Louis’ bedtime routine, Us Weekly reports. 

“The gift was one that William greatly appreciated,” the outlet reports, and he told Aderyn he couldn’t wait to share it with Louis. “This is great, so inspirational,” William said. “I’ll read this to Louis tonight at bedtime.”

Per The Daily Mail, this isn’t the first time William has mentioned a children’s book by name that he reads to his kids before bed; after spotting the book Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson during a visit to a South Wales ice cream parlor in February 2020, he said, “I read this to our children all the time,” Hello reports. He recalled that the book had saved many bedtimes, and said when he met Donaldson upon her receiving her CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for services to literature, “I said, ‘Do you realize how many parents you have saved at bedtime?’” William said.

William also called out author David Williams, who the Prince of Wales said “also does good books for children—for a little bit older children, I think. I’ve read one, and it was really, really good.”

Aderyn’s Homewards is named after William’s initiative to eradicate homelessness and features a boy named Jack who finds himself without a home. (Aderyn—word to the wise—print more than 10 copies! The world needs to read this book.) 

Per The Daily Express, George was also on William’s mind while he conversed with another garden party guest. While holding an umbrella for RAF Squadron Leader Chrissie Lacey, William touched on George’s future career aspirations, telling her George would love to visit her base as he is a “potential pilot in the making,” William said. This isn’t the first time one of George’s parents has spoken of his love of planes—as far back as 2016, Princess Kate revealed that George, then just three years old, was “obsessed with planes and wants to become an air cadet,” Hello reports. George comes about it honestly, as William was once a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

Back to the garden party—William also told the Squadron Leader during their conversation that he “loves cookies” after Lacey told him about her “cookie ministry.”

As the Princess of Wales continues to receive cancer treatment following her announcement about her diagnosis on March 22, she remains absent from public duty—so, when Prince William hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace yesterday, four of his six royal cousins stepped up to support him in a show of solidarity. 

Princess Anne’s two children Peter Philipps and Zara Tindall and the York sisters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie—the daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York, Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson—braved the rain alongside William to greet 8,000 guests on the lawn of the Palace, umbrellas in hand. Zara’s husband, Mike Tindall, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester were also present.

The monarchy has never felt more slimmed down—after all, a slimmed down monarchy has apparently always been King Charles’ wish, but one could have never anticipated all that has happened in the past five years to make it even slimmer, not the least of which is 2024’s health scares, which have sidelined Kate and, for a time, the King himself. As such, many are speculating that Beatrice and Eugenie in particular might take on roles as working royals, which they heretofore haven’t done. Does the cousins’ surprise garden party appearance yesterday signal or hint that the possibility is becoming a reality? Well, maybe not so fast on that one.

According to Hello, William’s cousins have no plans to take on royal duties, even after their garden party outing yesterday, with the outlet reporting that “this is not the current plan for now.”

According to the publication’s royal editor, Emily Nash, “Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their cousins were at the garden party to support the Prince of Wales because the princess is continuing her recovery, but they are not taking on official roles,” she said. “They’ve attended royal engagements in the past, sometimes ‘in attendance’ with the late Queen, for example, so they might appear at other events over the summer as members of the King’s family.”

Both Beatrice and Eugenie have carved out careers of their own; both are college-educated, and Beatrice is Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at the U.S. tech company Afiniti, while Eugenie is a director at an art gallery, Hauser & Wirth, in London.

The Tindalls both have successful careers in sport—Mike is a former rugby star, and Zara followed in her mother the Princess Royal’s footsteps and was an Olympian, competing in the 2012 Olympics in London in equestrian eventing. Zara’s older brother, Peter Phillips, is head of partner acquisition for the sports and entertainment rights agency CSM Sport & Entertainment, and before that was a managing director at sports and entertainment agency SEL U.K. Zara has spoken before about the benefits of her and Peter not being given royal titles from birth, a decision made by their mother, Anne: “From my point of view, I was obviously very lucky that my mother didn’t give us any titles, so I really commend her on that,” she said on Rob Burrow’s “Seven” podcast this past December. “We were very lucky that we got to do it a bit our own way.”

Zara and Mike “are understood to be a vital cog in the royal family machine, bringing qualities of good humor, enthusiasm, and positivity,” Tatler writes. “The Tindalls are very much the glue of their generation of royals and bring the fun to a family gathering, no matter how serious the occasion,” a source speaking to The Times said. “They can help take the family’s mind off the gravity of what is going on.” They added “While some family members can be very ‘royal,’ Mike is just himself and is relaxed and playful with George, Charlotte, and Louis. It helps that they all have children around the same age that they can fool around together privately and bring a sense of normality to what is a stressful situation for everyone involved.” 

For his part, Peter—who is the eldest of the late Queen Elizabeth’s eight grandchildren—is said to have been “like an older brother” to William, according to The Telegraph.

William’s two remaining cousins, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl of Wessex—the children of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh—weren’t at the garden party yesterday, but they’re likely still a bit too young to participate in hosting duties like that. Louise is a student at the University of St. Andrews (where William and Kate met in 2001 and later graduated from in 2005), where she is studying English, and James is just 16 years old.

Though the mood was high at the garden party yesterday, the weather was downright awful, “leaving some guests drenched and others sheltering in the tea tents,” The Daily Mail reports. As the torrential downpours raged, the future King chatted to senior executives from Swim England—an organization he supports as a patron—and joked that it was “good weather for swimming.”

