TODAY’S ROYAL HIGHLIGHTS
- The Princess of Wales turns 44
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
18h
Good morning!
It’s a very special day today as the Princess of Wales celebrates her 44th birthday.
While Kate is expected to mark her day privately, we’ll be bringing you all of the well-wishes and tributes as they come in.
Stay tuned!
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
14h
The Princess of Wales stars in a surprise video on birthday
The Princess of Wales celebrated her birthday by posting a moving new video on her Instagram account. The stunning visual showed the wife of Prince William reflecting on the importance of nature in her life and how it has helped her heal.
Alongside the outdoor-led video, she penned: “The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.”
Signing off the post, she added: “There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.”
For more on Kate’s birthday video, check out online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
13h
King Charles and Queen Camilla send birthday wishes to the Princess of Wales
On Friday, 9 January, the Princess of Wales celebrated her 44th birthday. The royal shared a moving video message in celebration, penning how nature is at the forefront of her life in a detailed caption.
King Charles and Queen Camilla took to the Royal Family Instagram account, sharing a stunning past picture of Prince William’s wife smiling at the camera. The message read:
“Wishing a Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!”
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
13h
Princess Caroline’s first husband, Philippe Junot, has passed away
Philippe Junot, a Parisian businessman and the first husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, has died at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully in Madrid on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Taking to Instagram to confirm the sad news, his daughter, Victoria Junot, confirmed the passing and penned a moving tribute to her parent, describing him as a “legendary” father and a gentleman who lived a beautiful and adventurous life.
Junot was married to Princess Caroline in 1978 before their 1980 divorce.
To read more, take a look at HELLO!’s online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here.
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
12h
Meghan Markle is in her cosy era as she wears a new, natural outfit
Meghan Markle took to Instagram on Thursday evening to show her followers that she was enjoying the slowness of January.
In a carousel of pictures that featured on the Instagram account of her brand, As Ever, Prince Harry’s wife can be seen flower arranging, wearing a buttermilk-toned jumper, with her raven hair slicked back and a look of contentment on her face. She wrote in the caption: “This is your sign to put the kettle on.”
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
12h
Princess Kate wears an item from her pre-royal vault in new birthday portrait
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h
Princess Kate relaunches seasonal colour, and it’s proving very popular with shoppers
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h
Duchess Sophie quietly returns to work
According to the Court Circular, the Duchess of Edinburgh quietly resumed her royal duties on Thursday as she visited the new premises of her patronage, The Lighthouse in Woking, which provides several services to help the local community.
© UK Press via Getty Images
Sophie last visited the establishment in December 2025. Check out HELLO!’s Online Royal Correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here for all the details.
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
10h
Goodbye from Laura
It’s been a pure delight to chat about all things royal as they happen this morning! I now pass the baton over to Matthew, who will be with you this afternoon.
Princess Kate and the ‘monkey method’
© Getty
Before Matt logs on, I just wanted to flag a new post that’s dropped over on The HELLO! Royal Club.
Written by royal author Robert Jobson, the post is a deep-dive into how birthday girl Princess Kate is preparing her three young children for life in the spotlight and their future royal roles.
Robert talks about the “monkey method” and much more. Intrigued? Sign up to the Club to read the post.
No snow day for the Norwegian royals
While schools across the UK have been shut due to snow, it’s business as usual for the Norwegian royals. On Friday, King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon held the inaugural council of state of 2026.
© AFP via Getty Images
Duchess Sophie’s plea
Alongside her visit to the Lightouse in Woking, the Duchess of Edinburgh has returned to work with a first-person piece in The Daily Telegraph. The royal, who is known for her humanitarian work urged people not to forget the ongoing war in Sudan. Read more about her piece here…
Queen Mary’s next tiara moment revealed
There’s nothing like seeing a royal lady wearing a glamorous tiara, and we now know when Denmark’s Queen Mary will next be making an outing in the headpiece. Click here to find out more.
Princess of Wales steps into her ‘Second Act’
As she turns 44, the Princess of Wales has officially entered mid-life. Our Second Act editor, Isabel Mohan, explores what that means here…
© Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Pala
Pippa Middleton’s fashionable turn
Pippa Middleton has worn plenty of stunning looks over the years, and our Fashion and Beauty editor, Laura Sutcliffe, has delved into the archives to resurrect this stylish ensemble that would be perfect at a birthday party. Check it out here!
