Queen unveils secret-message plaque to mark spy agency centenary

British officials have revived Cold War emergency plans to relocate the royal family should there be riots in London if Britain suffers a disruptive departure from the European Union next month, two Sunday newspapers reported.

"These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit," the Sunday Times said, quoting an unnamed source from the government's Cabinet Office, which handles sensitive administrative issues.

The Mail on Sunday also said it had learnt of plans to move the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, to safe locations away from London.

Britain's government is struggling to get parliamentary support for a Brexit transition agreement with the EU before the departure date of March 29, and the government and businesses are preparing contingency plans for a 'no-deal' Brexit.

Business groups have warned of widespread disruption if there are lengthy delays to EU imports due to new customs checks, and even possible shortages of food and medicine.

Last month an annual speech by the 92-year-old queen to a local women's group was widely interpreted in Britain as a call for politicians to reach an agreement over Brexit.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative lawmaker and keen supporter of Brexit, told the Mail on Sunday he believed the plans showed unnecessary panic by officials over a no-deal Brexit, as senior royals had remained in London during World War Two bombing.

But the Sunday Times said an ex-police officer formerly in charge of royal protection, Dai Davies, expected Queen Elizabeth would be moved out of London if there was unrest.

"If there were problems in London, clearly you would remove the royal family away from those key sites," Davies was quoted as saying.

British officials have revived Cold War emergency plans to relocate the royal family should there be riots in London if Britain suffers a disruptive departure from the European Union next month, two Sunday newspapers reported.

British officials have revived Cold War emergency plans to relocate the royal family should there be riots in London if Britain suffers a disruptive departure from the European Union next month, two Sunday newspapers reported. "These emergency evacuation plans have been in existence since the Cold War, but have now been repurposed in the event of civil disorder following a no-deal Brexit," the Sunday Times said, quoting an unnamed source from the government's Cabinet Office, which handles sensitive administrative issues. The Mail on Sunday also said it had learnt of plans to move the royal family, including Queen Elizabeth, to safe locations away from London. Britain's government is struggling to get parliamentary support for a Brexit transition agreement with the EU before the departure date of March 29, and the government and businesses are preparing contingency plans for a 'no-deal' Brexit. Business groups have warned of widespread disruption if there are lengthy delays to EU imports due to new customs checks, and even possible shortages of food and medicine. Last month an annual speech by the 92-year-old queen to a local women's group was widely interpreted in Britain as a call for politicians to reach an agreement over Brexit. Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative lawmaker and keen supporter of Brexit, told the Mail on Sunday he believed the plans showed unnecessary panic by officials over a no-deal Brexit, as senior royals had remained in London during World War Two bombing. But the Sunday Times said an ex-police officer formerly in charge of royal protection, Dai Davies, expected Queen Elizabeth would be moved out of London if there was unrest. "If there were problems in London, clearly you would remove the royal family away from those key sites," Davies was quoted as saying.

Queen Elizabeth to be evacuated in case of Brexit unrest: Report

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. 
 
Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. 
 
Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew.

"The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. 
 
The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. 
 
"The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said.

Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare.

Meghan Markle, the wife of Britain's Prince Harry, announced on Thursday she would become the patron of four organisations to champion causes close to her heart, including the National Theatre and charities supporting women and animal welfare. Queen Elizabeth, 92, has passed on her patronages of the National Theatre and the Association of Commonwealth Universities, which she has held for decades, to Meghan, who married the queen's grandson last year. Known as the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan will also become the patron of Smart Works, a charity helping long-term unemployed women, and animal welfare charity Mayhew. "The Duchess is delighted to become Patron of both national and grassroots organisations that are part of the fabric of the UK, and is very much looking forward to working with them to bring wider public attention to their causes," Kensington Palace said in a statement. The National Theatre said it was a privilege to welcome Meghan, an American former actress who starred in television drama Suits before she married Harry. "The Duchess shares our deeply-held conviction that theatre has the power to bring together people from all communities and walks of life. I very much look forward to working closely with Her Royal Highness in the years to come," Rufus Norris, the director of the National Theatre, said. Meghan, who is pregnant with her first child, will visit Smart Works on Thursday.

Meghan Markle takes royal roles at UK charities for women and animals

Season's greetings from Britain's Queen Elizabeth II

Meghan Markle, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, joked she was feeling 'very pregnant'&nbsp;as she carried out a solo official engagement on Tuesday, a day after her father had made headlines by pleading with her to get in touch with him.

Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child with husband Prince Harry next Spring, joined in Christmas celebrations at a nursing and care home for those who had worked in the entertainment industry.

Asked by one of the residents how she was feeling, she replied 'very good', before rubbing her baby bump and saying "I’m very pregnant today".

On Monday, her father Thomas Markle directly appealed on television to Queen Elizabeth to intercede and end his estrangement from his daughter whom he has not seen since her wedding in May to Harry, Elizabeth`s grandson.

'More Markle Mayhem', the Sun newspaper said about the TV interview with Thomas Markle, who pulled out of the wedding just days beforehand after undergoing heart surgery.

The publicity did not appear to have affected Meghan who seemed cheerful as she met residents at Brinsworth House, owned by the Royal Variety Charity which helps retired entertainers and has the queen as a patron.

Meghan, who was an actress herself and attended the annual Royal Variety performance last month with Harry, joined residents as they made festive decorations and were entertained with Christmas songs.

The visit is Meghan's last official engagement before she and Harry, 34, join the other senior royals to spend Christmas with the queen at her Sandringham country residence in eastern England.

Meghan Markle, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, joked she was feeling 'very pregnant' as she carried out a solo official engagement on Tuesday, a day after her father had made headlines by pleading with her to get in touch with him.

Meghan Markle, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, joked she was feeling 'very pregnant' as she carried out a solo official engagement on Tuesday, a day after her father had made headlines by pleading with her to get in touch with him. Meghan, 37, who is expecting her first child with husband Prince Harry next Spring, joined in Christmas celebrations at a nursing and care home for those who had worked in the entertainment industry. Asked by one of the residents how she was feeling, she replied 'very good', before rubbing her baby bump and saying "I’m very pregnant today". On Monday, her father Thomas Markle directly appealed on television to Queen Elizabeth to intercede and end his estrangement from his daughter whom he has not seen since her wedding in May to Harry, Elizabeth`s grandson. 'More Markle Mayhem', the Sun newspaper said about the TV interview with Thomas Markle, who pulled out of the wedding just days beforehand after undergoing heart surgery. The publicity did not appear to have affected Meghan who seemed cheerful as she met residents at Brinsworth House, owned by the Royal Variety Charity which helps retired entertainers and has the queen as a patron. Meghan, who was an actress herself and attended the annual Royal Variety performance last month with Harry, joined residents as they made festive decorations and were entertained with Christmas songs. The visit is Meghan's last official engagement before she and Harry, 34, join the other senior royals to spend Christmas with the queen at her Sandringham country residence in eastern England.

'Very pregnant' UK duchess Meghan makes Christmas trip to care home

Meghan Markle`s father directly appealed to Britain`s Queen Elizabeth on Monday to intercede and end his estrangement from his daughter, the wife of Prince Harry. 
 
Former U.S. actress Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, married Harry, the queen`s grandson and sixth-in-line to the throne, in a glittering ceremony at Windsor Castle in May. 
 
But the immediate build-up to the wedding was overshadowed by her father, Thomas, a former lighting director for U.S. TV soaps and sitcoms, who pulled out days beforehand after undergoing heart surgery. 
 
Meghan`s father said he had not had contact with his daughter for months and repeated text messages to Meghan had gone unanswered. 
 
When asked what message he had for Queen Elizabeth, 92, Thomas Markle said: "I would appreciate anything she can do and I would think that she would want to resolve the family problems." 
 
"All families, royal or otherwise, are the same and they should all be together certainly around the holidays," Markle added. 
 
Markle said that Meghan, 37, had not sent him a Christmas card but that he was hopeful that they could at some time build their relationship. 
 
"Please reach out to me," he said of Meghan. "I love my daughter very much and she has to know that... Just send me a text." 
 
"All I can say is that I`m here she knows it and I`ve reached out to her and I need her to reach back to me. I love her very much," Markle said. "This can`t continue forever."

Harry, 34, and Meghan are expecting their first child in the spring of 2019. 
 
"I am certainly hoping that everything goes well and that they produce a beautiful baby and I`ll get to see a little Meghan or a little Harry - that would be very nice and I look forward to that happening," Markle said. 
 
"I think she`ll make a great Mom." 
 
Markle dismissed reports that Meghan could at times be rude. She was, he said, very polite as she had been raised on Hollywood stages. 
 
When asked if she was a social climber, her father said: "She`s always been a very controlling person and that`s part of her nature but she has never been rude." 
 
Kensington Palace did not immediately comment on the interview.

Meghan Markle`s father directly appealed to Britain`s Queen Elizabeth on Monday to intercede and end his estrangement from his daughter, the wife of Prince Harry.

Meghan Markle`s father directly appealed to Britain`s Queen Elizabeth on Monday to intercede and end his estrangement from his daughter, the wife of Prince Harry. Former U.S. actress Meghan, now the Duchess of Sussex, married Harry, the queen`s grandson and sixth-in-line to the throne, in a glittering ceremony at Windsor Castle in May. But the immediate build-up to the wedding was overshadowed by her father, Thomas, a former lighting director for U.S. TV soaps and sitcoms, who pulled out days beforehand after undergoing heart surgery. Meghan`s father said he had not had contact with his daughter for months and repeated text messages to Meghan had gone unanswered. When asked what message he had for Queen Elizabeth, 92, Thomas Markle said: "I would appreciate anything she can do and I would think that she would want to resolve the family problems." "All families, royal or otherwise, are the same and they should all be together certainly around the holidays," Markle added. Markle said that Meghan, 37, had not sent him a Christmas card but that he was hopeful that they could at some time build their relationship. "Please reach out to me," he said of Meghan. "I love my daughter very much and she has to know that... Just send me a text." "All I can say is that I`m here she knows it and I`ve reached out to her and I need her to reach back to me. I love her very much," Markle said. "This can`t continue forever." Harry, 34, and Meghan are expecting their first child in the spring of 2019. "I am certainly hoping that everything goes well and that they produce a beautiful baby and I`ll get to see a little Meghan or a little Harry - that would be very nice and I look forward to that happening," Markle said. "I think she`ll make a great Mom." Markle dismissed reports that Meghan could at times be rude. She was, he said, very polite as she had been raised on Hollywood stages. When asked if she was a social climber, her father said: "She`s always been a very controlling person and that`s part of her nature but she has never been rude." Kensington Palace did not immediately comment on the interview.

Meghan Markle's father appeals to queen to help end estrangement from his daughter

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions.

Around 70 leaders including US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French capital.

British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth will attend a separate event in London, while New Zealand and Australia are holding their own ceremonies.

The Paris commemorations, centred on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe, are set to feature warnings about the modern-day danger of nationalism.

"This day is not just about remembering, but should be about a call to action," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday after visiting the forest clearing in eastern France where the Armistice was signed.

Merkel will give the opening address alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a conference called the Paris Peace Forum which will take place after a memorial service on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday morning.

Conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is intended to highlight the importance of international institutions in helping resolve conflicts, avert wars and spread prosperity.

Tensions lurk

But despite the show of unity at the Arc de Triomphe, where school children will read out messages written by soldiers in eight languages, tensions are expected to lurk beneath the surface.

US President Donald Trump, whose hardline nationalism has badly shaken the Western alliance, arrived in Paris on Friday criticising host Macron for being "insulting."

Trump took umbrage at a recent interview in which Macron talked about the need for a European army and listed the US along with Russia and China as a threat to national security.

The "America First" leader, who faced criticism on Saturday for cancelling a trip to an American cemetery because of the rainy weather, will snub the Paris Peace Forum.&nbsp;

Other attendees of the memorial service and Forum include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and Israel's Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as Putin.

With far-right nationalist politicians coming to power from Brazil to Italy to Austria, 40-year-old centrist Macron is set to invoke the war to make the case for international cooperation.

"We want to make these commemorations a time to reflect on the present, not just the past, so that they have a meaning for us today," an aide to Macron said earlier this week.

He will deliver a short speech during Sunday's ceremony, which organisers have made deliberately international and cross-cultural.

The French-born Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma will perform, as will West African singer Angelique Kidjo, and a European youth orchestra with a Russian conductor.&nbsp;

Some 10,000 police have been drafted in to ensure maximum security in a city repeatedly targeted by jihadists since 2015.

Macron is also set to speak later at UN cultural body UNESCO and at the Peace Forum.

The Forum is part of the "fightback" against nationalism worldwide, chief organiser Justin Vaisse told AFP as he played down the significance of Trump's decision not to attend.

"The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said.

Other ceremonies

About 70 current-day nations were involved in the conflict that had six empires and colonial powers at its heart: Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the Ottoman Empire.

Around 10 million soldiers are generally estimated to have been killed during the fighting and more than double that number wounded overall.

