Features

The stars on the latest New Year's Honours including three hidden by little known real names

There are some big stars on the latest New Year’s Honours list including a trio whose identities escaped immediate notice as they are being recognised under their own names and they’re not the ones everyone knows them by. Meera Syal is made a Dame for services to literature, drama and charity. She’s one of Britain’s best known TV stars with leading roles in The Kumars at No. 42 and…
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Features

From Palace to Pulpit: The King’s deliberate move away from royal residences

For decades, the Christmas broadcast has been a ritual closely associated with the grandeur of royal residences. Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, Windsor Castle – these have served as the familiar backdrops for the sovereign’s reflections on faith, family and the nation. King Charles III, however, is quietly redrawing that map. Since ascending the throne, he has increasingly chosen sacred…
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Features

King given lesson in Christmas tradition he failed to master at start of reign

A king has been given a masterclass in an old Christmas tradition that he failed to get the hang of in the first months of his reign. Frederik X of Denmark was shown how to get to grips with a well loved practice in his country by his mother, Queen Margrethe, who passed her throne to him at the start of 2024. The tradition is one very close to the hearts, quite literally, of people across…
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Features

18 facts about James, Earl of Wessex, as he celebrates his milestone birthday

As James, Earl of Wessex, celebrates his 18th birthday – here are 18 facts about the young royal. Full Name and Birth: James Alexander Philip Theo Mountbatten-Windsor was born on 17 December 2007 at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey to Prince Edward and Sophie, the then Earl and Countess of Wessex. Sibling: He is the younger brother of Lady Louise Windsor but remains ahead of her in the…
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