THE Queen is under strict orders to rest "for at least the next two weeks" – but hopes to still make the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
Buckingham Palace announced Her Majesty will only be undertaking "light, desk-based duties" as she gets on the mend.
It means the Queen will unfortunately miss the Festival of Remembrance on November 13 – but it is her "firm intention" to attend the Remembrance Sunday service the following day.
She will host some "virtual audiences" but not undertake any official visits as her doctors imposed strict orders to rest, the Palace said.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the very latest updates…
- Louis Allwood
Caution over Her Majesty’s diary
Royal sources say they have been instructed to take a “careful and cautious approach” to Her Majesty’s diary in the future.
Palace officials will create engagements for the Queen based on how she is feeling and whether she needs to travel.
It is understood that there will be an “ever greater collaboration” between senior members of the royal family on future engagements, reports The Mirror.
– but it is her “firm intention” to attend the Remembrance Sunday service the following day.
- Louis Allwood
Horse riding reined in
The Queen was forced to give up horse riding two months ago after suffering “discomfort”.
Her Majesty was told to rein in her equestrianism in early September but is determined to be back in the saddle again soon.
The Sun understands the monarch, a keen horsewoman and avid racing fan, has not been out on a nag since her summer break in Scotland.
- Amelia Beltrao
Meghan and Harry’s first date
According to the biography Finding Freedom, the couple’s first date was at Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse in 2016.
Royal biographers Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand say the pair were “in their own little world” as they traded talk about making “change for good”, while sitting on plush “velvet club chairs”.
“‘Almost immediately they were obsessed with each other,’ a friend told the authors. ‘It was as if Harry was in a trance.’”
The couple tied the knot in Windsor in May 2018 before quitting the Royal Family in January 2020 and moving to the exclusive Californian neighbourhood of Montecito.
- Louis Allwood
Virginia will not stop
Virginia alleges that she was abused by the duke three times while underage.
Her team believe the agreement has no relevance to Andrew, 61, and will not stop her action.
The royal has vehemently denied all her claims.
The secret agreement is said to release lawyers, employees, agents and heirs from liability in connection with the Epstein case – but Andrew is claiming it stretches to him too.
- Louis Allwood
‘Whole country wishes her well’
Speaking from Rome, where he is attending the G20 summit, Mr Johnson told Channel 4: “I spoke to Her Majesty and she’s on very good form.
“She’s just got to follow the advice of her doctors and get some rest, and I think that’s the important thing.
“I think the whole country wishes her well.”
The monarch will host some “virtual audiences” but not undertake any official visits as her doctors imposed strict orders to rest, the palace has said.
- Amelia Beltrao
Harry and Meghan write to G20 leaders
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have written an open letter to G20 leaders claiming promises of vaccine donations from nations are not reaching the globe’s most vulnerable.
Harry and Meghan, along with WHO director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said access to the Covid-19 vaccine was a “fundamental human right”.
As world leaders meet today in Rome for the G20 summit, climate change and Covid are expected to be the top of the agenda.
In their letter, the trio said: “When the leaders of the world’s wealthiest nations met at the G7 Summit in June, they collectively announced that one billion doses of Covid-19 vaccines would be sent to low- and low-and-middle-income countries to help vaccinate the world.
“Pharmaceutical companies have pledged almost the same.
“Yet, as several nations still don’t even have enough vaccines for their own health workers, the world is left asking, where are the doses?”
The duke and duchess have already taken part in a number of events to highlight the issue of vaccine equity.
- Amelia Beltrao
Prince Charles warns leaders to cast differences aside
Prince Charles has warned world leaders ahead of the weekend’s COP26 climate summit they need to cast their differences aside “in order to rescue this planet”.
The UK is hosting the UN climate change summit in Glasgow – which begins today.
Prince Charles is due to give an opening address to the nearly 200 heads of state who will be in attendance, following the news that the Queen will no longer be attending the summit after an overnight stay in hospital.
The Prince of Wales said: “By working together we can actually address our global issues and never more important than now, when it seems to me we need to bury our differences in order to rescue this planet and everything it means, this miraculous planet, for the future of generations to come.
“As I said recently, I totally understand the frustration and despair of so many young people that these issues are taking too long to be properly addressed so we hope at Cop26 there will be progress.
“As world leaders prepare to head to Glasgow next week, where we will be looking for them to take genuine steps to address climate change and biodiversity loss, it is particularly gratifying I think to see that the British Council is pursuing programmes like the climate connection which encourages innovative climate action.”
- Amelia Beltrao
‘His Naughtiness’
Prince William gained the nickname of His Naughtiness when he was little and would stick his tongue out at people, claims a royal author.
In Robert Lacey’s Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, the young heir was a “boisterous” child.
