Queen Elizabeth news – Her Majesty, 95, looks happy & healthy as she’s seen for FIRST TIME since health fears grew
THE Queen looked all smiles today as she held her first in-person engagement at Windsor castle for nearly a month today.
, also the head of the British armed forces, held an audience with outgoing army general Nick Carter.
The monarch, 95, was pictured standing, smiling and shaking Carter's hand as she handled the official engagement with ease.
It comes the day after the Queen's son Edward read a speech on her behalf to the Church of England's national assembly.
After missing the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend, the was due to appear in person at the Synod, but her appearance was cancelled last week - the first time she has missed the appointment in her 72 year reign.
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest news and updates...
What royals look set 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.”
Public can join the royals this year?
Events are being held across the country on Remembrance Day and Remebrance Sunday after coronavirus forced changes to Armistice Day events. in 2020.
In 2020, Remembrance services and events were held with strict social distancing measures in place.
Only members of the Royal Family, international leaders and armed forces veterans were allowed to attend the annual laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph in London.
However Government guidelines in 2021 mean that crowds are allowed back at the Cenotaph on November 14, 2021.
Meghan to speak on Online Summit today
Meghan will speak at The New York Times DealBook Online Summit.
She'll give a talk on how women can reach economic and professional equality between 2pm and 2.30om Eastern Time - 7pm to 7.30pm Greenwich Mean Time.
It comes days after she allegedly lobbied Republican senators on their private phones.
Who is the man making the headlines?
Thomas Markle Jr, 55, shares the same father as Suits actress Meghan, who is married to Prince Harry.
He told the last time he had seen Meghan was in 2011, claiming his family believe she is now a “changed person”.
When Meghan was born in 1981, Thomas Jr was living with his father, sister Samantha Grant, and step-mother Doria, Meghan’s mum.
He lives in Grant’s Pass, Oregon, and works as a window fitter.
Thomas Jr was married for 11 years to Tracy Dooley, with whom he has two sons – Thomas and Tyler.
Decision time for Prince Harry
Prince Harry is being urged to ditch his £100million Netflix deal after his late mothers pal has ditched the show as an advisor.
Jemima Khan, 47, Diana’s close confidante, has left the show after she was helping in an advisory role, however she felt her friends story was not being “told as respectfully or compassionately as I had hoped” and asked for her contributions to be cut from the show.
It will be interesting to see whether he will stand his ground and refuse to work with Netflix after the controversial depiction of Princess Diana.
Bear Grylls recalls the time he got Prince George to eat 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."
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”.
No messing around with dessert (Continued…)
A traditional homemade Christmas pudding is served after the main meal and is “decorated in holly, doused in brandy, and the palace steward would carry it, flaming, into the royal dining room,” says McGrady.
A festive tipple is a must on the big day, so what is the Queen’s drink of choice?
According to McGrady the Queen will enjoy a classic gin and dubonnet cocktail before she sits down to begin her meal.
The former chef adds that the monarch would also enjoy a glass of the sweet and aromatic German white wine gewürztraminer with her food.
But following on from reports that the Queen has been advised to stop drinking ahead of the most important year of her reign next year.
'Boring' royal Christmas dinner
Darren McGrady, a former royal chef who originally worked at the Savoy Hotel in London, cooked for the Royal Family for 15 years and served food to everyone from the Queen to Diana, Princess of Wales.
“It was the same meal every year,” McGrady said.
“They’re actually boring when it comes to festivities. They didn’t do hams or anything, just traditional turkeys.
“We did three turkeys for the Queen and her family in the royal dining room, one for the children’s nursery and then more for the 100 or so staff, so everyone had a Christmas lunch.”
McGrady went on to add: “The turkey is served with mashed and roast potatoes, chestnut or sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce and bread sauce. Vegetables include Brussel sprouts, carrots and roast parsnips.”
