<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit.</p>

<p>The Conservative leader announced the surprise decision Wednesday to dismiss parliament -- known as proroguing -- for nearly five weeks next month, claiming it was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda.</p>

<p>But the move sent shockwaves through the British political system, which relies on centuries of precedents and conventions instead of a codified constitution.</p>

<p>Opponents labelled the suspension a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage" and it prompted immediate court bids in London and Edinburgh to halt the process.</p>

<p>Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said she had applied for an urgent judicial review challenging "the effect and the intention" of the suspension.</p>

<p>"We think that this request is illegal," said Miller, who in 2017 successfully won MPs the right to vote on formally starting to leave the EU in a court challenge.</p>

<p>"There is no example in modern history when prorogation has been used in this way," she told BBC radio.</p>

<p>"It is being used to hamper, in our view, parliament legislating against no deal."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Scottish National Party (SNP) politician Joanna Cherry said lawyers had applied for an urgent interim hearing at Scotland's highest civil court which they hoped would take place as early as Thursday.</p>

<p>However, arch-Brexiteer minister Jacob Rees-Mogg defended the suspension and insisted MPs would still have time to debate Brexit ahead of Britain's October 31 EU departure date.</p>

<p>"The candyfloss of outrage, which is almost entirely confected, is from people who never wanted to leave the European Union," he told BBC radio.<br />
'National crisis'</p>

<p>Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition seeking to block the decision had garnered more than 1.2 million signatures by early Thursday.</p>

<p>At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags.</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>The House of Commons typically goes into recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2, but critics slammed this more lengthy break.</p>

<p>Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated that he may call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat.</p>

<p>Labour's Barry Gardiner said Thursday that the party would push for an emergency debate when parliament returned on Monday to kickstart the legislative process to prevent a no-deal Brexit.</p>

<p>Former Conservative 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;<br />
The pound remained under pressure Thursday after sliding on news of the suspension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports.</p>

<p><strong>'Affront to democracy'</strong></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 opposed it as 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, who took office barely a month ago, wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out.</p>

<p>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 prime minister's move dominated the newspapers Thursday, with The Times saying Johnson had "pushed Britain to the brink of a constitutional crisis".</p>

<p>The Guardian predicted a "historic parliamentary clash" as his opponents seek to prevent a no-deal Brexit, while The Financial Times in an editorial said Johnson's suspension of parliament "is an affront to democracy".</p>


Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's suspension of parliament weeks before Britain's EU departure date faced legal challenges on Thursday following a furious outcry from pro-Europeans and MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit. The Conservative leader announced the surprise decision Wednesday to dismiss parliament -- known as proroguing -- for nearly five weeks next month, claiming it was necessary to allow him to pursue a "bold and ambitious" new domestic agenda. But the move sent shockwaves through the British political system, which relies on centuries of precedents and conventions instead of a codified constitution. Opponents labelled the suspension a "coup" and a "constitutional outrage" and it prompted immediate court bids in London and Edinburgh to halt the process. Gina Miller, a businesswoman and leading anti-Brexit campaigner, said she had applied for an urgent judicial review challenging "the effect and the intention" of the suspension. "We think that this request is illegal," said Miller, who in 2017 successfully won MPs the right to vote on formally starting to leave the EU in a court challenge. "There is no example in modern history when prorogation has been used in this way," she told BBC radio. "It is being used to hamper, in our view, parliament legislating against no deal." Meanwhile, Scottish National Party (SNP) politician Joanna Cherry said lawyers had applied for an urgent interim hearing at Scotland's highest civil court which they hoped would take place as early as Thursday. However, arch-Brexiteer minister Jacob Rees-Mogg defended the suspension and insisted MPs would still have time to debate Brexit ahead of Britain's October 31 EU departure date. "The candyfloss of outrage, which is almost entirely confected, is from people who never wanted to leave the European Union," he told BBC radio. 'National crisis' Thousands of people protested in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and other cities, while an online petition seeking to block the decision had garnered more than 1.2 million signatures by early Thursday. At the biggest rally, crowds gathered near parliament in London chanting "stop the coup" and waving EU flags. 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. The House of Commons typically goes into recess around the annual party conference season, which kicks off on September 14 and ends on October 2, but critics slammed this more lengthy break. Jeremy Corbyn, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, denounced the move as "a smash-and-grab against democracy" and reiterated that he may call a no-confidence vote in Johnson's government, which commands a majority of just one seat. Labour's Barry Gardiner said Thursday that the party would push for an emergency debate when parliament returned on Monday to kickstart the legislative process to prevent a no-deal Brexit. Former Conservative 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. The pound remained under pressure Thursday after sliding on news of the suspension. Meanwhile, Ruth Davidson, Conservative leader in Scotland, was set to resign in part due to opposition to Johnson's hardline Brexit strategy, according to reports. 'Affront to democracy' 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 opposed it as 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, who took office barely a month ago, wants the EU to drop the backstop measure entirely -- something Brussels has repeatedly ruled out. 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 prime minister's move dominated the newspapers Thursday, with The Times saying Johnson had "pushed Britain to the brink of a constitutional crisis". The Guardian predicted a "historic parliamentary clash" as his opponents seek to prevent a no-deal Brexit, while The Financial Times in an editorial said Johnson's suspension of parliament "is an affront to democracy".

Court bids launched to stop Johnson suspending UK parliament

<p>Britain's&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew&nbsp;has said he was "appalled" by allegations of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeffrey-epsteins-autopsy-report-finds-broken-bones-in-his-neck-washington-post-243104">sexual&nbsp;abuse surrounding Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein</a>&nbsp;after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.</p>

<p>"The&nbsp;Duke of York&nbsp;has been&nbsp;appalled&nbsp;by the recent reports of Jeffrey&nbsp;Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.</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>The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday&nbsp;claims&nbsp;to show the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves&nbsp;Epstein's New York mansion in 2010.</p>

<p>Epstein&nbsp;had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation.</p>

<p>The video was the latest in a string of revelations about&nbsp;Prince&nbsp;Andrew's friendship with&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;in British tabloids.</p>

<p>The Mail on Monday said the&nbsp;prince&nbsp;had hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence.</p>

<p>He also reportedly hosted&nbsp;Epstein&nbsp;at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.</p>


Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010.

Britain's Prince Andrew has said he was "appalled" by allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Jeffrey Epstein after a video was released purporting to show him at the home of the convicted paedophile in 2010. "The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes," Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday. "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. The grainy video published by the Mail on Sunday claims to show the prince waving goodbye to a woman as she leaves Epstein's New York mansion in 2010. Epstein had pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation. The video was the latest in a string of revelations about Prince Andrew's friendship with Epstein in British tabloids. The Mail on Monday said the prince had hosted Epstein at Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II's home in Scotland, in 1999 at a time when the monarch may have been in residence. He also reportedly hosted Epstein at Sandringham, another royal residence in eastern England, a year later.

Britain's Prince Andrew 'appalled' by Epstein abuse claims

<p>Prince Harry had the sweetest for his wife Meghan Markle as she turned 38 on August 4. The Duke Of Sussex, Prince Harry took to Instagram to wish the Duchess on Sunday.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The royal couple seem to share an amazing bond and Harry`s wish for his wife proved the same.<br />
<br />
"Wishing HRH The Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday," read the message on the official Instagram handle of the royals- Sussexroyal.However, the post was accompanied by a delighting wish from the Duke who wished Markle with this message."`Happy Birthday to my amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!` - Love, H."</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0u59igFbIM/" 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">Wishing HRH The Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday 🎂 • ‘Happy Birthday to my amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!’ - Love, H Photo©️PA/Doug Peters</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/" 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="2019-08-04T07:00:17+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 4, 2019 at 12:00am PDT</time></p>
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<p>Along with a slew of wishes from several users, also wishing the Duchess was British Vogue magazine`s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful.&nbsp;Recently, Markle served as the guest editor for the magazine`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/meghan-markle-faces-backlash-over-british-vogue-collaboration-239651">September issue `Forces for Change`.</a></p>

<p>Members of her royal family, Prince William and Kate Middleton also showered Markle with a lovely message through their official Instagram handle."Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today!" read the message.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B0vA-fQFQgb/" 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">Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today! 🎈</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/kensingtonroyal/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kensington Palace</a> (@kensingtonroyal) on <time datetime="2019-08-04T08:01:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Aug 4, 2019 at 1:01am PDT</time></p>
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<p>"Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Sussex. The Duchess was born on this day in 1981," Queen Elizabeth wished the duchess on Instagram.<br />
<br />
Almost a week ago, media reports suggested that Markle is expected to have some candid conversation with the Queen in Balmoral Castle where she will be celebrating her birthday.<br />
<br />
The Queen will also advice former `Suits` actor on certain "things that could have been done better."</p>


Prince Harry had the sweetest for his wife Meghan Markle as she turned 38 on August 4. The Duke Of Sussex, Prince Harry took to Instagram to wish the Duchess on Sunday.

