Table of Contents
Prince William returned to royal duties today – two days since he withdrew at the last minute from a memorial service for his godfather, King Constantine.
The Prince of Wales visited the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London where he met with Renee Salt, 94, a Holocaust survivor.
The symbolically significant visit comes at a time of heightened political tensions over the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, an update on Kate Middleton’s health has been revealed by Kensington Palace as she recovers from surgery at home.
The Palace told The Independent on Wednesday that the Princess of Wales is “doing well” on Wednesday after she underwent the planned operation for an undisclosed condition on 16 January.
The update follows the shock death of Thomas Kingston, the 45-year husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston, died suddenly on Sunday evening. His body was found at an address in Gloucestershire.
A friend revealed to the Mail that Thomas Kingston and his wife were “happy and positive” at an event at the National Gallery on Wednesday, just days before his shock death.
Key points
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Kate Middleton is ‘doing well’ after surgery, reveals Kensington Palace
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Thomas Kingston was ‘happy and positive’ at event just days before shock death
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Royal family in mourning as Lady Gabriella Kingston’s husband dies
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Duke of Sussex will appeal against High Court ruling dismissing challenge over security
Comment – Read the room, Prince Harry: you walked away from the UK – why should we pay for your security?
21:30 , Barney Davis
Another day, another ego blow for the supercilious Sussexes.
Prince Harry has lost the legal challenge he brought against the Home Office over its decision to deny him and his family automatic police protection whenever he is in the UK. It would take a heart of stone not to chuckle, or at least give tut and eyeroll. “What was he thinking…?”
This ruling is not just a triumph for common sense, it shows once again quite how out of touch Harry – now fully Californicated – is with the public mood.
It’s nearly four years since Harry and Meghan opted to leave these shores for ones where every Joe Schmoe carries a gun. Perhaps they have been bitten by the personal protection bug?
Read the full piece by Paul Clements here…
Read the room, Prince Harry: you walked away – why should we pay for your security?
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi through New York, police confirm
19:34 , Lydia Patrick
Paparazzi did chase Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “recklessly” through New York last year, police have confirmed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time that they and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland narrowly avoided a “catastrophic” crash while being pursued by paparazzi after leaving the Women of Vision Awards at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom on 16 May.
In a statement that was an echo of the 1997 chase through Paris that killed Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, a spokesperson for the royal couple said in the wake of the incident: “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two [police] officers.”
But authorities gave a different account of events at the time. The New York Police Department, which assisted the couple’s private security, said the journey had been “challenging” but “there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries or arrests.”
Read the full story here…
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi in New York, police confirm
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
18:34 , Lydia Patrick
Prince William missed a memorial for his godfather the late King Constantine sparking concerns for Kate Middleton’s health.
Constantine died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup.
William, 41, called the Greek royal family to let them know he was unable to attend, and Crown Prince Pavlos stood in for the British heir to the throne who was due to give a Bible reading.
Read the full story here…
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
Watch – Prince Harry hails ‘incredible support’ of family in new video message
17:30 , Lydia Patrick
Prince Harry hails ‘incredible support’ of family in new video message
More from Prince William’s Synagogue visit
16:27 , Lydia Patrick
Edward Isaacs, president of the Union of Jewish Students UK and Ireland, told William his organisation represented 9,000 students, adding: “Very sadly since October 7 we’ve truly seen an explosion of antisemitism on campus that we’ve never seen before.
“We’ve seen not only the number of incidents increase but the severity too. We’ve seen Jewish students receive death threats, we’ve seen Jewish students physically assaulted on campus, we’ve seen Jewish property desecrated as well on campus.
“But just because Jewish students haven’t been a victim of antisemitism doesn’t mean you don’t feel the anxiety, because if you haven’t been a victim you know somebody who has been, really sadly, and that creates, and has created, a climate of fear that we’ve never known before.”
Kate was due to join William for the synagogue visit which had been planned to mark Holocaust Memorial Day but she is recovering from an abdominal operation.
Mrs Salt remembered the princess when she spoke with William: “I’m sure if your wife would have been well she would have been here I miss her so much, give her my best wishes.”
