Royal family latest: fresh update on Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's engagement, Queen Letizia on holiday, more

Award-winning photographer Alison Jackson, famous for her uncanny work with royal, celebrity and political lookalikes, has faced a new creative challenge. 

For her latest project, timed to coincide with the Edinburgh Fringe festival this month, she was unable to secure convincing lookalikes for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. 

While she has found several strong contenders for Prince William, the search for Harry and Meghan continues…

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Celebrations were in order over the weekend when Peter Phillips, the son of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Phillips, announced his engagement to Harriet Sperling.

But did you know the engagement ring, chosen by Peter from Pragnell, has a special connection to his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth?

Read HELLO!'s exclusive here to find out the true story behind the ring. 

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With the sun finally making a return, there's no better time to daydream about sprawling gardens – and they don't get more impressive than the 13,000-acre grounds once home to Princess Diana.

Althorp House has been in the Spencer family for more than 500 years – and the garden space the late Princess enjoyed as a child is something out of a storybook.

Described as "serene and elegant", the grounds include walled gardens and the Oval Lake – the peaceful island where Princess Diana was laid to rest.

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August marks the return of "silly season" – when royal rumours are rife. This week's headline? That the Prince and Princess of Wales are eyeing a move to Fort Belvedere, once home to King Edward VIII.

Over at our Royal Club, HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash explores why a move could be more than summer speculation…

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It's always fascinating to see and hear about what the royals eat – especially when you're in need of a little inspiration yourself.

Our Junior Lifestyle Writer Josh Osman takes a look back at Zara Tindall's refreshingly relatable morning meal – a simple yet powerful breakfast that's fuelled her for years. Read the full story here. 

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Back in March, the Duchess of Sussex launched her new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live! with Andy Cohen, Baywatch star Pamela Anderson shared her thoughts on the series after being asked about similarities to her own show, Pamela's Cooking with Love.

Read the full story here.

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That's it from me for now, but I'm leaving you in the very capable hands of Katie Daly, who will be keeping you up to date with royal news throughout the rest of the afternoon.

Good afternoon, royal fans! 

Taking over from the lovely Abby this afternoon to bring you the latest royal updates. Don't go anywhere!

On a quiet Tuesday for the Princess of Wales, we're delving into how she might spend a day off. If she's anything like us, she'll be well up-to-date with the latest drops on Netflix.

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We've rounded up the top shows they love, including a spy thriller favoured by Princes William and Harry and a reality TV guilty pleasure of the Princess of Wales.

A well-known fan of Strictly Come Dancing, the Princess of Wales even took a secret tour of the studio at Elstree with her husband and Prince Louis in 2023. Marie Claire reported that while Kate is a "mega-fan," William has also watched a few episodes.

Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, have a peaceful blended family. Before he married Beatrice, Edoardo was engaged to American architect Dara Huang, and they share a son, Christopher Woolf Mapelli Mozzi, nicknamed "Wolfie".

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Recently, Wolfie and his mother Dara were on vacation in Thailand, where they spent time at the beach and went shopping. In an Instagram story, Dara shared a photo of Wolfie holding a white dress decorated with elephants, captioned, "Shopping for his little sister." This sweet gesture was a gift for his half-sister, Sienna, who is the daughter of Princess Beatrice and Edoardo.

Laura Sutcliffe, HELLO!'s Fashion and Beauty News Editor, said: "This dress is the sweetest style ever! Wolfie is showing how caring and thoughtful he is by picking out this adorable design."

On this day in 2012, the Princess of Wales (or Duchess of Cambridge as she was then) was spotted on a rather sporty outing.

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Kate made an appearance at the Women's Handball Preliminaries Group A match between Great Britain and Croatia on day nine of the London 2012 Olympic Games. She was seen repping the Team GB merchandise, teaming her perfect royal blow-dry with a laid-back polo top.

She was seen cheering on the team as well as enjoying a catch-up with John Brewer, chairman of the British Handball Association, in the stands!

A close friend of the Duchess of Sussex has paid tribute to her to mark her 44th birthday yesterday.

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Chief executive officer of IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima, who hosted Meghan on her podcast, The Jamie Kern Lima Show, in April, took to Instagram to share a photo of the pair from Meghan's appearance. 

"Happy Birthday @meghan thank you for being love, light and such a great friend to everyone who has the gift of truly knowing you," she penned. Meghan was seen rocking slouchy sweatpants and no makeup, while Jamie wore a casual navy co-ord and glittery trainers.

Jamie Kern Lima took to Instagram with another post to mark Meghan Markle's birthday, and Prince Harry's wife was seen rocking a never-before-seen coat.

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According to Royal Fashion Daily on Instagram, the Duchess of Sussex wore the 'Double Wool-Cashmere Long Wrap Coat in Taupe' by Co and styled her brunette tresses in a loose ponytail.

Jamie was seen holding a fruit plate in the shape of a rainbow as Meghan had shown fans how to do in her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan.

"Happy Birthday @meghan Wonder had so much fun making this for you!," Jamie said of her young daughter. "Can't wait to see what we learn on Season 2 of your show! Thank you for being love, light and such a generous friend to everyone you meet!"

Queen Letizia is certainly leading the royal style set of Europe with her latest look.

