<p>Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s 94-year-old monarch, has told her subjects to stop being selfish and “think of others rather than yourselves” and get a COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>The head of state was speaking on a video call with health professionals and said “it didn’t hurt at all.”</p>

<p>The monarch and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who is currently in hospital with a non-COVID infection, received their shots from a household doctor at the queen’s Windsor Castle residence, with their age putting them in the priority group for England’s coronavirus vaccine rollout.</p>

<p>“Once you’ve had a vaccine you have a feeling of you know, you’re protected which I think is very important and as far as I could make out it was quite harmless,” the queen said in a video call with health officials overseeing inoculations across the four nations of the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>“It was very quick, and I’ve had lots of letters from people who have been very surprised by how easy it was to get the vaccine. And the jab – it didn’t hurt at all,” she added, likening the virus to a plague.</p>

<p>More than 18.6 million Britons have already received their first COVID-19 vaccine injection, and celebrities including singer Elton John and actor Michael Caine have joined campaigns encouraging people to take up offers to have the shot.</p>

<p>Britain’s vaccines minister said this week that between 11% and 15% of the public were hesitant about getting the shot, particularly among ethnic minority groups, amid conspiracy theories around the inoculations.</p>

<p>“It is obviously difficult for people if they’ve never had a vaccine because they ought to think about other people other than themselves,” said the queen, who described Britain’s rollout of the vaccination, one of the fastest in the world, as “remarkable”.</p>

<p>Other members of the royal family, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his son Prince William, have been visiting vaccination centres over the last fortnight to thank staff and volunteers for their work.</p>

<p>It comes, though, amid concern over the health of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was admitted to a London hospital last week and has since spent nine nights there receiving medical attention for an unspecified infection.</p>

<p>The palace has said Philip, who turns 100 in June, was comfortable and responding to treatment, but likely to remain in hospital for several days. A royal source said it was expected the prince would remain in hospital for a second weekend.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, the Duke and the queen’s youngest son Prince Edward said he was “a lot better”, and the day before William said his grandfather was “OK”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s 94-year-old monarch, has told her subjects to stop being selfish and “think of others rather than yourselves” and get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s 94-year-old monarch, has told her subjects to stop being selfish and “think of others rather than yourselves” and get a COVID-19 vaccine. The head of state was speaking on a video call with health professionals and said “it didn’t hurt at all.” The monarch and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who is currently in hospital with a non-COVID infection, received their shots from a household doctor at the queen’s Windsor Castle residence, with their age putting them in the priority group for England’s coronavirus vaccine rollout. “Once you’ve had a vaccine you have a feeling of you know, you’re protected which I think is very important and as far as I could make out it was quite harmless,” the queen said in a video call with health officials overseeing inoculations across the four nations of the United Kingdom. “It was very quick, and I’ve had lots of letters from people who have been very surprised by how easy it was to get the vaccine. And the jab – it didn’t hurt at all,” she added, likening the virus to a plague. More than 18.6 million Britons have already received their first COVID-19 vaccine injection, and celebrities including singer Elton John and actor Michael Caine have joined campaigns encouraging people to take up offers to have the shot. Britain’s vaccines minister said this week that between 11% and 15% of the public were hesitant about getting the shot, particularly among ethnic minority groups, amid conspiracy theories around the inoculations. “It is obviously difficult for people if they’ve never had a vaccine because they ought to think about other people other than themselves,” said the queen, who described Britain’s rollout of the vaccination, one of the fastest in the world, as “remarkable”. Other members of the royal family, including heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his son Prince William, have been visiting vaccination centres over the last fortnight to thank staff and volunteers for their work. It comes, though, amid concern over the health of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who was admitted to a London hospital last week and has since spent nine nights there receiving medical attention for an unspecified infection. The palace has said Philip, who turns 100 in June, was comfortable and responding to treatment, but likely to remain in hospital for several days. A royal source said it was expected the prince would remain in hospital for a second weekend. On Tuesday, the Duke and the queen’s youngest son Prince Edward said he was “a lot better”, and the day before William said his grandfather was “OK”. (With inputs from agencies)

Don’t be selfish and think of others, get a Covid shot: Queen Elizabeth

<p>Hours before Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to sit down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will appear on TV to address and celebrate the Commonwealth on March 7.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
According to reports, the Queen will share her annual message to mark Commonwealth Day, which is on March 8 this year, in a special programme on BBC One that will replace the usual annual service, which has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.<br />
<br />
Her appearance will come just hours before her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan tell the world about why they left the royal family, in a move that has shocked and angered its remaining members.<br />
<br />
Westminster Abbey, where the annual service was to have been held, said Monday the programme will also involve Harry's father Prince Charles, elder brother Prince William, and other senior royals.<br />
<br />
Harry and Meghan announced last week the "intimate" interview with the US chat show host, in which they are expected to air their grievances about how they were treated inside the family following their fairy tale wedding in 2018.<br />
<br />
Soon after the news of their interview came into light, Buckingham Palace announced the couple had permanently quit royal duties, just over a year after they rocked the monarchy by announcing plans to "step back" from their roles.<br />
<br />
The Queen ordered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they are formally known, to relinquish their honorary titles and patronages following the confirmation that they would not be returning as working royals. &nbsp;<br />
<br />
Harry and Meghan quit their roles as senior members of the royal family in March 2020 and relocated to the United States. They have since embarked on several commercial ventures there including lucrative tie-ups with the streaming platforms Netflix and Spotify.<br />
<br />
On Valentine's Day earlier this month, the couple announced that they were expecting their second baby together. They are parents to one-year-old Archie.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(With inputs from AFP)</p>


Hours before Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to sit down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will appear on TV to address and celebrate the Commonwealth on March 7.

Hours before Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to sit down for a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II will appear on TV to address and celebrate the Commonwealth on March 7. According to reports, the Queen will share her annual message to mark Commonwealth Day, which is on March 8 this year, in a special programme on BBC One that will replace the usual annual service, which has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Her appearance will come just hours before her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan tell the world about why they left the royal family, in a move that has shocked and angered its remaining members. Westminster Abbey, where the annual service was to have been held, said Monday the programme will also involve Harry's father Prince Charles, elder brother Prince William, and other senior royals. Harry and Meghan announced last week the "intimate" interview with the US chat show host, in which they are expected to air their grievances about how they were treated inside the family following their fairy tale wedding in 2018. Soon after the news of their interview came into light, Buckingham Palace announced the couple had permanently quit royal duties, just over a year after they rocked the monarchy by announcing plans to "step back" from their roles. The Queen ordered the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, as they are formally known, to relinquish their honorary titles and patronages following the confirmation that they would not be returning as working royals. Harry and Meghan quit their roles as senior members of the royal family in March 2020 and relocated to the United States. They have since embarked on several commercial ventures there including lucrative tie-ups with the streaming platforms Netflix and Spotify. On Valentine's Day earlier this month, the couple announced that they were expecting their second baby together. They are parents to one-year-old Archie. (With inputs from AFP)

Queen Elizabeth to appear on TV hours before Meghan and Harry's tell-all interview to Oprah

<p>Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have had their first COVID-19 vaccinations," Clarence House said in a brief statement, declining to elaborate on when Charles and Camilla, 73, received the shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prince tested positive for the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic in March last year but said he was fortunate to have suffered only relatively mild symptoms and returned to good health.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Britain has delivered vaccine shots to about 13 million people and is on course to reach those in its top four priority groups, which includes all those over 70, by next week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last December, while visiting a vaccination centre near his home in west England, Charles said he would be "way down the list" for a shot but would "absolutely" have one.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Usually, the royal family resist giving out details of such health issues, saying they are a private matter but have decided to make public their vaccinations to avoid any speculation.&nbsp;</p>


Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday. Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain.

Britain's heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla have had their first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, his office Clarence House said on Wednesday. Charles, 72, joins his mother Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip, who had the shots in January, in having a first dose of the vaccines which are currently being rolled out to millions across Britain. "The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall have had their first COVID-19 vaccinations," Clarence House said in a brief statement, declining to elaborate on when Charles and Camilla, 73, received the shot. The prince tested positive for the coronavirus during the first wave of the pandemic in March last year but said he was fortunate to have suffered only relatively mild symptoms and returned to good health. So far, Britain has delivered vaccine shots to about 13 million people and is on course to reach those in its top four priority groups, which includes all those over 70, by next week. Last December, while visiting a vaccination centre near his home in west England, Charles said he would be "way down the list" for a shot but would "absolutely" have one. Usually, the royal family resist giving out details of such health issues, saying they are a private matter but have decided to make public their vaccinations to avoid any speculation.

Prince Charles, wife Camilia receive Covid-19 vaccine 

A report has revealed that Queen Elizabeth successfully lobbied the British Government to conceal her private wealth from the public.

Gravitas: Did the Queen try to hide her wealth?

