The people’s palace
From football and Corrie, to opening up their homes, the Royal Family has been on a charm offensive this week
The Queen visits Coronation Street
One of the best images of the week was the Queen popping in to the Rovers Return. Her Majesty visited the set of Coronation Street in Manchester on Thursday, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the soap.
Actors Bill Roache, aka Ken Barlow, Barbara Knox, who plays Rita, Sue Nicholls who is Audrey and Helen Worth, known to the world as Gail, met the Queen as she made her way down the famous cobbled street. The Queen asked how they had kept on filming through the pandemic, to which Bill replied, “Well, ma’am, you’re the one who has carried on.” She certainly has and it was lovely to see her beaming face as she enjoyed the day out.
Back home, the Queen opened the gardens of Buckingham Palace to picnickers on Friday. The public can now wander around the grounds of one of the most famous palaces in the world and what is the largest private garden in London. Tickets are available for every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday until September 19, adults £16.50, rct.uk.
And if you fancy picnicking in style, the gift shop has launched a special luxury Springtime Hamper, £99, royalcollectionshop.co.uk.
William wins fans at the footie
Prince William, meanwhile, proved himself a man of the people by fronting up at Wembley for England’s nail-biting Euro 2020 matches. After being accompanied by Prince George and Catherine to the England v Ukraine match at Wembley last weekend, he had to sail solo on Wednesday for the semi-final against Denmark, after Catherine was required to self-isolate.
But no matter, the sight of William absolutely belting out the national anthem was enough to lift the spirits of everyone jaded by the past year and the duke cheered and clapped as the team secured their memorable win.
“What a game, what a result!”, William, who is president of the FA, tweeted, “A huge effort. The whole country will be behind you on Sunday. #ItsComingHome.”
Catherine is court out at Wimbledon
The Duchess of Cambridge, however, had her Wimbledon tournament cut short when she was informed she had come in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus on July 2 and so left the All England Club, missing the match with Andy Murray as she went back to Kensington Palace to self-isolate. It meant she missed the NHS’ 73rd birthday celebrations with William at St Paul’s Cathedral and afternoon tea at Buckingham Palace on Monday.
However, she was all clear to return to the women’s final yesterday between Ash Barty and Karolina Pliskova, with William – but is expected to attend the men’s final on her own today.
It was – as always – love all for her outfits, as she first paired her trusty Smythe blazer with a polka-dot Alessandra Rich skirt and Jimmy Choo Romy heels and on Saturday, a lovely emerald green Emilia Wickstead frock.
Charles and Camilla book a date in Wales
Meanwhile, Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall went west on their Wales Week, touring the country, including a pit-stop in the fabulous Hay-on-Wye, famous for its literature festival – which the duchess had opened earlier in the year.
A keen bibliophile, with her own book club and patron of BookTrust, Camilla – who celebrates her 74th birthday on Saturday - had a good browse while Charles met the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage and took a hydrogen-powered car for a spin.
He also marked the 100th anniversary of the Church in Wales by attending a service at historic St Davids Cathedral, famous as the smallest city in Britain and the site of a memorable mini-break for Kerry and Maria. Hopefully the locals have forgotten.
Meghan reaches out to Naomi
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka this week revealed the Duchess of Sussex was one of the first to reach out and offer support, after she withdrew from the French Open because of mental health.
In a personal essay for The Times, she said she received support from high-profile personalities including Meghan, Michelle Obama and Michael Phelps. She said Meghan had offered “kind words”. The tennis star added, “In any other line of work, you would be forgiven for taking a personal day here and there.”
Happy paper anniversary Bea!
Finally, it’s Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s one-year wedding anniversary on Saturday. We can’t believe it’s been a year since Beatrice had the sweetest lockdown wedding ever in her private ceremony and vintage Norman Hartnell gown on loan from the Queen. Traditionally, you give paper gifts for a one-year anniversary, so maybe they’ll get a copy of What To Expect When You’re Expecting, with the princess due in the autumn.