Princess Eleonore and Queen Mathilde were the most stylish mother and daughter duo as they stepped out for a night at the opera today.

The royal duo were photographed attending ‘Cassandra’ the opera at La Monnaie Opera House in Brussels, alongside its director Peter De Caluwe.

Queen Mathilde, 50, looked elegant in a structured gold top with black floral detailing and black flared trousers to match.

She accessorised the look with a dazzling pair of gold floral drop earrings, a gold clutch bag and pointed black pumps.

For her make-up, a bold red lip was the perfect choice for the evening festivities, as was her black eyeliner and perfectly coiffed blonde bob.

Meanwhile her daughter Princess Eleonore, who marked her 15th birthday in April, scaled back the glamour ever so slightly.

She opted for a black sleeveless top and trousers, which she teamed with black patent leather flats.

Unlike her mother, she chose to keep things casual by omitting accessories, jewellry or a matching bag.

Her make-up was subtle in nature, allowing her natural beauty to shine through.

Queen Mathilde’s appearance comes around a week after she visited the Vatican City with her husband King Philippe for a private audience with Pope Francis.    

There, the queen, wore a modest white dress for the occasion, which came to just below the knee, paired with a white mantilla, which she wore draped over her head. 

Black lace is customary when visiting the Pope – only a handful of people are permitted to wear white around the religious figure when visiting the Vatican. 

Only seven women in the world are permitted to wear white in front of the Pope. 

They include Charlene, Princess of Monaco, Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Maria Teresa, The Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. 

‘The privilege of the white’ also extends to Belgium’s Queen Paola and Princess Marina of Naples.

The privilege only extends to these royals because they are the seven Catholic Queens, Princesses and Duchesses. 

This meant that when Queen Camilla visited the Pope, she had to wear all-black, as she never converted to Roman Catholic, despite growing up in a Catholic household.

Instead, she is an Anglican. 

Prince Albert of Monaco enlisted his eight-year-old twins to help clean up the streets of the city this weekend, while their mother Princess Charlene enjoys time with family in her native South Africa.

The Prince, 65, stepped out with Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, for a World Cleanup Day litter picking event which had been organised by the principality.

In photos posted on the Monaco Palace’s official Instagram account, the family get stuck into the task at hand, with Prince Albert appearing in a red polo neck shirt emblazoned with the Monegasque flag.

Meanwhile the twins, who recently started a new school year, looked adorable in matching blue outfits – with Gabriella sporting a denim jumpsuit while her brother was dressed in a blue polo shirt and shorts. The trio each donned a cool white baseball cap.

The family outing comes as Princess Charlene, 45, enjoys some time with her relatives in her native South Africa after putting to bed rumours that her marriage to Prince Albert was on the rocks.

The mother-of-two flew to Cape Town last week, in her first visit to her home nation since her bout of ill-health two years ago. 

Yesterday, the Palace shared snaps of Charlene carrying out solo engagements in South Africa, where she officially opened a Waterbike Challenge race that was being held in Sun City.

In the series of photos, the mother-of-two, dressed in a loose-fitted black shirt and white trousers as she presented the winning team, the ‘Bumble Bees’, with their first place trophy.

Glowing in the sunshine, the Princess beamed as she handed out the accolade. 

In 2021, the Princess last went back to South Africa to visit family but did not return to Monaco for 10 months. According to the palace, a sinus infection prevented her from being able to fly.

By March 2022, the Palace announced she had returned home to Monaco and was reunited with her family, but she was still in need of medical attention before she would make a full recovery. She then went to a clinic in Switzerland for further treatment.

After receiving treatment and returning to royal life, Charlene’s relationship with her husband of 12 years was put under intense scrutiny as rumours of a rift between the royal couple began to circulate.

Earlier this year, French publication ROYAUTÉ reported the couple were on the brink of divorce – rumours the Palace was forced to deny.

The rumour mill went into overdrive that same month when the mother-of-two was spotted out and about in Milan on a solo visit, without her wedding or engagement ring. 

A spokesman for the royal couple issued a statement asking people to dismiss the reports, saying: ‘I would like to formally deny the malicious rumours peddled by the French magazine Royauté. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded.’

In the months that followed, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene put on a united front and appeared together at several public outings, both with and without their children.

However, just last month, reports emerged in German and French media that Princess Charlene was actually ‘living in Switzerland’, only saw her husband ‘via appointment’ and that their marriage was ‘ceremonial’.

A source close to the couple told French newspaper Voici that the former Olympic swimmer and son of Grace Kelly are just a ‘ceremonial couple’. 

It added that Charlene has promised to return to Monaco on official occasions and is now allowed to see her children more often.

‘Albert and Charlène are now good partners, take turns taking care of the children,’ a source added to Bild German newspaper.

With rumours swirling once again, the couple put on a united front and appeared at almost a dozen engagements in as many days last week – with each of the pair raking part in interviews to deny the rumours.

