Royal
Royal
The Duchess of Cambridge is unhappy with the £1 million revamp of Kensington Palace.
The 32-year-old royal is reportedly disappointed with the "horrible" décor inside 20-bedroom apartment and is keen to change the colour scheme, despite already having spent the staggering some of cash.
Catherine, who gave birth to Prince George last July, is thought to have hired help in the form of a flamboyant interior designer but has changed her mind on the colour scheme she chose while pregnant.
A source told the Mail Online:"She tried to do the revamp cheaply with the builders who did the kitchen, and she got Dulux paints to match the Farrow & Ball colour palette to save money. But she wasn't happy with the result, and one room came out with a horrible, unexpected purple tinge. She's blaming it on her hormones before the birth."
According to the newspaper, Ben Pentreath has been tasked with brightening up the royal residence which Catherine and Prince William moved into in October.
Ben - who insiders compare to Prince Diana's interior designer Nicky Halsam - had studied at Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture before working on Prince Charles' Poundbury model village in Dorset.
Duchess of Cambridge unhappy with palace decor
The Duchess of Cambridge is unhappy with the £1 million revamp of Kensington Palace.
The 32-year-old royal is reportedly disappointed with the "horrible" décor inside 20-bedroom apartment and is keen to change the colour scheme, despite already having spent the staggering some of cash.
Catherine, who gave birth to Prince George last July, is thought to have hired help in the form of a flamboyant interior designer but has changed her mind on the colour scheme she chose while pregnant.
A source told the Mail Online:"She tried to do the revamp cheaply with the builders who did the kitchen, and she got Dulux paints to match the Farrow & Ball colour palette to save money. But she wasn't happy with the result, and one room came out with a horrible, unexpected purple tinge. She's blaming it on her hormones before the birth."
According to the newspaper, Ben Pentreath has been tasked with brightening up the royal residence which Catherine and Prince William moved into in October.
Ben - who insiders compare to Prince Diana's interior designer Nicky Halsam - had studied at Prince of Wales's Institute of Architecture before working on Prince Charles' Poundbury model village in Dorset.
Royal
Queen Elizabeth's cousin Katharine Bowes Lyon has died.
Miss Bowes Lyon, the mentally handicapped niece of the late British Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died aged 87 last month (23.03.14), although her family decided not to announce her death.
Katharine and her sister Nerissa, who was also mentally handicapped and died in 1986, were the subject of a controversial documentary entitled 'The Queen's Hidden Cousins', which was broadcast on Channel 4 two years ago.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the title suggested the Royal family had behaved uncaringly towards the sisters and Lady Elizabeth Anson, the queen's cousin, revealed the programme had "hurt" the 87-year-old monarch.
Lady Elizabeth slammed the programmed, calling it"an intrusion of privacy" and accused TV bosses of "capitalising on the royal connection and ignoring the facts, as the sisters have always been looked after by that family".
She said Katherine, who was the daughter of the late John and Fenella Bowes Lyon, was happy in a care home that was suited to her needs and had "regular visitors."
A private funeral has been held for Katharine and a Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment on her death.
Queen Elizaebth’s handicapped cousin dies
Queen Elizabeth's cousin Katharine Bowes Lyon has died.
Miss Bowes Lyon, the mentally handicapped niece of the late British Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, died aged 87 last month (23.03.14), although her family decided not to announce her death.
Katharine and her sister Nerissa, who was also mentally handicapped and died in 1986, were the subject of a controversial documentary entitled 'The Queen's Hidden Cousins', which was broadcast on Channel 4 two years ago.
According to the Daily Telegraph newspaper, the title suggested the Royal family had behaved uncaringly towards the sisters and Lady Elizabeth Anson, the queen's cousin, revealed the programme had "hurt" the 87-year-old monarch.
Lady Elizabeth slammed the programmed, calling it"an intrusion of privacy" and accused TV bosses of "capitalising on the royal connection and ignoring the facts, as the sisters have always been looked after by that family".
She said Katherine, who was the daughter of the late John and Fenella Bowes Lyon, was happy in a care home that was suited to her needs and had "regular visitors."
A private funeral has been held for Katharine and a Buckingham Palace spokesman declined to comment on her death.
