Queen Elizabeth news – Prince Harry & Meghan’s no show was like a ‘slap in the face’ for Her Majesty, says Thomas Markle
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- When is the Platinum Jubilee?
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MEGHAN & Harry's no-show at Prince Philip's memorial service is a "slap in the face of the Queen", according to the Duchess' estranged father.
The stayed at his £11million Californian mansion with wife Meghan, blaming his absence on a row over police protection — despite visiting the Netherlands next week for the Invictus Games.
Harry was the ONLY senior member of the not to attend the service - while the public expressed their outrage at his “shameful” absence.
Speaking on his Meghan's father has now waded into the row.
He told co-host Karl Larsen: "Attending and giving respect and God's grace to for a lifetime of service was very important to the .
"And for them to not show up was a like a slap in the face to the Queen. It was unforgivable.
"The British people won't forgive them for that, and they shouldn't. I don't know what the reason was, but there's no excuse at all.
"It's a slap in the face for the Queen and the British people."
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates...
Will and Harry are still tight, but Harry's cutting it close
Charles and Will were reportedly angry with Harry for 'putting words in their mouths'.
Harry and Meghan were famously interviewed by Oprah last year during which Harry spoke of feeling trapped.
Referring to his father and brother and their line to the throne he said: "My father and my brother are trapped. They don’t get to leave, and I have huge compassion for that."
However, royal expert and biographer, Robert Jobson disagrees.
Speaking on podcast, Royally US, Jobson said: "I think Harry was putting words into his father and his brother’s mouths, and maybe making an assessment based upon his feelings.
"They were both very angry about that, both Charles and William. I don’t think it’s true, I don’t think he felt trapped in any way."
Only 54% of people in favour of the monarchy but celebrations are still being planned
The year marks the Queen's Platinum jubilee and to mark the occasion, many are planning celebrations around the country.
According to , only 54% of the population think we should definitely keep the monarchy.
Despite this, some people are throwing big bashes, including a four day party planned in Birmingham.
Free live music, entertainment and and food are expected in Victoria Square between 2 June and 5 June.
£70,000 to light up a bridge, while the rest of us deal with the cost of living increase
To mark the Queen's Platinum jubilee, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead plan to light up Windsor and Eton Bridge.
The plan is to light up up the bridge if enough money is raised.
Despite the cost of fuel and food going up rapidly in the wake of Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson's latest announcements, the local mayor, Councillor John Story, said the public appeal to raise the funds is expected soon.
He said the area has enjoyed "a long and proud association" with the royal family.
The Queen is still frail but going strong
95-years-old is more than many of us could imagine for ourselves, but the Queen appears to be doing well.
Having beaten COVID earlier this year after apparently catching it from her eldest son, the monarch went on to pay tribute at her late husband's memorial service last week.
The number of in-person audiences held by HRH have reduced significantly and more of her royal duties have been shared amongst those closest to her.
With that said, it looks likely the longest reigning English monarch is set to see her Platinum Jubilee year through to the end.
Former royal correspondent suggests Prince Andrew remains neither seen nor heard
Prince Andrew continues to make headlines after settling his sexual abuse case brought about by Virginia Giuffre.
Jennie Bond, royal correspondent BBC News for 14 years, wrote an article for suggesting Prince Andrew "keep quiet and out of sight."
It was shocking to many to see him accompany the Queen down the aisle during the memorial of his father, Prince Philip, last week.
Bond continued: "his lack of self-awareness and his innate self-importance appear to be as strong as ever, in spite of the public humiliation that has been heaped on him.
"He remains the most disliked member of the royal family.
"Andrew's wisest course is to enjoy his privileged lifestyle with his adoring family, and to keep quiet and out of sight."
17 years on and Camilla finally feels she belongs
In the wake of the death of the nation's beloved princess, is there any wonder the duchess felt a little uncomfortable in public?
The nation was awash with mourning and grief when Princess Diana died in August 1997 at the age of 36, so there's no surprise Camilla felt nervous when in public with Charles even 10 years on.
She and Charles had divorced the year prior, however. And Camilla (neé Shand) had divorced Andrew Parker Bowles in 1995, 10 years before she would wed her former lover, Prince Charles.
While speaking to , body expert Darren Stanton, spoke of how the royal couple's body language has evolved over the years.
Stanton spoke of Camilla's demeanour previously being 'submissive' but that 17 years on from her marriage to prince, she has become more 'dominant' and 'confident'.
Death plan for Queen leaked by Welsh government
An inquiry has begun after official documents about what will happen when the Queen dies were leaked by the Welsh government.
The correspondence and a pamphlet marked "official sensitive" were sent to a member of the public.
The leak included a civil servant expressing concern that a UK news website had published confidential information.
Dr Goodall, the Welsh government's most senior civil servant said: the government took "issue of information and data security very seriously.
"Whilst the email did not contain any operational information, it was marked 'official sensitive' and should not have been shared.
"We take the issue of information and data security very seriously and this is now being investigated as a potential security breach."
