They say you should just rip the Band-Aid off, so here we go… After four crazy years, this will be the final edition of our Royal News newsletter. It’s been such a privilege to write to you each week, taking you behind palace walls and on the road with us on our many royal adventures.
Since we launched back in March 2021, you welcomed us into your inboxes (and we know how busy they can get!) as we covered regal highs and lows, and for that we are incredibly grateful.
Don't worry: You’ll still be able to follow our latest stories on the Windsor clan by selecting “Royals” as one of your favorite topics on CNN.com, which will send all our articles plus other content on royals directly to your inbox.
You can also sign up for CNN's breaking news email alerts to stay across any breaking royal news coverage. And, we’ll continue to contribute our biggest stories to CNN’s 5 Things newsletter, which gives you the five top stories you need to know about each day.
Thank you for being a part of the Royal News community, and for one last time… scroll on for your round-up of the royal week.
-- Max & Lauren |
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Prince William steps in for his father at pope’s funeral. |
The Prince of Wales will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday on behalf of his father, King Charles, Kensington Palace has said. The decision is in keeping with modern tradition – Queen Elizabeth II didn’t attend papal funerals during her reign. Instead, in 2005, Charles, as the Prince of Wales, represented her at the funeral of Pope John Paul II. William will represent the British monarchy at the mass in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday morning, where he will be joined by world leaders and fellow royals from around the globe. It will mark yet another significant milestone in William’s role as a global statesman, and future monarch.
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James Manning/Getty Images |
King Charles’ 40-year art project. |
This summer, Buckingham Palace will unveil “The King’s Tour Artists,” an exhibition in the State Rooms showcasing 70 artworks that capture four decades of King Charles’ official overseas visits. The collection stems from a tradition initiated in 1985 when Charles, then Prince of Wales, invited artist John Ward to accompany him on a state visit to Italy. Ward’s task was to artistically interpret scenes that inspired him during the tour. Over the years, 42 artists have participated in this initiative, joining 69 tours across 95 countries. Their works encompass a diverse range of subjects, with many on public display for the first time. British painter Richard Foster’s “Their Royal Highnesses on North Seymour Island, 2009” is among the works. Foster joined the 11-day tour to Chile, Brazil and Ecuador in 2009, and captured Charles and Camilla looking out to sea during a visit to the Galapagos Islands. Meanwhile, Ward’s “From the Afterdeck of HMY Britannia, 1985” will also be on display. In 1985, Charles’ tour of Italy was at its halfway point when Ward joined, boarding the royal yacht, Britannia, before it set sail for Venice. This work captures a rare moment of rest amid the fast pace of overseas tours.
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Richard Foster/Royal Collection Trust |
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The Prince and Princess of Wales/X |
The Prince and Princess of Wales are traveling back to the country where their love story began next week, as they celebrate 14 years of marriage with a visit to the Isle of Mull in Scotland and a stay in a cottage. Their visit to the island begins Tuesday in Tobermory, the harbor town known for its postcard-perfect views. There, William and Kate – known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay – will visit a community hall and local producers' market. Later, they’ll head to a working farm and restaurant on Mull’s west coast, touring the land, learning about sheep farming, and helping harvest produce from the garden. Much of what’s gathered will go straight to the restaurant kitchen.
On Wednesday, they will join countryside rangers and local schoolchildren in Ardura Community Forest, before taking a trip to the island of Iona – a brief pause to celebrate more than 20 years together, before their return to royal life. |
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Josh Shinner/Kensington Palace |
Prince Louis turned 7 on Wednesday, and a new photo was released to mark the occasion. The image was published on his parents’ official social media accounts. The snap was taken by British photographer Josh Shinner and shows Louis sitting on a log, wearing a collared shirt, green V-neck sweater and jeans. Read more here.
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The King and Queen will lead the royal family in a series of national events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May, joining veterans and members of the public in marking the end of World War II in Europe. Highlights will include a military procession and fly-past with veterans on May 5, followed by a tea party hosted by the King and Queen at Buckingham Palace. The Queen will visit a new commemorative poppy installation at the Tower of London on May 6, while a national service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a celebratory concert at Horse Guards Parade will conclude the events on May 8.
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Jemal Countess/Getty Images for TIME |
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, said she’s “the happiest” she’s ever been, speaking at the TIME100 Summit in New York on Wednesday. Reflecting on her life post-royal duties, she told the audience: “Of all the things that have happened in my life, I never would have imagined that getting here, at this point, I feel just so happy and grateful. I really do.” Asked to make a personal confession during the panel, Meghan highlighted her focus on family rather than career milestones, citing her husband Prince Harry and their children, Archie and Lilibet, as the central sources of her happiness. “Archie is losing his first tooth,” she said. “I just hope I’m back in time for it.” One surprising source of happiness for the duchess? “Flower sprinkles.” Meghan described the simple joy of decorating meals with edible petals – a small act of beauty she sees as symbolic. “Take flower sprinkles as an analogy,” she said. “What can you do in your everyday life to add a little splash of magic?”
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"His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."
– King Charles III
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The British monarch paid tribute to Pope Francis, saying that he and his wife, Queen Camilla, were “most deeply saddened” to learn of the pontiff’s death. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Monday, he said he was glad Francis “was able to share an Easter Greeting with the Church” on Sunday, a day before his passing. Charles also said he and Camilla were “greatly moved” to have been able to visit the pope earlier this month, during a state visit to Italy to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. “Through his work and care for both people and planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” Charles added.
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