Latest news with #HilaryFordwich
Fox News
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
King Charles shatters 100 year-old royal tradition to usher in modern monarchy: experts
After more than 100 years, King Charles is changing the rules at Buckingham Palace. For the first time, players on the royal family's outdoor tennis court no longer have to follow the strict "almost entirely white" dress code, The Sunday Times reported. According to the outlet, the 76-year-old has relaxed the protocol, making tennis whites now "preferred" but "not essential" for players, including members of the royal family, household staff and their guests. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment. Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, told Fox News Digital that the king has been determined to modernize the monarchy, making it fresh and relevant for today's public. "King Charles is a very progressive-thinking man," said Felton Spence. "He has been his entire life, always looking forward and trying to build for the future. He has made it his mission to reshape a monarchy fit for the purpose today and tomorrow, while keeping the cultural relevancy that grounds the institution. These initiatives are good news and should be celebrated." British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that it's one of many changes the busy king has been making. She pointed out that Buckingham Palace announced on July 3 that the Royal Train, whose history dates back to Queen Victoria, would end 156 years of service. The palace shared it's too costly to operate and would require a significant upgrade to accommodate more advanced rail systems. "The Royal Train is no longer," said Fordwich. "Other changes have included lowering the temperature of the palace swimming pool to reduce energy consumption and other updates to palace amenities." "King Charles has previously broken many royal customs, including changes to ceremonial duties, the public displays of affection, and, in general, many public engagement styles," she shared. "His direct engagement in political lobbying has not been well received and has been most ill-advised." The dress code upgrade is significant for the king, who is known for his formal wear. According to the outlet, Charles is rarely seen in jeans or sneakers. However, he wanted his staff and guests, in particular, to "feel less restricted by protocol." "While the end of the all-white tennis dress code at Buckingham Palace might seem somewhat minor, it's a significant and rather symbolic step by King Charles to modernize the monarchy, making royal life more approachable and less bound by rigid traditions," Fordwich explained. Fordwich noted that the fashion rule was originally put in place when the court was built in 1919 during King George V's reign. According to the Royal Collection Trust, it's recognized as "London's most exclusive tennis court." The Sunday Times noted that it's located in "a shady area of the palace's 40-acre garden." "It has always been a hallmark of royal sporting etiquette," Fordwich shared. "Players, including royals, staff and guests, may not wear colored clothing... It's so sad to see yet another tradition abandoned." It's noted that for Charles's ancestors, sweat was considered unsightly, and colorful clothing showed it off more than white ensembles. Felton Spence noted that we can expect the king to continue bending the rules. "Protocol are simply unofficial rules adopted through tradition. They started somewhere," she said. Royal commentator Amanda Matta also told Fox News Digital that Charles's latest move may have been a quiet one, but its message was loud and clear. "It might seem like a minor change, but in royal circles, even a small dress code modification says a lot," Matta explained. "By easing up on the all-white rule for tennis at Buckingham Palace, King Charles is continuing his quiet push to modernize the monarchy. This modernization will not be through big pronouncements, but with subtle shifts." "The all-white rule dates back to Victorian ideas about formality and appearance, and changing it shows that Charles is willing to let go of traditions that feel outdated," she shared. "It's also a practical move. This isn't Wimbledon, after all, and the court is used by family, guests, and even palace staff, so relaxing the rules makes sense. I'm expecting (and excited for) more of these small tweaks throughout Charles' reign!" Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Charles isn't the only one looking to dust off the monarchy's rigid rules. Kate Middleton made her fashion first by wearing Christian Dior on July 8 for the start of the French state visit. According to the outlet, the 43-year-old's style choice was aimed at showing sartorial diplomacy. Her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was known to be a muse for the French fashion brand. "There have been many arguments recently allegedly about fashion styles," said Turner. "It is known that as soon as she is seen in a new outfit, it is sold out in minutes. Such is the demand to emulate her." Royal photographer Chris Jackson, author of "Charles III: A King and His Queen," previously told Fox News Digital that Charles's personal style has always shared important messages about his prized causes. "He's got this beautiful Aston Martin that runs on biofuel, which is surplus wine and cheese whey, which is pretty incredible," Jackson said. "He's obviously very passionate about the environment, [and] he's got this beautiful car, a DB6 Volante Aston Martin, that's environmentally friendly." The king, who has been a longtime advocate of sustainable living, bought the car in 1970. He converted it to run on biofuels, which use ethanol created from cheese-making whey and wine. He loaned his beloved vehicle to his son Prince William, who used it to drive Kate from their nuptials in 2011. WATCH: KING CHARLES' ASTON MARTIN, WHICH RUNS ON 'WINE AND CHEESE,' PAYS HOMAGE TO JAMES BOND: ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHER The king's cousin, Lord Snowdon, once joked, "How does [the former] Prince Charles drive his Aston Martin? Caerphilly." Daily Mail reporter Robert Hardman, author of "The Making of a King," also previously told Fox News Digital that Charles is known for sharing "coded messages" by using his ties. "His favorite has a little T-Rex motif on it," said Hardman. "I thought, 'That's a bit odd. I keep seeing this tie with a dinosaur on it… Of course, his cipher says, C. Rex, Charles Rex. So, I think he's having a little joke about being king with his tie. But he's in a good place. He's a happy monarch."
