Royal Family RECAP: Charles and William celebrate football news, George's birthday video is released, and more

Good morning and welcome to HELLO!'s live royal blog! We're kicking off what promises to be a very exciting day in the royal calendar, filled with more engagements and a special family celebration. 

Today marks a significant milestone for the Wales family, as Prince George celebrates his 12th birthday. We're all eagerly awaiting any glimpses or updates from Kensington Palace as the young Prince steps into his twelfth year. Happy Birthday, Prince George! 

Meanwhile, King Charles and Queen Camilla have a busy day ahead of them. Their Majesties are set to make a public appearance, visiting Newmarket in Suffolk. 

We'll be bringing you all the details and first photos from their engagement as they step out. Join us throughout the day for all the latest royal news, dazzling photos, and updates from both the UK and beyond!

It's no secret that the Princess of Wales is a doting mother to her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis. 

But in 2018, when then-five-year-old George's emotions seemed to overwhelm him during the Maserati Royal Charity Polo Trophy, which he and Kate attended in support of Prince William, the way Kate handled her son's moment of distress tells a lot about the emotional bond between the young Prince and his mother, says psychotherapist and author of First Aid for Your Child's Mind, Alicia Eaton.

"It can be incredibly difficult for parents to navigate their child's emotions under the glare of cameras or the watchful eye of the public, but Catherine shows no hesitation in stepping in to support George," Alicia tells HELLO!.

Read the full story here. 

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Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco have offered a rare glimpse inside their palace home to commemorate the "solemn" swearing-in ceremony of the new Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco, Christophe Mirmand.

Two new photographs showed a rare look inside the royal couple's private living quarters, including a little-seen reception room within the State Apartment.

Here's the full story. 

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The Prince and Princess of Wales released a new portrait of their son, Prince George, to mark his 12^th birthday on Tuesday -- and he's the spitting image of his father!

The photo, taken by Josh Shinner, shows George in Norfolk, dressed in blue checkered shirt and an olive green gilet.

Read the full story. 

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Pippa Middleton is without a doubt a style icon, and while her most memorable outfit remains her bridesmaid dress for her sister, the Princess of Wales' royal wedding, she's worn some incredible ensembles over the years.

Back in May 2007, Pippa stepped out for a book launch party at Asprey in a golden yellow satin dress, which featured a V-neck, a fitted waist and a flowing midi skirt. She was photographed hugging her sister, who had broken up with Prince William the month before. 

Get the full story. 

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In new footage released by The Prince and Princess of Wales in celebration of their eldest son Prince George's birthday, the young prince is seen playing with his younger siblings, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

In one adorable moment, George and Charlotte could be seen spinning Louis around as they lifted him into the air. The trio were also filmed posing by a fence, while the clip ended with the siblings walking hand-in-hand through a field.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have stepped out in Suffolk today, arriving at The National Stud in Newmarket Racecourses.

Their Majesties met those involved in industry-leading stud services, educational programmes and charities improving access to British horse racing for young people from diverse communities.

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Princess Elisabeth showcased her incredible fashion sense on Monday as she stepped out alongside her parents, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe, wearing a stunning Victoria Beckham gown.

The heir to the Belgian throne, 23, looked amazing in the one-shoulder dress, which also featured a ruched bodice and an asymmetrical skirt with a satin underlayer.

More details here. 

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Hello there and a very good afternoon to you all!

I'll be bringing you the higlights from the royal agenda this afternoon, so make sure you're staying with us for all the updates...

During their visit to the National Stud, Charles and Camilla fed champion racehorse Stradivarius two polo mints as a treat.

As keen lovers of all animals including horses, the King and Queen looked delighted as they fed the impressive stallion the mints from the palm of their hands before giving him a stroke on the head.

Charles and Camilla were shown four resident stallions on their visit on Tuesday.

Each horse was paraded before them, the last of whom was Stradivarius, who has career earnings in excess of £3.4 million and 18 Group wins – more than any other European horse.

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After feeding stallion Stradivarius his delicious minty treats, the monarch quipped: "Keep away from their teeth", adding: "Now he's looking for more polos."

He also said: "At least he didn't bite."

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With the summer months in full swing, fans (and us, naturally) are wondering where the royals could be spending their summer breaks.

While their plans are mostly kept under wraps, many of their favourite places are well-documented. Take the Princess of Wales's sister, Pippa, and her husband James Matthews, for example – they love a luxurious trip to St Barths (who can blame them?)

