The Emir of Qatar has begun his final day of his two-day state visit to the UK at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, following a star-studded banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday night.
The emir was joined by defence secretary Defence Secretary John Healey at the academy, before he is set to return to the palace to meet the King for a formal farewell.
He will then visit 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and attend an evening dinner at Mansion House given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation before heading to Stansted Airport
On Tuesday night, the emir was joined by the likes of David and Victoria Beckham, who attended their first state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the glittering affair in honour of the Qatari ruler.
The ex-England captain and the former Spice Girl turned fashion designer – dubbed “Posh and Becks” – were among the 170 guests in the Palace ballroom.
Latest Royal Family News
- Camilla attends Qatar state banquet after chest infection revelation
- Queen’s chest infection ‘was form of pneumonia’
- Kate and William greet Emir of Qatar on state visit
- Camilla pulls out of welcome for Emir of Qatar state visit as Kate steps in
King thanks charity workers for their efforts in the Middle East
16:05 , Athena StavrouThe King heard first-hand about the experiences of charity health workers in the Middle East as met staff, volunteers, harity fundraisers and aid workers at a London church.
Charles thanked the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), an umbrella group of leading humanitarian organisations, for its fundraising efforts as he heard about the experiences of those working in Gaza.
The King talked to paediatric nurse Becky Platt, who works at the Royal London Hospital and spent just over a month working in Gaza earlier this year.
She said afterwards: “One of the particular challenges for us was that we were managing children with significant injuries – blast injuries, traumatically amputated limbs.”
The nurse who was working for Save the Children, a DEC member organisation, added: “The pain relief we had at that stage was paracetamol and Ibuprofen, you might take that for a headache but if you’ve had your leg blown off you want something a bit stronger than that, so that was a real challenge.”
William and Harry sending congratulations separately to Diana Award winners
15:01 , Athena StavrouPrince William and Prince Harry’s fractured relationshop shows no sign of healing as the brothers are once again offering their congratulations separately to winners of the Diana Award, set up in memory of their mother.
The Diana Award said the charity, which is marking 25 years since it was set up in honour of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, “has the support of both her sons, HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex”.
William has written a letter, which was posted on Wednesday, praising the “extraordinary” recipients for their “kindness and compassion”, and telling them: “My mother… would be immensely proud of you.”
Harry, meanwhile, has recorded a video message which will be played during the virtual Diana Award ceremony on Thursday.
The royal brothers have a long-running rift which worsened in the wake of the allegations Harry levelled at William and the Princess of Wales in his Netflix documentary and Spare autobiography.
Sarah, Duchess of York says she is ‘game’ for Bridgerton cameo
14:49 , Athena StavrouSarah, Duchess of York has said she is “game” for a cameo on Netflix series Bridgerton.
Speaking on ITV show Lorraine, the duchess, also known as Fergie, discussed her recent trip to the Coronation Street set and her TV appearances, which have included a scene in US sitcom Friends and a cameo in a Vicar Of Dibley Comic Relief special.
Speaking about the possibility of future cameos, she said: “I’m game on for Bridgerton. I’ve told Shona Rhymes, Shonda Rhimes, sorry, I’ve said: ‘Shonda – I’m coming in’.”
Chat show host Lorraine Kelly then joked that Dynevor, whose daughter Phoebe played Daphne Bridgerton on the Regency-style Netflix series, might know somebody who could help her get onto the show.
Police officer denies causing death by careless driving in royal escort crash
14:16 , Athena StavrouA Metropolitan Police officer has denied causing death by careless driving after a woman died following a collision with a motorcycle that was part of an escort for the Duchess of Edinburgh.
Helen Holland, 81, was struck at the junction of West Cromwell Road and Warwick Road in Earl’s Court, west London, on the afternoon of May 10, 2023.
She suffered serious injuries and died two weeks later.
Christopher Harrison, 67, appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday where he spoke only to confirm his identity and enter his not guilty plea during a short hearing.
After Ms Holland’s death was announced, a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said: “The Duchess of Edinburgh is deeply saddened to hear that Helen Holland has passed away.
