Royal Family Recap: On tour with Duchess Sophie in Zambia, plus King Charles' poignant visit

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Good morning from me, Rachel, I'm here to bring you all the latest royal news this morning. First up, let's recap on the stories that dropped overnight. Our Senior Editor and Writer, Jack Malvern, is currently on tour with the Duchess of Edinburgh in Zambia and he's filled us in on exactly what the royal has been up to.

Sophie was forced to carry out her first engagement in what she called her "aeroplane clothes" after the royal baggage was delayed, but that didn't stop her enjoying the display from dancers at the British High Commission.

The 61-year-old is in the country to highlight the work of causes close to her heart, one of them being tackling preventable sight loss.

At an event hosted by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the eye-care charity Orbis, Sophie took to the lecturn for an impassioned speech. She said: "I used to say that actually eye health was life-threatening. I still believe it is. I've met people who live on the streets because they cannot live with their families anymore because they feel that they're a burden. And so they leave and take themselves away. So I place it at a high priority; eye care for all.”

Read Jack's full report and discover which gift from Buckingham Palace Sophie presented to Zambia's President. 

Just days before its highly anticipated release of Earl Charles Spencer's book about his late sister, Princess Diana, the memoir is at the centre of a police investigation in the Netherlands. 

Four copies of the deeply personal book, titled Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, were stolen from a delivery lorry after the driver stopped overnight to sleep. The theft occurred shortly after the 62-year-old Earl Spencer shared his excitement on Instagram about holding the first physical copy of the book, which he described as the most personal of the ten he has written over his three-decade career.

Announced as the 30th anniversary of Diana’s tragic 1997 death approaches, Swan Song represents Charles's first extended written account of his sister's life and the devastating week of her passing. Prompted by years of public speculation and inaccurate narratives, he wrote the memoir to share the truth from his perspective. Charles himself has also recorded the audiobook as a heartfelt tribute to the extraordinary sister he has always fiercely protected.

More on the dramatic theft story here.

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Flueurs de Villes DIANA is making its world premiere at Somerset House today, and the event will run until 6 October. 

The exhibition includes 15 breathtaking floral mannequins, meticulously crafted from thousands of fresh blooms by top British floral designers. Each installation recreates one of Princess Diana's most memorable fashion moments. The show also  highlights the deeper stories behind her humanitarian work, from her pioneering advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness to her historic walk through a landmine field in Angola. 

The event is hosted in partnership with The Diana Award, a charity established in her memory that honours her belief in the power of young people to change the world. A portion of every ticket sold goes directly toward funding programs that empower youth to drive positive change.

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Meghan Markle paid tribute to Prince Harry on his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, sharing a video to Instagram including clips of him on adventures with his two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. It had the caption: "He’s simply the best. Happy birthday, my love," and the track overlaid was Simply the Best, originally by Tina Turner. This song has a poignant connection to his late mother, Princess Diana, making the post even more personal. 

The song carries a deeply personal connection for both Harry and his brother Prince William. William has previously revealed that his mother would play the song for her sons in the car to "while away the anxiety of going back to school". Speaking on a special episode of Apple Fitness+ series, Time To Walk, back in 2021, he said: "Sitting in the backseat, singing away, it felt like a real family moment."

Read the full story.

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The Princess of Wales' brother James Middleton has recently shared a heartwarming glimpse into his family life by posting an adorable video of himself and his nearly three-year-old son, Inigo, running down a sand dune at a UK beach. 

The father-and-son duo playfully dressed in matching shorts, T-shirts, and caps as they enjoyed a day by the sea alongside two of their pet dogs. 

James shares his son with his wife, Alizée Thevenet, and they are raising him at their beautiful 16th-century farmhouse in the Berkshire countryside. In a previous interview, James shared that Inigo is being taught English and French already, with Alizée speaking to him in French and James in English, resulting in a charming mix of both languages as the toddler learns to speak. 

Watch the adorable video. 

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Queen Letizia has stepped out in Madrid for an engagement at the headquarters of the newspaper. La Razon, for the 2nd Tribute to Nursing. The event brings together professionals, experts and institutions under the slogan "Caring for the mind is caring for life". 

The 54-year-old gave us all a lesson in trans-seasonal dressing, sporting a pink floral dress with long sleeves. The royal paired her shirt dress with light-coloured Mary-Jane style heels and wore her long locks perfectly curled for the occasion. 

Did you know, the Spanish Queen used to work as a news anchor? She is completely unrecognisable in this unearthed photo. 

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His Majesty King Charles has arrived at Cairngorms National Park to thank the people involved in fighting a major wildfire that occurred there this summer.

The poignant engagement saw him meeting face-to-face with courageous firefighters, dedicated volunteers, community leaders, and local landowners who pulled together during this crisis. Emergency services spent nearly five  weeks fighting the fierce blaze, which initially broke out in the Glenmore area near Aviemore on 15 July. The inferno tragically scorched 3,300 hectares of countryside, requiring more than 500 firefighters on the front lines as local homes, businesses, idyllic campsites, and a popular ski resort were rapidly evacuated to safety.

