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As it happenedended

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

Queen makes balcony appearance to mark end of platinum jubilee

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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.

What is the Queen’s last name?

As many people reflect on the Queen’s historic reign, some royal admirers might be surprised to learn that they’re not entirely familiar with our monarch’s full name.

If you’re unsure what the Queen’s last name is, Joanna Whitehead has laid it out here:

What is the Queen’s last name?

The Queen shares some similarities with other members of the Royal Family

Laura Hampson19 May 2022 10:57

How to make the lemon trifle crowned platinum pudding for Queen’s jubilee

A lemon and amaretti Swiss roll trifle is the official pudding of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The dessert, created by Jemma Melvin, a copywriter from Southport, Merseyside, was inspired by the lemon posset served at the Queen’s 1947 wedding to Prince Philip.

Keen to make your own Jubilee pudding? Joanna Whitehead has detailed Melvin’s recipe in full:

Saman Javed19 May 2022 16:08

Platinum Jubilee: What events are scheduled to take place and when is it?

The Platinum Jubilee celebrations will take place over four days. They will include the monarch’s birthday parade, Trooping the Colour, a Service of Thanksgiving and a Jubilee pageant.

See the full schedule here:

What events are scheduled during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday?

A special extended bank holiday weekend will mark the Queen’s 70 years on the throne

Saman Javed19 May 2022 16:30

70 facts about the Queen

The Queen is the longest-reigning monarch in British history, having spent 70 years on the throne.

From her first trip on the London Underground to details from her wedding to Prince Philip, here are some things you might not know about Her Majesty:

70 facts about the Queen to mark her Platinum Jubilee

Her Majesty is celebrating her seven-decade reign this year

Saman Javed19 May 2022 17:00

Preparations are underway

A photograph shared to the Royal Family’s official Twitter shows preparations underway at Buckingham Palace ahead of the Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Spectator stands have been erected around The Victoria Memorial and railings have also been put in place.

Saman Javed19 May 2022 17:20

Tune in to our liveblog again tomorrow

That’s a wrap of our coverage today! Check back in tomorrow for more news and live updates about the Queen’s upcoming platinum jubilee celebrations.

Saman Javed19 May 2022 17:25

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s liveblog covering news of the Queen and the wider royal family in the lead-up to the platinum jubilee.

Laura Hampson20 May 2022 08:54

Kate Middleton helped up red carpet steps by Tom Cruise at Top Gun premiere

Prince William and Kate Middleton dazzled on the red carpet at the UK premiere of Top Gun: Maverick last night.

On Thursday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at Leicester Square in London ahead of the film screening, with the duchess opting for an off-the-shoulder black and white gown by Roland Mouret for the occasion.

The Duchess wore her hair in a sleek straight style, and accessorised with a black clutch and dangling star statement earrings.

Chelsea Ritschel has the full story here:

Kate Middleton helped up steps by Tom Cruise at Top Gun premiere

Duchess of Cambridge wore Roland Mouret gown for film premiere

Laura Hampson20 May 2022 09:04

Camilla presented with stress ball made from beaver fur in Canada

On the last day of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall’s tour of Canada, Camilla laughed when she was presented with a fluffy gift in Yellowknife, Canada, and was told it was a stress ball made of beaver fur.

“Everybody needs a stress ball,” Camilla said.

Jane Dragon, 81, handmade the ball for the Duchess, explaining: “It’s from sheared beaver.”

Read the full report here:

Camilla given ball made from beaver fur in Canada: ‘Everybody needs a stress ball’

The royal tour of the North American country concluded late on Thursday

Laura Hampson20 May 2022 09:13

Prince Charles dances during traditional drum show in Canada

Charles busted some moves as he took part in 1,000-year-old traditional Dene Drum Dance in Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The Prince of Wales spoke to Chief Edward Sangris and Chief Fred Sangris in private about issues affecting indigenous people on his trip to see the Yellowknives Dene First Nation Leadership at the Chief Drygeese Government Building in Detta.

Read the full story here:

Prince Charles dances during traditional drum show in Canada

One member of the community said the 73-year-old ‘really looked like he enjoyed himself’

Laura Hampson20 May 2022 10:06

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