THE QUEEN was spotted standing unaided with the president of Switzerland at Windsor Castle today – as she held an in-person audience.
In what fans of the Monarch will see as a huge positive update to her health, she held her first official engagement after a week-long break on the Sandringham estate.
The Monarch smiled broadly as she shook hands and posed for photographs with Ignazio Cassis and his wife Paola in the castle's Oak Room.
And eagle-eyed fans spotted that she stood without her walking stick, dressed in a blue and grey paisley-style patterned silk dress.
A fruit-themed sapphire and 16 diamond grape brooch also adorned her dress.
Read more on our blog to find out the latest news and updates on your favourite royals…
- Milica Cosic
Royal Family spotted in Windsor
A fan has spotted the Royal Family in Windsor – complete with the Monarch's great grandchildren.
A short video shows the likes of Kate Middleton, George, Charlotte, Louis, Princess Eugenie with August and Edo at the castle grounds.
Some have speculated that the family coming together means a new portrait for Platinum Jubilee. While others have suggested they are practising in the carriage for Trooping the Colour.
- Milica Cosic
Queen & Charles 'closer than ever' thanks to Camilla
A royal expert has claimed that Camilla Parker-Bowles has become an integral member of the Royal Family since her marriage to Prince Charles 17 years ago – and has even bought her husband and the Queen closer than ever.
Writing for Vanity Fair last week, Katie Nicholl, claimed that Camilla’s influence has made Charles “closer than ever to his mother”.
She wrote: “Her [Camilla] family is her nucleus — she is extremely close to her son, Tom, daughter, Laura, and five grandchildren.
“She remains on good terms with her ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, and counts her sister, Annabel, as her best friend.”
Ms Nicholl continued: “Her “family first” motto has rubbed off on Charles, who speaks to Prince William almost every day on the phone and is closer than ever to his mother.”
- Milica Cosic
All you need to know about Queen Elizabeth…
The Queen has reigned for more than 70 years, becoming the longest-serving British monarch. But what else do we know about her?
- How old is The Queen?
- Who are The Queen's grandchildren?
- Who are The Queen's great grandchildren?
- Why was Queen Elizabeth called Lilibet?
- Who was The Queen's father George VI?
- What properties does The Queen own?
- What does ER stand for in the Queen's signature?
- What is Trooping the Colour?
- Were The Queen and Prince Philip cousins?
Get all the latest news on Queen Elizabeth II right here
- Milica Cosic
Explained: How to enter the Platinum Jubilee Pageant
Performers are needed for the day's events, whether you are an individual or a club.
Anyone can volunteer to take part in the pageant, to bring to life historic movements and subcultures from the UK in the past 70 years.
The casting website has a list of specific groups such as jivers, mods, new romantics, cybergoth and boy blue collaboration plus many more.
They are encouraging authentic or high quality replica clothing and items that represent the moving fashions of Britain.
Street performers who dress as famous faces are also welcome to apply.
If you want to get involved register your interest on the official website before Sunday, May 1, 2022.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant will be a day long, spectacular event in celebration of the QueenCredit: PA - Milica Cosic
What is the Platinum Jubilee Pageant?
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant takes place on the Sunday during the Queen's Jubilee weekend.
It is an all day event on the final day of celebrations, Sunday, June 5, 2022, at Buckingham Palace.
And, it will be one of the major events taking place on the Jubilee weekend – which will take place at Buckingham Palace and in the surrounding streets.
The 3km route will be similar to that taken by the Queen at her coronation in 1953.
Many British national treasures will be involved such as Ed Sheeran, Sir Cliff Richard, Gary Lineker, Dame Shirley Bassey, Bill Bailey and Gok Wan.
The pageant will be split into four acts: For Queen and Country, The Time of Our Lives, Let’s Celebrate, and Happy and Glorious, all organised by pageant master Adrian Evans LVO.
Find out more about the pageant here.
- Milica Cosic
Harry hits out at cultural differences between UK & US
Prince Harry has hit out at the "immense" cultural differences between the UK and the US in regards to mental health.
Speaking on the Masters of Scale podcast with Reid Hoffman, the Duke of Sussex slammed the British reticence to talk about needing mental health support.
In contrast, he praised the Californian mentality.
