Royal family RECAP: King Charles decides to close home, Prince William's poignant engagement, more

Prince William is currently in Leeds to officially open the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, a new world-leading facility at the Seacroft Hospital dedicated to the diagnosis, research and care of motor neuronedisease (MND). New photos see the royal greeting Rob's widow, Lindsey Burrow.

© UK Press via Getty Images

Princess Charlene of Monaco wore a tiara in public for the first time since her 2011 wedding at the Monaco National Day 2025 Gala Performance in Monte Carlo. The 47-year-old royal, who is known for her understated, elegant fashion, looked uber glamorous as she donned a floor-length ivory gown with a sophisticated updo, accessorising the look with a Diamond Foam Tiara.

Find out more. 

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That's all from me, but don't worry, our royal blog continues all day. I'm leaving you in the capable hands of HELLO!'s Homes Editor, Rachel Avery, who will be guiding you through the latest royal news for the next few hours. 

Goodbye for now!

Rachel here, reporting for royal blog duty this afternoon! I'm on hand to bring you the latest, as it happens. 

Queen Camilla has delivered a speech at a reception for winners of The Queen's Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025 at St James’s Palace.

Part of the speech went as follows: "As our Commonwealth continues on its remarkable journey, I am certain that each one of our brilliant finalists has an exciting future ahead of you, using your literary skills to express your concerns and ambitions, to make the unknown accessible and to fill us with hope for the days to come. I should like to congratulate you all and to encourage you to keep making the world a better place with the magic power of your words."

King Charles has been forced to close Balmoral Castle early once again today due to adverse weather conditions in Scotland. The gates are now shut and won't reopen until 11am tomorrow. 

King Charles' property teams have been busy decking the halls. His beloved Highgrove home has been given a seasonal refresh and now Holyroodhouse in Scotland is also looking festive - check out that tree!

© Royal Collection Trust / Jane Massey

A new Princess Diana wax figure has been unveiled today at Musée Grévin in Paris, wearing her legendary black 'revenge' dress.

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco were joined by their children Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella yesterday for National Day celebrations. Today, official family photos have been released and the twins look adorable in their finery! 

© Michael Alesi

© Michael Alesi

His Majesty King Charles III has been busy today, with audiences at Buckingham Palace, greeting various ambassadors. 

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

© Getty Images

Queen Camilla and Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell-Horner looked equally pleased to see eachother today at St James's Palace for the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2025. Geri looked polished in a white dress with black details as she greeted Her Majesty. 

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I'm shivering even thinking about it but last night our US correspondent, Alex Hurtado, stood outside a baltic Royal Albert Hall all evening in order to provide members of The HELLO! Royal Club with an incredible behind-the-scenes video from the Royal Variety Performance.

Stars of the show were, of course, the Prince and Princess of Wales, who looked remarkably unfazed by the chill as they arrived at the venue, despite eschewing any form of coat, scarf or hat. I guess glamour trumps all. You can see this moment and much more by clicking on the button below and joining thousands of others in HELLO!'s community for its most ardent royal fans.

Queen Letizia of Spain sparkled in sequins last night and now she's stepped out in leather to attend the 40th Anniversary of the CEOE Foundation creation at the Royal Theater. The European royal looked effortlessly chic in a black leather skirt, bow blouse and coat elegantly draped over her shoulders. We're not sure what we love more, the fashion choices or the strut. Nailed it. 

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Prince William officially opened the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease today, and Rob's friends and family said the royal was a "man of his word" for coming to open the facility. Click here to see all the photos from the event.

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Today marks what would have been the 78th wedding anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip. Take a delve back into their wedding album to admire the late Queen's dress choice and see their unbelievable wedding cake.

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Discover the eclectic nicknames King Charles' youngest son, Prince Harry, has accumulated over the years. Including why he was, for a long time, known as 'Spike'.

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Amalienborg Palace, the home of the Danish royal family has been treated to a dusting of snow and it looks like a fairytale in new clips shared by the official Instagram page. 

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands has stepped out for a rare appearance with his daughter, Princess Amalia of The Netherlands. They attended a special session of the States General in the Grote Kerk. The 21-year-old gave a nod to festive chic with a red and burgundy outfit. 

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Tag teaming with Beatriz Colon, who will bring you all the royal news this evening. Farewell, royal fans!