Queen Elizabeth news – Her Majesty, 95, looks happy & healthy as she’s seen for FIRST TIME since health fears grew

Bear Grylls on Prince George eating an ant

It’s not a common occurrence to meet a royal let alone get one to eat an insect, but Bear Grylls has recalled the moment he got Prince George to eat an Ant.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Bear Grylls said how the future king’s eyes lit up after trying the bug.

Susanna Reid, asked: “You encouraged President Obama to eat a half-eaten salmon, you also encouraged our future king to eat some ants, didn’t you?”

Grylls, OBE and British Adventurer explained: “Well I didn’t really mean to, I mean we were doing something for Prince William’s  Cup event, we were down there and the royal family were there.

“And it was actually the Duchess of Cambridge’s mother said ‘Would you come and just say hi to Prince George, he’s a big fan of your Netflix adventure interactive show’.

“And so we were chatting, and he was down here, and just as we were chatting a stream of ants went across his feet, and him and me looked at them, he looked at me with those amazed wide eyes, and I said ‘Come on we’ve got to eat one’.

“And he said ‘Oh really?’ and we ate, and it was a privilege to give the future King his first ant.”

Kate & William to break with Royal Family tradition

It has been claimed that Kate and Prince William are set to break away from traditions within the Royal Family to help keep the monarchy "relevant".

The royal couple are said to be "embracing" more ways to communicate with the public.

Royal correspondent Emily Nash revealed this could include TV documentaries as well as social media.

Speaking to Real Royalty, Ms Nash said: "William and Kate in particular I think have realised they have to remain relevant.

"The monarchy has to remain relevant to the next generation.

"If that means them opening up more, finding new ways to communicate whether it's on social media or appearing on TV documentaries.

"They're willing to embrace that."

Queen's Xmas changes

The monarch, 95, is expected to make some exciting changes to her Berkshire abode later this month.

While Buckingham Palace is yet to confirm arrangements for this year, the Queen will reportedly host her family at Sandringham for Christmas.

In another significant change for the monarch this year, it will be her first Christmas without Prince Philip by her side.

The Duke sadly passed away at the age of 99 in April.  

William & Harry's relationship still remains 'poor'

Prince William's relationship with younger brother Prince Harry is still "poor" amid their ongoing feud, a royal author has claimed.

Royal biographer Robert Lacey, who penned the book Battle of Brothers: William, Harry and the Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, says their current relationship is "poor, definitely poor".

Lacey told  : "I’ve spoken to two people from that party and it was quite clear from things he said that his anger towards Harry remains.

“He remains unhappy about what his brother has done. There is no immediate possibility of any reconciliation. I mean, it’s not wanted on either side. Too many bitter things have been said.”

Meghan Markle 'pushing Queen into corner'

Meghan Markle has been using her royal title to help influence her political ambitions, pushing 'Queen into a corner', a royal commentator has claimed.

Daniela Elser said Meghan’s use of her Duchess of Sussex title as she looks to make a difference in American politics is making things awkward for the monarch.

Elser went on to say that Meghan’s continued use of the royal title in politics is “pushing the Queen into even more of a corner”.

She continued by questioning how long the Queen would stand by with the use of the Duchess of Sussex title before she is “forced to act”.

Harry ‘sold himself to the devil’

Prince Harry has stayed ‘quiet’ following reports that ‘The Crown’ will not ‘respectfully’ portray Diana in her final years.

Royal correspondent Rupert Bell told talkRADIO: “He’s got a £112million dollar deal with Netflix and I imagine it’s quite hard for him to extract himself from it.

“His feeling is probably to stay quiet because hopefully, it might go away.

“Clearly, I haven’t seen this episode of The Crown and the way they are treating Diana in the new series, this was always going to be the problem for The Crown when it got nearer to home.

“It is difficult but he has now sold himself to the ‘devil’ Netflix for $112million and he’s got an expensive lifestyle, he’s also got to produce some goods in terms of the content but it isn’t rushing out at the moment.”

Meghan faces fresh challenge over letter to her father

Lawyers for Associated Newspapers Limited appeared before the Court of Appeal today saying they want to present new evidence to challenge the Duchess of Sussex's case.

Associated Newspapers Limited’s lawyer Andrew Caldecott QC told the Civil Division of the Court of Appeal in London this morning that their position was that Meghan’s letter was “crafted specifically with the possibility of public consumption” because she “appreciated” her father “might disclose it to the media.” 

However, in a written submission to the court, lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex requested that the appeal be dismissed.

Meghan's legal team said that this was a: “very straightforward case of mass media dissemination, for commercial gain, of a private and deeply personal letter from a daughter to her estranged father."

Her legal team accused the newspaper group of seeking to: “muddy the waters, and to generate a proliferation of factual issues which it relies upon as justifying a trial.”

