According to reports, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will receive the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine within weeks, after UK regulators granted emergency approval and the world's first rollout which begins this week.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II to get COVID-19 vaccine in weeks: Reports

<p>Queen Elizabeth II will receive the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British Queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the vaccine early due to their age, the Mail on Sunday claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The report also said that the British royals would get vaccinated "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears peddled by anti-vaxxers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-backtracks-on-uk-vaccine-comments-apologises-for-misunderstanding-347555">Anthony Fauci backtracks on UK vaccine comments; apologises for 'misunderstanding'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Daily Mirror also reported a number of high-profile personalities in Britain who had committed to publicly get inoculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace has so far not commented on the development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain on Wednesday granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and now people most at risk and elderly are set to be the first set of individuals who will get the drug.</p>

<p>Elderly care home residents and their carers will get the jab first, followed by those aged 80 and more and frontline health and care professionals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rest of the elderly people and clinically extremely vulnerable will then get inoculated.</p>

<p>The remaining population will then get vaccinated according to their age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine and will be receiving an initial batch of 800,000 doses to start next week's rollout.</p>

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Queen Elizabeth II will receive the coronavirus vaccine within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.

Queen Elizabeth II will receive the coronavirus vaccine within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest. The British Queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the vaccine early due to their age, the Mail on Sunday claimed. Watch | The report also said that the British royals would get vaccinated "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears peddled by anti-vaxxers. Also read | Anthony Fauci backtracks on UK vaccine comments; apologises for 'misunderstanding' The Daily Mirror also reported a number of high-profile personalities in Britain who had committed to publicly get inoculated. Buckingham Palace has so far not commented on the development. Britain on Wednesday granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and now people most at risk and elderly are set to be the first set of individuals who will get the drug. Elderly care home residents and their carers will get the jab first, followed by those aged 80 and more and frontline health and care professionals. Rest of the elderly people and clinically extremely vulnerable will then get inoculated. The remaining population will then get vaccinated according to their age. The UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine and will be receiving an initial batch of 800,000 doses to start next week's rollout.

Queen Elizabeth II to receive coronavirus vaccine within weeks: Reports

Royal biographer Penny Junor on Wednesday (November 18) called the portrayal of Britain's royal family in Season 4 of Netflix television drama "The Crown" "the most terrible character assassination of just about all of them."

'A terrible character assassination' on royals - Penny Junor on 'The Crown' Season 4

Barbados is making history, the Caribbean country will be removing Queen Elizabeth II as its constitutional monarch, 54 years after Independence. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what are that other countries where the Queen is still the head of state.

Gravitas: Barbados to remove Queen Elizabeth II as head of state

<p>Queen Elizabeth II has become the first in the British Royal Family to&nbsp;witness a portrait of themselves being unveiled virtually.</p>

<p>Due to the novel coronavirus and the advice of the UK health experts and government to stay home, the 94-year-old monarch joined in on a video call with artist Miriam Escofet for the unveiling ceremony.</p>

<p>"I'm glad I've had the chance to see it," the Queen said to Escofet. "I hope I'll see it in real life one day."</p>

<p>The Royal Media's social media accounts showcased the portrait.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFFbdGnNy0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio).</a></p>

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<p>The portrait shows the Queen sitting on a gilded chair in a blue knee-length dress, with a tea cup next to her on a table and the painting of her great-great-great-grandmother Queen Charlotte, George III's wife in the background.</p>

<p>The artist Escofet issued a statement stating that it was a big honour.&nbsp;"I wanted the portrait to capture Her Majesty's humanity, her radiance and her warmth, which came through so strongly in the two portrait sittings," she said.</p>

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<p>The video call event was hosted by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which commissioned the artwork. The FCO also took this opportunity to brief the Queen about the country's preparations for coronavirus and its advancements on the PPE and coronavirus testing kits.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II has become the first in the British Royal Family to witness a portrait of themselves being unveiled virtually. Due to the novel coronavirus and the advice of the UK health experts and government to stay home, the 94-year-old monarch joined in on a video call with artist Miriam Escofet for the unveiling ceremony.

Queen Elizabeth II has become the first in the British Royal Family to witness a portrait of themselves being unveiled virtually. Due to the novel coronavirus and the advice of the UK health experts and government to stay home, the 94-year-old monarch joined in on a video call with artist Miriam Escofet for the unveiling ceremony. "I'm glad I've had the chance to see it," the Queen said to Escofet. "I hope I'll see it in real life one day." The Royal Media's social media accounts showcased the portrait. View this post on Instagram 🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio). A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT × The portrait shows the Queen sitting on a gilded chair in a blue knee-length dress, with a tea cup next to her on a table and the painting of her great-great-great-grandmother Queen Charlotte, George III's wife in the background. The artist Escofet issued a statement stating that it was a big honour. "I wanted the portrait to capture Her Majesty's humanity, her radiance and her warmth, which came through so strongly in the two portrait sittings," she said. × The video call event was hosted by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which commissioned the artwork. The FCO also took this opportunity to brief the Queen about the country's preparations for coronavirus and its advancements on the PPE and coronavirus testing kits.

Queen Elizabeth II becomes first Royal to attend virtual unveiling of portrait

Stalin to Putin - Meet the world's longest serving leaders

<p>As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small,&nbsp;are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Appreciating the businesses for their cooperation, understanding and efforts during and after the lockdown, Queen Elizabeth thanked&nbsp;Britain's Queen Elizabeth thanked the businesses on Friday.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lawmakers-think-uk-may-suspend-wage-pension-link-to-uplift-economy-government-denies-307081"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Lawmakers think UK may suspend wage-pension link to uplift economy; government denies</strong></a></p>

<p>"As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world," the Queen said in a message to the British Chambers of Commerce.</p>

<p>"At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities."</p>

<p>The businesses across the globe have been suffering loss due to the lockdown. However, as the retail industry reopened in the UK, the sales did observe a significant jump which has given a hope to the economists and the business owners.</p>

<p>"I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead," she said.</p>


As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small, are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

As the UK reopened its economy, a lot of businesses, big or small, are trying to make up for the loss that they suffered due to the extended lockdown initiated to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. Appreciating the businesses for their cooperation, understanding and efforts during and after the lockdown, Queen Elizabeth thanked Britain's Queen Elizabeth thanked the businesses on Friday. Also read| Lawmakers think UK may suspend wage-pension link to uplift economy; government denies "As many organisations around the country are reopening, I send my warmest best wishes and support to business communities throughout the United Kingdom, Commonwealth and across the world," the Queen said in a message to the British Chambers of Commerce. "At a time of great difficulty for many, it is heart-warming to see the civic response and generosity of so many businesses, small and large, to the challenges posed, whether supporting the health sector or vulnerable communities." The businesses across the globe have been suffering loss due to the lockdown. However, as the retail industry reopened in the UK, the sales did observe a significant jump which has given a hope to the economists and the business owners. "I wish all businesses every success in their endeavours in the weeks and months ahead," she said.

Queen Elizabeth thanks businesses worldwide for being considerate during COVID

A scaled-down ceremony at Windsor marks Queen Elizabeth II's 94th birthday

<p>The official birthday of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated with a grand Trooping of the Colour event every year during the second weekend of June, was marked with a new low-key ceremony on Saturday as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The monarch, who turned 94 in April, was honoured on the grounds of Windsor Castle --&nbsp;where she is self-isolating with 99-year-old husband Prince Philip --&nbsp;with a small number of Welsh Guardsmen and military musicians.</p>

<p>They gathered, observing the two-metre social distancing norms in place to curb the spread of the deadly virus, to mark the event with a royal salute for the monarch, followed by military drills and then a march on the castle grounds.</p>

<p>With fewer people on parade because of social distancing, "there is no hiding place", said Garrison Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew Stokes, who created the display broadcast live on the BBC.</p>

<p>"But more spacing between individuals means that there is also no room for errors and so the soldier has to really concentrate on their own personal drill, reaction to orders, dressing and social distancing," he said.</p>

<p>Traditionally, guardsmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder during their drills or when formed up on the parade ground.</p>

<p>"The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating in terms of loss of life and the threatening of livelihoods of so many across the country," said Major General Christopher Ghika, who commands the Household Division.</p>

<p>"The Welsh Guards and many of those on parade have recently been deployed within the United Kingdom as part of the nation's response to the virus and so the context of the ceremony is particularly poignant," he said.</p>

<p>This year marks only the second time in the Queen's 68-year reign that the grand Trooping of the Colour parade in London has not gone ahead. It last had to be cancelled in 1955, three years after the Queen's coronation, due to a national rail strike in the country.</p>

<p>The annual ceremony brings together all the senior royals to Buckingham Palace, from where they watch the display.</p>


The official birthday of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated with a grand Trooping of the Colour event every year during the second weekend of June, was marked with a new low-key ceremony on Saturday as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The official birthday of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, celebrated with a grand Trooping of the Colour event every year during the second weekend of June, was marked with a new low-key ceremony on Saturday as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The monarch, who turned 94 in April, was honoured on the grounds of Windsor Castle -- where she is self-isolating with 99-year-old husband Prince Philip -- with a small number of Welsh Guardsmen and military musicians. They gathered, observing the two-metre social distancing norms in place to curb the spread of the deadly virus, to mark the event with a royal salute for the monarch, followed by military drills and then a march on the castle grounds. With fewer people on parade because of social distancing, "there is no hiding place", said Garrison Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class 1 Andrew Stokes, who created the display broadcast live on the BBC. "But more spacing between individuals means that there is also no room for errors and so the soldier has to really concentrate on their own personal drill, reaction to orders, dressing and social distancing," he said. Traditionally, guardsmen stand shoulder-to-shoulder during their drills or when formed up on the parade ground. "The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating in terms of loss of life and the threatening of livelihoods of so many across the country," said Major General Christopher Ghika, who commands the Household Division. "The Welsh Guards and many of those on parade have recently been deployed within the United Kingdom as part of the nation's response to the virus and so the context of the ceremony is particularly poignant," he said. This year marks only the second time in the Queen's 68-year reign that the grand Trooping of the Colour parade in London has not gone ahead. It last had to be cancelled in 1955, three years after the Queen's coronation, due to a national rail strike in the country. The annual ceremony brings together all the senior royals to Buckingham Palace, from where they watch the display.

