You know what it’s like. You’re all dressed up, you’ve found the perfect pose, the camera’s about to click… and someone walks into the photo and photobombs your photo.

And it even happens with the royal housessays Claudia Connell, as she leaves behind some incredible memories…

THE ‘NATURAL’ WHO CHARMED CAMILLA

Little Fitzwilliam Corrie-Salmon didn’t want to let Queen Camilla be the star of the show when she visited his family’s bakery in Belfast yesterday.

Fitzwilliam wasn’t camera shy at all. Queen Camilla also seems relaxed

The smartly dressed, cheeky toddler boldly staggered into view as the amused queen called him ‘a natural’.

“We have a story for him when he’s older,” his father William said.

ROUND AROUND WITH BEATRICE

Who is laughing hysterically behind ‘Big Sam’ Allardyce? Just a tickled Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo.

Football manager Sam Allardyce will face Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at Cheltenham this year

Luckily the royals took theirs

The former Bolton, Leeds and England manager attended the Cheltenham Festival earlier this month and must have been delighted to hear that the assembled photographers all wanted to take his picture.

The only problem was… they didn’t. It was an elegant Beatrice in a fitted camel coat who had caught their attention, not him. Better luck next time, Sam.

HI THERE!

Not many people get past Sir Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist. But in 2014, during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, William, then the Duke of Cambridge, caught him.

Chris Hoy had a photo taken with a fan as Prince William walked into the picture

Hoy, who recently retired, was showing VIPs around the athletes’ village when a mischievous William came across a fan’s selfie, making the photo even more of a collector’s item.

Go to ma’am

The late queen looked radiant in a peach coat at Royal Ascot in 2013 until Princess Eugenie, dressed in all black, showed up and ruined the view.

The late queen was photobombed at Ascot 2013 by her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie

Her Majesty liked to keep up with technology and famously texted on camera and FaceTimed Michelle Obama. But did she know what a photo bomb was? And did she enjoy being the victim of it? Memories may vary.

BEHIND THE NET

When you’re going to be photobombed by a royal family, who better than the boss? The late queen was responsible for a digital double whammy when she first photobombed a photo of two athletes at the 201 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and then went viral.

Australian hockey player Jayde Taylor posed for a selfie with teammate Brooke Peris as Her Majesty slipped into the background

Australian hockey star Jayde Taylor posed for a selfie with teammate Brooke Peris as Her Majesty faded into the background. Jayde shared her photo on Twitter and wrote: ‘The Queen photobombed our selfie!’ That must be as good as a gold medal.

WHEN HARRY WAS A JOKER

The 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow proved to be a rich source of photobombing, with Prince Harry also taking part.

Prince Harry cheekily gave a thumbs up as two New Zealand swimming referees stood up

Before he became a Montecito misery, he was having a great time. During the Games, he smiled cheekily and gave a thumbs up as two New Zealand swimming referees posed for a souvenir photo. Those were the days, right Harry?

PHILIP FUN

The late Duke of Edinburgh famously hated having his photo taken and on one memorable occasion barked at the photographer to ‘just take the bloody picture!’

The late Duke of Edinburgh snuck up behind ITN correspondent Romilly Weeks in Malta

Romilly turned to see Prince Philip laughing as she delivered a live piece to the camera

But on a visit to Malta in 2007 he was in a much better mood when he snuck up behind ITN Royal Correspondent Romilly Weeks as she delivered a live piece to camera, giving her the fright of her life.

KATE GET CRASHED

As a mother, the Princess of Wales knows what a handful of young children can be.

Kate was visiting Peterley Manor in Buckinghamshire when this brazen thief stuck his head in front of the camera

That’s probably why she didn’t bat an eyelid when this little rascal stuck his head in front of the camera and stuck his tongue out during a visit to Peterley Manor Farm in Buckinghamshire. She has one like that at home too!

Comic Relief fans raved about star-studded parody The Traitors: The Movie on Friday night.

The hilarious segment saw the series two finale retold, with runner-up Mollie Pierce playing herself, but winner Harry Clark was played by the devious Jonathan Bailey.

Also starring were Suranne Jones as Claudia Winkleman, David Walliams And Catherine Tate as contestants Paul Gorton and Evie Morrison.

Fans took to social media in droves to praise the skit, highlighting Suranne’s performance as Claudia.

They wrote: ‘Excellent comic relief…this is brilliant. Nice to see Mollie and Harry too!’

David Walliams played Paul Gorton and rocked the TV villain’s signature red hair and beard

The real Harry, 23, a British army engineer, appeared briefly at the end of the short film.

Fans continued: ‘Omg – LOVE Surranne Jones’ and ‘Suranne Jones as Claudia is brilliant!’

‘Worth it alone! Finally justice for @mollie_pearcee.’

‘Traitors The Movie – that was pure genius. Well done, best sketch I’ve seen on Comic Relief. #comicrelief2024.’

“Look, I’ve never seen The Traitors. But I loved that Comic Relief skit because Suranne Jones was amazing!

‘The hair and make-up were definitely perfect, but Suranne did it perfectly – voice and mannerisms are perfect. Finely tuned brilliance. #ComicRelief2024.’

‘#comicrelief2024 was truly brilliant entertainment this year. All the comics were great, especially The Traitors and W1A.”

The Traitors: The Movie was teased on Wednesday.

The hilarious segment saw the series two finale retold, with runner-up Mollie Pierce playing herself, but winner Harry Clark was played by a devious Jonathan Bailey.

Fans took to social media in droves to praise the skit, highlighting Suranne’s performance as Claudia

‘#comicrelief2024 was truly brilliant entertainment this year. All the comedy clips were great – especially those of The Traitors, fans wrote as David recreated Paul’s iconic arc

Fans said: ‘Omg – LOVE Surranne Jones’ and ‘Suranne Jones as Claudia is brilliant!’ ‘Worth it alone! Finally justice for @mollie_pearcee

Suranne Jones (pictured), David Walliams and Catherine Tate were among the famous faces to appear

The first images showed them after a series of treacherous transformations (pictured Catherine as Evie and David as Paul)

During the film, viewers discovered why Jonathan Bailey (pictured) publicly apologizes to Harry and discover whether the edit is ‘faithful’ to the original

The first images showed them following a series of insidious transformations after undergoing makeovers to look like the stars of the hit BBC show.

Suranne, 45, was chosen as host Claudia and sported the fan favorite’s signature heavy bangs and eyeliner.

The film version of the celebrities was first unveiled on BBC’s The One Show on Monday night and viewers are encouraged to pour themselves a cup of fizzy rosé to watch the frivolity unfold.

It showed Jazatha Christie’s neglect, Ross’s infamous wink, Diane’s untimely murder, and the traitors turning on each other at the roundtable.

The Traitors: The Movie brought to life some of the most iconic moments from the series, featuring some of the nation’s favorite contestants.

The cast includes iDiane (Sally Phillips), Harry (Jonathan Bailey), Jaz (Asim Chaudhry), Miles (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), Paul (David Walliams) and Ross (Iain Stirling).

Speaking about the role, Suranne said: “I grew up with Comic Relief and every year I think I have to do something, so it’s an absolute thrill to be cast.

‘I’ve seen The Traitors and I love Claudia, so everything happens with love when I step into her shoes. Most importantly, we raise money for really important causes. So we have fun with it, but the most important thing will always be the causes.’

Meanwhile, Jonathan Bailey said: “Being invited to a Comic Relief evening of TV sketches is the proudest moment of my career so far.

A cast of award-winning actors and comedians have signed up to play some of the most iconic characters from series two of The Traitors for a parody film version

Viewers saw how Jazatha Christie (pictured Asim Chaudhry) was ignored, Ross’s infamous wink, Diane’s untimely murder and the traitors who turned on each other during the roundtable discussion

‘Plus, The Traitors is my favorite TV series of all time – I’d be amazed if I met any of them.

‘I’m sure I’m the first in a long line of actors to play Harry in biopics. In fact, I would like to take this moment to publicly apologize to Harry for what I have done.”

Elsewhere, Sally Phillips said: ‘It’s always a laugh to be involved in Red Nose Day. It’s pretty hard to use your job for good, so this is the one time a year you can raise money while you work.