The royal author wrote of William: “With Charles proving to be an equally worshipping and indulgent parent, William became a law unto himself – loud and boisterous and earning the nickname ‘His Royal Naughtiness’ following his poor behaviour at his brother Harry’s christening in December 1984.
He also claims William also went through a phase of pinching “female backsides”, starting with his mum Princess Diana, and later some “maids at Kensington Palace and Highgrove.”
The royal expert said the Queen was “not amused” by her grandson’s cheeky behaviour, particularly when Prince Harry grew old enough to join in.
- Amelia Beltrao
The Queen on ‘very good form’
The Prime Minister says the Queen is on “very good form” after the 95-year-old Monarch was told rest for the next fortnight
Her Majesty has been advised by her doctors to only undertake “desk-based duties” after her recent overnight stay in hospital.
But Buckingham Palace says she has the “firm intention” in leading the nation in honouring the country’s war dead on Remembrance Sunday on November 14.
Boris Johnson says he has regular contact with the Queen, saying getting rest at this moment in time is important for her – and he’s sure “the whole country wishes her well”.
- Amelia Beltrao
Bombshell Document
The sexual assault case against Prince Andrew – which could be fought well into 2022, if it goes to trial – looks set to overwhelm the duke during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year and shred his already battered reputation.
In a lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre in August, she said she was abused by the duke three times while underage, and has even accused him of “rape in the first degree”.
But his legal team reckon the confidential Epstein document could get Andrew off the hook for the lawsuit without having to go to a civil trial.
The agreement was reached during a civil settlement between sex trafficker Epstein and Virginia in 2009, ten years before the billionaire paedophile killed himself in prison.
Its exact wording has not been released publicly.
Virginia’s legal team believe the agreement has no relevance to Andrew and will not stop her lawsuit.
- Amelia Beltrao
Prince Andrew’s legal team hit back
Prince Andrew began his bid to dismiss the sex assault lawsuit against him last night by accusing his alleged victim of “profiting” from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
The Duke of York’s US lawyer, Andrew Brettler, filed a motion to dismiss the civil case brought by Virginia Roberts Giuffre.
As an “alternative”, he also asked a New York court to compel her to provide “a more definitive statement of her allegations”.
But in strong comments, he accused sex trafficking victim Virginia of profiting from the Epstein scandal.
Mr Brettler said: “For over a decade, Giuffre has profited from her allegations against Epstein and others by selling stories and photographs to the press and entering into secret agreements to resolve her claims against her alleged abusers, including Epstein and his ex-girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell.
“Most people could only dream of obtaining the sums of money that Giuffre has secured for herself over the years.”
- Amelia Beltrao
Her Majesty’s still able to do ‘light desk-based duties’
The Queen will spend the next two weeks– on the advice of doctors.
She’s said to be in good spirits – on Thursday, she virtually awarded poet David Constantine the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry.
Her Majesty said the award was “rather a nice medal” and asked Mr Constantine if he planned to put it in a cupboard.
Constantine was at Buckingham Palace to receive the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2020, and was joined by the chair of the judging committee, the Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan praises ‘extra special’ illustrations in her book
Meghan Markle read her new kids’ book ‘The Bench this week, and took to praise the artist who did the “beautiful and ethereal watercolour” illustrations.
Meghan said previously: “Christian layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour illustrations that capture the warmth, joy and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life.
“This representation was particularly important to me and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.
“My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the make up, as much as it does with me.”
The book – Meghan’s first – was published in June this year days after the birth of her second child, Lilibet Diana.
- Milica Cosic
Royals new from the week you don’t want to miss out on
- Meghan Markle mocked by Aussie TV hosts over ‘The Bench’ reading
- The Queen ‘hopes to return to horse riding’ by spring after resting, royal source says
- Prince Harry was ‘very angry’ and ‘didn’t know which way to turn’ before meeting Meghan Markle, expert claims
Pride for ‘mumma’
PRINCESS EUGENIE described the immense pride she feels for her mother, Sarah Ferguson, after the Duchess of York achieved a major victory.
Eugenie, 31, took to her Instagram account to pay tribute to her mother Sarah, 62, following the success of a petition she had backed..
The princess shared on Instagram Stories a post penned by Fergie.
Eugenie shared her mother’s enthusiasm by adding to the post a clapping gif, with the words: “Well done Mumma.”
- Milica Cosic
A ‘landmark moment’ for Camilla
Royal expert Russell Myers has claimed that the Duchess of Cornwall had a “landmark moment” in the Royal Family this week as she made an “incredibly powerful” speech.
In a message on Wednesday evening, Camilla called for more action to tackle sexual violence against women.
Speaking on the Pod Save the Queen podcast, the Daily Mirror’s royal editor Russell Myers said: “It’s an absolutely incredibly powerful speech.
