A Disney princess! Giggling Charlotte conducts an orchestra and dances along to Encanto hit song We Don’t Talk About Bruno as she and George join William and Kate on an action-packed Jubilee visit to Cardiff
- Princess Charlotte, seven, put on an adorable display as she joined her parents on a engagement in Cardiff
- Little royal appeared overjoyed to hear orchestra perform We Don’t Talk About Bruno from Disney’s Encanto
- She was captured dancing along to the song before sharing a giggle with her father Prince William
- Latest Platinum Jubilee news as the Queen celebrates 70 years of service
Princess Charlotte danced along to Disney song We Don’t Talk About Bruno during her first royal engagement in Cardiff today.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with George, eight, and Charlotte, seven, met performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place within the grounds of the castle.
And while the little royal may have initially seemed a little timid, it wasn’t long before her confident personality was on display.
She joined her parents and George in listening to an orchestra perform a number of songs, including Sweet Caroline, and appeared particularly overjoyed when the song from the animated film Encanto came on.
The seven-year-old could be seen waving her hand in the air in time to the music, before grabbing onto her father Prince William and sharing a laugh with him.
Princess Charlotte has become a favourite of royal fans thanks to her sassy personality. The princess has been snapped pulling funny faces, waving to photographers – and even sticking her tongue out on a family outing.
Princess Charlotte, seven, danced along to the Disney Encanto song We Don’t Talk About Bruno during her first royal engagement in Cardiff today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , along with George, eight, and Charlotte, seven, met performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place within the grounds of the castle
The tune We Don’t Talk About Bruno from the 2021 film Encanto has become the biggest hit from a Disney animated movie in the past 26 years.
The song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda and is sung by Encanto cast members Carolina Gaitán, Mauro Castillo, Adassa, Rhenzy Feliz, Diane Guerrero and Stephanie Beatriz.
The film also stars John Leguizamo (who plays Bruno), Wilmer Valerrama and Maluma.
It also has 29million streams and 8,000 downloads sold.
She joined her parents and George in listening to an orchestra perform a number of songs, including Sweet Caroline, and appeared particularly overjoyed when the Disney song came on (left and right)
The little royal was seen laughing alongside her brother Prince George as they listened to We Don’t Talk About Bruno
So just what is Princess Charlotte’s favourite Disney song?
The song We Don’t Talk About Bruno is ‘a gossip-esque song about Bruno Madrigal the rejected uncle of the Madrigal family – and one of three children born to Alma and Pedro Madrigal – whose gift for prophecy has left him estranged from the rest of his family; the family members explain why they do not talk about Bruno.’
The film is about the Madrigals family that lives in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto.
The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel but she becomes the family’s last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
The movie was released in the US on November 24, 2021.
We Don’t Talk About Bruno has done so well, it has even surpassed Let It Go from the animated classic Frozen that starred Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel.
As well as Princess Charlotte having a dance to the Disney song, Kate and William both tried their hands at conducting the orchestra at Cardiff Castle earlier today.
The family appeared to be having a wonderful time, laughing and giggling together as they listened to the music.
Meanwhile Princess Charlotte proved she is following in her mother’s thrifty footsteps today as she rewore her navy £140 Amaia coat as she arrived at Cardiff Castle for her first royal engagement.
The seven-year-old joined her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as her brother Prince George, eight, for the visit to Wales earlier this afternoon.
The little royal wore a navy blue button up coat dress from Amaia London, which she previously wore to Prince Philip’s memorial service in March of this year.
It is described to have a fitted shape and is a warm, easy to wear coat for children. Charlotte looked casual and chic as she paired it with white ankle socks and grey Mary Jane shoes.
It comes as a body language expert today revealed how Prince William and Kate Middleton showed ‘shy’ George and Charlotte the ropes today as they ‘provided an anchor’ to help their children feel ‘confident’ on the engagement.
Princess Charlotte has become a favourite of royal fans thanks to her sassy personality. The princess has been snapped pulling funny faces, waving to photographers – and even sticking her tongue out on a family outing.
