HEARTBREAKING: The One Show’s Alex Jones leaves Fans Worried as she SHARES Horrific News from Hospital
The One Show presenter Alex Jones sparked concern among fans this week after sharing a video of herself having a medical procedure to her Instagram Stories.
In the clip, posted on Monday (September 29), the beloved TV host could be seen lying on a hospital bed wearing a pair of light tan high-waisted jeans and white sneakers.
A doctor appeared to be treating her lower left leg as she filmed the moment.
Alex shared a video from a recent hospital visit (Credit: Alex Jones via Instagram)
The One Show host Alex Jones shares video from hospital visit
The unexpected post prompted an outpouring of concern from followers, many of whom feared something serious might be wrong.
But in a follow-up video posted shortly after, Alex, 48, reassured fans and explained the full story behind the seemingly dramatic scene.
“The last video has created more questions than answers,” she began, speaking directly to the camera with a smile.
“Basically, I went to the mole clinic. They said this little freckle on your leg needs to come off. I said: ‘Oh, well, can you do it now? Because I’m here now.’ And they said: ‘Alright then.’”
The presenter revealed that the hospital trip was just a routine visit to a mole clinic (Credit: Cover Images)
‘Unexpected start to a Monday’
Alex went on to explain that the reason she was still fully dressed, shoes and all, was down to time pressure.
“The only thing is, I’d only got 10 minutes. That’s why my shoes are still on in the video despite the fact I’m on a hospital bed,” she said.
She then lifted her trouser leg to reveal a small plaster on the removal site, confirming that the mole had been successfully removed and sent for testing as a precaution.
“[The doctor] put some anaesthetic in my leg, whipped it off, and was going to send it away,” she continued. “I think better safe than sorry, isn’t it? And if you’re there, you might as well just do it all at the same time.”
Alex signed off by calling it an “unexpected start to a Monday”. However, she admitted she was “glad it’s done”.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will commit to eradicating long term youth unemployment, saying, ‘We won’t leave a generation of young people to languish without prospects’
Rachel Reeves will pledge not to abandon a generation of young people
Labour will today promise paid work for unemployed young people as part of a new Youth Guarantee.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will unveil the scheme – along with the threat of benefits sanctions for those who turn it down. She will say: “Too many people’s potential is wasted.”
In today’s conference speech, she will dangle the carrot of paid work to young people on Universal Credit who has been out of work and education for 18 months.
But the stick is that those who turn down the scheme could lose their benefits. The government is fighting to get more young people into work, with one in eight aged 16-24 currently not in education, work or training.
The Chancellor will commit to eradicating long term youth unemployment, saying: “We won’t leave a generation of young people to languish without prospects.”
In a major speech to Labour conference in Liverpool, she will say that Britain must be built on contribution “where we do our duty for each other, and where hard work is matched by fair reward”.
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She will unveil plans for every young person who has been on Universal Credit for 18 months without earning or learning will be guaranteed an offer of paid work.
But people could face sanctions such as losing their benefits if they don’t have a reasonable excuse for taking up the scheme.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has been tasked with overhauling the welfare system(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
It comes as the Government battles to get more young people into work, with one in eight 16-24-year-olds currently not in education, work, or training.
Botched efforts to impose cuts to disability benefits in the summer have left Ms Reeves scrambling to balance the books in the upcoming Budget.
Newly appointed Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has been tasked with overhauling the benefits system to address rising costs and get more people back into work.
In a speech to party faithful, Ms Reeves will say: “I will never be satisfied while too many people’s potential is wasted, frozen out of employment, education, or training.
“There’s no defending it. It’s bad for business, bad for taxpayers, bad for our economy, and it scars people’s prospects throughout their lives.”
She will set out plans to fund a new Youth Guarantee, where every youngster will be guaranteed a college place or an apprenticeship, or one-on-one support to find a job.
And anyone out of work for 18 months will be given a paid work placement.
