An Amagansett family whose fishing provides clams for its roadside stand as well as its own dinner table is fighting the state over the right to fish. And the Lesters insist that a 1686 royal decree give them that right. more ›

A globe-trotting Manhattan socialite and fashion designer has been arrested for allegedly shoplifting an $11,000 fur-lined scarf. Previously, Beata Boman, 38, had been best known for being pictured snogging Prince Andrew by the Daily Mail a few years ago. But with these new allegations, we can't imagine the former model will be getting any royal invites to Pippa's derriere exercise class anytime soon. more ›

It's a moment 28 years in the making: Prince William, second in line to the British throne, is engaged to his college sweetheart Catherine "Kate" Middleton. An announcement was issued from Clarence House, the residence of Prince William's father, Prince Charles: "The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.The wedding will take place in the spring or summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course." more ›

Late yesterday afternoon, Queen Elizabeth II visited the World Trade Center site (after her address to the General Assembly). The NY Times reports that people were wondering when she might arrive and that a pedestrian traffic guard answered, "I heard 2:30 and 5:30. Sorry, buddy, Scotland Yard has been out of touch." more ›

Queen Elizabeth II, the long-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom as well as the 15 Commonwealth realms (Canada, Australia, etc.), is visiting New York City this afternoon. She has been on a nine-day tour of Canada, and yesterday, she was stuck in the middle of a power outage in Toronto, affecting a state dinner in her honor. The 84-year-old royal will be visiting the United Nations General Assembly today—we hope there are back-up generators there, since NYC is feeling the heat, too. more ›

Prince Harry helped welcome the opening of Governors Island's 2009 season by playing in the second annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic. His team won, 6-5 over the Black Watch Team, and Prince Harry helped assist on the winning goal. The event, which had $25,000-50,000 VIP tickets, raised money for Sentebale, an AIDS charity, which Prince Harry co-founded with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho. Prince Harry said, "Prince Seeiso and I both lost our mothers when we were very young. We set up Sentebale in their memory, and because my mother loved this city, it makes this occasion all the more poignant for me." more ›

It's official, Prince Harry's first official trip to the U.S. has officially begun! As you can see he's already visited Ground Zero, talked with firefighters, and has christened the British Memorial Garden at Hanover Square (which actually isn't all that amazing). The AP noted that when he emerged "into the sunlight where the towers once stood. He glanced upwards, seemingly taking in the enormity of the structures felled in the attack, and said simply, 'Wow'." However, while looking at the rebuilding plans for the WTC site, he asked, "Big question—when is this supposed to be finished?" Patience, dear prince. more ›

If you see a royal mess of traffic on the streets today, remember that Prince Harry is in town for the weekend. Before he hits the polo field tomorrow, he'll be making the rounds in Manhattan later today. But after his visits to Ground Zero, the British Garden, the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Harlem, there allegedly won't be any parties. Even TIME magazine made note of it, saying, "With those engagements in mind, the royal heartthrob, who has a well-known penchant for long, alcohol-fueled nights, won't be hitting New York City's dance floors." The prince's private secretary told them, "Quite frankly I think he will be cream-crackered and will want a good night's kip." Translation please? If the 24-year-old ginger prince wants a drink, however, one transplant from Great Britain told the Daily News, "We'd love to have him for some drinks. Tell him drinks on me." He may just take up the offer, being a recessionista and taking commercial flights here (though the Queen paid for the $40,000 trip out of pocket because "it's not a full-fat royal trip"). more ›