The King, Queen and Prince William have hosted a glittering annual reception for diplomats at Buckingham Palace.
Foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK, their spouses or partners, and diplomatic staff were among those who were entertained at the white-tie event hosted by senior members of the royal family.
The Princess of Wales was absent as she continues her gradual return to public duties following chemotherapy.
It came as reports suggested the Prince and Princess of Wales are likely to put on a particularly special Christmas for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis this year.
The royal family have endured what William described as a “dreadful” year, with both Kate and the King battling cancer, so it is looking probable that the royal couple will be putting their all into festive celebrations with their children.
It has been confirmed that the princess will be hosting her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on 6 December, and the whole family may be set to soon pick their Christmas tree together after being spotted doing so in Berkshire last year.
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Pictured: King, Queen and William host diplomats at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 19 November 2024 22:58 , Andy Gregory
Senior royals have been hosting an annual event for diplomats at Buckingham Palace this evening, with Camilla wearing the late Queen’s aquamarine and diamond tiara for the first time.
Prince William was also in attendance at the white-tie event, however the Princess of Wales was absent as she continues her gradual return to public duties following her chemotherapy treatment.
Anne opens £145m bridge after being delayed by bad weather
Tuesday 19 November 2024 21:22 , Athena Stavrou
The Princess Royal has officially opened the £145 million Gull Wing Bridge – the largest rolling bascule bridge in the world.
Anne pressed a button to open the distinctive crossing, which spans Lake Lothing in Lowestoft, Suffolk, triggering the lifting of the hydraulic cylinders to allow the Excelsior, a traditional Lowestoft fishing smack, to pass through.
Her arrival on Tuesday afternoon was delayed by almost an hour due to disruptions caused by bad weather.
The King’s sister, dressed in a red jacket, tartan skirt and knee high boots, donned a beige overcoat and red scarf for her walk across the bridge in the chilly conditions.
During her tour of the long-awaited crossing, she was seen standing and peering up at the bascule span’s huge white posts – which resemble the wings of a gull and inspired local children to come up with its name.
King and Queen to be joined by solo Prince of Wales for white tie reception
Tuesday 19 November 2024 19:00 , Tara Cobham
The King and Queen are to host a glittering diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace.
The Prince of Wales will attend the annual white tie and tiara event at the palace on Tuesday evening, but the Princess of Wales, who is often a regular attendee, will not be present.
Each year, hundreds of members of the Diplomatic Corps are welcomed to the palace’s state rooms for the grand affair – the showcase of the diplomatic year in the UK.
In 2023, Kate, in a floor-length pale pink dress by Jenny Packham, wore the Lover’s Knot Tiara, a diamond and pearl-encrusted headpiece made in 1914, which was often worn by Diana, Princess of Wales.
Kate, who finished her chemotherapy treatment in the summer and is gradually returning to public duties as she recovers from cancer, is focusing on hosting her annual Christmas carol concert in Westminster Abbey on December 6.
The Queen last year opted for the late Queen’s favourite Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara.
Camilla, who has just recovered from a nasty chest infection, may not stay for the whole of the event depending on how she is feeling, having returned to shortened engagements this week after her illness.
The diplomatic reception is traditionally held in early December in the run-up to Christmas rather than in November. But the King is hosting an incoming state visit by the Emir of Qatar in the first week of December.
More than 900 people will attend Tuesday’s reception including foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in the UK, their spouses or partners, and diplomatic staff. The evening usually includes a buffet supper and dancing.
A timeline of Kate’s year so far, from cancer diagnosis to royal return
Tuesday 19 November 2024 18:00 , Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.
In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”. She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.
Her diagnosis came in the same year as the King was also diagnosed with cancer. Her husband Prince William has spoken candidly about the royal family’s major health scares, saying 2024 has “probably been the hardest year in my life” and a “dreadful” experience.
My colleague Athena Stavrou writes:
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis
Watch: Princess of Wales shares behind-the-scenes glimpse of Christmas carol concert
Tuesday 19 November 2024 17:00 , Tara Cobham
Royal protection officer sacked for lying about lost bullet at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 19 November 2024 16:00 , Tara Cobham
An armed royal protection officer who lied about losing a bullet in the grounds of Buckingham Palace and covered it up for eight days has been sacked.
Stephen Cotgreave, based within the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection, was on foot patrol alone in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on the afternoon of December 6 2022 when he accidentally dropped the magazine from his firearm.
