Queen Elizabeth news: PM's audience with monarch to go VIRTUAL as she CANCELS Royal Family Xmas plans amid Omicron surge
THE Queen has cancelled her family Christmas party over Covid fears and will now hold her weekly audience with the PM virtually amid the surging Omicron variant.
Downing Street said the Prime Ministers' audiences with the Queen would be moved to being virtual.
And asked if Boris Johnson would continue to meet the Queen in person, his official spokesman said: "That will be a matter for the royal family. I'm not aware of them not being… I think they will probably be moved virtually but that'll be a matter for the palace."
It comes after the Monarch, 95, on Monday, cancelled her traditional Royal Family Christmas, which usually caters for around 50 guests.
Her Majesty said it was "with regret" the annual royal get-together would not be going ahead as planned – but that it was "the right thing to do" as the Omicron variant rages across the UK.
Read our royal family live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Continued…
Back in March this year Prince Harry announced that he had taken on a corporate role for a Silicon Valley start up as their "chief impact officer".
While the salary for this job is unknown, it's thought similar positions would be offered a six or seven-figure salary.
In addition to these ventures the family also have several book deals – worth up to £29million.
But even with these huge deals, make-up artist Daniel said the couple were "funny" when he saw them to do Meghan's make-up for the gala at the Intrepid Museum in November.
Daniel said: "Harry jokes around a lot, and Meghan is really funny. It was nice to have those belly laughs again!
"They are loving life as a family of four. They've struck a rhythm as a foursome.
"It's about finding that work-life balance now, which ties into Meghan lobbying for parental paid leave. They're experiencing it themselves. They know it affects everyone in the family."
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle focus on ‘work-life balance’
PRINCE Harry and wife Meghan Markle are loving their new family of four with son Archie, 2, and baby Lilibet, but they are experiencing the "challenge" of finding that illusive work-life balance, revealed Meghan's make-up artist Daniel Martin.
In an interview with People magazine, the Duchess' friend claimed the family had "struck a rhythm as a foursome".
Meghan, 39, has recently been lobbying the US Congress in an attempt to get them to introduce paid family leave for Americans.
Daniel said: "It's about finding that work-life balance now. They're experiencing it themselves."
The couple, who have largely been on parental leave since the birth of six-month-old Lilibet in June, currently live in a $14million mansion in California.
The couple's work has been under question recently as their £18million Spotify deal has so far only seen them produce 35 minutes of content.
The pair also have a Netflix contract that industry insiders claim could be worth as much as £100million.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen’s Xmas gift for Archie last year
Earlier this year, Prince Harry revealed that The Queen had sent Archie a wafflemaker for Christmas in 2020.
During his appearance on James Corden‘s The Late Late Show, the Duke of Sussex said: “Interestingly, my grandmother asked us what Archie wanted for Christmas and Meg said a waffle maker.
“Meg makes up a beautiful organic mix, in the waffle maker, flip it, out it comes, he loves it. Archie literally wakes up in the morning and says ‘waffle’.”
- Joseph Gamp
Duke of Cambridge also loves ice skating and board games at Xmas
In response to other questions, William said he enjoyed playing the board games Monopoly and Risk with his children, and that he liked ice-skating but was not very good at it and looked like a "deer on ice".
William also paid tribute to the patients and staff at the hospital, saying: "I've always been amazed by the positivity, the energy and the hope and the love that goes with the Royal Marsden."
He said staff would ensure the festive period would be "jolly" despite it being "a different Christmas for those in the hospital this year".
The interview came as the Queen has cancelled her traditional pre-Christmas family party next week amid concerns over a spike in Covid cases due to the surge in the Omicron variant.
Plans were reportedly fully in place at Windsor Castle for next Tuesday's Christmas lunch, which the 95-year-old monarch hosts each year for her extended family.
Last year's gathering was also scrapped because of the Covid-19 crisis.
- Joseph Gamp
William loves his sprouts
When asked if he likes Brussels sprouts, William said he "loved" the vegetables with his turkey, roast potatoes and sausages.
The duke also shared that his favourite Christmas song was Feliz Navidad.
"I could say Mariah Carey … as well, it's a good one, and obviously there are many others but I think I'll probably go for Feliz Navidad – it's a bit more jolly."
