Harry to collect award today amid hopes of Kate Wimbledon return – royal family news

Prince William has asserted his belief that homelessness “can be ended” and hopes that his charity Homeward can help to change perceptions.

During a speech in Lambeth yesterday (11 June) to mark the charity’s first anniversary, he said: “Already, a pipeline of nearly 100 homes is being established through the innovative housing projects which will be developed in each location, and believe me, my ambitions alone mean there will be so many more.

“We are also working to change the way we all think about homelessness. Today, homelessness touches so many more than the men and women we sadly see on our streets.

“We will improve understanding about the different forms of homelessness, shifting perceptions and boosting optimism that it can be ended.”

Following the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Harry’s receipt of the Pat Tillman Award, an insider has claimed he is “out of his depth”.

Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition urging ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give the Duke of Sussex, 39, the award for his work with the Invictus Games.

Biographer Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “I think it is a bit uncomfortable, he doesn’t need an award. I think what he did with the Invictus Games was brilliant and I am glad he is still doing things for them.

“I feel sorry for Harry because he looks unhappy, I think he is out of his depth if I am to be honest.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “drowning out the outside noise” amid the ongoing backlash to Harry’s receipt of an award for veterans.

Former royal butler Grand Harrold, who previously worked for King Charles, said the couple are “very used to criticism, given everything that’s gone on over the last few years.”

He told the New York Post: “I’m sure they’ll be drowning out the outside noise by continuing with their normal and everyday life and trying not to turn on the television, or read the papers as much.”

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said that the youngsters are being set a great example by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Prince Edward and Sophie.

She told OK! magazine that the couple “thoroughly deserve the recognition they are now getting.”

“They have always been quietly devoted to their various causes, but their work has been overshadowed by other royals. I suppose every cloud has a silver lining… and as the King calls on them to take a more prominent role, Edward and Sophie are showing they are very much up to the task.

“They are also serving as excellent role models to their great nephews and niece – showing that you can be a ‘spare’ or even a ‘spare to the spare’ and make a real success of working as a valued member of the Royal Family.”

An insider has claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to take their children to the first winter incarnation of the Invictus Games.

The couple will reportedly be bringing Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilbet, three, to Vancouver to show people that the games are family-friendly.

“Harry and Meghan are planning to take Archie and Lilibet to help promote a new ‘family-friendly’ Invictus Games,” the source told the Express.

“The Sussexes have been very involved with the organisational elements of the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler events and it was very much their idea to make this a family-friendly games so that those taking part can bring their children along.”

Queen Camilla appeared to give a behind-the-scenes insight into the royal family’s ongoing troubles at Wimbledon yesterday.

She appeared in the Royal Box to enjoy the second week of the tournament and admitted that it was “so nice to be able to escape for a day”.

Camilla has been praised for supporting King Charles as he continues to battle cancer.

While the heir to the throne allegedly wants his first-born son to attend Eton, Kate is reportedly not in favour of sending George, who turns 11 this month, to boarding school.

This is because she was “horribly bullied at her first boarding school” and “can’t bear the thought of George suffering through that.”

“Kate thinks sending George to such a stuffy, upper-crust institution goes against all of their efforts to modernize the monarchy,” a source close to the family told InTouch Weekly.

Prince William is celebrating the first anniversary of his homelessness project and feeling inspired by the England team’s “self-belief”.

During a speech in Lambeth, London, today, the heir to the throne said he believes homelessness “can be ended” through the work of charities including Homeward.

Ian Jones, head of external engagement at Bournemouth University, which works with the charity, said: “I just told him working with Homewards makes us proud just as he would have felt last night when Ollie Watkins scored the last goal.

“Of course he wanted to talk about last night as well. He said how proud he was about their victory last night and was convinced Ollie Watkins would do something great – he knew that.

“And he said the self-belief in it, that’s the sort of thing he’s trying to do with us, to work on these projects.”

A petition urging American sports network ESPN to “rethink” its decision to give Prince Harry the Pat Tillman Award for his work with the Invictus Games has almost 75,000 signatures.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, is set to receive the award for veterans for his work with the Invictus Games today (11 July).

The Change.org petition reads: “Prince Harry, while a former military officer, has been involved in controversies that call into question his suitability to receive an honour of this magnitude.

“He has faced accusations of endangering his squadron by publicly revealing military kills.

“The Prince also allegedly targeted his own father, Prince Charles, during a flyover.

“More recently, his role in the Invictus games, a platform meant to celebrate the resilience and dedication of veterans, has been criticized as self-centered.”

ESPN has defended its decision to give Harry the award, citing the “incredible” work of the games.

The couple are marking the 25th anniversary of Senedd in Cardiff and the Monarch said it was a privilege to share in the journey.

The former Prince of Wales also took the opportunity to praise Prince William’s growing relationship with the country.

Charles said: “It is a milestone on a journey which it has been my privilege, all my life, to share with you – during times which have seen great change, profound sorrow, and tremendous achievement.

“Through it all, my respect and affection for the people of this ancient land have deepened with every passing year.”

He added: “It has given me great pleasure to see my son’s relationship with this special land continue, including returning only this week to Anglesey – Ynys Mon – a place which I know means so much to him.

“So, it is with countless special memories and particular pride that I am able to join you as we reflect upon the last quarter-century of the history we have shared, and which you – in your work in this Senedd – have the great responsibility of making.”