Ms Reeves will say: “We won’t leave a generation of young people to languish without prospects – denied the dignity, the security and the ladders of opportunity that good work provides.
“Just as the last Labour government, with its new deal for young people, abolished long-term youth unemployment, I can commit this government to nothing less than the abolition of long-term youth unemployment. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.”
The Chancellor will use her speech to spell out her ambitions to break down barriers for working class children.
She will say: “I believe in a Britain based on opportunity – where ordinary kids can flourish, unhindered by their background.
“And I believe that Britain’s real wealth is found not only in the success of the fortunate few, but in the talents of all our people, in every part of our great country.”
In a speech today, Mr McFadden will say the plans will give all young people “a chance to get up and get on”. He will say: “Almost a million young people are not in education, employment or training.
“We will not stand by while a generation is consigned to benefits almost before they’ve begun. We will not accept that school pupils, full of promise, become adults, full of frustration.
“We cannot – we will not – allow wasted talent to become Britain’s story.”
In a sign of the approach the Government will take, he will add: “A Youth Guarantee – meaning opportunity is not just for the few, but for all. And with that opportunity comes responsibility too – to take up the training, the apprenticeship or the work that is offered.”
HEARTBREAKING: Strictly Come Dancing’s Fleur East REVEALS Heartbreaking News about Ellie Goldstein that leaves Viewers Stunned
Strictly Come Dancing’s Fleur East has revealed the comment Ellie Goldstein made to her backstage after fans feared that she was upset during the BBC One live show.
The disability activist and model, 23, performed in her first live show on Saturday with professional partner Vito Coppola. However, some fans were left concerned after they spotted the star appearing to be comforted by professional dancers Dianne Buswell, Karen Hauer, and fellow contestant Harry Aikines-Aryeetey while co-host Claudia Winkleman interviewed other contestants.
Ellie and Vito appeared on It Takes Two this evening to chat about their time so far in the competition – and co-host Fleur East brought up the moment. She also revealed that she spoke to Ellie on the night herself.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Vito Coppola and Ellie Goldstein (Image:
BBC)
“Now Ellie a few people online thought you looked upset on Saturday but backstage you told me you had a great night,” Fleur said. “Did you enjoy it?”
Ellie responded: “Yes I did. I was not upset at all – I was absolutely fine and it was a great night with him. It was the best night ever.”
Ellie later thanked her social media followers for all their support, saying: “Thank you for the comments. they are really kind. Be confident, be in your element and be happy.”
Later in the show, the pair revealed that they would be performing a Waltz in Week Two of the competition – with Alison Hammond sending a good luck message to a delighted Ellie.
“Ellie – well done! You smashed it, you did it, oh my God,” she said. “Honestly, it was such a good dance and I’m so, so very proud of you. Keep dancing.
“You are going to smash this babes. Bye Vito, Bye Ellie – I love ya!” A grinning Ellie waved back, saying: “Bye Alison, love you Alison.”
Ellie took to social media yesterday to reassure fans that she wasn’t upset at the live show, writing: “Thank you all so much for the incredible love and support! I’m over the moon that so many of you enjoyed watching me dance last night – I’m honestly having the time of my life. This really is a dream come true.”
She added that her eyes can appear watery during the live show. “Just a little note: sometimes my eyes get watery after a long day – I promise I’m not upset! I’m doing so well and feeling SO happy, and your concern truly means the world.”
Martin Daubney has clashed with MP David Pinto-Duschinsky in a fiery debate over the Labour Party waving Union flags at the annual Labour conference this week.
The GB News host accused the MP of “plastic patriotism,” saying Labour only pretends to care about the country while councils are removing flags in places like Derby against the will of local voters.
Mr Pinto-Duschinsky defended the party, insisting Labour is proud of the flag but that it should never be used as a symbol of division, particularly when placed near offensive graffiti.