In her first interview for several months in the Monegasque media, the former Olympic swimmer, 45, hit back at the rumours of tension between the royal couple and insisted she is ‘serene and happy’.

She told Monaco Matin she is in ‘great shape’ and hopes to continue sport soon after regaining ‘more energy and feeling stronger’.

After a three-week family holiday to Corsica to ‘unwind’ before the start of school term, Charlene said she feels ‘serene and happy’.

The royal no longer wants to address the unfavourable rumours in the hope that they will eventually disappear.

Instead, she spoke to the publication in light of her eight-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, returning to school.

She suggested a united front and shared parenting goals with Albert when it comes to taking care of their children, revealing: ‘The first thing that seemed essential to me and my husband was to teach them to swim.’

Meanwhile Prince Albert told an Italian publication: ‘Charlène is always by my side. I don’t understand all these rumours which hurt me, about the fact that she lives elsewhere, in Switzerland, meetings by appointment to see us. These are lies.’ 

The Prince and Princess of Wales today helped children prepare food around a campfire on a royal visit to a primary school.

William and Kate looked right at home as they threw themselves into action at a Forest School in Hereford, where pupils attend once a week to learn in a woodland environment.

Run by Madley Primary School, it also allows children to be taught about key issues like environmental awareness, conservation and woodland management.

The Waleses, who were gifted books for their children, George, Charlotte and Louis on arrival, took part in skimming bark off logs before crouching down and using a saw to help make a tree den.

But there were laughs when an enthusiastic William accidentally knocked a branch off the den while inspecting it, before hastily putting it back in its place.

Before leaving the site, they told staff and pupils: ‘More schools need the opportunity to do things like this.’

The Duchy of Cornwall and Madley Primary School have been partners of the Forest School initiative for the last 12 years as the Duchy supplied Madley Primary School with a woodland site at Brampton Hill Wood in order to enable the Forest School to take place in Hereford. 

Over the subsequent years, due the school’s expansion, the woodland area that the Duchy provides has increased, along with the facilities available.

After visiting the school, William and Kate headed to Kings Pitt Farm, to meet with Duchy of Cornwall farming tenants, Sam and Emily Stables. 

Following struggles with their own mental wellbeing and seeing the stigma around mental health in the farming industry, Sam and Emily founded We Are Farming Minds, a charity working to support the mental health of farmers in rural communities throughout the county. 

It offers Herefordshire farmers fully funded access to a range of services including counselling, a 24-hour phone and text support line, free mental health awareness workshops and social events throughout the year to break feelings of isolation. 

The Duchy of Cornwall is working closely with We are Farming Minds to enhance its new Mental Health Strategy which provides ongoing mental health support to all its tenants, with a specific focus on tenants in rural and more isolated communities. 

Their appearances today come amid claims that Prince Harry’s deep rift with his family is casting a shadow over the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex‘s time with the Army in Afghanistan inspired him to launch the sporting event in 2014 but William and Kate were central to its initial success. 

The couple’s now-defunct foundation, which they formed with the duke, hoovered up sponsors and spent huge sums of cash to get Invictus up and running.

Nine years ago Harry, his father and brother stood united as they attended the opening ceremony and multiple events at the games in London – but the new King and his heir have had zero involvement since Harry met Meghan.

Despite Harry’s passion for Invictus, which is growing in size, officials say there have been plenty of spare seats at the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Dusseldorf. Some believe the involvement of King Charles, William and Kate would change that.

The Waleses have both been at the Rugby World Cup in France in the past week while Charles and Queen Camilla and other senior royals have been at the Highland Games. 

One Team GB insider told The Daily Telegraph: ‘The athletes find it bizarre but don’t want to get caught up in the royal crossfire.’ 

This year’s games in Germany are the biggest ever, involving 22 nations and 500-plus athletes. Harry has been there from start to finish, joining the applause, dancing in the crowd and joking about going out on the beers at the end of the day.

He was in high spirits in the days before Meghan arrived, high-fiving children and singing Sweet Caroline. 

But there has been no word from his family in the UK. 

Palace sources reportedly say that Royal Family members never involve themselves in others’ professional endeavours, and they would not expect the duke to voice support for William’s Earthshot Prize, for example.

One critic of Harry said: ‘Harry has never supported any of [the] latest [of] William’s projects, not Earthshot when he is president of African Parks and an advocate for climate change… but they insist William must support Invictus. I’m so tired of this nonsense.’

Disney has released first-look images of its renovated Disneyland Hotel – and revealed that the five-star Disneyland Paris property will reopen on Thursday, January 25, 2024.

Disney said in a statement that ‘every centimetre of the interior of this legendary establishment is undergoing a complete “reimagination” – from the spectacular grand lobby to the luxuriant rooms and suites’.