However today, the little royal appeared significantly more shy, perhaps taking in the gravity of the occasion, only reaching out to shake hands after some encouragement from her mother Kate.
She walked hand-in-hand with the Duchess throughout the castle, who appeared to be helping her daughter adjust to her first public engagement.
Meanwhile Prince George also appeared a little timid today, ducking behind his father as he posed for a photo and holding onto Prince William’s hand.
Speaking to FEMAIL, body language expert Judi James revealed: ‘Both Charlotte and George also appear to have had training in the art of the royal smile.
And it wasn’t just fun for the kids! Kate also tried her hand at conducting during the engagement today much to the amusement of her children (left and right)
Meanwhile Prince William gave conducting Sweet Caroline a go during the visit earlier today at Cardiff Castle
Princess Beatrice was later snapped meeting with the BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans at the castle this afternoon
‘This is clearly a skill Kate excels in, but for small children the knack of faking facial expressions to be polite can be tricky, especially when they are in public and in front of the cameras. Both children seem to be trying their best though, even if their expressions do suggest some shyness behind the fledgling smiles.’
Meanwhile she revealed: ‘After their often tense-looking appearances so far during the Jubilee it was a rather more relaxed and synchronized-looking William and Kate that arrived in Wales today with their two eldest children.
‘With the tension of a rather boisterous balcony performance from Louis followed by an attempt to quash any signs of drama at St Paul’s, caused by the presence of Harry and Meghan, Kate and William were able to go into more of a parenting double-act here to show some of the non-verbal techniques they’re using to induct George and Charlotte into the formalities of royal visits.
‘Their prime gesture seems to be to ‘anchor’ both children when they are on the move by holding onto their hands and even swapping the hand-holding now so that it’s not always George who gets to be next to his father.
Prince George and Princess Charlotte appeared shy and timid as they were gently supported by Prince William and Kate Middleton on their first royal engagement today at Cardiff Castle
The Duke, 39, and Duchess of Cambridge , 40, along with George, eight, and Charlotte, seven, met performers and crew involved in a special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place within the grounds of the castle
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Cardiff Castle this afternoon
Princess Charlotte appeared to offer her older brother a flower as they walked around Cardiff Castle with their parents this afternoon
The Cambridges seemed in high spirits as they left Cardiff Castle this afternoon following their appearance
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte during their visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte visit Cardiff Castle
Prince William speaks to his children as the family leave Cardiff Castle after greeting royal well wishers during Jubilee celebrations
Princess Charlotte and her mother Kate appeared to be in high spirits as they met royals fans in Cardiff this afternoon
Kate appeared very happy and gave a royal wave to fans after she was handed a bouquet of flowers while visiting Cardiff Castle
Charlotte watched on as her clearly delighted mother accepted the flowers and spoke with some supportive locals
The royal youngsters joined their parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Cardiff Castle on Saturday. It was the siblings’ first official visit to Wales, Kensington Palace said
‘Charlotte often refuses the offer of a hand clasp, showing a sense of confidence and independence, but she looked happy to comply here. When they meet and greet with the public though the hands are dropped and both William and Kate use small touches and tie-signs on their children to signal cues and timings.
‘Kate was seen to nudge Charlotte to step forward to shake hands after she jumped in too quickly at first, moving up before her brother and father had done their greetings.
‘William placed both hands on George’s shoulders after he’d done his greeting to let him know he was still there behind him for steering and support. Kate tends to use hair-stroking comfort gestures to help the children feel confident and praised by her, making this as comfortable an experience for them as possible’.
Acts taking part in the celebrations including Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler, who was made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to music.
Other stars appearing include Aled Jones and Shan Cothi, both hosting the show, Mike Peters from The Alarm, singer Bonnie Tyler, West End star John Owen Jones, drumming weatherman Owain Wyn Evans and the Pendyrus Male Voice Choir.
The visit is one of a number members of the royal household are carrying out across the UK to mark the Jubilee. While the Cambridges visited Cardiff, Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex arrived in Northern Ireland.
