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Queen Camilla once believed Kate Middleton was 'too common' to marry a future king, author claims

Tue, 12 May 2026 06:00:51 -0400

Queen Camilla didn’t always think Kate Middleton was suited to be with a future king.

The claim comes from author Christopher Andersen, whose new book "Kate!" explores the Princess of Wales’ rise from commoner to the heir’s wife and mother of the next in line. Andersen’s account is based on his reporting and sources and has not been independently confirmed by the palace.

"In the beginning, Camilla was one of Kate’s fiercest critics," Andersen told Fox News Digital. "She did not think she was up to snuff, as it were. She was below the salt. She had no aristocratic blood."

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"Camilla always saw herself as the mistress of a king, not a queen," Andersen claimed. "And she picked [Princess] Diana to be [King] Charles’ bride. So, she was very cognizant of the fact that a future king of England should have, she believed, a marriage to a royal personage, or at least a British aristocrat."

"Kate was none of those things, but she quickly became popular," Andersen added.

He noted that Camilla’s early skepticism stemmed from concerns about royal tradition and social class.

WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON WON OVER QUEEN CAMILLA AFTER EARLY TENSIONS: AUTHOR

Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment. A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital, "We don’t comment on such books."

Kate grew up in a quiet village near Berkshire, England, the daughter of a commercial airline pilot and a former flight attendant who later built a successful party supplies business. She went on to study art history at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where she met Prince William in 2001. After years of an on-and-off relationship, the couple got engaged in 2010 and married the following year.

According to Andersen’s book, Camilla "did object" to Kate’s "working-class roots" for a reason. Camilla is the granddaughter of a baron and a descendant of the Stuart bloodline, which ruled England from 1603 to 1714.

Her great-grandmother, Alice Keppel, was also King Edward VII’s mistress, "an intimate connection to the royal family that Camilla had always taken immense pride in," Andersen wrote. Unlike Kate, Camilla moved in royal circles throughout her life.

"Camilla had long lobbied on behalf of the highborn beauties with hyphenated names who swarmed around the heir," wrote Andersen.

"It was she, after all, who, along with another of Charles’ mistresses, Baroness Tryon, handpicked Lady Diana Spencer to become Charles’ bride," Andersen wrote.

He also claimed that an aristocrat with "homegrown blue blood" would be preferable to "a descendant of coal miners whose mother had grown up in public housing and once worked as a flight attendant."

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Camilla wasn’t the only one who questioned whether Kate could handle life behind palace doors.

"[Kate] has been with William for 25 years," said Andersen. "People forget that. Don’t forget the ‘Waity Katie’ 10-year period there, where she put up with the slings and arrows of outrageous [comments] coming from every angle.

"The palace didn’t really want her. People like Camilla didn’t want her because they felt that she was too common to be the wife of a future king. And, of course, the press was vicious in England, portraying her family as a bunch of louts and criticizing [her mother] Carole Middleton for doing such horrible things as chewing gum while she was quitting smoking."

According to Andersen’s book, Camilla was also wary of Carole, who was portrayed in the press as "a gauche opportunist," a mother willing to do anything to ensure her daughter would marry a future king.

"Camilla, who felt she knew a schemer when she saw one, feared her mother," wrote Andersen, referring to Carole.

One former mistress of Charles also told Andersen that for Camilla, "it’s really all about [keeping] your friends close and your enemies closer. It’s her way of keeping her eye on you."

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Andersen wrote that William, who is fiercely protective of his wife, was reportedly "offended" by a request Camilla made.

"Charles and Camilla each had a royal monogram that consisted of interlocking Cs beneath a crown, and they expressed concern that a third royal cypher with a C was overkill," Andersen wrote. "Would Kate mind if she changed the spelling of her full name from ‘Catherine’ to ‘Katherine?’ Camilla pointed out that such a change also made sense on the grounds that, to most of the world, she was known simply as ‘Kate.’

"Offended by yet another command … essentially aimed at placating Camilla, a fuming William replied on his wife’s behalf. The request was nothing less than ‘insulting,’ he told his father, not only to Kate but to her entire family. The bizarre suggestion that ‘Catherine’ become ‘Katherine’ simply to make Charles and Camilla happy was summarily dropped."

Andersen told Fox News Digital that Camilla wasn’t prepared for how popular Kate would become as a member of the royal family.

"I think within a matter of a couple of years, it became pretty clear to Camilla that she would have to contend with [Kate]," said Andersen. "… She somehow, as the Brits like to say, never put a foot wrong. And today, as a result, she’s pretty much universally admired."

"… It’s just astounding that she’s been able to not only survive all this, but also flourish within the royal family," Andersen noted.

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Andersen claimed that even after marrying William, Kate was quickly put to the test.

"Even after April 2011, when Kate and William married, there was a lot of sniping from the sidelines, much of it coming from Camilla’s camp," he said.

"During the first few years of William and Kate’s marriage, Kate got a lot of criticism fed to the press for not working as hard as the rest of the royal family. And the reason for that, of course, was that she put her own family and her own children first. She made it very clear that that was the way she would proceed, and that’s what she’s done."

Andersen said that after battling cancer in 2024, Kate has "cut way back" on royal duties "for her own health and her own wellbeing and to spend time with the family."

"The aftermath of chemo is quite tough," he said. "She has good days, she has bad days. She sometimes gets tired easily and unexpectedly. She has cut way back on her schedule. But again, it’s because she’s made it clear that [her children] come first. And William."

A St. James’ Palace staffer told Andersen about Camilla, "Maybe she felt threatened by Kate, or perhaps more by William and Kate as a team."

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"… Charles and Camilla needed to be the stars of the royal show, but that was not going to happen as long as the public was consumed with the ongoing saga of the young prince and his romance with a dazzling commoner," Andersen wrote. Royal reporter and Diana’s friend Richard Kay also told him, "Members of the royal family simply cannot stand being upstaged."

After Kate announced her cancer diagnosis, Camilla’s feelings softened, Andersen claimed. The mother of three revealed she was officially in remission in January 2025.

"Camilla had a change of heart [after] her husband’s [cancer] diagnosis [in 2024]," Andersen explained.

"Charles and Kate were always fond of each other, but in the wake of being told that they had cancer, they really bucked up each other’s spirits. And Camilla recognizes that and has said that Kate is really the one who can make Charles laugh, and she appreciates that. … They’re always hugging and kissing, laughing and joking. …They’re very, very close. And Camilla is grateful for all that Kate has done to lift her husband’s spirits."

Still, Andersen claimed to Fox News Digital that the rivalry between the royal wives isn’t quite over yet.

"… There’s still competition," he said. "… That is really what makes the whole show. That’s how the monarchy functions: this competition among all the competing camps. Their staffs are constantly feeding information to the press, constantly trying to grab the spotlight for their particular royal. And Camilla and Charles do not want to be upstaged by William and Kate. William and Kate do not want to be upstaged by [Prince] Harry and Meghan [Markle]."

"That’s the kind of creative tension that might surprise a lot of people — they’re competing," he added.

Former Prince Andrew ‘shaken’ by masked man threat, but more security would spark ‘public backlash’: expert

Mon, 11 May 2026 06:00:32 -0400

The former Prince Andrew was left "shaken" after being accosted by a masked man near his home in Norfolk on Wednesday.

According to Norfolk Police, officers arrived on the scene after receiving reports that "a man was behaving in an intimidating manner in the village," and later arrested the man on "suspicion of a public order offense and possession of an offensive weapon."

"Alex Jenkinson, aged 39 and of Stowmarket, Suffolk has since been charged with two counts of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior to harass someone or cause alarm or distress and failing to provide a specimen of blood in custody," officials told Fox News Digital.

Jenkinson is accused of approaching Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor while wearing a mask and shouting abuse at the former prince while he was walking his dogs near his home in the area. He ultimately pleaded not guilty to the charges while in court on May 8.

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British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that the "recent scary masked man confrontation has left him shaken and worried for his safety," and has reopened the discussion surrounding Andrew's security.

"There are rumors he wants his old security back, although he was unscathed," she said. "His private protection officer dealt with the confrontation and aftermath. The king is understood to be funding Andrews ‘exile’ at Marsh Farm, including former royal protection cops. They are not armed. Allegedly some stay in a cabin in the back garden."

In addition to those safety measures, Chard explained there are also "fences, CCTV, and a security gate installed" at his property to keep him safe, with royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner also telling Fox News Digital that King Charles "partly funds his private security team."

Turner told Fox News Digital it was lucky that "one of his paid-for private security team was with him" at the time of the incident, arguing that the security team "may have to be increased to strengthen his safety."

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"Personally, every citizen in Britain should feel safe and protected, especially highly well-known figures, and so Andrew should be given more protection, otherwise more attempts could be made on his life, which would cause distress and disarray within the royal family," he said.

British royal expert Hilary Fordwich, however, was not surprised something like this happened, and disagreed with the notion that providing him with more security is the best route to take.

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"This is totally to be expected because the public is absolutely disgusted regarding his despicable behavior," Fordwich said. "Instead of wanting more security, he should really stay in sort of a house arrest just keep to himself and not even go out. Then he wouldn’t have to face the public or have these worries. That would be the decent thing to do, but he’s not renowned for doing decent things."

Chard conceded that "Andrew’s Epstein ties, arrest and police investigation have made him a target," but said that "many believe he is privately more than adequately protected."

Andrew was arrested in February on charges of suspicion of misconduct in public office. His arrest came after King Charles stripped the former prince of all his royal titles and honors amid the ongoing scandals stemming from his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

He initially stepped back as a senior royal in 2019 following his infamous interview with BBC’s "Newsnight," in which he attempted to explain his friendship with Epstein.

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The former prince was also named by Epstein victim Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with him three times, including when she was 17 years old. Giuffre died by suicide in 2025.

"Reviewing Andrew's security is one thing, but talk of reinstating Met Police armed protection is already sparking public backlash, and understandably so," Chard said. "Realistically, his security status won’t change. That ship has sailed. And if it did, the public and Prince Harry would almost certainly have something to say about it. The security debate will come up from time to time. Andrew will continue to sleep with one eye open."

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Queen Elizabeth's icy 'look' left even prime ministers terrified, royal author claims

Sun, 10 May 2026 07:00:13 -0400

To the public, Queen Elizabeth II was the doting grandmother who never put a foot wrong during her record-breaking reign. But behind palace doors, she was not one to be messed with.

The claim was made by royal author Robert Hardman, who has written a new book on England’s longest-reigning monarch, "Elizabeth II: In Private, In Public: Her Story." It explores the rarely seen side of the late queen, who would have turned 100 on April 21.

Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment. A palace spokesperson previously told Fox News Digital, "We don't comment on such books."

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"In many ways, she was more terrifying in private than in public," Hardman told Fox News Digital.

"I’ve always found that there are two sides to her. The public queen is the one we’re all familiar with. She was very serious, very dutiful. She didn’t smile that much. You could just tell this was someone who was very conscious of doing her duty. By contrast, the private side of the queen, she was very sparkly. She could be very direct. She was the opposite of what elderly people are supposed to do."

"The older she got, the greater her authority," Hardman added.

Hardman said that the queen was known for "the look," which he described as "a silent signal of displeasure" toward anyone who crossed "an invisible line." If one was "over familiar," incompetent or rude, she would shoot out a steely gaze — an ice-cold warning that said everything without a single word.

WATCH: INSIDE QUEEN ELIZABETH'S ‘GLACIAL STARE’ THAT UNNERVED LEADERS

"Everyone was very scared of getting ‘the look,’" Hardman explained. "Even [former Prime Minister] Tony Blair, in his memoirs, wrote about his fear of ‘the look.’ And it was her response to something that she found disagreeable for whatever reason. She wouldn’t snap, she wouldn’t shout, she wouldn’t lecture people. She just gave them this very direct, glacial stare. And it was very clear that she was highly unamused."

One prime minister who received "the look" was New Zealand’s Helen Clark during the queen’s Golden Jubilee tour of the Pacific in 2002. When the queen arrived at a black-tie banquet with New Zealand’s Parliament, she was met by Clark in more casual trousers.

"[The queen] was told that she needed to put on the full royal regalia," Hardman explained. "They wanted her in an evening gown. They wanted all the pearls, all the jewels, all the diamonds, the tiara — everything. So she really dressed up for this occasion. She arrived at this banquet hosted by then-Prime Minister Helen Clark of New Zealand. And the prime minister was wearing trousers."

"The queen, having made all this effort, [gave] a very strong look," said Hardman.

Fellow biographer Kenneth Rose told Hardman of "the look" that, "She just stares at the person with open eyes, absolutely no expression."