Asked what he wanted for Christmas, William said he wanted Aston Villa to win their football match on Boxing Day.
Another child wanted to know if the duke had a Lamborghini, to which he replied: "I would love to have a Lamborghini – a big, bright yellow Lamborghini.
"But no, unfortunately, I don't have a Lamborghini – I'm going to have to save up for one of those when I get older."
- Joseph Gamp
William reveals favourite Christmas film, song and traditions
The Duke of Cambridge has revealed his favourite Christmas film and song in an interview with a radio station at the Royal Marsden Hospital.
William was asked about his top traditions by children receiving cancer treatment at the London hospital, of which he has been president since 2007.
He said: "Food is quite important to me at Christmas. I do tend to eat a lot at Christmas. There's always a tiny little bit of space left in my stomach somewhere for a bit more turkey or sausage or, you know, a bit of wine."
He also said that "bringing the family together at Christmas time is always lovely" and that having children made it "a whole different ball game of noise and excitement".
Asked about his favourite festive film, William said it was the comedy Elf starring Will Ferrell.
He said: "It's very funny and I keep watching it every Christmas, it still makes me laugh."
One young patient wanted to know what William would do if he were in charge of Christmas for a day, to which he replied that he would "bring everyone together to have a big party".
"There would definitely be no Covid and there certainly wouldn't be any cancer in the world."
- Joseph Gamp
Who is hosting this year's Royal Variety Performance?
Presenter and treasured comedian Alan Carr is to host The Royal Variety Performance in the grand Royal Albert Hall in London.
Last year’s performance was hosted by Jason Manford on December, 8, 2020.
This year’s performance will mark the 109th event making it the world’s longest running entertainment show.
- Joseph Gamp
Other Royal Family news
- We shared how Meghan showed her real feelings about her royal title with one gesture on Ellen show, says body language expert.
- And Meghan and Prince Harry will skip Christmas with “disappointed” Queen & will celebrate in $15m pad, it’s claimed.
- Meanwhile, Meghan may rein in “woke” speeches after seeing Prince Harry’s relationship with family is at risk, expert says.
William & Kate ‘true power players’
A royal columnist has said that Prince William and Kate Middleton as the Royal Family’s true power players.
The Duchess of Cambridge is preparing for her role as future queen consort alongside husband Prince William.
This means they’ll be taking on more royal duties in absence of the Queen as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stepped back as senior working royals last year.
Columnist Nicola Alpe wrote: “For a while it looked as if Harry and Megan would be the power couple of the Royal Family, but even if they were still there, Wills and Kate are now operating entirely on another level.”
She also added: “Whether it’s playing the paps at their own game by releasing snaps of the next generation of heirs, to changing the way we think and talk about early childhood education and mental health, to absolutely bringing it in the style and appropriate affection stakes during public appearances, Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge are the Royal Family’s true power players.”
- Joseph Gamp
Downing Street: 'Likely' PM's audience with Queen to go virtual
Downing Street said it was likely the Prime Minister's audiences with the Queen would move to being virtual.
Asked whether Boris Johnson would continue to meet the Queen in person, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "That will be a matter for the royal family.
"I'm not aware of them not being… I think they will probably be moved virtually but that'll be a matter for the palace."
- Joseph Gamp
How long did Charles spend in the Navy?
Prince Charles spent five years in the Royal Navy.
He passed through the doors of Britannia Royal Naval College on September 16, 1971 – following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and both his great-grandfathers.
His time at Dartmouth was followed by service on the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk and two frigates, HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter, he then qualified as a helicopter pilot flying Wessex Mk5 with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the Commando carrier HMS Hermes.
The prince's final appointment in February 1976 was command of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington for his last nine months with the Royal Navy.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Charles inspects graduating Royal Navy cadets
The Prince of Wales was the guest of honour at the passing out parade at Britannia Royal Naval College.
Charles, who passed out from the very same college 50 years ago, saluted the new generation of officers at the home of Royal Navy Officer training in Dartmouth, Devon, on Thursday.
Among those passing out in front of the heir to the throne after completing 30 weeks of training were Officer Cadets Alistair Poat, from Somerset, and Ruairidh McBean, from Inverness.
