Remember me
The King and Queen will touch down in the US tomorrow for the start of their four-day state visit. All eyes will be on them, as the couple attempt to woo the President who has made repeated degrading remarks about Britain – and its Prime Minister – for months.
Trump has a love affair with all things royal and has repeatedly spoken warmly about his friendship with Charles. But it won’t be an easy trip for the King to navigate, with so many vocal critics of the trip after the US waged war with Iran and his numerous comments belittling this country’s military might.
There is an expectation on the King to help smooth things over and prevent the special relationship from snapping entirely. Many have remarked on the trip being the “most important of his reign” or the most politically sensitive, with one courtier telling me that they fear Trump will put the King in an invidious position by making disparaging remarks about the Prime Minister - who exercises authority in his name.
However, they said that there was an upbeat feeling about the trip, adding: “It’s a very important trip, but one both the King and Queen are looking forward to.” And on Thursday, Trump couldn’t have been more gushing about Charles and said that the “fantastic man” could “absolutely” help repair relations with the UK.
All parties appear aware of what’s at stake and the important diplomatic role the King is undertaking. The King will have just over 24 hours to charm the US President and bring the special relationship back onto an even keel. His bilateral meeting in the Oval Office will be crucial, but the light conversation over tea parties and a state dinner will be where the real action happens.
A man who has had to endure so much through his short three years on the throne is perfectly equipped for the task ahead and will have been briefed by his advisers and the Government on the most pressing issues. His speeches, both in Congress and at the White House banquet, will undoubtedly be full of praise for America as it celebrates 250 years of independence and will help to remind Trump of the important ties between the two nations.
Only time will tell if the King is able to wield as much soft power as he can muster to help salvage what is left of the special relationship, and I’ll be there reporting on every bit of the action to fill you in on how Charles is responding to the treacherous path ahead.
Louis marks end of an era
It might be the end of an era for our cheeky-chappy prince. Young Louis turned eight on Thursday, and the adorable picture and video show the Prince and Princess of Wales’s youngest child, famed for pulling faces on the Buckingham Palace balcony and causing mischief at royal events, may have grown out of the sass we had all grown to love.
His attendance at the Easter Church Service earlier this month showed he’s no longer the baby of the family. No longer holding on to his mother’s hand and having grown almost to the height of his older sister, Louis was well-behaved, composed and more aware of the cameras watching him.
This poised persona was seen in the official portrait released on Thursday, a relaxed boy with his arms folded across his chest, exuding confidence.
But the short video released hours later sought to remind us that while he may have grown out of his cheeky antics, he’s still a boy who loves to play. Whether that be by digging in the sand, playing cricket or swimming in the sea.
The Prince and Princess of Wales wed on April 29, 2011 (Image: Getty)A day to remember
William and Catherine will celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday. On that sunny Friday 11 years ago, some 37 million Brits tuned in live to watch the future king and queen wed in a spectacular ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
Catherine wore an unforgettable Alexander McQueen gown designed by Sarah Burton, which featured long lace sleeves, an applique bodice and a full organza skirt with a nine-foot train. The dashing groom, meanwhile, wore the scarlet tunic uniform of the Irish Guards, having been appointed Colonel of the regiment two months earlier, his first honorary Army appointment. Fittingly, Catherine took over the appointment in March 2023.
A lot has happened in the decade-and-a-half since, three children have come along, William is now the heir apparent, and the family went through a dreadful year following Catherine’s shock cancer diagnosis at the start of 2024.
April 29 will therefore be a moment for the pair to reflect and celebrate all they have achieved and overcome during their 15 happy years together. We are likely to see Kensington Palace officially mark the special day with the release of a new portrait of the couple, so keep your eyes peeled.
Harry's bittersweet day
Tuesday is set to be a bittersweet day for Prince Harry, as it will mark 20 years since he launched the charity Sentebale with Prince Seeiso. It was launched to ensure the most vulnerable children in Lesotho got the support they needed to lead healthy and productive lives, drawing attention to youngsters living in extreme poverty or suffering from HIV/AIDs.
But Harry is now being sued by the charity for defamation, after an acrimonious dispute over how Sentebale was being managed led to the two princes quitting the charity in March 2025.
The charity says the court action is due to an alleged "adverse media campaign" that it claims has caused disruption and "reputational harm" to the charity and its leadership. Harry categorically rejects the claims and says the charity should be focusing its efforts on the communities it supports, rather than pursuing legal actions.
The TCS London Marathon takes place today (Image: Getty)Marathon Blues
I should have been running the TCS London Marathon today, but after breaking my leg during the Prince of Wales’s trip to Saudi Arabia in February, I had to defer my spot to next year.
It was probably a blessing in disguise, given the US royal tour starts on Monday, and I’m not sure my legs, body or mind would have been prepared to jump straight into that.
But I wish all those taking part the very best of luck, and I look forward to starting my training all over again at the end of the year.