Prince Harry had the sweetest for his wife Meghan Markle as she turned 38 on August 4. The Duke Of Sussex, Prince Harry took to Instagram to wish the Duchess on Sunday. The royal couple seem to share an amazing bond and Harry`s wish for his wife proved the same. "Wishing HRH The Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday," read the message on the official Instagram handle of the royals- Sussexroyal.However, the post was accompanied by a delighting wish from the Duke who wished Markle with this message."`Happy Birthday to my amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!` - Love, H." View this post on Instagram Wishing HRH The Duchess of Sussex a very Happy Birthday 🎂 • ‘Happy Birthday to my amazing wife. Thank you for joining me on this adventure!’ - Love, H Photo©️PA/Doug Peters A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Aug 4, 2019 at 12:00am PDT × Along with a slew of wishes from several users, also wishing the Duchess was British Vogue magazine`s editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful. Recently, Markle served as the guest editor for the magazine`s September issue `Forces for Change`. Members of her royal family, Prince William and Kate Middleton also showered Markle with a lovely message through their official Instagram handle."Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today!" read the message. View this post on Instagram Wishing a very happy birthday to The Duchess of Sussex today! 🎈 A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Aug 4, 2019 at 1:01am PDT × "Happy Birthday to The Duchess of Sussex. The Duchess was born on this day in 1981," Queen Elizabeth wished the duchess on Instagram. Almost a week ago, media reports suggested that Markle is expected to have some candid conversation with the Queen in Balmoral Castle where she will be celebrating her birthday. The Queen will also advice former `Suits` actor on certain "things that could have been done better."

'Thank you for joining me on this adventure': Prince Harry wishes wife Meghan Markle as she turns 38

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moving-fast-elon-musks-spacex-eyes-florida-for-launch-site-for-mars-rocket-240489">Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk</a> on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, Musk posted&nbsp;an image featuring the Teletubbies characters followed by another image wherein the Queen, clad in clothes similar to the colours of Teletubbies characters, was juxtaposed in the 'Teletubbyland'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teletubbies, a British pre-school children's television series, is still being watched in many countries across the world. The original series aired between the year 1997-2001 and was revived in the year 2015.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk's tweet was met with varying responses by the Twitterati. While some asked him if it was finally the time for him to stop posting such posts, others cracked-up on his sense of humour and urged him to keep entertaining.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Queen 🐝 <a href="https://t.co/InE4OIu9kL">pic.twitter.com/InE4OIu9kL</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1157972610761789441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>The past week, Musk made headlines as SpaceX was reported to have been expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, news agency Reuters reported on Friday.</p>

<p>Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024.</p>

<p>The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years.</p>

<p>Last month, it was reported that Musk is aiming to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-unveils-chip-allowing-brain-computer-communication-237060">connect the human brain with a machine interface</a>. And through his start-up Neuralink, Musk aims to accomplish this "before the end of next year".</p>

<p>Speaking at a conference in San Francisco last month, Musk presented "version one" of his neuron-sized threads and microprocessor chips that he claims will help people with severe brain injuries and eventually grow to allow humans to&nbsp;connect with advancing artificial intelligence&nbsp;(AI) technology.</p>


Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday sparked a controversy after he likened Queen Elizabeth II to the characters from famous British kids television programme 'Teletubbies'. In a tweet, Musk posted an image featuring the Teletubbies characters followed by another image wherein the Queen, clad in clothes similar to the colours of Teletubbies characters, was juxtaposed in the 'Teletubbyland'. Teletubbies, a British pre-school children's television series, is still being watched in many countries across the world. The original series aired between the year 1997-2001 and was revived in the year 2015. Musk's tweet was met with varying responses by the Twitterati. While some asked him if it was finally the time for him to stop posting such posts, others cracked-up on his sense of humour and urged him to keep entertaining. Queen 🐝 pic.twitter.com/InE4OIu9kL — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 4, 2019 × The past week, Musk made headlines as SpaceX was reported to have been expanding its facilities in Florida to make room for the space company's forthcoming super heavy-lift launch vehicle dubbed Starship, news agency Reuters reported on Friday. Starship, a 384-foot (117-meter) reusable two-stage rocket taller than the Statue of Liberty, is a central piece of Musk's interplanetary space travel ambitions as well as US space agency NASA's goal to send humans to the moon again by 2024. The Starship rocket is expected to launch up to 24 times a year from SpaceX's current flagship launchpad 39A, the draft of the company's environmental assessment said. SpaceX did not specify in the report when it would reach that cadence, but Musk said in September 2018 he wanted to be conducting orbital flights with Starship in two to three years. Last month, it was reported that Musk is aiming to connect the human brain with a machine interface. And through his start-up Neuralink, Musk aims to accomplish this "before the end of next year". Speaking at a conference in San Francisco last month, Musk presented "version one" of his neuron-sized threads and microprocessor chips that he claims will help people with severe brain injuries and eventually grow to allow humans to connect with advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

Elon Musk tries off-hand humour again, compares Queen Elizabeth II to Teletubbies

<p>Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said.</p>

<p>The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations.</p>

<p>He had been hospitalised with a severe illness in late June and was returned to intensive care on Thursday.</p>


Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said. The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations.

Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi, the North African country's first democratically elected leader, died Thursday at the age of 92, his office said. The veteran politician, the oldest head of state after Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, came to power in 2014, three years after the Arab Spring uprising toppled longtime despot Zine El Abidine Ben Ali and sparked revolts in several Arab nations. He had been hospitalised with a severe illness in late June and was returned to intensive care on Thursday.

Tunisia's President  Beji Caid Essebsi dies at 92

"Let's get going now," Johnson says, listing a number of technological accomplishments he wants to achieve addressing the media after taking over as the UK PM. Watch full video to know more.

Boris Johnson delivers first speech as UK Prime Minister

Watch: Newly-elected British PM Boris Johnson arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet Queen Elizabeth II and officially taking over office from Theresa May. Watch full video to know more.

Newly elected UK PM Boris Johnson arrives at Buckingham Palace to meet Queen

<p>Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-pm-theresa-may-tenders-her-resignation-to-queen-elizabeth-238237"> resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth</a>, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.</p>

<p>Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement.</p>

<p>A picture released by the Palace showed Johnson shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II and bowing.</p>

<p>Johnson is the 14th British prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth II.</p>

<p>Boris Johnson began putting together his top team as he prepared to take over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, on a mission to deliver Brexit by October 31 by any means necessary.</p>

<p>The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader.</p>

<p>Ahead of May's resignation, a raft of her pro-EU ministers stepped down before Johnson takes over.</p>

<p>Finance minister Philip Hammond, who has promised to resist any attempts to force through a no-deal Brexit, said the new prime minister should be free to choose someone who was "fully aligned" with his views.</p>

<p>Justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart also stepped down.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Soon after outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May submitted her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth, Boris Johnson arrived at Buckingham Palace to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. Boris Johnson, 55, officially became Britain's new prime minister on Wednesday after a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace said in a statement. A picture released by the Palace showed Johnson shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II and bowing. Johnson is the 14th British prime minister to serve under Queen Elizabeth II. Boris Johnson began putting together his top team as he prepared to take over as Britain's prime minister on Wednesday, on a mission to deliver Brexit by October 31 by any means necessary. The former London mayor, a divisive figure best known for his gaffes and rhetorical flourishes, was elected on Tuesday by members of the governing Conservative party to be their next leader. Ahead of May's resignation, a raft of her pro-EU ministers stepped down before Johnson takes over. Finance minister Philip Hammond, who has promised to resist any attempts to force through a no-deal Brexit, said the new prime minister should be free to choose someone who was "fully aligned" with his views. Justice secretary David Gauke and international development secretary Rory Stewart also stepped down.

Boris Johnson meets Queen Elizabeth, takes charge as new British PM

<p>The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/stepping-into-power-britains-johnson-seeks-more-diverse-cabinet-238044&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjy6pLQ0s3jAhUfTI8KHf_NDzkQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1aKsCfuUnZh-SA_i3kYGPM">Boris Johnson</a> took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector.</p>

<p>Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago -&nbsp;to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.</p>

<p>He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October.</p>

<p><strong>Brexit scepticism 'priced in'</strong><br />
"The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta.</p>

<p>"Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted.</p>

<p>May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said.</p>

<p>Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent.</p>

<p>In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value.</p>

<p>"The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden.</p>

<p>"A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore.</p>

<p>"Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices."</p>

<p><strong>Bright US earnings&nbsp;</strong><br />
Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war.</p>

<p>The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight.</p>

<p>Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/they-call-him-britains-trump-says-us-president-on-boris-johnson-238131&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiCp6Hp2s3jAhUHl48KHdVmDmIQFjAFegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2zLPu250tzoQ1f2Gfdrz-b">Donald Trump</a>'s Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks.</p>

<p>The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.</p>


The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May.