Between five and 10 million civilians are estimated to have been killed.

In Britain, church bells are set to ring out across the country at 11 am, at the same time as a national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London.

In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will address crowds at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday morning.

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions.

World leaders gathered in Paris will lead global commemorations on Sunday to mark 100 years since the end of World War I at a time of growing nationalism and diplomatic tensions. Around 70 leaders including US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will mark the centenary of the 1918 Armistice in the French capital. British Prime Minister Theresa May and Queen Elizabeth will attend a separate event in London, while New Zealand and Australia are holding their own ceremonies. The Paris commemorations, centred on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe, are set to feature warnings about the modern-day danger of nationalism. "This day is not just about remembering, but should be about a call to action," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Saturday after visiting the forest clearing in eastern France where the Armistice was signed. Merkel will give the opening address alongside UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at a conference called the Paris Peace Forum which will take place after a memorial service on the Champs-Elysees on Sunday morning. Conceived by French President Emmanuel Macron, the Forum is intended to highlight the importance of international institutions in helping resolve conflicts, avert wars and spread prosperity. Tensions lurk But despite the show of unity at the Arc de Triomphe, where school children will read out messages written by soldiers in eight languages, tensions are expected to lurk beneath the surface. US President Donald Trump, whose hardline nationalism has badly shaken the Western alliance, arrived in Paris on Friday criticising host Macron for being "insulting." Trump took umbrage at a recent interview in which Macron talked about the need for a European army and listed the US along with Russia and China as a threat to national security. The "America First" leader, who faced criticism on Saturday for cancelling a trip to an American cemetery because of the rainy weather, will snub the Paris Peace Forum. Other attendees of the memorial service and Forum include Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Canadian premier Justin Trudeau and Israel's Benyamin Netanyahu, as well as Putin. With far-right nationalist politicians coming to power from Brazil to Italy to Austria, 40-year-old centrist Macron is set to invoke the war to make the case for international cooperation. "We want to make these commemorations a time to reflect on the present, not just the past, so that they have a meaning for us today," an aide to Macron said earlier this week. He will deliver a short speech during Sunday's ceremony, which organisers have made deliberately international and cross-cultural. The French-born Chinese-American cellist Yo-yo Ma will perform, as will West African singer Angelique Kidjo, and a European youth orchestra with a Russian conductor. Some 10,000 police have been drafted in to ensure maximum security in a city repeatedly targeted by jihadists since 2015. Macron is also set to speak later at UN cultural body UNESCO and at the Peace Forum. The Forum is part of the "fightback" against nationalism worldwide, chief organiser Justin Vaisse told AFP as he played down the significance of Trump's decision not to attend. "The aim of the forum is to show that there are lots of forces in the international system -- states, NGOs, foundations, intellectuals, companies -- who believe we need a world of rules, an open world and a multilateral world," he said. Other ceremonies About 70 current-day nations were involved in the conflict that had six empires and colonial powers at its heart: Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and the Ottoman Empire. Around 10 million soldiers are generally estimated to have been killed during the fighting and more than double that number wounded overall. Between five and 10 million civilians are estimated to have been killed. In Britain, church bells are set to ring out across the country at 11 am, at the same time as a national remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London. In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will address crowds at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra on Sunday morning.

World leaders mark 100 years since WWI Armistice in Paris

The queen's last corgi is dead -- long live the dorgi.

The little dogs with pointy ears, often sandy-coloured, have been a constant presence in Queen Elizabeth II's court, following her from room to room in Buckingham Palace and featuring prominently in official photos.

But Willow, the last corgi the queen reared herself, died in April.

And now Whisper, a 12-year-old she adopted after the death of its owner -- a former gamekeeper of one of the royal estates -- is no more, leaving the queen "deeply saddened", The Daily Mail reported.

Buckingham Palace refused to comment.

British media reports in 2015 said the 92-year-old British monarch had stopped raising corgis so as not to leave them orphaned after her death.

Nevertheless, the queen still has two dorgis to keep her company.

Candy and Vulcan, said The Daily Mail, are "dachshund and corgi crosses (who) are also rather more familiar with the Queen’s routine".

The queen's last corgi is dead -- long live the dorgi. The little dogs with pointy ears, often sandy-coloured, have been a constant presence in Queen Elizabeth II's court, following her from room to room in Buckingham Palace and featuring prominently in official photos.

The queen's last corgi is dead -- long live the dorgi. The little dogs with pointy ears, often sandy-coloured, have been a constant presence in Queen Elizabeth II's court, following her from room to room in Buckingham Palace and featuring prominently in official photos. But Willow, the last corgi the queen reared herself, died in April. And now Whisper, a 12-year-old she adopted after the death of its owner -- a former gamekeeper of one of the royal estates -- is no more, leaving the queen "deeply saddened", The Daily Mail reported. Buckingham Palace refused to comment. British media reports in 2015 said the 92-year-old British monarch had stopped raising corgis so as not to leave them orphaned after her death. Nevertheless, the queen still has two dorgis to keep her company. Candy and Vulcan, said The Daily Mail, are "dachshund and corgi crosses (who) are also rather more familiar with the Queen’s routine".

Queen's last corgi dies, leaving only dorgis: Report

France will make a decision on the replacement of its flagship aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle at the start of 2020, its armed forces minister said on Tuesday.

The carrier has been in service since 2001 but Paris is looking to build a vessel that would take into consideration expected technological advances post-2030 and be capable of carrying a planned new Franco-German fighter jet.

"The Charles de Gaulle will need a successor," Florence Parly said in a speech at a defence exhibition in Paris.

"The first step, which starts today, is the study phase to determine what and how we want our future aircraft carrier to be. We have given ourselves 18 months," she said.

Three other Western aircraft carriers have been built since the Charles de Gaulle was first deployed. The US&nbsp;Navy's Gerald R&nbsp;Ford and America, and the British Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth, which cost about 3.1 billion pounds ($ 4.03 billion).

Parly said the study will assess the size requirements, propulsion options - both conventional and nuclear - and aircraft-launching capabilities.

A number of French defence firms, ranging from Rafale warplane maker Dassault to systems' contractor Thales, are among companies involved in the study phase.

The French navy recently completed an 18-month mid-life upgrade of the Charles de Gaulle. Its most recent activity was as part of support operations against Islamic State militants in the Levant region and its battle group is due to return to sea in the first quarter of 2019.

France will make a decision on the replacement of its flagship aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle at the start of 2020, its armed forces minister said on Tuesday.

France will make a decision on the replacement of its flagship aircraft carrier the Charles de Gaulle at the start of 2020, its armed forces minister said on Tuesday. The carrier has been in service since 2001 but Paris is looking to build a vessel that would take into consideration expected technological advances post-2030 and be capable of carrying a planned new Franco-German fighter jet. "The Charles de Gaulle will need a successor," Florence Parly said in a speech at a defence exhibition in Paris. "The first step, which starts today, is the study phase to determine what and how we want our future aircraft carrier to be. We have given ourselves 18 months," she said. Three other Western aircraft carriers have been built since the Charles de Gaulle was first deployed. The US Navy's Gerald R Ford and America, and the British Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth, which cost about 3.1 billion pounds ($ 4.03 billion). Parly said the study will assess the size requirements, propulsion options - both conventional and nuclear - and aircraft-launching capabilities. A number of French defence firms, ranging from Rafale warplane maker Dassault to systems' contractor Thales, are among companies involved in the study phase. The French navy recently completed an 18-month mid-life upgrade of the Charles de Gaulle. Its most recent activity was as part of support operations against Islamic State militants in the Levant region and its battle group is due to return to sea in the first quarter of 2019.

France begins deliberations on new aircraft carrier

Queen Elizabeth`s granddaughter Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle on Friday in front of celebrities and Britain`s senior royals including Prince Harry and wife Meghan who wed at the same venue in May. 
 
Eugenie, 28, younger daughter of the queen`s third child, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, tied the knot with Brooksbank, 32, in the castle`s 15th Century St George`s Chapel. 
 
It was the same setting as the wedding of Harry and Meghan earlier in the year, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as the couple are now known, were among the star-studded congregation at Friday`s event.

 
The 92-year-old queen and her husband Philip, 97, who has retired from official engagements, were joined by other royals and celebrities including Hollywood stars Liv Tyler and Demi Moore, models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell and singer Ellie Goulding. 
 
Female guests had to cling on to their hats as a blustery wind threatened their wedding outfits and a page boy tripped on the stairs walking into the chapel.&nbsp; 
 
Eugenie’s dress, by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos who founded the British-based label Peter Pilotto, was designed deliberately with a low back to reveal scars from surgery she underwent as a child. She was led down the aisle by her father, Prince Andrew. 
 
"This is meant to be a family wedding," Andrew said earlier. 
 
"There will be a few more people than most people have, there are a few more than Harry had, but that`s just the nature of Eugenie and Jack - they`ve got so many friends that they need a church of that size to fit them all in," he told ITV`s "This Morning" which broadcast the event live.&nbsp; 
 
CAMILLA ABSENT 
Singing and cheering well-wishers gathered outside in the streets of Windsor in the shadow of the castle, although there were far fewer people than crammed into the town for Harry`s wedding. 
 
"I`m a true royalist," David Weeks, 77, bedecked in a "Union Jack" suit and bowler hat, told Reuters. "I was here for the queen`s 90th birthday. I was here for Harry and Meghan`s wedding, I wouldn`t miss it, I love the atmosphere." 
 
The ceremony was overseen by the Dean of Windsor David Conner and charity guests and 1,200 members of the public were invited into the grounds for the occasion.&nbsp; 
 
One noticeable absentee was Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, the wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, as she was carrying out an engagement in Scotland. 
&nbsp; 
Princess Charlotte, 3, daughter of Harry`s elder brother Prince William and his wife Kate, was a bridesmaid, and her brother, Prince George, 5, a page boy. 
 
After the service, the couple will make an open-top carriage tour of Windsor. The queen will then host a reception at the castle. 
 
Eugenie, a director at London`s Hauser &amp; Wirth art gallery, and Brooksbank, who owns a wine wholesale business and is European brand manager for Casamigos Tequila, which was co-founded by U.S. actor George Clooney, met in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier in 2010. 
&nbsp;

Queen Elizabeth`s granddaughter Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle on Friday in front of celebrities and Britain`s senior royals including Prince Harry and wife Meghan who wed at the same venue in May.

Queen Elizabeth`s granddaughter Princess Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank at Windsor Castle on Friday in front of celebrities and Britain`s senior royals including Prince Harry and wife Meghan who wed at the same venue in May. Eugenie, 28, younger daughter of the queen`s third child, Prince Andrew, and his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, tied the knot with Brooksbank, 32, in the castle`s 15th Century St George`s Chapel. It was the same setting as the wedding of Harry and Meghan earlier in the year, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as the couple are now known, were among the star-studded congregation at Friday`s event. The 92-year-old queen and her husband Philip, 97, who has retired from official engagements, were joined by other royals and celebrities including Hollywood stars Liv Tyler and Demi Moore, models Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell and singer Ellie Goulding. Female guests had to cling on to their hats as a blustery wind threatened their wedding outfits and a page boy tripped on the stairs walking into the chapel. Eugenie’s dress, by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos who founded the British-based label Peter Pilotto, was designed deliberately with a low back to reveal scars from surgery she underwent as a child. She was led down the aisle by her father, Prince Andrew. "This is meant to be a family wedding," Andrew said earlier. "There will be a few more people than most people have, there are a few more than Harry had, but that`s just the nature of Eugenie and Jack - they`ve got so many friends that they need a church of that size to fit them all in," he told ITV`s "This Morning" which broadcast the event live. CAMILLA ABSENT Singing and cheering well-wishers gathered outside in the streets of Windsor in the shadow of the castle, although there were far fewer people than crammed into the town for Harry`s wedding. "I`m a true royalist," David Weeks, 77, bedecked in a "Union Jack" suit and bowler hat, told Reuters. "I was here for the queen`s 90th birthday. I was here for Harry and Meghan`s wedding, I wouldn`t miss it, I love the atmosphere." The ceremony was overseen by the Dean of Windsor David Conner and charity guests and 1,200 members of the public were invited into the grounds for the occasion. One noticeable absentee was Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, the wife of heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, as she was carrying out an engagement in Scotland. Princess Charlotte, 3, daughter of Harry`s elder brother Prince William and his wife Kate, was a bridesmaid, and her brother, Prince George, 5, a page boy. After the service, the couple will make an open-top carriage tour of Windsor. The queen will then host a reception at the castle. Eugenie, a director at London`s Hauser & Wirth art gallery, and Brooksbank, who owns a wine wholesale business and is European brand manager for Casamigos Tequila, which was co-founded by U.S. actor George Clooney, met in the Swiss ski resort of Verbier in 2010.

Princess Eugenie marries Jack Brooksbank at the Royal wedding

Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Princess Eugenie married a wine merchant on Friday in a Windsor wedding clouded by complaints over costs and struggling to recapture the magic of past royal nuptials.

