A luxurious lobster dinner for King Charles III cost the French president’s office €475,000 (£400,000), as reported by the country’s audit office.
President Emmanuel Macron spared no expense for the monarch’s visit in September, treating guests to blue lobster, crab, and a variety of cheeses.
However, in its annual report on the presidential accounts, the Cour des Comptes cautioned that increased spending on state receptions had contributed to a budget deficit of €8.3 million.
And it says the Elysée now needs to make “significant efforts… to restore and sustain the financial balance of the financial balance of the presidency”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2vXHYdS1gk
Of the money spent on the dinner, over €165,000 went towards catering, with an additional €40,000 spent on drinks.
Guests at the star-studded banquet, which included actor Hugh Grant, football manager Arsene Wenger, and Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, enjoyed a luxurious menu featuring blue lobster and crab, followed by Bresse poultry with mushroom gratin.
The meal also included a cheese course with French Comté and British Stichelton blue, and for dessert, they were served a rose macaroon cookie, made with rose petal cream, raspberries, and lychees.
This lavish banquet at the Palace of Versailles was part ofKing Charles’ three-daystate visit to France, aimed at strengthening the key alliance between the two countries. Initially scheduled for March, the visit was postponed due to widespread protests over pension reforms in major cities.
King Charles’ visit is not the only one highlighted in the report; a July 2023 banquet for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre, which cost the presidential office €412,000, was also mentioned.
The audit office noted that higher spending on state receptions, including these banquets, resulted in a 14% increase in expenditure compared to the previous year, while revenue earned by the presidency only saw a 6.5% rise.
Fresh banknotes featuring the likeness of King Charles III have been introduced into circulation, yet it may take some time before they become commonplace in wallets and handbags.
These new Bank of England notes will gradually replace damaged ones or be issued as demand rises.
The King marks only the second monarch to grace these notes, succeeding Queen Elizabeth II who first appeared in 1960.
Consumers can continue to utilize existing circulating £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes bearing the portrait of the late Queen.
The reverse sides of current polymer Bank of England banknotes, showcasing Sir Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, JMW Turner, and Alan Turing in ascending order, remain unaltered. Notes issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland display different images, not of the monarch.
The initial batch of new banknotes was printed last year, with the extended preparation time allowing for the updating of automated cash-accepting machines to recognize the new designs. The King’s likeness is derived from a photograph taken in 2013.
In April of the preceding year, the BBC was granted exclusive access to the highly secure facility where the notes are being produced.
A year later, the King was presented with a complete set featuring the lowest serial numbers, adhering to the tradition of the monarch receiving the inaugural issues of new banknotes.
Collectors covet banknotes with serial numbers as close to 00001 as possible.
Even as the King graces banknotes, the use of cash may be diminishing from our daily lives.
“This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on our notes,” said Bank of England governor, Andrew Bailey. “We know that cash is important for many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them.”
However, a poll conducted for Link, the UK’s cash access and ATM network, revealed that almost half (48%) of respondents anticipated a cashless society within their lifetime.
Nonetheless, an equal portion expressed concerns about this transition, and 71% of participants indicated that they still depended on cash for daily transactions to some extent.
However, data from consumer association Which? revealed that over the past nine years, 6,000 bank branches had shuttered, resulting in numerous areas with no access to banking facilities and limited availability of cash.
Harry, who is 39 years old, has come back to the UK to go to some parties for the 10th birthday of the Invictus Games. These are sports games he started for soldiers who got hurt while serving in the military.
The king’s son, who is young, has only visited Britain a few times since he and his wife, Meghan, stopped being official royals in 2020. They moved to Los Angeles with their two children and now live there.
They are not close to the rest of the royal family anymore. Harry is not talking much with his older brother, Prince William, who will be king one day.
Harry’s most recent well-known visit was in February when he quickly visited his father after it was announced that the 75-year-old king had cancer.
It was rumored in the media that the two would get together on his recent trip, but a spokesperson for Prince Harry said it’s not going to happen.
The spokesperson said that the duke won’t be able to meet his father this week in the UK because his father is really busy.
Charles went back to work last week after being diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace said they will take good care of the king’s diary to keep him healthy.
The palace said it won’t talk about anything to do with Harry.
On Tuesday, Harry went to several meetings related to the Invictus Games. He was in the British military and served in Afghanistan. On Wednesday, he will go to a special church service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. He will read something during the service.
After Harry leaves Britain, his wife Meghan will come and visit him in Nigeria.
Earlier this month, Charles said he found out he has cancer after going to the hospital for a problem with his enlarged prostate.
The King has cancer, but people don’t know what kind. He found it early and has been getting treatment regularly.
However, because of the problem, the King has decided to start making plans for who will take over after him earlier than he planned. He wants Prince William to be a big part of these plans, which has sparked rumors that the King’s illness might be more serious than we thought.
Tom Quinn, a Royal expert and writer, told the Mirror that Charles knows William is very important for future king plans. Officials thought Charles would be healthy until his mid-eighties before they started planning for the future king. But now they have started planning, which might mean Charles’ cancer is more serious than we thought.
Succession planning is kept secret because nobody trusts Harry to be involved. They think he will go to the media if he is not happy with what he gets.
Prince Harry’s book called Spare caused big problems in the royal family after it came out in January 2023. In the book, he said some shocking things about his family and said mean things about his dad and brother.
Mr Quinn said something after Harry said he was ready to help his father for a short time while he is getting treated.
Prince Harry and his father may make up, but only if his father asks him himself.
A person close to the royal family said that if Harry’s father needed help, Harry would do his best to help him. They said that they don’t think Harry would say no if his dad asked for his help.
But the person who knows a lot about Harry said: “I don’t think Harry would do that by himself. ”
According to the current plan, Harry is the fifth person in line to become king. Prince William is next to be the king, and after him, it will be his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
The 75-year-old king said that kind thoughts are a great comfort and encouragement for those affected by cancer.
Buckingham Palace said on Monday that they found out about the illness.
The King has cancer and is staying at Sandringham for treatment.
He found out he had cancer while he was getting treatment for a bigger prostate in January. The Palace said that the kind of cancer the person has is not prostate cancer, but they did not say what kind it is.
In the thank you note, he wrote that he is happy to know that talking about his illness has helped people understand it better and has brought attention to the organizations that help cancer patients and their families in the UK and around the world.
“I have always admired their hard work and dedication even more, because I have experienced it myself. ” The treatment for the king’s cancer.
He left his house in London and went to his other house in Norfolk on Wednesday with the Queen. His younger son, the Duke of Sussex, had come from the US for a short visit earlier that day.
One of Queen Elizabeth II’s guiding principles was “I have to be seen to be believed. ” It means that people have to see something to believe it. The King won’t be appearing for a while because he has stopped doing his scheduled activities.
But people will still hear from him.
And according to the usually formal way that the Royals write, this is quite personal.
Not many people his age have decided to talk about their medical condition with the whole world. The King says he hopes that being open has helped someone.
And there’s more – this is a man who, like a lot of cancer patients, is now being cared for by doctors and nurses. Just like many other patients, he makes a special effort to praise the people who take care of him. He has encountered their work before, but it has never impacted him the way it does now.
The Queen said her husband was really moved by all the letters and messages they’ve been getting from people all over.
She spoke at a event at Salisbury Cathedral on Thursday. She said the support was very uplifting.
Prince William expressed his gratitude for the kind comments at a charity event for London’s Air Ambulance, which was also attended by Tom Cruise. He said the comments were very meaningful to everyone.
“He said the past few weeks have been mostly about health issues. ”
The King’s sister, the Princess Royal, said supportive words for the king and Catherine earlier this week. Anne went to a big rugby game on Saturday between Scotland and France. She was there because she supports Scottish Rugby.
Duchess of Sussex has been sighted for the first time since her husband, Prince Harry, hurriedly travelled to the UK to visit his father, King Charles.
In newly-released images obtained by MailOnline, Meghan was seen behind the wheel of her Range Rover during a low-key outing near the couple’s Montecito home.
Meghan Markle remained in LA when Prince Harry dashed to the UK this week
The former Suits actress, sporting a pair of oversized sunglasses, exuded a sense of relaxation and contentment as she cruised through her neighborhood on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex made a swift journey from California to the UK, arriving less than 24 hours after Buckingham Palace confirmed King Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry, aged 39, was photographed arriving at Clarence House in London, where he spent approximately 45 minutes with his father before the King departed via helicopter for Sandringham. Subsequently, the Duke returned to Los Angeles, just ahead of his upcoming visit to Canada next week.
King Charles and Queen Camilla seen outside Clarence House after the monarch enjoyed a brief meeting with his son Harry
Meghan, aged 42, opted to stay home with the couple’s young children, Prince Archie, aged four, and Princess Lilibet, aged two. Meanwhile, the Sussexes are scheduled to travel to Canada from February 14 to 16 for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025’s One Year to Go celebrations.
During their three-day visit to Vancouver and Whistler, Harry and Meghan are expected to join members of the Participating Nations Winter Training Camp. This event offers an opportunity for individuals from the International Invictus Community, including team managers, coaches, and competitors, to engage in winter adaptive sports preparations ahead of next year’s Games.
Harry flew to London to see his dad this week
On Wednesday night, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, addressed the public for the first time regarding King’s cancer diagnosis, expressing heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support.
During a fundraising gala dinner, he extended appreciation not only to those who sent kind messages of support for the King but also to those who wished the Princess of Wales well as she undergoes planned abdominal surgery.
Prince Harry has returned to the U.K. following the news of his father King Charles‘ cancer diagnosis, but according to reports, his visit may not entail a reunion with his brother, Prince William.
The Duke of Sussex, aged 39, arrived at London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday and proceeded to Clarence House, the long-standing residence of King Charles, aged 75.
Reports suggest that the last time the father and son were together was during the monarch’s coronation ceremony in May, which Harry attended before swiftly departing for the airport immediately after the event.
Prince Harry undertook the journey solo from California, where he resides with his wife Meghan Markle and their two children, 4-year-old son Prince Archie and 2-year-old daughter Princess Lilibet.
Despite Prince Harry’s meeting with King Charles on Tuesday, just one day after the public announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis, a royal source has indicated that there are currently “no plans” for Prince Harry and Prince William to reunite.
Prince William, aged 41, has been occupied with numerous responsibilities of his own. In recent weeks, he has taken a step back from royal engagements to devote time to caring for his three children — Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis — while his wife, Kate Middleton, recuperates from her recent abdominal surgery.
The Princess of Wales, aged 42, is not expected to resume public duties until at least Easter, as previously stated by the palace.
The Prince of Wales is scheduled to resume public duties on Wednesday, beginning with an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle followed by the annual fundraising gala for the London Air Ambulance.
As the heir to the throne, Prince William may assume some responsibilities on behalf of his father in addition to his own roster of engagements in the upcoming weeks, according to sources familiar with the matter. However, there are currently no plans to appoint Counsellors of State to act on King Charles’ behalf. Counsellors of State are members of the royal family designated to carry out constitutional duties for the monarch in the event of his absence or incapacity. The current Counsellors of State include Queen Camilla, Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward.
While heirs in other royal families across the world may serve as regents when the monarch is indisposed or overseas, the situation in the U.K. differs. According to the House of Commons Library, regents are not permanently installed in Britain, and their appointment is restricted to specific circumstances.
President Akufo-Addo of Ghana extended his heartfelt sympathies to King Charles III of the United Kingdom after news broke of the monarch’s battle with cancer.
In a poignant message shared on behalf of the people and Government of Ghana, as well as his wife, Rebecca, the First Lady, President Akufo-Addo conveyed his best wishes to King Charles as he undergoes treatment.
“In these difficult times, our thoughts and prayers are with the British Monarch, his wife, Queen Camilla, and the entire British Royal Family,” wrote President Akufo-Addo in a post on X on February 6th.
“I join the global community in wishing him strength, courage, and a swift and complete recovery,” he added.