“Her Royal Highness’s deepest condolences and sympathies go to all of Ms Holland’s family.”
Harrison was granted unconditional bail and will face trial on November 10 next year.
Pictured: Camilla attends the Entente Litteraire Prize Award Ceremony with Brigitte Macron
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Actress Rose Ayling-Ellis to receive royal honour for services to deaf community
13:04 , Athena StavrouActress Rose Ayling-Ellis, who made history on Strictly Come Dancing as the show’s first deaf contestant, is to receive a royal honour at Windsor Castle.
The former EastEnders actress will be honoured by the Princess Royal on Wednesday alongside 60 others, including Hari Budha Magar – the first above-the-knee double-amputee to summit Mount Everest.
Born deaf, Ayling-Ellis, 30, was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for voluntary services to the deaf community.
The first deaf contestant to ever take part in Strictly, she won the 2021 series and legions of new fans after a routine in which the music paused and she and partner Giovanni Pernice danced in silence as a tribute to the deaf community.
Human Right’s groups criticise Qatar amid state visit
12:42 , Athena StavrouQatar, one of the richest Gulf states, is a key mediator in the Israel-Hamas war and there are reports the Government is hoping to seal a free-trade deal with the Gulf Co-operation Council.
But the country has faced criticism over its human rights record, in particular its criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Polly Truscott, Amnesty International UK’s foreign policy adviser, said: “It’s important that Qatar’s poor human rights record isn’t overlooked during the pomp and ceremony of this visit.
“During the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, migrant workers from places like Nepal, India and Bangladesh suffered years of appalling abuse because of Qatar’s lax labour laws and a failure to enforce even the laws that were in place.”
Emir of Qatar pays tribute to late Queen
12:11 , Athena StavrouIn his speech at last night’s state banquet, the Emir paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II: “Back in 2010, your mother – the late and cherished, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth – told my father that she saw the Qatari people as ‘old and valued friends’, and expressed her hope that the UK would be a ‘home from home’ for them. And it certainly is.”
He praised the King, saying: “The United Kingdom and Qatar are not only friends, but partners.
“Through our joint diplomacy efforts, cultural exchanges and economic investments, we shape the global landscape.
“I would like to commend you, Your Majesty, for your steadfast commitment and unfailing leadership promoting inter-faith dialogue, peace efforts, and protection of the environment. Thank you, once again, for your incredible hospitality.”
He referenced the King’s continuing cancer treatment when he concluded: “Let us pray for the continued health of His Majesty, and to the strength of our alliance and friendship.”
King praises Qatar’s peace efforts in state banquet speech
11:38 , Athena StavrouThe King praised Qatar’s “invaluable” efforts as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas war in a banquet speech which spoke touchingly of the bonds between the UK and the Gulf state.
He told the Emir as the first day of his two-day state visit drew to a close: “If I may, I would particularly like to express the United Kingdom’s deepest gratitude for your tireless mediation efforts over the past year in pursuit of peace, in the face of unbearable heartache and suffering.
“In these most desperate of circumstances, Qatar’s continued toil, perseverance and diplomatic efforts are, quite simply, beyond compare.
“These are duties that we all share. As the Koran says: ‘Whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity’.
“And as the Bible says: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God’. We stand with you in our commitment to a world where peace and justice prevail over division.”
Final day of Emir of Qatar’s state visit
11:12 , Athena StavrouWednesday marks the final day of the Emir of Qatar’s two-day state visit to the UK.
The emir is currently at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst with defence secretary Defence Secretary John Healey, before he returns to Buckingham Palace for a formal farewell from the King.
He will then visit 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister and attend an evening dinner at Mansion House given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation before heading to Stansted Airport
Emir of Qatar meets Defence Secretary John Healey on visit to Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
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Emir of Qatar arrives at Sandhurst
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Watch: King Charles addresses guests at Qatari state banquet
10:30 , Athena StavrouPictured: David and Victoria Beckham at state banquet
10:03 , Athena Stavrou
David and Victoria Beckham join King and Queen at Qatari state banquet
09:23 , Athena StavrouShowbiz royalty David and Victoria Beckham have attended their first state banquet at Buckingham Palace as they joined the King and Queen for the glittering affair in honour of the Qatari ruler.