The big day for the ninth in line to the throne and Jack Brooksbank -- a "commoner" with blue-blood friends -- comes on the heels of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's fairytale service in May.

That event was watched by adoring masses and followed by months of fawning UK headlines about the US actress who charmed her way into the royal court.

But what may be a mixture of royal wedding overload and scepticism about Eugenie's role in Britain's public life stripped Friday's ceremony of some of its charm.

Newspapers have spent weeks complaining about taxpayers having to foot the £2 million ($2.6 million, 2.3 million euro) security bill.

They noted the expense could have been spared had Eugenie not insisted on having a horse-drawn carriage parade around Windsor -- just like Meghan and her prince.

The BBC also reportedly caused Buckingham Palace upset by deciding not to televise the event live because of its likely low ratings.

The smaller ITV commercial channel picked up the broadcast for its morning programme aired directly from a studio overlooking Windsor's lawn. 
ITV spent much of the morning discussing the fierce gusts of wind that forced arriving guests to grasp for their complicated hats and to rearrange their morning coats.

"Unfortunately, this is not a good wedding hair day," one of ITV morning show hosts observed.

The BBC said only "a few hundred" had set up lawn chairs and covered themselves in the Union Jack in preparation for Eugenie's procession through the heart of Windsor.

The couple did their best to win over the crowds by doing taped interviews for ITV in which they heaped each other with praise.

Jack called his 28-year-old bride his "shining light".

Eugenie called the 32-year-old wine merchant and tequila ambassador "humble and generous".

But the more traditionally conservative Telegraph daily was the only one of the non-tabloid papers to put the wedding at the top of its internet news page.

Cocktail bar groom

The ceremony itself featured 850 guests and much of the morning saw royalty and celebrities strolling up to Windsor and arranging themselves in its magnificent 14th century chapel.

The better known invitees include the pop star Robbie Williams and David and Victoria Beckham -- the unofficial royal couple of the British celebrity world. 
George Clooney, who has been tied in the press to Jack's work as the European ambassador of the US actor's line of tequila, is also expected.

Jack himself mixes in London's glitzy social circles but is unknown to most outside the celebrity gossip world.

He managed a posh cocktail bar in London favoured by royals called Mahiki and has since launched his own wine wholesale business.

Press reports said he has lately harboured dreams of launching his own chain of pubs.

Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Princess Eugenie married a wine merchant on Friday in a Windsor wedding clouded by complaints over costs and struggling to recapture the magic of past royal nuptials.

Queen Elizabeth II's granddaughter Princess Eugenie married a wine merchant on Friday in a Windsor wedding clouded by complaints over costs and struggling to recapture the magic of past royal nuptials. The big day for the ninth in line to the throne and Jack Brooksbank -- a "commoner" with blue-blood friends -- comes on the heels of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's fairytale service in May. That event was watched by adoring masses and followed by months of fawning UK headlines about the US actress who charmed her way into the royal court. But what may be a mixture of royal wedding overload and scepticism about Eugenie's role in Britain's public life stripped Friday's ceremony of some of its charm. Newspapers have spent weeks complaining about taxpayers having to foot the £2 million ($2.6 million, 2.3 million euro) security bill. They noted the expense could have been spared had Eugenie not insisted on having a horse-drawn carriage parade around Windsor -- just like Meghan and her prince. The BBC also reportedly caused Buckingham Palace upset by deciding not to televise the event live because of its likely low ratings. The smaller ITV commercial channel picked up the broadcast for its morning programme aired directly from a studio overlooking Windsor's lawn. ITV spent much of the morning discussing the fierce gusts of wind that forced arriving guests to grasp for their complicated hats and to rearrange their morning coats. "Unfortunately, this is not a good wedding hair day," one of ITV morning show hosts observed. The BBC said only "a few hundred" had set up lawn chairs and covered themselves in the Union Jack in preparation for Eugenie's procession through the heart of Windsor. The couple did their best to win over the crowds by doing taped interviews for ITV in which they heaped each other with praise. Jack called his 28-year-old bride his "shining light". Eugenie called the 32-year-old wine merchant and tequila ambassador "humble and generous". But the more traditionally conservative Telegraph daily was the only one of the non-tabloid papers to put the wedding at the top of its internet news page. Cocktail bar groom The ceremony itself featured 850 guests and much of the morning saw royalty and celebrities strolling up to Windsor and arranging themselves in its magnificent 14th century chapel. The better known invitees include the pop star Robbie Williams and David and Victoria Beckham -- the unofficial royal couple of the British celebrity world. George Clooney, who has been tied in the press to Jack's work as the European ambassador of the US actor's line of tequila, is also expected. Jack himself mixes in London's glitzy social circles but is unknown to most outside the celebrity gossip world. He managed a posh cocktail bar in London favoured by royals called Mahiki and has since launched his own wine wholesale business. Press reports said he has lately harboured dreams of launching his own chain of pubs.

UK's Princess Eugenie marries wine merchant

Britain’s newest royal Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will join Queen Elizabeth on Thursday for her first official engagements without husband Prince Harry.

Meghan, who married the monarch’s grandson in a glittering ceremony at her Windsor Castle home last month, will travel by the Royal Train to northwest England for a day of events.

While millions around the world watched the pomp and pageantry of her wedding, Thursday’s visit will be more typical of the engagements that the former American actress, a star of the TV drama “Suits”, will carry out as a working member of the British royal family.

The queen, 92 and Meghan, 36, will first officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, a new toll bridge over the River Mersey and one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects in recent years.

They then will travel to Chester to open the Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex in the city, and to watch a dance performance and listen to songs performed by local schoolchildren before having lunch at the town hall.

Earlier this week, Harry’s office announced that the prince and Meghan would travel to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand later this year.

The train ride is for official purposes as Meghan will be making visits as a working member of the British royal family.

Britain’s newest royal Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will join Queen Elizabeth on Thursday for her first official engagements without husband Prince Harry. Meghan, who married the monarch’s grandson in a glittering ceremony at her Windsor Castle home last month, will travel by the Royal Train to northwest England for a day of events. While millions around the world watched the pomp and pageantry of her wedding, Thursday’s visit will be more typical of the engagements that the former American actress, a star of the TV drama “Suits”, will carry out as a working member of the British royal family. The queen, 92 and Meghan, 36, will first officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, a new toll bridge over the River Mersey and one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects in recent years. They then will travel to Chester to open the Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex in the city, and to watch a dance performance and listen to songs performed by local schoolchildren before having lunch at the town hall. Earlier this week, Harry’s office announced that the prince and Meghan would travel to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand later this year.

UK's Queen Elizabeth takes Meghan Markle by train on first solo royal trip

The queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II will celebrate her 92nd official birthday tomorrow even though the queen turned 92 on April 21 which was her actual birthday.

Every year, the queen&nbspcelebrates her birthday twice a year one is her actual birthday which is April 21 and one is her official birthday which is celebrated on every second Saturday of June.

This year the United Kingdom will mark her 92 birthday on&nbspJune 9 with Trooping the Colour parade.

The traditional parade of soldiers in ceremonial uniform in central London takes place in June every year. It usually ends with a fly-past over Buckingham Palace. Her June birthday celebrations, two months after the queen's actual birthday, are to keep with the tradition of ensuring celebrations are in the summer.

The tradition of monarch celebrating their birthdays twice in a year is going on since 1748 when King George II celebrated his birthday in June as his real birthday comes in November and due to the cold weather in that month the traditional parade can't happen.

The date of the celebration varies every year as adopted by each country. However it is &nbspgenerally set around the end of May or start of June, to coincide with a higher probability of fine weather for outdoor ceremonies, rather than with the monarch's actual birthday

The queen, however, on her actual 92nd birthday in April, &nbspbroke with tradition and publicly celebrated with a special televised concert. Singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Shaggy were among those who entertained Elizabeth and other British royals at the concert, known as "The Queen's Birthday Party" at London's Albert Hall.

Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street in central London and became queen in 1952 at the age 25, meaning she has now reigned for more than 66 years.

(With inputs from news agencies) 
&nbsp

Queen Elizabeth celebrated her real birthday on April 21

The queen of the United Kingdom, Elizabeth II will celebrate her 92nd official birthday tomorrow even though the queen turned 92 on April 21 which was her actual birthday. Every year, the queen&nbspcelebrates her birthday twice a year one is her actual birthday which is April 21 and one is her official birthday which is celebrated on every second Saturday of June. This year the United Kingdom will mark her 92 birthday on&nbspJune 9 with Trooping the Colour parade. The traditional parade of soldiers in ceremonial uniform in central London takes place in June every year. It usually ends with a fly-past over Buckingham Palace. Her June birthday celebrations, two months after the queen's actual birthday, are to keep with the tradition of ensuring celebrations are in the summer. The tradition of monarch celebrating their birthdays twice in a year is going on since 1748 when King George II celebrated his birthday in June as his real birthday comes in November and due to the cold weather in that month the traditional parade can't happen. The date of the celebration varies every year as adopted by each country. However it is &nbspgenerally set around the end of May or start of June, to coincide with a higher probability of fine weather for outdoor ceremonies, rather than with the monarch's actual birthday The queen, however, on her actual 92nd birthday in April, &nbspbroke with tradition and publicly celebrated with a special televised concert. Singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Shaggy were among those who entertained Elizabeth and other British royals at the concert, known as "The Queen's Birthday Party" at London's Albert Hall. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street in central London and became queen in 1952 at the age 25, meaning she has now reigned for more than 66 years. (With inputs from news agencies)

Here is why Queen Elizabeth celebrates her birthday twice a year

&nbspQueen&nbspElizabeth&nbspII,&nbspBritain's&nbsp63rd monarch, will&nbspcelebrate&nbspher&nbsp65th&nbspcoronation&nbspanniversary on Saturday.

The&nbspQueen&nbspwas crowned on June 2, 1953 when she was just 27 years old and has steered the monarchy through decades of social changes while remaining a symbol of national stability in a shifting world.

Her&nbspcoronation, which took place in Westminster Abbey, was attended by peers of the realm and international political, civic and business leaders, and was transmitted by television and radio broadcasts throughout the world.

The 92-year-old royal has shown little sign of slowing down. She most recently attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on May 19, where she was greeted by cheering crowds outside Windsor castle.

The Queen was crowned on June 2, 1953 when she was just 27 years old and has steered the monarchy through decades of social changes while remaining a symbol of national stability in a shifting world

&nbspQueen&nbspElizabeth&nbspII,&nbspBritain's&nbsp63rd monarch, will&nbspcelebrate&nbspher&nbsp65th&nbspcoronation&nbspanniversary on Saturday. The&nbspQueen&nbspwas crowned on June 2, 1953 when she was just 27 years old and has steered the monarchy through decades of social changes while remaining a symbol of national stability in a shifting world. Her&nbspcoronation, which took place in Westminster Abbey, was attended by peers of the realm and international political, civic and business leaders, and was transmitted by television and radio broadcasts throughout the world. The 92-year-old royal has shown little sign of slowing down. She most recently attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding on May 19, where she was greeted by cheering crowds outside Windsor castle.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth to celebrate 65th anniversary of coronation

British Prime Minister Theresa May will urge US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to avoid protesters in central London during his UK visit in July and instead meet her at her country residence, the Sun newspaper reported on Sunday.

The details of the plan will be given to the White House by Kim Darroch, British ambassador to the United States, the report said.

There are two proposals that will be made to the White House by Darroch upon May's approval - one for a Downing Street visit or one based at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house 40 miles (60 km) northwest of London - the report said, citing a source, who added it would be made clear that May prefers the meeting take place at Chequers.

Trump will also be asked to have tea with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, a royal residence west of London and not at Buckingham Palace, according to the report.

Darroch will suggest to the White House that Trump does not visit Britain's houses of parliament, the Sun reported.

May's office was not immediately available for comment.

Trump will travel to Britain in July for a working visit with May, after months of back-and-forth over when the US president would visit what traditionally has been the United States' closest ally.

Many Britons have vowed to stage protests if Trump visits, with several politicians having previously voiced their opposition to Trump being granted a state visit.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said earlier in the year Trump was not welcome in London because of what he called Trump's "divisive agenda".

Trump cancelled a trip to London to open a new embassy earlier in the year. May was the first international leader to visit Trump in Washington after his inauguration last year.

