Doubt over Kate’s first event after surgery as Gary Goldsmith speaks out about Meghan

For the occasion, Mordaunt wore a show-stealing teal caped gown, embroidered with a fern motif in a nod to the privy council, designed by luxury ready-to-wear brand Safiyaa. The teal colour, called “Poseidon”, is a reference to her Portsmouth constituency.

Doubt has been cast over the Princess of Wales’ first official royal duty since she underwent abdominal surgery.

The Army announced on its website on Tuesday that Kate Middleton would attend a Trooping the Colour on 8 June. However, it did so without first consulting Kensington Palace. The Independent understands the website will soon be updated.

It is understood the event details were published by the Army based on the Princess’ role as Colonel of The Irish Guards. The colonel of the regiment reviews the parade each year, one week before Trooping The Colour, with the Irish Guards set to troop their colour this year.

Starring Nicholas Galitzine as the king’s adored secret lover, George Villiers (the 1st Duke of Buckingham), and Julianne Moore as his social-climbing mother, Mary, the series was “inspired by” Benjamin Woolley’s 2017 non-fiction book, The King’s Assassin, and maybe also by Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar-winner film, The Favourite. This means that facts aren’t allowed to get in the way of a good story.

Which is fine. As the author of The Favourite, the non-fiction story of Sarah Churchill’s relationship with Queen Anne, I know that real life doesn’t always give you the pace and compact drama that successful fiction needs.

The Ibiza-loving uncle of Kate Middleton says his playboy lifestyle has earned him the bad uncle nickname ‘buncle’ as he called his niece and William the “saviour of the royal family”.

Gary Goldsmith, who is the brother of Kate’s mother Carole Middleton, was one of 13 celebrities who entered the house live on ITV1 as the 23rd series of the show started on Monday night.

Laura Harding and Alex Ross report:

Kate Middleton’s uncle has accused Prince Harry of throwing the royal family “under the bus” and said claims of racism against his niece were “bull****.”

Accusing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex of “reinventing history”, Gary Goldsmith said: “My family is not racist and for Kate to be portrayed as that is just so far removed from the truth, it’s ridiculous.”

The publication of Harry’s memoir Spare caused a wave of damaging global headlines for the royal family last year as the duke revealed intimate details of his relationships with his father King Charles and brother Prince William.

The Queen and the Prince of Wales are to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service next week, joined by remaining members of the slimmed-down monarchy.

With the King and the Princess of Wales away from public-facing duties, the rest of the institution’s working royals will gather in force at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Camilla and William will be accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.

Gary Goldsmith, who entered the Celebrity Big Brother house on Monday night, said it is “difficult to get hold of Kate at the best of times” and that loves that his niece is “putting family first”.

Goldsmith is the brother of Kate’s mother Carole Middleton.

Kensington Palace was not consulted by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) before it announced the Princess of Wales’ attendance at Trooping the Colour, it is understood.

The MoD said on Tuesday that Kate Middleton will be attending the ceremony on 8 June in what would be her first official royal duty since she underwent abdominal surgery in January.

However, royal sources told The Independent that the Palace, which is responsible for confirming Kate’s attendance at all events, has not yet confirmed whether she will be attending the engagement.

They added that the MoD announced the Princess’ attendance at the ceremony without first consulting the Palace.

The Queen and Prince of Wales will attend the annual Commonwealth Day service next week without the King and Princess of Wales, Buckingham Palace has announced.

Camilla and William will be joined by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent at Westminster Abbey on Monday 11 March.

Charles, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, and Kate, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, will miss the event – a key part of the royal calendar.

A pre-recorded video message from Charles, who is Head of the Commonwealth, will be played during the service this year, the Palace said.