Royal family June 22-23: Princess Kate's private celebration, King Charles to meet Keir Starmer and more

Good morning! Welcome to the start of another busy week of royal news. We'll be keeping you across all the latest updates from royal households across the globe. 

So, what's on today's agenda? 

Prince William, in his role as President and Founder of The Earthshot Prize and as Founder of The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, will attend events for London Climate Action week. 

The climate event takes place between 20th and 28 June and is the largest city-wide climate festival in Europe, bringing together global climate champions, environmental innovators and business leaders to highlight success, celebrate impact and reveal a series of new commitments. 

The week kicks off with Prince William convening a landmark Business Forum for The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, which includes guests such as Emma Watson and Benedict Cumberbatch.  

United for Wildlife launches new action fighting illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime with backing from global finance, transport and technology companies.

In other news, the Japanese royals' state visit to Belgium continues until Thursday, 25 June. 

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Prince William and Princess Kate have marked the start of London Climate Action Week.

Taking to their official social media channels, the couple posted a series of clips showcasing London's greenery and open natural spaces, alongside the caption: "Welcome to London Climate Action Week 2026."

Prince William, in his role as President and Founder of The Earthshot Prize and as Founder of The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, will attend events for London Climate Action week, which takes place between 20th and 28 June.

It's the largest city-wide climate festival in Europe, bringing together global climate champions, environmental innovators and business leaders to highlight success, celebrate impact and reveal a series of new commitments. 

Today, Prince William will attend a London forum bringing together some of the world's largest businesses through the Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife programme. 

United for Wildlife launches new action fighting illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime with backing from global finance, transport and technology companies.

The companies, which also include TikTok, eBay and Esty, will be working with the programme to explore ways of eradicating online wildlife listings from their platforms.

Sir Keir Starmer said he will resign as leader of the Labour Party and has informed the King of his decision.

The 63-year-old has asked Labour's governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on July 9.

Nominations will close before the summer parliamentary recess, on 16 July to "ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September".

Sir Keir said he has "heard the answer of my parliamentary party" to the question of whether he is "best placed" to lead the party into the next general election.

"I accept that answer with good grace," he said. 

"That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty the King this morning to inform him of my decision," continued Keir. 

The politician said he would "remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete", and will "do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power".

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The King plays an important constitutional role in the appointment of a new prime minister. 

The Prime Minister is officially appointed by the Sovereign in person. This remains one of the few personal prerogatives of the sovereign.

He must appoint someone who has the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons. 

Guided by constitutional conventions, the monarch can seek advice from the outgoing prime minister, any other political leader, senior privy counsellors, or whomever he pleases within the limits of prudence and caution.

Sir Keir Starmer has informed the King of his decision to resign, but will still meet the monarch in person to formally tender his resignation. 

As Sovereign, The King holds a weekly private audience with the Prime Minister to discuss Government matters. While the monarch remains politically neutral on all matters, he is able to "advise and warn" his ministers when necessary.

Sir Keir will remain in post until a successor is identified. This means the King will see the prime minister as usual later this week.

On Friday night, King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark attended the opening of ‘The Dome’ at the ARoS Art Museum. 

Photos from the outing were shared on the official Instagram account for the Danish Royal Family. 

The caption read: "An underground cathedral has become a new landmark in Aarhus.

"Friday night, Their Majesties The King and Queen attended the opening of ‘The Dome’ at the ARoS Art Museum. In connection with the visit, the King organized the official inauguration of the work."

Sharing details about The Dome, the post continued: "‘The Dome’ houses the artwork As Seen Below, which was created by the American artist James Turrell and will enter as a new permanent main piece in the museum’s collection.

"As Seen Below is James Turrell's Skyspace number 100. A Skyspace is an architectural space with an opening to the sky, where light, colors and the changing expressions of the sky are part of the work. The lighting of the work is experienced in interaction with the colours of the sky, especially at sunset."

King Charles will welcome a fourth prime minister in less than four years, following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer. 

But what was the monarch's relationship with Sir Keir like?

The pair are said to have a warm rapport and shared views on social issues. 

