THE Queen may ‘CANCEL the Christmas Day walkabout amid fears it could become Omicron super spreader event’
Usually, thousands of royal fans gather to greet members of the Firm at Sandringham estate, Norfolk, during their annual December 25 stroll. Some fans even queue from the early hours of the morning to catch a glimpse of the royal clan.
Sources say that: "Of course everyone would love everything back to normal – but the situation is anything but."
Meanwhile, earlier this week, The Queen cancelled her family Christmas party over Covid fears.
Her Majesty said it was "with regret" the annual royal get-together would not be going ahead as planned, but claimed it was "the right thing to do".
Cases of the Omicron variant have been growing across the UK, and so going ahead with plans would, "put too many people's Christmas arrangements at risk if it went ahead".
Read our royal family live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Milica Cosic
Meg Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are “very protective” of Lilibet
A royal expert has claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are “very protective” of Lilibet, amid speculation over when the royals will release a photo of her.
Royal expert Neil Sean has claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are waiting to reignite interest in their daughter with a timely photo release.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mr Sean said: “They feel and their advisers feel that if they do release a picture, they will be invading their own privacy something they’ve rallied against.
“For me, I think this is ridiculous.
“If they were to put a picture on social media, a lot of people would be pleased to see the child, they’re all interested but as each month passes, interest diminishes.
“They’re now looking for an opportunity to introduce Lilibet Diana to the world.
“As we know, we haven’t seen a Christmas card but perhaps they’re waiting for maximum impact.”
- Milica Cosic
Kate Middleton might be the ‘most powerful person'
According to a royal expert, the Duchess of Cambridge’s influence on the Royal Family is massive.
On top of this, she is also the fourth most popular royal, according to a YouGov poll.
Royal expert Camilla Tominey said: “This is often overlooked, but she is arguably the most powerful person in the royal family,” Tominey said in a video for The Telegraph, “because she is the wife of a future King and the mother of a future King.”
“When it comes to their generation, you could say [Kate and Prince William] are ruling the royal roost".
- Milica Cosic
Kate strikes again
‘Thrifty Kate’ attended the Royal Variety Performance alongside husband Prince William.
The Duchess of Cambridge did it again – wearing both a sequinned green gown and gold earrings she previously sported during her tour to Pakistan back in 2019.
The mother-of-three looked stunning in her Jenny Packham long-sleeved gown – perfectly festive for this time of year – which she accessorised with a bejewelled green clutch bag and green suede heels.
- Milica Cosic
Her Majesty is right to be worried
This is a comment piece by Penny Junior
THE Queen is clearly worried about the future security of the monarchy.
Worried that, in the event of a disaster, the entire Cambridge family could be wiped out, thus removing not just the immediate heirs to the throne, William and George, but George’s siblings, Charlotte and Louis.
With all of them gone, the line of succession would skip to Harry and then his children.
The Queen knows all too well that King Harry and Queen Meghan on the throne might spell the end of the monarchy.
William and Kate are where the future lies.
They are modest, dedicated, credible and 100 per cent right for their future roles.
For the family to take separate flights might seem a high price to pay for William and Kate, but unless we are to lose a system that, while outdated in many ways, seems to suit this country well, we should urge them to take the Queen’s advice.
- Milica Cosic
Queen's worry over Xmas plans
The monarch made the difficult decision last week to postpone her annual family tradition after a record number of Covid cases were recorded.
There are fears that the Queen looks set to cancel her traditional Christmas Day walkabout over fears it could become an Omicron super-spreader.
Her Majesty has already called off her festive family party as Covid rips through the UK.
Covid cases have risen, with a total of 90,418 fresh infections reported in the 24 hours to December 18.
The number of Omicron cases has also soared, trebling in 24 hours.
If it so happens that the Christmas Day walk is off, it will be the Queen's second festive event to be cancelled in a matter of days.
- Milica Cosic
Kate and William 'closer' after Sussexes exit
An insider has claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure from their roles as senior working royals “has been hugely stressful” on Kate and Prince William.
One close insider told PEOPLE Magazine that: “Everything with Harry and Meghan has been hugely stressful, but if anything, it’s pulled [her and William] closer together. She was upset about it because [William] was so upset. Seeing her husband so distraught was tough.”
However, the insider said that Kate is, “no pushover. She has an inner strength for sure.”
- Milica Cosic
Queen 'wants to set example'
A royal expert has claimed that The Queen wants to set an "example" for the country and could break a Royal Family Christmas tradition this year
Traditionally, the royals step out for church in Sandringham on Christmas Day as crowds of royal fans gather.
Royal commentator Richard Eden told Palace Confidential: “She wants to set an example and she wants to set a good example but everything's very difficult at the moment.
"People can catch this new variant of the virus even if they’ve been vaccinated and so it might be possible they don't walk to church because they don't want to attract crowds even though they’re outdoors."
- Milica Cosic
Princess Anne 'has secret weapon'
According to a royal author, the popularity of Princess Anne may be linked to a trait she has taken after her beloved father Prince Philip.
Ian Lloyd, author of The Duke: A Life in 100 Chapters, told Express.co.uk: "Princess Anne is very, very popular.