“The Duchess of Cornwall, I think this is a landmark moment for her really.”
- Milica Cosic
Anyone listening?
Meghan Markle’s bid to get paid family leave in the US has failed after Joe Biden dropped it from his $1.75trillion (£1.27trillion) spending plan.
The Duchess of Sussex wrote to members of the US Congress and Senate earlier this month calling for paid leave for new parents.
However it emerged today (Thursday 29) that US President Mr Biden has not included paid family leave in his scaled-back spending plan in an attempt to push it through Congress.
- Milica Cosic
Inside the plush mansion next to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s
THE plush pad in Montecito, California, next door to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s mansion appears to have sold for a whopping £14million.
The seven-bed, 13-bathroom estate was originally on sale for a cool $22.5million (about £16.3million) in March.
Harry and Meghan’s Chateau of Riven Rock pad is visible behind trees on the estate in aerial photos shared online by the US real estate agent.
- Milica Cosic
The Queen’s ‘great sadness’
It was reported earlier this year that the Queen has felt great “sadness” that she so rarely sees her great-grandchildren.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said before Lilibet’s birth: “She has barely seen Archie since he was born, a source of sadness for her.”
That may soon change. According to the source, Harry’s concern for the monarch may prompt a visit ahead of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations next year.
“He felt helpless being 5,000 miles away in Montecito, and has been checking in non-stop with her,” they said.
- Milica Cosic
Sussexes and Cambridges ‘very much rivals now’ says expert
Royal expert Phil Dampier told the Sun that Harry & Meg and Kate & Wills are rivals – despite both couples having a shared environmental vision.
He said: “They are very much rivals now, not brothers in arms, and I’m afraid I can’t see a reconciliation soon.
“If Harry dropped his book project and admitted some of his and Meghan’s comments were over the top there might be some progress, but I can’t see it happening.
“William and Kate have always been very popular in the US but have not been there for some time so they will want to boost their profile and next year, during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, would be a golden opportunity.”
- Milica Cosic
More royal news
- Prince William was known as His Naughtiness when he was little and would stick his tongue out at people.
- And Meghan Markle gives touching nod to Princess Diana while promoting children’s book from LA mansion.
- Plus Prince William learned you ‘don’t mess with grandma’ following wedding ‘clash’ with The Queen.
- Milica Cosic
Pinching ‘female backsides’
Royal Author, Robert Lacey, claims William also went through a phase of pinching “female backsides”, starting with his mum Princess Diana, and later some “maids at Kensington Palace and Highgrove.”
The royal expert said the Queen was “not amused” by her grandson’s cheeky behaviour, particularly when Prince Harry grew old enough to join in.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan and Harry’s first date
According to the biography Finding Freedom, the couple’s first date was at Soho’s Dean Street Townhouse in 2016.
Royal biographers Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand say the pair were “in their own little world” as they traded talk about making “change for good”, while sitting on plush “velvet club chairs”.
“‘Almost immediately they were obsessed with each other,’ a friend told the authors. ‘It was as if Harry was in a trance.’”
The couple tied the knot in Windsor in May 2018 before quitting the Royal Family in January 2020 and moving to the exclusive Californian neighbourhood of Montecito.
- Milica Cosic
‘His Naughtiness’
PrinceWilliam gained the nickname of His Naughtiness when he was little and would stick his tongue out at people, claims a royal author.
In Robert Lacey’s Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, the young heir was a “boisterous” child.
The royal author wrote of William: “With Charles proving to be an equally worshipping and indulgent parent, William became a law unto himself – loud and boisterous and earning the nickname ‘His Royal Naughtiness’ following his poor behaviour at his brother Harry’s christening in December 1984.
“The little prince had wriggled continuously and rolled his eyes with real insolence towards his father when he was not allowed to cuddle his baby brother.
“It was part of a pattern. William had developed the habit of sticking out his tongue at people as well as wielding his water pistol with gay abandon – squirting at least one guard at Highgrove who remained standing obediently at attention until he was soaked through.”
- Milica Cosic
Which way does he turn?
PRINCE Harry was “very angry” and “didn’t know which way to turn” before he met Meghan Markle, a royal expert has claimed.
Appearing on Podcast Royal, biographer Andrew Morton argued that the Duke of Sussex was drifting through life and “without compass” for years.
The expert said: “Prince Harry was a very angry young man and he was taking on the world, he was taking on paparazzi photographers particularly.
“He was stumbling out of bars dishevelled and worse the wear for drink and he didn’t seem to have a compass.”
Describing how the dad-of-two “didn’t know which way to turn”, Andrew continued: “He was struggling to find himself and struggling with the loss of his mother, struggling to come to terms with it and as a young man, he wasn’t always the popular Harry of popular imagination.”
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