The ex-England captain and the former Spice Girl turned fashion designer – dubbed “Posh and Becks” – were among the 170 guests in the Palace ballroom on Tuesday evening.
Beckham was invited because of his close relationship with Qatar after acting as a paid ambassador for the country when it hosted the 2022 Fifa World Cup, which netted him a reported £10 million.
But he faced fierce criticism over the connection because of Qatar’s criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
Beckham and former Posh Spice, Victoria, dined on a menu of Windsor pheasant, Cornish lobsters and a Balmoral plum sorbet, joining guests such as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales.
Queen no longer coughing but still extremely tired, according to royal source
08:00 , Athena StavrouCamilla no longer has a cough but is still extremely tired at times, according to a royal source.
They said: “Some days the Queen is on really good form. It’s just one of those things.
“She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.
“There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen’s diary at the moment.”
In photos: Queen and King attend state banquet
07:22 , Shweta Sharma
David and Victoria Beckham grace state banquet for the first time at place
07:16 , Shweta SharmaSoccer star David Beckham and his wife Victoria attended their first state banquet at the Buckingham Palace in honour of the Qatari royals.
The ex-England captain and the former Spice Girl turned fashion designer - dubbed “Posh and Becks” - were among the 170 guests in the Palace ballroom yesterday evening.
He was invited due to his close relationship with Qatar following his stint as a paid ambassador for the country when it hosted the 2022 Fifa World Cup.
The esteemed guests will dine on an expansive menu of Windsor pheasant, Cornish lobsters and a Balmoral plum sorbet, joining guests such as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Prince of Wales.
Missing was the Princess of Wales, who is gradually returning to public duties after her cancer treatment and who left earlier in the day after the lunch and Picture Gallery exhibition.
Camilla attends Qatar state banquet after chest infection revelation
07:01 , Shweta SharmaThe Queen, who is suffering from post-viral fatigue after having pneumonia, stepped out for the state banquet for the Qatari royals at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen joined the King and the Prince of Wales to welcome the Emir of Qatar and his wife who are on a state visit to the UK.
Camilla wore a deep red velvet evening gown and towering Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara that belonged to the late Queen, as did her diamond necklace to welcome the guests.
The high-profile guest list included David and Victoria Beckham in the Buckingham Palace Ballroom on Tuesday evening.
She marked her appearance after missing the outdoor ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade yesterday, waiting in the warm inside the Palace instead, where she told guests she had suffered from pneumonia.
Queen’s chest infection ‘was form of pneumonia’ - ICYMI
07:00 , Athena StavrouThe Queen has told guests at the state visit that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
Camilla is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
The Queen missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome on a chilly Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.
Instead, she arrived at Buckingham Palace shortly beforehand, giving a smile as she stepped from her car at the Grand Entrance.
Camilla, 77, waited for the Emir of Qatar and his wife inside, in the warm surroundings of the Grand Hall.
She contracted her chest infection after a long haul trip to Australia and Samoa and has pulled out a series of engagements since then, including the the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.
It is understood the Queen was not taken to hospital with pneumonia, but is now facing bouts of extreme tiredness.
Watch: Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
06:00 , Athena StavrouIn pictures: King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery perform gun salute in St James’s Park
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Princess of Wales’s attendance at Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks start of busier week for her
02:00 , Athena StavrouThe Princess of Wales’s attendance at the Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks the start of a busier week for her.
Kate will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, when she is expected to be joined by her children and husband for the event.
The princess has been gradually returning to royal duties after she announced in September she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and her focus was “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
Her participation in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade is one of her few official appearances this year.
She will travel with her husband in the carriage procession and the couple will join Charles and Camilla as they host a lunch for their guests Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher.
However, Kate will not attend the state banquet hosted by the King, although William will be a guest.
