Royal Family

Win a royal festive getaway with Blenheim Palace family tickets and afternoon tea for four, a 2-night dinner, bed & breakfast stay at Heythrop Park, a £1,000 VIP private tour, and a luxury Christmas hamper.

A prize fit for a Prince and Princess awaits…

This Christmas, Blenheim Palace has teamed up with Heythrop Park Hotel for an exclusive competition offering a prize worthy of royalty, featuring a happily ever after that could be closer than you think!

From 13th November 2026 to 3rd January 2027, Blenheim Palace is inviting visitors to step into a world of festive magic. Britain’s Greatest Palace is set to transform into an enchanting fairytale wonderland, with breathtaking installations, immersive experiences and a spectacular retelling of Cinderella.

Inside the Palace, the beloved fairytale comes to life as visitors journey through beautifully decorated State Rooms, from a magnificent 30ft Christmas tree and Cinderella’s garden to the Fairy Godmother’s magical transformation. Along the way, discover the mischievous stepsisters, admire the pumpkin carriage and experience the royal ball before the clock strikes midnight, culminating in a magical ‘happily ever after’ finale and a very special ‘meet and greet’.

Beyond the Palace doors, the spectacular Illuminated Trail boasts over a million twinkling lights and dazzling installations. Highlights include a sparkling Christmas Snow Globe, interactive Christmas Disco, Fire and Ice display, 10-metre Butterfly Tree, illuminated hot air balloons and immersive Choir 360 experience, alongside returning favourites such as the illuminated tunnel and water fountain show.

With a festive Christmas Market and ice skating also on offer to enjoy, Christmas at Blenheim Palace promises a magical day out for the whole family. Tickets are on sale now, with Cinderella Inside the Palace starting from £43 for adults and £26 for children, the Illuminated Trail from £25 and £19, and combined tickets from £67 and £44 respectively.

Why not make the most of your festive escape to the Oxfordshire countryside with a relaxing stay at Heythrop Park, Warner Hotels’ stunning adults-only destination. Set within 440 acres of beautiful parkland, guests can enjoy elegant accommodation, outstanding dining, live entertainment and a wide range of leisure facilities, making it the perfect festive getaway.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply fill in the form below. If you can’t see the form, click here.

This competition closes on the 6th December.

The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance 2026 was hosted by Clive Myrie

BBC viewers were left divided on Saturday night by singer Alfie Boe’s performance.

The singer took to the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where senior members of the Royal Family joined veterans, serving personnel and their families.

The BBC event, hosted by Clive Myrie, also left viewers in tears following performances by Alfie Boe, James Emmanuel, Mica Paris, Rita Wilson, and Tom Odell, alongside stirring sets from The Band of The Royal Air Force Regiment and The Bands of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth and Collingwood.

However, just minutes into Alfie’s rendition of Run, BBC viewers were left divided, and while some were moved, others felt the original version was better.

“Alfie Boe never fails to deliver exceptional,” one fan praised, as another agreed, “Alfie Boe is phenomenal. I don’t know a voice like his. That Run performance was beautiful. My favourite singer.”

Someone else added, “I was already struggling to hold back the tears, and then Alfie Boe sang Run. What a voice, what a performance. We are all united in thinking of those who never made it home and the families they left behind.”

However, not all viewers shared the same views, as one said, “No need to shout Alfie Boe.”

Another commented, “I like Alfie Boe…. But only Snow Patrol can sing this song sorry,” as another fan echoed, “Agreed 100%.”

The BBC will also continue its coverage on Sunday as Sophie Raworth and Petroc Trelawny present live coverage from London as members of the Royal Family lead the Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph.

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Senior members of the Royal Family will be joined on Whitehall by leading UK politicians, alongside representatives of the armed forces, the Commonwealth, and faith communities, for the two-minute silence at 11 o’clock and the National Service of Remembrance.

This is followed by the annual wreath-laying and the historic march past of 10 000 veterans as the nation remembers all those who have died serving their country.

The BBC’s Festival of Remembrance is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Prince WIlliam once dreamed about being a policeman before he turned his hand to DJing – but The Prince of Wales has been brutally honest about his talents during a surprise TV interview

Prince WIlliam has revealed his childhood dreams of becoming a DJ live on TV.

He joined Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham on The Graham Norton Show last night. During the episode William was asked whether he had wanted a different career growing up, other than becoming the future King, to which he surprised the audience by saying he had.

His dream role was once to be a policeman, and he even said he wanted to be a DJ. He said: “I did want to be a policeman when I was younger; I thought I could make a good policeman.” Graham interjected saying: “Well, you’re tall.” Then Robert chipped in: “There’s a bit more to it than that mate.”

Graham continued: “Well, you’d look good in the uniform and the hat.” Prince WIlliam added: “I wasn’t on the catwalk. Yeah, being a policeman I thought was quite cool and then I went through a phase of wanting to be a DJ – which didn’t go very well and I came up with a name, I was called DJ Xara with an ‘X’, it wasn’t good.”

Graham asked: “Did you DJ at school parties?” To which Prince William said: “No, I didn’t, I never got that good.”