The row comes as delegates could be seen waving Union, Saltire, St George’s Cross, and Red Dragon flags during the Prime Minister’s speech earlier today, despite the recent controversy of flags being torn down across Britain.
Mr Pinto-Duschinsky defended the party, insisting Labour is proud of the flag
Martin Daubney said: “I’m going to put this to you, it’s all very well waving Union flags at conference; everyone’s at it. The Liberal Democrats are too.
“But why are Labour councils across the country taking flags down? You’re ashamed of the flag, really, if you’re honest.”
The Labour MP tried to interject, but Martin continued: “At conference, it’s easy just to wave your flags, but out there your councils are grabbing them off lamp posts.”
Mr Pinto-Duschinsky said: “As you saw in there, we are proud of our flag. But the flag can’t be used as a symbol of division. And when it’s next to graffiti telling people who were born here to ‘go home.”
He explained: “We are the real patriots here.”
Martin responded: “How can the so-called real Patriotic Party be taking flags down in Derby? Right now, a Labour-controlled council in Derby is taking flags down against the will of the voters.
“That’s the real Labour Party. What we’re seeing here, some people might call it plastic patriotism. It is pretend.”
Martin Daubney blasted the MP and stated that he is ‘ashamed’ of the flag
The Labour MP replied: “No, no, no. Obviously, I’m not the MP for Derby and I’m not going to pretend to know exactly what’s going on there.
“What I can tell you is that this is a party that is intensely proud. Proud of our flag, proud of our country, and a party that will stand up for this country.
“Unlike the plastic patriots of Reform, who are taking us down a path of decline and have no answers.
“Fundamentally, this is what the next election and politics today are about: the choice between renewal and decline, between decency and division, between real British values and stirring up grievance.
“The Labour Party will always be on the side of this country.”
BREAKING: Big Brother host Will Best ANNOUNCES Major Change to live evictions after 25 years as truth comes out
Big Brother is undergoing a major change for its 25th anniversary with the normal voting format being thrown out of the window.
Co-host Will Best announced on Big Brother: Late and Live tonight that fans can expect the voting process to be very different ahead of the first live eviction. After teasing the news throughout the show, Will said: “You may have heard this series the game is changing.
“Ahead of the first live eviction of the series, I can now exclusively reveal that in a break from long-standing Big Brother tradition that you the viewers will not be voting to evict. You will be voting to save.
Big Brother’s Will Best announced the twist during Late and Live (Image:
ITV)
“The fans asked for it – we have delivered. Big Brother was listening.”
The voting change marks the first time in Big Brother history that viewers will vote to save contestants throughout a whole series. Viewers are typically asked to vote for the stars that they want to evict.
While the vote to save format has been used before on the show – and in the Celebrity series – it’s the first time that it will be used for every live eviction.
Some fans took to social media to praise the change, with one writing: “ITV actually listening and bringing back Vote To Save #BBUK.”
A second tweeted: “Yes!! #BBUK.” While a third said: “Vote to Save! #BBUK,” alongside an emoji with heart eyes.
However, some were underwhelmed by the twist. “Vote to save… Hmmm,” one sceptical viewer wrote online.
“Pros and cons to it. Let’s see how this series turns out as to whether this is a good thing or not. Is that really all ‘The game is changing’ was though?! #BBUK”
During tonight’s episode of Big Brother, fans were left sobbing when new housemate Richard revealed that he had adopted a 33-year-old refugee, who was his only son.
Speaking to the other housemates, 60-year-old Richard said: “I was actually working in Malaysia at the time and the hotel I was staying in, this particular gentleman was working there but he was refugee from Myanmar. He told me early on that he lost his natural father when he was a kid.
“That was our first meeting but a friendship began to develop. Whenever my travels took me to that part of the world, I would try to visit. Then, he turned to me for advice and as we got close to the end of it, he said, ‘Is this what it’s like having a dad to help you through life’s problems?’ and the crucial thing is independently of that, I began thinking, ‘Is this what it’s like having a son?’”
