Queen Elizabeth news: Her Majesty's Buckingham Palace balcony appearance 'not guaranteed' as Charles starts new project
THE QUEEN's Buckingham Palace balcony appearance for her Platinum Jubilee is 'not guaranteed' according to a source.
The Monarch has recently cut down on her public appearances due to health issues.
According to reports aides to Her Majesty are now revising plans for the historic milestone.
A source with knowledge of the current situation told the Mail on Sunday: “It could still happen but it is by no means guaranteed that we will see the Queen on the balcony during the Jubilee.”
The news comes as, Prince Charles has called for the nation’s “dwindling” historic natural habitat to be renewed as he unveiled a collection of ancient woodlands and trees dedicated to the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Charles said these “precious” assets, which support biodiversity and provided materials for craft workers, needed to be preserved for future generations.
Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest news & updates…
- Louis Allwood
How to enter the children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition
Want your little ones to enter our exiciting new Jubilee competition? It couldn't be simpler!
Email [email protected] with ROYAL TEA TOWEL COMPETITION in the subject line with an attachment of your child's drawing.
Also give a summary as to why they are fans of the Queen.
Entries must include full name, address and phone number.
The deadline for entires closes at midnight on May 15, 2022.
UK and RoI residents aged 16 and under only. One entry a child.
Prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative. Not open to NGN or promotional partner's staff or families.
- Louis Allwood
The Sun launches children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition
The Sun on Sunday today launches a children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition.
We are asking those aged up to 16 to create a bespoke piece of art which captures Her Majesty's 70th Jubilee.
One lucky winner will have their artwork printed on 500 limited edition tea towels which will then be available for Sun on Sunday readers to win.
London-based company Bags of Ethics will print the towels in its Supreme Creations factory in India, where it creates jobs for local women.
Company founder Dr Sri Ram said he was "delighted" to support the competition".
- Louis Allwood
Harry & Meg ordered to 'stay away' from Jubilee
MEGHAN & Harry have been ordered to “stay away” from the Queen’s Jubilee to avoid overshadowing Her Majesty’s milestone celebrations.
Commentators say they don’t want the ongoing “bitter” Royal Family row distracting people from the Queen marking 70 glorious years on the throne.
Richard Eden told the MailOnline’s talk show, Palace Confidential: “I really get the impression that Harry and Meghan are loving all the speculation about whether they’ll come for the Jubilee or not.
“What should be the wonderful celebrations of the Queen’s amazing long reign, instead it’s sort of becoming this saga or will-they-won’t-they-come?”
And the publication’s editor at large, Richard Kat, added that it’s “tragic” that the Queen has to deal with the rows with her own grandchildren.
He said: “I think it’s tragic for her. The last thing she wants is these ongoing, bitter rows with her own grandchildren and the family.
“They had so much trouble in the 1990s which they had hoped they had put behind them, but this is somehow even worse and it must be enormously difficult for her and quite despairing.”
- Louis Allwood
Charles is patron of Queen's Green Canopy – but what is it?
Charles is patron of the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC), a tree-planting initiative which has been encouraging people to plant a tree for the Jubilee to create a legacy in honour of the Queen.
Among the ancient trees dedicated to the monarch is the atmospheric Yew framing the North Door of St Edward's Church, Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire, which may have inspired JRR Tolkien's description of the Doors of Durin in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Fellowship Of The Ring.
Another entrant is Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham, Lincolnshire, which caused the mathematician to question why apples always fell straight down to the ground.
In Wales, the Wyesham Oak takes centre stage on a road bearing its name, Oak Crescent, where residents past and present take pride in their connection to the 1,000-year-old tree which has stood the test of time and development.
While in Northern Ireland, QGC ambassador Lady Mary Peters, former Olympic athlete and advocate for older people to exercise more, has used Hazelbank Park on the shores of Belfast Lough as a location to gather walkers to promote how outdoor spaces are vital for health and wellbeing.
- Louis Allwood
When will the winner be announced?
The date is yet to be announced for the TV special.
The finalists were chosen on March 14, 2022 and invited to Fortnum & Mason’s Piccadilly location to bake their recipe for the judges.
A winner is set to be announced on the BBC special, airing in mid-May.
They will have a special role to play in the Queen’s Jubilee events.
- Louis Allwood
What is the Platinum Pudding Competition?
The Platinum Pudding Competition is a competition run by prestigious department store Fortnum & Mason.
Entries have now closed and the judges have whittled down the thousands of puddings down to just five finalists.
They will battle it out on a one hour BBC documentary, where the winner will be announced.
When defining a pudding, the competition rules said: “Steamed or baked, layered or rolled, a pie or crumble, a cake or tart, the Platinum Pudding Competition is open to interpretation.”
