William goes into battle for peace
The Prince joins troops in Estonia
Prince William was all action this week as he donned army fatigues and joined British troops in Estonia. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Mercian Regiment, he was at Tapa Camp, as they took over from the Royal Dragoon Guards in Estonia, working with Estonia and NATO allies, to “defend Europe’s eastern flank,” the palace said.
William climbed into a tank and took part in some exercises at the base just 90 miles from the border of Russia, a clear sign he’s using his position to promote peace in the region, in a time of continued international tension. A royal aide told The Daily Mail the prince was happy to get “his hands dirty”, saying the visit was, “about the Prince of Wales showing his support to Estonia as it manages its proximity to Russia while hosting NATO troops and welcoming Ukrainian refugees.”
During his visit to the region, William met well-wishers in Tallinn, even stopping for a selfie – but his phone skills might need some work, as he dropped one fan’s charger, causing the crowd to gasp - watch it here. He met President of Estonia, Alar Karis and visited the Freedom School, for Ukrainians and other displaced students. “Hearing the stories from both teachers and students is a powerful reminder of not only the human impact of the conflict, but the courage and strength shown by those impacted,” Kensington Palace posted on Instagram.
Kate celebrates St Patrick’s Day
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales was also doing her bit for the troops, this week. Catherine looked to be genuinely in good spirits, as she joined the Irish Guards for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade at London’s Wellington Barracks on Monday. “Proud to be your Colonel, and celebrate 125 years of the regiment with you today,” she wrote on Instagram.
The only character who managed to upstage the Princess, in her green Alexander McQueen coat and Lock and Co hat, was the regimental mascot, Seamus the Irish Wolfhound, in his smart coat. One soldier – drummer Joseph Aldridge - has the job of looking after Seamus and getting him ready for the parade. See him explain, on the video above. Lucky him!
Charles and Camilla wow in Northern Ireland
The couple looked delighted to be back in Northern Ireland on a two-day tour, which they try to visit each year. This time, the King and Queen began their visit with the musicians and artists of Belfast, clapping and nodding as an all-male band, The Causeway Shantymen, played a version of The Drunken Sailor. Charles joked: “You are only here for the whiskey anyway.”
During their trip, their engagements varied, including seeing how crumpets are made to Charles hosting discussions with young people on the Future Leaders Programme, to meeting scientists working on cancer treatment. At Hillsborough Castle, the monarch’s official residence in Northern Ireland, Camilla held a reception for survivors of domestic abuse and those who work to support them.
Highgrove’s holistic days out
Charles has long been an advocate of holistic practices, and now he’s opening up his beloved Highgrove for workshops based on mindfulness, yoga and breathwork.
As from April, you can attend classes held on the King’s beautiful Gloucestershire estate. The first one, called Halen Breathwork at Highgrove, is a half-day workshop exploring ‘the science of breathwork’ and ‘helping bring harmony between the mind and body’. There are two sessions available on Sunday April 27, tickets available here.
Royals’ wedding ring gold returns
Since 1923, when Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon had her wedding ring made from Welsh gold, many royal brides have followed in her footsteps.
Each ring is created from the same nugget of Welsh gold from the Clogau-St David’s mine. However, there was increasing concern that this long-standing tradition would cease due to the dwindling amount of mined gold, first discovered there in 1854.
The mine had been largely inactive since the 1990s, but that all changed with the announcement this week of the first gold production from Clogau in over 25 years. To commemorate this good news, the first of three exclusive gold coins, will be auctioned online from Sunday 30 March to Thursday 3 April.
Finally… Happy Birthday, Eugenie (and Isla)
The Princess will be blowing out 35 candles on her cake today, as she celebrates with husband Jack Brooksbank and her two sons, August and Ernest. Also, this coming Saturday, Isla Phillips, granddaughter of Princess Anne becomes a teenager!