Former Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd also described a diplomatic reception where members representing more than 150 embassies and high commissions were lined up for the monarch. One ambassador arrived late and missed his slot.

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"He was very anxious not to lose the opportunity of bowing to the queen, and he shoved himself into position out of line, and he got the stare," said Hurd. "The courtiers escorted him away to the right position. Nothing would be said."

"When I went over the top, her eyebrows would go up, and I’d apologize," Sir Robert Woodard, the former captain of Britannia, also told Hardman. "She hoped you’d sort out the distance you needed to keep."

In his book, Hardman described a moment when the queen attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, where she was introduced to a Royal Canadian Air Force officer and his Polish girlfriend. While they were in mid-conversation, the woman’s phone began ringing. Wanting to avoid "the look," the woman tossed the phone into the crowd without breaking eye contact and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened. The queen didn’t blink.

But sometimes, the monarch wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.

"She was very direct," said Hardman. "She was authentic. One of the things people liked about her was that they knew what they were getting.

"For example, sometimes she’d be handed a speech drafted by her advisors. She’d always read through them first and make corrections. She was once handed a speech that said, ‘I am very glad to be back in Birmingham.’ She crossed out the word ‘very.’ She just said, ‘No disrespect to Birmingham.’ She felt that was an act of insincerity."

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When biographer Charles Moore found himself sitting next to the queen at dinner, he half-apologetically began explaining his next book, Hardman wrote. "Oh, don’t worry," the queen told him. "I shan’t read it."

"A senior clergyman awaiting a royal verdict on a carefully prepared sermon was both amused and bemused by her parting remark: ‘So many long words, bishop!’" Hardman wrote.

"She was once being driven around Scotland on a tour, and there’d be somebody with her, the Lord Lieutenant, a local royal representative usually in uniform," Hardman also explained to Fox News Digital.

"Once she got to this meeting, there were people lined up to meet her. This representative was supposed to do the introductions, but his sword had gotten stuck in the car, and he couldn’t get out.

"The queen just thought, ‘Oh, this is ridiculous,’" Hardman continued. "So, she just got out of the car, went up to his greeting line of people, and said, ‘I’m afraid my Lord Lieutenant seems to be having some trouble getting out of the car, so I’d better introduce myself. I’m the queen.’"

Hardman also wrote that when a cabinet minister told the queen he spent many years in Slough, she replied, "Oh, you poor thing." On a different occasion, when a guest remarked that she must have been looking forward to an upcoming Commonwealth summit in Uganda, she reportedly replied, "No one looks forward to going to Uganda."

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But the queen also took certain things in stride.

In his book, Hardman described that during a Balmoral shooting weekend, the heir to a nearby estate was so busy digging into his plate of venison stew that he didn’t notice the queen taking a seat at the table. "How are you getting on?" said the queen. The young earl was so shocked that "his garbled attempt at a reply" resulted in a small piece of meat landing on her face.

"She didn’t flinch," said a source who was present.

During a state visit to the U.S. in 1976, President Ford invited the queen for a dance at the White House ball. "The Lady Is a Tramp" began to play. While Ford was furious, Hardman told Fox News Digital the queen found it "hilarious."

"This was a favorite story [of hers] for years," he added.

The queen died in 2022. She was 96.

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"She was in charge until her dying day," said Hardman. "And no one questioned her authority."

Prince William sees disgraced Andrew as ‘a troubled soul’ but Epstein fallout leaves ‘no coming back’: author

Fri, 08 May 2026 06:00:48 -0400

Prince William reportedly views his disgraced uncle as "a very troubled soul," condemning his actions without hesitation. At the same time, he remains quietly concerned about the toll the fallout may be taking on his mental health.

The claim was made by Robert Hardman, who has written a new biography on the late Queen Elizabeth II titled "Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. The Inside Story." In it, the author said that the Prince of Wales offered condolences to the former Prince Andrew after his royal titles were stripped.

"I think clearly there will be no coming back for Prince Andrew — ex-Prince Andrew — when William is king," Hardman told Fox News Digital. "But at the same time, I still think that [William] is conscious that here is someone who is a very troubled soul and that at least the family does have to keep an eye on him."

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In October 2025, King Charles III stripped Andrew of his royal titles as his younger brother faced renewed scrutiny over his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The heightened criticism followed the release of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir and newly unsealed documents detailing Andrew’s relationship with Epstein.

"From time to time, there have been suggestions that [William] is a hardliner," Hardman wrote. "Some accounts suggested that he was the driving force behind his uncle Andrew being stripped of his titles and honors and banished to a house on the Sandringham estate. One friend of the former Yorks, however, reported that on the night [Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson] lost their titles, Andrew had been very touched when Prince William was one of the few people to call to offer condolences."

Fox News Digital reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. A spokesperson for Buckingham Palace previously told Fox News Digital, "We don’t comment on such books."

WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM SIGNALS NO RETURN FOR FORMER PRINCE ANDREW: AUTHOR

"I think what we realize from this is that William is ... well, we know he’s a thoughtful man," Hardman explained. "He’s a very serious man. He’s very private, but we know he’s particularly concerned about the whole issue of mental health, and that’s something that’s been a key strand of his work."

"And I think he understood that his uncle Andrew may have behaved appallingly in many ways over many years," said Hardman. "But at the same time, he’s a member of the family. And here was someone who was being completely humiliated, publicly humiliated, degraded, disgraced, handed a punishment that no member of the family has had — to have all their titles taken away, to be effectively un-royal, de-royaled."

Andrew has held the title of prince since birth.

WATCH: QUEEN ELIZABETH FACED PAINFUL CHOICE TO REMOVE FORMER PRINCE ANDREW FROM DUTIES: AUTHOR

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"These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him," the palace previously announced. "Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse."

It is almost unprecedented for a British prince or princess to be stripped of their royal title, The Associated Press reported. According to the outlet, it last happened in 1919, when Prince Ernest Augustus had his British title removed for siding with Germany during World War I. Hardman said that Andrew, like his ancestor, was viewed as "a traitor."

"And that was clearly going to be very, very tough for him," said Hardman. "And I think Prince William understood that."

Mental health has been a key concern for William, heir to the British throne. According to the royal family’s website, he spearheaded the Heads Together campaign to help change the conversation, raise awareness, and tackle stigma. Having completed nearly eight years of military service, William has spoken out about the challenges those in the armed forces, in particular, face when they return home.

Given that mental health is a central cause for William as a working royal, Hardman noted it would have been difficult for him to overlook Andrew’s well-being after his titles were stripped, despite being deeply appalled by his actions.

"We hear a lot that he’s been very unhappy about Andrew, and he’s been one of the prime movers for having him stripped of all these things," said Hardman. "... But at the same time, he’s well aware that this is someone who is a relative who’s still there, and there is a duty of care toward him, because as things stand, Andrew has not actually been formally convicted of anything."

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On Feb. 19 — his birthday — Andrew was arrested and detained for 11 hours on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The 66-year-old has been accused of sharing information with Epstein during his time as the U.K.’s trade envoy. While Andrew was released, he is currently under investigation.

"People are very interested to know what the relationship is between William and his uncle," said Hardman. "... They’re not in regular contact. William is very conscious of the fact that one day he will be king, and Andrew is only in his 60s. He doesn’t drink, and he’s [lived] a pretty healthy life. So, it’s highly likely that Andrew will be around when William is king."

"William, he’s talked a lot about wanting to change things. But actually, he hasn’t been very specific about what that change might entail. And certainly, what I hear from his people is he’s not a radical. His father, actually, King Charles, is much more of a... radical. When he was William’s age, he was making very forceful speeches on a wide range of issues. William doesn’t do that.

"I don’t think William’s so much a hardliner. I think he is someone who’s got a very clear sense of how he’s going to run things and will make changes. And I think he will take away some of the traditions and unnecessary rituals and a lot of the [unnecessary] etiquette. So I think he will be a hardliner in that regard."

"He’s [also] very strict on privacy," Hardman continued. "The privacy of his family is uppermost in his mind. He does fewer interviews. There’s less media access to him now than there was when his father was in his role at his age."

Hardman stressed that there is no future for Andrew.

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British royals expert Hilary Fordwich previously told Fox News Digital that when William takes over the throne one day, he will swiftly address "the Andrew problem" his way.

"Prince William has long had a strained and distant relationship with Andrew," said Fordwich, noting that William holds "a grudge against his disgraced uncle."

"Andrew’s future within the royal family is beyond bleak, since Prince William is firmly opposed to any public rehabilitation with no foreseeable path back," Fordwich claimed. "He wants Andrew to vanish from public view."

"William’s strong stance on 'the Andrew problem’ is consistent, unwavering, and his influence has been decisive in ensuring Andrew remains sidelined," said Fordwich. "He is driven by his desire to protect the monarchy’s reputation, doing all he can to safeguard its future."

Royal biographer Andrew Lownie previously told People magazine that William still has a close relationship with his cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Still, he favors taking a public, tougher approach when handling his uncle.

"William wants it all cleaned out before he gets [on the throne]," Lownie told the outlet. "He wants it dealt with now."

Prince Harry ‘looks very sad’ after leaving royal duty, expert draws striking parallel to abdicated king

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:00:16 -0400

Meghan Markle is often likened to Wallis Simpson, but according to one author, it’s not the American divorcees who deserve scrutiny — it’s the husbands who married them.

Hugo Vickers has written a new book, "Behind Closed Doors," which examines the shocking final years of the Duchess of Windsor, who died in 1986 at the age of 89.

The royal historian told Fox News Digital that while writing his book, he uncovered striking and troubling parallels between Prince Harry and Edward, Duke of Windsor — the late Queen Elizabeth II’s uncle — who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry Wallis Simpson.

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"… The one thing in common is that the two husbands both look pretty miserable," Vickers claimed. "If you look at photographs of the Duke of Windsor in old age … I’ve never seen such sad eyes on a man because of what happened. In both cases, they decided not to do the duty which they had been born to undertake."

"When I give talks occasionally, usually at schools, I show a picture of the queen, our Queen Elizabeth II, with sparkling eyes at the age of 90, having done her duty and feeling the calm, level gaze, conscious of duty fulfilled, as somebody put it," he said. "Whereas the Duke of Windsor looked pathetic, and he looked very sad. And Prince Harry also looks very, very sad most of the time and rather angry."

WATCH: AUTHOR SAYS PRINCE HARRY LOOKS ‘SAD,’ QUESTIONS ROYAL PATH

Harry, 41, has been estranged from his family since he and his wife stepped back as senior royals in 2020. They cited unbearable intrusions by the British press and a lack of support from the palace for their decision to exit.

Since moving to California, the couple have aired their grievances in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s 2021 memoir "Spare," which laid bare details about the House of Windsor, worsened tensions.

Today, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are still working to define their post-royal identities. Vickers said Meghan, the former American actress, has had a far smoother ride than Harry.

"Meghan Markle is much more in control of her destiny than Wallis was," said Vickers. "Wallis became a wife and, to be fair to her, she wrote a book of memoirs. She gave one or two interviews, but she was very discreet, to be quite honest. She was very much in the background."

"… Meghan Markle is completely different," he continued. "She is using her title and her name to market things. … She’s been selling products and the like. … I just personally don’t think Prince Harry looks happy. My theory is that he is terrified of losing her, which is a very understandable syndrome to get into."

British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard agreed.

"It’s safe to say that both husbands wanted out of the institution," she explained to Fox News Digital. "Edward VIII didn’t want to be king, and Prince Harry wanted freedom from the royal family. Their ‘get out of jail’ cards were their strong partners. How can we forget Harry and Meghan’s ‘freedom flight’ video shown in their Netflix documentary as they gleefully relinquished their royal duties?"

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"The tides have possibly changed," said Chard. "Harry and Meghan built their exit. However, it doesn’t guarantee safety or peace. Prince Harry continuously worries about Meghan, his family, their safety and media backlash. He seems to be reverting to what he knows and enjoys, his previous royal life."

During an unannounced visit to Ukraine on April 24, Harry was asked about being "not a working royal." He replied, "I will always be part of the royal family. … I am here working, doing the things I was born to do."

That same month, Harry and Meghan spent four days in Australia, where Harry’s father, King Charles, is the head of state.

"Looking ahead, Meghan’s trajectory seems firmly anchored in monetizing her proximity to the monarchy," Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube’s "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital.

"I predict a long-term strategy focused on influence, media and commercial ventures, versus any form of royal reconciliation in traditional terms," Schofield said. "For Harry, his long-term positioning still feels less defined. He has leaned heavily into advocacy and legacy projects, but there’s an ongoing tension between his royal identity and his post-royal reality. That ambiguity can be difficult to sustain over time."