<p>UK and Commonwealth Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, lobbied the UK government to push through an exemption for Buckingham Palace in transparency laws in the 1970s, The Guardian reported citing documents in the National Archives.</p>

<p>According to the publication, the Queen deployed her high-powered attorney at the time, Matthew Farrer, to pressure government officials and lawmakers involved in drafting a bill to tackle opaque, backroom dealings in the country's financial institutions.</p>

<p>Correspondences between officials found in the United Kingdom's National Archives reveal that Farrer insisted a clause be added to maintain a veil of secrecy to the queen's estate and her stakes in companies.</p>

<p>The left-leaning newspaper maintained that the Queen's consent, an archaic procedure of seeking a go-ahead from the sovereign before legislation is passed in its final reading, acted as a hurdle for the law.</p>

<p>A series of letters published by the news outlet revealed that government officials were subjected to a pressure campaign and reluctantly included an exemption for the Crown, effectively agreeing to create a shell company whose owner would remain anonymous and exact dealings undisclosed. The shell company was run by senior Bank of England employees.</p>

<p>The bank kept its reins on the company until 2011 when the entire operation was shut down. What happened to the shares within it is unknown as no public accounts were ever filed.</p>

<p>A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen's consent was "a parliamentary process, with the role of sovereign purely formal."</p>

<p>"Consent is always granted by the monarch were requested by the government. Any assertion that the sovereign has blocked legislation is simply incorrect," the spokesman said.</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace was long suspected in backroom manipulations to conceal the scale of the Windsor's estate. Scandalous books and journalistic investigations over the decades have sparked fierce debate over the official dispensation of the queen's private wealth in parliament and government.</p>

<p>A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen's consent was "a parliamentary process, with the role of sovereign purely formal."</p>

<p>"Consent is always granted by the monarch were requested by the government. Any assertion that the sovereign has blocked legislation is simply incorrect," the spokesman said.</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace was long suspected in backroom manipulations to conceal the scale of the Windsor's estate. Scandalous books and journalistic investigations over the decades have sparked fierce debate over the official dispensation of the queen's private wealth in parliament and government.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


UK and Commonwealth Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, lobbied the UK government to push through an exemption for Buckingham Palace in transparency laws in the 1970s, The Guardian reported citing documents in the National Archives.

UK and Commonwealth Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II, lobbied the UK government to push through an exemption for Buckingham Palace in transparency laws in the 1970s, The Guardian reported citing documents in the National Archives. According to the publication, the Queen deployed her high-powered attorney at the time, Matthew Farrer, to pressure government officials and lawmakers involved in drafting a bill to tackle opaque, backroom dealings in the country's financial institutions. Correspondences between officials found in the United Kingdom's National Archives reveal that Farrer insisted a clause be added to maintain a veil of secrecy to the queen's estate and her stakes in companies. The left-leaning newspaper maintained that the Queen's consent, an archaic procedure of seeking a go-ahead from the sovereign before legislation is passed in its final reading, acted as a hurdle for the law. A series of letters published by the news outlet revealed that government officials were subjected to a pressure campaign and reluctantly included an exemption for the Crown, effectively agreeing to create a shell company whose owner would remain anonymous and exact dealings undisclosed. The shell company was run by senior Bank of England employees. The bank kept its reins on the company until 2011 when the entire operation was shut down. What happened to the shares within it is unknown as no public accounts were ever filed. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen's consent was "a parliamentary process, with the role of sovereign purely formal." "Consent is always granted by the monarch were requested by the government. Any assertion that the sovereign has blocked legislation is simply incorrect," the spokesman said. Buckingham Palace was long suspected in backroom manipulations to conceal the scale of the Windsor's estate. Scandalous books and journalistic investigations over the decades have sparked fierce debate over the official dispensation of the queen's private wealth in parliament and government. A Buckingham Palace spokesman said that the Queen's consent was "a parliamentary process, with the role of sovereign purely formal." "Consent is always granted by the monarch were requested by the government. Any assertion that the sovereign has blocked legislation is simply incorrect," the spokesman said. Buckingham Palace was long suspected in backroom manipulations to conceal the scale of the Windsor's estate. Scandalous books and journalistic investigations over the decades have sparked fierce debate over the official dispensation of the queen's private wealth in parliament and government.

Queen Elizabeth pressured UK govt for change in law to hide private wealth, report says

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace in a rare public comment on private health matters of the monarch.</p>

<p>"The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.</p>

<p>A source told the domestic Press Association news agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle.</p>

<p>No further details about the vaccinations were released.</p>

<p>In Britain, more than 1.5 million people have received coronavirus vaccine so far. The immunisation program is prioritising elderly population and health workers.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-to-get-vaccinated-next-week-slams-vaccine-deniers-355662">Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers</a></strong></p>

<p>UK has begun administering two types of approved vaccines</p>

<p>Britain on Friday reported a record 1,325 deaths over a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of deaths to nearly 80,000, while also registering a high of 68,053 new cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The queen and Philip have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at &nbsp;Windsor because of their advanced age, and this year saw their traditional family Christmas at her Sandringham estate in eastern England with other royals scrapped.</p>

<p><strong>(With AFP inputs)</strong></p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth the Second, on Saturday, joined the list of prominent global leaders and royals to have received the coronavirus vaccine. The Queen and her husband Prince Philip received COVID-19 vaccine. The announcement was made by Buckingham Palace in a rare public comment on private health matters of the monarch. "The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have today received Covid-19 vaccinations," a Buckingham Palace spokesman said. A source told the domestic Press Association news agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were given the injections by a royal household doctor at Windsor Castle. No further details about the vaccinations were released. In Britain, more than 1.5 million people have received coronavirus vaccine so far. The immunisation program is prioritising elderly population and health workers. Also Read | Pope Francis to get vaccinated next week; slams vaccine deniers UK has begun administering two types of approved vaccines Britain on Friday reported a record 1,325 deaths over a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of deaths to nearly 80,000, while also registering a high of 68,053 new cases. The queen and Philip have spent much of the pandemic in self-isolation at Windsor because of their advanced age, and this year saw their traditional family Christmas at her Sandringham estate in eastern England with other royals scrapped. (With AFP inputs)

Queen Elizabeth receives COVID-19 vaccine

2021 is finally here, and bidding adieu to a hopeless, dreadful 2020 wasn't very hard for many around the globe. While the uncertainties of a 'new normal' still loom over, celebrities have sent messages filled with hope to their fans and followers.

2021 is finally here, and bidding adieu to a hopeless, dreadful 2020 wasn't very hard for many around the globe. While the uncertainties of a 'new normal' still loom over, celebrities have sent messages filled with hope to their fans and followers. Celebrities have taken to social media to celebrate the end of 2020 including Jada Pinkett Smith, Reese Witherspoon, and Taylor Swift. The latter did so donning a bear costume and simply writing, "bye 2020, it’s been weird." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Taylor Swift (@taylorswift) × The Royal Family's official Twitter account shared a quote from Queen Elizabeth referencing the continued coronavirus pandemic that plagued this year but acknowledging brighter days to come. "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again," the tweet reads. “We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.” - HM The Queen. Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year. pic.twitter.com/G5AMIcQIyl — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 31, 2020 × Resse Witherspoon took to her Instagram and shared a video. "I know 2020 has been incredibly difficult and we have to take space just to grieve what was lost... There were also a lot of great things that happened this year, people connecting in ways they never have, appreciating the things that are important in life, people speaking up and telling their stories and people really listening. That has a profound impact in this world," she says in the video, going on to thank essential works and teachers. "Let's go forward into 2021 -- it cannot get here fast enough -- and let's do it with love and hope for brighter days ahead." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Reese Witherspoon (@reesewitherspoon) × Jada Pinkett Smith resonated a sentiment similar to many with a majority of people when she wrote, ""I welcome you 2021 with open arms. I have no expectations. I’m going to be still and grateful✨💖✨" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jada Pinkett Smith (@jadapinkettsmith) × While Sarah Jessica Parker shared a quote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker) × Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull headline Times Square New Year Eve celebrations

Queen Elizabeth to Taylor Swift, celebrities give out message of hope on new year

<p>On the occasion of Christmas,&nbsp;Queen Elizabeth delivered Christmas greetings to the nation, sending a message of hope and caution in the year of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>During her pre-recorded address to the nation, the Queen acknowledged that many families would be missing some members on the Christmas family dinner tables.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-uks-queen-pays-virtual-visit-to-kpmg-to-celebrate-firms-150th-anniversary-350039">&nbsp;UK's Queen pays virtual visit to KPMG to celebrate firm's 150th anniversary</a></strong></p>

<p>"Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness; some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand," she said.</p>

<p>The 94-year-old monarch offered her prayers and respects to the families who have suffered immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "If you are among them, you are not alone. And let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers," she said.</p>

<p>This year her traditional recorded message comes from Windsor Castle, where she is living a lockdown life with the 99-year-old Prince Philip, instead of celebrating with the extended family at the&nbsp;Sandringham estate in eastern England.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/queens-masterpieces-from-buckingham-palace-go-on-display-347758"><strong>WATCH|</strong></a></p>

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<p>She also talked about the importance and effects of lockdown and social distancing. She talked about how, this year, all majority of people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug.</p>

<p>Thanking the frontline workers for their services in this pandemic, she said, "Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has in many ways brought us closer."</p>

<p>"In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year and I`m so proud and moved by this quiet indomitable spirit," she continued.</p>


On the occasion of Christmas, Queen Elizabeth delivered Christmas greetings to the nation, sending a message of hope and caution in the year of the coronavirus pandemic.