He picked up the magazine and placed it back inside the gun but when he returned the firearm to the armoury at the end of his shift an hour later, it was found that one round of ammunition was missing.
The officer, who was 48 at the time, was then asked if he could explain the missing bullet but he insisted he could not and denied dropping the magazine.
The incident, which was captured on CCTV, “should have led to an immediate and full search of the area” and posed a risk to the welfare of the royal household, a misconduct hearing heard on Monday.
Recap: Emotional Kate makes milestone return to duty as she joins King at Remembrance Sunday service
Tuesday 19 November 2024 15:00 , Tara Cobham
An emotional Princess of Wales completed a milestone in her return to royal duties last Sunday, as she joined other members of the royal family at the Cenotaph.
The appearance marked the first time Kate had carried out commitments on two consecutive days since she was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of the year.
Kate looked on at the Remembrance Sunday service as the King, who is still undergoing treatment for his own cancer diagnosis, led the nation in a two-minute silence to honour fallen servicemen and women.
My colleague Athena Stavrou reports:
Kate makes milestone return to duty as she joins King at Remembrance Sunday service
Harry says Invictus Games school launch had ‘profound impact’ on him
Tuesday 19 November 2024 14:00 , Tara Cobham
The Duke of Sussex has spoken of the “profound impact” launching a schools programme ahead of the Invictus Games had on him at an event in Canada.
Harry travelled solo to launch the programme for the 2025 event, which is due to be held in Vancouver and Whistler in February.
He marked the countdown by joining students at Seaforth Armoury, a historic military facility, where he launched an online programme to introduce the Invictus Games into schools.
“Seeing them learn about the Invictus Games has had a profound impact on me because this is where Invictus starts to go even wider outside of the Invictus community, into schools in Canada and hopefully around the world,” he said.
Harry, a former British Army captain, launched the Invictus Games in 2014 as an international sports tournament for injured and wounded service personnel and returned veterans.
Addressing the crowd, the Duke also spoke of his emotions in seeing returned service personnel at the Games’ opening ceremony.
“You need to understand what that means to them because that can be a life-altering moment,” he said.
“There’s resilience that has got them there. There’s teamwork that has managed to get them to the starting line, and there’s courage in getting them to that point.
“For most of them, for some of them, it’s very hard to walk into a busy room, and here they are walking into a stadium of tens of thousands of people.”
Health crises and conspiracy theories: How 2024 became Prince William’s ‘annus horribilis’
Tuesday 19 November 2024 13:00 , Tara Cobham
During what was perhaps the lowest point in her reign, the late Queen delivered a sobering speech famously labelling 1992 her “annus horribilis”.
Now – over 30 years later – her grandson has had what he believes to be his own ‘annus horribilis’.
William has spoken candidly about the royal family’s major health scares, saying 2024 has “probably been the hardest year in my life” and a “dreadful” experience.
My colleague Athena Stavrou reports:
Health crises and conspiracy theories: How 2024 became William’s ‘annus horribilis’
Recap: Watch as horses misbehave at King’s 76th birthday gun salute
Tuesday 19 November 2024 12:00 , Tara Cobham
Princess of Wales’s carol concert to return on Christmas Eve as she hosts first event since cancer diagnosis
Tuesday 19 November 2024 11:00 , Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales will host her annual Christmas carol concert, with the service reflecting on “how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times of our lives”.
Kate, who is recovering from cancer, is going ahead with her televised festive event at Westminster Abbey on 6 December, Kensington Palace announced.
The princess set her sights on being able to stage the Together At Christmas service in 2024 despite the health challenges she has faced, and it forms part of her gradual return to public duties after finishing chemotherapy treatment in the summer.
My colleague Jabed Ahmed has the full story:
Kate’s carol concert to reflect on ‘how much we need others in difficult times’
William and Kate’s special Christmas with George, Charlotte and Louis after ‘dreadful’ year
Tuesday 19 November 2024 09:41 , Tara Cobham
The Prince and Princess of Wales are likely to put on a particularly special Christmas for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis this year.
The royal family have endured what William described as a “dreadful” year, with both Kate and the King battling cancer, so it is looking probable that the royal couple will be putting their all into festive celebrations with their children.
The prince has stepped up admirably as both his wife and father face major health scares, admitting that 2024 has “probably been the hardest year in my life”.