Queen Elizabeth II's official birthday marked with smaller, low-key ceremony

<p>Australia's top court has ordered the release of Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence about the 1975 sacking of democratically elected Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, which palace allies had battled to keep secret.</p>

<p>The country's high court said letters between the British monarch and her Australian representative, governor-general John Kerr, over the affair were public record.</p>

<p><img alt="Queen Elizabeth II and Australian governor general Sir John Kerr in 1977. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="be0f316b-6339-4f73-9069-01188a73de33" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/download%20%283%29.jpg" /><br />
<em>Queen Elizabeth II and Australian governor general Sir John Kerr in 1977</em></p>

<p>Kerr had sacked Whitlam, the popular leader of the centre-left labor party, three years after his election, causing a deep constitutional crisis that still scars Australian politics.</p>

<p>The reasons for his dismissal are still fiercely argued, with allegations of british and even american efforts to smother Whitlam's reformist agenda.</p>

<p>The historian Jenny Hocking, who won the landmark case,&nbsp;s now calling on the National Archives of Australia to immediately release the 211 letters, saying the public deserves to know the full history of the greatest political and constitutional crisis in Australia’s history.</p>


Australia's top court has ordered the release of Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence about the 1975 sacking of democratically elected Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, which palace allies had battled to keep secret.

Australia's top court has ordered the release of Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence about the 1975 sacking of democratically elected Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, which palace allies had battled to keep secret. The country's high court said letters between the British monarch and her Australian representative, governor-general John Kerr, over the affair were public record. Queen Elizabeth II and Australian governor general Sir John Kerr in 1977 Kerr had sacked Whitlam, the popular leader of the centre-left labor party, three years after his election, causing a deep constitutional crisis that still scars Australian politics. The reasons for his dismissal are still fiercely argued, with allegations of british and even american efforts to smother Whitlam's reformist agenda. The historian Jenny Hocking, who won the landmark case, s now calling on the National Archives of Australia to immediately release the 211 letters, saying the public deserves to know the full history of the greatest political and constitutional crisis in Australia’s history.

Australian court orders release of Queen's letters over former PM Whitlam's sacking

UK commemorates 75th VE Day amid coronavirus pandemic

<p>Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday thanked healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, promising that a united effort would help defeat the disease.</p>

<p>In a rare special televised address, the 93-year-old monarch drew on her experience in World War II, offering a message of hope to people forced to separate from family and friends.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnson-hospitalised-for-tests-after-persistent-coronavirus-symptoms-290737" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms</a></strong></p>

<p>The broadcast to Britain and Commonwealth nations came as billions of people across the world are forced to stay at home to stop close-contact transmission of the virus.</p>

<p>The monarch and her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip have been at Windsor Castle, west of London, as a precaution since March 19, as the death toll and number of positive tests increased.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-johnsons-pregnant-fiance-had-covid-19-symptoms-but-on-the-mend-290676" hreflang="en">UK PM Johnson's pregnant fiance had COVID-19 symptoms but on the mend</a></strong></p>

<p>Britain currently has 47,806 confirmed hospital cases and 4,934 deaths. Her own son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have both contracted the virus.</p>

<p>The queen warned the situation could persist but said the outbreak would be defeated through a collective effort in a "common endeavour", including through scientific cooperation.</p>

<p>"We will succeed -- and that success will belong to every one of us," she said.</p>

<p>The message -- only her fourth in a time of crisis in her 68-year reign -- was recorded at Windsor, with a single camera operator wearing protective clothing as a precaution.</p>

<p>She personally thanked frontline staff in Britain's state-run National Health Service (NHS), care workers and other key workers for "selflessly" carrying out essential roles.</p>

<p>She also paid tribute to everyone forced to stay at home to reduce the burden on the NHS, and to protect the elderly and vulnerable most at risk from the disease.</p>

<p>The broadcast featured footage of doctors and nurses, workers making deliveries, and military personnel helping to construct a new 4,000-bed field hospital in London.</p>

<p>Members of the public were also seen clapping in appreciation from their homes for frontline staff.</p>

<p>The queen said people in Britain and around the world could feel proud of their community response to the outbreak.</p>

<p>"Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it," she added.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday thanked healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, promising that a united effort would help defeat the disease.

Queen Elizabeth II on Sunday thanked healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus outbreak, promising that a united effort would help defeat the disease. In a rare special televised address, the 93-year-old monarch drew on her experience in World War II, offering a message of hope to people forced to separate from family and friends. Also read: UK PM Johnson hospitalised for tests after persistent coronavirus symptoms The broadcast to Britain and Commonwealth nations came as billions of people across the world are forced to stay at home to stop close-contact transmission of the virus. The monarch and her 98-year-old husband Prince Philip have been at Windsor Castle, west of London, as a precaution since March 19, as the death toll and number of positive tests increased. Also read: UK PM Johnson's pregnant fiance had COVID-19 symptoms but on the mend Britain currently has 47,806 confirmed hospital cases and 4,934 deaths. Her own son, heir to the throne Prince Charles, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson have both contracted the virus. The queen warned the situation could persist but said the outbreak would be defeated through a collective effort in a "common endeavour", including through scientific cooperation. "We will succeed -- and that success will belong to every one of us," she said. The message -- only her fourth in a time of crisis in her 68-year reign -- was recorded at Windsor, with a single camera operator wearing protective clothing as a precaution. She personally thanked frontline staff in Britain's state-run National Health Service (NHS), care workers and other key workers for "selflessly" carrying out essential roles. She also paid tribute to everyone forced to stay at home to reduce the burden on the NHS, and to protect the elderly and vulnerable most at risk from the disease. The broadcast featured footage of doctors and nurses, workers making deliveries, and military personnel helping to construct a new 4,000-bed field hospital in London. Members of the public were also seen clapping in appreciation from their homes for frontline staff. The queen said people in Britain and around the world could feel proud of their community response to the outbreak. "Together we are tackling this disease, and I want to reassure you that if we remain united and resolute, then we will overcome it," she added.

Queen Elizabeth II says collective effort will defeat COVID-19

<p>In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II will make a special broadcast this weekend to Britain and the Commonwealth, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.</p>

<p>"The televised address will be broadcast at 8 pm (1900 GMT) on Sunday 5th April 2020. The address was recorded at Windsor Castle," a statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sill-have-minor-coronavirus-symptom-will-continue-self-isolation-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-290414">Sill have minor coronavirus symptom... will continue self-isolation, says UK PM Boris Johnson</a></strong></p>

<p>The queen, 93, has made only three other special addresses during national crises in her 68-year reign.</p>

<p>The latest development comes as the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic. According to the latest figures by John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre, over 34,000 people are have been confirmed of coronavirus. Queen's son Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson are also among the infected ones.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-home-with-coronavirus-johnson-writes-to-the-nation-289201">At home with coronavirus, Johnson writes to the nation</a></strong></p>

<p>The peak of the United Kingdom's coronavirus outbreak will be slightly sooner than previously thought and will come in the next few weeks, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday.</p>

<p>"The modelling suggests that that peak will be slightly sooner than previous, in the next few weeks but it is very, very sensitive to how many people follow the social distancing guidelines," Hancock told local media.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II will make a special broadcast this weekend to Britain and the Commonwealth, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.

In the wake of coronavirus pandemic, Queen Elizabeth II will make a special broadcast this weekend to Britain and the Commonwealth, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday. "The televised address will be broadcast at 8 pm (1900 GMT) on Sunday 5th April 2020. The address was recorded at Windsor Castle," a statement said. Also read: Sill have minor coronavirus symptom... will continue self-isolation, says UK PM Boris Johnson The queen, 93, has made only three other special addresses during national crises in her 68-year reign. The latest development comes as the country is battling the coronavirus pandemic. According to the latest figures by John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre, over 34,000 people are have been confirmed of coronavirus. Queen's son Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson are also among the infected ones. Also read: At home with coronavirus, Johnson writes to the nation The peak of the United Kingdom's coronavirus outbreak will be slightly sooner than previously thought and will come in the next few weeks, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Friday. "The modelling suggests that that peak will be slightly sooner than previous, in the next few weeks but it is very, very sensitive to how many people follow the social distancing guidelines," Hancock told local media. (With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth II to make special broadcast on coronavirus pandemic

<p>Prince Harry and his wife <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-and-prince-harry-get-standing-ovation-at-mountbatten-festival-of-music-285103">Megan</a> bowed out of official royal&nbsp;duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proud-to-serve-queen-and-country-prince-harry-284675">Also Read:&nbsp;Proud to serve Queen and country: Prince Harry</a></p>

<p>Meghan, wearing an emerald green dress and hat&nbsp;joined Harry as they took their place at&nbsp;Westminster Abbey in their last official royal appearance in less than two years after they got married in a royal ceremony watched by millions around the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Megan and Harry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="edad905f-8cfe-4947-8f65-0b4917bd9dd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megaaan%20%26%20Harryy11main.jpg" /></p>

<p>The royal couple took their&nbsp;place behind Prince William and Kate as they exchanged pleasantries and spoke to the choir boys. They witnessed singer Alexandra Burke perform and heard a speech by Anthony Joshua on shared vision" of the Commonwealth community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the agreement reached in January, Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will stop using "His"&nbsp;or "Her Royal Highness"&nbsp;titles and will no longer use the "royal" title once they officially step back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Megan and Harry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37f3f405-2e71-4847-ab93-28a488d68695" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megan%20%26%20Harryy11.jpg" /></p>

<p>Last weekend, Prince Harry had met Queen Elizabeth, 93, at Windsor Castle to discuss his future, according to reports, the queen told Harry that they would always be welcome.</p>

<p>The couple had received a standing ovation as they attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Prince Harry and Megan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f486a323-39c7-4ef4-987b-b3e40090de7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Megan%20%26%20Harry111.jpg" /></p>

<p>The annual Commonwealth Service was the first event when the couple were seen together with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family since the exit deal in January.</p>


Prince Harry and his wife Megan bowed out of official royal duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31.

Prince Harry and his wife Megan bowed out of official royal duties on Monday as they joined other members of the royal family at Westminster Abbey in their final public engagement before stepping back from their roles on March 31. Also Read: Proud to serve Queen and country: Prince Harry Meghan, wearing an emerald green dress and hat joined Harry as they took their place at Westminster Abbey in their last official royal appearance in less than two years after they got married in a royal ceremony watched by millions around the world. The royal couple took their place behind Prince William and Kate as they exchanged pleasantries and spoke to the choir boys. They witnessed singer Alexandra Burke perform and heard a speech by Anthony Joshua on shared vision" of the Commonwealth community. According to the agreement reached in January, Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will stop using "His" or "Her Royal Highness" titles and will no longer use the "royal" title once they officially step back. Last weekend, Prince Harry had met Queen Elizabeth, 93, at Windsor Castle to discuss his future, according to reports, the queen told Harry that they would always be welcome. The couple had received a standing ovation as they attended the Mountbatten Festival of Music at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday evening. The annual Commonwealth Service was the first event when the couple were seen together with Queen Elizabeth and the royal family since the exit deal in January.