Royal
Britain's Prince Harry gave a motivational speech at We Day UK today (07.03.14).
The 29-year-old royal was cheered by crowds at the event, which promotes global youth empowerment, at London's Wembley Arena and joked: "For those expecting Harry Styles, I apologise and, no, I'm not going to sing."
Harry went on to say: "Every single one of you here today has done something amazing to be here. You may not feel like it, but I assure you that collectively your actions can and will shape the course of our future. We all share this planet together so we must help and inspire others to do the same. Our generation has the greatest opportunity out of any in our history to create change."
He added: "Some people think isn't cool to help others, personally, I think it's the coolest thing in the world!"
The prince was supported by his girlfriend Cressida, 25, for the first time at an official event, who went along with her half-sister Isabella Calthorpe and brother-in-law Sam Branson.
She was photographed alone in her usual low-key attire, wearing a black coat, skinny jeans and white trainers.
Princess Beatrice and her boyfriend Dave Clark were also among the high profile guests at We Day, which has helped to raise more than £22m since 2007.
About 12,000 young Brits listened to the prince and many other speakers and performers from a diverse range of backgrounds, including education activist Malala Yousafzai, former US Vice President Al Gore, Jennifer Hudson, Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding and Birdy, among others.
Harry is very committed to his charity work, setting up Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, to provide schooling, healthcare and food for deprived children in Africa.
The charity has proved a success and he is now planning to expand it into more of the surrounding countries.
To find out more about We Day UK, visit weday.com/uk.
Prince Harry and Cressida attend We Day
Britain's Prince Harry gave a motivational speech at We Day UK today (07.03.14).
The 29-year-old royal was cheered by crowds at the event, which promotes global youth empowerment, at London's Wembley Arena and joked: "For those expecting Harry Styles, I apologise and, no, I'm not going to sing."
Harry went on to say: "Every single one of you here today has done something amazing to be here. You may not feel like it, but I assure you that collectively your actions can and will shape the course of our future. We all share this planet together so we must help and inspire others to do the same. Our generation has the greatest opportunity out of any in our history to create change."
He added: "Some people think isn't cool to help others, personally, I think it's the coolest thing in the world!"
The prince was supported by his girlfriend Cressida, 25, for the first time at an official event, who went along with her half-sister Isabella Calthorpe and brother-in-law Sam Branson.
She was photographed alone in her usual low-key attire, wearing a black coat, skinny jeans and white trainers.
Princess Beatrice and her boyfriend Dave Clark were also among the high profile guests at We Day, which has helped to raise more than £22m since 2007.
About 12,000 young Brits listened to the prince and many other speakers and performers from a diverse range of backgrounds, including education activist Malala Yousafzai, former US Vice President Al Gore, Jennifer Hudson, Dizzee Rascal, Ellie Goulding and Birdy, among others.
Harry is very committed to his charity work, setting up Sentebale in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, to provide schooling, healthcare and food for deprived children in Africa.
The charity has proved a success and he is now planning to expand it into more of the surrounding countries.
To find out more about We Day UK, visit weday.com/uk.
Royal
Britain's Prince William an Duchess Catherine have left their son Prince George with family while they enjoy a romantic holiday.
The royal couple flew to Male in the Maldives yesterday (07.03.14) for a 'second honeymoon' and have left their seven-month-old son with Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton at their Berkshire mansion, along with a Scotland Yard security guard.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were taken from a First Class cabin into a VIP lounge before taking a British Airways flight on a private hydroplane accompanied by several other detectives, according to Mail Online.
The couple are said to be staying in the luxury five star Cheval Blanc Randheli Hotel on Noonu Atoll, one of the most exclusive resorts in the Indian Ocean, which only has 45 villas.
A four night stay in the hotel can set a holiday-goer back more than £6,000 and each villa has its own 41ft infinity pool, along with an outside dining area and private beach.
Catherine and William, who are set to embark on a 19-day royal visit to Australia and New Zealand next month with George, have had a busy few months with William, 31, taking a 10-week intensive course in agricultural management at Cambridge University.