The British pound rose Wednesday before arch-Brexiteer Boris Johnson took over as prime minister, while European stocks mostly fell on the weak mining sector. Sterling gained versus the euro and dollar as traders readied for Johnson - a leading Leave campaigner in Britain's shock Brexit referendum three years ago - to take the reins from outgoing premier Theresa May. He will be appointed later Wednesday by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Sterling had already rallied Tuesday in reaction to Johnson's election as Conservative Party leader, with investors keen to see whether he pushes ahead with a no-deal divorce from the European Union at the end of October. Brexit scepticism 'priced in' "The pound is beginning to stabilise, proving that a lot of the scepticism about Boris Johnson's Brexit policy was already built into the price," said City Index analyst Fiona Cincotta. "Sterling is trading a touch higher this morning," she noted. May resigned after failing to get parliamentary support for a Brexit deal she had struck with EU leaders. Meanwhile, Europe's major stock markets mostly fell, with miners weighed down by sliding iron ore prices, dealers said. Heading towards midday, London's FTSE 100 was sharply down by 0.9 percent. In the eurozone, Paris CAC 40 fell 0.5 percent but Frankfurt's DAX 30 won 0.3 percent in value. "The FTSE 100 is firmly in the red as mining stocks are weighing on the index," said CMC Markets analyst David Madden. "A sell-off in iron ore prices in China has prompted a decline in major mining stocks like Rio Tinto, BHP Billiton, and Glencore. "Brazil's Vale won approval to restart iron ore production, and that triggered the drop in iron ore prices." Bright US earnings Most Asian markets enjoyed another day of gains, with support coming from more healthy earnings results and renewed hopes for a resolution of the China-US trade war. The latest big-name firms to post positive results were Coca-Cola, toymaker Hasbro, and Harley-Davidson, helping all three main indexes on Wall Street end with sharp gains overnight. Adding to the upbeat mood were reports that US President Donald Trump's Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer will lead a delegation to China next week to resume trade talks. The meeting would be the first head-to-head talks since negotiations were cut short in May by Trump's surprise decision to hit China with more tariffs for what he called Beijing's backsliding.

Sterling rises before Johnson takes office; European markets sag

<p>Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.</p>

<p>May arrived at Buckingham Palace after earlier urging Johnson to deliver Brexit "in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom".</p>

<p>May said delivering on Brexit was an "immediate priority".</p>

<p>The outgoing prime minister had earlier taken questions from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pleased-to-hand-over-charge-to-boris-johnson-says-theresa-may-in-british-parliament-238188">British MPs in her last PMQs</a> which ended in a tussle between her and Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit.</p>

<p>Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher.</p>

<p>May, however, hit back saying Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed".</p>

<p>Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down.</p>

<p>May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson".&nbsp;</p>


Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain.

Theresa May left 10 Downing Street for the last time and handed her resignation letter to Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace paving the way for Boris Johnson to take over as the new prime minister of Britain. May arrived at Buckingham Palace after earlier urging Johnson to deliver Brexit "in a way that works for the whole United Kingdom". May said delivering on Brexit was an "immediate priority". The outgoing prime minister had earlier taken questions from British MPs in her last PMQs which ended in a tussle between her and Jeremy Corbyn over Brexit. Corbyn said he hoped May will have "marginally more" relaxing time as a backbencher. May, however, hit back saying Corbyn played "dirty politics" asserting "you should be ashamed". Theresa May said "perhaps it's time" for labour leader Jeremy Corbyn to do the same as her and step down. May said she was "pleased to hand over to Johnson".

British PM Theresa May tenders her resignation to Queen Elizabeth

<p>Queen Elizabeth is all set to "give up her powers" to Prince Charles when she turns 95 in two years, a royal expert has claimed.<br />
<br />
The Queen turned 93 earlier in April but could bring in the 1937 Regency Act in two years to relinquish the "majority of duties" to her son and heir to the throne.<br />
<br />
The Regency Act allows a reigning monarch to give away the powers if they feel they are unable to fully perform their duties.<br />
<br />
Even after handing over her powers, Elizabeth will keep her royal title, but Charles will step up to perform the majority of her duties, with her husband Prince Philip, becoming the Guardian of the Queen.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In order for it to pass, Prince Philip along with a Houses of Parliament spokesperson and a third senior person will have to provide evidence supporting the Queen`s request.<br />
<br />
Royal author Phil Dampier said, "There is talk that when she reaches 95 in a couple of years she may slow down and possibly the Regency Act will be brought in. She will still be Queen but Prince Charles will, in fact, take over most of the duties."<br />
<br />
"He is starting to do that already, being at the state opening in Parliament and the Commonwealth conference. He is starting to take over a lot of the duties and doing the investitures," Dampier added.<br />
<br />
Charles has been filling in for his mother and represented the head of state on foreign trips during her Diamond Jubilee year to Australia and New Zealand.Queen Elizabeth is the oldest and longest-serving monarch following her Coronation in 1953.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from ANI)</p>


Queen Elizabeth is all set to "give up her powers" to Prince Charles when she turns 95 in two years, a royal expert has claimed. The Queen turned 93 earlier in April but could bring in the 1937 Regency Act in two years to relinquish the "majority of duties" to her son and heir to the throne.

Queen Elizabeth is all set to "give up her powers" to Prince Charles when she turns 95 in two years, a royal expert has claimed. The Queen turned 93 earlier in April but could bring in the 1937 Regency Act in two years to relinquish the "majority of duties" to her son and heir to the throne. The Regency Act allows a reigning monarch to give away the powers if they feel they are unable to fully perform their duties. Even after handing over her powers, Elizabeth will keep her royal title, but Charles will step up to perform the majority of her duties, with her husband Prince Philip, becoming the Guardian of the Queen. In order for it to pass, Prince Philip along with a Houses of Parliament spokesperson and a third senior person will have to provide evidence supporting the Queen`s request. Royal author Phil Dampier said, "There is talk that when she reaches 95 in a couple of years she may slow down and possibly the Regency Act will be brought in. She will still be Queen but Prince Charles will, in fact, take over most of the duties." "He is starting to do that already, being at the state opening in Parliament and the Commonwealth conference. He is starting to take over a lot of the duties and doing the investitures," Dampier added. Charles has been filling in for his mother and represented the head of state on foreign trips during her Diamond Jubilee year to Australia and New Zealand.Queen Elizabeth is the oldest and longest-serving monarch following her Coronation in 1953. (With inputs from ANI)

Queen Elizabeth is likely to hand over powers to Prince Charles in two years

<p>US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-top-envoy-in-us-says-trump-executive-inept-report-233737">White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional"</a>.</p>

<p>Trump said Ambassador Kim Darroch had "not served the UK well" and that he and his administration were "not big fans" of the envoy.</p>

<p>Darroch had said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", according to a cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the Mail on Sunday newspaper.</p>

<p>"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction-riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch.</p>

<p>The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent".</p>

<p>A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First".</p>

<p>He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true".</p>

<p>Asked about the leak, Trump told reporters in the US: "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that.</p>

<p>"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."</p>

<p>The UK foreign ministry said it would carry out a formal investigation into the leak.</p>

<p>Jeremy Hunt, the foreign minister, distanced himself from Darroch's remarks, saying: "It's really important to say that the ambassador was doing his job as an ambassador which is to give frank reports and personal opinions about what's happening in the country where he works, and that's his job to send back those reports but they are personal opinions, not the opinions of the British Government, not my opinion.</p>

<p>"And we continue to think that under President Trump the United States administration is both highly effective and the best possible friend of Britain on the international stage."</p>

<p><strong>From 2017 to now</strong></p>

<p>Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency.</p>

<p>The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017.</p>

<p>In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22, Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic".</p>

<p>He allegedly said the president's assertion that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up".</p>

<p>"It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.</p>

<p>Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos.</p>

<p>"The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.</p>


US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional".

US President Donald Trump hit back on Sunday and the UK launched an inquiry after leaked memos revealed Britain's ambassador in the US had described the president and his White House as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional". Trump said Ambassador Kim Darroch had "not served the UK well" and that he and his administration were "not big fans" of the envoy. Darroch had said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", according to a cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the Mail on Sunday newspaper. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction-riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch. The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent". A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First". He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true". Asked about the leak, Trump told reporters in the US: "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." The UK foreign ministry said it would carry out a formal investigation into the leak. Jeremy Hunt, the foreign minister, distanced himself from Darroch's remarks, saying: "It's really important to say that the ambassador was doing his job as an ambassador which is to give frank reports and personal opinions about what's happening in the country where he works, and that's his job to send back those reports but they are personal opinions, not the opinions of the British Government, not my opinion. "And we continue to think that under President Trump the United States administration is both highly effective and the best possible friend of Britain on the international stage." From 2017 to now Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency. The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017. In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22, Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic". He allegedly said the president's assertion that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up". "It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election. Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos. "The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said. "Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid". "Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

Trump hits back at Britain's ambassador in US, says 'not served the UK well'

<p>Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hits-back-at-britains-ambassador-in-us-says-not-served-the-uk-well-233860">UK ambassador</a> called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-seeks-to-override-supreme-court-ruling-on-census-233448">US President Donald Trump</a> "inept".</p>

<p>The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper.</p>

<p>One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure".</p>

<p>Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family.</p>

<p>They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dysfunctional-inept-britains-trade-minister-liam-fox-to-apologise-to-ivanka-over-leaked-memo-233969">Washington</a> that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union.</p>

<p>Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington.</p>

<p>"The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday.</p>

<p>"We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother."</p>

<p><strong>Very serious consequences</strong></p>

<p>UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House.</p>

<p>"We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday.</p>

<p>"I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible."</p>

<p>The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments.</p>

<p>"But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote.</p>

<p>The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party.</p>

<p>British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month.</p>

<p>Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt.</p>

<p>The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year.</p>

<p>But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team.</p>

<p>"There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote.</p>

<p>But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit".</p>

<p>Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does".</p>

<p>Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times.</p>

<p>Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post.</p>

<p>"I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio.</p>

<p>But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".</p>


Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept".