Keir Starmer’s Labour needs to climb out of that hole, closing the poll gap and overtaking a Farage and Reform who either have peaked too soon or could seize power
Kevin Maguire is Associate Editor of the Mirror and a politics columnist. He is a frequent contributor to Good Morning Britain and other TV shows. He also writes a column for the New Statesman and earlier in his career was chief reporter for The Guardian. He is a Sunderland AFC supporter.
Tough times lie ahead, not least Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ November 26 taxing Budget. Yet Keir Starmer departs Labour’s Liverpool conference in reasonably better shape than he arrived.
And for that the Prime Minister may in part thank Nigel Farage and Andy Burnham. The Reform UK chief’s racist mass deportation threats and Swan Fake baseless smears about migrants eating wild birds stiffened Starmer’s backbone, giving him moral clarity.
But the battle between Starmer’s inclusive patriotism and Farage’s poison is a clash of civilisation against barbarism. OK, he was preaching to the choir so ecstatic ovations were predictable.
The Suffragettes also knew what matters most are deeds not words and if, for example, the scourge of child poverty is to be ended, that requires axing the vile Tory two-child cap. A commitment he didn’t give.
The PM couldn’t have wished for a finer endorsement than a glowing introduction delivered by Hillsborough Law campaigner Margaret Aspinall. In 2023 in Liverpool glitter was thrown on Starmer by a protester. Aspinall, a mother whose love for unlawfully killed son James drove her to seek justice for all, hailing Starmer’s championing of ordinary people sprinkled stardust on the PM and was worth its weight in gold.
Labour needs to climb out of that hole, closing the poll gap and overtaking a Farage and Reform who either have peaked too soon or could seize power. Next week the conference roadshow rolls into Manchester where the Conservatives, remember them? quipped Starmer, is a party really on its knees and mutating into a poor Farage tribute act.
Many, many unpredictable long weeks of politics lie ahead before an election that constitutionally could be as late as 15 August 2029. Nobody is able to predict the future, including Starmer himself, but at a personal fork in the road he suddenly has fight in his belly and that could put him and Labour back in the game.
The PM suddenly has fight in his belly, Kevin Maguire writes(Image: PA)
Then there was Andy Burnham throwing down the gauntlet until forced to pick it back up, the King of the North’s crown slightly tarnished for now. The engaging Greater Manchester Mayor’s internal challenge temporarily united frustrated, disappointed and worried Cabinet Ministers, MPs and factions behind the PM.
Starmer’s keynote speech was one of his best, stirring in moments and forceful. Flag-waving isn’t everybody’s taste, including mine, a plastic Union Jack never putting food on a plate or building a house.
JOJO Siwa got boyfriend Chris Hughes up on stage last night during the first gig of her tour, much to the delight of fans.
The American singer and Big Brother star is hitting venues around Ireland and the UK, as well as stops in France, Germany and Poland.
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JoJo Siwa got Chris Hughes up on stage on Monday nightCredit: TikTok
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The pair performed a dance routine for the audienceCredit: TikTok
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JoJo kicked off her tour in DublinCredit: TikTok
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Chris and JoJo met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this yearCredit: Instagram / chrishughesofficial
And as JoJo kicked things off for the Infinity Heart Tour, the 22-year-old decided to involve Chris in the on-stage fun in Dublin.
The pair, who met on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year, performed a dance routine together, with fans erupting into cheers as they did so.
Chris twirled the singer around before lifting her into the air as she wrapped her legs around his waist.
The pair appeared to be recreating the dance they did in the Big Brother house earlier this year.
Fans loved it at the time, as the cameras showed Chris and JoJo sharing a sweet moment on the colourful dance floor.
And as they danced together again for the live audience, TikTok users rushed to social media to share their joy.
One person penned: “This. is. EVERYTHING!!! The chemistry, love and happiness just RADIATES.”
Someone else wrote: “Why is this the cutest thing ever?!?!”