Harry and Meghan, on the other hand, are expected to be absent from Jubilee celebrations today, as they celebrate daughter Lilibet’s first birthday at Windsor and continue to keep a low-profile.
According to Omid Scobie, they will mark the birthday ‘together privately as a family’. The Queen, Prince Charles and Camilla and the Cambridges all wished Lilibet a happy birthday through their social media accounts.
Later, William and his father Prince Charles will take centre stage in front of a crowd of 22,000 to pay tribute to the Queen during a star-studded Jubilee concert outside Buckingham Palace.
The father and son – both future kings – will speak separately in honour of the monarch towards the end of the BBC’s open-air Party at the Palace show, on the third evening of the four-day Jubilee festivities.
Despite the event not starting until 8pm, royal fans began arriving at The Mall from 8am to get the best spot.
It is thought unlikely the Queen will attend the concert but confirmation of any movements will be released later today. She will also not attend today’s Epsom Derby Day, but is expected to be glued to the TV, watching the developments from Windsor.
Princess Charlotte laughs as she conducts a band next to her brother, Prince George, during their visit to Cardiff Castle
The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince George during their visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte applaud a rehearsal during their visit to Cardiff
The Duke of Cambridge and Duchess of Cambridge, and children Prince George and Princess Charlotte applaud a rehearsal
The Duchess of Cambridge during a visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert taking place in the castle grounds later as members of the Royal Family visit the UK nations
All smiles: Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, speaks to a girl during a visit to Cardiff Castle in Wales this afternoon
Pictured: Princess Charlotte of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge depart after a visit of Cardiff Castle
The Duchess of Cambridge departs Cardiff Castle after a visit as part of the celebrations of the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen
Pictured: Princess Charlotte proved she is following in her mother’s thrifty footsteps, rewearing her navy £140 Amaia coat
Pictured: The Duchess of Cambridge offers a reassuring arm around smiling Princess Charlotte as they visit Cardiff Castle
William and Kate, alongside Prince George, eight, and Princess Charlotte, seven, are in Cardiff ahead of a performance
Princess Charlotte and her mother Kate appeared to be in high spirits as they met royals fans in Cardiff this afternoon
Kate appeared happy and gave a royal wave to fans after she was handed a bouquet of flowers while visiting Cardiff Castle
Charlotte watched on as her clearly delighted mother accepted the flowers and spoke with some supportive locals
The royal youngsters joined parents at Cardiff Castle on Saturday on their first official visit to Wales, Kensington Palace said
George was seen grinning as William stood behind him with his hands on his shoulders – with the prince wearing a mini-me version of his father’s blue suit and open necked shirt
Princess Charlotte of Cambridge departs after a visit of Cardiff Castle for the Platinum Jubilee with her family
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte during their visit to Cardiff Castle to meet performers and crew involved in the special Platinum Jubilee Celebration Concert
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Cardiff Castle in Wales
Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Charlotte of Cambridge depart from Cardiff Castle after meeting with performers
The Duchess led the young royal around Cardiff Castle with Charlotte seemingly in high spirits as she met royal supporters
Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince George of Cambridge during a visit to Cardiff Castle
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince George and Princess Charlotte during their visit to Cardiff Castle
The young Prince and Princess watch on as their parents chat with royal fans at Cardiff Castle this afternoon
Prince George and his sister Princess Charlotte greeted members of the public on their first official royal visit to Wales
The little royal wore a navy blue button up coat dress from Amaia London, which she previously wore to Prince Philip ‘s memorial service in March of this year
The Cambridges took the time to greet royal fans as they arrived in Cardiff for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
Though Prince George appeared shy, Princess Charlotte sported a happy smile as they greeted crowds in Cardiff
Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, with their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte at Cardiff Castle in Wales
The couple and their children are due to watch rehearsals and meet some of the acts taking part in the celebrations at Cardiff Castle
William and Kate encouraged their shy-looking children to shake hands and introduce themselves to dignitaries as they arrived in the Welsh capital
Princess Charlotte was out before her brother George and appeared to sport a shy smile as she was greeted by waiting dignitaries
Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend the National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral
Princess Anne arrived in her place alongside her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence just before 1pm as part of a procession, which included her children Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, who was with her husband, former rugby player Mike.