The details of the plan will be given to the White House by Kim Darroch, British ambassador to the United States, the report said

British Prime Minister Theresa May will urge US&nbspPresident Donald Trump to avoid protesters in central London during his UK visit in July and instead meet her at her country residence, the Sun newspaper reported on Sunday. The details of the plan will be given to the White House by Kim Darroch, British ambassador to the United States, the report said. There are two proposals that will be made to the White House by Darroch upon May's approval - one for a Downing Street visit or one based at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house 40 miles (60 km) northwest of London - the report said, citing a source, who added it would be made clear that May prefers the meeting take place at Chequers. Trump will also be asked to have tea with Queen Elizabeth at Windsor Castle, a royal residence west of London and not at Buckingham Palace, according to the report. Darroch will suggest to the White House that Trump does not visit Britain's houses of parliament, the Sun reported. May's office was not immediately available for comment. Trump will travel to Britain in July for a working visit with May, after months of back-and-forth over when the US president would visit what traditionally has been the United States' closest ally. Many Britons have vowed to stage protests if Trump visits, with several politicians having previously voiced their opposition to Trump being granted a state visit. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said earlier in the year Trump was not welcome in London because of what he called Trump's "divisive agenda". Trump cancelled a trip to London to open a new embassy earlier in the year. May was the first international leader to visit Trump in Washington after his inauguration last year.

Theresa May to urge Trump to avoid London protests during UK visit: Report

Meghan Markle`s American mother was due to take tea with Britain`s Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry`s grandmother, on the eve of a sumptuous royal wedding that will be watched by millions across the world.&nbsp;

Outside the ancient stone walls of Windsor Castle, home to the English royal family for nearly 1,000 years, well-wishers mingled with tourists and swarms of television crews under swathes of British and American flags.

Harry will marry Markle, a star of the TV drama "Suits", in Windsor Castle`s 15th-century St George`s Chapel at a ceremony that begins at about 1100 GMT on Saturday.&nbsp;

The newlyweds will then be driven around Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage.

Markle`s African-American mother, Doria Ragland, was due to meet Queen Elizabeth, 92, for tea in Windsor on Friday. The yoga instructor charmed Harry`s father, Prince Charles when they met on Wednesday.

But it is still unclear who will walk Markle down the aisle after her father, Thomas, pulled out of the wedding in a family drama that was played out under the glare of global media attention. Markle said she was sad he could not make it.

After the schism of Brexit divided the United Kingdom and triggered a wave of doubt about its future place in the world, the glittering union of one of the most popular royals and an elegant U.S. divorcee may offer some distraction.

The British remain broadly supportive of the monarchy albeit with a sense of mild irony about the pomp and pageantry that accompanies it, though many have deep respect for the current monarch, Elizabeth, after her decades of dutiful service.&nbsp;

For some black Britons, the prospect of a mixed-race royal princess has increased interest in the monarchy, which has so far been all white. A black American bishop is to give the address at the wedding.

But for some other Britons, the event has as much relevance as the union of two distant superstars. Many will not even bother to watch the wedding despite massive media interest.

After the hour-long ceremony, the couple will take part in a procession through the town`s ancient streets on a 19th century Ascot Landau carriage pulled by four Windsor Grey horses.

Police are expecting more than 100,000 people to throng the streets outside the castle, the queen`s home west of London and the oldest and largest inhabited fortress in the world, and have said there would be tight security for the event.

Harry, 33, the younger son of the late Princess Diana, has always been a popular member of the royal family.

A cheeky child who stuck his tongue out at photographers, he left a lasting memory in the minds of many when aged just 12, he walked solemnly behind his mother`s coffin as her funeral cortege made its way through London after her death in a car crash in 1997.

Doria Ragland was due to meet Queen Elizabeth over a cup of tea before the wedding date

Meghan Markle`s American mother was due to take tea with Britain`s Queen Elizabeth, Prince Harry`s grandmother, on the eve of a sumptuous royal wedding that will be watched by millions across the world. Outside the ancient stone walls of Windsor Castle, home to the English royal family for nearly 1,000 years, well-wishers mingled with tourists and swarms of television crews under swathes of British and American flags. Harry will marry Markle, a star of the TV drama "Suits", in Windsor Castle`s 15th-century St George`s Chapel at a ceremony that begins at about 1100 GMT on Saturday. The newlyweds will then be driven around Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage. Markle`s African-American mother, Doria Ragland, was due to meet Queen Elizabeth, 92, for tea in Windsor on Friday. The yoga instructor charmed Harry`s father, Prince Charles when they met on Wednesday. But it is still unclear who will walk Markle down the aisle after her father, Thomas, pulled out of the wedding in a family drama that was played out under the glare of global media attention. Markle said she was sad he could not make it. After the schism of Brexit divided the United Kingdom and triggered a wave of doubt about its future place in the world, the glittering union of one of the most popular royals and an elegant U.S. divorcee may offer some distraction. The British remain broadly supportive of the monarchy albeit with a sense of mild irony about the pomp and pageantry that accompanies it, though many have deep respect for the current monarch, Elizabeth, after her decades of dutiful service. For some black Britons, the prospect of a mixed-race royal princess has increased interest in the monarchy, which has so far been all white. A black American bishop is to give the address at the wedding. But for some other Britons, the event has as much relevance as the union of two distant superstars. Many will not even bother to watch the wedding despite massive media interest. After the hour-long ceremony, the couple will take part in a procession through the town`s ancient streets on a 19th century Ascot Landau carriage pulled by four Windsor Grey horses. Police are expecting more than 100,000 people to throng the streets outside the castle, the queen`s home west of London and the oldest and largest inhabited fortress in the world, and have said there would be tight security for the event. Harry, 33, the younger son of the late Princess Diana, has always been a popular member of the royal family. A cheeky child who stuck his tongue out at photographers, he left a lasting memory in the minds of many when aged just 12, he walked solemnly behind his mother`s coffin as her funeral cortege made its way through London after her death in a car crash in 1997.

Meghan Markle's mother due to meet Queen Elizabeth on eve of royal wedding extravaganza

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has given her formal consent to the marriage of her grandson Harry to American actress Meghan Markle in a historic document made of vellum that is decorated with symbols representing the lives of the couple.

Reading "Now know ye", the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R" and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords.

Prince Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Markle, best known for her role in US&nbsp;TV drama "Suits", are due to marry&nbsp;next Saturday&nbsp;at Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years.

"NOW KNOW YE that We have consented and done by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, KCVO, and Rachel Meghan Markle," it reads.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/when-harry-weds-meghan-a-week-until-britains-royal-wedding-136343">A week until Britain's royal wedding</a>

The 92-year-old queen gave her blessing for the marriage in accordance with the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, and the elaborately illuminated document incorporates references to the couple who met in 2016.

The design to the left of the text incorporates the red dragon of Wales along with the UK's floral emblems. It also includes three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family Arms, the family of Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana.

Representing Markle, the design to the right of the text includes the rose, the national flower of the United States, while two golden poppies are the state flower of California, where Markle was born.

The document, which will be given to the couple after the wedding, is drafted by the Crown Office and illuminated on vellum, a fine parchment made from the skin of a calf that is only used for important state documents.

It was made by one of a panel of scrivener artists.

Prince Harry will marry Megan Markle on Saturday. Reading 'Now know ye', the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, 'Elizabeth R', and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has given her formal consent to the marriage of her grandson Harry to American actress Meghan Markle in a historic document made of vellum that is decorated with symbols representing the lives of the couple. Reading "Now know ye", the hand-written Instrument of Consent carries the Queen's signature, "Elizabeth R" and is sealed with the Great Seal of the Realm which is attached to the foot of the document by woven cords. Prince Harry, the sixth in line to the throne, and Markle, best known for her role in US TV drama "Suits", are due to marry next Saturday at Windsor Castle, home to kings and queens for nearly 1,000 years. "NOW KNOW YE that We have consented and done by these Presents signify Our Consent to the contracting of Matrimony between Our Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, KCVO, and Rachel Meghan Markle," it reads. Also read: A week until Britain's royal wedding The 92-year-old queen gave her blessing for the marriage in accordance with the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, and the elaborately illuminated document incorporates references to the couple who met in 2016. The design to the left of the text incorporates the red dragon of Wales along with the UK's floral emblems. It also includes three tiny red escallops from the Spencer family Arms, the family of Harry's mother, the late Princess Diana. Representing Markle, the design to the right of the text includes the rose, the national flower of the United States, while two golden poppies are the state flower of California, where Markle was born. The document, which will be given to the couple after the wedding, is drafted by the Crown Office and illuminated on vellum, a fine parchment made from the skin of a calf that is only used for important state documents. It was made by one of a panel of scrivener artists.

When Harry weds Meghan: Queen gives formal consent to marriage

In an interesting development on the front of The Crown <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/entertainment-claire-foy-from-the-crown-was-paid-less-than-her-prince-revealed-makers-of-the-show-35743">gender pay gap controversy,</a> lead actress Claire Foy who played the role of Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons, the current monarch to the British throne -- will now receive back pay for her performance after show producers admitted she was paid less than co-star Matt Smith, who portrayed Prince Philip.

According to a report published in a leading UK-based daily, Claire would get about $274,000 (£200,000) in back pay. Both the producers on the show, Suzanne Mackie and Andy Harries, brought up the topic of wage gap during a conference in Jerusalem earlier this year. The duo claimed that Matt earned more money because of his stint on the BBC series Doctor Who.

When this was revealed, Claire who went on to win a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role on the show commented: “I’m surprised because I’m at the centre of it, and anything that I’m at the centre of like that is very, very odd, and feels very, very out of ordinary. “But I’m not [surprised about the interest in the story] in the sense that it was a female-led drama. I’m not surprised that people saw the story and went, ‘Oh that’s a bit odd’. But I know that Matt feels the same that I do, that it’s odd to find yourself at the centre [of a story] that you didn’t particularly ask for.”

Meanwhile, Matt told a website that he totally believed in him and Claire being paid equally. He said, “Claire is one of my best friends, and I believe that we should be paid equally and fairly and there should be equality for all. I support her completely, and I’m pleased that it was resolved and they made amends for it because of that what’s needed to happen.”

He added, “ Going forward, I think we should all bear in mind that we need to strive to make this better and a more even playing field for everyone involved – but not just in our industry, in all industries.”

The Crown’s production company, Left Bank Pictures has now confirmed that it will pay Olivia Colman, who will take over the role of The Queen in the third season of the show, the same wage as the show’s new Prince Philip, <a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/entertainment-actor-tobias-menzies-roped-in-to-play-prince-philip-in-netflixs-the-crown--126995">Tobias Menzies</a>.

The company also issued a statement of apology to both Matt and Claire. It read: “We want to apologise to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith, brilliant actors and friends, who have found themselves at the centre of a media storm this week through no fault of their own.”

&nbsp;

It was earlier revealed that the lead actress who plays the role of Queen Elizabeth, around whom the story revolves around was paid lesser than her on-screen husband who plays the role of Prince Philip.

In an interesting development on the front of The Crown gender pay gap controversy, lead actress Claire Foy who played the role of Queen Elizabeth in the first two seasons, the current monarch to the British throne -- will now receive back pay for her performance after show producers admitted she was paid less than co-star Matt Smith, who portrayed Prince Philip. According to a report published in a leading UK-based daily, Claire would get about $274,000 (£200,000) in back pay. Both the producers on the show, Suzanne Mackie and Andy Harries, brought up the topic of wage gap during a conference in Jerusalem earlier this year. The duo claimed that Matt earned more money because of his stint on the BBC series Doctor Who. When this was revealed, Claire who went on to win a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role on the show commented: “I’m surprised because I’m at the centre of it, and anything that I’m at the centre of like that is very, very odd, and feels very, very out of ordinary. “But I’m not [surprised about the interest in the story] in the sense that it was a female-led drama. I’m not surprised that people saw the story and went, ‘Oh that’s a bit odd’. But I know that Matt feels the same that I do, that it’s odd to find yourself at the centre [of a story] that you didn’t particularly ask for.” Meanwhile, Matt told a website that he totally believed in him and Claire being paid equally. He said, “Claire is one of my best friends, and I believe that we should be paid equally and fairly and there should be equality for all. I support her completely, and I’m pleased that it was resolved and they made amends for it because of that what’s needed to happen.” He added, “ Going forward, I think we should all bear in mind that we need to strive to make this better and a more even playing field for everyone involved – but not just in our industry, in all industries.” The Crown’s production company, Left Bank Pictures has now confirmed that it will pay Olivia Colman, who will take over the role of The Queen in the third season of the show, the same wage as the show’s new Prince Philip, Tobias Menzies. The company also issued a statement of apology to both Matt and Claire. It read: “We want to apologise to both Claire Foy and to Matt Smith, brilliant actors and friends, who have found themselves at the centre of a media storm this week through no fault of their own.”

'The Crown' gender pay gap controversy: Lead actress Claire Foy to get £200,000 in back pay

Before US&nbspactress Meghan Markle becomes a British citizen after marrying Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry, she'll have to learn who opened Britain's first Indian restaurant, the size of the Lake District and the age of "Big Ben".

The details are potential questions would-be Britons face when they take a "Life in the UK" test, which all applicants must pass before becoming British citizens, answering a minimum of 18 out of 24 questions correctly.

Despite marrying into the royal family on May 19, Markle, 36, will herself have to successfully navigate the test and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical facts and some obscure British trivia, such as the height of the London Eye ferris wheel.

However, many of the questions - of which there almost 3,000 - are alien to those born and raised in Britain.