Setting to help Prince Charles

Prince Charles is set to become the next head of state after the end of the Queen’s reign.

However, royal author Andrew Morton believes the current Prince of Wales may not lead alone but could choose to be “propped up” by his popular son Prince William.

Mr Morton, author of the recently updated biography Meghan: A Hollywood Princess, discussed how the monarchy could look after the end of Elizabeth II’s reign.

He told Express.co.uk: “The quartet of Charles, Camilla, William and Kate will be what you will see more of.

“Because those people in the palace who take notice of these things will have seen that William and Catherine are very very popular and photogenic and articulate and fit the bill.

“Whereas Charles and Camilla have tried manfully to establish themselves but it is still the younger generation that people focus on. 

“So I think you are going to see Charles wanting to prop up his throne with the help of his son.”

Explained: Why do we hold a two minute silence?

The first two minute silence in the UK was held on November 11, 1919, when King George V asked the public to observe a silence at 11am.

This was one year after the end of World War One.

He made the request so “the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead”.

Queen expected to lead tributes at Sunday’s remembrance

The monarch is expected to lead the Royal Family’s tributes at this Sunday’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London.

Remembrance Day – also known as Armistice Day – falls on November 11 every year.

It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.

A two minute silence is held at 11am to remember those who sadly lost their life in all wars.

Royal fury

THE QUEEN furiously responded to Prince Charles’ plea to reduce her hostility towards Camilla, and said she wanted “nothing to do with her” in the late Nineties, royal author Tom Bower once claimed.

Tom Bower claimed in the Daily Mail in 2018 that the Queen had initially refused to have any interaction with Camilla at all.

He wrote: “For years, both the Queen and her mother had refused to have anything to do with Charles’ mistress.

“Not only did they not want her present at any royal function, either formal or informal; they actively disapproved of her, and of Charles’ relationship with her.”

After Diana tragically died in a car crash in Paris in 1997, Charles and Camilla worked hard to rehabilitate their image, in the hope that one day they would be accepted as a legitimate couple, but were met with fierce resistance.

Mr Bower wrote that Charles became “exasperated by what he termed an intolerable situation”.

Odds slashed

Bookmaker Coral has cut the odds on Meghan Markle becoming President of the United States in the future to 40-1 (from 100-1).

Coral go 66-1 that she specifically wins the Democratic Nomination in the year 2032.

“Meghan doesn’t keep her passion for politics quiet and you definitely can not rule her out of running for office in the future. We go now just 40-1 that she becomes US President at any point in the future,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.

“The earliest it may come looks to be 2032, with odds of 66-1 on her being the Democratic Nomination for that US Election,” added Aitkenhead.

A rather royal name

Trevor Engleson, who was once married to Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex in 2011, is celebrating being a father again after his new wife Tracey gave birth.

“World, meet baby girl Sienna Lee Engelson… my wife is a gangster!” Trevor, 44, wrote on his private Instagram account.

Fans are are saying that the name choice is a slight 'coincidence' with it being a royal name.

Sienna is the name given to Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi‘s baby who was born earlier this year.

‘Evidence’ from witness to appear in new documentary

THE witness who says he saw Prince Andrew grope Virginia Roberts is set to make bombshell claims in a new documentary.

Jeffrey Epstein’s former telecoms specialist Steve Scully is set to give his explosive alleged evidence to 7News in the documentary Spotlight: Sex, Lies and Videotape which will air on Sunday.

Scully, 71, has previously insisted the woman he saw in Epstein's "paedo island" was Virginia and told The Sun exclusively he was willing to give evidence in court.

In an audio recording of Scully he claims: “He [Prince Andrew] removed her bathing suit top and then started grinding against her and grabbing her ass.”

“They were kissing as well,” Scully added. “Virginia was standing there, she kinda looked like she was like a deer caught in the headlights of the car.”

'Pushing the Queen into a corner'

ROYAL commentator Daniela Elser has said that Meghan Markle is making things awkward for the Monarch with the use of her Duchess of Sussex title as she looks to make a mark within politics.

In her column on , Elser has said that following Harry and Meghan's departure from the royal family, the Duchess looks like a 'hypocrite' for wanting to use her title.

She said: “What is a real head scratcher here is why Meghan continues to wheel out her title in such instances as these calls to Senator when she must know it's like holding a red rag to a bull?

“Why endanger the most marketable thing going for the couple?

“For one thing, it makes her look like a hypocrite. She and Harry didn’t want to remain a part of the royal stable but are happy to keep using the trappings that came with said job when it suits her purposes? Riiiight.”

Elser continued to say that by Meghan using her royal title she is “pushing the Queen into even more of a corner”.

Christmas lunch bizarre tradition

As if Christmas at the Queen's Norfolk estate Sandringham didn't sound daunting enough, there's also a VERY odd tradition every member of the Royal Family has to follow.