Full story: Thomas Kingston, Lady Gabriella’s husband, ‘took life after reaction to medication’
00:03 , Athena StavrouLady Gabriella Kingston’s husband took his own life after suffering an adverse reaction to an antidepressant medication prescribed by his doctor, a coroner has ruled.
Thomas Kingston, who married Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter at Windsor Castle in 2019, died from a head injury and a gun was found near his body on 25 February at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
At an inquest into his death held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, Lady Gabriella, 43, called for people to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or she feared more people could die.
Read the full story here:
Husband of Lady Gabriella ‘took own life after reaction to antidepressant’
Royal source on Queen’s pneumonia
Tuesday 3 December 2024 22:00 , Athena StavrouSpeaking about the Queen’s pneumonia a royal source said: “Some days the Queen is on really good form. It’s just one of those things.
“She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.
“There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen’s diary at the moment.”
Duke and Duchess of Sussex foundation received 5 million dollar donation in 2023
Tuesday 3 December 2024 20:00 , Athena StavrouThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation received a contribution of five million dollars (£4 million) last year from an unnamed donor, documents show.
According to the charity’s tax form for the year 2023, the donation was made by a person who is not named and is the largest contribution listed in the document. The form also showed that the foundation had given a 250,000 dollar (£198,000) grant to a women’s wellness centre founded by US President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley.
According to the tax document, the charity made around 5.7 million dollars (£4.5 million) in revenue in 2023, up from just over two million dollars (£1.6 million) the year before. In 2021, its first year of operation, Archewell received 13 million dollars (£10.3 million) in contributions.
Last year, the charity distributed over 1.3 million dollars (£1 million) in grants, a slight decrease from around 1.2 million dollars (£947,000) in 2022.
The 2023 filing showed that Harry and Meghan did not take salaries but Shauna Nep, co-executive director, treasurer and secretary was paid 272,241 dollars (£215,000) and executive director and president James Holt was paid 228,500 dollars (£180,000), including a 10,000 dollar (£7,900) bonus each.
What is pneumonia?
Tuesday 3 December 2024 18:30 , Athena StavrouPneumonia is inflammation of the lungs which is usually caused by an infection such as flu, the common cold or other viruses.
Older people, babies and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of becoming seriously ill due to the condition.
Symptoms include a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chest pain, aches, fatigue, a loss of appetite, wheezing and feeling confused.
Dr Andrew Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma and Lung UK, said: “A chest infection affects your lungs or airways. Symptoms include a chesty cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, a high temperature of 38C or above, and chest pains or discomfort.
“While most chest infections are not serious and last around three weeks, some can develop into more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis.”
He added: “It’s important to see your GP if you think you have a chest infection, especially if you have a lung condition.
“The condition, usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus, leads to the tissue in one or both lungs to swell or become inflamed. While mild pneumonia can be treated at home, in some cases, pneumonia can be life-threatening and require hospital treatment.”
Queen reveals she is recovering from pneumonia – what we know so far
Tuesday 3 December 2024 17:04 , Athena StavrouThe Queen has been urged to take more time to recover after a bout of pneumonia.
At the start of November it was announced that Camilla had been diagnosed with a chest infection and was under doctors’ supervision.
The 77-year-old was forced to withdraw from her engagements so she could rest at home. She has now revealed that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
According to NHS.uk, most people get better in two to four weeks after a diagnosis.
But it has emerged that the Queen is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari state visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
Lady Gabriella Kingston calls for people to be warned about effects of mental health medications
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:08 , Tara CobhamLady Gabriella Kingston has called for people to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or she feared more could die.
The 43-year-old issued the warning at an inquest into her husband’s death, as the coroner ruled Thomas Kingston died from a shotgun wound after suffering an adverse effect to medication prescribed by his doctor.
In a statement read out to Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday by Ms Skerrett, Lady Gabriella said: “(Work) was certainly a challenge for him over the years but I highly doubt it would have led him to take his own life, and it seemed much improved.
“If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely.
“The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse.”