Crowds cheered and waved union flags as they made their way in to the course, with Anne seen smiling.
Jubilee celebrations took place in the Queen’s absence, with 40 jockeys who have ridden for the owner-breeder donning the royal racing silks and forming a guard of honour before the national anthem was sung.
Five of the monarch’s former racehorses were also paraded, and a selection of hats inspired by the seven decades of her reign have been displayed.
Meanwhile, Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo were pictured leaving the Maison Estelle private member’s club at 1am last night.
The Met Office has warned of thunder and downpours this morning – but a second round of storms is set to miss concert-goers at the Party at the Palace.
The Queen delighted crowds on Thursday with an appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, where she is expected to appear again after the Pageant parade finale on Sunday.
However she was unable to attend the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday, after experiencing some ‘discomfort’ during the first day of celebrations.
She has also spent some personal time with the Sussexes, who have brought their children Archie and Lilibet over from the US – the latter of whom the monarch has met for the first time this weekend.
Revellers arrive at The Mall to attend the jubilee concerts which will be held outside Buckingham Palace as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations
The Earl and Countess of Wessex were presented with the Belfast bap – a local delicacy
Not your everyday barman! Prince Edward serves a pint of Guinness for a woman during a visit to Bangor in Northern Ireland
Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex attend a Platinum Jubilee celebration in Belfast this morning
Sophie, Countess of Wessex greets well wishers as she arrives for a Platinum Jubilee celebration in Belfast this morning
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are visiting Northern Ireland to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. They will first visit Belfast, where the Royal couple will join members of the public at a 1950s-themed celebration on Royal Avenue in the city
Peter, 44, was joined by old school friend Lindsay Wallace as he attended the Epsom Derby with his mother Princess Anne and sister and brother-in-law Zara and Mike Tindall
Princess Anne was typically elegant in a cream coat and matching dress as she attended the event with her children
Princess Anne was joined by her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence at the Epsom Derby on Saturday
After pulling out of the event today, Her Majesty has been sent a souvenir race card to follow the horse action from home. Representing the Queen in her absence is Anne, Princess Royal, who has arrived at Epsom just before 1pm today
Zara put on a stunning display in a vibrant blue dress as she joined her husband at the Epsom Derby on Saturday afternoon
British Eurovision star Sam Ryder rehearsing outside Buckingham Palace ahead of the BBC’s Party at the Palace concert
Artist impression of the stage outside Buckingham Palace for the Platinum Party at the Palace which will be shown live on BBC One as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration
People wrapped in Union Jack flags pose as they gather on The Mall ahead of a concert outside Buckingham Palace
A person holds a Union Jack themed umbrella as people gather on The Mall ahead of a concert outside Buckingham Palace
People gather on The Mall ahead of a concert outside Buckingham Palace later this evening for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Platinum Jubilee is being celebrated from June 2 to June 5, 2022, in the UK and Commonwealth to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of the Queen
Members of the public gather on The Mall ahead of the Platinum Party at the Palace later this evening
Sam and Lee from Cambridgeshire were feeling very patriotic wearing their Queen Elizabeth masks on The Mall
The Derby on Saturday June 4 was to be a personal highlight for the Queen during the four days of Jubilee festivities.
The head of state, a passionate horse owner and breeder, was due to be greeted on the course with a special guard of honour including up to 40 of her past and present jockeys.
In the evening today, the BBC’s Party at the Palace – set on three stages in front of Buckingham Palace – will entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions.
Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Hans Zimmer, George Ezra, and Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder are among the celebrity acts set to perform.
Three interconnected stages have been erected around the Victoria Memorial at the top of The Mall. The design incorporates 70 illuminated columns, one for each year of the Queen’s reign.
The Queen, 96, who has been facing ongoing mobility problems, pulled out of attending the service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday after experiencing discomfort following two balcony appearances and a beacon lighting on Thursday.
