<p class="MsoNormal">After Greta Thunberg, it is now Queen Elizabeth II of England who is tired of world leaders only talking about climate change and not acting on it. The Queen says she finds it "irritating".<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A little before world leaders are set to gather in Glasgow for COP26, the Queen has said she is sick of leaders who only "talk" but "don't do" enough about climate change.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/prince-charles-says-his-aston-martin-car-runs-on-cheese-waste-and-wine-twitter-laughs-420134">Prince Charles says his Aston Martin car runs on cheese waste and wine; Twitter laughs</a></strong></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Extraordinary isn't it. I've been hearing all about COP... still don't know who is coming. No idea," she, reportedly, told Elin Jones, the parliament’s presiding officer. "We only know about people who are not coming ... It's really irritating when they talk, but they don't do."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Queen made these comments during a private conversation with the Duchess of Cornwall and Elin Jones, the parliament's presiding officer. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Responding to these apparent comments made by the queen the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told local media house that comments made in private conversations, should stay private. "I don’t think her comments were for broadcast."</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/another-controversy-royal-sources-suggest-meghan-harry-will-not-christen-their-daughter-in-the-uk-420165">Another controversy? Royal sources suggest Meghan, Harry will not christen their daughter in the UK</a></strong></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">However, he also added that like the Queen "we all share the desire to see progress made and we know there will be hundreds of leaders coming to Glasgow for COP."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Buckingham Palace has, however, declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the Queen’s wordings of the private conversation.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Her reported comments have come a little after her son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, have also been calling for stronger actions against climate change.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, world leaders are gearing up to meet for COP26 in Glasgow on October 31, 2021. <o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">China’s President Xi Jinping will not be attending this year’s climate summit in person, the office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is yet to confirm his presence. However, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed his presence as his government is facing increased pressure over lacking actions against climate change.<o:p></o:p></p>


After Greta Thunberg, it is now Queen Elizabeth II of England who is tired of world leaders only talking about climate change and not acting on it. The Queen says she finds it "irritating".

After Greta Thunberg, it is now Queen Elizabeth II of England who is tired of world leaders only talking about climate change and not acting on it. The Queen says she finds it "irritating". A little before world leaders are set to gather in Glasgow for COP26, the Queen has said she is sick of leaders who only "talk" but "don't do" enough about climate change. Also read | Prince Charles says his Aston Martin car runs on cheese waste and wine; Twitter laughs "Extraordinary isn't it. I've been hearing all about COP... still don't know who is coming. No idea," she, reportedly, told Elin Jones, the parliament’s presiding officer. "We only know about people who are not coming ... It's really irritating when they talk, but they don't do." The Queen made these comments during a private conversation with the Duchess of Cornwall and Elin Jones, the parliament's presiding officer. Responding to these apparent comments made by the queen the Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told local media house that comments made in private conversations, should stay private. "I don’t think her comments were for broadcast." Also read | Another controversy? Royal sources suggest Meghan, Harry will not christen their daughter in the UK However, he also added that like the Queen "we all share the desire to see progress made and we know there will be hundreds of leaders coming to Glasgow for COP." The Buckingham Palace has, however, declined to comment on the controversy surrounding the Queen’s wordings of the private conversation. Her reported comments have come a little after her son, Prince Charles, and grandson, Prince William, have also been calling for stronger actions against climate change. Meanwhile, world leaders are gearing up to meet for COP26 in Glasgow on October 31, 2021. China’s President Xi Jinping will not be attending this year’s climate summit in person, the office of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced. Russian leader Vladimir Putin is yet to confirm his presence. However, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed his presence as his government is facing increased pressure over lacking actions against climate change.

COP26: Queen finds world leaders 'irritating' because they only 'talk' and don't 'act'

<p>In Prince Andrew's fight against sex abuse allegations levelled by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Queen is spending millions of pounds, say reports. &nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Daily Telegraph, the 95-year-old Queen agreed to pay for the Duke's legal fees last year shortly after his disastrous interview on BBC Newsnight. As per the newspaper, the Queen will source funds from her private Duchy of Lancaster estate. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/immigration-to-not-solve-food-fuel-crises-says-uk-pm-boris-johnson-417977" hreflang="en">Immigration to not solve food, fuel crises, says UK PM Boris Johnson</a></strong></p>

<p>The 61-year-old Duke has recently expanded his US legal team to include Melissa Lerner alongside his lead counsel Andrew Brettler. Brettler is approximately charging Duke around $2,000 (£1,476) an hour. Royal courtiers believe the cost of the case will run into millions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Giuffre, a victim of infamous Jeffrey Epstein, has accused Prince Andrew of sexually harassing her at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and a few other places, in 2001 when she was 17 years old. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-wants-trade-security-pact-with-india-says-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-417979" hreflang="en">UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a></strong></p>

<p>She has filed a legal complaint against Andrew but he has denied all the allegations. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In her complaint, Guiffre alleged that she "was compelled by express or implied threats by Epstein, [Ghislaine] Maxwell, and/or Prince Andrew to engage in sexual acts with Prince Andrew, and feared death or physical injury to herself or another and other repercussions for disobeying Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew due to their powerful connections, wealth and authority." &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


In Prince Andrew's fight against sex abuse allegations levelled by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Queen is spending millions of pounds, say reports. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 95-year-old Queen agreed to pay for the Duke's legal fees last year shortly after his disastrous interview on BBC Newsnight.

In Prince Andrew's fight against sex abuse allegations levelled by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, Queen is spending millions of pounds, say reports. According to the Daily Telegraph, the 95-year-old Queen agreed to pay for the Duke's legal fees last year shortly after his disastrous interview on BBC Newsnight. As per the newspaper, the Queen will source funds from her private Duchy of Lancaster estate. Also Read: Immigration to not solve food, fuel crises, says UK PM Boris Johnson The 61-year-old Duke has recently expanded his US legal team to include Melissa Lerner alongside his lead counsel Andrew Brettler. Brettler is approximately charging Duke around $2,000 (£1,476) an hour. Royal courtiers believe the cost of the case will run into millions. Giuffre, a victim of infamous Jeffrey Epstein, has accused Prince Andrew of sexually harassing her at Epstein’s Manhattan mansion and a few other places, in 2001 when she was 17 years old. Also Read: UK wants trade, security pact with India, says Foreign Secretary Liz Truss She has filed a legal complaint against Andrew but he has denied all the allegations. In her complaint, Guiffre alleged that she "was compelled by express or implied threats by Epstein, [Ghislaine] Maxwell, and/or Prince Andrew to engage in sexual acts with Prince Andrew, and feared death or physical injury to herself or another and other repercussions for disobeying Epstein, Maxwell, and Prince Andrew due to their powerful connections, wealth and authority." (With inputs from agencies)

Queen to spend millions over Prince Andrew's sex assault lawsuit

<p>In her speech ahead of the Cop26 climate conference, Queen Elizabeth urged Scotland’s MSPs to tackle climate change and “help create a better, healthier future." She also highlighted the “deep and abiding affection” and happy memories she and the late Duke of Edinburgh shared of Scotland.</p>

<p>The queen was joined by Prince Charles and his wife Camila. Both of them are known as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when they are in Scotland. She told told MSPs that as the country emerged from the “adverse and uncertain times” of the pandemic.</p>

<p>She said, "Next month, I will be attending Cop26 events in Glasgow. The eyes of the world will be on the United Kingdom – and Scotland in particular – as leaders come together to address the challenges of climate change."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-queen-elizabeth-marks-start-of-scottish-parliament-session-417673"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;UK's Queen Elizabeth marks start of Scottish Parliament session</strong></a></p>

<p>“There is a key role for the Scottish parliament, as with all parliaments, to help create a better, healthier future for us all, and to engage with the people they represent – especially our young people.”</p>

<p>Speaking at Holyrood for the first time since Prince Philip’s death, the Queen added said,&nbsp;“Today is also a day when we can celebrate those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people in Scotland, locally or nationally during the Covid-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>She marked the start of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday.</p>

<p>The queen extended her "warmest and good wishes" to the members of Scottish Parliament.</p>

<p>Several Members of the Scottish Parliament did not applaud to the queen's speech. Many in Scotland want to leave the United Kingdom to be an independent country and rejoin the European Union.</p>

<p>Following the opening ceremony, the Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay were expected to attend a reception in the Main Hall.</p>


In her speech ahead of the Cop26 climate conference, Queen Elizabeth urged Scotland’s MSPs to tackle climate change and “help create a better, healthier future." She also highlighted the “deep and abiding affection” and happy memories she and the late Duke of Edinburgh shared of Scotland.

