THE Queen today postponed ANOTHER two virtual audiences – but incredibly she is still undertaking 'light duties'.
Buckingham Palace said Thursday that Her Majesty, 95, was continuing to experience symptoms.
But in true spirit, she spoke by telephone with Boris Johnson on Wednesday in what was seen as an encouraging sign of her recovery.
Her dedication to service is also laid bare in the fact that palace aides confirmed she is still taking on paperwork and other light duties.
Last night, royal sources claimed that Her Majesty was already "getting over" her very mild bout of Covid.
On Sunday Her Majesty, 95, was suffering mild cold-like symptoms but was expected to carry on with light engagements, suggesting the world's current oldest and longest-reigning monarch was not seriously unwell.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
C of E leaders condemn Russia's actions as 'an act of great evil
The attack launched on Ukraine has been labelled "an act of great evil" by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.
On Thursday morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would be conducting a military operation in eastern Ukraine, with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, declaring martial law.
The news of the "unprovoked attack" has been condemned by Church of England leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell.
In a joint statement, they said: "The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.
"Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.
"We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long-term agreements for stability and lasting peace."
They encouraged Christians to make Sunday February 27 "a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace".
- Joseph Gamp
Royal Family to tour around the world to mark Platinum Jubilee
The Royal Family will tour the globe in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be among those carrying out overseas trips this spring to mark the monarch's 70 years on the throne.
Among the tours will be a visit by heir to the throne Charles with Camilla to the Republic of Ireland from March 23 to 25.
William and Kate will travel to the Caribbean, touring Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas from March 19 to 26.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines from April 22 to 28, and the Princess Royal will visit Papua New Guinea from April 11 to 13.
The Queen, who currently has Covid, reached her Platinum Jubilee on February 6, becoming the first British monarch in history to do so.
She called time on her overseas travel a number of years ago, leaving the duties to other family members.
Jubilee tours abroad have long been carried out in celebration of the Queen's milestone anniversaries.
- Joseph Gamp
Kate enjoys helter-skelter ride in Denmark
The Duchess of Cambridge embraced her inner child and slid down a helter-skelter ride this week after joining Danish students using play to develop their teaching skills.
Screaming with laughter after emerging from the slide, she joked with the press saying “you stood far enough away!” adding “In the spirit of where I am, I had to do it.”
The duchess clearly enjoyed her visit to the Lego Foundation PlayLab at University College Copenhagen where students training to be early years professionals are encouraged to play.
Kate has flown to Copenhagen for a whistle-stop tour meeting health workers and academics at the forefront of Denmark’s world-leading approach to early childhood development, and the families that benefit.
After chatting to parents with their babies at Copenhagen’s Children’s Museum, the duchess confessed she felt “broody” and joked husband William worries about her working with under one-year-olds because she returns home wanting “another one”.
The duchess was tempted to take the slide after meeting the team leading a national programme training students to help children use play to develop skills for life.
- Joseph Gamp
The Royal Family's property portfolio
The Queen also has a private property portfolio, known as the Duchy of Lancaster.
This was established for the reigning monarch in 1399, as a way to provide independent income to the Sovereign.
It’s one of two royal duchies.
The other is the Duchy of Cornwall, which provides Prince Charles with independent income.
His private residences include Gloucestershire’s Highgrove House, Tamarisk House – which is on the Isles of Scilly – and Llwynywermod in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Overall, the Royal Family’s property portfolio is worth an estimated £13billion.
- Joseph Gamp
The Crown series 5 to dramatise events in Princess Diana's life
The extravagant hit series is due to return for its fifth instalment at the end of 2022, featuring a new all-star cast as it heads towards coverage of the late 1990s.
Screen veteran Imelda Staunton takes over from Olivia Colman as the Queen and Lesley Manville will portray Princess Margaret.
Elizabeth Debicki moves into the role of Diana, Princess of Wales, previously played by Emma Corrin.
The series will reportedly dramatise her headline-making 1995 Panorama interview with Martin Bashir as well as other key events in her later life.
Writer Peter Morgan has confirmed there will be a sixth – and final – series.
- Joseph Gamp
Proper theft from The Crown set will not delay filming says Netflix
Netflix has said there is "no expectation that filming will be held up" after confirming the theft of props from the set of The Crown.
Cast and crew are currently filming the fifth series of the multi-award winning show, which is due to air at the end of the year.