Majesty magazine’s editor-in-chief Ingrid Seward previously claimed that Prince Philip, Harry’s grandfather, gave Meghan the nickname "DoW," shorthand for Duchess of Windsor, The Telegraph reported. According to the outlet, the name came "from the moment he detected her apparent similarity to Wallis."

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Meghan’s star power also may have worked against her inside the royal family.

"The most successful members of the royal family are those who support the monarch without competing with him or her," Vickers said. "That’s what they do. People like Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh. She is a classic example. Catherine, Princess of Wales, likewise, does not compete with her husband, does not compete with the queen, does not compete with the king. Camilla actually also does not compete with the king. She supports him."

Vickers noted that while Harry attempts to embrace a laid-back California life years later, Edward didn’t let go of the past. Wallis surrounded him with reminders of the crown he left behind.

"If Wallis made a mistake, it was to almost become the epitome of a royal duchess," he said. "[Their] house in Paris, which I went to many times, was filled with evidence of royal life. There were lots of coronets all over the place. There were portraits of Queen Mary and lots of pictures of the duchess and footmen in livery and that sort of thing. It was like she created for him a miniature court in exile."

While Harry may be privately looking back, Meghan, 44, is more focused on her future.

"Meghan didn’t fully grasp the institutional reality of marrying into the royal family," said Schofield. "That’s not unusual. The monarchy isn’t just a family. It’s a centuries-old constitutional machine with high expectations, limited personal autonomy and a hierarchy that doesn’t bend easily to modern celebrity culture. Meghan approached it with a more Hollywood-adjacent framework, where personal brand, narrative control and visibility are assets. Inside the monarchy, those same instincts can be liabilities."

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"Both Meghan and Wallis entered the orbit of the monarchy as outsiders, Americans, divorced," Schofield shared. "Both were perceived as disruptive. And in both cases, the relationship dynamic appears to have reinforced an ‘us versus them’ mentality with their partners."

"But there are also key differences that shouldn’t be glossed over," Schofield continued. "Wallis was dealing with a monarchy in a far more rigid, pre-war context, where divorce and public perception carry existential consequences for the crown. Meghan entered a modernized institution that had already weathered divorce, media scrutiny and evolving public expectations. While Wallis triggered a constitutional crisis, Meghan’s situation became more of a reputational and cultural crisis."

A source recently told People magazine that the couple is "not reliant on Harry’s father or taxpayer-funded money." Their goal is to remain independent.

"They pay their own bills and make their own money while continuing to support a lot of causes that might otherwise go unseen. It enables them to do what they love doing," said the insider.

"They’re trying to live their life, raise their children [Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4], do meaningful work and earn a living."

Chard suggested that, much like his ancestor, Harry is deeply devoted to Meghan and their family. However, it will come as no surprise if he still quietly grieves the life he walked away from.

"[Wallis and Meghan] both earned independently before marrying into the family, and both landed husbands who completely doted on them," said Chard. "I’d go as far as saying both husbands feared losing their wives and would do absolutely anything not to lose them."

Princess Eugenie pregnant with 3rd child, could be 'turning point' for her disgraced parents: expert

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:05:00 -0400

Princess Eugenie is pregnant with her third child.

On Monday, the princess and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, announced the exciting news on social media alongside a photo of their two sons holding a sonogram.

"Baby Brooksbank due 2026!" she captioned the Instagram post.

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Buckingham Palace shared a statement that read, "Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie and Mr Jack Brooksbank are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their third child together, due this summer."

"August (aged 5) and Ernest (aged 2) are also very excited to have another sibling join the family," the statement continued. "His Majesty The King has been informed and is delighted with the news."

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The joyous news comes amid Eugenie's parents, Sarah Ferguson and former Prince Andrew's exile from the royal family. In October, King Charles stripped his brother of his royal titles over renewed scrutiny of Andrew’s ties to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Ferguson was also stripped of her Duchess of York title last year, and in March, was stripped of her Freedom of the City of York honor for her ties to Epstein.

"This is joyous news for the couple at a time when the debauchery, deceit and disgusting behavior of her father have loomed large over their lives," Hilary Fordwich, British royals expert, told Fox News Digital.

FORMER PRINCE ANDREW’S DAUGHTERS WON’T ATTEND EASTER SERVICE AS ‘YORK BRAND’ DEEMED ‘TOXIC’: EXPERT

"At last, some wonderful news for Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, as it has been announced that she is expecting a third child," Ian Pelham Turner, royal broadcaster, told Fox News Digital. "This will be tremendous news for Andrew Mountbatten Windsor and Sarah Ferguson too, as it is well known they are both totally besotted with their children and grandchildren and have spent many hours having family get-togethers."

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"Whatever the public think of Andrew and Sarah, the amount of mental health stress they have gone through, albeit brought on themselves, to have something joyful to celebrate, may give the entire royal family a boost too."

Pelham believes this could be a "turning point" for Andrew and Sarah.

"Eugenie is very popular in the royal household, and she stepped up to the plate alongside Beatrice when cancer befell the senior royals and needed royal support to fulfill engagements," he said. "This could be a turning point for Andrew and Sarah too. My feeling is that Andrew will not really settle in Sandringham, and Sarah is obviously looking for an escape route after her latest hiding place was discovered, so I have a suspicion both might end up in Portugal to be close to their grandchildren and lead a simpler, quieter life."

However, royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams said that while the news is delightful, the negative attention will return to Eugenie's parents.

"This is very happy news for Eugenie, and we must wish her and Jack Brooksbank well," Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital. "The way she revealed it on Instagram was delightful. However, inevitably, it means that attention will return to the Yorks."

"When Beatrice, Eugenie’s sister’s daughter, Athena, was christened last December, her disgraced parents kept a low profile," he added. "They will have to do the same with the new arrival. Unfortunately, the press coverage will be relentless."

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Prince William, Kate Middleton share new portrait of Princess Charlotte to mark her 11th birthday

Sun, 03 May 2026 06:00:06 -0400

Prince William and Kate Middleton shared a new portrait of Princess Charlotte on Saturday for her 11th birthday along with a video that showed her playing on a recent beach holiday.

The posts come as the royals remain in the political spotlight, just two days after King Charles concluded his successful four-day U.S. state visit with President Donald Trump.

The Prince and Princess of Wales second-born wears a casual black-and-red long-sleeved top and jeans with her hair down as she stands among daisies in a garden in Cornwall.

The snapshot was taken by Matt Porteous, a go-to photographer for the Wales family, who also shot the photo William and Kate shared for Prince Louis’ eighth birthday just a week ago.

KATE MIDDLETON SURPRISES WITH PIANO DUET ALONGSIDE DAUGHTER PRINCESS CHARLOTTE FOR CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE

"Wishing Charlotte a very happy 11th birthday!" the royal couple wrote on their social media page.

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A video montage in a separate post showed the princess playing with her dogs, Otto and Orla, throwing a ball on the beach and writing in seashells on the sand during a recent seaside family vacation in Cornwall."

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"Thank you for the lovely birthday messages for Princess Charlotte, 11 today!" the royals captioned the video.

Otto, Orla’s son, also got his own royal birthday wish on Friday, with a windswept photo and a caption to read: "Welcome to the family, Otto! 1 today."

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Charlotte’s older brother Prince George, who is second in line to the throne after his father, will turn 13 on July 22.

KING CHARLES, QUEEN CAMILLA BRING ROYAL FLAIR TO THREE US CITIES ON TRIP MARKING AMERICA'S 250TH: PHOTOS

Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, previously told Fox News Digital that Louis’ portrait being taken in Cornwall "says it all."

PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON ‘ARGUE' OVER PRINCE GEORGE’S FUTURE: EXPERTS

"It’s William’s Duchy, yes. But more than that, they all love Cornwall, and it paints a picture of ‘We holiday where you holiday.' Everyone enjoys a joyful relatable image," she explained.

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Charles left the U.S. for an official visit to Bermuda, which is part of the British Commonwealth, on Thursday, after a four-day visit in which he had a bilateral meeting with Trump and a state dinner at the White House, addressed Congress, attended a 9/11 wreath-laying ceremony in New York City, and went to Virginia for 250th anniversary celebrations.

Melania's White House beehive and gifts of honey strike sweet note during King Charles' royal visit

Sat, 02 May 2026 07:00:24 -0400

The White House has been buzzing, and not just because of this week's high-profile state visit from Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The royal couple wrapped up their four-day U.S. visit Thursday with a formal farewell from President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, and an unexpected highlight of the week centered on a distinctly sweet tradition — the White House honey program.

The first lady expanded the program just days before the monarchs' visit, unveiling a new beehive designed to look like the White House on the South Lawn.

AMERICA'S PRESIDENTS AND THEIR STEAKS: HOW PERSONAL TASTE SHAPED THE OVAL OFFICE

The hive and the base were designed by White House staff and crafted by a Virginia artisan, according to the White House.

It joins two existing hives that have been on the grounds since 2009 and can reportedly grow to roughly 70,000 bees in peak summer months, producing up to 225 pounds of honey annually.

The new hive is expected to increase production by about 30 pounds per year, allowing for more use of the honey in White House kitchens, official gifts and donations to local food kitchens, according to the White House.

That honey quickly became a sweet part of the royal visit.

King Charles and Queen Camilla — both longtime supporters of beekeeping — toured the newly expanded hive on Tuesday with the Trumps on the South Lawn.

The tour likely made the royal couple feel right at home because King Charles keeps beehives at his private home in England, and Queen Camilla supports global bee conservation efforts, according to The Associated Press.

During the visit, White House assistant pastry chef Carlo Figarella said everybody in attendance would go home the next day "with one of these little jars of honey," according to The Independent.

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"We’ll put in extra for their majesties, yes?" the first lady joked.

"Because they are lovers of honey."

The White House honey was not only given as gifts to guests. It was also highlighted in dishes served at Tuesday night's state dinner.

The multi-course meal, held in the East Room and attended by roughly 130 guests, including business leaders, lawmakers and media figures, featured seasonal ingredients and garden-inspired dishes, Fox News Digital previously reported.

The dessert put the honey front and center, according to the White House.

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Guests enjoyed almond Joconde and a French sponge cake, served with crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey.

Other courses included garden vegetable velouté, spring herb ravioli and Dover sole meunière, with some ingredients sourced directly from the White House Kitchen Garden, another feature supported by the beekeeping program through pollination.

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The bees play a key role in maintaining the garden, along with the Flower Cutting Garden and vegetation across the National Mall, which dates back to the Obama administration when the first hives were installed.

The honey, known for its light clover and basswood flavor with a hint of subtle citrus notes, has become a signature ingredient for executive residence chefs, according to the White House.

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It's used regularly in everything from teas to dressings and desserts.

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The Associated Press contributed reporting.

King Charles follows Queen Elizabeth's playbook with a twist during Trump state visit: expert

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:00:27 -0400

King Charles III's first visit to the United States as a British monarch is drawing fresh comparisons to Queen Elizabeth II's historic trips — with royal experts noting that he appears to be charting a more candid and at times subtly political path than his late mother, while still adhering to the monarchy’s carefully controlled playbook.

Charles and his wife Queen Camilla arrived in Washington, D.C. earlier this week for a state visit in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence and their four-day trip also included stops in New York and Virginia.

Elizabeth visited the US multiple times during her reign, making several high-profile trips that helped reinforce the longstanding alliance between the two nations. Prior to her death in 2022, the queen last traveled to the country in 2007 to celebrate the anniversary of the Jamestown settlement.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams pointed out that Charles' trip comes at a time of increased tensions between U.S President Donald Trump and the leaders of several European countries.

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"In recent weeks there has been a series of public disagreements between President Trump and his European allies, especially [U.K. Prime Minister] Sir Keir Starmer," Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital.

"America's relations with NATO, the bedrock of American security, are in question with differing views about the war with Iran," he continued. "There have been angry exchanges over Greenland, Canada, the use of British bases to attack Iran from, the Falklands and rows over personalities."

Fitzwilliams shared his view that Charles’ approach marked a notable shift from the late queen’s famously restrained style, explaining that the king navigated a delicate diplomatic moment with a slightly more expressive and personal touch.

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He went on to praise some of Charles' most public-facing moments, including his historic address to the United States Congress and appearance at the White House state dinner on Tuesday, which he explained signaled a confident communicator stepping into his own.

"The king's speeches, to Congress and at the state dinner, were marvellous, incisive, full of humorous touches and informative," Fitzwilliams said.

Royal expert Hilary Fordwich shared her opinion that Charles struck a slightly different tone than Elizabeth had during her previous visits, pointing to a blend of tradition with a more modern edge.

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"King Charles II has inserted even more comic humor than his mother and he was unusually somewhat political with some of his comments," she told Fox News Digital.