In her speech ahead of the Cop26 climate conference, Queen Elizabeth urged Scotland’s MSPs to tackle climate change and “help create a better, healthier future." She also highlighted the “deep and abiding affection” and happy memories she and the late Duke of Edinburgh shared of Scotland. The queen was joined by Prince Charles and his wife Camila. Both of them are known as Duke and Duchess of Rothesay when they are in Scotland. She told told MSPs that as the country emerged from the “adverse and uncertain times” of the pandemic. She said, "Next month, I will be attending Cop26 events in Glasgow. The eyes of the world will be on the United Kingdom – and Scotland in particular – as leaders come together to address the challenges of climate change." Also read | UK's Queen Elizabeth marks start of Scottish Parliament session “There is a key role for the Scottish parliament, as with all parliaments, to help create a better, healthier future for us all, and to engage with the people they represent – especially our young people.” Speaking at Holyrood for the first time since Prince Philip’s death, the Queen added said, “Today is also a day when we can celebrate those who have made an extraordinary contribution to the lives of other people in Scotland, locally or nationally during the Covid-19 pandemic. She marked the start of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh on Saturday. The queen extended her "warmest and good wishes" to the members of Scottish Parliament. Several Members of the Scottish Parliament did not applaud to the queen's speech. Many in Scotland want to leave the United Kingdom to be an independent country and rejoin the European Union. Following the opening ceremony, the Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay were expected to attend a reception in the Main Hall.

Queen Elizabeth urges Scottish parliament to tackle climate change

<p>The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;UK companies seek relaxation in immigration rules</strong></p>

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<p>In a move described by Whitehall insiders as 'concerning, unnecessary and upsetting', the details of 'Operation London Bridge' including ministerial protocols and funeral arrangements were published. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A royal source told The Mirror, "It is deeply disturbing that such private information, which is not only deeply personal to the Queen but also has widespread security implications, has been revealed." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Whitehall bosses seem to be on a warpath to track down the source. They could narrow down the possible culprits by examining which version of the documents were released. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/uk-pm-boris-johnsons-brother-conned-over-gold-mine-in-gobi-desert-411047" hreflang="en">UK PM Boris Johnson's brother conned over 'gold mine in Gobi desert'</a></strong></p>

<p>A cabinet office source said, "We will look into which version has emerged and be able to determine whether this dereliction of duty requires a formal government investigation.” &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Buckingham Palace has declined to comment. A royal insider said officials are 'not happy', adding "We are not talking about this. It is a matter for the Government."</p>


The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is.

The 'deeply disturbing' leak of top-secret plans that are to be enacted when the Queen dies has evoked fury at Buckingham Palace. Sources say furious palace aides are now hunting for the source behind the exposure as there is now a 'major appetite' to discover who the mole is. Watch: UK companies seek relaxation in immigration rules × In a move described by Whitehall insiders as 'concerning, unnecessary and upsetting', the details of 'Operation London Bridge' including ministerial protocols and funeral arrangements were published. A royal source told The Mirror, "It is deeply disturbing that such private information, which is not only deeply personal to the Queen but also has widespread security implications, has been revealed." Whitehall bosses seem to be on a warpath to track down the source. They could narrow down the possible culprits by examining which version of the documents were released. Also Read: UK PM Boris Johnson's brother conned over 'gold mine in Gobi desert' A cabinet office source said, "We will look into which version has emerged and be able to determine whether this dereliction of duty requires a formal government investigation.” Buckingham Palace has declined to comment. A royal insider said officials are 'not happy', adding "We are not talking about this. It is a matter for the Government."

'Deeply disturbing' leak of Queen's funeral plans irks Buckingham Palace

<p>If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old&nbsp;Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Codenamed Operation London Bridge, these plans were first revealed in a Guardian Long Read in 2017. The details have now been revealed in full by Politico. It gives insights about the scale of the arrangements for the funeral and government anxieties about whether the UK has the resources to execute them. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab meets Pakistan PM Khan and Pak FM</strong></p>

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<p>Playing a prominent role, the social media strategy includes plans to change the royal family’s website to a black holding page with a short statement confirming the Queen’s death. The gov.uk website and all governmental social media pages will also display a black banner.</p>

<p>All non-urgent content will not be published. Retweets will also be banned unless cleared by the government’s head of communications. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/us-companies-lash-out-at-texas-law-changes-410651" hreflang="en">US companies lash out at Texas law changes</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the documents, the Queen’s coffin is to be taken on a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where it will lie on a raised box known as a catafalque, which will be open to the public for 23 hours a day for three days. Tickets with a time slot will be issued for VIPs. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It also says the state funeral will be held 10 days after her death and heralded as a “day of national mourning”. It will not be an official bank holiday though. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation.

If the UK government’s vast security operation is to be believed, official social media blackouts and a ban on retweets are most likely to happen in the aftermath of 95-year-old Queen Elizabeth II's death to manage the situation. Codenamed Operation London Bridge, these plans were first revealed in a Guardian Long Read in 2017. The details have now been revealed in full by Politico. It gives insights about the scale of the arrangements for the funeral and government anxieties about whether the UK has the resources to execute them. Watch: British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab meets Pakistan PM Khan and Pak FM × Playing a prominent role, the social media strategy includes plans to change the royal family’s website to a black holding page with a short statement confirming the Queen’s death. The gov.uk website and all governmental social media pages will also display a black banner. All non-urgent content will not be published. Retweets will also be banned unless cleared by the government’s head of communications. Also Read: US companies lash out at Texas law changes According to the documents, the Queen’s coffin is to be taken on a procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where it will lie on a raised box known as a catafalque, which will be open to the public for 23 hours a day for three days. Tickets with a time slot will be issued for VIPs. It also says the state funeral will be held 10 days after her death and heralded as a “day of national mourning”. It will not be an official bank holiday though.

Queen Elizabeth II's death to follow social media blackouts, retweets' ban: Report

<p>According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant.</p>

<p>The Queen had invited the president to 5 pm tea at the Palace, according to memos between Whitehall aides the week before the Clintons' arrival.</p>

<p>According to a Downing Street briefing note acquired by the National Archives, Clinton wanted time to go shopping – “he has mentioned that he wants to be a tourist” – and had “expressed an interest in tasting Indian food.”</p>

<p>Between a combined news conference and dinner, the Clintons had some spare time.</p>

<p>Dinner for the Blairs and Clintons was in the French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour near Tower Bridge, rather than an Indian restaurant.</p>

<p>From 1993 to 2001, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States.</p>

<p>He served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1992, as well as attorney general from 1977 to 1979.</p>

<p>A member of the Democratic Party, Clinton was known as a New Democrat, and many of his policies reflected a centrist "Third Way" political philosophy.</p>

<p>He is married to Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State (2009–2013) and presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant.

