With more flooding expected around Windsor, and the banks of the River Thames already under 4-feet of water, the Queen, 81, was unable to ride her normal route yesterday.

In a message to victims of the flooding, the Monarch said, “I have been shocked and deeply concerned by the extent of the devastation caused by the most recent severe flooding across large parts of the country.”

Her Majesty sympathized with “all the many people whose homes have been damaged, livelihoods threatened, or who have been affected by the power and water shortages. May I also express my continued admiration for the emergency services, military personnel, local authorities and volunteers working tirelessly and selflessly to bring people to safety and avert further damage.”

It sounds like a religious order. It may even be a secret society. But a group of nuns it certainly isn’t. Self-denying ordinances are no part of this deal.

Kate Middleton rowing with The Sisterhood

I refer, of course, to The Sisterhood, a gang of doughty — even hearty — females set to challenge a throng of even heartier males in a cross-channel rowing race on August 25.

Kate Middleton was apparently persuaded to join the crew by Sisterhood member Alicia Fox-Pitt, a friend from their schooldays at Marlborough College.

Although Kate is a qualified sailor, Prince William’s girlfriend still had to earn her place in the team. Crew leader Emma Sayle remarked, “I had recruited friends from school and university. One of those was Alicia who suggested that Kate would be perfect. She was sporty at school. But it wasn’t a question of ‘Oh, she’s Kate Middleton so she makes the team’. She has had to prove herself. We launched the challenge in November, and Kate joined in April. Our coach said she could join only if she was up to it.”

The picture proves that if nothing else.

The Daily Mail is contradicting previous stories that Kate Middleton has pulled out of the all-girl, cross-channel, dragon boat, rowing event on August 25. It always amazes me how Royal stories get turned on their heads almost every day.

Kate is (apparently) training three days a week — where does she get the time? — for a race against an all-male team in aid of a couple of charities. However, doubts are emerging about the team leader, diplomat’s daughter, Emma Sayle. The Mail reports :

Emma Sayle, 29, has made a name for herself too — organizing risque parties for wealthy, attractive and broadminded couples. As whispers about her past refused to go away, the former public schoolgirl was keen to play down her role in Killing Kittens, the private club that blurs social and sex lives. Or to put it bluntly, organizes orgies.

Phew, what company Kate keeps. Does William know about all that, I wonder?

So, yet another obstacle in the path of athletic Kate, who must wonder what’s going to hit her next now she’s back with the future King.

Let’s hope she doesn’t do an alternative saucy version of the play, Daisy Pulls it Off.

It is now clear that Kate Middleton did go to Camilla’s 60th birthday party after all. She was apparently smuggled into Highgrove to avoid snappers lying in wait outside.

Apparelled in a “stunning full-length cream dress”, Kate bewitched the other guests, one of whom indiscreetly remarked that she was draped over Prince William for much of the evening.

There can be no greater evidence that William and Kate are back together on a stronger footing than before. A few weeks together at Teapot cottage on the Balmoral estate next month should yield the photographs many doubters are waiting for.

Although the Queen was not present at the occasion, she did lend Camilla a priceless diamond necklace for the evening. The jewellery was made for the wedding of Mary of Teck (later Queen Mary) to Prince George in 1893.