Woman's Weekly Living Series February 2023

And welcome to something exciting. If last year showed us anything, it was the love and respect we in this country had for the late Queen. In the UK, and all over the world, millions showed their affection for Her Majesty, who had reigned with dignity, wisdom and kindness for the past 70 years. We were saddened by her passing, but heartened by the warmth of the new King and his ideas for the future of the monarchy. Undoubtedly, there is a crisis among some parts of the family, and we can only hope that wounds can be healed. But to mark the start of another historic year, we bring you a brand new magazine – one that celebrates what we love about the crown and those who wear it.…

In with the new A moving tribute to the late Queen was one of the standout moments for royal fans welcoming in 2023 on the banks of London’s River Thames this New Year’s Eve. The tribute to the Queen featured a voice recording from Her Majesty and a message recorded by Dame Judi Dench. A swarm of drones formed into a coin with her face and then, as the fireworks changed to a regal purple, the lights spelled out EIIR – the Queen’s cypher. The drones then switched and morphed into a coin displaying King Charles, demonstrating the dawn of a new era for the monarchy. As Charles’ profile lit up the London sky, a message from him was played about the importance of protecting and preserving our planet –…

Charles faces many challenges in 2023, from bridge-building with Harry and Meghan to uniting a country divided by political strife and a cost-of-living crisis. But we can be reassured, as we count down to his coronation on May 6, that he has always had his finger on the pulse of the nation. Remember his ‘Dear, oh dear’ greeting to Liz Truss last September, confirming what we were all thinking? This very human response to his beleaguered first prime minister made it clear that he understands his people. In fact, since Queen Elizabeth II’s death the ‘People’s King’ has unleashed his common touch, emboldened by the public’s goodwill. Charles is a natural with people and finds walkabouts and casual chat easy. So, what can we expect in 2023? According to commentators:…

It was the most eagerly anticipated royal biography since Prince Harry’s beloved mother collaborated with Andrew Morton on Diana, Her True Story, exposing her unhappy marriage back in 1992. Now, with Spare, Harry’s brutally honest 416-page memoir, Diana’s ghost clearly haunts him with devastating effect. Harry is highly critical of his family in the book, particularly his brother and father, arguing that they struggled to help him and, subsequently, Meghan. With both sides unapologetic, what will be the couple’s next move? Reconcile or crown duel? If there was any hope of a reconciliation after Queen Elizabeth II died, well, forget it, say royal commentators. Tom Bower, author of Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the War Between the Windsors, believes they do not have any regrets and are building an alternative court…

Nobody was expecting the events of 20 March 1974. A 23-year-old Princess Anne was travelling home from one more dreary public engagement when a would-be kidnapper arrived on the scene. Fifteen minutes later, four men had been seriously injured and Anne had narrowly escaped with her life. The Princess’s popularity was riding high at the time. Previously dismissed as aloof and prickly, people were impressed by her commitment to charity, her equestrian exploits had won her the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1971, and her relationship with Mark Phillips had gobbled up its share of column inches. Their marriage in November 1973 had been a decidedly glamorous affair. The wedding dress was gorgeous, the pageantry at full throttle, and an estimated 500 million people worldwide tuned…

In Diana’s shadow November 2004 Royal Opera House, London In the years following the death of the world’s most stylish royal, the then Mrs Parker-Bowles topped several lists of ‘worst-dressed women’. But gradually the influence of advisers began to show, as with this stunning magenta silk gown and plum velvet coat which she wore to the opera in Covent Garden. Three months later, her engagement to the future King was announced. Golden feathers in her hair April 2005 Windsor Guildhall For her wedding on 9 April, the new Duchess of Cornwall wore two dresses – both of which won huge approval. For the ceremony, she chose an elegant cream silk dress and coat and stunning Philip Treacy hat, but it was the gown worn for the blessing that gained the…