Is there any wonder Camilla's a fan of Colin Firth?
In a trip to Jane Austen's home in Hampshire, the Duchess of Cornwall swoons over the shirt previously worn by Colin Firth.
The actor portrayed Mr Darcy in Pride and Prejudice and then again in all Bridget Jones films. He's also played King George V, Camilla's would-have-been grandfather-in-law in The King's Speech.
While at the Hampshire home, the Duchess is said to have said: "It's a shame he's not in it" upon marvelling at the shirt worn by Firth.
Can't wait for the Crown? We've got you covered - here are some royal favourites to keep you busy!
The fifth season of the crown is set to return to our screens in November this year.
The past seasons have seen the Queen's ascension to the throne after her father's death and uncle's abdication right through to Charles meeting and marrying Diana despite his love for Camilla.
The coming season is set to highlight Prince Charles and Prince Harry and their journey into adolescence. It's not yet clear how much it will portray the death of Diana, Princess of Wales.
If you can't wait until November though, below in no particular order are 10 of the best TV shows and films centred around the Royal Family, besides The Crown of course!
1. The King's Speech
2. The White Queen
3. The Favourite
4. The Queen
5. Elizabeth
6. Shakespeare in Love
7. Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy
8. The King
9. The Young Victoria
10. Mary Queen of Scots
Prince Harry drops in for Invictus Games call
In a Zoom call with competitors, Prince Harry delighted by joining the 'team talk'.
During the call, Harry mentioned that one of the instructors used to shout at him "so much".
The Invictus Games, which was founded by the prince to aid the rehabilitation of sick or injured military personnel, is due to take place in The Hague, The Netherlands later this month.
Many are taking to social media to count down the days.
The Royal Family and sexual abuse - the continued association with sex offenders
Many are still reeling the wake of Prince Andrew's prominent presence at Prince Philip's memorial service, but now Charles too?
A Netflix documentary has shown Prince Charles was somewhat close to Jimmy Savile and went as far as taking PR advice from him.
The DJ and presenter died in 2011 at the age of 84, a year before information of sexual abuse allegations against women and children became public.
There was regular correspondence between the entertainer and the prince, though there is no suggestion Prince Charles knew of Savile's crimes.
'No photos, please' - photographer told not to take photos of the Queen at memorial service
A photographer has said he was told not to take photos of the monarch until she was seated.
Speaking to the times, the only official photographer at the service spoke of how he was told he couldn't take a photo of the queen until she was seated.
It seems he was fine with this but stated that "everything changed" when he realised Prince Andrew would be the one to accompany the 95-year-old.
Richard Pohle, staff photographer at the spoke of how he informed Palace officials that he would "absolutely need to photograph" as this was "now the major news event".
This was the first time Prince Andrew had been seen in public since he stepped back from public duties after settling a sexual abuse case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre.
The Crown is reaching present day - and it needs a Will and Harry
As the Netflix show draws closer to today, it's beginning to look for convincing prince lookalikes.
Last season took us through much of the late 80s exploring the relationship between Diana and Charles.
It's thought the next season will expand upon the family dynamic and show more of the Royal brothers.
And it's casting now.
Kate Bone tweeted a casting call looking for people with a stark resemblance between 16 and 21, with no acting experience required.
Good morning! It's Ije Teunissen-Oligboh bringing you all things Royal today.
Meghan could branch out into TV shows
The Duchess could branch out into other avenues – including TV shows.
If the trademark is granted, it would mean Archewell Audio own it rather than Spotify, which paid Harry and Meghan a rumoured £18million for their partnership in 2020.
But Meghan could face a legal challenge from companies that use the word in their names, such as the skincare and cleaning products business Archetypes, which already has a trademark, the reports.
It comes after the duchess announced Archetypes – her first solo podcast – will be released this summer.
The series will look into labels and stereotypes “that try to hold women back” and will feature interviews with experts and historians during episodes.
Meghan looks to trademark an everyday word
MEGHAN Markle has tried to trademark the word archetypes for the title of her new Spotify podcast.
The Duchess of Sussex has applied to trademark the word “archetypes” – which is coincidentally the name of her first podcast for Spotify.
Archetype is defined as being “typical of an original thing from which others are copied”.
She filed the application last month, despite the ancient Greek word being used in English since around the 1540s.
If the trademark is granted, it would mean they own it rather than Spotify, which paid them a rumoured £18million for their partnership in 2020.
But Meghan could face a legal challenge from companies that use the word in their names, such as the skincare and cleaning products business Archetypes, which already has a trademark, the reports.
Andrew seen for the first time
Prince Andrew was seen for the first time since Prince Philip’s memorial today.
The Duke Of York broke cover as he was seen for the first time since his fathers Memorial Service this morning.
He was captured heading out for an early morning ride on the grounds around Windsor.
William & Kate could move to Windsor this summer
PRINCE William and Kate want to move to Windsor as soon as this summer to be nearer the Queen.