According to previously classified records, Bill Clinton declined tea with the Queen in 1997 and told advisers that he intended to "be a tourist" in London and try out an Indian restaurant. The Queen had invited the president to 5 pm tea at the Palace, according to memos between Whitehall aides the week before the Clintons' arrival. According to a Downing Street briefing note acquired by the National Archives, Clinton wanted time to go shopping – “he has mentioned that he wants to be a tourist” – and had “expressed an interest in tasting Indian food.” Between a combined news conference and dinner, the Clintons had some spare time. Dinner for the Blairs and Clintons was in the French restaurant Le Pont de la Tour near Tower Bridge, rather than an Indian restaurant. From 1993 to 2001, Bill Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States. He served as governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and again from 1983 to 1992, as well as attorney general from 1977 to 1979. A member of the Democratic Party, Clinton was known as a New Democrat, and many of his policies reflected a centrist "Third Way" political philosophy. He is married to Hillary Clinton, the former Secretary of State (2009–2013) and presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016. (With inputs from agencies)

Bill Clinton turned down tea with Queen to eat at an Indian restaurant in UK

<p>Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday hosted Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace in London for the pair's first weekly in-person audience since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>The Queen, 95, has received prime ministers for weekly audiences throughout her long reign and has kept in touch with Johnson by phone since March last year when the first lockdown measures were imposed.</p>

<p>The monarch also spoke with the prime minister in-person when she met with world leaders at the UK-hosted G7 summit in Cornwall in southwest England earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the return of the face-to-face meeting, during which the Queen wore a lilac dress, was seen as a return to normality at her official residence, in central London.</p>

<p>At the start of the pandemic, the Queen retreated to Windsor Castle west of London with her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip.</p>

<p>The royal household dubbed the social distancing arrangement designed to protect the elderly royals "HMS Bubble".</p>

<p>According to reports, following the death of Philip in April, the Queen will now spend the majority of her time at the Berkshire residence.</p>

<p>The first in-person presentation of investiture awards also took place on Thursday, in a scaled-down ceremony at nearby St James's Palace by her eldest son and heir Prince Charles.</p>

<p>The 32 recipients wore face coverings, there was no audience present and those being given awards were limited to one guest each.</p>

<p>The return to relative normality came despite rising levels of coronavirus cases in Britain, driven by the a new Delta variant of the disease, first identified in India.</p>

<p>On Wednesday government statistics recorded just over 16,000 cases in the last 24 hours — up more than 5,000 on Tuesday in the highest daily increase since February.</p>

<p>There were 19 further deaths, bringing the UK's total death toll to more than 128,000 since the start of the pandemic.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday hosted Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace in London for the pair's first weekly in-person audience since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday hosted Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace in London for the pair's first weekly in-person audience since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The Queen, 95, has received prime ministers for weekly audiences throughout her long reign and has kept in touch with Johnson by phone since March last year when the first lockdown measures were imposed. The monarch also spoke with the prime minister in-person when she met with world leaders at the UK-hosted G7 summit in Cornwall in southwest England earlier this month. But the return of the face-to-face meeting, during which the Queen wore a lilac dress, was seen as a return to normality at her official residence, in central London. At the start of the pandemic, the Queen retreated to Windsor Castle west of London with her 99-year-old husband Prince Philip. The royal household dubbed the social distancing arrangement designed to protect the elderly royals "HMS Bubble". According to reports, following the death of Philip in April, the Queen will now spend the majority of her time at the Berkshire residence. The first in-person presentation of investiture awards also took place on Thursday, in a scaled-down ceremony at nearby St James's Palace by her eldest son and heir Prince Charles. The 32 recipients wore face coverings, there was no audience present and those being given awards were limited to one guest each. The return to relative normality came despite rising levels of coronavirus cases in Britain, driven by the a new Delta variant of the disease, first identified in India. On Wednesday government statistics recorded just over 16,000 cases in the last 24 hours — up more than 5,000 on Tuesday in the highest daily increase since February. There were 19 further deaths, bringing the UK's total death toll to more than 128,000 since the start of the pandemic.

Queen holds first 'live 'audience with UK PM Boris Johnson since March 2020

<p>Racing&nbsp;"fanatic"&nbsp;Queen&nbsp;Elizabeth&nbsp;II could attend&nbsp;Royal&nbsp;Ascot&nbsp;this week even though there will be no traditional carriage procession should the British monarch make an appearance.</p>

<p>The 95-year-old sovereign has several runners during the five-day meeting, beginning with King's Lynn in Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;queen's&nbsp;racing&nbsp;manager, John Warren, tipped Tactical in the Jersey Stakes on Saturday as a potential winner.</p>

<p>Racegoers are being welcomed back to&nbsp;Royal&nbsp;Ascot&nbsp;for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, with 12,000 spectators a day permitted at the&nbsp;course, west of London.</p>

<p>"Obviously the&nbsp;queen&nbsp;would love to attend," Warren told the BBC. "As you know she's fanatical about&nbsp;racing, watching&nbsp;racing&nbsp;and breeding horses, and has been going to&nbsp;Ascot&nbsp;all of&nbsp;her&nbsp;adult life,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So, it's a shame to miss an event.</p>

<p>"The plan at the moment is to see how it goes towards the latter part of the week and if the&nbsp;queen's able to come because she's got runners, then, fingers crossed, it will happen."<br />
<br />
He described how the&nbsp;queen&nbsp;-- whose horse Estimate won the 2013&nbsp;Ascot&nbsp;Gold Cup -- scrutinizes the winners of every race daily to see if the stallions offer the potential for breeding.</p>

<p>"It's a deep fascination, a very broad escapism for all the other things that the&nbsp;queen&nbsp;has to deal with in&nbsp;her&nbsp;life," added Warren.</p>

<p>The monarch, who is the nation's longest-reigning sovereign, lost&nbsp;her&nbsp;husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, in April.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;royal&nbsp;family has also experienced a turbulent time after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave a bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey earlier this year, during which they said racism had played a part in their decision to quit Britain.</p>


Racing "fanatic" Queen Elizabeth II could attend Royal Ascot this week even though there will be no traditional carriage procession should the British monarch make an appearance.

Racing "fanatic" Queen Elizabeth II could attend Royal Ascot this week even though there will be no traditional carriage procession should the British monarch make an appearance. The 95-year-old sovereign has several runners during the five-day meeting, beginning with King's Lynn in Tuesday's King's Stand Stakes. The queen's racing manager, John Warren, tipped Tactical in the Jersey Stakes on Saturday as a potential winner. Racegoers are being welcomed back to Royal Ascot for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic began, with 12,000 spectators a day permitted at the course, west of London. "Obviously the queen would love to attend," Warren told the BBC. "As you know she's fanatical about racing, watching racing and breeding horses, and has been going to Ascot all of her adult life," "So, it's a shame to miss an event. "The plan at the moment is to see how it goes towards the latter part of the week and if the queen's able to come because she's got runners, then, fingers crossed, it will happen." He described how the queen -- whose horse Estimate won the 2013 Ascot Gold Cup -- scrutinizes the winners of every race daily to see if the stallions offer the potential for breeding. "It's a deep fascination, a very broad escapism for all the other things that the queen has to deal with in her life," added Warren. The monarch, who is the nation's longest-reigning sovereign, lost her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, in April. The royal family has also experienced a turbulent time after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave a bombshell interview with US talk show host Oprah Winfrey earlier this year, during which they said racism had played a part in their decision to quit Britain.