She said she believed his death was “likely provoked” by an adverse reaction to the medication he had begun, and subsequently stopped taking, in the weeks leading up to his death.
He had initially been given Sertraline – an anti-depressant – and Zopiclone, a sleeping tablet, by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery – a practice used by royal household staff – after complaining of trouble sleeping following stress at work.
Mr Kingston complained this was not making him feel better and his doctor moved him off Sertraline to Citalopram, another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used as an anti-depressant.
“The lack of any evidence of inclination it seems highly likely to me that he had an adverse reaction to the pills that led him to take his life,” Lady Gabriella said.
“I believe anyone taking pills such as these need to be made more aware of the side effects to prevent any future deaths. If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone.”
Thomas Kingston took own life after reaction to antidepressant, inquest finds
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:03 , Tara CobhamThe husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston died from a shotgun wound after suffering an adverse effect to medication prescribed by his doctor, a coroner has found.
Thomas Kingston died from a head injury and a gun was found near his body on February 25 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
The 45-year-old financier married Lady Gabriella at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2019 with the Queen and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh among the guests.
At an inquest into his death held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, Lady Gabriella, 43, said people need to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or more people could die.
Recording a narrative conclusion, Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said: “Mr Kingston took his own life using a shotgun which caused a severe traumatic wound to the head.
“The evidence of his wife, family and business partner all supports his lack of suicidal intent. He was suffering adverse effects of medication he had recently been prescribed.”
Full story: Kate joins King and William to greet Emir of Qatar on state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:00 , Tara CobhamThe Princess of Wales made a rare public appearance as the King officially welcomed the Emir of Qatar to the UK for a two-day state visit.
Charles greeted the Gulf state ruler in Whitehall as he began a busy round of public engagements aimed at strengthening the ties between the UK and the Middle East nation.
Military pomp and pageantry was on display for the ceremonial welcome for the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher.
Read the full story here:
Kate joins King and William to greet Emir of Qatar on state visit
In pictures: Emir of Qatar and his wife tour Westminster Abbey
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:53 , Tara Cobham
William sticks close to Kate’s side
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:50 , Tara CobhamKate arrived at the Palace after the ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, with William sticking close to her side as they viewed the small displays of exhibits together.
The princess pointed at a gold mantel clock featuring a bronze model of a horse, which was given by Sheik Tamin to the King as the Prince of Wales in 2010.
She also peered closely at a set of photographic prints by Dutch photographer Robert Van Hilst which capture the spirit of Doha’s historic market Souq Waqif.
The princess, a keen photographer and history of art graduate, asked a question about the prints, before replying “Oh yes” as she examined them closely.
Also among the group was the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
Royal party and VIP guests have lunch in Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:49 , Tara CobhamThe royal party and their VIP guests had lunch in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
Afterwards, the King led the Emir and his guests into the Picture Gallery, where Christmas trees, decked out in white lights and golden baubles, were on show high above the grand doorways.
Following behind was the Queen, in a blue tartan dress, accompanying Sheikha Jawaher.
The Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, was greeted by Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection, as they prepared to view the exhibition of items from the Royal Collection Trust and the Turquoise Mountain Foundation relating to Qatar.
Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation received $5million donation in 2023
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:30 , Tara CobhamThe Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation received a contribution of $5million (£4 million) last year from an unnamed donor, documents show.
According to the charity’s tax form for the year 2023, the donation was made by a person who is not named and is the largest contribution listed in the document.
The form also showed that the foundation had given a $250,000 (£198,000) grant to a women’s wellness centre founded by US President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley.
The centre, called the Women’s Wellness Space and based in Philadelphia, aims to empower women who have experienced trauma to help them “break from the cycle of poverty” and support each other, according to its website.
The Archewell Foundation, launched by Harry and Meghan, is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to “show up, do good”, according to its website.
Its annual impact report for 2023 to 2024, published on its website, outlines work the foundation has conducted this year, including the public launch of its Parents’ Network to support those whose children have experienced online harm.
It also details the expansion of the Welcome Project, which brings together recently resettled women through social activities such as cooking, swimming or hiking.