Royal commentator Meredith Constant told Fox News Digital that she believes the shift reflects a monarch intent on defining his own legacy.

"In his speech, King Charles told Congress about the work that 'our generation' has left to do," she said. "King Charles doesn't want to be viewed as a transitional King; he wants to make a real impact."

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"Establishing a new special relationship between the U.S. that nods to the past while looking to the future is one way to do that," Constant continued. "I don't think the Queen would have been as outspoken as Charles was in his speech to Congress about the environment and the rule of law."

Constant noted that Charles' willingness to publicly address current geopolitical conflicts and policy issues marked a departure from Elizabeth’s approach, given the royal family’s long-standing tradition of political neutrality.

"It might not have sounded like much to most Americans, but King Charles is not a political figure," she explained. "Speaking openly about Ukraine and calling on the government to protect the environment is pretty momentous."

KING CHARLES SHATTERS 100 YEAR-OLD ROYAL TRADITION TO USHER IN MODERN MONARCHY: EXPERTS

However, Fordwich and Constant emphasized that Charles does not appear to have abandoned the core principles that defined Elizabeth’s reign.

"He very much echoed his mother’s dignified playbook," Fordwich said. "Focused on what unites us versus what divides us."

"Charles comes from the old guard of European monarchs," Constant said. "You can see his mother's impact in how he operates, but he's also his own person."

KING CHARLES WILL AVOID PRINCE HARRY DURING UK TRIP OVER FEARS PRIVATE TALKS COULD LEAK: EXPERTS

Royal experts told Fox News Digital that they had noticed a subtle difference in style between Charles and Elizabeth. Constant explained that Charles appeared notably at ease throughout the visit and projected a blend of royal formality with a more approachable presence.

"King Charles looked relaxed and in his element during all the public events," she said. "He managed to take a lot of the spotlight from Trump, but not overtly so."

Fordwich said that Charles appeared to be taking a more modern, hands-on approach to royal appearances, with the king engaging more directly with the public than his mother typically did during her trips. She highlighted Charles' interactions in New York City on Wednesday, including his visits to the 9/11 Memorial and Harlem.

KING CHARLES WON’T MEET PRINCE HARRY DURING MONARCH’S US STATE VISIT: EXPERTS

Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Charles was "mixing with crowds" at the events "to an even greater degree than his mother."

While at the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, Charles and Camilla paid tribute to the victims of the 2001 terrorist attacks. The royals laid a bouquet of white flowers on a parapet at the South Pool, bowed their heads in a moment of silence and met with survivors, first responders and families of the victims.

Camilla was photographed hugging Anthoula Katsimatides, whose brother John died when the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed during the attacks.

KING CHARLES, PRINCE HARRY RECONCILIATION IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE, BUT WILL BE A 'SLOW BURN': AUTHOR

"Anyone who thinks that the King and the Queen are not down to earth — nothing is further from the truth," Katsimatides later told the New York Post.

"I showed them my picture of John and Camilla said, ‘Oh, he’s quite a looker!" she recalled. "They’re so cool."

Charles later visited the Harlem Grown nonprofit, a sustainability initiative focused on urban farming. During his visit, he toured the facility, planted seeds, fed chickens and met with students to learn about their efforts to combat food insecurity.

TRUMP ‘SET THE TONE’ AS KING CHARLES 'COMMANDED THE SPACE' AT WHITE HOUSE: EXPERTS

Fitzwilliams noted that Charles remained consistent in the causes that he chose to highlight during his visit, which he said reflect the king's long-held priorities.

"King Charles included plugs for the environment and the importance of inter-faith understanding, which have long been his enthusiasms, in his speeches," Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital.

Fordwich noted that both Charles and Elizabeth's visits included humorous moments that gained widespread attention. She said that one of the lessons Charles learned from his mother was "diffusing discontent by inserting comic levity to bring both sides together."

The royal expert Fordwich referred to a highly-publicized moment from Elizabeth's 1991 address to a joint session of Congress, during which the microphone at the podium was set noticeably too low for her height.

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Fordwich recalled how the queen diffused the situation with a light touch of humor, asking, "Can you all see me now?," which prompted laughter and immediately put the room at ease.

She also pointed to a comedic line from Charles' speech during the state dinner, in which the king quipped to Trump, "You recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German."

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"Dare I say that, if it wasn't for us, you'd be speaking French," Charles added to laughter from those in the room.

Looking ahead, the royal experts said Charles’ approach could shape how the monarchy is viewed on the global stage in the years to come.

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"He seems intent on repairing the political rift and putting the special relationship back on track," Fordwich said.

Weighing in on the king's broader goal, Constant said, "Charles is truly in charge, and he seems intent on changing things in a way that is palatable to traditional monarchists and will hopefully help with younger generations who are more apathetic about the monarchy."

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘genuine love story' is built on being a 'very normal family': author

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:40:39 -0400

Prince William and Kate Middleton are marking a special milestone.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, who are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary April 29, took to social media to share a photo of themselves relaxing on the grass with their three children: Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 8.

The family smiled as they snuggled together.

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"Celebrating 15 years of marriage," the caption read, alongside a heart emoji.

The anniversary comes after a difficult stretch for the royal family, as Kate gradually returned to public life after her cancer treatment and William continued balancing royal duties with family responsibilities.

William met Kate when they were both students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. They dated on and off before getting engaged in 2010. They married a year later at Westminster Abbey.

WATCH: PRINCE WILLIAM AND KATE MIDDLETON'S ‘GENUINE LOVE STORY’ BEHIND PALACE WALLS

"I think with William and Catherine, it really is, unquestionably, a genuine love story," Robert Hardman, author of "Elizabeth II: In Private. In Public. Her Story.," told Fox News Digital.

"It had to be conducted in the full gaze of media scrutiny, but they’re a great partnership, and they’re a very close family," he shared. "It’s interesting that they like nothing more than being together in relatively ungrand situations.

"They don't have a great desire to stay in five or six-star hotels, and they don’t live a very grand life. Their idea of fun is just going for a picnic in the woods of Norfolk or spending time at home in the garden.

"They’re a very normal family," Hardman added.

British broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital the couple is expected to celebrate privately, likely outdoors with their children.

"Understandably, they’re keeping things under wraps," said Chard. "It avoids splitting coverage from King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit. But no doubt they will celebrate as a loving family behind closed doors, allowing the state visit and the U.K. and U.S.’s shared history and friendship to take center stage."

Hardman noted that there’s one thing William has made clear over the years. His family comes first.

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"They’re a regular family, and I think they’ve shown time and time again that when there’s a family issue, family, for him, comes first," he explained.

"There have been moments where he hasn’t been at events," said Hardman. "People said, ‘Well, where’s Prince William?’ And they learned his wife wasn’t feeling well, or he was taking the children somewhere.

"We’re all looking at what William will be like when he’s king," Hardman shared. "In his approach to the job, he takes his role as father very seriously.

"He’s not just a future king, but he’s the dad of a future king. I know he’s very concerned about how to make the whole royal experience as unscary, if you like, and as appealing as possible, notably to his oldest son, George, but to Charlotte and Louis as well, because they are the future of the monarchy.

"If they decide they don’t want anything to do with it, then it’s very bad news for the monarchy," said Hardman.

In a 2024 interview on "The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy," William, 43, opened up about how he prioritizes his family.

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"I do try and stick to school timetables as best as possible," he said. "So, most days we’re in and out of school doing pickups and drop-offs.

"Getting the balance of work and family life right is really important because, for me, the most important thing in my life is family, and everything is about the future. ... If you don’t start the children off now with a happy, healthy, stable home, I feel you’re setting them up for a bit of a hard time and a fall."

William and Kate have discussed their love of spending time outdoors. In a 2020 podcast, Kate said her favorite moments with her family take place "outside in the country, and we’re all filthy dirty."

Chard said the couple’s focus on family has remained central to their relationship.

"The bond and love that the Prince and Princess of Wales still share is evident for all to see," Chard previously told Fox News Digital. "They complete each other like two puzzle pieces. They are soulmates. The truth is, both Prince William and Princess Catherine have always had a strong sense of self. They communicate, compromise and share burdens. They help each other through challenging times.

"Their shared humor is also their superpower, along with a wonderful circle of friends and a strong family support network," said Chard.

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"They don’t feel the need to prove themselves to anyone and are laser-focused on all they do, from their family priorities to their royal endeavors. They haven’t changed as people and have simply matured together. They certainly know their own minds and, as modern royals, are carrying out everything that they feel fits rather than what is expected.

"They prioritize shared goals in bringing up a happy, healthy family," Chard added.

Trump hosts King Charles, Queen Camilla at White House state dinner: Fashion, food and a standout gift

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:10:46 -0400

King Charles and Queen Camilla enjoyed a glamorous night out at the White House for a dazzling state dinner that served plenty of unforgettable moments.

On Tuesday, the royal couple were greeted by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for the white-tie event in the East Room – here's a look at all the details.

For the celebration, the queen wore a deep fuchsia pink evening gown by Fiona Clare, one of her go-to couturiers. The jewel-hued dress was paired with an amethyst and diamond necklace gifted to Queen Victoria and then passed to Queen Mary, the BBC reported. While Queen Elizabeth II wore a tiara for her 2007 visit to the U.S., Camilla, 78, did not.

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"Not wearing a tiara to the U.S., a republic, makes sense," royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital. "It might be a respectful acknowledgment of our 250th year of independence from monarchy. Still, I did expect some razzle dazzle to give President Trump a taste of the royal flair that Britain does so well! But Queen Camilla's necklace does the job there. It appears to be the Kent Amethyst Necklace."

"I think the no-tiara move is understandable, if a bit disappointing for royal watchers!" Matta noted. "Since this visit is underscoring America's independence, a tiara could have read as over-the-top."

The queen further accessorized with matching earrings and a shimmering silver clutch.

The first lady, 56, opted for a pale delphinium pink silk strapless gown by Christian Dior Haute Couture, the outlet shared. She completed the look with off-white Dior suede gloves and Dior pale delphinium silk pumps.

"The stunning pink tones on both Her Majesty and the first lady seem to be a nod to the famous cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C.," said Matta. "Notes on the menu and decor for the evening highlight the "shared appreciation of gardens" between the king and the president. There will also be hints of English lilac in the decor to honor the guest nation. "

The queen's choice of jewels is part of the Kent Amethyst Demi-Parure, a coordinated set of matching jewels, said Matta. The collection dates back to 1818, Town & Country reported. According to the outlet, the pieces originally belonged to Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, Duchess of Kent and mother of Queen Victoria. The late Queen Elizabeth also wore the piece on numerous occasions throughout her reign.

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The state dinner marks the first time that Camilla wore the sparkling statement necklace from the royal collection.

The king, 77, and the president, 79, wore white ties, letting their wives shine.

An opulent royal feast awaited guests.

The dinner, headed by the first lady, was a feast of seasonal ingredients.

The first course featured a "delicate garden herb velouté paired with hearts of palm, toasted shallots and micro mint, followed by spring herbed ravioli with ricotta, morels and parmesan emulsion sourced in part from the White House Kitchen Garden.

The main course was Dover sole meunière with potato pavé, spring ramps and snow peas. The dessert course highlighted beehive-shaped chocolate gâteau with vanilla bean crémeux, almond joconde, crème fraîche ice cream and White House honey. Wines include a 2024 Hopkins Riesling, a 2022 Penner-Ash Pinot Noir and a 2022 Newton Chardonnay, selected to showcase American winemaking and complement the menu.

Entertainment was provided by U.S. military ensembles, including "The President’s Own" Marine Band, Army and Air Force choruses and strings.

Nearly 130 guests were in attendance for the banquet, including business leaders, tech CEOs, the president's cabinet, the king's aides, six Supreme Court justices and friends from Palm Beach, Florida, The Associated Press reported. Amazon and Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos attended the festivities with his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos, as well as Apple CEO Tim Cook, among others.

It was also during the state dinner that Charles showed off his signature humor. During the toast, the beaming monarch made numerous jokes, charming guests while keeping them laughing.

"Indeed, you recently commented, Mr. President, that if it were not for the United States, European countries would be speaking German," said Charles.

"Dare I say that, if it wasn’t for us, you’d be speaking French!"

He quickly added that, "Of course, we both love our French cousins greatly."

But the toast also came with a heartfelt surprise.

Charles announced he was gifting Trump a historic naval artifact, the original bell from the tower of the HMS Trump. The Royal Navy submarine was first launched in 1944 and fought in the Battle of the Pacific during WWII.

"So tonight, Mr. President, I am delighted to present to you as a personal gift, the original bell, which hung on the conning tower of your valiant namesake," said Charles. "May it stand as a testimony to our nation's shared history and shining future."

