Put the kettle on, because it’s been quite the week in royal-land. Between fresh highlights, frosty family dynamics, and heartfelt goodbyes, there’s plenty to natter about. Let’s dive in.
Anne Gives William a Look (and Not a Friendly One)
If you’ve ever had an older sibling or aunt who thinks you’re slacking, you’ll know the vibe that’s swirling around Windsor. According to Tatler, Prince William is quietly rethinking how many engagements he should do, wanting to focus on fewer, bigger causes. Sounds sensible in the modern world, right?
Not so, says Princess Anne, the ultimate grafter. She’s been rolling up her sleeves for decades and still churns through more ribbon-cuttings in a week than most of us have hot dinners. Anne’s been left covering Windsor Castle investitures while William lives practically down the road. Rumour has it she’s more than a little irked though still fond of him. You can just picture the eyebrow raise.
Kate Goes Bronde And the World Notices
On a lighter note, Kate debuted a new honey-blonde hairstyle during a visit with William to the Natural History Museum’s gardens. Out with the rich brunette, in with sunlit bronde waves. It’s her lightest look yet, and the internet went into overdrive. Some stylists say it’s symbolic of a “new season” Kate, refreshed and confident. Others just called it gorgeous. Either way, she looked radiant.
Honouring the Queen
Three years since the late Queen’s passing, William and Kate marked the anniversary with understated grace. No grand parades just time spent with the Women’s Institute, one of Her Majesty’s favourite institutions. Kate shared anecdotes about the children crafting at home all summer, a nod to continuity of family life and memory. It felt warm, relatable, and dare I say more powerful than a stiff ceremony.
Meanwhile, Harry remembered his grandmother too, privately laying a wreath at her resting place. Dare I say very unlike the Duke of Sussex to take the understated path.
Harry’s Heartfelt UK Swing
Harry’s trip back wasn’t just about remembrance; it was about giving back. In Nottingham, he visited a community recording studio, donated over £1 million to BBC Children in Need, and spoke passionately about supporting young people scarred by violence as well as taking a not-so-subtle dig at the relationships between siblings.
At the WellChild Awards in London, he admitted that fatherhood has made him “a lot more emotional”. He even revealed his and Meghan’s Netflix guilty pleasures: Hostage (serious) and Love Is Blind (less so).
And Meghan? Always With a Twist
While Harry was busy in the UK, Meghan quietly shut down her Instagram shop, perhaps weary of criticism about cashing in. But don’t mistake that for retreat. She marked the second season of With Love, Meghan by sending her crew stylish bakeware sets, proof she knows the power of a thoughtful gesture. And have you noticed? Her style has softened – cosier knits, breezy skirts a clear “I’m writing my own script now” signal.
A Farewell to the Duchess of Kent
Amid the gossip came a genuine moment of sadness: the passing of Katharine, Duchess of Kent, at age 92. Beloved for that iconic Wimbledon hug with Jana Novotná and admired for stepping back from royal life to teach music in Hull, she embodied kindness and quiet strength.
William and Kate released a heartfelt message, flags were lowered across royal residences, and many recalled her charity work with young musicians. A reminder that sometimes the most powerful royals are the ones who choose humility.
Pour another cup, because if this week proves anything, it’s that the Royals don’t just live in palaces, they live in the push and pull of grief, duty, reinvention, and yes, gossip. And isn’t that why we keep talking about them?