As she gradually returns to public duties following her chemotherapy treatment, it has been confirmed that the princess will be hosting her annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on 6 December.
The whole family may be set to soon pick their Christmas tree together after they were spotted doing so from the Christmas Tree Shop in Berkshire last year, which is near to their home Adelaide Cottage in Windsor.
All of the Waleses are also expected to spend Christmas and New Year at Sandringham House along with the rest of the royals, as is tradition, staying at their country home Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
Queen Camilla left ‘heartbroken’ after her beloved Jack Russell is put down
Tuesday 19 November 2024 08:56 , Tara Cobham
The Queen has been left heartbroken after the death of her beloved dog and “much-loved companion” Beth.
The terrier was adopted by Camilla from the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, along with her other dog Bluebell.
Buckingham Palace posted on social media alongside a montage of images of the Queen’s pet: “A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen’s much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties or curled up by the fire.”
My colleague Jabed Ahmed reports:
Queen Camilla ‘heartbroken’ after her beloved Jack Russell is put down
Royal protection officer sacked for lying about lost bullet at Buckingham Palace
Monday 18 November 2024 16:55 , Jabed Ahmed
Royal protection officer sacked for lying about lost bullet at Buckingham Palace
King Charles birthday: A timeline of the monarch’s life with Prince William and Harry on his 76th milestone
Monday 18 November 2024 13:45 , Jabed Ahmed
King Charles: A timeline of the monarch’s life on his 76th birthday
Pictured: King returns to Royal Marines training base to meet recruits
Monday 18 November 2024 12:44 , Jabed Ahmed
The last time someone tried to break in to Windsor Castle
Monday 18 November 2024 12:25 , Jabed Ahmed
On Christmas Day 2021, Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, climbed into the castle grounds with a crossbow and later declared “I’m here to kill the Queen”.
He was jailed for nine years.
On the day he got into the castle grounds, Star Wars fanatic Chail sent a homemade video to family and friends on WhatsApp in which he apologised for what he was about to do and called himself “Darth Chailus”.
He wore dark clothes and a metal mask as he adopted the persona of a Star Wars villain for the video.
In the clip, the defendant, who has Sikh Indian heritage, said he was seeking revenge for the Amritsar massacre in 1919, when British troops opened fire on thousands of Indians and left up to 1,500 dead.
Prince William and Kate suffer security scare as masked men raid Windsor estate at night
Monday 18 November 2024 09:05 , Jabed Ahmed
Masked thieves have mashed through a security gate at the Windsor Castle estate and stole farm vehicles, according to reports.
Two men scaled a 6ft fence at night and used a stolen truck to break through a gate at the royal venue, according to The Sun.
The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children were sleeping in their home nearby, the publication added.
The men reportedly fled with a pick-up and a quad bike stored in a barn.
The burglary is said to have happened on 13 October.
The King was not in residence but William and Kate were believed to be at Adelaide Cottage with George, 11, Charlotte, nine, and six-year-old Louis.
It is five minutes away and the family are regularly seen using the wrecked gate — the nearest exit to their home.
In a statement to the newspaper, Thames Valley Police said: “At around 11.45pm on Sunday October 13, we received a report of burglary at a property on Crown Estate land near to the A308 in Windsor.
“Offenders entered a farm building and made off with a black Isuzu pick-up and a red quad bike. They then made off towards the Old Windsor/Datchet area.
“No arrests have been made at this stage and an investigation is ongoing.”
Battersea Dog’s home reacts to death of Queen’s terrier
Monday 18 November 2024 14:29 , Jabed Ahmed
Peter Laurie, Battersea’s chief executive, said; “We’re very sad to hear that Beth, HM The Queen’s rescue dog, has sadly passed away. Her Majesty, our Patron, rehomed Beth from Battersea in 2011 and we have many fond memories of Beth visiting our centres over the years. Our thoughts are with Their Majesties at this time, we know how difficult it is to lose a beloved pet and Beth was very special indeed.”
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far
Saturday 16 November 2024 08:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.
In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”.
She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.
Athena Stavrou has more.
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis
Prince William and Kate Middleton are like ‘two teenagers in love’
Saturday 16 November 2024 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Prince William and Kate Middleton are still “very into each other” despite all odds, according to Roya Nikkhah, the royals editor of The Sunday Times.