The Cambridges are said to have checked out various royal mansions at Windsor, including Prince Andrew’s Royal Lodge — but he will not budge.
The pair, who split their time between Norfolk and Kensington Palace, are now looking at private homes.
Insiders claim they also eyed up Frogmore House, where they often take George, eight, Charlotte, six, and Louis, three, to play at weekends.
There were also rumours that the couple could take Adelaide Cottage in the shadow of Windsor Castle — but it is currently being lived in.
And royal sources have dismissed claims the couple are to have apartments in Windsor Castle.
Fears Andrew 'getting too close to the Queen'
There are fears that disgraced Prince Andrew is getting too close to the Queen.
A source said: “The need to move to Windsor is growing more and more. Andrew spends a lot of time with the Queen.
"He lives next door and is always there for her. During the Covid lockdown, the family were glad Andrew was always on hand.
“There is not a man, woman or child who would not say he had every right to be at Philip’s thanksgiving. But the family have been adamant there’s no way back.
“There are real fears that despite being banished from The Firm in January, he is using his closeness to the Queen as a springboard back into public life.”
Kate 'didn't want to make it too easy' for Prince William
A friend of Kate Middleton and Prince William has admitted that The Duchess "didn't want to make it too easy" for the Prince when they were in the early stages of their relationship.
Katie Nicholl, royal expert and author of ‘Kate: The Future Queen’, wrote in a 2010 issue of Vanity Fair that a charity fashion show in 2002 was a pivotal night for the couple.
As Kate wowed in black underwear and a see-through dress, William whispered to a friend: “Wow, Kate’s hot!”
A friend told Ms Nicholl that at the after party for the catwalk, William tried to make his move, but was not successful.
The friend said: “It was clear to us that William was smitten with Kate. He actually told her she was a knockout that night, which caused her to blush.
“There was definitely chemistry between them, and Kate had really made an impression on William.
“She played it very cool, and at one point when William seemed to lean in to kiss her, she pulled away.
“She didn’t want to give off the wrong impression or make it too easy for Will.”
Prince Charles & queen of Spain open Bishop Auckland gallery
Queen Letizia of Spain joined the Prince Charles yesterday to open a new art gallery in Bishop Auckland, Northern England.
The Prince of Wales and the queen, 49, visited Auckland Castle yesterday, which is at the centre of an ambitious project funded by a local philanthropist.
The Auckland Project was founded by Jonathan and Jane Ruffer and has been made with hopes to increase tourism to the County Durham town through art, faith and heritage.
The queen viewed life-sized works by Spanish painter Francisco de Zurbaran.
The Spanish Art Gallery is the only space in the UK dedicated to Spanish art and houses paintings including The Holy Family by El Greco and Cherubs Scattering Flowers by Bartolome Esteban Murillo.
Auckland Project volunteer Ann Turnbull, from Crook, County Durham, greeted the queen and remarked: “I thought she was wonderful, very classy and beautiful.
“I said ‘welcome to Bishop Auckland’ and she said the gallery was wonderful.”
Credit: PA
Queen’s sassy response after photographer asks her to remove crown
A clip has resurfaced from the time The Queen had a photoshoot in 2017, with renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz.
During the shoot, the 95-year-old monarch was asked to remove her crown as the photos are so “dressy”.
The renowned American photographer asked The Queen in the video: “I think it will look better without the crown.
“It will look better, less dressy.”
Her Majesty, then laughed and said: “Less dressy! What do you think this is?”
Andrew seen for the first time
Prince Andrew was seen for the first time yesterday since Prince Philip's memorial.
The Duke Of York broke cover as he was seen for the first time since his fathers Memorial Service yesterday morning.
He was captured heading out for an early morning ride on the grounds around Windsor.
Diana ‘had no regrets’ about Bashir interview
A royal expert has claimed that Princess Diana "had no regrets" about her tell-all interview with Martin Bashir, according to a royal expert.
Royal biographer Tina Brown wrote in her biography of the Royal Family that friends of Diana upheld that the Princess “was pleased” about the interview on Panorama.
Brown added: “I don’t subscribe to the now pervasive narrative that Diana was a vulnerable victim of media manipulation, a mere marionette tossed about by malign forces beyond her control.
“While strongly sympathetic to her sons’ pain, I find it offensive to present the canny, resourceful Diana as a woman of no agency, as either a foolish, duped child or the hapless casualty of malevolent muckrakers.”
Prince Charles letters to Jimmy Savile revealed
PRINCE Charles once asked sex fiend Jimmy Savile to help the Royal Family’s public relations.
The future king’s handwritten letters to the Jim’ll Fix It presenter — later proven to be a predatory paedophile — will be seen for the first time in a new TV documentary.
The documentary was released yesterday on Netflix.
One letter written by Charles at Sandringham on January 14, 1989, read: “Perhaps I am wrong, but you are the bloke who knows what’s going on. What I really need, is a list of suggestions from you. I so want to get to parts of the country that others don’t get to reach.”