Prince Philip’s test for staff
The late Duke of Edinburgh was known for his sense of humour, and it’s now emerged that the royal had his own way of testing to make sure royal staff were undertaking their duties. Click here to learn about Philip’s secret test…
Style queen
Queen Rania is regularly one of fashion go-tos, and the Jordanian royal really impressed with her latest look. Get all the info here!
Los Angeles correspondent
3h
Birthday fit
A very happy birthday to the Princess of Wales!
Katherine is celebrating her 44th birthday on January 9, 2026, and if you’re looking for a new birthday patry outfit for 2026, do we have the pick for you: A dress from 2017 that the royal has only ever worn once.
A stunning crimson gown by Marchesa Notte, the high-end American womenswear brand, which is known for luxurious gowns inspired by the Italian fashion icon Marchesa Luisa Casati.
© Getty
Read more of our feature here.
Los Angeles correspondent
2h
Princess of fashion
“The Princess of Wales spawned the Kate effect from the moment she became engaged to Prince William,” says HELLO!‘s online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey of the impact the royal has had on fashion over the last decade..
“And while she has access to some of the best designers and fashion houses, her penchant for mixing high-end with the high street has made her a relatable style icon.”
Read more of our feature on Kate’s best looks, on her 44th birthday, here.
Los Angeles correspondent
1h
Queen Rania in Wadi Rum
I am obsessed with Queen Rania of Jordan’s look for her Wednesday visit to Wadi Rum, where she met with local tour operators and explored the site.
I was lucky enough to visit Wadi Rum in 2017 and can hands down say it is one of the most stunning locations in the world – it is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan with dramatic sandstone mountains and natural arches.
© Royal Hashemite Court
Read our full report here.
Los Angeles correspondent
1h
Throwback time
Here’s a throwback: Seven years ago in 2019 Prince William attended a royal engagement at the Royal London Hospital to mark the 30th anniversary of London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
© Getty Images
TODAY’S ROYAL HIGHLIGHTS
- The Princess of Wales turns 44
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
18h
Good morning!
It’s a very special day today as the Princess of Wales celebrates her 44th birthday.
While Kate is expected to mark her day privately, we’ll be bringing you all of the well-wishes and tributes as they come in.
Stay tuned!
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
14h
The Princess of Wales stars in a surprise video on birthday
The Princess of Wales celebrated her birthday by posting a moving new video on her Instagram account. The stunning visual showed the wife of Prince William reflecting on the importance of nature in her life and how it has helped her heal.
Alongside the outdoor-led video, she penned: “The Mother Nature series has been a deeply personal, creative reflection on how nature has helped me heal. But it is also a story about the power of nature and creativity in collective healing.”
Signing off the post, she added: “There is so much we can learn from Mother Nature, as we look to build a happier, healthier world. C.”
For more on Kate’s birthday video, check out online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
13h
King Charles and Queen Camilla send birthday wishes to the Princess of Wales
On Friday, 9 January, the Princess of Wales celebrated her 44th birthday. The royal shared a moving video message in celebration, penning how nature is at the forefront of her life in a detailed caption.
King Charles and Queen Camilla took to the Royal Family Instagram account, sharing a stunning past picture of Prince William’s wife smiling at the camera. The message read:
“Wishing a Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!”
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
13h
Princess Caroline’s first husband, Philippe Junot, has passed away
Philippe Junot, a Parisian businessman and the first husband of Princess Caroline of Monaco, has died at the age of 85. He passed away peacefully in Madrid on January 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Taking to Instagram to confirm the sad news, his daughter, Victoria Junot, confirmed the passing and penned a moving tribute to her parent, describing him as a “legendary” father and a gentleman who lived a beautiful and adventurous life.
Junot was married to Princess Caroline in 1978 before their 1980 divorce.
To read more, take a look at HELLO!’s online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here.
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
12h
Meghan Markle is in her cosy era as she wears a new, natural outfit
Meghan Markle took to Instagram on Thursday evening to show her followers that she was enjoying the slowness of January.
In a carousel of pictures that featured on the Instagram account of her brand, As Ever, Prince Harry’s wife can be seen flower arranging, wearing a buttermilk-toned jumper, with her raven hair slicked back and a look of contentment on her face. She wrote in the caption: “This is your sign to put the kettle on.”