Future guests at the not-so-faraway hotel, Disney said, will experience ‘a new luxury concept interwoven with beloved royal Disney characters both classic and new’.

All 487 rooms and suites – 346 Superior Rooms, 82 Deluxe Rooms, 41 Castle Club Rooms, 16 Signature Suites, 1 Princely Suite and 1 Royal Suite – are ‘entirely redesigned with an elegant atmosphere as well as modern comfort and luxury amenities’, Disney said.

It continued: ‘The tradition of Disney storytelling can be found inside all rooms and suites, from artwork and subtle touches that celebrate iconic elements of Walt Disney Animation Studios royal stories down to the last decor details.’

Guests staying in The Castle Club – ‘an exclusive hotel within the hotel’ – will enjoy a range of VIP benefits and services, including extra privacy with a dedicated private elevator and check-in area, as well as a breakfast with Disney Princess characters in the Castle Club Lounge.

Suites, meanwhile, ‘will offer unprecedented levels of immersion into royal Disney stories’.

And whatever room they’re in – ‘children will be welcomed like princesses and princes during their stay’, declares Disney.

There will even be spaces tailored just to them, we’re told, such as the Royal Kids Club, ‘where they will be immersed in augmented reality magic and unforgettable encounters’.

And there’s more.

Disney continued: ‘[In the] My Royal Dream experience… young guests will be able to transform into their favourite Disney royalty with the help of regal hairstyles, special outfits, accessories and a little pixie dust.

‘And after a full day creating magical memories at the parks, families will have the opportunity to enjoy together a spa experience at Disneyland Hotel Spa by Clarins or a relaxation session in a dedicated space. Additionally, all the hotel’s restaurants, bars and lounges will offer kid-friendly treats and exquisite themed pastries.’

Disney added: ‘Disneyland Hotel is the first Disney hotel to propose a five-star journey celebrating Disney royalty in all its expressions. From Cinderella to Frozen and The Sword in the Stone, and from The Princess and the Frog to Moana, guests will be given the lead to become part of the story and create their own magical moments.

‘Combining their creativity with the expertise of European suppliers and craftspeople, the Walt Disney Imagineering Paris team has developed a singular, immersive experience that pays vibrant homage to both Disney royal stories and celebrated European landmarks such as Le Chateau de Versailles or Neuschwanstein Castle.

‘The hotel will offer its guests a unique entertainment program that creates memories alongside beloved royal Disney Characters, or Mickey, Minnie and their friends in new exclusive regal attire and even an exclusive La Troupe Royale Disney.’

Natacha Rafalski, Presidente of Disneyland Paris, said: ‘This marks a new chapter for Disneyland Paris, as we continue to be one of the leaders of the European tourism industry with our unique blend of immersive storytelling and world-class hospitality.

‘We are thrilled to unveil the newly reimagined Disneyland Hotel, a one-of-a-kind five-star property celebrating Disney’s beloved royalty and storytelling. Our commitment to innovation and unparalleled guest experiences remains unwavering, and we look forward to welcoming guests to one of the most immersive hotels in Europe.’

Reservations are now open at www.disneylandparis.com.

All eyes were on Pippa Middleton at a high-society wedding in Lake Como this weekend, yet it wasn’t her scarlet gown that caught the attention of guests.

Instead, it was Pippa’s clutch bag with the words ‘Eden Rock’ embellished on it – the name of her father-in-law David Matthews’ exclusive Caribbean hotel – that caused a stir. 

There have been suggestions that it was with this choice of accessory that Pippa gave a cryptic sign of support for Mr Matthews, 79, who is still being investigated by French police – five years after being charged with raping a 16-year-old girl.

In March, it emerged that French detectives at a Paris unit specialising in protecting minors have launched a new inquiry into allegations relating to Mr Matthews. 

This came five years after Mr Matthews, the father of Pippa’s husband James, 48, was arrested by French police in 2018 over allegations he raped a 16-year-old girl on two occasions between 1998 and 1999. 

Mr Matthews allegedly attacked the 16-year-old girl, who is British but cannot be named for legal reasons, for the first time in Paris and then again on the Caribbean island of St Barts where he owns the £5,000-a-night Eden Rock hotel.

It was during this original inquiry that further allegations are understood to have emerged. Prosecutors confirmed in March that Mr Matthews is under investigation by the same specialist unit – the Brigade for the Protection of Minors – without revealing any further details. 

Mr Matthews, a former racing driver, vehemently denies any wrongdoing. 

In March, a spokesman for the Paris prosecutors told the Mail on Sunday: ‘The judicial investigation in which David Matthews has been indicted and placed under judicial control is in progress.’

‘I can also confirm a preliminary investigation entrusted to the Brigade for the Protection of Minors is also under way, implicating David Matthews,’ he said, adding he could not provide further details. 

Mr Matthews was interviewed by Judge Jean Rea twice in Paris in 2021 regarding the alleged rape of the 16-year-old girl. 

