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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
The UK beach with stretches of golden sand dunes loved by Kate and William for family day out
With the summer holidays in full swing, there's a beloved UK beach that is well worth a visit, with unspoilt sand dunes and nearby pinewoods - a spot adored by Princess Kate and Prince William A beach nestled on the Norfolk coast makes the perfect day out for the kids during the summer holidays, and it's even loved by royalty. Prince William and Kate Middleton are known to love Holkham beach in Norfolk and regularly visit the sprawling sandy dunes with their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, over the school holidays. The idyllic spot offers miles and miles of unspoilt golden sand, with nearby pinewoods offering a refreshing respite from the heat. Holkham beach has even been the backdrop to Kate's photographs of the children and her husband over the years when they've marked significant occasions, including the couple's 10th anniversary. It is also said to have been the location they chose when sharing the news that Kate had completed her chemotherapy treatment. National Trust launches its Summer of Play events for the kids' school holidays Prince George's hidden detail in 12th birthday snap hints at secret family tradition The beach is part of the grand Holkham Estate, which spans 25,000 acres of undulating parkland, houses a splendid Palladian Hall, and includes the globally significant Holkham National Nature Reserve. It's an ideal beach for families, with stretches of smooth sand for the kids to run about on or to pick up a bat to play cricket or rounders. Unlike many other beaches, Holkham Beach welcomes horses. During the summer months, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) regularly conducts ride-outs onto the beach, which is a truly extraordinary spectacle. Dogs are also welcome, although visitors are advised to steer clear of areas cordoned off for nesting birds. It's a haven for wintering birds and an important breeding site for Little Terns, Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher. These ground-nesting birds are vulnerable to high tides and disturbances from humans and dogs. During the winter, large flocks of shorebirds can be spotted along the shore edge and on the developing salt marsh in Holkham Bay. It's no wonder that Holkham Beach has been featured in several films and TV series, including the Oscar-winning 'Shakespeare in Love' and the 2018 Netflix film 'Annihilation'. In 2018, BBC Countryfile even named Holkham Beach as Beach of the Year. It has also been listed among the best beaches in the UK by TimeOut, one of The Telegraph's favourite white sand beaches, and a top beach for walking dogs by Canine Cottages. In addition to this, it has been named the Best British Beach in the Coast Awards for three years and has also bagged a Travellers' Choice Award. The stunning beach is just a 35-minute drive from William and Kate's Norfolk holiday home, Amner Hall, where they retreat to during some school holidays and weekends for some quality family time away from the spotlight. And it seems the locals go out of their way to respect their royal residents. Royal expert Katie Nicholl previously told OK!"The locals are incredibly protective of them, you don't often see people get out their camera phones and record them. They are left to just get on with a family occasion." "If you speak to anyone from North Norfolk, they're incredibly proud that William and Kate are continuing a love affair with Norfolk that goes back generations. Kate and William tend to go to the same places and these are places where they are known and have a good relationship with the landlord or landlady." She added: "They've been going to these places for a long time, so it's not unusual and it's not difficult for them to go and relax. Norfolk is one of the few places they can just enjoy ordinary, everyday experiences as a family. William and Kate often go out on date nights and you don't hear about it." One local also said: "They've been spotted on a yacht just off Holkham Beach, it's the perfect way for them to be able to enjoy the beach but be away from the crowds. Holkham is amazing - it's the beach from Shakespeare in Love - huge white sand with sand dunes, and although it's very popular it never feels busy, as it's so big. "But even still, it would be hard for the royal family to come down and enjoy it during peak summer season. Being on a boat gives them privacy and security but they still get to enjoy their local beach."