William condemns rise in antisemitism as he visits synagogue
15:30 , Lydia Patrick
The Prince of Wales has condemned the rise in hatred directed against the country’s Jewish community saying “antisemitism has no place in society”.
William visited a London synagogue to meet young people representing Jewish students and others helping to combat antisemitism among the next generation to “reassure you all that people do care”.
He also spent a time with Holocaust survivor Renee Salt, 94, and held her hand after she recounted her fears and told her “I’m sorry it’s got to that stage.”
The future king’s visit to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue came after he called for the fighting in the Israel-Hamas war to end “as soon as possible” and increased humanitarian support for Gaza, during a visit last week to the London headquarters of the British Red Cross.
William heard the personal testimony of the young people who spoke about how Jewish students across the country have been affected by the rise of hatred on the streets of Britain.
He said: “Well, you’ve heard it from me, antisemitism has no place in society, you’ve heard that from me OK – I’ve said that before and I’ll say it again.
“And hearing all … your lived experiences both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise in antisemitism that you guys have talked about so eloquently this morning, and I’m just so sorry you’ve had to experience that, it has no place and it shouldn’t happen.
“So that’s why I’m here today to reassure you all that people do care, people do listen and we can’t let that keep going.”
Watch – Prince William seen in public for first time after pulling out of event for ‘personal matter’
15:00 , Lydia Patrick
William seen in public for first time after pulling out of memorial service
Watch – Prince William pulling out of memorial ‘nothing to do with Kate’, expert says
14:30 , Lydia Patrick
Prince William pulling out of memorial ‘nothing to do with Kate’, expert says
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
14:00 , Lydia Patrick
In January, the Princess of Wales, 42, entered the London Clinic to have abdominal surgery for an unspecified condition.
The exact details of the princess’s condition have not been revealed but the Palace said previously it was not cancer-related, and that Kate wished her personal medical information to remain private.
Here is a history of Kate’s health…
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
Why did Prince William miss his godfather’s memorial service?
13:30 , Lydia Patrick
Prince William missed a memorial for his godfather the late King Constantine, 82, who died last January, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup.
William, 41, called the Greek royal family to let them know he was unable to attend, and Crown Prince Pavlos stood in for the British heir to the throne who was due to give a Bible reading.
The palace reported the Prince of Wales missed the memorial service due to a personal matter, however, they did not elaborate further.
In pictures – William wears a kip-pah as he visits synagogue
13:11 , Lydia Patrick
Prince William gifted bouquet for his wife Kate
13:09 , Lydia Patrick
During his visit to the Western Marble Arch Synagogue, Prince William was given a colourful bouquet of flowers to gift to his wife Kate who is recovering from surgery.
The Princess of Wales is said “to be doing well” after she went under the knife for an undisclosed condition in January.
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi through New York, police confirm
11:48 , Lydia Patrick
Paparazzi did chase Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “recklessly” through New York last year, police have confirmed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time that they and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland narrowly avoided a “catastrophic” crash while being pursued by paparazzi after leaving the Women of Vision Awards at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom on 16 May.
In a statement that was an echo of the 1997 chase through Paris that killed Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, a spokesperson for the royal couple said in the wake of the incident: “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two [police] officers.”
But authorities gave a different account of events at the time. The New York Police Department, which assisted the couple’s private security, said the journey had been “challenging” but “there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries or arrests.”
Read the full story here…
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi in New York, police confirm
In pictures- Camilla holds audience with Ukraine’s first lady
11:11 , Lydia Patrick
Queen meets Ukraine’s first lady at Clarence House
10:56 , Lydia Patrick
The Queen has met Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska at Clarence House.
Camilla welcomed the wife of the Ukrainian president to her London residence on Thursday morning.
They were pictured in conversation as they sat in the Garden Room, with their meeting coming just days after the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The pair met previously in November 2022 at a Buckingham Palace reception to raise awareness of violence against women.
Ms Zelenska was also a guest at the King and Queen’s coronation last May, representing her war-torn nation with its prime minister Denys Shmyhal.
The King, who is receiving ongoing treatment for cancer, was not present on Thursday.
