Here are more photos of Prince William’s outings on Thursday. He visited a school in Birmingham and then traveled to Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, which basically has a petting zoo with a mental-health program. While William’s events were actually good in the sense of “he was highlighting interesting local work on mental health,” the fact that he scheduled these events for Anzac Day and he, the heir, did not do anything for Anzac Day was incredibly strange. While his uncle Edward took on the Anzac Day events, William was at a petting zoo and telling kids that they should spend time listening to their polo ponies breathe. A real man of the people!
The Prince of Wales told children it is important to talk to sheep as he toured a city farm that supports young people with mental health challenges. The Prince also revealed that he used to lie down next to his horse and take comfort from its deep breathing.
The Prince shared the insights into his love for animals during a series of engagements in Birmingham focused on mental health. The Prince then dropped in at Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, just outside the city, which is dedicated to supporting children and young people struggling to access education and those experiencing mental health challenges. As he met some of the children who use the facility, he chatted about his love of animals, revealing that he has guinea pigs at home as well as chickens, which like to eat dried fruit.
The Prince told one boy that he used to enjoy lying next to his horse, taking comfort from its deep breathing. And he said he thought it was “very important” to talk to the sheep and other animals, asking them how they are feeling. He described the farm as “a wonderful little tranquil space” and said there were “so many places in the country that could do this”.
The Prince sat down with Esme Zarifeh, 10, and her mother, Gemma, to stroke and groom two guinea pigs called Chris and Snowflake. He said he found that stroking animals gave people a chance to “calm down and breathe.”
“These guys are pretty cool,” he told Esme. “We’ve got guinea pigs at home and they’re not like this. I spend my life cleaning out the guinea pig cage because the children forget to do it. Then they run off, because you have to handle them all the time, that’s why (these ones) are so calm. The ones we’ve got at home, they’re off. You have to keep them constantly stroked and looked after.”
Next, the royal visitor was shown into the sheep enclosure, bending down to stroke one of them as he chatted to Mrs Hawkeswood’s son, Alfie. “I can see why you love it here,” he told him. “You might have to be a farmer one day, I think. I bet there are not many of your friends who can get this close to sheep.”
[From The Telegraph]
William cleans the guinea pig cages at his house? He talks to sheep and listens to his horses breathe? Sure. I mean, if he came up with this stuff on the spot, it’s not half-bad. Animals like to be talked to (one of my cats yells at me and I yell back) and all of that. He even managed to make the horse remark sound somewhat relatable, even though none of those kids have their own polo ponies or horses.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
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Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales speaks with students of the Matrix Project, during a visit to St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, central England on April 25, 2024. During his visit Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales will learn about the award-winning student-led initiatives available to pupils to support their mental health and wellbeing.,Image: 867890975, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: OLI SCARFF / Avalon
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Britain’s Prince William, the Prince of Wales, meets parents Evan, right, and Cambry Yoder with baby Harry during the official opening of a new employment skills training and community outreach centre for Betel UK, a charity for people affected by homelessness and addiction in Birmingham, England, Thursday, April 25, 2024.,Image: 867891659, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WPA POOL AFP GETTY REUTERS PA NPA IPA CPNA IN, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Jon Super / Avalon
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Britain’s Prince William, the Prince of Wales, listens to former addicts as he officially opens a new employment skills training and community outreach centre for Betel UK, a charity for people affected by homelessness and addiction in Birmingham, England, Thursday, April 25, 2024.,Image: 867891739, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: WPA POOL AFP GETTY REUTERS PA NPA IPA CPNA IN, *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Jon Super / Avalon
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Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales (R), speaks with schoolchildren as he leaves, after his visit to St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, central England on April 25, 2024. During his visit Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales will learn about the award-winning student-led initiatives available to pupils to support their mental health and wellbeing.,Image: 867894656, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: OLI SCARFF / Avalon
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A photo of Britain’s King Charles III overlooks a discussion between Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales and students of the Matrix Project, during a visit to St. Michael’s Church of England High School in Rowley Regis, central England on April 25, 2024. During his visit Britain’s Prince William, Prince of Wales will learn about the award-winning student-led initiatives available to pupils to support their mental health and wellbeing.,Image: 867894905, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: OLI SCARFF / Avalon
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Prince William, Prince of Wales, visits Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, Birmingham, United Kingdom, on 25 April 2024.