Prince Harry and Meghan make last official royal appearance at Westminster Abbey

<p>If latest reports are anything to go by, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been barred from using the titled 'Sussex Royals' from now on.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The couple had started building the brand just last year after they moved out of Kensington Palace, which they shared with Prince William and Kate Middleton and launched their separate Instagram page 'The Sussex Royals'.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MjqZQpfba/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">To all of our Kiwi followers, sending our very best to each of you on Waitangi Day! 🇳🇿 • As a commonwealth country and a realm, today we honour the spirit and diversity of New Zealand, and we feel particularly reminded of the special time we had there during our tour in 2018. • The Duke and Duchess send their best wishes to all the people of New Zealand. I tēnei rā, ka tuku mihi maioha te Tiuka me te Tāhihi ki ngā iwi katoa o Aotearoa. Image © PA / High Commissioner</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on <time datetime="2020-02-05T19:02:24+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 5, 2020 at 11:02am PST</time></p>
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<p>Now, according to reports, Queen Elizabeth had "banned" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from using the title.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
A source in the royal family has revealed to media that conversations about Sussex Royal are "ongoing." The source explained,"As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back as senior Members of the Royal Family and will work towards financial independence, use of the word 'Royal,' in this context, need to be reviewed. Discussions are still ongoing."<br />
<br />
"As part of the process to transition the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into their new chapter—planning has been well underway around the launch of their new non profit organization. Details will be shared in due course," &nbsp;the source further added while speaking to Town &amp;Country website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The source stated that even though its still being discussed, but likelyhood of the couple being barred from using the title as a brand is high.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B7EaGS_Jpb9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">“After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on <time datetime="2020-01-08T18:33:31+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST</time></p>
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<p>Earlier in January, the couple, in a shock move, announced that they were stepping down from their roles as senior members of the royal family and that they wished to now divide time between<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-i-are-separate-entities-prince-william-273926"> North America and United Kingdom.</a> The Queen had earlier barred them from being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/megxit-prince-harry-meghan-markle-to-no-longer-bear-royal-highness-title-275149">referred as 'his royal highness'.</a>&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The couple had launched a new website, Sussexroyal.com, when they announced they'd be stepping back; the site featured much of the same navy-and-gray branding previously seen on the couple's Instagram. The couple have also reportedly applied for a global trademark on Sussex Royal as a preventative measure but with new diktat from the Queen herself- the couple may have to consider rebranding.&nbsp;</p>


If latest reports are anything to go by, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been barred from using the titled 'Sussex Royals' from now on. The couple had started building the brand just last year after they moved out of Kensington Palace, which they shared with Prince William and Kate Middleton and launched their separate Instagram page 'The Sussex Royals'.

If latest reports are anything to go by, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been barred from using the titled 'Sussex Royals' from now on. The couple had started building the brand just last year after they moved out of Kensington Palace, which they shared with Prince William and Kate Middleton and launched their separate Instagram page 'The Sussex Royals'. View this post on Instagram To all of our Kiwi followers, sending our very best to each of you on Waitangi Day! 🇳🇿 • As a commonwealth country and a realm, today we honour the spirit and diversity of New Zealand, and we feel particularly reminded of the special time we had there during our tour in 2018. • The Duke and Duchess send their best wishes to all the people of New Zealand. I tēnei rā, ka tuku mihi maioha te Tiuka me te Tāhihi ki ngā iwi katoa o Aotearoa. Image © PA / High Commissioner A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Feb 5, 2020 at 11:02am PST × Now, according to reports, Queen Elizabeth had "banned" Prince Harry and Meghan Markle from using the title. A source in the royal family has revealed to media that conversations about Sussex Royal are "ongoing." The source explained,"As the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are stepping back as senior Members of the Royal Family and will work towards financial independence, use of the word 'Royal,' in this context, need to be reviewed. Discussions are still ongoing." "As part of the process to transition the Duke and Duchess of Sussex into their new chapter—planning has been well underway around the launch of their new non profit organization. Details will be shared in due course," the source further added while speaking to Town &Country website. The source stated that even though its still being discussed, but likelyhood of the couple being barred from using the title as a brand is high. View this post on Instagram “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen. It is with your encouragement, particularly over the last few years, that we feel prepared to make this adjustment. We now plan to balance our time between the United Kingdom and North America, continuing to honour our duty to The Queen, the Commonwealth, and our patronages. This geographic balance will enable us to raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born, while also providing our family with the space to focus on the next chapter, including the launch of our new charitable entity. We look forward to sharing the full details of this exciting next step in due course, as we continue to collaborate with Her Majesty The Queen, The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and all relevant parties. Until then, please accept our deepest thanks for your continued support.” - The Duke and Duchess of Sussex For more information, please visit sussexroyal.com (link in bio) Image © PA A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 8, 2020 at 10:33am PST × Earlier in January, the couple, in a shock move, announced that they were stepping down from their roles as senior members of the royal family and that they wished to now divide time between North America and United Kingdom. The Queen had earlier barred them from being referred as 'his royal highness'. The couple had launched a new website, Sussexroyal.com, when they announced they'd be stepping back; the site featured much of the same navy-and-gray branding previously seen on the couple's Instagram. The couple have also reportedly applied for a global trademark on Sussex Royal as a preventative measure but with new diktat from the Queen herself- the couple may have to consider rebranding.

Queen to ask Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to give up their 'Sussex Royal' brand

<p>Ever heard of two queens featuring on one coin? The royal mint of United Kingdom has paid a unique tribute music icons Queen and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on a new commemorative coin.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The released recently coin pays tribute to the four band members - Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon - along with depictions of their musical instruments.<br />
<br />
According to the Royal Mint, this is the very first time that a British band has been celebrated on UK coinage.<br />
<br />
The coin features the band's logo and the instruments played by the four Queen members. The grand piano played by Freddie Mercury for "Bohemian Rhapsody", May's "Red Special" guitar, Taylor's Ludwig bass drum and Deacon's bass guitar.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/royal-mint-releases-commemorative-coin-queen-and-the-queen-on-two-sides-of-same-coin-275393/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The commemorative coin is available in gold and silver proof with prices varying from £13 pounds sterling for a £5 brilliant uncirculated coin cover to £2,100 for the one-ounce gold proof coin.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Ever heard of two queens featuring on one coin? The royal mint of United Kingdom has paid a unique tribute music icons Queen and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on a new commemorative coin.

Ever heard of two queens featuring on one coin? The royal mint of United Kingdom has paid a unique tribute music icons Queen and Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on a new commemorative coin. The released recently coin pays tribute to the four band members - Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon - along with depictions of their musical instruments. According to the Royal Mint, this is the very first time that a British band has been celebrated on UK coinage. The coin features the band's logo and the instruments played by the four Queen members. The grand piano played by Freddie Mercury for "Bohemian Rhapsody", May's "Red Special" guitar, Taylor's Ludwig bass drum and Deacon's bass guitar. The commemorative coin is available in gold and silver proof with prices varying from £13 pounds sterling for a £5 brilliant uncirculated coin cover to £2,100 for the one-ounce gold proof coin.

Two Queens on one coin! Iconic British band and monarch celebrated on commemorative coin

<p>Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle said his daughter and son-in-law's action is "destroying" and "cheapening" the British royal family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview to Channel 5 news for a documentary, Thomas also said that Meghan was tossing away "every girl's dream".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/megxit-prince-harry-meghan-markle-to-no-longer-bear-royal-highness-title-275149">Megxit: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to no longer bear 'royal highness' title</a></strong></p>

<p>Thomas's comments came a day after the palace announced that the couple would no longer use their "Royal Highness" titles and would finance their own life. British Prime Minister Borish Johnson also wished Harry and Meghan for beginning a new chapter of their life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meghans-father-speaks-up-after-uks-harry-and-meghan-drop-royal-titles-275317/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">"This is like one of the greatest long-living institutions ever," Thomas said. "They are destroying it, they are cheapening it, they're making it shabby ... They are turning it into a Walmart with a crown of it now. It is something that is ridiculous, they shouldn't be doing this."</div>

<p>Thomas said that it is every girl's dream to become a princess and Meghan got that opportunity but she is tossing that away.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harry and Meghan dropped a bombshell when they announced on January 9 that they are intending to quit royal duties and become financially independent.</p>

<p>A part of Thomas's interview was released by the channel and full documentary would be aired in the coming weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thomas and Meghan remain estranged since her marriage to Harry.</p>

<p>Thomas also said that he did not expect Meghan to contact him and called the couple "lost souls".</p>

<p>"I can't see her reaching out to me, especially now ... or Harry for that matter, but I think both of them are turning into lost souls at this point," he said.</p>

<p>"I don't know what they're looking for. I don't think they know what they are looking for."</p>


Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle said his daughter and son-in-law's action is "destroying" and "cheapening" the British royal family. In an interview to Channel 5 news for a documentary, Thomas also said that Meghan was tossing away "every girl's dream".

Meghan Markle's estranged father, Thomas Markle said his daughter and son-in-law's action is "destroying" and "cheapening" the British royal family. In an interview to Channel 5 news for a documentary, Thomas also said that Meghan was tossing away "every girl's dream". Also read: Megxit: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to no longer bear 'royal highness' title Thomas's comments came a day after the palace announced that the couple would no longer use their "Royal Highness" titles and would finance their own life. British Prime Minister Borish Johnson also wished Harry and Meghan for beginning a new chapter of their life. Watch: "This is like one of the greatest long-living institutions ever," Thomas said. "They are destroying it, they are cheapening it, they're making it shabby ... They are turning it into a Walmart with a crown of it now. It is something that is ridiculous, they shouldn't be doing this." Thomas said that it is every girl's dream to become a princess and Meghan got that opportunity but she is tossing that away. Harry and Meghan dropped a bombshell when they announced on January 9 that they are intending to quit royal duties and become financially independent. A part of Thomas's interview was released by the channel and full documentary would be aired in the coming weeks. Thomas and Meghan remain estranged since her marriage to Harry. Thomas also said that he did not expect Meghan to contact him and called the couple "lost souls". "I can't see her reaching out to me, especially now ... or Harry for that matter, but I think both of them are turning into lost souls at this point," he said. "I don't know what they're looking for. I don't think they know what they are looking for."