He had been first questioned in April 2018 by police after he was arrested as he flew into Paris Orly airport from St Barts where he lives with his wife Jane. 

He was held for 48 hours and questioned before appearing at the Palais de Justice, where he was charged with the ‘rape of a minor by a person with authority over his victim’, a crime that carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence in France. 

Mr Matthews has previously claimed to his friends that he is being ‘set up’ by the original complainant to ’cause his family embarrassment’. 

The alleged rape victim has angrily denied this and told French police in 2017 that she initially blamed herself for the reported attacks, which left her feeling ‘shocked and disgusted’.

Her father later described suggestions that she was trying to humiliate Mr Matthews just months after his financier son James married Prince William’s sister-in-law Pippa, as ‘ridiculous’.

In a 2018 interview with the Mail on Sunday, the woman’s father said: ‘The idea that she is doing this for compensation, or for any other reason than a desire for justice, is completely wrong.’

The alleged victim is said to have told French police Mr Matthews had groomed and assaulted her when she had just turned 15 but that the first alleged rape took place when she was 16 – a claim the former racing driver denies. 

The statute of limitations for prosecuting rape in France was two decades at the time of Mr Matthews’s arrest, meaning the charges could have been time-barred. A new law in 2018 extended this to 30 years for complainants under 18. 

The woman had first told her parents of the alleged rape in 2015, and her account left them ‘incredibly shocked’.

Her father said: ‘She told me, ‘You don’t know what I’ve been going through all these years.’ 

‘Then it all came pouring out. She said it had been a burden because she had kept it bottled up for so long. 

‘It’s caused her an immense emotional strain. She’s been unable to form any lasting relationships.’

Earlier, a source close to the Matthews family said his accuser was being ‘assisted’ in her complaint by her mother. 

‘I’ve heard the full story. It’s outrageous,’ said the source. ‘I feel very sorry for David. He’s completely being set up just to cause family embarrassment.’

But the alleged victim’s father said in 2018: ‘My family are furious about what is coming out from the Matthews side since she came forward as she is being made out to be a fantasist and having made it all up.  

‘What could possibly be her motivation for revenge or embarrassing the Matthews?

‘We are all behind her and believe her. She had the courage to speak out – and she did, and by doing so she feels she can give herself some sense of closure.’

Mr Matthews attended his son’s 2017 wedding to Pippa with senior members of the Royal Family, including Prince William and Prince Harry.

The son of a Rotherham coal miner, Mr Matthews amassed a £40million fortune by selling a secondhand car business and moving into property development and hotel ownership.

After leaving school, Mr Matthews became an apprentice garage mechanic. At 19 he sold cars door-to-door and, in his spare time, pursued his love of motor racing. 

In his younger days he tried his hand at motor racing, and was seen as promising until he was in a serious crash at Silverstone. 

It left another driver dead, and Matthews with an eye injury that ended his racing career. 

Instead, he concentrated on building his own second-hand car empire, with motor dealerships and interests in luxury coach-making.

His first marriage was to Anita Taylor, one of Britain’s first women racing drivers. They had a daughter, Nina, but divorced three years later in 1969.

He married for a second time to artist Jane Parker and after moving out of their bungalow in Rotherham the couple lived on a 30-acre, 18th Century estate in rural Lincolnshire. As their fortunes rose, there were spells living in Paris, then Monaco.

They had three sons, James, Spencer and Michael – the latter died when he was 22 during an expedition on Mount Everest. 

Mr Matthews ventured into hotels, buying up Eden Rock in St Barts in 1995 with his wife Jane. 

The five-star Eden Rock hotel, where rooms can cost £5,000 a night, has become a favourite of celebrities and royals including Tom Hanks, Beyonce and Leonardo Di Caprio along with Matthews’s son James and his new wife, Pippa. The rest of the Middleton clan have also been spotted at the resort. 

Mr Matthews and Jane now live on the island. He remains on bail, with no travel restrictions, but he has been regularly summoned to Paris for interview.

St Barts is a French island, so part of the European Union. Mr Matthews is not considered a flight risk, or likely to interfere with witnesses, and has co-operated fully with the Paris authorities.

MailOnline has contacted Pippa Middleton and David Matthews’ representatives for comment. 

A spokesperson for the family has previously said: ‘David Matthews categorically denies the allegation and unequivocally contests the untrue and scandalous accusation.’ 

2021: HEALTH ISSUES, 10 MONTHS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND ADMISSION TO A SWISS TREATMENT FACILITY 

January 27 – Charlene is pictured with Albert for the Sainte Devote Ceremony in Monaco.

March 18 – Charlene is pictured at the memorial for the late Zulu monarch, King Goodwill Zwelithini at the KwaKhethomthandayo Royal Palace in Nongoma, South Africa

April 2 – Charlene posts an Instagram picture of herself, Albert and their twins Jacques and Gabriella for Easter from an unknown locatoin. 