With “Snowflake” the gunea pig and a young helper.,Image: 867895196, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: David Rose / Avalon
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Prince William, Prince of Wales, visits Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, Birmingham, United Kingdom, on 25 April 2024.
Off to feed the chickens.,Image: 867895484, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: David Rose / Avalon
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Prince William, Prince of Wales, visits Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, Birmingham, United Kingdom, on 25 April 2024.
In the sheep enclosure.,Image: 867895539, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: David Rose / Avalon
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Prince William, Prince of Wales, visits Woodgate Valley Urban Farm, Birmingham, United Kingdom, on 25 April 2024.
In the sheep enclosure.,Image: 867895586, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** NO UK USE FOR 48 HRS ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: David Rose / Avalon
I believe this describes my workplace.
😂
OMG!! 🤣
Gosh— learn to communicate to real people first. He’s running out of propaganda tactics to make himself likeable. You’ve bullied your bro— talk to him first and ask forgiveness, then you can talk and listen to the sheep.
How out of touch.
This is a joke right? Advocating for mental health when that family and the institution itself don’t even care about it within their own circles.
I just can’t with this family. SMH.
Yup. It’s insulting to any rationally minded person. This family is an abusive cult who throws their family members to the wolves/tabloids. They openly mock their family members with mental health struggles (Diana, Harry, Meghan) and then do engagements promoting mental health care. It’s insulting and absurd.
They are a disgusting and revolting . They are a family who threw Meghan and Harry under the bus to cover up William’s affair. Also because of Kate’s jealousy of Meghan.
It’s gross behavior. I’ll physically, mentally abuse my brother and enact a smear campaign against his wife & him-*cough* mental health is very important unless you are my brother & SIL and don’t want to be our scapegoats anymore. Then, your mental health doesn’t matter. Especially if you decide to seek therapy, grow as your own person and question things. Then you’ve been “brainwashed”.
I really think Will’s non-attendance at important commonwealth and european events is pointed. This is a right wing nationalist who believes in England and England only. The firm made him visit the Caribbean commonwealth and the mean Jamaican man humiliated him on live tv and Will’s never going back. Sure, he’ll fly to Asia or the Middle East whenever there’s a bagful of cash to pick up, but that’s about it.
Well, his dad talks to mushrooms. But seriously, I can’t criticize someone for liking animals.
Well, mushrooms and sheep can’t snitch on you or tell you you need to work on your issues.
Indeed. And somehow, these photos seem the most genuine I’ve seen of Wiliam recently.
I kind of like his stories. I didn’t have a horse but there were farms nearby and I loved standing at the fence rails and watching them. Same with the cattle.
I have been known to talk to my tomato plants……mostly shouting things like ‘GROW DAMN YOU!’
Love it! Do your tomato plants respond positively or negatively?
I am guessing that is what William would do, assuming he got close to anything like a tomato plant.
Massive experimental farm where I grew up. One lab had tomato plants attached to computers. The plants told the computer when they needed light, dark or water and this info was relayed to the scientists. Our grade 11 class was on another field trip to the farm when we saw this. I asked a scientist if the plant screamed when a tomato was picked and dude got mad at me. He wouldn’t answer the question, either. The farm also had a cow with a glass stomach so you could actually watch the digestion process. That poor animal lived at the farm for at least 10 years that I can remember.
You should watch that episode of Beavis and Butthead where they try to grow corn. “You just have a bad attitude about growing, and stuff…” 🤣🤣
LOL @Bean. I’ve been trying to quietly make noise, please ripen you lovely tomato plants, otherwise I can only enjoy you as green fried tomatoes and green salsa. (other things too) Fortunately, the grape tomatoes listened and the big ones were stubborn. Made amazing green fried tomatoes and green tomato soup. Okay, I’ve been a bit passive-aggressive with my tomato conversations.
