Camilla’s bittersweet week
Back to work after ill-health, the Queen was faced with a sad loss
It’s been a mixed week for Camilla. Still under-par thanks to a lingering chest infection, the Queen had to pull out of the Royal Variety performance on Friday, because she’s not fully recovered. A Palace spokesman said, “Following a recent chest infection, the Queen continues to experience some lingering post-viral symptoms, as a result of which doctors have advised that… Her Majesty should prioritise sufficient rest. With great regret, she has therefore withdrawn from attendance at tonight’s Royal Variety Performance. His Majesty will attend as planned.”
Clearly her full timetable of events this week has knocked her back. On Tuesday the King and Queen held their annual diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace, where more than 170 ambassadors and high commissioners were in attendance.
And on Wednesday, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature from The University of London, by its Chancellor – sister-in-law, Princess Anne. “The Doctorate was presented to The Queen, an avid reader, in recognition of her promotion of literacy and literature over many years,” the Palace said. We loved seeing how genuinely happy the pair looked. Then on Thursday, she held a reception in Buckingham Palace, for the winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024.
However, the week was marred by sadness, when the Queen had to say goodbye to Beth, her much-loved Jack Russell she rescued from Battersea Dogs and Cats home, who, “brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties, or curled up by the fire.” She adopted the Jack Russell in 2011 and sadly Beth passed away after an untreatable tumour. So-loved was she, Beth and fellow Jack Russell Bluebell, were embroidered on Camilla’s Coronation gown.
Charles sees the funny side at the Royal Variety Performance
Although Camilla, who is resting under doctor’s orders, missed the Royal Variety Performance we all know how much Their Majesties love a good laugh. Which is why it was great to see the King forget his woes and have a cracking night as he watched the show in the royal box.
Charles looked amused at Matt Forde’s impression of President-elect Donald Trump. During the show, the comedian referenced claims made by Trump during his presidential debate against Kamala Harris that illegal immigrants from Haiti were eating pets in the States. Matt turned to Charles, in Trump’s voice: “Your Majesty King Charles, you’re named after a Spaniel – be very careful, they’ll eat you alive.”
It’s the first time the King has attended in his position as patron of the Royal Variety Charity, which he accepted earlier this year. The late Queen Elizabeth II also held the role. Finally, we couldn't resist posting (see video above) our favourite memory from the show over the years, this one - classic Dame Edna from 2013.
Kate invites very special guests to carol concert
The Princess of Wales has invited survivors of the terrible Southport attack to her annual Christmas carol concert, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
The December 6th event, Together at Christmas, will see the children and their families joining 1,600 guests at Westminster Abbey. This invitation comes after Catherine and William met the bereaved families privately, after the mass stabbing on 29 July 2024, at a dance studio in Southport, Merseyside. Three children were killed, and ten others, (two adults and eight children, were injured).
“The service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy towards others in their communities,” said the Palace. “This year, Her Royal Highness wanted to celebrate the many people supporting those in need - individuals who have inspired, counselled, comforted, and above all else, shown that love is the greatest gift we can receive.
The concert will be filmed as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
Windsor lights up… in miniature
The Christmas decorations are up in Windsor Castle, which makes it a special time to visit our favourite of the royal palaces – it’s pretty magical inside, if you’ve never been. But this year, for the first time, miniature Christmas decorations have also been added to the tiny rooms of Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the largest and most famous dolls’ house in the world.
There’s always a long line of people waiting to peer into this pretty remarkable dolls’ house, which comes with lights and running water, so get there early, if planning to visit. For more, visit rct.uk
How ‘the other Prince William’ became a tragic figure in royal history
If you haven’t listened to our podcast, Secrets of the Royals, yet, check out episode one, as we explore the life of Prince William of Gloucester, a largely forgotten but fascinating member of the royal family. He was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth and his grandfather was George V. We discuss William’s love of flying, his career abroad and his passionate love affair with a twice divorced mum of one whom he met in Tokyo. Sadly, his life was cut tragically short, aged 30, in a 1972 air show accident, near Wolverhampton. Listen here on Substack, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.