Meghan Markle's father accuses daughter of 'destroying', 'cheapening' royal family

<p>Queen Elizabeth has reluctantly agreed to her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's wish for a more independent future after the British royal family held crisis talks on Monday to resolve a widening rift among the Windsors.</p>

<p>Harry and his American actress wife will now begin a "period of transition" that will see them split their time between Britain and Canada as they also seek a lifestyle less encumbered by royal duties and to end their reliance on public funding.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/queen-agrees-on-period-of-transition-for-harry-and-meghan-274104/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-i-are-separate-entities-prince-william-273926">Queen Elizabeth II agrees to 'period of transition'; Harry &amp; Megan to spend time in Canada, UK</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Queen Elizabeth II" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e0421e5c-681e-48d3-b74a-876252165148" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WaVLqA0C.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Queen Elizabeth | Photo Credit: Reuters)</em></p>

<p>It comes after what the 93-year-old queen described as "very constructive discussions" between herself, Harry, his elder brother Prince William and his father and heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, at the monarch's rural Sandringham estate in eastern England.</p>

<p>A final decision on the future of the couple, officially the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be determined in days, she said in a statement.</p>

<p><img alt="Meghan and Prince Harry" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="04dcb55d-1f22-4eae-98aa-01ef528a84a3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2cEaEEs1.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>(Meghan Markle and Harry | Photo Credit: Reuters)</em></p>

<p>"My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family," Elizabeth said.</p>

<p>"Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family."</p>

<p>The statement was highly unusual both in its informal tone and its personal nature, addressing the couple by name rather than by their titles.</p>

<p>Meghan, who is currently in Canada with their infant son Archie, had been expected to join Monday's discussion by telephone.</p>

<p>The royal crisis was triggered when Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, publicly announced last week that they wished to step back from royal duties and spend more time in North America.</p>

<p>Although there had been initial discussions about their future, neither the queen nor Charles were consulted beforehand, a step seen as hurtful and premature by a family whose roots go back through a thousand years of European history.</p>

<p>It also exposed suspected divisions in the Windsor family and prompted soul-searching over what it means to be royal in the 21st century.</p>

<p><strong>"New role"</strong></p>

<p>Harry and Meghan say they want a "progressive" new role for themselves and financial independence. As one of the world's most glamorous couples, they have also made clear that they were struggling with the intense media scrutiny.</p>

<p>Last year, they announced legal action against a British tabloid, and Harry said papers had been bullying his wife in a way reminiscent of the hounding his mother Princess Diana had suffered before her death in a Paris car crash in 1997.</p>

<p>But it is unclear how they will pull off a partial pullback from royal roles - which some media have dubbed "Megxit" in a play on Britain's tortuous Brexit departure from the European Union - or who will pay for a transatlantic lifestyle.</p>

<p>Currently, they are mainly funded by money from Prince Charles's Duchy of Cornwall estate as their royal roles have precluded them seeking personal incomes.</p>

<p>"These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days," the queen said in her statement.</p>

<p>Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said most Canadians are very supportive of having the royals in the country. "But how that looks and what kind of costs is involved, there is still lots of discussions to have," Trudeau told Global News in a television interview.</p>

<p>There are no provisions in Canada's Citizenship Act that confer Canadian citizenship status to members of the royal family by virtue of their status as a member of the monarchy, Canada's immigration department said in an emailed statement.</p>

<p>To become legal permanent residents of Canada, they would need to apply through normal immigration processes, the statement added.</p>

<p>Prince Charles, 71, has long sought a leaner royal family, but it is unclear how Harry and Meghan would fit into that model - especially if they essentially become Hollywood superstars.</p>

<p>In trying to resolve the crisis, the most powerful members of the so-called royal "Firm" are aware that the final outcome could shape the monarchy's future.</p>

<p>Elizabeth has served the country loyally since ascending the throne in 1952, earning the respect and admiration of most Britons, including many republicans, but the family has also sometimes faced accusations of being aloof and out of touch.</p>

<p>The breakdown in royal relations has dominated the British media for days, with newspapers running a host of stories, based on quotes from unidentified royal insiders, about a split between Harry and William, the Duke of Cambridge, and anger at the top of the family amid suspicion of leaks and ostracism.</p>

<p>In a sign of the tensions, Harry and William issued a rare public statement on Monday to denounce a report by the Times newspaper based on an unnamed source which said Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by "a bullying attitude" from William who had not been welcoming to Meghan.</p>

<p><strong>"False"</strong></p>

<p>"Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge," the statement said.</p>

<p>"For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful."</p>

<p>The furore over the couple, who married in May 2018 in a glittering ceremony watched by millions round the world, comes after a tough 2019 for the royal family.</p>

<p>Prince Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came under uncomfortable scrutiny while the queen's husband, Prince Philip, 98, received a police warning over a car crash.</p>


Queen Elizabeth has reluctantly agreed to her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's wish for a more independent future after the British royal family held crisis talks on Monday to resolve a widening rift among the Windsors.

Queen Elizabeth has reluctantly agreed to her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan's wish for a more independent future after the British royal family held crisis talks on Monday to resolve a widening rift among the Windsors. Harry and his American actress wife will now begin a "period of transition" that will see them split their time between Britain and Canada as they also seek a lifestyle less encumbered by royal duties and to end their reliance on public funding. Watch: Also read: Queen Elizabeth II agrees to 'period of transition'; Harry & Megan to spend time in Canada, UK (Queen Elizabeth | Photo Credit: Reuters) It comes after what the 93-year-old queen described as "very constructive discussions" between herself, Harry, his elder brother Prince William and his father and heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, at the monarch's rural Sandringham estate in eastern England. A final decision on the future of the couple, officially the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will be determined in days, she said in a statement. (Meghan Markle and Harry | Photo Credit: Reuters) "My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family," Elizabeth said. "Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family." The statement was highly unusual both in its informal tone and its personal nature, addressing the couple by name rather than by their titles. Meghan, who is currently in Canada with their infant son Archie, had been expected to join Monday's discussion by telephone. The royal crisis was triggered when Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, publicly announced last week that they wished to step back from royal duties and spend more time in North America. Although there had been initial discussions about their future, neither the queen nor Charles were consulted beforehand, a step seen as hurtful and premature by a family whose roots go back through a thousand years of European history. It also exposed suspected divisions in the Windsor family and prompted soul-searching over what it means to be royal in the 21st century. "New role" Harry and Meghan say they want a "progressive" new role for themselves and financial independence. As one of the world's most glamorous couples, they have also made clear that they were struggling with the intense media scrutiny. Last year, they announced legal action against a British tabloid, and Harry said papers had been bullying his wife in a way reminiscent of the hounding his mother Princess Diana had suffered before her death in a Paris car crash in 1997. But it is unclear how they will pull off a partial pullback from royal roles - which some media have dubbed "Megxit" in a play on Britain's tortuous Brexit departure from the European Union - or who will pay for a transatlantic lifestyle. Currently, they are mainly funded by money from Prince Charles's Duchy of Cornwall estate as their royal roles have precluded them seeking personal incomes. "These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days," the queen said in her statement. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said most Canadians are very supportive of having the royals in the country. "But how that looks and what kind of costs is involved, there is still lots of discussions to have," Trudeau told Global News in a television interview. There are no provisions in Canada's Citizenship Act that confer Canadian citizenship status to members of the royal family by virtue of their status as a member of the monarchy, Canada's immigration department said in an emailed statement. To become legal permanent residents of Canada, they would need to apply through normal immigration processes, the statement added. Prince Charles, 71, has long sought a leaner royal family, but it is unclear how Harry and Meghan would fit into that model - especially if they essentially become Hollywood superstars. In trying to resolve the crisis, the most powerful members of the so-called royal "Firm" are aware that the final outcome could shape the monarchy's future. Elizabeth has served the country loyally since ascending the throne in 1952, earning the respect and admiration of most Britons, including many republicans, but the family has also sometimes faced accusations of being aloof and out of touch. The breakdown in royal relations has dominated the British media for days, with newspapers running a host of stories, based on quotes from unidentified royal insiders, about a split between Harry and William, the Duke of Cambridge, and anger at the top of the family amid suspicion of leaks and ostracism. In a sign of the tensions, Harry and William issued a rare public statement on Monday to denounce a report by the Times newspaper based on an unnamed source which said Harry and Meghan had been pushed away by "a bullying attitude" from William who had not been welcoming to Meghan. "False" "Despite clear denials, a false story ran in a UK newspaper today speculating about the relationship between The Duke of Sussex and The Duke of Cambridge," the statement said. "For brothers who care so deeply about the issues surrounding mental health, the use of inflammatory language in this way is offensive and potentially harmful." The furore over the couple, who married in May 2018 in a glittering ceremony watched by millions round the world, comes after a tough 2019 for the royal family. Prince Andrew's friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein came under uncomfortable scrutiny while the queen's husband, Prince Philip, 98, received a police warning over a car crash.

Independence Day: Queen Elizabeth II agrees grandson Harry, Meghan can exit senior royal role

Sandringham summit: Key players of the royal gathering

<p>Queen Elizabeth has summoned her grandson Prince Harry for a crisis meeting to discuss future arrangements for him and his wife Meghan following the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/as-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-announce-separation-uk-monarchy-scrambles-for-solution-273323">couple's shock announcement</a> that they want to step back from royal duties.</p>

<p>Harry's father Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and his elder brother Prince William, will also attend the meeting, due to take place on Monday at the queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, a Buckingham Palace source told Reuters.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markel-goes-back-to-canada-to-be-with-son-archie-after-royal-rift-273376">Meghan</a>, an American former TV actress, will try to join via telephone from Canada where she returned earlier in the week to rejoin the couple's baby son, Archie.</p>

<p>Harry and Meghan, officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, surprised the rest of the royal family on Wednesday by publicly announcing they wanted a "new working model" that would allow them to spend more time in North America and to be financially independent.</p>

<p>They did not consult the 93-year-old monarch or other members of the family before making their announcement on a new website, a move which hurt and disappointed the queen and other royals, according to a royal source.</p>

<p>The meeting on Monday will be the first time the senior royals have met in person to discuss the concerns raised by Harry and Meghan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-queen-a-great-woman-describes-royal-family-fallout-as-sad-273574">Trump calls Queen 'a great woman', describes royal family fallout as 'sad'</a></strong></p>

<p>Officials had been holding talks behind the scenes since the bombshell statement to try to work out a new arrangement for the couple, and a royal source said those efforts progressed well.</p>

<p>The consultations, which also included the British and Canadian governments, paved the way for a face-to-face meeting between Harry and the queen.</p>

<p>The palace source said it remained the queen's aim to a find a resolution to the crisis in days rather than weeks but it would require "complex and thoughtful discussions" and any agreement would take time to be implemented.</p>

<p>The split between Harry and the other Windsors is the latest crisis the royal family has faced in a period described last month as "bumpy" by the queen in a televised annual address.</p>

<p>Such is the global interest in Harry and Meghan that their news has overshadowed a scandal surrounding the queen's second son Prince Andrew and his friendship with disgraced late US&nbsp;financier Jeffrey Epstein, who hanged himself in jail in August while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.</p>

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<p>In an emotional TV interview last October, Harry admitted he and William had fallen out.</p>

<p>The Sunday Times newspaper said the elder prince had spoken of his sadness at the rift. The brothers were close for years following the death of their mother Princess Diana in a Paris car crash in 1997.</p>

<p>The newspaper quoted William as saying to an unnamed friend: "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more, we're separate entities.</p>

<p>"I'm sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team."</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, the Times newspaper reported that Meghan had agreed to do voiceover work for Disney &lt;DIS.N&gt; in return for the company making a donation to a charity she supports that works to protect elephants.</p>

<p>A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman had no immediate comment on the report. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>


Queen Elizabeth has summoned her grandson Prince Harry for a crisis meeting to discuss future arrangements for him and his wife Meghan following the couple's shock announcement that they want to step back from royal duties.