Britain scrambled on Monday to stem damage to its relations with Washington and find the leaker of cables in which the UK ambassador called US President Donald Trump "inept". The confidential telegrams from ambassador Kim Darroch created a political firestorm in London after their publication in the Mail on Sunday newspaper. One of them called the Trump administration "uniquely dysfunctional" while another characterized the US leader as "incompetent" and "insecure". Their release came just a month after Trump's state visit to Britain during which he visibly enjoyed himself while dining with Queen Elizabeth II and touring Buckingham Palace with his family. They also threatened to complicate London's efforts to strike a new trade deal with Washington that could help mitigate potential damage from Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. Trump fired back by saying that people in his administration were "not big fans" of London's man in Washington. "The ambassador has not served the UK well, I can tell you that," Trump told reporters on Sunday. "We are not big fans of that man and he has not served the UK well. So I can understand it, and I can say things about him but I won't bother." Very serious consequences UK officials took turns defending Darroch as a professional who was carrying out his duties by providing "frank" assessments of the latest developments in the White House. "We need to find out how it happened, not least to give confidence to our teams all over the world that they can continue to give us their frank assessments," Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said on Monday. "I hope we get to the bottom of it, and of course there will be very serious consequences if and when we find out who was responsible." The Daily Telegraph newspaper said such memos are seen by up to 100 people working in the Foreign Office and other government departments. "But it would require a single official or minister to have access to the whole cache, inevitably casting the spotlight on senior ministers," it wrote. The immediate suspicion of the London papers fell on Brexit-backing players in a power struggle within Britain's governing Conservative Party. British politics are in for a major revamp once Prime Minister Theresa May ends her three-year spell in power later this month. Brexiteer former foreign minister Boris Johnson is the favorite to replace her in a leadership contest against Hunt. The winner will get to appoint his own US envoy by the time Darroch's term expires at the end of the year. But commentators note the official widely tipped for the Washington job was less enthusiastic about Brexit than Johnson or some members of his team. "There have been reports that Mark Sedwill, the current cabinet secretary, is being lined up for the position," The Guardian's diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour wrote. But Trump "may be suspicious of Sedwill, and would prefer a true Brexit". Wintour wrote that Sedwill "may not fill that bill, but Nigel Farage who pretty openly campaigned for the job before Darroch's appointment in 2016 does". Farage is an anti-EU populist whose new Brexit Party won nearly a third of the vote in European elections in May, and has met Trump several times. Farage on Monday called Darroch's memos "pretty irresponsible" but played down interest in the Washington Post. "I'm not a diplomat, and I think that's quite an understatement," he told BBC radio. But Farage added that he "could be very useful" in forging a better relationship "with an administration that contains friends of mine".

Britain hunts for leaker of cables calling Donald Trump 'inept'

<p>Britain's ambassador in the United States has described <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-promises-to-reduce-us-drug-prices-to-worlds-lowest-233452">President Donald Trump</a> and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.</p>

<p>Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper.</p>

<p>"We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch.</p>

<p>The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent".</p>

<p>A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First".</p>

<p>He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true".</p>

<p>Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC&nbsp;began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency.</p>

<p>The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017.</p>

<p>In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic".</p>

<p>He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up".</p>

<p>"It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election.</p>

<p>Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos.</p>

<p>"The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.</p>


Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday.

Britain's ambassador in the United States has described President Donald Trump and his administration as "inept" and "uniquely dysfunctional", according to leaked diplomatic memos published by the Mail on Sunday. Ambassador Kim Darroch reportedly said Trump's presidency could "crash and burn" and "end in disgrace", in the cache of secret cables and briefing notes sent back to Britain seen by the newspaper. "We don't really believe this administration is going to become substantially more normal; less dysfunctional; less unpredictable; less faction riven; less diplomatically clumsy and inept," Darroch allegedly wrote in one dispatch. The paper said the most damning comments by Darroch described Trump, who was received by Queen Elizabeth II during a state visit to Britain just last month, as "insecure" and "incompetent". A memo sent following the controversial visit said the president and his team had been "dazzled" by the visit but warned Britain might not remain "flavour of the month" because "this is still the land of America First". He reportedly wrote that the "vicious infighting and chaos" inside the White House -- widely reported in the US but dismissed by Trump as "fake news" -- was "mostly true". Darroch is one of Britain's most experienced diplomats whose posting in Washington DC began in January, 2016, prior to Trump winning the presidency. The Mail on Sunday said the memos, likely leaked by someone within Britain's sprawling civil service, cover a period beginning in 2017. In one of the most recent reported dispatches filed on June 22 Darroch criticised Trump's fraught foreign policy on Iran, which has prompted fears in global capitals of a military conflict, as "incoherent" and "chaotic". He allegedly said the president's assertion, that he called off retaliatory missile strikes against the Iranian regime after a US drone was shot down because it risked killing 150 Iranians, "doesn't stand up". "It's more likely that he was never fully on board and that he was worried about how this apparent reversal of his 2016 campaign promises would look come 2020," Darroch reportedly stated, referring to the next presidential election. Britain's Foreign Office did not dispute the veracity of the memos. "The British public would expect our ambassadors to provide ministers with an honest, unvarnished assessment of the politics in their country," a spokeswoman said. "Their views are not necessarily the views of ministers or indeed the government," she added, noting "we pay them to be candid". "Our team in Washington have strong relations with the White House and no doubt that these will withstand such mischievous behaviour," the spokeswoman said of the potential fallout from the leak.

UK's top envoy in US says Trump executive 'inept': Report

<p>Top hats, plumes of feathers and flowers were the order of the day as the British Royalty enjoyed day one of the Royal Ascot races on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Joined by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, most of the royal family -- sans Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle -- made their way to the dearly loved races which are being held from June 18 to June 22, 2019.<br />
<br />
Along with Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen at the do. The Duke of York was also in attendance on Tuesday.<br />
<br />
Queen Elizabeth II, who has attended every day of the gathering for the last 64 years, was seen wearing a cornflower blue coat and hat, as she sat in the leading horse-drawn carriage in the royal procession. Her arrival traditionally heralds the start of the races, as per CNN.<br />
<br />
Blue seemed to be the colour of choice for most of the women in the British royal family, right from the Queen to the Duchess of Cambridge, who could be seen wearing shades of the colour on the first day.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Duchess Kate of Cambridge wore a dusty blue-coloured, two-piece outfit by Elie Saab and a matching hat by Philip Treacy, which was adorned with flowers. Prince William, on the other hand, looked every bit British in a three-piece suit with a top hat and an umbrella as he accompanied Kate through the royal engagements.<br />
<br />
The Queens`s eldest granddaughter, Zara Phillips Tindall was also seen at the races in a flower-patterned dress.<br />
<br />
Both men and women have to adhere to a strict code of dressing while attending the event, which has the royal seal of approval.<br />
<br />
"Royal Ascot is an annual event attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood, and Members of the Royal Family," Kensington Palace, the official Instagram account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posted alongside a picture of Kate. "The week has become Britain`s most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days," it added.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/By26I6BFUhO/" 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 Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with The Queen and Members of the Royal Family, attended Royal Ascot — today they were joined by The King and Queen of the Netherlands. Royal Ascot is an annual event attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood, and Members of the Royal Family. The week has become Britain's most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days. Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, and has since received the patronage of a further eleven monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911. The Queen is owner and breeder of many thoroughbred horses and shares her interest in horses with many members of her family — and The Queen's own horses have won races at Royal Ascot a number of times. 📷 PA @theroyalfamily @koninklijkhuis #RoyalAscot</a></p>

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<p>The Ascot Racecourse has enjoyed royal patronage ever since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711. The summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911.</p>


Top hats, plumes of feathers and flowers were the order of the day as the British Royalty enjoyed day one of the Royal Ascot races on Tuesday. Joined by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, most of the royal family -- sans Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle -- made their way to the dearly loved races which are being held from June 18 to June 22, 2019.

Top hats, plumes of feathers and flowers were the order of the day as the British Royalty enjoyed day one of the Royal Ascot races on Tuesday. Joined by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, most of the royal family -- sans Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle -- made their way to the dearly loved races which are being held from June 18 to June 22, 2019. Along with Queen Elizabeth II, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were seen at the do. The Duke of York was also in attendance on Tuesday. Queen Elizabeth II, who has attended every day of the gathering for the last 64 years, was seen wearing a cornflower blue coat and hat, as she sat in the leading horse-drawn carriage in the royal procession. Her arrival traditionally heralds the start of the races, as per CNN. Blue seemed to be the colour of choice for most of the women in the British royal family, right from the Queen to the Duchess of Cambridge, who could be seen wearing shades of the colour on the first day. Duchess Kate of Cambridge wore a dusty blue-coloured, two-piece outfit by Elie Saab and a matching hat by Philip Treacy, which was adorned with flowers. Prince William, on the other hand, looked every bit British in a three-piece suit with a top hat and an umbrella as he accompanied Kate through the royal engagements. The Queens`s eldest granddaughter, Zara Phillips Tindall was also seen at the races in a flower-patterned dress. Both men and women have to adhere to a strict code of dressing while attending the event, which has the royal seal of approval. "Royal Ascot is an annual event attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood, and Members of the Royal Family," Kensington Palace, the official Instagram account of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posted alongside a picture of Kate. "The week has become Britain`s most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days," it added. View this post on Instagram The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with The Queen and Members of the Royal Family, attended Royal Ascot — today they were joined by The King and Queen of the Netherlands. Royal Ascot is an annual event attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in horses since childhood, and Members of the Royal Family. The week has become Britain's most popular race meeting, welcoming around 300,000 visitors over five days. Ascot Racecourse was founded by Queen Anne in 1711, and has since received the patronage of a further eleven monarchs. The Ascot summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911. The Queen is owner and breeder of many thoroughbred horses and shares her interest in horses with many members of her family — and The Queen's own horses have won races at Royal Ascot a number of times. 📷 PA @theroyalfamily @koninklijkhuis #RoyalAscot A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Jun 18, 2019 at 9:32am PDT × The Ascot Racecourse has enjoyed royal patronage ever since it was founded by Queen Anne in 1711. The summer race meeting officially became a Royal week in 1911.