The prince - who is studying in order to prepare himself for taking over the Duchy of Cornwall estate - doesn't have any classes this week and the course is set to conclude at the end of the month.
Catherine, 32, enjoyed a holiday with her family and George in Mustique at the end of January to mark her mother Carole's 59th birthday but is looking for a break before the royal visit.
Prince William and Catherine holiday without George
Britain's Prince William an Duchess Catherine have left their son Prince George with family while they enjoy a romantic holiday.
The royal couple flew to Male in the Maldives yesterday (07.03.14) for a 'second honeymoon' and have left their seven-month-old son with Catherine's parents Carole and Michael Middleton at their Berkshire mansion, along with a Scotland Yard security guard.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were taken from a First Class cabin into a VIP lounge before taking a British Airways flight on a private hydroplane accompanied by several other detectives, according to Mail Online.
The couple are said to be staying in the luxury five star Cheval Blanc Randheli Hotel on Noonu Atoll, one of the most exclusive resorts in the Indian Ocean, which only has 45 villas.
A four night stay in the hotel can set a holiday-goer back more than £6,000 and each villa has its own 41ft infinity pool, along with an outside dining area and private beach.
Catherine and William, who are set to embark on a 19-day royal visit to Australia and New Zealand next month with George, have had a busy few months with William, 31, taking a 10-week intensive course in agricultural management at Cambridge University.
The prince - who is studying in order to prepare himself for taking over the Duchy of Cornwall estate - doesn't have any classes this week and the course is set to conclude at the end of the month.
Catherine, 32, enjoyed a holiday with her family and George in Mustique at the end of January to mark her mother Carole's 59th birthday but is looking for a break before the royal visit.
Royal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the Prince Philip were greeted by a robot at a school in Surrey yesterday (06.03.14).
The 87-year-old monarch and her husband met a patriotic flag-waving droid during a tour around the science department at Reed's School in Cobham.
The queen is a patron of the school, which opened in 1813, and appeared delighted to see the 2ft robot, along with cheering pupils and staff who waved Union Jack flags as she arrived.
She wore a pearl-grey tweed suit and matching hat, along with a stunning diamond brooch and her traditional Launer handbag.
And despite his recent bad health, the Duke of Edinburgh appeared in good spirits as he toured the school and inspecting projects displayed by students.
Elsewhere, the queen's grandson, Prince Harry, spent the morning playing volleyball with disabled athletes at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford as he launched the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, which will take place in London in September.
After serving in Afghanistan on the frontline, the 29-year-old royal said: "It's not about showing support for Afghanistan, it's not about supporting war, it's not about supporting the forces themselves ... just come along and show your support."
Queen Elizabeth met by robot at school
Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the Prince Philip were greeted by a robot at a school in Surrey yesterday (06.03.14).
The 87-year-old monarch and her husband met a patriotic flag-waving droid during a tour around the science department at Reed's School in Cobham.
The queen is a patron of the school, which opened in 1813, and appeared delighted to see the 2ft robot, along with cheering pupils and staff who waved Union Jack flags as she arrived.
She wore a pearl-grey tweed suit and matching hat, along with a stunning diamond brooch and her traditional Launer handbag.
And despite his recent bad health, the Duke of Edinburgh appeared in good spirits as he toured the school and inspecting projects displayed by students.
Elsewhere, the queen's grandson, Prince Harry, spent the morning playing volleyball with disabled athletes at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford as he launched the Invictus Games, a competition for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, which will take place in London in September.
After serving in Afghanistan on the frontline, the 29-year-old royal said: "It's not about showing support for Afghanistan, it's not about supporting war, it's not about supporting the forces themselves ... just come along and show your support."
Royal
Britain's Prince Harry has launched an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel.
The 29-year-old royal has announced Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, which will give competitors the chance to take part in a number of sports, including swimming, wheelchair basketball, archery and road cycling.
The prince, who served 77 days on the front line in the Afghanistan war, will bring the Games to the UK following an inspirational visit to USA Warrior Games last year.
More than 300 countries are expected to take part in eight adaptive sports in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre from September 10 to 14.
The competition is being financially backed by the Royal Foundation, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Mayor of London and commercial partners and will air on the BBC.