“When you see them on engagements, they’re obviously still very into each other,” Ms Nikkhah told Fox News.
“One’s always looking out for the other. Recently, when they were in Southport together, you could see that… she was a bit more vulnerable. I think they’ve got each other’s backs.”
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich said that when the Princess of Wales returns to royal duties, Prince William will be by her side.
“A picture tells a thousand words and there have been several times when their affection is reminiscent of two teenagers in love, which of course they initially were, well in their early 20s.”
Horses misbehave at King Charles’ 76th birthday gun salute
Saturday 16 November 2024 06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The King’s Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-gun salute next to Buckingham Palace to mark King Charles’ 76th birthday.
Some of the artillery horses refused to behave themselves for the big occasion with at least one ditching its rider for a solo canter around Green Park.
With the horses under control the King’s Artillery proceeded to fire off 41 blank rounds at 10-second intervals, while the Irish Guards provided musical accompaniment.
Watch here:
Horses misbehave at King Charles’ 76th birthday gun salute
Prince Harry and Tom Watson only people continuing case against The Sun publisher
Saturday 16 November 2024 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Duke of Sussex “is one of two claimants whose claims are still live” against the publisher of The Sun over allegations of unlawful information gathering, his barrister has told the High Court.
A hearing on Friday was told that Harry, 40, and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson are now the only people continuing their claims against News Group Newspapers (NGN) after several others settled their cases.
The court was told 39 cases have been settled since a previous hearing in July.
The two remaining cases are expected to go to trial in January 2025, with Harry alleging he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for NGN, which also published the now-defunct News Of The World.
The publisher has previously denied unlawful activity took place at The Sun.
Many others have settled their claims in recent years including actor Hugh Grant, actress Sienna Miller, ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, comic Catherine Tate and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm.
King Charles reveals what brought him to tears recently
Saturday 16 November 2024 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
King Charles this week revealed that a new 90-minute documentary on Queen Camilla made him cry.
The film titled Her Majesty the Queen: Behind Closed Doors highlighted her work raising awareness about domestic and sexual violence.
“It’s very moving isn’t it? I think BAFTA [British Academy of Film and Television Arts] are interested in it,” Charles said, according to The Telegraph.
“I am very proud of it,” he said, adding: “It reduced me to tears.”
Meghan Markle ‘in a joyful mood’ after professional separation
Saturday 16 November 2024 03:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Meghan Markle was in a “joyful mood” amid ongoing professional separation from Prince Harry, People Magazine reported citing a source.
“She was dancing and celebrating with her friends,” the source added.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly going separate paths professionally. The couple had undertaken multiple solo engagements across the last couple of months.
Denzel Washington and King Charles totally botch handshake
Saturday 16 November 2024 02:46 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Denzel Washington appeared nervous and awestruck as he shook King Charles III’s hand at the Gladiator II premiere.
The monarch stepped out solo on the eve of his 76th birthday to attend the sequel’s screening at Leicester Square’s Odeon theater, chatting on the red carpet with director Ridley Scott, 86, and the cast.
The film’s stars lined up to greet the king before heading into the theater. When the King reached Washington after first chatting with Scott and lead actor Paul Mescal, 28, the Training Day star looked flustered, confessing that he wasn’t sure of the proper royal handshake protocol.
Denzel Washington and King Charles totally botch handshake at Gladiator II premiere
Comment: It’s time for the royal family to come clean on their finances
Saturday 16 November 2024 02:00 , Barney Davis
It’s time for the royal family to come clean on their finances
What Donald Trump’s presidency could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid US visa row
Friday 15 November 2024 22:30 , Barney Davis
What Trump’s presidency could mean for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle amid visa row
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far, from cancer diagnosis to royal return
Friday 15 November 2024 20:00 , Barney Davis
Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis
King returns to Royal Marines base where he completed his helicopter pilot training 50 years ago
Friday 15 November 2024 15:45 , Barney Davis
King Charles arrived at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, near Exeter, Devon, on Friday to meet successful recruits and present special honours.
He attended the training centre 50 years ago, completing three days commando training there as part of his pilot training in 1974.
He was presented with a picture of himself tackling the high ropes at the training centre, while he watched recruits perform the same manoeuvre.
The King, who is Captain General of the Royal Marines, met his troops and presented the King’s Badge and a Green Beret to two trainees, Osian Stephens from Colwyn, North Wales and Joseph Ryan from Merseyside.