"And should you ever need to get hold of us, just give us a ring," he quipped.

The vessel's name is unrelated to the president. Buckingham Palace said in a statement ahead of the speech that the bell was a "symbol of friendship to mark this renewal," the BBC reported.

"King Charles has been in his element," said royal commentator Meredith Constant. "He's managed to strike an appropriate balance between jokes and comments that both recognize how divided America is without sounding too political. I think it's safe to say that King Charles has been the shining star of this trip so far."

The celebrations took place in the East Room.

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Charles and Camilla are on a four-day visit to the U.S. intended to both celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and to help repair the country’s strained "special relationship" with the U.K.

The king and queen arrived at the White House on Monday, where they were warmly welcomed by Trump and the first lady. After having tea in the Green Room, the royals went down to the South Grounds to see a new beehive in the shape of the White House that the first lady had installed last week. The royal couple then attended a garden party at the British Embassy.

On Tuesday, the king gave a 20-minute speech at a joint session of Congress, where he repeatedly highlighted the historical and cultural ties between both nations. He is the second British monarch to do so, after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

After a night of glitz and glam in D.C., the royal couple traveled to New York City, where they met with first responders and families of the victims from the 9/11 attacks. Camilla also visited the New York Public Library to mark the centenary of English author A.A. Milne's "Winnie the Pooh." Charles and Camilla will also attend a gala for the monarch's charity, The King's Trust, in the evening.

The couple's transatlantic trip will conclude in Virginia, where they'll attend a block party celebrating America’s birthday. Charles will also visit a national park, while Camilla explores a farm to highlight the work of America’s horse racing industry.

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During her reign, the late queen embarked on four state visits to the U.S.: in 1957, 1976, 1991 and 2007.

Mamdani says if he speaks to King Charles, he'd tell him to return controversial gem to India

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:44:41 -0400

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that if he has a chance to speak with King Charles during a 9/11 memorial event in New York City on Wednesday, he will ask the British monarch to return a controversial 105.6-carat diamond to India.

Mamdani was taking questions from reporters when he was asked what he’d say if King Charles happened to stop and chat at the event, a wreath laying at Ground Zero to honor those killed on 9/11 ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

"You know, if I was to speak to the king separately from that, I would probably encourage him to return the Koh-i-Noor diamond," Mamdani said, after first saying that he was focused primarily on the evening's memorial event.

The diamond, which is now set in the crown of the Queen Mother that was worn by Queen Elizabeth, the wife of King George VI and mother to Queen Elizabeth II, has a controversial history.

EVERY STOP ON KING CHARLES, QUEEN CAMILLA'S US VISIT: HERE'S WHERE THEY'RE TRAVELING IN AMERICA

The Koh-i-Noor, which means "Mountain of Light," was likely discovered in South India in the 13th century and is believed to have changed hands countless times over the following centuries.

In 1849, the gem wound up in Britain’s possession following its annexation of the Punjab and forcing its 10-year-old king to sign the Treaty of Lahore, requiring him to hand sovereignty — and the diamond — over to the British, according to Smithsonian Magazine.

DEADLY DIAMONDS AND CURSED CROWNS

The diamond became part of Britain’s Crown Jewels and was worn by several queens before it was set in the front of the crown of the Queen Mother worn by Queen Elizabeth, in which the gem has remained as it sits on display in the Tower of London.

India is one of several countries that have pushed for Britain to return the gem. Other countries laying claim to the famous diamond include Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan.

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So far, neither Britain nor the royal family has given any indication that the diamond would be returned.

Kimmel seizes on Trump's old age joke during meeting with King Charles, jokes he 'should be fired for that'

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 12:03:56 -0400

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel jumped on President Donald Trump's joke that his marriage to first lady Melania Trump wouldn't be as long as his parents' 63-year union during his show on Tuesday.

Trump delivered remarks at the White House on Tuesday while welcoming King Charles III and Queen Camilla. After saying his mother and father had been together for 63 years, he looked at his wife and said, "That’s a record we won’t be able to match, darling, I’m sorry. Just not going to work out that way."

Kimmel played a clip of Trump's remarks during his show and then said, "Wait a minute, did he just make a joke about his death?"

"My God. He should be fired for that," Kimmel continued. "Only Donald Trump would demand I be fired for making a joke about his old age, and then a day later, go out and make a joke about his own old age!"

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The White House did not immediately return a request for comment concerning Kimmel's joke about Trump's remarks while welcoming the King.

During a parody skit ahead of the White House Correspondents' Association (WHCA) Dinner on his show on Thursday, Kimmel described Melania Trump as an "expectant widow."

The joke faced scrutiny after a shooting broke out at the actual event on Saturday. The alleged shooter was targeting the president and members of his Cabinet, according to authorities.

Trump and the first lady have called for Kimmel's firing over the joke.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday called for an early review of Disney’s ABC broadcast licenses, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the media giant and the Trump administration.

FCC CALLS IN DISNEY-OWNED ABC STATIONS FOR EARLY LICENSE REVIEW IN WAKE OF JIMMY KIMMEL CONTROVERSY

Eight Disney-owned ABC affiliates will have to prove to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that they have been operating in the public interest. The licenses are not up for renewal for several years, but the FCC accelerated their renewal process on the heels of Kimmel's "expectant widow" joke.

Kimmel defended his joke on Monday's show amid backlash.

"This was Thursday, and there was no big reaction to it until this morning, when I greeted the day facing yet another Twitter vomit storm," Kimmel said during his monologue. "I said, our first lady, Melania, is here. Look at her. So beautiful. This is from the glow. Like an expectant widow, which obviously was a joke about their age difference and the look of joy we see on her face every time they were together."

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"It was a very light roast joke about the fact that he's almost 80, and she's younger than I am. It was not, by any stretch of the definition, a call to assassination — and they know that," he continued. "I've been very vocal for many years speaking out against gun violence in particular, but I understand that the first lady had a stressful experience over the weekend, and probably every weekend is pretty stressful in that house."

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Trump ‘set the tone’ as King Charles 'commanded the space' at White House: experts

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:00:18 -0400

President Donald Trump was at his "very best" on Monday when he welcomed King Charles III and Queen Camilla to the White House on Monday, an expert told Fox News Digital.

"Across both sides of the Atlantic people are holding their breath in anticipation of a thawing of political differences as King Charles weaves his conciliatory magic and President Trump standing in stature and praise for his royal visitors," royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner explained. "This was the president at his very best. His was quite an emotional speech, spoken at times with humor and passion."

He added that Britain still sees the U.S. as its "greatest ally," although political differences have caused a "strain on the special relationship."

Charles and Camilla arrived in Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon and were met outside the White House by the president and first lady Melania Trump.

KING CHARLES' SPEECH 'UNIFIED' BOTH SIDES OF THE 'POLITICAL AISLE': FORMER MARGARET THATCHER AIDE

Turner called the "pomp and circumstance" of members of the U.S. military marching by as the president and king watched "glorious."

"Then surveying the troops and the quiet one hour behind the scenes private discussion enabled both men to speak openly but with grace and courtesy on both sides," he added.

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British royals expert Hilary Fordwich noted that while Trump wasn’t "deferential, he hosted respectfully, which summed it up."

"President Trump made what seemed like an impromptu comment initially regarding the very ‘British weather’ to which" Charles "nodded and smiled, so that comic gesture went over well," she said.

While their greeting was mostly choreographed, Fordwich said the men managed more "impromptu moments."

KING CHARLES HEADS TO TRUMP WHITE HOUSE AS AMERICA MARKS 250 YEARS SINCE BREAKING FROM THE CROWN

"At times they looked rather like naughty school boys chatting in the back of the class," Fordwich joked. "This came across as very natural and struck a brilliant balance between the dignity requisite during the ceremonial start versus their spontaneous chatter indicative of their unique personal warmth."

"While President Trump, confident and in command, certainly set the tone with guiding gestures," Charles "remained restrained, diplomatic and composed, adapting and following all of Trump's prompts, apropos for such an occasions," Fordwich said.

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Royal commentator Meredith Constant said that "seeing the Marching Bands play the anthems for both countries, which serve as a stark reminder of how intertwined the two countries are, is always moving."

Charles was also able to hold his own with Trump, she added.

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"I noticed during Trump's welcome address that even though he was standing and giving the speech, Charles commanded the space," she said. "He was seated behind Trump and looked very at ease, in his element, attending any world event with any world leader."

It reminded her that even though "his mother was the longest-serving British monarch, Charles was the longest-serving Prince of Wales and has a lot more experience than his less than three years on the job as king would suggest."

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Charles addressed Congress on Tuesday and held a bilateral meeting with Trump before attending a state dinner hosted by the president at the White House.

He is expected to head to New York on Wednesday and lastly, go to Virginia for several events on Thursday.

The visit comes at a time when political tensions are high between the U.S. and U.K. due to the war in Iran.

Can King Charles save the ever-fracturing ‘special relationship’ after Trump anger at Starmer over Iran war?

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:00:57 -0400

As Britain publicly distances itself from President Donald Trump’s Iran pressure campaign, King Charles III’s upcoming visit is shaping up as more than royal pageantry.

It may be Britain’s most important diplomatic tool for preventing growing policy fractures with Washington from becoming something deeper.

"The British monarch has historically had huge importance in terms of creating personal diplomacy to smooth over ruffled feathers," Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank, told Fox News Digital, arguing that the crown has often served as Britain’s strategic stabilizer during moments of political strain.

Mendoza said Charles could play a critical role at a moment when Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government and Trump appear increasingly divided over Iran, defense strategy and the future shape of the transatlantic alliance.

TRUMP SLAMS STARMER AS ‘NOT WINSTON CHURCHILL’ FOR REFUSAL TO BACK IRAN STRIKES

"King Charles has the opportunity, through personal diplomacy, to create a new beginning with Donald Trump," Mendoza said.

Britain’s balancing act became clearer Monday when Deputy Minister Stephen Doughty publicly rejected U.S. blockade tactics against Iran, while still backing Washington’s broader effort to secure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

"While the U.K. doesn’t support the U.S. blockade, it supports working with the United States and others to reopen the Strait of Hormuz," Doughty said ahead of a U.N. Security Council meeting, according to The Associated Press, warning Tehran cannot be allowed to hold "the rest of the world to ransom."

The split underscores London’s effort to support U.S. security goals without fully endorsing Trump’s "economic fury" strategy, which aims to strangle Iran’s economic lifelines through aggressive maritime pressure.

That policy divergence has intensified scrutiny over whether Charles’ visit is now functioning as a diplomatic pressure valve.

A White House spokesperson emphasized the visit as a sign of enduring personal rapport between the president and the monarch. "President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president’s historic trip to the United Kingdom last year," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told Fox News Digital. "The president enjoyed welcoming their majesties to the White House, and he looks forward to more special events throughout the week."

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Mendoza pointed to Queen Elizabeth II’s past interventions as evidence that the monarchy can sometimes succeed where elected leaders cannot.

He cited Elizabeth’s historic role in easing tensions with Ireland and described royal diplomacy as uniquely positioned to create trust at the personal level.

"People often wonder why the British monarchy still exists in the 21st century," Mendoza said. "This is why."

Still, Mendoza was careful not to overstate the king’s role.

Charles, he said, is unlikely to directly influence specific policies on Iran, NATO or military cooperation. Instead, his greatest value lies in shaping what Mendoza called the "general mood music" around Trump’s willingness to engage.

"It’s more a question of general mood music, which could make the president more receptive to interesting solutions," Mendoza said.

That distinction may prove crucial.

Rather than forcing policy alignment, Charles could help preserve the broader strategic atmosphere needed to keep Washington and London functioning as close allies even while their elected governments disagree.

KING CHARLES SENDS PERSONAL MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATIONS TO TRUMP ON SWEARING-IN

For Britain, that may be particularly important as outside analysts warn that the "special relationship" is under mounting structural strain.

In an analysis published Monday, Council on Foreign Relations senior fellow Matthias Matthijs argued that while the royal visit offers "spectacle and ritual," it is unlikely to reverse what he described as the deeper unraveling of U.S.–U.K. ties.

Matthijs pointed to Trump’s repeated criticisms of Starmer about immigration, energy policy and Britain’s posture toward the U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran, suggesting Charles may now be doing much of the diplomatic "heavy lifting" required to preserve British access to Trump.

Meanwhile, constitutional scholars in Britain have also raised concerns.

Writing for the U.K. Constitutional Law Association earlier in April, Francesca Jackson warned that using the monarch as a diplomatic instrument during periods of sharp political volatility could expose the Crown to political backlash or "potential embarrassment," especially if Charles is perceived as caught between Trump and Starmer.