Powys County Times
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
King and Queen roll out red carpet for the Macrons during French state visit
The King and Queen rolled out the red carpet for the President of France Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte in Windsor at the start of the French state visit to the UK. Charles and Camilla warmly greeted the French leader and the first lady on a specially constructed Royal Dais near the town's Windsor and Eton Riverside train station, with the castle in the backdrop. Mr Macron dolled out the Gallic charm by taking Camilla's hand and leaning forward to air kiss it, having earlier greeted the Princess of Wales at RAF Northolt with the same gesture. There were 'la bise' kisses between Mrs Macron and the Queen, and as Mr Macron stood chatting to the King with ease, the president placed his hand on the monarch's back and gave it a few affectionate rubs. The King was sporting a burst blood vessel in his right eye, which is said to have developed overnight and be unrelated to any other health conditions. Nearly 400 military personnel from the Army, RAF and Royal Navy lined the High Street along the ceremonial route and a 41-gun salute sounded in nearby Home Park in Mr Macron's honour to mark his arrival. Amid pomp and ceremony, military bands played both British and French music for the waiting crowds, and a Captain's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, in their plumed helmets and shiny silver breastplates, and riding Irish chargers, formed a Guard of Honour. The Prince and Princess of Wales accompanied the King's guests to the Berkshire town after meeting them at RAF Northolt in west London on Tuesday morning and joining them for the 14-mile car journey. Kate was carrying out the royal duties on Tuesday after opening up about her 'rollercoaster' cancer recovery, its life-changing impact and putting on a 'brave face' last week. She channelled diplomatic royal dressing choosing to wear French fashion house Christian Dior for the celebratory occasion. Her earrings belonged to Diana, Princess of Wales and the pearl necklace was from the late Queen's collection. The Christian Dior jacket is the 30 Montaigne Rose Des Vents Bar Jacket and a piece from the 2024 collection. It was reimagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who was inspired by the original first created in 1947 by Dior himself. Kate's hat was by Jess Collett. The Queen was wearing a bright emerald green chiffon dress by Anna Valentine and a hat by Philip Treacy, and an emerald and diamond brooch that belonged to the late Queen. Hundreds of members of the public packed the streets hoping to get a glimpse of the royals and their guests on their carriage ride through the town on their way to Windsor Castle. Mr Macron and the King chatted enthusiastically as Household Cavalry made their way down the road and the open-top carriages arrived. Charles then led Mr Macron into their landau and chuckled as they chatted while taking their seats. The state visit is the first to the UK by an EU head of state since Brexit, and the first to be held at Windsor, rather than Buckingham Palace, for more than a decade, thanks to ongoing refurbishments at the London residence. At a glittering state banquet being staged in the castle's vast medieval St George's Hall on Tuesday evening, the King will stress the vital partnership between France and the UK in the face of a 'multitude of complex threats', declaring 'as friends and as allies, we face them together'. He will highlight how 'these challenges know no borders: no fortress can protect us against them this time'. Mr Macron will address parliamentarians in the Palace of Westminster's Royal Gallery in the afternoon and, on Thursday, join a UK-France Summit at Downing Street. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has signalled a 'reset' in relations between the UK and Europe as he looks to heal the wounds caused by the Brexit years. Defence, growth, security, migration and French tactics on tackling small boats will be discussed, with the two leaders expected to dial in to speak to other allied nations who are looking to support any future peace deal in Ukraine.