Mr Hoffman, the podcast host, spoke of the "uphill battle” Prince Harry faced when trying to raise awareness of mental health in the UK.
The Duke replied: “You're absolutely right, Reid, about the cultural differences, they're immense."
Prince Harry continued: “Mental fitness, as far as I understand it, is more a case of get on the front foot. What can you do to be proactive, to prevent the situation from happening?”
- Milica Cosic
William 'already showing qualities of a King'
According to a body language expert, Prince William was the "most regal we have seen" him as he attended the Anzac Day service – which took place on Monday 25 April.
Body language expert Darren Stanton said the Duke of Cambridge is "already showing qualities of a King" as he does what he expected of him whilst carrying out royal duties.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Mr Stanton said: " His body language and posture was military-like as he stood to attention in respect of the fallen soldiers.
"Naturally, he adopted a very solemn facial expression congruent with the nature and mood of the remembrance service and it was the most regal we have seen William conduct himself at a Royal engagement."
- Milica Cosic
Afternoon, Milica Cosic now taking over the blog from Joe. I'll be updating the blog with the latest news and updates until 10pm tonight.
- Joseph Gamp
Kate has ‘been embraced’ by all members of Royal Family
Body language expert Darren Stanton says it's clear Kate Middleton has been "embraced" by all senior members of the Royal Family.
Analysing Kate and Princess Anne's joint appearance yesterday, Mr Stanton said the Duchess of Cambridge shows no signs of "feeling intimidated".
He told Slingo: “It’s clear that Kate has been embraced by all members of the Royal family, with her interactions and exchanges with other senior Royals always appearing honest and sincere. Kate, again, looks very at home and naturally confident while carrying out her duties alongside Anne.
"Her open body language suggests there is no indication she feels intimidated.
“Princess Anne‘s body language, meanwhile, is congruent and similar to the behaviour she adopts when out with other members of the senior Royal family which suggests she treats Kate exactly in the same manner.
“Kate’s outing with Anne is significant in the way it reinforces just how much she has evolved as a person and the level of confidence she’s developed to comfortably attend these types of Royal events either with her husband William, other senior Royals or indeed on her own.”
- Joseph Gamp
Kate 'more than comfortable around authoritative Anne' says body language expert
Body language expert Darren Stanton has analysed Kate Middleton's joint royal engagement with Princess Anne in London yesterday.
Speaking on behalf of Slingo, Mr Stanton said the future Queen is comfortable around long standing figures such as the Princes Royal.
He explained: “Kate Middleton and Princess Anne stepped out for their first Royal engagement together and it’s clear from the outset, the two Royals are more than comfortable around each other.
"As they arrived at their first venue in London, Kate was seen clutching onto her bag in one hand, with her other arm loosely positioned by her side – the softness in her body language shows she felt relaxed alongside Anne, who in contrast carried herself in a more dominant and authoritative way.
“Anne had her hands locked in front of her and was seen slightly in front of Kate, unconsciously allowing her to lead Kate in a positive manner, whereas Kate appeared happy to go with the flow.”
- Joseph Gamp
Royal toilet duties: Prince Charles' demands revealed
In explosive new book, The Palace Papers, Tina Brown reveals the Prince’s interesting items she believes he simply cannot live without.
The Prince of Wales’ has always had a taste for the finer things in life. Author Brown makes new outlandish claims in her new book.
She reveals how allegedly Prince Charles sends a van of his personal belongings and treasured items to his friends’ country houses the day before he’s due to stay.
Staff apparently then have to unload his “bed, furniture and even pictures,” according to Brown.
These extravagant items include his orthopaedic bed, personal lavatory seat and Kleenex Velvet toilet paper.
She made further claims that Prince Charles brings his own paintings of the Scottish Highlands, to decorate with.
- Joseph Gamp
Countess of Wessex plays iconic steel drums
During their trip to Antigua and Barbuda, The Duke and Countess of Wessex lived like locals for a day.
Prince Edward and wife Sophie have met up with local craftspeople in the garden of the Government House, where they have enjoyed playing the steel drums.
Sophie looked like she was having lots of fun, meeting new people and learning about the nation’s rich culture.
She has also committed herself to promoting gender equality, and is due to have talks with Women in Conversation, to find out all about their work to empower the local women.