On the occasion of Christmas, Queen Elizabeth delivered Christmas greetings to the nation, sending a message of hope and caution in the year of the coronavirus pandemic. During her pre-recorded address to the nation, the Queen acknowledged that many families would be missing some members on the Christmas family dinner tables. Also read| UK's Queen pays virtual visit to KPMG to celebrate firm's 150th anniversary "Of course for many, this time of year will be tinged with sadness; some mourning the loss of those dear to them, and others missing friends and family members distanced for safety when all they really want for Christmas is a simple hug or a squeeze of the hand," she said. The 94-year-old monarch offered her prayers and respects to the families who have suffered immensely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "If you are among them, you are not alone. And let me assure you of my thoughts and prayers," she said. This year her traditional recorded message comes from Windsor Castle, where she is living a lockdown life with the 99-year-old Prince Philip, instead of celebrating with the extended family at the Sandringham estate in eastern England. WATCH| × She also talked about the importance and effects of lockdown and social distancing. She talked about how, this year, all majority of people want for Christmas this year is a simple hug. Thanking the frontline workers for their services in this pandemic, she said, "Remarkably, a year that has necessarily kept people apart has in many ways brought us closer." "In the United Kingdom and around the world, people have risen magnificently to the challenges of the year and I`m so proud and moved by this quiet indomitable spirit," she continued.

'Tinged with sadness': Queen Elizabeth pays respect to COVID-19 victims in Christmas message

<p>In a year of many firsts, the Royal family of England, too, has decided to take the Christmas celebrations up a notch and let people from all corners of the world listen to the Royal message of the Queen.</p>

<p>To make life easier for people, the Royal family has decided to take a little help from technology and use Amazon's smart speaker, Alexa, to spread the Queen's Christmas Day broadcast.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-british-royals-select-happy-family-snapshots-for-their-christmas-cards-350306">British royals select happy family snapshots for their Christmas cards</a></strong></p>

<p>People all over the world can sim ask "Alexa, play the Queen's Christmas Day message" and the AI-trained speaker will play the recorded message.</p>

<p>This service, for the first time, will be available across all geographic boundaries and will be available for all devices set to English as the primary language — it can be British English, American, Canadian or Indian.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/barack-obama-shares-list-of-favourite-films-tv-shows-of-2020-350909">Barack Obama shares list of favourite films, TV shows of 2020</a></strong></p>

<p>The announcement was made by Amazon recently. "After a challenging year, millions of people from across the Commonwealth will be eagerly awaiting Her Majesty the Queen’s message on Christmas Day," said&nbsp;Eric King, the director of Alexa Europe. "By creating this world-first innovation, just as we did in 2012 with the release of the Queen’s Christmas speech on Kindle, we hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the uplifting words of Her Majesty."</p>

<p>This change has come as for the first time the Queen and&nbsp;Duke of Edinburgh will be staying at the Windsor Castle rather than spending Christmas at&nbsp;Sandringham in Norfolk. This will also be the first time the Royal couple will be celebrating Christmas alone, rather than inviting relatives over for a meal. The decision to keep the celebrations hushed has been taken to pay respects to the people who lost their lives and their loved ones to the deadly virus and to make sure the Royal family does not breach any set coronavirus guidelines.</p>

<p>A special arrangement has also been made for people who do not own Amazon's Alexa. Google Home owners can order "OK Google, play BBC Radio 4" at 3pm EST to listen to the Queen's Christmas cheer.</p>

<p>Queen's new dive into the technology comes decades after her first tweet in 2014 and her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957 — which was welcomed with absolute cheer by the locals.</p>


In a year of many firsts, the Royal family of England, too, has decided to take the Christmas celebrations up a notch and let people from all corners of the world listen to the Royal message of the Queen.

In a year of many firsts, the Royal family of England, too, has decided to take the Christmas celebrations up a notch and let people from all corners of the world listen to the Royal message of the Queen. To make life easier for people, the Royal family has decided to take a little help from technology and use Amazon's smart speaker, Alexa, to spread the Queen's Christmas Day broadcast. Also read| British royals select happy family snapshots for their Christmas cards People all over the world can sim ask "Alexa, play the Queen's Christmas Day message" and the AI-trained speaker will play the recorded message. This service, for the first time, will be available across all geographic boundaries and will be available for all devices set to English as the primary language — it can be British English, American, Canadian or Indian. Also read| Barack Obama shares list of favourite films, TV shows of 2020 The announcement was made by Amazon recently. "After a challenging year, millions of people from across the Commonwealth will be eagerly awaiting Her Majesty the Queen’s message on Christmas Day," said Eric King, the director of Alexa Europe. "By creating this world-first innovation, just as we did in 2012 with the release of the Queen’s Christmas speech on Kindle, we hope that even more people will be able to enjoy the uplifting words of Her Majesty." This change has come as for the first time the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be staying at the Windsor Castle rather than spending Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk. This will also be the first time the Royal couple will be celebrating Christmas alone, rather than inviting relatives over for a meal. The decision to keep the celebrations hushed has been taken to pay respects to the people who lost their lives and their loved ones to the deadly virus and to make sure the Royal family does not breach any set coronavirus guidelines. A special arrangement has also been made for people who do not own Amazon's Alexa. Google Home owners can order "OK Google, play BBC Radio 4" at 3pm EST to listen to the Queen's Christmas cheer. Queen's new dive into the technology comes decades after her first tweet in 2014 and her first televised Christmas broadcast in 1957 — which was welcomed with absolute cheer by the locals.

'Alexa, play Royal message': Amazon's smart speaker to spread Queen Elizabeth's Christmas message

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

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

<p>Queen Elizabeth II will receive the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British Queen and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the vaccine early due to their age, the Mail on Sunday claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-eu-spar-over-best-vaccine-regulator-347779/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The report also said that the British royals would get vaccinated "to encourage more people to take up the vital jab" amid fears peddled by anti-vaxxers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anthony-fauci-backtracks-on-uk-vaccine-comments-apologises-for-misunderstanding-347555">Anthony Fauci backtracks on UK vaccine comments; apologises for 'misunderstanding'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Daily Mirror also reported a number of high-profile personalities in Britain who had committed to publicly get inoculated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace has so far not commented on the development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain on Wednesday granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and now people most at risk and elderly are set to be the first set of individuals who will get the drug.</p>

<p>Elderly care home residents and their carers will get the jab first, followed by those aged 80 and more and frontline health and care professionals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rest of the elderly people and clinically extremely vulnerable will then get inoculated.</p>

<p>The remaining population will then get vaccinated according to their age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UK has pre-ordered 40 million doses of the vaccine and will be receiving an initial batch of 800,000 doses to start next week's rollout.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Queen Elizabeth II will receive the coronavirus vaccine within weeks after the United Kingdom granted emergency approval to Pfizer-BioNTech for its drug, reports suggest.

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

Queen Elizabeth II to receive coronavirus vaccine within weeks: Reports

The monarch, 94, and her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip are in line to get the jab early due to their age and will not receive preferential treatment

Britain: Queen Elizabeth, husband to get Covid-19 vaccine

<p>Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show.<br />
<br />
The paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto and others usually hang in the Picture Gallery, one of the palace`s State Rooms that play host to its grandest events.<br />
<br />
But the old masters have been cleared out during renovations and moved to more modern exhibition space of the nearby Queen`s Gallery.</p>

<p><a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/queen-elizabeth-and-prince-philip-to-spend-christmas-at-windsor-for-the-first-time-in-33-years-347250" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to spend Christmas at Windsor for the first time in 33 years</a><br />
<br />
While tourists may have spotted the paintings before from afar during palace tours, they will now be able to see them closer up with fewer distractions, the Surveyor of the Queen`s Pictures, Desmond Shawe-Taylor, told Reuters.<br />
<br />
"What this does is bring the paintings down to eye level, put them in stronger lighting in a modern gallery setting and just allow you to focus on them and nothing else," he said.<br />
<br />
The palace is undergoing a 10-year refit to replace dangerous electrical wiring and boilers, and refurbish other ageing infrastructure, a programme that will cost about 370 million pounds ($500 million) and is due to finish in 2027.<br />
<br />
As part of this work, the 200-year-old roof of the Picture Gallery will be replaced and all its paintings have been removed for the first time in almost 45 years.<br />
<br />
The show "Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace" runs until Jan. 31, 2022.</p>


Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show.

Art lovers will get a close-up view of one of Britain’s greatest collections from Friday when masterworks from deep inside Queen Elizabeth’s Buckingham Palace go on public show. The paintings by Rubens, Van Dyck, Canaletto and others usually hang in the Picture Gallery, one of the palace`s State Rooms that play host to its grandest events. But the old masters have been cleared out during renovations and moved to more modern exhibition space of the nearby Queen`s Gallery. Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to spend Christmas at Windsor for the first time in 33 years While tourists may have spotted the paintings before from afar during palace tours, they will now be able to see them closer up with fewer distractions, the Surveyor of the Queen`s Pictures, Desmond Shawe-Taylor, told Reuters. "What this does is bring the paintings down to eye level, put them in stronger lighting in a modern gallery setting and just allow you to focus on them and nothing else," he said. The palace is undergoing a 10-year refit to replace dangerous electrical wiring and boilers, and refurbish other ageing infrastructure, a programme that will cost about 370 million pounds ($500 million) and is due to finish in 2027. As part of this work, the 200-year-old roof of the Picture Gallery will be replaced and all its paintings have been removed for the first time in almost 45 years. The show "Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace" runs until Jan. 31, 2022.

