William leads the way, like Diana
William leads the way, like Diana
The Prince of Changing Tides is following in his mother’s footsteps
Will he be the Prince of Changing Tides? Prince William has had a dynamic week, showing the new direction he is taking the monarchy, and in doing so, hoping to effect real change on two key issues. He launched his new ITV series We Can End Homelessness, in which he reveals what his charity Homewards has been doing in its first year, to try to make homelessness something, “rare, brief and unrepeated.”
“It’s a programme that commits to working with six locations over the next five years to prove that it is possible to end homelessness,” William says.
The prince was inspired to help, after his mother Diana took him and Harry to homeless shelters when they were young, to show them what real life looks like. Very much his mother’s son, William has committed to try to change the problem, but is upfront about the reality of the task. “I’m not saying I’m going to solve the world’s homelessness problem,” he says, but he’s trying. He believes he can help solve Newport’s homelessness problem, as well as Aberdeen’s, and other pilot locations around the country. He’s also building homes for the homeless on Duchy land in Cornwall. “At some point you’ve got to put your hand in your pocket and do something that’s going to make a difference to people’s lives,” he says.
His good work initiatives continue, as he travels to South Africa on Monday, for the fourth Earthshot Awards Ceremony in Cape Town. Earthshot has become the biggest environmental awards on the planet and like his homeless initiative, attempts to effect actual change by funding dynamic projects around the world. As well as the ceremony, he will meet local communities and attend the United for Wildlife Global Summit.
His mother would be very proud.
Queen Elizabeth & Paddington reunited
Although we’re convinced no film will ever surpass Paddington 2, we can’t wait to see Paddington in Peru later this week, and now with news that the late Queen features in it, we’re even more excited.
Approved by Buckingham Palace, a photo of Queen Elizabeth sharing afternoon tea with her Platinum Jubilee beloved bear guest will make an appearance. “[The royal family] were actually very happy for it to happen,” said Rosie Alison, the film’s co-producer. “But we don’t like to make a big deal of it, because Paddington’s obviously a very modest fellow.”
Paddington in Peru is out this Friday… and yes, we may sneak in some marmalade sandwiches.
Charles & Camilla chill out in India
After resoundingly successful tour of Australia and Samoa, the royal couple made a well-deserved pitstop en route to the UK, stopping in India for three days of rest and relaxation at the Soukya resort, Bangalore.
The luxury yoga and wellness spa retreat is no stranger to hosting Charles and Camilla as they have both stayed there on several occasions. Soukya is a renowned holistic centre run by Dr Issac Mathai, Charles’ holistic health consultant for decades. A typical daily schedule begins with morning yoga followed by breakfast and rejuvenation treatments, then a vegetarian lunch. There’s a meditation session before dinner and lights out by 9pm.
Their ten-day tour of Australia and Samoa was said to be the “perfect tonic” for Charles, who paused his cancer treatment to make the trip. The palace has now confirmed plans to resume the twice-yearly overseas tour schedule next year. “The King is raring to go and incredibly positive about making plans for the future,” said a spokesperson.
Jonny - the hot equerry is off limits, ladies
Congratulations to the King’s very popular senior equerry, Lt Col Jonathan Thompson. Our favourite royal-adjacent hunk is getting married to Olivia Lewis, a PR exec and daughter of Simon Lewis, a former communications secretary to Queen Elizabeth.
An engagement notice in The Times this week read: “The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr and Mrs Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr and Mrs Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London.”
This will be a second marriage for the dad of one (he shares a son with his first wife). Last year, Jonny was included on Tatler’s Social Power Index, drawn up to show “where the real power lies in British society”. The high-society glossy noted: “The erstwhile Major Jonny has a fabulous sense of humour and looks as good in a suit as he does a kilt.” The Royal List, along with his legions of fans can vouch for this. You’ll be missed, Jonny!
Listen to the sad tale of Prince Philip’s female relatives
Have you listened to our podcast Secrets of the Royals yet? One of the most popular episodes is the sad tale of Prince Philip’s female relatives. Maria researched so many stories in this episode, we had to leave quite a lot out and may revisit some of them in later series’. Do give it a listen or watch, here on Substack, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.