OC Poat, who will be starting his flying training in the new year as an observer (navigator/weapons and sensor specialist) in the Fleet Air Arm, said his training had pushed him out of his "comfort zone".
He added: "Coming from an engineering background I hadn't had much experience of leadership responsibility. Training has given me a great chance to learn and hopefully set me up for a successful career in the Royal Navy.
"By far the most enjoyable part of training for me was our initial sea time. The early opportunity to get hands on and see what life was actually like in the fleet was amazing. It reaffirmed my reasons for joining, as it's a completely different environment from Dartmouth."
- Milica Cosic
William & Kate are Royal Family's true power players
A royal columnist has said that Prince William and Kate Middleton as the Royal Family's true power players.
The Duchess of Cambridge is preparing for her role as future queen consort alongside husband Prince William.
This means they'll be taking on more royal duties in absence of the Queen as well as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who stepped back as senior working royals last year.
Columnist Nicola Alpe wrote: "For a while it looked as if Harry and Megan would be the power couple of the Royal Family, but even if they were still there, Wills and Kate are now operating entirely on another level."
She also added: "Whether it's playing the paps at their own game by releasing snaps of the next generation of heirs, to changing the way we think and talk about early childhood education and mental health, to absolutely bringing it in the style and appropriate affection stakes during public appearances, Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge are the Royal Family's true power players."
- Milica Cosic
Princess Eugenie's favourite drink
New mum Eugenie may have been off the alcohol during her pregnancy with baby August, but the royal is sure to be raising a glass this festive season.
She told Harper's Bazaar, "My favourite drink is vodka soda with loads of lime. Can't beat that."
Her husband, Jack Brooksbank, is the brand ambassador of Casamigos and it was served at their royal wedding in 2018.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan Markle's Xmas gift to the Queen
Following the German tradition, the royals open their presents on Christmas Eve.
Back in 2017 and 2018, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry spent the festivities with the Royal Family.
The Duchess of Sussex stayed at Sandringham and she reportedly chose a very unusual gift for the Queen – a singing toy hamster.
According to the royal biography Finding Freedom, Meghan Markle also gave Prince William a spoon with the words "cereal killer" on it.
- Milica Cosic
Kate and William's Xmas card on Royal Family's future
A body language expert has claimed that Prince William and Kate Middleton's official Christmas card this year sends a clear message about "equality" and female "empowerment".
Exper Jesus Enrique Rosas said: "It's interesting that both Catherine and William are at the same level and that's depicting true equality between them.
"She's also located in that high-interest quadrant and her hair gives contrast to her face, so it draws even more attention.
"So William is the heir to the throne and he will be king one day, but this picture is how they managed to project it on the line message of true women empowerment."
- Milica Cosic
Meghan & Harry voted 'most photogenic Royal couple'
Research by photography experts Printique have analysed Instagram hashtags for 24 of the most popular Royal couples in the world, in order to discover the most Instagrammable Royal couple of all time.
· Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are officially the most photogenic Royal couple pulling in a combined 2.4 million Instagram hashtags – more than any other Royal couple
· Kate Middleton and Prince William take the crown as the second most photogenic Royal duo, with a combined 2.2 million hashtags
· Queen Elizabeth and her late husband Prince Philip reign as the third most Instagrammable Royal couple, boasting 1.4 million hashtags
- Milica Cosic
Windsor Castle 'most Googled Royal residence' in UK
New research by Luxury Hotel shows that Windsor Castle is ‘more Googled than Buckingham Palace’ as Queen cancels Christmas plans.
- Windsor Castle is officially the most Googled Royal residence in the UK, pulling in 124,000 searches a month – nearly seven times the average searches for all Royal residences on the list
- Buckingham Palace is the second most searched-for Royal residence in the UK, with 118,000 searches a month
- Kensington Palace, the official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and Frogmore Cottage – the former home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle – are also high on the list of most popular Royal residences
The Queen's cancelled Xmas lunch plans
The monarch had been due to host The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, among 50 or so other members of the Royal Family, at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
There was due to be wine, crackers and a feast inside the castle – before the Queen set off for Sandringham, Norfolk, for the big day itself.
It will be the monarch’s first Christmas in 73 years without her husband Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 in April.
Tuesday's party had been moved from Buckingham Palace to Windsor where the Queen remains on “light duties” after health scares.