"How difficult are them questions?! They're too difficult," said 46-year-old chef Tony Poston, who was shell-shocked after he failed a practice test with a result of 58 percent.

"I did history at school but some of them are just absolutely stupid," he said, with his mouth wide open in astonishment.

Another Briton, Jenny Tate, a 53-year-old practice manager from London, was almost hysterical after she failed the test.

"I'm so sorry about that. That's shocking. That's actually quite hard," she said.

Not all the questions require an acute knowledge of history dating back centuries or knowing the height and age of well-known landmarks.

There are some questions about modern-day British life - you need to know that a general election is held every five years, and that it's illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy tobacco, amongst others.

But the test has come under fire by politicians and academic critics who say it serves no purpose, and that the majority of questions are absurd.

"It's gone from being something about practical trivia, to the purely trivial," said Professor Thom Brooks, 44-year-old Dean of Law at Durham University.

Brooks, originally from New England in the United States, is personally familiar with the test, having sat the quiz in 2009 ahead of becoming a UK citizen two years later.

He said it was irrelevant to British everyday life and the government had changed it in 2013 to remove useful information such as registering with a doctor and how to report a crime. One applicant, he said, had failed it more than 60 times.

Last month, a report by Britain's House of Lords committee on citizenship agreed with Brooks and said the government should carry out a comprehensive review.

"You've got stuff in the handbook anyway, about how tall is the London Eye? How big is the Lake District? And who set up the first curry house, what was it called, and what street was it on? Do facts like this, are these required to becoming British, or to integrating?" Brooks asked.

"It's a British citizenship test that very few British citizens can pass."

The London Eye is 443 feet (135 metres) tall, the Lake District covers 885 square miles (2,292 kilometres), Big Ben's clock is over 150 years old, and Sake Dean Mahomed set up the first Indian restaurant in London in 1810. The Hindoostane Coffee House no longer exists, but a plaque commemorating Mahomed - who died in 1851 - is there in its place.

A random survey carried out by Reuters found that out of 41 Britons, only 23 could answer questions they were shown correctly.

The 50-pound ($69) citizenship test is one of the hurdles Markle faces as she gives up her US&nbspnationality to become British.

The complicated process, which Britain has made harder in recent years in an attempt to cut net immigration rates to less than 100,000 a year, requires Markle to have lived in Britain for three years, to have good knowledge of English and to be of sound mind.

The requirement of earning a combined income of at least 18,600 pounds should not prove to be too burdensome for a prince of the realm and his new wife, however.

For many applicants though, the citizenship test is a major stumbling block. The most recent official figures showed that 133,490 tests were taken in 2016 with 47,312 failures.

Despite her new royal status, Markle will not be exempt for learning how many lawmakers sit in the Scottish Parliament or when Mahomed, who opened Britain's first curry house, was born.

"She really will have to do the test so it won't be any wave of the hand of her majesty that will change it," Brooks said.

Alanna Varshney moved to London from California in 2009. She passed the citizenship test in February of this year after vigorous preparation - online practice exams, studying the guidebook, making flashcards and quizzing her British husband.

She thinks most Brits would be "stumped" by the facts and figures that she had to learn, but got lucky with one particular question during her exam.

"My favourite was about which colony in 1776 declared its independence from the United Kingdom," said the 38-year-old who works in marketing, recalling the moment she burst into laughter and got a funny look from the adjucator during the exam.

"If I hadn't got that one right I would have felt really ashamed."

Although Varshney succeeded, some of the Britons quizzed by Reuters thought Markle might fare better than they had.

"She's a bright girl, she might get half!" grinned retired engineer David Armstrong, 58, after himself failing multiple answers. 
&nbsp

The details are potential questions would-be Britons face when they take a 'Life in the UK' test, which all applicants must pass before becoming British citizens, answering a minimum of 18 out of 24 questions correctly

Before US&nbspactress Meghan Markle becomes a British citizen after marrying Queen Elizabeth's grandson Prince Harry, she'll have to learn who opened Britain's first Indian restaurant, the size of the Lake District and the age of "Big Ben". The details are potential questions would-be Britons face when they take a "Life in the UK" test, which all applicants must pass before becoming British citizens, answering a minimum of 18 out of 24 questions correctly. Despite marrying into the royal family on May 19, Markle, 36, will herself have to successfully navigate the test and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of historical facts and some obscure British trivia, such as the height of the London Eye ferris wheel. However, many of the questions - of which there almost 3,000 - are alien to those born and raised in Britain. "How difficult are them questions?! They're too difficult," said 46-year-old chef Tony Poston, who was shell-shocked after he failed a practice test with a result of 58 percent. "I did history at school but some of them are just absolutely stupid," he said, with his mouth wide open in astonishment. Another Briton, Jenny Tate, a 53-year-old practice manager from London, was almost hysterical after she failed the test. "I'm so sorry about that. That's shocking. That's actually quite hard," she said. Not all the questions require an acute knowledge of history dating back centuries or knowing the height and age of well-known landmarks. There are some questions about modern-day British life - you need to know that a general election is held every five years, and that it's illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy tobacco, amongst others. But the test has come under fire by politicians and academic critics who say it serves no purpose, and that the majority of questions are absurd. "It's gone from being something about practical trivia, to the purely trivial," said Professor Thom Brooks, 44-year-old Dean of Law at Durham University. Brooks, originally from New England in the United States, is personally familiar with the test, having sat the quiz in 2009 ahead of becoming a UK citizen two years later. He said it was irrelevant to British everyday life and the government had changed it in 2013 to remove useful information such as registering with a doctor and how to report a crime. One applicant, he said, had failed it more than 60 times. Last month, a report by Britain's House of Lords committee on citizenship agreed with Brooks and said the government should carry out a comprehensive review. "You've got stuff in the handbook anyway, about how tall is the London Eye? How big is the Lake District? And who set up the first curry house, what was it called, and what street was it on? Do facts like this, are these required to becoming British, or to integrating?" Brooks asked. "It's a British citizenship test that very few British citizens can pass." The London Eye is 443 feet (135 metres) tall, the Lake District covers 885 square miles (2,292 kilometres), Big Ben's clock is over 150 years old, and Sake Dean Mahomed set up the first Indian restaurant in London in 1810. The Hindoostane Coffee House no longer exists, but a plaque commemorating Mahomed - who died in 1851 - is there in its place. A random survey carried out by Reuters found that out of 41 Britons, only 23 could answer questions they were shown correctly. The 50-pound ($69) citizenship test is one of the hurdles Markle faces as she gives up her US&nbspnationality to become British. The complicated process, which Britain has made harder in recent years in an attempt to cut net immigration rates to less than 100,000 a year, requires Markle to have lived in Britain for three years, to have good knowledge of English and to be of sound mind. The requirement of earning a combined income of at least 18,600 pounds should not prove to be too burdensome for a prince of the realm and his new wife, however. For many applicants though, the citizenship test is a major stumbling block. The most recent official figures showed that 133,490 tests were taken in 2016 with 47,312 failures. Despite her new royal status, Markle will not be exempt for learning how many lawmakers sit in the Scottish Parliament or when Mahomed, who opened Britain's first curry house, was born. "She really will have to do the test so it won't be any wave of the hand of her majesty that will change it," Brooks said. Alanna Varshney moved to London from California in 2009. She passed the citizenship test in February of this year after vigorous preparation - online practice exams, studying the guidebook, making flashcards and quizzing her British husband. She thinks most Brits would be "stumped" by the facts and figures that she had to learn, but got lucky with one particular question during her exam. "My favourite was about which colony in 1776 declared its independence from the United Kingdom," said the 38-year-old who works in marketing, recalling the moment she burst into laughter and got a funny look from the adjucator during the exam. "If I hadn't got that one right I would have felt really ashamed." Although Varshney succeeded, some of the Britons quizzed by Reuters thought Markle might fare better than they had. "She's a bright girl, she might get half!" grinned retired engineer David Armstrong, 58, after himself failing multiple answers.

How old is 'Big Ben'? The trivia Meghan Markle must know to become British

&nbsp;Britain`s Queen Elizabeth will attend a special concert on Saturday as the world`s oldest and longest-reigning living monarch celebrates her 92nd birthday. 
 
Singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Shaggy will be among those who will entertain Elizabeth and other British royals at the concert, known as 'The Queen`s Birthday Party' at London's Albert Hall. 
 
The event is a break in tradition for the queen who usually spends her birthday privately with little public celebration, although there were nationwide events to mark her 90th. 
 
The concert comes at the end of a week in which leaders and dignitaries from 53 countries came to London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and it will feature performers from the network of mostly former British colonies. 
 
The queen is head of the Commonwealth and the major beneficiary from Saturday's event, which will be televised live on BBC TV and radio, will be The Queen's Commonwealth Trust youth charity to which her grandson Prince Harry was appointed president this week. 
 
Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street, central London and became queen in 1952 at the age of 25, meaning she has now reigned for more than 66 years. 
 
Despite her age, the queen still regularly carries out official engagements although her husband Prince Philip, who spent 10 days in hospital this month for a hip replacement, retired from public life last year. 
 
As is customary with monarch`s birthdays, soldiers from the King`s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company will fire gun salutes from London's Hyde Park and the Tower of London. 
 
Elizabeth has an official birthday in June which is publicly marked with a large parade of soldiers through central London, known as Trooping the Colour.

The event is a break in tradition for the queen who usually spends her birthday privately with a little public celebration

Britain`s Queen Elizabeth will attend a special concert on Saturday as the world`s oldest and longest-reigning living monarch celebrates her 92nd birthday. Singers Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Sting and Shaggy will be among those who will entertain Elizabeth and other British royals at the concert, known as 'The Queen`s Birthday Party' at London's Albert Hall. The event is a break in tradition for the queen who usually spends her birthday privately with little public celebration, although there were nationwide events to mark her 90th. The concert comes at the end of a week in which leaders and dignitaries from 53 countries came to London for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and it will feature performers from the network of mostly former British colonies. The queen is head of the Commonwealth and the major beneficiary from Saturday's event, which will be televised live on BBC TV and radio, will be The Queen's Commonwealth Trust youth charity to which her grandson Prince Harry was appointed president this week. Elizabeth was born on April 21, 1926, in Bruton Street, central London and became queen in 1952 at the age of 25, meaning she has now reigned for more than 66 years. Despite her age, the queen still regularly carries out official engagements although her husband Prince Philip, who spent 10 days in hospital this month for a hip replacement, retired from public life last year. As is customary with monarch`s birthdays, soldiers from the King`s Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company will fire gun salutes from London's Hyde Park and the Tower of London. Elizabeth has an official birthday in June which is publicly marked with a large parade of soldiers through central London, known as Trooping the Colour.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth to celebrate 92nd birthday at a concert party

As PM Modi met several leaders <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/britain-opens-chogm-as-pm-theresa-may-warns-of-global-challenges-131442">at CHOGM, the ministry of </a>external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi.

"No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">neighbour</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pics:-modi-meets-neighbours,-friends-at-chogm--131480#photo-131477">, friends at CHOGM</a>

Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries."

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM.

Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said.

Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne.

The Indian prime minister later met &nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YgYO-6_PJ7s" width="560"></iframe>

Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries

As PM Modi met several leaders at CHOGM, the ministry of external affairs said there was no meeting planned with Pakistan PM Abbasi. "No meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister took place. There is no plan to have any meeting with him," the Ministry of External Affairs said. In Pics: PM Modi meets a friendly neighbour, friends at CHOGM Expanding on India's gain at CHOGM, an Indian government spokesman said the overall objective of PM's participation signalled stepped up engagement with Commonwealth countries and "India's desire to focus on development of Commonwealth countries." Prime Minister Modi had a series of meeting with leaders of Commonwealth countries including Seychelles President Danny Faure and his Mauritius counterpart Pravind Kumar Jugnauth on the sidelines of CHOGM. Prime Minister Modi met his Mauritius counterpart Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties, the foreign ministry said. Modi also interacted with President of Kiribati, Taneti Maamau, and Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda, Gaston Browne. The Indian prime minister later met Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina. However, PM Modi's meeting with Pak PM Abbasi did not take place even as several reports suggested the Indian prime minister may break protocol to meet his Pakistani counterpart.

PM Modi not to meet Pak PM Abbasi at CHOGM: External Affairs Ministry

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror.

The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/live-pm-modi-set-to-speak-at-central-hall-westminster-131249">Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster</a>

During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/axtcWOmPKF">pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986653258969174016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question.

Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: PM Modi talks about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SurgicalStrikes?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SurgicalStrikes</a>, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/London?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#London</a> <a href="https://t.co/nLUQDY3sKQ">pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986650872368287744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change.

"In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy.

"Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London.

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Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath</a> <a href="https://t.co/cB3Hpsgwqa">pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/986643466976407552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The Indian prime minister had a busy day in London on Tuesday, meeting the British Prime Minister Theresa May and Prince Charles including Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.

