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Duke of Cambridge feels defined by royal status


Britain's Duke of Cambridge thinks he's defined by his royal status.
The 33-year-old prince visited an anti-bullying workshop in Birmingham, England, yesterday (07.12.15), where he participated in an activity designed to identify differences between people.
During one of the activities, the royal was asked to write down something that defines him, and William scribbled: "I am prince."
The event was hosted by British singing coach Carrie Grant, who admitted he was intrigued to see what the future king would note down.
He told People: "I was fascinated by what he might write and how daring he would be.
"I thought he might write, 'My mother died,' because that's in the public arena and does make him different amongst his peers perhaps."
Meanwhile, the prince's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, revealed recently that she would love for her six-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte to join the Rainbows and for her two-year-old son Prince George to be a part of the Scouts.
Recalling a conversation with the Duchess, Caernarfon's county commissioner for Girl Guides, Jill Wilkinson, said: "She said that she needs to put Charlotte's name down for Rainbows.
"She really enjoyed helping with the Scout group and said she will get George for Scouting."

Prince Harry to visit Mildmay hospital


Britain's Prince Harry is set to visit the Mildmay Hospital in London next week.
The 31-year-old royal will stop by the medical centre and charity organisation - dedicated to HIV - on December 14 to officially open its new purpose-built facilities in East London.
During his trip to the hospital - the only centre in Europe dedicated to treatment, rehabilitation and medical care for those with difficult HIV-related health conditions - Harry will see how their work has changed over the last two decades.
The flame-haired hunk follows in the footsteps of his late mother Princess Diana, who made numerous trips, both privately and officially, to the organisation during her life.
Just like his mum, Harry is very much aware of the stigmas surrounding HIV and how the negativity can affect those living with the disease, and is on a mission - with the help of his charity Sentebale - to change the views on HIV/AIDS.
The Prince - the grandchild of Queen Elizabeth - has already tried to educate people in Lesotho in South Africa about the virus and to encourage them to seek the support they need.
Following his successful trip to Lesotho, the handsome royal issued a statement via Kensington Palace stating he would make it his mission to stamp out stigma worldwide.
The statement said: "Harry is keen to lend his voice to help tackle the stigma in a wider context outside of Lesotho."

Pippa Middleton attends carol concert with ex-boyfriend James Matthews


Britain's Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister Pippa attended a Christmas Carol concert in London last week with her ex-boyfriend James Matthews.
The 32-year-old socialite was joined by her mother Carol and her former squeeze - the brother of 'Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthews - to support Prince William at the event, held at St Luke's Church in Chelsea, last Wednesday night.
The former couple's reunion comes just after her split from her boyfriend Nico Jackson, 37, who she was tipped to be engaged to, following three years of dating.
The brunette beauty has sparked rumours she's turned to her former flame as a way to get over Nico after she was seen leaving the venue with James in a fit of giggles.
And it seems there are no hard feelings between James and Carole either as she was seen chatting to him upon her exit.
Pippa dated James briefly in 2012 but the pair have always remained friends and have been pictured together on numerous occasions over the past three years.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Carol concert was held to remember William and brother Prince Harry's old Ludgrove School classmate, Henry van Straubenzee.
William - who is good pals with Henry's older brother Thomas - are both patrons of the Henry van Straubenzee Memorial Fund, which was set up after his death in 2002.
Writing in the programme for the event, the handsome princes said: "We are both delighted to be patrons of Henry's memorial fund. Each year brings with it more news about the progress that this charity continues to make.
"This is largely down to the generosity and support of donors, many of whom are here tonight at this, the seventh Christmas carol service."

Queen Elizabeth hates selfies


Britain's Queen Elizabeth hates selfies.
The 89-year-old monarch, who has battled to keep up with the times over the years, isn't a fan of the social media craze as she prefers to talk and make eye contact with the public.
A royal aide told the Daily Express newspaper: "The Queen's key concern at events is that she can engage with the people she meets and have conversations with them.
"It's difficult to see how people can experience an engagement first-hand if they are watching it through a view-finder. The Queen is aware that social media provides another way of connecting with people across the Commonwealth when she cannot physically be there.
"But when the monarch is there in person and the people are there to see her, we don't want technology interfering with that face-to-face experience."
And the Queen isn't the only member of the royal family who isn't keen on the selfie craze as her grandson Prince Harry, 31, is also against it and has tried to encourage youngsters to take "normal" photos instead of self-taken "bad" ones.
When asked for a photo during an engagement in Canberra, Australia, recently, he said: "No, I hate selfies. Seriously! You need to get out of it. I know you're young but selfies are bad. Just take a normal photograph."