‘I watched most of The Traitors in one day and became obsessed. Actually, don’t tell me who won because I watched until Diane died and I’m going home today to watch the rest. It’s completely moving.”

Runner-up Mollie said: ‘Red Nose Day is a great cause and something I watched as a child.

‘When I read the script I thought it was so funny and great entertainment, it’s nice to make people smile and laugh after such an intense series. I don’t think I really had time to process being asked to be involved in the draft.

‘When I got the call, I was running around the house with my mother screaming. I feel very privileged and very happy.’

The film version of the celebrities was first unveiled on BBC’s The One Show on Monday night and viewers are encouraged to pour themselves a cup of fizzy rosé to watch the frivolity unfold.

The cast included Diane (Sally Phillips), Harry (Jonathan Bailey), Jaz (Asim Chaudhry), Miles (Kiell Smith-Bynoe), Paul (David Walliams) and Ross (Iain Stirling)

The Traitors Diane was played by Sally Phillips

Iain Stirling turned into Ross

The role of Miles was played by Kiiell Smith-Bynoe

He’s the youngest child of the late Queen and Prince Phillip who, for many years, lived in the shadow of his more high-profile brothers and sister.

But while his siblings have been hit by scandals and marriage break-ups, Prince Edward has quietly soldiered on with his duties, his faithful and popular wife Sophie by his side.

As the Prince celebrates his 60th birthday, we bring you 60 amazing facts about the man known in royal circles as ‘steady Eddie.’

1. The late Queen Elizabeth was convinced Prince Edward would be a girl and, for that reason, had given no consideration to boy’s names prior to his birth.

2. Edward was the only child whose birth Prince Philip attended. He was reported to have been holding the Queen’s hand when their son arrived.

3. He weighed just 5 pounds 7 ounces when he was born, making him the smallest of all the Queen’s children.

4. Many were surprised that Her Majesty named her son Edward, considering the pain Edward VIII’s abdication had caused her family. However, Edward VIII was known as ‘David’ to his family and it’s far more likely that Prince Edward was named after the Queen’s cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.

Edward was the smallest of the Queen’s babies, weighing only 5Ibs 7oz

Edward VIII was known as ‘David’ to his family and it’s far more likely that Prince Edward was named after the Queen’s cousin, the Duke of Kent

5. He made his first public appearance when he was just 12 weeks old when, wrapped in a blanket, the Queen held him in her arms on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony in 1964.

6. His first pet was a Shetland pony named Valkyrie.

7. As a boy he loved the French cartoon books Asterix, about a Gallic warrior who had amazing strength due to a magical potion.

8. Visitors to Buckingham Palace recall Edward walking around with transistor radio glued to his ear, listening to pop music – Abba being a favourite.

9. Like his brothers, Edward attended Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland but, unlike them, he enjoyed his experience becoming Head Boy in his final term.

10. At Gordonstoun Edward developed a love of gliding and gained his gliding wings when he was just 16.

11. He achieved nine O’levels – more than his siblings. However, there was great controversy when he secured a place at Cambridge University to read history despite only gaining two Ds and a C in his A Levels.

12. He took private flying lessons at RAF Cranwell and gained his private pilot’s licence just before his 18th birthday.

Prince Edward caused surprise when he got a place at Cambridge University with two D-grades and a C

Prince Edward in Jesus College colours on the rugby pitch

Edward took a gap year in 1982, teaching English and history at the Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand. He oversaw the school’s drama productions and taught the children how to play his family’s favourite parlour game – charades

At Cambridge University Edward indulged his love of theatre and joined the Light Entertainment Society

Prince Edward learned to play Real Tennis, a cross between squash, badminton and lawn tennis, once played by his Tudor ancestors

13. Way before they became fashionable, Edward took a gap year in 1982, teaching English and history at the Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand.

14. While on his gap year, he also oversaw the school’s drama productions and taught the children how to play his family’s favourite parlour game – charades.

15. At Cambridge University Edward indulged his love of theatre and joined the Light Entertainment Society whose other alumni include comedians John Cleese and Sandi Toksvig.

16. While at Cambridge he appeared as Governor Danforth in an amateur dramatic adaptation of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible.

17. He also directed a children’s production called The Tale of Toothache City.

18. It was at university that Edward first developed his love of ‘real tennis’ – the original form of the game, played with a solid ball on an enclosed court.

19. Despite a bout of glandular fever, he produced the rag-week revue Glitter Ball Prizes in March 1984.

20. After leaving Cambridge with his 2:2 degree, Edward joined the Royal Marines but was only lasted just four months of the gruelling training, during which he sustained many injuries.

21. He achieved a Duke of Edinburgh Award gold medal after completing a 60-mile four-day trek in Scotland.

22. He could easily have been killed aged 23 when he was thrown from his horse at Windsor but was saved by his riding hat, which split in two on impact.

23. After putting out feelers for a job in the entertainment industry, aged 24, he was offered a part in Dr Who but was advised by royal officials to turn it down.

24. Able to laugh at himself for being dubbed the ‘teaboy’ after landing a junior role at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company, Edward turned up for his first day with a packet of PG Tips under his arm.

25. In 1986 he commissioned Andrew Lloyd Webber to make ‘Cricket’ a musical especially for his mother’s 60th birthday that was performed at Windsor Castle.

26. The most embarrassing episode in Edward’s career came in 1987 when he produced and appeared in a game show later dubbed It’s a Royal Knockout – against his mother’s wishes. Prince Andrew, Fergie and Princess Anne also took part in the charity event which was roundly mocked.

It’s A Royal Knockout was Edward’s most embarrassing episode – and was against his mother’s wishes

Dubbed the ‘teaboy’ after landing a junior role at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Company, Edward saw the funny side and turned up for his first day with a packet of PG Tips under his arm

Harry wasn’t the first royal to put out a statement requesting privacy for his girlfriend – Edward did the same in 1993

27. In 1993 he set up Ardent Productions, making documentaries (mostly about the royals.)

28. Edward had a handful of dates with Ulrika Jonsson in the Eighties. Ulrika later claimed there was ‘slap and tickle’ but that they did not sleep together.

29. Musicals star Ruthie Henshall dated Edward for five years in the early nineties, sometimes being smuggled into Buckingham Palace in the back of a car.

30. Edward first met his future wife, Sophie, in 1987 when she was working as a press officer at Capital Radio, but neither were single at the time.

31. Fate intervened when Sophie, then a PR executive, stood in for Sue Barker at a charity photo call to promote real tennis in 1993 and the pair began dating.

32. Harry wasn’t the first royal to put out a statement requesting privacy for his girlfriend – Edward did the same in 1993.

33. Never mind ‘Waity Katie’, ‘Stoical Sophie’ waited six years for Edward to pop the question.

34. So great was the Queen’s affection for Sophie that she allowed her to keep rooms at Buckingham Palace when she was just a royal girlfriend.

35. Edward proposed while on holiday with Sophie in the Bahamas, who was taken completely by surprise.

36. Sophie’s £105,000 engagement ring from royal jewellers, Garrard, has a two carat oval diamond in the centre with smaller heart shaped diamonds on either side.

37. During their engagement interview, when asked why he’d waited so long to propose, Edward revealed that he was afraid Sophie would turn him down.

38. Edward and Sophie requested that their wedding, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor on June 19th 1999, should not be a state occasion, meaning they were under no obligation to invite politicians or military leaders.

39. Edward and Sophie wanted to keep their wedding as informal as possible and asked female guests not to wear hats…a request the Queen Mother ignored.

40. Sophie presented Edward with an 18carat gold pocket watch as a wedding gift.

41. After his marriage, Edward became the first British prince since George I to be created an Earl rather than a Duke and Sophie became a Countess.

42. He was allegedly drawn to the title Earl of Wessex after watching Colin Firth play a character called Lord Wessex in Shakespeare in Love.

43. There was no lengthy, lavish honeymoon for Sophie and Edward, instead they just had four days at Balmoral

44. Bagshot Hall, the family’s £30million home is a 120-room grade II listed sprawling mansion in Surrey, originally built for King Charles I in 1609.