- Louis Allwood
Queen appearance on balcony for Jubilee finale 'not guaranteed'
According to reports The Queen appearing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to celebrate the finale of her Platinum Jubilee is "not guaranteed".
The monarch has recently cut down on her public roles due to health issues.
Aides to Her Majesty are now revising plans for the historic milestone.
A source with knowledge of the current situation told the Mail on Sunday: “It could still happen but it is by no means guaranteed that we will see the Queen on the balcony during the Jubilee.”
- Louis Allwood
‘I’m proud and honored to be doing this with him’
Prince Harry has played polo all of his life and has joined a polo team with his good friend and sportsman, Nacho Figueras.
Nacho has often been compared to the David Beckham of Polo, and now celebrate Harry joining his team to kickstart this year’s season in California.
The polo season in California started yesterday, and the first tournament, in which Prince Harry is competing, will end later today.
In a recent Instagram post, Nacho revealed that Prince Harry was joining his polo team, Los Padres.
Nacho told KCLU: “My polo team has a platform where we use the sport and the platform to raise awareness for charities. Harry’s going to be a part of this team.
“Him and I wanted this team to be very local and to pay tribute to Southern California because of him moving here and paying tribute to his new home.
“It’s going to be a platform for a lot of good things so I’m very excited, proud and honored to be doing this with him.”
- Louis Allwood
Harry & Meghan’s mansion at risk of major fire
The Sussexes live in an area reportedly at a greater risk of wildfires.
A source told the Sunday People : “There have been reports about hikers going out on late-night jaunts close to Harry and Meghan’s place.
“It’s a possible threat to them and the children, not least because there have also been claims hikers have been smoking and tossing their cigarettes on the ground.
“Any fire there could easily get out of control.”
Neighbour, Bruce Savin, told the Montecito Journal: “Last Saturday night, we saw dozens of hikers with flashlights at 9.30pm.
“In disbelief we watched a hiker take a puff off his cigarette before extinguishing it under his foot.
“Night hiking is dangerous enough but in a high-risk fire area it is an absolute threat to us all.”
- Louis Allwood
Prince Charles once fled from a ghost at Sandringham, new book claims
GHOSTS stalk several royal homes — and Prince Charles once fled from a spooky presence, a new book says.
The most haunted is said to be Sandringham, where two kings — George V and VI — died.
Christmas cards move on mantlepieces, doors open on their own, lights turn on and off, and eerie footsteps have been reported at the Queen’s Norfolk retreat, according to Britain’s Ghostly Heritage by John West.
A young Charles and a footman were also said to have once fled in terror from the library after a deathly cold descended and they felt someone was behind them.
Another footman, interviewed in 1996, claimed he saw a servant who had died the previous year.
Heavy breathing is often said to come from an empty second-floor bedroom, with spooked servants refusing to go in.
- Louis Allwood
HEATWAVE ahead of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
A Platinum Jubilee weekend roast is on the cards with highs of 30C expected.
Heatwave conditions will also hit in the run up to the four-day Bank Holiday bonanza, helping sun-starved Brits celebrate the Queen's mighty achievement in style.
Forecasters have predicted warm weather stints in the second half of May, with hot spells in June even more likely.
It's all thanks to a "Spanish sizzler" blowing in from the continent in the week of the Jubilee from June 2 to 5, when Her Majesty will mark 70 years on the throne.
Weather maps show the UK burning a deep orange over the celebratory period – and meteorologists reckon the mercury could top 30C in some parts.
The summer sun will be a major boost to thousands of families planning street parties across the UK country.
- Louis Allwood
Sussexes "loving the speculation"
PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle are "loving the speculation" about whether they will attend the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, according to a royal expert.
Richard Eden, the diary editor at the Daily Mail, told MailPlus’ Palace Confidential: “I really get the impression that Harry and Meghan are loving all the speculation about whether they’ll come for the Jubilee or not.
“What should be the wonderful celebrations of the Queen’s amazing long reign, instead it’s sort of become this saga or will-they-won’t-they-come?”
The news comes as, Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas Markle has already announced that he is flying to the UK this year to attend the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Speaking to Dan Wootton on GB News, the Duchess of Sussex's father claimed he wanted to meet Prince Harry and Meghan Markle if the couple decide to travel over for the celebrations.
The Sussexes have been contacted for comment.
- Louis Allwood
Prince Harry joins Californian polo tournament team
Prince Harry has been enjoying the sun in California – joining a new polo team at the Santa Barbara Polo Club.
The Duke of Sussex may have flown across the Atlantic back in 2020 to live in the US, but he still can’t get enough of the British sport.