Camilla has been dubbed the monarchy’s “saviour” and praised for keeping “the show on the road” in the King’s absence, and while the Princess of Wales is recovering from abdominal surgery.
She led the royal family at the memorial service for King Constantine of Greece earlier this week, with the Prince of Wales also absent at the last minute due to an unexplained personal matter.
Inquest to open into death of Thomas Kingston
10:07 , Lydia Patrick
A coroner is to open an inquest into the death of Thomas Kingston, the husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston, it has been announced.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court said the inquest would be opened on Friday afternoon at 2pm.
“Please be advised that HM senior coroner for Gloucestershire, Ms Katy Skerrett, will conduct the opening of the inquest into the death of Mr Thomas Henry Robin Kingston at 2pm Friday March 1 2024 at the Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court,” the statement said.
Buckingham Palace announced Mr Kingston, 45, died suddenly on February 25 at an address in the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire.
Lady Gabriella paid tribute to her financier husband in a joint statement with his family, describing him as an “exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him”.
Prince Harry to appeal after losing battle with Home Office over security arrangements
08:58 , Lydia Patrick
The Duke of Sussex will seek an appeal after losing his battle with the Home Office over his security arrangements.
Prince Harry lost a High Court case against the government on Wednesday in a ruling that dismissed his challenge over a decision to change the level of his taxpayer-funded personal security when he visits the UK.
The duke took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) after being told he would no longer be given the “same degree” of publicly-funded protection when in the country.
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected the duke’s case on Wednesday, concluding that Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair. In his 52-page partially redacted ruling, he said Harry’s lawyers had taken “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”, adding: “The ‘bespoke’ process devised for the claimant in the decision of 28 February 2020 was, and is, legally sound.”
Read the full story here…
Prince Harry to appeal after losing battle over security arrangements
Harry in surprise on-screen appearance at sports awards
07:59 , Holly Evans
The Duke of Sussex has made a surprise appearance on screen at the Sport Gives Back Awards in honour of a triple amputee Afghanistan veteran.
Harry paid tribute, in a video message played at the event in London, to Invictus medal-winning cyclist and fellow former soldier Josh Boggi, who won the Unconquered category.
It was Harry’s second video appearance on Wednesday, coming on the same day he lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
Read the full article here
Harry in surprise on-screen appearance at sports awards
Who is Lady Gabriella?
06:54 , Barney Davis
Lady Gabriella is King Charles’ second cousin. They are both great-grandchildren of King George V.
She has worked as an arts and travel director for a brand company and is a writer and contributing editor.
She is also a singer-songwriter and released two bossa-nova inspired tracks in 2020 to raise money for charity.
Although Lady Gabriella is not a working member of the royal family, she and Thomas Kingston’s family are being supported by the Royal Household through this difficult time.
Royal source gives update on Kate’s health
05:55 , Barney Davis
A royal source has shared a health update on the Princess of Wales as William abruptly pulled out of his godfather’s memorial service over “personal reasons”
A royal source told The Mirror that William’s absence from the event today is understood not to be related to the Princess of Wales’s continued recovery from abdominal surgery last month.
The source said: “The Princess of Wales continues to be doing well.”
‘An exceptional young man’
04:30 , Barney Davis
The Rev Canon Andrew White, who was in Baghdad at the same time Thomas Kingston served as project manager for a “government sponsored conflict resolution project”, described him as “an exceptional young man”.
He told the Daily Mail in 2019: “Tom is one of the most remarkable people I have ever worked with and I would have him back at my side tomorrow, if he would come.”
“Tom has a fierce determination to make things succeed and great insight into what makes humans tick, both good and bad,” Rev White said. “He uses those to see beyond the impossible and get through to the other side.
“We built up a huge following, hundreds of whom I baptised as children and who have relocated to Jordan. Tom helped me.”
King holds usual audience with Rishi Sunak as he receives cancer treatment
03:45 , Barney Davis
The King held an in-person audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesday, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Charles, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, resumed his weekly face-to-face meeting with Rishi Sunak last week – his first since his diagnosis.