Daily Mirror
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Anne proudly rides at Trooping the Colour following horror horse accident
One year after her serious incident with a horse, Princess Anne has bounced back and joined the Trooping the Colour procession on horseback Princess Anne has been seen riding in public for the first time since a serious incident involving a horse that saw her rushed to hospital with concussion. Last year, the Princess Royal was involved in an accident with a horse that resulted in her being left battered and bruised. But today to celebrate King Charles ' birthday at Trooping the Colour, Anne joined the parade on horseback for another year. Wearing the traditional Blues and Royals mounted uniform in her role as gold stick in waiting, she was was joined on horseback by Prince Edward and Prince William. Anne's steed for the day was Noble, a horse that she rode in the parade last year, who earned a reputation for being 'naughty' after Charles had to control her at Trooping in 2023. Charles' official birthday was marked with a display of military pomp and pageantry but at the King's request the event acknowledged the aviation disaster that claimed the lives of 241 passengers and crew, including more than 50 British nationals, as well as around 30 people on the ground. The Royal Procession was accompanied by the Sovereign's Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the sounds of the Band of the Household Cavalry, led by two shire drum horses bearing solid silver kettle drums. Senior officers taking part in Trooping also wore black armbands as a mark of respect for the aviation victims, as did the coachmen and women from the Royal Mews, driving carriages carrying members of the royal family or riding on a coach's lead horse as a postilion. A minute's silence will be observed after the King has inspected the guardsmen on the parade ground. It will be signalled by a bugler sounding the Last Post and will end with the Reveille. Anne's return to her beloved horse comes one year after she suffered serious injuries, including bruises and a concussion, as the result of a horse. King Charles' sister had set out alone and on foot to feed her chickens on her Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire before becoming involved in an incident, where she is believed to have been struck from behind by a horse. The Princess was rushed to hospital by ambulance and was treated as an in-patient before being discharged several days later to convalesce at home. At the time Buckingham Palace said she had been admitted "as a precautionary measure for observation', but the princess later revealed the true horror of the accident. When Princess Anne returned to Southmead Hospital in Bristol where she was treated for her injuries, she told hospital staff that it was 'useful' to meet them as she was still unable to recall what happened. 'You've been filling in the blanks, which partly, from my perspective, is really useful to know how it happened, because I seriously don't have any idea, and sadly, I don't have huge memories of being in here either,' she said.
Metro
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
What VE Day 2025 celebrations are happening across the UK this week?
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video After thousands flocked to Buckingham Palace to watch the red arrows flyover, Brits can look forward to more celebrations this week to marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. Events are set to take place all next week to celebrate the end of World War II in Europe. A military procession took place from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace yesterday on Bank Holiday Monday, with the Royal Family taking to the balcony. It featured a display of pageantry by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, showcasing ceremonial traditions of the British Armed Forces. Winston Churchill's famous Victory Day speech was also recited as Big Ben struck noon. The celebrations are honouring the moment Allied forces accepted Germany's surrender on May 8, 1945. Military procession in central London A troop march will be held on May 5 from Whitehall to Buckingham Palace, via the Mall, ending with a red arrows fly past. Poppy display at the Tower of London 30,000 ceramic poppies will be installed at the Tower of London, with the Queen opening the display on May 6. Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert The Parliamentary Choir will hold a celebratory concert in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament on May 7, marking the moment the nation was first informed of Victory in Europe. Beacons lit across the UK 2,500 beacons will be set alight at key locations across the country, from Tower Bridge in London to Bridport in Dorset and beyond. VE Day celebrations began in Parliament Square, where Harry Potter icon Timothy Spall read out words from Winston Churchill's famous victory speech. The 68-year-old actor, whose roles include Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Chicken Run, read extracts from the speech in which Churchill told Britons 'This is not victory of a party or of any class. It's a victory of the great British nation as a whole.' A poignant moment followed, when the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace will be passed from a young person to a 100-year-old Second World War veteran. The event culminated in the Royal Air Force's Red Arrows roaring overhead, leaving behind them red, white, and blue smoke. The King and Queen welcomed and members of the wartime generation at Buckingham Palace for a tea party. There will also be an afternoon street party and an evening do at HMS Belfast, the most significant surviving Second World War warship. Winston Churchill's family home, Chartwell in Kent is planning lots of fun activities and music to celebrate his role in the momentous day. