Royals 1-2 Dec: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor latest, Meghan Markle prepares for big moment, more

Good morning, royal readers!

We have a busy Monday morning of royal engagements today, starting off with Christmas preparations from the Danish royals, Duchess Sophie in Guildford and Hampshire and the Prince of Wales in Newport.

Stay tuned 👀

Lady Anne Glenconner, the author and former lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret, has just released a new memoir full of tips on how to navigate life – and  she has some brilliant advice on how to smooth relations over Christmas.

In the book, Manners and Mischief: An A–Z of Royal Tales and Surprising Wisdom, the 93-year-old looks back on her life, and shares previously unseen images – including one of Princess Margaret dressed up as Mae West during a game of amateur dramatics – while offering sage advice on everything from how to exit gracefully from a bath to how to be as diplomatic as possible.

Read HELLO!'s exclusive interview here. 

The Prince and Princess of Wales's children – Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, ten, and Prince Louis – have received a very special invite, as it's been revealed that the young royals have been asked to come and watch Paddington The Musical.

The West End production is a highly anticipated stage spin-off of the much-loved bear who famously shared a marmalade sandwich with the late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. 

Speaking to HELLO! exclusively from the red carpet of the theatre show, producer Sonia Friedman said: "We can't wait for Paddington to meet the children of the Prince and Princess of Wales because I think they're going to come to the show, which will be very special."

When asked if the royal children would be coming soon, Sonia, who is known for productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, added: "We're hoping so!"

Read the full story here. 

Prince William and Princess Kate's big move to the Forest Lodge in Windsor has been causing disruption for locals. 

The royal couple, who embarked on their "fresh start" in November, have been forced to enhance security protocols, now that The Christmas Tree Shop (near Forest Lodge) has opened in Windsor Great Park. 

As a result, motorists have been forced to take a temporary one-mile diversion to reach the outlet, causing chaos for shoppers.

Get the details here.

Like many people around the world, the Danish royal family took this weekend to decorate their Christmas tree.

In a video shared to Instagram, King Frederik X, his wife Mary and their children Crown Prince Christian and Princess Isabella were filmed hanging ornaments on the tree, dancing together, pouring cups of tea and sharing the love with their Border Collies, Coco and Grace. 

Read our story here. 

The Duke of Kent's rarely-seen grandson, Albert Windsor, stepped into the spotlight on Saturday night for a very special occasion in Paris. 

The 18-year-old, who is the son of Lord Nicholas Windsor, made an appearance at the renowned Le Bal des Débutantes, hosted at the Shangri-La Hotel on 29 November. 

Albert looked dapper in a black tuxedo and bowtie as he escorted Eulalia de Orleans-Borbon, the goddaughter of the former King Juan Carlos of Spain.

Read all about the glamorous night here. 

Prince William was out in Newport on Monday morning to visit the cutting-edge R&D and manufacturing facility of leading semiconductor company KLA. 

Throughout the day, the prince will celebrate Wales's leading industries and position as a prime destination for national and international investors.

Hosted by the Welsh Government, the Summit is designed to raise the profile of Wales and William will shine a light on the very best that the Welsh industry has to offer in a speech. 

The Summit brings together over 300 delegates from almost 30 countries across sectors including clean energy, technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and the creative industries. 

On Sunday, Major Oliver Plunket was received by The King and Queen upon relinquishing his appointment as Equerry to Queen Camilla when Charles invested him with the Insignia of a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

You may remember Oliver from when he was chosen by Her Majesty in 2022 from The Rifles, a regiment Camilla has been colonel-in-chief of since 2020.

From the Danish royals to those in Monaco, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene were out on Saturday evening with their children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, to turn on the Christmas lights in Place du Casino in Monte Carlo. 

In a post shared on Instagram, the royals were seen wrapped up warm posing with Father Christmas, with the boys in suits while Charlene wore a long paisley print coat and Gabriella donned a matching snow-white dress and jacket.

The caption read: "This Saturday 29 November, LL.AA.SS. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène, accompanied by their children, Crown Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, participated in the lighting ceremony of the Place du Casino, in the historic heart of Monte-Carlo, organized by the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM).