And a third added: “I’ve watched this far too many times.. it’s just EVERYTHING.”
JoJo takes savage swipe at Chris Hughes’ ex Olivia’s after relationship criticism
It comes as JoJo insisted she is not straight amid her romance with Chris and questions surrounding her sexuality.
JoJo has refused to put a label on her identity after falling for the former Love Island star inside the CBB house.
Prior to entering the house, JoJo was loved-up with non-binary influencer Kath Ebbs but ended their romance to pursue things with Chris.
Now, she has given a candid insight into the negative reactions and “extreme amount of hate” for being currently “in a hetero relationship.”
The dancer and singer opened up in a new radio interview on Sirius XM’s Smith Sisters Live about Chris and how she sees her sexuality within their hetero relationship.
Speaking on the show, JoJo said: “From the very, very, very beginning of our relationship. He said, ‘So you can be anything you want. I just love you. I don’t want you to change. I just love you.’
“And I don’t know, I think we got to see on episode two of Big Brother, he was the only person in fact that stood up for me right away.
“That shows who he is as a straight white male that shows the kind of person he is to stand up for the young 22-year-old queer person in the house.”
JoJo appeared to be referring to when Chris defended her amid a homophobic remark from actor Mickey Rourke inside the house.
Mickey went on to be removed from the house following a series of incidents and comments.
JoJo continued: “That was a beautiful moment. And I don’t know, it’s not something that we ever sit down and discuss.
“It just is like how we both exist. He feels very protective over me.
“Nobody around me knows the extreme amount of hate that I’ve experienced from within the community – just because I’m in a hetero relationship does not mean I’m straight.
“And okay, just say all of a sudden I said, ‘yeah, I’m straight’. Awesome. Who cares? Great. Beautiful. I’m still an ally then.”
Remaining clear, JoJo said again: “I’m not straight. I mean, I am in love with a man.
“But my past doesn’t get to be discredited though because of that.
“The first time I ever fell in love with somebody was with a woman.
“And she was my best friend. And we had an incredible relationship.
“I’ve obviously been in a relationship with other women and non-binary person and now I’m with a man.
“I’ve never experienced a love like his.
“No-one has made me feel that way. It’s so destined to be together and the best thing that’s ever happened to me is falling in love with him.”
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The pair appeared to be recreating the dance they did in the Big Brother houseCredit: ITV
EXCLUSIVE: Strictly co-stars Balvinder Sopal make FOUR-WORD request as they plead ‘HONESTLY’
Strictly Come Dancing star Balvinder Sopal’s on-screen family have issued a plea for tickets to the show, saying they “want to see her smash it”. Away from the dancefloor, the star plays Panesar family matriarch Suki Panesar-Unwin in BBC’s EastEnders. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk at the Inside Soap Awards in London on Monday, September 29, her on-screen son Shiv Jalota, who plays Vinny Panesar, and Aaliyah James, who plays her step-grandaughter Avani Nabdra-Hart, admitted they are still waiting on her to give them an invite to watch her perform on the BBC’s flagship Saturday night show.
“We’re loving her. Honestly. We’re waiting until she invites us to go see the show,” Aaliyah enthused. Shiv chimed in, “We want an invite, right?” Aaliyah agreed, adding, “We want an invite. We want to see her smashing it. She’s doing so well. We’re so proud of her. She’s been wanting to do this for ages.”
Aaliyah also admitted that Balvinder, 46, has started practising her steps on set while they set up scenes, laughing as she recalled a recent moment when they had just finished filming and her feet started moving as she spontaneously rehearsed.
The Panesar family first arrived in Albert Square in 2019 and have quickly become a fundamental part of life in Walford. Along with the Mitchells and the Slaters, they are one of the most iconic families on the show and Shiv says that is because they aren’t stereotypical.
“Over the six years the reaction from the audience has been amazing. And what the family represent – we’re not the stereotypical family that you see on screen elsewhere,” he said. “We’re a family that bring conflict and drama and the audience reactions, fans’ reactions show what that means to them. It’s amazing.”