I’m totally going to miss my neighbor who passed away that witnessed these conversations and gave me the start of laughs of the day. “Agr!. What are you saying to your tomatoes?. Some are happy, some look p*ssed.”. My response, “I’m just telling them all your bs. Some are happy, some are p*ssed.”.
Being absolutely fair, a stopped clock is right twice a day. I have conversations with ants. I can’t say boo.
Coming from anyone else, these sentiments would be endearing. Coming from Baldy, it sounds like he’s had one Ayahuasca Weekend at Turnip Manor too many.
lol!!
So the royal guinea pigs run away all the time cos they’re not used to being handled? Yet there are 3 children in that house so they’re locked in a cage and ignored yet we keep getting told this is a completely normal down to earth loving family….
Likely not nefarious. The kids probably begged for the pigs, played with them for five minutes and got bored. Like kids will do.
That’s nice Willie can talk to sheep, the sheep can’t sack him from his job can they?
We’ve been wondering what he does all day because we know he isn’t spending his time taking care of Kate. Now it turns out he’s home cleaning the guinea pigs cages? That said, he does seem calmer around all these animals. Charles should send him to a farm and leave him there for a few months.
In the open jacket picture on top, he seems to be developing a beer gut.
Re: open jacket pic:
Ye Gad! I didn’t think he could look less attractive but he’s going for the win here.
As for talking to sheep, well he can’t very well leave some money on the nightstand…..and at least the sheep understand his lectures. On the flip side, he’s quite used to the bleating, he gets it at home.
@Renae, right? It’s seemed like he’s been *losing* weight for a while, but that photo…yikes. Also, I don’t usually notice poor posture, but his slouch in that picture is so obvious. It reminds me of way the dad from Married With Children would always sit, lol.
Oh Lorelei, I can picture WandK as the Bundys!
Will is the sad-sack, put-upon shoe salesman and Kate is the big haired house frau . Both constantly complaining about each other.
@Brassy Rebel, maybe that’s where Kate is. She was sent to live on a farm.
Had Peg visited the narco-toffs before the event to come up with this stuff? I doubt he cleaned guinea pig cages.
Either that or he’s dipping into his father’s stash of organic Dilaudid and Fentanyl.
Depending on when he allegedly cleaned guinea pig cages, I can see his mother making him do this. Not all the time, though.
We need a lot more encouragement for humans to breathe and be tranquil with animals and on the Earth. It’s grounding and kids need to learn what it feels like to be at peace (so many kids’ systems are in constant states of hyperarousal and overstimulation). This is good.
I agree. My cousin’s daughter had to testify at a criminal trial and was scared to death to have to tell what happened to her in front of strangers. But the courthouse had a dog that would sit with her on the witness stand and it made a huge difference. She was much less anxious and able to get through it like a champ. Just having the dog sit underneath her feet made a big difference.
Oh, that was lovely. Poor kid.
What a horrific experience for her, thank goodness for that wonderful doggie. And what a great idea to use a dog as a therapeutic tool for young witnesses on the stand. It sounds like anyone in that situation can benefit from this practice.
What a great idea for the court, I’m so pleased that it helped her handle that situation.
This morning my friend let me know that her brother has two brain tumours and they’re still finding out what the situation is, she also asked to come and spend some time with our cat when she gets back from being with her family. He’s the most relaxed creature in my life so I’ll be delighted if he can give her a bit of calm amongst the stress and anxiety.
❤️🩹
Aww..best wishes to your friend’s brother(and your friend) @SarahCS. Animals are great comfort. Our cat, who is a comfort to us. She’s also been a comfort to one of my siblings that will watch her when we’re gone. Sibling said, “She gets me. She seems to know that I mostly want to be left alone and is content to sit aside with no expectations.”. We laughed when I said, my cat is me to you? We had one totally relaxed cat years ago. Very good ginger boy. Miss him.