As prime minister, Sir Keir has met the King most Wednesdays for a weekly audience to discuss Government matters. It's likely that world issues including ongoing war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, as well as US President Donald Trump, were on the agenda in recent months. 

Keir, who was knighted by then Prince Charles in 2014 for his services to criminal justice, was appointed prime minister in July 2024. At the time, the monarch said Keir must be "utterly exhausted and nearly on your knees" and that "grips with everything straight away" must be taxing.

The King was praised for his recent state visit to America, and is seen to have bolstered the UK-US special relationship after charming Trump and delivering a powerful speech to Congress.

When asked if it was awkward for Trump to have a warmer relationship with the King than the prime minister, a senior palace aide said: "It's not a competition between the King and the Government.

"The King is there to support the Government, to help the Government. It was at the Government’s request, of course, that he undertook this visit."

Sir Keir has previously praised the King for his environmental campaigning. 

Sir Keir has praised the King for his eco and social credentials, despite previously being in favour of the abolition of the monarchy.

"King Charles III has been a devoted servant of this country his entire life, he has been a powerful voice for fairness, and understood the importance of the environment long before many others," Keir said in 2021. 

Meanwhile, Historian Ed Owens told the New York Times: "There’s a meeting of minds in terms of the social issues at stake."

Keir has been present at various significant royal events, including Elizabeth II’s funeral and the King's accession council and his coronation.

He joined the royal family in the royal box to watch the Platinum Jubilee Pageant celebrations in 2022. 

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A photo taken during the Japanese royals' state visit to Belgium has been released. The Emperor and Empress of Japan beamed alongside the Belgian Royal Family as they posed for a snap at Ciergnon Castle. 

The photo was shared on the Belgian Royal Family's official Instagram account, showing King Philippe and Queen Mathilde joined by their four children, Princess Elisabeth, Prince Gabriel, Prince Emmanuel and Princess Eléonore. 

The caption read: "Before starting the official program of their state visit to Belgium, the Emperor and Empress of Japan spent the weekend at Ciergnon Castle in the company of the Royal Family."

The state visit, which took place between Wednesday 17 June until Friday 19 June 2026, reaffirmed the close and long-standing ties between Japan and the Netherlands.

Andy Burnham has confirmed he will stand to replace Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister. 

Andy said in a statement: "Keir has given huge service to our country and I want to thank him for his leadership and dedication during such a challenging period.

"His decision marks the beginning of a transition and it is important that this process is conducted in an orderly and responsible way. I will put myself forward as part of this process."

Earlier today, Keir said he will resign as leader of the Labour Party and has informed the King of his decision.

Buckingham Palace has since confirmed that the King spoke to Keir by phone earlier this morning while at his Gloucestershire residence Highgrove. 

Keir said he has asked Labour's governing body to set out a timetable to replace him, with nominations opening on July 9.

Nominations will close before the summer parliamentary recess, on 16 July to "ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September".

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Royal biographer Catherine Mayer has revealed how the Princess of Wales has managed to establish a unique role within the royal family. 

Catherine, who has released a new book, Divide and Rule: Royal Women and Their Battles, explained to HELLO!'s A Right Royal Podcast how Princess Kate has adapted to life inside the Firm. 

"She has done such a clever job of finding a way to adapt to the institution," said Catherine. "That does not mean that I think she has it easy. [But she has done] very little speaking and almost no confessional spilling of anything about who she is. She's quite enigmatic. 

"She and William have chosen a group of friends who do no media. They are carving out a very private life in the public eye, which is an enormously difficult thing to do."

When it comes to her reputation and her fashion sense, Kate is a "player of the long game," according to Catherine. 

"She has, if you look at her fashion evolution, definitely figured out how to present herself. 

"She’s gone almost entirely into the silver-screen age, which says ‘classic and elegant’. She never tries to go high-fashion in a way that would be challenging."

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Prince William was pictured chatting with Harry Potter actress Emma Watson and Sherlock star Benedict Cumberbatch at a landmark Business Forum for The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife in London. 

Prince William, in his role as President and Founder of The Earthshot Prize and as Founder of The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, will attend events for London Climate Action week, which takes place between 20th and 28 June.