Racing 'fanatic' Queen Elizabeth has Royal Ascot in her sights

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth met US President Joe Biden under the canopy of the world's largest indoor rainforest on Friday as she hosted a reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations, who are holding a three-day summit.<br />
<br />
The 95-year-old monarch was joined by the other senior members of the British royal family, with son and heir Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and grandson Prince William and his wife Kate also present.<br />
<br />
It was their first major public event together since the funeral in April of Prince Philip, the queen's husband of more than seven decades.<br />
<br />
At the reception, held at the Eden Project, whose distinctive bubble-like Biomes house thousands of plant varieties, the queen met Biden as US&nbsp;President for the first time. He is 13th American leader she has met during her record-breaking 69-year reign.<br />
<br />
"Joe and I are both looking forward to meeting the queen," Biden's wife Jill, who joined him at the Eden Project event, had said on Thursday. "That's an exciting part of the visit for us."<br />
<br />
They are also due to have tea with the monarch at Windsor Castle on Sunday after the summit has concluded.<br />
<br />
Following a photocall with the queen, Prince Charles addressed the G7 leaders about his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to involve business and private sector investment in government efforts to combat climate change.<br />
<br />
"The fight against this terrible pandemic provides, if ever one was needed, a crystal-clear example of the scale, and sheer speed, at which the global community can tackle crisis when we combine political will with business ingenuity and public mobilisation," the prince told them.<br />
<br />
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are doing it for the pandemic. So if you don't mind me saying so, we must also do it for the planet," said Charles, 72, who has spent much of his life campaigning on environmental issues.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth met US President Joe Biden under the canopy of the world's largest indoor rainforest on Friday as she hosted a reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations, who are holding a three-day summit.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth met US President Joe Biden under the canopy of the world's largest indoor rainforest on Friday as she hosted a reception for leaders of the Group of Seven richest nations, who are holding a three-day summit. The 95-year-old monarch was joined by the other senior members of the British royal family, with son and heir Prince Charles and his wife Camilla and grandson Prince William and his wife Kate also present. It was their first major public event together since the funeral in April of Prince Philip, the queen's husband of more than seven decades. At the reception, held at the Eden Project, whose distinctive bubble-like Biomes house thousands of plant varieties, the queen met Biden as US President for the first time. He is 13th American leader she has met during her record-breaking 69-year reign. "Joe and I are both looking forward to meeting the queen," Biden's wife Jill, who joined him at the Eden Project event, had said on Thursday. "That's an exciting part of the visit for us." They are also due to have tea with the monarch at Windsor Castle on Sunday after the summit has concluded. Following a photocall with the queen, Prince Charles addressed the G7 leaders about his Sustainable Markets Initiative, which aims to involve business and private sector investment in government efforts to combat climate change. "The fight against this terrible pandemic provides, if ever one was needed, a crystal-clear example of the scale, and sheer speed, at which the global community can tackle crisis when we combine political will with business ingenuity and public mobilisation," the prince told them. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are doing it for the pandemic. So if you don't mind me saying so, we must also do it for the planet," said Charles, 72, who has spent much of his life campaigning on environmental issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth hosts Biden at G7 reception

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.</p>

<p>The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth will present Prime Minister Boris Johnson`s post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday in a speech, in her first public appearance since the funeral of her husband Prince Philip. The speech, written by the government, will set out the new laws that ministers intend to pass in the coming year. The grand 'State Opening of Parliament', a heavily choreographed and costumed ceremony led by the 95-year-old monarch, will this year involve face masks, social distancing, and fewer guests. The speech will set out Johnson's policymaking priorities as he plans Britain's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to fulfil the promises he made to voters in 2019 on creating new opportunities for left-behind regions and communities. Since his election, Johnson's government has been overwhelmed by efforts to manage a coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered swathes of the economy and put voters in months of restrictive lockdowns. Now, with Britain's vaccination programme far ahead of most international peers and the spread of the virus contained at very low levels, Johnson is hoping to revive his so-called 'levelling up' narrative. The speech will contain reforms to the education system, including some to help adults access life-long learning. This is seen by ministers as key to reshaping the British labour force and making it better placed to adapting to new technologies in areas like climate change. "These new laws are the rocket fuel that we need to level up this country and ensure equal opportunities for all," Johnson said in a statement before the speech. "We know that having the right skills and training is the route to better, well-paid jobs." The Queen's Speech usually lasts around 10 minutes and is fleshed out by a raft of documents containing details of legislative proposals, consultation plans and other policy papers. It is expected to detail plans for new asylum rules, reforms of the social care system and to make good a manifesto promise to scrap legislation which limits government's powers to call new elections. (With inputs from agencies)

Queen Elizabeth to make first public appearance since funeral of Prince Philip, in parliament

The Royal Mint UK, unveils a 10Kg gold coin as part of The Queen's Beasts series

<p>Prince Philip's funeral took place on April 17 and&nbsp;one small detail seemed to stand out for observers: Queen Elizabeth's handwritten note, which she placed atop her late husband's casket.</p>

<p>A royal expert quoted in ET explained the significance of Queen Elizabeth's special signature on the private, sealed letter.</p>

<p>"I think one of the most touching things in the whole of the service&nbsp;and there were many very poignant moments -- but certainly seeing the duke's naval cap, his ceremonial sword, that beautiful wreath of flowers, his favourite flowers, white roses and freesia, chosen by the queen that sat atop the coffin with a carefully positioned handwritten note," the expert said.</p>

<p>"You actually really couldn't make out much of the writing but we know it was from the Queen," she explained. "We believe that it was signed 'Lilibet' which was the duke’s name for the Queen."</p>

<p>"He is probably the last person to have called her Lilibet. It's not a name that anyone else uses and I think there will be great poignancy in that," the expert added. "She will never be called Lilibet again."</p>

<p>The couple, who got married in 1947, famously penned love letters to each other over the course of their relationship.<br />
<br />
The service was an intimate affair with only 30 people in attendance. In attendance at the service was Prince Charles, grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, Camila, Duchess of Cornwall and many others. Philip died on April 9 at the age of 99, leaving behind four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Prince Philip's funeral took place on April 17 and one small detail seemed to stand out for observers: Queen Elizabeth's handwritten note, which she placed atop her late husband's casket.

Prince Philip's funeral took place on April 17 and one small detail seemed to stand out for observers: Queen Elizabeth's handwritten note, which she placed atop her late husband's casket. A royal expert quoted in ET explained the significance of Queen Elizabeth's special signature on the private, sealed letter. "I think one of the most touching things in the whole of the service and there were many very poignant moments -- but certainly seeing the duke's naval cap, his ceremonial sword, that beautiful wreath of flowers, his favourite flowers, white roses and freesia, chosen by the queen that sat atop the coffin with a carefully positioned handwritten note," the expert said. "You actually really couldn't make out much of the writing but we know it was from the Queen," she explained. "We believe that it was signed 'Lilibet' which was the duke’s name for the Queen." "He is probably the last person to have called her Lilibet. It's not a name that anyone else uses and I think there will be great poignancy in that," the expert added. "She will never be called Lilibet again." The couple, who got married in 1947, famously penned love letters to each other over the course of their relationship. The service was an intimate affair with only 30 people in attendance. In attendance at the service was Prince Charles, grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry, Kate Middleton, Camila, Duchess of Cornwall and many others. Philip died on April 9 at the age of 99, leaving behind four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Here's the significance behind Queen's signature on her last note to Prince Philip

<p>Kate Middleton paid respect to the bond between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Duke's funeral.<br />
<br />
The Duchess of Cambridge wore a necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II in what could be an act of solidarity with the monarch. She paired this with a black outfit and diamond earrings.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/live-updates-prince-philips-funeral-duke-of-edinburgh-to-be-laid-to-rest-at-royal-ceremony-378167" hreflang="en">Live updates: Procession for Duke of Edinburgh is underway</a></p>

<p>Kate arrived at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip. The royal is just one of 30 guests allowed to attend due to current coronavirus restrictions.</p>

<p>Kate was seen with Prince William as they arrived by car. The royal wore a pearl choker which belongs to the Queen and was previously borrowed by Princess Diana.</p>

<p>The four-strand pearl choker was worn by the monarch during the 1980s and 1990s. Kate wore the necklace with drop diamond and pearl earrings which are also part of the Queen's collection.<br />
<br />
Interestingly, Kate has borrowed them for several events in the past, mostly wearing the subtle jewels for formal occasions. They were believed to be a wedding gift given to the Queen when she married Prince Philip in 1947.</p>

<p>The feature diamond studs with pearls hanging from chains covered in diamonds.</p>

<p>Kate has borrowed many pieces of the Queen's jewellery over the years and seems to have chosen pieces with key sentimental value for the funeral today.</p>

<p>For the funeral, the Duchess was also seen wearing a thin lace veil that covered half her face. The Duchess was seen wearing a black top that had an asymmetric design. Her hair was&nbsp;pulled back into a low bun.</p>

<p>The mother-of-three covered up with a black face mask as she sat next to Prince William when they arrived.</p>

<p>Prince William also wore a black face-covering in the car. The Duke of Cambridge was seen in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie.</p>


Kate Middleton paid respect to the bond between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Duke's funeral. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II in what could be an act of solidarity with the monarch.