The monarch left Windsor Castle and returned to Clarence House on Tuesday, missing the service of thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece.
The King and Mr Sunak met at nearby Buckingham Palace.
Although the King is continuing with duties behind the scenes, he has postponed all public-facing engagements while he undergoes treatment.
He told Mr Sunak last week how “wonderful” get well messages from the public had “reduced me to tears most of the time”.
Thomas Kingston smiles lovingly at Lady Gabriella Windsor in resurfaced wedding video
01:55 , Barney Davis
Thomas Kingston smiles lovingly at his wife Lady Gabriella Windsor in a resurfaced video of their wedding at St George’s Chapel in May 2019.
The late Queen Elizabeth led the royal family at the wedding and was joined by the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of Edinburgh.
Kingston, 45, was found dead at an address in the Cotswolds on Sunday evening (25 February). Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 6pm.
An inquest will be held to establish the cause of death but there are no suspicious circumstances and no other parties are thought to have been involved.
Thomas Kingston smiles lovingly at Lady Gabriella Windsor in resurfaced wedding video
ICYMI: Royal family in mourning as Lady Gabriella Kingston’s husband Tom dies suddenly
00:55 , Barney Davis
Prince Andrew leads royals at King Constantine memorial service as William pulls out
Wednesday 28 February 2024 23:05 , Barney Davis
The disgraced Prince Andrew has been pictured leading the royal family to a memorial service at Windsor Palace.
The Duke of York, who stepped down from royal duties five years ago, was pictured smiling as he walked with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, Princess Anne and her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, to the thanksgiving service for late King Constantine of Greece on Tuesday.
Andrew’s step back into the spotlight came as Prince William pulled out of the service to his godfather due to an undisclosed personal matter.
Alex Ross reports:
Prince Andrew leads royals at King Constantine memorial service as William pulls out
Prince Harry hails remarkable Invictus champion
Wednesday 28 February 2024 22:55 , Barney Davis
Harry paid tribute, in a video message played at the event in London, to Invictus medal-winning cyclist and fellow former soldier Josh Boggi, who won the Unconquered category.
Harry, who undertook two frontline tours in Afghanistan, praised Mr Boggi for being the “personification of resilience”.
“Josh, you are a truly remarkable human,” the duke said. “You served your country and completed three tours of Afghanistan.
“You were blown up, suffering a broken back and the loss of three limbs. You cycled across America and won several Invictus Games medals.”
He described how Mr Boggi nearly died again in an accident, when he collided with a truck, then contracted sepsis, but celebrated his own survival by jumping out of a plane to skydive twice over Nepal.
Harry added: “You are always helping others. There is no-one in the world who deserves this more, you are the personification of resilience.
“And for everyone else, do not try this at home.
“Josh. You are the winner of the Invictus Games Foundation Unconquered award. Congratulations mate.”
Sir Lenny Henry jokes with the Queen as she kisses author ‘We never got that’
Wednesday 28 February 2024 21:45 , Barney Davis
Queen Camilla helped host the BBC 500 Words event and was credited by writer and comic Charlie Higson, a member of the judging panel alongside Sir Lenny Henry, as ensuring the project’s return after a three-year hiatus.
After the presentation ceremony Sir Lenny, with fellow judges and the celebrity readers, was ushered into a state room away from afternoon tea laid out for guests in the nearby picture gallery, and he jokingly complained to the Queen about the lack of biscuits.
“I said there’s no food here, man, when we arrived there was no biscuits, no sandwiches.”
Earlier the comic was in mock uproar when Camilla greeted judge Francesca Simon, author of the Horrid Henry series, with a kiss on both cheeks, saying loudly “hang on we never got that”.
Sir Lenny said later: “It was amazing, judging, as you would expect, was difficult because there is so much talent out there, but in the end what happens is there’s a massive sifting process and you end up with the final 50 stories.
“And we read and respond, and first of all you’re in your pants at home eating Jammie Dodgers reading these stories, then you get in a room and you learn whether there’s a coherent strategy, whether we all agree and actually what’s amazing our taste was quite similar.”