Never mind ‘Waity Katie’, ‘Stoical Sophie’ waited six years for Edward to pop the question

After his marriage, Edward became the first British prince since George I to be created an Earl rather than a Duke and Sophie became a Countess

Prince Edward was in Mauritius when Sophie went into labour with Lady Louise – a month early

45. Like most senior royals, Edward and Sophie don’t own their home. It’s owned by the reigning monarch who decides who can and can’t live there.

46. Fittingly, Edward and Sophie visited Prince Edward Island, in Canada on their first royal tour.

47. In 2001 Sophie lost a baby after suffering from a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.

48. He missed the birth of his daughter Lady Louise in 2003 when she arrived a month early while he was on an official visit to Mauritius.

49. When Lady Louise was born, Queen Elizabeth went to visit Sophie in hospital – something she never did with any other royal grandchildren.

50. In 2004 Edward encouraged the public to donate blood but set tongues wagging when he revealed he was ‘unable’ to do so himself. Contrary to belief, it’s not against royal protocol as both Charles and William have donated in the past.

51. Edward was there for the birth of his son, James, in December 2007 and described his newborn as ‘very cute and cuddly.’

52. It wasn’t until he was 38, at the time of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, that he became a full-time working royal.

53. When Ardent Productions was dissolved in 2009 it had just £40 in assets.

54. In 2009 he was investigated by the RSPCA when photos appeared to show him beating his gun dogs, but the charity found ‘no evidence’ of abuse.

55. His favourite tipple is gin and tonic.

56. Edward’s favourite sports are Real Tennis and skiing and he also likes to garden for relaxation.

57. It was said to be the wish of Prince Philip that Edward should carry the Duke of Edinburgh title after his death.

At the Coronation, lipreaders picked up Edward offering words of support to his brother, Charles, saying ‘I know you’ve got it.

58. The family have a pet tortoise called Marmite.

59. When asked, by a journalist, whether he had watched Harry and Meghan’s tell-all Oprah Winfrey interview, he replied: ‘Oprah who?’

60. At the Coronation, lipreaders picked up Edward offering words of support to his brother, Charles, saying ‘I know you’ve got it.’

Courteney Cox is reportedly lined up as the first signing for a famous version of The Traitors.

The actress, 59, is close friends with the show’s host Claudia Winkleman, 52, and she claimed bosses hope their friendship will convince Courteney to sign up.

American star Courteney was known around the world for her role as Monica Geller in the hit sitcom Friends from 1994 to 2004.

Insiders have claimed that producers are hoping to have their pick of a number of big stars who are themselves fans of the reality show following the success of the first two series, which featured previously unknown contestants.

A TV insider said this The sun: ‘The fact that the producers have a star from Friends in their sights shows the caliber of famous faces Celebrity Traitors is aiming for.

The Traitors presenter Claudia (left) is good friends with actress Courteney (right), and the pair were seen together in London last month

American star Courteney was known around the world for her role as Monica Geller in the hit sitcom Friends from 1994 to 2004 (Courteney seen as Monica, left, alongside her Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in 1994)

‘After the show was announced, producers were inundated with calls from big names and their agents wanting to throw their hat in the ring – a big surprise for many.

‘Courteney has always been a fan of the show, especially as the British version features her pal Claudia front and center.’

MailOnline has contacted the BBC and a representative for Courteney for comment.

It was reported last month producers probably looked at stars like Wagatha Christie is the competitor of Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy.

Others on the potential roster are said to include former Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who finished third on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here in 2022, and Match of the Day presenter and former footballer Gary Lineker.

A TV insider said this The sun: ‘Bosses want big names because the show gets big ratings, and they know they have plenty to choose from as The Traitors has big fans in the showbiz world…

“But they also want stars who are likely to be great gamers and who have great survival skills, the ability to pull off doubles or have a way of sniffing out a backstabber.”

‘Rumors of a celebrity series have been swirling since The Traitors dropped in 2022 and the show became an instant hit – but so far they’ve been unfounded gossip.’

Courtney previously appeared in a skit for The Traitors in which she begged Claudia to let her participate

Courteney insisted she was a fan of the show as she appeared in the sketch ahead of series two, which aired last month

The insider added that BBC bosses wanted the civilian version of the show to become well established before they started planning a celebrity version.

However, the first two series have proven to be such successes that TV bigwigs have apparently decided to continue with the celebrity spin-off.

“They’re also shooting for the stars,” the insider added. ‘Because they don’t understand why they can’t attract the same caliber of people who are currently signing up for Strictly and I’m A Celebrity.’

MailOnline contacted the BBC for comment.

The Traitors presenter Claudia Winkleman has previously said she hoped some big names would appear in a celebrity version of the show.

She named a number of people she would like to see appear and said: ‘Victoria Coren, Kirsty Young, Adam Woodyatt, Stephen Fry, Alison Hammond… let’s do that.’

It comes after The Traitors winner Harry Clark reportedly turned down Celebrity Big Brother despite being offered £250,000 to star in the show.

Harry took the nation by storm with his tactful performance on the BBC show as he stole the £95,150 winnings from the faithful.

But despite the ITV reality show earning him more than double his prize money, The sun has revealed that the army corporal chose to turn down the opportunity.

It comes after Harry signed with talent agency Inter Talent earlier this week after meeting with more than 15 different agencies.

It’s claimed producers are hoping to have their pick of a number of big stars who are fans of the reality show, including Wagatha Christie rivals Coleen Rooney (left) and Rebekah Vardy (right) (pictured at trial in May 2022)

The Traitors presenter Claudia has previously said she hoped some big names would appear in a celebrity version of the show, including Andrew Garfield (pictured last month)

Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock (right), who finished third in 2022’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, and Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker (left) are also suggested names

Claudia has also said she would like This Morning presenter Alison Hammond to appear in a famous version of The Traitors (Alison pictured on This Morning last month)

An inside source told the publication: ‘Just like his time on the whodunnit show, he is incredibly smart about every move he makes and wants to play the long game.

‘He has no idea that he likes doing reality TV. And while he was incredibly flattered by the offer, Celebrity Big Brother didn’t feel like the right project for him.

“He is now receiving expert guidance from one of the country’s top talent agencies, after no fewer than 16 companies approached him to close deals on his behalf.”

Harry’s representatives told MailOnline they could not comment.

The Traitors winner Harry Clark, 23, has reportedly turned down a £250,000 offer for major reality TV show Celebrity Big Brother as he signs with a talent agency

At 6ft tall and with perfect posture, the Prince of Wales is our most stately royal.

Add a muscular physique to all his sporting activities and William, 41, has a truly impressive physical presence.

The prince can thank his six-foot-tall mother, Princess Diana, for the tall genes that make him tower over many of the celebrities and dignitaries he meets.

Poor David Beckham is just the latest star to be dwarfed by the masterful Wills.

Here, MailOnline Royals looks at the long and short of William's famous encounters.

DAVID BECKHAM

Poor Becks, this photo of him shaking hands with William at Sunday night's BAFTAs went viral.

Regardless of “bend it like Beckham,” it looks like the heir to the throne is crouching in front of Beckham. In fairness to the former footballer, William is standing on a raised platform, meaning the 6-foot-2 Becks isn't as small as he seems.

KYLIE MINOGUE

At a shade under six feet, even a pair of stilettos didn't make much of a difference when Can't Get You Out of My Head singer Kylie Minogue met Prince William at a charity reception for the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in 2018.

Kylie addresses William's breast handkerchief at Buckingham Palace in 2018

The singer sat at chest level with the Prince, the next day it was probably a case of 'I can't stand my neck.'

TOM CRUISE

Want to compete with Willem? That's an impossible mission for 6-foot-4 Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who is rumored to wear lifters in his shoes to gain some extra height.

Tom Cruise was the star, but Kate and William stood head and shoulders above the rest at the 2022 premiere of Top Gun: Maverick

No contest: Tom and William will be side by side at this month's Air Ambulance Charity Gala

However, 61-year-old Tom would have to wear eight-inch platform heels to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Prince, as we saw firsthand when they both attended the London Air Ambulance gala dinner and the Top Gun Maverick premiere earlier this month in London. May 2022.

JON BON JOVI

William famously performed Livin' on a Prayer when he joined Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift on stage at a charity event at Centrepoint in 2013.