Nearly 50 members of the royal family including the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined in honour of the absent head of state for the religious occasion.
The Duchess of Cambridge said later the Queen had enjoyed Thursday’s celebrations but the day had been ‘very tiring’.
Saturday is the first birthday of Harry and Meghan’s daughter Lilibet, who travelled with the Sussexes and older brother Archie for her first visit to the UK.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are visiting Northern Ireland to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
They will first visit Belfast, where the Royal couple will join members of the public at a 1950s-themed celebration on Royal Avenue in the city.
The earl and countess are meeting groups of performers, including the Belfast Busking Band, and will hear stories of the city’s diverse communities over the last 70 years, which will be explored through fashion, photography, music and dance.
The earl will also meet older members of the local community, brought together by Age Friendly Belfast to share their memories and experiences.
Meanwhile, the countess will join in with special platinum jubilee craft activities, making crowns and corgis with school children, before viewing a showcase of fashion through the ages.
The couple will also try a local delicacy, the Belfast Bap, and will visit stalls at the Retro Jubilee Market.
Before leaving Belfast, the earl and countess will watch a community dance group perform a routine that celebrates the last seven decades.
The royal couple will then travel to their second engagement in the region on Saturday afternoon.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex sit with Belfast Lord Mayor Tina Black to watch a performance by local artists to celebrate the Queen’s long reign
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, speak to children in Belfast as they arrive to attend celebrations marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Prince Edward is greeted by lord Mayor of Belfast Tina Black on an official visit celebrating the Platinum Jubilee
The Royal couple met local schoolchildren who performed a traditional folk dance
Carol Buxton and Natalie Swan have attended several royal events before and arrived on The Mall before 6am to get a good spot
Revellers arrive at The Mall to attend the jubilee concerts which will be held outside Buckingham Palace as part of the four day platinum jubilee celebrations
Royal fans take a nap as they queue on the Mall near Buckingham Palace ahead of the Platinum Jubilee concert
Nuns walk on the Mall near Buckingham Palace ahead of the Platinum Jubilee concert later this evening
Revellers arrive at The Mall to attend the jubilee concerts which will be held outside Buckingham Palace
A woman wears a plastic crown as people gather on The Mall ahead of a concert outside Buckingham Palace this evening
Revellers bring their camping gear at The Mall for the concerts which will be held outside Buckingham Palace this evening
In the evening today, the BBC’s Party at the Palace – set on three stages in front of Buckingham Palace – will entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions
The Party at the Palace will be set on three stages in front of the Queen’s London residence. Soul legend Ross will close the two-and-a-half hour show with her first UK live performance in 15 years
The Party at the Palace will be set on three stages in front of the Queen’s London residence.
Soul legend Ross will close the two-and-a-half hour show with her first UK live performance in 15 years.
Star including Sir David Attenborough, Emma Raducanu, David Beckham and Stephen Fry will also feature, as well as a specially recorded performance from Sir Elton John.
The evening will highlight global themes that have emerged or evolved during the the Queen’s reign including British and Commonwealth contributions in the fields of fashion, sport, the environment and pop music.
The Queen finally got to meet her great-granddaughter Lilibet in a private meeting at Windsor.
It is believed that Harry and Meghan took their children to Windsor Castle to see their great-grandmother soon after they arrived in the UK, given the Queen’s current mobility problems, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Lilibet was, somewhat controversially, named in tribute to the Queen, whose childhood nickname was Lilibet. It was coined when the then Princess Elizabeth was a toddler in the 1920s and struggled to pronounce her own name properly.
The Queen’s father George VI was quoted as saying of his daughters: ‘Lilibet is my pride. Margaret is my joy.’
The nickname was also used by the monarch’s late husband, Prince Philip, as well as close family and friends.
At the time, many saw the Sussexes’ decision to name their daughter after the Queen as an attempt to emphasise their links with the Royal Family at a time when they were setting up lucrative commercial deals as part of their new independent lives in the US.
Buckingham Palace also became embroiled in a row over whether the Queen was consulted over the name in advance.