PM Modi addressed the Indian community at Central Hall Westminster in a freewheeling chat with Prasoon Joshi asserting that India knows how to hit back at terror. The Indian prime minister arrived at the Westminister Hall amid loud cheer from the Indian diaspora. Read the full text of Modi's address at Central Hall Westminster During his chat with Prasoon Joshi, Modi said:"When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language," adding, "the surgical strikes were a 100 per cent success," referring to the strikes carried out by the Indian army across the LoC in 2016. I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/axtcWOmPKF — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "We never hid surgical strikes, we replied to Pakistan in its on language," PM Modi said while replying to a question. Speaking about his journey in politics, the PM said,"I am a go-getter, and I am proud of it." #WATCH: PM Modi talks about #SurgicalStrikes, says, 'When someone has put a terror export factory in place & makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language.' Crowd raises 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' slogans. #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath #London pic.twitter.com/nLUQDY3sKQ — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 × "Chalta hai attitude has gone," Modi told the gathering at Westminster Hall, adding that earlier India was happy with incremental change. "In India, tea seller can become PM, Modi said, as the crowd cheered, while adding that tea seller becoming PM is proof of democracy. "Everyday I get up with a sense of purpose, India rightfully expects a lot from me, he said amid a sea of Indians at the famed Westminster hall in London. Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person then aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: PM in London #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath pic.twitter.com/cB3Hpsgwqa — ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 ×

'We never hid surgical strikes, it was 100 per cent successful,' says PM Modi at Central Hall Westminster

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union.

May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit.

The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent.

Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy.&nbsp

"With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said.

"Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices."

The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack.

Commonwealth family

Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving.

May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU.&nbsp

"Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting.

"And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones."

May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier.

May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit

British Prime Minister Theresa May on Monday extolled the benefits of free trade among Commonwealth countries, seeking new sources of commerce as Britain looks to finalise divorce terms with its current biggest trading partner, the European Union. May is looking to win the support of the Commonwealth, a network of mostly former British colonies, for future trade deals at a meeting of its leaders in London, and bolster her argument that the future is bright after Brexit. The Commonwealth, headed by Queen Elizabeth, is not a formal trading bloc with a free-trade agreement. In 2015 it accounted for only 9 per cent of British exports while by contrast the EU, which Britain voted to leave in 2016, accounted for around 44 per cent. Speaking at the opening of a Commonwealth business forum, May urged the use of common standards across the network of 53 countries, warning that global growth was fragile and that protectionism posed a clear threat to the world economy. "With its unique scope and global voice, such a Commonwealth can set a powerful example to the world, one that demonstrates and underlines the importance of protecting free trade and the rules-based international order," she said. "Freer and easier trade means stronger economies, more jobs, more choice and lower prices." The lavish week-long Commonwealth meeting, split across landmark locations in London, is likely to be overshadowed by May's decision to join US&nbspand French air strikes on Syria on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected poison gas attack. Commonwealth family Britain's appeal to the Commonwealth comes as Brexit negotiators prepare to begin work on a future trade agreement with the EU, which the government hopes will allow frictionless trade with the bloc to continue. The EU has said Britain cannot enjoy the benefits of its single market after leaving. May's ministers have spent much of their time since the 2016 exit vote touring the globe, touting Britain`s ability to negotiate its own trade deals with countries including Commonwealth states such as Australia, India, and New Zealand as one of the main benefits of life outside the EU. "Our Commonwealth family already accounts for one-fifth of global trade," May said in a statement before the meeting. "And we must continue to work together to build further upon this solid foundation by building on our existing trade links and establishing new ones." May announced new programmes to free up trade, improve the skills of young people and boost women`s participation in business, including an offer of 7 million pounds ($10 million) in Commonwealth-wide support to boost businesses owned by women in countries where being female is a professional barrier. May also announced funding for a new Commonwealth Standards Network to establish a common language for goods and services to help boost trade.

Theresa May seeks Commonwealth trade boost as final Brexit talks begin

Wearing a floral dress and no hat, Queen Elizabeth strolls in dappled sunlight through the garden at Buckingham Palace with an old acquaintance, making quips and even mentioning the prospect of her own demise in a light-hearted way.

The scene, filmed last summer for a documentary due to be broadcast in Britain next week, offers an unusually informal glimpse of the 91-year-old monarch, who has given very little away of her inner self during her 66-year reign.

She is seen walking and chatting with David Attenborough, also 91, a much-loved naturalist and broadcaster known for lavish series like "Planet Earth" and "Blue Planet".

The pair discuss a conservation project to create a network of native forests across all 53 Commonwealth countries -- the subject of the new documentary -- and muse about how there might be many new trees in Buckingham Palace garden in 50 years.

"Might easily be, yes," the queen says. Then, after a pause, she adds with a smile: "I won't be here though".

Attenborough chuckles but does not dwell on the remark, instead commenting on a nearby sundial positioned in the shade of a tree, rendering it useless.

"Isn't it good, yes," the queen says, before flashing a wide grin at a person standing off camera. "Had we thought of that, that it was planted in the shade?" she asks with a chuckle, adding: "It wasn't in the shade originally, I'm sure."

The queen then suggests the sundial could be moved, to which Attenborough responds that it depends whether she wishes to know the time or not.

The documentary, "The Queen's Green Planet", is scheduled for broadcast on ITV on Monday. It also features other members of the royal family as well as the actress and campaigner Angelina Jolie, who has taken part in the environmental project and is shown describing the queen as "a lovely lady".

Sounds like President Trump

In a separate excerpt from the queen's walk with Attenborough, released by ITV ahead of broadcast, the quiet of the palace garden is broken by the noise of a helicopter hovering overhead.

"Why do they always go round and round when you want to talk?" the queen asks, adding: "Sounds like President Trump, or President Obama", apparently referring to the aircraft used by the US&nbsppresidents during visits to her.

During another light-hearted moment, the monarch spots a sapling bent over at an alarming angle, remarking: "Somebody sat on it I think, at the garden party".

The queen and Attenborough have known each other for many years as the broadcaster, who has been making nature programmes since the 1950s and continues to draw millions of viewers with every new one, has received a series of royal honours over the years.

The two nonagenarians appear relaxed together, with little of the formality and rigid deference often seen in people addressing the monarch.

The pair look at trees planted in the palace garden to mark the birth of the queen's children, and Attenborough is seen squatting down to read the plaques as they try and work out which tree corresponds to which prince or princess.

The queen, who routinely receives gifts from visitors from every corner of the planet, comments that the garden has benefitted from many gifts of roses and other plants.

"You know, I've been quite difficult to give presents to, so," she says, drawing laughter from Attenborough. "Of course they've said 'Oh well, let's give her a plant ... or a tree or something.' Which is very nice to have."

The scene, filmed last summer for a documentary due to be broadcast in Britain next week, offers an unusually informal glimpse of the 91-year-old monarch, who has given very little away of her inner self during her 66-year reign

Wearing a floral dress and no hat, Queen Elizabeth strolls in dappled sunlight through the garden at Buckingham Palace with an old acquaintance, making quips and even mentioning the prospect of her own demise in a light-hearted way. The scene, filmed last summer for a documentary due to be broadcast in Britain next week, offers an unusually informal glimpse of the 91-year-old monarch, who has given very little away of her inner self during her 66-year reign. She is seen walking and chatting with David Attenborough, also 91, a much-loved naturalist and broadcaster known for lavish series like "Planet Earth" and "Blue Planet". The pair discuss a conservation project to create a network of native forests across all 53 Commonwealth countries -- the subject of the new documentary -- and muse about how there might be many new trees in Buckingham Palace garden in 50 years. "Might easily be, yes," the queen says. Then, after a pause, she adds with a smile: "I won't be here though". Attenborough chuckles but does not dwell on the remark, instead commenting on a nearby sundial positioned in the shade of a tree, rendering it useless. "Isn't it good, yes," the queen says, before flashing a wide grin at a person standing off camera. "Had we thought of that, that it was planted in the shade?" she asks with a chuckle, adding: "It wasn't in the shade originally, I'm sure." The queen then suggests the sundial could be moved, to which Attenborough responds that it depends whether she wishes to know the time or not. The documentary, "The Queen's Green Planet", is scheduled for broadcast on ITV on Monday. It also features other members of the royal family as well as the actress and campaigner Angelina Jolie, who has taken part in the environmental project and is shown describing the queen as "a lovely lady". Sounds like President Trump In a separate excerpt from the queen's walk with Attenborough, released by ITV ahead of broadcast, the quiet of the palace garden is broken by the noise of a helicopter hovering overhead. "Why do they always go round and round when you want to talk?" the queen asks, adding: "Sounds like President Trump, or President Obama", apparently referring to the aircraft used by the US&nbsppresidents during visits to her. During another light-hearted moment, the monarch spots a sapling bent over at an alarming angle, remarking: "Somebody sat on it I think, at the garden party". The queen and Attenborough have known each other for many years as the broadcaster, who has been making nature programmes since the 1950s and continues to draw millions of viewers with every new one, has received a series of royal honours over the years. The two nonagenarians appear relaxed together, with little of the formality and rigid deference often seen in people addressing the monarch. The pair look at trees planted in the palace garden to mark the birth of the queen's children, and Attenborough is seen squatting down to read the plaques as they try and work out which tree corresponds to which prince or princess. The queen, who routinely receives gifts from visitors from every corner of the planet, comments that the garden has benefitted from many gifts of roses and other plants. "You know, I've been quite difficult to give presents to, so," she says, drawing laughter from Attenborough. "Of course they've said 'Oh well, let's give her a plant ... or a tree or something.' Which is very nice to have."

Queen Elizabeth takes dig at Trump, Obama in Attenborough's TV show

In one of the most bizarre research findings of recent years, a Moroccan newspaper has claimed it has traced the Queen's lineage back to the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad.

Although, according to the Daily Mail, the findings were first published in 1986 by Burke's Peerage, a British authority on royal pedigrees, the Morrocan newspaper has claimed to have traced back 43 generations of her family tree, asserting that the Queen is a distant descendant of the Prophet.

According to the findings, Elizabeth II's bloodline runs through the Earl of Cambridge in the 14th century, across medieval Muslim Spain, to Fatima, the Prophet's daughter.

Disputed by some historians, genealogical records of early-medieval Spain support the claim, which has also been verified by Ali Gomaa, the former grand mufti of Egypt.

"It is little known by the British people that the blood of Mohammed flows in the veins of the queen. However, all Moslem religious leaders are proud of this fact," wrote Burke's publishing director, in a letter to the-then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1986.

"The royal family's direct descent from the prophet Mohammed cannot be relied upon to protect the royal family forever from Moslem terrorists," he added.

The study by Burke's Peerage suggested that the Queen descended from a Muslim princess called Zaida, who fled her home town of Seville in the 11th century before converting to Christianity.

Zaida was the fourth wife of King Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad of Seville. She bore him a son Sancho, whose descendant later married the Earl of Cambridge in the 11th century.

However, historians contest over Zaida's origins, some claiming she was the daughter of a wine-drinking caliph descended from the Prophet, while others say she married into his family.&nbsp;

Disputed by some historians, genealogical records of early-medieval Spain support the claim

In one of the most bizarre research findings of recent years, a Moroccan newspaper has claimed it has traced the Queen's lineage back to the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. Although, according to the Daily Mail, the findings were first published in 1986 by Burke's Peerage, a British authority on royal pedigrees, the Morrocan newspaper has claimed to have traced back 43 generations of her family tree, asserting that the Queen is a distant descendant of the Prophet. According to the findings, Elizabeth II's bloodline runs through the Earl of Cambridge in the 14th century, across medieval Muslim Spain, to Fatima, the Prophet's daughter. Disputed by some historians, genealogical records of early-medieval Spain support the claim, which has also been verified by Ali Gomaa, the former grand mufti of Egypt. "It is little known by the British people that the blood of Mohammed flows in the veins of the queen. However, all Moslem religious leaders are proud of this fact," wrote Burke's publishing director, in a letter to the-then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1986. "The royal family's direct descent from the prophet Mohammed cannot be relied upon to protect the royal family forever from Moslem terrorists," he added. The study by Burke's Peerage suggested that the Queen descended from a Muslim princess called Zaida, who fled her home town of Seville in the 11th century before converting to Christianity. Zaida was the fourth wife of King Al-Mu'tamid ibn Abbad of Seville. She bore him a son Sancho, whose descendant later married the Earl of Cambridge in the 11th century. However, historians contest over Zaida's origins, some claiming she was the daughter of a wine-drinking caliph descended from the Prophet, while others say she married into his family.

Queen Elizabeth, a descendant of Prophet Muhammad: Report

&nbsp;Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her &quot;dearly beloved&quot; grandson Prince Harry to marry his U.S. fiancee&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle.

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In a letter to the Privy Council, a formal advisory body to the monarch comprised of senior politicians, judges and bishops, the queen confirmed her approval of the wedding of Harry, the fifth-in-line to the throne, and&nbsp;Markle, star of U.S. TV drama &quot;Suits&quot;.

&quot;I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council,&quot; the letter dated on Wednesday said.