Items worth a reported £150,000 were stolen from three vehicles on the set at Pastures Road in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
A Netflix spokesman told the PA news agency: "We can confirm the antiques have been stolen and we hope that they are found and returned safely. Replacements will be sourced; there is no expectation that filming will be held up."
The Sun newspaper originally reported that the incident occurred during the show's final week of production.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed the incident but told PA that all lines of inquiry have now been exhausted.
A force spokesman said: "Police were called at 4.30pm on Wednesday 16 February following a report of theft from vehicles at Pastures Road, Doncaster.
"It is reported that three vehicles containing props used in film and TV were broken into and a number of items taken.
"Officers investigated the incident but all existing lines of inquiry have now been exhausted. The case has been filed pending any new lines of inquiry."
- Joseph Gamp
Philip’s ‘bizarre’ nickname for Queen
In other royal news, according to a royal biographer, the late Prince Philip had a rather bizarre, yet sweet, nickname he used for his wife.
Apparently, Philip used to call the Queen, ‘cabbage’, which some have speculated came from the French phrase “mon petit chou,” a French way of saying “my darling.
Robert Lacey, a royal biographer, appeared to confirm the nickname in an interview with The Sunday Times, saying: “Yes, I’ve heard that is how he will sometimes refer to her.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen ‘facing toughest challenge yet’
The Queen is facing her ‘toughest challenge yet’ after being tested positive for Coronavirus on Sunday.
Last year really took a toll on her Her Majesty as she spent a night in hospital in October 2021, after being examined by specialists, and was forced to cancel many of her scheduled events.
Back in April 2021, she also suffered the biggest loss of her longtime as husband Prince Philip passed away at the age of 99.
And now it seems, according to People, that Queen Elizabeth is facing one of the toughest times of her life.
“It’s a drip-feed of negativity for the monarchy,” a palace insider tells the outlet. “I’ve not known such a tumultuous time as this. It just feels to be one thing after another for the Queen. It’s going to take a toll.”
- Milica Cosic
Queen's 'most controversial remark' in Camilla's favour
The Queen's decision to issue the statement on her accession, where she announced Camilla will be known as Queen Consort was the "most controversial remark" she ever expressed during her reign, according to a royal author.
Royal commentator Brian Hoey highlighted just how groundbreaking this statement was.
Royal commentator Mr Hoey told Express.co.uk: "It was the most controversial remark or opinion that anyone has heard the Queen utter.
"Because so many people even today still disagree with the opinion that Camilla should be Queen.
"But people are warming towards her and it's a division of generations.
"Young people don't care, divorce is commonplace in Britain at the moment, younger people just think why shouldn't she be Queen?
"It's the older generation who still have reservations about this."
- Milica Cosic
When is the Platinum Jubilee concert?
The Platinum Jubilee will take place from Thursday June 2, 2022 across the whole weekend.
The usual May Bank Holiday will be moved to fit in with the festivities, rather than at the end of the month.
Celebrations will take place over the four days, including the Platinum Party concert.
This concert will be on Saturday, June 4, 2022 and you can enter a ballot for 5,000 free tickets.
- Milica Cosic
Platinum Jubilee concert line-up so far
IN celebration of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the palace have announced a concert.
While the line up is yet to be fully released we do have a taste of what is yet to come in the four-day bank holiday.
The concert at Buckingham Palace will be a mix of rock artists, pop singers, and a full live orchestra.
So far, the acts announced are:
- George Ezra
- Roman Kemp
- Clara Amfo
Monarch could strip Prince Harry of key role
THE Queen could strip Prince Harry of a key role after he moved to LA three years ago – despite him "renewing his Frogmore Cottage lease."
The Duke of Sussex may not be allowed to stand in as a Counsellor of State since he no longer resides in the UK, new papers revealed.
The House of Commons Library this week published the guidance on what happens if a monarch is unable to perform their royal duties.
The Regency Acts of 1937 and 1953 allocate four Counsellors of State to step in if the monarch can't go about their duties.
Following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh last May, the current Counsellors of State are Prince Charles, the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York.
But crucially, the newly-published guidance states: "Under the 1937 Act, a Counsellor of State must be domiciled in 'some part' of the UK."
Charles & Diana’s engagement photos on anniversary (Continued…)
Darren Stanton, of Slingo, who took a look back at the former Royal couple and revealed how their body position showed their true feelings at the time.
Stanton continued to say: “Diana appears nervous and in some photos is seen with her arm positioned across her chest in what is known as a self-reassurance hug. This posture tends to be adopted by those that are feeling uncomfortable in their environment, suggesting Diana was nervous and quite intimidated by the level of attention she was receiving.