The BBC reported that the Sussexes had not asked permission to use the name and that none had been granted.
Members of the public gather on The Mall ahead of the Platinum Party at the Palace outside Buckingham Palace
Diana Ross, Queen + Adam Lambert, Alicia Keys, Hans Zimmer, George Ezra, and Eurovision 2022 runner-up Sam Ryder are among the celebrity acts preparing to entertain a live crowd of 22,000 people and a television audience of millions
Members of the public gather on The Mall ahead of the Platinum Party at the Palace this evening
Clarence House and Kensington Palace announced both Charles and William would address the crowds at the high profile Platinum Party at the Palace, which falls on the third evening of the four-day Jubilee festivities
Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo went to the private member’s club Maison Estelle for drinks last night
They were pictured leaving the Maison Estelle private member’s club at 1am last night
Royal aides are said to be taking a ‘bookend’ approach to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as they prioritise getting the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Sunday’s show-stopping finale pageant. (Pictured Thursday at Buckingham Palace, from left: Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Camilla, Prince Charles, the Queen, Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William and Sophie, Countess of Wessex)
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday morning, with the Queen noticeably absent
But a spokesman for the couple insisted that Lilibet’s great-grandmother was told in advance and that they would not have used the name had the monarch disapproved of it.
The spokesman said: ‘The duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement – in fact, his grandmother was the first family member he called.
‘During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.’
Harry also threatened legal action against the broadcaster, asserting that the claims were ‘false and defamatory’.
Some royal sources have waspishly indicated that there was a world of difference between asking permission and presenting it as a fait accompli.
Meanwhile, palace aides were said to have choreographed timings for the Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday to ensure that Prince William and Kate Middleton didn’t bump into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It was Harry and Meghan’s first royal engagement with senior royals since the frosty Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March 2020, shortly before they officially stepped down as senior royals for a life in the United States.
But in their first public engagement in two years, the couple sat apart from Prince William, Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla in the church after royal aides ensured they sat on separate sides of the aisle in a carefully orchestrated plan.
Palace aides were said to have choreographed timings for the Platinum Jubilee service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday to ensure Prince William and Kate Middleton (right) didn’t bump into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (left)
In their first public engagement in two years, the Sussexes sat apart from Prince William, Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla in the church after royal aides ensured they sat on different sides and left separately in a carefully orchestrated plan
As well as the seating arrangements in the cathedral, timings were also carefully considered by Palace aides, with the couple arriving and leaving the service at different times to William and Kate to avoid bumping into each other.
Harry and William have had a long-standing feud, while Harry has accused his father Charles of cutting him off financially and Meghan claimed an unnamed royal made a comment about Archie’s skin tone before he was born – with the Sussexes having a war of words with the Palace following last year’s bombshell Oprah Winfrey interview.
Amid the feud, a source said palace aides had been acutely aware of ‘the optics’ – how things would look from the outside – and ensured that the couple were only attending events where there would be minimal interactions with other senior royals in public.
Asked if the Sussexes would appear at any other events over the weekend, particularly with their children, the source said: ‘I really wouldn’t expect them at everything.’
They added: ‘It’s a typically elegant solution as you would expect. The Queen wants her family there and they are still part of it. But in a carefully controlled fashion.’
Elsewhere, Omid Scobie told BBC Breakfast that ‘people close to the couple’ said they ‘wanted to be as low profile as possible during this trip’, while a royal insider said they believed the couple had taken their ‘low-key’ cue from the Queen.
Palace’s plan to get Queen ready for Sunday’s Jubilee finale: Royal aides are taking a ‘bookend’ approach to four-day celebrations in hope of getting monarch back on royal balcony for Sunday’s showstopper pageant – after Epsom Derby disappointment
BY LAURENCE DOLLIMORE FOR MAILONLINE
Royal aides are said to be taking a ‘bookend’ approach to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as they prioritise getting the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Sunday’s show-stopping finale pageant.
It comes after the 96-year-old head of state was forced to pull out of two key events after suffering ‘discomfort’ related to her mobility issues – Friday’s thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral and today’s Epsom Derby.
