Royal
Royal
Princess Diana was described as a "rock of stability" by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Over 500 pages of heavily redacted documents, including calls between Tony and ex American President Bill Clinton, were released in response to a Freedom of Information request.
Several calls between Tony and Bill made on September 1, 1997 saw the two politicians discuss the passing of Princess Diana, who tragically died in a car crash in Paris, France, on August 31, 1997.
One of the most moving conversations saw Tony tell Bill he would "personally miss" Diana, adding: "It's like a star falling. She was a star for them [her children]."
After Bill offered his condolences, Tony replied: "We saw her again just weeks ago when we hosted her lunch with Prince William, he's a great kid."
When Bill said he "worries a lot about those kids now", Tony replied: "She was such a rock of stability in the sense she connected them with the outside world.
"The eldest boy, William, is quite like her in a way, he is very 'feet on the ground', he does things kids his age do."
Bill replied: "I just feel so bad for her. She was just basically getting a hold of her life."
To which Tony responded: "The problem was the way she lived, in a press frenzy. It's impossible to contemplate how intrusive it was, into every single aspect of her life.
"The last time I spoke with her, she said that were it not for the boys, she'd be off the board. The country is stunned."
The pair then discussed the details of the crash that had caused Diana's death.
Princess Diana was a ‘rock of stability’
Princess Diana was described as a "rock of stability" by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Over 500 pages of heavily redacted documents, including calls between Tony and ex American President Bill Clinton, were released in response to a Freedom of Information request.
Several calls between Tony and Bill made on September 1, 1997 saw the two politicians discuss the passing of Princess Diana, who tragically died in a car crash in Paris, France, on August 31, 1997.
One of the most moving conversations saw Tony tell Bill he would "personally miss" Diana, adding: "It's like a star falling. She was a star for them [her children]."
After Bill offered his condolences, Tony replied: "We saw her again just weeks ago when we hosted her lunch with Prince William, he's a great kid."
When Bill said he "worries a lot about those kids now", Tony replied: "She was such a rock of stability in the sense she connected them with the outside world.
"The eldest boy, William, is quite like her in a way, he is very 'feet on the ground', he does things kids his age do."
Bill replied: "I just feel so bad for her. She was just basically getting a hold of her life."
To which Tony responded: "The problem was the way she lived, in a press frenzy. It's impossible to contemplate how intrusive it was, into every single aspect of her life.
"The last time I spoke with her, she said that were it not for the boys, she'd be off the board. The country is stunned."
The pair then discussed the details of the crash that had caused Diana's death.
Royal
Princes William and Harry once stayed at Kurt Russell's house.
The actor struck up a friendship with the siblings' mother Princess Diana when they met at the premiere for his 1991 movie 'Backdraft'.
When the topic of paparazzi came up, Kurt offered Diana the chance to stay at his ranch - which she took him up on later in life.
Kurt said: "There was a royal premiere and I sat between Lady Diana and Prince Charles, which was an interesting experience at the time. Things weren't going the best [between them] at the time, but during the course of the evening we got to talking about this and that and the paparazzi that she had to deal with.
"So I mentioned that we lived on a ranch in Colorado that might be a nice getaway and she said, 'Maybe some time I could do that'."
Kurt added to chat show host James Corden: "Years later Fergie [Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York], who Goldie knows, she worked it out and I guess Diana wanted to come and stay with the boys and they were welcomed and came and stayed at the ranch and they had a great time. It was great because our housekeeper, Bonnie, became very close with her and every Christmas she would get a nice card from Diana."
Princes William and Harry’s Kurt Russell escape
Princes William and Harry once stayed at Kurt Russell's house.
The actor struck up a friendship with the siblings' mother Princess Diana when they met at the premiere for his 1991 movie 'Backdraft'.
When the topic of paparazzi came up, Kurt offered Diana the chance to stay at his ranch - which she took him up on later in life.