"Whenever I meet people and talk about who is their favourite royal, somewhere there is a mention of Princess Anne in that.
"And a few years ago there was a poll on who could be Britain's president if it became a republic, and Princess Anne topped it.
"That was one poll, but I think people would like her as a president, I think partly because she is quite un-PC and like her father she is very forthright."
- Milica Cosic
UK Monarch “always delivers”
A former member of the European Parliament has claimed that the Queen has shown true courage throughout these past couple of years.
Writing for the Express, Mr O’Flynn said: “An elected leader, who depends for his survival on keeping in with the voters, would normally be expected to have a greater understanding of the public mood than an unelected one.
“In Britain there have certainly been times when prime ministers have forcefully advised monarchs about what the public expects of them – the abdication crisis and the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana spring to mind.
“Yet right now it looks like the UK has a monarch who not only always delivers on her ceremonial duties but also has a more profound appreciation of what true leadership entails than does her prime minister.”
- Milica Cosic
The Royal Xmas plans
The monarch had been due to host The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, among 50 or so other members of the Royal Family, at Windsor Castle on December 21.
There was due to be wine, crackers and a feast inside the castle – before the Queen set off for Sandringham for the big day itself.
Tuesday's party had been moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor where the Queen remains on “light duties” after health scares.
Three of her four new grandchildren — August, Lucas and Siena — all born this year, had been expected to join the party.
But US-based Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie and their daughter Lilibet, who was also born this year, were not scheduled to fly over for the bash.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan & Harry spend Xmas with Queen virtually
A friend of Princess Diana has claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry may celebrate their Christmas "virtually" with the Royal Family.
When asked if The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would phone the Queen on Christmas, Stewart Pearce, Diana’s former vocal coach, told Royally Us: “I would imagine because they are both Harry and Meghan are extremely extrovert people.
"They will be really interested in sharing their Christmas in Los Angeles and also being part of the Sandringham Christmas."
- Milica Cosic
Meghan under 'immense' pressure
A royal commentator has claimed that Meghan Markle is under "immense" pressure as Kate has landed a US magazine cover for her 40th birthday.
Daniela Elser highlighted how US magazine People has Kate on its cover this week ahead of her milestone birthday next month.
Ms Elser compared the number of appearances the Duchess of Cambridge has had on the front page of the publication in the past year to the Duchess of Sussex.
The royal commentator wrote for news.com.au and said: "Just in case anyone’s counting, this is the Duchess’ fourth-star turn on the front of the glossy entertainment magazine in the last 12 months, including her second solo outing.
"Here’s the kicker: Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex? During one of the biggest years of her life including one in which she accused the royal house of institutional racism and ignoring her pleas for help when her mental health suffered, when she welcomed her second child and when she launched her post-Megxit career? Not a single cover of just her.
"(Meghan has appeared twice on covers with Harry, while he has notched up a further two covers without his wife.)
"While the cover of People is hardly the most precise of barometers of public standing and approval, what Kate’s continued appearance, and Meghan’s lack of star billing, casts a less-than-sparkling picture of the Sussexes’ Stateside campaign to establish themselves as dazzling public figures."
- Milica Cosic
Queen’s safety fear
Prince William has been urged by the Queen to stop flying in helicopters with wife Kate and their children amid safety fears.
Her Majesty is said to be “terrified” disaster could strike – threating the succession.
A source close to the 95-year-old monarch revealed she raised concerns with the future king, saying she is “terrified” disaster could strike.
An unwritten rule stops senior royals from flying together.
But the protocol has been relaxed as William’s family grew and began to split their time between London and Norfolk.
- Milica Cosic
Lorraine Kelly hits out at film about Harry & Markle
Lorraine Kelly was not impressed with a film dramatising Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship. The film is called 'Harry & Meghan: Escaping The Palace'.
In September, Lorraine said of the film: “Oh god love them, that looks hideous.
“It really does. As if their life’s not insane enough, they’ve got that! What a blinking shame.”
- Milica Cosic
Something to watch on Xmas Eve
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will air on December 24 at 7.30pm on ITV, will also include a whole host of festive performances, readings and carols introduced by The Duchess of Cambridge.
The service was filmed on December 8, and Kate was seen wowing in a festive Catherine Walker coat with large bow detail, a red dress, and the Queen Mother’s sapphire fringe earrings loaned to her by the Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by carol-singing school children and reindeers outside Westminster Abbey in London.
The show was switched from the BBC at the last minute following a row over the BBC Two’s The Princes And The Press, which examined William and Harry’s relationship with the media.
- Milica Cosic
Festive fears
It had been hoped the celebrations would be bigger than last year when Her Majesty was forced to spend it at Windsor for the first time in 33 years.
The royal made the difficult decision to postpone her annual family tradition after a record number of Covid cases were recorded.
And they have since risen further, with a total of 90,418 fresh infections reported in the 24 hours to December 18.
The number of Omicron cases has also soared, trebling in 24 hours.
The pace of the outbreak is moving at a speed never seen before, experts say.