The largest city-wide climate festival in Europe, it brings together global climate champions, environmental innovators and business leaders to highlight success, celebrate impact and reveal a series of new commitments. 

United for Wildlife launches new action fighting illegal wildlife trade and environmental crime with backing from global finance, transport and technology companies.

The forum brings together some of the world's largest businesses, including TikTok, eBay and Esty, who will be working with the programme to explore ways of eradicating online wildlife listings from their platforms.

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Meghan Markle celebrated Father's Day on Sunday with a sweet new family photo of Prince Harry with their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and daughter, Princess Lilibet, five. 

The Duchess of Sussex shared how "lucky" their children are as she posted a photo of the 41-year-old with the two youngsters. 

While Harry was beaming at the camera as he held his two children in his arms, Lilibet looked adorable in a floaty summer top and a white skirt and Archie donned an England football top.

"They’re so lucky to have you. We all are," Meghan captioned the post. "Happy Father’s Day to our one and only," she added.

Harry's two children, who are being raised in Montecito, California, will reportedly accompany their parents upon their return to the UK next month for Invictus Games events. 

The Duke of Sussex is expected to attend the "One Year To Go" events for the Invictus Games, which will be held in Birmingham in 2027. 

This would mark Meghan, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet's first trip to the UK first time since 2022. 

Harry hopes to "introduce the children to his wider family" and show them "where he grew up", a source told News.com.au on Wednesday. 

The insider added that Harry had felt a "great sadness" over not being able to bring his children to the UK previously, over security concerns.   

As Prince William turns 44, HELLO!'s Royal Editor Emily Nash delves into how he increasingly displays who he is and the values that will shape his future reign. 

William usually marks his birthday privately with Kate and their three children. 

On Sunday, William marked his 44th birthday by sharing a never-before-seen picture with his daughter, Princess Charlotte, 11. Kensington Palace released the portrait in celebration of both his birthday and Father's Day, with a touching tribute to his role as a devoted dad. 

The heartwarming photo showed William beaming with his arm around his daughter in the Kensington Palace gardens after returning from Trooping the Colour on 13 June. 

In the caption, the message read: "Happy birthday and Father's Day to the best Papa in the World! We love you very much. C, G, C & L [pink hearts]," it was signed off with the Princess of Wales, George, Charlotte and Louis' initials.

The Prince of Wales was born on 21 June, 1982 at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London, the same hospital where his wife Kate gave birth to both their children. 

This year's celebration follows a busy week of royal engagements and announcements.

Earlier in the week, he and the Princess of Wales attended Garter Day, before later confirming that their eldest son, Prince George of Wales, 12, will attend Eton College from September.

Just days before, the Wales family joined King Charles for Trooping the Colour, where crowds gathered along The Mall to catch a glimpse of the royals.

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Good afternoon, royal fans!

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

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Queen Sonja of Norway has broken her silence on her daughter-in-law Crown Princess Mette-Marit's recent successful lung transplant. 

It was revealed last Wednesday that Mette-Marit, who is married to Queen Sonja and Harald V of Norway's son Crown Prince Haakon, underwent a successful operation at Oslo University Hospital.

During a recent outing in Norway, Queen Sonja was asked about her daughter-in-law's operation by the Faedrelandsvennnen newspaper. 

The royal replied, "It's simply fantastic. It's fantastic that it went so well."

Mette-Marit was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. She has been frequently absent from royal engagements in recent months and has required supplemental oxygen amid her health battle.

"So far, the lung transplant has been a success," said Arna Tiane, head of Thoracic Surgery at Rikshospitalet in a press release.

"We are extremely pleased that everything has gone smoothly so far. Like the other newly transplanted patients, the Crown Princess will remain hospitalized at Rikshospitalet for the next few weeks."

© POOL/AFP via Getty Images

While speaking to the Prince of Wales at a landmark Business Forum for The Royal Foundation's United for Wildlife in London, Harry Potter actress and outspoken environmentalist Emma Watson shared her appreciation for William's Earthshot Prize, which was launched in 2020. 

Emma previously presented an award at the 2021 Earthshot Prize Awards Ceremony. After William thanked her for her involvement, the actress told the Prince of Wales: "I love seeing everything that you are doing with that… and it is loved."

