Royal
Royal
Queen Elizabeth's Balmoral Castle has been surrounded by rising flood waters.
The British monarch spends her summers at the Scottish residence, which Storm Frank, currently battering the UK, has claimed as its latest victim.
Images show water terrifyingly close to the banks of the castle, as Britain struggles against the worst floods to hit in seven decades.
One local, who has lived near Balmoral for the past 64 years, said the floods are the worst he has seen during his time there, and described them as like "rapids".
The River Dee, which runs alongside Balmoral, has burst its banks and caravans have been seen floating along the water.
Meanwhile the Cambus O'May footbridge, apparently a favourite of the Prince of Wales when he visits Balmoral, was buckled under the weight of flood water.
Over 100 people from nearby Ballater in Aberdeenshire were evacuated from their homes as flood threats worsened, and spent last night (30.12.15) at the Victoria Barracks, where the Queen's security staff are housed when she stays at Balmoral.
Balmoral was originally bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, and has been the Scottish home of the royal family since then.
It was reported earlier this year that Queen Elizabeth has decided she will spend the majority of her time at the 55,000 acre estate in the event of her 94-year-old husband Prince Philip's death.
A source told the Daily Express newspaper: "There is a feeling that if the Duke of Edinburgh passed away her preference would be to spend more time in Scotland. The discussion has been if he goes before her that would be her wish.
"She loves Scotland, it has always been a great comfort to her, where she is happiest and most relaxed. Everyone will play it by ear but the feeling is the Scottish plan will be what she wants to do."
Queen Elizabeth’s Balmoral Castle threatened by Storm Frank
Queen Elizabeth's Balmoral Castle has been surrounded by rising flood waters.
The British monarch spends her summers at the Scottish residence, which Storm Frank, currently battering the UK, has claimed as its latest victim.
Images show water terrifyingly close to the banks of the castle, as Britain struggles against the worst floods to hit in seven decades.
One local, who has lived near Balmoral for the past 64 years, said the floods are the worst he has seen during his time there, and described them as like "rapids".
The River Dee, which runs alongside Balmoral, has burst its banks and caravans have been seen floating along the water.
Meanwhile the Cambus O'May footbridge, apparently a favourite of the Prince of Wales when he visits Balmoral, was buckled under the weight of flood water.
Over 100 people from nearby Ballater in Aberdeenshire were evacuated from their homes as flood threats worsened, and spent last night (30.12.15) at the Victoria Barracks, where the Queen's security staff are housed when she stays at Balmoral.
Balmoral was originally bought for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, and has been the Scottish home of the royal family since then.
It was reported earlier this year that Queen Elizabeth has decided she will spend the majority of her time at the 55,000 acre estate in the event of her 94-year-old husband Prince Philip's death.
A source told the Daily Express newspaper: "There is a feeling that if the Duke of Edinburgh passed away her preference would be to spend more time in Scotland. The discussion has been if he goes before her that would be her wish.
"She loves Scotland, it has always been a great comfort to her, where she is happiest and most relaxed. Everyone will play it by ear but the feeling is the Scottish plan will be what she wants to do."
Royal
Idris Elba and Barbara Windsor are among those to feature on Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours list.
The 'Luther' actor will receive an OBE in 2016, while former 'EastEnders' veteran Barbara will be made a Dame.
Idris said of the honour: "Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other but this is beyond special, as it comes from Queen and country and I couldn't be more proud for receiving this right now, what a year... On me head son!"
Barbara added of her own award: "For a girl from the East End born into a working class family and an evacuee during World War Two, this is truly like a dream. I am so happy and blessed to say it's real."
The 78-year-old actress first found fame on the naughty 'Carry On' films, but was somewhat offended by the suggestion that she would make an "unlikely dame".
She told Sky News: "Are you kidding? Some of the (existing) dames have got up to more naughty things than I have.
"It all comes out in the end, so at least it's come out at the beginning with me... it's all come out in the wash.
"I suppose I just wanted it all to be just wonderful with people saying 'yes she deserves it'. But I'm afraid the business isn't like that. I'm a nice lady and a good lady and I've worked hard all my life."
Other names to feature on the New Year's Honours list include actors James Nesbitt and Sian Phillips, as well as Blur frontman Damon Albarn.
