The Duke of Edinburgh Passed Away Peacefully This Morning

With "deep sorrow", Her Majesty announced the death of her "strength and stay" Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. I know you'll all join me in sending deepest condolences to the Queen, the entire family and all who are mourning today.

The Palace will release details in due course. A friend shared this photo with me whilst Philip was in hospital. So often, with those in the public eye and members of the Royal family, we discuss what they mean to the world, the significance of their roles. Behind closed doors, this image exemplifies the Queen and the Duke at their happiest, soaking up the outdoors in Balmoral, enjoying time as a family and making memories with their beloved grandchildren.

The College of Arms shared details on plans for the funeral which will take place at St George's Chapel. "The funeral will not be a State Funeral and will not be preceded by a Lying-in-State. His Royal Highness’s body will lie at rest in Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral in St George’s Chapel. This is in line with custom and with His Royal Highness’s wishes. The funeral arrangements have been revised in view of the prevailing circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and it is regretfully requested that members of the public do not attempt to attend or participate in any of the events that make up the funeral."

Among a sea of tributes flooding in today, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, "I was always struck by his obvious joy at life, his enquiring mind and his ability to communicate to people from every background and walk of life. He was a master at putting people at ease and making them feel special. The legacy he leaves is enormous".

An online book of condolence is available here.

Crown Princess Victoria in Green H&M Gown for 'Hetero of the Year' Award

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden has been named 'Hetero of the Year' by the readers of QX Magazine. Though this year's gala was cancelled, Victoria was dressed for the occasion in a green gown.

Queen Letizia in Tweed Felipe Varela

King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia attended the inauguration of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cáceres.

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The Countess of Wessex Begins Volunteering at St John Ambulance

Buckingham Palace revealed last night the Countess of Wessex has become a St John Ambulance Care Volunteer at an NHS Vaccination centre in Greater London to support their efforts in assisting with vaccination across the country. St John Ambulance said, "We're delighted to welcome the Countess of Wessex, and Grand President of St John Ambulance, as part of the vaccination programme. Her Royal Highness has completed the required training to become a 'Care Volunteer'. This weekend, St John people across the country will be giving time to support their communities. Thank you for all you do."

The Queen Urges People "To Think About Others" in Vaccination Effort

In an important move, the Queen has encouraged people to "think about others" and get their Covid-19 vaccination. During a virtual call with health leaders leading the charge in delivering the vaccine across the UK, Her Majesty spoke about her own experience. "It was very quick, and I’ve had lots of letters from people who have been very surprised by how easy it was to get the vaccine. And the jab – it didn’t hurt at all." The Queen described the progress of the vaccine campaign as "remarkable" and told leaders to "keep up the good work".

Crown Princess Mary Meets WHO Regional Director

In her role as patron of the World Health Organisation, regional office for Europe, Crown Princess Mary of Denmark today held a meeting with regional director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge.

The Countess of Wessex on Style Inspirations Angelina Jolie and Queen Rania

The Countess of Wessex enjoyed a fashion-filled virtual chat today in her role as patron of the London College of Fashion. Sophie spoke to CEO Caroline Rush and Priya Ahluwalia, who has been named as this year’s winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. Describing her own style as a "work in progress", the Countess added, "It’s developed over time. It’s probably reasonably classic, but I like things with a bit of a twist. I sometimes get a bit braver and then retreat again." Speaking about royal style through the years, she said, "Britain is an island, albeit a big island, and if you look at what royal women have worn over generations they have made huge fashion statements reflected from foreign shores, and that's what helps make our style."

The Duchess of Cornwall Hails UK's Vaccination Efforts, Looks Forward to Being "Reunited with Grandchildren"

As the British royals resume in-person engagements, the Duchess of Cornwall stepped out today to visit Wembley Vaccination Centre in her role as patron of the Royal Voluntary Service. Speaking about recently receiving her own first dose recently, People reports Camilla said, "It feels like the first step of freedom, I certainly felt like that after getting the vaccine. I hope you're able to be reunited with your grandchildren, I think we're all looking forward to that."

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Royal Rewind: Monaco's Princesses Sparkle at the 1989 Monaco Red Cross Ball

I stumbled across photos from Monaco's 1989 Red Cross Ball and thought, as it may be some time before we see royal galas and evening events again, it might be fun to take a look back at two of the most covered princesses of the time - Princesses Caroline and Stephanie. This photo of Caroline is one of the most beautiful I've seen.

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Swedish Royal Children Celebrate Birthdays!

Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden shared several darling photographs of their daughter Princess Estelle to mark her ninth birthday. The charming photos of the future queen were taken at Haga Palace.

Prince Edward Shares Update on the Duke of Edinburgh

Speaking to Sky News' Rhiannon Mills today, Prince Edward revealed the Duke of Edinburgh is "feeling a lot better", adding, "As far as I'm aware, well I did speak to them the other day, so he's a lot better thank you very much indeed, and he's looking forward to getting out, which is the most positive thing. So we keep our fingers crossed." When asked if the Duke is feeling frustrated, Edward laughed and said "just a bit".

Talking to Prince Edward this morning he told me they were keeping their “fingers crossed” but the Duke of Edinburgh is “a lot better” as Buckingham Palace confirm he’s being treated for an infection. He is comfortable and not expected to leave hospital for several days @SkyNews pic.twitter.com/zvM3N4GxEZ

— Rhiannon Mills (@SkyRhiannon) February 23, 2021

Princess Eugenie & Jack Introduce Baby August

Over the weekend, Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank shared photos of their son taken by a midwife at Frogmore Cottage. They also shared the news the baby's name is August Philip Hawke Brooksbank. Writing on Instagram, Eugenie said, "Thank you for so many wonderful messages. Our hearts are full of love for this little human, words can't express. We are excited to be able to share these photos with you.⁣"