If she needs laughs/cat laughs in her life, Larry the Cat’s twitter/X Caturday videos are joyous. Cat therapy/puppy therapy/animal therapy….all for it. William isn’t part of that equation. Ever. IMO.
I kind of wish our cat did this.lol (recognize this video was edited-it’s no frankenphoto or farm video)
https://twitter.com/Number10cat/status/1784129895649460340?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Seems sad for the Windsor Guinea pigs.
Can you imagine all of the incandescence those poor Guinea pigs hear in that house! No way is Willnot cleaning anything in that house – some underlying is doing ALL the cleaning.
Did anyone else get the sense he was talking about himself and not his children’s guinea pigs?
You have to constantly clean up after them? Yup, that’s Huevo, making messes everywhere he goes and every time he open his mouth.
You have to constantly chase them down and bring them back home from the rose bush they wandered into? Ummm, yes, sounds familiar.
You have to pet and cosset them or they revert to their wild and spoiled state? Hmmm, sounds like a Peg I know.
Also the way this man lies and lies about his home life is absolutely hilarious. He’s cleaning the guinea pig cages?!? I’m dying from laughter over here.
The thought of a young William lying down next to his horse and being calmed by its breathing is actually rather sad? Going by what Harry wrote in Spare, I have no doubt that there were few humans to whom they could turn for comfort. As awful as he is now, I can’t help feeling sorry for the boy he once was.
I don’t really believe anything he says though. And don’t horses sleep standing up because they’re prey animals? How is he lying next to a horse close enough to regulate his breathing?
For me, this is just like all the times Keen made up some story about her kids to fit match the engagement she was at. Oh yes, my kids love astronauts (one week). George is rugby mad (the next week). Charlotte is a professional ballerina (the next week)…then she’s a tennis player…then she’s an artist. Louis loves cooking so much his first words were Mary Berry (the next week).
Nothing the Wailses do is honest or authentic. I don’t believe anything Huevo said here.
Horses sometimes nap lying down. They don’t generally do it for long periods because it is hard on their bodies.
Yeah to my knowledge the only time horses lie down is when they’re sick.
Horses will lie down if they feel safe. Sometimes they’ll lie flat out, especially on a sunny spring day to sunbathe. [It is frightening to see if you’re not used to it.]
My husband grew up on a horse farm, and he says horses have to lie down for REM sleep, but usually only for an hour or so at a time. Most prefer to do it in the stable/barn, where it’s been made more comfortable and they feel more protected, but my MIL had one who liked to lie down and sun himself outside while using his poo as a pillow. So if you want a funny mental image, just image William snuggling up to that. 🤣
But yes, I know they have a history of making things up on the spot, but I guess this just had a ring of truth to me. I have my doubts about the guinea pig bit, though.
I figured the horse rolled over on him, or stepped on him. But yes, that was a sad revelation, if true. I trust nothing this man says.
Yes @Miranda. They will sleep laying/lying? down when felt protected. Not a long period of time. Even wild horses. There are usually 1 to 2 lookout horses that try to protect the herd from predators I’ve seen horses snuggled in hay in stables.
I’m a skeptic, when it comes to William. His story seems, to me, something more true of Harry than William. William coopting a good story about Harry as his own, sounds about right. Next thing we’ll hear is that the Queen’s corgis totally loved Kate over Meghan. Unfortunately, the now deceased corgis can no longer speak for themselves. That wouldn’t stop the BM.
I agree, child William was clearly looking for comfort and calm. Maybe he should try lying down near his horses now too.
My only issue with this is that if Harry or Meghan had made comments like they, they would have been called all sorts of names and made fun of for “new age” or whatever thinking. It’s just the sheer hypocrisy that drives me up the wall. There’s nothing wrong with the statements, it’s only just that some people are allowed to make them.