On behalf of the people and Government of Ghana, and on behalf of my wife Rebecca, the First Lady, I send best wishes to His Royal Majesty, King Charles III, King of the United Kingdom and Head of the Commonwealth, as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles will temporarily postpone his public engagements as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Prince William is anticipated to fulfill some of his father’s duties during this period.
Although specific details regarding the King’s prognosis have not been disclosed, the Palace has clarified that the illness is not prostate cancer, although it was detected during treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King commenced “regular treatments” for his condition on Monday.
Despite scaling back his public appearances, King Charles will continue fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities as head of state, including administrative tasks and private meetings. His weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to proceed in person unless advised otherwise by medical professionals.
The Palace has affirmed that King Charles maintains an optimistic outlook regarding his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his public duties. Both of his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have been informed about his diagnosis. Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, has spoken to his father and plans to travel to the UK to be with him in the near future.
King Charles has returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk and has commenced outpatient treatment.
Buckingham Palace made a solemn announcement on February 5, revealing that King Charles has received a cancer diagnosis.
The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed; however, it is confirmed not to be prostate cancer. Rather, it was detected during his recent treatment for an enlarged prostate.
The King has commenced “regular treatments” as of Monday and will be temporarily stepping back from public duties during this period, as conveyed by the Palace.
The British Royal Family has long been a subject of global intrigue, with their lives steeped in tradition and public duty, often intersecting with moments of both triumph and tragedy that capture the world’s attention.
Here are ten significant occurrences within the Royal Family that have dominated world news:
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (2012) Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s remarkable 60-year reign, the Diamond Jubilee was a testament to her enduring presence and the reverence she commands worldwide. The event was marked by widespread celebrations across the Commonwealth, underscoring her global impact.
The Marriage of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (2011) The enchanting nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton captivated millions worldwide, symbolizing a fresh chapter for the British monarchy and introducing a modern royal couple to the world stage.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding (2018) The union of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle defied royal conventions and exemplified a more inclusive and diverse monarchy. Their wedding was celebrated globally and distinguished by its contemporary interpretation of royal traditions.
The Birth of Prince George (2013) The arrival of Prince George, the future heir to the British throne, was cause for national jubilation. It signaled the continuation of the Windsor lineage and brought joy to royal enthusiasts worldwide.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Stepping Back (2020) In a stunning announcement, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry revealed their decision to step back from royal duties, sparking global discourse on media scrutiny, mental health, and the monarchy’s role in contemporary society.
The Death of Prince Philip (2021) The passing of Prince Philip marked the end of an era. His lifelong dedication to public service and unwavering support for the Queen were commemorated worldwide, reflecting on his profound contributions to the UK and the Commonwealth.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee (2022) Queen Elizabeth II made history as the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking an astonishing 70 years on the throne. This monumental milestone underscored her unparalleled role in British history and her enduring influence on the global stage.
Interviews and Public Statements Revealing interviews and public statements by royal family members have often made headlines, offering insights into their personal lives and challenges. Particularly noteworthy was Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey, which shed light on internal struggles within the royal family and ignited global dialogue.
Charitable Works and Global Initiatives The Royal Family’s involvement in charitable endeavors and global initiatives has left a profound impact, from environmental conservation efforts to mental health advocacy. These endeavors underscore their commitment to public service and global betterment.
Changes in the Line of Succession Adjustments and updates to the line of succession, such as the birth of new heirs or alterations in royal protocols, consistently captivate those following the monarchy, signaling shifts within the traditional structures of the Royal Family.
Buckingham Palace has announced that King Charles will temporarily postpone his public engagements as he undergoes treatment for cancer.
Prince William is anticipated to fulfill some of his father’s duties during this period.
Although specific details regarding the King’s prognosis have not been disclosed, the Palace has clarified that the illness is not prostate cancer, although it was detected during treatment for an enlarged prostate. The King commenced “regular treatments” for his condition on Monday.
Despite scaling back his public appearances, King Charles will continue fulfilling his constitutional responsibilities as head of state, including administrative tasks and private meetings. His weekly audiences with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak are expected to proceed in person unless advised otherwise by medical professionals.
The Palace has affirmed that King Charles maintains an optimistic outlook regarding his treatment and eagerly anticipates resuming his public duties. Both of his sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, have been informed about his diagnosis. Prince Harry, who resides in the United States, has spoken to his father and plans to travel to the UK to be with him in the near future.
King Charles has returned to London from Sandringham in Norfolk and has commenced outpatient treatment.
King Charles and Catherine, the Princess of Wales, have left the hospital after undergoing medical procedures.
King Charles left the London Clinic private hospital after a three-night stay for treatment of an enlarged prostate. Accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla, he waved to the cameras before departing.
Princess Catherine, on the other hand, had undergone “abdominal surgery” almost two weeks ago and left the same central London hospital.
She was driven to her home in Windsor, and while there were no public appearances, it is noted that she will be spending months in recuperation.
Buckingham Palace noted that the King would now reschedule his public engagements “to allow for a period of private recuperation”.
There is uncertainty about the duration of the King’s pause in official visits and where he will spend his recovery time.
However, it emphasizes that the medical treatment he received does not necessitate any constitutional changes for his role as the head of state. Additionally, there has been no need for “counsellors of state” to stand in for the King during his recovery.
Regarding Catherine, the Princess of Wales, it’s mentioned that she left the London Clinic after spending 13 nights there since her operation.
The nature of the surgery has not been disclosed, but it is serious enough to require several months of recovery. The princess has not been seen in public since Christmas Day, and Kensington Palace stated that she would continue her recovery at home, expected to be in Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
Prince William, her husband, visited her during her hospital stay, as did the King before his prostate procedure. The King’s hospitalization was for the treatment of a benign prostate problem, a common condition in older men, and not cancerous.
She is staying at the London Clinic over the weekend.
The Queen visited her husband on Saturday afternoon and stayed with him for about three hours.
Last week, the Palace announced that the 75-year-old King is going to have a medical procedure. He went from Sandringham to London on Thursday to get the surgery.
An enlarged prostate is a common non-cancerous problem that older men often have. About one in three men over 50 have some symptoms of it, according to the NHS.
The King’s role as head of state does not need to change because the medical treatment is not a big enough problem. There will be no need for special advisors who can take over when a king or queen is very sick.
The Palace said that the King made his diagnosis public to encourage other men to get their prostates checked. After the announcement, there was an increase in searches about enlarged prostates on the NHS website, which doctors and charities are happy about.
A person from Buckingham Palace said the King is happy to hear that his illness is helping people learn more about staying healthy. He also wants to say thank you to everyone who has sent him kind messages.
Queen Camilla went with him to the hospital in Marylebone, which is in central London, on Friday.
Before she went away, she told the people in the hospital that her husband was “doing good, thank you”.
The Queen came back on Friday night for a visit that lasted about an hour and a half.
Britain’s monarch, King Charles III, turns 75 today, after celebrating a day earlier at his Highgrove residence in Gloucestershire with notable figures including chef Raymond Blanc, Jay Blades from The Repair Shop, and singer Leee John.
Today, King Charles will engage in public activities, emphasizing environmental causes like visiting a surplus food distribution center with Queen Camilla. The day will also mark the official launch of the Coronation Food Project, addressing food poverty by redirecting surplus food.
A reception at Buckingham Palace for 400 nurses and midwives is part of the 75th-anniversary celebrations for the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS choir will surprise him with a birthday song, and gun salutes will echo in London and the UK.
The evening will feature a private dinner at his London residence attended by close family and friends, excluding his estranged son, Harry.
The evening celebration will be attended by close family and friends, although his estranged younger son Harry will be missing.
A spokesperson for Harry and his American wife Meghan rebutted reports they had turned down an invitation saying there had been “no contact regarding an invitation to His Majesty’s upcoming birthday”.
The King and Queen will today launch the Coronation Food Project to mark His Majesty’s 75th birthday.
The project is a groundbreaking initiative to help reduce food waste and support those living in food insecurity.
King Charles is commemorating his 75th birthday with a business-as-usual approach, featuring the launch of a project aimed at assisting those facing food poverty.
As part of his birthday plans, the King will receive a transatlantic phone call from his younger son, Prince Harry.
The day’s activities will also include hosting a reception for NHS nurses and midwives, with ceremonial gun salutes scheduled at prominent locations, including the Tower of London.
Emphasizing public service over extravagant celebrations, the King’s engagements will focus on the launch of the Coronation Food Project. This initiative aims to address the dual challenge of rising food insecurity among people unable to afford essentials and the wastage of millions of tonnes of surplus food.
While there will be a private dinner for close family and friends, the gesture of a birthday phone call from Prince Harry is seen by some as a potential olive branch, especially amidst previous claims of no contact regarding the birthday plans.
Image caption,King Charles invited others who were 75 this year to a party at Highgrove
Highlighting the campaign in an article in the Big Issue magazine, the King said: “Food need is as real and urgent a problem as food waste.”
The King told the magazine that “cost-of-living pressures” were resulting in “too many families and individuals missing out on nutritious meals”.
The Coronation Food Project seeks to establish distribution hubs that connect surplus food with food banks and charities, facilitating the distribution of food parcels to those in need.
“There are one in five people in this country that are suffering what charities call ‘food insecurity’ – to me, they’re ‘hungry’,” says Baroness Louise Casey, co-chair of the project.
“People are going without meals,” she says.
“There are one in five people in this country that are suffering what charities call ‘food insecurity’ – to me, they’re ‘hungry’,” says Baroness Louise Casey, co-chair of the project.
“People are going without meals,” she says.
The King and Queen will today launch the Coronation Food Project to mark His Majesty’s 75th birthday.
The project is a groundbreaking initiative to help reduce food waste and support those living in food insecurity.
On Tuesday evening, an animation promoting the Coronation Food Project will be showcased on the digital advertising hoardings at Piccadilly Circus in London.
The launch of a food-sharing project on the King’s birthday holds historical significance. When Prince Charles was born on November 14, 1948, post-war Britain still faced food rationing.
To mark the birth of Princess Elizabeth’s first child, a scheme was initiated to provide a gift food parcel to families with children born on the same day. Records from the National Archives indicate that over 2,600 gift parcels, containing items such as soap, butter, dried egg, honey, marmalade, bacon, and beef, were distributed during this era of austerity.
King Charles celebrated his 75th birthday by hosting a party at his residence, Highgrove in Gloucestershire, on Monday. He also commemorated the 75th anniversary of organizations, including the NHS, inviting 400 nurses and midwives to a reception at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
In a symbolic move of maintaining an active role, King Charles rebranded his charities as the King’s Trust and King’s Foundation, deviating from the previous Prince’s Trust and Prince’s Foundation. His upcoming participation in the COP28 climate change summit in Dubai at the end of the month further reflects his commitment to ongoing engagement.
At the age of 75, King Charles now ranks as the sixth longest-lived British monarch, trailing behind Elizabeth II, Victoria, George III, Edward VIII, and George II.
Prince Harry has been accused of saying no to an invitation to celebrate his dad, King Charles III’s, 75th birthday.
The King is going to have a special birthday next Tuesday. He will celebrate at Clarence House in London to celebrate this important day.
While his closest family and friends will be there, sources say the Duke of Sussex won’t be going.
This is very different from Charles’s 70th birthday because Harry and Meghan postponed their honeymoon to go to his garden party.
This time it seems like Harry has said no to hanging out with his dad because his book, Spare, made the Royal Family upset.
According to MailOnline, Harry has declined the opportunity to spend time with his father for a second time.
In September, he said no to the king’s invitation to go to Balmoral for Queen Elizabeth II’s death anniversary. He was in the UK at that time but went to a charity event instead.
Harry and Charles haven’t talked to each other in person since last September when they were mourning and attending the funeral for the late Queen. Harry flew from California to the UK to go to King Charles‘s crowning ceremony in May. However, he only stayed there for a short time, less than a day, and quickly visited Buckingham Palace before going back to the US.