Harry and&nbsp;Meghan&#39;s union, like all those of the first six royals in direct line of succession, must be approved by the queen under the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, which replaced an even more prescriptive law dating back to the 18th Century.

The move was a mere formality as the queen had already said in a statement how delighted she was for the couple and she will be attending the wedding ceremony at her Windsor Castle home, to the West of London, on May 19.

She also invited&nbsp;Markle&nbsp;to spend Christmas with the royal family at her Sandringham estate in eastern England.

The move was a mere formality as the queen had already said in a statement how delighted she was for the couple and she will be attending the wedding ceremony at her Windsor Castle home, to the West of London, on May 19.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her "dearly beloved" grandson Prince Harry to marry his U.S. fiancee Meghan Markle. × In a letter to the Privy Council, a formal advisory body to the monarch comprised of senior politicians, judges and bishops, the queen confirmed her approval of the wedding of Harry, the fifth-in-line to the throne, and Markle, star of U.S. TV drama "Suits". "I declare My Consent to a Contract of Matrimony between My Most Dearly Beloved Grandson Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales and Rachel Meghan Markle, which Consent I am causing to be signified under the Great Seal and to be entered in the Books of the Privy Council," the letter dated on Wednesday said. Harry and Meghan's union, like all those of the first six royals in direct line of succession, must be approved by the queen under the 2013 Succession to the Crown Act, which replaced an even more prescriptive law dating back to the 18th Century. The move was a mere formality as the queen had already said in a statement how delighted she was for the couple and she will be attending the wedding ceremony at her Windsor Castle home, to the West of London, on May 19. She also invited Markle to spend Christmas with the royal family at her Sandringham estate in eastern England.

Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle

Even royals, it seems, may suffer from the gender pay gap. 
 
British actress Claire Foy, who starred as a young Queen Elizabeth in the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown,&nbsp;was paid less than her co-star, Matt Smith, according to the television show`s producers. 
 
In the latest example of pay disparity in the entertainment industry, Hollywood trade publication Variety reported on Tuesday that The Crown&nbsp;producers Andy Harries and Suzanne Mackie told a television industry conference in Jerusalem that Smith, who played a young Prince Philip, was paid more than Foy for the first two seasons of the show. 
 
Foy, 33, won a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild awards for her nuanced portrayal of Britain`s monarch in the 1950s and 1960s. Smith, 35, was not similarly honoured. 
 
The pay difference was due to Smith coming into the show after a six-year stint as Dr. Who&nbsp;on television - one of Britain`s most popular shows, the producers said. They did not give details of the gap. 
The producers said they would rectify that in the future, Variety reported.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;Going forward, no one gets paid more than the queen,&quot; Variety quoted Mackie as saying. 
 
Foy, however, will not be reprising her role as Queen Elizabeth. British actress Olivia Coleman is stepping in to play the older monarch as upcoming Season 3 of the show moves into the 1970s. Prince Philip will also be played by a different actor.&nbsp; 
 
Netflix Inc declined to comment on actor salaries. Representatives for Foy and Smith did not return requests for comment on Tuesday. 
 
The Crown&nbsp;is one of the most expensive television shows ever produced, costing a reported $130 million for the first season. 
 
The ongoing disparity between men and women is reflected in annual lists published by Forbes magazine. In 2017, Emma Stone topped the best-paid actress list with $26 million, while Mark Wahlberg was the highest paid man with $68 million in estimated annual earnings. 
 
Wahlberg made news earlier this year when it was revealed that he was paid $1.5 million for reshoots on movie All the Money in the World&nbsp;while co-star Michelle Williams got $1,000. Wahlberg later donated his salary to Time`s Up, the campaign against workplace sexual misconduct.

British actress Claire Foy, who starred as a young Queen Elizabeth in the critically acclaimed series The Crown, was paid less than her co-star, Matt Smith

Even royals, it seems, may suffer from the gender pay gap. British actress Claire Foy, who starred as a young Queen Elizabeth in the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Crown, was paid less than her co-star, Matt Smith, according to the television show`s producers. In the latest example of pay disparity in the entertainment industry, Hollywood trade publication Variety reported on Tuesday that The Crown producers Andy Harries and Suzanne Mackie told a television industry conference in Jerusalem that Smith, who played a young Prince Philip, was paid more than Foy for the first two seasons of the show. Foy, 33, won a Golden Globe and two Screen Actors Guild awards for her nuanced portrayal of Britain`s monarch in the 1950s and 1960s. Smith, 35, was not similarly honoured. The pay difference was due to Smith coming into the show after a six-year stint as Dr. Who on television - one of Britain`s most popular shows, the producers said. They did not give details of the gap. The producers said they would rectify that in the future, Variety reported. "Going forward, no one gets paid more than the queen," Variety quoted Mackie as saying. Foy, however, will not be reprising her role as Queen Elizabeth. British actress Olivia Coleman is stepping in to play the older monarch as upcoming Season 3 of the show moves into the 1970s. Prince Philip will also be played by a different actor. Netflix Inc declined to comment on actor salaries. Representatives for Foy and Smith did not return requests for comment on Tuesday. The Crown is one of the most expensive television shows ever produced, costing a reported $130 million for the first season. The ongoing disparity between men and women is reflected in annual lists published by Forbes magazine. In 2017, Emma Stone topped the best-paid actress list with $26 million, while Mark Wahlberg was the highest paid man with $68 million in estimated annual earnings. Wahlberg made news earlier this year when it was revealed that he was paid $1.5 million for reshoots on movie All the Money in the World while co-star Michelle Williams got $1,000. Wahlberg later donated his salary to Time`s Up, the campaign against workplace sexual misconduct.

Claire Foy from 'The Crown' was paid less than her 'prince', revealed makers of the show

Prince Harry&#39;s fiance Meghan Markle who is soon to be Royal Highness was seen on her first official event alongside the Queen on Monday.&nbsp;

Meghan attended a service to mark Commonwealth Day along with fiance Prince Harry, Prince William, Duchess Kate and other senior&nbsp;royals at Westminster Abbey. The service was held ahead of the&nbsp;24th Commonwealth Heads of the Government Meeting which take place in April in London.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle arrive at <a href="https://twitter.com/wabbey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wabbey</a> for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthDay</a> Service. 
 
The Commonwealth Service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom. <a href="https://t.co/gBXY4Dp7IL">pic.twitter.com/gBXY4Dp7IL</a>
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A curtsie for Meghan Markle as she attends the Commonwealth Observance Service today <a href="https://twitter.com/GettyImages?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GettyImages</a> <a href="https://t.co/aPx6aTiF15">pic.twitter.com/aPx6aTiF15</a>
&mdash; Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisJack_Getty/status/973239705797120000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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As The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle departed <a href="https://twitter.com/wabbey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wabbey</a>, they received some beautiful posies - thank you! <a href="https://t.co/jQ1zZPUKWZ">pic.twitter.com/jQ1zZPUKWZ</a>
&mdash; Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/973239734393888773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The event saw Meghan sing &#39;God Save The Queen&#39; when Head of the Commonwealth herself --Queen Elizabeth II made an entrance.&nbsp;

The event also saw Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall&nbsp;and Prime Minister Theresa May in attendance.&nbsp;The Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from public service last year, did not attend the service.

Commonwealth Day is an annual event which celebrates the 53 Commonwealth countries.

The<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-meghan-markle-departs-suits-after-engagement-to-prince-harry-25464" target="_blank"> former Suits</a> actress rose to fame after Prince Harry proclaimed his love for the actress publicly. He proposed to Meghan over a dinner he was preparing for them and soon popped the question. The two are <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-and-meghan-markles-wedding-date-has-been-officially-announced-26857" target="_blank">set to get married </a>on May 19 at Windsor Castle.&nbsp;

In another news, there are reports of a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/prince-harry-meghan-markle-love-story-to-be-made-into-a-tv-movie-29693" target="_blank">TV movie being made on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle&#39;s love story</a> titled &quot;Harry &amp; Meghan: The Royal Love Story&quot;. The&nbsp;film will chronicle the couple&#39;s relationship from when they met through friends in 2016.

&nbsp;

&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

She was accompanied by Prince Harry on her first official event

Prince Harry's fiance Meghan Markle who is soon to be Royal Highness was seen on her first official event alongside the Queen on Monday. Meghan attended a service to mark Commonwealth Day along with fiance Prince Harry, Prince William, Duchess Kate and other senior royals at Westminster Abbey. The service was held ahead of the 24th Commonwealth Heads of the Government Meeting which take place in April in London. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle arrive at @wabbey for the #CommonwealthDay Service. The Commonwealth Service is the largest annual inter-faith gathering in the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/gBXY4Dp7IL — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 12, 2018 × A curtsie for Meghan Markle as she attends the Commonwealth Observance Service today @GettyImages pic.twitter.com/aPx6aTiF15 — Chris Jackson (@ChrisJack_Getty) March 12, 2018 × As The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Ms. Meghan Markle departed @wabbey, they received some beautiful posies - thank you! pic.twitter.com/jQ1zZPUKWZ — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) March 12, 2018 × The event saw Meghan sing 'God Save The Queen' when Head of the Commonwealth herself --Queen Elizabeth II made an entrance. The event also saw Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prime Minister Theresa May in attendance. The Duke of Edinburgh, who retired from public service last year, did not attend the service. Commonwealth Day is an annual event which celebrates the 53 Commonwealth countries. The former Suits actress rose to fame after Prince Harry proclaimed his love for the actress publicly. He proposed to Meghan over a dinner he was preparing for them and soon popped the question. The two are set to get married on May 19 at Windsor Castle. In another news, there are reports of a TV movie being made on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's love story titled "Harry & Meghan: The Royal Love Story". The film will chronicle the couple's relationship from when they met through friends in 2016.

Meghan Markle celebrates London's Commonwealth Day with the royal family

Prime Minister Theresa May defended Britain&#39;s links to security ally Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Queen Elizabeth for lunch on a high-profile visit that drew protests over Riyadh&#39;s human rights record.

A fiery exchange in parliament between May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn underlined tension in Britain over Prince Mohammed&#39;s trip, which was aimed at building a broader economic partnership between the two countries, but has sparked anger about alleged human rights abuses and the war in Yemen.

&quot;The link that we have with Saudi Arabia is historic, it is an important one, and it has saved the lives of potentially hundreds of people in this country,&quot; May said, pausing her answer briefly as opposition lawmakers cried &quot;Shame!&quot;. She was alluding to intelligence-sharing on Islamist militant suspects.

The debate took place as Prince Mohammed lunched with the British monarch on the first leg of a trip packed with displays of diplomatic affection designed to help widen long-standing defence ties into a more far-reaching partnership.

May later met Prince Mohammed at her Downing Street office, extending a warm diplomatic welcome to the conservative kingdom&#39;s heir apparent and agreeing a 65 billion pound ($90.29 billion) trade and investment target.

Britain is looking for trading partners as it exits the European Union, and energy powerhouse Saudi Arabia needs to convince sceptical investors about its domestic reforms.

&quot;This is a significant boost for UK prosperity and a clear demonstration of the strong international confidence in our economy as we prepare to leave the European Union,&quot; a spokeswoman from May&#39;s office said after the meeting.

But demonstrators gathered outside May&#39;s office amid a heavy police presence to protest at both countries&#39; role in Yemen, where war has killed around 10,000 people. A Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily in Yemen in 2015 and critics say Riyadh has been using British-supplied weapons in devastating strikes.

&quot;I don&#39;t believe that someone like Mohammed bin Salman should be welcomed in Britain,&quot; said Hassan Yassine, a 25-year-old customer service worker from London. &quot;It is definitely not ethical, bearing in mind what is going on in Yemen every single day, every single second, even as we speak.&quot;

Corbyn said British military advisers were &quot;directing the war&quot; in Yemen. May&#39;s spokesman said British personnel had no role in carrying out coalition air strikes, and were not involved in Saudi targeting decisions.

Strategic partnership

Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after an egg was thrown at a police vehicle as bin Salman&#39;s motorcade arrived in Downing Street.

Wednesday&#39;s first official engagement was a trip to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth - a rare honour usually reserved for heads of state.

The Saudi delegation then met May at her offices to launch a UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council.

The meeting set out the mutual trade and investment target, which would include direct investment in Britain and new Saudi public procurement with British companies. This would be spread across sectors including finance, education, healthcare, renewable energy and defence, May&#39;s office said.

Britain is vying to land the stock market listing of state oil firm Saudi Aramco, but no decision is expected this week.

&quot;We would like the Aramco share option to be issued in the United Kingdom and we will continue to suggest the City would be the best place for it,&quot; junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament.

Later this month Prince Mohammed visits the United States, which also wants the lucrative listing, although sources said both countries might miss out.

British officials were privately delighted at the decision by Prince Mohammed, 32, to choose Britain as the major Western destination on his first foreign trip since becoming heir to the Saudi throne last year.

