Queen Elizabeth news latest – Duchess Camilla BLASTS Russia for its 'heartbreaking' invasion of Ukraine at reception
THE DUCHESS of Cornwall has blasted Russia for launching a "brutal attack" in Ukraine at her International Women's Day reception.
Camilla spoke of the "heartbreaking conditions" that have been caused due to Russia's invasion.
The future Queen joined other members of the Royal family in showing solidarity to the Ukrainian people as she invited the wife of the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK to speak at Clarence House.
The event was part of a reception for International Women's Day, where Camilla spoke about the plight of gender equality and events in Kyiv.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
‘Windsor is the place the Queen loves’
Following the reports that The Queen has decided to leave Buckingham Palace for good, a royal expert has said that this moves ‘makes sense’.
Royal author Hugo Vickers told The Sunday Times: “Windsor is the place she loves. She has her memories with Prince Philip there, she has her ponies there and family nearby. It makes sense.”
Before Prince Philip’s death, the monarch spent a large portion of the coronavirus lockdown at Windsor Castle with him there.
Sources claim the couple “rediscovered the happiness of their early years together” during this time.
- Louis Allwood
Good morning
This is Louis Allwood taking on The Sun’s live coverage of the royal family.
- Joseph Gamp
New misery for the Queen
THE Queen faces new Prince Andrew sex allegations torment.
Her son’s accuser, Virginia Giuffre, has been invited to speak at the sentencing of his sex trafficker pal Ghislaine Maxwell.
The hearing in New York on June 28 threatens to cast a cloud over Platinum Jubilee celebrations that month.
Last month, Ms Giuffre and Andrew settled out of court on her civil claim that they had sex when she was 17.
Under the deal’s terms the mum of three, now 38, is said to have agreed to keep quiet until after the jubilee.
A legal source said: “Maxwell’s sentencing could be the first time we hear from Virginia since the settlement.
“It will bring the whole affair with Andrew back up again just as he hopes to move on.”
- Joseph Gamp
Future of Buckingham Palace
It is thought future king Charles will take up residence in Buckingham Palace, despite being known to prefer living in Clarence House.
The Prince of Wales is said to be keen that his mother’s home remains as “monarchy HQ” when he takes over.
He also plans to allow greater access for the public at Buckingham Palace and other properties as he heads a new era for the royals.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince William faced ‘added anguish’ after Harry & Meg’s tell-all interview
The Sussexes Oprah Winfrey interview shook the royal family but caused ‘added anguish’ to Harry’s brother Prince William.
According to royal author Robert Hardman, the interview particularly impacted Harry’s older brother William.
In an extract of his new book, ‘Queen Of Our Times: The Life Of Elizabeth II’ Mr Hardman wrote: “For Prince William, there was the added anguish of seeing the younger brother whom he had protected (and who had idolised him) now throwing incendiary and, in some cases, unanswerable charges into the public domain, fully aware of their likely impact.
“‘William,’ says one friend, ‘was as low as I’d ever seen him.’”
“Since the Oprah interview, the brothers have only met twice — at Prince Philip’s funeral and at the unveiling of the statue of their mother at Kensington Palace.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen welcomes Canadian PM Justin Trudeau to Windsor
THE Queen welcomed the Canadian Prime Minister to Windsor for her first in-person event since she caught Covid.
Her Majesty held an audience with Justin Trudeau, who was pictured shaking her hand in Windsor Castle, Berks.
Mr Trudeau is in the UK to discuss the war in Ukraine with Boris Johnson and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
The monarch, who is also Queen of Canada, was pictured in a patterned dress, standing and smiling warmly at Mr Trudeau as he held her right hand in both of his.
Mr Trudeau was also seen laughing as the Queen gestured towards herself during the meeting in the Oak Room sitting room.
The head of state was not pictured with the walking stick she has been using of late.
As a young child in the 1970s, Mr Trudeau met the Queen several times through his father, Pierre Trudeau, who was one of Canada’s longest-serving prime ministers.
The Queen went back to work last week after being Covid.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen has returned to in-person duties after Covid bout
She had previously been forced to pull out of several engagements due to “mild cold-like symptoms”.
But the hardworking monarch continued with “light duties” such as paperwork while isolating at Windsor Castle.
Prince Charles last week said she was “a lot better” when he visited Southend, Essex.
Her diagnosis came after she had been in direct contact with Charles, two days before he tested positive.
It is believed she spent time with her son when he hosted an investiture at the castle – the first time they had met face-to-face since Christmas.
Camilla too was later struck down with the virus, though both reported mild symptoms.
Sources claim coronavirus has swept through staff at Windsor, with “a number of cases” in workers based at the castle.
It is understood the Queen, who is just weeks away from her 96th birthday, is tested every day by royal doctors.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry may face Meghan Markle’s rage as he attends Texas rodeo
PRINCE Harry has faced the wrath of his animal loving wife by attending a Texas rodeo.
The Duke of Sussex, 37, was pictured in a cowboy hat as he chatted to crowds at the Stockyards Rodeo event in Fort Worth on Saturday.