Kurt said: "There was a royal premiere and I sat between Lady Diana and Prince Charles, which was an interesting experience at the time. Things weren't going the best [between them] at the time, but during the course of the evening we got to talking about this and that and the paparazzi that she had to deal with.
"So I mentioned that we lived on a ranch in Colorado that might be a nice getaway and she said, 'Maybe some time I could do that'."
Kurt added to chat show host James Corden: "Years later Fergie [Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York], who Goldie knows, she worked it out and I guess Diana wanted to come and stay with the boys and they were welcomed and came and stayed at the ranch and they had a great time. It was great because our housekeeper, Bonnie, became very close with her and every Christmas she would get a nice card from Diana."
Royal
Prince Andrew was "saddened" to see the flood damage during a visit to North Yorkshire.
An 18th Century stone bridge in Tadcaster was left with just remnants remaining after it partially collapsed into the River Wharfe following some of the worst floods the UK has ever seen on December 29.
Local homes have been destroyed and many residents evacuated as local communities battle to rebuild following the floods.
The Duke said: "Saddened to see such a wonderful old bridge in a damaged state.
"But what encourages me is that there is a plan - first of all for a footbridge, then to support the structure and then to get on and recover the stonework that's underneath and get back to building it.
"But it's going to take some time."
The local council have estimated the repair work will take around a year and will cost in the region of £3 million.
While the repair work is carried out, locals will have to drive for half an hour to cross the town due to the lack of bridge.
He added: "It's been a very difficult time but I get a sense, talking to people both here and in Leeds, that the community has pulled together in a way that is really encouraging."
Prince Andrew saddened by flood damage
Prince Andrew was "saddened" to see the flood damage during a visit to North Yorkshire.
An 18th Century stone bridge in Tadcaster was left with just remnants remaining after it partially collapsed into the River Wharfe following some of the worst floods the UK has ever seen on December 29.
Local homes have been destroyed and many residents evacuated as local communities battle to rebuild following the floods.
The Duke said: "Saddened to see such a wonderful old bridge in a damaged state.
"But what encourages me is that there is a plan - first of all for a footbridge, then to support the structure and then to get on and recover the stonework that's underneath and get back to building it.
"But it's going to take some time."
The local council have estimated the repair work will take around a year and will cost in the region of £3 million.
While the repair work is carried out, locals will have to drive for half an hour to cross the town due to the lack of bridge.
He added: "It's been a very difficult time but I get a sense, talking to people both here and in Leeds, that the community has pulled together in a way that is really encouraging."
Royal
A rowing team backed by Prince Harry are battling against 18ft waves to break a world record for rowing the Atlantic.
The Row2Recovery team is comprised of four wounded servicemen, who have three legs between them, who are hoping to become the first ever all-amputee team to cross the ocean.
However, their journey has been anything but easy.
Lee Spencer, Paddy Gallagher, Nigel Rogoff and Cayle Royce began their trip from San Sebastian in the Canary islands on December 20, and are competing against 25 able-bodied teams to reach the finish line in Antigua first.
The journey is being funded by Prince Harry's Endeavour fund for injured servicemen and women, but has been anything but easy.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Lee said: "We've had fifteen to eighteen foot swells. We got hit last night and the boat flipped about 90 degrees on its side but it went back down again.
"My heart was in my mouth thinking we were going to go over but it came back round. I was a bit nervous.
"It was nerve-wracking but things like that give you more confidence in the boat."
The team take it in turns to row, with two hours on and two hours off.
So far, the Row2Recovery team have raised over £12,000 for service charities, and are over 1,000 miles into the 3,000 mile journey.
Prince Harry backed rowing team battle against 18ft waves
A rowing team backed by Prince Harry are battling against 18ft waves to break a world record for rowing the Atlantic.
The Row2Recovery team is comprised of four wounded servicemen, who have three legs between them, who are hoping to become the first ever all-amputee team to cross the ocean.
However, their journey has been anything but easy.