Queen Elizabeth’s old masters go on public show in Britain

<p>Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip will not be celebrating Christmas this year&nbsp;at the Sandringham House for the first time in 33 years. This year the Royals will be spending their holidays at the Windsor house itself.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The spokesperson for Buckingham Palace announced the news and said, ''Having considered all the appropriate advice, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.''<br />
<br />
Over the years, the couple has&nbsp;been celebrating the joyous day with their whole family at Sandringham. So far there is no update on whether any other family members will join the couple at Windsor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queen along with her husband is currently isolating at Windsor Castle. The royals used to celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle before moving to Sandringham in 1988.</p>

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<p>The Royal Collection Trust also shared an inside look of Christmas decoration at the Windsor Castle featuring 20-foot Norwegian spruce with lights.&nbsp;</p>


Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip will not be celebrating Christmas this year at the Sandringham House for the first time in 33 years. This year the Royals will be spending their holidays at the Windsor house itself.

Queen Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip will not be celebrating Christmas this year at the Sandringham House for the first time in 33 years. This year the Royals will be spending their holidays at the Windsor house itself. The spokesperson for Buckingham Palace announced the news and said, ''Having considered all the appropriate advice, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have decided that this year they will spend Christmas quietly in Windsor.'' Over the years, the couple has been celebrating the joyous day with their whole family at Sandringham. So far there is no update on whether any other family members will join the couple at Windsor. Queen along with her husband is currently isolating at Windsor Castle. The royals used to celebrate Christmas at Windsor Castle before moving to Sandringham in 1988. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Royal Collection Trust (@royalcollectiontrust) × The Royal Collection Trust also shared an inside look of Christmas decoration at the Windsor Castle featuring 20-foot Norwegian spruce with lights.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to spend Christmas at Windsor for the first time in 33 years

<p>Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service.</p>

<p>The 94-year-old, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is due to mark her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022.</p>

<p>The government is planning a four-day celebration that summer, featuring an extra day`s public holiday, with tree planting to be a feature of the milestone, according to an announcement on Sunday.</p>

<p>Named "The Queen`s Green Canopy," the charity-backed project will encourage communities, schools, councils and landowners to plant native trees to help the environment and make local areas greener.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the health crisis and pandemic had reminded people of the importance of nature and green spaces and that trees could transform communities as well as tackling climate change.</p>

<p>"As we celebrate Her Majesty’s incredible 70 years of service, I encourage everyone to get behind this scheme and go ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee,`" Johnson said.</p>

<p>Charities Cool Earth and The Woodland Trust said the planting of trees would create a special gift for the monarch, who has planted more than 1,500 trees around the world during her reign.</p>

<p>Elizabeth, who is also the world`s current oldest and longest-reigning monarch, became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI.</p>

<p>The British royal family have been vocal campaigners on a host of environmental issues, with Elizabeth`s son Prince Charles speaking out for decades about the impact of climate change and the importance of conservation, and her grandson Prince William also taking up the mantle.</p>


Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service.

Britons will be encouraged to plant trees to celebrate Queen Elizabeth`s 70th anniversary on the throne as part of a plan to create a greener country in honour of her seven decades of service. The 94-year-old, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, is due to mark her Platinum Jubilee in February 2022. The government is planning a four-day celebration that summer, featuring an extra day`s public holiday, with tree planting to be a feature of the milestone, according to an announcement on Sunday. Named "The Queen`s Green Canopy," the charity-backed project will encourage communities, schools, councils and landowners to plant native trees to help the environment and make local areas greener. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the health crisis and pandemic had reminded people of the importance of nature and green spaces and that trees could transform communities as well as tackling climate change. "As we celebrate Her Majesty’s incredible 70 years of service, I encourage everyone to get behind this scheme and go ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee,`" Johnson said. Charities Cool Earth and The Woodland Trust said the planting of trees would create a special gift for the monarch, who has planted more than 1,500 trees around the world during her reign. Elizabeth, who is also the world`s current oldest and longest-reigning monarch, became queen on Feb. 6, 1952, following the death of her father King George VI. The British royal family have been vocal campaigners on a host of environmental issues, with Elizabeth`s son Prince Charles speaking out for decades about the impact of climate change and the importance of conservation, and her grandson Prince William also taking up the mantle.

Britons to plant trees to mark Queen Elizabeth's 70 years on throne

<p>Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is back with another season as it takes the story of the British monarchy forward by a few years. Olivia Colman returns as the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) in 'The Crown' season 4 with Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles, and Erin Doherty as Princess Anne along with others who play equally important characters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Olivia Colman’s character remains in focus in almost all episodes considering she’s running the show, two new women characters of Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana pull the balance from under the Queen, time and again.&nbsp;While the former does it by challenging the Queen with her vested powers, the latter manages by swaying Britain’s interest in her beauty and charm. Gillian Anderson plays the role of ‘Iron Lady’, the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with Emma Corin as the doe-eyed Lady Diana.</p>

<p>‘The Crown’ season 4 also plays to the gallery by bringing the much-awaited love-hate relationship of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the big screen. It brings into perspective the start of what could have been a fairy tale romance to a much-publicised love triangle that brought the British Royals and the entire extended family to the world’s attention and not in a good way. The show also sheds light on late Diana’s health issues -- bulimia and how sadness and loneliness took a toll on the world’s most beautiful woman. The episodes that have Charles and Diana almost have you on a rollercoaster of emotions -- love, hate, jealousy, angst, and more.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-emma-corin-reveals-playing-princess-diana-in-netflixs-the-crown-was-hard-343619" hreflang="en">Emma Corin reveals playing Princess Diana in Netflix's 'The Crown' was hard</a></p>

<p>Gillian Anderson’s contribution to the show as Margaret Thatcher deserves a special mention too even though she doesn’t sound or look like the late British PM. The actress, however, nails the act with her impeccable take on mannerisms of Thatcher.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>‘The Crown’ season 4 is equally rich in story and drama and scores big on bringing to account the important events of the world that had an impact on countries across the globe. From the Falklands War to Lord Mountbatten’s assassination, the Netflix show does not fail in weaving a historically-rich story while offering the audience equal doses of opulence, authenticity, and unabashed drama. The costumes and the palaces continue to enthrall you throughout the show.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'The Crown' season 4 is streaming on Netflix. It premiered on November 15.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/the-crown-season-6-heres-everything-to-know-about-the-final-season-343447">'The Crown' Season 6: Here's everything to know about the final season</a></p>


Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is back with another season as it takes the story of the British monarchy forward by a few years. Olivia Colman returns as the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) in 'The Crown' season 4 with Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles, and Erin Doherty as Princess Anne along with others who play equally important characters.

Netflix’s ‘The Crown’ is back with another season as it takes the story of the British monarchy forward by a few years. Olivia Colman returns as the reigning monarch (Queen Elizabeth II) in 'The Crown' season 4 with Tobias Menzies as Prince Philip, Helena Bonham Carter as Princess Margaret, Josh O'Connor as Prince Charles, and Erin Doherty as Princess Anne along with others who play equally important characters. While Olivia Colman’s character remains in focus in almost all episodes considering she’s running the show, two new women characters of Margaret Thatcher and Princess Diana pull the balance from under the Queen, time and again. While the former does it by challenging the Queen with her vested powers, the latter manages by swaying Britain’s interest in her beauty and charm. Gillian Anderson plays the role of ‘Iron Lady’, the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher with Emma Corin as the doe-eyed Lady Diana. ‘The Crown’ season 4 also plays to the gallery by bringing the much-awaited love-hate relationship of Prince Charles and Princess Diana to the big screen. It brings into perspective the start of what could have been a fairy tale romance to a much-publicised love triangle that brought the British Royals and the entire extended family to the world’s attention and not in a good way. The show also sheds light on late Diana’s health issues -- bulimia and how sadness and loneliness took a toll on the world’s most beautiful woman. The episodes that have Charles and Diana almost have you on a rollercoaster of emotions -- love, hate, jealousy, angst, and more. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Crown (@thecrownnetflix) × Emma Corin reveals playing Princess Diana in Netflix's 'The Crown' was hard Gillian Anderson’s contribution to the show as Margaret Thatcher deserves a special mention too even though she doesn’t sound or look like the late British PM. The actress, however, nails the act with her impeccable take on mannerisms of Thatcher. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Crown (@thecrownnetflix) × ‘The Crown’ season 4 is equally rich in story and drama and scores big on bringing to account the important events of the world that had an impact on countries across the globe. From the Falklands War to Lord Mountbatten’s assassination, the Netflix show does not fail in weaving a historically-rich story while offering the audience equal doses of opulence, authenticity, and unabashed drama. The costumes and the palaces continue to enthrall you throughout the show. 'The Crown' season 4 is streaming on Netflix. It premiered on November 15. 'The Crown' Season 6: Here's everything to know about the final season

'The Crown' season 4 review: Show delivers its best as Diana, Thatcher take away the Queen's thunder

Queen Elizabeth carried out her first major engagement since a coronavirus lockdown in March, visiting the Porton Down military research facility on Thursday which was involved in dealing with a 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack.