May 8 – Albert, Jacques and Gabriella attend a Grand Prix event in Monaco without Charlene

May 18 – Charlene shares her first picture from her conservation trip in South Africa

June 3 – New photos emerge of Charlene on her conservation trip

June 5 – Charlene puts on a united front as she shares a photo with her family to mark her niece’s fifth birthday with her brother’s family and Albert and the twins in South Africa

June 24 – Charlene’s foundation releases a statement saying the royal is unable to travel and is undergoing procedures for an ear, nose and throat infection

July 2 – Charlene and Albert mark their 10th anniversary separately. ‘This year will be the first time that I’m not with my husband on our anniversary in July, which is difficult, and it saddens me,’ Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene said in a statement.

August 13 – Charlene undergoes a four-hour operation. The reason is not announced

August 25 – Charlene shares photos of Prince Albert, Gabriella and Jacques visiting her in South Africa

September 1 – Charlene is admitted under an alias to the Netcare Alberlito Hospital after suddenly ‘collapsing’

September 2 – Charlene is discharged, with a statement from the Palais Princier reading: ‘Her Highness is closely monitored by Her medical team who said that Her condition was not worrying’

September 30 – Charlene releases a stylish video promoting her anti-poaching campaign from her South African bolthole

October 3 – Princess Charlene shares a photograph of herself smiling in front of a bible in her first snap since being discharged from hospital following her health scare

October 6 – Albert tells RMC radio Charlene is ‘ready to come home’

October 8 2021 – Princess undergoes more surgery in South Africa

November 8 – Charlene arrives back in Monaco. Prince Albert said within hours it became clear she was ‘unwell’

November 13 2021  – Prince Albert attends Expo 2020 in Dubai without Princess Charlene. Following his return from the trip, Prince Albert holds an intervention with Charlene’s brothers and a sister-in-law in which Charlene ‘confirmed’ she would seek ‘real medically-framed treatment’ outside of Monaco

November 16 – Royal household confirms Princess Charlene will not attend National Day celebrations on November 19

November 17 – Prince Albert reveals Princess Charlene has left Monaco and is recovering in a secret location

November 19 – Prince Albert reveals Charlene is in a treatment facility ‘elsewhere in Europe’ after a family intervention

November 25 – Sources tell Page Six Princess Charlene ‘almost died’ after sinus surgery and ‘lost nearly half her body weight’ due to being ‘unable to swallow’. They also said it was ‘unfair’ to portray her as struggling with mental health issues 

December 11 – Royal breaks her silence on Instagram to wish her twins Jacques and Gabriella a happy seventh birthday

December 24 – Princess Charlene of Monaco is still ‘months from recovery’ but will reunite with Prince Albert and their twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriela for Christmas at treatment centre

2022: ROAD TO RECOVERY

January 25 – Princess Charlene celebrates her 44th birthday alone: Royal shares slideshow of snaps from happier times featuring Prince Albert, their children and her swimming career as she continues to receive treatment outside of Monaco

March 14 – Palace announces that Charlene is back in Monaco but will take time to ‘further strengthen her health before gradually resuming her official duties’

April 17 – Charlene is pictured for the first time in a family portrait to celebrate Easter

April 30 – Charlene makes her first public appearance since leaving a treatment facility as she attends Monaco E-Prix with Prince Albert

May 7 – The royal makes her second public appearance at the Sainte Dévote Rugby Tournament 

May 10 – French media claims Prince Albert has agreed to pay his wife £10million a year to make sure she fulfils her consort role 

May 25 – Princess Charlene continues her return to public life at Monte Carlo Fashion Awards with daughter Princess Gabriella 

May 28 – Princess Charlene continues her return to public life as she joins Prince Albert at F1 in Monaco for the first time since 2019 

June 6 – Prince Albert says he was hurt by the ‘vicious’ rumours about his wife’s absence from Monaco and his family ‘missed the princess a lot’ 

June 16 – Princess Charlene appears sombre in all-black ensemble for Catholic festival 

June 18 – Princess Charlene of Monaco looks glamorous in all-green ensemble as she steps out with Prince Albert for the Monte Carlo TV Festival opening ceremony 

June 23 – Albert and Charlene attend a science exhibition opening with their children in Oslo – her first overseas visit since returning to public duties

July 4 – Albert and Charlene! Monaco royals hold hands in new portrait to mark 11 years of marriage

July 5 – Charlene visits the Princess Grace Hospital Centre in her first solo engagement since her return to Monaco 

July 9 – Albert attends Monaco’s Rose Ball without his wife, despite it being the highlight of the social calendar

July 18 – Royal joins Prince Albert at the 73rd Red Cross Gala in Monte Carlo 

July 20 – Couple visit The Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis 

September 4 – Charlene joins Prince Albert and their children Gabriella and Jacques for a rare family appearance at traditional picnic in Monaco 

