Royal family news – live: Sussexes release photograph of daughter Lilibet after arriving in US
Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter turns one during her first trip to the UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a picture of their daughter Lilibet after celebrating her first birthday.
The photograph of Lilibet, who celebrated the occasion with family and close friends of the Sussexes at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor on Saturday, is understood to have been taken by family friend Misan Harriman.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s second child, born on 4 June 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.
The couple have been “incredibly touched” by the birthday wishes that have flooded in for Lilibet.
More than 100,000 dollars (£79,800) in donations to the World Central Kitchen were made in her honour by people around the world, for which the Duke and Duchess have also expressed their gratitude.
It follows reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had returned to the US following a short trip to the UK for the jubilee celebrations.
The early departure means the Sussexes missed the finale of the festivities, which saw the Queen make a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the royal standard flag was raised above the residence during the pageant.
Police join street parties
Police forces in London joined in street parties to mark the festivities.
Prime minister to give Bible reading at thanksgiving service
Boris Johnson will give a New Testament reading at the thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral in the morning.
Members of his Cabinet are also among the guests, along with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, first ministers of the devolved governments and former prime ministers.
The diplomatic world will be represented by high commissioners and ambassadors from across the world and also attending are governors general and clergy from world faiths.
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell will give the sermon after the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby tested positive for Covid-19.
The Dean of St Paul’s will conduct the service.
Young people representing countries where the Queen is head of state will lead the ‘Act of Commitment’ celebrating the life and reign of the monarch, led by the Reverend Robert Kozak.
During the day, one of the country’s largest bells, the Great Paul, will be rung before and after the service, the first time it will have been heard at a royal occasion.
Barack Obama: Queen makes world safer place
Former US president Barack Obama was among those paying tribute to the Queen.
In a video message, he said he felt he had formed a special relationship with the monarch and that he had learnt so much from the example she set.
Her steadfastness stewardship of the UK had made the world a safer place, he added.
“Continue to reign supreme,” he said.
Charles and Camilla appear in EastEnders
The Duchess of Cornwall has tied a ribbon for “all the victims of domestic abuse” during her appearance in a special EastEnders episode.
Charles and Camilla surprised the residents of Walford in the storyline after Mick Carter, played by Danny Dyer, decided to throw a street party for the Square.
EastEnders icon Sharon Watts, played by Letitia Dean, said it was a “proper royal seal of approval”.
In the episode, Charles unveiled a plaque commemorating the visit to Albert Square dated June 2.
Queen pulls out of thanksgiving service after 'discomfort’ at Jubilee celebrations
The Queen will miss a national service of thanksgiving on Friday “with great reluctance” after experiencing “some discomfort” during Thursday’s platinum jubilee celebrations, Buckingham Palace has said.
The 96-year-old monarch will stay away from the event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as will her son Prince Andrew, who has contracted Covid-19.
In a statement, Buckingham Palace said the Queen “greatly enjoyed” her birthday parade and flypast in London but “did experience some discomfort”.
Queen pulls out of thanksgiving service after ‘discomfort’ at Jubilee celebrations
The Queen will miss a national service of thanksgiving on Friday “with great reluctance” after experiencing “some discomfort” during Thursday’s platinum jubilee celebrations, Buckingham Palace has said. The 96-year-old monarch will stay away from the event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as will her son Prince Andrew, who has contracted Covid-19.In a statement, Buckingham Palace said the Queen “greatly enjoyed” her birthday parade and flypast in London but “did experience some discomfort”.Sign up to our breaking news email alerts here
Meet the side hustlers thriving off the Queen’s platinum jubilee
A recent poll found that 63 per cent of Britons are planning to celebrate at some point over the 2 to 5 June weekend, which means there are lots of opportunities for people to put their skills to good use.
In the lead-up to the weekend, and as the UK continues to face a cost of living crisis, many people have begun using their skills as side hustles.
While some people are turning into princesses for kids, others are baking lavish cakes, or planning illustrious themed parties. Essentially: if you can imagine it, you can do it.
Read more:
Meet the side hustlers thriving off the Queen’s platinum jubilee
From jubilee entertainers to royal look-alikes, Peony Hirwani meets those turning their skills into extra income
What’s on the schedule for the platinum jubilee today?
Britain is gearing up for the second day of platinum jubilee celebrations, which will see most members of the royal family attend a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Buckingham Palace has announced that the Queen will miss the event due to mobility issues, and the Duke of York will no longer attend after testing positive for Covid-19.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expected to be present.
Kate Ng has today’s schedule here:
What’s on the schedule for the platinum jubilee today?
Here’s what you can expect on day two of the platinum jubilee weekend
Buckingham Palace lit up with images of the Queen throughout her reign
Buckingham Palace was adorned with images of the Queen throughout her historic 70-year reign on Thursday evening.
As night fell in London, the royal residence was lit up with photographs of the monarch, including a portrait from her coronation in 1953.
Queen meets Lilibet for first time as Harry and Meghan reunite with monarch
The Queen has met her great-granddaughter, Lilibet Mountbatten Windsor, for the first time, according to reports.
Queen ‘meets Lilibet for first time’ in Windsor
The Queen has met her great-granddaughter, Lilibet Mountbatten Windsor, for the first time, according to reports.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in London this weekend with their two children for the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
According to royal commentator Omid Scobie, co-author of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s biography Finding Freedom, the couple introduced their youngest child to the Queen on Thursday in Windsor.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘want to be as low profile as possible’ during UK visit
Royal commentator Omid Scobie has said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex want to keep a low profile during the platinum jubilee celebrations.
The couple’s presence, alongside their children Archie and Lilibet, marks the first time the family has returned to the UK since they stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020.
Omid Scobie, author of Finding Freedom, told BBC Breakfast: “I spoke with people close to the couple...who said that they want to be as low-profile as possible during this trip.
“It’s almost hard to believe, but I think yesterday Trooping the Colour was a great example. We didn’t really catch sight of them on TV cameras.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments