Yesterday’s engagements also saw the king meet with New Zealand’s female rugby team at the palace, who gave the monarch an unexpected group hug.

Prince William has warned of the likelihood of the UK facing “future threats” during a speech at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell today.

The heir to the throne, 42, said: “We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.”

William is himself a former search and rescue pilot.

“Over the years, Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him,” broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.

“He still obsesses over his public image here in the UK. He is on a mission to change public perception, desperate to be seen in glowing lights rather than the constant negative PR whirl that surrounds him.

“Prince Harry… is interested in turning his public image around.”

The poll of 18 to 24-year-olds found that Meghan was seen favourably by 48 percent of respondents, and she has an overall net positivity rating of 18 percent.

To put this into context, Prince William has a net positivity rating of 20 percent amongst this group and the Princess of Wales has a net positivity rating of 23 percent.

A Northern Irish council has defended a controversial new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has been slammed by critics for failing to resemble the former queen.

The bronze statue, which was unveiled on Friday at Antrim Castle Gardens, evoked such strong opinions that some suggested it should be melted down.

A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council told The Independent: “The Council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.

“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign.

“The Council is particularly pleased with how the sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis. This thoughtful arrangement has resonated strongly with visitors, who appreciate the personal touch it brings to the memorial, within the Gardens.”

The monarch, 75, also took the opportunity to express his regret that he would be unable to visit the country when he tours Australia next month because of his ongoing health concerns.

“Thank you, @blackferns, for dropping into Buckingham Palace during your end of year tour!” the royal family wrote on their official Twitter/X account.

“Last night, The King welcomed the Black Ferns rugby team ahead of their match against the Red Roses at Twickenham this weekend and received an unexpected group hug in return!”

The Duchess of Sussex wore what appeared to be a brand new $30,000 diamond necklace while attending a bookshop opening with Prince Harry in California.

Hello! magazine reports that Meghan wore the “18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds in Yellow Gold’ from Logan Hollowell – a piece that sets its wearer back $30,000 (£23,261).”

It has been said that the necklace could have been a birthday present from Harry. The former actress turned 43 on 4 August.

The jeweller wrote of the piece: “Introducing the 18k Fortuna Tennis Necklace with Diamonds, a divine embodiment of luck and fortune inspired by the Roman goddess herself. Fortuna, the goddess of fortune and luck, serves as the muse for this exquisite piece, seamlessly blending elegance with the whims of fate.”

Harry, who turns 40 this weekend, famously penned a 2023 memoir about his status as the “spare” in the royal family.

As reported by the Sun, biographer Angela Levin said: “You could say Harry is not even the spare to his wife. He’s almost nothing.

“She [Meghan] treats him horrendously. If you look at the filming of them in Colombia and Africa, he is not asked anything. He’s pushed out of the way.”

Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?

Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.

The monarch, 75, expressed his regret that he would be unable to visit the country too when he travels to Australia in October for a five-day tour.

“I am extremely sorry I can’t come to New Zealand in later October because of doctor’s orders. But I hope there will be another excuse before too long,” he said.

“But in the meantime, give my love to New Zealand, please, and New Zealanders, we get lots of nice Kiwi coming here in this part of the world as well, so we are very lucky indeed.”

Charles also appeared to impart some wisdom he gained in his later years, telling the women: “I hope you make the most of your time in the team because you don’t stay young for very long, as I discovered, it all goes quicker than you think,” as reported by the Express.