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She stepped out last night to host a dinner for authorities at Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca alongside her husband, King Felipe, and they were the epitome of a loved-up pair.

Letizia was seen beaming at her husband wearing a gorgeous bridal white ensemble featuring a sun dress by Ibizan designer Tony Bonet's Arrels capsule collection. The broderie number was paired with the 'Marivent Metallic Gold Espadrille Wedges' by Espadrilles Picón and the stunning 'Llum Gold and Diamonds Earrings' by Isabel Guarch - obsessed!

Alliance of Moms founder Kelly McKee Zajfen has also taken to Instagram to wish Meghan Markle well for her 44th year - and we are obsessed with Meghan's sundress!

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"Happy Birthday to you sweet M!!," Kelly captioned the post. "You’re pure magic!! A force of fun, light, and so much love. Thank you for being the kind of friend who makes everything better (and way more fun). Here's to the best trip around the ☀️ yet! (This captures us perfectly! ✨✨ ) Love you so very much!"

According to Royal Fashion Daily on Instagram, a barefoot Meghan rocked the 'Wixson Chain Print Silk Blend Dress' by Veronica Beard - so stylish!

Princess Leonor of Spain was also present at the dinner for authorities at Marivent Palace, which was hosted by her parents, King Felipe and Queen Letizia, last night.

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The young princess, 19, was spotted wearing a loud printed dress - and she rocked it with style! Her blue and white ruffled dress, worn by her mother in 2023, came from Desigual's collaboration with Stella Jean.

Rather fittingly, Leonor also wore the 'Letizia' espadrille wedges by Espadrilles Picón and finished off the look with gold statement earrings by Suma Cruz.

Infanta Sofia of Spain proved she has inherited her mother Queen Letizia's stylish genes last night as she stepped out with her sister Princess Leonor to attend a dinner for authorities at Marivent Palace in Palma de Mallorca.

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King Felipe's youngest daughter, 18, rocked a budget look, opting for a £39.99 Zara dress. The tie-dye number came in pink and white hues and teamed perfectly with her ' Beige Java34 Wedges' by Macarena Shoes.

She received high priase from royal fans on social media with one commenting: "This dress is just so fresh", while another added: " I LOVE this dress on her."

Another birthday post for Meghan Markle, shared by her close friend and Montecito-based fashion designer, Tracy Robbins revealed how they like to spend time together.

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"Happy birthday my dear @meghan Oh how I can laugh and dance with you like no other," Tracy wrote. "You are sunshine in a bottle! Thank you for always making time to be such a loving and connected friend no matter what's going on in your life. You dance through this life with so much grace, light and love! I hope your wee posse of 3 are smothering you with hugs and kisses today my dear! Happiest of birthdays M!"

The duo was seen in a restaurant, jokingly enjoying the frothiest martinis - sounds like the perfect girls' night to me!

Cressida Bonas, the former girlfriend of the Duke of Sussex, has taken to Instagram to share an update on her summer.

Model and actress Cressida, who attended Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, was seen cuddling her sweet baby girl, Delphina Pandora Wentworth-Stanley. In another photo, her husband, Henry David (Harry) Wentworth-Stanley, was seen snuggling up to their adorable sausage dog.

She also shared snippets of a trip to "beautiful" Norfolk and a trip to the beach - the epitome of chill. We all want to spend summer like Cressida!

Signing off now in London and handing you over to Beatriz Colon, who will keep you updated into the evening. Enjoy!

Pippa Matthews is branching out with an exciting new venture at her Berkshire farm. The Princess of Wales's younger sister, 41, and her husband, James Matthews, 49, purchased a 72-acre Bucklebury Farm for £1.5million in 2020.

Earlier this year, the couple applied for planning permission to establish a nursery on the estate and according to documents released by the local council on 28 July, the project has been given the green light. Read more about it here.

There is one golden rule that Kate Middleton never breaks – and it was taught to her by none other than Prince Philip.

Because of his unwavering duty to his role, Philip was in a position to offer advice to new members of the royal family, including the late Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, and there is one that the latter never fails to uphold. See what it is here. 

When not out on royal engagements, the Prince and Princess of Wales can be found relaxing with their three children at their home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.

But as their titles would suggest, the couple are also known to spend time in Wales. They previously would have had access to Llwynywermod were it not for King Charles giving up the property in 2023.

Read all about the home here.

It's quite fair to say that Prince Harry isn't exactly most famous for his cooking prowess, but you'd be surprised to know that there are a few meals he's mastered over the years.

While his wife, Meghan Markle, is certainly the main cook of the family, the Duke of Sussex still knows how to whip up a mean meal, especially when it comes to breakfasts, and there's a specific one he makes especially well. Find out which here.

The Spanish royals are currently on their annual break in Palma de Mallorca, and Queen Letizia nailed the brief for effortless and chic summer dressing as she and her family hosted a dinner for authorities at Marivent Palace on Monday night. Check out her stunning look here. 

Samuel Chatto made a rare public appearance alongside his girlfriend, Eleanor Ekserdjian, over the weekend, joining Samuel's mother, Lady Sarah Chatto, and King Charles, at the Mey Highland Games in Caithness, Scotland. See the photos here. 

That's all for now on the royal news front! Make sure to come back tomorrow for more all things royals from us.

Cheers!