September 6 – Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco take their twins Jacques and Gabriella, 7, to class for their first day back after the summer holiday

September 12 – Couple attend a memorial service for the late Queen Elizabeth II

September 19 – Princess Charlene attends the Queen’s funeral in London alongside her husband Prince Albert 

October 4-5 – Princess Charlene wows on a solo surprise visit to Paris Fashion Week

October 21 – Princess Charlene of Monaco makes emotional solo visit to an animal shelter as she sends ‘all her love’ to fans following her return to royal duties

November 8 – Royal couple attend the annual Princess Grace Awards in New York 

November 16 – Princess Charlene attends Monaco’s Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with Prince Albert 

November 19-20 – Princess Charlene attends Monaco National Day celebrations with Prince Albert and presents awards at 2022 World Rugby Awards ceremony

December 2 – Princess Charlene takes her seven-year-old twins to Monaco Christmas village along with her model niece Charlotte Casiraghi

December 13 – Attends Monaco’s Red Cross Christmas gift distribution with her husband Prince Albert 

December 14 – Family attend Christmas tree ceremony in Monaco 

December 15 – Princess Charlene of Monaco reveals she feels ‘much better’ and has ‘much more energy’ after lengthy health crisis in an interview with Monaco Matin – the first since returning to royal duties

December 21 – Royals release a stylish family Christmas card

December 23 – ‘Proud’ Prince Albert praises Princess Charlene for ‘turning it around in an incredible way’ after lengthy health crisis, saying she had a ‘very tough year’ 

Princess Andre led the celebrity offspring revealing their GCSE results as she went live on Instagram shortly after receiving her grades.

The daughter of Katie Price and Peter Andre, 16, told fans she had passed three of her seven exams, after failing to obtain higher than a four in the subjects.

Princess explained that you need to achieve at least a grade four in order to pass the exam, while the highest mark possible is a nine.

In the video, Princess was joined by her father Peter, 50, who told her he was so proud of her for ‘working her butt off’ ahead of the exams.

Princess, who is already signed to fashion brand PrettyLittleThing, said: ‘I didn’t pass all of them, but it’s fine, because I passed some of them! Apparently grade boundaries were really high this year.’

Peter said: ‘I’m proud of you, I think you worked your butt off. You know what, you worked really hard. saw you working hard, which to me is more important’

Princess revealed she received a 3 in business; a 3 in drama; a 5 in English; a 6 in fashion; a 4 in music; a 3 in geography and a 3 in maths.

Reflecting on her marks, she said: ‘I need to resit maths. I got 89 but I needed 98 out of 200 to pass maths. I think a four is a C.’

Peter reiterated: ‘I can’t speak for every parent, but seeing you work hard is all I need. Look what you got in English!’

Princess: ‘I was bottom set so the best mark you can get it a 5.’

Elsewhere, Jamie Oliver shared a supportive message to children with dyslexia on – saying it can be a ‘stressful day’ for those with learning difficulties.

The TV chef, 48, was among celebrities sending their well wishes on the Year 11 results day, while other nervous parents including Dan Walker revealed their child was one of the pupils awaiting their fate.

Jamie, was himself diagnosed with dyslexia in primary school, posted the positive message to his Instagram page on Thursday morning.

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects accurate and fluent word reading and spelling, which affects individuals of all intelligence levels and can result in poor or inconsistent spelling and writing.

Jamie has previously been candid about his experience with the condition and explained that he has ‘come to terms’ with not learning the same way as others.

Understanding that it may be a difficult day for some, the empathetic star admitted a ‘lot of bright kids’ may be disappointed with the GCSE results they receive. 

Writing on Instagram, he said: ‘Today is GCSE results day, which I know can be a stressful time. A lot of bright kids with dyslexia will be frustrated by what they receive, because the education system doesn’t play to their strengths – but I’m always keen to say don’t let this define you.

‘The wider world is more open to you coming at life in a slightly different way. You don’t have to be conventional, you just have to have the confidence to do it. 

‘And remember, school is just one part of your journey. We’ve come a long way since I was at school, but it’s nowhere near enough. 

‘We need to embrace everyone’s inner genius, which definitely comes in different shapes and forms. Whatever your results today, I know you can and will achieve amazing things! #gcse.’

Alongside his kind words, Jamie posted a picture of himself posing against a promotional poster for his book, Billy and the Giant Adventure.

Elsewhere on social media, Channel 5 presenter Dan, 46, revealed his eldest child, Susanna, 16, was one of the teenagers expecting their GCSE results.

Dan, who said it was the first time he was experiencing the day as a parent, said: ‘All the best to everyone getting their GCSE results today… and big love to the parents involved (I am one of them for the first time).’

Sharing his own experience of GCSE results day, The Chases’ ‘Dark Destroyer’ Shaun Wallace posted an encouraging message on his Twitter page.

