ROYAL NEWS RECAP: Prince William and Princess Kate were all smiles for a date night following explosive claims in Charles Spencer's book

Good morning and welcome to our royal coverage of the day, and it is promising to be a busy day!

The main event of today will come this evening when the Prince and Princess of Wales attend the Digger premiere, which they will reunite with some of their Hollywood friends, including Tom Cruise.

However, the other main event of Tuesday is the publication of Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. The memoir has been written by Earl Charles Spencer, the younger brother of the late Princess Diana, and it has already created controversy over its explosive claims inside, including how King Charles reportedly reacted to the death of Diana.

Elsewhere, the Clinton Global Initiative New York Summit, at which Prince Harry is due to speak at, kicks off today. Meanwhile, Princess Anne has another busy day, with the Princess Royal attending a presentation and reception at The Royal College of Surgeons. She id also due to visit the 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Search Regiment at Longmore Training Camp, Liss, Hampshire. And, she will visit the Land Intelligence Fusion Centre at the Dennison Barracks, Hermitage.

It has been a difficult time for the Norwegian royal family recently, but they have reason to celebrate today as Princess Martha Louise turns 55. Happy birthday!

© HELLO!

HELLO! is the media partner of the WellChild Awards, and for the second time in seven weeks, we were lucky enough to spend the evening with Prince Harry.

Before Harry completed his media duties, the Duke of Sussex made sure to spend time with all of the extraordinary children who were nominated for awards, and as HELLO!'s Chief Content Officer, Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon reveals, it's clear to see what the event means to the royal.

In her exclusive thoughts on the evening, find out the impact that the event has on Harry, as well as the incredibly sweet moment that will bring tears to your eyes.

© Samir Hussein/WireImage

The Duchess of Sussex returned to the UK with her family last month; however, she has been keeping a low profile since. Although she has been spotted at the Soho Farmhouse, Meghan has avoided the cameras, even skipping two of her husband's recent events.

However, Meghan has now been pictured, and she was seen joining her long-time friend, Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, who now live in the Cotswolds. The group were seen together at the Three Horseshoes pub in Burford in images published by PageSix.

The Duchess looked casual in sunglasses, a relaxed-fit shirt and white jeans, carrying a coat as she entered the pub garden. She was then seen "chatting and laughing" with the celebrity couple, who also relocated from the US to the Cotswolds in November 2024, before bidding them farewell, according to the outlet. 

© Alamy Stock Photo

King Charles has made his first appearance since Earl Charles Spencer published his book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, which featured a series of explosive claims about how the monarch reacted to the late Princess of Wales' death.

The book was officially released today, although extracts have been published in the past week. As copies started dropping, Charles visited Peterhead Port, in Aberdeenshire, to highlight the transition to renewable energy.

During his visit, the King met local members of the energy supply chain, including the Peterhead Energy Transition Forum He will also met representatives of Maritime Developments Ltd.

The monarch will be spending time in the north-east of Scotland this week, and is expected to be carrying out numerous engagements.

© PA Images via Getty Images

The Princess of Wales was showing no signs of fear when she visited the Isle of Bute in Scotland with her husband, Prince William, last week.

During their visit, the royal couple were shown a tractor and trailer, with William taking the wheel after being given a short tutorial. Kate was then pictured climbing down from the cab of the Massey Ferguson tractor, jumping down from the top step, before effortlessly twirling to shut the door of the cab behind her.

The smooth move occurred without a hiccup, demonstrating her natural athleticism, despite wearing a long trench coat from Burberry. 

Following that, you can certainly count us as impressed!

© Getty Images

A host of royal teens have been starting the next steps in their education over the past few days, including Infanta Sofia and James, Earl of Wessex. The latest to make their next move is Norway's Prince Sverre, who is heading abroad to Portugal following two family tragedies.

The royal is studying Business Management, with classes held in Lisbon for the first year, before subsequently taking place in Paris and Berlin. 

The course will also include an introduction to economics, statistics, and accounting, and will provide accommodation in each of the three cities. According to the course's website, potential careers after the programme include becoming a consultant, analyst, or operational manager.