Queen Elizabeth, Prince William go maskless on official tour

<p>Queen Elizabeth carried out her first major engagement since a coronavirus lockdown in March, visiting the Porton Down military research facility on Thursday which was involved in dealing with a 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack.</p>

<p>The 94-year-old monarch, who spent Britain`s national lockdown at Windsor Castle, has carried out her official duties remotely by video or telephone, or at her palace, since social restrictions were introduced.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-develops-five-minute-covid-19-rapid-antigen-test-335467"><strong>Also read|&nbsp;Oxford develops five-minute COVID-19 rapid antigen test</strong></a></p>

<p>For her first public outing, she made a rare joint appearance with her grandson Prince William, with neither wearing facemasks although all involved were socially distanced.</p>

<p>The top secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, in Porton Down, southwest England, identified the nerve agent used to attack Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the nearby city of Salisbury two years ago.</p>

<p>Britain has accused two Russian agents backed by Moscow of carrying out the attack, a charge the Kremlin has rejected. Russian officials are also accused of using Novichok to poison Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in August.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/covid-19-this-one-blood-group-is-less-vulnerable-to-coronavirus-335456">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: This one blood group is less vulnerable to coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>During their trip, the royals met the Porton Down staff and military personnel who were involved in the Novichok clear-up operation, along with scientists helping the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>The formal purpose of the trip was to open the lab`s new Energetics Analysis Centre, where the queen and the prince were given a demonstration of a forensic explosives investigation.</p>

<p>They also toured the lab`s Energetic Enclosure to see a display of weaponry and tactics used in counter intelligence.</p>

<p>Porton Down was founded in 1916 as Britain`s chemical and biological weapons laboratory, where defence ministry scientists carried out secret experiments involving some 20,000 servicemen, leading to the death of one from exposure to sarin nerve gas.</p>

<p>Since the 1960s, it has focused on developing countermeasures and defence and security technology, although its secret structure has always led to speculation about its activities, especially among flying-saucer theorists.</p>

<p>"No aliens, either alive or dead have ever been taken to Porton Down," the government`s website says.</p>

<p>Since March, Elizabeth`s only public appearances have been at Windsor for a military ceremony in June to mark her birthday, and for a ceremony to knight record-breaking charity fundraiser, 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore.</p>

<p>She has also paid private visits to Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham in eastern England, her private residences.</p>

<p>On Thursday, following the routine of much of her 68-year reign, she unveiled a plaque at Porton Down and signed the guest book.</p>

<p>"Well, it proves we’ve been here, doesn’t it?" she joked.</p>


Queen Elizabeth carried out her first major engagement since a coronavirus lockdown in March, visiting the Porton Down military research facility on Thursday which was involved in dealing with a 2018 Novichok nerve agent attack. The 94-year-old monarch, who spent Britain`s national lockdown at Windsor Castle, has carried out her official duties remotely by video or telephone, or at her palace, since social restrictions were introduced. Also read| Oxford develops five-minute COVID-19 rapid antigen test For her first public outing, she made a rare joint appearance with her grandson Prince William, with neither wearing facemasks although all involved were socially distanced. The top secret Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, in Porton Down, southwest England, identified the nerve agent used to attack Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the nearby city of Salisbury two years ago. Britain has accused two Russian agents backed by Moscow of carrying out the attack, a charge the Kremlin has rejected. Russian officials are also accused of using Novichok to poison Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in August. Also read| COVID-19: This one blood group is less vulnerable to coronavirus During their trip, the royals met the Porton Down staff and military personnel who were involved in the Novichok clear-up operation, along with scientists helping the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The formal purpose of the trip was to open the lab`s new Energetics Analysis Centre, where the queen and the prince were given a demonstration of a forensic explosives investigation. They also toured the lab`s Energetic Enclosure to see a display of weaponry and tactics used in counter intelligence. Porton Down was founded in 1916 as Britain`s chemical and biological weapons laboratory, where defence ministry scientists carried out secret experiments involving some 20,000 servicemen, leading to the death of one from exposure to sarin nerve gas. Since the 1960s, it has focused on developing countermeasures and defence and security technology, although its secret structure has always led to speculation about its activities, especially among flying-saucer theorists. "No aliens, either alive or dead have ever been taken to Porton Down," the government`s website says. Since March, Elizabeth`s only public appearances have been at Windsor for a military ceremony in June to mark her birthday, and for a ceremony to knight record-breaking charity fundraiser, 100-year-old Captain Tom Moore. She has also paid private visits to Balmoral Castle in Scotland and Sandringham in eastern England, her private residences. On Thursday, following the routine of much of her 68-year reign, she unveiled a plaque at Porton Down and signed the guest book. "Well, it proves we’ve been here, doesn’t it?" she joked.

UK queen, 94, visits Novichok lab in first outing since lockdown

<p>Barbados&nbsp;wants to remove Britain's Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, the Caribbean island nation's government has said, reviving a plan mooted several times in the past.</p>

<p>A former British colony that gained independence in 1966,&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire.</p>

<p>"The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind," said&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;Governor General Sandra Mason, delivering a speech on behalf of the country's Prime Minister Mia Mottley.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/queen-elizabeth-ii-becomes-first-royal-to-attend-virtual-unveiling-of-portrait-316264" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth II becomes first Royal to attend virtual unveiling of portrait</a></p>

<p>"Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence,&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence."</p>

<p>That anniversary will come in November of next year.</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace said the issue was a matter for the people of&nbsp;Barbados. Britain's Foreign Office said the decision was one for&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;to take.</p>

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<p>"Barbados&nbsp;and the UK are united in our shared history, culture, language and much more. We have an enduring partnership and will continue to work with them along with all our valued Caribbean partners," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said.</p>

<p>As things stand, the governor general of&nbsp;Barbados&nbsp;is appointed by the queen on the advice of the island's prime minister. The governor general represents the queen at formal events such as the state opening of parliament, which was the occasion at which Mason delivered the speech on Tuesday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/queen-elizabeth-thanks-businesses-worldwide-for-being-considerate-during-covid-307086" hreflang="en">Queen Elizabeth thanks businesses worldwide for being considerate during COVID</a></p>

<p>Britain has played a key role in the history of&nbsp;Barbados, which was transformed by the Atlantic slave trade. The island was claimed for England in 1625 when Captain Henry Powell landed there.</p>

<p>It was quickly settled and stayed in British hands over the centuries, unlike other Caribbean islands that were fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Americans. The introduction of African slaves to work the sugar plantations fields brought fabulous wealth for the white ruling class.</p>

<p>Today's population of under 300,000 is overwhelmingly of African descent. Some cultural links to Britain are still evident: towns have names like Hastings and streets like Liverpool Lane, while the sport of cricket is very popular.</p>

<p>Britain is home to a large community of people of Barbadian descent.</p>


Barbados wants to remove Britain's Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, the Caribbean island nation's government has said, reviving a plan mooted several times in the past.

Barbados wants to remove Britain's Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, the Caribbean island nation's government has said, reviving a plan mooted several times in the past. A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British monarchy as have some other countries that were once part of the British empire. "The time has come to fully leave our colonial past behind," said Barbados Governor General Sandra Mason, delivering a speech on behalf of the country's Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Also read: Queen Elizabeth II becomes first Royal to attend virtual unveiling of portrait "Barbadians want a Barbadian Head of State. This is the ultimate statement of confidence in who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Hence, Barbados will take the next logical step toward full sovereignty and become a Republic by the time we celebrate our 55th Anniversary of Independence." That anniversary will come in November of next year. Buckingham Palace said the issue was a matter for the people of Barbados. Britain's Foreign Office said the decision was one for Barbados to take. × "Barbados and the UK are united in our shared history, culture, language and much more. We have an enduring partnership and will continue to work with them along with all our valued Caribbean partners," a Foreign Office spokeswoman said. As things stand, the governor general of Barbados is appointed by the queen on the advice of the island's prime minister. The governor general represents the queen at formal events such as the state opening of parliament, which was the occasion at which Mason delivered the speech on Tuesday. Also read: Queen Elizabeth thanks businesses worldwide for being considerate during COVID Britain has played a key role in the history of Barbados, which was transformed by the Atlantic slave trade. The island was claimed for England in 1625 when Captain Henry Powell landed there. It was quickly settled and stayed in British hands over the centuries, unlike other Caribbean islands that were fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Americans. The introduction of African slaves to work the sugar plantations fields brought fabulous wealth for the white ruling class. Today's population of under 300,000 is overwhelmingly of African descent. Some cultural links to Britain are still evident: towns have names like Hastings and streets like Liverpool Lane, while the sport of cricket is very popular. Britain is home to a large community of people of Barbadian descent.