In 2018, royal expert Ingrid Seward Ingrid told  that The Queen asks each of her guests - including Kate Middleton and Prince William - to "weigh themselves" when they arrive using a set of antique scales.

But this is all to make sure guests are having a great time - and they're weighed to make sure they're being "well fed".

The tradition dates back to King Edward VII's reign in the early 1900s - and applies to all members of the royal clan.

As the festivities undeniably revolve around eating, the Royal Family first enjoy a turkey dinner with all the trimmings before indulging themselves in an afternoon tea complete with a "gargantuan iced cake".

The Queen's Corgis have a special Christmas treat

Unsurprisingly, The Queen always ensures her beloved corgis have a special Christmas treat too.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady claims Her Majesty's dogs were given a special Christmas meal too which consisted of the freshest local produce.

Darren wrote: "Even the corgis – there were 12 when I was chef – have individual menus, usually involving a rotation of fresh rabbit, beef or chicken with rice and cabbage.

"We’d jokingly refer to the footmen responsible for the dogs, both named Paul, as ‘Doggy One and Doggy Two’."

Marcus Rashford takes mum to watch him receive MBE from Prince William

MARCUS Rashford today took his proud mum to watch him receive an MBE from Prince William for his heroic school-meals campaign.

The England striker, 24, was pictured gleaming with mum Melanie in the grounds of Windsor Castle ahead of the ceremony hosted by the Duke of Cambridge.

He was later seen smiling as he thanked the prince, who appeared to chat away as he fixed the honour to his coat.

Rashford was recognised for his campaign which helped feed 1.3million of Britain’s poorest kids over the summer holidays.

It resulted in the Government changing policy over its free school-meals vouchers during lockdown and made the striker a national hero.

'Pleased to be back'

Today marks the first investiture William has hosted since the pandemic began.

Earlier today, the duke said he was "pleased to be back" and shared a photo of an honour online resting on a velvet cushion.

His personally signed message read: "Pleased to be back doing investitures in person, celebrating people across the UK who have gone above and beyond for their country and community. W".

Why do we hold a two minute silence?

The first two minute silence in the UK was held on November 11, 1919, when King George V asked the public to observe a silence at 11am.

This was one year after the end of World War One.

He made the request so "the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the glorious dead".

The Queen is expected to lead tributes at Sunday's remembrance

She is expected to lead the Royal Family's tributes at this Sunday's Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph in London.

Remembrance Day - also known as Armistice Day - falls on November 11 every year.

It marks the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.

A two minute silence is held at 11am to remember those who sadly lost their life in all wars.

Queen returns to Windsor Castle to rest after long weekend away

THE Queen has returned to Windsor Castle to rest after spending a weekend in Sandringham.

Her Majesty, 95, was pictured being driven from her Norfolk estate, where she has spent the last few nights.

She had headed to Sandringham for a mini-break last week after being told to rest up.

Her Majesty has been recuperating after an overnight stay in hospital last month.

The monarch wore a headscarf as she was driven off the estate this morning.

The key to keeping royal children well behaved

It appears that Prince William and Kate Middleton's children have been taught a technique that their grandmother Princess Diana encouraged her own children to do.

The children have been taught to write thank you notes to anyone that had helped them, reported .

Diana would also take Prince William and Harry out on charity visits as well as days out in order to show them life without royal restrictions.

Her biographer, Andrew Morton, said: “She took the young royals with her on her private charity visits from a young age… One of the reasons was she didn't want the boys to grow up thinking the whole world was 4x4 Range Rovers, shotguns and nannies.”

A source to MyLondon explained: “Table manners, thank you letters, little courtesies are being drilled into the children so they become automatic.”

This is how the Queen eats her bananas, and its rather royal

A former royal chef has revealed that The Queen has an unusual way to eat bananas.

Darren McGrady, a former Palace kitchen chef, has shared the method Her Majesty The Queen follows to stay elegant when eating bananas.

The Queen, 95, peels the thick, yellow fruit with a knife and fork, said Mr McGrady, who worked at Buckingham Palace for more than 10 years.

She would cut the top and bottom off, slice the skin away length-ways and chop it up into small pieces that would then be ready for her to eat elegantly.

The Queen employed the technique so to avoid looking like a “gobbling monkey”, explained the royal chef.

Could the Queen attend her first outing this weekend?

The Queen still “intends” to spearhead the Royal Family’s tributes at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Day on Sunday, despite cancellations to her royal engagements recently.

If she attends, this will be her first outing in weeks, following the cancellation of trips across the UK.

Remembrance Day, which falls on November 11, will be a Thursday this year – but official commemoration takes place on the closest Sunday to that date.

On Saturday night, prominent royals will also attend the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

However,  will not be present at Royal Albert Hall on Saturday.

Roya Nikkhah, the Royal Editor at The Times, wrote: “Most senior members of the royal family, except the Queen, will also attend the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday night.”