Addressing the recruits, he said: “As your Captain General, I can only express my pride in each and every one of you, together with my admiration for passing such a demanding course.
“We are fortunate indeed to be able to rely on you, as well as on those families here today who so loyally support you.”
Denzel Washington unsure how to greet King at Gladiator II premiere
Friday 15 November 2024 14:45 , Barney Davis
Even Denzel Washington looked a little star-stuck as he tried to work out the Royal handshake etiquette with King Charles at the Gladiator II premiere last night.
As His Majesty reached the Oscar winner after greeting director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal, Washington could be heard asking: “I didn’t know if I was supposed to grab you or not. But it’s my pleasure.”
King Charles, also a fan of the Training Day star, asked him about his role as the dastardly Emporer Macrinus.
Washington sarcastically grinned and told the King: “I’m just an awful… I’m a lovely man, you’ll see… I’m a lovely chap.”
The King replied, “You’ve been in so many films, it’s fantastic”.
Prince William gives perfect excuse to student for being late to her lecture
Friday 15 November 2024 13:45 , Barney Davis
Prince William’s security team caused quite a stir at Ulster University yesterday.
The Prince Of Wales was visiting students entering the arts at Belfast City Campus Centre.
He even popped his head in to help explain to one lecturer why her student would be late on a viral TikTok.
Samantha Johnson asked the future king to appear in her post, saying: “Just tell her why we’re late! Just say sorry.”
William, taking the request in his stride, said: “To Lesley? Are you recording?”
“Lesley, I’m very sorry we’re late but they seem to be caught up and they wouldn’t believe that you were here, so just say hi.”
She claimed on another video that she “missed half her lecture” due to Prince William’s security guards.
Prince Harry and Tom Watson only people continuing case against The Sun publisher
Friday 15 November 2024 12:42 , Barney Davis
The Duke of Sussex “is one of two claimants whose claims are still live” against the publisher of The Sun over allegations of unlawful information gathering, his barrister has told the High Court.
A hearing on Friday was told that Harry, 40, and former Labour deputy leader Tom Watson are now the only people continuing their claims against News Group Newspapers (NGN) after several others settled their cases.
The court was told 39 cases have been settled since a previous hearing in July.
The two remaining cases are expected to go to trial in January 2025, with Harry alleging he was targeted by journalists and private investigators working for NGN, which also published the now-defunct News Of The World.
The publisher has previously denied unlawful activity took place at The Sun.
Many others have settled their claims in recent years including actor Hugh Grant, actress Sienna Miller, ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne, comic Catherine Tate and Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm.
William charmed by Northern Ireland’s own prince of the silver screen
Thursday 14 November 2024 16:32 , Jabed Ahmed
The heir to the throne was charmed by Northern Ireland’s very own prince of the silver screen during a visit to the region.
The Prince of Wales admired Oscar-winner James Martin’s MBE medal as the pair were introduced, remarking “I recognise that”.
Martin, who became the first actor with Downs Syndrome to win an Academy award when he was recognised for his role in the short film An Irish Goodbye, smiled and said it had been a great opportunity and said it had been a “big step for small actors”.
He commended the Studio Ulster virtual production training suite where they met at the Ulster University, saying there had not been a facility like that for him when he was younger, and spoke with pride of Northern Ireland productions including the popular Derry Girls to a smiling William.
William also took a rare turn behind the camera as he was shown around the state-of-the-art facility, practising moving a video camera along rails while talking to the students.
Horses misbehaving at King Charles’ 76th birthday gun salute
Thursday 14 November 2024 15:13 , Jabed Ahmed
Horses misbehaving at King Charles’ 76th birthday gun salute
Prince of Wales arrives at the Ulster University campus in Belfast
Thursday 14 November 2024 14:40 , Jabed Ahmed
The Prince of Wales has arrived at the Ulster University campus in Belfast for his second engagement of the day in Northern Ireland.
He will meet students and hear about the work by the university to solidify Northern Ireland’s reputation in the creative fields, including the work of the Ulster Screen Academy training the next generation of film, animation and gaming creators and production workers.
William is expected to meet Oscar-winning actor James Martin.
What is the King’s Coronation Food Hub?
Thursday 14 November 2024 14:21 , Jabed Ahmed
The King’s Coronation Food Project was launched on his birthday last year in a bid to bridge the gap between food need and food waste in the UK amid the cost-of-living crisis.