In pictures: Charles, Camilla, Kate and William with Emir of Qatar and his wife at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 14:57 , Tara Cobham
Princess of Wales’s attendance at Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks start of busier week for her
Tuesday 3 December 2024 14:30 , Tara CobhamThe Princess of Wales’s attendance at the Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks the start of a busier week for her.
Kate will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, when she is expected to be joined by her children and husband for the event.
The princess has been gradually returning to royal duties after she announced in September she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and her focus was “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
Her participation in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade is one of her few official appearances this year.
She will travel with her husband in the carriage procession and the couple will join Charles and Camilla as they host a lunch for their guests Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher.
However, Kate will not attend the state banquet hosted by the King, although William will be a guest.
Life Guards seen leaving Buckingham Palace following ceremonial welcome
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:57 , Tara Cobham
Queen no longer coughing but still extremely tired, according to royal source
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:54 , Tara CobhamCamilla no longer has a cough but is still extremely tired at times, according to a royal source.
They said: “Some days the Queen is on really good form. It’s just one of those things.
“She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.
“There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen’s diary at the moment.”
Charles travels in Irish State Coach with Emir of Qatar and his wife Sheikha Jawaher
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:52 , Tara Cobham
Kate pays tribute to the late Queen in burgundy ensemble for Qatar state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:40 , Tara CobhamThe Princess of Wales paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II whilst sporting the colour of the season at Qatar’s state visit to Buckingham Palace.
The princess wore a monochromatic burgundy ensemble, with a long line coat by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (who was also the mind behind her wedding dress) with leather gloves, pointed boots and a Chanel bag.
Kate finished the look with a tribute to the late Queen, by wearing a custom burgundy teardrop beret adorned with a bow by Sahar Millinery. The millinery is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, paying homage to the late Queen’s taste.
Kate’s hat was not the only tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The princess also paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing a pair of her Bahrain pearl drop earrings, which Kate previously wore for the Trooping the Colour parade in celebration of the late Queen’s birthday on June 8th 2019.
The diamond-encrusted earrings are reportedly crafted from a shell containing seven pearls, which was a wedding gift to Elizabeth II from the ruler of Bahrain in 1947.
Alongside her Bahrain earrings, Kate paired the pearls with another piece passed down by the late Queen: a four-strand pearl choker, which she previously wore to Prince Philip’s funeral in April, 2021.
This striking pearl and diamond choker was commissioned to be created using a collection of cultured pearls gifted to the late monarch by the Japanese government. The piece was part of the Elizabeth II’s regular jewellery collection in the Eighties and Nineties, and was also worn by the late Princess Diana.
Queen’s chest infection ‘was form of pneumonia’
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:38 , Tara CobhamThe Queen has told guests at the state visit that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
Camilla is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
The Queen missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome on a chilly Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.
Instead, she arrived at Buckingham Palace shortly beforehand, giving a smile as she stepped from her car at the Grand Entrance.
Camilla, 77, waited for the Emir of Qatar and his wife inside, in the warm surroundings of the Grand Hall.
She contracted her chest infection after a long haul trip to Australia and Samoa and has pulled out a series of engagements since then, including the the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.
It is understood the Queen was not taken to hospital with pneumonia, but is now facing bouts of extreme tiredness.
In pictures: King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery perform gun salute in St James’s Park
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:36 , Tara Cobham
Pictured: Prince and Princess of Wales arriving at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:28 , Tara Cobham
King and Queen introduce Emir and his wife to British suite
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:25 , Tara CobhamInside Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen introduced the Emir and his wife to the British suite – key members of the Royal Household – who had gathered to wait in a receiving line.
The King and Emir walked together, followed by Camilla and Sheikha Jawaher.
Among those in the receiving line were the Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, the Queen’s companions Sarah Troughton and Lady Lansdowne, as well as Keeper of the Privy Purse Sir Michael Stevens and Master of the Household Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt.
Also there was Assistant Private Secretary to the King Muna Shamsuddin, who joined the royal household this year and is leading on the Qatari state visit.
