Royal
Royal
Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary has died aged 84.
Robin Ludlow held the position from 1972 to 1973 after being headhunted for the job from his work in advertising.
According to an obituary in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, he was offered the job after indulging in a glass of sherry with the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
His role including dealing with the press interest about Princess Anne and then-boyfriend Captain Mark Phillips, who she went on to marry in 1973.
He was regularly asked by the press whether Anne was likely to get engaged to Phillips in the near future but denied such rumours.
But shortly after he left his position their engagement was confirmed and some thought Robin may have misled the press.
However, he insisted this was not the case and maintained that a lot can happen in a relationship in six months.
Robin was asked to leave his position after a year in the job but didn't have any bad feelings about working for the monarch.
He said at the time: "There is no ill will. But this is an unusual outfit compared with anything else in the world, and personal relationships matter."
Queen’s ex-press secretary dies
Queen Elizabeth's former press secretary has died aged 84.
Robin Ludlow held the position from 1972 to 1973 after being headhunted for the job from his work in advertising.
According to an obituary in the Daily Telegraph newspaper, he was offered the job after indulging in a glass of sherry with the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.
His role including dealing with the press interest about Princess Anne and then-boyfriend Captain Mark Phillips, who she went on to marry in 1973.
He was regularly asked by the press whether Anne was likely to get engaged to Phillips in the near future but denied such rumours.
But shortly after he left his position their engagement was confirmed and some thought Robin may have misled the press.
However, he insisted this was not the case and maintained that a lot can happen in a relationship in six months.
Robin was asked to leave his position after a year in the job but didn't have any bad feelings about working for the monarch.
He said at the time: "There is no ill will. But this is an unusual outfit compared with anything else in the world, and personal relationships matter."
Royal
Britain's Prince William is mourning the loss of a soldier who has died after becoming ill during a solo trek across Antarctica.
Henry Worsley, 55, was forced to quit the expedition just 30 miles from the end of his 913-mile mission, on which he was aiming to become the first person to cross the Antarctic on foot unaided, after he was struck down with extreme dehydration and exhaustion.
Henry was rushed to hospital in Chile after being struck down with illness and was found to have peritonitis, a stomach lining infection. He has now sadly died.
William said: "We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all."
The SAS hero was taking part in the trek to raise money for the Endeavour Fund, which helps injured servicemen and women, and while he couldn't complete his challenge he managed to raise more than £100,000 for the foundation.
William previously said: "Henry Worsley has achieved a great deal over this epic journey, and I am immensely proud of all his efforts.
"The courage he has shown is a source of inspiration for the wounded servicemen and women who benefit from his support of The Endeavour Fund."
He was faced with minus 40-degree temperatures and only managed to change his underwear once in the past 70 days.
William sent Henry a message on Christmas Day (25.12.15), saying he was doing a "cracking job".
Prince William mourning solo trekker
Britain's Prince William is mourning the loss of a soldier who has died after becoming ill during a solo trek across Antarctica.
Henry Worsley, 55, was forced to quit the expedition just 30 miles from the end of his 913-mile mission, on which he was aiming to become the first person to cross the Antarctic on foot unaided, after he was struck down with extreme dehydration and exhaustion.
Henry was rushed to hospital in Chile after being struck down with illness and was found to have peritonitis, a stomach lining infection. He has now sadly died.
William said: "We have lost a friend, but he will remain a source of inspiration to us all."
The SAS hero was taking part in the trek to raise money for the Endeavour Fund, which helps injured servicemen and women, and while he couldn't complete his challenge he managed to raise more than £100,000 for the foundation.
William previously said: "Henry Worsley has achieved a great deal over this epic journey, and I am immensely proud of all his efforts.
"The courage he has shown is a source of inspiration for the wounded servicemen and women who benefit from his support of The Endeavour Fund."
He was faced with minus 40-degree temperatures and only managed to change his underwear once in the past 70 days.
William sent Henry a message on Christmas Day (25.12.15), saying he was doing a "cracking job".