The British government is keen to develop a two-way trade and investment relationship, eyeing both an expanded market in Saudi Arabia for service sector exports, and attracting Saudi cash to finance domestic projects.

For his part, Saudi Arabia&#39;s ambitious heir wants to show that &quot;shock&quot; reforms have made his country a better place to invest and a more tolerant society.

Photographs posted online showed London taxis displaying advertising graphics welcoming Prince Mohammed, and electronic billboards around the capital promoted pro-Saudi messages with the hashtag #anewsaudiarabia.

Business deals are possible with British defence group BAE Systems and European weapons maker MBDA, and initial agreements could be concluded on gas exploration, petrochemicals and other industries, according to British and Saudi sources.

Royal treatment

The three-day visit will include a second Royal audience - dinner with the Prince Charles and Prince William on Wednesday - and a prestigious visit to May&#39;s country residence on Thursday.

The prime minister intends to use the private dinner at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house 40 miles (60 km) northwest of London, to further press her concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, her spokesman said.

The Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Iran-allied Houthi movement in Yemen in a campaign to restore its internationally recognised government, generating what the United Nations said in January is the world&#39;s worst humanitarian crisis.

Demonstrators are protesting against Britain for licensing 4.6 billion pounds of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia since 2015.

May said all arms sales were strictly regulated, that Saudi Arabia&#39;s involvement in the conflict was backed by the UN&nbsp;Security Council and her government supported it.

&quot;The prime minister and crown prince agreed on the importance of full and unfettered humanitarian and commercial access, including through the ports, and that a political solution was ultimately the only way to end the conflict and humanitarian suffering in Yemen,&quot; the statement from May&#39;s office said.

A fiery exchange in parliament between May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn underlined tension in Britain over Prince Mohammed's trip

Prime Minister Theresa May defended Britain's links to security ally Saudi Arabia on Wednesday as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Queen Elizabeth for lunch on a high-profile visit that drew protests over Riyadh's human rights record. A fiery exchange in parliament between May and opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn underlined tension in Britain over Prince Mohammed's trip, which was aimed at building a broader economic partnership between the two countries, but has sparked anger about alleged human rights abuses and the war in Yemen. "The link that we have with Saudi Arabia is historic, it is an important one, and it has saved the lives of potentially hundreds of people in this country," May said, pausing her answer briefly as opposition lawmakers cried "Shame!". She was alluding to intelligence-sharing on Islamist militant suspects. The debate took place as Prince Mohammed lunched with the British monarch on the first leg of a trip packed with displays of diplomatic affection designed to help widen long-standing defence ties into a more far-reaching partnership. May later met Prince Mohammed at her Downing Street office, extending a warm diplomatic welcome to the conservative kingdom's heir apparent and agreeing a 65 billion pound ($90.29 billion) trade and investment target. Britain is looking for trading partners as it exits the European Union, and energy powerhouse Saudi Arabia needs to convince sceptical investors about its domestic reforms. "This is a significant boost for UK prosperity and a clear demonstration of the strong international confidence in our economy as we prepare to leave the European Union," a spokeswoman from May's office said after the meeting. But demonstrators gathered outside May's office amid a heavy police presence to protest at both countries' role in Yemen, where war has killed around 10,000 people. A Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily in Yemen in 2015 and critics say Riyadh has been using British-supplied weapons in devastating strikes. "I don't believe that someone like Mohammed bin Salman should be welcomed in Britain," said Hassan Yassine, a 25-year-old customer service worker from London. "It is definitely not ethical, bearing in mind what is going on in Yemen every single day, every single second, even as we speak." Corbyn said British military advisers were "directing the war" in Yemen. May's spokesman said British personnel had no role in carrying out coalition air strikes, and were not involved in Saudi targeting decisions. Strategic partnership Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage after an egg was thrown at a police vehicle as bin Salman's motorcade arrived in Downing Street. Wednesday's first official engagement was a trip to Buckingham Palace to see Queen Elizabeth - a rare honour usually reserved for heads of state. The Saudi delegation then met May at her offices to launch a UK-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. The meeting set out the mutual trade and investment target, which would include direct investment in Britain and new Saudi public procurement with British companies. This would be spread across sectors including finance, education, healthcare, renewable energy and defence, May's office said. Britain is vying to land the stock market listing of state oil firm Saudi Aramco, but no decision is expected this week. "We would like the Aramco share option to be issued in the United Kingdom and we will continue to suggest the City would be the best place for it," junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament. Later this month Prince Mohammed visits the United States, which also wants the lucrative listing, although sources said both countries might miss out. British officials were privately delighted at the decision by Prince Mohammed, 32, to choose Britain as the major Western destination on his first foreign trip since becoming heir to the Saudi throne last year. The British government is keen to develop a two-way trade and investment relationship, eyeing both an expanded market in Saudi Arabia for service sector exports, and attracting Saudi cash to finance domestic projects. For his part, Saudi Arabia's ambitious heir wants to show that "shock" reforms have made his country a better place to invest and a more tolerant society. Photographs posted online showed London taxis displaying advertising graphics welcoming Prince Mohammed, and electronic billboards around the capital promoted pro-Saudi messages with the hashtag #anewsaudiarabia. Business deals are possible with British defence group BAE Systems and European weapons maker MBDA, and initial agreements could be concluded on gas exploration, petrochemicals and other industries, according to British and Saudi sources. Royal treatment The three-day visit will include a second Royal audience - dinner with the Prince Charles and Prince William on Wednesday - and a prestigious visit to May's country residence on Thursday. The prime minister intends to use the private dinner at Chequers, a 16th-century manor house 40 miles (60 km) northwest of London, to further press her concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, her spokesman said. The Saudi-led coalition is fighting the Iran-allied Houthi movement in Yemen in a campaign to restore its internationally recognised government, generating what the United Nations said in January is the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Demonstrators are protesting against Britain for licensing 4.6 billion pounds of weapons sales to Saudi Arabia since 2015. May said all arms sales were strictly regulated, that Saudi Arabia's involvement in the conflict was backed by the UN Security Council and her government supported it. "The prime minister and crown prince agreed on the importance of full and unfettered humanitarian and commercial access, including through the ports, and that a political solution was ultimately the only way to end the conflict and humanitarian suffering in Yemen," the statement from May's office said.

Theresa May defends Saudi ties as crown prince gets royal welcome in London

The best of the designers showcased their designs on Tuesday on the ramp at the London Fashion Week, but all eyes were off the ramp on someone who was seated in the front row. Britain`s Queen Elizabeth II was a surprise guest on Tuesday at the London Fashion Week.&nbsp; 
 
It was the first time in her 65-year reign that the Queen attended the LFW. 
 
Dressed in a pale blue suit, she attended designer Richard Quinn`s show and later awarded him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. 
 
The royal family`s official Twitter account says, &quot;The Award, initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society &amp; diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or sustainable policies.&quot;

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The Queen watched Richard Quinn&rsquo;s show from the front row <a href="https://twitter.com/LondonFashionWk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LondonFashionWk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFW</a> before presenting him with his award. 
Each year a designer will be selected by the <a href="https://twitter.com/BFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BFC</a>, in collaboration with the Royal Household, to be recognised. <a href="https://t.co/wqQDOJAOt5">pic.twitter.com/wqQDOJAOt5</a>
&mdash; The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/966004461700345857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The 91-year-old monarch sat next to Dame Anna Wintour, editor in chief of American Vogue magazine.Wintour, who is often referred to as the queen of the fashion world, apparently found it hard to keep her cool as she was seen wringing her hands and baring a tense smile.

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British Fashion Council &#39;s Rush, Queen Elizabeth II and Vogue&#39; s Wintour attend Richard Quinn &#39;s show at London Fashion Week (Reuters)
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Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech before presenting an award at London Fashion Week (Reuters)
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Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth II attends the Richard Quinn show at London Fashion Week (Reuters)
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The Queen, however, with her upbeat appearance helped relax those around her.She could be seen making conversation with Wintour and reacting to the vibrantly attired models as they paraded past her seat, reports The Telegraph.

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

It was the first time in her 65-year reign that the Queen attended the LFW.

The best of the designers showcased their designs on Tuesday on the ramp at the London Fashion Week, but all eyes were off the ramp on someone who was seated in the front row. Britain`s Queen Elizabeth II was a surprise guest on Tuesday at the London Fashion Week. It was the first time in her 65-year reign that the Queen attended the LFW. Dressed in a pale blue suit, she attended designer Richard Quinn`s show and later awarded him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design. The royal family`s official Twitter account says, "The Award, initiated in recognition of the role the fashion industry plays in society & diplomacy, will be awarded annually to an emerging British fashion designer who shows talent and originality, whilst demonstrating value to the community and/or sustainable policies." The Queen watched Richard Quinn’s show from the front row @LondonFashionWk #LFW before presenting him with his award. Each year a designer will be selected by the @BFC, in collaboration with the Royal Household, to be recognised. pic.twitter.com/wqQDOJAOt5 — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) February 20, 2018 × The 91-year-old monarch sat next to Dame Anna Wintour, editor in chief of American Vogue magazine.Wintour, who is often referred to as the queen of the fashion world, apparently found it hard to keep her cool as she was seen wringing her hands and baring a tense smile. British Fashion Council 's Rush, Queen Elizabeth II and Vogue' s Wintour attend Richard Quinn 's show at London Fashion Week (Reuters) × Britain's Queen Elizabeth II makes a speech before presenting an award at London Fashion Week (Reuters) × Britain's Queen Elizabeth II attends the Richard Quinn show at London Fashion Week (Reuters) × The Queen, however, with her upbeat appearance helped relax those around her.She could be seen making conversation with Wintour and reacting to the vibrantly attired models as they paraded past her seat, reports The Telegraph. (With agency inputs)

Queen Elizabeth makes surprise appearance at the London Fashion Week

The British royal family are recruiting for someone to join the Communications team at Buckingham Palace on a 12 month fixed term contract, starting in April 2018, where they will be responsible for &quot;promoting the work, role, relevance and value of the Royal Family to a worldwide audience&quot;.

They wrote in the job description: &quot;It&#39;s developing your skills on a worldwide platform. This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional. The Royal Communications team promotes the work, role, relevance and value of the Royal Family to a worldwide audience.

&quot;Joining this fast-paced and dynamic team, you&#39;ll assist senior colleagues with both proactive and reactive communications. You&#39;ll organise coverage of set-piece Palace engagements including investitures and garden parties, and provide support as required for off-site engagements.

&quot;You&#39;ll also play a role in producing content for a variety of platforms. From press announcements and media briefing notes to social media updates and feature articles; you&#39;ll develop your skills as you take on each new challenge.&quot;

The role will be based at the royal residence of Buckingham Palace but will also involve travel around the UK and abroad to cover important events.

They added: &quot;Although based primarily at Buckingham Palace, you&#39;ll also travel in the UK or overseas to support important visits and engagements. The reaction to our work is always high-profile, and so reputation and impact will be at the forefront of all that you do. Whether covering a state visit, award ceremony or Royal engagement, you&#39;ll make sure our communications consistently spark interest and reach a range of audiences. This is your opportunity to develop your career and deliver the exceptional ...

&quot;In return, you will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including 33 days holiday per annum (inclusive of Bank Holidays), a 15% employer contribution pension scheme (with the option for flexibility to increase contributions or draw down as salary) and support for your continued professional development.&quot;

Credit: BANG Showbiz

The Queen is looking for a Communications Assistant at Buckingham Palace on a 12 month fixed term contract

The British royal family are recruiting for someone to join the Communications team at Buckingham Palace on a 12 month fixed term contract, starting in April 2018, where they will be responsible for "promoting the work, role, relevance and value of the Royal Family to a worldwide audience". They wrote in the job description: "It's developing your skills on a worldwide platform. This is what makes working for the Royal Household exceptional. The Royal Communications team promotes the work, role, relevance and value of the Royal Family to a worldwide audience. "Joining this fast-paced and dynamic team, you'll assist senior colleagues with both proactive and reactive communications. You'll organise coverage of set-piece Palace engagements including investitures and garden parties, and provide support as required for off-site engagements. "You'll also play a role in producing content for a variety of platforms. From press announcements and media briefing notes to social media updates and feature articles; you'll develop your skills as you take on each new challenge." The role will be based at the royal residence of Buckingham Palace but will also involve travel around the UK and abroad to cover important events. They added: "Although based primarily at Buckingham Palace, you'll also travel in the UK or overseas to support important visits and engagements. The reaction to our work is always high-profile, and so reputation and impact will be at the forefront of all that you do. Whether covering a state visit, award ceremony or Royal engagement, you'll make sure our communications consistently spark interest and reach a range of audiences. This is your opportunity to develop your career and deliver the exceptional ... "In return, you will be rewarded with a comprehensive benefits package, including 33 days holiday per annum (inclusive of Bank Holidays), a 15% employer contribution pension scheme (with the option for flexibility to increase contributions or draw down as salary) and support for your continued professional development." Credit: BANG Showbiz

There is a job vacancy at the Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth is hiring!

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