Queen Elizabeth has summoned her grandson Prince Harry for a crisis meeting to discuss future arrangements for him and his wife Meghan following the couple's shock announcement that they want to step back from royal duties. Harry's father Prince Charles, the heir to the throne, and his elder brother Prince William, will also attend the meeting, due to take place on Monday at the queen's Sandringham estate in Norfolk, eastern England, a Buckingham Palace source told Reuters. Meghan, an American former TV actress, will try to join via telephone from Canada where she returned earlier in the week to rejoin the couple's baby son, Archie. Harry and Meghan, officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, surprised the rest of the royal family on Wednesday by publicly announcing they wanted a "new working model" that would allow them to spend more time in North America and to be financially independent. They did not consult the 93-year-old monarch or other members of the family before making their announcement on a new website, a move which hurt and disappointed the queen and other royals, according to a royal source. The meeting on Monday will be the first time the senior royals have met in person to discuss the concerns raised by Harry and Meghan. Also read: Trump calls Queen 'a great woman', describes royal family fallout as 'sad' Officials had been holding talks behind the scenes since the bombshell statement to try to work out a new arrangement for the couple, and a royal source said those efforts progressed well. The consultations, which also included the British and Canadian governments, paved the way for a face-to-face meeting between Harry and the queen. The palace source said it remained the queen's aim to a find a resolution to the crisis in days rather than weeks but it would require "complex and thoughtful discussions" and any agreement would take time to be implemented. The split between Harry and the other Windsors is the latest crisis the royal family has faced in a period described last month as "bumpy" by the queen in a televised annual address. Such is the global interest in Harry and Meghan that their news has overshadowed a scandal surrounding the queen's second son Prince Andrew and his friendship with disgraced late US financier Jeffrey Epstein, who hanged himself in jail in August while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. × In an emotional TV interview last October, Harry admitted he and William had fallen out. The Sunday Times newspaper said the elder prince had spoken of his sadness at the rift. The brothers were close for years following the death of their mother Princess Diana in a Paris car crash in 1997. The newspaper quoted William as saying to an unnamed friend: "I've put my arm around my brother all our lives and I can't do that any more, we're separate entities. "I'm sad about that. All we can do, and all I can do, is try and support them and hope that the time comes when we're all singing from the same page. I want everyone to play on the team." Earlier on Saturday, the Times newspaper reported that Meghan had agreed to do voiceover work for Disney <DIS.N> in return for the company making a donation to a charity she supports that works to protect elephants. A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman had no immediate comment on the report. Disney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Royal family fallout: UK's Queen Elizabeth calls Prince Harry for crisis meeting

The British monarchy is one of the oldest surviving institutions in the world and the head of this institution is the 93 year Queen Elizabeth II. Watch this video to know who stands where as far as succession is concerned in the family. #Royals #RoyalsOfEngland #UKRoyals

The UK Royals: One of the world's oldest institutions

Queen Elizabeth II highlights environmentalism in her Christmas message

Gravitas: The Queen's Christmas message

<p>Queen Elizabeth II will describe 2019 as 'quite bumpy' in her traditional Christmas Day message, after a year of crises which saw Britain divided over its impending exit from the European Union and her son Prince Andrew forced to withdraw from public life.<br />
<br />
The 93-year-old monarch, whose husband Philip is receiving treatment in hospital, will use her televised address on Wednesday to reflect on the need for reconciliation.<br />
<br />
The royal family was swept up in scandals that included a calamitous BBC interview with the queen's second son who tried to distance himself from American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.<br />
<br />
The interview in which Andrew denied having sex with one of Epstein's alleged victims was widely ridiculed and reportedly criticised within Buckingham Palace, forcing him to "step back from public duties".<br />
<br />
In a portion of her Christmas speech released in advance, the queen says the life of Jesus shows the importance of reconciliation.<br />
It teaches "how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding," she says.<br />
<br />
"The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference."</p>

<p><strong>'He's alright'</strong><br />
<br />
Britain endured a year of political drama linked to its delayed withdrawal from the European Union.&nbsp;The queen was dragged into the saga when she approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson's request to suspend parliament in August -- with opponents accusing him of trying to close down debate on Brexit.<br />
<br />
The Supreme Court subsequently ruled that Johnson's request had been unlawful.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The monarch has only symbolic power -- by convention, she always follows the advice of her ministers and Johnson was widely criticised for having put her in an impossible position.<br />
<br />
The queen's grandson Prince Harry and his American former actress wife Meghan Markle were also in the news, speaking about their struggles living in the public eye.<br />
<br />
Prince Harry took legal action against two tabloids in October accusing them of intercepting voicemail messages.<br />
<br />
Meghan filed a separate case against a newspaper that published excerpts of a letter her estranged father wrote to her.</p>

<p>Prince Philip's difficult year began with a car accident in which two women were injured. The police found the 98-year-old responsible but brought no charges.<br />
<br />
Buckingham Palace has released little information about Philip's condition since his hospitalisation on Friday for "treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition".<br />
<br />
"He's alright," Philip's son Charles told a reporter during a visit in northern England on Monday.<br />
<br />
"Once you get to that age things don't work as well."</p>

<p><strong>'Spirit of reconciliation'&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
The queen has remained one of Britain's most popular figures despite the royal family's travails.&nbsp;A poll by YouGov in November showed 72 percent of respondents had a positive opinion of the monarch.&nbsp;Prince Charles's approval was just 46 percent.<br />
<br />
The queen's Christmas Day message reflects on the heroism of British forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy that turned the course of World War II in 1944.<br />
<br />
In June she made an increasingly rare trip to abroad to attend the 75th anniversary commemorations in France.<br />
<br />
"For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them," the queen says in her message.<br />
<br />
"By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Queen Elizabeth II will describe 2019 as 'quite bumpy' in her traditional Christmas Day message, after a year of crises which saw Britain divided over its impending exit from the European Union and her son Prince Andrew forced to withdraw from public life.

Queen Elizabeth II will describe 2019 as 'quite bumpy' in her traditional Christmas Day message, after a year of crises which saw Britain divided over its impending exit from the European Union and her son Prince Andrew forced to withdraw from public life. The 93-year-old monarch, whose husband Philip is receiving treatment in hospital, will use her televised address on Wednesday to reflect on the need for reconciliation. The royal family was swept up in scandals that included a calamitous BBC interview with the queen's second son who tried to distance himself from American paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. The interview in which Andrew denied having sex with one of Epstein's alleged victims was widely ridiculed and reportedly criticised within Buckingham Palace, forcing him to "step back from public duties". In a portion of her Christmas speech released in advance, the queen says the life of Jesus shows the importance of reconciliation. It teaches "how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding," she says. "The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference." 'He's alright' Britain endured a year of political drama linked to its delayed withdrawal from the European Union. The queen was dragged into the saga when she approved Prime Minister Boris Johnson's request to suspend parliament in August -- with opponents accusing him of trying to close down debate on Brexit. The Supreme Court subsequently ruled that Johnson's request had been unlawful. The monarch has only symbolic power -- by convention, she always follows the advice of her ministers and Johnson was widely criticised for having put her in an impossible position. The queen's grandson Prince Harry and his American former actress wife Meghan Markle were also in the news, speaking about their struggles living in the public eye. Prince Harry took legal action against two tabloids in October accusing them of intercepting voicemail messages. Meghan filed a separate case against a newspaper that published excerpts of a letter her estranged father wrote to her. Prince Philip's difficult year began with a car accident in which two women were injured. The police found the 98-year-old responsible but brought no charges. Buckingham Palace has released little information about Philip's condition since his hospitalisation on Friday for "treatment in relation to a pre-existing condition". "He's alright," Philip's son Charles told a reporter during a visit in northern England on Monday. "Once you get to that age things don't work as well." 'Spirit of reconciliation' The queen has remained one of Britain's most popular figures despite the royal family's travails. A poll by YouGov in November showed 72 percent of respondents had a positive opinion of the monarch. Prince Charles's approval was just 46 percent. The queen's Christmas Day message reflects on the heroism of British forces during the D-Day landings in Normandy that turned the course of World War II in 1944. In June she made an increasingly rare trip to abroad to attend the 75th anniversary commemorations in France. "For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them," the queen says in her message. "By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost."

Queen Elizabeth II admits 'bumpy' year in Christmas message

<p>Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and&nbsp;reconciliation&nbsp;in her Christmas message this&nbsp;year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday,&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;year&nbsp;in which the tortuous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-boris-johnsons-brexit-deal-wins-first-vote-in-new-parliament-269404">Brexit</a>&nbsp;process aggravated deep divisions in Britain.</p>

<p>The palace released two short extracts from the 93-year-old monarch's televised Christmas Day message, one on the 75th anniversary of the World War Two D-Day landings, the other on the life of Jesus and the importance of&nbsp;reconciliation.</p>

<p>There was no indication of whether the&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;will mention more painful aspects of 2019 for the royal family, particularly the furore over her son Prince Andrew's links to disgraced US&nbsp;financier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jeffrey-epstein-how-the-man-with-famous-friends-fell-apart-242546">Jeffrey Epstein</a>.</p>

<p>Along with her 98-year-old husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, being involved in a car crash in January and having to spend this Christmas in hospital for checks, it has been what many commentators have called another "annus horribilis" for her.</p>

<p>That was how she described 1992, when three of her children's marriages - including that of Prince Charles to Princess Diana - collapsed and a fire severely damaged her Windsor Castle home.</p>

<p>In Tuesday's extracts, the&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;said of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/d-day-in-pictures-remembering-the-longest-day-253">D-Day</a>: "For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of&nbsp;reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them ...</p>

<p>"By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost."</p>

<p>On&nbsp;reconciliation, she talks of "how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding ..."</p>

<p>She adds: "The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this&nbsp;year&nbsp;have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference."</p>

<p>Britain's regional and political divisions have been exacerbated in the 3-1/2&nbsp;years since it voted to leave the EU.</p>

<p>A landslide election win for Conservative Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/uk-election-what-boris-johnsons-victory-means-for-britains-place-in-the-world-268495">Boris Johnson</a> this month enabled him finally to win approval for his&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;deal in parliament, but also re-awakened calls north of the border for another referendum on Scottish independence.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Queen's message was filmed at Windsor Castle, west of London, and produced by the BBC.</p>


Queen Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and reconciliation in her Christmas message this year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, after a year in which the tortuous Brexit process aggravated deep divisions in Britain.