The parents of Pippa's husband own the incredible Eden Rock resort on the beautiful Caribbean island, and it's been the perfect retreat for the Middleton-Matthews family ever since David and Jane Matthews purchased it in 1995.

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The resort charges up to £173,000 per week for its 16,000 square-foot Rockstar suite.

And if you want to know more about where the royals love to travel to, make sure you pick up a copy of HELLO!'s latest must-have special collector’s issue, Royal Retreats, on sale now in UK stores and online worldwide. 

Days after she stepped out with her husband, Prince Albert, in a Barbie-pink gown, Princess Charlene opted for pink once again.

The Monégasque royal looked sensational in her power suit, which was a subtle and gorgeous shade of powder pink. Charlene was photographed alongside Albert at the Palais Princier to commemorate the "solemn" swearing-in ceremony of the new Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco.

Meanwhile, last week, the Zimbabwe-born princess, 47, was seen wearing the gorgeous 'Cherry Guipure Lace Midi Dress' by Oscar De La Renta, which retails for £4,400. The candy pink number featured a sleeveless bodice, crew neckline, and belted waist, as well as the most spectacular asymmetrical cut-out skirt.

During their visit to the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket, King Charles and Queen Camilla took a moment to observe a beautiful portrait of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Late Majesty adored horses, and taking a moment to look at the stunning painting was undoubtedly a moment of reflection and remembrance.

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Elsewhere during their visit to Newmarket, the King and Queen waved to well-wishers who were there in full support of the royals.

The King also did a 'meet and greet' with members of the public, one of whom kindly asked how Charles was doing following his previous cancer diagnosis.

Lee Harman, 54, from Bury St Edmunds, said: "I asked the King how he was, and he said he was feeling 'a lot better now' and that it was 'Just one of those things'."

Lee also told the monarch about his own journey with cancer. The King asked in return how he was doing now, to which Lee replied: "I said 'I'm all good', I got the all clear from cancer last year."

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I'll be leaving you in the very capable hands of our writer, Beatriz Colon, who will be continuing to serve up all of the latest royal news...

The King briefly spoke about his cancer journey as he and the Queen greeted the crowds in Newmarket earlier today.

After meeting Charles, Lee Harman, 54, from Bury St Edmunds, told the PA news agency: "I asked him how he was, and he said he was feeling a lot better now and that it was 'just one of those things'."

After telling the King about his own cancer issues, Mr Harman said: "He asked me how I was and I said 'I'm all good', I got the all clear from cancer last year."

The monarch is currently receiving ongoing treatment, after being diagnosed with the disease in February 2024.

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Prince Louis never fails to steal the show during his public engagements, and we've spoken to an early years expert, who has praised the Princess of Wales's parenting. 

The young prince was just six when he attended the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee pageant in 2022, and understandably, during the lengthy display, there were moments where he struggled to sit still, pulling funny faces and sniggering as he put his head on his mother's shoulder. 

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"The Princess of Wales shows us how important it is to nurture a child’s playful side, even in formal settings," early years expert, author, and founder of Little Happy Learners, Sophie David, tells HELLO!.

Read more here.

There has been plenty of talking points when it comes to royal style this month, including three tiara moments. 

Our Lifestyle Writer, Katie Daly, picks her top fashion moments from the likes of the Princess of Wales, the Duchess of Edinburgh, Queen Letizia and Princess Charlene. 

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From showstopping state banquet gowns to courtside chic at Wimbledon. 

See the full gallery here.

The Princess Royal shared her very honest thoughts on gender equality in sport as she hosted an investiture at Windsor Castle earlier today.

Anne presented former hockey star and founder of the Women in Sport charity, Dr Anita White, with her CBE during the ceremony. 

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Describing her discussion with the Princess, Dr White told the PA news agency: "We spoke about how sport had changed, how it used to be a lot of old grey men running sport and how gradually it is changing."

Read the full story here.

I'm going to close off today's blog with this joyful news: England have made it into the UEFA Women's Euro Finals after a nail-biting final 30 minutes!

"Brilliant performance, Lionesses!" Prince William captioned an Instagram Story, alongside a repost from the Lionesses official account.

"One win from glory!"

In a surprising turn,. King Charles and Queen Camilla also shared a statement, praising the women for "showcasing the skill, determination (and test of nerve!) for which your team is so rightly celebrated".

Click here to read more, and find out all about the upcoming final.

See you all tomorrow!