Barbados says it will remove Queen Elizabeth as head of state

<p>For Olivia Colman, it is not an easy task to portray Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown'. Her work may have earned her several nominations in different prestigious awards, but she still worries that what Her Majesty thinks&nbsp;of her portrayal.<br />
<br />
In an interview, the Oscar-winning actress revealed, her inside worries, ''It’s much harder to play ­people that everyone has a vision of,&nbsp;a picture of, and has ideas about,'' the actress shared. ''I've never joined a show that’s already been up and running and successful but I was such an enormous fan that I didn’t think about it''.<br />
<br />
Colman also added, that there is difficulty to portray a person who is still alive, ''There is much more pressure when you're playing someone who is still living, and you have this fear that they’re watching it and won't like it,''&nbsp;</p>

<p>''You're thinking, Oh my God, what if Queen Elizabeth II ­watches the series and sees me? Perhaps she will think that my interpretation is completely wrong. She’s going to change channels'', she said.<br />
<br />
This is not the first time when the actress is playing a British monarch's character. Earlier, Colman grabbed her first Oscar for playing a Queen Anne in 2018’s movie 'The Favourite', by referring about that character she said: ''The beauty of Queen Anne is that no one can tell me she didn’t sound like that, but everyone can tell me what the Queen sounds like, and that’s slightly annoying''<br />
<br />
Olivia took over the role of Elizabeth in season 3 after Claire Foy played her in the Netflix long-running series in the first two seasons.</p>


For Olivia Colman, it is not an easy task to portray Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown'. Her work may have earned her several nominations in different prestigious awards, but she still worries that what Her Majesty thinks of her portrayal.

For Olivia Colman, it is not an easy task to portray Queen Elizabeth II in 'The Crown'. Her work may have earned her several nominations in different prestigious awards, but she still worries that what Her Majesty thinks of her portrayal. In an interview, the Oscar-winning actress revealed, her inside worries, ''It’s much harder to play people that everyone has a vision of, a picture of, and has ideas about,'' the actress shared. ''I've never joined a show that’s already been up and running and successful but I was such an enormous fan that I didn’t think about it''. Colman also added, that there is difficulty to portray a person who is still alive, ''There is much more pressure when you're playing someone who is still living, and you have this fear that they’re watching it and won't like it,'' ''You're thinking, Oh my God, what if Queen Elizabeth II watches the series and sees me? Perhaps she will think that my interpretation is completely wrong. She’s going to change channels'', she said. This is not the first time when the actress is playing a British monarch's character. Earlier, Colman grabbed her first Oscar for playing a Queen Anne in 2018’s movie 'The Favourite', by referring about that character she said: ''The beauty of Queen Anne is that no one can tell me she didn’t sound like that, but everyone can tell me what the Queen sounds like, and that’s slightly annoying'' Olivia took over the role of Elizabeth in season 3 after Claire Foy played her in the Netflix long-running series in the first two seasons.

Olivia Colman on playing Elizabeth II: More pressure to portray a person who is still alive

<p>An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She described how the "UK in India" team rose to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID 19, through collaborative working between India and London, and with exceptional cooperation from the Indian authorities.</p>

<p>The UK repatriated nearly 18,000 travellers from India on 66 charter flights, from 11 Indian cities, between April and June.</p>

<p>The engagement took place during a virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The artwork, painted by artist Miriam Escofet, will be on display in the refurbished reception of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.</p>

<p>The Queen praised FCO staff members for their work in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>During the engagement, the Queen spoke to staff who worked on the repatriation effort and also heard about the work the UK Government is doing internationally to develop a vaccine.</p>

<p>Narrating her experience, Tariang said: "Organising the repatriation flights was a huge and complex operation involving thorough planning and coordination. We also had to obtain movement permissions during a nationwide lockdown - the main challenge was to organise transport from remote places like Meghalaya and Manipur for a journey spanning 32 hours," she said.</p>

<p>"I used my local networks and Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali language skills to organise a safe journey for some of the most vulnerable and elderly British nationals. For example: arranging a bus all the way from Shillong to Kolkata; requesting assistance from police officers to help passengers cross borders; and getting hotels to open their restaurants for dinner and packing breakfast for long journeys - all so passengers could catch their flight in the nick of time," she added.</p>


An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission.

An Indian consular officer on Friday briefed Queen Elizabeth II about the close collaboration between the UK and India during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanjibita Tariang, who works at the British Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, narrated her experience of helping stranded British travellers get home during India's lockdown, according to a statment by British High commission. She described how the "UK in India" team rose to the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID 19, through collaborative working between India and London, and with exceptional cooperation from the Indian authorities. The UK repatriated nearly 18,000 travellers from India on 66 charter flights, from 11 Indian cities, between April and June. The engagement took place during a virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth. The artwork, painted by artist Miriam Escofet, will be on display in the refurbished reception of the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Queen praised FCO staff members for their work in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the engagement, the Queen spoke to staff who worked on the repatriation effort and also heard about the work the UK Government is doing internationally to develop a vaccine. Narrating her experience, Tariang said: "Organising the repatriation flights was a huge and complex operation involving thorough planning and coordination. We also had to obtain movement permissions during a nationwide lockdown - the main challenge was to organise transport from remote places like Meghalaya and Manipur for a journey spanning 32 hours," she said. "I used my local networks and Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Nepali language skills to organise a safe journey for some of the most vulnerable and elderly British nationals. For example: arranging a bus all the way from Shillong to Kolkata; requesting assistance from police officers to help passengers cross borders; and getting hotels to open their restaurants for dinner and packing breakfast for long journeys - all so passengers could catch their flight in the nick of time," she added.

Indian consular officer briefs queen Elizabeth about India-UK collaboration during Covid-19 

<p>Queen Elizabeth II has become the first in the British Royal Family to&nbsp;witness a portrait of themselves being unveiled virtually.</p>

<p>Due to the novel coronavirus and the advice of the UK health experts and government to stay home, the 94-year-old monarch joined in on a video call with artist Miriam Escofet for the unveiling ceremony.</p>

<p>"I'm glad I've had the chance to see it," the Queen said to Escofet. "I hope I'll see it in real life one day."</p>

<p>The Royal Media's social media accounts showcased the portrait.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFFbdGnNy0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio).</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/theroyalfamily/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> The Royal Family</a> (@theroyalfamily) on <time datetime="2020-07-25T21:03:18+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Jul 25, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>The portrait shows the Queen sitting on a gilded chair in a blue knee-length dress, with a tea cup next to her on a table and the painting of her great-great-great-grandmother Queen Charlotte, George III's wife in the background.</p>

<p>The artist Escofet issued a statement stating that it was a big honour.&nbsp;"I wanted the portrait to capture Her Majesty's humanity, her radiance and her warmth, which came through so strongly in the two portrait sittings," she said.</p>

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<p>The video call event was hosted by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), which commissioned the artwork. The FCO also took this opportunity to brief the Queen about the country's preparations for coronavirus and its advancements on the PPE and coronavirus testing kits.</p>


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

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

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

<p>Britain`s foreign office has unveiled a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth by the artist Miriam Escofet, which the Queen viewed online on Friday during a meeting to thank staff for their work helping travellers affected by coronavirus restrictions.<br />
<br />
The portrait depicts the Queen&nbsp;wearing a blue knee-length dress, pearls and low-heeled black shoes, seated on a chair covered in gold leaf in an ornately furnished room, with a tea cup and a vase of mauve roses on the table beside her.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFFbdGnNy0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio).</a></p>

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<p>On the wall behind the Queen is the bottom of a much-older portrait, of which only a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the lower part of a lady`s white frilly dress is visible.<br />
<br />
"I`m glad I`ve had the chance to see it. I hope I'll see it in real life one day," Queen Elizabeth said after watching the portrait be unveiled via video conference.<br />
<br />
The 94-year-old monarch also thanked foreign ministry staff for their efforts to repatriate British nationals who struggled to return home due to coronavirus restrictions, and also heard about international efforts to develop a vaccine.<br />
<br />
"Her Majesty the Queen is our best diplomat," Simon McDonald, head of Britain's diplomatic service, said.</p>

<p>The Queen sat twice for the portrait by Escofet, who was born in Barcelona but has spent most of her life in the United Kingdom, and won Britain`s most prestigious prize for portraiture in 2018.</p>


Britain`s foreign office has unveiled a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth by the artist Miriam Escofet, which the Queen viewed online on Friday during a meeting to thank staff for their work helping travellers affected by coronavirus restrictions.

Britain`s foreign office has unveiled a new portrait of Queen Elizabeth by the artist Miriam Escofet, which the Queen viewed online on Friday during a meeting to thank staff for their work helping travellers affected by coronavirus restrictions. The portrait depicts the Queen wearing a blue knee-length dress, pearls and low-heeled black shoes, seated on a chair covered in gold leaf in an ornately furnished room, with a tea cup and a vase of mauve roses on the table beside her. View this post on Instagram 🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio). A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily) on Jul 25, 2020 at 2:03pm PDT × On the wall behind the Queen is the bottom of a much-older portrait, of which only a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the lower part of a lady`s white frilly dress is visible. "I`m glad I`ve had the chance to see it. I hope I'll see it in real life one day," Queen Elizabeth said after watching the portrait be unveiled via video conference. The 94-year-old monarch also thanked foreign ministry staff for their efforts to repatriate British nationals who struggled to return home due to coronavirus restrictions, and also heard about international efforts to develop a vaccine. "Her Majesty the Queen is our best diplomat," Simon McDonald, head of Britain's diplomatic service, said. The Queen sat twice for the portrait by Escofet, who was born in Barcelona but has spent most of her life in the United Kingdom, and won Britain`s most prestigious prize for portraiture in 2018.