As his wife, the Princess of Wales, continues to receive treatment for cancer—which she revealed publicly on March 22—Prince William was joined by many of his cousins to host a garden party at Buckingham Palace today in a show of solidarity and support.

Both of Princess Anne’s children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, were on hand, as were the York sisters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie (daughters of the Duke and Duchess of York, the long-divorced Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson). That means that five of Queen Elizabeth’s eight grandchildren were at today’s garden party; Prince Harry, William’s younger brother, is in the U.S. (and, um, not maybe on the friendliest terms with the Prince of Wales at the moment), and the two children of Prince Edward and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, Louise and James, are perhaps a bit too young yet to undertake hosting duties. (Louise is 20 and a student at the University of St. Andrews; James is just 16.) Mike Tindall, Zara’s husband, was also there, as well, as were the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

As People reports, William “looked dapper in a morning suit and top hat as he stepped in to host a garden party” on behalf of his father, King Charles. Garden parties have been held since the 1860s as a way for the monarch to recognize community members for their public service, and over 30,000 guests each year are invited to a garden party, People reports. And they take place rain or shine, as evidenced today, which erred on the rain side of the coin. Queen Elizabeth herself admitted back in 2019 that the weather “can be a bit of a worry” when it comes to these outdoor events, saying “Well, you do rather hope the sun shines as when you invite 8,000 people to have tea on your lawn.”

As Her late Majesty said, tea is served, as is cake—People reports that around 27,000 cups of tea are served at garden parties and 20,000 slices of cake are consumed. 

Today’s garden party marked “a rare outing highlighting the next generation of the royal family,” the outlet writes, with Zara, Beatrice, and Eugenie coordinated in pink and white. Zara prepared for the day’s rain with not just her umbrella, but also “clear, protective stoppers on her heels to prevent her from sinking into the wet lawn so she could mingle with guests on the grass,” People reports.

The royals mingled with the thousands of guests at the event today, and attendees included guests from William and Kate’s patronages, military affiliations, and passion projects, including Homewards (William’s work to eradicate homelessness), RAF Valley, Swim England, and tenants across Duchy of Cornwall sites.

Grab the popcorn and saddle up for another iteration of “Is this drama, or is this a whole big pile of nothing?” Today, we’ve got Buckingham Palace promoting its own jam just days after Meghan Markle famously sent out samples of her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard’s strawberry jam—its first public product offering. Coincidence? Shade? An attempt to find common ground through the marvels and wonders of a fruit-based spread? Who really knows.

Here are the facts: Celebrities and influencers alike—50, it seems, according to the jam jars—are receiving or have received a sample of American Riviera Orchard’s first product offering. Meghan’s friends like Tracy Robbins, Delfina Blaquier, Kelly McKee Zajfen, and Abigail Spencer have tasted the jam and have raved about it; celebrities like Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Mindy Kaling have also been invited to join the elite club of 50 jam-testers. One by one, our 50-person roster of Meghan’s select few is filling up, as each give a review of the product or show off the gift basket it arrived in.

Then, yesterday, the Buckingham Palace Shop started promoting its own strawberry jam for sale, writing on Instagram “Our Strawberry Preserve is made using only the finest berries and is delicious served in a variety of ways,” a post on the store’s official page read on April 24, alongside a strawberry emoji. Then, the shop offers different ways to use it: “Some of our favorite ways are shown here: on a scone as part of a cream tea, on a crumpet, with a croissant [or] on toast.”

The brand also uploaded a video of someone spreading the jam onto a scone, set to the tune of Mozart’s "Dissonance Quartet" (read into that what you will). Cans of the Buckingham Palace Strawberry Preserve can be purchased at the palace’s in-person and online gift shop and, according to a website description, is made in the U.K. using “only the finest soft fruit.” The spread, according to the explanation, is “delicious” on toast, perfect with scones at afternoon tea time, or just right inside a Victoria sponge cake. The palace also offers for purchase honey preserves and marmalade, and other products are available at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland and Windsor Castle in England. (Meghan’s product isn’t yet available to buy.)

“Many social media commenters see the gift shop’s upload as a subtle dig at Meghan,” Us Weekly writes. Even if there is no shade intended—the timing is certainly curious. 

American Riviera Orchard is a project that Meghan has been working on for “over a year, and it’s all the things that are close to her heart—all the things she’s passionate about,” a source speaking to Page Six said. Trademark applications show that the lifestyle brand is poised to “sell a wide range of home goods including edible treats like jellies, jams, and spreads, as well as tableware staples such as cutlery, table linens, and drinkware,” Page Six writes. “Cookbooks are also covered in the filing,” and makeup, haircare, fragrances, and skincare are also apparently in the brand’s plans.

“The line is organic to who she is,” a source speaking to Us Weekly said, noting that Meghan’s “passions are cooking and gardening.” While Meghan does have plans to release multiple products, not everything will be released in one fell swoop, they said: “She isn’t going to come out with a million things at once but more categories related to food and entertaining to coincide with the Netflix show,” they said, adding that her forthcoming Netflix series about cookery has “already started filming.” 

Of the jam, John Legend—who received the product via his wife, Teigen, who called the product “pretty epic”—told Entertainment Tonight that it was “One of the best bites I’ve had in a long time.”

The Buckingham Palace Shop’s jam retails for just under four pounds; it’s not yet known what Meghan’s jam will go for—but we’re waiting with anticipation to find out more.