The successful quizzer revealed that he had flunked his own exams and insisted that results are about more than just coming top of the class. 

He said: ‘Results normally follow hard work It’s not always about coming top of the class, it’s about coming ‘top’ of your potential But when you work to your full potential, results often follow. Speaking from experience, I failed my exams! Have a great day.’

He also posted a clip, where he said: ‘Nothing works until you do!’ 

Coronation Street actress Cait Fitton, who plays Lauren Bolton, shared a message of support on behalf of the soap cast on their Twitter page. 

In April, Jamie said he recorded his first books on a Dictaphone instead of writing them down because of his struggles with dyslexia.

Last year, Jamie discussed his ‘frustrating’ struggle with dyslexia in a lengthy post as he explained he put his resentment towards school behind him.

Posting a carousel of lengthy text panels, Jamie detailed his battle, beginning: ‘Something i don’t really talk about much is the constant battle I have with words and reading…without question it is a love hate relationship.

‘In the old days at school it made me very frustrated and resentful about school as an institution and over the years i’ve come to terms with not learning the same way as most people not as a failure but an opportunity. 

‘An opportunity to look at things very differently, I’m older enough now to have a little wisdom on my shoulders only gained by the way mainly through failures and learning from them and evolving and staying authentic o the original dream and trying again and again and I realise my grammar here is s**t.

‘I’m also using autocorrect which can get me in a lot of trouble sometimes but that’s my point… if you understand what I’m saying I’ve done my job.’

Jamie continued to detail his struggle during school, admitting that getting info on paper was ‘almost impossible’ as he recalled ‘hating words and reading with a passion’.

The chef is known for his cookbooks, having released over 20 books of different styles of cooking and cuisines.

But admitting he has ‘never written a word’ of any of them, the TV personality wrote: ‘Here I am 46 years old, written 26 books apparently one of the most published authors on the planet ? No I’m not showing off I’m in as much shock as you are…but ive never ever physically written a word! 

‘I used to write my books on a Dictaphone then when I was eventually able to afford to employ an editor I would then dictate to them and that’s how I work it’s more complicated than that because I’m easily distracted and my working day has to be structured in a way that I’m kept invigorated and not allowed to get bored = fall asleep.’

‘But that’s within our gift to try and manage our time best for us to thrive and find what ever balance we are looking for right ?! when I show people around my office they often say what do all these people do? and I say they are really good at things I’m really bad at! and I’m bad at a lot of things…and this is all true.’

Jamie ended the long post by explaining his reasoning for opening up on the matter, explaining that ‘many of us are not brought up to embrace the currency of failure enough’.  

‘I believe that if our relationship around failure is managed properly, it is the key to a much happier, healthier future. If you personally struggle with anything, maybe look at it differently and take a different approach. 

‘Everyone struggles, everyone has a story that can be used to propel them forward or pull them back and i believe it’s how you choose to look at it that defines which path you take …you just need to find a way around it, do your thing and problem solve and please dream.’

Jamie has now healed his previously resentful relationship with his school days, concluding: ‘I will sign off by saying I no longer am resentful about school – quite the opposite, I think that our teachers and our schools are our secret weapon!!

‘I think it’s more than time for an education revolution especially in times like this! We need to propagate and take real care of the seedlings ~ of the future and that will fruit all that we dream and crave for our diminishing economy.’

By Jessica Green For Mailonline

Updated: 16:50 EDT, 22 August 2023

The Royal House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies – or Bourbon des Deux Siciles – is an ancient branch of the Spanish royal family which ruled parts of southern Italy for more than 100 years from 1734 to 1861. Its descendants still carry the name today, some 150 years later.

The line descends from Philippe de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou, grandson of Louis XIV of France (1638–1715), who established the Bourbon dynasty in Spain in 1700 as Philip V (1683–1746). 

In 1759 King Philip’s younger grandson was granted the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily, becoming Ferdinand IV and III (1751–1825), respectively, of those realms. His descendants occupied the joint throne (renamed ‘Kingdom of the Two Sicilies’ in 1816) until 1860. 

The family, then led by Francis II, was overthrown in 1860 by Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who proclaimed a dictatorship on behalf of Victor Emmanuel II, the the King of Piedmont-Sardinia and later King of Italy. The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and the Kingdom of Sardinia were merged into the newly formed Kingdom of Italy.

The deposed Francis II and his wife spent time in Rome as guests of the Pope where they ran a government in exile. They left the city before it was occupied by the Italians in 1870. 

They led a wandering life from then on, living in Austria, France, and Bavaria. 

Francis II died in 1894 and was succeeded by his half-brother, Prince Alfonso, who was in turn succeeded by his son, Prince Ferdinand Pius, Duke of Calabria.  

The succession has been disputed since Ferdinand’s death in 1960 because he had six daughters and no sons to carry the family line. 