This visit also marks a brand-new twinning partnership between the Scottish Highland mountains and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA.

In a fascinating nod to ancient natural history, the peaks of Scotland and the Appalachian mountains were actually part of the exact same landmass over 250 million years ago, long before geological forces gradually separated them across the Atlantic Ocean. Charles will view a specially placed granite stone within the Cairngorms, permanently marking the timeless friendship between the two nations.

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Slow Horses star Gary Oldman has revealed that their are two senior royals that are big fans of the Emmy Award-winning show. 

The British spy thriller, based on a dysfunctional MI5 unit, has become one of Apple TV+'s biggest hits to date, with a plethora of award nominations and wins and a 98 per cent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

He admitted it is hard to imagine the royals sitting down to watch an episode, but he heard it from them directly. One of the royals even quizzed Gary on whether there will be any more series made. 

Discover which two royals are big Slow Horses fans. 

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Pictures have now dropped of His Majesty King Charles at Cairngorms National Park, where the monarch is seen to greet the people involved in fighting a major wildfire that occurred there this summer.

The inferno tragically scorched 3,300 hectares of countryside, requiring more than 500 firefighters on the front lines as local homes, businesses, idyllic campsites, and a popular ski resort were rapidly evacuated to safety.

This visit also marks a brand-new twinning partnership between the Scottish Highland mountains and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, USA. In the images, Charles unveiled a specially placed granite stone within the Cairngorms, permanently marking the timeless friendship between the two nations.

© PA Images via Getty Images

© PA Images via Getty Images

The Duchess of Edinburgh is currently on tour in Zambia and as part of her trip she was shown some confiscated items on display in the Education Centre, during a tour of the base camp at the Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ), a non-profit organisation committed to the protection of Africa's wildlife and natural resources in Lower Zambezi. The team their work to combat poaching and protect the region's wildlife and ecosystems.

The royal looked deeply interested to see a confiscated ivory tusk as well as a home-made gun up close. Jack Malvern is our reporter on the ground, joining Sophie on the trip. Read his latest summary here. 

I'm off for a spot of lunch, leaving you with the lovely Kate Thomas, who will keep you up to date on royal proceedings this afternoon. Cheerio! 

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Grand Duke Guillaume V of Luxembourg is gearing up for an important trip to New York City from 20 to 23 September 2026. Joining the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, the royal guest will be joined by Luxembourg's Deputy Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel.

The highlight of the royal visit will take place on Tuesday 22 September, when HRH the Grand Duke takes center stage at the United Nations General Assembly. Addressing world leaders during the general debate, he will highlight Luxembourg’s top priorities on the global stage.

Alongside his big speech, the Grand Duke's schedule is filled with high-profile moments, including a private meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Beyond the political spotlight, the trip holds deeply poignant significance. HRH the Grand Duke will pay his respects at the 9/11 Memorial, laying a wreath to honor the victims of the 11 September 2001 tragedy as the world marks its 25th anniversary.

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King Charles expressed his personal "admiration and appreciation" for the volunteers, firefighters, and landowners who battled devastating UK wildfires this summer.

The King traveled to the Green Lochan (An Lochan Uaine), a popular local spot that was left scorched by fire damage. The monarch met with several individuals who spent nearly five weeks extinguishing a massive wildfire.

The blaze, which erupted on July 15 in the Glenmore area near Aviemore, scorched 3,300 hectares and required over 500 firefighters to combat, forcing evacuations of nearby homes, businesses, campsites, and a local ski resort.

Following the visit, the King issued a statement addressing the crisis and the broader impact of climate change:

"My wife and I have been appalled by the devastating impact of wildfires this summer and the terrible destruction they have caused to homes, livelihoods and landscapes, not only in this beautiful landscape of the Cairngorms, but across the United Kingdom and – as we have seen – other regions of Europe.

"I can only express my admiration and appreciation to all those who have worked so tirelessly and courageously, in the UK and beyond, to bring these fires under control and to those supporting communities facing the long road to restoration and renewal that still lies ahead.

"The shock of witnessing these fires around the world in recent months reminds us forcibly of the mounting pressures that prolonged heat and drought are placing upon our precious Earth, and of the increasingly urgent need not only to strengthen our collective resilience, including through preparedness and risk reduction, but also to tackle the root causes of climate change which, if not addressed, risk creating conditions which will make such tragic and costly events ever more frequent.

"As the work of recovery still goes on for many, the compassion and fortitude of the communities affected shine through. It is my most heartfelt hope that they continue to find in one another the strength to rebuild."

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Prince Harry celebrated his 42nd birthday on Tuesday, and his doting wife, Meghan Markle, marked the occasion with a heartwarming, stylised video dedicated to "her love."

The clip offers a rare look into family life, capturing Harry sharing sweet moments with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In one adorable scene, little four-year-old Lilibet holds her father's hand as they walk together.