The Crown bust-up
THE screenwriters who tackled the romantic entanglements of Diana, Princess of Wales in The Crown have been involved in a backstage bust-up over her portrayal in the new series.
Jemima Khan, a close front of Princess Diana‘s, was brought in to help Peter Morgan – the Netflix series creator – write the script detailing the last years before her death in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
However, she has now revealed that she pulled out of the project after claiming that the portrayal of Diana’s story was not being handled “as respectfully or compassionately as I had hoped”.
Khan and Morgan were briefly linked romantically, but broke up earlier this year.
She said she was asked by Morgan to help write the forthcoming fifth series in 2019.
Before taking to the script role, Khan revealed: “It was really important to me that the final years of my friend’s life be portrayed accurately and with compassion, as has not always happened in the past”.
Andrew looked relaxed whilst out riding
Prince Andrew was spotted riding a horse in Windsor yesterday – just after a crucial date was set in his civil sexual assault case.
The Duke of York looked relaxed as he ambled along with another rider at Windsor Great Park, Berkshire, which is public property.
Pictures emerged as the civil case brought against him by Virginia Giuffre reached its next stage.
Virginia is suing the 61-year-old royal for “unspecified damages” – claiming that he sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager.
Andrew vehemently denies all the allegations and insists that he has “no recollection” of ever meeting her despite there being a picture of the pair together in 2001.
'Steer clear' of politics warns aide
MEGHAN Markle is “using her title out of context” for political lobbying, senior royal sources have said.
Palace aides warned the Duchess of Sussex should “steer clear” of politics after she cold called politicians using her royal title and lobbied for paid paternity leave.
One palace aide described the intervention as “outrageous” while another told : “As a member of the royal family, if you use the title, it means you steer clear of those kinds of things.
“Otherwise you’re using the title out of context and people will question your motive.”
The source added that the Royal Family has “no say” in American politics.
'True meaning of loyalty'
This is a comment piece by Clemmie Moodie
BLOOD, so the saying goes, is thicker than water. Unless you’re Prince Harry.
In which case it’s marginally thicker than water but definitely thinner than paper — specifically the £112million he got in paper bills after selling his soul to Netflix.
Now Jemima Khan, who wasn’t in any way, shape or form related to Princess Diana, has just shown the whining multi-millionaire the true meaning of loyalty.
The documentary maker has pulled out of Netflix show The Crown over concerns about its lack of compassion towards her late friend.
Sure, she may not need the money. And the four months she worked on the script was hardly going down a mine, or detonating IEDs — it was easy cash.
Read the comment piece in full here.
Aussie comedian takes swipe at The Queen and Meghan
Australian comedian Fifi Box fired a joke at the Queen and Meghan Markle whilst on 'Have You Been Paying Attention.'
A clip was shown of the Queen's welcome speech at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference where she spoke about her family.
'I could not be more proud of them,' the Queen said in the clip.
To which quiz master Tom replied "'Proud of them.' Proud of who?"
Fifi quick-witted response was: 'Meghan Markle's trolls.'
The audience erupted into laughter as the show once again made fun of the Royals.
Bookies cut odds on Meghan becoming President
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.
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."
Harry set to speak at tech summit today
According to scheduling details Harry, 37, will discuss social media algorithms which “reward shock value over reality” before asking: “How did we get here and how do we get out of this mess?”
It’s not known how much he’ll receive for the appearance.
However, last year, experts predicted he and Meghan, 40, could earn more than £1m each time they do a speech after signing up with an elite agency.
Some say the couple could become the world’s wealthiest ‘personal brand’ – and they may already be valued at £250m.
The Sussexes have been highly critical of the media, while continuing to give interviews to favoured outlets.
High Court privacy showdown
Meghan Markle is facing a privacy showdown today in the High Court over a letter she sent her father begging him to stop talking to the media.
The newspaper's lawyers are arguing over a technicality. They claim former aide Jason Knauf was the co-author of Meghan's letter.