- Milica Cosic
Queen to ‘CANCEL Christmas Day walkabout'
THE Queen looks set to cancel her traditional Christmas Day walkabout over fears it could become an Omicron super-spreader.
Her Majesty has already called off her festive family party as Covid rips through the UK.
Sandringham estate, Norfolk, may not be closed altogether, but sources claim staff "fully expect" the famous footpath will be fenced off.
One said: "Of course everyone would love everything back to normal – but the situation is anything but."
The event was also called off last year when daily infections were also on the rise and the UK entered lockdown.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan & Harry 'waiting' to release Lilibet pic
A royal expert has claimed that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are "very protective" of Lilibet, amid speculation over when the royals will release a photo of her.
Royal expert Neil Sean has claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are waiting to reignite interest in their daughter with a timely photo release.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mr Sean said: "They feel and their advisers feel that if they do release a picture, they will be invading their own privacy something they've rallied against.
"For me, I think this is ridiculous.
"If they were to put a picture on social media, a lot of people would be pleased to see the child, they're all interested but as each month passes, interest diminishes.
"They're now looking for an opportunity to introduce Lilibet Diana to the world.
"As we know, we haven't seen a Christmas card but perhaps they're waiting for maximum impact."
- Milica Cosic
Queen urged to hand over the throne
Royal commentator Sarah Vine has insisted the monarch should hand the reins over to Prince Charles and enjoy retirement.
Speaking to Palace Confidential on Mail+, Ms Vine said: "She could just retire and hand over to Charles.
"She doesn't have to die to do that, does she?
"She could just say, 'I'm still Queen'. That's what I think would be the sensible thing.
"I think he would have the chance to establish himself under her watchful eye and we'll all get used to the idea.
"And when she very sadly does die, it will be a very sad event but it won't be a catastrophic headache."
- Milica Cosic
Meghan causes searches for ‘brown wool coat’ to explode
Meghan Markle has caused searches for “brown wool coats” to explode by 376 percent.
Analysis of Google revealed that the number of searches for the term skyrocketed on December 18.
This follows just a day after the Duchess of Sussex was spotted wearing a Massimo Dutti brown wool coat while Christmas shopping in California.
A spokesperson for fashion firm Design Bundles said: “Every glimpse of Meghan Markle proves her to be an absolute fashion icon, even when stepping out for a hurried shopping trip, like so many other parents close to Christmas."
- Milica Cosic
Xmas decision on Meg & Harry – only 'time will tell'
Royal expert has claimed that the Royal Family's Christmas plans will be subject to a "late decision", following speculation about whether or not Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will return to the UK.
The Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers has questioned if The Duke and Duchess of Sussex would return to the UK to celebrate Christmas with the Queen.
He said: “I think it will be a fairly late decision because things are so fluid at the moment.
“Who knows what will be happening, so I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon."
- Louis Allwood
Queen misses church
THE Queen missed church yesterday to prevent Covid scuppering her beloved big family Christmas.
Her Majesty, 95, cancelled her usual Sunday devotions on the Windsor estate to avoid any risk of becoming infected.
Sources say the monarch — who has been in good health and walking without a stick — opted to “cut down” on social interactions ahead of the get-together for safety’s sake.
Her traditional pre-Christmas lunch at Windsor Castle had already been axed to try to ensure family members did not pick up the virus.
The Queen will leave for the Sandringham Estate on Wednesday and staff are busily preparing rooms.
Prince Charles and Camilla, Prince William, Kate and their children, Prince Andrew and daughters Beatrice and Eugenie and Prince Edward and Sophie Wessex’s family are expected to join her.
- Louis Allwood
Christmas Eve TV change
Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, which will air on December 24 at 7.30pm on ITV, will also include a whole host of festive performances, readings and carols introduced by The Duchess of Cambridge.
The service was filmed on December 8, and Kate was seen wowing in a festive Catherine Walker coat with large bow detail, a red dress, and the Queen Mother’s sapphire fringe earrings loaned to her by the Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by carol-singing school children and reindeers outside Westminster Abbey in London.
The show was switched from the BBC at the last minute following a row over the BBC Two’s The Princes And The Press, which examined William and Harry’s relationship with the media.
- Louis Allwood
Wafflemaker sent from the Queen
Earlier this year, Prince Harry revealed that The Queen had sent Archie a wafflemaker for Christmas in 2020.
During his appearance on James Corden‘s The Late Late Show, the Duke of Sussex said: “Interestingly, my grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meg said a waffle maker.
“Meg makes up a beautiful organic mix, in the waffle maker, flip it, out it comes, he loves it. Archie literally wakes up in the morning and says ‘waffle’.”
- Louis Allwood
US trip could be on the cards
A friend of Princess Diana has claimed that Kate Middleton and Prince William are planning to visit Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in California in January.
Stewart Pearce told Royally US: “That’s what I heard, absolutely.
“Particularly around the middle part of January, to celebrate the wonder of being 40 – Kate’s 40th birthday.
“And for the children to meet one another, be friendly and do all sorts of family things.
“Particularly in that location which is so easy to access the beach and go on cycle rides without being too disturbed by the paparazzi or people who are over-eager to meet.”
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