That risk reflects the broader stakes.

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If Trump embraces Charles while continuing to criticize Starmer, the visit could preserve royal rapport while underscoring political dysfunction, effectively creating a parallel diplomatic lane between Washington and the British Crown.

But for now, Mendoza argues, the monarchy’s purpose is not governance, but access to the king, which may still have a chance to keep the relationship from fracturing beyond repair.

Fox News Digital reached out to Prime Minister Starmer's office for comment.

King Charles plans to charm Trump and Congress in high-stakes state visit to the United States: expert

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:00:14 -0400

Many royal watchers say King Charles’ state visit is a test of the "special friendship" between the U.S. and the U.K. — and the monarch is up for the challenge.

President Donald Trump and his wife Melania greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla with an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House Tuesday morning. A military band played as the president and first lady walked the monarchs through a reception line of Trump Cabinet officials, then onto a raised platform for the formal ceremony.

Royal broadcaster Neil Sean told Fox News Digital that Charles is navigating a "delicate situation" during the four-day visit, which coincides with celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. But as glasses clink and guests gather at the White House state banquet on April 28, the king, 77, is expected to rely on his greatest asset: his signature charm.

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"He plans to focus on humor, a trait that dates back to his ancestor King George in the 1700s," Sean explained. "What most people don’t know is that the king is well-read on history. And I’ve been told King Charles finds President Trump fascinating."

"This is a vital visit for the king," Sean said. "By default, he will have a short reign [compared to the late queen]. And this significant visit will be part of his history. He was delighted to receive the invitation. The king knows he has a lot of popularity in the United States and is delighted to be a guest. He knows he has to make this visit memorable and historic without controversy."

"Likewise, Queen Camilla got along very well with the first lady," Sean said. "Camilla is also a voracious reader, and she has her refuge charity for women. Plenty to bond over there between the two women."

Trump, 79, previously praised the monarch as "fantastic," calling him a "brave" and "great man." The president also agreed that Charles’ state visit could help ease any strained relations between the two nations.

WATCH: ROYAL BROADCASTER NEIL SEAN ON KING CHARLES III'S US STATE VISIT HOSTED BY TRUMP

A rift between the U.K. government and Trump over issues such as Iran is raising the stakes for the monarch’s visit, The Associated Press reported.

Trump has criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer for refusing to join U.S. military action against Iran, dismissing him as "not Winston Churchill" — a reference to the wartime leader who popularized the term "special relationship." The tensions put added pressure on Charles to reinforce ties between the two allies.

But for the king, the priority isn’t politics — it’s preserving stability, Sean insisted.

"Another aspect many people don’t know is that the king will not be drawn into political conversation or discourse," Sean said. "And he’s not allowed to, which is why he travels with his foreign secretary. So, if any question comes up over Iran, tariffs, or issues like that, then it’s simply deferred to the foreign secretary. He does the soft power; the foreign secretary does the politics."

"King Charles loves America," Sean said. "He was a house guest of President Reagan, which is why they had a very warm relationship. They even went riding together. However, King Charles has now been advised on medical grounds to stop all sports, including skiing and riding, because of his ongoing cancer treatment."

"The king also has a soft spot for President Trump because of his kindness in the later years to his mother, the queen," Sean said. "The king is a very emotional person who is easily moved by very open, demonstrative moments of kindness. And President Trump certainly did that [with the late queen]."

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While Charles is abroad, Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be staying in the U.K. Sean said that the Prince and Princess of Wales "have very little input into this visit," allowing the king and queen to shine.

"Unless they are asked, they would not be required in any shape or form," Sean said. "But when President Trump came over here in September, William and Catherine got on very well with him and bonded over the speed of life, I was told."

Sources told Sean the state visit is poised to be a success, with the president repeatedly praising the king as a "friend." Sean learned that it’s likely Prince Harry, the king’s younger son, won’t be brought up.

A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex confirmed to Fox News Digital that father and son will not be meeting, noting that the monarch will be in the U.S. on a working state visit, "not a holiday."

A source previously told People magazine that the trip is tightly choreographed and that there is an understanding on both sides.

"When you’re talking about a state visit, every minute is accounted for — especially when it’s the king traveling as the invited guest of a head of state," said the source.

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"Harry knows how things are and wouldn’t ask for that either under these circumstances."

While Charles and Harry will not be seeing each other, the visit will bring the monarch to the country that his younger son has called home for six years.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. The couple resides in Southern California with their son, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4.

The king needs few distractions.

"Apparently, the king is most excited about addressing Congress," said Sean. "Remember, he will be the second monarch to do so. So, we’re all very excited over here to see what he has to say."

Sources told Sean it’s likely the king will give "a gentle warm nod" to the late queen. During her reign, she embarked on four state visits to the U.S.: in 1957, 1976, 1991 and 2007. Queen Elizabeth II, England's longest-reigning monarch, died in 2022. She was 96.

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"[During the state dinner] look out for gifts and jewelry that Queen Camilla will be wearing," said Sean. "Particularly gifts from previous presidents. The late queen really loved President Reagan for the simple fact that she liked his movies."

Trump and the first lady visited the U.K. in September for an unprecedented second state visit. Starmer hand-delivered the invitation from the king in the Oval Office five weeks after Trump returned to office.

"President Trump has always had great respect for King Charles, and their relationship was further strengthened by the president’s historic visit to the United Kingdom last year," White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Associated Press. "The president looks forward to a special visit by Their Majesties, which will include a beautiful state dinner and multiple events throughout the week."

Sean does not doubt that the king will help repair the trans-Atlantic relationship, cementing his legacy, all while commemorating America’s big 250th.

"[It’s] very much history in the making," Sean added.

King Charles, Queen Camilla touch down in US for historic first visit as monarchs

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:09 -0400

King Charles and Queen Camilla have a packed schedule for their first visit to the United States since becoming Britain's monarchs.

The king and queen arrived Monday at Joint Base Andrews shortly after 2:30 p.m. to mark their first visit to the United States since the late Queen Elizabeth visited in 2007 to celebrate the anniversary of the Jamestown settlement.

"The visit will be an opportunity to recognise the shared history of our two nations; the breadth of the economic, security and cultural relationship that has developed since then; and the deep people-to-people connections which unite communities," reads a press release from the U.K. Embassy.

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump welcomed the royals to the White House shortly after they touched down in Maryland.

PRINCE HARRY’S BETRAYAL SHATTERED KING CHARLES' TRUST BEYOND REPAIR: EXPERT

During their four-day visit, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence, the king and queen will travel to Washington D.C., New York and Virginia, where they will meet with the country's leaders and different community organizations.

"The King and Queen have arrived in Washington DC to begin a four-day State Visit to the USA, on the advice of His Majesty’s Government, and at the invitation of The President of the United States," the official royal X account shared Monday.

The royals' visit comes after Washington, D.C., was shaken by a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday.

KING CHARLES' ‘HIGH-STAKES’ US VISIT TESTS HISTORIC ALLIANCE, COULD SHAPE HIS REIGN: EXPERTS

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump and other top officials were evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom after a gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents in the lobby before being subdued and taken into custody. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Cole Allen, of Torrance, Calif., shot a Secret Service officer in his ballistic vest before being tackled to the ground.

The Secret Service agent is expected to make a full recovery and was released from the hospital Sunday. Allen is facing federal charges including assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence, with additional charges possible.

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that Charles and Camilla's trip to the U.S. was moving forward despite the shooting.

"Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on advice of Government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned," the spokesperson said. "The King and Queen are most grateful to all those who have worked at pace to ensure this remains the case and are looking forward to the Visit getting underway tomorrow," the spokesperson added.

A palace source told Fox News Digital that Charles and Camilla reached out privately to the president and the first lady "to express their sympathies with all those affected on the night and their gratitude to the security services who prevented further injury."

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The first stop on the royals' journey will be Washington, D.C., where they will be greeted by Trump and Melania, with a private tea at the White House on Monday, April 27.

Also included in their itinerary is a garden party, a ceremonial military review and a bilateral meeting, which the president and king will attend, while the queen and first lady have their own meeting.

"His Majesty, accompanied by The Queen, will deliver an address to Congress," the press release says. "This will be only the second time a British Monarch has addressed a joint meeting, following Queen Elizabeth II’s speech at the Capitol during a State Visit to the United States, in 1991."

They will then return to the White House for a state dinner hosted by President Trump and Melania. The following day, the king and queen will leave Washington, D.C., but not before laying "a wreath and flowers in honour of the fallen," to recognize the military alliance between the U.S. and the U.K.

During an interview with the BBC, President Trump showed his excitement for their visit, telling the outlet that King Charles is "a fantastic man" and that he can "absolutely" see the two countries remaining lasting allies.

According to the press release, the royals will then travel from Washington to New York.

"In New York, The King and Queen will undertake engagements reflecting the modern relationship between the U.K. and the U.S., including strong economic and cultural ties connecting the British and American people. The visit will also celebrate community initiatives, working to improve the lives of people in New York and across the United States."

While in New York, the monarchs will visit first responders and families of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

In addition, they will visit an organization that teaches children affected by food insecurity how to farm sustainably, an event for The Queen's Reading Room as well as an event with business and financial leaders "representing the breadth of the economic relationship driving growth in the U.K. and the U.S."

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"The King and Queen will conclude their visit to New York at a reception celebrating the work of The King’s Trust in shaping the lives of young people across America, as well as showcasing the cultural links between the U.S. and the U.K., including the U.K.’s world-leading creative industries," the statement explained.

Charles and Camilla will then travel to Virginia, where they will meet with local community organizations, attend performances by local Appalachian groups, which have historical ties to the region, and attend a block party to celebrate America's 250th birthday.

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The king will travel next to one of America's national parks, where he will learn about the programs in place to protect the country's natural environment, while the Queen will visit a farm and learn of America's horse racing industry, which has "long-term links with the sport in the U.K."

Their visit to the United States comes just a few months after the president and first lady traveled to the U.K. in September 2025, making Trump the first elected political leader to be invited for two U.K. state visits. Trump was previously invited for a state visit in June 2019 by Queen Elizabeth II during his first term as president.

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King Charles heads to Trump White House as America marks 250 years since breaking from the crown

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:00:27 -0400

King Charles III will head to the White House Tuesday afternoon to meet with President Trump after a man opened fire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner (WHCD) on Saturday evening.

President Donald Trump, the first lady and administration officials were evacuated from the Washington Hilton ballroom shortly after the WCHD began when a suspect rushed a security checkpoint and opened fire on Secret Service agents. The investigation is ongoing, and the agent is expected to recover.

King Charles’ first U.S. visit remains on track, officials close to the matter told Fox News Digital.

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Secret Service chief of communications Anthony Guglielmi told Fox News Digital that "the protective model for [Saturday] night’s event proved effective. The key takeaway for future events is that enhancements should be expected at every level, as that is how the model is designed to function."

"Every protective decision is driven by intelligence amid a dynamic and currently elevated threat environment. We are actively focused on identifying the trigger for this incident and fully understanding the factors that led to it," he added when asked about security measures for the visit.

The four-day trip aims to mark America’s 250th birthday — which celebrates the nation’s freedom from British rule. Charles’ visit comes against the backdrop of the war with Iran and criticism from Trump of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"It’s been 87 years since King George VI became the first king to ever step foot on American soil, and next week King Charles III will become the second British king to ever visit the Land of the Free," former advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson Thomas Corbett-Dillon told Fox News Digital.

The visit will kick off Monday morning with a formal ceremony at the White House and a ceremonial military review. The King and Queen will participate in several events, including a private tea.

"This is a monumental occasion, coming 250 years since the revolutionaries declared themselves free from the rule of the British crown. They now welcome that same crown with love, adoration, and open arms," said Corbett-Dillon.

Charles will deliver an address to Congress after his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, first delivered a speech at the Capitol during a state visit to the U.S. in 1991.

The last king to visit the U.S. was King George VI in 1939, when he traveled with Queen Elizabeth to strengthen ties prior to World War II.

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"The King is making one of the most politically sensitive trips of his life, visiting a White House that has publicly denounced his own Prime Minister on multiple occasions," said Corbett-Dillon.

While the visit will celebrate the U.S.-U.K. alliance, it also unfolds at a politically sensitive moment, with tensions lingering over Iran and Trump’s public criticism of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

"This is not Winston Churchill we are dealing with," said Trump on March 3. "By the way, I’m not happy with the U.K. either," the president continued, referring to Starmer blocking the United States’ use of U.K. bases to launch attacks on Iran.