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The audience is heard laughing along, prompting many royal fans to take to X to comment on the prince’s sense of humour, with many referring to William as “funny”.

One fan commented: “Prince William is articulate, funny and an intelligent decent man,” another added: “Prince William is pretty funny and bet he would look good in a police uniform.”

Another added: “I [red-heart emoji] seeing people realise just how charismatic and funny Prince William is, and that he has absolutely no problem laughing at himself. This clip of him on The Graham Norton Show is the perfect example of that. The poor man was absolutely red in the face from laughing so much.”

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Prince William revealed he met with Ross Kemp recently and confirmed “he was really jumpy” as he opened up on his family’s love for The Celebroity Traitors on The Graham Norton Show

The Prince of Wales has revealed his family’s love of The Celebrity Traitors, adding that he even touched paranoid faithful Ross Kemp “to see what reaction I got from him”.

The EastEnders star had been on alert about being murdered in plain sight through touch since the first episode of the BBC One series. The paranoia proved justified in Thursday’s episode, when he was indeed murdered in plain sight by traitors James Acaster and Maya Jama.

But instead of touch, he was murdered by yawning and inhaling a poisoned perfume. Discussing the star-studded programme during a surprise appearance on an Earthshot Prize edition of The Graham Norton Show, William said: “I love it, the family love it. Charlotte and Louis are obsessed with it. It’s really good telly.

“I saw Ross Kemp the day after the first episode and I couldn’t help but try – in the most appropriate way – to touch him to see what reaction I got from him. Turns out he was really jumpy!”

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Asked how he switches off, he said: “It is music and film. I love getting immersed in deep-thinking films. I like action films too, but I like something a bit different. I’m a big fan of everything Christopher Nolan does. His films are fantastic – The Dark Knight series is psychologically dark and deep and I absolutely love that.

“He takes concepts that are completely out there and makes them incredibly entertaining.”

William joined Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham on the chat show to gasps from the audience to speak about the environmental award, which connects all four guests.

Blanchett is an Earthshot Prize council member, Irwin is a global ambassador for the prize and Waddingham hosted the 2023 Earthshot awards in Singapore.

Mumbai will stage the Earthshot Prize next month where the future king will meet Bollywood stars as he learns about India’s hugely popular film industry, play with cricketing royalty and preside over the ceremony awarding £5 million in prize money.

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The Prince of Wales made a surprise appearance on the Graham Norton Show tonight and opened up about the hilarious moment he was mistaken for singer Prince

Prince WIlliam has recounted the time he was once mistaken for the singer Prince at a UK event.

Tonight The Prince of Wales made a surprise appearance on the Graham Norton Show as part of a special edition to mark the Earthshot Prize. During the episode he sat on the sofa with Cate Blanchett, Robert Irwin and Hannah Waddingham, all of whom are involved with the prize.

The prince was a surprise for the audience, as Norton first spoke with Cate, Robert and Hannah. He then suddenly mentioned involving the prince in the chat, with William then making his surprise appearance. Before William emphasised the urgent need to tackle climate change he opened up about an encounter with a member of the public which had the audience howling with laughter.

Graham said: “Recently you were at an event and someone didn’t know who you were?” To which WIlliam responded: “Yes, that happens quite regularly actually. I went to a place in Somerset and was looking around some of the local communities there and one lovely gentleman looked up at me from his seat and said ‘when are you going to sing?’ and I looked at him, I’ve had many requests over many years for all ranging parts of society and I said ‘I’m sorry what do you mean?’ he goes ‘when are you going to sing your performance?’

“And a lady behind tapped his arm and went “no, no he’s not that prince.” it turned out he wanted me to sing purple rain – which I don’t know the lyrics for.”

It comes as next month, Mumbai will stage the Earthshot Prize where the future king will meet Bollywood stars as he learns about India’s hugely popular film industry, play with cricketing royalty and preside over the ceremony awarding £5million in prize money to those with ideas to repair the planet.

Prince William went on to speak about the origins of the Earthshot Prize, and its role in identifying and supporting innovators around the world. He said: “For many years I was hearing stories about environment issues and one thing that struck me was the negativity and doom which got me down.

“I thought we could do something more powerful and more optimistic and the idea of an awards’ ceremony came about and we could talk about urgency and optimism together. It’s all about getting excited.”

Blanchett, an Earthshot Prize council member, described the Prize as a “tapestry of solutions”, while Irwin, a global ambassador for the prize, spoke about the role the prize has played in building a new generation of environmental advocates.

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William’s Earthshot Prize project is halfway through its decades-long cycle to recognise and reward issues and ideas to help save the planet and the event has already been staged in London, Singapore, Cape Town, Boston and Rio de Janeiro.

Since its launch in 2021, he has managed to attract a host of stars to his cause, from Hollywood names Leonardo DiCaprio, Matthew McConaughey and Cate Blanchett to broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough and former prime minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern.

The initiative was inspired by former US president John F Kennedy’s Moonshot project which set scientists the challenge of placing an astronaut on the moon and returning him safely – and in the process helped advance mankind’s achievements.