Queen Elizabeth sees new portrait unveiled at Britain's foreign office

<p>Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, married her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday. According to reports, the wedding was a private affair and ceremony took place at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge.<br />
<br />
The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the couple to cancel their original plans to marry in May.<br />
<br />
The new date had been announced in advance and the Buckingham Palace described the ceremony as "small".<br />
<br />
The Queen and Prince Philip who have been isolating at Windsor since March due to the coronavirus pandemic attended their granddaughter's wedding. It is believed that the royal couple stepped out for the first time since March to attend a family gathering.<br />
<br />
Britain had banned wedding ceremonies amid lockdown but it was lifted on July 4.<br />
<br />
Beatrice and Edoardo began dating in 2018. They got engaged during a weekend trip to Italy in September last year.<br />
<br />
Their families have known one another for many years. According to reports, the couple started dating after meeting at Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank.</p>


Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, married her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday. According to reports, the wedding was a private affair and ceremony took place at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge.

Princess Beatrice, the eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, married her fiance Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday. According to reports, the wedding was a private affair and ceremony took place at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge. The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the couple to cancel their original plans to marry in May. The new date had been announced in advance and the Buckingham Palace described the ceremony as "small". The Queen and Prince Philip who have been isolating at Windsor since March due to the coronavirus pandemic attended their granddaughter's wedding. It is believed that the royal couple stepped out for the first time since March to attend a family gathering. Britain had banned wedding ceremonies amid lockdown but it was lifted on July 4. Beatrice and Edoardo began dating in 2018. They got engaged during a weekend trip to Italy in September last year. Their families have known one another for many years. According to reports, the couple started dating after meeting at Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank.

Britain's Princess Beatrice marries fiance Edoardo Mapelli in a private ceremony at Windsor

<p>Queen Elizabeth II&nbsp;was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed.</p>

<p>The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis when he abruptly fired Gough Whitlam, the democratically elected leader of the centre-left Labor party.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queens-letters-on-australian-pms-sacking-to-be-released-in-full-311829">Queen's letters on Australian PM's sacking to be released in full</a></strong></p>

<p>In May the High Court ruled more than 200 letters between the&nbsp;queen's private secretary and Kerr, including many addressing the controversial affair, should be made public.</p>

<p>On a November&nbsp;11, 1975 dispatch, Governor-General John Kerr told the Queen’s private secretary he took the unprecedented step to sack Prime Minister Gough Whitlam as Whitlam prepared to end a months-long budget standoff by calling a partial Senate election.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-court-orders-release-of-queens-letters-over-former-pm-whitlams-sacking-301879">Australian court orders release of Queen's letters over former PM Whitlam's sacking</a></strong></p>

<p>''I decided to take this step ... without informing the Palace in advance,''&nbsp;Kerr wrote to former private secretary Martin Charteris on the day of Whitlam’s dismissal.</p>

<p>''It was better for Her Majesty not to know in advance, though it is ... my duty to tell her immediately,''&nbsp;Kerr added, according to the documents.</p>

<p>Suspicion the palace played a direct role in Whitlam's ouster has long been cited by Australian Republicans arguing the country should break with the monarchy.</p>

<p>The decision capped a protracted political stalemate after the opposition-controlled Senate refused to pass the government's budget, severely weakening Whitlam's position.</p>

<p>The release of 211 so-called ''palace letters''&nbsp;pulls the veil from one of the great mysteries of Australian politics, and may reignite a conversation about whether the country should cut ties with Britain and become a republic.</p>

<p>The letters confirm the palace knew Kerr had been considering the options available to him under his Constitutional "reserve powers", which included dismissing Australia's leader, an action no other governor-general has taken before or since.</p>

<p>Whitlam’s firing remains one of the country’s most polarising political events because it represented an unprecedented level of intervention by the Commonwealth.</p>

<p>Historians say the country was never told the full story, and in 2016 a historian sued the National Archives of Australia for access to letters between Kerr and the queen. The lawsuit failed on grounds that the letters were private, but the High Court overturned the ruling in May.</p>

<p>The letters show Kerr and Buckingham Palace discussed the political crisis gripping the country, and Kerr’s role in it, for two months before Whitlam’s sacking as the prime minister tried to get parliament to approve his Budget.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed.

Queen Elizabeth II was not informed in advance about the 1975 dismissal of Australia's prime minister by her representative in country, letters kept secret for decades and released Tuesday revealed. The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis when he abruptly fired Gough Whitlam, the democratically elected leader of the centre-left Labor party. Also read: Queen's letters on Australian PM's sacking to be released in full In May the High Court ruled more than 200 letters between the queen's private secretary and Kerr, including many addressing the controversial affair, should be made public. On a November 11, 1975 dispatch, Governor-General John Kerr told the Queen’s private secretary he took the unprecedented step to sack Prime Minister Gough Whitlam as Whitlam prepared to end a months-long budget standoff by calling a partial Senate election. Also read: Australian court orders release of Queen's letters over former PM Whitlam's sacking ''I decided to take this step ... without informing the Palace in advance,'' Kerr wrote to former private secretary Martin Charteris on the day of Whitlam’s dismissal. ''It was better for Her Majesty not to know in advance, though it is ... my duty to tell her immediately,'' Kerr added, according to the documents. Suspicion the palace played a direct role in Whitlam's ouster has long been cited by Australian Republicans arguing the country should break with the monarchy. The decision capped a protracted political stalemate after the opposition-controlled Senate refused to pass the government's budget, severely weakening Whitlam's position. The release of 211 so-called ''palace letters'' pulls the veil from one of the great mysteries of Australian politics, and may reignite a conversation about whether the country should cut ties with Britain and become a republic. The letters confirm the palace knew Kerr had been considering the options available to him under his Constitutional "reserve powers", which included dismissing Australia's leader, an action no other governor-general has taken before or since. Whitlam’s firing remains one of the country’s most polarising political events because it represented an unprecedented level of intervention by the Commonwealth. Historians say the country was never told the full story, and in 2016 a historian sued the National Archives of Australia for access to letters between Kerr and the queen. The lawsuit failed on grounds that the letters were private, but the High Court overturned the ruling in May. The letters show Kerr and Buckingham Palace discussed the political crisis gripping the country, and Kerr’s role in it, for two months before Whitlam’s sacking as the prime minister tried to get parliament to approve his Budget.

Queen Elizabeth II was not informed about Australian PM Whitlam's historic sacking

<p>Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence on her role in the 1975 sacking of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam will be released next week, it was announced Thursday, after a lengthy battle to make the documents public.</p>

<p>The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis in 1975 when he dismissed Whitlam, the popular leader of the centre-left Labor party, three years after his election.</p>

<p>Australia's High Court ruled in May that more than 200 letters between the queen and Kerr over the controversial affair should be part of the public record after her representatives had successfully kept them secret for decades.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-battles-to-contain-melbourne-coronavirus-outbreak-311583"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Australia battles to contain Melbourne coronavirus outbreak</strong></a></p>

<p>The National Archives of Australia said Thursday it would release the correspondence -- amounting to over 1,000 pages known as the "Palace Letters" -- on July 14 with no redactions.</p>

<p>"The National Archives has examined the records for public release under the provisions of the Archives Act 1983 and I have determined all items will be released in full," director-general David Fricker said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-warns-citizens-against-arbitrary-detention-risk-in-china-311511"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China</strong></a></p>

<p>Many of the 212 letters have attachments including newspaper clippings and other reports relating to Kerr's work as governor-general, Fricker added.</p>

<p>The letters could help show if the British government tried to influence events in its former colony and what role the queen, Prince Charles and top royal advisers may have played.</p>

<p>Local historian and Whitlam biographer Jennifer Hocking, who took the case to court in 2016, spent years arguing the texts were "extraordinarily significant historical documents" that should be made public, while the queen's representatives had argued the correspondence was private.</p>

<p>Australia became independent in 1901, but the queen is still head of state. A referendum on becoming a republic failed in 1999.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence on her role in the 1975 sacking of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam will be released next week, it was announced Thursday, after a lengthy battle to make the documents public.