The Hollywood star joined Prince William and Sherlock actor Benedict Cumberbatch on stage as a celebrity panelist during the forum in London and read The Summer Day by poet Mary Oliver.

William also spoke about his global initiative on Monday, which is finding innovative ways to tackle environmental issues. "For me it keeps my environmental anxiety at bay because I can actually see some of the things we are doing are bringing change,” he said. 

"We can do this. There are actually tangible benefits, and it helps me sleep at night."

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Princess Eugenie shared a heartwarming Father's Day tribute to her husband, Jack Brooksbank, on Sunday. The couple share sons August, four, and Ernest, two, and are currently expecting their third child. 

"Happy Father's Day to the best there is.. chief child entertainer for besties wedding too," Eugenie gushed on Instagram alongside rare photos from her private family album. 

"The boys couldn't ask for a better Dada," she added. 

Eugenie shared a photo of Jack walking walking hand in hand with their two sons during a family outing. In a second photo, Jack crouched down in a church pew while attending a wedding to entertain one of his sons. 

Eugenie confirmed her third pregnancy in May with an adorable photograph of her sons looking at a scan of the baby, with the caption: "Baby Brooksbank due 2026!"

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A new report has revealed King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor recently enjoyed a luxury trip overseas amid his exile from royal life over his links to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Andrew has been keeping an extremely low profile in recent months after he was stripped of his royal titles and relocated from Royal Lodge to Marsh Farm in Sandringham, where he lives in exile. 

According to a new report from the Daily Mail, Andrew recently spent a "free weekend away" in France, courtesy of Arab billionaire Mohammed A Baker. 

The former Duke of York was the VIP guest for the "relaxing" break on the MAB Stables stud farm near St Malo from 30 May to 1 June, travelling via private jet.

His European weekend away allegedly involved a private chef and fine wine near the beach, surrounded by wealthy company.  

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Belgium's Queen Mathilde joined her husband King Philippe for an outing with Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Monday – and she looked effortlessly chic for the special occasion. 

Belgium's royal couple were pictured at the Castle of Laeken alongside the Japanese royals during their state visit to Belgium. Standing next to Emperor Naruhito, Mathilde stunned in an elegant structured cream jacket and matching midi skirt. 

The long-sleeved blazer cinched at the waist with a belt for a flattering fit. The royal complemented the set with a beige bag and pointed-toe heels while styling her hair up in an elegant twist. She opted for gold stud earrings to tie the look together. 

The outfit appeared to be a re-wear from May when Mathilde visited the Province of Flemish Brabant. For her previous outing, the royal paired her ensemble with statement gold dangle earrings and styled her shoulder-length hair out in soft waves. 

That's all from me!

Handing over to Beatriz Colon in New York for an evening of royal news. 

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Princess Lilibet looked so adorable with her flame-red hair in a new photo shared by Meghan Markle to mark Father's Day on Sunday. 

The young royal, five, was seen in a floaty summer top and a white skirt from Zara with floral embroidery. 

Little Lilibet enjoyed a big hug with her dad, Prince Harry, and her older brother, Prince Archie, seven, in the sweet family photo, as a proud Harry beamed at the camera. 

She was clearly braced for hot weather in Montecito, California, as she was also seen in sandals and white sunglasses, as well as a £19.95 giraffe bag from GoldBug, a female-owned children's accessories brand run by the philanthropist Katherine Gold.

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Peter Phillips and his wife Harriet had plenty to celebrate at Royal Ascot as they bet on a winning horse on Saturday.

The newlywed couple, who made their debut at this year's racing festival, appeared to have chosen well as they cheered after Almeraq won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Peter was seen throwing his hands in the air and grinning as he and Harriet celebrated with a group of friends.

The four-year-old horse, ridden by Ryan Moore, was a 25/1 shot for the feature race on the final day of Ascot.

Harriet looked incredible for the outing in a bridal-inspired white Beulah dress with a floral print and lace sleeves. She paired it with a netted hat from Jane Taylor.

That's all we have for today, but be sure to return right here tomorrow morning for more of the top of the week's royal news.

Cheers! 

© Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Welcome back to the royal blog, it is a very busy day today!