The young royal stole the show in a charming white ruffled dress paired with matching white cowboy boots featuring bright red accents. Completing her look, Lilibet’s long red hair flowed down her back, tied neatly with a bow.

We love getting a rare glimpse of the young royal. Her clothing choices are always impeccable; age-appropriate and on-trend yet pratical. 

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Queen Máxima of the Netherlands proved once again that she is the ultimate royal fashion risk-taker during a glamorous family outing on 15 September for Prinsjesdag, the official opening of the new parliamentary year.

Attending alongside her husband, King Willem-Alexander, and their three daughters, the Dutch Queen turned heads in a sharp skirt-and-blouse ensemble. However, the true showstopper was her striking, futuristic fascinator — a piece she dug out of her royal vault after a 12-year hiatus.

Designed by Belgian milliner Fabienne Delvigne (as highlighted by Royal Fashion Police on Instagram), the unique accessory ensured she took pride of place for her public appearance. 

Whether she’s sporting sweeping wide-brimmed hats or eccentric headpieces fashioned out of autumn leaves, Queen Máxima’s headwear collection never fails to deliver high-fashion drama.

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The royals are bound to strict palace rules when it comes to their eating habits, from avoiding raw fish on royal tours to ensuring King Charles's biscuits are warmed to the precise temperature. But it seems that Queen Camilla’s personal tastes are surprisingly grounded.

Speaking to her son, food writer Tom Parker Bowles, for YOU Magazine, the Queen previously revealed that her culinary style is "nothing too mucked about, or fussy or fiddly."

Her ultimate go-to? Simple comfort staples like cheese on toast and baked beans on toast - and just like us, she prefers the UK's favourite brand, specifying "always Heinz." 

With a tin of Heinz beans priced around £1.00 to £1.50 and a loaf of bread at roughly £1.30, the royal dish comes in at a remarkably modest £1.50 per serving. We love a down-to-earth royal! 

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Prince William’s close friend and Prince Louis’s godfather, Harry Aubrey-Fletcher, has hit a major roadblock with his latest business venture after local councillors dramatically rejected his plans for a massive green energy plant in Buckinghamshire. 

Aubrey-Fletcher, who manages rural businesses for the Prince of Wales’s Duchy of Cornwall estate, had offered roughly 15 acres of land at Hornage Farm to Acorn Bioenergy to construct England's largest biogas-to-grid facility.

Despite the project’s eco-friendly pitch, the proposal sparked fierce backlash, generating thousands of complaints from nearby residents. 

Opponents expressed serious concern over the 24-hour facility, which would have generated up to 140 HGV lorry movements per day during peak operations, threatening local air quality, noise levels, and traffic safety.

Local representatives and campaign groups strongly opposed the project, with Conservative MP Greg Smith labeling it a "monster of a proposal" that was both "wrong and frankly dangerous" for the surrounding communities. 

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An explosive row between King Charles and Earl Spencer following the death of Princess Diana has been brought to light in a dramatic new memoir.

Writing in Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, Charles Spencer recalls a telephone call with the then-Prince of Wales regarding the arrangements for Diana's funeral. 

The argument erupted over the decision to have a young Prince William and Prince Harry walk behind their mother’s coffin, a plan Earl Spencer strongly opposed.

Excerpts serialised by the Daily Mail reveal Spencer’s account of the heated call: "Prince Charles continued his stream of anger, without me interrupting. Then he stopped.

"I assumed the pause signalled an effort to bring himself under control, but then he unleashed down the phone what I have always taken to be his pent-up contempt for Diana, and his horror that the world was so bowled over by her death.

'Rest assured,' he hissed, 'we'll forget her soon enough!'"

Read the latest story for the full account of the shocking new claims. Buckingham Palace is yet to respond to the news. 

Buckingham Palace has released a statement in response to Earl Spencer's claims.

It reads: "While we do not comment on books as a matter of principle, His Majesty is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory in ways others do not recognise, even many years after such a loss."

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Since returning to full-time duties following her cancer treatment, the Princess of Wales has stepped back into the royal spotlight with renewed energy and purpose.

Following a trip to Italy earlier this year, speculation is now mounting that Kate will join Prince William on his upcoming official visit to India in November.

While the Princess we all know and love exudes confidence these days, finding her voice in the public eye did not come naturally at first, it seems. 

Speaking exclusively to HELLO!, BBC royal commentator and author of The Four Wives of Windsor, Simon Vigar, reflected on her personal and professional evolution:

"I think Catherine is definitely more confident now, and it's an overused word, but she's more authentic in the public statements.

"They're all her own words. What she's doing now, and we've noticed in the narration that she's done for the nature videos as well, rather than a piece to camera, which she's much more comfortable with."

Find out exactly what Simon said in our latest article. 

That's a wrap from us at HELLO! HQ. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled overnight for any more leaks from Earl Charles Spencer's explosive memoir...