Queen Elizabeth II's correspondence on her role in the 1975 sacking of Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam will be released next week, it was announced Thursday, after a lengthy battle to make the documents public. The British monarch's representative in Australia, governor-general John Kerr, sparked a constitutional crisis in 1975 when he dismissed Whitlam, the popular leader of the centre-left Labor party, three years after his election. Australia's High Court ruled in May that more than 200 letters between the queen and Kerr over the controversial affair should be part of the public record after her representatives had successfully kept them secret for decades. Also read: Australia battles to contain Melbourne coronavirus outbreak The National Archives of Australia said Thursday it would release the correspondence -- amounting to over 1,000 pages known as the "Palace Letters" -- on July 14 with no redactions. "The National Archives has examined the records for public release under the provisions of the Archives Act 1983 and I have determined all items will be released in full," director-general David Fricker said. Also read: Australia warns citizens against 'arbitrary detention' risk in China Many of the 212 letters have attachments including newspaper clippings and other reports relating to Kerr's work as governor-general, Fricker added. The letters could help show if the British government tried to influence events in its former colony and what role the queen, Prince Charles and top royal advisers may have played. Local historian and Whitlam biographer Jennifer Hocking, who took the case to court in 2016, spent years arguing the texts were "extraordinarily significant historical documents" that should be made public, while the queen's representatives had argued the correspondence was private. Australia became independent in 1901, but the queen is still head of state. A referendum on becoming a republic failed in 1999.

Queen's letters on Australian PM's sacking to be released in full

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


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

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

Queen Elizabeth thanks businesses worldwide for being considerate during COVID

<p>Queen Elizabeth took part in her first public video conference call to mark Carers Week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Queen and her daughter Anne spoke to four cares learning about their experience and lives during the coronavirus outbreak despite their primary responsibility of looking after family members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Interesting listening to all your tales and stories," the 94-year-old queen said. "I'm very impressed by what you have achieved already. I'm very glad to have been able to join you today."</p>

<p>The video of this meet was released on Thursday to mark Carers Week, highlighting all the sacrifices made by approximately 7 million unpaid carers in the United Kingdom, many of whom have had to take on extra roles during the lockdown brought about by the novel coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>In May, the Buckingham Palace released an audio of the Queen's telephone conversation with nurses, where she thanked them for their services to the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 151 to 41,279 as of 1600 GMT on June 10, according to government data released on Thursday.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Queen Elizabeth took part in her first public video conference call to mark Carers Week. The Queen and her daughter Anne spoke to four cares learning about their experience and lives during the coronavirus outbreak despite their primary responsibility of looking after family members.

Queen Elizabeth took part in her first public video conference call to mark Carers Week. The Queen and her daughter Anne spoke to four cares learning about their experience and lives during the coronavirus outbreak despite their primary responsibility of looking after family members. "Interesting listening to all your tales and stories," the 94-year-old queen said. "I'm very impressed by what you have achieved already. I'm very glad to have been able to join you today." The video of this meet was released on Thursday to mark Carers Week, highlighting all the sacrifices made by approximately 7 million unpaid carers in the United Kingdom, many of whom have had to take on extra roles during the lockdown brought about by the novel coronavirus pandemic. In May, the Buckingham Palace released an audio of the Queen's telephone conversation with nurses, where she thanked them for their services to the country. Britain's death toll from confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose by 151 to 41,279 as of 1600 GMT on June 10, according to government data released on Thursday. (Inputs from Reuters)

Queen Elizabeth takes part in first public video conference call to mark Carers Week

<p>The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions.</p>

<p>Individuals from staff in the illustrious family unit face pay freezes and ventures have likewise been ended amid the terminations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These incorporate Buckingham Palace, which as a rule invites guests during summers when the Queen is at Balmoral.</p>

<p>"The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by a coronavirus and the royal household is no exception," said a spokesperson of Buckingham Palace.</p>

<p>The number of people who have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for COVID-19 rose by 160 to 34,796, the health department said on Twitter on Monday.</p>

<p>A total of 246,406 people have tested positive for the virus, up 2,684.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions.

The deadly Covid-19 virus could blow a dent of £18 million in the Queen Elizabeth II's accounts after palaces and castles were closed to travellers due to the lockdown restrictions. Individuals from staff in the illustrious family unit face pay freezes and ventures have likewise been ended amid the terminations. These incorporate Buckingham Palace, which as a rule invites guests during summers when the Queen is at Balmoral. "The whole country is very likely to be impacted financially by a coronavirus and the royal household is no exception," said a spokesperson of Buckingham Palace. The number of people who have died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for COVID-19 rose by 160 to 34,796, the health department said on Twitter on Monday. A total of 246,406 people have tested positive for the virus, up 2,684. (With inputs from Reuters)

Queen Elizabeth II hit by £18 million hole in finances after palaces shut to tourists

<p>As the coronavirus crisis doesn’t seem to slow down, British press accounts confirm that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will continue to stay safe and isolated at Windsor Castle. The Queen will avoid her annual summer stay at Balmoral.</p>

<p>The Queen and Prince have been in isolation since March.</p>

<p>There have also been announcements on the front of any public engagements as the Buckingham Palace will be closed for the summer and events including Trooping the Colour and Her Majesty’s garden parties cancelled.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/queen-elizabeth-cancels-gun-salutes-for-her-birthday-report-293304">Queen Elizabeth cancels gun salutes for her birthday: Report</a></p>

<h1><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/as-queen-turns-94-prince-charles-william-and-kate-share-rare-pictures-of-the-monarch-293914">As Queen turns 94, Prince Charles, William and Kate share rare pictures of the monarch</a></h1>

<p>Since its implementation, this will be the first time in history that the Queen has been absent from her official duties in her 68 year reign.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, the Queen and Prince Philip are being served by a small household staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queen Elizabeth’s last public appearance was at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March. It was also the last event for her grandchild Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle as royals. The young couple has since been in Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>


As the coronavirus crisis doesn’t seem to slow down, British press accounts confirm that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will continue to stay safe and isolated at Windsor Castle.

As the coronavirus crisis doesn’t seem to slow down, British press accounts confirm that Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will continue to stay safe and isolated at Windsor Castle. The Queen will avoid her annual summer stay at Balmoral. The Queen and Prince have been in isolation since March. There have also been announcements on the front of any public engagements as the Buckingham Palace will be closed for the summer and events including Trooping the Colour and Her Majesty’s garden parties cancelled. Queen Elizabeth cancels gun salutes for her birthday: Report As Queen turns 94, Prince Charles, William and Kate share rare pictures of the monarch Since its implementation, this will be the first time in history that the Queen has been absent from her official duties in her 68 year reign. At present, the Queen and Prince Philip are being served by a small household staff. Queen Elizabeth’s last public appearance was at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in March. It was also the last event for her grandchild Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle as royals. The young couple has since been in Los Angeles.

Queen Elizabeth to stay at Windsor Castle until any further notice

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday on Tuesday, a reporter for ITV News said on Twitter, saying that the monarch did not feel it appropriate in light of the coronavirus crisis.</p>

<p>Gun salutes, in which blank rounds are fired from a various location across London, are typically used by the royal family to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays, according to Reuters.</p>

<p>The Queen's 94th birthday is on April 21.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">NEW: The Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday (94th) on Tuesday. This is the first time it has happened in her 68 year reign.</p>
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1251439142229217281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Reporter Chris Ship cited a Buckingham Palace source as saying: "Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances."</p>

<p>Ship said it would be the first time such request had been made in her 68-year reign.</p>

<p>Britain is at or near the peak of an outbreak of the coronavirus in which more than 14,000 people have already died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A Palace source adds: All of the changes are "in line with Her Majesty’s wishes."<br />
Ot's already been announced there there will be no Trooping the Colour ceremony in June (the official birthday parade) and no plans for any "alternative marking of her official birthday."</p>
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) <a href="https://twitter.com/chrisshipitv/status/1251441220825624587?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We will not be marking Her Majesty’s birthday in any special way" this year due to the #coronavirus crisis," Ship quoted the source as saying.</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace last month said a parade to celebrate the Queen's official birthday, which is celebrated in June, would not go ahead in its traditional form in light of restrictions on social gatherings.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;</em></p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday on Tuesday, a reporter for ITV News said on Twitter, saying that the monarch did not feel it appropriate in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday on Tuesday, a reporter for ITV News said on Twitter, saying that the monarch did not feel it appropriate in light of the coronavirus crisis. Gun salutes, in which blank rounds are fired from a various location across London, are typically used by the royal family to mark special occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays, according to Reuters. The Queen's 94th birthday is on April 21. NEW: The Queen has asked that there be no gun salutes to mark her birthday (94th) on Tuesday. This is the first time it has happened in her 68 year reign. — Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) April 18, 2020 × Reporter Chris Ship cited a Buckingham Palace source as saying: "Her Majesty was keen that no special measures were put in place to allow gun salutes as she did not feel it appropriate in the current circumstances." Ship said it would be the first time such request had been made in her 68-year reign. Britain is at or near the peak of an outbreak of the coronavirus in which more than 14,000 people have already died - the fifth highest national death toll of a pandemic linked to at least 150,000 deaths worldwide. A Palace source adds: All of the changes are "in line with Her Majesty’s wishes." Ot's already been announced there there will be no Trooping the Colour ceremony in June (the official birthday parade) and no plans for any "alternative marking of her official birthday." — Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) April 18, 2020 × "We will not be marking Her Majesty’s birthday in any special way" this year due to the #coronavirus crisis," Ship quoted the source as saying. Buckingham Palace last month said a parade to celebrate the Queen's official birthday, which is celebrated in June, would not go ahead in its traditional form in light of restrictions on social gatherings. (With inputs from Reuters)

Queen Elizabeth cancels gun salutes for her birthday: Report

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