@Miranda – I agree. I suddenly had an image of a young teenage boy who had just lost his mother and only finding comfort from his horse. It’s heartbreaking. Yes, I know William is a prize sh*t of the highest order but, I believe a lot of his issues could have been avoided if his father had prioritised the mental health of his sons rather than concentrating all his efforts into making his wife acceptable to the public.
To me, that is Charles’ most unforgivable sin: prioritizing his mistress over two young boys who were scared and confused and heartbroken. And then using those boys as a shield at their mother’s funeral! It’s difficult to imagine anything more narcissistic than that.
If he spends that much time with animals, why is he so angry all the time? Apparently, it doesn’t work for him.
My gosh, how can this highly competent and well prepared man find time for the sacred school run AND cleaning guinea pig cages?!? Good thing he doesn’t have to do the less important official duties like ANZAC day or his godfather’s memorial service right down the road from his house.
Wait, so he does the school run AND occasionally cleans out the guinea pigs’ cage? No wonder he can’t do more events, the man is run off his feet!
Sidenote, I cannot wait for someone to ask Keen about the family’s pet guinea pigs and see if she knows about them! I’m guessing it will be news to her…
Maybe they are at Will’s place and not at hers?
That’s what I’m implying – there was an engagement that they both attended last year where someone asked them what they were going to do for dinner that night?” and they both froze. You would have thought that they were being asked for an alibi to a capital crime, it was painful. Eventually one of them sputtered about ordering takeaway curry, but it couldn’t have been plainer that they were going separate ways after the event.
honestly, this fits in my mind. William seems like he would allow guinea pigs and Kate probably has the house decorated super formally so its clear the future king lives there.
So I just read about the Narco Aristo parties and then I come over here and Peggy is talking to the animals watching them breath 😳.. get the man a hangover IV stat.
Wait, is Will the new Dr Doolittle?
So he’s resorted to using the kids to make himself look good? I don’t blame the guinea pigs for running away from him btw
I love guinea pigs because they always have this face that says “what the hell am I doing here ?!” and in this case it goes perfectly well with William’s whole vibe.
LOL. You’re not wrong! Guinea pig has the look of, “I’m an innocent guinea pig, get this royal hands off of me!”.
Yeah, he’s not cleaning the guinea pig cage at home. The gardener or maid is doing that. It’s interesting that he has on formal attire for this visit where was he going after this engagement?
Nothing says ‘I take this seriously’ like wearing a suit while standing in a sheep pen.
My A-hole father the rage monster who terrorised his family, was another human being with animals, he didn’t even cry at his mother’s funeral, but when my dog died ? He was heartbroken, so yes, I can totally see Willnot talking to animals.
Oh yes Eleonor. It’s why I just shrug at this. Willileaks being cute with animals doesn’t mean much in light of how he treats people.
I think Peg should make arrangements for inner city kids to visit farms so they too can talk to animals.
That would mean working!
Work!
He could use this as an excuse to miss Trooping of the color.
This man always appears so deeply uncomfortable in his own skin. I can believe he relates better to animals than people.
Forget uncomfortable, he has aged suddenly , all dull and saggy . The wife is out of sight ..she must have gone downhill too, whatever the cause. I think it’s a losing battle these has beens are fighting , to keep up with the brother and sis in law they pretend to despise. They are glowing with health and happiness , they have created their own family , have actual friends, and Harry on horseback is a work of art compared to that sadsack of a brother. Guinea pigs are sweet but rather dull , and sheep , sorry to say are very dim indeed. Well you are like your pets, they say .
Forget uncomfortable, he has aged suddenly , all dull and saggy . The wife is out of sight ..she must have gone downhill too, whatever the cause. I think it’s a losing battle these has beens are fighting , to keep up with the brother and sis in law they pretend to despise. They are glowing with health and happiness , they have created their own family , have actual friends, and Harry on horseback is a work of art compared to that sadsack of a brother
What is William is actually the Wales who’s a natural with children?
If William was purposefully shunted away from Anzac, then it would make sense to do any make-work event they could.
Someone didn’t understand his assignment.