According to someone close to the royal family, Prince Harry did not receive any birthday greetings from his father or brother, Prince William, in September. Additionally, the Royal Family did not publicly acknowledge his or his daughter, Lilibet’s, birthdays like they did for other members of the royal family.
The official website of the Royal Family has taken off Harry’s HRH (His Royal Highness) title.
It is believed that Charles may not be contacting Harry because he is upset and disappointed about how Queen Camilla was portrayed in his book.
Earlier this year, someone on the inside said that Harry and Meghan will not create any TV shows or books about their family anymore to prevent causing any more distress to their family.
Prince Harry, in the Heart of Invictus documentary, indirectly expressed his dissatisfaction with his upbringing as a member of the royal family. He mentioned feeling alone and lacking assistance, stating that he did not have a support system to rely on. He also admitted to burying his past painful experiences.
A small moment during King Charles’ state visit to Kenya may have defined it.
An elderly war veteran was waiting in a wheelchair for his turn to meet the British monarch at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Kariokor cemetery in Nairobi on Wednesday morning. It’s a peaceful oasis in a bustling neighborhood where makeshift market stalls line the streets.
Cpl. Samwel Nthigai Mburia fought for the British in multiple campaigns during World War II from 1939 to 1945, deploying to Ethiopia, Egypt, and Myanmar. He served under the command of Charles’ mother, Elizabeth II, who was still Queen of as well as the United Kingdom at the time. Mburia received several medals for his service, but in the 1950s he threw them away.
Why? Because anyone back then who had supported the British colonial power became a target for the Mau Mau resistance who were on their own campaign to seize their country back. Kenya ultimately gained its independence in December 1963, but the violent period in the lead-up saw thousands killed.
Ahead of Kenya’s 60th anniversary of independence, King Charles, accompanied by Queen Camilla, laid a wreath for Kenya’s fallen at the cemetery, then made his way over to meet veterans, including Mburia. Charles was briefed on Mburia’s service and was informed of his age. Military records revealed Mburia was born in 1906, according to the palace, which said he was 117 years old. His age would suggest he could be the oldest person in the world. (The world’s oldest verified living person is 116-year-old María Branyas Morera, according to Guinness World Records.)
Charles was handed a tray of shiny new medals which he presented to Mburia to replace the ones he had lost. “I hope they’re all the right ones there,” the King said, before remarking on the veteran’s age. “You must be on wild locusts and honey or something.” Mburia smiled as his honors glistened in the sunshine on his lap.
Royals are all about symbolism and this interaction spoke to everything the King and his aides were hoping to achieve on this trip. If the old medals represented a legacy of colonialism and violence, the new ones represent a redefined relationship between two independent states.
That afternoon, Charles gathered representatives of those who fought the British in Kenya during their struggle for statehood. It was a private meeting, and no media were allowed to observe. But Evelyn Kimathi was there.
Her father, Dedan Kimathi, led the resistance and was executed by the British. She revealed to us that she’d told Charles she wanted help finding her father’s body, which is missing, and that her family wanted their land back.
As a constitutional monarch, there’s little the King can do, and these demands are matters for his government. However, he can listen and make sure people like Evelyn are heard at the highest levels. That’s the power of monarchy. It can elevate issues and arguments even if it can’t be seen to influence them.
This discussion was one example of following through on a promise Charles had made at the state banquet as the visit kicked off. “In coming back to Kenya, it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs, and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected,” he’d said.
The monarch has also visited the Uhuru Gardens, the site of Kenya’s declaration of independence, and toured a new museum showcasing Kenya’s history, including a “Tunnel of Martyrs,” where British-signed death warrants serve as a stark reminder of past injustices.
Charles’ approach to confronting challenging chapters in Britain’s history is a strategy we’ve seen from the new monarch in recent months.
This is the third state visit of Charles’ reign. The first two, to Germany and France, were thoughtful but in a different way. Relations with both countries became strained after the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016. On those trips, he delicately referenced that turbulent period in speeches to politicians, earning him standing ovations in both parliaments.
King Charles’ moves are a progression from the way his mother operated. While Queen Elizabeth II always opted for impartiality and avoided the most sensitive political issues, Charles has shown no fear about wading into them while still finding a way to maintain a neutral position.
Many, like Evelyn, will say that “the struggle continues” and carry on demanding formal apologies and reparations. But the response from people he meets and local politicians to Charles’ actions on these trips would suggest that he is helping with some of the healing of these deep historical wounds.
He may not be a political figure, but he is a symbolic one. The “Listening King” may be giving the UK a more sensitive brand.
King Charles will recognize the “unpleasant parts” of the UK’s past with Kenya during his visit to the East African country next month, according to his office.
Camilla will go with him when he goes to Kenya. The President of Kenya, William Ruto, invited him to come for their 60th anniversary of independence from Britain.
Kenya became free from the UK’s control in 1963, and ever since then, both countries have had a strong bond with each other.
The violent colonial legacy of the Mau Mau uprising, which caused a period called the Emergency, is still remembered.
Chris Fitzgerald, who assists the King, said that the King and Queen will have a plan to show how the British and Kenyan people are connected in things like art, technology, business, education, and new ideas.
The trip will also recognize the difficult parts of the history shared by the UK and Kenya, including the Emergency period from 1952 to 1960.
During the visit, the king will spend time learning more about the hardships experienced by the people of Kenya during that time.
King Charles is set to address the “painful aspects” of the UK’s historical relationship with Kenya during an upcoming state visit to the East African nation next month.
His office has confirmed that Camilla will be accompanying him on this visit, which comes in response to an invitation from President William Ruto.
The occasion for the visit is Kenya’s celebration of the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain.
Kenya gained independence from the UK in 1963, and the two countries have maintained a strong and cooperative relationship ever since.
However, the historical legacy of the violent colonial era, particularly the Mau Mau uprising and the subsequent Emergency period, continues to be a significant part of their shared history.
Chris Fitzgerald, the deputy private secretary to the King, shared this information: “The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation.
“The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).
“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.”
The speech talked about the serious problem of climate change and had parts in both French and English.
People were waiting to see if the King would respond to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision about achieving net zero.
However, the speech carefully chosen words to prevent any indirect criticism.
The King said that while the problem our planet is facing is big and serious, it is encouraging to see that our governments, people, and private companies are taking action.
Kings and queens listen to their advisors, so when they give a speech, they are expected to stay neutral on political issues.
However, it was definitely uncomfortable timing to have the prime minister suddenly change his stance on achieving net zero emissions at the same time as a state visit that prioritized environmental protection.
So it is possible that people will be watching closely for any disagreement on climate change between the government and the royal family. In his speech, the King expressed his desire to strengthen and maintain the good relationship between France and Britain. He also wanted this relationship to focus on preserving the environment and supporting lasting development.
The King, who glanced around the fancy meeting room and appeared touched by the long clapping, mentioned how Britain and France came together during war as an inspiration for working together in current battles.
In addition to climate change, he mentioned the conflict in Ukraine as a fight for democracy and freedom because of the unexpected aggression happening on our continent.
The King said in French that we are united and determined for Ukraine to succeed and for our cherished freedoms to win.
The King mentioned that his mother, who has passed away, really loved France. He talked about the strong friendship between France and our country.
The speech was serious and didn’t have many jokes, but people liked it, especially because the King used a lot of French.
Malcolm Massey, a French language expert from the Babbel app, said that the King’s French pronunciation was good and he had a decent accent. In a rainy Paris, he will later go to another famous place called Notre Dame. He will see how they are fixing the cathedral after it was badly damaged in a fire.
There was a meeting with famous sports players like Didier Drogba from Chelsea football team. Queen Camilla started a prize for literature between England and France.
At a gathering in the French national library, she informed the attendees that she had been a student in Paris 60 years ago.
On the last day of the three-day trip, the King and Queen will be going to see environmental projects in Bordeaux.
Before today’s meeting, a person from Élysée told Reuters: “They are friends and trust each other, and they have talked a lot, especially in the last year. ”
They saw each other for the last time in May when Macron went to London for the King’s Coronation. Last year, Macron gave him a book filled with pictures that celebrated Queen Elizabeth II‘s trips to France.
The two of them met before because of their shared interest in the environment. In 2020, when Prince Charles was still the prince, he invited Macron to an event celebrating the 80th anniversary of General de Gaulle’s Appeal. During that event, they had a long conversation about environmental issues, and many people talked about it.
The next year, at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, the King and Macron organized a team of people to work on environmental issues together.
Ahead of the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, King Charles III is giving Prince William command of the British Army battalion where his brother Prince Harry formerly served.
William will now serve as colonel-in-chief of the Army Air Corps, the British Army’s combat aviation division, according to a statement released by Buckingham Palace on Friday. Harry served in this division as a helicopter pilot in Afghanistan.
“The new appointments will continue to reflect the close relationship between the Armed Forces and the Royal Family in His Majesty’s reign,” the statement read.
Kate Middleton, the wife of William, was granted three new roles, one of which is the commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm.
This particular designation was formerly held by Prince Andrew, who was stripped of the position amidst allegations in a civil sexual assault case. Reportedly, he settled the case by paying millions of dollars.
Another title that was previously associated with Andrew has been bestowed upon Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, the wife of Prince Edward. She is now the colonel-in-chief of the Royal Irish Regiment.
It’s worth noting that the reshuffling did not reinstate any of Andrew’s prior military titles.
Prince William, who once served as a search and rescue pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF), has been appointed as colonel-in-chief of the Mercian Regiment, an infantry regiment within the British Army. Additionally, he has been made the royal honorary air commodore of RAF Valley, a military installation situated on the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales. During his three-year tenure at RAF Valley until 2013, William reportedly participated in 156 rescue operations, resulting in the saving of 149 lives.
William’s appointment to lead the Army Air Corps and specifically, Harry’s former unit within it—662 Squadron—might raise some eyebrows in the United Kingdom. According to Joe Little, the managing editor of Majesty Magazine, it’s quite plausible that Harry himself could have been considered for the role had he not stepped back from his role as a working royal. Little stated to the Daily Mirror that “if Harry had remained in the picture, he might have secured additional appointments.”
Earlier this year, the Duke of Sussex garnered attention from certain sectors of the British military establishment when he disclosed in his memoir his involvement in eliminating 25 Taliban members during his time in Afghanistan with the 662 Squadron. In the book, he described them as “chess pieces removed from the board” and mentioned that he neither derived satisfaction from the tally nor felt ashamed by it.
King Charles, who also serves as the head of the British armed forces due to his role as the sovereign, is set to acquire eight new military affiliations. Buckingham Palace’s statement highlighted that “His Majesty is a military veteran himself, having trained and served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.”
These shifts within the military framework coincide with the upcoming first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing next month. Reports in the UK media have suggested that William and Kate will assume prominent roles in the commemorations. A source within the Waleses’ office confirmed to The Daily Beast that there is likely to be some form of acknowledgment of the anniversary, although precise details have yet to be finalized.
On Wednesday, Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, announced that he and his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau were divorcing.
We have decided to separate, Trudeau added, following “many meaningful and difficult conversations” with Sophie.
As always, he added, “we continue to be a close family with a deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build.”
For the sake of their children’s safety, he requested that their privacy be maintained.
The couple “have signed a legal separation agreement,” the prime minister‘s office stated in a statement on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “They have worked to ensure that all necessary legal and ethical steps with regard to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so going forward.”
According to the official biography of the Canadian Prime Minister, Trudeau returned to Montreal in 2002 after spending several years as a teacher in Vancouver. It was there that he met Grégoire.
“Justin moved back to Montréal in 2002, when he met Sophie Grégoire. They were united in marriage in 2005, and today they are the proud parents of Hadrien, Ella-Grace, and Xavier.
According to the Liberal Party website for Grégoire Trudeau, he graduated from the University of Montréal with a degree in communications and afterwards worked in sales and advertising before becoming a reporter for television and radio.
Last year, Grégoire Trudeau said on Instagram that he and his wife had “navigated through sunny days, heavy storms, and everything in between and it ain’t over.”