If proven, that means the letter would belong to the Crown - and Meghan wouldn't own the copyright.
If the royal wins, it will end the court case for good.
But if the newspaper claims victory, the case will be sent for a trial in which Meghan herself would have to give evidence and face questioning by lawyers.
Raising the stakes further, the Mail would be entitled to demand the disclosure of documents and messages from Meghan and possibly some of her friends.
What was Princess Diana’s ‘revenge dress’?
On June 29, 1994, the princess wore a little black dress to a dinner at the Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens.
It featured a plunging neckline and thigh-high split – and was a sexier look than she had ever stepped out in before at an official function.
The royal, then 33, had deliberately chosen to wear the frock on the same night that her estranged husband, Prince Charles, admitted to adultery during their marriage in a TV interview.
According to her biographer Andrew Morton, she had been planning on wearing a Valentino number, but was left irritated when they sent out a premature press release.
She initially feared the LBD – by designer Christina Stambolian – was “too daring”.
But her eventual wardrobe choice was a triumph – and the next day her glamorous image made the cover of national newspapers, including The Sun.
‘What’s more important? Money or defending his mum?’
Following the controversy of how Diana has been portrayed in the new Netflix season of ‘The Crown’ a royal author has blasted Harry’s silence.
Angela Levin, author of Harry: A Biography of a Prince, has said: “Harry has remained absolutely silent about Netflix.
“He should tear the deal up and make a stand for his mother.
“What’s more important? Money or defending his mum? It’s astonishing he can’t find his voice on this.”
The Crown’s fifth series — screened in November next year — will focus on Diana’s final years before her death in a Paris car crash in 1997.
Will Harry ditch his Netflix deal?
Prince Harry is being urged to ditch his £100million Netflix deal after his late mothers pal has ditched the show as an advisor.
Jemima Khan, 47, Diana’s close confidante, has left the show after she was helping in an advisory role, however she felt her friends story was not being “told as respectfully or compassionately as I had hoped” and asked for her contributions to be cut from the show.
It will be interesting to see whether he will stand his ground and refuse to work with Netflix after the controversial depiction of Princess Diana.
Queen's horse wins £24k
The Queen's horse, King's Lynn won the Wentworth Stakes this weekend whilst Her Majesty was in Sandringham.
It was yet another triumph at the races on Saturday when her horse won the race in Doncaster securing a prize of £24,385.
The Queen is known for her love of horses and was recently inducted into the official hall of fame for British flat racing.
Royals charity skyrocketing
Kate Middleton and Prince William’s Royal Foundation charity experienced a surge in funds after Meghan Markle and Prince Harry left.
Daniela Esler, a commentator who regularly writes about the Royal Family has said that the Cambridge’s Foundation saw its figure “skyrocket and nearly doubled” to £11.78million in 2020.
Ms Esler said: “[It is] staggering given that other major British charities faced significant downturns in their fundraising during the pandemic.”
‘Fake royal tours’
A royal expert claims that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are aiming to go to places such as Australia, Japan and other parts of the United States after visiting New York.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, royal commentator Neil Sean has claimed that more of these engagements are on the horizon, reported the .
“According to a very good source, Harry and Meghan are planning even more, shall we say, ‘fake royal tours’ in 2022,” he suggested.
“Apparently they are looking to tour Australia, Japan and back to certain areas of the United States.”
Sean also suggested that Harry and Meghan are “not that popular right now” and that “maybe they’re hoping to reignite their once popularity in far-flung places.”
Royal kids’ naughtiest moments revealed
THE royal family is usually the picture of elegance and poise during public engagements.
But the same can’t always be said for the youngest and most adorable members of the family, who occasionally have been spotted being rather naughty during events.
Like most kids, some of the younger royals have decided to have some playful fun when they are supposed to be on their best behaviour.
From sticking tongues out to playing pranks at school, the mischievous youngsters have won our hearts on numerous occasions.
Click here to see some of their naughtier moments…