Royals usher in day 1 of the Ascot races in style

<p>President Donald Trump on Friday sought to clarify his comments that he <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-wrong-with-accepting-dirt-from-foreign-governments-on-opponents-trump-226696">would accept dirt on election rivals from a foreign power</a>, now saying he would "absolutely" report such an encounter to US authorities.</p>

<p>Singed by a political firestorm over his controversial remarks when he said he would only "maybe" call the Federal Bureau of Investigation if he believed there was wrongdoing, the president took to Fox News to nuance his explanation.</p>

<p>"Of course you give it to the FBI, or report it to the attorney general or somebody like that," Trump said.</p>

<p>But he maintained his controversial position revealed in a Wednesday ABC News interview that he would look at or listen to the information.</p>

<p>"Of course, you have to look at it, because if you don't look at it you're not going to know if it's bad," Trump said.</p>

<p>"Now, if I thought anything was incorrect or badly stated... I'd report it to law enforcement, absolutely."</p>

<p>Trump faced severe criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike after his initial remarks.</p>

<p>The furore follows years of debate over the Trump team's contacts with officials and operatives from Russia, which US intelligence agencies determined interfered in the 2016 presidential election.</p>

<p>An exhaustive 22-month special counsel investigation concluded that Trump's campaign had numerous contacts with Russians but the pattern did not amount to proof of a conspiracy with Moscow.</p>

<p>Despite that, Democrats say Trump's behaviour was suspicious enough to warrant further investigation in congressional committees. A loud minority of lawmakers is even pushing for impeachment.</p>

<p>The White House and Republicans argued that Trump was being unfairly singled out when the Democrats had been the ones to make use of a now-infamous dossier compiled by a foreigner, former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele, in 2016.</p>

<p>Trump told Fox he did not believe any foreign power would present him with "bad" dirt on his rivals "because they know how much I love this country."</p>

<p>And he stressed that as president he is in a different position than other Americans because of his constant interaction with world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II and French President Emmanuel Macron.</p>

<p>"We have many, many conversations," Trump said. "I'm just thinking, gee, if they say 'We don't like your opponent,' am I supposed to put the president of France, am I supposed to report him to the FBI?"</p>


President Donald Trump on Friday sought to clarify his comments that he would accept dirt on election rivals from a foreign power, now saying he would "absolutely" report such an encounter to US authorities.

President Donald Trump on Friday sought to clarify his comments that he would accept dirt on election rivals from a foreign power, now saying he would "absolutely" report such an encounter to US authorities. Singed by a political firestorm over his controversial remarks when he said he would only "maybe" call the Federal Bureau of Investigation if he believed there was wrongdoing, the president took to Fox News to nuance his explanation. "Of course you give it to the FBI, or report it to the attorney general or somebody like that," Trump said. But he maintained his controversial position revealed in a Wednesday ABC News interview that he would look at or listen to the information. "Of course, you have to look at it, because if you don't look at it you're not going to know if it's bad," Trump said. "Now, if I thought anything was incorrect or badly stated... I'd report it to law enforcement, absolutely." Trump faced severe criticism from Democrats and Republicans alike after his initial remarks. The furore follows years of debate over the Trump team's contacts with officials and operatives from Russia, which US intelligence agencies determined interfered in the 2016 presidential election. An exhaustive 22-month special counsel investigation concluded that Trump's campaign had numerous contacts with Russians but the pattern did not amount to proof of a conspiracy with Moscow. Despite that, Democrats say Trump's behaviour was suspicious enough to warrant further investigation in congressional committees. A loud minority of lawmakers is even pushing for impeachment. The White House and Republicans argued that Trump was being unfairly singled out when the Democrats had been the ones to make use of a now-infamous dossier compiled by a foreigner, former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele, in 2016. Trump told Fox he did not believe any foreign power would present him with "bad" dirt on his rivals "because they know how much I love this country." And he stressed that as president he is in a different position than other Americans because of his constant interaction with world leaders like Queen Elizabeth II and French President Emmanuel Macron. "We have many, many conversations," Trump said. "I'm just thinking, gee, if they say 'We don't like your opponent,' am I supposed to put the president of France, am I supposed to report him to the FBI?"

Donald Trump clarifies would report foreign dirt on rivals to FBI

<p>US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-mays-brexit-strategy-on-uk-visit-151227">Donald Trump</a> will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.</p>

<p>Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip.</p>

<p>"We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit.</p>

<p>She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead."</p>

<p>The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament.</p>

<p>May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties.</p>

<p>An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed.</p>

<p>On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history.</p>

<p>Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels".</p>

<p>Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said.</p>

<p>British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president.</p>

<p>When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets.</p>

<p>Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted".</p>

<p>Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added,&nbsp;"All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".</p>


US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him.

US President Donald Trump will make a state visit to Britain June 3-5, just ahead of D-Day commemorations in France, officials said on Tuesday, as campaigners announced large-scale protests against him. Trump will be the guest of Queen Elizabeth II and will also hold talks with Prime Minister Theresa May during the trip. "We do more together than any two nations in the world and we are both safer and more prosperous because of our cooperation," May said in a statement on the visit. She said it would be "an opportunity to strengthen our already close relationship in areas such as trade, investment, security and defence, and to discuss how we can build on these ties in the years ahead." The pomp associated with state visits will prove particularly controversial in Britain, where House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has already said he does not want the US president to address parliament. May invited Trump for a state visit in January 2017 when she went to Washington just days after he took office in what was widely seen as an attempt to curry favour, particularly for post-Brexit trade ties. An online petition to cancel Trump's state visit reached 1.9 million signatures and that trip was delayed. On the last day of his visit, June 5, Trump will attend a large military ceremony in Portsmouth in southern England, where ships left for the D-Day landings 75 years ago in the largest seaborne invasion in history. Downing Street said in a statement that the event would be "one of the greatest British military spectacles in recent history" involving "26 iconic RAF aircraft and at least 11 Royal Navy vessels". Trump will then travel to Normandy on June 6 for the main D-Day commemorations, the statement said. British anti-Trump campaign groups pledged to mobilise in "huge numbers" to protest against the visiting president. When Trump last visited Britain in July 2018, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets. Shaista Aziz from the Stop Trump coalition blamed Trump for a "politics of hate and bigotry" and said it was time for his critics to "stand up and be counted". Sabby Dhalu from the Stand Up To Trump group added, "All those that value peace and hope for a better world for the many must take to the streets and say clearly that Donald Trump is not welcome here".

Donald Trump to make state visit to UK June 3-5: Palace

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her birthday on Sunday, marking 93 years in the public glare.</p>

<p>Here are five facts about Britain's oldest and longest-reigning monarch.</p>

<p><strong>Longevity</strong></p>

<p>Over 80 per cent of Britons have not experienced life under any other monarch, having not been born when Elizabeth ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, according to the UK Office of National Statistics.</p>

<p>She has reigned over 14 prime ministers, coming to the throne during the tenure of Winston Churchill.</p>

<p>She has also met with 11 of the 12 US presidents in office and signed more than 3,500 bills into law.</p>

<p>On her birthday, the Queen will be 11 years and four months older than any British monarch in history, and at 67 years and 74 days, will be the longest serving by three years and 224 days.</p>

<p><strong>Birth</strong></p>

<p>The Queen was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London's upmarket Mayfair neighbourhood, which is now a high-end Chinese restaurant whose signature dishes include "Roasted silver cod with Champagne".</p>

<p>She has another official birthday on the second Saturday in June, to celebrate the landmark publicly.</p>

<p>The double birthday tradition was started by King George II in 1748, who wanted to have a summer celebration.</p>

<p><strong>Animals</strong></p>

<p>The monarch has been an animal lover all her life, and is particularly fond of horses and dogs.</p>

<p>She has owned more than 30 corgi dogs, her favourite breed, and even invented a new breed, the dorgi -- a cross between a corgi and a dachshund.</p>

<p>She inherited several thoroughbred racing horses after her father King George VI died in 1952 and her rides have won more than 1,600 races.</p>

<p>The 93-year-old has also owned an elephant, black jaguars and a crocodile -- all gifts that were looked after in zoos -- and due to arachic laws, still owns all unmarked mute swans and "royal fish" in Britain, including dolphins and sturgeons.</p>

<p><strong>Tax</strong></p>

<p>Although not legally obliged to pay tax, Elizabeth chose in 1992 to start voluntarily paying income tax on her private earnings amid public grumblings about the cost of restoring the family's fire-damaged Windsor Castle.</p>