Queen Elizabeth will stress the value of harmony and reconciliation in her Christmas message this year, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday, after a year in which the tortuous Brexit process aggravated deep divisions in Britain. The palace released two short extracts from the 93-year-old monarch's televised Christmas Day message, one on the 75th anniversary of the World War Two D-Day landings, the other on the life of Jesus and the importance of reconciliation. There was no indication of whether the Queen will mention more painful aspects of 2019 for the royal family, particularly the furore over her son Prince Andrew's links to disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein. Along with her 98-year-old husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, being involved in a car crash in January and having to spend this Christmas in hospital for checks, it has been what many commentators have called another "annus horribilis" for her. That was how she described 1992, when three of her children's marriages - including that of Prince Charles to Princess Diana - collapsed and a fire severely damaged her Windsor Castle home. In Tuesday's extracts, the Queen said of D-Day: "For the 75th anniversary of that decisive battle, in a true spirit of reconciliation, those who had formerly been sworn enemies came together in friendly commemorations either side of the Channel, putting past differences behind them ... "By being willing to put past differences behind us and move forward together, we honour the freedom and democracy once won for us at so great a cost." On reconciliation, she talks of "how small steps taken in faith and in hope can overcome long-held differences and deep-seated divisions to bring harmony and understanding ..." She adds: "The path, of course, is not always smooth, and may at times this year have felt quite bumpy, but small steps can make a world of difference." Britain's regional and political divisions have been exacerbated in the 3-1/2 years since it voted to leave the EU. A landslide election win for Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnson this month enabled him finally to win approval for his Brexit deal in parliament, but also re-awakened calls north of the border for another referendum on Scottish independence. The Queen's message was filmed at Windsor Castle, west of London, and produced by the BBC.

Queen stresses reconciliation after bruising Brexit year

On December 19 Queen Elizabeth II formally opened a new session of Britain's Parliament with a speech laying out Prime Minister Boris Johnson's plans to use his commanding majority to take the U.K. out of the European Union and shake up the country's public services. #UKParliament #UKElections

State opening of the UK Parliament, Queen lays out Boris Johnson's Brexit Plans

Queen Elizabeth II greets NATO leaders at a reception in Buckingham palace, leaders pose for a group photograph at the palace

Queen Elizabeth II greets NATO leaders at Buckingham Palace

<p>Britain's Prince Andrew has said he does not remember meeting Virginia Roberts, one of disgraced US financier <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-university-says-it-accepted-gifts-from-epstein-before-2008-sex-crime-conviction-249528">Jeffrey Epstein</a>'s alleged victims, who claims she was forced to have sex with the royal.</p>

<p>But Andrew admitted in an interview with the BBC due to be broadcast on Saturday that his decision to remain friends with Epstein after he was convicted of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jeffrey-epstein-accusers-detail-sexual-abuse-claims-in-emotional-court-hearing-246133">soliciting prostitution from a minor</a> was a serious error of judgement.</p>

<p>"I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever," Andrew told BBC interviewer Emily Maitlis, according to extracts from "Prince Andrew and the Epstein Scandal" released ahead of the programme airing.</p>

<p>Andrew, 59, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and eighth in line to the throne, has been heavily criticised over his links to multimillionaire Epstein, who died in custody in the US in August.</p>

<p>A photograph apparently showing Andrew with his arm around then 17-year-old Roberts, now Giuffre, and with Epstein's friend Ghislaine Maxwell standing in the background, has been widely published. Supporters of Andrew, however, have disputed its authenticity.</p>

<p>Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a girl under the age of 18 for prostitution and served 13 months in a US prison before being released on probation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was arrested in July on new federal charges that he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex, but was found dead in New York's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10 as he awaited trial.</p>

<p>A coroner ruled that he committed suicide by hanging.</p>

<p><strong>'The wrong thing to do'</strong></p>

<p>The BBC interview is the first time Andrew has answered questions on his relationship with Epstein. In 2015, he used a public appearance at Davos in Switzerland to deny the claims.</p>

<p>Pressed over the fact that he remained friends with the disgraced financier after his conviction, even staying at his Manhattan townhouse, Andrew said he regretted the decision.</p>

<p>"It was a convenient place to stay," the prince added.</p>

<p>"I have gone through this in my mind so many times. At the end of the day, with the benefit of all the hindsight one can have, it was definitely the wrong thing to do.</p>

<p>"But at the time I felt it was the honourable and right thing to do."</p>

<p>Andrew went on to concede it was "not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We try and uphold the highest standards and practices and I let the side down, simple as that," he told Maitlis of the BBC's Newsnight programme.</p>

<p><strong>'Sex slave' claim</strong></p>

<p>Over the years Epstein, 66, hobnobbed with politicians, socialites and celebrities, including Donald Trump before he was president, and Bill Clinton.</p>

<p>After his death Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Andrew, said "the reckoning must not end, it must continue".</p>

<p>She has alleged she was forced to have sex with the prince three times, an allegation he has strongly denied.</p>

<p>"He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after a US hearing on August 27 at which other alleged Epstein victims also described how they were abused.</p>

<p>Giuffre previously testified that she was forced to have sex with Andrew in London in 2001 when she was 17. She said she had sex with him again in New York and on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean.</p>

<p>But the allegations were struck from the record by a US judge in 2015, who said the "lurid details" were not needed to decide a civil case concerning Epstein.</p>

<p>She has filed a lawsuit in the US accusing Epstein of using her as a "sex slave".</p>

<p><strong>'Real gentleman'</strong></p>

<p>Buckingham Palace has strenuously denied the claims, calling them "false and without foundation".</p>

<p>In August, it issued a statement after a video emerged purporting to show Andrew at Epstein's New York home in 2010 waving goodbye to a woman leaving the property.</p>

<p>"His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said.</p>

<p>Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife and the mother of his two daughters, also defended the embattled royal ahead of Saturday's interview broadcast.</p>

<p>"Andrew is a true (and) real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness," she wrote on Twitter.</p>


Britain's Prince Andrew has said he does not remember meeting Virginia Roberts, one of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein's alleged victims, who claims she was forced to have sex with the royal.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he does not remember meeting Virginia Roberts, one of disgraced US financier Jeffrey Epstein's alleged victims, who claims she was forced to have sex with the royal. But Andrew admitted in an interview with the BBC due to be broadcast on Saturday that his decision to remain friends with Epstein after he was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor was a serious error of judgement. "I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever," Andrew told BBC interviewer Emily Maitlis, according to extracts from "Prince Andrew and the Epstein Scandal" released ahead of the programme airing. Andrew, 59, the second son of Queen Elizabeth II and eighth in line to the throne, has been heavily criticised over his links to multimillionaire Epstein, who died in custody in the US in August. A photograph apparently showing Andrew with his arm around then 17-year-old Roberts, now Giuffre, and with Epstein's friend Ghislaine Maxwell standing in the background, has been widely published. Supporters of Andrew, however, have disputed its authenticity. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring a girl under the age of 18 for prostitution and served 13 months in a US prison before being released on probation. He was arrested in July on new federal charges that he trafficked girls as young as 14 for sex, but was found dead in New York's high-security Metropolitan Correctional Center on August 10 as he awaited trial. A coroner ruled that he committed suicide by hanging. 'The wrong thing to do' The BBC interview is the first time Andrew has answered questions on his relationship with Epstein. In 2015, he used a public appearance at Davos in Switzerland to deny the claims. Pressed over the fact that he remained friends with the disgraced financier after his conviction, even staying at his Manhattan townhouse, Andrew said he regretted the decision. "It was a convenient place to stay," the prince added. "I have gone through this in my mind so many times. At the end of the day, with the benefit of all the hindsight one can have, it was definitely the wrong thing to do. "But at the time I felt it was the honourable and right thing to do." Andrew went on to concede it was "not something that was becoming of a member of the royal family". "We try and uphold the highest standards and practices and I let the side down, simple as that," he told Maitlis of the BBC's Newsnight programme. 'Sex slave' claim Over the years Epstein, 66, hobnobbed with politicians, socialites and celebrities, including Donald Trump before he was president, and Bill Clinton. After his death Giuffre, who says she was abused by Epstein for years and farmed out to his wealthy friends including Andrew, said "the reckoning must not end, it must continue". She has alleged she was forced to have sex with the prince three times, an allegation he has strongly denied. "He knows exactly what he's done and I hope he comes clean about it," she told reporters after a US hearing on August 27 at which other alleged Epstein victims also described how they were abused. Giuffre previously testified that she was forced to have sex with Andrew in London in 2001 when she was 17. She said she had sex with him again in New York and on Epstein's private island in the Caribbean. But the allegations were struck from the record by a US judge in 2015, who said the "lurid details" were not needed to decide a civil case concerning Epstein. She has filed a lawsuit in the US accusing Epstein of using her as a "sex slave". 'Real gentleman' Buckingham Palace has strenuously denied the claims, calling them "false and without foundation". In August, it issued a statement after a video emerged purporting to show Andrew at Epstein's New York home in 2010 waving goodbye to a woman leaving the property. "His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent," the statement said. Sarah Ferguson, Andrew's ex-wife and the mother of his two daughters, also defended the embattled royal ahead of Saturday's interview broadcast. "Andrew is a true (and) real gentleman and is stoically steadfast to not only his duty but also his kindness," she wrote on Twitter.