He is understood to have been without Meghan Markle, 40, at the event.
Animal rights groups have slammed rodeos in the past due to their treatment of horses.
The animals are forced to perform and can often suffer fatal injuries – including heart attacks, broken necks and even aneurysms.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen ‘terrified’ over the line of succession being broken
THE Queen is “terrified” over the line of succession being broken, a source has claimed.
Her Majesty has reportedly urged Prince William not to fly with his family in helicopters over fears it could damage the line of succession.
The monarch is said to be “terrified” disaster could strike, according to a source close to the Queen.
The source said: “Her Majesty has told close friends and courtiers that she would like William to stop flying himself, particularly in bad weather, as helicopters are not the safest form of transport. It keeps the Queen awake at night and she is understandably very worried.”
Meanwhile, a source has also claimed Charles will have a “slimmed down coronation” when he takes the throne.
“The source said: ‘It will be a slimmed-down Monarchy on display throughout. I wouldn’t be surprised to see just Charles and Camilla, Kate and William and their children on the Buckingham Palace balcony afterwards’.”
- Joseph Gamp
Majority of the Royal Family still not met Lilibet in person
Meghan was pregnant with daughter Lilibet when she spoke with Oprah, announcing during the chat that she and Harry would be having a baby girl.
But despite being born in June last year, the majority of the Royal Family is yet to meet the Queen’s namesake, Lilibet Diana, in person.
While senior royals have reportedly cooed over Lili from across the pond on video calls, Princess Eugenie is likely to have been the first to meet her properly.
The royal recently visited the Sussexes in the US and was snapped enjoying the Super Bowl with Harry in a private box at LA’s SoFi Stadium.
It has not yet been confirmed whether Harry and Meghan will bring their children to the UK to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee this year.
- Joseph Gamp
Thanks for reading
Joe Gamp here signing off from our live Royal Family coverage.
We hope you've enjoyed reading the latest news on our rolling blog.
Louis Allwood is back from 6am.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan advised to ditch attention-seeking stunts
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been urged to only return to the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee if they can “keep it quiet”, a royal expert has said.
Royal expert Jonathan Sacerdoti claimed it would “probably be better” if the Duke and Duchess of Sussex do not return, saying that it would “steal” attention from her.
Speaking to Us Weekly’s Royally Us, Mr Sacerdoti said: “I don’t personally imagine Meghan coming to the UK very easily.
“She may prove me wrong but people here have such a low opinion of her if not of both of them these days that I think she would be very brave to come back to the UK.
“But I do still say that if they could come back and if they could not be front and centre, keep it quiet but just come back to help celebrate not just for the Queen but for the whole country then that will probably be very nice and it might rehabilitate them somewhat towards the British people.
“I don’t really think that’s their style anymore.
“They don’t like to do things quietly, they don’t like someone else to be the centre of attention when they’re around and I think that where Harry and Meghan go, it’s the Harry and Meghan show.”
- Joseph Gamp
What is International Women's Day?
International Women's Day, or IWD for short, celebrates the achievements of women around the globe.
It has been marked on March 8 every year for more than a century and each year has a different theme.
For 2022, this is 'Break the Bias' which urges everyone to call out gender bias and inequality.
- Joseph Gamp
Royals share photos of Queen on International Women's Day
The royals shared a series of other photos, including one of Her Majesty with the future Queen Camilla.
Others saw her grinning with son Prince Charles at a polo match in 1988, and with her famous red despatch box, which she address daily.
The post was echoed on the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall's Twitter account.
The Queen, who appears to have recovered after catching Covid a fortnight ago, reached 70 years on the throne last month – her Platinum Jubilee.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince William and Kate hail ‘extraordinary’ Queen
PRINCE William and Kate today hailed the "extraordinary" Queen on International Women's Day.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a touching family snap as they honoured the "inspirational" monarch, who is this year celebrating 70 years on the throne.
In a post on Instagram, the couple said: "In this very special Platinum Jubilee year, we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen and her historic 70 years of service on #IWD2022.
"Mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and Head of State, the Queen’s extraordinary reign has been longer than any other monarch in British history – inspiring a nation and dedicating her life to the service of the Commonwealth and its people."
- Joseph Gamp
Bombshell book
It had been hoped Harry would fly back again with his family for the Jubilee celebrations.
However, it now seems unlikely as Harry takes on the UK Government in court after being told he'd no longer get the "same degree" of security when visiting from the US.
The prince offered to pay for police protection himself, and says without it, he wouldn't feel safe bringing his family to Britain from Montecito.
But Tom Bower, who is currently writing a biography of Meghan, told Closer the duke may not have returned, even without the drama.
Mr Bower says he faces the "ultimate dilemma" because of his book.
"I think Harry won’t come back because he knows he cannot face his family, and be pleasant with them, knowing what he’s written about them in that book," he said.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen fears further 'attacks' on Monarchy in Harry's new book
Harry has faced criticism for publishing the tome in his grandmother's Platinum Jubilee year.
Her Majesty reportedly fears further “attacks” on the monarchy after the bombshell Oprah interview this time last year, and has instructed her lawyers.
