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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Christmas Day walk could be called off
The Royal Christmas Day walk was also called off last year when daily infections were also on the rise and the UK entered lockdown.
If the Christmas Day walk is off, it will be the second festive event to be cancelled in a matter of days.
The monarch already revealed it was "with regret" her annual royal get-together in the run up to the big day would not be going ahead as planned – but that it was "the right thing to do" as the Omicron variant rages across the UK.
- 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
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
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
Ghislaine Maxwell took girls to party attended by Prince Charles
GHISLAINE Maxwell went with three girls to target wealthy men at a party after a film premiere attended by Prince Charles.
A picture obtained by The Sun on Sunday shows sex trafficking suspect Maxwell sipping a drink as the girls posed with a City broker and his pal.
It was taken in the Red Cube nightclub in London on November 22, 2000, after the Prince of Wales had attended the screening of Charlie’s Angels next door.
The picture raises questions about how close alleged Jeffrey Epstein madam Maxwell, 59 — already linked to Prince Andrew — got to other royals.
Charles appeared at Odeon Leicester Square and made a speech for The Prince’s Trust, which benefitted from the premiere.
- Milica Cosic
How the Royal Family usually spends Christmas Day
When it comes to Christmas Day, the royals have a very set way of celebrating. Here's exactly what they do on Christmas Day:
- Breakfast – The Royals kick off the big day with the first of many meals – breakfast – although some of them split up to eat.
- Church – The public usually gets to see the Royals when they head out to a traditional Christmas Day church service at St Mary Magdalene.
- Christmas lunch – Royal Chef Darren revealed exactly what the Queen eats during an interview with Good Housekeeping. He said: "After church, that's when they have a big lunch that includes a salad with shrimp or lobster, and a roasted turkey, and all of your traditional side dishes like parsnips, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and Christmas pudding with brandy butter for dessert.
"They stick with the same meal year after year." - The Queen's Speech – The message is prerecorded which means the Queen can watch it back surrounded by her loved ones.
- Chats with the Queen – According to former royal butler Paul Burrell, all the royals like to have a one-to-one chat with the Queen during the day, but there's one popular time to do it. That's when: "she's seated at her card table, before and after dinner, she will sit and play Bridge or Canasta and she'll always ask people to join her".
- Dinner – Despite the hearty breakfast and big lunch the royal chefs put on an evening buffet for dinner.
Chef Darren says there's "a buffet dinner with 15-20 different items. It's always a buffet with the chefs at the table carving."
Harry & Meghan 'first to donate' to charity
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex donated to the first ever Annual Montecito Holiday Car Parade, which took place in their local California neighbourhood this week.
The local paper wrote: "As the merriment still lingers in the air, here’s to a new Montecito holiday tradition!
"Thanks to the many parade sponsors including Prince Harry and Meghan Markle who were first to donate."
The couple showed their support for their new hometown as they joined a select few donors in supporting the festive car procession.
Meghan Markle's bond with Queen before she quit royals
And at first, the Queen and Meghan struck up a sweet bond with their shared love of dogs and attended an engagement together.
However, less than two years as a working royal Meghan and Harry stepped down from The Firm, leaving the UK for America.
Since she left in 2020, Meghan has yet to return to the UK and the Queen has yet to meet her new great-granddaughter Lilibet.
However, Meghan and the monarch's relationship in the early stages was sweet and influential.
The pair bonded over their love for dogs, and even shared their first official engagements together in Chester.
When Meghan gave birth to her daughter in June, her name was a sweet tribute to the Queen.
She was named Lilibet after an affectionate nickname given to the Queen by her grandfather George V, after she had trouble pronouncing Elizabeth as a child.
- Milica Cosic
Royal news you may have missed from the week
- The Queen was back on her feet during a trip to London last week
- Prince Harry and Meghan Markle focus on ‘work-life balance’ now they’re a family-of-four, claims Duchess’ make-up artist
- Body language expert says Meghan Markle’s ‘mask slipped’ showing ‘hostile behaviour’ in interview before she met Harry
- Kate Middleton, Prince William and Charles ‘cancel all Christmas plans to spend time with Queen’
- Usain Bolt: I haven’t talked to Prince Harry for a while, he got serious with Meghan Markle really quickly
Kate 'really upset' over estrangement from Harry & Meghan
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."