"As night fell, under the watchful gaze of their parents, the prince children kicked off the light show, accompanied by Christmas melodies. The monumental tree first lit up, followed by the five giant snowballs, before the facade of the Monte-Carlo Casino kissed in turn, offering the audience a spectacular 'Reindeer Show', blending sound and light.

"The Prince family surrounded by M. Stéphane Valéri, President-Delegate of the SBM, and H.E. M. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State, then discovered the five giant snowballs that now decorate the Place du Casino. Designed like real music boxes, they illustrate the theme "The Magic of Christmas Monte-Carlo". Each ball features a playnet depicting the adventures of five little reindeer – Flake, Rose, Hercules, Stella and Rudolph, Santa’s faithful companion."

The Prince of Wales made an under-the-radar visit to severely ill children from Gaza, Kensington Palace last week. 

William, 43, met with a small group of children and families in line with the NHS's humanitarian mission to provide urgent care to severely ill children from Gaza due to the collapsing healthcare system there.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "Recently, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales met a small number of children from Gaza who are currently receiving specialist care in the UK. The Prince wished to offer a moment of comfort to these young people who have endured experiences no child should ever face." 

Click here to read the full story. 

That's it from me, I'm now handing over to our lovely Katie, who will continue bringing you the latest royal news this afternoon… 

Good afternoon, royal fans!

I'm here to take you through an afternoon of royal news.

Stay tuned...

Prince William has arrived in Wales for his engagement today.

He was seen during a tour by John Peploe, facilities director of KLA, and Andrew Evans of SPTS during a visit to the semiconductor manufacturer SPTS, a division of KLA, ahead of the Wales Investment Summit in the city of Newport.

Prince William was seen talking to employees during a visit to the semiconductor manufacturer SPTS, a division of KLA, ahead of the Wales Investment Summit. 

Organised by the Welsh Government at the International Convention Centre Wales, the Summit will bring together over 300 delegates from almost 30 countries across sectors including clean energy, technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and the creative industries. 

Prince William shared a joke with employees during his visit to the semiconductor manufacturer SPTS, and it seemed to really tickle the prince as he was seen laughing away.

We're also busy bringing you the latest royal fashion, and Princess Gabriella is flying the flag for stylish kids over in Monaco!

Monaco officially kicked off its December festivities with the inauguration of the Christmas Lights at the Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo on 29 November. The event was attended by Prince Albert, Princess Charlene, and their children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

Princess Gabriella looked adorable in an ivory wool-alpaca blend dress that was subtly threaded with gold, giving the look a festive sparkle. This high-fashion garment was sourced from the prestigious French house, Dior.

Prince William gave a speech at the summit event in Wales today. 

"I am delighted to join this group of industry leaders and innovators, whose work is shaping the future, not only of Wales, but of economies and communities around the world," he began.

"Wales was the first place Catherine  and I made our home together - on the island of Anglesey. When you make a home in Wales, you join a family of three million people, and the sense of warmth and belonging is what makes Wales unlike anywhere else," he continued.

"I am pleased to be continuing the work of my father, The King who over half a century ago, personally encouraged the co-founder of Sony to open its first European factory here in Wales," he added.

"That decision wasn’t simply an investment. It was an act of faith in the ingenuity and spirit of this nation. The legacy of that decision is still felt today, having brought thousands of jobs and opportunities to local people over the past fifty years.

"His leadership in championing Welsh business and innovation is something which I am proud to have the opportunity to continue today."

William also spoke about accelerating climate change, unprecedented weather disruption and energy insecurity and the pressures faced by people in Wales.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will this week host the German president for a state visit, with the format reverting to normal after royal elements of Donald Trump's stay were restricted to Windsor, it has been announced.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife, former judge Elke Budenbender, will be formally welcomed by the royal couple on an open-air royal dais in the centre of the Berkshire town, before taking a carriage ride through the streets to the castle.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will have a starring role as they will greet Mr Steinmeier and Ms Budenbender at Heathrow Airport and accompany them to Windsor on Wednesday morning at the start of their three-day stay, before attending the state banquet.

Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh has arrived in Guildford to open the new The Lighthouse charity hub.

The Lighthouse offers a number of services, including a monthly meet-up for children with additional needs and a friendly space for those navigating grief.

We'll be keeping you updated with the latest from Sophie's engagement, where HELLO!'s Online Royal Correspondent, Danielle Stacey, is in attendance.

See Prince William in action during his visit to the leading semiconductor company KLA in this new video.

While Prince William is busy in Wales, King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands has touched down in Suriname.

The royal couple was welcomed by President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons of Suriname with an official welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace.

The King and Queen visit Suriname for a three-day state visit. 

For her first day in Suriname, Queen Maxima looked wonderful in white.

Her look featured a cut-out sundress with the sleeves rolled up and a sharp collar paired with nude heels and the star of the show, her wide-brimmed hat.

During his outing in Wales today, a moving anecdote was shared with Prince William. 

The prince visited stands promoting innovative and environmental businesses in Wales, where he met Mark Williams from Limb Art.

Mark, 53, told the prince how his company was inspired by his own story, which began when he lost his left leg after being hit by a car while riding his bike as a child on 21 June 1982.

Mark, a former Team GB Paralympic swimmer, said: "[Prince William] said that's my birthday and I said 'I know'. They rushed me into Glan Clwyd Hospital in North Wales. And the surgeon came out to speak to my parents that evening and said he had some good news and some bad news. The good news is; Prince Charles and Princess Diana have just had a baby boy, who was Prince William. And the bad news is we can't save Mark's leg."

Mark makes casts for children who have lost limbs as young as four, designing them to make the wearer feel more confident in public. 

Looking at a display of his work, including one featuring King Charles which was created to mark his 2023 coronation, the prince said that they just looked like any other "crazy socks".

Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh has been spotted enjoying a laugh as she opened The Lighthouse in Guildford today.

The Lighthouse is a community charity, of which The Duchess of Edinburgh is Patron, with hubs in Surrey and Hampshire. The hubs host a range of creative projects to support, encourage and empower those who find themselves in need.

King Willem Alexander and Queen Maxima were given a warm welcome indeed upon their landing in Suriname.

That's all from me here in the UK!

Don't go anywhere, as Beatriz Colon is ready in our New York office to bring you an evening of royal news.

The King has officially stripped his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor of his prestigious Order of the Garter and Royal Victorian Order honours, requesting that Andrew's titles be "cancelled and annulled" and his name "erased" from the historic orders' registers.

Andrew was stripped of his royal titles last month following further revelations about his friendship with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and links to an alleged Chinese spy. He had been known as The Duke of York, but this title has since been removed, alongside his princely style.

"In Klosters in January 1995, I saw something small but telling in the young Prince who would one day shape the monarchy. The snow was crisp, the cameras ready, and the four cousins – William, Harry, Beatrice and Eugenie – lined up for the traditional skiing photocall," writes Robert Jobson, who maintains: "William's position is direct: Beatrice and Eugenie must not be punished for their father's alleged sins."

Read more of what he had to say here. 

That's all the royal news we have for you today, folks, but come right back here early tomorrow morning for more all things royals from us at HELLO!

Cheers!

Good morning and welcome to another day of royal news! So, what's on the agenda?

Today, both Princess Anne and Prince Edward have engagements in London. 

Anne has a busy day ahead and will attend the Book Prize Reception at The Treasury Building, as well as The Princess Royal Awards' 10th Anniversary Ceremony at Fishmongers' Hall and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and Reception at All Hallows By The Tower.

Meanwhile, Prince Edward, as Past Master, will attend The Worshipful Company of Fuellers Future Energy Conference at Mansion House.

Across the pond, the Duchess of Sussex is preparing for an exciting day in the calendar as the release of her first ever holiday special lands on Netflix on Wednesday. With Love, Meghan returns to the streaming platform with a new episode this week, which will see Meghan share her favourite holiday traditions, seasonal crafts and family recipes.