Royal news UPDATE: Harry and Meghan's virtual appearance, Princess Kate makes surprise outing, and more

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have just made a surprise virtual appearance to speak about online harms and children. The segment was on Oprah for the launch of the book, An Amazing Generation by Catherine Anne Price and Jonathan Haidt, sparking a conversation around the effects of smartphones and social media on young people - a topic close to the hearts of Harry and Meghan.

For the appearance, Meghan looked glowing in baby pink with her long locks in mermaid waves and Harry kept it casual in a zip-up jacket. The pair appeared to be streaming from their home office in Montecito. 

© oprahdaily

Queen Mathilde of Belgium hosted a reception alongside King Philippe of Belgium for the heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Belgium and their spouses. For the special event at the Belgian Royal Palace, Mathilde looked effortlessly chic in candy floss pink. The blouse and silk skirt combo were feminine and formal at the same time.

© Belga/AFP via Getty Images

During their visit, Princess Kate told the Charing Cross Hospital team: "There's some amazing work going on here. We’ve just seen some of it today. It makes a big difference to patients' lives."

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Severe warnings have been issued for the 'special place' Prince William owns and where he likes to take his family on holiday. All the details here.

New pictures have been posted of King Charles' Sandringham estate looking magical in the snow. The estate is currently closed to visitors, but they can soak up the beauty online.

On this day in 2020, the news broke that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would step down as senior royals. The statement read: "After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. 

"We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the royal family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty the Queen.

“It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment.

"We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to the Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages.

"This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity.

"We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support."

When the video of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle popped up online today, it showed the pair casually dressed sat at home. During the chat on Oprah Daily, presenter Gayle King pointed out she could see their pet pooch Pula. Discover Harry's reaction to the off-topic moment. 

After a busy day of surprise royal appearances, I'm now handing over to Rebecca Lewis to keep you in the royal loop this evening. 

Have you ever wanted to visit the Sandringham Estate?

The Royal Working Estate Tour offer visitors "a rich experience encompassing Sandringham’s natural beauty and Royal heritage" across a 2.5 hour tour with expert guides, "who live and work on the Estate,".

The tour will see you driven through the formal areas of Sandringham, "taking in the history and significance of the scenery, before venturing into the wider Estate and experiencing tranquil areas of organic farmland and extensive forests."

Sign me up next time I am in the UK!

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have said they are "proud" to be part of work on the impacts and dangers of social media for children. The pair made a surprise appearance in a video for Oprah Daily, speaking to Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price, authors of The Amazing Generation: Your Guide To Fun And Freedom In A Screen-Filled World.

"Over the years, we’ve worked with you on how the digital space is deeply affecting our collective and mental, emotional and physical health And obviously, a huge congratulations to you and the outcome of your research which has created a parent-led movement which is astonishing and much needed," said Harry.

See the video and full report here.

Take a peek inside Roc Agel, a 125-acre farm that Prince Rainier started and is now maintained by Prince Albert and Princess Charlene, and which is home to 12 cows and approximately 100 chickens!

The full gallery is here...

A very happy birthday to the 15-year-old twins of King Frederik and Queen Mary!

Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine marked their 15^th birthday on Thursday and their parents shared new portraits of the pair at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen.

See the snaps here!

The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance on Thursday  but did you clock that she wasn't wearing her signature sapphire engagement ring?

Find out more -- and why -- here.