Kate Middleton paid respect to the bond between Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip at the Duke's funeral. The Duchess of Cambridge wore a necklace that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II in what could be an act of solidarity with the monarch. She paired this with a black outfit and diamond earrings. Live updates: Procession for Duke of Edinburgh is underway Kate arrived at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle ahead of the funeral of Prince Philip. The royal is just one of 30 guests allowed to attend due to current coronavirus restrictions. Kate was seen with Prince William as they arrived by car. The royal wore a pearl choker which belongs to the Queen and was previously borrowed by Princess Diana. The four-strand pearl choker was worn by the monarch during the 1980s and 1990s. Kate wore the necklace with drop diamond and pearl earrings which are also part of the Queen's collection. Interestingly, Kate has borrowed them for several events in the past, mostly wearing the subtle jewels for formal occasions. They were believed to be a wedding gift given to the Queen when she married Prince Philip in 1947. The feature diamond studs with pearls hanging from chains covered in diamonds. Kate has borrowed many pieces of the Queen's jewellery over the years and seems to have chosen pieces with key sentimental value for the funeral today. For the funeral, the Duchess was also seen wearing a thin lace veil that covered half her face. The Duchess was seen wearing a black top that had an asymmetric design. Her hair was pulled back into a low bun. The mother-of-three covered up with a black face mask as she sat next to Prince William when they arrived. Prince William also wore a black face-covering in the car. The Duke of Cambridge was seen in a black suit with a white shirt and black tie.

Prince Philip's funeral: Kate Middleton dons earrings given to Queen as wedding gift

<p>Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As he left a memorial service for his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away aged 99 on Friday, Prince Andrew said his passing was a 'terrible loss' and the family was grateful for all the messages of support and condolence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a great loss. We've lost almost the grandfather of the nation," Prince Andrew, also the Duke of York, told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who's feeling it more than everybody else. The Queen, as you would expect, is an incredibly stoic person and she described his passing as a miracle, and she's contemplating. She described it as having left a huge void in her life. We as a family are rallying around to support her," he said, on being asked about his mother's emotions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About his late father, he added, "He was a remarkable man. I loved him as a father. He was always somebody you could go to and he would always listen."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among those at the Sunday service at a chapel in Windsor Great Park was the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this it's still a dreadful shock," said Prince Edward.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And we're still trying to come to terms with that. And it's very, very sad. But I have to say that the extraordinary tribute and the memories that everybody has had and been willing to share has been so fantastic," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It just goes to show: he might have been our father, grandfather, father-in-law, but he meant so much to so many other people," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prince Edward said royal staff would feel a 'very personal' loss following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and his heart goes out to them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Special services of remembrance are being held across the UK on Sunday as the country observes an official week-long period of national mourning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is also expected to officiate at Prince Philip's funeral next Saturday, led a memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the Royal Family as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In reference to Prince Philip, he said the senior royal as the longest-serving consort to a British monarch had shown 'a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life and straightforwardly to follow its call, to search its meaning to go out and on as sent to inquire and think, to trust and to pray'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain's period of national mourning will end after April 17, when Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has described the death of her husband of 73 years, Prince Philip, as having left a ‘huge void in her life', their son Prince Andrew said on Sunday. As he left a memorial service for his late father, the Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away aged 99 on Friday, Prince Andrew said his passing was a 'terrible loss' and the family was grateful for all the messages of support and condolence. "It's a great loss. We've lost almost the grandfather of the nation," Prince Andrew, also the Duke of York, told reporters. "I feel very sorry and supportive of my mother, who's feeling it more than everybody else. The Queen, as you would expect, is an incredibly stoic person and she described his passing as a miracle, and she's contemplating. She described it as having left a huge void in her life. We as a family are rallying around to support her," he said, on being asked about his mother's emotions. About his late father, he added, "He was a remarkable man. I loved him as a father. He was always somebody you could go to and he would always listen." Among those at the Sunday service at a chapel in Windsor Great Park was the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. "However, much one tries to prepare oneself for something like this it's still a dreadful shock," said Prince Edward. "And we're still trying to come to terms with that. And it's very, very sad. But I have to say that the extraordinary tribute and the memories that everybody has had and been willing to share has been so fantastic," he said. "It just goes to show: he might have been our father, grandfather, father-in-law, but he meant so much to so many other people," he added. Prince Edward said royal staff would feel a 'very personal' loss following the Duke of Edinburgh's death and his heart goes out to them. Special services of remembrance are being held across the UK on Sunday as the country observes an official week-long period of national mourning. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, who is also expected to officiate at Prince Philip's funeral next Saturday, led a memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral. "For the Royal Family as for every other, no words can reach into the depth of sorrow that goes into bereavement," he said. In reference to Prince Philip, he said the senior royal as the longest-serving consort to a British monarch had shown 'a remarkable willingness to take the hand he was dealt in life and straightforwardly to follow its call, to search its meaning to go out and on as sent to inquire and think, to trust and to pray'. Britain's period of national mourning will end after April 17, when Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Philip's death a 'huge void' for Queen: Prince Andrew

<p>Five Thai activists were indicted on Wednesday on charges of attempted violence against the queen during a pro-democracy demonstration last year, when a royal motorcade encountered dozens of protesters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Their lawyer Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen said prosecutors indicted the five under a section of the law that carries a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison for violence or attempted violence against the queen, heir-apparent or regent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I did not have such intentions, nor was I trying to do so. I've reaffirmed these facts over the past few months," said one of the accused, Bunkueanun 'Francis' Paothong, 21.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More serious breaches of the same law can result in life imprisonment, or a death sentence if an act is likely to endanger their life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Others include Suranat Panprasert, 35, a coordinator for a youth group, Ekachai Hongkangwan, 45, and two others. All have denied the charges and are seeking bail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The case centres on an encounter at the height of anti-government demonstrations last year when Queen Suthida's convoy passed through a group of protesters on October 14.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Video from the incident showed police pushing protesters away from the queen's car.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court granted the five bail without conditions, Poonsuk, said with the next hearing scheduled for April 26.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm very grateful that the court granted us bail, but our fight has not stopped. We will have to fight these accusations," Bunkueanun said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anti-government protesters that emerged last year demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and broke longstanding taboos by openly calling for reforms of the powerful monarchy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Royal Palace has not commented directly on the protests since they began last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are currently 19 Thai youth activists in jail having been denied bail. They face a litany of charges, including sedition, while 12 of them are also charged with lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>


Five Thai activists were indicted on Wednesday on charges of attempted violence against the queen during a pro-democracy demonstration last year, when a royal motorcade encountered dozens of protesters.