Britain's Prince Andrew, says 'no recollection' of meeting Jeffery Epstein sex accuser

<p>Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-warns-a-lot-of-work-to-be-done-before-brexit-deal-255708">Michel Barnier said</a> on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters before a meeting of Europe ministers of the EU, Barnier said it was high time for London to "turn good intentions into a legal text."</p>

<p>"Even if an agreement has been difficult, more and more difficult, it’s still possible this week," Barnier said.</p>

<p>"Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously, any agreement must work for all. The whole of the UK and the whole of the EU. Let me add also that it is high time to turn good intentions in a legal text," he said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Barnier warned diplomats that "a lot of work remains to be done" in withdrawal talks between London and Brussels.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-on-october-31-a-priority-for-british-government-queen-255851">Queen Elizabeth II</a> said that Britain is still aiming for Brexit at the end of the month.</p>

<p>The government wants a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade, the Queen said.</p>

<p>If <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britains-johnson-plays-down-brexit-breakthrough-hopes-255701">Prime Minister Boris Johnson</a> is not able to come to an agreement with the other 27 EU leaders this month, Britain may crash out without a follow-on treaty.&nbsp;</p>


Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday.

Reaching a divorce deal between Britain and the European Union is still possible this week, even if it more and more difficult, the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier said on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters before a meeting of Europe ministers of the EU, Barnier said it was high time for London to "turn good intentions into a legal text." "Even if an agreement has been difficult, more and more difficult, it’s still possible this week," Barnier said. "Reaching an agreement is still possible. Obviously, any agreement must work for all. The whole of the UK and the whole of the EU. Let me add also that it is high time to turn good intentions in a legal text," he said. Earlier, Barnier warned diplomats that "a lot of work remains to be done" in withdrawal talks between London and Brussels. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II said that Britain is still aiming for Brexit at the end of the month. The government wants a new partnership with the European Union, based on free trade, the Queen said. If Prime Minister Boris Johnson is not able to come to an agreement with the other 27 EU leaders this month, Britain may crash out without a follow-on treaty.

Brexit deal 'possible this week', says European Union chief negotiator Michel Barnier

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the "father of lies" who shut down the mother of parliaments in the run-up to Brexit, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-for-courts-to-decide-parliament-suspension-uk-pm-boris-johnsons-lawyer-250441">Britain's Supreme Court</a> heard Wednesday.</p>

<p>In the second of three days of highly-charged arguments over whether Johnson's advice to Queen Elizabeth II to suspend the legislature was unlawful, Britain's highest court was told that his move was destroying parliamentary democracy.</p>

<p>The lawyer representing around 75 parliamentarians who challenged Johnson's actions said the premier had unlawfully abused his power by closing parliament for five weeks until October 14 -- with Britain due to leave the EU on October 31.</p>

<p>One might think that a government "would engage solely in high politics as opposed to low, dishonest dirty tricks but I'm not sure we can assume that of this government," lawyer Aidan O'Neill said.</p>

<p>"The mother of parliaments is being shut down by the father of lies. The rule that this prorogation is an unlawful abuse of power," O'Neill told judges.</p>

<p>"Enough is enough."</p>

<p>Johnson, who took office in July, says he prorogued, or suspended, parliament to open a new session with a fresh legislative agenda.</p>

<p>His opponents claim he did so to silence opposition to his plans to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, with or without a divorce deal with Brussels.</p>

<p><strong>'Stymie parliament' claim 'unsustainable'&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Supreme Court is hearing appeals against two conflicting lower court decisions.</p>

<p>Scotland's highest civil court found the suspension was unlawful, but the High Court in England said it was not a matter for judges to intervene in.</p>

<p>The government's lawyer told the Supreme Court that parliament had been debating Britain's exit from the European Union for three years since the 2016 referendum vote to leave.</p>

<p>James Eadie argued that if MPs had needed more time, they had the opportunity to legislate before Johnson suspended their sitting on September 10.</p>

<p>"If the basic attack is this was improper purpose, motivation or effect, because it was designed to stymie parliament, we respectfully submit: that is unsustainable," Eadie said.</p>

<p>He said parliament had previously passed laws on prorogation, but there was no law relevant to the case and so England's High Court was right that prorogation was not something the judiciary could intervene in.</p>

<p>Eadie said any decision to prorogue parliament was "inherently and fundamentally political in nature" as it concerned managing the government's legislative agenda, curtailing parliamentary debate and deciding on when it might be appropriate to end a sitting.</p>

<p>"This is, we submit, therefore the territory of political judgement, not legal standards," he said.</p>

<p><strong>'True reasons'</strong></p>

<p>Judge Nicholas Wilson questioned Eadie on the lack of a witness statement from the prime minister.</p>

<p>"Isn't it odd that nobody has signed a witness statement to say 'this is true, these are the true reasons for what was done'?" he asked.</p>

<p>Eadie said cabinet documents had been produced which showed the aim of prorogation was to bring forward a new legislative agenda.</p>

<p>But O'Neill said the few documents offered could not be taken as the "whole truth", adding: "We cannot have a situation... where prorogation can be used with impunity to close down parliament whenever it becomes inconvenient."</p>

<p>A maximum 11 of the 12 Supreme Court judges are hearing the case.</p>

<p>They have not said when they intend to make a ruling following Thursday's closing hearings, during whihch lawyers for the Scottish government and for 1990s prime minister John Major are due to intervene.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the "father of lies" who shut down the mother of parliaments in the run-up to Brexit, Britain's Supreme Court heard Wednesday. In the second of three days of highly-charged arguments over whether Johnson's advice to Queen Elizabeth II to suspend the legislature was unlawful, Britain's highest court was told that his move was destroying parliamentary democracy.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is the "father of lies" who shut down the mother of parliaments in the run-up to Brexit, Britain's Supreme Court heard Wednesday. In the second of three days of highly-charged arguments over whether Johnson's advice to Queen Elizabeth II to suspend the legislature was unlawful, Britain's highest court was told that his move was destroying parliamentary democracy. The lawyer representing around 75 parliamentarians who challenged Johnson's actions said the premier had unlawfully abused his power by closing parliament for five weeks until October 14 -- with Britain due to leave the EU on October 31. One might think that a government "would engage solely in high politics as opposed to low, dishonest dirty tricks but I'm not sure we can assume that of this government," lawyer Aidan O'Neill said. "The mother of parliaments is being shut down by the father of lies. The rule that this prorogation is an unlawful abuse of power," O'Neill told judges. "Enough is enough." Johnson, who took office in July, says he prorogued, or suspended, parliament to open a new session with a fresh legislative agenda. His opponents claim he did so to silence opposition to his plans to take Britain out of the EU on October 31, with or without a divorce deal with Brussels. 'Stymie parliament' claim 'unsustainable' The Supreme Court is hearing appeals against two conflicting lower court decisions. Scotland's highest civil court found the suspension was unlawful, but the High Court in England said it was not a matter for judges to intervene in. The government's lawyer told the Supreme Court that parliament had been debating Britain's exit from the European Union for three years since the 2016 referendum vote to leave. James Eadie argued that if MPs had needed more time, they had the opportunity to legislate before Johnson suspended their sitting on September 10. "If the basic attack is this was improper purpose, motivation or effect, because it was designed to stymie parliament, we respectfully submit: that is unsustainable," Eadie said. He said parliament had previously passed laws on prorogation, but there was no law relevant to the case and so England's High Court was right that prorogation was not something the judiciary could intervene in. Eadie said any decision to prorogue parliament was "inherently and fundamentally political in nature" as it concerned managing the government's legislative agenda, curtailing parliamentary debate and deciding on when it might be appropriate to end a sitting. "This is, we submit, therefore the territory of political judgement, not legal standards," he said. 'True reasons' Judge Nicholas Wilson questioned Eadie on the lack of a witness statement from the prime minister. "Isn't it odd that nobody has signed a witness statement to say 'this is true, these are the true reasons for what was done'?" he asked. Eadie said cabinet documents had been produced which showed the aim of prorogation was to bring forward a new legislative agenda. But O'Neill said the few documents offered could not be taken as the "whole truth", adding: "We cannot have a situation... where prorogation can be used with impunity to close down parliament whenever it becomes inconvenient." A maximum 11 of the 12 Supreme Court judges are hearing the case. They have not said when they intend to make a ruling following Thursday's closing hearings, during whihch lawyers for the Scottish government and for 1990s prime minister John Major are due to intervene.

UK Supreme Court told Boris Johnson is 'father of lies'

<p>British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-endgame-its-pm-boris-johnson-versus-parliament-in-historic-showdown-246685">Boris Johnson</a> on Friday warned any attempt by MPs next week to stop Brexit or delay it beyond October 31 would do "lasting damage" to public trust in politics.</p>

<p>Johnson said Britons had decided to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum and MPs had promised multiple times to uphold that decision.</p>

<p>"If we stop the UK from leaving on October 31, if that's what parliamentarians end up doing, it will do lasting damage to people's trust in politics," he told Sky News television.</p>

<p>"It will do lasting and catastrophic damage to the major parties in this country. This political generation won't be forgiven for failing to honour that promise."</p>

<p>Opposition MPs and some lawmakers from Johnson's own Conservatives have said they want to legislate to prevent a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brexit-endgame-its-pm-boris-johnson-versus-parliament-in-historic-showdown-246685">no-deal Brexit</a>, which the government's own assessment warns could cause food, fuel and medicine shortages.</p>

<p>But Johnson said that preparing for a no-deal Brexit would allow the government to clinch an agreement with Brussels.</p>

<p>"I'm afraid that the more our friends and partners think, at the back of their minds, that Brexit could be stopped, that the UK could be kept in by parliament, the less likely they are to give us the deal that we need," he said.</p>

<p>Johnson on Wednesday moved to suspend parliament in the final weeks before Brexit in what was widely seen as a move to limit the parliamentary time for his opponents.</p>

<p>Queen Elizabeth II, on his advice, gave the go-ahead to shutter parliament between mid-September and October 14 -- just two weeks before the Brexit date of October 31.</p>

<p>The move sent shockwaves through British politics, triggering a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal exit.</p>

<p>Wrong-footed, Johnson's opponents labelled the suspension of parliament a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage".</p>

<p>The decision is being challenged in several legal cases.</p>

<p>Judge Raymond Doherty on Friday rejected a request for a temporary block on the suspension decision but will hear the full case at a further hearing in Edinburgh on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Former prime minister John Major, a strong supporter of EU membership, said he will seek to join a separate case in London, which is due to be heard in court on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Step up the tempo'</strong></p>

<p>Britain's Brexit negotiators are to meet their EU counterparts twice a week throughout September in a bid to reach a new divorce agreement.</p>

<p>Johnson said he wants to "step up the tempo" in talks with the EU to strike a new Brexit deal.</p>

<p>Johnson wants the so-called backstop, the fallback provisions regarding the Irish border, scrapped completely.</p>

<p>But there are growing concerns among some major players in the EU that Britain will not be able to come up with realistic alternatives in time.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the European Commission said they were willing to work "24/7 throughout this long process".</p>

<p>"We expect the UK to come forward with concrete proposals, as President (Jean-Claude) Juncker made clear to Prime Minister Johnson earlier this week."</p>