- Louis Allwood
Queen planning to spend more time in Scotland
The Queen wants to spend more time in Scotland, we can reveal.
She is said to have told family and courtiers it will also show her lasting support for the Scottish union.
A source said: “Protocol prevents her from expressing a political opinion but she wants the people of Scotland to know of her wish that they reject independence.
“The country and Balmoral has been an incredibly important part of her life.
“She has always been keen to stress that she is the Queen of the entire UK.”
- Louis Allwood
Royal lookalike
A woman has been inundated with comments saying how much she looks like the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
Brittany Dixon, an artist from Australia, started her TikTok account to promote her incredible artwork – but many users spotted the uncanny resemblance she has to Kate.
The Crown, a popular series on Netflix based on the royal family recently put out a casting call, looking for a young Kate Middleton.
People on TikTok went above and beyond to try and find users who looked like future Queen Consort, and Brittany become a popular choice.
Overnight, Brittany was sent a flurry of messages telling her she had to apply for the role.
One wrote: "Please you need to apply!! You’re the Kate we need!"
Since becoming a viral sensation and having hundreds of people urge her to apply, Brittany did.
She wrote: "GUYS I APPLIED," and that she would keep TikTok updated after the video went viral with over 300k views."
Brittany Dixon has been dubbed Kate Middleton's long lost twinCredit: Tik Tok
- Joseph Gamp
When is the Big Windsor Lunch at Windsor Castle?
The record breaking picnic attempt is taking place in Windsor during the extended Bank Holiday weekend on Sunday, June 5, 2022, with festivities’ kicking off at 12.30pm.
The Big Windsor Lunch is part of National Thank You Day.
The long table will be running all the way from Cambridge Gate towards the Copper Horse
Those in attendance will be expected to stick to the Commonwealth theme for the Sunday Celebrations as part of the four-day festivities.
- Joseph Gamp
How to enter the children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition
Want your little ones to enter our exiciting new Jubilee competition? It couldn't be simpler!
Email [email protected] with ROYAL TEA TOWEL COMPETITION in the subject line with an attachment of your child's drawing.
Also give a summary as to why they are fans of the Queen.
Entries must include full name, address and phone number.
The deadline for entires closes at midnight on May 15, 2022.
UK and RoI residents aged 16 and under only. One entry a child.
Prize is non-transferable and no cash alternative. Not open to NGN or promotional partner's staff or families.
- Joseph Gamp
The Sun launches children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition
The Sun on Sunday today launches a children's Jubilee Tea Towel Competition.
We are asking those aged up to 16 to create a bespoke piece of art which captures Her Majesty's 70th Jubilee.
One lucky winner will have their artwork printed on 500 limited edition tea towels which will then be available for Sun on Sunday readers to win.
London-based company Bags of Ethics will print the towels in its Supreme Creations factory in India, where it creates jobs for local women.
Company founder Dr Sri Ram said he was "delighted" to support the competition".
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meg ordered to 'stay away' from Jubilee
MEGHAN & Harry have been ordered to “stay away” from the Queen’s Jubilee to avoid overshadowing Her Majesty’s milestone celebrations.
Commentators say they don’t want the ongoing “bitter” Royal Family row distracting people from the Queen marking 70 glorious years on the throne.
Richard Eden told the MailOnline’s talk show, Palace Confidential: “I really get the impression that Harry and Meghan are loving all the speculation about whether they’ll come for the Jubilee or not.
“What should be the wonderful celebrations of the Queen’s amazing long reign, instead it’s sort of becoming this saga or will-they-won’t-they-come?”
And the publication’s editor at large, Richard Kat, added that it’s “tragic” that the Queen has to deal with the rows with her own grandchildren.
He said: “I think it’s tragic for her. The last thing she wants is these ongoing, bitter rows with her own grandchildren and the family.
“They had so much trouble in the 1990s which they had hoped they had put behind them, but this is somehow even worse and it must be enormously difficult for her and quite despairing.”
- Joseph Gamp
Anne and Kate have ‘different approaches’ to royal duties
A commentator has made the claim that Princess Anne and Kate Middleton have “different approaches” to royal duties.
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams highlighted how the Princess Royal completes more engagements under the radar, while the Duchess of Cambridge takes on fewer but is more involved with them.
Mr Fitzwilliams said: “It’s very interesting because they have different approaches. The Princess Royal does vast numbers of engagements.
“Catherine fewer but she concentrates, this is what the Cambridges seem to be doing, not quite so many patronages but doing more for the ones they take on.
“Also Catherine is so high profile, the world’s most glamorous royal couple, she and William. Whereas Princess Anne prefers a low profile and does a tremendous amount of hard
- Joseph Gamp
Charles is patron of Queen's Green Canopy – but what is it?