Harry in surprise on-screen appearance at sports awards
Wednesday 28 February 2024 20:39 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex has made a surprise appearance on screen at the Sport Gives Back Awards in honour of a triple amputee Afghanistan veteran.
Harry paid tribute, in a video message played at the event in London, to Invictus medal-winning cyclist and fellow former soldier Josh Boggi, who won the Unconquered category.
It was Harry’s second video appearance on Wednesday, coming on the same day he lost a High Court challenge against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
The duke, who also recorded an earlier message appealing for nominations for the WellChild Awards, is to seek to appeal against the ruling, with his lawyers saying Harry “hopes he will obtain justice”.
Queen hailed for reviving young people’s writing competition
Wednesday 28 February 2024 19:40 , Barney Davis
The Queen was hailed at a Buckingham Palace awards ceremony for helping to revive a national writing competition which celebrates young talent.
Camilla helped host the BBC 500 Words event and was credited by writer and comic Charlie Higson, a member of the judging panel alongside Sir Lenny Henry, as ensuring the project’s return after a three-year hiatus.
The young finalists had their entries read in the palace’s ballroom by a group of celebrity readers who included Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston, actor Luke Evans and talent show judge Oti Mabuse.
Hiddleston told Camilla after the ceremony “We’ve had a three-year gap”, and she replied, “and I never ever thought we were going to bring it back again, but the very kind people at the BBC did listen, thought it was a good idea and here we are”.
Higson was asked if the Queen was a fan of his hit BBC comedy series The Fast Show and replied: “I’ve never asked her”, before adding mischievously: “The question everyone always wants to ask, is ‘do you watch The Crown?’ – I’ll probably be put in the Tower for treason.”
Princess Royal thanks rugby fans for raising millions for MND Association
Wednesday 28 February 2024 18:50 , Barney Davis
The Princess Royal was guest of honour at the Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium on Wednesday, as dozens of fans, and Rhinos legend Rob Burrow, gathered for afternoon tea.
The royal visitor chatted with 80 guests who have been inspired to volunteer or fundraise for the charity by Mr Burrow and his former team-mate Kevin Sinfield.
MND Association chief executive Tanya Curry greeted the Princess Royal and introduced her to many of the specially invited guests.
She said: “So many people within the rugby community have followed Rob’s journey and his friendship with Kev, and been moved to show their support by helping us to raise awareness of this brutal disease, and donating to the MND Association.
“This event was our chance to say a heartfelt thank you to them for everything they have done and we were delighted that the Princess Royal, who has been our royal patron for the last 16 years, was able to deliver that message of gratitude alongside us.”
King continues duties with weekly Prime Minister audience
Wednesday 28 February 2024 18:12 , Barney Davis
The King is holding an in-person audience with the Prime Minister on Wednesday, Buckingham Palace confirmed.
Charles, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, resumed his weekly face-to-face meeting with Rishi Sunak last week – his first since his diagnosis.
The monarch left Windsor Castle and returned to Clarence House on Tuesday, missing the service of thanksgiving for King Constantine of Greece.
The King and Mr Sunak will meet at nearby Buckingham Palace.
Although the King is continuing with duties behind the scenes, he has postponed all public-facing engagements while he undergoes treatment.
He told Mr Sunak last week how “wonderful” get well messages from the public had “reduced me to tears most of the time”.
Home Office pleased with High Court ruling on Duke of Sussex’s security
Wednesday 28 February 2024 18:10 , Barney Davis
Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.
The court was told it was “simply incorrect” to suggest there was no evidence that the issue of impact was considered, adding that the death of Diana, Princess of Wales – Harry’s mother – was raised as part of the decision.
Following the ruling, a Home Office spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the court has found in favour of the Government’s position in this case and we are carefully considering our next steps. It would be inappropriate to comment further.
“The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate.
“It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
Prince William will seek appeal against High Court ruling on his security
Wednesday 28 February 2024 17:31 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex will seek to appeal against a High Court ruling dismissing his challenge over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK, a spokesman has said.
Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the country.
Ravec’s decision came as a result of a change in the duke’s “status” after he stopped being a “full-time working member of the royal family”, a judge was told.
