Royal
Royal
Britain's Prince Charles visited London's deepest sewer yesterday (18.02.15).
The 66-year-old royal took a stroll along the £635 million Lee Tunnel's pipe network - which was described as a "super sewer" by London Mayor Boris Johnson - but fortunately the prince avoided getting covered in unpleasant substances as it is not due to open until December 2015.
Charles donned a hard hat and high-visibility jacket for the occasion near Stratford, east London, over the top of his grey suit as he took a walk through the tunnel, which is 75 metres below the ground, while accompanied by a group of engineers.
The prince's visit marked 150 years of the London Sewer Network, and Martin Baggs, Thames Water's chief executive, admitted everyone involved in the sewerage system was "extremely proud" to see the heir to the throne at the Abbey Mills site.
He said: "We are all extremely proud and honoured The Prince of Wales joined us today for this special occasion.
"Abbey Mills was such a fitting place to hold the celebration. It formed the central feature of [Sir Joseph] Bazalgette's Victorian sewerage system, but the site is also at the core of our current developments.
"The Lee Tunnel has just been completed at Abbey Mills and this, along with the extensions and improvements at the five sewage works which discharge into the tidal river and the Thames Tideway Tunnel, due to begin construction next year, will greatly improve London's great river for wildlife and people alike."
Prince Charles visits London sewer
Britain's Prince Charles visited London's deepest sewer yesterday (18.02.15).
The 66-year-old royal took a stroll along the £635 million Lee Tunnel's pipe network - which was described as a "super sewer" by London Mayor Boris Johnson - but fortunately the prince avoided getting covered in unpleasant substances as it is not due to open until December 2015.
Charles donned a hard hat and high-visibility jacket for the occasion near Stratford, east London, over the top of his grey suit as he took a walk through the tunnel, which is 75 metres below the ground, while accompanied by a group of engineers.
The prince's visit marked 150 years of the London Sewer Network, and Martin Baggs, Thames Water's chief executive, admitted everyone involved in the sewerage system was "extremely proud" to see the heir to the throne at the Abbey Mills site.
He said: "We are all extremely proud and honoured The Prince of Wales joined us today for this special occasion.
"Abbey Mills was such a fitting place to hold the celebration. It formed the central feature of [Sir Joseph] Bazalgette's Victorian sewerage system, but the site is also at the core of our current developments.
"The Lee Tunnel has just been completed at Abbey Mills and this, along with the extensions and improvements at the five sewage works which discharge into the tidal river and the Thames Tideway Tunnel, due to begin construction next year, will greatly improve London's great river for wildlife and people alike."
Royal
Britain's Duchess Catherine was in tears yesterday (18.02.15) while speaking to mothers who struggle with serious illness while bringing up their children.
The 33-year-old royal - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William and is currently seven-months pregnant with their second child - got emotional when hearing from mum Michelle Griffiths, who suffers from a rare heart condition and is cared for by her 13-year-older daughter.
Speaking to the 33-year-old woman - who has "died" six times after suffering heart attacks but has been brought back to life on each occasion - the Duchess of Cambridge said: "You've brought a tear to my eye."
Melanie explained: "I was telling her that sometimes I feel like I have stolen my daughter's childhood but she doesn't see it like that.
"She got choked up and I had to give her a tissue."
The duchess also heard other mothers talk about their struggles to bring up their children while dealing with domestic violence, as well as other issues, during a visit to charity Action for Children - a charity which speaks out and supports the vulnerable kids in the UK - in Smethwick, central England.
Catherine had some fun with the children by doing some actions to kids songs they were listening to including 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'Row, Row Row Your Boat', and she joked her son George would've loved to have played with the little ones.
She said: "I should have brought George. He would have loved this."
But the brunette doesn't think the young royal would've been quite as well behaved as the kids at the Cape Hill Children's Centre.
Speaking to 26-year-old mother Claire Dandy, she said: "I can't imagine George would have been so good."
Duchess Catherine’s tears for mothers
Britain's Duchess Catherine was in tears yesterday (18.02.15) while speaking to mothers who struggle with serious illness while bringing up their children.
The 33-year-old royal - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William and is currently seven-months pregnant with their second child - got emotional when hearing from mum Michelle Griffiths, who suffers from a rare heart condition and is cared for by her 13-year-older daughter.