Long-term partnerships are difficult in a variety of ways, she continued. They require ongoing effort, adaptability, sacrifice, devotion, patience, and a whole lot more. There is no perfect relationship since none of us are, but love is only real when it protects, liberates, and develops its recipient.
The two met US President Joe Biden in March and went to King Charles’ coronation in London earlier in May.
Stamps without a barcode won’t be accepted for postage after today.
A scannable barcode will now be present on every stamp as part of a new initiative to digitalize them.
In February of last year, barcoded stamps were introduced, enabling users to view additional content like movies and messages from senders.
The plan, according to Royal Mail, will increase productivity and incorporate more “security features.” In the future, the technology is anticipated to advance and find new applications.
In order to allow individuals more time to use them up, the expiration date for stamps without a barcode was extended by six months from the initial end-of-January date.
Old-style stamps, however, will be considered to have inadequate postage as of tomorrow, August 1, and will incur a £1.10 fee.
However, anyone who still has stamps without a barcode can still trade them in for fresh ones.
By printing and completing this Stamp Swap Out form, you can exchange up to £200 worth of non-barcoded stamps if you have a printer.
No other address information or postcode is required; simply write “Freepost SWAP OUT” on the envelope and include the form with your stamps to send it without paying postage.
Use the Bulk Stamp Swap Out form if you have a printer and more than £200 worth of stamps to exchange.
It needs to be delivered to the following address: Royal Mail, Swap Out, Tallents House, 21 South Gyle Crescent, Edinburgh, EH12 9PB.
By filling out this form, you can ask for a Stamp Swap Out form to be mailed to you if you don’t have access to a printer.
Forms for stamp exchanges can also be obtained at the customer service desk at your neighbourhood delivery offices.
At a post office, you cannot directly exchange your stamps.
The Queen’s face-themed barcoded stamps are still in use. In April, the first stamps bearing the image of King Charles were made available.
Due to the inevitable discontinuation of the Queen’s stamps, we will likely see two monarchs on our post for a number of years, which is unusual given how long it has been.
Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage is one of the few artists bringing Afrobeats to a wider audience, has spoken candidly about the emotional struggles she faced before performing for King Charles at his coronation.
Behind the captivating and applaud-worthy performance that the world witnessed on the stage at Windsor Castle’s East Lawn was a plethora of emotions that kept her from her ultimate objective.
This was the first time an African was gracing the huge stage and all she could think of was how to impress and what could go wrong.
That notwithstanding, she revealed in an interview that after having a grasp of the microphone and the warm reception she received, it was only prudent to shake away the nervousness.
“I was nervous, I will say the first few seconds. But as soon as I started singing, I said, ‘I have to just get swept away by the crowd’.”
Tiwa started melodiously to sooth the souls of the thousands gathered before transitioning into her usual Afrobeat rhythm.
She incorporated elements of Yoruba language and dance into her performance which attracted applauses from the audiences.
In all, Tiwa’s performance was spectacular and in the days afterwards, she was still the cynosure of the star-studded event.
“It was beautiful [to perform for the King]. It was such an amazing moment to represent the Commonwealth and to be on that stage,” she said amid laughter.
The Scottish Crown has been officially given to King Charles.
At an elaborate coronation ceremony held in Edinburgh this afternoon, he received the Scottish crown jewels.
They are emblems of his power in Scotland and include the Sword of State, sceptre, and the crown that Mary Queen of Scots wore in 1543.
Charles and Camilla watched from the Palace of Holyroodhouse as the legendary Red Arrows also did a ceremonial flypast after the wedding.
Nine Hawk jets from the Royal Air Force’s aerobatic team roared above the Royal Mile in a V formation, streaming red, white and blue colours behind them.
Thousands gathered in the Scottish capital to watch pipe bands march through the city centre before the service at St Giles’ Cathedral.
Scotland’s leading figures, and representatives from the nation’s life gathered for a service of thanksgiving and dedication for the King and Queen.
It was also attended by William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
The service came eight weeks after Charles and Camilla were crowned in an ancient ceremony at Westminster Abbey where the King made a pledge to ‘serve’.
The Right Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, delivered the sermon, which took the environment as one of its themes.
King Charles and Queen Camilla heard a stark message for the planet to be safeguarded for future generations and not left ‘baking to a crisp’.
She told the congregation that society will be on the ‘right track’ if we understand that ‘the Heavens and Earth’ are not ‘human commodities or possessions’.
‘Blessed are we, on the right track are we when we understand that our children do not inherit this Earth from us – we have borrowed it from them,’ she said.
‘And it is our duty to return it still singing and surging and bathing, not baking to a crisp.’
Charles spoke extensively before becoming King about the importance of the environment, tackling climate change and protecting wildlife.
He runs his Aston Martin sportscar on sustainable fuel and even recycles his bathwater at Clarence House.
Spectators watched a people’s procession make its way from Edinburgh Castle to the cathedral – a group around 100 strong, reflecting all aspects of Scottish society from the arts and politics, to education, civil society and business, including charities which the King supports as patron.
At its head was Shetland pony Corporal Cruachan IV, regimental mascot of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
Protesters and royal fans lined the streets, with republican groups chanting ‘not my King’ countered by others shouting ‘God save the King’.
Participants from the people’s procession sat in the cathedral’s pews as the Moderator said ideals like ‘mercy and peace’ should not be ‘domesticated or downgraded’ but be the ‘fabric of our being’.
She also said that society is on the ‘right track’ if people are ‘brave enough to choose collaboration and trust over fear-filled circling of our wagons’.
‘Sisters and brothers, look around you. We are one global neighbourhood – intricately inter-related and completely co-dependent, woven together, like a tartan,’ she said.
Scotland’s First Minister, Humza Yousaf, gave a Bible reading from the Old Testament during the service, and Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger carried the Sword of State.
The Rt Rev Foster-Fulton concluded by telling the King and Queen: ‘Your Majesties, you have made it part of your mission to speak alongside creation, advocating for it.
‘As we present the Honours of Scotland to you, we commit ourselves to walking that journey with you.
‘We are all a small part of something so much bigger – this beautiful, sacred creation and everyone and everything in it. Thanks be to God.’
The President is scheduled to travel to the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Finland from July 9-13.
He will first travel to London, for engagements with the King and Rishi ‘to further strengthen the close relationship between our nations,’ White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.
Buckingham Palace confirmed that the King will meet Mr Biden at Windsor Castle on July 10.Mr Biden made a brief trip to Northern Ireland earlier this year to mark the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, meeting the Prime Minister for brief talks in Belfast.
The White House said that after visiting the UK Mr Biden would ‘then travel to Vilnius, Lithuania from July 11- 12 to attend the 74th Nato Summit’.
‘On July 13, President Biden will visit Helsinki, Finland for a US-Nordic Leaders Summit.’
The apparently short trip by Mr Biden comes after the US and the UK announced a new partnership, the ‘Atlantic Declaration’, to bolster economic security.
Announced during Mr Sunak’s visit to the White House, it included commitments on easing trade barriers, closer defence industry ties and a data protection deal.
While both sides used that Washington visit to hail the strength of US-UK ties, Mr Biden has not been afraid of occasionally criticising London.
Mr Biden in May claimed that he visited the island of Ireland earlier this year to ensure the ‘Brits didn’t screw around’, amid ongoing US concern about the impact of Brexit on the peace process.
During that visit, the President told the Irish parliament that he believed the UK should be working more closely with the administration in Dublin to support Northern Ireland.
Mr Biden and First Lady Jill Biden travelled to London for the funeral of the late Queen last September.
The US President did not attend the King’s coronation, with his wife attending instead.
Mr Sunak will also be attending the Nato summit in Vilnius, which is seen as a crunch summit at which a compromise on Ukraine’s demand for membership of the alliance is expected to be hammered out.
One sad soldier succumbed to heat exhaustion just as the Royal Family arrived at Windsor Castle for today’s historic Order of the Garter procession.
The Household Cavalryman, who was dressed in full ceremonial garb, including a metal helmet, collapsed to the ground while facing the sun’s intensity.
A police officer and some bystanders were seen on surveillance footage helping the soldier stand up just before the parade passed them.
King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Royal party, including the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Princess Anne with her husband, Vice Admiral, Sir Anthony Lawrence, during the Garter Day parade.
Disgraced Prince Andrew is said to have joined them for lunch in his role as Royal Knight Companion but was not allowed to take part in the parade.
The event, described as the most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, was set up in medieval times by King Edward III, who was inspired by the legend of King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table.
He set up his own group of honourable knights, called the Order of the Garter.
There are 24 spaces for Knights and Ladies Companion, who are recognised for their work and public service and hail from a variety of backgrounds.
The soldier fainted moments before the arrival of the King and Queen (Picture: PA)Officials rushed to help the member of Household Cavalry after his fall (Picture: Getty)
Former Prime Ministers Tony Blair and John Major were among guests seen going into St George’s Chapel for the prestigious ceremony.
Almost 3,000 royal fans gathered to watch the event unfold, cheering as the King and Queen waved.
The Baroness Ashton of Upholland GCMG was installed as a Lady Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and the Lord Patten of Barnes CH was installed as a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.
The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving the service at Windsor Castle (Picture: REUTERS)
It is not the first time a soldier has fainted at a high-profile event.
Footage emerged of a trombonist desperately trying to continue playing his instrument after he was one of several soldiers to collapse during a rehearsal of the Trooping the Colour earlier this month.
Prince William tweeted after the event: ‘A big thank you to every soldier who took part in the Colonel’s Review this morning in the heat.
‘Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W.”
A royal guard fell to the floor while watching the late Queen’s coffin during the first day of her lying in state at Westminster Abbey last September, leading to the live broadcast being halted.
Another member of the Household Cavalry was pictured face first on the ground after falling over during a Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in 2021.
One benefit of Queen Elizabeth‘s that stood out over her 70-year reign was the fact that she celebrated two birthdays, which was something the rest of us could only hope for.
Her Majesty was born on April 21st, 1926, but her ‘formal birthday celebration’ was the annual Trooping of the Colour parade, which takes place in the summer, typically in June.
Today, June 17, is Trooping of the Colour, and King Charles will carry on the tradition for the first time as monarch while also marking his “official birthday.”
But why does the King have two birthdays, and how did the tradition begin?
Why does King Charles III have two birthdays?
King Charles will carry on the tradition of Trooping the Colour, which dates all the way back to 1748.
So, as a result, it’s implied he will indeed continue having two birthdays.
The first royal ruler to have two birthday celebrations was the Queen’s distant relative, King George II – who wished to throw a public celebration, with a parade and plenty of pomp and circumstance to mark the occasion of his birthday.
However, having been born in November, the odds on the weather holding out for a huge outdoor bash in the UK were pretty slim.
Instead, the monarch decided to use the UK’s annual military parade held in the summer as his official birthday celebration, meaning that he would mark his birthday twice – once for the public in the summer and once in private in November.
Rather conveniently, our now King’s birthday is also in November – so Charles’ decision to host Trooping the Colour 2023 on June 17 feels more connected to history than ever before.
When it’s eventually time for the nation to have a King William, the tradition of two birthdays might come to an end.
This is because William’s birthday is already in June.
A grandma of 100 years old has shared her key to longevity: gin consumption.
Beatrice Peters enjoyed a sip of her favourite beverage and a telegram from King Charles III as she celebrated her milestone birthday on Tuesday.
The former seamstress has endured five monarchies, 21 prime ministers, a world war, and a pandemic.
She claimed that a regular refreshing gin and tonic is the key to living a long life while sporting a birthday badge and a tiara.
I believe it to be gin, she replied. “I like gin, but only with something else,” she added.
The mum-of-two said she loved holidays to Ireland and going to Appleby Horse Fair in Cumbria with her late husband Vincent, who died in 1991.
And while she said she ‘doesn’t feel any different’ at turning 100, she said a birthday party thrown by care home staff in Preston was a ‘lovely surprise’.