Five Thai activists were indicted on Wednesday on charges of attempted violence against the queen during a pro-democracy demonstration last year, when a royal motorcade encountered dozens of protesters. Their lawyer Poonsuk Poonsukcharoen said prosecutors indicted the five under a section of the law that carries a minimum sentence of 16 years in prison for violence or attempted violence against the queen, heir-apparent or regent. "I did not have such intentions, nor was I trying to do so. I've reaffirmed these facts over the past few months," said one of the accused, Bunkueanun 'Francis' Paothong, 21. More serious breaches of the same law can result in life imprisonment, or a death sentence if an act is likely to endanger their life. Others include Suranat Panprasert, 35, a coordinator for a youth group, Ekachai Hongkangwan, 45, and two others. All have denied the charges and are seeking bail. The case centres on an encounter at the height of anti-government demonstrations last year when Queen Suthida's convoy passed through a group of protesters on October 14. Video from the incident showed police pushing protesters away from the queen's car. The court granted the five bail without conditions, Poonsuk, said with the next hearing scheduled for April 26. "I'm very grateful that the court granted us bail, but our fight has not stopped. We will have to fight these accusations," Bunkueanun said. Anti-government protesters that emerged last year demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and broke longstanding taboos by openly calling for reforms of the powerful monarchy. The Royal Palace has not commented directly on the protests since they began last year. There are currently 19 Thai youth activists in jail having been denied bail. They face a litany of charges, including sedition, while 12 of them are also charged with lese majeste, or insulting the monarchy, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Thai prosecutors indict five for queen's motorcade blockage  

<p>Queen Elizabeth II's 99-year-old husband Prince Philip on Monday left the private London hospital where he had spent nearly two weeks to have heart tests and treatment at another hospital, Buckingham Palace said.</p>

<p>Royal officials said the Duke of Edinburgh, as he is formally known, was taken from King Edward VII's hospital to the state-run St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London.</p>

<p>Doctors there "will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition", they added.</p>

<p>"The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week."</p>

<p>Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's hospital on February 16 as a "precautionary measure" and on the advice of his doctor, after feeling unwell.</p>

<p>But the palace was quick to point out that his admission was not related to Covid-19, and later said he was being treated for an undisclosed infection.</p>

<p>He and the queen, 94, both had the first dose of a Covid vaccination on January 9 because of their age, which puts them in one of the most vulnerable categories.</p>

<p>An ambulance was seen leaving the King Edward VII's hospital late morning on Monday, driving off past banks of photographers and camera crews.</p>

<p>But a police van -- and tinted windows in the ambulance -- blocked sight of who was inside the vehicle, which left from a rear entrance.</p>

<p>Umbrellas were also held up to conceal the gap between the ambulance and the hospital doors.</p>

<p><strong>- Blocked artery -</strong><br />
Philip turns 100 on June 10 and his already lengthy stay in hospital has raised concerns because of his age, even though he was said to have been comfortable and responding to treatment.</p>

<p>His youngest son, Prince Edward, said last week his father was feeling "a lot better" and was looking forward to returning home.</p>

<p>He thanked members of the public for sending messages of support.</p>

<p>Last Monday, Philip's grandson, Prince William, said the duke was "OK" and being closely monitored by medical staff.</p>

<p>Two days earlier, William's father and Philip's eldest son, heir-to-throne Prince Charles, visited him in hospital but made no comment afterwards.</p>

<p>Philip was able to walk into the hospital unaided when he first was first admitted and arrived using private transport, rather than an ambulance, a source said at the time.</p>

<p>The former naval officer was treated at the same hospital in August 2012 after a recurrence of a bladder infection that laid him low during the queen's diamond jubilee celebrations.</p>

<p>The previous year, he had a stent fitted after suffering a blocked coronary artery.</p>

<p>St Bartholomew's Hospital, near St Paul's Cathedral, is internationally renowned and a centre of excellence for cardiac and cancer care.</p>

<p>Barts Heart Centre is Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service, according to the hospital's website.</p>


Queen Elizabeth II's 99-year-old husband Prince Philip on Monday left the private London hospital where he had spent nearly two weeks to have heart tests and treatment at another hospital, Buckingham Palace said.

Queen Elizabeth II's 99-year-old husband Prince Philip on Monday left the private London hospital where he had spent nearly two weeks to have heart tests and treatment at another hospital, Buckingham Palace said. Royal officials said the Duke of Edinburgh, as he is formally known, was taken from King Edward VII's hospital to the state-run St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London. Doctors there "will continue to treat him for an infection, as well as undertake testing and observation for a pre-existing heart condition", they added. "The Duke remains comfortable and is responding to treatment but is expected to remain in hospital until at least the end of the week." Philip was admitted to King Edward VII's hospital on February 16 as a "precautionary measure" and on the advice of his doctor, after feeling unwell. But the palace was quick to point out that his admission was not related to Covid-19, and later said he was being treated for an undisclosed infection. He and the queen, 94, both had the first dose of a Covid vaccination on January 9 because of their age, which puts them in one of the most vulnerable categories. An ambulance was seen leaving the King Edward VII's hospital late morning on Monday, driving off past banks of photographers and camera crews. But a police van -- and tinted windows in the ambulance -- blocked sight of who was inside the vehicle, which left from a rear entrance. Umbrellas were also held up to conceal the gap between the ambulance and the hospital doors. - Blocked artery - Philip turns 100 on June 10 and his already lengthy stay in hospital has raised concerns because of his age, even though he was said to have been comfortable and responding to treatment. His youngest son, Prince Edward, said last week his father was feeling "a lot better" and was looking forward to returning home. He thanked members of the public for sending messages of support. Last Monday, Philip's grandson, Prince William, said the duke was "OK" and being closely monitored by medical staff. Two days earlier, William's father and Philip's eldest son, heir-to-throne Prince Charles, visited him in hospital but made no comment afterwards. Philip was able to walk into the hospital unaided when he first was first admitted and arrived using private transport, rather than an ambulance, a source said at the time. The former naval officer was treated at the same hospital in August 2012 after a recurrence of a bladder infection that laid him low during the queen's diamond jubilee celebrations. The previous year, he had a stent fitted after suffering a blocked coronary artery. St Bartholomew's Hospital, near St Paul's Cathedral, is internationally renowned and a centre of excellence for cardiac and cancer care. Barts Heart Centre is Europe's largest specialised cardiovascular service, according to the hospital's website.

Queen's husband Prince Philip moved, to undergo heart tests: palace

<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>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>Britain’s royals unveiled their 2020 Christmas cards on Wednesday, choosing traditional happy family snapshots for their festive messages.</p>

<p>Heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, 72, selected a photograph of him and his wife Camilla sitting on a bench in the garden of their home in Birkhall, Scotland, for their greetings card.</p>

<p>His son Prince William, 38, second-in-line to the throne, also chose a relaxed photo of his family for his card.</p>

<p>He was pictured with his wife Kate, 38, and their three children - George, 7, Charlotte, 5, and Louis, 2 - sitting with wide grins on a bale of hay in front of a pile of chopped wood at their Amner Hall country residence in eastern England.</p>


Britain’s royals unveiled their 2020 Christmas cards on Wednesday, choosing traditional happy family snapshots for their festive messages. Heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, 72, selected a photograph of him and his wife Camilla sitting on a bench in the garden of their home in Birkhall, Scotland, for their greetings card.

Britain’s royals unveiled their 2020 Christmas cards on Wednesday, choosing traditional happy family snapshots for their festive messages. Heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles, 72, selected a photograph of him and his wife Camilla sitting on a bench in the garden of their home in Birkhall, Scotland, for their greetings card. His son Prince William, 38, second-in-line to the throne, also chose a relaxed photo of his family for his card. He was pictured with his wife Kate, 38, and their three children - George, 7, Charlotte, 5, and Louis, 2 - sitting with wide grins on a bale of hay in front of a pile of chopped wood at their Amner Hall country residence in eastern England.

British royals select happy family snapshots for their Christmas cards

<p>Britain’s Queen Elizabeth held a virtual visit to KPMG last week to mark the accounting firm’s 150th anniversary, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Members of the company’s choir sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and the queen remotely met staff members based in London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.</p>

<p>One employee, John McCalla-Leacy, asked Elizabeth to thank her son and heir, Prince Charles, for his work as part of the charity The Prince’s Trust which he credited with changing his life by supporting him to become an international white-water canoe slalom competitor.</p>

<p>“I’ll indeed pass it on to my son, who is very proud of the idea of The Prince’s Trust, which I think has helped a lot of people,” the 94-year-old queen replied.</p>

<p>The British monarch has performed nearly all her engagements remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic began and is currently staying with her husband Prince Philip, 99, at her Windsor Castle home where she will remain over Christmas.</p>


Britain’s Queen Elizabeth held a virtual visit to KPMG last week to mark the accounting firm’s 150th anniversary, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday. Members of the company’s choir sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and the queen remotely met staff members based in London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth held a virtual visit to KPMG last week to mark the accounting firm’s 150th anniversary, Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday. Members of the company’s choir sang “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and the queen remotely met staff members based in London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. One employee, John McCalla-Leacy, asked Elizabeth to thank her son and heir, Prince Charles, for his work as part of the charity The Prince’s Trust which he credited with changing his life by supporting him to become an international white-water canoe slalom competitor. “I’ll indeed pass it on to my son, who is very proud of the idea of The Prince’s Trust, which I think has helped a lot of people,” the 94-year-old queen replied. The British monarch has performed nearly all her engagements remotely since the COVID-19 pandemic began and is currently staying with her husband Prince Philip, 99, at her Windsor Castle home where she will remain over Christmas.