The red carpeted Grand Hall was decorated for Christmas with a large Christmas tree.
His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms were positioned in the Grand Hall, and the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard stood in the Marble Hall.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also pictured walking through the Grand Hall before a lunch with the Emir.
In pictures: Kate lets family heirlooms shine against dark palette of ensemble
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:17 , Tara CobhamThe Princess of Wales has chosen to wear a pearl necklace known as the Four-Row Japanese Pearl Choker.
The necklace is believed to have been given to the late Queen by the Japanese Government sometime in the 1970s when she made her first state visit to Japan.
Kate previously wore the statement necklace at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021 as well as in 2017 at a dinner to commemorate the 70th wedding anniversary of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.
The necklace has also been worn by Kate’s late mother-in-law, Diana, the Princess of Wales, who chose to wear it for a banquet at Hampton Court Palace in honor of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in November 1982.
King arrives with Emir at Palace in Irish State Coach to sound of Qatari and British national anthems
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:14 , Tara CobhamThe King arrived at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace in the Irish State Coach with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani to the sound of the Qatar and British national anthems.
Waiting inside in the warm in the Grand Hall was the Queen. In the second carriage, the Australian State Coach, were the Prince and Princess of Wales with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Sheikh Mohammed stepped from the carriage first, followed by William, with both turning to wait for Kate. The princess stepped carefully from the state coach in her knee-high high heeled boots.
The Waleses walked side by side chatting to one another, with Kate carrying a small matching burgundy handbag and a pair of gloves, as they made their way up the red carpeted steps of the Grand Entrance.
Former economist Sheikh Mohammed is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Qatari royal family. He has been prime minister since 2023 and is distantly related to the Emir.
In the palace quadrangle in formation was a Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in their grey greatcoats and bearskin hats with the Band of the Irish Guards. A dismounted Detachment of Household Cavalry stood either side of the Grand Entrance.
Camilla expected to be at Palace to bid formal farewell to Emir
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:00 , Tara CobhamCamilla is expected to be at Buckingham Palace when the Emir of Qatar formally bids the King and her farewell.
The Emir will visit Sandhurst on Wednesday, the final day of the two-day visit, before travelling to the Palace.
Pictured: King greets Emir of Qatar
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:47 , Athena Stavrou
Emir of Qatar welcomed by King
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:36 , Athena StavrouThe Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Horse Guards Parade with the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher
The royal women travelled in one chauffeur driven limousine while men travelled in another and the waiting King warmly greeted his guests on a dais.
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:31 , Athena StavrouWatch live as King Charles III welcomes the Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani begins a two-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday, 3 December.
Charles will welcome the leader and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during an extravagant ceremony staged in Whitehall.
Queen Camilla will be absent; On Monday, she pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to the palace due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will take part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer.
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Starmer, Lammy and Cooper arrive for Ceremonial Welcome
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:17 , Athena Stavrou
Kate and William greet Emir of Qatar
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:08 , Athena StavrouThe Prince and Princess of Wales have greeted the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at the Emir’s private residence on behalf of the King.
It was Kate’s first appearance at a state visit since her cancer diagnosis.
She was pictured smiling in a fitted burgundy coat and hat alongside William and the VIP guests inside the residence in London.
Kate, wearing a pearl necklace and with her hair in a low chignon, was seen in conversation with Sheikha Jawaher.
The royal party will make their way to Horse Guards Parade by car for the traditional ceremonial welcome where they will be met by the King, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other senior government figures.
In pictures: Prince and Princess of Wales greet Emir of Qatar and his wife
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:57 , Tara Cobham
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:55 , Tara CobhamWatch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
In pictures: Union flags and flags of Qatar line The Mall in London on Tuesday
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:34 , Tara Cobham
No major changes to Queen’s diary expected for rest of week
Tuesday 3 December 2024 10:45 , Tara CobhamNo major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
Doctors have urged Camilla to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa, which include diminished reserves of energy.
Watch: Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
Tuesday 3 December 2024 10:00 , Tara Cobham
Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