Boris Walbaum, president and founder of Forward College, previously told HELLO!: "Every teacher at Forward College knows the names of their students.
"When people want to go to [a university] where they want to live together, want to share together, want to study and visit three countries, it means you are open-minded. It means that you want to meet people, and with that comes some sort of responsibility. At least that's what we see with our students."

Thank you for joining me this morning, I now leave you in the hands of Isabelle Casey for the afternoon's royal news.

© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala

The Prince of Wales has served popcorn to cinema-goers, who turned up to see a film and found the future King behind the tills.

William, 4, dished up the snack ahead of a daytime screening, as part of a day supporting the British film industry.

At the ActOne community cinema in Acton, London, he attempted to work the till to sell tickets, joking: "Sorry, I've made this very slow, I apologise!"

The smell of the popcorn, he said, was "very alluring", and the "most more-ish thing in the world".

He spent around an hour at the cinema, meeting young filmmakers and representatives from the Film and TV charity.

© Getty Images

The King has arrived at the headquarters of Great British Energy in Aberdeen to unveil a plaque as the company celebrates its new offices.

Great British Energy is the UK Government’s energy investment company.

It was created with the aim of speeding up the transition to clean energy by investing in the country’s infrastructure and funding green projects.

The company was formally established in May 2025 and its headquarters in Marischal Square, Aberdeen, were opened recently.

The Prince of Wales ignored questions about his uncle Earl Spencer's new book, Swan Song: My sister, Diana, which was published today.

As William arrived at a cinema in Acton, West London, he did not respond as a member of the press shouted: “Sir, how do you feel about your uncle’s book – have you read it?”

Headlines have been dominated for much of the past week by Earl Spencer’s book about William’s late mother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Earl Spencer has made a series of damning allegations about the King, including the explosive claim that Charles said “we’ll forget her soon enough” following Diana’s death, prompting a war of words between him and Buckingham Palace.

© WireImage

Princess Märtha Louise, daughter of King Harald and sister of King Haakon, turned 55 today.

Despite her distinguished lineage, she celebrates her birthday without official duties in the royal house, now headed by her younger brother, and with the pain of having recently lost her father. It is also the eve of her aunt, Princess Astrid's funeral, who passed away just 15 days after her brother Harald. 

During her father's reign, Märtha Louise achieved what has been impossible in other families: a balance between leaving the royal household to live the life she desired with her husband, Durek Verrett, while maintaining unwavering affection and personal support in the face of decisions that triggered genuine institutional upheavals. 

© Instagram / @charles.earl.spencer

Charles Spencer has apologised to Piers Morgan for an "inaccuracy" in his new memoir about Princess Diana. 

The Earl's book Swan Song: Diana, My Sister finally hit shelves on Tuesday after causing a storm in the weeks leading up to its publication, including claims that King Charles said "we'll forget her soon enough" after his ex-wife died in 1997.

The situation escalated on Tuesday morning when broadcaster Piers Morgan threatened to sue the Earl over "fabricated inaccuracies" in his book. 

Writing on X, formerly Twitter, he said: "I am taking legal action against Earl Spencer and his publishers over demonstrable lies he has written about me in his new book, which call into question his credibility as a supposed 'historian'."

The passage in question accused Piers and a fellow Mirror journalist of publishing pictures taken of Diana with "hidden cameras" in 1993.

However, the apology acknowledged that Piers did not join the Mirror until 1995.

After receiving the apology, Piers said he would continue to pursue legal action "against him and his publisher Penguin to have the lies removed, and damages paid to the King's Trust".

Speaking on his Uncensored show, he called the passage "very damning" and said he had been described "in the most despicable manner imaginable". 

The Princess of Wales rarely breaks her composure in public while carrying out royal duties, but she's been known to engage in light-hearted banter with her husband from time to time. 

Kate's playful side was on full display during a daring engagement in Wales when she asked her husband, Prince William, one cheeky question. On 20 November 2015, the royal couple showed off their athleticism while abseiling on a visit to Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Capel Curig.

When it was William's turn to descend down the cliffside, his wife was behind the ropes. 