Sky News AU
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Donald Trump's Nobel Peace Prize nomination is ‘well deserved'
Strelmark President and founder Hilary Fordwich discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominating US President Donald Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize, describing it as 'well deserved'. 'Actually, there are many who say, and I tend to agree, that he should have received it when he initiated the Abraham Accords during his first administration,' Ms Fordwich told Sky News Digital Presenter Gabriella Power. 'I think this is better late than never, I would say. 'Definitely, he's done more for peace in the Middle East than any president that I can think of in any of our lifetimes.'
Sky News AU
08-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Trump's tariffs will have a ‘beneficial' global impact
Strelmark President and founder Hilary Fordwich weighs in on US President Donald Trump's tariffs, asserting they will have a 'beneficial' global impact. 'It's fascinating to me, I don't know who made all the former trade deals the US had historically because they totally and utterly hollowed out American manufacturing and American jobs,' Ms Fordwich told Sky News Digital Presenter Gabriella Power. 'What he's talking about is fair and reciprocal across the world, and I do think it's going to rebalance global trade. 'I don't think this is to the detriment of other nations; other nations need America more than the US needs them, and I think this is going to end up actually being beneficial across the globe, not just for the US.'
Sky News AU
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
The View hosts slammed as ‘anti-American' for bashing Trump's attack on Iran
Strelmark President Hilary Fordwich slams the hosts of The View for criticising US President Donald Trump's element of surprise on his attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. 'Something that I find very disappointing is how much more anti-American can you be than not be behind our men and women of the special forces that flew over there, in harm's way, went on a secret mission,' Ms Fordwich told Sky News Digital Presenter Gabriella Power. 'How can you not be behind them? 'President Trump didn't even lie. 'I thought it was brilliantly done, brilliant deception and brilliant element of surprise.'
