Welcome to this week’s edition of to get all the latest royal news and gossip with Tom Sykes and Tim Teeman.
Kate gets ‘colorful’ chief aide
If the words “excitement” and “Kate Middleton” do not seem obvious bedfellows, prepare to be moderately surprised. The Sunday Times reports that Kate is looking to “shake things up” at Kensington Palace with the appointment of Alison Corfield at her most senior aide. Corfield has variously been described as “loud…persuasive…a breath of fresh air,” with Kate keen to appoint a “different kind of courtier.”
The announcement came as Kate seeks to carve out her own royal patch for her child developmental work. She even released a picture of herself as a little girl this week, with a bunch of British celebs following suit.
A source who worked with Corfield on chef Jamie Oliver’s free school meal campaigns, told the Times: “She’s a ball-breaker, a real straight-talker, very passionate, dynamic and genuinely funny. She makes things happen and will really push things forward at the palace.”
Britain’s Charles, Prince of Wales, and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, arrive to meet Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and First Lady Entissar Amer at Al-Ittihadiya Palace, on the third day of their tour of the Middle East, in Cairo, Egypt November 18, 2021.
Joe Giddens/Pool via REUTERS
Charles and Camilla get new thrones
Getting new furniture is always exciting—especially when it is his and hers thronage. The Mail on Sunday reports that two new thrones are being knocked up for the king and queen in readiness for their May 6 coronation.
A palace source said: “There is always a new throne for a new monarch and this will be no exception.” Charles will also park his derriere on the Coronation Chair for part of the ceremony. This little beauty was made in 1296 by King Edward I, making it, the Mail says “the oldest piece of furniture in the United Kingdom still used for its original purpose.”
Harry sought for deposition by Samantha Markle
Meghan Markle’s sister came in for a serious bashing by Meghan in her Netflix film. Now Samantha is hitting back, launching a defamation case against Meghan. And according to the Sunday Mirror, Samantha is seeking a video deposition from none other than Prince Harry.
Samantha is suing Meghan, claiming her reputation was ruined by “malicious lies” told by Meghan in the 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Samantha says she has been the victim of “demonstrably false and malicious statements” which subjected her to “humiliation and hatred.” The case could go to a jury trial in Tampa, Florida, next year.
This week in royal history
Queen Elizabeth was proclaimed queen on February 8, 1952.
Unanswered questions
How much more detail on Harry’s lost virginity can there be left to tell? We have the feeling a lot. Also: the Coronation/Harry/Meghan drama looks set to become even more complicated, and a test of power dynamics within the palace. What role or invite will they get, and will they accept it?
Love The Daily Beast’s royal coverage? Sign up here to get Royalist newsletters sent straight to your inbox.