Finally something I can agree with him on. We should behold and appreciate the wonders and the creatures of our world.
I can see him relating to animals better than humans sometimes. I imagine he spent a lot of his childhood, especially after his mother died, just kind of left to his own devices at Balmoral during the summer, Highgrove on weekends, or at school – and while we know there was drinking and partying, I’m sure there were times when he was very lonely and the horses were the best friends he had.
I do NOT see him cleaning guinea pig cages though. I’m sure that’s the job of someone on staff.
He looks ridiculous in his suit and tie standing in a field.
And come on … there’s no way in hell the future king is cleaning out guinea pig cages.
This is yet another time when I wish animals could talk. I bet they’d have something to say.
I came here just to comment on the fact he’s actually wearing a tie for once! He’s espoused the open-neck shirt look with a suit for years now, usually unprofessional and disrespectful to his hosts.
But, yes, agree that here of all places wasn’t the venue for the tie to come out of retirement.
Does this mean he’s finally being taken in hand?
So the guinea pigs at the Wales home get no attention? They’re just in their cages all day?
Aw I think that’s quite sweet actually. I wish I had a horse I could lie down next to. My dog sighing is the next best thing.
So many things to comment on, but these two things stand out:
1. He spends his life cleaning his children’s guinea pig cage? Seriously? Who believes this stuff? Did he think this nonsense up in advance or does he just pull this stuff out of his ass? Or, is this how he sees himself: A sad slave to his children’s guinea pigs? WTF?
2. Is his seriously suggesting that all one needs for good mental health is access to a large country estate where you can wile away your unlimited idle hours cuddling sheep and breathing with your polo pony? Well, no fucking duh. I want to get on that health plan, too. But it begs the question of how children without access to weeks of vacation spent idle at their family’s bucolic country homes are supposed to find these sheep to talk to and horses to lie down with? Is there no one who can advise this self-important, out-of-touch dunce?
Every day, and in every way, I am glad that Harry and Meghan escaped this insane asylum of a monarchy. And I’m glad they ignored Harry when he was young. Look what’s happened to the one they were presumably paying attention to.
It is a bit insulting indeed to suggest that kids just need to listen to (their??) horse breathe. Sorry but he is completely blind to the reality and possibilities of 99% of human population.
Yes, it seems that every time he opens his mouth he makes the assumption that everyone is as privileged as he is. So out of touch with reality. When will this pampered poodle ever be called out? Soooo self-absorbed and incompetent!
He’s not wrong.
Hope she is ok too. I miss her comments.
Is this in reference to Mary P? Third day without comments, and I’m worried!
Same. Very concerned and sad.
It is concerning .
She has been struggling though .
I’ve been wondering about Mary Pester, too. I’ll continue sending her positive energy and prayers her way. I miss her acerbic wit! Keep on keeping on, Mary.
No way is baldy an animal lover. He shoots for fun, allows snares & appalling traps on royal estates (including plenty of evidence of wildlife crime that has been covered up), loved fox hunting which is grotesquely cruel & is the sort of arrogant man who is incapable of the compassion needed to be an animal lover.
Just another ‘the plebs will lap this up’ PR stunt.
Mary P blocked? Her last comment was removed from this site. It was up for a few hours and then, poof! It disappeared. What is going on?
I hope she’s not blocked. And I really hope she’s doing well.
I do agree it is important for children with mental health struggles to talk to and bond with animals. Animals don’t judge and they don’t tattle but they do show support and affection, so it is a good outlet for getting terrible things off their chest.
I do not like how he is dragging his kids yet again. I’ll bet if they shared one truly negative thing about him he would go ballistic. It doesn’t surprise me that their pets get stressed in his presence.
I bet William’s new secretary fed him that line after reading what Nacho said about horses at last weekend’s polo.
@ masie, love it!
Well sheep are his intellectual equals 😂
Dude, maybe learn to talk to your own brother before telling folks to talk to sheep?
He is dressed like a man who was going to go to the ANZAC service and then was told not to come.