Beatrice, originally from nearby Blackpool, said: ‘I don’t feel any different.
‘My bones aren’t creaking yet. It’s a lovely surprise having all this done for me.
‘They’ve made such a lovely, grand party for me.’
Alison Walker, manager of The Old Vicarage care home where Beatrice lives, described the pensioner as a ‘remarkable lady’ who has a ‘lovely smile.’
She said: ‘She is a remarkable lady who has lived through many decades and still manages to tell a tale or two.
‘She has a good sense of humour, likes to listen to music and has a lovely smile.
‘She is fond of Ireland and likes to talk about it.’
Care assistant Doreen Miller, 47, came into the care home on her day off to celebrate Beatrice’s birthday as the pair have ‘become friends.’
She said: ‘She is so funny and we have become friends so.
‘I am so proud to be involved in this momentous occasion.
The founder of an animal rights organisation has declared that she will leave the KingCharles a piece of her neck when she passes away.
Ingrid Newkirk, a politician, has also declared that she will leave Elon Musk a bit of her heart and one of her legs in her will.
The 73-year-old Ms. Newkirk, who founded Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) more than 40 years ago, wants to continue her animal advocacy long after she passes away.
She has asked that, in light of the royal family’s long history of involvement with pigeon racing, the King receive a bit of her neck when she passes away.
Peta claims the necks of losing birds are often wrung after enduring cross-Channel and other races. Many perish during such races.
Ingrid Newkirk has announced what she is going to leave in her will after she dies (Picture: Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Ms Newkirk has also requested in her updated will that some of her bare skin be left to the Ministry of Defence if it is still using real bear skin for the King’s Guards’ caps when faux fur is readily available.
To billionaire and Twitter owner Elon Musk, she will leave a piece of her heart for him to clone in response to his brain implant company Neuralink’s testing on animals.
Ms Newkirk has also asked for one of her legs to be removed and broken after her death and displayed at Aintree racecourse during the Grand National, to draw attention to the injuries horses have sustained during the famous race.
Animal rights campaigners called for jump racing to be banned and more stringent safety measures in the sport after three horses died at this year’s Grand National Festival.
Other requests in Ms Newkirk’s will include for her trachea to be sent to the administrators of dog show Crufts over allegations of the promotion of breathing-impaired breeds, and an ear to the King of Spain in protest against the country’s bullfighting, in which the matador often cuts off the bull’s ears as a trophy.
Ms Newkirk said: ‘On his deathbed, they asked Bob Hope where he wanted to be buried and he replied ‘Surprise me’.
‘In my case, when I die I hope to keep on surprising those who harm animals, provoking conversation about speciesism, and campaigning against animal abuse.’
The royal family has released official portraits marking the coronation of King Charles III.
The photos feature the King alongside his direct heirs, Prince William and Prince George.
One image shows the King and Queen with the participants of the coronation ceremony.
The succession to the throne follows a specific order based on old and new laws.
After the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince William became the next in line. Prince George, his son, is second in line, followed by Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The released images capture King Charles in regal attire, seated on his throne with his heirs by his side, symbolizing the continuity of the monarchy.
The King’s second son, Harry, Duke of Sussex, is fifth in line to the throne.
Pages of honour and ladies in attendance with King Charles III and Queen Camilla on coronation day.(Reuters: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/Handout)
The second image features the two ladies in attendance on the day of the coronation — the Marchioness of Lansdowne and Queen Camilla’s sister Annabel Elliot — standing either side of the royal couple, while Prince George stands with other pages including Ralph Tollemache, Lord Oliver Cholmondeley, Nicholas Barclay, the Queen’s grandson Freddy Parker Bowles, the Queen’s great-nephew Arthur Elliot, and the Queen’s grandsons Gus Lopes and Louis Lopes.
This image was also taken in the Throne Room on the day of the coronation.
The photographs were taken by royal photographer Hugo Burnand, who also took the King and Queen’s wedding portrait in 2005.
The full-length portrait of King Charles III with his two heirs taken by royal photographer Hugo Burnand.(Reuters: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/Handout)
Following coronation, King Charles attracted a large number of new admirers from all around the world, including the incestuous sex offender Josef Fritzl.
In a recent book co-written with his attorney and based on a collection of letters from prison, Fritzl discussed the new monarch, environmental campaigners, and other topics.
The 87-year-old was imprisoned after a court heard how he kept his daughter Elisabeth chained in the cellar of the family house in Amstetten, Lower Austria State, as his sex slave.
He kept her imprisoned for 24 years, fathering seven children with her.
The Austrian sex monster is set to release a book of memoirs based on letters written in prison (Picture: AP)
Viennese newspaper Heute reports that Fritzl – who now has to use a rollator trolley to walk – wrote: ‘I do understand people who want me to die in jail.
‘But I want to experience freedom one day. I’ve never been afraid of dying.’
Fritzl – who is jailed at Stein Prison in Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria State – has sent several handwritten letters to renowned Vienna lawyer Astrid Wagner.
Now details of the 87-year-old’s latest batch of letters have emerged.
According to Austrian media, the 87-year-old also told Wagner that, after watching King Charles’s coronation on TV he decided he is a ‘pleasant person’.
Fritzl reportedly jokingly described himself as a monarchist in the same letter.
He also expressed sympathy for the Last Generation climate activists.
He told Wagner: ‘I understand those climate campaigners who glue themselves on roads. Everything is going to the dogs these days. You’ve got to take action.’
Earlier this year, the Viennese lawyer published a book called ‘The Abysses of Josef F.’ which she co-wrote with Fritzl.
Reflecting on how the project started, Wagner told Austrian media: ‘Josef Fritzl sent me a letter from his cell. In it, he wrote that he had written his autobiography.
‘He needed help with the publication but also legal assistance. I consented.
‘He then sent me the manuscript and I edited it. I’ve been his lawyer ever since.’
Wagner added: “He is polite and very charming.
‘Josef Fritzl is only human, not a beast. He is a man who has not mastered his inner demons.’
The lawyer and author said: ‘He not only lived a double life but a quadruple life in fact.’
She went on to call Fritzl a ‘master of suppression’ and claimed that his ‘tragic childhood’ would have had an impact on his actions.
Fritzl claims in the publication: ‘Actually, I’m a decent person.’
He also boasts about several illegitimate children abroad and the ‘hundreds of love letters’ he has received.
In June 2022, a court ruled that Fritzl must stay in the high-security prison after judges reversed plans to move him to a softer jail.
Instead, the 87-year-old – who allegedly suffers from dementia – will serve more time in the high-security prison for mentally ill criminals.
It has now been 15 years since Fritzl’s sickening crimes came to light.
They were discovered in April 2008 after he took one of the children born to his daughter to hospital due to a life-threatening illness.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to rape, false imprisonment, manslaughter by negligence and incest in March 2009.
The identities of the victim and her children are now protected.
In light of being crowned at Westminster Abbey and other events, King Charles and Queen Camilla had a very busy weekend.
Even after their celebrity-studded event on Sunday night, which featured performances by Olly Murs, Take That, and Nicole Scherzinger, they still had time to stop by American Idol for a quick “cheerio.”
Luke Bryan, Ed Sheeran, and Alanis Morissette were brought in to fill in for Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, who regularly serve as judges on the US singing competition. Katy Perry and Lionel Richie took a brief break from their roles to perform at the Coronation Concert.
While at Windsor Castle for the festivities, Katy, 38, and Lionel, 73, gave an update in a filmed message to their American Idol fans, before they were joined by King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 75.
To celebrate the historic occasion of King Charles’ crowning, Metro has teamed up with The Lane to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a luxurious day out for four.
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‘We’re trying to figure out what can we do to bring something different to the show?’ the All Night Long singer said, before appearing to become flustered as the royal couple came into view alongside his fellow judge.
The King joked about Lionel doing this ‘all night long’, before asking: ‘I just wanted to check how long you’ll be using this room for?’
The royal couple made time in their busy schedule to drop by (Picture: ABC/Backgrid)Katy delivered a powerful performance at the Coronation Concert (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
The King and Queen praised the duo on their ‘brilliant’ and ‘fantastic’ performances at the concert, while the Queen Consort turned to the Teenage Dream singer to tell her: ‘Loved your frock.’
Meanwhile, after Katy asked if they were ‘making too much noise’, Lionel added: ‘We understand there’s a party.’
‘You’ve heard about that?’ King Charles responded, as the Endless Love singer responded: ‘Well you’re throwing the party right next door.’
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Lionel had the crowds dancing away (Picture: Arthur Edwards/The Sun via AP/Pool)
He promised that as soon as he and Katy were finished, they’d be heading over to join the royals at the celebration.
As the Queen and King walked away, Katy looked in awe as she curtsied, before telling them: ‘God bless you.’
She was sweetly congratulated on her role in the Coronation Concert by her doting fiancé Orlando Bloom, who wrote: ‘Immensely proud of you my love. You always bring the light.’
Katy was the penultimate performer of the night, belting out her hits Roar and Firework, much to the delight of Princess Charlotte in particular.
Firework was dedicated to the King ‘and the work that we get to do together with the British Asian Trust and their Children’s Protection Fund’, the popstar said.
King Charles‘ coronation was observed on a South Pacific island, thousands of miles distant from the pomp and circumstance in Westminster Abbey in London.
It was a historic occasion in Tanna, a volcanic island south of Vanuatu and the birthplace of the Prince Philip movement, which claims the late monarch as a long-lost ancestor.
About 1,000 islanders gathered in the untamed highlands to commemorate the occasion, far from the crowds at Buckingham Palace.
This is where the Kastom people are based. Since the 1960s, they believe Queen Elizabeth II’s husband was the son of a mountain spirit.
Ahead of the coronation, they were sent a framed portrait of the new king from Britain’s acting high commissioner Michael Watters.
‘I am very happy because Philip’s child is Charles. I am very happy with Charles,’ chief Yabah, who once travelled to Windsor Castle and met Philip, said.
He said he would like to visit Buckingham Palace, but also extended an invitation to the new king
‘I want him to come to my place and see me here, in Tanna,’ he added.
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Villagers danced and sang as part of the celebration before drinking shells full of kava – a peppery, mildly intoxicating root drink that is a key part of Pacific culture.
British diplomats joined them on the special coronation mission, gifting them the portrait.
Tribal leaders will add it to a fading collection of pictures showing Philip in his prime, which have long been among the movement’s most treasured possessions.
Mr Watters, who flew to Tanna from the capital Port Vila, shuffled in at the end of a long procession, flanked by village elders.
He said: ‘I have been greeted with such warmth and joy by the community.
‘The ceremony was a wonderful way to pay respect to the unique relationship shared by the UK and Vanuatu.’
In 2021, the tribal community mourned the death of Philip and held a period of mourning, performing ritualistic dances and holding a procession.
Over the years, he had corresponded with the villagers, and sent pictures of himself holding a ceremonial club they gave him.
At the crowning of King Charles on Saturday, police detained the leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic along with 51 other people, citing their obligation to suppress dissent as a higher priority.
In order to stand out among the red, white, and blue-clad throng lined the procession route in central London, hundreds of yellow-clad protesters congregated there while holding posters reading “Not My King.”
The Republic campaign organisation said that its leader Graham Smith had been taken into custody before the procession started, and images of police removing the demonstrators’ banners from the streets of London appeared on social media.
‘We absolutely understand public concern following the arrests we made this morning,’ Commander Karen Findlay of the London Metropolitan police said in a statement.
‘Over the past 24 hours there has been a significant police operation after we received information protesters were determined to disrupt the Coronation procession.’
Republic had vowed to mount the biggest protest against a British monarch in modern history and protesters booed as King Charles and Queen Camilla made their way to Westminster Abbey, and as the service was relayed publicly on large speakers.
‘It is disgusting and massively over the top,’ said Kevin John, 57, a salesman from Devon who was among the protesters.
‘It is also hugely counterproductive by the police because all it has done is create a massive amount of publicity for us. It is completely crazy.’
