Royal Central

It’s all change for the royals but in the most subtle of ways. This week sees several big events for the House of Windsor but the one that’s most likely to catch the public imagination isn’t King Charles setting a record but rather one of his heirs reaching a milestone. It’s quiet season for the royals with official engagements gently reducing in most diaries other than Princess Anne’s. But there’s one big date in the diary that they are already prepared for this week.

The Duke of Kent is celebrating a remarkable milestone as he marks 50 years as Chancellor of the University of Surrey. The Duke was officially appointed to the role on 17 July 1976, succeeding Lord Robens, who had served as the university’s inaugural Chancellor. Over the five decades since his appointment, the 90-year-old Duke has maintained a close relationship with the university, attending graduation ceremonies, opening new buildings and supporting generations of students and staff.

The Queen is celebrating her 79th birthday and thousands of people are getting gifts to mark the special day. Queen Camilla is making sure every child in Year 6 or P6 across the UK gets a copy of the book ‘Impossible Creatures’ by Katherine Rundell. The gift will arrive with the 10 and 11 year olds in time for Christmas.

England’s hopes of a World Cup victory ended Wednesday evening as Argentina scored an overtime goal and ran out the clock 2-1, and back home, the Prince of Wales shared his sadness and pride in the Three Lions. “Gutted,” William wrote on the Kensington Palace social media accounts. Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you. Thank you to everyone on and off the pitch, for an incredible tournament. The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all.

The eldest grandson of Princess Margaret has announced he is getting married. Samuel Chatto, 29, and Eleanor Eskerdjan revealed their wedding plans on July 13. The couple, who have been dating for several years, said they will tie the knot in the spring of 2027. And they showed off a very unusual engagement ring as they made their announcement. Eleanor now wears a pale porcelain band, shaped in a knot, as the sign of their impending marriage.

The Princess of Wales had a big surprise for Arthur Fery, the new hero of Wimbledon. The two met as Kate and her family arrived for the last day of this year’s tournament where Fery has become an unexpectd star. The British wild card got to the semi finals where he was knocked out in straight sets by Alexander Zverev. Andrew Parsons/ Kensington Palace The Princess of Wales had watched him in the early rounds of the tournament when he was still an unknown and playing on the outside courts.

The Prince of Wales has meet Britain’s newest sports hero as he visited Wimbledon 2026 for the first time. Prince William chatted with Arthur Fery, the British wild card whose sparkling run all the way to the semi finals became the talking point of this year’s men’s singles tournament. The heir to the throne and the new king of Wimbledon shared some jokes as they spoke ahead of the Men’s Singles Final where Fery’s conqueror, Alexander Zverev was facing the defending champion, Jannik Sinner.

Prince Michael of Kent was helped to his seat by his son, Lord Frederick Windsor, as they joined a packed royal box at Wimbledon on the final day of the Championships. Prince Michael, who will turn 84 next month, looked well but needed assistance as he made his way into the VIP area ahead of the Men’s Singles Final at the All England Club. Lord Frederick guided his father, who was using a stick to aid his walking, to his chair.

Princess Alexandra has become a great grandmother for the first time. Her granddaughter, Flora Vesterberg, welcomed her first child just days ago, She and her husband. Timothy Vesterberg, revealed the arrival of their daughter on Instagram. The baby girl, who is 62nd in line to the throne, was born on July 8th 2026 with her parents sharing their happy news on July 11th after mum and daughter had had a few days to recover.

The Princess of Wales returned to Centre Court to present the Ladies’ Singles Trophy following the conclusion of the Wimbledon final, continuing one of her most recognisable official duties as Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. The trophy presentation is a longstanding part of the Championships, with the Princess congratulating both the champion and the runner-up before the winner lifted the famous Venus Rosewater Dish.