“This is also visible through Diana’s outfit she is wearing. The royal blue suit she wore to announce her engagement to Charles may be an iconic outfit of the ‘80s, but it was everything Diana was not. The high neckline and longer skirt would have adhered to Royal protocol, but seems a little too stuffy and sensible for her liking. It would have been the ‘appropriate’ choice for Diana to wear, given the official occasion she was wearing it to, but I can’t help but feel she looks uncomfortable and defensive while sporting it – suggesting she didn’t enjoy the spotlight she was being thrust into.
“As for Charles, while he appears quite calm and seems comfortable, not surprisingly as they are in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, he lacks sincerity in his emotion – this is visible by his face failing to appear completely engaged – and there appears to be a disconnect between himself and Diana, as he is leaning away rather than in towards his fiancée.”
Charles & Diana's official engagement photos on anniversary
Today marks over 40 years since Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially announced their engagement with a photoshoot at Buckingham Palace on 24 February 1981.
To mark the occasion, Darren Stanton has taken a look back at the former Royal couple and revealed how their body position, gestures and facial expressions during the shoot reveal their true feelings at the time.
Darren shares how Diana appeared 'nervous' to be in the spotlight and displayed 'hesitant' smiles, while the emotion displayed by Charles 'lacks sincerity'.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Darren reveals: “The mind and body are inextricably linked and often what we are thinking is revealed by our body position and the gestures we make. Diana had been plunged into the limelight on a global scale and in her official engagement photos it’s apparent that this level of attention was obviously very daunting and all new to her.
“Charles, however, was more used to being in the public eye and the expressions he is displaying in the photos don’t seem to be consistent with the emotions he is trying to convey. Instead, we can assume that Charles is just going through the motions because, unlike Diana, he was so used to having his photograph taken."
William's secret meeting while Kate is away
Prince William visited the Secret Intelligence Service on Wednesday while Kate was on a royal trip in Denmark.
The purpose of his trip is unknown and is unlikely to be disclosed.
The Duke of Cambridge's visit comes as his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, was in Denmark visiting Copenhagen while she undertookher royal duties.
- Milica Cosic
BREAKING: Queen postpones two virtual audiences
THE Queen has postponed two virtual audiences after testing positive for coronavirus.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Queen has postponed two more virtual audiences in the wake of her Covid diagnosis.
Her Majesty, 95, contracted the virus earlier this week and is said to have 'mild' symptoms.
- Milica Cosic
Prince Andrew’s bizarre links to Libya’s tyrannical regime
PRINCE Andrew had three meetings with brutal Libyan dictator Colonel Gaddafi and enjoyed a long-term friendship with a convicted gun smuggler.
The Duke of York's bizarre ties to the North African country would eventually bring his prized role as UK trade envoy crashing down around his royal ears.
His links to the former Gaddafi regime have come under further scrutiny in the wake of the mystery over Andrew's money.
Royal finances expert David McClure has said Andrew's private wealth remains "shrouded in mystery", 15 to 20 years after questions were first raised about his lifestyle.
Meanwhile, former Lib Dem MP Norman Baker said: "Andrew has accumulated a lot of money over the years that we don't know about."
He went on: "He has clearly been getting money from elsewhere for decades."
David also pointed out Andrew is alleged to have worked as a "door opener" for foreign banks in a number of countries around the world for years.
Andrew's links to Libya date back around 20 years, when the Duke visited an arms fair in Jordan with his new Equerry Robert Olney.
Read more here.
- Milica Cosic
How to watch the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert
The ballot for the tickets opens at 7am on Thursday February 24 and will remain open for one month so everyone has the chance of winning a pair of tickets.
In 2002, S Club 7 and members of the rock band Queen performed at the palace for the Golden Jubilee.
In 2012, Gary Barlow organised celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary, which featured performances from Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Sir Tom Jones, Sir Paul McCartney and Ed Sheeran.
- Milica Cosic
First artist to play Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert announced
GEORGE Ezra has been confirmed as the first artist to wow the crowds at the forthcoming Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert.
The 28-year-old singer will take to the stage in front of 10,000 fans as well as millions of viewers for the live concert on June 4, marking Her Majesty’s 70-year Jubilee.
In a statement, award-winning musician Ezra, who currently has chicken pox, said: "Hello everyone, I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to be part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert, what an incredible honour to be asked.
"I look forward to seeing you all on June 4 where we can bring pop and roll to the palace."
