Princess Kate ignores Prince Andrew furore with personal message - 'Exciting new chapter'

The Princess of Wales has issued a new personal message about an "exciting new chapter" today, setting aside the recent drama revolving around Prince Andrew.

Princess Kate took to her and Prince William's official Kensington Palace X account to wish the best of luck to England's rugby team as they prepare to face Australia at Wembley Stadium in the first rugby league Ashes Test in 22 years.

The Ashes is a series of Test matches between England and Australia's national rugby league teams. The first match will take place on Saturday evening.

It's been revived after 22 years, as the last series took place in 2003.

Kate, who is patron of both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and the Rugby Football League (RFL), said in her message: "Wishing England the very best of luck in their first Rugby League Ashes campaign in 22 years.

"An exciting new chapter for the game begins at Wembley Stadium today. We are all behind you! C."

The Prince and Princess of Wales have not been seen recently following the latest scandals that have emerged about Prince Andrew, who relinquished his royal titles and honours ahead of a bombshell posthumous memoir's release by his abuse accuser, Virginia Giuffre. Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

But the latest updates regarding his links to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein have brought in a fresh headache for the Royal Family, who have been quietly carrying on with their duties.

The King's brother is said to be in talks with Charles' representatives about leaving Royal Lodge voluntarily following the furore over the "peppercorn" rent for his 30-room mansion, but is reluctant to give up his residence of more than 20 years.

The Daily Telegraph said the sticking points in the talks are the location of his new home and financial compensation for funds spent on the lodge.

Andrew gave up the Duke of York title and other honours last Friday ahead of the publication of Ms Giuffre's posthumous memoir, following allegations he sexually abused her.

The book's co-author, Amy Wallace, said Ms Giuffre wanted "wealthy, powerful men to be held to account".

The prince, who strenuously denies the allegations from Ms Giuffre, has been hit by fresh criticism focused on his property, with some MPs eager to debate the issue in Parliament.