Speaking to the 33-year-old woman - who has "died" six times after suffering heart attacks but has been brought back to life on each occasion - the Duchess of Cambridge said: "You've brought a tear to my eye."
Melanie explained: "I was telling her that sometimes I feel like I have stolen my daughter's childhood but she doesn't see it like that.
"She got choked up and I had to give her a tissue."
The duchess also heard other mothers talk about their struggles to bring up their children while dealing with domestic violence, as well as other issues, during a visit to charity Action for Children - a charity which speaks out and supports the vulnerable kids in the UK - in Smethwick, central England.
Catherine had some fun with the children by doing some actions to kids songs they were listening to including 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' and 'Row, Row Row Your Boat', and she joked her son George would've loved to have played with the little ones.
She said: "I should have brought George. He would have loved this."
But the brunette doesn't think the young royal would've been quite as well behaved as the kids at the Cape Hill Children's Centre.
Speaking to 26-year-old mother Claire Dandy, she said: "I can't imagine George would have been so good."
Royal
Britain's Duchess Catherine tried her hand at painting pottery earlier today (18.02.15).
The 33-year-old royal - who is pregnant with her and Prince William's second child - got stuck in during a visit to the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke, central England, where she helped out by painting ladybirds on a new range of mugs being sold for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).
A short clip of the brunette working away was shared on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account and showed the duchess having a good chuckle with renowned potter Emma Bridgewater while helping the cause.
An accompanying caption read: "The Duchess of Cambridge has a go at painting ladybirds on pottery designed for @EACH_hospices @EmmaBridgewater (sic)"
Emma also showed Catherine a selection of already-painted mugs - which will be sold to raise money for the charity, which offers care and support for life-threatened children and their families in the east of England - inside the factory.
The duchess - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with William - was said to have been behind enlisting Emma to produce the range, which feature a spring flower as well as a ladybird on, because she was a big fan of other collections she had created.
A royal aide previously said: "It was the duchess's idea to approach Emma, whom she didn't know previously, and she helped in the design process."
Duchess Catherine paints pottery
Britain's Duchess Catherine tried her hand at painting pottery earlier today (18.02.15).
The 33-year-old royal - who is pregnant with her and Prince William's second child - got stuck in during a visit to the Emma Bridgewater pottery factory in Stoke, central England, where she helped out by painting ladybirds on a new range of mugs being sold for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).
A short clip of the brunette working away was shared on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account and showed the duchess having a good chuckle with renowned potter Emma Bridgewater while helping the cause.
An accompanying caption read: "The Duchess of Cambridge has a go at painting ladybirds on pottery designed for @EACH_hospices @EmmaBridgewater (sic)"
Emma also showed Catherine a selection of already-painted mugs - which will be sold to raise money for the charity, which offers care and support for life-threatened children and their families in the east of England - inside the factory.
The duchess - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with William - was said to have been behind enlisting Emma to produce the range, which feature a spring flower as well as a ladybird on, because she was a big fan of other collections she had created.
A royal aide previously said: "It was the duchess's idea to approach Emma, whom she didn't know previously, and she helped in the design process."
Royal
Britain's Prince William will start flying in his new job as an air ambulance pilot job in the summer.
Royal sources have told BBC News that the Duke of Cambridge will still start the position in the spring, as has been previously announced, but he won't actually take to the cockpit of a helicopter until later this year.
William - whose wife Duchess Catherine is currently pregnant with their second child, who is due in April - will be based at Cambridge Airport, where he will work with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
The 32-year-old prince - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with Catherine - will work for company Bond Air Services, who have two helicopters for the charity's use in Norwich and Cambridge, east England.
His £40,000-a-year salary is to be donated to charity and he was recently said to be very excited about starting a new job.
He wrote: "His Royal Highness is hugely excited and motivated about this opportunity.
"He sees this as public service in its truest sense, helping people in the most difficult of circumstances on the front line. He sees it as a privilege to be able to serve in this way."
Prince William to fly in new job this summer
Britain's Prince William will start flying in his new job as an air ambulance pilot job in the summer.
Royal sources have told BBC News that the Duke of Cambridge will still start the position in the spring, as has been previously announced, but he won't actually take to the cockpit of a helicopter until later this year.