UK's Queen pays virtual visit to KPMG to celebrate firm's 150th anniversary

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>In a bid to highlight the close historic people to people ties, India is all set to produce a musical on an Indian princess from Ayodhya who went on to become a South Korean Queen, and many South Koreans trace their lineage to her.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Legend has it, the Princess Suriratna of India went to Korea, some 2000 years ago in 48 AD and married King Kim Suro of Geumgwan Gaya. She is well known today in South Korea as Queen Heo Hwang-ok.</p>

<p>Director-General of ICCR Dinesh Patnaik told WION, "On the musical, it is basically a joint production, but right now we are looking at doing it first in India, with Indian actors and then take it to Korea. At some stage, it will have both Korean and Indian actors"</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-host-conference-on-buddhist-studies-from-next-year-344041" hreflang="en">India to host conference on Buddhist studies from next year</a></strong></p>

<p>Queen Heo Hwang-ok's story will also be a part of one of the many stories in a book being planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) that will showcase the millennia-old people-to-people connection between India and countries across the world.</p>

<p>In fact, according to legend, all South Koreans who have the surname "Heo" are the descendants of Queen Heo. She had 10 sons, 2 retained Queen's name and it continues till date.</p>

<p>The government of Uttar Pradesh government is expanding a memorial dedicated to Heo Hwang-ok in Ayodhya, whose foundation stone was laid by South Korea's first lady Kim Jung-sook in November of 2018.</p>


In a bid to highlight the close historic people to people ties, India is all set to produce a musical on an Indian princess from Ayodhya who went on to become a South Korean Queen, and many South Koreans trace their lineage to her.

In a bid to highlight the close historic people to people ties, India is all set to produce a musical on an Indian princess from Ayodhya who went on to become a South Korean Queen, and many South Koreans trace their lineage to her. Legend has it, the Princess Suriratna of India went to Korea, some 2000 years ago in 48 AD and married King Kim Suro of Geumgwan Gaya. She is well known today in South Korea as Queen Heo Hwang-ok. Director-General of ICCR Dinesh Patnaik told WION, "On the musical, it is basically a joint production, but right now we are looking at doing it first in India, with Indian actors and then take it to Korea. At some stage, it will have both Korean and Indian actors" Also read| India to host conference on Buddhist studies from next year Queen Heo Hwang-ok's story will also be a part of one of the many stories in a book being planned by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) that will showcase the millennia-old people-to-people connection between India and countries across the world. In fact, according to legend, all South Koreans who have the surname "Heo" are the descendants of Queen Heo. She had 10 sons, 2 retained Queen's name and it continues till date. The government of Uttar Pradesh government is expanding a memorial dedicated to Heo Hwang-ok in Ayodhya, whose foundation stone was laid by South Korea's first lady Kim Jung-sook in November of 2018.

India planning musical on South Korea's Indian Queen

<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.

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

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

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

<p>Queen Elizabeth II has become the first in the British Royal Family to&nbsp;witness a portrait of themselves being unveiled virtually.</p>

<p>Due to the novel coronavirus and the advice of the UK health experts and government to stay home, the 94-year-old monarch joined in on a video call with artist Miriam Escofet for the unveiling ceremony.</p>

<p>"I'm glad I've had the chance to see it," the Queen said to Escofet. "I hope I'll see it in real life one day."</p>

<p>The Royal Media's social media accounts showcased the portrait.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CDFFbdGnNy0/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">🌎 The Queen paid a virtual visit to the @ukforeignoffice this week to hear about their COVID-19 response and take part in the virtual unveiling of a new portrait of Her Majesty. . The Queen praised the work of @ukforeignoffice staff for their role in: . ✈️ Helping British travellers to return home as part of the UK’s largest-ever peacetime repatriation . ‪🏥 Securing the delivery of over 16m items of Personal Protective Equipment from overseas, distributed to key workers‬ fighting the virus on the frontline . ‪💉 Working with other countries to develop a vaccine . 🖼 📸 ➡️ The new portrait of Her Majesty - unveiled at the start of the call - was commissioned by the @ukforeignoffice and pays tribute to The Queen’s contribution to British diplomacy, having visited over 100 countries throughout her reign. . To watch the full video, visit The Royal Family’s YouTube channel (link in bio).</a></p>

<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>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>Queen Elizabeth turned 94 as members of the British royal family wished her with some adorable throwback images.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently in quarantine with husband Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, the British Queen, unlike previous times, was not&nbsp;seen with family members who huddle up to celebrate her big day. There will also not be the usual Trooping the Colour ceremony owing to COVID-19 scare.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But to make it special, Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton and Prince William sent their tributes. Taking to social media, the Cambridges’ posted, "Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today.” They shared a photo of themselves with the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show last summer.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Prince Charles and Camilla shared a collection of photos of the Queen, including one of hers with Prince Charles as a baby, and one of the Queen and the Duchess sharing a carriage ride together.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Check out the photos here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy 94th Birthday 🎈 <a href="https://t.co/ycTa0i00VY">pic.twitter.com/ycTa0i00VY</a></p>
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarenceHouse/status/1252507717220085761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B_PEX82F3_E/?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">Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today! 🎂🎈</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroyal/?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"> Kensington Palace</a> (@kensingtonroyal) on <time datetime="2020-04-21T08:00:54+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Apr 21, 2020 at 1:00am PDT</time></p>
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<p>The royal family's photographer Chris Jackson also paid tribute to her by sharing his favorite photo of Her Majesty. He wrote, "A very 'Happy Birthday' to HM The Queen, 94 today!" Jackson wrote. "I've taken many thousands of photos of HM and this one always makes me smile, hope it does for you too...."</p>


Queen Elizabeth turned 94 as members of the British royal family wished her with some adorable throwback images. Currently in quarantine with husband Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, the British Queen, unlike previous times, was not seen with family members who huddle up to celebrate her big day.

Queen Elizabeth turned 94 as members of the British royal family wished her with some adorable throwback images. Currently in quarantine with husband Prince Philip at Windsor Castle, the British Queen, unlike previous times, was not seen with family members who huddle up to celebrate her big day. There will also not be the usual Trooping the Colour ceremony owing to COVID-19 scare. But to make it special, Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, Kate Middleton and Prince William sent their tributes. Taking to social media, the Cambridges’ posted, "Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today.” They shared a photo of themselves with the Queen at the Chelsea Flower Show last summer. Meanwhile, Prince Charles and Camilla shared a collection of photos of the Queen, including one of hers with Prince Charles as a baby, and one of the Queen and the Duchess sharing a carriage ride together. Check out the photos here: Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy 94th Birthday 🎈 pic.twitter.com/ycTa0i00VY — Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 21, 2020 × View this post on Instagram Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very happy 94th birthday today! 🎂🎈 A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on Apr 21, 2020 at 1:00am PDT × The royal family's photographer Chris Jackson also paid tribute to her by sharing his favorite photo of Her Majesty. He wrote, "A very 'Happy Birthday' to HM The Queen, 94 today!" Jackson wrote. "I've taken many thousands of photos of HM and this one always makes me smile, hope it does for you too...."