A legal spokesman for Harry said after the ruling that he will appeal, adding: “The duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec’s own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with Ravec’s own written policy.
“The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal, and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing.”
Queen wanted Harry and Meghan to have security despite quitting Royals
Wednesday 28 February 2024 17:01 , Barney Davis
Court documents previously showed that Queen Elizabeth II wanted the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to continue to have “effective security” after they quit as working royals.
The late Queen’s private secretary, Sir Edward Young, in an apparent nod to the death of Harry’s mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, wrote to Sir Mark that the royal family was “mindful of tragic incidents of the past”.
During the Home Office challenge, lawyers provided evidence relating to “reckless” driving when the duke and his wife were followed by paparazzi in New York in May last year, and paparazzi causing Harry “alarm” after a charity event at Kew Gardens, London, in June 2021.
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane said it was “entirely understandable” why Harry “should be particularly concerned about the activities of paparazzi, in the light of what happened to his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales”.
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
Wednesday 28 February 2024 17:00 , Tara Cobham
Prince William missed a memorial for his godfather the late King Constantine sparking concerns for Kate Middleton’s health.
Constantine died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup.
William, 41, called the Greek royal family to let them know he was unable to attend, and Crown Prince Pavlos stood in for the British heir to the throne who was due to give a Bible reading.
Lydia Patrick reports:
Kate Middleton’s health history after Prince William misses memorial service
Harry says he faced greater risk than his mother Princess Diana
Wednesday 28 February 2024 16:31 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex said he faces a greater risk than his late mother, with “additional layers of racism and extremism”, amid discussions about the future of his personal security, the High Court was told.
Harry believed his family faces an “international threat” and highlighted that terror group al Qaida had called for him to be killed during communications over his protection.
Details of the duke’s security complaints, including concerns expressed over security when he attended hearings in his litigation against newspaper publishers, were disclosed in his failed legal action against the Home Office.
In a ruling on Wednesday, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane dismissed Harry’s challenge over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), a body under the department’s remit, that he should receive a different degree of taxpayer-funded protection when in the UK.
The Government said that Harry’s claim should be dismissed, arguing Ravec was entitled to conclude the duke’s protection should be “bespoke” and considered on a “case-by-case” basis.
In pictures: Camilla shakes hands with Tom Hiddleston at Buckingham Palace reception
Wednesday 28 February 2024 16:30 , Tara Cobham
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi through New York, police confirm
Wednesday 28 February 2024 16:00 , Tara Cobham
Paparazzi did chase Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “recklessly” through New York last year, police have confirmed.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said at the time that they and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland narrowly avoided a “catastrophic” crash while being pursued by paparazzi after leaving the Women of Vision Awards at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom on 16 May.
In a statement that was an echo of the 1997 chase through Paris that killed Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, a spokesperson for the royal couple said in the wake of the incident: “This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two [police] officers.”
Read more here:
Harry and Meghan were ‘recklessly’chased by paparazzi in New York, police confirm
Thomas Kingston was ‘happy and positive’ at event just days before shock death
Wednesday 28 February 2024 15:44 , Tara Cobham
Thomas Kingston was “happy and positive” at an event just days before his shock death, a close friend has revealed.
The 45-year-old and his wife Lady Gabriella Kingston, who is known as Ella, attended a party at the National Gallery in central London on Wednesday, four days before he was found dead at an address in Gloucestershire.
A friend who spoke to the couple at the event told the Mail: “They seemed happy and positive as ever. Ella was particularly chatty.”
Another friend said: “It’s utterly shocking. None of us saw it coming. I cannot understand it.”
Prince Harry hails ‘incredible support’ of family in new video message
Wednesday 28 February 2024 15:00 , Tara Cobham
Prince Harry has hailed “the immense courage and compassion” of families, friends and professionals who support children and young people with complex medical conditions.
The Duke of Sussex, a patron of the WellChild charity, appeared in a new video message released on Wednesday 28 February, calling for nominations for the 2024 WellChild Awards.
The awards celebrate the inspirational qualities of the UK’s seriously ill children and young people, along with those who go that extra mile to make a difference to their lives.
