Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has once again captured the public's attention with her heartfelt tradition of baking a birthday cake for her youngest son, Prince Louis, the night before his birthday. This charming custom, revealed during a 2019 BBC programme, underscores the princess's dedication to her family and her love for creating personal, memorable moments for her children. As Prince Louis turns seven, the royal family prepares to celebrate this milestone away from the public eye, emphasizing their desire for privacy and family time.

This year, the Prince and Princess of Wales made headlines by choosing to celebrate Easter separately from the traditional royal gathering, opting instead for a private service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham with Kate's parents. Their decision to avoid the public and leave via the back entrance has sparked discussions about their increasing preference for privacy and the potential strain within the royal family. While some view this as a snub to royal traditions, others see it as a natural choice for a family seeking to shield their children from the relentless public scrutiny.

The dynamics within the royal family have been further complicated by the fallout from Prince Harry's memoir, 'Spare,' which included critical remarks about Kate Middleton. Descriptions of Kate as 'cold' and 'rigid' have reportedly caused deep hurt within the family, particularly affecting the once-close relationship between Harry and his sister-in-law. The public airing of private grievances has not only strained familial bonds but also ignited a debate about the boundaries of privacy and the impact of public disclosures on personal relationships.

As the royal family navigates these challenges, the focus on personal traditions, private celebrations, and the repercussions of public disclosures highlights the delicate balance between public duty and private life. The choices made by the Prince and Princess of Wales reflect a modern approach to royal life, one that prioritizes family well-being amidst the complexities of public expectations and familial discord.

The recent spate of violent attacks on prison officers across England and Wales has sparked urgent calls for action to ensure their safety. Incidents at HMP Woodhill and HMP Gartree, where officers sustained serious injuries, have highlighted the escalating dangers faced by staff in the prison service. The Prison Officers' Association (POA) has emphasized the need for immediate measures to protect its members, warning that without swift action, the consequences could be fatal.

At HMP Woodhill, a specialist officer was slashed in the neck and ear with an improvised weapon, requiring hospital treatment. Meanwhile, at HMP Gartree, a female officer suffered a broken arm after an inmate faked a seizure and threw a television at her colleague. These incidents underscore the volatile environment within prisons, where officers are increasingly at risk from unpredictable and violent behavior by inmates.

The POA has reiterated its demand for a review of prison regimes and enhanced protection for officers. POA general secretary Steve Gillan has voiced concerns over the 'out of control' levels of violence, urging authorities to address the issue before it leads to a fatality. The association's calls for action reflect a growing unease about the safety of prison staff and the adequacy of current measures to protect them.

As investigations into the attacks continue, the prison service faces mounting pressure to implement reforms that will safeguard its officers. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the challenges within the prison system and the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to combat violence and ensure the well-being of those on the front lines.