Prince, sweetheart step out

London — Prince Charles and his companion, Camilla Parker Bowles, appeared together at a reception celebrating the prince’s charitable work.

The couple, whose relationship has grown increasingly open in the last few years, arrived together at St. James’s Palace for the champagne reception Monday in honor of the Prince’s Trust, a charity that helps underprivileged youngsters.

Charles and Camilla, both of whom are divorced, have been cautious about launching their relationship in public since the death of Princess Diana in 1997. Parker Bowles has been increasingly seen at the prince’s side, but joint appearances at official functions have been few — because their relationship has not been formalized and out of deference to the prince’s mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Ja Rule out on bail

Toronto — Ja Rule appeared in a Toronto court and was released on $7,500 bail on an assault charge.

The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, didn’t enter a plea Monday on the charge of assault causing bodily harm. He’s scheduled to return to Provincial Court Aug. 30 for a trial date to be set.

Police said earlier the charges stemmed from an incident June 5 at a Toronto nightclub.

Newhart statue dedicated

Chicago — “Hi Bob!” could become a popular phrase on Michigan Avenue.

A statue commemorating comedian Bob Newhart’s role as Dr. Robert Hartley on “The Bob Newhart Show” was unveiled Tuesday in downtown Chicago near the office building shown in the TV classic’s opening credits.

“Hi Bob!” was a frequent greeting on the show, which was set in Chicago and ran on CBS from 1972 to 1978.

Newhart, a native of suburban Oak Park, said he was honored by the statue and viewed it as a “tribute to the writing and to the cast.”