Prince William and Catherine abseil together in Wales
Is there anything Catherine, the Princess of Wales cannot do? The 41-year-old mum of three looked in her realm during her latest adventure. Watch video, see photos.
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The Wales abseiled off a cliff together during a visit to a national park.
Prince William, 40, and Catherine, 41, braved wet and windy weather in hiking gear as they joined volunteers from a mountain rescue team near Merthyr Tydfil in Bannau Brycheiniog in South Wales.
Asked by instructors if he had abseiled before, Prince William said: “It’s been a while.”
Before going over the edge, Catherine was heard telling her husband: “We’re not racing.”
The couple also took part in medical support exercises, watched a search dog rescue demo, and heard from mountain rescuers about their experiences.
They royals thanked their hosts by treating them to a pizza dinner which included three margheritas, three pepperoni, three BBQ chicken and three goat’s cheese.
The future king and his wife carried the pizzas back to the rugby club themselves.
They wrapped up their day with a stay at a local bed and breakfast.
HUGE STAR TO HOST CORONATION CONCERT
Renowned British actor Hugh Bonneville will host the star-studded coronation concert next month.
Bonneville, famous for his role in Downtown Abbey, will lead the event taking place the day after King Charles’ crowning.
“I’m delighted to be taking part in this unique event, celebrating the best of musical entertainment in honour of His Majesty’s coronation,” the actor said.
In true British style, come rain or shine it will be a night to remember,” Bonneville said.
The concert will be televised live by the BBC and will include a live audience of 20,000 public and invited guests.
Performers will include Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Take That’s Gary Barlow, Howard Donald and Mark Owen.
CAMILLA SIZZLES IN RED
Camilla stunned in red during a presentation alongside the King at Buckingham Palace.
In his first such act as Monarch, King Charles presented new Standards and Colours to all three Services of the Armed Forces.
In the ceremony on the North Lawn, new Standards and Colours were presented to the Royal Navy, the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The King’s Company of the Grenadier Guards and The King’s Colour Squadron of the RAF.
Ahead of Their Majesties’ arrival, the old Colours were marched off by ensigns from each service. The King said: “Through your diligence, professionalism and courage you have kept our people safe. No task confronting you is too challenging or dangerous.
“Your loyalty and devotion to the service you represent and to your Colours are the hallmark of the gallantry and selflessness you display on our behalf.
“The intense pride I feel in all you represent and stand for is second to none and, as your Sovereign, I can only assure you of my profound gratitude.
“Whilst the demands on our servicemen and women remain relentless and commitments multifarious, you continue to maintain a high-class reputation and set the standard globally within the profession of arms.
“Whilst I appreciate this comes at some cost to you, but more so your loved ones, it is this high regard in which you are held that is such an incomparable asset to this country.”
The King said he looked forward “to seeing these Colours carried on parade in nine days’ time on the occasion of our Coronation”.
The term “Colours” is thought to have come into regular usage in the late 16th Century, when they were used as rallying points on the battlefield, helping troops locate each other during the fog of war.
Today, that tradition is continued with Colours representing the spirit of a service or regiment.
CHARLES IMMORTALISED IN 23KG OF CHOCOLATE
A life-size bust of King Charles – made entirely of chocolate – has been unveiled ahead of his historic coronation.
An expert team of British chocolatiers and model makers studied hours of footage of the King to replicate his likeness, before melting down more than 17 litres of chocolate to pour into a bespoke mould.
The bust, which took four weeks to create and weighs over 23kg – the equivalent of 2,875 individual chocolate bars, is modelled on the uniform the King is expected to wear at the during the coronation at Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Its ornamental shoulder pieces are adorned with chocolate favourites such as miniature Twix, Milky Way, and Bounty chocolates, while classic Maltesers were used to decorate the King’s collar.
The medals decorating the chest of the bust were created using one of each of the well-known chocolates, including miniature Snickers bars.
The piece was specially commissioned by UK confectionery brand Celebrations, which is launching a Limited-Edition “Coronation” tub to mark the historical event.
“What better way to celebrate this moment in British history than immortalising HM King Charles III using the nation’s ultimate sharing treat,” Emily Owen, Senior Brand Manager at Celebrations said.
“A team of master chocolatiers created the tasty tribute to our new King to mark this occasion of national festivity and we are delighted with how he looks.
“The team studied hours of footage of the King to capture his true likeness and the resemblance is uncanny.”
CHARLES, CAMILLA LAUNCH EUROVISION STAGE
King Charles and Queen Consort, Camilla, have stepped out in Liverpool to unveil the staging for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.
The royal couple were shown around Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena where the iconic event will be held. They also met with Britain’s entrant, Mae Muller, as well as Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham who will front the globally televised event.
The grand final of the Eurovision is due to take place on May 13, a week after the coronation ceremony.
It will be the first time the competition has been held in the UK for 25 years.
King Charles chatted animatedly to Waddingham who told media “it feels strange” to be fronting the iconic contest.
“It’s so huge, it feels very strange to be in the belly of it all. In terms of presenting, as I told His Majesty, don’t be worried [but] I am a novice.”
Waddingham, who plays soccer boss Rebecca on the hit show, also thanked the royal couple for even showing up, given the coronation is just over a week away.
“I can’t believe you are both here given what you have coming up next week, thank you so much. You’ll have to put yourselves in a darkened room afterwards and try and switch off.”
Onlookers said Camilla nodded enthusiastically at the comment.
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