The Princess of Wales took another step in her “new normal” this week with her first solo engagement since being diagnosed with cancer. 

Kate returned to the Royal Marsden Hospital, where she was treated last year, to meet patients having chemotherapy. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to reflect on the poignant visit where Kate shared candid details of her experience. 

They also catch up on Prince William’s visit to Birmingham, where he fitted in a trip to the pub with football fans alongside appearing at a paramedics conference, and discuss the unfair criticism of Meghan and Harry’s wish to help in the wake of the LA wildfires.

Plus there is lots to look ahead to as the King prepares for his first foreign visit of the year.

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The Princess of Wales turned 43 today - and husband Prince William marked the occasion by sharing a personal message and new photo. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper and Mirror royal writer Jennifer Newton discuss the Waleses’ new approach, as well as other birthday messages and another potential milestone on Kate’s return to work. 

The team discussed Meghan’s Instagram launch last week - and it has been busy since. They catch up on the newest looks inside Montecito life. 

And it is five years since Harry and Meghan announced their plan to quit their royal roles (on their terms). How do things look in 2025?

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The royals gathered at Sandringham for their traditional Christmas festivities at the end of a rollercoaster year. 

And it was the King and Princess of Wales who gave voice to the love and light that brings hope throughout the year in their Christmas messages. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Mirror royal writer Jennifer Newton to look back on the festive season. 

They also look ahead to 2025 and what Meghan’s return to social media could mean.

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Any plans the royal family had for 2024 were being swiftly redrawn within the first few weeks as the Princess of Wales had planned abdominal surgery and the King had treatment for an enlarged prostate. 

Then came the news Charles needed cancer treatment - and then, after weeks of increasingly wild speculation on social media, Kate’s video sharing she was also being treated for cancer. 

During the spring, as Prince William looked after his family, it was Queen Camilla who was the face of the royal family keeping calm and carrying on. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper and Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers reflect on a dramatic year and the lasting impact it will have on the royal family. 

They look at what the future holds for Prince Andrew after he added another scandal to his collection as he was linked with an alleged Chinese spy, and assess how 2024 turned out for Prince Harry and Meghan.  

They also discuss why the Edinburghs and Princess Anne remain in the background despite the absence of some of the major royals.

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The Duke of York is embroiled in another scandal - this time involving an alleged Chinese spy who had established close connections with the prince. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to examine what we know so far and why it meant even Prince Andrew realised he had to give the royal Christmas celebrations a miss. 

They also chat about Meghan and Harry’s Happy Holidays card, and why Sussex fans should not get their hopes up of seeing more of Archie and Lilibet any time soon, plus round up the royals’ Christmas engagements and what is coming up.

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The Princess of Wales has hosted her annual community carol service at Westminster Abbey, spreading love and empathy at Christmas.

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss Kate’s big family outing.

They also reflect on Prince William’s meeting with Donald Trump at the reopening of Notre Dame cathedral and Kate’s credentials to rival the US President elect to be named as time person of the year.

They also round up the royals’ other festive engagements and look ahead to a major family gathering at Sandringham.

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The Princess of Wales was part of the official welcoming party for Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, for this week’s state visit - but it was Queen Camilla who joined the banquet festivities.

With Kate continuing her gradual return to duties after chemotherapy for cancer treatment and Camilla recovering from pneumonia it made for a royal job share.

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers, who was at Buckingham Palace as the visitors saw royal collection treasures related to Qatar.

The PSTK team also discuss the latest separate appearances by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and how the mood music has changed about a potential Christmas visit by the Sussexes. 

They also reflect on the windows the royals are giving into their worlds, the countdown to Christmas and enduring royal commitments.

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The Prince of Wales looked at home on Salisbury plain when he joined the Welsh Guards’ training - but climate change and homelessness are where he is shaking things up.

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Daily Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to discuss William’s latest visits - and Prince Louis’ hobby.

They also reflect on the too brief life of Liz Hatton, the keen photographer hugged close by Kate who has died from cancer aged just 17.

Plus the team look ahead to next week’s State visit, the King’s upcoming travel plans and Christmas, as well as the difference Camilla and Sophie hope to make to the lives of women and girls.

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The diplomatic corps reception at Buckingham Palace is always a key royal milestone on the countdown to Christmas - and an opportunity for tiaras and glamour. 

Princess Kate missed it this time around as she continues her recovery from cancer treatment, but Prince William (and beard) joined the King and Queen for the big event. 

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Mirror royal editor Russell Myers to talk through the week’s royal news - and dig into the detail of William’s very personal interview in South Africa as well as reaction to Camilla’s documentary on domestic abuse. 

They also talk the coronation food project and a new security scare at Windsor Castle.

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A TV documentary this week put a welcome spotlight on Queen Camilla’s work on domestic abuse - showing again how the new Firm are working to make a difference on major issues.

Pod Save the King host Ann Gripper is joined by Mirror royal features writer Jennifer Newton to discuss the documentary’s impact, and catch up on a busy royal week. 

Camilla missed the Remembrance weekend events, but Princess Kate was able to be at the Albert Hall and the Cenotaph marking another milestone in her recovery and return to duties. 

And there were milestones to celebrate for Lady Louise, who turned 21, and King Charles - who looked very sprightly on the eve of his 76th birthday as he attended the Gladiator II premiere. 

Plus they reflect on Prince William’s comments about his “hardest year”, and his plans to do royal with a ‘small r’.

Pod Save the King is a Reach Studio production for the Daily Mirror, edited by Daniel J. McLaughlin

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