The Queen has been forced to cancel a string of engagements in recent months and most recently missed the State Opening of Parliament in May. Her son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, stood in for her.
A senior royal source told the Daily Mail that while the Queen enjoyed the opening day of festivities ‘immensely’, the ‘episodic mobility issues’ she had suffered since last autumn ‘were experienced during the course of the day’.
Royal aides stressed that it had always been Her Majesty’s ‘hope’ to attend rather than a firm commitment.
Buckingham Palace said it will confirm whether she will attend other events over the next two days as soon as possible.
It is thought royal aides may be trying to help her rest to ensure she will be able to make an appearance at Sunday’s closing Platinum Jubilee Pageant.
‘It seems the palace are taking a ‘book-end’ approach, allowing her to attend at the start and finish without taxing her too much in between,’ a source said.
It is thought royal aides may be trying to help the Queen rest to ensure she will be able to make an appearance at Sunday’s closing Platinum Jubilee Pageant. (Pictured: Queen on balcony on Thursday)
Royal aides are said to be taking a ‘bookend’ approach to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations as they prioritise getting the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony for Sunday’s show-stopping finale pageant. (Pictured Thursday at Buckingham Palace, from left: Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne, Camilla, Prince Charles, the Queen, Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Prince William and Sophie, Countess of Wessex)
The Queen will not attend the Epsom Derby Saturday, Buckingham Palace announced. The news came after Her Majesty was forced to pull out of Friday’s Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral
The head of state is a passionate horse owner and breeder and would have been looking forward to seeing her horse running on Saturday during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Above: Hukum ridden by Jim Crowley wins the Dahlbury Coronation Cup on Ladies Day during the Cazoo Derby Festival 2022 at Epsom Racecourse today
The news comes after Her Majesty was forced to pull out of today’s Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral, with Buckingham Palace saying she was suffering from ‘discomfort’ following her appearances yesterday. Above: Her Majesty during yesterday’s flypast
The Queen approaches the Commonwealth Nations Globe to start the lighting ceremony at Windsor Castle on Thursday evening, despite suffering from ‘discomfort’
As the sovereign placed her finger on the globe, bright white lights raced along the Quadrangle towards Windsor’s famous Round Tower
Her Majesty, pictured here reviewing mounted troops at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, has a well known love of horses
On Thursday it emerged that the Duke of York, who has had contact with the Queen recently, had Covid, meaning he would be a no-show at any future Jubilee event.
On Friday, the Duchess of Cambridge revealed that the Queen had a ‘lovely’ time at the opening Platinum Jubilee celebrations, but had found the day ‘very tiring’.
Her Majesty made three memorable public appearances on Thursday, including the lighting of the Principal Platinum Jubilee Beacon ceremony at Windsor Castle, but had experienced ‘some discomfort’.
Her attendance at the Epsom Derby had been considered one of the high spots of the weekend’s events, particularly for royal herself.
It is the only one of the ‘classics’ she has never won in her long career as a racehorse owner.
The Jockey Club had spent the past few months making extensive plans to facilitate her attendance, including allowing her car to drive right up the course and pull up outside the Queen Elizabeth stand where the Royal Box is located.
But on Friday afternoon Buckingham Palace announced that she had decided not to attend, and would instead watch the racing on television at Windsor Castle.
Princess Anne is now expected to represent her mother at Epsom and is likely to be accompanied by her family.
No other senior royals will be there as many have engagements on behalf of the Queen elsewhere or will be preparing for Saturday night’s Party at the Palace concert.
Phil White, London regional director for The Jockey Club, said: ‘It is a rare occasion that the Queen is unable to join us at Epsom, but we are delighted she plans to enjoy Derby Day on television.
‘We have big plans to celebrate Her Majesty’s contribution to horseracing and the nation, and these will continue in full.’
The plans include many of the Queen’s former jockeys, such as Willie Carson, forming a guard of honour in her distinctive racing silks.
Friday’s service at St Paul’s was attended by more than 2,000 guests, including senior royals and politicians.