Royal
Joanne Froggatt suffered an embarrassing moment when she met Duchess Catherine.
The 'Downton Abbey' star - who plays Anna Bates, the maid of Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) in the period drama - accidentally made an inappropriate joke about being in Mary's bedroom while speaking to the royal.
Speaking about meeting the duchess when she visited the set one day, Joanne said: "It was a little bit neve-racking and I got a bit jittery.
"So she came over to say 'hi' afterwards, and I said, 'Hello, lovely to meet you,' and she said, 'It feels strange being in your bedroom,' because we're standing in Lady Mary's bedroom, and I said, 'Yeah not very many people get to come in Lady Mary's bedroom.'
"And then I thought, 'Oh god, what have I just said?' "
Fortunately, the duchess didn't appear to notice the 35-year-old star's faux pas and Joanne decided to remain quiet about it rather than try to apologise for her quip.
The actress admits she felt very nervous acting in scenes in front of the royal beauty.
Speaking on US talk show 'Conan', she explained: "You're just getting more and more nervous."
"We're doing this scene and she's very beautiful, lovely. She has this amazing aura when she walks in the room, before we actually said 'hello' we had to act right in front of her."
Joanne Froggatt’s embarrassing Duchess quip
Joanne Froggatt suffered an embarrassing moment when she met Duchess Catherine.
The 'Downton Abbey' star - who plays Anna Bates, the maid of Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) in the period drama - accidentally made an inappropriate joke about being in Mary's bedroom while speaking to the royal.
Speaking about meeting the duchess when she visited the set one day, Joanne said: "It was a little bit neve-racking and I got a bit jittery.
"So she came over to say 'hi' afterwards, and I said, 'Hello, lovely to meet you,' and she said, 'It feels strange being in your bedroom,' because we're standing in Lady Mary's bedroom, and I said, 'Yeah not very many people get to come in Lady Mary's bedroom.'
"And then I thought, 'Oh god, what have I just said?' "
Fortunately, the duchess didn't appear to notice the 35-year-old star's faux pas and Joanne decided to remain quiet about it rather than try to apologise for her quip.
The actress admits she felt very nervous acting in scenes in front of the royal beauty.
Speaking on US talk show 'Conan', she explained: "You're just getting more and more nervous."
"We're doing this scene and she's very beautiful, lovely. She has this amazing aura when she walks in the room, before we actually said 'hello' we had to act right in front of her."
Royal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is facing being axed from the Australian $5 note.
The image of the monarch's face or the country's Parliament House could be replaced on the currency after several Australians launched a campaign to get legendary eye surgeon Fred Hollows' appearance on the bank note.
Fred's widow Gabi, Olympian Cathy Freeman and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke all turned out at the Sydney Opera House today (25.01.16) to mark the beginning of the Get Fred on the Fiver campaign.
Brian Doolan, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation - which has restored sight to more than two million people - called on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to make the change.
He said: "Famously, during his lifetime, Fred asked Australians to donate $5 towards his work
"Today, we want to mark the legacy of this great Australian by seeing him recognised on the $5 note.
"What better time to recognise a champion of vision? Given the RBA has said it's starting with the first two denominations, the $5 and $10 in the next two years, we think it's an ideal time for them to consider this change."
As well as helping restore the eyesight of those in Australian communities, Fred also worked across the world in countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Queen facing Aussie fiver chop
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is facing being axed from the Australian $5 note.
The image of the monarch's face or the country's Parliament House could be replaced on the currency after several Australians launched a campaign to get legendary eye surgeon Fred Hollows' appearance on the bank note.
Fred's widow Gabi, Olympian Cathy Freeman and former Prime Minister Bob Hawke all turned out at the Sydney Opera House today (25.01.16) to mark the beginning of the Get Fred on the Fiver campaign.
Brian Doolan, CEO of The Fred Hollows Foundation - which has restored sight to more than two million people - called on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to make the change.
He said: "Famously, during his lifetime, Fred asked Australians to donate $5 towards his work
"Today, we want to mark the legacy of this great Australian by seeing him recognised on the $5 note.