Charles is patron of the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC), a tree-planting initiative which has been encouraging people to plant a tree for the Jubilee to create a legacy in honour of the Queen.
Among the ancient trees dedicated to the monarch is the atmospheric Yew framing the North Door of St Edward's Church, Stow-on-the-Wold in Gloucestershire, which may have inspired JRR Tolkien's description of the Doors of Durin in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Fellowship Of The Ring.
Another entrant is Sir Isaac Newton's apple tree in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham, Lincolnshire, which caused the mathematician to question why apples always fell straight down to the ground.
In Wales, the Wyesham Oak takes centre stage on a road bearing its name, Oak Crescent, where residents past and present take pride in their connection to the 1,000-year-old tree which has stood the test of time and development.
While in Northern Ireland, QGC ambassador Lady Mary Peters, former Olympic athlete and advocate for older people to exercise more, has used Hazelbank Park on the shores of Belfast Lough as a location to gather walkers to promote how outdoor spaces are vital for health and wellbeing.
- Joseph Gamp
Charles calls for ancient woods to be replenished as new project honours the Queen
The Prince of Wales has called for the nation's "dwindling" historic natural habitat to be renewed as he unveiled a collection of ancient woodlands and trees dedicated to the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
Charles said these "precious" assets, which support biodiversity and provided materials for craft workers, needed to be preserved for future generations.
Among the 70 ancient woodlands and 70 trees dedicated to the Queen are some of the nation's most natural features, from the Boscobel Oak in Shropshire, a descendant of the tree Charles II used to hide from parliamentary forces in 1651, to Sussex's Five Hundred Acre the inspiration for 100 Acre Wood in the Children's classic Winnie the Pooh.
Charles' comments were made in a video message recorded under one of the 70 ancient trees, the old Sycamore at Dumfries House in Scotland, home to the heir to the throne's Prince's Foundation.
He said: "I believe it is absolutely vital that we do our utmost to nurture our historic inheritance through careful management and, in the case of the woodlands, that we can expand them and link them to other natural features like our hedgerows.
"And if we are to create the 'ancient' trees of the future, we must plant more trees in hedgerows, fields, churchyards and avenues.
"Furthermore, I would suggest that some of those planted should be propagated from today's ancient trees, thus helping to preserve their unique provenance and heritage.
"These working woodlands and magnificent trees span our nation's amazing landscape and exist for everyone to enjoy.
"At the same time, they support biodiversity, and help to provide us with the most versatile and beautiful of materials for our craftsmen and women."
- Joseph Gamp
The Platinum Pudding Competition
THE Platinum Jubilee is fast approaching and as part of the celebrations a pudding competition has been announced.
The Platinum Pudding Competition is a competition run by prestigious department store Fortnum & Mason.
Entries have now closed and the judges have whittled down the thousands of puddings down to just five finalists.
They will battle it out on a one hour BBC documentary, where the winner will be announced.
Anyone over the age of eight was allowed to put forward their creations, although those younger than 17 needed a guardian’s help.
- Joseph Gamp
Royal writer says Princess Diana 'deserves sympathy'
A royal biographer has said that Princess Diana “deserved sympathy” despite her “flawed personality” as she was a sufferer of mental illness.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Mr Hodgson, who wrote the book ‘Charles: The Man Who Would Be King’ said: “There was really no nice Princess Diana.
“There was either a very deviant personality, a very flawed personality, or there was somebody who was mentally unwell.”
“Diana was definitely somebody who did suffer from borderline personality disorder which meant that she wasn’t always totally responsible for her actions.
“It’s not the sort of mental illness that can be cured by the taking of various drugs.
“My book comes to the conclusion that you should give Diana the benefit of the doubt and say that she was actually somebody who was unwell.”
- Joseph Gamp
Caribbean tours branded an ’embarrassment’
The Caribbean tours of Prince William and Kate Middleton, as well as that of Sophie Wessex and Prince Edward have been branded an “embarrassment” by political activist and commentator Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu.
Dr Mos-Shogbamimu said that Royal tours, should aim to address issues raised by activists – such as reparations for slavery, and claimed that the Royals’ recent tours did not do this.
Mos-Shogbamimu said: “If the purpose of the trip is what we’ve seen which is basically a continuation of representing the legacy of the British Empire, then absolutely yes these tours should just end.
“Quite frankly these royal tours that we’ve seen to date are an embarrassment to the British monarchy.
“However if the royal tour was one that speaks to what many of these Afro-Caribbean nations are seeking to address, which is truth, reconciliation and justice, then you need to get on board those tours and make them work.”
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