Three of her four new grandchildren — August, Lucas and Siena — all born this year, had been expected to join the party.
But US-based Prince Harry, Meghan, Archie and their daughter Lilibet, who was also born this year, were not scheduled to fly over for the bash.
Queen's Sandringham Christmas Day at risk?
In light of the growing Omicron cases, questions have been raised over whether or not the Queen's Christmas Day at Sandringham will still be going ahead this year.
The annual family Christmas lunch is no longer going ahead, but it was planned for next Tuesday at Windsor Castle.
A very small number of loved ones had been expected to join the Queen in Sandringham for the festive break, but this may now not go ahead as planned.
It had been hoped the celebrations would be bigger than last year when Her Majesty was forced to spend it at Windsor for the first time in 33 years.
A Royal snub
The Duchess of Cambridge hosted the Together at Christmas carol concert at Westminister Abbey on Wednesday and was seen wearing a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings that were lent to her by the Queen.
Royal expert Daniela Elser highlighted that this is the second time Kate has worn jewellery belonging to the Queen, stating that she believes the earrings have been permanently lent to her.
However, Meghan has only ever been lent the Queen’s wedding tiara, which royal fans believe means Kate is more trusted.
Speaking on News Au, Ms Elser said: “While the former actress might own pieces which had belonged personally to Diana, Princess of Wales, getting to frock up in some enormous sparklers from the royal trove was a perk she never enjoyed.”
- Milica Cosic
Kate’s first royal Christmas
For her first Christmas at Sandringham in 2011, Kate Middleton reportedly gave The Queen a jar of homemade chutney.
Kate recalled the moment during an ITV documentary for the Queen’s 90th birthday.
She said. “I can remember being at Sandringham, for the first time, at Christmas. And I was worried what to give the Queen as her Christmas present. I was thinking, ‘Gosh, what should I give her?’
“I thought back to what I would give my own grandparents. And I thought, ‘I’ll make her something.’ Which could have gone horribly wrong. But I decided to make my granny’s recipe of chutney.”
She added: “I was slightly worried about it, but I noticed the next day that it was on the table.”
- Milica Cosic
Harry & Meghan are 'loving life as a family-of-four'
Daniel Martin, a celebrity make-up artist, has revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are loving family life with Archie, 2, and six-month-old Lilibet.
Speaking in a new interview with People magazine, the Duchess of Sussex's close pal said the couple had 'struck a rhythm as a foursome', and were experimenting with finding the best balance for the family.
Daniel said: "Harry jokes around a lot, and Meghan is really funny. It was nice to have those belly laughs again!
"They are loving life as a family of four. They've struck a rhythm as a foursome."
"It's about finding that work-life balance now, which ties into. They're experiencing it themselves. They know it affects everyone in the family", Daniel added.
- Milica Cosic
Sarah Ferguson on Prince Harry's 'happiness' with Meghan
Sarah Ferguson spoke out on Prince Harry's "happiness" with Meghan Markle and shared what she thinks his late mother, Princess Diana, would say about her son today.
During an appearance on the Italian talk show, Porta a Porta, on Tuesday, the Duchess of York said: "The most important thing—and I know Diana, if she were here, would say that—is they are happy.
"And she (Meghan) makes him happy. And I love to see that little boy that cried at the funeral to have happiness now," Sarah said.
- Milica Cosic
Meghan bullying probe ‘has only interviewed a handful of people’
THE probe into Meghan Markle’s bullying allegations has only interviewed a “handful of people who used to work for her”, insiders claim.
Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex was accused of “humiliating” personal assistants and staff, as well as driving two out of the Palace, which she denies.
An internal investigation was launched in March – but sources now fear the probe is being “kicked into the long grass”, it has been revealed.
Inquiries are focusing on a 16-day trip to Australia in 2018, during which a series of clashes between Meghan and her staff left the latter “severely psychologically traumatised”.
But only a handful of people have been called up to share their side of it, insiders told the Daily Mail.
Two PA’s, another member of staff and Simon Case, Prince William’s former-Private Secretary, were potentially among the chosen few.
Earlier this year, sources alleged to The Times that Meghan drove two personal assistants out of the household and undermined the confidence of a third.
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