Police did not confirm Smith’s arrest. They said they had acted because they believed protesters would seek to deface public monuments with paint and disrupt ‘official movements’.
‘All of these people remain in custody,’ Findlay said.
Protests also took place in Glasgow in Scotland and Cardiff in Wales, with participants holding up signs saying: ‘Abolish the monarchy, feed the people.’
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On social media, many contrasted the cost of living crisis in Britain with the pomp and pageantry on display at the coronation.
Although the protesters were in a minority compared with the tens of thousands gathered on London’s streets to support the king, polls suggest support for the monarchy is declining and is weakest among young people.
With the crown passing from Queen Elizabeth to her less popular son, republican activists hope Charles will be the last British monarch to be crowned.
‘It has a hereditary billionaire individual born into wealth and privilege who basically symbolises the inequality of wealth and power in our society,’ said Clive Lewis, an opposition Labour Party lawmaker.
Most of the anti-monarchy protesters on Saturday had congregated in Trafalgar Square next to the bronze statue of King Charles I, who was beheaded in 1649, leading to a short-lived republic.
Since Charles became king last September, there have been protests at royal events. He was heckled at a Commonwealth Day event at Westminster Abbey in March and targeted with eggs in York in November.
The death of the queen has also reignited debate in Australia, Jamaica and other parts of the commonwealth about the need to retain Charles as their head of state.
The state government of New South Wales said it had decided not to light up the sails of the Sydney Opera House to mark the coronation in order to save money. Events to mark the coronation in other countries where Charles is head of state were also low key.
While many other European monarchies have come and gone, or are far diminished in scale and importance, the British royal family has remained remarkably resilient.
In Britain, polls show the majority of the population still want the royal family, but there is a long-term trend of declining support.
A poll by YouGov last month found 64% of people in Britain said they had little or no interest in the coronation. Among those aged 18 to 24, the number voicing little or no interest rose to 75%.
As millions of people across the world watched, Camilla was crowned Queen.
After Queen Elizabeth II passed away, she assumed the role of Consort to support her husband King Charles III’s rule.
Over the course of more than 50 years, she transitioned from romantic involvement to mistress to finally wife of the King, and the trip culminated with her being formally crowned as the country’s Queen.
In a ceremony today, Camilla was crowned with Queen Mary’s Crown, which has been reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds.
It is the first time in almost three centuries that an existing crown will be worn, as opposed to a new piece.
Camilla was also anointed in public by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a break with tradition.
The Dean of Westminster poured oil from the ampulla into the coronation spoon, and held the spoon for the Archbishop of Canterbury.
As she was anointed the Archbishop said: ‘Be your head anointed with holy oil.
‘Almighty God, the fountain of all goodness; hear our prayer this day for thy servant Camilla, whom in thy name, and with all devotion, we consecrate our Queen.
Camilla was also anointed in public by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a break with tradition
‘Make her strong in faith and love, defend her on every side, and guide her in truth and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.’
This morning, the official royal website was updated to refer to Camilla as ‘the Queen’ as opposed to the Queen consort.
The coronation ceremony began at 11am, inside Westminster Abbey, and was held by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
At 12pm, King Charles was crowned with the St Edward’s Crown in a lavish ceremony.
He wore crimson robes as he arrived at Westminster Abbey, the site of every coronation for the past nine centuries.
It is tradition for the monarch to wear the solid gold St Edward’s Crown – often dubbed the centrepiece of the Crown Jewels – at the moment of coronation.
Only invited guests were able to watch the ceremony in person with footage broadcast to big screens and television across the world.
While Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation was three hours long, the coronation of King Charles is due to last until 1pm.
Up and down the UK, big screens have been placed in public parks so people can gather to watch today’s events unfold.
There are dozens of screenings taking place in every corner of England, but only two each in Wales and Scotland.
Both of the Welsh locations are in Cardiff – at the capital’s castle and its bay – while the Scottish events will take place at Glasgow Cathedral and Edinburgh’s Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, there’s capacity for 15,000 people to watch the ceremony in public across nine locations.
Those travelling across the country on public transport today will be reminded to ‘mind the gap’ by the King himself.
Charles and Camilla have recorded an announcement which is being played between Friday and Monday at every railway station across the UK and all London Underground stations, industry body the Rail Delivery Group said.
In the message, the King begins by telling passengers: ‘My wife and I wish you and your families a wonderful coronation weekend.’
Camilla then says: ‘Wherever you are travelling, we hope you have a safe and pleasant journey.’
The message concludes with Charles adding: ‘And remember, please mind the gap.’
Finally, the big day has arrived, and those attending King Charles‘ coronation have dressed appropriately.
The Royal Family will be dressed in full regalia, and celebrities like Katy Perry, Mylene Klass, and Emma Thompson are among others who have dressed up for the event.
Some of the Abbey’s artists have already garnered attention for their extraordinary attire (yes, we’re referring to that yellow garment).
And statement headwear is the order of the day, with many guests wearing elaborate hats, headpieces and fascinators (and crowns, of course).
Which outfits do you like best? Are there any that are particularly eye-catching?
King Charles signed the oaths at his coronation without incident, and he appeared genuinely relieved when he did so.
The king made headlines in September of last year when he attempted to sign a guest book at Hillsborough Castle, which is close to Belfast, but his pen wouldn’t write.
After the pen he was using leaked on him in front of the cameras, King Charles reacted angrily.
Thankfully, his fountain pen continues to function normally, saving the day of his coronation from being ruined by such a stationery disaster.
But it seems Charles was having trouble screwing the lid back onto his pen, appearing to grimace after signing the oath.
The King, who is known to carry his own fountain pen for when he is frequently called on to sign visitors’ books during royal visits, grimaced when he screwed the top back on the pen.
Queen Camilla appeared to smirk at her husband’s stationery difficulties.
As he took the oath, the King said: ‘I, Charles, do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.’
He then signed copies of the oaths, presented by the Lord Chamberlain, while the choir sang.
Speaking during the pen mishap last year he said ‘Oh god I hate this (pen)!’ while standing up and handing the pen to his wife, Camilla.
‘Oh look, it’s going everywhere,’ Camilla replied as her husband wiped his fingers.
‘I can’t bear this bloody thing… every stinking time,” Charles said as he walked away.
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When completing the documents he also used the wrong date, before checking with an aide who told him it was September 13 and not September 12.
When he signed documents during his first Privy Council meeting in September, Charles was criticised on social media when he gestured for an ornate pen holder to be taken away by an aide.
Later it was back in place, after privy councillors used its pens to sign documents, but Charles once again took offence to the item, when called upon to give his signature, and pulled a face before it was removed again.
Only the second coronation has ever been broadcast live, and the pomp and circumstance-filled event at Westminster Abbey is anticipated to continue for almost two hours.
The elaborate ceremony will be broadcast live to almost 27 million homes, and 11 million people are anticipated to listen via radio.
At around 12:00, the St. Edward’s crown will be placed on the King’s head, making him the 40th monarch.
Celebrities, heads of state, and rulers from all over the world will watch on as the ceremony takes place within the Abbey.
The King listened eagerly to the choir as the national anthem was sung to mark the start of the coronation (Picture: AFP)The St Edward’s Crown will be lifted onto the King as he is crowned this afternoon(Picture: James Veysey/Shutterstock)The Prince and Princess of Wales looked on while their children held hands and enjoyed a sweet moment together(Picture: REUTERS)The King’s purple robe could be seen from the heights of Westminster Abbey as it flowed out behind the monarch(Picture: via REUTERS)The Queen smiled at members of the Royal family as she walked through Westminster Abbey (Picture: Sky)Queen Camilla in her golden laced gown arriving at Westminster Abbey(Picture: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
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The king in a long purple velvet robe was escorted through to the Abbey and chatted to the Archbishops as he slowly walked into Westminster (Picture: Sky News)The King dressed in a velvet robe, complete with gold lace looked on nervously as he went past thousands of fans dressed in red, white and blue (Picture: Getty)The King’s procession was flanked by horses and military guards as it headed along Pall Mall (Picture: AFP)
Those invited included actress Dame Emma Thompson, musicians Lionel Richie and Nick Cave, presenters Ant and Dec and actresses Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Joanna Lumley.
Future kings, the Prince of Wales and his son Prince George, who will both play a role in the coronation, were in place and the Princess of Wales arrived with Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
The Duke of Sussex was seated in the third row, two rows behind William, but his wife Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex has remained at home in the US.
The King will become the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned at Westminster Abbey, the nation’s coronation church, since William the Conqueror was anointed monarch within its walls on Christmas Day 1066.
Charles and Camilla’s Diamond Jubilee Coach arrived in the midst of a Sovereign’s Escort provided by the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals and Life Guards with their shining breastplates and plumed helmets and led by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment band.
The monarch and his wife’s entrance through the west door was heralded by a fanfare from four State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the abbey congregation stood as one.
A large ceremonial procession was lined up before the King and Queen with representatives of all elements of the nation’s ceremonial and spiritual life.
King Charles looked slightly daunted as he arrived for the coronation(Picture: PA)
There were recipients of Orders of Chivalry and Gallantry, Heralds from the College of Arms in their colourful tunics, senior clergy associated with the monarchy and the glittering coronation regalia carried by leading figures.
Among those gathered was double Olympic Gold medallist Lord Coe, a member of the Order of Companions of Honour, Willie Apiata, New Zealand’s only living Victoria Cross recipient, and Lincolnshire farmer Francis Dymoke the King’s champion carrying the Royal Standard.
St Edward’s Crown, the 17th-century artefact Mr Welby will use to crown Charles, was carried by General Sir Gordon Messenger, Lord High Steward of England.
With their lavish and unwieldy robes, the King and Queen walked single file along the nave of the abbey with Camilla ahead of Charles as the hymn I Was Glad As They Said Unto Me was sung.
At the beginning of the coronation service, a Welsh language piece was sung with the choir, together with Sir Bryn Terfel, singing Kyrie Eleison.
Earlier, the King and Queen made their first appearance of coronation day when they travelled the short distance from their Clarence House home for final preparations at Buckingham Palace.
The Duke of York was driven down The Mall in a state car, with parts of the crowd booing as he went past.
Inside the ancient abbey, the church buzzed with noise as the congregation filed in and took their seats hours before the ceremony was due to start.
A smiling Dean of Westminster, Dr David Hoyle, in his vivid red clerical robe was seen hurriedly carrying the holy oil for the anointing down the length of the abbey from the altar through the quire, clutching the precious ornate silver vessel in both hands.
The King has turned to each of the four points of the compass and has been recognised by his people as their ‘undoubted King’.
The recognition rite saw King Charles presented to the congregation at the beginning of the service, with the participation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Baroness Amos, Lady Elish Angiolini, and Christopher Finney, Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
Each said in turn: ‘I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King.
‘Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same?’
The congregation and choir replied: ‘God save King Charles.’
Prince George was carrying a corner of his grandfather, the King’s, trailing robes as the royal party made its way into Westminster Abbey.
His siblings Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were earlier seen peering out of a car window as they arrived outside the church.
The King has turned to each of the four points of the compass and has been recognised by his people as their ‘undoubted King’.
The recognition rite saw King Charles presented to the congregation at the beginning of the service, with the participation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Baroness Amos, Lady Elish Angiolini, and Christopher Finney, Chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
Each said in turn: ‘I here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King.
‘Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service: are you willing to do the same?’
The congregation and choir replied: ‘God save King Charles.’
specially-commissioned red leather-bound Bible has been presented to the King, upon which he swore oaths to govern the people with justice and mercy, and uphold the churches established by law in the United Kingdom.
The formal Presentation of the Bible to the sovereign dates back to the joint Coronation of William III and Mary II in 1689.
For the first time, a preface has been added to the coronation oath in which the Archbishop said the Church of England ‘will seek to foster an environment where people of all faiths and beliefs may live freely’.
The Coronation Oath Act of 1688 requires the King to declare during his crowning ceremony that he will maintain the established Anglican Protestant Church, rule according to laws agreed in Parliament, and cause law, justice and mercy to be executed in his judgment.