Jon Bon Jovi looks up to William after singing with him and Taylor Swift at Kensington Palace

The prince has since said he now “cringes” when reminded of it. “I don't know what came over me,” he later admitted. His shaky vocals may not have matched the height of 6-foot-4 Bon Jovi, but his body certainly did.

GERI HORNER

In this photo, it looks like Ginger Spice actually wants a ladder so she can properly greet the future king.

It's a long way down from Prince William looking for a cuddle with Geri Halliwell-Horner last year

Geri met William when the pair attended a primary school in Newport together last year. She famously squeezed King Charles' bum when she was a Spice Girl and he was the Prince of Wales. This time the 1.80 meter tall singer kept her fingers to herself.

RAMI MALEK

The American actor met both William and Catherine when he attended the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston in 2022.

The princess is not a little one either. The royal couple welcomed actor Rami Malek to the Earthshot Prize Awards in Boston last year

At 6ft tall, the princess was also taller than the 6ft tall Bohemian Rhapsody star who described meeting the pair as 'rad'. The diminutive actor is also not great at small talk, showing that he has overstepped royal protocol by being too personal with the future king and queen.

MARK OWEN

The pop star who sang in Take That's Rule the World meets the man who will one day rule the country.

Take that! William dwarfed stars Gary Barlow and Mark Owen when he met them backstage at the Concert for Diana

The only thing we didn't need was a ruler to work out who was tallest when the Prince met the band after the Concert for Diana in 2007. William was head and shoulders above both 6ft 6in Mark Owen and Gary Barlow, 6 feet tall.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II

Hats are a great way to add height and a favorite trick of our little late 5ft 3 Queen.

The late Queen inspects her tall grandson William during The Sovereign's Parade, Sandhurst in 2006

A royal version of small and large seems to have amused The Queen

But it would take a whole box of hats to come close to her grandson's height, as we saw when Her Majesty visited the Royal Military Academy in Camberley for the Sovereign's Parade in December 2006. Is that why William can't suppress his giggles?

PHOEBE DYNEVOR

Bridgerton star Phoebe missed out on the Rising Star BAFTA for which she was nominated this year.

William is 6 feet tall and often seems to be from another planet. He is pictured here with actress Phoebe Dynevor

And being a rising star would certainly have come in handy when the 6ft tall actress met BAFTA president the Prince of Wales later in the evening.

MICHAEL D HIGGINS

His height of just 6ft 4in doesn't stop Michael Higgins from doing the biggest job in Ireland.

President of Ireland Michael Higgins and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge make an unlikely pairing as they pose in Dublin in 2020

When Queen Elizabeth met him, it was one of the few times she was bigger than a world leader. Sadly, the same could not be said when the President welcomed William to Ireland during a state visit in 2020.

CROWN PRINCE HUSSEIN BIN ABDULLAH

Both Kate and William attended the wedding when the Crown Prince married Rajwa Al Saif in Jordan last year.

The 6ft tall son of Queen Rania who greets William at the start of his 2018 tour of the Middle East makes up for what he loses in height in elegance

And it was Queen Rania's 6ft tall son who greeted William at the start of his 2018 tour of the Middle East.

Both princes were educated at Sandhurst, both are heirs to a throne… The only thing they don't have in common is their height.

DANIEL CRAIG

You'd think Q would have come up with a gadget to make Bond star Daniel Craig look bigger when he meets royals.

Not shocked or moved by the obvious height difference, Daniel 'James Bond' Craig greets the future king in 2021

Even his pink velvet jacket wasn't enough to distract from the height difference when 6'3″ Craig met William at the 2021 premiere of No Time To Die. No time to lift his boots either, it seems .

Friendly, fun and still affectionately known to most as ‘Fergie’, Sarah, Duchess of York, has long been the party-loving royal celebrities want to spend time with.

The former-wife of Prince Andrew has remained close to her former husband while carving out a career for herself as an author, charity campaigner sometime television presenter and much else besides.

Sarah’s most recent novel is called A Most Intriguing Lady, which is certainly a sentiment shared by these famous folk with whom the Duchess struck up long-lasting and unlikely friendships.

WILL.I.AM

No, not the heir to the throne, her nephew, but the rapper and coach on The Voice. 

As a member of The Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.am spent many years performing with a different Fergie – the American singing version.

As a member of The Black Eyed Peas, Will.I.am spent many years performing with  Fergie – the American singing version!

Talking of his friendship with the royal, Will says: ‘Royal Fergie is my home girl. 

‘We do tea together all the time. She even came to my ghetto to mentor kids at a school. I love her, she’s the real Fergie.’

Will has even read some of Sarah’s poetry and explored the possibility of using her words in his music.

DAVID AND VICTORIA BECKHAM

Former-husband Prince Andrew famously claimed to have attended a child’s birthday party at Pizza Express in Woking.

Fergie raised the bar when she helped to organise a very special sixth birthday party for Harper Beckham.

Victoria Beckham greets Sarah Ferguson with a kiss  on the Amalfi coast in 2022

The Duchess of York helped organise a very special birthday party for Harper Beckham at Buckingham Palace

Pop royalty:  the Spice Girls pictured with the Duchess of York and daughters Beatrice and Eugenie in 1999

Friends with Harper’s parents, David and Victoria, Sarah arranged for Harper to throw a tea party for her friends at Buckingham Palace and meet her daughter Princess Eugenie.

Although it raised eyebrows as time, the friendship has clearly endured as two years ago Sarah was spotted enthusiastically hugging and kissing David and Victoria when they bumped into each other on holiday in Italy.

NAOMI CAMPBELL

At first glance you wouldn’t imagine that a supermodel from Streatham and a posh polo manager’s daughter from Hampshire would have much in common.

Naomi Campbell and Sarah have been friends for almost two decades

Princess Eugenie invited her mother’s friend Naomi to her wedding 

Yet Fergie and Naomi Campbell have been the best of pals for nearly two decades, ever since Sarah lent her support to Naomi’s Fashion for Relief charity.

Over the years Naomi has persuaded Sarah to walk the catwalk at some of her fundraisers, including at London Fashion week in 2015.

The pair regularly dine and attend parties together and through the Duchess, Naomi is also friends with Beatrice and Eugenie and attended Eugenie’s wedding.

KATE MOSS

Believed to have been introduced by mutual friend Naomi Campbell, Fergie and Kate Moss are great buddies.

Sarah and Kate were believed to be introduced by Naomi and became firm friends

Sarah and Kate Moss have been pictured on holiday together twice

Both women have ridden out their own scandals and have been pictured on holiday together twice. 

The first time in Venice 2013 (when Fergie had her daughters in tow) then again in 2016 when Sarah was pictured on holiday in Greece with the Croydon born model. They have regular girlie nights out in London, often snapped looking the worst for wear in the early hours.

LISA MARIE PRESLEY

Of all Fergie’s famous friendships, her close bond with the daughter of Elvis Presley is, perhaps, the most curious of all.

Lisa Marie Presley was known ‘Sissy’ to Sarah. They had been devoted friends for years

Sarah was so close she gave a eulogy at Lisa Marie’s funeral in 2023

The extent of Sarah’s deep friendship with Lisa Marie only came to light last year, when the daughter of Elvis and Priscilla Presley died unexpectedly at the age of 54.

Sarah gave a eulogy at Lisa Marie’s funeral, referring to her late friend by her pet name ‘Sissy.’ 

Paying tribute to her on Instagram, Sarah described Lisa Marie as ‘my devoted friend for many years.’

They forged a friendship in the early 2000s, bonding over their work for children’s charities.

When Fergie hit the headlines in 2010 for promising access to the royals in return for cash, it was Lisa Marie who came to her rescue, offering up her holiday home in Hawaii as a secret refuge.

For many years, Lisa lived privately in a small village close to Tunbridge Wells in Kent, where Fergie was a regular visitor.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS AND AYDA FIELD

Those watching Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank in 2018 were surprised to see Robbie Williams’ then six-year-old daughter Teddy as bridesmaid.

Robbie Williams with his wife Ayda at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding

The big surprise was that Robbie and Ayda’s daughter Teddy was one of the bridesmaids

It turns out that Robbie and his wife, Ayda, have been friends with the York girls and Fergie for many years.

Former Take That star Robbie has called the Duchess ‘an amazing woman’ and revealed that they ‘get on like a house on fire.’