“It allows us to shine a spotlight on the resilience and positivity that they demonstrate every single day,” Harry said.
Oliver Browning reports:
Prince Harry hails ‘incredible support’ of family in new video message
What is the status of the Duke of Sussex’s legal actions?
Wednesday 28 February 2024 14:30 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex has lost his High Court challenge against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
In a statement issued after the ruling, a spokesperson for Harry said that he would seek to appeal against the judgment, which means the duke is still involved in three legal cases in the English courts.
Here is an overview of the cases:
What is the status of the Duke of Sussex’s legal actions?
Prince Harry court case: The legal claims the Duke of Sussex has been involved in
Wednesday 28 February 2024 14:00 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex has lost his High Court challenge against the government over its decision to reduce his publicly-funded protection when he is in the UK.
Prince Harry’s lawyers had argued he was being “singled out” and treated “less favourably” in the decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) in 2020.
The decision was made in the same year Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to “step back as senior members of the royal family’ as they bid to become financially independent.
Andy Gregory, Jane Dalton and Alex Ross report:
All the legal claims Prince Harry has been involved in
Police investigated ‘near catastrophic’ Sussexes car chase, hearing reveals
Wednesday 28 February 2024 13:36 , Tara Cobham
Police investigated security fears raised by the Duke of Sussex over the “near catastrophic” car chase in New York in May last year, Wednesday’s hearing revealed.
The judge ruling on Prince Harry’s case against the government over his security arrangements cited a letter sent by the Chief of Intelligence in the New York City Police Department, suggesting security changes had been implemented for the Sussexes in the wake of the incident.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex claimed they narrowly avoided a “catastrophic” collision while being pursued by paparazzi after leaving the Women of Vision Awards at Manhattan’s Ziegfeld Ballroom on 16 May.
It was revealed in Wednesday’s hearing that a “thorough review” by police had “found reckless disregard of vehicle and traffic laws and persistently dangerous and unacceptable behaviour on the part of paparazzi during the night in question”. The judge noted: “They had operated vehicles, scooters and bicycles in a manner that forced the security team, which included the NYPD lead car, to take evasive actions on several occasions and a circuitous route to avoid being struck by pursuing vehicles or trapped on side blocks.”
Although no formal charges were brought, the hearing heard there was sufficient evidence to arrest two individuals for “reckless endangerment”.
Duke expressed ‘disbelief’ conversations over his family’s security were had without him
Wednesday 28 February 2024 12:28 , Tara Cobham
Wednesday’s hearing heard the duke expressed “disbelief” that conversations over his family’s security were being had without him.
In a letter sent on 10 February to Sir Mark Sedwill, who was Cabinet Secretary at the time, the judge also noted: “The claimant asked who would be willing to put him and his family in a position of extreme vulnerability and risk – ‘a position that no one was willing to put my mother in 23 years ago – and yet today, with greater risk, as mentioned above, with the additional layers of racism and extremism, someone is comfortable taking accountability for what could happen.’”
‘Overarching problem’ with Harry’s case is ‘inappropriate interpretation of Ravec process’, concludes judge
Wednesday 28 February 2024 12:12 , Tara Cobham
A judge has ruled that the “overarching problem” with Prince Harry’s case against the government was his “inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”.
Retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane said: “The decision of 28 February 2020 was obviously forward-looking in nature.”
He added: “The suggestion that the claimant should have received both a Risk Management Board analysis and a ‘bespoke’ approach ignores the witness evidence of the defendant which, for the reasons I have given, falls to be given weight.
“As already explained, that evidence shows no irrationality or other unlawfulness, as regards the Other VIP Category.”
‘No substance’ in duke’s claim Home Office failed to act in procedurally fair way, rules judge
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:49 , Tara Cobham
A judge has said there is “no substance” in the claim the Home Office failed to act in a procedurally fair manner towards Prince Harry over his security arrangements.
Rejecting the Duke of Sussex’s case against the government in a ruling on Wednesday, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane said: “There is no substance in the contention that the defendant failed to act in a procedurally fair manner.”