<p>The backstop is included in a divorce deal that the EU agreed with Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, which Britain's parliament has rejected three times.</p>

<p>Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Britain had come up with "nothing credible" to replace the backstop.</p>

<p><strong>Protests in the streets</strong></p>

<p>Beyond the courts, Johnson's opponents are planning other moves to stop him in his tracks.</p>

<p>Shami Chakrabarti, Labour's chief legal advisor, warned on BBC radio: "We will use any means necessary to prevent this undemocratic behaviour -- that includes people taking to the streets."</p>

<p>Protests are planned Saturday in several cities, with some organisers calling for roads and bridges to be occupied.</p>

<p>The leaders of the six opposition parties in parliament said they believed a majority of MPs were against Johnson's move.</p>

<p>"The prime minister is shutting down parliament with the sole aim of stopping MPs from avoiding a no-deal Brexit," they said on the suspension.</p>

<p>Opponents want to legislate to prevent Britain leaving the EU without a deal, and to stop the suspension of parliament.</p>

<p>They are also mulling a no-confidence vote in Johnson's Conservative government, which commands a fragile 320 to 319 majority.</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday warned any attempt by MPs next week to stop Brexit or delay it beyond October 31 would do "lasting damage" to public trust in politics.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Friday warned any attempt by MPs next week to stop Brexit or delay it beyond October 31 would do "lasting damage" to public trust in politics. Johnson said Britons had decided to leave the European Union in the 2016 referendum and MPs had promised multiple times to uphold that decision. "If we stop the UK from leaving on October 31, if that's what parliamentarians end up doing, it will do lasting damage to people's trust in politics," he told Sky News television. "It will do lasting and catastrophic damage to the major parties in this country. This political generation won't be forgiven for failing to honour that promise." Opposition MPs and some lawmakers from Johnson's own Conservatives have said they want to legislate to prevent a no-deal Brexit, which the government's own assessment warns could cause food, fuel and medicine shortages. But Johnson said that preparing for a no-deal Brexit would allow the government to clinch an agreement with Brussels. "I'm afraid that the more our friends and partners think, at the back of their minds, that Brexit could be stopped, that the UK could be kept in by parliament, the less likely they are to give us the deal that we need," he said. Johnson on Wednesday moved to suspend parliament in the final weeks before Brexit in what was widely seen as a move to limit the parliamentary time for his opponents. Queen Elizabeth II, on his advice, gave the go-ahead to shutter parliament between mid-September and October 14 -- just two weeks before the Brexit date of October 31. The move sent shockwaves through British politics, triggering a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal exit. Wrong-footed, Johnson's opponents labelled the suspension of parliament a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage". The decision is being challenged in several legal cases. Judge Raymond Doherty on Friday rejected a request for a temporary block on the suspension decision but will hear the full case at a further hearing in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Former prime minister John Major, a strong supporter of EU membership, said he will seek to join a separate case in London, which is due to be heard in court on Thursday. 'Step up the tempo' Britain's Brexit negotiators are to meet their EU counterparts twice a week throughout September in a bid to reach a new divorce agreement. Johnson said he wants to "step up the tempo" in talks with the EU to strike a new Brexit deal. Johnson wants the so-called backstop, the fallback provisions regarding the Irish border, scrapped completely. But there are growing concerns among some major players in the EU that Britain will not be able to come up with realistic alternatives in time. A spokesperson for the European Commission said they were willing to work "24/7 throughout this long process". "We expect the UK to come forward with concrete proposals, as President (Jean-Claude) Juncker made clear to Prime Minister Johnson earlier this week." The backstop is included in a divorce deal that the EU agreed with Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, which Britain's parliament has rejected three times. Ireland's Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said Britain had come up with "nothing credible" to replace the backstop. Protests in the streets Beyond the courts, Johnson's opponents are planning other moves to stop him in his tracks. Shami Chakrabarti, Labour's chief legal advisor, warned on BBC radio: "We will use any means necessary to prevent this undemocratic behaviour -- that includes people taking to the streets." Protests are planned Saturday in several cities, with some organisers calling for roads and bridges to be occupied. The leaders of the six opposition parties in parliament said they believed a majority of MPs were against Johnson's move. "The prime minister is shutting down parliament with the sole aim of stopping MPs from avoiding a no-deal Brexit," they said on the suspension. Opponents want to legislate to prevent Britain leaving the EU without a deal, and to stop the suspension of parliament. They are also mulling a no-confidence vote in Johnson's Conservative government, which commands a fragile 320 to 319 majority.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns MPs against trying to block Brexit

<p>British Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-confirms-parliament-suspension-until-october-14-246215">Boris Johnson</a> sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-approves-british-parliament-suspension-246268">suspension of parliament </a>weeks before Britain's European Union (EU)&nbsp; departure date.</p>

<p>The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a "coup" and a "declaration of war" but Johnson claimed was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda.</p>

<p>It came a day after opposition parties vowed to seek legislative changes to prevent a no-deal Brexit.</p>

<p>Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit.</p>

<p>Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition decrying the decision had garnered more than one million signatures within the space of a few hours by late Wednesday.</p>

<p>At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags.</p>

<p>"Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the government's overall programme, and approach to Brexit," Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, vowed in a letter to MPs.</p>

<p>However, his decision incensed lawmakers vehemently against Britain leaving the EU without a deal on October 31 as they will now have less time to try and thwart such a scenario.</p>

<p>Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated he would call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat.</p>

<p>Former chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal.</p>

<p>"It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Compliant PM'</strong></p>

<p>US President Donald Trump weighed into the row by praising Johnson as "great" and claiming it would be "very hard" for Corbyn to topple him in a no-confidence vote.</p>

<p>The Labour leader shot back, tweeting Johnson was "a compliant Prime Minister who will hand Britain's public services and protections over to US corporations in a free trade deal".</p>

<p>In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided.</p>

<p>Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels.</p>

<p>Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May.</p>

<p>Opposition lawmakers called it a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU.</p>

<p>Johnson wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out.</p>

<p>In Paris, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told a business conference Wednesday the EU would be blamed for a "lack of flexibility" on the backstop issue in the event of no deal.</p>

<p>The government's chief Brexit adviser David Frost was in Brussels for talks, but an EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise.</p>

<p>If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights.</p>

<p>The pound slumped more than one per cent at one point but shares rose as London-listed multinationals stand to gain from a weaker currency.</p>

<p><strong>'Tinpot dictator'</strong></p>

<p>Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Johnson of acting like a "tinpot dictator" by pushing through an "outrageous assault on basic democratic principles".</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, the Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign Thursday in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports.</p>

<p>More than 70 parliamentarians have launched a fast-track legal bid at the highest civil court in Scotland, aimed at preventing Johnson from suspending parliament.</p>

<p>Lawyers for Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said they were also challenging parliament's suspension in English courts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parliament typically goes into the recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2.</p>

<p>Robert Craig, a constitutional expert at Durham University, said there was "theoretically absolutely nothing wrong" with the suspension, noting it was normal for a new leader to start afresh parliamentary session.</p>

<p>"But the reason that it is causing outrage is that it's reducing the number of available days for parliament to stop a no-deal."<br />
John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons, who was not forewarned about Johnson's suspension decision, labelled it a "constitutional outrage".</p>

<p>"It is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop parliament debating Brexit," he said.</p>


British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's European Union (EU) departure date.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparked fury Wednesday among pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit by forcing the suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's European Union (EU) departure date. The pound slid on the surprise news, which opponents branded a "coup" and a "declaration of war" but Johnson claimed was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda. It came a day after opposition parties vowed to seek legislative changes to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Queen Elizabeth II approved the request to end what has been the longest session of parliament in nearly 400 years in the second week of September and reopen it on October 14 — just over two weeks before Brexit. Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition decrying the decision had garnered more than one million signatures within the space of a few hours by late Wednesday. At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags. "Parliament will have the opportunity to debate the government's overall programme, and approach to Brexit," Johnson, who leads the Conservative party, vowed in a letter to MPs. However, his decision incensed lawmakers vehemently against Britain leaving the EU without a deal on October 31 as they will now have less time to try and thwart such a scenario. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated he would call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat. Former chancellor Philip Hammond also pledged to keep fighting against no deal. "It would be a constitutional outrage if parliament were prevented from holding the government to account at a time of national crisis," he said. 'Compliant PM' US President Donald Trump weighed into the row by praising Johnson as "great" and claiming it would be "very hard" for Corbyn to topple him in a no-confidence vote. The Labour leader shot back, tweeting Johnson was "a compliant Prime Minister who will hand Britain's public services and protections over to US corporations in a free trade deal". In the seismic 2016 referendum on Britain's EU membership, 52 percent voted in favour of leaving the bloc, a result that has left parliament and the country bitterly divided. Johnson insists Britain must leave by the October 31 deadline -- already twice-delayed -- with or without a divorce deal from Brussels. Parliament has rejected three times the withdrawal agreement struck between Brussels and the government of Johnson's predecessor Theresa May. Opposition lawmakers called it a "blind Brexit" while eurosceptics objected to a so-called "backstop" provision to keep the Irish border open for people and goods, which would keep Britain closely aligned with the EU. Johnson wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out. In Paris, Britain's Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay told a business conference Wednesday the EU would be blamed for a "lack of flexibility" on the backstop issue in the event of no deal. The government's chief Brexit adviser David Frost was in Brussels for talks, but an EU summit on October 17-18 will likely determine whether there is any scope for compromise. If not, Britain will end its four decades of membership without a deal governing future trade relations and citizens' rights. The pound slumped more than one per cent at one point but shares rose as London-listed multinationals stand to gain from a weaker currency. 'Tinpot dictator' Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon accused Johnson of acting like a "tinpot dictator" by pushing through an "outrageous assault on basic democratic principles". Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, the Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign Thursday in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports. More than 70 parliamentarians have launched a fast-track legal bid at the highest civil court in Scotland, aimed at preventing Johnson from suspending parliament. Lawyers for Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said they were also challenging parliament's suspension in English courts. Parliament typically goes into the recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2. Robert Craig, a constitutional expert at Durham University, said there was "theoretically absolutely nothing wrong" with the suspension, noting it was normal for a new leader to start afresh parliamentary session. "But the reason that it is causing outrage is that it's reducing the number of available days for parliament to stop a no-deal." John Bercow, the speaker of parliament's lower House of Commons, who was not forewarned about Johnson's suspension decision, labelled it a "constitutional outrage". "It is blindingly obvious that the purpose of prorogation now would be to stop parliament debating Brexit," he said.

Brexit: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sparks outrage after forcing suspension of parliament

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