<p><strong>Tech-savvy</strong></p>

<p>Despite the tradition and pomp of the family, the Queen has been comfortable with developing technologies ever since serving as a truck mechanic in World War II.</p>

<p>She sent her first email in 1976, sent a message taken to the moon by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969, first tweeted in 2014 and made her first Instagram post last month.</p>

<p>Her 1953 coronation was the first to be televised and, in 2012, her annual Christmas speech was made available on podcast.</p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her birthday on Sunday, marking 93 years in the public glare. Here are five facts about Britain's oldest and longest-reigning monarch.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her birthday on Sunday, marking 93 years in the public glare. Here are five facts about Britain's oldest and longest-reigning monarch. Longevity Over 80 per cent of Britons have not experienced life under any other monarch, having not been born when Elizabeth ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, according to the UK Office of National Statistics. She has reigned over 14 prime ministers, coming to the throne during the tenure of Winston Churchill. She has also met with 11 of the 12 US presidents in office and signed more than 3,500 bills into law. On her birthday, the Queen will be 11 years and four months older than any British monarch in history, and at 67 years and 74 days, will be the longest serving by three years and 224 days. Birth The Queen was born on April 21, 1926, at 17 Bruton Street in London's upmarket Mayfair neighbourhood, which is now a high-end Chinese restaurant whose signature dishes include "Roasted silver cod with Champagne". She has another official birthday on the second Saturday in June, to celebrate the landmark publicly. The double birthday tradition was started by King George II in 1748, who wanted to have a summer celebration. Animals The monarch has been an animal lover all her life, and is particularly fond of horses and dogs. She has owned more than 30 corgi dogs, her favourite breed, and even invented a new breed, the dorgi -- a cross between a corgi and a dachshund. She inherited several thoroughbred racing horses after her father King George VI died in 1952 and her rides have won more than 1,600 races. The 93-year-old has also owned an elephant, black jaguars and a crocodile -- all gifts that were looked after in zoos -- and due to arachic laws, still owns all unmarked mute swans and "royal fish" in Britain, including dolphins and sturgeons. Tax Although not legally obliged to pay tax, Elizabeth chose in 1992 to start voluntarily paying income tax on her private earnings amid public grumblings about the cost of restoring the family's fire-damaged Windsor Castle. Tech-savvy Despite the tradition and pomp of the family, the Queen has been comfortable with developing technologies ever since serving as a truck mechanic in World War II. She sent her first email in 1976, sent a message taken to the moon by astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin in 1969, first tweeted in 2014 and made her first Instagram post last month. Her 1953 coronation was the first to be televised and, in 2012, her annual Christmas speech was made available on podcast.

Five facts about Queen Elizabeth II as she turns 93

Harry and Meghan take last official trip to Morocco before birth

<p>Queen Elizabeth II has emphasised the need for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/50-50-chance-of-second-brexit-referendum-ex-british-pm-tony-blair-192476">Britons to come together</a> to "seek out the common ground", in what has been viewed as an appeal to overcome divisions over Brexit.</p>

<p>Speaking to members of the Women's Institute (WI) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/airbus-ceo-warns-of-harmful-decisions-for-uk-jobs-in-a-no-deal-brexit-192414">near her Sandringham estate in eastern</a> England, the 92-year-old queen said people should never lose sight of the bigger picture.</p>

<p>"Reflecting on a century of change, it is clear that the qualities of the Women's Institute&nbsp;endure," she said, noting the foundation of the institute in 1915, to encourage contributions to World War-I.</p>

<p>"The continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community-focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago.</p>

<p>"Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities.</p>

<p>"As we look for new answers in the modern age, I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view; coming together to seek out the common ground; and never losing sight of the bigger picture."</p>

<p>"To me, these approaches are timeless, and I commend them to everyone."</p>

<p>Her message, delivered in a meeting late on Thursday, comes amid intense argument in parliament about Britain's exit from the European Union, which is scheduled for March 29.</p>

<p>The royals tend to steer well clear of politics, and as head of state, the queen in particular is careful to stay neutral in public.</p>

<p>In her traditional Christmas broadcast to the nation last month, she offered a similar message of unity, warning against "tribalism".</p>

<p>"Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," she said.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II has emphasised the need for Britons to come together to "seek out the common ground", in what has been viewed as an appeal to overcome divisions over Brexit.

Queen Elizabeth II has emphasised the need for Britons to come together to "seek out the common ground", in what has been viewed as an appeal to overcome divisions over Brexit. Speaking to members of the Women's Institute (WI) near her Sandringham estate in eastern England, the 92-year-old queen said people should never lose sight of the bigger picture. "Reflecting on a century of change, it is clear that the qualities of the Women's Institute endure," she said, noting the foundation of the institute in 1915, to encourage contributions to World War-I. "The continued emphasis on patience, friendship, a strong community-focus, and considering the needs of others, are as important today as they were when the group was founded all those years ago. "Of course, every generation faces fresh challenges and opportunities. "As we look for new answers in the modern age, I for one prefer the tried and tested recipes, like speaking well of each other and respecting different points of view; coming together to seek out the common ground; and never losing sight of the bigger picture." "To me, these approaches are timeless, and I commend them to everyone." Her message, delivered in a meeting late on Thursday, comes amid intense argument in parliament about Britain's exit from the European Union, which is scheduled for March 29. The royals tend to steer well clear of politics, and as head of state, the queen in particular is careful to stay neutral in public. In her traditional Christmas broadcast to the nation last month, she offered a similar message of unity, warning against "tribalism". "Even with the most deeply held differences, treating the other person with respect and as a fellow human being is always a good first step towards greater understanding," she said.

Seek out common ground, says Queen Elizabeth in veiled reference to Brexit

<p>Former England cricket and rugby captains Alastair Cook and Bill Beaumont headlined sporting personalities in the New Years Honours List with both men receiving knighthoods from Queen Elizabeth II.</p>

<p>Cook -- who has more Test centuries (33) and runs (12,472) than any other England player accrued during a record 161 Test matches -- is the first cricketer to be knighted since legendary all-rounder Ian Botham in 2007.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old opening batsman finished his Test career in the best possible manner with a century against India at The Oval despite having declared there "was nothing left in the tank".</p>

<p>"It's a fitting tribute to a man who has led with distinction on and off the pitch every since he made his England debut," England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves said in a statement to Press Association Sport. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Beaumont -- chairman of the sport's governing body, World Rugby, -- skippered England to the 1980 Five Nations Grand Slam as well as captaining the British and Irish Lions.</p>

<p>Following his retirement as a player the 66-year-old became a much loved face on BBC television, his avuncular style adapting well to captaining a team in Question of Sport.</p>

<p>"I am honoured and humbled to receive this accolade from Her Majesty the Queen for services to rugby," Beaumont told World Rugby.</p>

<p>"I have always viewed my work in the sport as an administrator as that of a guardian, driven by a passion to do the very best I can for rugby."</p>

<p>Football did not miss out, with England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane rewarded for the national side's run to this year's World Cup semi-finals.</p>

<p><strong>'Thought something was wrong!'</strong></p>

<p>Southgate, whose sartorial elegance in Russia saw sales of waistcoats rocket, received the middle-ranking Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) whilst Tottenham Hotpsur sharpshooter Kane garnered the lesser Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).</p>

<p>Kane, who won the World Cup Golden Boot for finishing top scorer with six goals, said he learnt of his award from his fiancee Kate just prior to a Premier League game with Southampton in early December.</p>

<p>"We got a letter to the house, Kate opened the letter." he told Spurs TV.</p>

<p>"Normally we'd talk a little but she would never call me just before the match. I had a missed call and she texted me 'could you answer?'.</p>

<p>"I thought something was wrong! But Kate was excited and told me that we'd had a letter from the Queen saying we'd get an MBE."</p>

<p>Another British sporting success story of the year Welshman Geraint Thomas received an OBE after winning road cycling's showpiece event, the Tour de France.</p>

<p>Beaumont was not the only rugby personality to be honoured with former Scotland lock Doddie Weir, whose courageous battle with motor neurone disease has helped to raise its profile through his 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' (attn eds: correct), being awarded an OBE.</p>

<p>Irish rugby legend Willie John McBride -- like Beaumont a Lions captain having skippered the combined outfit's most successful side of all time on the brutal 1974 tour of South Africa, which saw them win the four-Test series 3-0 with one draw -- adds a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) to his MBE.</p>

<p>McBride's fellow Northern Irishman former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who survived the Munich air crash that killed several of the Busy Babes in 1958, received an OBE.</p>

<p>Horseracing, was acknowledged as well with Richard Johnson, who has been British jumps champion jockey the past three years after being runner-up on 16 occasions to legend AP McCoy, receiving an OBE.</p>

<p>But, as ever Johnson, has to give second best to his old rival as McCoy was knighted in 2016.&nbsp;</p>


Former England cricket and rugby captains Alastair Cook and Bill Beaumont headlined sporting personalities in the New Years Honours List with both men receiving knighthoods from Queen Elizabeth II.