"What better time to recognise a champion of vision? Given the RBA has said it's starting with the first two denominations, the $5 and $10 in the next two years, we think it's an ideal time for them to consider this change."
As well as helping restore the eyesight of those in Australian communities, Fred also worked across the world in countries such as India, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.
Royal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth could be axed as Australia's head of state after several leaders in the country confirmed their support of the nation becoming a republic.
All but one of the state and territory leaders Down Under put pen to paper on a document calling for an Australian head of state.
Even Western Australia's Colin Barnett, who didn't sign the doc, admitted he supported the idea but didn't think it was the right time.
The Australian Republican Movement initiated the declaration, which simply proposed "Australia should have an Australian head of state", and its chair Peter FitzSimons said the huge support was very significant.
He said: "This is an indication to the Prime Minister.
"The significance of this is, if you want the majority of people from the majority of states [to back a republic in a referendum], well, the premiers and chief ministers are behind you. That's a hell of a start."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was the leader of the republican movement in 1999 when Australians voted against becoming a republic.
What's more, more than 3,500 people have signed a change.org petition calling for Australia to become a republic since Friday (22.01.16).
The document signing occurred yesterday (24.01.16), just one day before Australia Day today (25.01.16), which marks the anniversary of the first British colonists' arrival Down Under.
Australian state leaders call for Queen axe
Britain's Queen Elizabeth could be axed as Australia's head of state after several leaders in the country confirmed their support of the nation becoming a republic.
All but one of the state and territory leaders Down Under put pen to paper on a document calling for an Australian head of state.
Even Western Australia's Colin Barnett, who didn't sign the doc, admitted he supported the idea but didn't think it was the right time.
The Australian Republican Movement initiated the declaration, which simply proposed "Australia should have an Australian head of state", and its chair Peter FitzSimons said the huge support was very significant.
He said: "This is an indication to the Prime Minister.
"The significance of this is, if you want the majority of people from the majority of states [to back a republic in a referendum], well, the premiers and chief ministers are behind you. That's a hell of a start."
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was the leader of the republican movement in 1999 when Australians voted against becoming a republic.
What's more, more than 3,500 people have signed a change.org petition calling for Australia to become a republic since Friday (22.01.16).
The document signing occurred yesterday (24.01.16), just one day before Australia Day today (25.01.16), which marks the anniversary of the first British colonists' arrival Down Under.
Royal
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has been presented with the Clown d'Or at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival.
The 50-year-old royal was handed the unexpected award by her brother, Prince Albert, during the festival to mark its 40th anniversary.
She said: "Circus is what real life should be like. It's sincerity, feeling, emotions. All real. There are no lies in circus. There are artists working together to give a smile.
"It's a world where people help one another. It's the only show where a family, everyone from children to their grandmothers, can sit together and all be entertained by the same thing. Circus is the magic you should show your children."
Princess Stéphanie also spoke of the love of the circus being in her "genes".
She added to PEOPLE magazine: "There's no recipe for transmitting the love of circus. I think it's in you, in your genes. I got it from my father [Prince Rainier III] and fortunately my daughter has it in hers.
"I think all the acts we have this year are superb, but today, it's important to support animal acts. Animals are the traditional circus. It's what people remember from their childhood.
"You ask people, 'What is the circus?' They'll say, 'Animals, clowns and acrobats!' That's what people want. If you say you don't have animals, they walk away."
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco presented with Clown d’Or
Princess Stéphanie of Monaco has been presented with the Clown d'Or at the Monte Carlo International Circus Festival.
The 50-year-old royal was handed the unexpected award by her brother, Prince Albert, during the festival to mark its 40th anniversary.
She said: "Circus is what real life should be like. It's sincerity, feeling, emotions. All real. There are no lies in circus. There are artists working together to give a smile.
"It's a world where people help one another. It's the only show where a family, everyone from children to their grandmothers, can sit together and all be entertained by the same thing. Circus is the magic you should show your children."
Princess Stéphanie also spoke of the love of the circus being in her "genes".