- Milica Cosic
Fans have urged Prince Charles to protect Harry
Sussex fans have urged Prince Charles to protect his son as the row over Prince Harry's UK security continues. The Duke of Sussex is making a claim against a Home Office decision that ruled he was not allowed to pay for police protection for himself.
Taking to Twitter, Sussex fan defended Harry, with a lot of fans takingswipe at Prince Charles.
One user wrote: "His father is about to be king. Protect him."
Another said: wrote: "Imagine if Charles, just this once, showed support for his son and his two small grandchildren. A little letter of support from him can make the difference. I could never be that kind of parent… God forbid."
In a statement released late Saturday evening, Prince Harry's legal spokesperson wrote: “The UK will always be Prince Harry's home and a country he wants his wife and children to be safe in… With the lack of police protection comes too great a personal risk.”
- Milica Cosic
Princess Anne was by Queen's side
Princess Anne, 71, left Windsor Castle yesterday after spending two days there in another clear sign that her mother was on the mend.
The Princess Royal had been holding investiture ceremonies there on Tuesday and hosted awards for Women into Science and Engineering.
- Milica Cosic
The Queen is already ‘getting over’ Covid
THE Queen is already “getting over” her bout of Covid and only ever displayed “very mild symptoms”, a royal source has claimed.
She has been in isolation since her positive test was revealed on Sunday and The Sun told yesterday how she was forced to axe virtual engagements.
The source said: “She’s already getting over her Covid — it’s amazing to think she’s done it so quickly.
“That’s why she’s such an inspiration. Positive test on Sunday, meeting with the Prime Minister on Wednesday. Not bad for 95.”
- Milica Cosic
Racing trophy awarded by Queen Victoria could fetch £30,000 at auction
A recently rediscovered horse racing trophy awarded by Queen Victoria in 1845 could fetch £30,000 at auction next month.
Dubbed Her Majesty’s Vase, the silver piece was won by Sir John Barker-Mill at the Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall horse races and passed down through his family.
However, the trophy was separated from its stand and the award’s significance was forgotten over time.
Both pieces were recently brought back together when Sir John’s living relatives discovered the engraved base in an outbuilding.
The trophy is expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 when it goes under the hammer at Chiswick Auctions in London in March.
It was commissioned for the races by Queen Victoria and crafted by silversmith John Samuel Hunt, and inspired by an ancient vase dating from the 2nd century AD that was found in fragments in 1770 at the bottom of a lake at Hadrian’s Villa near Rome.
- Joseph Gamp
Kate jokes she’s ‘feeling broody’ as she plays on 20ft slide
Kate Middleton beamed with joy earlier this week as she whizzed down a 20ft slide and admitted she is “very broody”.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 40, said she loves working with babies so much she often goes home and tells husband William “let’s have another one”.
Mum-of-three Kate is on a two-day tour of the Danish capital Copenhagen to learn tips from experts for her Centre for Early Childhood.
And she delighted onlookers yesterday as she opted to take the huge slide at Lego’s PlayLab rather than using the stairs.
Walking away without a stumble despite wearing heels she said: “In the spirit of where I am, I had to do that.” She also wore a red Zara blazer, last spotted at England’s Euro 2020 win against Germany.
She spoke with parents at the Children’s Museum to hear about the Understanding Your Baby Project.
And after meeting two eight-month-old baby boys and their parents, she joked: “It makes me very broody.
“William always worries about me meeting under one-year-olds. I come home saying ‘let’s have another one’.”
- Joseph Gamp
Kate wields hammer to chop wood in Denmark
The Duchess of Cambridge went back to nature on her visit to Denmark, chopping a log and taking a woodland ramble as she joined children at a forest nursery school.
Kate embraced the outdoor life that forms the backdrop to teaching for many youngsters in the country who thrive on being given the freedom to play in the open air.
In a wooded area on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the duchess, dressed for the bitterly cold but sunny conditions in boots, jeans, a polo-neck jumper and jacket, took on the challenge of splitting a log after watching five-year-olds complete the task.
Surrounded by children dressed in outdoor onesies, teaching assistant Carla Bro advised Kate on her stance and grip and, laughing, the duchess struck the wood.
Kate took just three blows to split the log and was applauded for her efforts by Ms Bro, 21, who said afterwards: “She was very good, she had the right stance with both hands on the hammer and had good focus.
“She asked how we deal with risky play and how we keep things safe. We have safety rules and we teach the children they should not be afraid of tasks but treat them with respect.”
Source: Read Full Article