Fergie first met Robbie and Ayda on holiday in the Caribbean in 2011, when Sarah was later seen shopping with Ayda in St Barts.

Since then the Yorks have been to say at the Williams’ home in LA and Robbie and Ayda always try and dine with Sarah and her daughters on trips to London.

ELTON JOHN AND DAVID FURNISH

Everyone is familiar with Elton John’s friendship with the late Princess Diana, but he and his husband David are also close friends with Sarah.

Everyone knew about Elton’s friendship with Princess Diana but he is close to Sarah, too

Elton and his former wife, Renate Blauel, attended Prince Andrew’s and Sarah’s wedding in 1986

Sarah was there to support Elton and David Furnish when they became two of the first gay men in the United Kingdom to have a civil partnership  in 2005

When Elton attended Sarah’s wedding to Prince Andrew he did so with his then wife Renata. Neither marriage lasted but Sarah’s friendship with Elton did.

Sarah was there to support him and David Furnish when they became two of the first gay men in the UK to have a civil partnership ceremony in 2005.

The Duchess is a regular attendee at Elton and David’s annual fundraising event for their AIDS charity.

BILLY CONNOLLY AND PAMELA STEPHENSON

Before quitting the UK, comedian Billy Connolly and his wife Pamela Stephenson – the actress turned psychologist – lived in Berkshire. They became close friends with neighbours Sarah and Prince Andrew and attended their wedding.

Billy Connolly and wife Pamela Stephenson attended Sarah and Andrew’s wedding  in 1986

In the years afterwards the celebrity pair were regular dinner party guests at The York’s home in Sunningdale, Berkshire.

When Billy and Pamela moved to LA, Sarah was a visitor. He once revealed his amusement at Beatrice and Eugenie not appearing to know that they were princesses.

‘I remember Fergie’s two girls Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were in our house in Los Angeles where we lived before moving to New York. They were with my girls playing in the dressing-up box. They both came into the room and said, “Look, we’re Princesses.”’

A guest on Pamela’s CH4 TV series The Fame Report, Fergie talked to her old friend about how feeling ‘ugly’ next to her glamorous mother had triggered her unhealthy relationship with food.

BOB GELDOF

The Duchess of York was a surprise guest at the 2015 wedding in France of Bob Geldof to his long-term girlfriend Jeanne Marine.

Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson, Bob Geldof and long-term girlfriend Jeanne Marine attend the 2016 Angel Ball hosted by Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation For Cancer Research

But it turns out that the pair go back a long way and Sarah has been close to Jeanne for many years with both supporting the same charities including The Warrior Programme, which helps injured veterans, and the Angel Foundation for Cancer Research.

They all share a mutual friend in the Russian billionaire Vladamir Doronin and travelled together to India to celebrate his 50th birthday at a lavish party in 2012.

Both the York girls are friends with Pixie Geldof, who was a guest at Beatrice’s 18th birthday party at Windsor Castle.

DAVE GARDNER

It’s likely that Fergie met football agent Gardner through David Beckham. The two men are besties, after all.

Dave Gardner was another surprise guest at Eugenie’s wedding in 2018

Sarah, Duchess of York seen at Loulou’s club for Dave Gardner’s birthday party

Whatever the story, it seems that Sarah and Dave have become good friends in their own right. 

The Duchess was a guest at Dave’s 40th birthday party at Lou Lou’s club in London and he and his then partner Liv Tyler were also guests at Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

SALLY HUMPHREYS WOOD

When it comes to her celebrity friends, Fergie certainly has a soft spot for rockers…and their glamorous wives.

Sally Wood and Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York Discover Film party at the Ivy Club

Sarah Ferguson Duchess of York, Ronnie Wood and Sally Humphreys Novak Djokovic Foundation Gala Dinner

Sarah and Sally Humphreys Wood, the actress and producer wife of Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood have a fond friendship after bumping into each other at charity fundraisers.

The pair always are often spotted huddled together and exchanging warm hugs at events including a Marie Curie summer party hosted by socialite Heather Kerzner and at the inaugural event of the Novak Djokovic Foundation.

It goes without saying that Beatrice and Eugenie are also friendly with Sally too!

Naomi Campbell looked like she should be gracing the halls of The Traitors castle in the Scottish Highlands as she attended the BAFTAs on Sunday night.

The supermodel, 53, put on a stunning display on the red carpet at The Royal Festival Hall ahead of the annual awards ceremony honouring the best in film.

While Naomi is no stranger to making a style statement of her own, she appeared to have taken inspiration from someone in particular at the event.

The mother of two looked strikingly like The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman in her hooded cape with a heavy full fringe.

She wore her cape over a full length A-line dress, while she kept it glamorous with a full face of make-up, including a dramatic smokey-eye. 

The supermodel, 53, put on a stunning display on the red carpet at The Royal Festival Hall ahead of the annual awards ceremony honouring the best in film

The mother of two looked strikingly like The Traitors host Claudia Winkleman (pictured right) in her hooded cape with a heavy full fringe

David Tennant will host this year’s ceremony live from Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank Centre, with an array of guest presenters on hand to deliver awards throughout the night.

Actress and singer Hannah Waddingham will treat guests to an exclusive live music performance, while Sophie Ellis-Bextor will perform her iconic hit Murder on the Dancefloor after it enjoyed a new lease of life in Emerald Fennell’s BAFTA nominated Saltburn. 

Elsewhere the Guyanese-born, London-based film curator June Givanni will receive an Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema Award.

Actress Samantha Morton’s lengthy career will also be rewarded with a BAFTA Fellowship, the arts charity’s highest accolade and handed out in recognition of outstanding and exceptional contribution to film, games or television.

Tennant, who is hosting the star-studded ceremony for the first time, recently admitted he was bewildered by the prospect of compering to so many people. 

He told Variety: ‘I don’t know what to expect, if I’m honest with you. The whole thing just feels like one of those experiences you say ‘yes’ to because it would be churlish not to. But what an amazing thing to be asked to do. What a privilege.’ 

The Scottish actor also insisted he will adopt a softer approach to the abrasive style used to great effect by Ricky Gervais at the Golden Globes. 

‘I think the BAFTA mood is supportive and friendly,’ he added. ‘Ricky Gervais is brilliant at what he does, but that wouldn’t be my style. 

She wore her cape over a full length A-line dress, while she kept it glamorous with a full face of make-up, including a dramatic smokey-eye

Naomi was pictured strutting into the event

She posed on the red carpet with Mohammed Al-Turki

Naomi was pictured catching up with Rosamund Pike on the red carpet

Naomi and Rosamund posed together on the red carpet

‘I don’t think I’ve quite got that sort of approach, so I think you just have to kind of be who you are, really. But we’ve got some good material that won’t leave anyone feeling got at.’ 

Tennant revealed he was in complete shock when he received an email asking if he wanted to host the annual awards show. 

Speaking to the Radio Times, he said: ‘Right now, a month out, it feels like a bit of a thrill and a lark.

‘An extraordinary opportunity to do something very unusual and exciting. People keep asking me how nervous I am, how I’m preparing for it and so on, and that’s beginning to make me nervous.

‘Who knows why they’ve asked me! I just thought I’d say yes before they realised they’ve sent the email to the wrong person.’ 

BAFTA CEO Jane Millichip confirmed the academy was ‘over the moon’ that Tennant would be hosting the ceremony.

Naomi and Rosamund struck a pose for the camera while on the red carpet

Naomi looked stunning as she posed beside Mohammed

While Naomi is no stranger to making a style statement of her own, she appeared to have taken inspiration from someone in particular at the event

She said: ‘He is deservedly beloved by British and international audiences, alike.

‘His warmth, charm and mischievous wit will make it a must-watch show next month for our guests at the Royal Festival Hall and the millions of people watching at home.’

Guest presenters on the night will include Bryce Dallas Howard, Callum Turner, Cate Blanchett, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Daisy Edgar Jones, David Beckham, Deepika Padukone, Dua Lipa, Emma Corrin, Gillian Anderson, Hugh Grant, Idris Elba, Jack O’Connell, Lily Collins, Rebecca Ferguson and Taylor Russell. 