Each part of the oath was framed as a question to King Charles, and he placed his hand on the Bible as he replied.
King Charles became the first monarch to pray in public at the coronation and his grandson – Prince George – took on a number of special roles for the coronation (Picture: REUTERS)
King Charles has become the first monarch to pray publicly at a coronation – praying for grace to be ‘a blessing to all… of every faith and belief’, and to serve after the pattern of Christ.
A special personal prayer was written for the King to reflect the ‘loving service’ theme of the service, and the words were inspired in part by the popular hymn I Vow To Thee My Country.
He said: ‘God of compassion and mercy whose son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, that together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace; through Jesus Christ our lord. Amen.’
As he took the Oath, the King said: ‘I, Charles, do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.’
The King then signed copies of the Oaths, presented by the Lord Chamberlain, while the choir sang.
For King Charles’ Coronation Day, we are dusting off our plastic crowns and getting our Union Jack bunting ready, just as we did for the Platty Joobs last summer.
Or Corrie D by Prince Chaz, as we’ve decided to call it. Which, although it kind of sounds like a rapper who got his start on Coronation Street’s cobblestones, we enjoy.
As Charles is formally crowned King and his wife Camilla assumes the title of Queen, there will be celebrations in streets all around the nation.
And alongside your decorations, why not opt for some celebratory flowers because brand Flowerbx is really tapping into a niche market with its Coronation Collection of blooms for our new monarch.
You may not know this, but Chaz loves getting busy outdoors. And by that we mean he’s a big fan of nature and all things gardening.
While he previously revealed he had a soft spot for ‘magnificent’ delphiniums, this specially-designed bouquet is riffing on signature British springtime blooms including Purple Lisianthus, Memory Lane Roses, Amethyst Stocks, Parvifolia Eucalyptus, and Wax Flowers.
The King’s Bouquet, in all its glory (Picture: Flowerbx)Yes, there’s even a coronation wreath (Picture: Flowerbx)
You can treat yourself to fresh flowers or there’s even a Coronation Wreath on offer. Who says a wreath is just for Christmas, ey?
There’s also vases in the Vintage Wedgwood collection that are hand-sourced and created by the iconic designer.
For those not in the know about their china (shame on you) Wedgwood has been around since 1759 and was created by potter Josiah Wedgwood when he was just 29. He’s since passed (obviously, otherwise he’d be almost 300 years old) but his designs left quite the mark. To put it simply, he’s the GOAT of pottery.
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The flowers will look great in your home or lining the tables of your street party and they’re all hand-wrapped in limited-edition memorabilia paper, printed with the official emblem of the event.
And because Charles is such an eco-hun, the wreath is easy to repurpose and used time and time again. Just add a jazzy set of baubles and you’ve got your Christmas decs sorted.
The flowers also make the perfect gift for any royal fans out there.
If your mum’s a sucker for a royal event or your nan still can’t mention the Queen without tearing up, these flowers will be the perfect thing to bring a smile to their faces.
This follows the official invitation that was sent to Otumfuo, as was confirmed through a statement issued by the Chief of Staff of the Manhyia Palace, John Badu, that said that the Asantehene had been invited for the coronation ceremony, which is slated for May 6, 2023, with his wife, Lady Julia.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu and Lady Julia will also attend the King’s official reception on May 5, 2023.
The coronation of King Charles III would also be done with that of Queen Consort Camilla.
Already, about 2,000 people have been confirmed to attend the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The BBC is in the middle of a controversy about its coverage of the Coronation when UK news organizations were informed they would have to pay, despite international media receiving the live broadcast at no additional expense to their current contracts with press agencies supplying them with news footage.
Due to the event’s historical significance, news websites were given free access to live coverage of the late Queen’s funeral, and a similar arrangement was anticipated for the King’s Coronation.
However, the BBC has imposed a price on British websites, including Telegraph.co.uk, in order to access the live footage that its cameras will capture inside Westminster Abbey.
It means BBC licence fee payers, whose money will cover the cost of the coverage, will be denied the choice of watching it on their favourite news websites, while foreign audiences who do not have to contribute to the cost will have no such restrictions.
The News Media Association (NMA), which represents news publishers, has been negotiating with the BBC for weeks, arguing that the Coronation, as a major historical event, should be treated in the same way as the late Queen’s funeral.
BBC has monopoly on images
The BBC, ITN and Sky, which are pooling their footage of the Coronation procession and the Abbey service, want publishers to pay a six-figure sum between them to access their images.
As the BBC is the only organisation allowed to film inside the Abbey on Saturday, it will have a monopoly on the images of the Coronation service, enabling it to effectively hold publishers to ransom.
The Gold State Coach is ridden alongside members of the military during a full overnight dress rehearsal of the Coronation Ceremony on Wednesday CREDIT: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS
Talks between the NMA and the broadcasters on Thursday broke up without agreement.
A final meeting between them is scheduled for Friday.
Under a separate agreement affecting foreign territories, news websites around the world will be able to stream footage of the entire event at no extra cost to their existing deals with the press agencies that supply them with news footage.
Historic events are different
Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors, which represents the editors of news publishers, said: “Given the significant public interest in Saturday’s historic Coronation and the precedent set by the Queen’s funeral last year, we are deeply concerned that while foreign publishers will be free to use live broadcast footage of the event, UK audiences look set to miss out unless publishers meet broadcasters’ financial demands.
“Given that the BBC is funded by the licence fee payer, it is wrong that UK news audiences will be the ones set to lose out on free access via their chosen platform. We urge the broadcasters to reconsider.”
Buckingham Palace has told the NMA it has no objection to the footage being shared with UK news outlets free of charge.
A BBC spokesperson said: “The UK broadcasters who are covering this complex and historic event have asked for a fair and reasonable financial contribution from any third-parties wishing to access the live coverage for their own use.”
To commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, a school choir from the Isle of Man has recorded a brand-new song.
As a part of an RSCM project, King William’s College (KWC) encouraged vocalists to join them in singing a brand-new hymn.
The recording featured performers from all across the island, including Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer, who serves as the King’s envoy on the territory.
Steve Daykin, head of music at KWC, praised the piece’s “incredible” tone.
He said he had been “humbled” to see more than 40 singers with a range of experience “commemorate this occasion through music, because music is going to be a key part of the ceremony”.
The Coronation of King Charles III, who holds the title Lord of Mann, will take place on Saturday at Westminster Abbey in London.
The choir held the only licence on the island to record the “Sing for the King” piece, which singer and composer Joanna Forbes L’Estrange was commissioned to compose by the RSCM.
The five-minute piece, which is titled The Mountains Shall Bring Peace, is set to the words of psalms from the bible.
Dozens of others choirs across the British Isles have also rehearsed and recorded the hymn.
Image caption,More than 40 Manx singers came together to perform the new hymn
KWC pupils were joined by members of choirs from across the island in the Chapel of St Thomas for the recording on Tuesday, after rehearsing separately.
Mr Daykin said was delighted Sir John and Lady Lorimer had accepted the invitation to take part.
“It’s all about getting together and bringing the island together through music,” he added.
Louise Van Der Merwe, who was one of the college’s pupils to take part in the recording, said it had been an “amazing opportunity” to be part of how the island marked a moment in history.
“Hearing all the voices together was really special,” she added.
Today, May 4, at Buckingham Palace, he will be welcomed for a special audience with King Charles III.
Now that the King has left his Kingdom, Kumasi is in the care of Bantamahene, whereas the Asanteman is in the care of Nana Mamponghene.
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II is the current and 16th Occupant of the sacred Golden Stool.
Videos of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II leaving Ghana:
Otumfuo departs to the UK from Kumasi Airport.
He will be received at a private audience with King Charles III, tomorrow May 4, at Buckingham Palace.
Now that the King has left his Kingdom, Kumasi is in the care of Bantamahene, and Asanteman is in the care of Nana Mamponghene. pic.twitter.com/9sBnQ8cEdq
— The Asante Nation (@Ashanti_Kingdom) May 3, 2023
More than 50 people, including representatives from the military, wider public life, and orders of chivalry, have been chosen to participate in the historic ceremonies.
Former MI5 director Baroness Elizabeth Manningham-Buller, who will carry the St. Edward’s Staff, is one among those chosen.
Former children’s TV presenter and now author and peer, Baroness Floella Benjamin, will carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove, one of the treasures which will play a starring role on the day.
The former Play School presenter said: ‘I feel honoured and privileged to be part of the historic coronation ceremony.
‘To be selected to carry the Sovereign’s Sceptre With Dove, which represents spirituality, equity and mercy, is for me very symbolic as it’s everything I stand for and sends out a clear message that diversity and inclusion is being embraced.’
The Palace said the below people were selected to represent the nation due to their ‘significant service’.
Processions into Westminster Abbey
Faith leaders and faith representatives.
Representatives from the King’s Realms – flags of each realm, of which there are 14, will be carried by national representatives accompanied by the governors general and prime ministers.
Cadet warrant officer Elliott Tyson-Lee, of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets – bearing the flag of the United Kingdom, ahead of prime minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty.
The Marquess of Anglesey, the Duke of Westminster, the Earl of Caledon and the Earl of Dundee – lead the procession and carry the Standards of the Quarterings of the Royal Arms and Standard of the Principality of Wales.
Francis Dymoke – carrying the Royal Standard instead of being the King’s Champion at a coronation banquet on horseback like his ancestors.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, chief of the defence staff – acting as Lord High Constable of England, an office held for the day only.
Earl Marshal, the Duke of Norfolk.
Earl of Erroll – as Lord High Constable of Scotland.
Earl of Crawford and Balcarres – as Deputy to the Great Steward of Scotland, the Prince of Wales.
Procession to the altar carrying regalia
Barrister Baroness (Helena) Kennedy of The Shaws – carrying The Queen Consort’s Rod with Dove.
General Sir Patrick Sanders – carrying The Queen Consort’s Sceptre with Cross.
Duke of Wellington – carrying Queen Mary’s Crown.
Rt Reverend and Rt Hon the Lord Chartres – carrying The Queen Consort’s Ring.
General Sir Gordon Messenger, the Governor of HM Tower of London – carrying St Edward’s Crown as Lord High Steward of England.
Former MI5 chief Baroness Elizabeth Manningham-Buller – carrying St Edward’s Staff.
The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry – carrying the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
Former children’s TV presenter, now author and peer, Baroness Floella Benjamin – carrying the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove.
Dame Elizabeth Anionwu – carrying the Orb.
The Keeper of the Jewel House, Brigadier Andrew Jackson – carrying The Sovereign’s Ring.
Petty Officer Amy Taylor – carrying the Sword of Offering and representing servicemen and women as a Royal Navy Petty Officer, a tribute to the King’s military career.
Lord Hastings and The Earl of Loudoun – carrying the Spurs.
Lord President of the Council, Penny Mordaunt – carrying the Sword of State.
Air Chief Marshal the Lord Peach – carrying the Sword of Mercy (The Curtana).
General the Lord Richards of Herstmonceux – carrying the Sword of Spiritual Justice.
General the Lord Houghton of Richmond – carrying the Sword of Temporal Justice.
Participating in the act of recognition
This takes place when the King is presented to the congregation at the start of the service.
The Archbishop of Canterbury.
Baroness (Valerie) Amos.
Lady Elish Angiolini.
George Cross-holder Christopher Finney – chair of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.
Presenting the coronation regalia
These people were chosen on the advice of Government.
Lord Carrington, Lord Great Chamberlain – presenting the Spurs.
Lord (Syed) Kamall – presenting the Armills.
Baroness (Gillian) Merron – presenting the Robe Royal.
The Most Reverend John McDowell, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh – presenting the Orb.
Lord (Narendra) Patel – presenting the Ring.
Lord (Indarjit) Singh of Wimbledon – presenting the Coronation Glove.
The Most Reverend Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, and Episcopal Primus of Scotland – presenting the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross.