Both his nephew Infante Alfonso, Duke of Calabria, and brother Prince Ranieri, Duke of Castro, laid claim to the throne. This feud continues between their descendants today. 

Chiara and Carolina are the daughters of Prince Carlo, Duke of Castro, grandson of Prince Ranieri. The claimant on the other side of the family is Prince Pedro, Duke of Calabria, grandson of Infante Alfonso.    

Prince Carlo, who only has two daughters, has overturned centuries of male primogeniture and has stated his title will pass to his eldest daughter, Carolina. 

Prince Carlo married his wife Camilla, daughter of Italian film star Edoarda Crociani, better known as Edy Vessel, in 1998 at Monte Carlo cathedral. Camilla’s sister Cristina revealed their mother was obsessed with her daughters marrying princes.  

As Head of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, Carlo holds many honours, including Sovereign Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Saint Januarius, of the Two Sicilian Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George and Order of Saint Ferdinand and Merit. 

Today Carlo and Camilla are ‘very active in promoting the cultural, artistic, historical, and spiritual identity of southern Italy,’ according to their official website. They split their time between homes in Monte Carlo and Paris.      

Camilla is also active in charity work and gives her time to the Red Cross and UNICEF, as well as the Association Monaco Against Autism, Amitié sans Frontières et la Princess Grace of Monaco Foundation.

She campaigns against animal cruelty and is in charge of her own non-profit organisation, the Camilla of Bourbon Charitable Foundation, which works with the government in Mauritius to preserve its wildlife and promote sustainable development.

The luxury motor-yacht enjoyed by Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed on their final summer holiday in the South of France days before their deaths in August 1997 has sunk to the bottom of the sea. 

Cujo, once a favourite of Hollywood superstars, disappeared below the waves of the Mediterranean after hitting an unidentified object some 18 miles off Beaulieu-sur-Mer, on the French Riviera, on Saturday.

Seven people on board were rescued following the accident, but the boat ended up at a depth of almost 8,200ft (2,500m), local police said.

‘The skipper of the Cujo issued a Mayday,’ said one officer. ‘His ship was sinking due to a leak.

‘Rescue boats were sent from Antibes and, after making sure everyone was safe, gendarmes detected a significant water leak at the level of the starboard front hull.

‘Her owner had activated the pumps and kept the engines running, but this didn’t stop the boat sinking.’

Salvage launches also arrived, but could not save the boat.

All those on board, including Cujo’s Italian owner, were placed in a rescue boat, and taken back to shore without injury.

Reports about Cujo – an Indian word that means ‘Unstoppable Force’ – dominated the media in August 1997, when it was owned by Diana’s boyfriend, Dodi Fayed.

The multi-millionaire film producer had spent some £1million refitting the boat, and wooed Diana on board as the world’s media looked on.

Just days later the couple were killed in a car crash in central Paris caused by their drunk driver.

That summer, Diana was also photographed on Sokar, the yacht then owned by Dodi’s father, retail billionaire Mohamed al-Fayed, which was previously named Jonikal.

The pair were seen kissing and embracing on the deck less than a year after Diana and Prince Charles agreed their divorce. 

Diana, then 36, was spotted strutting on the deck, making the most of the Mediterranean sun and her new romance.

A snap of the royal gazing into the distance from the yacht’s diving board was one of the last pictures ever taken of Diana.

Cujo was built in Italy in 1972 for businessman John von Neumann after he told Italy’s Baglietto shipyard that he wanted the world’s fastest motor yacht.

She was fitted with two 18-cylinder engines that ensured she had a top speed of 42 knots.

Van Neumann then sold the boat to the son of Adnan Khashoggi, the world’s richest arms dealer, and he sold her on to his cousin, Dodi Fayed.

Cujo was frequently moored off St Tropez, the most famous celebrity hotspot on the Riviera, with guests including Clint Eastwood, Tony Curtis and Bruce Willis on board.

Following the death of Princes Diana and Dodi, Cujo fell into disrepair.

It was decommissioned in 1999, and spent years in storage, before being restored by new owners.

The boat was bought for a song in 2020 by luxury vehicle dealer Simon Kidston. The Mail reported that he paid just £138,000

He claimed to have bought the yacht by accident, telling the luxury magazine Robb Report:  ‘On the day of the auction, I was tied up with clients so asked a colleague to go down and take a look. I told him that if it was going cheaply, put in a bid for a bit of fun.

‘The bidding opened at just 150,000 euros [£129,500]. My colleague bid 160,000 euros.

‘Trouble was, no one else bid. The hammer went down and I had bought a boat. The feeling was a mix of excitement tinged with terror.’

He told the magazine that he sold the historic boat to a young Italian socialist in time for his birthday.

‘A young member of a prominent Italian business family – he’s 30 years old – had seen Cujo, fallen in love with her and asked if she was for sale. He took delivery just in time for his birthday.’