Idris Elba honoured by Queen Elizabeth
Idris Elba and Barbara Windsor are among those to feature on Queen Elizabeth's New Year's Honours list.
The 'Luther' actor will receive an OBE in 2016, while former 'EastEnders' veteran Barbara will be made a Dame.
Idris said of the honour: "Awards and honours come in all shapes and sizes and all as significant as the other but this is beyond special, as it comes from Queen and country and I couldn't be more proud for receiving this right now, what a year... On me head son!"
Barbara added of her own award: "For a girl from the East End born into a working class family and an evacuee during World War Two, this is truly like a dream. I am so happy and blessed to say it's real."
The 78-year-old actress first found fame on the naughty 'Carry On' films, but was somewhat offended by the suggestion that she would make an "unlikely dame".
She told Sky News: "Are you kidding? Some of the (existing) dames have got up to more naughty things than I have.
"It all comes out in the end, so at least it's come out at the beginning with me... it's all come out in the wash.
"I suppose I just wanted it all to be just wonderful with people saying 'yes she deserves it'. But I'm afraid the business isn't like that. I'm a nice lady and a good lady and I've worked hard all my life."
Other names to feature on the New Year's Honours list include actors James Nesbitt and Sian Phillips, as well as Blur frontman Damon Albarn.
Royal
Monaco's Prince Albert and Princess Charlene admit their one-year-old twins are "a lot of work".
The 57-year-old royal and his 37-year-old wife welcomed Gabriella and Jacques into the world in December 2014 and have since been adjusting to life as a family of four.
As the pair spoke about parenthood in a video interview alongside their children, they waxed lyrical about their bundles of joy.
They said: "Gabriella and Jacques are very active, very playful, absolutely adorable, lots of fun and a lot of work."
Albert continued to rave about his wife's mothering skills, adding: 'I am very happy that she is able to spend as much time as she does with them
"I have never really heard them complain. Yes, when they are hungry (they do) but they've never been noisy (except when) they are being joyful."
Both Gabriella and Jacques are currently fair, and Albert says he can see their former Olympic swimmer mother's looks in both of his children.
He said: "Several people have said that Gabriella looks more like me than Jacques ... I definitely think there is a bit of Charlene in both of them. But it's too early to say for sure."
The video interview isn't the first time Albert has spoken about how impressed he is with how well his wife has taken to being a mother.
He told People earlier this year: "She's very eager to be with her children at all times. She's up with the kids at 6, 6:30 and takes them through the morning. Every day.
"I don't think they would be as smiling and happy as they are if she weren't as good a mother as she is."
Prince Albert talks ‘adorable but hard work’ twins
Monaco's Prince Albert and Princess Charlene admit their one-year-old twins are "a lot of work".
The 57-year-old royal and his 37-year-old wife welcomed Gabriella and Jacques into the world in December 2014 and have since been adjusting to life as a family of four.
As the pair spoke about parenthood in a video interview alongside their children, they waxed lyrical about their bundles of joy.
They said: "Gabriella and Jacques are very active, very playful, absolutely adorable, lots of fun and a lot of work."
Albert continued to rave about his wife's mothering skills, adding: 'I am very happy that she is able to spend as much time as she does with them
"I have never really heard them complain. Yes, when they are hungry (they do) but they've never been noisy (except when) they are being joyful."
Both Gabriella and Jacques are currently fair, and Albert says he can see their former Olympic swimmer mother's looks in both of his children.
He said: "Several people have said that Gabriella looks more like me than Jacques ... I definitely think there is a bit of Charlene in both of them. But it's too early to say for sure."
The video interview isn't the first time Albert has spoken about how impressed he is with how well his wife has taken to being a mother.
He told People earlier this year: "She's very eager to be with her children at all times. She's up with the kids at 6, 6:30 and takes them through the morning. Every day.
"I don't think they would be as smiling and happy as they are if she weren't as good a mother as she is."
Royal
Britain's Mike Tindall thinks his wife Zara Phillips has had a better sporting career than him.
The royal couple have enjoyed huge success in their respective fields, but despite Mike having won the Rugby World Cup as captain of the England team in 2003, he thinks the British equestrian and her stash of "bling" medals amount to more.