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The moving display of 30,000 ceramic poppies at the Tower of London, first installed to mark the centenary of the First World War in 2014, will return to the historic fortress. The Queen will view the poppies when they go on display, with a small part of the installation visible for free to the public. Historic landmarks across the country will also be lit up on the Tuesday evening. A Victory in Europe Day Anniversary Concert will be held in Westminster Hall at the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Parliament Choir. The performance will mark 80 years since a newsflash informed the nation that the next day would be VE Day. This is the actual VE Day. A service will take place at Westminster Abbey, which will serve as both 'an act of shared remembrance and a celebration of the end of the war'. A two minutes silence will be held across the country, led by UK government buildings and departments. A private tea party will also be held for Second World War veterans and their families by the British Legion. There's a good chance a street party will be taking place near you. Those with country parks, gardens, community halls and quiet roads are asked to unfold the chairs and tables and host a party. And expect a lot of bell ringing, too. Cathedrals have been asked to ring their bells at 6.30pm in a united call to 'work for peace', explained Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, chair of the Association of English Cathedrals. A concert will also take place at Horseguards Parade from 8pm to mark the end of commemorations. More than 12,500 people will attend the event, including the King and Queen. Pubs will also be allowed to stay open for an extra two hours, allowing revellers to celebrate the end of celebrations at 1am on the Friday morning. Capping off May 8, 2,500 beacons will be set alight across the UK. The fires will be lit around 9pm at focal points at various points in the country, including at London's Tower Bridge. While there are no more official events being organised by the government, many local and community events are still scheduled for Friday and the weekend after VE Day. A 1940s style dance will be roaring away in Wouldham, Rochester, while The Royal Irish Regiment will be holding a lively concert in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland on 10 May. On the same day, the Veterans Memorial Garden in Glasgow wifollowed by a veterans parade. This will finish at the Lincoln Inn where there will be a buffet, music and raffle. More Trending In the Yorkshire village of Catton, there will be a vintage-themed day featuring Second World War memorabilia and vehicles. A similar event is also set to take place in Keelby village hall, in Lincolnshire. There is a handy website available to find all the closest VE Day events near to you. The government has put together this web page to list 780 activities happening throughout the week of festivities. There is even space to add your own event and get help on how to bring people together to celebrate. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: How did World War II end – and why do Europe and the US recognise different dates? MORE: Queen tells veteran how her 'lucky' dad survived being shot in face during war MORE: 'Real gentleman' dies in house fire after 'hero' neighbour tried to pull him from flames
The Guardian
05-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
VE Day 80th anniversary ceremony to begin with flypast and military procession in central London
Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature Keir Starmer has praised the 'selfless dedication' of those who have served in the military before the anniversary of VE Day as the government unveiled a new £50m support system for veterans. In an open letter to mark 80 years since the end of the second world war in Europe, the prime minister said the sacrifice made by members of the armed forces was a debt that could 'never fully be repaid'. He said the country would show how thankful it was during events to commemorate VE Day, which signalled the end of fighting on 8 May 1945. 'It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil,' Starmer wrote. 'VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.' Starmer said his thoughts would turn both to those who served in the second world war and those who carried 'the torch of their legacy' today. 'Alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together,' he said. 'So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example.' Share Midday BST: The ceremony begins in Parliament Square when Big Ben strikes midday, and an actor will recite extracts from the iconic Winston Churchill VE Day speech. A young person will then pass the Commonwealth War Graves Torch for Peace to Alan Kennett, 100, a Second World War veteran who served in the Normandy campaign. The Torch for Peace is an enduring symbol, honouring the contributions made by individuals, which will act as a baton to pass and share stories to future generations. At 12.10 BST The procession will make its way to Buckingham Palace. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery will then lead the procession from Parliament Square, down Whitehall and past the Cenotaph which will be dressed in Union Flags, through Admiralty Arch and up The Mall through to Buckingham Palace where the procession will finish. They will be followed by a tri-service procession group featuring marching members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the British Army and the Royal Air Force. Cadets from all three services and other uniformed youth groups will also take part in the procession to ensure the message of VE Day is handed down to a new generation. The Prime Minister and Second World War veterans supported by the Royal British Legion will watch the procession from a specially built dais on the Queen Victoria Memorial. The King and Queen will be joined by the Prince and Princess of Wales to watch the procession At 1.45pm BST a flypast featuring the Red Arrows and current and historic aircraft will take place The King and Queen will host a tea party at Buckingham Palace for veterans, families and members of the wartime generation. VE Day 80 street parties, picnics and community events will take place around the country. Share Welcome to live coverage of the UK commemorations of VE Day. On 8 May 1945, Winston Churchill announced that the war in Europe was over and crowd took to the streets to celebrate. Commemorative evens will be held across the UK and further afield over the next week to mark the anniversary with a procession down Whitehall and a flypast from the Red Arrows over central London later today. There will be a service in Westminster Abbey on Thursday and, in August, another commemoration of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). Share Explore more on these topics