Trump’s frustration with Starmer stems from Britain’s refusal to fully join the U.S. campaign against Iran, and has urged U.S. allies to get involved militarily or operationally, particularly around protecting oil shipments in the Strait of Hormuz.

KING CHARLES WON’T MEET PRINCE HARRY DURING MONARCH’S US STATE VISIT: EXPERTS

"The president may be tempted to push the king to back him in Iran," Corbett-Dillon said.

The monarch’s visit follows Trump’s state visit to the U.K. in September.

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"The special relationship remains above the day-to-day politics of our two nations and is cemented in our shared heritage and history," said Corbett-Dillon.

Fox News Digital’s Brooke Singman, Stephanie Nolasco and Ashley Papa contributed to this report.

Every stop on King Charles, Queen Camilla's US visit: Here's where they're traveling in America

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:54 -0400

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to travel to parts of the United States beginning Monday, with new details outlining a multicity visit to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence.

The royal couple will visit Washington, D.C., New York City and Virginia from April 27 through April 30, marking King Charles’ first official state visit to the United States as monarch, Buckingham Palace announced.

Queen Elizabeth II previously carried out four state visits to the U.S. in 1957, 1976, 1991 and 2007.

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President Donald Trump, who will host the royal couple at the White House, said he is looking forward to the visit.

Speaking to Fox News anchor Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday," Trump said the royals' trip to the U.S. was moving forward as planned.

"King Charles is coming, and he's a great guy, and we look forward to it," Trump said. "He's really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative."

In a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that the shooting over the weekend at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C., has not derailed the royals' visit.

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"Following discussions on both sides of the Atlantic through the day, and acting on [the] advice of [the] government, we can confirm the State Visit by Their Majesties will proceed as planned," the spokesperson said, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

Their trip comes during a milestone year commemorating 250 years since the United States declared independence, during the reign of the king’s ancestor, King George III.

Here are some of the highly anticipated stops on King Charles III and Queen Camilla's historic visit this week.

Washington, DC

The visit begins in the nation’s capital, where King Charles and Queen Camilla are expected to be welcomed by President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump for a private tea, Reuters reported.

The pair will later attend a formal White House ceremony featuring a military review of troops, followed by a state dinner hosted by the president and first lady, the White House announced in a statement.

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King Charles is also scheduled to address Congress, marking only the second time a British monarch has delivered remarks to a joint meeting, after Queen Elizabeth II’s address in 1991, according to The Associated Press.

New York City

After Washington, the king and queen will travel to New York City, where they are expected to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary later this year, Fox News reported.

They will meet with first responders and families of victims, in addition to other engagements in the city.

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King Charles is set to visit a community organization focused on mentoring children through sustainable urban farming initiatives, while Queen Camilla will attend an event celebrating literature, including the 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh, People magazine reported.

Virginia

The trip will wrap up in Virginia, where the royal couple will attend a community block party marking America 250, the nationwide celebration of the country’s 250th birthday, as Fox News has reported.

King Charles is also expected to visit a national park to meet with Indigenous communities involved in conservation efforts, while Queen Camilla will attend an event spotlighting U.S. horse racing, Fox13 reported.

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"He's a friend of mine for a long time. So he's coming, and we're going to have a great time. And he represents his nation like nobody else can do," Trump said, praising King Charles on "Fox News Sunday,"

Ashley Hume, Michael Dorgan and Brie Stimson of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

King Charles, Queen Camilla to move ahead with US trip after White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:17:46 -0400

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are moving ahead with their U.S. visit in the wake of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington D.C.

President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, first lady Melania Trump and other top officials were evacuated from the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom on Saturday night after a gunman exchanged fire with Secret Service agents in the lobby before being subdued and taken into custody.

On Monday, Charles and Camilla are set to arrive in Washington D.C. for a four-day trip, marking their first visit to the U.S. as British monarchs.

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In a statement to Fox News Digital on Sunday, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson confirmed that the shooting has not derailed the royals' visit.

Fox News Digital understands that the overall plan remains unchanged, with only minor adjustments to one or two scheduled engagements.

Earlier on Sunday, a palace spokesperson shared a statement with People magazine regarding talks that were being held about the upcoming visit.

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"His Majesty is being kept fully informed of developments and is greatly relieved to hear that the President, First Lady and all guests have been unharmed," the spokesperson said.

"A number of discussions will be taking place throughout the day to discuss with U.S. colleagues and our respective teams to what degree the events of Saturday evening may or may not impact on the operational planning for the Visit."

According to People, Charles and Camilla privately reached out to Trump and Melania following the shooting.

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While speaking on "Fox News Sunday," Trump said that the royals' trip to the U.S. was moving forward as planned.

"King Charles is coming and he's a great guy and we look forward to it," Trump said. "He's really a fantastic person and a tremendous representative."

Trump went on to praise Charles, referencing the monarch's ongoing battle with an unspecified type of cancer for which he has been receiving treatment since February 2024.

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"He is brave, you know, he's got something that's very tough to fight," Trump said. "He's got a problem with, as you know, a very well documented problem with his health. And he's been amazing, actually. He's very brave, actually, and he's a friend of mine for a long time. So he's coming, and we're going to have a great time. And he represents his nation like nobody else can do it."

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was among the world leaders who expressed their support for Trump following the attack at the gala dinner.

"I am shocked by the scenes at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington overnight," Starmer wrote in an X post. "Any attack on democratic institutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. titutions or on the freedom of the press must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. It is a huge relief that @POTUS, the First Lady and all those attending are safe."

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On Sunday, Prince Albert of Monaco and his wife Princess Charlene shared a message of solidarity with Trump after the shooting.

"To Mr. Donald J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America," Albert began in his Instagram post.

"Mr. President, It is with emotion that I learnt of the events which took place last night in Washington, on the sidelines of the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner," he wrote. "I wish to convey my relief at knowing that you, together with the First Lady and all those in attendance, are safe and unharmed following this act of exceptional gravity.

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"On behalf of the Monegasque community, Princess Charlene and my Family, I extend to you, as well as your spouse and the American people, the expression of our solidarity," Albert concluded.

Authorities have identified the suspect in the shooting as 31-year-old Cole Allen, of Torrance, Calif., adding that he prepared a manifesto outlining his intent and shared anti-Trump and anti-Christian rhetoric on social media.

As the WHCA was underway, Allen allegedly rushed a Secret Service checkpoint at the Washington Hilton while armed with multiple weapons and opened fire, striking a Secret Service officer in his ballistic vest.

Agents returned fire and tackled Allen to the ground. The suspect and the injured officer were transported to a hospital. The Secret Service agent is expected to make a full recovery and was released from the hospital Sunday.

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Allen is facing federal charges including assaulting a federal officer and using a firearm during a crime of violence, with additional charges possible.

Charles and Camilla's visit to the U.S. is in celebration of the 250th anniversary of America's independence and includes stops in Washington D.C., New York and Virginia. The late Queen Elizabeth was the last British monarch to visit the U.S., traveling to the country in 2007 to celebrate the anniversary of the Jamestown settlement.

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After arriving in Washington D.C., Charles and Camilla will be welcomed by Trump and Melania and attend a private tea at the White House. Their schedule includes a ceremonial military review, cultural engagements, a garden party at the British ambassador’s residence and bilateral meetings, with the King also set to deliver a rare address to a joint session of Congress — only the second by a British monarch.

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The couple will later attend a state dinner at the White House before departing the capital the following day, after taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen service members and the longstanding U.S.-U.K. military alliance.

Beyond Washington, the royals; trip expands to New York and Virginia, where the royals will visit the 9/11 Memorial, community and cultural projects, and attend events highlighting U.S.-U.K. ties and shared history.

Fox News Digital's Lauryn Overhultz and Amanda Mancias contributed to this report.

Princess Diana, hot dogs and a presidential matchmaking attempt: Iconic royal visits to America

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 06:00:19 -0400

When the British royal family comes to America, it’s never just a visit — it’s a spectacle. With King Charles and Queen Camilla’s upcoming trip, expectations are already building for the next round of iconic moments.

On March 31, Buckingham Palace announced that the king and queen would travel to the U.S. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. President Donald Trump said they would visit from April 27 to 30. A state banquet will take place at the White House on April 28.

Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII, was the first British royal to visit the White House in 1860. The upcoming visit will also mark the second time a British monarch has addressed Congress. The first was the king’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who delivered a speech at the Capitol during a state visit to the U.S. in 1991.

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"There are many fun royal occasions that have cemented our ‘special relationship,’" Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital. "Funny enough, the iconic moments tend to involve food, fashion, dance and normal things, highlighting the monarchy doing relatable things. The optics are gold and leave a lasting message."

There are many headline-making moments to choose from over the years.

Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that you can’t revisit a past moment without referring to "hot dog diplomacy."

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"In 1939, King George VI famously shared beer and hot dogs with Franklin D. Roosevelt," he said. "This reportedly endeared him to the president and helped build a relationship with Americans entering World War II."

The late queen made her first state visit to the U.S. as a reigning monarch in 1957. She was hosted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Turner also said that when it came to her visits, Americans didn’t think twice about rolling out the red carpet.

"During the visit in 1957, it was reported that the queen spent the night in the Rose Bedroom while Prince Philip stayed in the Lincoln Bedroom," he said. "It was explained that Philip liked to have a cold bedroom at night, with windows open to let in fresh air. Meanwhile, the queen valued her warm comforts."

Several royal experts agreed that the late queen appeared at ease in America. She was excited to see an American football game, explore a supermarket with her husband, and see the New York City skyline up close.

In 1983, the queen was invited by President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan to visit Rancho del Cielo, their California retreat known as the "Western White House."

"There was a rainstorm, so they had to make do with a meal of enchiladas, tacos, refried beans and guacamole," said Turner. "Apparently, the queen found them wonderful. Both the queen and President Reagan shared a love of riding and spent time together pursuing it."

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As for the late queen’s sister, she was ready to party.

In 1965, Princess Margaret was on an American tour when she attended what was described as "a star-studded dinner" at the White House hosted by President Lyndon B. Johnson. According to reports, the "royal rebel" and the president enjoyed libations while they foxtrotted into the morning.

As for the queen's son, Charles, he was almost set up with American royalty.

The former Prince Charles visited the United States in 1970 when he was newly crowned the Prince of Wales. An eager President Nixon was reportedly determined to play matchmaker between the prince and his daughter, Tricia Nixon.

"There were rumors that Nixon wanted to set up Tricia with Prince Charles," royal commentator Meredith Constant told Fox News Digital. "Obviously, that didn’t pan out, but the trip was considered an overwhelming success. The pictures of the Nixon girls with Charles and his sister, Princess Anne, captured some of that vibrant, next-generation youth. And clearly, the White House saw the benefit of having the U.K. royals over for a visit."

While the president’s daughter didn’t woo him, a first lady reportedly stole his heart.

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In 1981, Charles, who was then engaged to Princess Diana, was a guest of President Reagan’s at the White House, the U.K.’s Express reported. According to the outlet, he reportedly told a friend, "I have fallen in love with Mrs. Reagan." Despite such reports, historians generally view this as exaggerated or taken out of context from a close but platonic friendship.

Chard has a different memory from that visit.

"He attended a youth event on the South Lawn where he was challenged to breakdance," she said. "He declined. However, dressed in his smart suit, he did some stiff robot moves for a few minutes."

But no visit captured the public imagination quite like Princess Diana’s arrival.

In 1985, she attended a state dinner hosted by President Reagan alongside Charles. It was her first official visit to the U.S. The first lady invited all of Diana’s favorite stars: Tom Selleck, Neil Diamond, Clint Eastwood and John Travolta. Diana’s dance with the "Grease" star became legendary.

"Princess Diana wore a midnight blue velvet dress that would be known as ‘the Travolta dress,’" said Chard. "As Diana showcased her moves, the guests were mesmerized. It was like a fairytale, arguably the most famous royal White House moment."

But not every visit was so glamorous.

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"In 1991, while the queen was giving a speech, nobody had taken into consideration her height," said Turner. "All guests could see was the top of her head. The incident became known as ‘Podiumgate.’"

The unfazed queen later joked, "I do hope you can see me today from where you are."

It wasn’t the only misstep.

"During a speech at a 2007 White House event, President George W. Bush made a gaffe by stating the queen had helped celebrate the bicentennial not in 1976, but in 1776," said Turner. "The queen glared at him. But it was all in fun. As they left the banquet, she smiled and winked at him."

During her reign, the late queen embarked on four state visits to the U.S.: in 1957, 1976, 1991 and 2007.

Rare royal artifact linked to influential king-turned-saint uncovered after decades missing

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:00:34 -0400

Officials recently unveiled the discovery of an 11th-century wax seal belonging to one of the most influential monarchs in English history.