The project has saved 940 tonnes of surplus food – the equivalent of more than two million meals – in its first year.
Since its inception, more than £15 million has been raised to design, build and run a future network of up to 10 Coronation Food Hubs across the UK. Three more hubs are due open in the year ahead.
The project aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need across the UK, by saving more surplus food, supercharging food distribution networks and delivering a flexible funding programme to support the wider sector.
As well as saving 940 tonnes of surplus food in its first year – equivalent to 2.24 million meal portions, a further 1,900 tonnes – or 4.5 million meals – have also been donated by partners of the project.
Meanwhile, £715,000 has been awarded by the King Charles III Charitable Fund (KCCF) to 33 charities working in some of the most deprived parts of the country, with the grants set to enable the rescue of 640 tonnes of food waste, feeding 95,000 people.
Pictured: Gun salute to mark King’s birthday
Thursday 14 November 2024 14:10 , Jabed Ahmed
Prince of Wales visits homelessness project during Northern Ireland trip
Thursday 14 November 2024 13:27 , Jabed Ahmed
The Prince of Wales has arrived in Northern Ireland for a visit that will involve engagements focusing on homelessness and the region’s creative industries.
The trip was due to take place in May this year but was postponed because of the calling of the UK general election.
William’s first visit was to a project in Belfast aimed at helping to prevent homelessness for young people leaving care.
He was welcomed to The Foyer, a temporary accommodation and support service for young people experiencing homelessness operated by the Simon Community.
On arrival William was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant for Belfast Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle.
South Belfast and Mid Down MP and SDLP leader Claire Hanna also welcomed the prince with Jim Dennison, the chief executive of the Simon Community, and Neil McKittrick, the Northern Ireland lead for William’s Homewards initiative.
The Simon Community is a member of the Northern Ireland element of the prince’s initiative to tackle homelessness.
New Balmoral tartan created at request of King
Thursday 14 November 2024 12:49 , Jabed Ahmed
A tartan designed at the King’s request, which will be used at Balmoral, has been lodged with the Scottish Register of Tartans.
The Balmoral Glen Gelder tartan, designed by the Scottish Tartans Authority, uses the specific colours and shades of the King Charles III tartan which the authority presented to the monarch last year.
That pattern was created to mark the coronation and in recognition of the King’s strong support in preserving the culture and traditions of Highland dress and Scottish tartans.
The new tartan, announced as the King celebrates his 76th birthday, will be used for furnishings and staff uniforms at Balmoral and on a limited range of products that will be available to the public at Balmoral Castle next year.
Pictured: King meets members of the Felix Project as he departs after a visit to first Coronation Food Hub
Thursday 14 November 2024 12:17 , Jabed Ahmed
Watch live: 41 gun salute to mark King Charles’ 76th birthday in London’s Green Park
Thursday 14 November 2024 12:05 , Jabed Ahmed
King’s anti-food waste project saves equivalent of more than two million meals
Thursday 14 November 2024 11:36 , Jabed Ahmed
The King’s Coronation Food Project has saved 940 tonnes of surplus food – the equivalent of more than two million meals, according to an impact report marking the first anniversary of the initiative.
Charles launched the drive a year ago and since then more than £15 million has been raised to design, build and run a future network of up to 10 Coronation Food Hubs across the UK.
Three more hubs are due open in the year ahead, the report revealed.
The project aims to bridge the gap between food waste and food need across the UK, by saving more surplus food, supercharging food distribution networks and delivering a flexible funding programme to support the wider sector.
The initiative, which partners with The Felix Project and FareShare, has made “significant and tangible progress towards achieving” its goals, the report said.
As well as saving 940 tonnes of surplus food in its first year – equivalent to 2.24 million meal portions, a further 1,900 tonnes – or 4.5 million meals – have also been donated by partners of the project.
King arrives at Coronation Food Hub in south-east London
Thursday 14 November 2024 11:17 , Jabed Ahmed
The King has opened a Coronation Food Hub in south-east London to celebrate his 76th birthday.
Charles was greeted by Sir Kenneth Olisa, Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, and taken to the entrance of the Deptford hub where the King was greeted by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.
The opening of two centres on Thursday will mark the first anniversary of the Coronation Food Project.
Project chairwoman Dame Martina Milburn, Baroness Louise Casey and other representatives of the charities involved also met Charles.