Meanwhile, there's a suggestion that Harry could reportedly go into detail on his relationship with stepmother Camilla.
The duke is not known to be close to Andrew, although he is firm friends with Eugenie, who reportedly introduced him to Meghan.
The pair attended the Super Bowl together last month – meaning that Eugenie is likely the first royal to have met Lilibet.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen has returned to in-person duties after Covid bout
She had previously been forced to pull out of several engagements due to “mild cold-like symptoms”.
But the hardworking monarch continued with “light duties” such as paperwork while isolating at Windsor Castle.
Prince Charles last week said she was “a lot better” when he visited Southend, Essex.
Her diagnosis came after she had been in direct contact with Charles, two days before he tested positive.
It is believed she spent time with her son when he hosted an investiture at the castle – the first time they had met face-to-face since Christmas.
Camilla too was later struck down with the virus, though both reported mild symptoms.
Sources claim coronavirus has swept through staff at Windsor, with “a number of cases” in workers based at the castle.
It is understood the Queen, who is just weeks away from her 96th birthday, is tested every day by royal doctors.
- Joseph Gamp
‘Windsor is the place the Queen loves’
Following the reports that The Queen has decided to leave Buckingham Palace for good, a royal expert has said that this moves ‘makes sense’.
Royal author Hugo Vickers told The Sunday Times: “Windsor is the place she loves. She has her memories with Prince Philip there, she has her ponies there and family nearby. It makes sense.”
Before Prince Philip’s death, the monarch spent a large portion of the coronavirus lockdown at Windsor Castle with him there.
Sources claim the couple “rediscovered the happiness of their early years together” during this time.
- Joseph Gamp
Explained: Is Prince Andrew still a working royal?
Andrew, who has stepped down from royal duties and public life, claimed he never met Ms Giuffre.
The Queen took steps to distance the royal family from Andrew and protect the monarchy brand as the prospect of a trial loomed.
She stripped him of his honorary military roles, with the duke also giving up using his HRH – a style he was born with.
- Joseph Gamp
Andrew pictured leaving Royal Lodge to travel to Windsor
Andrew, who has not been seen since the bombshell payout, was pictured driving from his Royal Lodge home to visit the Queen at Windsor Castle this morning.
His visit is understood to have lasted an hour and came as Her Majesty hosted virtual audiences from Windsor earlier today.
The duke has vehemently denied all claims against him.
- Joseph Gamp
Andrews settlement
The document submitted to a US court said: "Virginia Giuffre and Prince Andrew have reached an out of court settlement.
"The parties will file a stipulated dismissal upon Ms Giuffre's receipt of the settlement (the sum of which is not being disclosed).
"Prince Andrew intends to make a substantial donation to Ms. Giuffre's charity in support of victims' rights.
"Prince Andrew has never intended to malign Ms Giuffre's character, and he accepts that she has suffered both as an established victim of abuse and as a result of unfair public attacks.
"It is known that Jeffrey Epstein trafficked countless young girls over many years.
"Prince Andrew regrets his association with Epstein, and commends the bravery of Ms Giuffre and other survivors in standing up for themselves and others.
"He pledges to demonstrate his regret for his association with Epstein by supporting the fight against the evils of sex trafficking, and by supporting its victims."
- Joseph Gamp
Queen held first in person engagement yesterday
On Monday, the Queen held her first in-person engagement since catching Covid, meeting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Mr Trudeau said at a Downing Street press conference afterwards that the monarch was "as insightful and perspicacious as ever".
He later tweeted: "It's always wonderful to see Queen Elizabeth II.
"When we met at Windsor Castle, we spoke about a wide range of issues – including global affairs, the situation in Ukraine, and Her Majesty's lifetime of service to Canada and the Commonwealth."
A photograph taken during the audience at Windsor featured a large bouquet of blue and yellow flowers, the colours of the Ukrainian flag, behind the Queen and Mr Trudeau.
The gesture was seen as a symbol of the Queen's support for the people of Ukraine.
- Joseph Gamp
Andrew spotted for first time since paying ‘£12million’ settlement
PRINCE Andrew was today seen for the first time since settling his sex abuse lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre.
The disgraced Duke of York was seen driving his Range Rover through Windsor this morning – almost a month after he was spared a humiliating court battle.
Andrew, 62, was on a collision course with Ms Giuffre over claims he raped and abused her when she was 17.
He had faced a gruelling legal clash which will now never take place after the case was settled financially.
The duke has vehemently denied all claims against him and the sum of money agreed between the two parties may never be released.
It is believed, however, to be as much as £12million.
- Joseph Gamp
Spain's former King Juan Carlos to remain in self imposed exile in Abu Dhabi
Spain's former King Juan Carlos said he will stay in Abu Dhabi despite the closure of investigations into his financial dealings that led to his self-imposed exile in the UAE, the Spanish royal family said on Monday.
"For now, I prefer for personal reasons which concern nobody but myself, to continue residing in a permanent and stable manner in Abu Dhabi," Juan Carlos wrote to his son, Spain's reigning monarch Felipe VI, in a letter published by the royal family.
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