The seal, which had been missing since the 1980s, was found by a Ph.D. student in the Archives Nationales in Paris, where it has been held since the 18th century.

Known as the Saint-Denis seal, the artifact was uncovered in 2021, though the discovery has only now been made public.

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The seal was used by Edward the Confessor, who ruled England from 1042 to 1066.

"By far the best-preserved impression of the three seals known to have been used by Edward, its loss sparked great consternation among international historians," the University of Exeter said in an April statement.

"But it has now emerged that the wax artifact was found by a curator and a Ph.D. student conducting research in a section of the Paris archive that contained a collection of detached and damaged seals," the release added.

Edward was the last ruler of the Anglo-Saxon royal line before the Norman Conquest.

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Harold Godwinson, who died at the Battle of Hastings, was technically the last Anglo-Saxon king, though he was not part of the same royal line.

Edward, known for his strong piety, is also distinguished as one of the few English kings to be canonized.

He was canonized by Pope Alexander III in 1161, and his shrine at Westminster Abbey became a major pilgrimage site in medieval England.

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Pictures of the artifact show that the wax seal impression bears the image of a crowned ruler, surrounded by faint inscriptions and marked by visible age and wear.

One striking detail was how well-preserved the seal was, said Levi Roach, a medieval history professor at the University of Exeter.

Roach, whose findings were recently published in the journal Early Medieval England and its Neighbors, told Fox News Digital there is "clear evidence of modern restoration" on the seal, which was not there when it was last photographed in the 1950s.

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"The detached seals section of the French National Archives was used to train up archivists in restoration practices in the ‘80s and ‘90s, so this is presumably the product of such work," he said.

"Whoever restored it clearly was blissfully unaware that the seal was thought lost!"

Roach also noted the seal shows Byzantine influence, including its use of the imperial title "basileus" and sword imagery.

The find highlights how those ideas spread across Europe — and even reached England faster than previously understood.

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"Direct contacts with the Byzantine Empire existed, but are much less well evidenced than indirect ones," he noted.

"The seal's iconography demonstrates not only that Byzantine influences reached England via France, Germany and Italy — as has long been known — but also did so directly from Byzantium, in some cases within the span of little more than a decade."

These influences show that England was more connected to continental Europe before the Norman Conquest than people might assume, Roach added, pointing to rare royal documents — among the only known examples — produced by continental scribes and Edward's close ties to Normandy.

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"This demonstrates growing continental influence under Edward," he said.

"Many of the processes we classically associate with the Norman Conquest had already begun in his reign."

King Charles' food preferences revealed by former royal chef ahead of Trump's White House state dinner

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:00:44 -0400

When King Charles and Queen Camilla join President Donald Trump at the White House, the state dinner’s high-stakes menu is expected to dazzle.

On March 31, Buckingham Palace announced that the king and queen would travel to the U.S. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Trump said they would visit from April 27 to 30. A state banquet will take place at the White House on April 28.

Darren McGrady, who was a personal chef to the late Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Diana and her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, also cooked for Presidents Ford, Reagan, Clinton and both Presidents Bush. He told Fox News Digital that the British royal family can expect "the best of America" to be served.

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"I wouldn’t expect to see clotted cream on this banquet menu from President Trump, because that’s British produce," McGrady explained.

"America has some incredible produce. But having said that, the palace would have been in touch, saying, ‘King Charles is not a great lover of chocolate, but the queen loves chocolate.’ Anything with chocolate on the menu, Camilla will love.

"If there’s a cheese course, the king will adore that, as he loves cheese. He also loves honey, grilled vegetables, risottos and especially lamb. There’s incredible lamb here. He would be honored if there was lamb."

When it comes to food, impressing the monarch is far simpler than you might expect, according to McGrady.

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"For the king, it’s local produce," he said. "It’s seeing goods coming into season, like asparagus, artichokes, peas, spinach and broccoli. The king would absolutely be thrilled if any of those were on the menu."

Royal commentator Amanda Matta agreed.

"These events are tightly choreographed but also meant to feel warm and welcoming," she explained. "Charles has long taken an interest in food, particularly seasonal ingredients. So, a thoughtfully curated American menu would absolutely appeal to him. Unlike a British state dinner, which retains a lot of continental French inspiration, a U.S. state dinner will feature a menu that’s American right down to its core."

Matta shared that the White House "will absolutely" consult on dietary restrictions and known preferences to impress the royals.

"King Charles doesn’t eat foie gras, for example, and the royals are known to abstain from things like red sauces, garlic, or curry for practical reasons," said Matta. "The meal needs to be elegant but not overly complicated, and easy to eat while conversing. That means no handheld dishes, no messy dishes, nothing too experimental and nothing that risks embarrassing guests. But the menu is ultimately the host’s call, making the choices very much a diplomatic flex."

"This is the host nation’s moment to showcase its cuisine, domestic production, agriculture and identity," Matta continued. "Every course, every wine pairing, every ingredient will be chosen to send a message about American excellence. That said, it’s not unusual for subtle nods to the guests to be woven in. We might also see a British-inspired dish or dessert, or ingredients that reference the U.K. in some way."

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Helena Chard, British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital she wouldn’t be surprised if one of Charles’ favorites was served to woo the king.

"I would expect herb-crusted organic Virginia lamb with copious amounts of humble vegetables," she said. "Minted organic peas sit at the top of the vegetable hierarchy. King Charles is obsessed with peas. Both Charles and Camilla adore artisan cheese and are partial to a slice of organic apple tart."

It won’t just be the best of American cuisine doing the impressing. What’s in their glasses will be just as carefully chosen.

"The royal family would always have wine, beautiful wine, served at state banquets," said McGrady. "And I know the White House does too. Prince Philip, when he came for a banquet, even at the White House, wouldn’t drink any wine. He would have a beer. A glass of stout was his favorite.

"But it’s all about making the guests feel welcome. And for President Trump hosting the banquet here, it’s about making King Charles feel welcome. There may be a nod to something British, but I think on the whole, the table is going to be very, very American."

And if Charles’ beloved lamb is served, McGrady said it’s expected that only the best will be on the menu. He recalled going through every single ingredient and dish to ensure there were zero blemishes ahead of a dinner. He described that as "the standard."

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Chard warned that there are certain ingredients that would be off limits.

"Royal protocol dictates that garlic and shellfish are strictly off the menu," she said. "The menus will be planned weeks in advance. Much thought will be given to each course, especially as the king continues cancer treatment. Three test menus are drawn up, with the chosen option released 24 hours before the banquet."

But the real magic happens after dinner, said Matta.

"The dinner itself is only part of the evening," she explained. "A U.S. state dinner follows a fairly predictable rhythm: an arrival ceremony, a receiving line, cocktails, the formal meal, toasts or speeches and then entertainment.

"There might even be a musical performance when, after dinner, guests mingle more freely. The post-dinner revelry has also given us iconic moments over the years, like Diana dancing with John Travolta in 1985. It wasn’t part of the Reagan administration’s official program, but it became the defining image of the night."

Camilla is also expected to wear a tiara in the royal couple’s attempt to charm audiences.

"She’ll likely choose something that carries cultural significance in an American context," said Matta. "Or perhaps she’ll choose to nod back to Queen Elizabeth II, bringing back pieces she wore on her own visits to the White House. This could include the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland or Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik. It must be said they are fan favorites among royal watchers."

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"At its core, the goal of a state dinner at the White House is straightforward: relationship-building at the highest level and a chance for the American hosts to show that they can still cater to royalty at a high level," Matta shared. "We might see Queen Camilla dancing with President Trump, or Melania in the arms of King Charles."

"I wouldn’t rule anything out!" she added.

Prince Louis' 8th birthday portrait shows 'relatable' family vacation moment: expert

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:05:44 -0400

Prince Louis was all sunshine, smiles and charm in his portrait for his eighth birthday.

The royal family released the portrait of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s third born Thursday for his April 23 birthday, which showed him with a gap-toothed smile in a blue knit sweater in front of the sea.

The portrait of the 8-year-old was taken during a family vacation in Cornwall by royal photographer Matt Porteous, who frequently does portraits for the Wales family.

"The Prince and Princess of Wales have marked Prince Louis’ eighth birthday with exactly what royal fans hoped for — sunshine, smiles and a snippet of family life on a boat by the Cornish Sea," Helena Chard, a British broadcaster and photographer, told Fox News Digital.

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The portrait "shows a relaxed Prince Louis mid-giggle, oozing strength, energy and charm. Everyone looks forward to a Prince Louis special moment, especially a Prince Louis cheeky, warm relatable moment and his eighth birthday image doesn’t disappoint," she said. "He’s still very much our cheeky Prince."

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The prince and princess’ youngest child has an excess of character and has often stolen the show at royal outings with his unguarded faces and hijinks.

Chard added that having Louis’ portrait taken in Cornwall "says it all."

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"It’s William’s Duchy, yes. But more than that, they all love Cornwall, and it paints a picture of ‘We holiday where you holiday.' Everyone enjoys a joyful relatable image," she explained.

She said Louis is often seen as an "antidote" to scandals plaguing the monarchy like former Prince Andrew’s allegations and William’s feud with Prince Harry.

Along with the photo, his parents added a video montage that showed Louis’ athleticism.

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The montage captured the 8-year-old digging a hole in the sand, jumping in the water and swimming in a wetsuit, playing cricket and running on the beach.

Referring to Louis as a "cheeky chappie," royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner joked the prince had reached the milestone "without too many mishaps to his name, but who knows what might happen at his birthday party tonight."

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"Well known for his playing the drums — probably an unfortunate present — it could be a very loud night finished off with the special cake which Kate bakes for the children." Turner told Fox News Digital.

"He looks very resplendent in the photographs and is certainly already a handsome boy with a wicked sense of humor and enough energy to keep his whole extended Royal family amused on dull nights."

Turner compared Louis’ "exuberance" to that of his late great-grandfather Prince Philip, who died in 2021 at 99 years old.

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Noting Philip was "famous for his gaffes," he concluded. "This has obviously flown through the bloodline to the birthday prince.

"He certainly keeps Kate amused, and she finds it very hard not to laugh on public occasions when his sister and brother try to keep him in check," he added. "In one way, his outrageous and endearing character will certainly make him one of the most popular royals in the future."

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Despite his son’s birthday, it was still a working day for William — albeit probably not the hardest — who spent the day at the Jaguar TCS racing headquarters and got behind the wheel of all all-electric Formula E race car.

"An electric visit to the Jaguar TCS Racing headquarters in Kidlington!" a post on the Wales’ account that showed several photos of William at Jaguar said.

"Incredible to see the world leading approach to innovation and sustainability in Formula E. A huge well done to the team as they shift towards an all-electric future."

Kate Middleton admits there’s one part of royal life she finds ‘really hard’

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:31:57 -0400

Kate Middleton got candid this week on what aspect of royal life she finds "really hard."

While joining a small group of women on Tuesday at a Buckingham Palace reception to mark the 100th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, the Princess of Wales admitted she has a difficult time speaking at loud events.

"I find these environments to be really hard," the mother of three told the women, according to video posted to X. "I’ve also got a very soft voice, so I always get told: ‘Speak up a bit louder!’"

The 44-year-old attended the event with her husband, Prince William. She didn’t give a formal speech, as King Charles III did to commemorate the late queen's life. She happily interacted with guests.

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The princess has been open about her shyness, reportedly telling a guest after she made her first speech as a working royal in 2012 that she finds "doing speeches nerve-wracking," according to The Guardian.

In their first interview after getting engaged in 2010, the princess revealed she felt a bit timid when she first met her future husband, now the heir to the British throne.

"I actually went bright red when I met you and sort of scuttled off, feeling very shy about meeting you," she admitted in the ITV special.

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While speaking to a student at an event in 2017 who said they were nervous about talking to her, Kate admitted, "I'm shy as well, so don't worry," according to Hello! magazine.

And at her alma mater, the University of St. Andrews, in 2012, the royal also revealed that her nickname as a child was "Squeak," People magazine reported.

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Although making a speech may not be the princess’ favorite royal duty, she appears to enjoy speaking with people one-on-one. She is often seen laughing and smiling while spending time with members of the public, even having to catch up with other royals because of her chats.

"There's a real art to walkabouts. Everybody teases me in the family that I spend far too long chatting," the princess revealed in a 2016 ITV documentary, People magazine revealed.

"I still have to learn a little bit more, and to pick up a few more tips, I suppose."

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A viral video shared on Instagram in January shows the princess heading toward her car after a royal event in Stirling, Scotland. She then runs back to greet a crowd, accepting flowers and posing for a photo with a fan.

"She can't just not go!" the video's caption said.