King Charles has instructed all able-bodied working royals to attend the Commonwealth Day service on Monday, with Queen Camilla set to lead the event in his absence. The directive casts an unwelcome spotlight on the royal family's current health challenges, including the King himself, the Princess of Wales, and Princess Alexandra, while also underscoring the frailty of senior members such as the Duke of Kent, who now requires a stick or wheelchair, and the Duke of Gloucester, who turns 80 in August.
Prince Edward, once the youngest of the Windsor clan, celebrates his 60th birthday on Sunday. Meanwhile, Queen Camilla is expected to attend the Cheltenham Festival, indulging her love of jump racing. Princess Anne, who lives nearby, will also attend alongside her daughter Zara, a Cheltenham director. With Anne's Festival of British Eventing cancelled, speculation arises that Zara might find a role for her brother Peter Phillips, who was heavily involved in the event at Gatcombe Park.
The Ministry of Defence benefited financially from prematurely announcing that Kate would attend Trooping the Colour in June, sparking an unprecedented rush for £15 tickets, with over 90 per cent sold in the first 12 hours. Tickets for the event are typically slow to move, and a proposed price hike to £20 was shelved due to lack of demand. Kate remains a major draw, though her attendance on the day remains uncertain.
In other news, former 'The Weakest Link' presenter Anne Robinson has clashed with Peter Underhill, agent for ex-Welsh rugby captain Colin Charvis, over a past incident on the show. Underhill recounted how Robinson rudely asked Charvis if everyone in Wales had a nose that turned half left, an episode that still rankles.
Kemi Badenoch's criticism of Michael Sheen's drama 'The Way' has prompted the Welsh actor to invite her to his new play 'Nye' at the National Theatre, where his performance as NHS founder Aneurin Bevan has caused three audience members to faint in one night. Sheen quipped that there is no guarantee Badenoch would make it to the end.
Finally, theatre critics brace for performer Eloina's debut in 'High Steaks' at the New Diorama, where she will appear nude with two beef steaks hanging from her labia in a protest against body-shaming. Given the number of Fleet Street's bachelor reviewers, additional St John Ambulance operatives may be needed.
