Prince William, the Prince of Wales, has described the past year as "brutal" and "the hardest" of his life due to his father, King Charles, and wife, Princess Kate, being diagnosed with cancer. In an interview concluding his Cape Town tour, William shared his emotional struggles, praising his family's resilience. This marks the first time William has publicly addressed the personal impact of their health issues. His candid remarks provide a rare insight into the royal family's private experiences. William's statement highlights the challenges faced by the royal family amidst their public duties and responsibilities.

US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susan Summerall Wiles, his campaign manager, as White House Chief of Staff, marking his first major appointment since winning the election. This historic move makes Wiles the first woman to hold the position in US history. Vice President-elect JD Vance confirmed the appointment, praising Wiles as a "huge asset" to Trump's campaign and a "really good person". Wiles has previously worked with Trump, running his 2016 campaign's operations in Florida and helping Ron DeSantis' gubernatorial campaign in 2018. Her appointment is seen as a significant development in Trump's transition to the White House. 

The US Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the range to 4.50-4.75%. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that Donald Trump's election victory won't immediately impact policy decisions, citing uncertainty around Trump's economic agenda. The rate cut aims to influence borrowing costs and boost the economy. Powell reassured that the Fed makes decisions based on facts, not speculation. This move demonstrates the Fed's independence, despite the looming change in administration. 

As Donald Trump’s election victory raises questions about future US support for Ukraine, President Joe Biden is moving to expedite billions in military aid to Kyiv before leaving office. Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position before Trump, who has criticized US support, takes over. Despite concerns over the shift in US foreign policy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to maintain strong ties with the US. With $64bn already provided, Biden is pushing forward $9bn in additional military assistance, but analysts remain uncertain about Ukraine’s future aid under a Republican-controlled White House.

President Joe Biden called on Americans to “bring down the temperature” after Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. In a speech from the White House, Biden urged the nation to see each other as "fellow Americans" and promised a "peaceful transfer of power" on January 20. Despite stepping aside for Harris earlier in the campaign, Biden emphasized the need for unity and reassured supporters not to lose hope. World leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have already pledged cooperation with Trump, signaling a major shift in global politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his electoral victory and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with him. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin praised Trump as a "brave man" and suggested that any ideas aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis were worth considering. Putin's comments align with his previous stance of seeking territorial concessions from Ukraine. He also shared admiration for Trump's handling of an assassination attempt during a rally in July and implied that Trump had been "bullied" during his first term as US president.

In a rare humanitarian operation, more than 200 seriously ill Palestinians were evacuated from Gaza for treatment in Romania and the UAE, Israel confirmed. Organized by COGAT and the World Health Organization (WHO), 231 patients, including individuals with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and severe trauma, were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that around 14,000 people in Gaza still await evacuation for medical reasons. The evacuation highlights the severe healthcare challenges in Gaza, with 19 of 36 hospitals inoperable and others partially functioning amid ongoing conflict.

The Bank of England has reduced interest rates from 5% to 4.75%, marking the second cut this year as it seeks to ease borrowing costs for households. While the rate reduction provides relief, Governor Andrew Bailey cautioned against expecting rapid future cuts due to inflationary pressures linked to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent budget. The budget, which includes a £70 billion spending package, is projected to raise inflation by 0.5% and GDP by 0.75% next year. Amid economic uncertainties, including US policies under President-elect Donald Trump, Bailey stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to further rate cuts.

Outgoing President Joe Biden has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory and assured a peaceful transfer of power on January 20, 2025. In his address, Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her dedication, stating that she "gave her whole heart and effort" to the Democratic campaign. He emphasized that democracy respects the will of the people and assured Americans of a smooth transition. Trump’s win makes him the first U.S. president in 132 years to secure non-consecutive terms, winning 295 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, with votes still being counted in Arizona and Nevada.

The Bank of England has reduced interest rates by 0.25%, bringing them down to 4.75% from 5%, marking the lowest rate in over a year. This second cut of 2024 follows the August reduction when inflation hit its 2% target. Intended to lower borrowing costs for UK mortgage holders and first-time homebuyers, the cut also reduces returns on savings. In the Bank’s quarterly report, forecasts indicate a boost to GDP next year from tax measures, while inflation pressures are expected to persist. Governor Andrew Bailey and Bank officials will discuss further rate projections at a press conference at 12:30 pm.