Lee Spencer, Paddy Gallagher, Nigel Rogoff and Cayle Royce began their trip from San Sebastian in the Canary islands on December 20, and are competing against 25 able-bodied teams to reach the finish line in Antigua first.
The journey is being funded by Prince Harry's Endeavour fund for injured servicemen and women, but has been anything but easy.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Lee said: "We've had fifteen to eighteen foot swells. We got hit last night and the boat flipped about 90 degrees on its side but it went back down again.
"My heart was in my mouth thinking we were going to go over but it came back round. I was a bit nervous.
"It was nerve-wracking but things like that give you more confidence in the boat."
The team take it in turns to row, with two hours on and two hours off.
So far, the Row2Recovery team have raised over £12,000 for service charities, and are over 1,000 miles into the 3,000 mile journey.
Royal
Queen Elizabeth is expected to honour Sir David Attenborough with the Order of the Garter.
The wildlife presenter already has an Order of Merit, Order of the Companions of Honour, The Royal Victorian Order and Order of the British Empire.
But the Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry that can be presented to an individual.
The order, which currently has 24 members, has three vacancies and it is expected that David could be initiated into the order following his 90th birthday in May.
David has a close relationship with the Queen, and doesn't have to wear a name badge at royal receptions - a royal privilege in itself.
Back in 1986, David produced the Queen's Christmas message, which is televised annually.
Recalling how he met the Queen's private secretary Bill Heseltine prior to the recording of the message, David explained he was tasked with choosing an outfit for the monarch to wear for the occasion.
Speaking at the Radio Times Festival last September, David explained: "It was a room with green wallpaper so I dismissed all the green stuff. I picked out one that was mushroom."
The Queen, in this dress, came out and she said 'well I hope you approve of my costume. What about what I normally wear?'
"I said well ... it was green your Majesty and the wallpaper of the room was green so it would have clashed.
"Bill Heseltine, trying to be helpful, said well of course we could have had the room decorated.
"She said 'do you realise what that would have cost?'"
Queen Elizabeth to present David Attenborough with highest honour
Queen Elizabeth is expected to honour Sir David Attenborough with the Order of the Garter.
The wildlife presenter already has an Order of Merit, Order of the Companions of Honour, The Royal Victorian Order and Order of the British Empire.
But the Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry that can be presented to an individual.
The order, which currently has 24 members, has three vacancies and it is expected that David could be initiated into the order following his 90th birthday in May.
David has a close relationship with the Queen, and doesn't have to wear a name badge at royal receptions - a royal privilege in itself.
Back in 1986, David produced the Queen's Christmas message, which is televised annually.
Recalling how he met the Queen's private secretary Bill Heseltine prior to the recording of the message, David explained he was tasked with choosing an outfit for the monarch to wear for the occasion.
Speaking at the Radio Times Festival last September, David explained: "It was a room with green wallpaper so I dismissed all the green stuff. I picked out one that was mushroom."
The Queen, in this dress, came out and she said 'well I hope you approve of my costume. What about what I normally wear?'
"I said well ... it was green your Majesty and the wallpaper of the room was green so it would have clashed.
"Bill Heseltine, trying to be helpful, said well of course we could have had the room decorated.
"She said 'do you realise what that would have cost?'"
Royal
Prince George's first day at nursery "went well", according to royal sources.
The adorable tot, who turns two-and-a-half later this month, started the Westacre Montessori school in King's Lynn, Norfolk on Wednesday (06.01.16).
His mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, turned photographer to capture the little boy's journey into the school.
Wearing a padded blue coat and blue backpack, George looked excited as he headed inside, stopping to point at a colourful mural outside the property.
A source told Hello! magazine of George's start at the school: "He's going to be attending part time for a handful of hours per day. Both the Duke and Duchess dropped him off today and it seems all went well."
The Duke and Duchess drove George to the school from their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.
The nursery costs just £33 a day, £5.50 an hour, and is housed in a former chapel.