William - whose wife Duchess Catherine is currently pregnant with their second child, who is due in April - will be based at Cambridge Airport, where he will work with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA).
The 32-year-old prince - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with Catherine - will work for company Bond Air Services, who have two helicopters for the charity's use in Norwich and Cambridge, east England.
His £40,000-a-year salary is to be donated to charity and he was recently said to be very excited about starting a new job.
He wrote: "His Royal Highness is hugely excited and motivated about this opportunity.
"He sees this as public service in its truest sense, helping people in the most difficult of circumstances on the front line. He sees it as a privilege to be able to serve in this way."
Royal
Britain's Duchess Catherine will visit a British pottery factory today (18.02.15).
The 33-year-old royal will head to Stoke-on-Trent, central England, to take in a new range of mugs being made at Emma Bridgewater to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which offers care and support for life-threatened children and their families in the east of England.
A series of messages on the Kensington Palace official Twitter account read: "Today The Duchess of Cambridge will visit @EmmaBridgewater to see a range of mugs being produced to raise money for @EACH_hospices
"A range of mugs designed and produced by@emma_bridgewater to raise funds for the EACH hospice Nook Appeal. The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of EACH hospices and introduced the charity to@emma_bridgewater pottery.
"Most @EmmaBridgewater pottery is made by hand in their factory in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British pottery (sic)"
What's more, the pregnant duchess - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William and is pregnant with their second child - will also head to Smethwick, central England, to visit an Action for Children centre, a charity which speaks out and supports the vulnerable kids in the UK.
Another message on the Kensington Palace Twitter account read: "The Duchess of Cambridge will also visit an @actnforchildren centre in #Smethwick to learn more about how they support vulnerable children (sic)"
Duchess Catherine to visit pottery factory
Britain's Duchess Catherine will visit a British pottery factory today (18.02.15).
The 33-year-old royal will head to Stoke-on-Trent, central England, to take in a new range of mugs being made at Emma Bridgewater to raise money for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), which offers care and support for life-threatened children and their families in the east of England.
A series of messages on the Kensington Palace official Twitter account read: "Today The Duchess of Cambridge will visit @EmmaBridgewater to see a range of mugs being produced to raise money for @EACH_hospices
"A range of mugs designed and produced by@emma_bridgewater to raise funds for the EACH hospice Nook Appeal. The Duchess of Cambridge is Patron of EACH hospices and introduced the charity to@emma_bridgewater pottery.
"Most @EmmaBridgewater pottery is made by hand in their factory in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British pottery (sic)"
What's more, the pregnant duchess - who has 17-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William and is pregnant with their second child - will also head to Smethwick, central England, to visit an Action for Children centre, a charity which speaks out and supports the vulnerable kids in the UK.
Another message on the Kensington Palace Twitter account read: "The Duchess of Cambridge will also visit an @actnforchildren centre in #Smethwick to learn more about how they support vulnerable children (sic)"
Royal
Britain's Prince Philip described the week after Princess Diana's death as a "nightmare" for the royal family.
A letter half-written and half-typed from the prince to his niece, Princess Margarita of Baden, has revealed his thoughts on the devastating days following the late Princess of Wales' fatal car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997 - and the note has now been sold at auction for £2,300.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the letter, which was dated September 5, 1997, was personally signed by Philip and features his reactions to the criticism the royals faced for their apparent lack of public mourning.
He also spoke about the reaction to him and wife Queen Elizabeth "forcing" Diana and Prince Charles' sons, Princes William and Harry, to church in Balmoral, Scotland, shortly after the incident.
He wrote: "We have even been criticised for 'forcing' the boys to go to church on Sunday, the day of the accident."
Philip insisted in the note that churches are used for praying in and that the death of the princess - who was just 36 years old - was difficult enough to deal with.
Philip and Queen Elizabeth faced criticism from members of the public at the time for not speaking publicly about Diana's death or flying the Union Jack at half-mast over Buckingham Palace.
However, the family did release a rare statement four days after her passing.
It read: "The princess was a much loved national figure, but she was also a mother whose sons miss her deeply.
"Prince William and Prince Harry themselves want to be with their father and their grandparents at this time in the quiet haven of Balmoral."
Prince Philip: Royals had ‘nightmare’ week after Diana death
Britain's Prince Philip described the week after Princess Diana's death as a "nightmare" for the royal family.