Balvinder, who is teamed with new Strictly pro Julian Caillon, made her dancing debut in the first live show on Saturday, 27 September, scoring an impressive 27 points for their samba to (Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke gave them scores of 6, 7, 7, and 7, respectively.
Prior to taking to the floor for the first live show, Balvinder admitted she is finding it one of the hardest things she has done in her life.
Giving fans an Instagram update when she sustained a training injury, she wrote: “I can’t tell you, this is the hardest I think I’ve ever worked.
“The pros are incredible, superhuman, literal gods honestly. The way they move, the way they teach you it’s just brilliant and I’m loving every single second of it.”
SAD NEWS: Stacey Solomon Makes Heartbreaking Family ANNOUNCEMENT That Worries Viewers
Stacey Solomon was left in floods of tears as she shared heartbreaking news about her beloved dog Teddy during BBC One’s Stacey and Joe. The popular presenter’s programme chronicles her life alongside husband Joe Swash and their brood at Pickle Cottage, including their cherished rescue spaniel Teddy. But during tonight’s emotional episode, tragedy struck on Good Friday when Teddy suddenly fell seriously ill, prompting Stacey to rush him to the veterinary surgery after he lost all ability to walk.
When Joe and son Zachary turned up at the clinic, she emerged in floods of tears before falling into Joe’s arms, telling him: “It’s not that good. You come in and speak to her. I feel really bad.” Through her sobs, she explained: “I don’t know what to do because you can see all his discs are gone, they’ve been bad – it must be hereditary, she said,” Stacey told Joe and her son Zachary. “I don’t know what to do.”
Addressing viewers directly, Joe revealed the devastating prognosis: “At the moment, there’s a 70% chance that he’ll never be able to use his legs again. He’s slipped a disc in his back which is crushing his spinal cord which is making him paralysed.
“Is it fair putting him through an operation with such little chance of recovery? But then, he’s part of our family.”
The devastated pair eventually agreed to put Teddy through the risky procedure and left him at the clinic overnight, though they remained distraught during their journey home.
In a tearful phone call to her sister Gemma, Stacey said: “He’s only got a 30% chance of recovery. She didn’t say there’s 0% chance so what do you do? You have to give it a go, don’t you?
“He has to stay with them until at least Tuesday and that’s if he makes it and the spinal cord doesn’t die,” she added, while Gemma tried to comfort her.
“I’ve got to work out what I’m going to say to them,” Stacey said, referring to her kids. “Because he might not come home, Gem.”
Last week, Stacey shared a heartbreaking update on social media, months after Teddy’s surgery. In an Instagram clip, Stacey revealed she had taken Teddy for professional grooming as washing him had become challenging due to his inability to stand.
She told followers: “Thank you for always asking after Teddy. It really means a lot. He’s such a happy boy. He’s such a lovely boy.
“He will never be able to use his legs again, but he’s getting used to the wheelchair and, just, yeah. You just get on with it don’t you Teddy?”
The Duke of Sussex made no secret of how much he enjoyed his recent UK return.
The Duke of Sussex made not secret of how much he enjoyed his return to the UK (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry is happy in California, sources insist, but that won’t stop him from making frequent trips back home to the UK. He loved every minute of being back supporting the charities and patronages he spent years building a rapport with when he was a senior working earlier this month.
As well as carrying out engagements in support of the causes he cares deeply about, his return trips will also be about spending time with the King. Sources say he is considering bringing his two children, Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, with him next year as he knows his father is keen to spend time with his two youngest grandchildren.
Whether Harry’s wife, Meghan, would join them is another matter entirely. But for now, these small steps are an encouraging sign father and son might be able to move on.
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Can Fergie survive?