As Queen turns 94, Prince Charles, William and Kate share rare pictures of the monarch

<p>He may have died before many of us were even born, but life and times of Freddie Mercury and his band Queen has for decades influenced generations of musicians. So it was just fitting to give the man a tribute, nearly three decades after his death with a film that celebrates the mad genius in all his glory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Directed by Bryan Singer, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from the beginning makes it clear that the story is about how Bulsara, a Parsi boy from India, who became a humungous star and one of the most relevant faces of pop culture in the 1970s and 1980s. A film that not just portrays Mercury the star and his eccentricities but also tries to delve deeper into the human side of a rather complex personality at large.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Queen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="27171851-f78c-4e2c-9741-fef8ccc834c2" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bohemian2.jpg" /></p>

<p>The film opens with the historic Live Aid concert of July 1985 and concludes with it as well. As we travel back in time, we see the birth of a superstar singer from the bylanes of London. Parsi-Indian boy Farrokh Bulsara is a college boy who also works as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport and writes songs in his free time. He is different, has buck tooth, desperately trying to move away from his lineage and adapt to the British ways when one night he meets Brian May and Roger Taylor- bassist and drummer of a local band that Bulsara often listens to. May and Taylor are in need of a lead singer and Freddie in his own way convince them that he is the right man for them. And that's how a small band, eventually gets rechristened as 'Queen' and goes on to create recording history in the world of rock and roll.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film, much like Mercury's tumultuous personal life, went through a lot of changes. Bryan Singer had shot almost 75% of the film when he was fired from the project owing to long absences and differences with cast and crew and Dexter Fletcher had to eventually step in to complete the project. The changes in the director's post are evident in the way the film has been put together.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Queen" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="46ec4150-1b98-4422-a90e-28046e9e683c" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/bohemian%20rhapsody.jpg" /></p>

<p>While it begins on a high note, the film pace massively slackens in the middle with the screenplay giving too much attention to Mercury's rise and fall juxtaposed with multiple hits by the band, playing the background. And it isn't that the biopic really reveals anything that is already not known. A lot of the things that are depicted in the film about Mercury's rise, fall, and redemptive rise again is already there on the pages of history and well on the Internet. A biopic ideally should give an insight into unknown aspects of a celebrity it is based on. Mercury's rise, his eccentricities, the love he had for Mary Austin, his downfall and him contracting AIDS- is already there on his Wikipedia page. The film could perhaps have then dealt a bit more about his relationship with his family, his earlier years and given more insights into how some of the cult songs came into inception.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mP0VHJYFOAU" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>The songs are all there, though. And all of them are absolutely splendid, naturally. But a lot of the hits are just thrown into the narrative, without any background given.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film is about Freddie Mercury and actor Rami Malek completely owns the part. From adding the buck teeth to getting his mannerisms right, Malek owns every scene and makes his performance memorable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are parts in the film, that appear to have been hastily put together- owing to flimsy editing. The final 20 minutes of the film are the most crucial and is brilliantly put together where the band comes together- after a long gap- to perform to a packed audience at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. A lot of the footage of that concert is available online, and makers use it to their advantage and get Malek and rest of the cast to act out exactly how it was on stage.&nbsp;</p>

<p>That last 20 minutes at the Wembley sort of redeems the films to a great extent as it is exhilarating to watch the iconic band and the mad genius called Freddie Mercury come alive one more time, not on stage but on the big screen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Should you be watching 'Bohemian Rhapsody'? Yes, if you are still not aware of Freddie Mercury and his immense talent. If you are a die-hard fan, you might already know what's happening on screen, but then the songs will help you go back in time and that itself should be a good enough reason to watch it.&nbsp;</p>


He may have died before many of us were even born, but life and times of Freddie Mercury and his band Queen has for decades influenced generations of musicians. So it was just fitting to give the man a tribute, nearly three decades after his death with a film that celebrates the mad genius in all his glory.

He may have died before many of us were even born, but life and times of Freddie Mercury and his band Queen has for decades influenced generations of musicians. So it was just fitting to give the man a tribute, nearly three decades after his death with a film that celebrates the mad genius in all his glory. Directed by Bryan Singer, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from the beginning makes it clear that the story is about how Bulsara, a Parsi boy from India, who became a humungous star and one of the most relevant faces of pop culture in the 1970s and 1980s. A film that not just portrays Mercury the star and his eccentricities but also tries to delve deeper into the human side of a rather complex personality at large. The film opens with the historic Live Aid concert of July 1985 and concludes with it as well. As we travel back in time, we see the birth of a superstar singer from the bylanes of London. Parsi-Indian boy Farrokh Bulsara is a college boy who also works as a baggage handler at Heathrow Airport and writes songs in his free time. He is different, has buck tooth, desperately trying to move away from his lineage and adapt to the British ways when one night he meets Brian May and Roger Taylor- bassist and drummer of a local band that Bulsara often listens to. May and Taylor are in need of a lead singer and Freddie in his own way convince them that he is the right man for them. And that's how a small band, eventually gets rechristened as 'Queen' and goes on to create recording history in the world of rock and roll. The film, much like Mercury's tumultuous personal life, went through a lot of changes. Bryan Singer had shot almost 75% of the film when he was fired from the project owing to long absences and differences with cast and crew and Dexter Fletcher had to eventually step in to complete the project. The changes in the director's post are evident in the way the film has been put together. While it begins on a high note, the film pace massively slackens in the middle with the screenplay giving too much attention to Mercury's rise and fall juxtaposed with multiple hits by the band, playing the background. And it isn't that the biopic really reveals anything that is already not known. A lot of the things that are depicted in the film about Mercury's rise, fall, and redemptive rise again is already there on the pages of history and well on the Internet. A biopic ideally should give an insight into unknown aspects of a celebrity it is based on. Mercury's rise, his eccentricities, the love he had for Mary Austin, his downfall and him contracting AIDS- is already there on his Wikipedia page. The film could perhaps have then dealt a bit more about his relationship with his family, his earlier years and given more insights into how some of the cult songs came into inception. The songs are all there, though. And all of them are absolutely splendid, naturally. But a lot of the hits are just thrown into the narrative, without any background given. The film is about Freddie Mercury and actor Rami Malek completely owns the part. From adding the buck teeth to getting his mannerisms right, Malek owns every scene and makes his performance memorable. There are parts in the film, that appear to have been hastily put together- owing to flimsy editing. The final 20 minutes of the film are the most crucial and is brilliantly put together where the band comes together- after a long gap- to perform to a packed audience at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium. A lot of the footage of that concert is available online, and makers use it to their advantage and get Malek and rest of the cast to act out exactly how it was on stage. That last 20 minutes at the Wembley sort of redeems the films to a great extent as it is exhilarating to watch the iconic band and the mad genius called Freddie Mercury come alive one more time, not on stage but on the big screen. Should you be watching 'Bohemian Rhapsody'? Yes, if you are still not aware of Freddie Mercury and his immense talent. If you are a die-hard fan, you might already know what's happening on screen, but then the songs will help you go back in time and that itself should be a good enough reason to watch it.

'Bohemian Rhapsody' review: Rami Malek is pitch perfect as rockstar Freddie Mercury

Britain's Prince Harry will make his first public appearance today since Queen Elizabeth has approved to the wishes of her grandson and his wife Meghan Markel to step back from their senior royal roles and seek more independent future. The monarch agreed to the pair's wishes during an emergency meeting in Sandringham, days after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the bombshell announcement. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Prince Harry's first public appearance since Sussexes announce to step back from royal roles

Are Harry and Meghan bored by the ceremonial nature of their jobs? Will the royals quit their family business too? What next for duke and duchess of Sussex? WION's Palki Sharma gets the latest from the Royal 'mess' in the United Kingdom. #Gravitas #RoyalMess #UK #Sussex #SussexCouple

Gravitas: The royal mess in United Kingdom: What's happening?

The Queen has now called for an urgent solution to Prince Harry and wife Meghan crisis. According to UK Media Queen Elizabeth and senior Royals have called for a workable solution within days and not weeks. In a recent development to this news, Prince Harry and Meghan have unveiled a new website and media strategy. #PrinceHarry #Queen #Royals #UK #WION #Meghan

Your Story: Harry, Meghan launch new website, Queen calls for 'urgent' solution

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