A letter half-written and half-typed from the prince to his niece, Princess Margarita of Baden, has revealed his thoughts on the devastating days following the late Princess of Wales' fatal car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997 - and the note has now been sold at auction for £2,300.
According to the Daily Mirror newspaper, the letter, which was dated September 5, 1997, was personally signed by Philip and features his reactions to the criticism the royals faced for their apparent lack of public mourning.
He also spoke about the reaction to him and wife Queen Elizabeth "forcing" Diana and Prince Charles' sons, Princes William and Harry, to church in Balmoral, Scotland, shortly after the incident.
He wrote: "We have even been criticised for 'forcing' the boys to go to church on Sunday, the day of the accident."
Philip insisted in the note that churches are used for praying in and that the death of the princess - who was just 36 years old - was difficult enough to deal with.
Philip and Queen Elizabeth faced criticism from members of the public at the time for not speaking publicly about Diana's death or flying the Union Jack at half-mast over Buckingham Palace.
However, the family did release a rare statement four days after her passing.
It read: "The princess was a much loved national figure, but she was also a mother whose sons miss her deeply.
"Prince William and Prince Harry themselves want to be with their father and their grandparents at this time in the quiet haven of Balmoral."
Royal
Dame Judi Dench wished Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla a happy night off as they attended 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' world premiere last night (17.02.15).
The royal couple were guests of honour at the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) Royal Performance in London's Leicester Square, and Judi was delighted to see the pair in attendance at the event and hopeful they would enjoy the film.
Speaking on the orange carpet, the 80-year-old actress - who plays Evelyn Greenslade in the movie - told PEOPLE magazine: "I hope they enjoy it and have an evening off."
Judi and her co-stars, including Dame Maggie Smith, later met the royal couple inside the cinema and shared stories.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, dressed to impress for the occasion by wowing in a floor-length plum gown which she teamed with a stunning four-strand diamond and ruby necklace.
Charles, 66, also dressed elegantly for the event in a sharp black suit complete with a black bow tie and white shirt.
The heir to the throne - who is a keen gardener - couldn't take his eyes of the wonderfully-attractive yellow and orange-tinted marigolds which decorated the world premiere at the Odeon theatre.
As well as attending the event to see the movie, Charles and Camilla, 67, were also supporting the CTBF, a charity which supports those working behind the scenes in film and TV.
Several other stars from the movie also walked the same orange carpet as the royal couple at the event, including Celia Imrie, Diana Hardcastle and Tena Desae.
Fellow actress Thandie Newton was also in attendance, accompanying her screenwriter husband Ol Parker.
Prince Charles and Camilla attend Marigold Hotel premiere
Dame Judi Dench wished Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla a happy night off as they attended 'The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' world premiere last night (17.02.15).
The royal couple were guests of honour at the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF) Royal Performance in London's Leicester Square, and Judi was delighted to see the pair in attendance at the event and hopeful they would enjoy the film.
Speaking on the orange carpet, the 80-year-old actress - who plays Evelyn Greenslade in the movie - told PEOPLE magazine: "I hope they enjoy it and have an evening off."
Judi and her co-stars, including Dame Maggie Smith, later met the royal couple inside the cinema and shared stories.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, dressed to impress for the occasion by wowing in a floor-length plum gown which she teamed with a stunning four-strand diamond and ruby necklace.
Charles, 66, also dressed elegantly for the event in a sharp black suit complete with a black bow tie and white shirt.
The heir to the throne - who is a keen gardener - couldn't take his eyes of the wonderfully-attractive yellow and orange-tinted marigolds which decorated the world premiere at the Odeon theatre.
As well as attending the event to see the movie, Charles and Camilla, 67, were also supporting the CTBF, a charity which supports those working behind the scenes in film and TV.
Several other stars from the movie also walked the same orange carpet as the royal couple at the event, including Celia Imrie, Diana Hardcastle and Tena Desae.
Fellow actress Thandie Newton was also in attendance, accompanying her screenwriter husband Ol Parker.
Royal
Britain's Princess Anne opened a Citizens Advice Bureau's new offices yesterday (16.02.15).
The 64-year-old royal - also known as The Princess Royal - headed down to Exeter, south west England, for the grand opening of the Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau's (CAB) new place of work, and chairman Dennis Mardon was delighted with the princess' presence.