Volunteers from the Felix Project, who will run the Deptford hub, waved flags and cheers as the King arrived.
Birthday wishes for the King from the royal family
Thursday 14 November 2024 10:57 , Jabed Ahmed
The royal family has wished the King a happy 76th birthday, with the Prince and Princess of Wales sharing a photo of the relaxed-looking monarch wearing sunglasses and a garland during a recent royal tour.
The monarchy’s official social media accounts posted a congratulatory message with a more formal portrait of the King standing in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
William and Kate’s account shared an image of Charles in the sunshine during his recent long-haul overseas trip to Samoa as he was opening The King’s Garden at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Apia.
The message read: “Wishing a very Happy Birthday to His Majesty The King!”
Pictured: King Charles dons black tie on red carpet for world premiere of Gladiator II
Thursday 14 November 2024 10:40 , Jabed Ahmed
King holds audience with possible contender to be next archbishop of Canterbury
Thursday 14 November 2024 10:32 , Jabed Ahmed
The King has held an audience with one of the possible contenders to become the next archbishop of Canterbury.
Charles welcomed the Right Reverend Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, to Buckingham Palace on Wednesday to appoint him as Lord High Almoner and formally present him with his Badge of Office.
The role of Lord High Almoner dates back to the 12th century and involves attending upon, or representing, the sovereign at the Royal Maundy Service.
Mr Usher is an ecologist, a keen beekeeper and the Church’s lead bishop on the environment, while the King is known for his campaigning on green issues.
The bishop is one of those thought to be in the running to become the 106th archbishop of Canterbury, following the resignation of Justin Welby.
Hampshire tea company recognised for sustainability by Duke of Edinburgh
Thursday 14 November 2024 10:06 , Jabed Ahmed
The Duke of Edinburgh has presented a Hampshire tea company with the King’s Award in Sustainable Development for its work helping to improve lives of people around the world.
Ahmad Tea, based in Chandler’s Ford, is one of 29 organisations around the country to be recognised with the honour in 2024.
During his visit to the company’s headquarters, Prince Edward, who was accompanied by Countess Mountbatten of Burma and the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, was presented with a box of tea called Royal Ceylon which had been blended especially for the King.
The British family-owned company which supplies teas to 65 countries worldwide, was presented with the award in recognition of its sustainability projects, philanthropic initiatives and ethical practices.
A spokeswoman for the firm said that it donates up to 20% of its profits to local and global initiatives ranging from the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association to funding a cancer hospital in Sri Lanka as well as health programmes for women in tea-growing regions of Assam and Kenya.
‘Fairytale’ picnic cottage enjoyed by Queen Victoria is restored to its former glory
Thursday 14 November 2024 09:34 , Jabed Ahmed
A “fairytale” picnic cottage enjoyed by Queen Victoria on her visits to Balmoral has been saved from ruin by a conservation charity.
Built by Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Louise, around 1850, the cottage had fallen into disrepair but has been restored to its former glory through work commissioned by the National Trust for Scotland (NTS).
Moxon Architects helped NTS develop the plans for the restoration work and contractors completed the work this autumn, having started in June this year.
They cleared rubble from inside the building, before repointing mortar and harling on the cottage walls, dismantling dormer windows and installing doors, windows and floors to make it watertight and accessible.
The cottage is situated in woodlands near Linn of Quoich on Mar Lodge Estate national nature reserve close to Braemar in Aberdeenshire.
King celebrates 76th birthday with day out on official duties
Thursday 14 November 2024 09:10 , Jabed Ahmed
The King is celebrating his 76th birthday, marking the occasion with a visit to a surplus food festival.
Charles is treating the day as a normal working one and carrying on with his duties despite facing a personally challenging year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.
The monarch will open the first two Coronation Food Hubs on the first anniversary of the launch of his Coronation Food Project, designed to bridge the gap between food need and food waste in the UK amid the cost-of-living crisis.
He will head to Deptford in south London to formally unveil the first hub, tour the centre with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, and attend the surplus food festival being staged to celebrate the royal visit, before virtually opening another hub in Merseyside.
The event will be a solo one for Charles, with the Queen, who had hoped to join him, still recovering from a nasty chest infection.
Pictured: King celebrates film and TV industry at Buckingham Palace
Thursday 14 November 2024 09:04 , Jabed Ahmed
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