Fox News
23-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Prince William and Kate Middleton quietly building trusted team for ‘inevitable transition': experts
Prince William and Kate Middleton are said to be preparing for "the inevitable transition" to being king and queen someday. People magazine recently reported that as their future roles draw closer with time, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as their inner circle, are quietly focused on "building a trusted team of advisors" to guide them. According to the outlet, palace aides have described King Charles' cancer diagnosis as "managed" as he continues to keep busy fulfilling royal duties while in treatment. Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace for comment. Royal experts emphasized to Fox News Digital there's no reason to believe the king will abdicate anytime soon due to any health concerns. "Prince William and Princess Catherine are indeed discreetly assembling a top-notch, extremely competent and reliable team to guide them through the coming transition," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "There is now more urgency than anticipated just a few years ago due to King Charles' health concerns," Fordwich said. "They recognize it is imperative to be properly prepared for the throne with a trusted team assembled by their side. They are determined to mitigate any royal drama, and to remain focused on ensuring the continuity and relevance of the monarchy for the future." A pal told People that "there are some major shifts coming behind the scenes." "They are really finessing what works and what doesn't," the friend added. The outlet also noted that, in recent years, Kate has "embraced her duties with a new level of professionalism and purpose." Fordwich said the couple's team is already providing strategic advice and helping them navigate the work that awaits them as they continue to raise their three young children. "Those who know members of their current team, who are said to be predominately from diplomatic and governmental backgrounds, share that they are more approachable than those in previous royal households," said Fordwich. Kate stirred headlines on Wednesday when she unexpectedly pulled out of a scheduled return to Royal Ascot. The 43-year-old was said to be disappointed not to be there but is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public engagements. In January, Kate announced she was in remission from cancer. Royal experts told Fox News Digital that the no-show is part of Kate's plan to prioritize her health and complete public engagements on a case-by-case basis. Some pointed out that the scorching heatwave that day may have contributed to her decision. "She's being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life," Queen Elizabeth's former spokeswoman Alisa Anderson previously told People. WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON MAKES KEY DECISIONS FOR ROYALS AS FUTURE QUEEN: EXPERT But the future continues to be at the forefront for the couple as they support the king. "King Charles' cancer diagnosis is being carefully managed by the palace," Fordwich explained. "They will continue to issue limited updates to the public to maintain dignity regarding his condition. Behind the scenes, Princess Catherine has been involved in selecting advisors and shaping the team's direction, drawing on her own experiences, as well as the close relationship she has developed with the king via their shared cancer diagnoses." British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Kate has become more influential than ever within the palace. She has been crowned as the most popular royal within the household. "Princess Catherine is key to the future of the monarchy," said Chard. "She wields discreet influence and is set to become even more influential as she continues her life of royal service. She is loved and respected worldwide. Every bit the standout royal, the polished princess is paving the way and transitioning into her future role with grace, dignity and purpose." "The Waleses are shaping their future to not only global leadership but leadership for social good," Chard shared. "Their aim is to be connected and relevant to the public. Trust is the key word here. They require a diligent, empathetic and trustworthy team working by their side." "Their goal of creating and maintaining a good trusting relationship with the public is essential to a smooth-running monarchy," said Chard. According to People magazine, Kate currently has a support network that primarily consists of family and a close circle of trusted friends. Following in the late queen's footsteps by focusing on duty and "keeping an air of mystery" with the public, she's already won over many palace aides. "She was already the only working royal life with any special pulling power," Charles's biographer, Catherine Mayer, told People magazine. "She is the one who generates excitement. For her, less is actually more." "I don't think you ever recover fully from what Kate has had to endure this last year," a pal told the outlet. "She has always been a huge asset to the royal family, but even more so now." Following years of royal scandal, Chard said "top PR is essential" for the couple. In 2019, Prince Andrew stepped back as a senior royal following his controversial ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Then, in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made their royal exit, citing the unbearable intrusions of the British press and a lack of support from the palace. Following Harry and Meghan's move to California, they aired their grievances in interviews, documentaries, as well as Harry's 2023 memoir "Spare." Harry told the BBC in May that he was ready to reconcile with his family but that his father, 76, wouldn't speak to him. Royal experts previously told Fox News Digital that William and Harry are not on speaking terms. "The Princess of Wales, along with Prince William, will run an even tighter ship with their team," said Chard. "Everyone will feel appreciated and will do their best in supporting the couple. Team members' lips will be tightly sealed in relation to any royal drama. The... trust of the public will continue to grow." "Family is heavily at the heart of their work and factoring their children around their diaries is of the utmost importance," Chard shared. "Their discreet team will also have Wales' children at heart, helping Prince George pave his way as future king." Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that while the king is in good spirits, William and Kate are feeling the pressure that, one day, they will reign. "The reality is, William and Kate may feel that they will be head of the monarchy soon," he said. "[But] Charles seems to be enjoying every minute as king… [Meanwhile], William is totally ambitious and Kate dutifully follows along. They are matched in that way." Pelham Turner pointed out that one challenge the couple will need to continue navigating is how to make the British royal family fresh and relevant today. While only time will tell, the couple appear to be up for the challenge. "The big smile on Charles' face says a lot," he added.