She added to PEOPLE magazine: "There's no recipe for transmitting the love of circus. I think it's in you, in your genes. I got it from my father [Prince Rainier III] and fortunately my daughter has it in hers.
"I think all the acts we have this year are superb, but today, it's important to support animal acts. Animals are the traditional circus. It's what people remember from their childhood.
"You ask people, 'What is the circus?' They'll say, 'Animals, clowns and acrobats!' That's what people want. If you say you don't have animals, they walk away."
Royal
Britain's Duchess of Cornwall formally opened a nursery at Aberdeen University yesterday (21.01.16).
The 68-year-old royal - who is a Chancellor of the university - was on hand to open the Rocking Horse Nursery, which aims to give students and staff access to childcare.
A series of tweets on Clarence House's official Twitter account read: "The Duchess is the 11th and first ever woman Chancellor of the university and is making her second visit since taking on the role in 2013.
"HRH has opened the new Rocking Horse Nursery that provides students and staff with childcare support. (sic)"
During her time at Aberdeen University, the Duchess also visited the state of the art facilities including the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory as well as the on-site library.
Images of the Duchess' trip shared on Twitter were captioned: "The Duchess tours the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory here at the University of Aberdeen ... Students show The Duchess their research into renewable energy here @aberdeenuni.
"The Duchess meets students at the university's state of art library which was opened by HM The Queen in 2012. The library is home to rare historic manuscripts, books and archives dating back to the 12th century. The Duchess is shown one of the rarest items from the university's special collection, the Aberdeen Bestiary. This manuscript describes a medieval understanding of the natural world and is a celebration of the artistry of the age. (sic)"
Britain’s Duchess of Cornwall opens nursery
Britain's Duchess of Cornwall formally opened a nursery at Aberdeen University yesterday (21.01.16).
The 68-year-old royal - who is a Chancellor of the university - was on hand to open the Rocking Horse Nursery, which aims to give students and staff access to childcare.
A series of tweets on Clarence House's official Twitter account read: "The Duchess is the 11th and first ever woman Chancellor of the university and is making her second visit since taking on the role in 2013.
"HRH has opened the new Rocking Horse Nursery that provides students and staff with childcare support. (sic)"
During her time at Aberdeen University, the Duchess also visited the state of the art facilities including the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory as well as the on-site library.
Images of the Duchess' trip shared on Twitter were captioned: "The Duchess tours the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory here at the University of Aberdeen ... Students show The Duchess their research into renewable energy here @aberdeenuni.
"The Duchess meets students at the university's state of art library which was opened by HM The Queen in 2012. The library is home to rare historic manuscripts, books and archives dating back to the 12th century. The Duchess is shown one of the rarest items from the university's special collection, the Aberdeen Bestiary. This manuscript describes a medieval understanding of the natural world and is a celebration of the artistry of the age. (sic)"
Royal
Lord Frederick Windsor has welcomed his second daughter.
The 36-year-old financial analyst - who is the only son of the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - and his wife, actress Sophie Winkleman, have confirmed the arrival of Isabella Alexandra May Windsor.
In a statement, they said: "Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor have announced the birth of their second daughter, Isabella Alexandra May Windsor.
"The baby was safely delivered at 11.59pm on 16th January 2016 at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital."
The couple - who already have daughter Maud Elizabeth Daphne Marina Windsor together - returned from the United States to the UK ahead of the birth and to celebrate Christmas in their home country.
Meanwhile, Princess Michael previously expressed her excitement for the new arrival.
She gushed: "My granddaughter was two in August and I can't wait to play with her. I'm besotted and there will be lots of games. I'm sure I'll be just as besotted with the second one."
If Isabella is anything like her father, she will be causing "chaos" in her younger days as Queen Elizabeth's grandson Peter Phillips previously revealed about Frederick.
He said: "We had a lot of fun and there was a lot of space for kids to run around in, and it wasn't just us - it was the Wales' (William and Harry), Freddie and Ella Windsor, and the Gloucesters.
