Kate Middleton and Prince William host palace reception WITHOUT Harry as he jets off to Canada
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton hosted a UK-Africa summit WITHOUT Prince Harry last night after he jetted off to start his new life in Canada.
Harry and Meghan were originally supposed to have been among the guests of honour at the bash for African leaders, but instead Wills and Kate hosted, along with Edward, Sophie and Princess Anne, on behalf of the Queen who is still at Sandringham.
The Duke of Sussex hopped on an afternoon flight to Canada for a reunion with Meghan and son Archie, leaving big brother Prince William to host a huge bash at Buckingham Palace for the 21 African delegations and their spouses.
It is the first time the Queen has asked William to host a major state occasion inside the Palace as he gears up for his future role as King.
In a warm and personal speech Prince William told the African heads of state: “My grandmother is sorry not to be here this evening, but she has asked me to pass on her warmest wishes to you all.”
He continued: “The African continent holds a very special place in my heart. It is the place my father took my brother and me shortly after our mother died.
“And when deciding where best to propose to Catherine, I could think of no more fitting place than Kenya to get down on one knee.
“Throughout my life, I have been lucky enough to spend time in many other parts of Africa. I’m also honoured to be the Patron of the Royal African Society.
“And as Catherine and I have said to several of you here tonight, we hope to have the chance to visit many more countries in the future and share our mutual love of your continent with our children.”
BUCKINGHAM PALACE BASH
The Cambridges were joined by the Princess Royal and the Earl and Countess of Wessex at the reception.
Sophie, who wore a red dress by Alaia, was celebrating her 55th birthday. Kate also dazzled in a red dress, by Needle and Thread.
It was Kate and Wills’ first public appearance since a deal was announced by Buckingham Palace on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s future plans.
And it comes as The Sun revealed how Harry and William have ended their two-year feud after realising it was “now or never”.
The pair made up in man-to-man peace talks away from the high-stress royal summit at Sandringham with their dad Prince Charles and the Queen.
But sources say Harry is still at odds with his father over the sensational decision to quit the royal family.
Despite the drama of the past fortnight, William and Kate were all smiles as they received a line of visiting Heads of State and their partners in the Music Room.
During a group photograph with the heads of state and government in the Throne Room, Prime Minister Boris Johnson joked “Say Brexit” as the photographer counted them down.
The royals then joined a reception with the leaders in the Green Drawing Room before joining other guests in the Picture Gallery, where the Duke of Cambridge gave his speech.
Prior to leaving the UK on Monday evening, Harry was at the UK-Africa Investment Summit for a number of private meetings with heads of state in one of his final events as a senior royal – after claiming he and Meghan had “no other option” but to quit.
Harry has been in the UK without his family for 11 days following his and Meghan’s announcement they planned to step back from royal duties.
‘GREAT SADNESS’
On Sunday night told of his “great sadness” over his decision to step down and move abroad with baby Archie.
Speaking at a private event for his charity Sentebale at The Ivy restaurant, he said: “The decision that I have made for my wife and I to step back is not one I made lightly.”
Harry, 35, told friends and supporters: “It was so many months of talks after so many years of challenges. And I know I haven’t always gotten it right, but as far as this goes, there really was no other option.”
The Duke claimed he wasn’t walking away from the Royal Family but it “wasn’t possible” to continue serving the Queen, the Commonwealth and the Military without public funding.
But making a point of his new non-royal status, he said: “I want you to hear the truth from me, as much as I can share — not as a Prince, or a Duke, but as Harry.”
He also expressed sorrow his military titles had been taken away from him – praising everyone “who has supported injured veterans” on Instagram.
‘MORE INDEPENDENT LIFE’
On Saturday, the Queen confirmed that from the spring they will relinquish their HRH titles as they seek “a more independent life” in North America.
During the talks, all options were on the table and the Evening Standard has reported the Queen had the choice of stripping Harry of his dukedom and using one of his lesser titles.
The newspaper quoted a source as saying it was “seriously considered” but another source told PA this was “categorically untrue”.
The discussions to resolve the crisis between officials and members of the royal family were described as “extremely friendly and constructive” when they ended.
The Queen announced a deal which effectively removed Harry and Meghan as royals, but allowed them to keep funding from Charles’ personal income, complete freedom to earn money as they wanted and to keep Frogmore Cottage.
The couple will, though, repay the £2.4million of taxpayers’ cash that was used to renovate it.
Questions have been raised about how Harry and Meghan will continue with their “Sussex Royal” brand when they cease being working royals.
This issue and other questions – including funding for the couple and their son Archie’s protection – have yet to be resolved.