The Most Reverend Andrew John, the Archbishop of Wales – presenting the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Dove.
The Archbishop of Canterbury – performing the crowning with St Edward’s Crown.
The Rt Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, The Bishop of Dover – presenting The Queen Consort’s Rod with Dove.
The Rt Reverend and Rt Hon Lord Chartres – presenting The Queen Consort’s Sceptre with Cross.
Brigadier Andrew Jackson, The Keeper of the Jewel House at HM Tower of London – presenting The Queen Consort’s Ring.
The Archbishop of Canterbury – performing the crowning with Queen Mary’s Crown.https://youtu.be/O53FFK7V3oQ
According to senior security officials, protesters intend to disrupt King Charles‘ coronation by hurling rape alarms at the horses in the procession.
If the stunt is performed, there are worries that the horses could become startled and charge into the audience, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities.
The Mail on Sunday adds that there is concern that members of Just Stop Oil may band together with other organizations to cause widespread disruption.
Republic, an anti-monarchy group, has urged its 41,000 Facebook followers to protest at the coronation.
Just Stop Oil has hinted the coronation could be the ‘final boss level’ for its protests. The group protested at the World Snooker Championship last week, as an activist jumped onto a table and threw orange powder.
Security sources said the rape alarm plan was causing concern because of the unpredictability of the horses’ reaction.
They added that police and other security officials ‘planned to take a robust response with protesters who attempt to disrupt proceedings’.
One source said: ‘It’s not practical to frisk members of the crowd for rape alarms, but we will move swiftly if they try it.’
Just Stop Oil protested at the World Snooker Championships last week (Picture: PA)
Former Grenadier Guardsman Julian Perreira described the rape alarm plot as ‘nothing short of terrorism’, saying: ‘If a cavalryman – with the full weight of his gleaming ceremonial breast-plate and helmet – was thrown from his terrified horse, he could easily be killed.
‘And just imagine the horrifying consequences of several 1,500lb horses bolting into a packed crowd of spectators.
‘Dozens of members of the public, including children, could end up dead or seriously injured.’
Former commanding officer of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, Charlie Lane, said: ‘If rape alarms went off some horses will react more violently than others.
‘I would be distinctly uncomfortable about it. There is a risk that individual riders are going to fall off, there is a risk horses are going to be injured.’
And equine behaviour expert Dr Debbie Marsden added: ‘If a horse spooks, they all have their own way of reacting to it. They are likely to throw their heads up and/or leap to the side away from the object.
‘If one horse reacts, it can cause a bit of a chain reaction. It could lead to an accident.’
The potential danger of bolting horses was demonstrated during a Black Lives Matter protest in London in 2020.
A police horse bolted down Whitehall after missiles were thrown at it, slamming PC Nicky Vernon into a traffic light. She suffered a collapsed lung, broken collarbone and broken ribs.
Scotland Yard said it will clamp down on protesters who try to disrupt the coronation.
Chief Sir Mark Rowley told the London Assembly’s Police and Crime Committee in January: ‘We will do everything we can to make the coronation the special moment it ought to be.’
Phoebe Plummer, spokeswoman for Just Stop Oil, has vowed that they ‘won’t stop until we win’.
During a Zoom call with fellow activists last Wednesday she said: ‘We know the rapid social change must come from civil resistance… history has proved [it] effective time and time again.’
Meanwhile, Republic’s activists are planning to wear yellow T-shirts and wave yellow placards along the procession route.
When the newly crowned King passes in his gold state coach, they plan to boo and chant: ‘Not my King.’
According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex wrote to King Charles to voice her concern over unconscious racism among the royal family.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Meghan sent the letter after making an appearance with Prince Harry on the Oprah Winfrey Show in March 2021.
The shocking interview brought the monarchy to its knees when she revealed that a member of the royal family had made assumptions about the skin tone of their pregnant boy.
A source told the newspaper her exchange with Charles, believed to be the only senior royal to reach out in the wake of it, is part of the reason she will not be attending the coronation.
They claim Meghan feels she has not received a satisfactory response to her concerns.
The paper reports that her letter was sent in response to one from Charles, then Prince of Wales, in which he expressed his sadness over the split within the family.
The letters are also said to make clear the identity of the senior royal who made the comment, with both parties acknowledging the remark was not made maliciously, according to the paper.
Since the Oprah Winfrey interview, Harry has denied that the couple accused members of the royal family of being racist.
In an exchange during an interview with Tom Bradby on ITV in January to promote his memoir Spare, the presenter said ‘in the Oprah interview you accused members of your family of racism’.
Harry responded by saying ‘no I didn’t’, adding: ‘The British press said that.’
After Bradby said the duchess claimed troubling comments were made about Archie’s skin colour, Harry said: ‘There was – there was concern about his skin colour.’
Asked if he would describe that as racist, the duke said: ‘I wouldn’t, not having lived within that family.’
He continued: ‘The difference between racism and unconscious bias, the two things are different.
‘But once it’s been acknowledged, or pointed out to you as an individual, or as an institution, that you have unconscious bias, you therefore have an opportunity to learn and grow from that in order so that you are part of the solution rather than part of the problem.’
Harry, who laid bare his troubled relationship with the royal family in his Netflix documentary and autobiography, will be there to witness Charles and stepmother the Queen Consort being crowned in Westminster Abbey on May 6.
Meghan will not travel to the UK and instead stay in the US with the couple’s children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The news ended months of ‘Will they? Won’t they?’ speculation about whether they would show up to the King’s big day, but still saw Meghan accused of snubbing the monarch and the royal family.
May 6 is Archie’s fourth birthday, and the youngster’s celebrations played a part in the duchess’s decision to remain in the US, sources said.
A student convicted guilty of threatening behavior for yelling “f**k the King” and “King Charles is a paedophile” after throwing eggs at the new king.
During a walkabout in York on November 9, 2016, Patrick Thelwell, 23, was detained after tossing “at least five” eggs in the direction of Charles.
He had disputed committing the public order offense, claiming that his use of “low level violence” was “lawful” because it was done in self defense against “the violence committed by the British state.”
Chief Magistrate Senior District Judge Paul Goldspring found him guilty of the charge, saying Thelwell ‘intended to cause King Charles to believe immediate unlawful violence would be used against him’.
Charles and the Queen Consort had just arrived in the city to unveil a statue in honour of the late Queen at York Minster when Thelwell threw the eggs, all of which missed them.
The King continued shaking hands with a member of the public as they sailed overhead, pausing briefly to look at the shells cracked on the ground.
Patrick Thelwell arrives at York Magistrates’ Court (Picture: PA)King Charles reacts after an egg was thrown in his direction in York (Picture: Reuters)Thelwell is charged with threatening behaviour (Picture: PA)
Michael Smith, prosecuting, told York Magistrates Court on Friday that Thelwell shouted ‘paedophile’, ‘King Charles is a paedophile’ and ‘friends with Jimmy Savile’ during the incident.
The court heard the university student was later heard to say: ‘I threw eggs at him because that’s what he deserved. It’s the only justice the victims of colonialisation will ever get.’
He is said to have added: ‘Did I get him? I didn’t get him. Someone will get him.’
Defending himself, Thelwell denied committing unlawful violence, telling District Judge Goldspring he acted ‘out of necessity’.
He said: ‘The violence I was accused of is throwing an egg.
‘If that amounts to unlawful violence then the violence carried out by the British state is at such a severe level I can’t be held accountable for my crime while the crimes of the British state go unpunished.’
He told the court ‘millions of people’ agreed his actions were ‘just, moral and necessary’.
Thelwell, of the University of York, was convicted of using threatening, words or behaviour.
According to royal sources, King Charles is “very disappointed” that he won’t be able to see Meghan or his grandchildren at his coronation.
He is reportedly pleased that Harry would travel across the pond for his momentous day, though.
The Duke of Sussex will visit Westminster Abbey on May 6, according to an announcement made by Buckingham Palace yesterday.
The Duchess, meanwhile, will remain at home in California with Archie, who turns four on the same day as the ceremony, and Lilibet, a year old.
Royal experts have said it is an ‘ideal compromise’ but some have described the decision as a ‘snub’ after the King accompanied Meghan down the aisle when she married his younger son.
The news follows the enduring row between the Sussexes and the rest of the royals, which has become more heated in recent months following the release of Prince Harry’s memoir Spare.
A royal source told the Sun last night: ‘The King is happy that Harry, his son, who he calls his “darling boy” will be at the Abbey.
The King’s coronation will take place in just three weeks (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage Source: WireImage)The Palace said yesterday that Meghan won’t be attending the coronation but Harry will (Picture: Getty)
‘He wanted him there. It is sad, he is very disappointed that he won’t see Meghan or his grandchildren but understands the situation.’
According to Coronation plans seen by The Times there is no intention of giving Harry a role in the ceremony or procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace afterwards.
The couple had delayed answering their invitation for weeks, causing difficulties for organisers tasked with complex seating plans, transport and security for guests.
Sources described the negotiations as a game of ‘transatlantic ping pong’, and Harry was said to have wanted numerous assurances about arrangements.
But one source said it seemed ‘genuine’ of Harry to want to attend the coronation.
They said: ‘It is important for Harry as the King’s son to show up for his father. That seems quite genuine.
Another added: ‘It is about showing up, showing support and being there for his father.’
The day will see him come face-to-face with his father and brother in public for the first time since the release of his memoir Spare.
Sources said the decision by Meghan to remain in California with the couple’s two young children had come as a relief in some circles, following fears her presence could have heightened family tensions.
It is also understood there was real concern in the Sussex camp about the public reception the couple would have received if they attended the Coronation together.
In the event, the news was specifically timed for a dual announcement on both sides of the Atlantic at 3pm British time to minimise any inflaming of tensions.
A statement in London said: ‘Buckingham Palace is pleased to confirm that the Duke of Sussex will attend the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on 6th May. The Duchess of Sussex will remain in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.’
One royal observer commented after the news was announced: ‘Charles will be pleased. The rest of the family will be relieved that Meghan won’t be there – it would have been particularly uncomfortable for Kate.’
Harry is only planning on a flying visit, with sources close to the Sussexes indicating he won’t even return to Buckingham Palace to gather with the rest of the family or take part in any further events over the Coronation weekend.
Omid Scobie tweeted the news of Harry’s forthcoming attendance and then added: ‘I understand that Archie’s fourth birthday (also on May 6) played a factor in the couple’s decision.
‘Expect it to be a fairly quick trip to the UK for Prince Harry, who will only be attending the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.’
Sussex supporters said the Duke understood that it was the biggest day of his father’s life and felt it was right to be present, despite his attacks on the family.
But Rob Jobson, author of upcoming book Our King: The Man and the Monarch Revealed, said it calls into question whether Meghan will ever play a role in the royal family again.
He said: ‘It is good news that Harry has accepted the invite and will be there to support his father.
‘It is the most pragmatic move in a difficult situation and Harry has got it right. He would deeply regret it if he didn’t attend the biggest day of his father’s life.
‘But the fact his wife is not attending means it is now highly unlikely we will ever see her attend an official or Palace event again — apart from maybe the King’s funeral.’
Emmerson Mnangagwa, the president of Zimbabwe, has accepted an invitation to the coronation of King Charles III, which will take place on May 6 at Westminster Abbey in London.
On Tuesday in the nation’s capital, Harare, the president and the UK ambassador met to talk about the upcoming coronation.
Ambassador Melanie Robinson tweeted a picture of the meeting in which they also talked about “trade, investment projects and the importance of peaceful, free and fair elections later this year”.
“The president has been invited and has accepted that invitation and will be travelling to London for that,” Ms Robinson is quoted as saying by the state-owned Herald newspaper.
Following the implementation of land reforms during the administration of former long-time leader Robert Mugabe, Britain’s relations with Zimbabwe deteriorated.
Both the US and the EU continue to impose sanctions on organizations and leaders in Zimbabwe, including President Mnangagwa.