"William, how much do you love me?” Kate reportedly asked her husband. "I’m quite enjoying this actually. For once I’m in control," she added, holding on to William's support ropes.

© Dave Benett/WireImage

Tom Cruise has arrived at the premiere of Digger in London's Leicester Square.

Tonight, the Hollywood actor will reunite with the Prince and Princess of Wales, who have been long--time friends of the Top Gun star.

The film stars Tom as Digger Rockwell, “the most powerful man in the world,” on a mission to save the world from an ecological disaster.

Hi, I'm taking over from Isabelle to bring you all the royal news this evening. I'm poised to see pictures of Prince William and Princess Kate rocking the red-carpet alongside Tom Cruise for the digger premiere. In the meantime, I'll bring you up to speed with the latest. 

Today, King Charles has made his first public appearance following Earl Charles Spencer's book release. The monarch visited the headquarters of Great British Energy in Aberdeen.

Earl Spencer found himself in hot water with presenter Piers Morgan vowing to sue him over claims in his new book, Swan Song: Diana, My Sister. Read the full story.

Stay tuned!

© PA Images via Getty Images

It has been three weeks since Meghan Markle touched down back in the UK, and she'll have a future date to look forward to with good news from her favourite brand. 

We know the Duchess of Sussex is a huge fan of the private members' club, Soho House, and they are set to open a new location called "Soho River House".

The new venue will feature multiple dining options, bedrooms, a 25-meter pool, an outdoor spa, and facilities for tennis, padel, and pickleball. The Soho House chain holds deep personal significance for Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, as it is where they first met and spent significant time during the early days of their relationship.

Since returning, Meghan has already visited Soho Farmhouse, marking her first public appearance in the region where she was warmly welcomed by staff.  

Discover which royals Meghan will be close to if she does decide to stay at Soho River House when it opens. 

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

King Charles III has faced criticism following his decision not to move into Buckingham Palace upon the completion of its £369 million, 10-year infrastructure renovation. Critics, including former MP Norman Baker, argued that the decision represents a U-turn after significant public funds were invested into the 775-room estate. However, royal supporters have strongly defended the monarch's choice to remain at his nearby home, Clarence House.

By keeping Clarence House as his primary home—a place with personal sentimental ties to his late grandmother—the King aims to maximise public access and financial returns from Buckingham Palace while maintaining a comfortable living situation.

Discover what royals fans have said in the monarch's defence. 

© Getty Images

From Bentleys and Rolls Royces to private jets, the royal family usually travel in total luxury but occasionally they ditch the glamour and comfort for something a little more, well, relatable. We've rounded-up the best snaps of members of the royal family when they chose to use public transport - including the late Queen on the tube, Prince William on the train and Princess Kate on a bus. 

View the gallery.

© Getty Images

The Prince and Princess of Wales have been pictured at London's Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square for the global premiere of the film Digger. Princess Kate wowed in a floor-skimming purple Jenny Packham gown alongside Prince William in a velvet suit jacket. The royal couple reunited on the red carpet with the film's star, Tom Cruise, who praised them to reporters. Other A-list attendees include Salma Hayek, Hannah Waddingham, and Riz Ahmed.

See all the best photos. 

© PA Images via Getty Images

Princess Kate was every inch the princess as she floated into the Digger premiere in a purple Jenny Packham gown. She teamed her dress with a statement amethyst jewel that's a particularly special one from the royal vaults. It's a piece we don't often see, but was worn by another member of royalty to a different premiere... Read more.

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Tom Cruise greeted Princess Kate with a kiss on the cheek when he welcomed her and her husband Prince William to the premiere of Digger, a film he stars in. In other photos Tom was beaming, seemingly thrilled to have the royals in attendance - see the full gallery. 

The event was held at Leicester Square in central London, and Princess Kate wowed in a Jenny Packham gown for the occasion. She also wore some special royal jewels, including the late Princess Diana's earrings. This quiet but significant tribute comes just as Earl Charles Spencer has written a book about his sister, the former Princess of Wales.

Thank you for joining us today and tuning in for all of the royal news. That's it for now. Good night!