Emma Baehr, Executive Director of Awards & Content said: ‘It is a privilege to welcome so many nominees to the EE BAFTA Film Awards this Sunday, representing some of the best on-screen and behind-the-screen creative talent working in film today who have provided audiences worldwide with an incredible year of film. 

‘It is a joy to bring these 38 remarkable films and the teams that made them to public attention. 

‘With host David Tennant bringing his charm and charisma to the ceremony, and performances from Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Hannah Waddingham, it promises to be an entertaining show for all our nominees and guests at the Royal Festival Hall and the millions of people watching at home around the world.’ 

In 2023, acting veteran Richard E. Grant graced the stage as the BAFTAs host, and during his opening monologue referenced the notorious 2022 Academy Awards moment when movie star Will Smith slapped presenter Chris Rock across the face.

He told the star-studded crowd: ‘Nobody on my watch gets slapped tonight – except on the back.’

In 2022, Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids actress Rebel Wilson made risqué jokes about the royal family, Russian president Vladimir Putin, the gender pay gap, flop film Cats – in which she starred – and her recent weight loss.

The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is a world-leading independent arts charity that draws attention to the best of film, games and television and supports the development of creative talent in the United Kingdom and the wide world. 

The organisation also celebrates excellence and nurtures fresh talent through year-round workshops, scholarships, masterclasses, mentoring schemes and lectures.

The nominees for the BAFTA EE Rising Star Award were announced on January 10, with the official longlist of nominations unveiled on January 18. 

This year’s ceremony is two hours long and will be broadcast from 7:00pm until 9:00pm on BBC One and will available to stream on BBC iPlayer. 

BAFTA 2024 NOMINATIONS IN FULL 

Best Film

Anatomy Of A Fall

The Holdovers

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

 

 Best Director

Oppenheimer’s is set to sweep the board. One of its many nominations is Christopher Nolan as Best Director

Andrew Haigh, All of Us Stranger

Justine Triet, Anatomy of a Fall

Alexander Payne, The Holdovers

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer

Jonathan Glazer, The Zone of Interest

 

Supporting Actor

Robert De Niro, Killers Of The Flower Moon

Robert Downey Jr, Oppenheimer

Jacob Elordi, Saltburn

Ryan Gosling, Barbie

Paul Mescal, All Of Us Strangers

Dominic Sessa, The Holdovers

 

Supporting Actress

Emily Blunt, Oppenheimer

Danielle Brooks, The Color Purple

Claire Foy, All Of Us Strangers

Sandra Hüller, The Zone Of Interest

Rosamund Pike, Saltburn

Da’vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

 

Original Screenplay

Anatomy Of A Fall has received plenty of nominations including for Original Screenplay

Anatomy of a Fall

Barbie

The Holdovers

Maestro

Past Lives

 

Adapted Screenplay

All Of Us Strangers

American Fiction

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Zone Of Interest

 

Animated Film

Chicken Run’s sequel Dawn Of The Nugget is up for Animated Film

The Boy And The Heron

Chicken Run: Dawn Of The Nugget

Elemental

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

 

British Short Film

Festival Of Slaps

Gorka

Jellyfish And Lobster

Such A Lovely Day

Yellow 

 

Cinematography

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Maestro

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Sone Of Interest 

 

Documentary

20 Days In Mariupol

American Symphony

Beyond Utopia

Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie

Wham! 

 

Make Up & Hair

Killers Of The Flower Moon earned plenty of nominations. Pictured: Lily Gladstone and Leonardo di Caprio

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Maestro

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things 

 

Product Design

Barbie

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Zone Of Interest 

 

Special Visual Effects

Poor Things, featuring Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo (both pictured), is up for Special Visual Effects

The Creator

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Napoleon

Poor Things 

Leading Actor

Barry Keoghan is up for Leading Actor for his performance in Saltburn

Bradley Cooper, Maestro

Colman Domingo, Rustin

Paul Giamatti, The Holdovers

Barry Keoghan, Saltburn

Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer

Teo Yoo, Past Lives

 

Leading Actress

Margot Robbie got nominated for Leading Actress

Fantasia Barrino, The Color Purple

Sandra Hüller, Anatomy Of A Fall

Carey Mulligan, Maestro

Vivian Oparah, Rye Lane

Margot Robbie, Barbie

Emma Stone, Poor Things

 

Outstanding British Film

All Of Us Strangers

How To Have Sex

Napoleon

The Old Oak

Poor Things

Rye Lane

Saltburn

Scrapper

Wonka

The Zone Of Interest

 

Film Not in the English Language

20 Days In Mariupol

Anatomy of a Fall

Past Lives

Society of the Snow

The Zone of Interest

 

Outstanding Debut

How To Have Sex got a nod for Outstanding Debut

Blue Bag Life

Bobi Wine: The People’s President

Earth Mama

How To Have Sex

Is There Anybody Out There?

 

Outstanding Debut By A British Writer, Director Or Producer

Lisa Selby, Rebecca Lloyd-Evans, Alex Fry

Christopher Sharp

Savanah Leaf, Shirley O’connor, Medb Riordan

Molly Manning Walker

Ella Glendining

 

British Short Animation

Crab Day

Visible Mending

Wild Summon

 

Casting

The Holdovers had a good showing, including being up for Casting

All Of Us Strangers

Anatomy Of A Fall

The Holdovers

How To Have Sex

Killers Of The Flower Moon 

 

Costume Design

Barbie

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Napoleon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things 

 

Editing

Anatomy Of A Fall

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

The Zone Of Interest 

 

Original Score

Killers Of The Flower Moon

Oppenheimer

Poor Things

Saltburn

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse 

 

Sound

The Zone Of Interest is up for Sound alongside Oppenheimer, Maestro and others

Ferrari

Maestro

Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One

Oppenheimer

The Zone Of Interest 

 

EE Rising Star

Phoebe Dynevor

Ayo Edebiri

Jacob Elordi

Mia McKenna-Bruce

Sophie Wilde 

 

It's been more than two centuries since the Royal Navy's first fleet arrived at Sydney Cove and hoisted the flag of Great Britain.

The legacy of the past has become more complicated over the years – not least when it comes to the question of whether or not Australia should retain King Charles as head of state.

The good news for Britain is that a referendum on this issue has been postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Prince George, then just nine months old, visits a Bilby at the zoo. Bilbies are desert-dwelling marsupials native to Australia

One of Kate Middleton's ancestors commanded a ship from the very first Royal Navy fleet to land in Australia. This scene, showing British troops of the period on the Australian coast, is from the ITV drama The Incredible Journey of Mary Bryant

The first Union Flag is raised – a scene celebrated 150 years later by British artist Algernon Talmage

But one royal connection that has escaped much scrutiny until now is this: we can reveal that one of the Princess of Wales's ancestors was on board the First Fleet to travel to Australia.

Lieutenant David Blackburn, captain of HMS Supply, one of the ships in question, set sail with the fleet from Portsmouth, Hampshire at 4am on 13 May 1787.

The intention was to establish a penal colony in Australia.

Blackburn, who was related to Kate on her father's side, had celebrated his 35th birthday on board the ship on New Year's Day 1788 before arriving at Botany Bay on January 18 and, while the rest of the fleet sailed to Sydney Cove – now Circular Quay – eight days later.

This first fleet of eleven ships, six of which carried convicts from Great Britain to Australia, was under the overall command of Captain Arthur Phillip, who later became the first Governor of New South Wales.

A report from the time recorded events as follows: 'At daybreak a large task force had landed from HM Brig 'Supply' (the first ship to enter Sydney Harbour) to cut down trees, clear the ground find land depots, erect a flagpole and tents, and prepare a camp.

'The remaining ten ships of the fleet had arrived in Sydney Harbor from Botany Bay about evening, which the Governor, after reconnaissance, did not consider suitable for the settlement, the anchorage being unsafe on account of the shallow depth and swampy nature of the settlement. foreshore.'

The moment when Arthur Phillip raises the Union Flag was depicted by British impressionist Algernon Talmage in 1937 to mark the 150th anniversary of the landing.

The painting, which was first exhibited at the Royal Academy, now hangs in Tate Britain.

Blackburn is sixth from the left.

“On the evening of the 26th the colors were displayed ashore,” Phillip noted.