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The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 air on ITV1 and ITVX tonight, Thursday, October 22, from 8pm until 10.05pm. Carol Vorderman returns as host for the 27th year running alongside co-host Ashley Banjo.

The Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, in partnerhsip with P&O Cruises, returns to screens tonight to celebrate the nation’s most extraordinary, selfless unsung heroes.

While the glittering ceremony took place took place at London’s Grosvenor House earlier this week, viewers across the country will finally get the chance to experience every emotional standing ovation, surprise, and tear-jerking triumph from their living rooms this evening.

Established by late Mirror editor Peter Willis, the awards have become a cherished fixture in the national calendar, honouring everyday people who show astonishing bravery, tireless dedication, and boundless compassion. Key honours handed out tonight include the This Morning Local Hero Award, the Emergency Services Award, Child and Teenager of Courage, and the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award.

How to watch The Pride of Britain Awards on TV

The Pride of Britain Awards 2026 air tonight – Thursday, October 22 on ITV1 and ITVX from 8pm until 10.05pm.

This year’s ceremony from London’s Grosvenor House Hotel sees a star-studded line up including Jack Grealish, Davina McCall, PM Andy Burnham, and Alan Carr celebrating the nation’s unsung heroes.

Hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo, expect plenty of emotion and surprises along with inspirational stories of bravery, achievement and selflessness. Plus, stepping off their 25th Anniversary Tour for a special performance are boyband Blue.

Who is hosting The Pride of Britain Awards?

Telly legend Carol Vorderman, 65, has returned to front the ceremony for her 27th consecutive year, once again joined by co-host Ashley Banjo.

“Pride of Britain is needed now more than ever,” she told the Mirror. “We’re incredibly divided as a nation. And there are plenty of reasons to be miserable: the cost of living crisis, global uncertainty. But through it all, one thing unites us – and that is hope. And the goodness of people.”

Since the inaugural ceremony in 1999, royalty, prime ministers, worldwide icons and massive stars have flocked to celebrate the winners, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Prince and Princess of Wales, Diana Ross, Sir Paul McCartney, Sharon Stone, Harry Styles, Janet Jackson, David Beckham, Taylor Swift, Anthony Joshua, Sir Mo Farah and Ant and Dec..

Sources claim Meghan Markle was ‘used by Netflix’ in order to promote The Gentlemen, amidst speculation that she would be making an appearance in the series

Meghan Markle was reportedly “used” to promote The Gentlemen, according to her friends. It had been widely reported that the Duchess of Sussex would be making a full-time return to acting on the Netflix series, having found fame playing Rachel Zane on the US legal drama, Suits.

Since stepping down as senior working royals in January 2020, Meghan and her husband, Prince Harry, have lived a financially independent lifestyle and worked with the streaming giant Netflix on several projects. However, after it emerged that the Sussexes would be returning to live in the UK, it was reported that she was in talks to appear in The Gentlemen.

Now, those said to be close to the Duchess claim she feels “used” by the show after being in advanced talks to join the cast for series three. But any hopes of seeing Meghan in the Guy Ritchie drama were recently shot down.

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“Some people in her camp feel she was used to help promote season two, because they knew it wasn’t as good as the first season and had already commissioned a third [series],” a source told The Telegraph. The source went on to add: “It’s the oldest marketing trick in the book: get a big name to read a script, then leak that you’re ‘in conversation’ with them when, in reality, nothing is particularly far along.

“The whole thing left a bit of a sour taste in the Sussex camp’s mouth. Needless to say, Netflix got what it wanted: huge viewing figures for season two and a lot of publicity.”

Viewing figures from Barb, the official ratings agency, show that audiences dropped by around 15 per cent from the first series’ debut episode, which was streamed by 3.5 million people in March 2024. These figures declined by 500,000 for the latest series.

But it appears that director Guy Ritchie wasn’t impressed with the talks about Meghan joining the cast. “Really?” was Guy’s first response after hearing of the speculation.

A source told The Sun that the 58-year-old went on to rule out any future appearances by Meghan. He is reported to have said: “Not a chance.”

Meanwhile, the Express reports that the Duchess will be offered a staggering £3.7million to return to her role as Rachel Zane. It’s claimed that NBCUniversal is ready to spend a “substantial budget” to reunite Meghan with her former castmates, seven years after the show ended.

“Everything is beginning to fit in place and shooting the whole thing at a major UK studio is actually a smart financial move as well as being convenient for Meghan,” a source said of making a special episode of the show. The source went on to add: “It’s way too soon to say if a Suits reunion would reignite an entire new series, but that’s clearly the hope of Patrick and several of the show’s other leading cast members.”

The duchess recently returned to acting for the first time in nearly a decade with a cameo as herself in the upcoming comedy Close Personal Friends, which stars Lily Collins and Brie Larson. Although she has returned to the screen, it’s said she will be playing herself in the Amazon MGM Studios film, which focuses on two couples, one of whom is famous and the other not.

The Mirror has approached a spokesperson for the Duchess and Netflix.

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