Credit: PA - Joseph Gamp
Queen Mother 'made it clear which prince deserved more of her attention’
A royal author has claimed that Prince Harry felt “overshadowed” when the Queen Mother gave William more attention when they were growing up.
Royal biographer Robert Jobson said: “By the time he was just eight years old, Prince William was already used to being treated with deference by some of the royal staff.
“On top of that, the Queen Mother made it quite clear which of the two little princes deserved more of her attention.
“At family gatherings, their great-grandmother would often call for a chair to be placed next to hers, then ask for William to be seated next to her.
“She would also invite him to go to see her at Clarence House — without his younger brother.
“Not surprisingly, Prince Harry felt overshadowed — though he has never publicly expressed hurt or resentment at being the less favoured child.”
- Joseph Gamp
Harry and Meghan unprepared for life away from the Royal Family
Tina Brown, the Royal author, revealed that they ‘underestimated’ independence.
Since the couple quit Royal life and went solo two years ago, they have signed huge deals with Netflix and Spotify, despite not releasing much content.
Tina Brown, just released her new book The Palace Papers, where she spills the beans on Harry and Meghan’s exit.
According to Tina, they struggled without advisors and a PR team.
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Harry slams British attitudes towards mental health
Prince Harry has taken aim at British attitude towards mental health, claiming the Californian approach is superior.
Appearing on podcast Masters of Scale, the Duke of Sussex was asked if there were cultural differences between the US and UK on mental health attitudes.
He said: “You’re absolutely right about the cultural differences, they’re immense.
“You talk about it here in California, ‘I’ll get my therapist to call your therapist’.
“Whereas in the UK it’s like, ‘Therapist? What therapist? Whose therapist? I don’t have a therapist. No, I definitely don’t, I’ve never spoken to a therapist.’”
- Joseph Gamp
Meeting in secret: Prince Harry kept his meeting with the Queen private from Royal Aides
The revelation comes after Meghan Markle’s friend Omid Scobie let slip that Harry and the Queen met in private.
According to Omid Scobie, Harry and Meghan keep their whereabouts private from the Queen’s staff.
However his claims have come into question as the Sussex’s stayed within the Royal grounds before meeting the Queen.
When the meeting took place over two weeks ago, it was the first time Harry was able to spend time completely alone with his grandmother, without the watchful eyes of staff.
- Joseph Gamp
Eamonn Holmes hit with hundreds of Ofcom complaints after Prince Harry comments
EAMONN Holmes has been hit with more than 400 complaints after saying Prince Harry should be "thrown over the balcony".
The GB News Breakfast Show host, 62, did not mince his words last week when speaking about Harry and wife Meghan's secret visit to see the Queen.
While talking about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to his co-star Isabel Webster, Eamonn said: "[He's] gotta be photographed. He's got to be on that balcony.
"He's bringing a book out where he's slagging off Camilla and maybe William and his father.
"Why wouldn't they just throw him over the balcony and her with him?"
But his opinion on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex did not sit well with all viewers.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry facing staff revolt with workers threatening to quit
PRINCE Harry faces a staff revolt with workers at his California mental health business threatening to quit or sue over claims they are being unethically treated.
The Duke of Sussex's role as 'Chief Impact Officer' at mental health app BetterUp has also been called into question with angry employees saying his job is "smoke and mirrors".
Staff blasted the Tinder-style app valued at $5bn having "questionable ethics" after learning of plans for a "sneaky" pay cut of up a third of their pay packet.
Some of the 2,000 mental health life coaches are now threatening to sue or quit the Silicon Valley start-up.
One told American news site The Daily Beast: "For a company (whose) mission is to help empower people throughout the world… They're not walking the walk."
Another added: "There's so many of us now who are upset. I would say my heart is broken. And I think there's really questionable ethics going on.They've turned us into a commodity".
One coach told the US website: There’s so many of us now who are upset. I would say my heart is broken. And I think there’s really questionable ethics going on.”
While another added: "They’ve turned us into a commodity." The row is believed to have been sparked by levels of pay and a social media-style rating system that would also influence their fees.
- Joseph Gamp
Harry and Meghan unprepared for life away from the Royal Family
Tina Brown, the Royal author, revealed that they ‘underestimated’ independence.
Since the couple quit Royal life and went solo two years ago, they have signed huge deals with Netflix and Spotify, despite not releasing much content.