Royals 'moving away' from typical duties
A royal author has claimed that the Royal Family appears to be "moving away" from the traditional royal duties its members have been carrying out for decades.
Ian Lloyd, author of 'The Duke: A Life in 100 Chapters', told Express.co.uk: "It seems that they are moving away from doing the royal duties they used to do, in terms of typical ones, for example, if the Queen came to Manchester, she would go to open a concert hall and then maybe visit a school or an exhibition and then have lunch with the Lord Mayor.
"Those are the things that are disappearing. And I think they are being replaced by causes.
"We saw the Earthshot Prize with Prince William, mental health and so on.
"These are not individual royal engagements like opening a school – a lot of this work can now be done virtually."
He continued to say that: "The nature of how the Royal Family functions is changing.
"In the Queen's early years she had to go around the UK because people could then see her, they didn't have televisions, iPhones and so on, now it's so easy to show them doing different things.
"I think the very nature of being a working royal is changing."
Duke of Cambridge also loves ice skating and board games at Xmas
Prince William has said he enjoyed playing the board games Monopoly and Risk with his children.
William confirmed that he also liked ice-skating but was not very good at it and looked like a “deer on ice”.
William also paid tribute to the patients and staff at the hospital, saying: “I’ve always been amazed by the positivity, the energy and the hope and the love that goes with the Royal Marsden.”
He said staff would ensure the festive period would be “jolly” despite it being “a different Christmas for those in the hospital this year”.
Plans were reportedly fully in place at Windsor Castle for this comingTuesday’s Christmas lunch, which the 95-year-old monarch hosts each year for her extended family.
Last year’s gathering was also scrapped because of the Covid-19 crisis.
The Queen was back on her feet last week
THE Queen was back on her feet for a trip to London last week, we can reveal.
Her Majesty’s secret visit is thought to be the first time she has left Windsor since October.
But last week the Queen — whose husband Prince Philip died aged 99 in April — was seen in the capital without a walking stick.
An onlooker said yesterday: “Everyone has been worried sick for the Queen after she went to hospital.
“So it was great she was out and about and on her feet and looking back to her best. Hopefully, being on her feet in London is a sign that we will see her back on engagements soon.
"This is such a boost ahead of Christmas when everyone is so down in the dumps right now.”
Kate & William planning US visit
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."
- Milica Cosic
Queen’s Xmas gift for Archie last year
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’.”
- Milica Cosic
Music helping Queen get through loneliness
A royal journalist has claimed that The Queen is reminiscing and getting through "darker days" by listening to her old music favourites
Apparently it is helping her remember her family's fond love of a British entertainer.
Royal reporter and commentator Neil Sean claimed a source told him that the Queen is listening to the music of George Formby to help her get over some of her loneliness.
Mr Sean also spoke about how the monarch and many other Royal Family members were big fans of the English entertainer.
- Milica Cosic
Want to know all the Queen's secrets?
The Queen is looking to hire someone to help with the family archives, which means you'll be able to know what goes on in the innermost workings of the palace.
The successful candidate will be based at Windsor Castle starting in February 2022.
Her Majesty is paying £24,000 for the 37.5 hours-a-week role, and you’ll also get 33 days paid holiday (inclusive of Bank Holidays) and an employer contribution pension scheme.
The advert lists the role as a Digitisation Technician, who will “produce high quality images of documentary items, before transferring them to permanent storage.”
It states: “Joining our team of experts, your challenge will be to digitise material held by the Royal Archives and the Royal Collection, producing valuable content for high profile public access.
“You’ll analyse every digital image for quality and metadata compliance, carrying out vital quality assurance checks.”
Do you want the Queen as your boss? You have until January 7, 2022 to apply here.
- Milica Cosic
‘Formal’ Xmas celebration with Harry & Meghan
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will still find a way to celebrate the festive season with The Queen, an expert has claimed.
Earlier this month, royal correspondent Neil Sean discussed how the Royal Family will be marking Christmas this year on his YouTube channel.
Neil claimed: “There will be some gifts but it will be very formal.
“[The Queen] is far too gracious to be childish and not include [Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the gift package.”
However, the expert said the gift opening would take place at “a distance” and NOT over Zoom calls.
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