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
12h
Princess Kate wears an item from her pre-royal vault in new birthday portrait
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h
Princess Kate relaunches seasonal colour, and it’s proving very popular with shoppers
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
11h
Duchess Sophie quietly returns to work
According to the Court Circular, the Duchess of Edinburgh quietly resumed her royal duties on Thursday as she visited the new premises of her patronage, The Lighthouse in Woking, which provides several services to help the local community.
© UK Press via Getty Images
Sophie last visited the establishment in December 2025. Check out HELLO!’s Online Royal Correspondent Danielle Stacey’s article here for all the details.
Fashion and Beauty News Editor
10h
Goodbye from Laura
It’s been a pure delight to chat about all things royal as they happen this morning! I now pass the baton over to Matthew, who will be with you this afternoon.
Princess Kate and the ‘monkey method’
© Getty
Before Matt logs on, I just wanted to flag a new post that’s dropped over on The HELLO! Royal Club.
Written by royal author Robert Jobson, the post is a deep-dive into how birthday girl Princess Kate is preparing her three young children for life in the spotlight and their future royal roles.
Robert talks about the “monkey method” and much more. Intrigued? Sign up to the Club to read the post.
No snow day for the Norwegian royals
While schools across the UK have been shut due to snow, it’s business as usual for the Norwegian royals. On Friday, King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon held the inaugural council of state of 2026.
© AFP via Getty Images
Duchess Sophie’s plea
Alongside her visit to the Lightouse in Woking, the Duchess of Edinburgh has returned to work with a first-person piece in The Daily Telegraph. The royal, who is known for her humanitarian work urged people not to forget the ongoing war in Sudan. Read more about her piece here…
Queen Mary’s next tiara moment revealed
There’s nothing like seeing a royal lady wearing a glamorous tiara, and we now know when Denmark’s Queen Mary will next be making an outing in the headpiece. Click here to find out more.
Princess of Wales steps into her ‘Second Act’
As she turns 44, the Princess of Wales has officially entered mid-life. Our Second Act editor, Isabel Mohan, explores what that means here…
© Ryan Jenkinson / Kensington Pala
Pippa Middleton’s fashionable turn
Pippa Middleton has worn plenty of stunning looks over the years, and our Fashion and Beauty editor, Laura Sutcliffe, has delved into the archives to resurrect this stylish ensemble that would be perfect at a birthday party. Check it out here!
Prince Philip’s test for staff
The late Duke of Edinburgh was known for his sense of humour, and it’s now emerged that the royal had his own way of testing to make sure royal staff were undertaking their duties. Click here to learn about Philip’s secret test…
Style queen
Queen Rania is regularly one of fashion go-tos, and the Jordanian royal really impressed with her latest look. Get all the info here!
Los Angeles correspondent
3h
Birthday fit
A very happy birthday to the Princess of Wales!
Katherine is celebrating her 44th birthday on January 9, 2026, and if you’re looking for a new birthday patry outfit for 2026, do we have the pick for you: A dress from 2017 that the royal has only ever worn once.
A stunning crimson gown by Marchesa Notte, the high-end American womenswear brand, which is known for luxurious gowns inspired by the Italian fashion icon Marchesa Luisa Casati.
© Getty
Read more of our feature here.
Los Angeles correspondent
2h
Princess of fashion
“The Princess of Wales spawned the Kate effect from the moment she became engaged to Prince William,” says HELLO!‘s online royal correspondent Danielle Stacey of the impact the royal has had on fashion over the last decade..
“And while she has access to some of the best designers and fashion houses, her penchant for mixing high-end with the high street has made her a relatable style icon.”
Read more of our feature on Kate’s best looks, on her 44th birthday, here.
Los Angeles correspondent
1h
Queen Rania in Wadi Rum
I am obsessed with Queen Rania of Jordan’s look for her Wednesday visit to Wadi Rum, where she met with local tour operators and explored the site.
I was lucky enough to visit Wadi Rum in 2017 and can hands down say it is one of the most stunning locations in the world – it is a protected desert wilderness in southern Jordan with dramatic sandstone mountains and natural arches.
© Royal Hashemite Court
Read our full report here.
Los Angeles correspondent
1h
Throwback time
Here’s a throwback: Seven years ago in 2019 Prince William attended a royal engagement at the Royal London Hospital to mark the 30th anniversary of London’s Air Ambulance Charity.
© Getty Images