Asked who their 22-month-old daughter Mia would choose as the most successful parent, Mike sweetly replied: "It'd be tight, but if I think about who has a bigger collection of silverware at home, Zara is in front. I'm a bit drowned out unfortunately on the bling count. I have to move a big pile of Zara's medals out of the way to find my one World Cup Winner's medal. Anyway, I think Mia would use the Olympic medal as the deal sealer. Zara has one and I don't."
The 37-year-ol hunk retired from rugby last year and the blonde stunner, 34, is hoping to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Meanwhile, Mike regrets not being able to meet Nelson Mandela - who died two years ago - when he was England Rugby Captain.
Asked who he would like to have dinner with, he told The Telegraph newspaper: "Samuel L. Jackson just because he may well be the coolest man on the planet... I'd have to have Nelson Mandela as well. I sadly never got to meet him through my career, but friends of mine did and said he was the most extraordinary man they have ever met, and they said that after not having long with him. And Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin as my third guest, I'll go with Frank."
Mike Tindall thinks wife Zara has had more sporting success
Britain's Mike Tindall thinks his wife Zara Phillips has had a better sporting career than him.
The royal couple have enjoyed huge success in their respective fields, but despite Mike having won the Rugby World Cup as captain of the England team in 2003, he thinks the British equestrian and her stash of "bling" medals amount to more.
Asked who their 22-month-old daughter Mia would choose as the most successful parent, Mike sweetly replied: "It'd be tight, but if I think about who has a bigger collection of silverware at home, Zara is in front. I'm a bit drowned out unfortunately on the bling count. I have to move a big pile of Zara's medals out of the way to find my one World Cup Winner's medal. Anyway, I think Mia would use the Olympic medal as the deal sealer. Zara has one and I don't."
The 37-year-ol hunk retired from rugby last year and the blonde stunner, 34, is hoping to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Meanwhile, Mike regrets not being able to meet Nelson Mandela - who died two years ago - when he was England Rugby Captain.
Asked who he would like to have dinner with, he told The Telegraph newspaper: "Samuel L. Jackson just because he may well be the coolest man on the planet... I'd have to have Nelson Mandela as well. I sadly never got to meet him through my career, but friends of mine did and said he was the most extraordinary man they have ever met, and they said that after not having long with him. And Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin as my third guest, I'll go with Frank."
Royal
Britain's Zara Phillips makes "better decisions" now she is a parent.
The 34-year-old royal - the granddaughter of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II - is a British equestrian and her husband Mike Tindall, 37, have 22-month-old daughter Mia together, which she says has made her take less risks in her career.
She said: "I think I might make better decisions now. When you are younger and less experienced, and with less around you to lose, you spend a lot of time competing everywhere, and riding all sorts of horses, and going to every possible competition. Now it's much more a case of quality over quantity, and picking the right places to run at... So maybe you think about the bigger picture more, and make more calculated decisions."
And the blonde stunner is hoping to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and added that Mike has been great at helping her prepare for it.
She told The Sunday Telegraph: Mike was at the top of his sport for a long time, so to have someone around who understands how to prepare, think, train, relax, handle disappointment and then rebound, is really helpful.
"Mike is very grounded, very calm in stressful situations and gives uncomplicated advice. Sometimes you can overthink something, or get stressed over things that shouldn't be affecting you, and Mike is good at making sure I only spend energy on things I can influence.
Zara Phillips: I make ‘better decisions’ since being a mum
Britain's Zara Phillips makes "better decisions" now she is a parent.
The 34-year-old royal - the granddaughter of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II - is a British equestrian and her husband Mike Tindall, 37, have 22-month-old daughter Mia together, which she says has made her take less risks in her career.
She said: "I think I might make better decisions now. When you are younger and less experienced, and with less around you to lose, you spend a lot of time competing everywhere, and riding all sorts of horses, and going to every possible competition. Now it's much more a case of quality over quantity, and picking the right places to run at... So maybe you think about the bigger picture more, and make more calculated decisions."
And the blonde stunner is hoping to compete in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and added that Mike has been great at helping her prepare for it.
