In other recent royal news Prince Andrew still lives at Royal Lodge despite deteriorating structural problems. Since taking up residence in the house, he has allegedly spent millions on fixing it. Yet the property still has areas that continue to be dilapidated. King Charles III of Great Britain recently made headlines as he did something significant with Pope Leo XIV. It would be the first time since the Reformation that a British monarch prayed this way with a Pope.
The spotlight has recently turned on Prince Andrew for all his financial outgoings. He’s poured millions into renovating the Royal Lodge, and despite this large investment, many parts of the estate are still falling apart. In addition to this categorical statement, Prince Andrew has himself, in public, explicitly declared his intent to give up use of his title as Duke of York. A spokesperson from Downing Street stated, “Prince Andrew has already confirmed he will not use his titles,” adding that the royal family wishes to focus on other pressing matters.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla took part in a historic prayer service at the Sistine Chapel. They were accompanied by Pope Leo XIV for this pomp-filled occasion. This event is especially momentous, as it represents an unprecedented moment in the history of the British monarchy. The Royal Couple afterwards visited the Papal Basilica and Abbey of St Paul’s Outside the Walls. Our visit was the absolute, hands-down highpoint of their visit to Rome.
At the vigil prayer service, King Charles III called on the Almighty to give direction and wisdom to leaders across the world. Pope Leo XIV responded with a heartfelt prayer:
“God our father, you have created the heavens and Earth. You made us in your own image. Teach us to see your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children.”
Queen Camilla’s attire for the occasion was appropriately steeped in respect and tradition. She wore an elegant black silk dress by Fiona Clare, accessorised with a stunning headpiece decorated with a veil by Philip Treacy. She rounded off her outfit with the late Queen Elizabeth II’s “raspberry pip” brooch, which is in fact cross-shaped. This decision was a significant tribute to the royal tradition.
Princess Sofia of Sweden and Princess Christina opened a new Nordic fashion exhibition at the Royal Armoury in Stockholm. This appearance was a truly wonderful celebration of fashion and history. For example, Princess Sofia of Sweden graciously lent a set of her hats to the exhibition. This allowed her to set forth her own personal style while championing royal fashion.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, continues his month of engagements, representing the royal family at various events and functions. His continuing engagements show just how important these royal duties are, especially at home in a familial sense.
Speculation that Prince Andrew would be stripped of his remaining titles continues. In Parliament, Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle led with the jawbreaker defense right away. He remarked on the appropriate channels for discussing royal conduct, stating:
“There are ways for the House to properly consider this matter.”
Sir Lindsay emphasized that debates surrounding royal family members should be conducted with care:
“Any discussions about the conduct or reflections on members of the royal family can be properly discussed on substantive motions.”
He clarified that while he cannot dedicate time for debates on such motions, “others are able to do so if wishing to do that.” He further pointed out that some archaic parliamentary customs make it impossible to criticize specific royal family members during question time.
“But on questions, the long-standing practice of the House, as set out in Erskine May, is that criticism of members of the royal family cannot be made as part of questions,” he added.