"So there was quite a gang of us growing up in that age and it was a lot of fun. We caused quite a bit of mayhem and chaos but fortunately I don't think we broke too much!"
Lord Frederick Windsor and Sophie Winkleman welcome second child
Lord Frederick Windsor has welcomed his second daughter.
The 36-year-old financial analyst - who is the only son of the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent - and his wife, actress Sophie Winkleman, have confirmed the arrival of Isabella Alexandra May Windsor.
In a statement, they said: "Lord and Lady Frederick Windsor have announced the birth of their second daughter, Isabella Alexandra May Windsor.
"The baby was safely delivered at 11.59pm on 16th January 2016 at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital."
The couple - who already have daughter Maud Elizabeth Daphne Marina Windsor together - returned from the United States to the UK ahead of the birth and to celebrate Christmas in their home country.
Meanwhile, Princess Michael previously expressed her excitement for the new arrival.
She gushed: "My granddaughter was two in August and I can't wait to play with her. I'm besotted and there will be lots of games. I'm sure I'll be just as besotted with the second one."
If Isabella is anything like her father, she will be causing "chaos" in her younger days as Queen Elizabeth's grandson Peter Phillips previously revealed about Frederick.
He said: "We had a lot of fun and there was a lot of space for kids to run around in, and it wasn't just us - it was the Wales' (William and Harry), Freddie and Ella Windsor, and the Gloucesters.
"So there was quite a gang of us growing up in that age and it was a lot of fun. We caused quite a bit of mayhem and chaos but fortunately I don't think we broke too much!"
Royal
Organisers of the Palio horse race of Siena have refused an invitation to Britain's Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations.
The event at Windsor will include 900 horses and over 1,000 participants, with some coming from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Cavalry of Oman but Italy's Palio have turned down the chance to appear.
In a statement, the organising committee said: "The Palio and its historic traditions had the honour of attracting interest from the royal court of the United Kingdom.
"However, for organisational and ethical reasons there were not the right conditions to even address the issue."
Palio is a horse race held in the main piazza in Siena twice a year during the summer where bareback jockeys race against others from rival districts across the country.
Bruno Valentini, Siena's mayor, added: "If you want to see the Palio and really understand it, you have to come to Siena. You'll never see a standard bearer or a drummer outside Siena. They are not circus jugglers but representatives of the contrade who tell a centuries-long history. It is not possible, I'm sorry."
Organisers of the 89-year-old royal's celebrations are disappointed by the outcome but insist there are no "hard feelings".
Jo Peck, the marketing director of the company organising the event, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "We were in discussion with the Palio organisers but unfortunately we couldn't make it work. What we needed didn't fit in with what they could offer. The Palio people felt they couldn't show off the event in its best light. But we don't take it as a sleight. There are no hard feelings."
Italy’s Palio turns down Queen Elizabeth’s birthday invitation
Organisers of the Palio horse race of Siena have refused an invitation to Britain's Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations.
The event at Windsor will include 900 horses and over 1,000 participants, with some coming from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Royal Cavalry of Oman but Italy's Palio have turned down the chance to appear.
In a statement, the organising committee said: "The Palio and its historic traditions had the honour of attracting interest from the royal court of the United Kingdom.
"However, for organisational and ethical reasons there were not the right conditions to even address the issue."
Palio is a horse race held in the main piazza in Siena twice a year during the summer where bareback jockeys race against others from rival districts across the country.
Bruno Valentini, Siena's mayor, added: "If you want to see the Palio and really understand it, you have to come to Siena. You'll never see a standard bearer or a drummer outside Siena. They are not circus jugglers but representatives of the contrade who tell a centuries-long history. It is not possible, I'm sorry."
Organisers of the 89-year-old royal's celebrations are disappointed by the outcome but insist there are no "hard feelings".
Jo Peck, the marketing director of the company organising the event, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "We were in discussion with the Palio organisers but unfortunately we couldn't make it work. What we needed didn't fit in with what they could offer. The Palio people felt they couldn't show off the event in its best light. But we don't take it as a sleight. There are no hard feelings."