She told The Sunday Telegraph: Mike was at the top of his sport for a long time, so to have someone around who understands how to prepare, think, train, relax, handle disappointment and then rebound, is really helpful.
"Mike is very grounded, very calm in stressful situations and gives uncomplicated advice. Sometimes you can overthink something, or get stressed over things that shouldn't be affecting you, and Mike is good at making sure I only spend energy on things I can influence.
Royal
Britain's Prince William will return to a newly-equipped base after his Christmas break.
The 33-year-old Duke of Cambridge, who is employed with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, will now work from a new purpose-built air ambulance base at Cambridge Airport and it's hoped the office make-over will help the cew's performance.
Crew member Dr Neil Berry revealed: "Our job involves very intense 20 to 30-minute bursts of activity which can be very high pressure and demanding. In between it is vital for us to remain relaxed and focused so that we can help patients to the best of our ability."
Prince William - who is as an air ambulance rescue pilot for the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Bedfordshire areas of England - will enjoy the benefit of improved sleeping areas, kit storage and a toaster, which was not allowed in the previous building because of safety concerns.
But the royal - who works four days a week and donates all his salary to charity - will importantly have somewhere to "decompress" after an incident, as the service regularly completes more than 150 missions each month.
He told The Telegraph newspaper: "It is also important that we can decompress after an incident and the new base has room for us to go off as a team, talk about it and try to understand what we've seen."
Prince William gets a new office
Britain's Prince William will return to a newly-equipped base after his Christmas break.
The 33-year-old Duke of Cambridge, who is employed with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, will now work from a new purpose-built air ambulance base at Cambridge Airport and it's hoped the office make-over will help the cew's performance.
Crew member Dr Neil Berry revealed: "Our job involves very intense 20 to 30-minute bursts of activity which can be very high pressure and demanding. In between it is vital for us to remain relaxed and focused so that we can help patients to the best of our ability."
Prince William - who is as an air ambulance rescue pilot for the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Bedfordshire areas of England - will enjoy the benefit of improved sleeping areas, kit storage and a toaster, which was not allowed in the previous building because of safety concerns.
But the royal - who works four days a week and donates all his salary to charity - will importantly have somewhere to "decompress" after an incident, as the service regularly completes more than 150 missions each month.
He told The Telegraph newspaper: "It is also important that we can decompress after an incident and the new base has room for us to go off as a team, talk about it and try to understand what we've seen."
Royal
Britain's Mike Tindall wonders "what could have been" when he hears one of Zara Phillips' friends has had a horse riding accident.
The 37-year-old rugby player - who is married to Princess Anne's daughter - said despite not being adraid when watching the British Equestrian ride, hearing of other accidents does make him ponder what could happen if she had a bad fall.
Asked whether he is scared when he watches Zara on her horse, he said: "I don't think so, at least not when I'm watching her jump. I think you are too absorbed in the competition. I might think about it at other times. When someone she is friends with has had a bad fall, you can think about what could have been."
But the sportsman admitted he isn't too concerned because of all the preparation Zara puts in for her performance.
He told The Sunday Telegraph: "Cross country is probably Zara's strongest discipline out of the three, which is great because it is the most dangerous. I know how much she loves it and how much time she spends planning for it, walking courses and dotting all the 'i's and crossing the 't's."
Mike Tindall’s horse riding woes
Britain's Mike Tindall wonders "what could have been" when he hears one of Zara Phillips' friends has had a horse riding accident.
The 37-year-old rugby player - who is married to Princess Anne's daughter - said despite not being adraid when watching the British Equestrian ride, hearing of other accidents does make him ponder what could happen if she had a bad fall.
Asked whether he is scared when he watches Zara on her horse, he said: "I don't think so, at least not when I'm watching her jump. I think you are too absorbed in the competition. I might think about it at other times. When someone she is friends with has had a bad fall, you can think about what could have been."
But the sportsman admitted he isn't too concerned because of all the preparation Zara puts in for her performance.
He told The Sunday Telegraph: "Cross country is probably Zara's strongest discipline out of the three, which is great because it is the most dangerous. I know how much she loves it and how much time she spends planning for it, walking courses and dotting all the 'i's and crossing the 't's."
Royal
Britain's Mike Tindall has revealed meeting Queen Elizabeth II was "nerve-wracking".