Sarah, Duchess of York has been embroiled in another scandal (Image: Getty)
Can Fergie survive? No, not me, I’m talking about Prince Andrew’s ex-wife, Sarah, Duchess of York. Charities have quite rightly axed Prince Andrew’s ex-wife in their droves since it was revealed last weekend that she sent a grovelling apology to Jeffrey Epstein and hailed him a “supreme friend” after his release from jail for child sex offences.
The Duchess emailed the millionaire paedophile just weeks after pledging in an interview never to contact him again. The toxic email, where she says Epstein had “always been a steadfast, generous and supreme friend to me and my family”, shows her willingness to put a friendship above her charitable work and moral duty to stand by his victims.
For years she has aligned herself with key charities and portrayed herself as empathetic and compassionate – but how can that public persona reconcile with her extraordinary association with Epstein? Fergie’s efforts to rehabilitate her image after her numerous earlier scandals have now been torpedoed by an email her spokesperson claims was sent because he had threatened to sue her for defamation. “Like many people, she was taken in by his lies,” they insisted.
So will we see the Duchess walk beside her ex-husband, who stepped down from official royal duties in 2019 over his friendship with Epstein, at private royal events in the future?
Earlier this month they joined senior working members of the Royal Family for the Catholic funeral of the Duchess of Kent, and before that they were all smiles at the Easter Mattins service in Windsor. But sources tell me this latest revelation is one scandal too many, and there’s pressure for the King to distance himself from the Yorks once and for all.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will remain in the fold, but Andrew and Fergie are very unlikely to be allowed to be photographed with the family again.
The Prince of Wales is resolute in his view, which he has held since his uncle gave the disastrous Newsnight interview, that there is no place for Andrew or Fergie anymore.
Princess Anne’s school throwback
Princess Anne was a student at Beneden College (Image: Getty)
Last week, the Princess Royal hailed the benefits of a boarding school education as she sought to reassure naval families who often enrol their children into them.
The King’s sister, 75, said the experience brings “stability” and makes children’s lives easier. Anne and her siblings all went to boarding school as children.
Charles, Andrew and Edward all boarded at Gordonstoun School (which at the time was boys-only), on the north coast of Scotland. For her part, the Princess spent five years at Benenden School in Kent. It’s an exceptional school, (hardly surprising with fees of more than £16,000 a term) that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting over the years.
While I attended a Kent grammar school, every summer I would head to Benenden for the Kent Music Summer School. My cello and I enjoyed the spectacular grounds and facilities for week-long music courses. A school like that is nothing to be sniffed at.
Next state visit revealed
There will be another state visit in December (Image: Getty)
It may have only been a week since Windsor Castle said goodbye to its guests, Mr and Mrs Trump, but preparations are already underway for the next state visit.
At the start of December, the King and Queen will host another inbound state visit at the Berkshire residence. It’s all top secret right now and my lips are sealed but it won’t be quite as grand as the last one, where Britain provided all the pomp and ceremony it could muster to woo the US President.
However, it will include all the usual elements royal fans are accustomed to with a carriage procession, ceremonial welcome and the glittering state banquet. I’m looking forward to it already!
Kate and Will’s Southport tribute
The couple travelled to Southport (Image: Getty)
The Prince and Princess of Wales may have come under criticism for approaching royal duties differently, but their trip to Southport last week proved how much of a difference it can make. They have carved out a role which involves focusing on a smaller number of projects so they make a greater impact.
Homelessness, the environment, mental health and early childhood are a few of the key areas the couple spend their time working on. They both put their heart and soul into their passion projects and areas in which they want to make a difference.
Nowhere was this felt more keenly than on their second visit to the Southport communities, where they were keen to show their support and provide a listening ear.
After the unimaginable happened during a Taylor Swift dance class, people have come together to support the grieving families. As parents to similar-aged children, and a daughter who loves to dance, Kate and William have been so deeply moved by the horrific attacks.
They showed genuine empathy and concern during their visit on Tuesday, and in doing so embodied how love really does triumph over tragedy.