He is quoted by the Exeter Express and Echo newspaper as saying: "We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to our new offices. Our volunteers and paid staff work very hard and it was wonderful to be able to show her the work we do here. She took a great interest in what we are doing and we are very grateful for her support.
"Last year we helped more than 16,000 clients in the Exeter area deal with their problems. This relocation has been a major step forward in confirming the bureau as one of the key support organisations for Exeter and the surrounding area."
Anne met both volunteers and members of paid staff at the new offices, where she was given a guided tour by chief executive Steve Barriball.
Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free, confidential, and impartial advice from over 3,500 locations up and down the country.
Princess Anne opens CAB offices
Britain's Princess Anne opened a Citizens Advice Bureau's new offices yesterday (16.02.15).
The 64-year-old royal - also known as The Princess Royal - headed down to Exeter, south west England, for the grand opening of the Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau's (CAB) new place of work, and chairman Dennis Mardon was delighted with the princess' presence.
He is quoted by the Exeter Express and Echo newspaper as saying: "We were delighted to welcome The Princess Royal to our new offices. Our volunteers and paid staff work very hard and it was wonderful to be able to show her the work we do here. She took a great interest in what we are doing and we are very grateful for her support.
"Last year we helped more than 16,000 clients in the Exeter area deal with their problems. This relocation has been a major step forward in confirming the bureau as one of the key support organisations for Exeter and the surrounding area."
Anne met both volunteers and members of paid staff at the new offices, where she was given a guided tour by chief executive Steve Barriball.
Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free, confidential, and impartial advice from over 3,500 locations up and down the country.
Royal
Britain's Prince William asked the Ghana football manager to takeover at his favourite club, Aston Villa.
The 60 year old has revealed the 32-year-old royal was keen for him to take the hot seat the Birmingham-based club, but the former Chelsea boss insists he is happy in charge of the African side and would've only left for Villa if William was the club's chairman.
He told Sky Sports: "I met Prince William and he asked me, 'Why don't you come to Aston Villa?'
"I said, 'When you become the chairman, I will come.' As long as my name is mentioned, I feel good with this, but not more than that. I want to continue with Ghana."
William is known to be a big fan of the Premier League outfit - who recently appointed Tim Sherwood as their new manager - and has vowed to bring his and wife Duchess Catherine's 18-month-old son Prince George up as a Villa fan.
Speaking in October 2013, the prince - who is president of the Football Association - said: "When Villa thrash Man U at Villa Park, my son will be there."
Just one month after those comments William attended a game at Villa Park between the home side and Sunderland but unfortunately he didn't witness any goals and the tie ended in a 0-0 draw.
William is not the only big name who supports Villa, he shares the allegiance with the likes of Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and England cricketer Ian Bell.
The prince may be thinking himself lucky that he didn't follow his father Prince Charles' footsteps in supporting Burnley, who are currently second bottom in the Premier League.
Prince William helped with Villa job search
Britain's Prince William asked the Ghana football manager to takeover at his favourite club, Aston Villa.
The 60 year old has revealed the 32-year-old royal was keen for him to take the hot seat the Birmingham-based club, but the former Chelsea boss insists he is happy in charge of the African side and would've only left for Villa if William was the club's chairman.
He told Sky Sports: "I met Prince William and he asked me, 'Why don't you come to Aston Villa?'
"I said, 'When you become the chairman, I will come.' As long as my name is mentioned, I feel good with this, but not more than that. I want to continue with Ghana."
William is known to be a big fan of the Premier League outfit - who recently appointed Tim Sherwood as their new manager - and has vowed to bring his and wife Duchess Catherine's 18-month-old son Prince George up as a Villa fan.
Speaking in October 2013, the prince - who is president of the Football Association - said: "When Villa thrash Man U at Villa Park, my son will be there."
Just one month after those comments William attended a game at Villa Park between the home side and Sunderland but unfortunately he didn't witness any goals and the tie ended in a 0-0 draw.
William is not the only big name who supports Villa, he shares the allegiance with the likes of Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, British Prime Minister David Cameron, Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and England cricketer Ian Bell.
The prince may be thinking himself lucky that he didn't follow his father Prince Charles' footsteps in supporting Burnley, who are currently second bottom in the Premier League.