Tina Brown, just released her new book The Palace Papers, where she spills the beans on Harry and Meghan’s exit.
According to Tina, they struggled without advisors and a PR team.
- Joseph Gamp
Andrew stripped of Freedom of York
The city of York yesterday stripped Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, of the freedom of the city.
Local councillors voted en masse to rescind the honour bestowed on Andrew, Queen Elizabeth's second son, in 1987.
Andrew, who has fallen from grace as a member of Britain's royal family, in February settled a U.S. lawsuit by Virginia Giuffre accusing him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager, potentially sparing him further embarrassment.
"The honorary freedom of our great city is bestowed on those who represent the very best of York. It's inappropriate for Prince Andrew to retain any connection to our city," said Darryl Smalley, a York city councillor.
Andrew, 62, did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle the civil lawsuit.
He has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.
- The Sun
RHS Chelsea Flower Show to display tributes to Queen on Jubilee year
A floral sculptural portrait of the Queen will be among the tributes to the monarch in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
The gardening extravaganza is returning to its May dates for the first time next month since the pandemic.
Visitors will also be transported to one of the head of state’s favourite places in honour of her 70 years on the throne, with one setting inspired by the colours of the Balmoral countryside.
Renowned florist Simon Lycett, who has created many arrangements for the royal family, has designed a special silhouette of the Queen in the official Platinum Jubilee shade of purple.
It will be covered on both sides with an assortment of native British-grown tree branches with connecting inner shelves arranged with 70 terracotta pots, hand-made in Warwickshire, and planted with Lily of the Valley, one of the Queen’s favourite plants which featured in her Coronation bouquet.
- The Sun
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrate Anzac Day
Prince William and Kate spent yesterday commemorating Australia and New Zealand at Westminster Abbey.
Wills and Kate visited Westminster Abbey to celebrate Anzac Day, Wednesday 25 April.
Anzac Day remembers the casualties and veterans from the conflicts during the Dardanelle landing on 25 April, 1915.
The landing signalled the start of the Gallipoli Campaign during the First World War.
They went to Westminster Abbey for Thanksgiving celebrations, and then laid a wreath at the Cenotaph.
Kate re-wore her gorgeous Catherine Walker coat-dress, matching with a pearl headband and pearl earrings.
Credit: AFP - The Sun
Trip to Canada planned for Prince Charles and his wife Camilla
The Royal couple will head to Canada on May 17 to learn from indigenous people.
Charles and Camilla are adventuring to Labrador and Newfoundland in Canada, which will be their 19th trip 2,000 miles across the pond.
The aim of the trip is part of Charles’ scheme to learn from indigenous people from across the globe. He believes they hold the key to nurturing the planet.
In July 2021, mass graves were discovered of hundreds of indigenous children, and statues of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria were torn down in response to the outrage.
150,000 Canadian children died whilst attending Christian convert schools and their deaths were covered up. The schools ran from the 18th century till 1970.
Credit: PA - The Sun
Prince Charles meets the winners of at the Royal College of Art
He made his visit to the college to meet the winners of the Terra Carta Design Lab.
The Duke of Wales headed to Battersea, to visit the Royal College of Art Dyson Building.
He was invited to view the Terra Carter Design Lab exhibition, which is the Royal College of Art’s student led initiative to the environmental challenges Earth could face as a result of climate change.
His Royal Highness Prince Charles toured the venue, and then perused the art work students had put together ahead of his arrival.
Out of the 125 art pieces submitted, there were just four winners announced.
One of those includes a device that cows can wear over their mouths, to reduce their methane emissions.
Other winners included a clean-tech start-up spearheading the capture and monitoring of tyre wear to reduce the waste of tyres, the first fully recyclable and chemical-free outdoor sport textile, and aerodynamic seed pods.
Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun - The Sun
The Princess Royal and Duchess of Cambridge make a special visit
Princess Anne and Catherine visit Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists today.
The Duchess is a patron of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and Princess Anne, a patron of the Royal College of Midwives
They were photographed at the RCM and RCOG’s headquarters today, Wednesday 27 April.
Catherine and Anne arrived for the visit in London, to hear about the ways in which the RCM and the RCOG are working together to improve maternal health care.
The two also met representatives from Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement.
Credit: PA
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