From Windsor Castle to Hollywood controversy, this week’s royal headlines span powerful meetings, celebrity scandal claims, and a milestone celebration fit for a national treasure. Prince William struck up a warm connection with the newly crowned Māori Queen during a King’s Trust event in London, while elsewhere, controversial new allegations about Sarah Ferguson have reignited headlines. And in a moment of unity and celebration, the royal family joined tributes for Sir David Attenborough as he marked his 100th birthday in spectacular style.
William and the Māori queen hit it off in London
As the King’s Trust – which aims to support young people build a positive future – celebrated its 50th birthday, the Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po, met with William, Prince of Wales, at Windsor Castle.
William, 43, shared a photo with the Māori monarch, saying that “it was a pleasure” to meet her. The pair discussed a range of global topics and was a continuation of eight generations of engagement with the British royal family.
Te Arikinui became Queen in 2024 at the age of 27, following the passing of her father Kiingi Tūheitia.
Diddy she do it? Sarah’s alleged affair with disgraced Combs hits a sour note
It’s one of the most jaw-dropping claims ever made about a member of the royal family. But biographer Andrew Lownie is sticking by his assertion that the former Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, had a long-running affair with disgraced rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Details about the pair’s “friends with benefits” relationship appear in an updated version of the book Entitled, about Fergie and her ex-husband Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, both 66. Andrew Lownie says Fergie met multi-millionaire Combs in 2002 at a party thrown by Ghislaine Maxwell, 64. Their secret affair started two years later and lasted for years, with the couple meeting up at luxury hotels in Africa and Europe.
Her daughters, Princesses Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 36, met the US singer and record producer many times, with Eugenie joining her mum for a party he threw on a yacht when she was 16.
Andrew says a former royal staffer told him, “Sean’s parties were wild. The fact she brought Eugenie around was alarming.”
When the claims were dismissed as untrue by someone close to Fergie, Andrew responded, “I stand by it. It’s fully sourced with former employees of Diddy and Sarah Ferguson.”
Andrew says he was told that senior members of the royal family knew what was going on.
“Several people, notably the Queen, ex-Prince Andrew and Prince Charles, were aware of her activities for years, but turned a blind eye to protect the family from even more scandals.”
Combs, 56, is currently in prison in New Jersey after being convicted last year of charges of transporting people for the purposes of prostitution. He was sentenced to 50 months, but with time already served, he should be released in 2028.
Sir David’s 100th party
The royal family outdid themselves to pay tribute to Sir David Attenborough as he celebrated his 100th birthday, with a stunning video that highlighted his dedication to wildlife. As David sat in the Royal Albert Hall in London for a special concert, a clip played showing the King at his Scottish home, Balmoral, writing a message in a birthday card.
After voicing his poignant words about their long friendship and the impact David has had in protecting the planet, the King’s card – carried across the country by a relay of animals – was then handed to the delighted conservationist at the show.
While Charles, 77, wasn’t present for the concert, Prince William, 43, gave a moving speech, thanking the centenarian for his life’s work and for transforming the way people see Planet Earth.
“Long before many of us found our voice on the challenges we face, you were speaking with clarity, urgency and optimism,” said William.
“And it is that sense of urgent optimism that has made all the difference.”
There was an unexpected tribute from another royal. Prince Harry, 41, wrote a personal essay for Time magazine, describing David as a “secular saint” and an “institutional pillar as essential to the national fabric as a cup of tea”.
Related
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.nowtolove.co.nz ’