After it was announced last month that George would be attending Westacre, a spokesperson for the school said: "We are looking forward to welcoming George to our nursery where he will get the same special experience as all of our children."
The Duke and Duchess are parents to George and daughter Charlotte.
In a recent interview, Prince William spoke about how his life has been changed by becoming a father.
On 'When Ant and Dec Met The Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust' earlier this week, William said: "I'm a lot more emotional than I used to be. I never used to get too wound up or worried about things.
But now the smallest little things, you well up a little more, you get affected by the sort of things that happen around the world or whatever, a lot more, I think, as a father. Just because you realise how precious life is and it puts it all in perspective."
Prince George starts nursery as Duchess turns photographer
Prince George's first day at nursery "went well", according to royal sources.
The adorable tot, who turns two-and-a-half later this month, started the Westacre Montessori school in King's Lynn, Norfolk on Wednesday (06.01.16).
His mother, the Duchess of Cambridge, turned photographer to capture the little boy's journey into the school.
Wearing a padded blue coat and blue backpack, George looked excited as he headed inside, stopping to point at a colourful mural outside the property.
A source told Hello! magazine of George's start at the school: "He's going to be attending part time for a handful of hours per day. Both the Duke and Duchess dropped him off today and it seems all went well."
The Duke and Duchess drove George to the school from their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.
The nursery costs just £33 a day, £5.50 an hour, and is housed in a former chapel.
After it was announced last month that George would be attending Westacre, a spokesperson for the school said: "We are looking forward to welcoming George to our nursery where he will get the same special experience as all of our children."
The Duke and Duchess are parents to George and daughter Charlotte.
In a recent interview, Prince William spoke about how his life has been changed by becoming a father.
On 'When Ant and Dec Met The Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust' earlier this week, William said: "I'm a lot more emotional than I used to be. I never used to get too wound up or worried about things.
But now the smallest little things, you well up a little more, you get affected by the sort of things that happen around the world or whatever, a lot more, I think, as a father. Just because you realise how precious life is and it puts it all in perspective."
Royal
Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra will carry the Olympic Torch for the Lillehammer 2016 Opening Ceremony.
The royal will be joined by Winter Olympic gold medallist Marit Bjørgen as the pair have the prestigious task of carrying the torch for the occasion, on February 12 at the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena.
She will be following in the footsteps of her father Crown Prince Haakon, who had the same task back in 1994.
Marit said of the honour: "I am really looking forward to February 12, and I am nervous and excited."
In addition, Marit will be given the chance to take part in a story-telling part of the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
She added: "I am not used to performing in Ceremonies like these, but I am proud to be able to participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games.
"In the play, I work as an inspiration to the young boy. Being a good role model for young athletes means a lot to me.
"I hope and believe that the most important thing in the Youth Olympic Games is that athletes from many different countries come together, get to know each other and do what they like best, namely sports.
"The results in the Games are, in my opinion, of less importance."
Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s Olympic role revealed
Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra will carry the Olympic Torch for the Lillehammer 2016 Opening Ceremony.
The royal will be joined by Winter Olympic gold medallist Marit Bjørgen as the pair have the prestigious task of carrying the torch for the occasion, on February 12 at the Lysgårdsbakkene Ski Jumping Arena.
She will be following in the footsteps of her father Crown Prince Haakon, who had the same task back in 1994.
Marit said of the honour: "I am really looking forward to February 12, and I am nervous and excited."
In addition, Marit will be given the chance to take part in a story-telling part of the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
She added: "I am not used to performing in Ceremonies like these, but I am proud to be able to participate in the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games.
"In the play, I work as an inspiration to the young boy. Being a good role model for young athletes means a lot to me.
"I hope and believe that the most important thing in the Youth Olympic Games is that athletes from many different countries come together, get to know each other and do what they like best, namely sports.
"The results in the Games are, in my opinion, of less importance."