Former England cricket and rugby captains Alastair Cook and Bill Beaumont headlined sporting personalities in the New Years Honours List with both men receiving knighthoods from Queen Elizabeth II. Cook -- who has more Test centuries (33) and runs (12,472) than any other England player accrued during a record 161 Test matches -- is the first cricketer to be knighted since legendary all-rounder Ian Botham in 2007. The 34-year-old opening batsman finished his Test career in the best possible manner with a century against India at The Oval despite having declared there "was nothing left in the tank". "It's a fitting tribute to a man who has led with distinction on and off the pitch every since he made his England debut," England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Colin Graves said in a statement to Press Association Sport. Beaumont -- chairman of the sport's governing body, World Rugby, -- skippered England to the 1980 Five Nations Grand Slam as well as captaining the British and Irish Lions. Following his retirement as a player the 66-year-old became a much loved face on BBC television, his avuncular style adapting well to captaining a team in Question of Sport. "I am honoured and humbled to receive this accolade from Her Majesty the Queen for services to rugby," Beaumont told World Rugby. "I have always viewed my work in the sport as an administrator as that of a guardian, driven by a passion to do the very best I can for rugby." Football did not miss out, with England manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane rewarded for the national side's run to this year's World Cup semi-finals. 'Thought something was wrong!' Southgate, whose sartorial elegance in Russia saw sales of waistcoats rocket, received the middle-ranking Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) whilst Tottenham Hotpsur sharpshooter Kane garnered the lesser Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Kane, who won the World Cup Golden Boot for finishing top scorer with six goals, said he learnt of his award from his fiancee Kate just prior to a Premier League game with Southampton in early December. "We got a letter to the house, Kate opened the letter." he told Spurs TV. "Normally we'd talk a little but she would never call me just before the match. I had a missed call and she texted me 'could you answer?'. "I thought something was wrong! But Kate was excited and told me that we'd had a letter from the Queen saying we'd get an MBE." Another British sporting success story of the year Welshman Geraint Thomas received an OBE after winning road cycling's showpiece event, the Tour de France. Beaumont was not the only rugby personality to be honoured with former Scotland lock Doddie Weir, whose courageous battle with motor neurone disease has helped to raise its profile through his 'My Name'5 Doddie Foundation' (attn eds: correct), being awarded an OBE. Irish rugby legend Willie John McBride -- like Beaumont a Lions captain having skippered the combined outfit's most successful side of all time on the brutal 1974 tour of South Africa, which saw them win the four-Test series 3-0 with one draw -- adds a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) to his MBE. McBride's fellow Northern Irishman former Manchester United goalkeeper Harry Gregg, who survived the Munich air crash that killed several of the Busy Babes in 1958, received an OBE. Horseracing, was acknowledged as well with Richard Johnson, who has been British jumps champion jockey the past three years after being runner-up on 16 occasions to legend AP McCoy, receiving an OBE. But, as ever Johnson, has to give second best to his old rival as McCoy was knighted in 2016.

Former England captains Alastair Cook and Bill Beaumont knighted

Season's greetings from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

'Rebel' Prince Charles could put monarchy at risk, author says

<p>An armed man was arrested Sunday at the entrance of Buckingham Palace, London police said, ruling out the possibility it was terror-related.</p>

<p>Police said the 38-year-old was carrying a Taser stun gun, adding that he remains in custody.</p>

<p>"It's not terrorism-related. It's just a single standalone incident," a police spokeswoman told AFP. She provided no other details.</p>

<p>Members of the royal family are currently on their summer break, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.</p>

<p>Police said the incident occurred outside the visitors entrance, where the man was detained by security staff.</p>

<p>London remains on a heighten state of alert due to periodic terror-related incidents.</p>

<p>Most recently, in August, a terror suspect crashed his car into the security barriers surrounding the Houses of Parliament.</p>

<p>A Sudanese-born 29-year-old has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.</p>


An armed man was arrested Sunday at the entrance of Buckingham Palace, London police said, ruling out the possibility it was terror-related. Police said the 38-year-old was carrying a Taser stun gun, adding that he remains in custody.

An armed man was arrested Sunday at the entrance of Buckingham Palace, London police said, ruling out the possibility it was terror-related. Police said the 38-year-old was carrying a Taser stun gun, adding that he remains in custody. "It's not terrorism-related. It's just a single standalone incident," a police spokeswoman told AFP. She provided no other details. Members of the royal family are currently on their summer break, with Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip staying at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Police said the incident occurred outside the visitors entrance, where the man was detained by security staff. London remains on a heighten state of alert due to periodic terror-related incidents. Most recently, in August, a terror suspect crashed his car into the security barriers surrounding the Houses of Parliament. A Sudanese-born 29-year-old has been charged with two counts of attempted murder.

Armed man arrested outside Buckingham Palace

<p>A former sex worker was made a dame in the Queen's Birthday honours list in New Zealand&nbsp;on Monday, in recognition of her services to the sex industry.</p>

<p>Catherine Healy was instrumental in bringing about New Zealand's 2003 decriminalising of sex work and the introduction of some of the most liberal prostitution laws in the world.</p>

<p>But the 62-year-old said she was surprised at the honour, which officially makes her a dame companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.</p>

<p>"It's not something I would have expected," she told Radio New Zealand.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In fact, I always say I expect to be arrested at dawn, not to have this kind of tremendous honour and I was just very affected, very touched."</p>

<p>Healy has led the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective since 1989 and her honours citation said she had built it "into a globally respected public health provider".</p>

<p>She spearheaded the campaign for the 2003 law reform which allowed brothels and street workers to operate legally.</p>

<p>The reform meant sex workers were covered by employment, health and safety laws, giving them rights they had never previously enjoyed.</p>

<p>Healy said her new title showed how much attitudes had changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This honour, and to have it given to me, is about saying, 'Okay, it's okay, you can come in from the cold, you and yours'," she told the national broadcaster.</p>

<p>New Zealand awards honours twice a year -- at New Year and to mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II in early June.</p>

<p>Other recipients honoured&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;included former prime minister Bill English, who was made a knight.</p>


Catherine Healy was instrumental in bringing about New Zealand's 2003 decriminalising of sex work and the introduction of some of the most liberal prostitution laws in the world

A former sex worker was made a dame in the Queen's Birthday honours list in New Zealand on Monday, in recognition of her services to the sex industry. Catherine Healy was instrumental in bringing about New Zealand's 2003 decriminalising of sex work and the introduction of some of the most liberal prostitution laws in the world. But the 62-year-old said she was surprised at the honour, which officially makes her a dame companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. "It's not something I would have expected," she told Radio New Zealand. "In fact, I always say I expect to be arrested at dawn, not to have this kind of tremendous honour and I was just very affected, very touched." Healy has led the New Zealand Prostitutes Collective since 1989 and her honours citation said she had built it "into a globally respected public health provider". She spearheaded the campaign for the 2003 law reform which allowed brothels and street workers to operate legally. The reform meant sex workers were covered by employment, health and safety laws, giving them rights they had never previously enjoyed. Healy said her new title showed how much attitudes had changed. "This honour, and to have it given to me, is about saying, 'Okay, it's okay, you can come in from the cold, you and yours'," she told the national broadcaster. New Zealand awards honours twice a year -- at New Year and to mark the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II in early June. Other recipients honoured on Monday included former prime minister Bill English, who was made a knight.

Ex-sex worker made a dame in New Zealand honours list

<p>Britain's Buckingham Palace gears up to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 92nd birth anniversary. The Queen, members of the royal family and other invitees will be in attendance at the star-studded concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Queen's birthday is celebrated twice in Britain -- once on April 21, which is her actual birth date and again in the month of June.</p>

<p>While last year her birthday was celebrated on June 17, this year it is scheduled for Saturday, June 9.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Tonight The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will attend a concert at the <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalAlbertHall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalAlbertHall</a> to mark The Queen’s birthday.<br />
<br />
The concert will be broadcast live on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCOne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCOne</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCRadio2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCRadio2</a>.<br />
<br />
Her Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family will attend.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/QueensBirthday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#QueensBirthday</a> <a href="https://t.co/PI8JBHdWbM">pic.twitter.com/PI8JBHdWbM</a></p>
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/987736142811488256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Friday, the Queen announced his son Prince Charles to become the head of the commonwealth nations. The announcement was made at the recently-concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London.</p>

<p>Next month the Buckingham Palace will be decked up for the much-awaited royal wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;</em></p>


Interestingly, Queen's birthday is celebrated twice in Britain

Britain's Buckingham Palace gears up to celebrate Queen Elizabeth's 92nd birth anniversary. The Queen, members of the royal family and other invitees will be in attendance at the star-studded concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night. Interestingly, Queen's birthday is celebrated twice in Britain -- once on April 21, which is her actual birth date and again in the month of June. While last year her birthday was celebrated on June 17, this year it is scheduled for Saturday, June 9. Tonight The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall will attend a concert at the @RoyalAlbertHall to mark The Queen’s birthday. The concert will be broadcast live on @BBCOne and @BBCRadio2. Her Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family will attend.#QueensBirthday pic.twitter.com/PI8JBHdWbM — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2018 × Earlier on Friday, the Queen announced his son Prince Charles to become the head of the commonwealth nations. The announcement was made at the recently-concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London. Next month the Buckingham Palace will be decked up for the much-awaited royal wedding of Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle. (With inputs from ANI)

Buckingham Palace gears up for Queen Elizabeth's 92nd birthday

<p>Prince Charles, 69, has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/succession-debate-britains-queen-elizabeth-backs-son-charles-to-take-on-commonwealth-role-131456">approved as the head of Commonwealth</a> at a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM) at Windsor, a British TV channel reported on Friday.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Britan's queen Elizabeth II, 92, had said in a speech before Commonwealth leaders that she wanted her son Charles to carry on the work started by her father in 1949</p>

<p>“It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” the Queen had said at the opening of the CHOGM at Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>Last week Britain's opposition party had suggested that the position should be rotated by member states. The CHOGM currently a 53-member country grouping.</p>

<p>The role of the head of Commonwealth is not a hereditary position, Queen Elizabeth has been the head of the group since 1952 ever since she was crowned queen of Britain.</p>

<p>Britain's Sky News reported on Friday that the heads of Commonwealth currently in London have approved the queen's wish.</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GOAgQu7Ro7U" width="560"></iframe></p>


Queen Elizabeth has been the head of the group since 1952 ever since she was crowned queen of Britain.

