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Not even two full months ago, we were being told condescendingly that Kensington Palace would never openly schedule the Princess of Wales for any event for the foreseeable future, all because of her health. They kept repeating “she has good days and bad days” as an explanation for why no one should expect Kate to ever have a work schedule again, and we were supposed to be pleasantly surprised if she showed up for any kind of event ever again. Then William and Kate’s Mustique vacation was outed in the Daily Mail, and suddenly KP can’t schedule and announce events for Kate fast enough. Last week, they announced that Kate and William would go to South Wales once their Mustique vacation was over. Now they’re announcing an appearance for Kate in May, for the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The Princess of Wales will join her husband and the King for the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May this year. Kate Middleton, 43, who has been gradually making a return to public duties following cancer treatment, will make an appearance at the event which commemorates our war heroes, the Mirror has reported.
Charles, 76, will lead a host of royals, including his wife Queen Camilla and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh at a ‘special Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey’. According to the outlet, the monarch will also be present, along with other members of The Firm, for events at the Cenotaph on May 8, and the Government will be releasing further details.
A source also told the publication that the King has been ‘determined to pay tribute to our war heroes’ after a turbulent year marked by his own health issues. Elsewhere, the newspaper says sources believe Charles may release a ‘personal tribute’ to World War II heroes as well as those who lost their lives in other conflicts.
It comes as earlier this year, Kate arrived for her first royal ‘away day’ since 2023 as part of her slow and steady return, and visited a sock manufacturer and children’s hospice, of which she has become patron.
[From The Daily Mail]
I understand that for these kinds of big-anniversary events, they make plans way in advance and all of that, especially if it involves King Charles and the rest of the family. It would be weird if Kate didn’t go, and if they didn’t make a point of confirming her attendance, that would be the story. But it does feel like they announced this specifically as part of the “please let this piece of news distract you from the Mustique vacation AND the Sussexes’ activities.”
Meanwhile, the Mail is also running this as an exclusive – Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit DC this week, and it’s “expected” that Donald Trump will formally invite Prince William to visit Washington. A source told the Mail: “President Trump very much enjoyed meeting Prince William in France. He was wowed by William and thinks he’s a great guy. He will officially invite both the Prince and Princess of Wales to visit Washington, but understands if the Princess of Wales’ health issues prevent her from coming.” Sounds about right – while I know the British royals are no strangers to despots and fascists, they might want to think twice about using William in this way. But whatever, I don’t care that much.
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Photos courtesy of Cover Images.
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The Princess of Wales during her visit to Streets of Growth, a not-for-profit youth intervention charity in east London which is working to transform the lives of young people at risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of isolation, exploitation, violence and criminality.
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 19 Sep 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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The Princess of Wales during her visit to Streets of Growth, a not-for-profit youth intervention charity in east London which is working to transform the lives of young people at risk of becoming trapped in a cycle of isolation, exploitation, violence and criminality.
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 19 Sep 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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The Princess of Wales visits AW Hainsworth in Leeds, a family-owned heritage textile mill which was established in 1783 and manufactures British woollen cloth, high-performing technical textiles, and iconic fabrics.
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales
Where: Leeds, United Kingdom
When: 26 Sep 2023
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Cornwall when in Cornwall, breaks ground for the new facility during a visit to St. Mary’s Community Hospital, Isles of Scilly, to meet staff and hear about a new integrated health and social care facility which is set to be built on adjacent land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales
Where: Isles of Scilly , United Kingdom
When: 10 May 2024
Credit: POOL/Cover Images
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The Prince and Princess of Wales with their children, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, London, following the Trooping the Colour ceremony in central London, as King Charles celebrates his official birthday.
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales with Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte with King Charles III and Queen Camilla
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 15 Jun 2024
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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England vs Denmark in their group stage match during the UEFA European Championships 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales
Where: Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
When: 20 Jun 2024
Credit: DDP/INSTARimages
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The Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, (centre) meets with personnel from the Specialist Platoons during a visit to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, to hear how they have been transitioning from ceremonial duty back to the Field Army.
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales
Where: Salisbury, United Kingdom
When: 26 Nov 2024
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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The Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, launching a drone during a visit to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Salisbury Plain, Wiltshire, to hear how they have been transitioning from ceremonial duty back to the Field Army
Featuring: William, Prince of Wales
Where: Salisbury, United Kingdom
When: 26 Nov 2024
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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Ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards on the first day of the two-day State Visit to Britain of The Emir of Qatar and his wife
Featuring: Catherine, Princess of Wales, William, Prince of Wales, King Charles III
Where: London, United Kingdom
When: 03 Dec 2024
Credit: Cover Images
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Prince William meeting US President Elect Donald Trump in the Salon Jaune room at the UK Ambassadors residence as the pair attended the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening
Featuring: Prince William, Donald Trump
Where: Paris, France
When: 07 Dec 2024
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
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Prince William meeting US President Elect Donald Trump in the Salon Jaune room at the UK Ambassadors residence as the pair attended the Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening
Featuring: Prince William, Donald Trump
Where: Paris, France
When: 07 Dec 2024
Credit: PA Images/INSTARimages
**NORTH AMERICA RIGHTS ONLY**