Tag: Prince Charles

Queen, 94, enjoys a socially-distanced Easter walk with Prince Charles, 72, in Windsor 

Like families across the country, the Windsors have been making the most of the fine spring weather to see their nearest and dearest.

And this charming new image of the Queen and Prince Charles shows how much even a socially distanced walk can mean in these still difficult times.

The pair were snapped together as they took part in a private engagement at Frogmore on the monarch’s Windsor estate, details of which will be released in the next few weeks.

Mother and son appeared so happy and relaxed that when staff asked if they might pose for a handful of spur-of-the-moment pictures, they agreed.

The Queen, who turns 95 later this month, looked radiant. Wearing  one of her famed headscarves with a green, full-length raincoat and black rubber boots, she smiled and laughed, with her gloved hands in her pockets.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles enjoy spring weather and pose for a portrait in the garden of Frogmore House in Windsor

The Prince of Wales, 72, was more formally dressed in a favourite brown overcoat, shirt, tie and brogues, but looked equally delighted to be spending time with his beloved mother.

Behind them are the cherry trees, in full blossom, and daffodils that Frogmore House (as opposed to Frogmore Cottage, the Windsor home of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex) is so famed for at this time of year, as well as a small stone bridge over one of the estate’s ornamental lakes.

Frogmore – which is low-lying and marshy and derives its name from the preponderance of frog it attracts – was the setting for a family picture alongside Philip, Anne, Andrew and Edward taken in 1968.

While the latest picture was captured on a whim, it serves to provide a happy contrast to events of recent months.

Both the Queen and Charles have been deeply saddened by the acrimonious departure of Harry and Meghan as working royals and their subsequent emigration to California.

And as a doting grandmother and father they were also personally wounded by the bitter and highly damaging allegations that have since been thrown at them – and other Royal Family members – by the couple.

Have you come far: The royals in 60s sunshine at Frogmore with Princess Anne, Princes Philip, Andrew and Edward in 1968

Last month, in their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, the Sussexes accused the Royal Family of outright racism and failing to  support Meghan as she suffered a serious mental health crisis.

The Queen made clear that while deeply concerning, the family did not accept all of the accusations (‘recollections may vary’, she said) but stressed they wished to try to build bridges privately as a family.

And however upsetting it has been, the crisis has brought mother and son even closer together, united at having to put their personal feelings to one side in order to act in unison as The Firm’s ‘CEOs’.

The Daily Mail understands they have not only spoken but also met regularly in recent months, with Charles a frequent visitor to Windsor where his mother has been isolating since last spring with Prince Philip, 99, in line with Government coronavirus regulations.

A source said: ‘Although unplanned, this picture offers an insight into a family that is still together, happy and united after a difficult few months.’

This content was originally published here.

Prince Charles knew Meghan Markle was not long for The Firm

Prince Charles was saddened but not shocked when his son Harry and daughter-in-law Meghan Markle ditched the family and headed for America.

While the future king of England likes and admires his daughter-in-law, Nigel Cawthorne, author of the new tome, “Prince Andrew: Epstein and the Palace” told the London Sun, “I think [Prince Charles] likes strong women, but in The Firm there is only room for one Queen.”

“The Firm” is what people inside and out of the Palace call the business side of the British royal family.

“I think he foresaw considerable problems ahead for The Firm,” Cawthorne said. “Harry and Meghan amplified the popularity of the royal family in the way that Prince Andrew and Fergie did at the time. However, for the sake of The Firm he will feel this outcome is better that the monarchy is small in size rather than a constellation of stars in separate orbits.”

Charles, who genuinely likes Meghan and nicknamed her “Tungsten” after the strong metal, “genuinely made an attempt to support what Harry and Meghan were looking for,” Cawthorne said. “In truth, however, there wasn’t a lot he could do apart from offering moral support. He no doubt personally regrets the fact that he won’t see his son and family as much as he otherwise would have. 
 He likes tradition and order.”

This content was originally published here.

Prince Charles to pay $2.5M for Harry and Meghan’s security costs

Prince Harry is getting his dad to fork over $2.5 million per year toward his post-Megxit US security costs that sparked a diplomatic spat with President Trump, according to a report.

Trump sternly insisted Harry and wife Meghan Markle “must pay” for their own security after jetting into their new life in California — with the couple insisting that “privately funded security arrangements have been made.”

Those arrangements are being fronted by Harry’s dad, the UK’s 71-year-old heir to the throne, Prince Charles, a royal source told the Daily Mail.

“Charles has agreed to pay a ‘private contribution’ to the Sussexes. It will not be revealed how much and what that is used for, but it is believed to be around £2 million,” the source said of what equates to just under $2.5 million.

“However, the Prince of Wales does not have an infinite amount of money,” the source said — while conceding his annual income from his private estate, the Duchy of Cornwall, is around $26 million.

Page Six first reported on Friday that the couple left their $14 million bolthole in Canada and took a private jet with baby Archie to the Los Angeles area before the borders were closed amid the coronavirus crisis.

Meghan’s mother Doria lives in Los Angeles, and the 38-year-old former “Suits” star grew up there.

Their security bill is likely to be even higher than first thought because British cops are unable to carry guns in the US, meaning the couple needs to hire private guards, the Mail says.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment on the report nor whether it meant UK taxpayers would no longer have to contribute towards any future bill, the Mail said.

This content was originally published here.