Prince Charles, 69, has been approved as the head of Commonwealth at a meeting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM) at Windsor, a British TV channel reported on Friday. On Thursday, Britan's queen Elizabeth II, 92, had said in a speech before Commonwealth leaders that she wanted her son Charles to carry on the work started by her father in 1949 “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” the Queen had said at the opening of the CHOGM at Buckingham Palace. Last week Britain's opposition party had suggested that the position should be rotated by member states. The CHOGM currently a 53-member country grouping. The role of the head of Commonwealth is not a hereditary position, Queen Elizabeth has been the head of the group since 1952 ever since she was crowned queen of Britain. Britain's Sky News reported on Friday that the heads of Commonwealth currently in London have approved the queen's wish.

Prince Charles to succeed queen Elizabeth II as head of Commonwealth: Report

<p>In a move which is certain to fuel the succession debate, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442">Britain's </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442">queen</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442"> Elizabeth II, 92, </a>said today that she hopes Prince Charles, 69, will carry on the work in the Commonwealth started by her father in 1949.</p>

<p>The queen has been the head of Commonwealth since 1952. The Commonwealth evolved after the end of the British Empire in the 1940 and 50s as several nations in Asia and Africa gained independence from Britain.</p>

<p>The role of leadership of the Commonwealth was at the centre of debate ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM). The position of the head of the Commonwealth is not hereditery in nature.</p>

<p>“It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” the Queen said at the opening of the CHOGM at Buckingham Palace today.</p>

<p>Britain's opposition party had suggested it should be rotated around by members. The CHOGM currently has 53 member countries.</p>

<p>In his opening remarks, Prince Charles said: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with my first visit to Malta when I was just 5 years old."</p>

<p>Earlier, the heads of Commonwealth received a 53-gun salute as London hosted the event for the first time in 20 years.</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6QarZ2lPj4" width="560"></iframe></p>


The queen has been the head of Commonwealth since 1952

In a move which is certain to fuel the succession debate, Britain's queen Elizabeth II, 92, said today that she hopes Prince Charles, 69, will carry on the work in the Commonwealth started by her father in 1949. The queen has been the head of Commonwealth since 1952. The Commonwealth evolved after the end of the British Empire in the 1940 and 50s as several nations in Asia and Africa gained independence from Britain. The role of leadership of the Commonwealth was at the centre of debate ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting(CHOGM). The position of the head of the Commonwealth is not hereditery in nature. “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949,” the Queen said at the opening of the CHOGM at Buckingham Palace today. Britain's opposition party had suggested it should be rotated around by members. The CHOGM currently has 53 member countries. In his opening remarks, Prince Charles said: "For my part, the Commonwealth has been a fundamental feature of my life for as long as I can remember, beginning with my first visit to Malta when I was just 5 years old." Earlier, the heads of Commonwealth received a 53-gun salute as London hosted the event for the first time in 20 years.

Succession debate? Britain's Queen Elizabeth II backs son Charles to take on Commonwealth role

<p>The Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) ocean liner has been given a new lease of life as a floating hotel in Dubai, 10 years after the Gulf Arab emirate bought it for $100 million.</p>

<p>State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007, but the 2008 financial crisis delayed any plans for the 40-year-old vessel, one of the world's most famous ships.</p>

<p>Now the QE2, permanently moored at Mina Rashid port, has been refurbished based on the original design, from its carpets to the theatre and even restaurant menus featuring dishes served in the liner's heyday.</p>

<p>A reception housed in a boat-shaped structure at the quay welcomed guests to an official opening on Wednesday (April 18).</p>

<p>Large portraits of United Arab Emirates rulers hang opposite portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Samuel Cunard, founder of the company that built the ship.</p>

<p>The QE2 first entered service in 1969 and has sailed around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the company said.</p>

<p>In its new incarnation, it has 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a suite. It also has a museum and 13 restaurants and bars.</p>

<p>Dubai hopes the QE2 will boost tourism in the most visited city in the Middle East, which welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2017. Officials say they are targeting 20 million by 2020.</p>

<p>Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner, was also docked at Mina Rashid on Wednesday and sounded its horns to mark the occasion.</p>


State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007

The Queen Elizabeth II (QE2) ocean liner has been given a new lease of life as a floating hotel in Dubai, 10 years after the Gulf Arab emirate bought it for $100 million. State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007, but the 2008 financial crisis delayed any plans for the 40-year-old vessel, one of the world's most famous ships. Now the QE2, permanently moored at Mina Rashid port, has been refurbished based on the original design, from its carpets to the theatre and even restaurant menus featuring dishes served in the liner's heyday. A reception housed in a boat-shaped structure at the quay welcomed guests to an official opening on Wednesday (April 18). Large portraits of United Arab Emirates rulers hang opposite portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Samuel Cunard, founder of the company that built the ship. The QE2 first entered service in 1969 and has sailed around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the company said. In its new incarnation, it has 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a suite. It also has a museum and 13 restaurants and bars. Dubai hopes the QE2 will boost tourism in the most visited city in the Middle East, which welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2017. Officials say they are targeting 20 million by 2020. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner, was also docked at Mina Rashid on Wednesday and sounded its horns to mark the occasion.

Watch: Luxury ship Queen Elizabeth II reopens as floating hotel in Dubai

<p>Queen Elizabeth II sent congratulatory wishes to Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) on the 100th anniversary of its founding.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Queen's message was read at a breakfast reception at a central London building that served as the RAF's first headquarters.&nbsp</p>

<p>Britain's Royal Air Force was formed towards the end of the First World War on April 1, 1918, through the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service.&nbsp</p>

<p>It is the oldest independent air force in the world.&nbsp</p>

<p>The reputation of the force is strongly associated with the extraordinary bravery and skill of the pilots who defended Britain against Germany's Luftwaffe during World War II.&nbsp</p>

<p>Queen Elizabeth II in her anniversary wishes added that the RAF has defended "our freedom gallantly".</p>


The Queen's message was read at a breakfast reception at a central London building that served as the RAF's first headquarters

Queen Elizabeth II sent congratulatory wishes to Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) on the 100th anniversary of its founding. The Queen's message was read at a breakfast reception at a central London building that served as the RAF's first headquarters. Britain's Royal Air Force was formed towards the end of the First World War on April 1, 1918, through the merger of the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. It is the oldest independent air force in the world. The reputation of the force is strongly associated with the extraordinary bravery and skill of the pilots who defended Britain against Germany's Luftwaffe during World War II. Queen Elizabeth II in her anniversary wishes added that the RAF has defended "our freedom gallantly".

Queen Elizabeth II praises Royal Air Force on 100th anniversary

<p>US actress Meghan Markle has been baptised by the leader of the Church of England ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry in May, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby performed the 45-minute ceremony at London&#39;s Chapel Royal on Tuesday in the presence of Prince Charles, her future father-in-law, the paper said.</p>

<p>Prince Harry&#39;s Kensington Palace office declined to comment.</p>

<p>Markle, 36, is understood to have chosen to be baptised and confirmed into the Anglican church out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II&#39;s role as the head of the denomination.</p>

<p>The ceremony involved the &quot;Suits&quot; actress being doused with holy water from the River Jordan from the private royal family font, according to the Mail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The couple will wed on May 19 at St George&#39;s Chapel in Windsor Castle, a residence of Queen Elizabeth II&#39;s located west of London.</p>

<p>Markle&#39;s father is an Episcopalian &ndash;- an offshoot of the Anglican Church in the US -- while her mother belonged to another Protestant denomination.</p>

<p>However, she attended the Roman Catholic high school in Los Angeles.</p>


Markle, 36, is understood to have chosen to be baptised and confirmed into the Anglican church out of respect for Queen Elizabeth

US actress Meghan Markle has been baptised by the leader of the Church of England ahead of her marriage to Prince Harry in May, the Daily Mail reported on Thursday. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby performed the 45-minute ceremony at London's Chapel Royal on Tuesday in the presence of Prince Charles, her future father-in-law, the paper said. Prince Harry's Kensington Palace office declined to comment. Markle, 36, is understood to have chosen to be baptised and confirmed into the Anglican church out of respect for Queen Elizabeth II's role as the head of the denomination. The ceremony involved the "Suits" actress being doused with holy water from the River Jordan from the private royal family font, according to the Mail. The couple will wed on May 19 at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, a residence of Queen Elizabeth II's located west of London. Markle's father is an Episcopalian –- an offshoot of the Anglican Church in the US -- while her mother belonged to another Protestant denomination. However, she attended the Roman Catholic high school in Los Angeles.

Meghan Markle baptised ahead of royal wedding: Report

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