'The Governor, with some of his principal officers and others, gathered round the flagstaff, drank the King's health and success to the settlement with all that display of form, which on such occasions is considered auspicious as it quickens the spirit and fills the spirit. imagination with pleasant predictions.'

Blackburn, the cousin of Kate's great-great-grandmother Dame Sarah Martineau, became commander of HMS Sirius during its voyage to Norfolk Island in 1790.

He died in 1795 at the age of 42.

Historian Michael Reed, who discovered the connection, said: 'I discovered handwritten letters from Kate's ancestor Sarah Martineau and her family in the National Library of Australia.'

He considers them crucial to Australian history.

'These letters reveal her private thoughts and show that she lent her cousin £10 [the equivalent of £1300 or $A2,500 today] to help him buy navigation equipment and expensive new uniforms needed for the journey.

'David was one of the first Englishmen to try to talk to indigenous Australians, by recording and translating their language.'

He later sent 'Drawings of Birds, Plants and Fish of this Country' to his family in Norwich.

A 1799 painting by John Gosse entitled 'The Establishment of the Settlement of Port-Jackson at Botany Bay in New South Wales'. The scene shows the first British penal colony at Sydney Cove as sailors and convicts clear the land for settlement

It's been ten years since the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Australia, where they posed for photos in front of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge and took their first-born son, Prince George, to Taronga Zoo.

There was speculation that the Waleses would visit Australia at some point, perhaps ahead of the tour expected by the King and Queen.

However, with both the king and princess recently suffering medical setbacks, extended foreign travel seems unlikely in the short term.

Koning Charles is altijd een keurige dressoir geweest. Savile Row-kleermakers Anderson & Sheppard maakten decennialang zijn klassieke pakken.

Zijn traditionele overhemden met dubbele manchet komen van Turnbull & Asser en hij maakt zijn outfit altijd af met een vrolijk pochet.

Als de algehele look echter eenvoudig en klassiek is, houdt Charles toch van een beetje plezier, niet in de laatste plaats met de stropdassen…

Het marmereffect (Griekse vlag)

Slechts vijftien maanden nadat hij koning was geworden, trok Charles zijn wenkbrauwen op toen hij afgelopen december een stropdas droeg met de Griekse vlag erop toen hij de klimaatconferentie Cop28 toesprak.

Eerde Charles zijn vader, de hertog van Edinburgh, door zijn Griekse afkomst te omarmen? Of steunde hij – zoals velen vermoedden – op subtiele wijze de Grieken in hun poging om The Elgin Marbles terug te winnen uit Groot-Brittannië?

Een romantische knipoog naar Camilla (Owl and the Pussycat)

The Owl and the Pussycat is een kindergedicht van Edward Lear dat het verhaal vertelt van een toegewijde uil en kat die naar zee varen, hun liefde verklaren en besluiten te trouwen.

The Owl and the Pussycat is een kindergedicht van Edward Lear en op de stropdas van de koning bij The Felix Project in februari vorig jaar

Is het gedicht een favoriet van de koning en de koningin? Sommigen dachten dat zeker toen Charles in februari vorig jaar in de plaats kwam van zijn door Covid getroffen vrouw om The Felix Project (een liefdadigheidsinstelling voor voedseldistributie) te openen en deze uil- en poesdas van £ 180 droeg.

Welke kant nu op? (Blauwe pijlen)

Slechts vier weken voor zijn kroning droeg koning Charles een blauw-witte stropdas met (als je goed kijkt) pijlen die in tegengestelde richtingen wezen toen hij de Royal Maundy Service in York Minster bijwoonde.

Was deze stropdas voor de toeschouwers een teken dat hij de monarchie een nieuwe richting had ingeslagen?

Het blauw en wit complementeerden Camilla's outfit perfect, maar was het ook een teken voor de toeschouwers dat hij de monarchie in een nieuwe richting zou sturen?

Dinosaurus? Dit is C-Rex! (T-Rex)

De koning droeg een speelse blauw-roze T Rex-stropdas toen hij in januari van dit jaar een kerkdienst bijwoonde op het landgoed Sandringham.

Koning Charles III woont op 8 januari de Driekoningendienst bij in de kerk van St Lawrence, Castle Rising nabij het Sandringham Estate

Men denkt dat zijn C-Rex-stropdas een geschenk is van een dinosaurusgekke Prins Louis, als een brutale verwijzing naar zijn nieuwe C-Rex-bijnaam

Men dacht dat het een kerstcadeau was van een van zijn kleinkinderen, waarbij de dinosaurusgekke prins Louis de meest waarschijnlijke verdachte was. Het is een brutale verwijzing naar zijn nieuwe C-Rex-bijnaam dankzij zijn Charles III Rex-codering (Rex is Latijn voor Koning).

Spuwend… (Walvis)

'De naam is Wales, Prins van Wales', en voor degenen die het zich moeilijk konden herinneren: Charles wilde ons er graag aan herinneren.

Charles droeg zijn 'Prince of Whales'-stropdas toen hij een Invest in Fish-initiatief in Devon bezocht

We hebben gehoord van kipper-stropdassen, maar in 1994 werd Charles groter en brutaler toen hij een motief met walvissen droeg toen hij een Invest in Fish-initiatief in Devon bezocht. Het eet zeker een saai naamplaatje.

Beste voet vooruit, Griekse stijl (Tsarouchi)

Op het eerste gezicht lijkt het op een schoen die tegen een voetbal trapt, maar we weten allemaal dat Charles meer een poloman is.

Prins Charles, Prins van Wales en Camilla, hertogin van Cornwall bij Royal Ascot in juni 2022

Droeg Charles deze stropdas ter ere van zijn vader? Dit motief is een traditionele Tsarouchi-schoen. Deze worden gedragen door Evzones, een groep Griekse elitesoldaten

Het embleem op deze stropdas, gedragen door Charles tijdens zowel Royal Ascot in 2022 als de Platinum Jubilee Celebrations in hetzelfde jaar, toont een traditionele Tsarouchi-schoen.

Deze worden gedragen door Evzones, een groep Griekse elitesoldaten. Charles' vader, prins Philip, werd geboren op Corfu, terwijl zijn grootvader van vaders kant, prins Andrew van Griekenland en Denemarken, officier was in het Griekse leger.

Blijf bij mij Schotland! (Schotse vlag)

Net als zijn overleden moeder heeft koning Charles een blijvende liefde voor Schotland.

Belichaamde koning Charles zijn liefde voor de Schotten toen hij deze stropdas droeg, versierd met blauw-witte kruisen?

Hij brengt elke zomer door in Balmoral en zet daar zelfs zijn bestverkopende kinderboekenboek – The Old Man of Lochnagar – neer.

De Schotse onafhankelijkheid kan een voortdurend risico vormen voor Zijne Majesteit, dus gaf hij blijk van zijn liefde voor de Schotten met deze stropdas die hij vorig jaar droeg bij de lancering van het Coronation Food Project?

True blue royal (witte bloemen op een blauwe achtergrond)

In een gesprek met het tijdschrift Vogue vorig jaar onthulde Charles dat hij vasthoudt aan wat hij weet als het om zijn kleding gaat.

De Koning droeg bij zijn eerste kerstuitzending in 2022 een blauwe stropdas met witte bloemen

Blauwe stropdassen en pakken zijn de favoriete kleuren van Zijne Majesteit en het was deze combinatie die hij selecteerde toen hij zijn eerste kerstuitzending als Koning maakte in december 2022. Hij koos voor een koningsblauwe stropdas met een wit bloemsymbool.

Gedragspsychologen geloven dat het kleurenpalet autoriteit, vertrouwen en betrouwbaarheid uitstraalt. Het was ook de favoriete kleur van zijn overleden moeder, koningin Elizabeth II.

Wat een giller! (Uilen)

Koning Charles koos voor een stropdas met uilenmotief toen hij in maart vorig jaar de Commonwealth Day Service bijwoonde in Westminster Abbey.

Koning Charles koos voor een stropdas met uilenmotief toen hij de Commonwealth Day Service bijwoonde in Westminster Abbey

Een verstandige keuze: de decoratieve uilen in detail

Het was een verstandige en praktische keuze, aangezien Charles beschermheer is van de Game and Wildlife Conservation die zich bezighoudt met natuurbehoud.