The event will also feature athletics, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball and a special driving challenge.
Captain David Henson, who hopes to take part, said: "Competitive sport has made all the difference to my personal recovery and rehabilitation.
"For a whole international community of injured 'brothers in arms' who flat out refuse to let themselves be beaten by their injuries, the Invictus Games in London will offer a memorable, inspiring and energising experience in their journey of recovery."
Harry also trained to be a Apache Helicopter Pilot with the Army Air Corps but has now taken an army office job and recently supported the Walking With The Wounded charity by taking part in a 200-mile trek to the South Pole.
A ceremony will be held to mark the opening of the Games and a closing concert is also being planned, building on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Prince Harry launches Invictus Games
Britain's Prince Harry has launched an international sporting event for wounded, injured and sick service personnel.
The 29-year-old royal has announced Invictus Games, presented by Jaguar Land Rover, which will give competitors the chance to take part in a number of sports, including swimming, wheelchair basketball, archery and road cycling.
The prince, who served 77 days on the front line in the Afghanistan war, will bring the Games to the UK following an inspirational visit to USA Warrior Games last year.
More than 300 countries are expected to take part in eight adaptive sports in London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the Lee Valley Athletics Centre from September 10 to 14.
The competition is being financially backed by the Royal Foundation, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Mayor of London and commercial partners and will air on the BBC.
The event will also feature athletics, indoor rowing, wheelchair rugby, sitting volleyball and a special driving challenge.
Captain David Henson, who hopes to take part, said: "Competitive sport has made all the difference to my personal recovery and rehabilitation.
"For a whole international community of injured 'brothers in arms' who flat out refuse to let themselves be beaten by their injuries, the Invictus Games in London will offer a memorable, inspiring and energising experience in their journey of recovery."
Harry also trained to be a Apache Helicopter Pilot with the Army Air Corps but has now taken an army office job and recently supported the Walking With The Wounded charity by taking part in a 200-mile trek to the South Pole.
A ceremony will be held to mark the opening of the Games and a closing concert is also being planned, building on the legacy of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Royal
Britain's Prince Andrew is encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for jobs at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of York features in a new behind-the-scenes film about the royal residence in London and is leading a recruitment drive to get more people thinking about work with the Royal Household.
The 54-year-old royal was interviewed by pupils from Hackney University Technology College, who made the film with the support of the Mother London advertising agency, and spent three days with the prince documenting rare scenes in the palace.
In the film, he says: "There are a range of opportunities, and a range of skills, and a range of activities that go on in an organisation like this that are completely, as it were, hidden. You are only seeing in many cases what I call the neck of the swan. Keeping the whole thing going is a huge operation."
He went on to explain that running the organisation is "quite complicated" and he'd like to see the Royal Household help young people with work experience and employ apprentices.
Lauren Hodge, a 15-year-old student who directed the film, said: "We met people who we didn't expect to be working there, normal genuine people with unique jobs such as painters, antique collectors and many more."
She added: "The idea behind the film was to break the stereotype that people have about the palace, that only certain people can get jobs there and that the jobs available are limited."
Prince Andrew: Come and work at the palace
Britain's Prince Andrew is encouraging people of all backgrounds to apply for jobs at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of York features in a new behind-the-scenes film about the royal residence in London and is leading a recruitment drive to get more people thinking about work with the Royal Household.
The 54-year-old royal was interviewed by pupils from Hackney University Technology College, who made the film with the support of the Mother London advertising agency, and spent three days with the prince documenting rare scenes in the palace.
In the film, he says: "There are a range of opportunities, and a range of skills, and a range of activities that go on in an organisation like this that are completely, as it were, hidden. You are only seeing in many cases what I call the neck of the swan. Keeping the whole thing going is a huge operation."
He went on to explain that running the organisation is "quite complicated" and he'd like to see the Royal Household help young people with work experience and employ apprentices.
Lauren Hodge, a 15-year-old student who directed the film, said: "We met people who we didn't expect to be working there, normal genuine people with unique jobs such as painters, antique collectors and many more."
She added: "The idea behind the film was to break the stereotype that people have about the palace, that only certain people can get jobs there and that the jobs available are limited."