Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh spent the day immersed in the Isle of Wight’s creative heartbeat on Thursday, touring cultural hubs across the island that stretched from galleries to grassroots initiatives.

Beginning at Quay Arts in Newport he was joined by Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon as he explored exhibitions and met local arts organisations. 

Groups including Shademakers, The New Carnival Company, and IW Open Studios spoke with him about the growing range of artistic activity taking shape across the region.

Wandering through exhibitions by Andrew Dutton, Del Seymour, and Ian Whitmore, the Duke engaged with artists and heritage groups featuring work rooted in island life and identity. 

The visit also took him inside the Anthony Minghella Theatre, where attention turned to the “CAN YOU HEAR US?” programme, a creative community initiative delivered with Creative Island and Creative Lives.

The project is designed to support local expression through micro-grants, funding everything from craft workshops and music sessions.

Running from March to October 2026, it aims to amplify community voices and encourage wider participation in the arts.

During the visit, Edward met participants from a broad mix of groups, including Young Farmers, the IW Indonesian Community, In Focus, and HMP Isle of Wight, hearing how creative projects are helping people connect.

The itinerary continued beyond Newport, with further stops planned at Ventnor Exchange, Ventnor Arts Club, Brading Youth Club, and Brading Roman Villa.

He is expected to meet museum representatives and present the King’s Award for Voluntary Service at the village hall.

Royal family released a statement personally penned by the Queen after facing a devastating loss.

On April 17, Queen Mary of Denmark expressed her immense gratitude towards her well-wishers for sending their support after her father’s death.

For the unversed, Denmark’s royals announced the death of Mary’s father, John Dalgleish Donaldson, on April 12. He passed away at the age of 84.

Sharing an emotional message, Queen Mary wrote, “My heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming number of messages, flowers and warm thoughts regarding my father’s death.

“The enormous amount of empathy has touched us deeply and means more than words can say. HM The Queen.”

Earlier, Queen Mary revealed that her heart is very heavy after his father departed from the world.

In a heartfelt note, she expressed that the love and gratitude her father imparted will always stay with her as she bids him farewell.

Alex Cooper is heading to the big screen.

The Call Her Daddy podcast host will make her acting debut in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling thriller Verity.

As per E! News Cooper plays herself in the movie, appearing in a scene where she interviews fictional author Verity Crawford, portrayed by Anne Hathaway.

The first look at the film was revealed at CinemaCon, showing Hathaway as Verity alongside Dakota Johnson as Lowen Ashleigh, who takes over Verity’s manuscript after an accident.

Josh Hartnett also stars, with the teaser hinting at eerie hallucinations and a chilling confrontation as Lowen tries to escape Verity’s home.

The film is set to premiere on October 2, 2026.

Cooper’s casting reveal came at a time when she’s already making headlines off-screen.

The 31-year-old has been embroiled in a feud with influencer Alix Earle, who recently reposted a TikTok likening Cooper to an “ambulance chaser” and “grim reaper.”

Cooper clapped back in her own video, challenging Earle to “get specific” and stop hiding behind vague shade.

Earle responded by promising to spill the tea soon, while fellow creator Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia publicly sided with Earle.

Despite the drama, Cooper insists the feud is not a publicity stunt.