Hevig trots (Leeuwen)

Als Prins van Wales bezocht Charles in 1992 op Valentijnsdag de Nationale Botanische Tuin van Wales.

Had prinses Diana voor deze stropdas kunnen kiezen? De leeuwen lijken op degene die op het wapen staat

In een interview met de prinses van Wales in 1985, toen haar werd gevraagd of ze had geprobeerd de manier te veranderen waarop haar man zich kleedde, zei Diana 'misschien een of twee dingen… zoals een enkele stropdas.' Misschien was deze leeuwendas, vergelijkbaar met die op het wapen, een van haar ideeën. Als dat zo was, was het zeker een daverend succes

De (natuurlijke) kleurstof is gegoten (Stripes)

De koning toonde zijn nieuwe tartan, ontworpen door de Scottish Tartans Authority, toen hij vorig jaar de Braemar Highland-spelen bijwoonde.

De groen, rood en blauw gestreepte stropdas van de koning werd gedragen tijdens de Braemar Gathering in 2023

De kleuren van zijn gestreepte stropdas pasten perfect bij zijn nieuwe kilt

De koning koos een gestreepte stropdas als aanvulling op zijn nieuwe kilt, en koos voor een groene, bordeauxrode en blauwe streep gemaakt met traditionele kleurstoffen uit de Hooglanden, gegoten uit planten en groenten.

Het beste van smaak (Aardbeien)

We weten allemaal dat de koning op beroemde wijze met zijn planten praat, maar soms laat hij ook zijn banden voor het woord spreken.

Charles droeg deze 'aardbei'-stropdas tijdens een officiële tournee door Nieuw-Zeeland in 1994

Tijdens een officiële tournee door Nieuw-Zeeland in 1994 droeg de toenmalige Prins van Wales, die zijn eigen fruit teelt in Highgrove, een stropdas met een aardbeienmotief. Wat lief!

Gezien en kudde (koeien)

De koning onthulde dat velen dachten dat hij een 'absolute idioot' was toen hij halverwege de jaren tachtig voor het eerst het idee van biologische landbouw begon te promoten.

Er was geen stier van Charles toen hij in 2007 het Jaar van Voedsel en Landbouw lanceerde

Waitrose Duchy Organic, voorheen Duchy Originals, is nu het grootste biologische voedingsbedrijf van het land en omvat een lijn rundvlees. Toch niet zo'n idioot!

Er was geen stier van Charles toen hij deze stropdas droeg toen hij in 2007 het Jaar van Voedsel en Landbouw lanceerde op zijn landgoed in Gloucestershire.

PS… hij is niet de enige koninklijke familie die van een nieuwe stropdas houdt

Prins Edward lijkt in zijn voetsporen te treden met een stropdas waarop apen en krokodillen zijn afgebeeld toen hij deze maand de Nationale Botanische Tuin van Pretoria bezocht

Edward, de hertog van Edinburgh, droeg eerder deze maand (februari) een Hermes-stropdas van £ 200 met daarop apen en krokodillen toen hij de Pretoria National Botanical Garden in Zuid-Afrika bezocht.

Het werd meteen een online uitverkoop.

Zou dit het begin kunnen zijn van het 'Edward-effect?'

All thoughts in the Middleton household will be on their daughter Catherine as she recovers from abdominal surgery.

And that's true even today, Carole Middleton's birthday.

In previous years she has celebrated abroad – and memorably for her 60th birthday, which she spent on the private Caribbean island of Mustique with pink champagne, grenadine cocktails, a jazz band and fireworks.

Today's 69th birthday will be a quieter affair, and not just because the eldest of her three children, the Princess of Wales, is unwell.

Carole and Michael Middleton attend their daughter's Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey last December

Carole is pictured with her daughter Kate, in easier times at Royal Ascot in 2017

A police officer stands outside the London Clinic, where Catherine, Princess of Wales, was hospitalized for abdominal surgery

The past twelve months have been something of an annus horribilis for the Middletons, and for Carole in particular.

Kate's mother has only been seen in public once since her company Party Pieces went bust last June with £2.6million debts.

That was before Christmas at her daughter's Together at Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey.

Carole avoided the Wimbledon and Royal Ascot tennis championships, both regular fixtures in her calendar.

In May, Prince William's in-laws were given a place of honor at the coronation, seated in row seven of Westminster Abbey, directly behind the royal family and next to world leaders.

But everything blew up the following month when it was announced that her company had gone into administration with debts worth £2.6 million. a malicious campaign apparently by bitter creditors, a cruel portrayal in the Netflix series The Crown, and her daughter's surgery.

While Party Pieces was bought for £180,000 by entrepreneur James Sinclair, who describes himself as the 'Millionaire Clown', there was no money to pay creditors.

Not only did the company owe the taxman £613,000 in unpaid VAT, and RBS £219,000 for a Covid loan, a string of family businesses were left with debts of around £456,000.

Disgruntled supplier Sultani Gas, which took more than £20,430 from Party Pieces for helium for balloons, accused Carole of 'betrayal'.

“What hurt me most was that I trusted her as the future king's mother-in-law,” a spokesman said, “and she simply betrayed me. It is absolutely unacceptable.”

The company's landlord, Lord Iliffe, on whose Yattendon estate the company was based, was also owed £57,480 in unpaid rent and faced 'serious financial consequences'.

Other creditors, according to the report, included Portuguese gas cylinder manufacturer Amtrol Alfa, which was owed £82,872, and party decoration firm Ginger Ray, which was owed £52,304.

It must have been felt personally by Carole, who founded the company at her kitchen table in 1987, when she was pregnant with son James.

The Middletons were then targeted in a brutal campaign in the village of Bucklebury, where they have lived since 2012, with posters plastered on trees and lampposts around their home.

However, Carole has her supporters as well as her detractors, including the new owner of Party Pieces, who claimed she was not the “captain of a ship that went down,” but “a lifeboat trying to save it.”

She stepped back from the mail order business in 2019 to spend more time with her grandchildren (Pippa has three children with husband James Matthews, Arthur, Grace, Rose, while James and wife Alizée have baby Inigo.)

Carole Middleton inspects the US launch of Party Pieces. ShopRite stores in New Jersey became the first U.S. distributor

The Berkshire village of Bucklebury, where Carole and Michael live

A poster in the village of Bucklebury appeared to attack the Middletons over unpaid debts

Michael and Carole Middleton arrive at Westminster Abbey ahead of King Charles III's coronation ceremony in May last year. The following month it would be announced that Carole's company, Party Pieces, had fallen into administration

It was at this stage that the company hired new directors and investors, including Steven Bentwood, a lingerie magnate, and financier and sports businessman Darryl Eales, leaving day-to-day running to a new management team.

The company was hit hard by the pandemic, and an international expansion in the United States, the Middle East and Europe further strained budgets.

“When she handed over Party Pieces to investors and shareholders it was in textbook condition,” said Sinclair, “a very nice business that regularly made £1 million profits a year on a turnover of £3-5 million.

“Unfortunately, the investors put together the wrong team with the wrong strategy… Mistakes were made.”

The latest – and final – series of the Netflix blockbuster The Crown hardly helped.

Carole was satirized and portrayed as an ambitious matchmaker who had arranged the marriage between William and Kate.

In an episode of the popular Mail podcast, The Crown: Fact or Fiction, her brother Gary Goldsmith attacked the show for misrepresenting his family.

“Carole is not this manipulative evil person who thinks of ways to worm her way into the royal family,” he said.

“First and foremost, Kate did a fantastic job getting into St. Andrews. She's a great girl, but it went unnoticed.

'It was all about, 'Kate, you have to do these things, you have to show your legs.'

Prince George with his grandmother, Carole – right, in the shadows – as they attend the King's Cup Regatta in Cowes in 2019

'They're just not my family. That's not how Carole works.'

It is not known whether Kate, 42, will be healthy enough to see her parents or her siblings Pippa Matthews, 40, and James Middleton, 36, today.

While under other circumstances Mike and Carole would be celebrating abroad or perhaps at their £4.7 million Grade II listed home in Berkshire, at the moment they have cleared their schedules to help Prince William caring for their three grandchildren George, ten, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five.

The princess is expected to recover at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Great Park, a 40-minute drive from her parents.