Tea, Titles & Tiaras: A Royal Serve, Loyal Corgis, and One Very Knighted Beckham
The royals have been busy this week, playing beach volleyball in Brazil, finding new homes for themselves and the corgis, and handing out knighthoods to pop culture royalty. So pop the kettle on and let’s catch up on the latest royal goings on.
Prince William’s Brazilian Serve
Prince William has swapped palace pomp for Copacabana sand, showing off a surprisingly good volleyball serves on the famous Rio beach this week. Visiting Brazil to champion his Earthshot Prize and highlight global environmental innovation, the Prince made quite the impression, barefoot, grinning, and diving for the ball alongside Brazilian Olympian Carolina Solberg.
Crowds cheered as the heir to the throne laughed and lunged through rallies, proving he’s more than comfortable rolling up his sleeves and trouser cuffs for some hands-on diplomacy. Later, he headed to the legendary Maracanã Stadium where he took part in a penalty shoot-out with local children and football legend Cafú, landing a neat goal and winning instant approval from the Brazilian press.
But it wasn’t all sport and selfies. William’s trip was tied to the Earthshot Prize’s ongoing mission to fund practical environmental solutions. He spoke about deforestation, ocean restoration, and the need for real global collaboration. Sources say the Prince was keen to connect directly with communities, choosing Brazil for its biodiversity and its high stakes battle to protect the Amazon.
It’s the kind of trip that cements William’s image as a modern, action-focused royal, part eco-champion, part relatable dad. While Kate stayed home with the children, her husband’s sun-soaked diplomacy signalled a confident, forward-looking approach to the throne. And yes, for those wondering, there were plenty of photos of William smiling shirt-sleeved under that Brazilian sun.
Trouble at the Lodge: Sarah Ferguson and the Queen’s Corgis
Back home, royal life was less glamorous and a little more uncertain. The fate of the late Queen’s beloved corgis has made headlines once again as Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson reportedly prepare to vacate the Royal Lodge in Windsor.
The two dogs, Muick and Sandy, were gifted to the Queen by her son Andrew and his daughters Beatrice and Eugenie in 2021, and after Her Majesty’s passing they found a loving home with the Duchess of York. But with the Duke now out of favour and the couple moving on from their Windsor residence, royal watchers are asking where the corgis will go next.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the dogs will remain with the family, though they stopped short of saying which family member. Insiders suggest Sarah is determined to keep them, describing them as her loyal little companions during a turbulent few years that included two cancer diagnoses, financial challenges, and a quieter public role.
It’s a story that tugs at the heartstrings. The image of the Duchess walking the Queen’s last corgis across Windsor Great Park feels almost poetic. For many, those little dogs symbolise the most human part of royal life: loyalty, love, and continuity.
Despite everything, Sarah Ferguson appears to be weathering the storm with her trademark mix of humour and grit. Friends say she’s focusing on her writing and her health while remaining close to her daughters. For now, the corgis are staying put, a comforting reminder that even in royal circles, dogs really do have our hearts.
The Brothers’ Ongoing Divide
While Prince William was serving smiles and volleyball aces, across the Atlantic, Prince Harry was once again the subject of tabloid chatter. The rift between the brothers continues to play out publicly, and this week’s headlines did little to suggest reconciliation is near.
According to multiple reports, tensions reignited when Harry’s latest media appearance overlapped with the Earthshot Prize build-up, sparking renewed talk of competition between the brothers. Palace insiders insist it was purely coincidental, but the timing raised eyebrows all the same.
Since stepping back from royal duties, Harry’s focus on mental health advocacy and veterans’ work has drawn both praise and criticism. Yet the contrast with William’s global diplomacy makes the divide more visible than ever. Gone are the days of the united “Fab Four.” What remains are two princes charting very different courses.
Observers say William’s Brazil trip underlined his status as the family’s steady hand, while Harry’s frequent media projects keep him in the spotlight but outside the fold. For royal watchers, it’s a saga that keeps evolving, sometimes painful, sometimes fascinating, always newsworthy.
If only Grandma were still around to give them both a firm royal talking to.
A Knight in Shining Armani: Sir David Beckham
In happier news, Britain’s most stylish footballer finally got his long-awaited royal recognition. David Beckham has officially been knighted by King Charles III, receiving the honour for his services to sport and charity, and yes, he looked every inch the gentleman as he knelt before the King at Windsor Castle.
The knighthood has been a long time coming. Beckham was first tipped for the honour more than a decade ago, but after several delays and one leaked email scandal, it finally happened. Standing proudly beside him was wife Victoria Beckham, now officially Lady Beckham.
One notable absence, however, was eldest son Brooklyn. The family has said little about why he wasn’t there, but that didn’t stop fans speculating about work commitments, family dynamics, or simply the practicalities of celebrity schedules. Either way, the event marked a major milestone for one of Britain’s most recognisable families.
The Beckhams’ connection with the royal family has long been warm. They’ve attended weddings, supported royal charities, and represented Britain abroad. The knighthood feels like a natural extension of that partnership between old-school British tradition and modern pop culture power.
And for King Charles, the ceremony was a reminder that the monarchy can still command relevance through its symbolic honours. Who said football and formality don’t mix?
William and Kate’s New Home Sweet Home
Closer to Windsor, the Prince and Princess of Wales are reportedly preparing to move into their newest residence, an eight-bedroom mansion tucked within Windsor Great Park. The property, known as Forest Lodge, offers privacy, expansive gardens, and plenty of space for their three children to roam and perhaps for the family dog, Orla, to chase the odd squirrel.
Sources say the move will give the family a little more breathing room from the public eye while keeping them close to the children’s schools and to King Charles at nearby Windsor Castle. The decision to relocate comes after a busy few years balancing royal duties, parenting, and the challenges of a changing monarchy.
Kate, who has kept a relatively low profile in recent months, is said to be looking forward to more family time and the opportunity to put her creative stamp on the home’s interiors. No doubt the décor will feature the same elegant, understated charm she brings to her wardrobe, a mix of tradition, comfort, and modern flair.
As royal watchers know, every Windsor move has a deeper meaning. This one signals a long-term investment in stability and perhaps a quiet statement about where the next generation of the monarchy plans to grow its roots.
So there we have it, from sandy volleyball courts to Windsor lawns, it’s been another lively week in royal land. If the royals prove anything, it’s that life inside and just outside the palace gates is rarely dull. One week it’s diplomacy and dogs, the next, new houses and honours. For the rest of us, it’s just another pot of perfectly brewed gossip. Until next time, keep your crown polished, your corgis close, and your tea piping hot.
Proudly Australian owned and operated