Princes William and Harry put their faith in Diana's Lady Charity to boost their own causes

By Katie Nicholl


In Princes we trust: William and Harry are hoping that by bringing Tessa Green on board it will boost their foundation


Prince William and Harry have asked the former chairman of one of their mother’s favourite causes to boost their own charitable foundation.

The appointment of Tessa Green to the board comes as their fund prepares to welcome Kate into the fold.

Mrs Green, 46, stepped down as head of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust earlier this year and is a new director of The Foundation Of Prince William And Prince Harry, St James’s Palace has confirmed.

Smooth transition: The appointment of Tessa Green to the board comes as their fund prepares to welcome Kate into the fold


It is understood Prince William, who is president of the Royal Marsden – as Princess Diana was before him – was keen to appoint Mrs Green to his own cause.

She was a guest at his wedding in April and has an impressive track record of growing the Royal Marsden’s charity arm. It has raised almost £70 million since its launch in 2003.

It is hoped she and her fellow directors will help reinvent the Princes’ foundation, which was set up two years ago.

It provides grants in support of causes about which the Princes are passionate, including young people, the environment and the Armed Forces.

A spokesman for the Palace said: ‘Tessa Green’s wealth of experience in the voluntary and charitable sector will augment the already strong board of trustees at the foundation.’

The board is chaired by Lord Janvrin, the Queen’s former private secretary.

As well as Mrs Green’s appointment, the foundation’s name is set to change to incorporate Kate’s title, the Duchess of Cambridge. ‘It is likely to happen shortly,’ says a Palace spokesman.

Meanwhile, Kate is about to start visiting organisations as she decides which charities she wants to represent.

So far, the 29-year-old has expressed an interest in working with homeless charity Centrepoint as well as children’s foundation Starlight.

She is also believed to be keen to work with disadvantaged youths following her visit to Birmingham after the riots.

‘The idea is to announce the charities she will be taking on in the New Year,’ says a courtier.

Kate also wants to share patronage of the Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre, with her husband.

On Thursday, the couple will open the Oak Centre for children and young people at the hospital’s Surrey branch. It will be Kate’s second charitable engagement since her wedding.

..................................................................................................................

James Middleton is quite the car enthusiast.

The younger brother of the Duchess of Cambridge recently purchased an AC Cobra on eBay – and paid nearly £2,000 for the classic car to be shipped from Ibiza.

James, 23, viewed the car while visiting his uncle, Gary Goldsmith, who lives on the Balearic island.

In mint condition, AC Cobras can fetch up to £70,000.

Two years ago James also successfully bid online for a Land Rover Defender.

..............................................................................................................

Sir Richard Branson has been writing cheques to the guests who lost their possessions when his island home caught fire.

The Virgin supremo’s house on Necker Island was burnt to the ground last month.

And while Sir Richard, 61, has been supervising rebuilding work so the house will be ready for his daughter Holly’s wedding later this year, he has also not forgotten his guests who suffered that night.

‘Many lost all their things, from designer clothes to their laptops. Richard has sent them all cheques for £3,000 each,’ a source said.

...............................................................................................................

When will the gift exchange between England’s first openly gay cricketer Steven Davies, 25, and Elton John end?

First Elton, 64, sent Twenty20 player Davies champagne to congratulate him on outing himself.

Then Davies gave Elton a mini set of cricket whites with the name of the singer’s son, Zachary, sewn on the back.

Now Elton has sent Davies a watch. ‘Steven was touched – but he has no idea what to buy him back,’ says a source.


source:dailymail