Harry and Meghan Markle were kept apart from Prince William, Kate, Prince Charles and Camilla, with royal aides ensuring they sat on the other side of the aisle – and they later left separately.
Straight afterwards, Charles, Camilla, William and Kate arrived for a reception the nearby Guildhall.
The Duchess of Cambridge is said to have told an attendee the Queen is ‘fine’ but had found the day ‘very tiring’.
Gill Smallwood, from Bolton, spoke with Kate and asked how the Queen was doing.
Ms Smallwood said of the conversation: ‘She [Kate] said ‘yes, she was fine, it was just very tiring yesterday, and she (the Queen) had had a lovely, lovely time’.’
Buckingham Palace officials took great care to try to avoid a repeat of the frosty scenes when the Sussexes and Cambridges sat near each other and left together at their last joint event in March 2020 at Westminster Abbey.
And aides would have been delighted that today’s service passed without any such incident or negative ‘optics’ given the attempts to ensure today was about the Queen and her 70-year reign.
The Queen smiles as Prince Louis covers his ears during the flypast over Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at St Paul’s Cathedral (left) and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the Guildhall (right) on Friday
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on Friday morning, with the Queen noticeably absent
Prince Harry and Meghan arrive to attend a Service of Thanksgiving for the reign of Queen Elizabeth II
Prince Charles and Camilla speak with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge after arriving at St Paul’s Cathedral Friday
The announcement about Her Majesty missing the Epsom Derby is the latest sign of the problems caused by the monarch’s advancing age.
In May, she was forced to miss the State Opening of Parliament for the first time in 59 years, due to what her spokesman described as ‘episodic mobility problems’ which they said she was continuing to experience.
The only other times she had missed the hugely important occasion were in 1959 and 1963, when she was pregnant with Prince Andrew and Prince Edward respectively.
In her place, Prince Charles, who was accompanied by Prince William, read her speech for the first time as the Queen watched on TV from Windsor Castle, but the Sovereign’s Throne in the House of Lords remained symbolically empty.
It came after she had to skip the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in mid-March due to her physical struggles and also did not attend the traditional Maundy Thursday service at Windsor Castle.
The Queen’s health took a turn for the worse after her husband Prince Philip’s death last April.
In October 2021 – after working ten of the previous 20 days – she spent a rare night in hospital that forced her to miss a visit to Northern Ireland.
But she was back at her desk within hours of being discharged, despite having to cancel an appearance at the Cop26 summit in Glasgow.
In February, she tested positive for Covid-19 which prompted her to cancel a series of engagements, including virtual audiences. She suffered from what were described as ‘mild, cold-like symptoms’.
The Queen, who in recent weeks has used a walking stick – including at yesterday’s events – was told by doctors to rest for three months.
She gave a hint about her health when she remarked during an audience at Windsor Castle in February: ‘Well, as you can see, I can’t move.’
She later admitted that covid had left her exhausted.
Her Majesty’s hopes of winning on Epsom Derby day have already come to an end after her only runner was pulled out of a race.
Just Fine had been entered to feature in the penultimate race, the World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap, staged over the full Derby course and distance of one mile and four furlongs.
However, it was removed at Thursday’s 48-hour declaration stage.
In May, her horse Reach For The Moon, who was among the favourites, and two others were withdrawn.
The Jockey Club announced the three thoroughbreds were among a large number who had been ‘scratched’ from the entry list.
Thoroughbreds owned by the Queen have won four out of the five flat racing classics – the 1,000 Guineas and 2,000 Guineas, the Oaks and the St Leger – with only the Derby eluding her.
Phil White, London regional director for The Jockey Club, said today: ‘We would like to wish Her Majesty The Queen a wonderful Platinum Jubilee.
‘It is a rare occasion that the Queen is unable to join us at Epsom Downs but we are delighted she plans to enjoy Derby Day on television.
‘We have big plans to celebrate Her Majesty’s contribution to horseracing and the nation, and these will continue in full tomorrow.
‘The Derby is a unique race and we are looking forward to welcoming people in their thousands to help us create a spectacular carnival atmosphere.’
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