The 37-year-old rugby player - who is married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips - hasopened up about the first time he sat down to eat with the royal and said he felt very nervous.
He said: "The first time you sit next to the Queen at a dinner table, it is a nerve-wracking experience. You do get used to it over time."
There are many protocols to observe when meeting the Queen.
The traditional form of greeting a royal for men is to bow from the head only whilst women do a small curtsy.
And the Queen should be adressed as 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am'.
In addition, you should not touch the monarch unless she offers her hand, and you should return this not with a firm handshake, but just a touch.
But Mike admitted he wasn't used to the many formalities when he first met the Queen.
The sportsman told The Sunday Telegraph: "The trickiest part is the beginning when everything is new. All the protocols, they're a little daunting."
Mike Tindall reveals meeting the Queen was ‘nerve-wracking’
Britain's Mike Tindall has revealed meeting Queen Elizabeth II was "nerve-wracking".
The 37-year-old rugby player - who is married to Princess Anne's daughter Zara Phillips - hasopened up about the first time he sat down to eat with the royal and said he felt very nervous.
He said: "The first time you sit next to the Queen at a dinner table, it is a nerve-wracking experience. You do get used to it over time."
There are many protocols to observe when meeting the Queen.
The traditional form of greeting a royal for men is to bow from the head only whilst women do a small curtsy.
And the Queen should be adressed as 'Your Majesty' and subsequently 'Ma'am'.
In addition, you should not touch the monarch unless she offers her hand, and you should return this not with a firm handshake, but just a touch.
But Mike admitted he wasn't used to the many formalities when he first met the Queen.
The sportsman told The Sunday Telegraph: "The trickiest part is the beginning when everything is new. All the protocols, they're a little daunting."
Royal
Britain's Prince Charles has never changed his grandchildren George or Charlotte's dirty nappies.
The 68-year-old royal - the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - has admitted he "comes alive" when he's around his son William and daughter-in-law Catherine's little ones but can't bring himself to change their smelly bottoms.
The heir-to-the-throne made the revelation as part of his forthcoming TV documentary 'When Ant and Dec Met the Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust', but when on to say he's incredibly grateful for George, two, and seven-month-old Charlotte as he hopes they'll look after him in the future.
He said: "[They will] look after me when I'm tottering about."
Meanwhile, the forthcoming programme promises to reveal a different side to Charles as he gives a glimpse into his life as a father to William, 33, and Harry, 31, as well as his marriage to his second wife Duchess Camilla, 68.
Presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - known also as Ant and Dec - said of their interview with Charles: "He was lovely about Camilla and the two boys and being a granddad. It was fascinating just to hear him talk like that."
The 90-minute documentary also features Prince William and Prince Harry and sees them speak at length to Ant and Dec about their father and recall stories from their youth, and the influence he's had on them now they're adults.
'When Ant & Dec Met the Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust' will air on January 4 at 9pm on ITV.
Prince Charles hasn’t changed his grandchildren’s nappies
Britain's Prince Charles has never changed his grandchildren George or Charlotte's dirty nappies.
The 68-year-old royal - the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - has admitted he "comes alive" when he's around his son William and daughter-in-law Catherine's little ones but can't bring himself to change their smelly bottoms.
The heir-to-the-throne made the revelation as part of his forthcoming TV documentary 'When Ant and Dec Met the Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust', but when on to say he's incredibly grateful for George, two, and seven-month-old Charlotte as he hopes they'll look after him in the future.
He said: "[They will] look after me when I'm tottering about."
Meanwhile, the forthcoming programme promises to reveal a different side to Charles as he gives a glimpse into his life as a father to William, 33, and Harry, 31, as well as his marriage to his second wife Duchess Camilla, 68.
Presenting duo Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly - known also as Ant and Dec - said of their interview with Charles: "He was lovely about Camilla and the two boys and being a granddad. It was fascinating just to hear him talk like that."
The 90-minute documentary also features Prince William and Prince Harry and sees them speak at length to Ant and Dec about their father and recall stories from their youth, and the influence he's had on them now they're adults.
'When Ant & Dec Met the Prince: 40 Years of the Prince's Trust' will air on January 4 at 9pm on ITV.