The Princess of Wales will no doubt be celebrating her father, Michael Middleton's birthday, while her husband, the Prince of Wales, will continue to attend events around London Climate Action week. Meanwhile, King Charles will hold his first weekly audience with Keir Starmer since the Labour leader confirmed he would be resigning as Prime Minister.

There are also outings for both the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, with Sophie visiting Jersey, while Edward will be at the Leopold Road Community Garden before attending a service commemorating the 200th anniversary of St John's Hoxton. 

For international royals, the Japanese Emperor and Empress are continuing their state visit to Belgium, Luxembourg's Grand Duke Guillaume is marking his first birthday and first National Day for the country since he acceded to the throne last year, and Norwegian royals, Princess Ingrid Alexandra and Prince Sverre, will attend TINE's football school in Brooklyn, New York.

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Not every royal engagement can go smoothy, and the Princess of Wales discovered that last year, when she was nearly headbutted as she greeted Prince George's godfather, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.

In a new interview with The Times, the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk has opened up about the incident, explaining how the moment left him feeling "embarrassed".

The visit to the silk mills was intended to celebrate the unique skill and craftsmanship of British textile manufacturers, with Kate marvelling over hand-designed and screen-printed fabrics. 

Jamie, a close confidante of Prince William and Kate, was entrusted to run their royal wedding in 2011. Speaking of the Princess, he added: "She’s a really cool woman. Amazing. He chose well. I think they’ll be like my mum and dad. I think they’re great." 

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When in Jersey! The Duchess of Edinburgh has met Belinda, a Jersey cow, during her visit to the Bailiwick of Jersey as she learnt about sustainable food practices on the island.

During the trip, she will meet with representatives from Jersey's dairy and potato industries and from their seafood and fishing industry.

Tomorrow, the Duchess is due to visit Eyecan, a visual-impairment charity. The organisation is marking its 140th anniversary of supporting those with sight loss on the island this year.

The style-savvy royal dodged the ongoing heatwave with a smart choice of a cream blazer and matching trousers, alongside a floral top. Who said heatwaves can be stylish?

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Prince William was joined by Robert Irwin as he continued to mark events around London Climate Week, with the Prince of Wales delivering a speech at the Guildhall in the City of London.

"Our finalists are exemplars of a wider movement that is proving that we can turn the tide within this decade," he told assembled guests. "One day people will look back at this decade and ask: when the evidence was clear, what did we do with it?

"When we saw forests being restored, did we help restoration spread? When we saw clean air policies working, did we help other cities follow? The challenge can still feel immense but the proof is now in front of us. And history will ask what we did with it."

The Prince was seen arriving with conservationist Robert Irwin, who has supported him at other Earthshot events in the past.

This year's Earthshot will be held in Mumbai.

Good afternoon, royal watchers!

It's Isabelle here, and I will be taking you through all the royal updates this afternoon.

© WireImage

The UK is delighted by the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be visiting next month, as Prince Harry is in town for the Invictus Games in Birmingham. While details of their trip will remain under wraps, we've spotted a clue that could indicate a special family reunion will be taking place. 

Harry's mother grew up at Althorp House in Northamptonshire, and according to the website for the stately home, the property is going to be closed on the 10 and 11 July, even though that falls within their limited summer opening timeline, which is 1 July - 31 August. Perhaps the Sussex family is planning a visit here amid Harry's Invictus Games commitments, which run from 10 - 17 July. 

HELLO! understands that royal residence accommodation has been offered but it has not been confirmed or denied if this has been accepted. Also, no additional arrangements have been made for security for the family at present.

More details here.

Royal congratulations are in order for Princess Isabella of Denmark, who has completed her secondary education.

The 19-year-old daughter of King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark has completed her upper secondary education and is due to begin military service in August at the Guard Hussar Regiment in Slagelse.

Last week, King Frederik shared a special tribute to his daughter ahead of her big moment. 

"Today marks 40 years since my brother and I put on our graduation caps. Soon it will be my eldest daughter’s turn," the Danish monarch wrote.

"The celebrations create a very special atmosphere as young people proudly take to the streets and celebrate completing an educational stage. I would like to send a special greeting to everyone finishing their studies."