Prince William visits Birmingham


Britain's Duke of Cambridge is set to attend three engagements in Birmingham today (07.12.15).
The 33-year-old royal - who is a Aston Villa fan - will head to the West Midlands this morning and stop by the Saltley Academy to meet young people involved in the Football For Peace project and attend the special peace tournament.
Football for Peace, a national charity, is a project run by ambassadors who organise mini peace tournaments based on equality, diversity and inclusion for young people.
Kashif Siddiqi, founder of Football For Peace, told the Birmingham Mail newspaper: "Our aim through the Football for Peace process is to harness the power of the beautiful game to unite people in today's hostile climate.
"We inspire understanding and help break down misunderstandings between communities and cultures, which can transcend from grass roots to governments."
Later on, the handsome Prince will make his way to Bournville College to learn about the anti-bullying work of The Diana Award - named after his late mother Princess Diana - and take part in activities that highlight equality.
Before heading home, William will also call into the homelessness charity St Basil's, which he has previously visited last year and the year before.

Prince George will be ‘bouncing around like rabbit’ on Christmas Day


Britain's Prince William believes Prince George will be "bouncing around like a rabbit" on Christmas Day (25.12.15).
The 33-year-old royal is convinced he'll be up all night on Christmas Eve (24.12.15) because his two-year-old son now understands the festive period and will be so overcome with excitement about what's in store for the special day.
Speaking to Britain's The Big Issue magazine, he explained: "George will be bouncing around like a rabbit.
"I think George will be extremely bouncy this year because he's suddenly worked out what Christmas is all about ... If I get any sleep on Christmas Eve it'll be good."
And, although Prince William thinks this Christmas will be "challenging", the hunk and his wife Duchess Catherine, 33, can't wait to see how their seven-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte will react to the exciting festivities.
He added: "So that will be two children, one who suddenly appreciates Christmas, which could be quite challenging. But I'm looking forward to it."
The family are planning to spend this year at their country home, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk and will attend church in the morning before watching George open his gifts later on.
William explained: "We'll go to church as a family on Christmas Day, as we always do. Then we'll watch George try to tackle his presents as he tries to unwrap them.
"It's a very different experience at Christmas, having a family of your own."

Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to visit UK


Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are to visit the UK.
The royal couple are to head over to Britain for a three-day visit from March 8-10, where they will reside at royal residence Windsor Castle in Berkshire.
An announcement on the official British Monarchy website stated: "King Felipe VI, accompanied by Queen Letizia of Spain, has accepted an invitation from The Queen to pay a State Visit to the United Kingdom from 8th to 10th March 2016."
King Felipe and Queen Letizia will follow in the footsteps of King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia.
Carlos and Sofia made the last state visit from Spain to the UK in 1986.
Two years later, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh returned the favour by heading over to Spain in 1988.
Letizia is used to mixing with important people and in September she spent her birthday with US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle.
The royal celebrated the milestone by touring the White House in Washington, DC with her husband after starting the day with a visit to Mount Vernon, the home of the George Washington.

Prince Philip attends Attenborough’s royal screening


Britain's Prince Philip was guest of honour at the royal screening of Sir David Attenborough's new show.
The 94-year-old royal headed to the Australian embassy in London for the showing of the three-part drama, 'Great Barrier Reef'.
The well-travelled Duke of Edinburgh decided against taking part in a virtual reality experience, in which people were able to see what it is like to go submarining with the 89-year-old broadcaster.
David was in fine form on the evening, cracking jokes aplenty including one about Lizard Island, a land mass on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
He quipped: "Well it's called Lizard Island but Captain Cook must have taken them with him when he left because we certainly never saw any."
He also discussed serious matters, such as the dangers facing the famous reef.
David explained: "The biggest issue at the moment is changes to the ocean. There's already a problem but in 10 to 20 years the problem will become very real."
Several other stars also attended the event including 'Harry Potter' actress Helena Bonham Carter.
There was also a triple threat of celebrity chefs, Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, at the screening.

Queen Elizabeth celebrates church milestone


Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip celebrated a church's 60th anniversary yesterday (03.12.15).
The royal couple visited St Columba's Church in London to mark the milestone and the 89-year-old monarch was gifted a bouquet of flowers on her arrival.
She carried the flowers through the church and spoke to members of the congregation and also locals.
The 60th anniversary of the church comes after it was rebuilt after being destroyed by bombing in 1941 during the Second World War.
The original St Columba's Church structure was built in 1884.
After the wartime devastation the building was rebuilt on the same site with more of a modern design.
The queen has an affinity with the Church and it was recently revealed she never carries money with her apart from when she donates £5 to a church collection every Sunday.
A source said: "She donates to the church collection basket. Her butler irons a 5-pound note into a little square by folding it until you can only see her face!"
What's more, the queen and the royal family attend a Christmas Day church service at Sandringham every year.

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