SARAH VINE: The miasma of gloom has finally lifted over the royals. How sad Harry and Meghan can’t see past their own psychodramas to allow their children to join this happy band

The mother of one of my oldest friends, who was always there with a shoulder to cry on when life got hard in our 20s and 30s, had a favorite saying. “Keep your lights on, girls,” he would gleefully tell our Earl Gray as she wept after another romantic disappointment or failure.

I have invoked this spirit multiple times over the years and it has always benefited me.

Put on a brave face, go out and try to spread positivity even if it’s the last thing you want to do.

This sound advice came to mind as I watched the Royal Family’s traditional Christmas parade at Sandringham this year.

The Prince and Princess of Wales and their frankly three adorable children were not only keeping their own lights on after a very difficult year, but were also acting as a real beacon of positivity for everyone in the Royal Family.

These Christmas Day outings can be very strange and quite performance-based, and in recent years they’ve felt a bit doom-laden, especially as the older generation of royals began to break free from their mortal coil.

But this year, the somber mood that had recently settled around the Monarchy seemed to evaporate like dew in the morning sun, as Welshmen met with well-wishers and a fresh-faced new generation stepped into the spotlight.

Children in Wales were adorable children, accepting gifts graciously and patiently hugging and shaking hands in return; especially young Charlotte, who was as pretty as a picture in her neat little pea coat, shiny hair, big bow, elegant brown tights and ballet flats.

Princess Charlotte and Mia Tindall attend Christmas morning service at Sandringham

Happily posing for selfies and chatting with fans, they radiated wholesomeness and functionality as a family.

It was in stark contrast to the week before, when a photo from the Jeffrey Epstein files was released showing Evil Uncle Andrew lying on the lap of five unidentified young women in his Sandringham lounge room, a wolfish grin on his face, with Ghislaine Maxwell laughing behind him.

Additionally, the trial could easily be overshadowed by the poor King having to make the decision, however inevitable, to remove his brother from the family altogether.

But it wasn’t even a second. In fact, the atmosphere was quite the opposite. Thanks to the presence of these three well-dressed, good-natured young royals and their equally attractive Tindall cousins, a new beginning after years of darkness, resentment and sadness was filled with joy and hope for the future.

Forget Prince Harry and the showdown; Forget the Duchess of Sussex and her narcissistic self-promotion; Forget Andrew and his sordid friendship with one of the world’s most prolific pedophiles.

Forget even the King’s illness and the Princess of Wales’ own health problems. Everything seemed insignificant in the face of the next generation, full of life and happiness.

For those of us who have at times worried that the Royal Family is in quite a difficult position following the death of the late Queen, it felt like they were coming together once again; The Queen was confident in the red, the King was comfortable in his role as patriarch, Prince William was developing his role as both heir and, perhaps more importantly, father.

Meanwhile the Princess of Wales, who rarely brings anything but her A-game to the proceedings, looked even more on top of things. These three children are a credit to both of them; confident but not arrogant, polite and respectful, full of character but disciplined and good-natured.

Considering who they are, they seem extremely well adjusted and intact, and they seem to have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. It is not easy to teach children that age to interact with the public in such a busy environment, yet they did it with confidence.

It’s also great to see their friendship with cousins ​​Zara and Mike Tindall’s two similarly aged daughters, Mia and Lena. These are important bonds to have because being a royal child is a unique, complex and at times challenging experience and will undoubtedly help them be able to trust each other.

Thank you also to Mr and Mrs Middleton, who despite years of being in the spotlight (sometimes despite provocations) never stepped out of line and reportedly provided invaluable support to their daughter and son-in-law in raising the children.

The only dark cloud on the horizon for this sunny generation of young royals is the absence of their American cousins ​​Archie and Lilibet.

What a shame that the Sussexes can’t get enough of their own psychodrama and put the past behind them and allow them both to join this group of happy young royals. How strange – some might say dysfunctional – to deny them this closeness.

Who knows, maybe next year. As the Prince and Princess of Wales prove, it’s never too late to break this generational curse.

Another one caused a stir: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex parted ways with their 11th publicist, Meredith Maines, who left after just a year of employment.

At this rate, they might start their own game show: Traitors, USA.

Prime Minister’s mixed priorities

Keir Starmer has expressed his “delight” at the news that British-Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El-Fattah, who has been detained by the regime in Egypt for more than a decade, has been released.

I wonder if the Prime Minister is aware of the views expressed by Mr. El-Fattah in the past?

For example, during the 2011 riots he called on his followers in X to ‘burn down the city or Downing Street or hunt down the police’.

He has previously written that ‘police are not people’, ‘they have no rights’ and ‘we should all kill them’. The views he expressed about ‘Zionists’ and Jews in general were equally reprehensible, and he stated that he was ‘proud to be racist against whites’.

Perhaps this is not the Alaa Abd El-Fattah that the Government is working tirelessly to repatriate, in which case I apologize unreservedly.

Otherwise, I suggest the Prime Minister reconsider his priorities.

Kim Kardashian and Kanye’s daughter North West shows off her diamond shark teeth

What kind of idiot buys diamond-studded ‘shark teeth’ grills (the ridiculous but menacing dental jewelery favored by rappers) for his 12-year-old?

Same kind of fool buys each of his four children A Pomeranian dog for Christmas. Is there no end to the fearsome Kim Kardashian’s quest for attention?

It’s bad enough that he involves his children in his toxic behavior, now he’s dragging the animals into it too.

Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay leave Bath Abbey after their wedding ceremony yesterday

Congratulations Holly and Adam Peaty were married at Bath Abbey yesterday.

But there is only one question: Why was the bride wrapped in what looked like a giant tulle curtain?