Lady Pamela Hicks, a bridesmaid to Queen Elizabeth II and long-time companion to the royal family, has died at 97, leaving behind memories of her loyalty, humor, and unique experiences with the monarchy.
Government admits no formal security vetting or due diligence was carried out before Prince Andrew's appointment as trade envoy in 2001. Documents reveal the Queen's wish for him to take the role.
Queen Elizabeth II consistently supported her son Prince Andrew, even after his association with Jeffrey Epstein and a settlement with Virginia Giuffre. Despite public criticism, she maintained a close bond, offering him roles and continuing family traditions.
Newly released files reveal Queen Elizabeth II was 'very keen' for her son Prince Andrew to become a trade envoy in 2000. The Queen wanted him to have a 'prominent role' in promoting national interests. Andrew served as UK's special representative for trade and investment until 2011.
Queen Elizabeth II's quote on happiness emphasizes living outgoing and unselfish lives, contrasting with modern focus on external success and personal image.
A 2006 photo of Queen Elizabeth II smiling at Prince Harry during his Sandhurst graduation has resurfaced, captivating royal fans with its depiction of a proud grandmother and her unique bond with Harry.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla concluded their historic four-day state visit to the US on Thursday, bidding farewell to Donald Trump and Melania Trump at the White House before visiting Arlington National Cemetery where the King laid a red poppy wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The royals then traveled to Front Royal, Virginia for a block party with the state's governor, with the Queen visiting Smitten Farm to highlight US horse racing welfare efforts while the King visited Shenandoah National Park.
King Charles III addressed the US Congress, marking the first time a sitting British monarch addressed the chamber since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991. The King emphasized that the UK-US partnership is "more important" than ever and that "the challenges we face are too great for any one nation to bear alone." Lawmakers frequently burst into applause during the speech, which mixed British humour with historical references and looked towards future challenges.
King Charles III will become the first British monarch in over 30 years to address the US Congress, delivering a 20-minute speech highlighting the enduring UK-US alliance in defense, intelligence, and security. The address will reference the 250th anniversary of US independence and mark a significant moment in bilateral relations.
King Charles III begins a four-day state visit to Washington, New York and Virginia, marking America's 250th anniversary and seeking to strengthen the US-UK 'special relationship' despite diplomatic tensions over Prime Minister Keir Starmer's refusal to support President Trump's Iran policy. The visit includes a speech to Congress, commemoration of the September 11 attacks, and ceremonies honoring fallen service members.
The royal family commemorated what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday with tributes from the King, Prince and Princess of Wales. King Charles delivered a personal video message praising his mother's devotion to public service, noting she would have been troubled by current world affairs. Plans were revealed for a bronze statue in St James's Park, sculpted by Martin Jennings, standing 3m tall and inspired by a 1955 Pietro Annigoni painting. The memorial project, designed by Lord Foster's team, includes a bust of the Queen in later years and a bronze statue of Prince Philip, with completion expected in about two years.
King Charles has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late mother Queen Elizabeth II on what would have been her 100th birthday, saying she would have been troubled by current affairs including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. In a video message filmed at Balmoral Castle, the King described his mother as 'constant, steadfast and wholly devoted to the people she served' and said the day should be celebrated for a 'life well-lived' rather than marking an absence. The tribute comes amid controversy over Prince Andrew's stripped titles and global economic uncertainty.
King Charles has marked what would have been his mother Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday with a personal video message, warning that the current state of the world would have troubled her deeply. The King recorded the message at Balmoral earlier this month, reflecting on his mother's sense of duty and public service. The final design of a bronze statue by Martin Jennings, inspired by a 1955 Pietro Annigoni painting, will be shown to the King and Queen Camilla. The 9.84ft statue will stand in St James's Park alongside a bust of the Queen in later years and a bronze statue of Prince Philip, with completion expected in about two years.
The South China Morning Post reflects on its historical coverage of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the centenary of her birth in 1926 and revisiting a 1941 profile of the young princess.
King Charles has marked what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday with a personal video message recalling his "darling Mama's" dedication to public service, while warning she would have been troubled by the current state of world affairs. A bronze statue depicting the late Queen in her younger years in ceremonial Order of Garter robes, sculpted by Martin Jennings, will be unveiled in St James's Park near Buckingham Palace. The memorial project, designed by architect Lord Foster's team, also includes a bust of the Queen in later years and a bronze statue of Prince Philip, with completion expected in about two years.
For the first time since Queen Elizabeth II's passing, her private papers are being opened to historian Anna Keay for her official biography. This unprecedented access to personal letters and documents within the Royal Archives promises an intimate portrait of the monarch's life and decision-making across decades of significant change.
Anna Keay, a 51-year-old historian specializing in Britain's republican period, has been appointed as Queen Elizabeth II's official biographer. Keay will interview royal family members and access the late queen's personal papers held in royal archives. She previously spent seven years as assistant curator of Historic Royal Palaces and is a trustee of Royal Collection Trust.