Home Office issues statement on ruling in duke’s legal action
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:44 , Tara Cobham
In response to Wednesday’s ruling, a Home Office spokesperson said: “We are pleased that the Court has found in favour of the government’s position in this case, and we are carefully considering our next steps. It would be inappropriate to comment further.
“The UK Government’s protective security system is rigorous and proportionate. It is our long-standing policy not to provide detailed information on those arrangements, as doing so could compromise their integrity and affect individuals’ security.”
Judge concludes Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor unfair in Harry’s case
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:40 , Tara Cobham
In a ruling on Wednesday, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane rejected the Duke of Sussex’s case against the government, concluding that Ravec’s approach was not irrational nor procedurally unfair.
In his 52-page partially redacted ruling, Sir Peter said Harry’s lawyers had taken “an inappropriate, formalist interpretation of the Ravec process”.
He added: “The ‘bespoke’ process devised for the claimant in the decision of 28 February 2020 was, and is, legally sound.”
Harry took legal action over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) after being told he would no longer be given the “same degree” of publicly-funded protection when in the country.
With an embattled royal family, could Harry return as the half-in, half-out Windsor?
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:25 , Tara Cobham
It’s the culmination of everything they’ve been building since they cut away from the royal family in 2020. Yet the Sussexes’ newly launched website, sussex.com, suggests a couple who still haven’t fully worked out who they are.
It’s earnest and informal, with first names and laidback lifestyle images, whilst also being unashamedly regal, with a coat of arms and official titles, even though Prince Harry promised his grandmother he’d never use his royal name for commercialisation. Many royal watchers were furious to see them still brandishing their coat of arms as non-working royals – and using the wrong heraldry no less.
But it leaves the question hanging, if they are not royal, what are they? The late Queen declined Harry’s request to be a part-time royal, and yet, reading his website you’d think this is exactly what he is. Which leads to another question: in times of need, could a hybrid Harry ever work?
Anna Tyzack reports:
Is it time for the Royal Family bring a ‘part-time’ Prince Harry in from the cold?
Prince Harry loses case against government over decision to change level of his security
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:10 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex has lost a High Court challenge against the Government over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
Prince Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the country.
Following a hearing in December, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane issued his ruling over the case at the Royal Courts Of Justice in central London on Wednesday.
Read more here:
Prince Harry loses legal challenge against Home Office over security arrangements
Duke of Sussex loses High Court challenge against Home Office over security arrangements
Wednesday 28 February 2024 11:06 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex has lost his High Court challenge against the Home Office over a decision to change the level of his taxpayer-funded personal security when he visits the UK.
High Court judgment over Duke of Sussex’s personal security is imminent
Wednesday 28 February 2024 10:41 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex will imminently discover whether he has won a High Court challenge against the Government over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK.
Harry took legal action against the Home Office over the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) that he should receive a different degree of protection when in the country.
Following a hearing in December, retired High Court judge Sir Peter Lane is set to issue his ruling over the case at 10.30am on Wednesday.
Kate Middleton is ‘doing well’ after surgery, reveals Kensington Palace
Wednesday 28 February 2024 10:06 , Tara Cobham
Kate Middleton is “doing well” as she recovers from her successful abdominal surgery at home, Kensington Palace has revealed.
The Palace told The Independent of the Princess of Wales’ health update on Wednesday after she underwent the planned operation for an undisclosed condition on 16 January and spent the following couple of weeks recovering in hospital.
Watch: Prince William pulling out of memorial ‘nothing to do with Kate’, expert says
Wednesday 28 February 2024 07:00 , Namita Singh
Prince and Princess Michael of Kent attended King Constantine’s memorial service
Wednesday 28 February 2024 05:45 , Namita Singh
Lady Gabriella’s parents Prince and Princess Michael of Kent attended the service for the late King Constantine II of Greece on Tuesday in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.Constantine was Lady Gabriella’s godfather and attended her wedding.
The Prince of Wales, also a godchild of the former Greek monarch, pulled out of attending at the last minute, but his absence was due to a personal matter and was understood not to be connected to news of Thomas Kingston’s death.