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
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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.
Milton Keynes and Doncaster among eight new cities to mark Queen’s platinum jubilee
A record-breaking eight places across the UK and beyond have been awarded city status to mark the Queen’s platinum jubilee.
The new cities that triumphed in a competition to receive civic honours range from Colchester, Britain’s first recorded settlement, to Milton Keynes, a town formally established in 1967.
Emily Atkinson has the full report:
Milton Keynes and Doncaster among eight new cities to mark platinum jubilee
‘I am thrilled that we are able to recognise some of many places that make Britain great’
Camilla says women fleeing abuse ‘have nothing to be ashamed of’ in refuge visit
The Duchess of Cornwall has said women fleeing domestic abuse “have nothing to be ashamed of” as she visited a refuge in Canada.
Camilla was visiting a YWCA transitional housing centre in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, which can house up to 18 victims of violence and their children.
The Duchess told staff at the facility: “How lucky they are to have you here for them. It has been hidden for so long, people never talked about it. But now it is alright to talk about it. There is nothing to be ashamed of.”
Read more here:
Camilla says women fleeing abuse ‘have nothing to be ashamed of’
The royal was visiting a YWCA transitional housing centre in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories
Kate wears Roland Mouret dress at premiere
The Duchess of Cambridge went for a sleek, monochromatic look with her outfit choice at Thursday evening’s premiere for Top Gun: Maverick, which she attended alongside her husband, the Duke of Cambridge, and the film’s lead actor, Tom Cruise.
For the occasion, Kate chose to wear a fitted, off-shoulder black and white gown by Roland Mouret that went down to her ankles.
She chose to wear her hair loose and accessorised the look with minimal jewellery, opting for just a simple pair of drop earrings and no necklace.
Olivia Petter reports:
Kate Middleton dazzles in Roland Mouret dress at Top Gun premiere
Duchess chose monochromatic look for screening of long-awaited film
Prince Harry and Meghan ‘filming at-home documentary series for Netflix'
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly filming an “at-home” documentary series with Netflix.
Film crews have been given permission to film Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at their home in Montecito, California, and followed them on their trip to New York City last September.
Saman Javed has the full story here:
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘filming at-home documentary series for Netflix’
The Sussexes have a number of projects in the works with the streaming platform
Jennie Bond: ‘Charles will make a fine King’
Jennie Bond has said that Prince Charles will “make a fine King” during an exclusive event hosted by The Independent on Thursday evening.
Bond was joined by Independent journalists Sean O’Grady and Sunny Hundal to discuss the Queen’s upcoming platinum jubilee, her 70-year reign, and what the future of the monarchy might look like.
You can watch the full discussion, hosted by Laura Hampson, here:
Jennie Bond: ‘Charles will make a fine King’
Bond added that the Prince of Wales will make a forward-thinking monarch, during an exclusive virtual event hosted by deputy lifestyle editor, Laura Hampson
New TfL map released featuring Elizabeth Line
The latest tube map has been revealed by Transport for London (TfL), featuring the soon-to-launch Elizabeth Line.
The map of London’s underground network looks busier than ever, with the Elizabeth Line - part of the Crossrail project - sketched out in purple.
The Elizabeth Line is set to launch on Tuesday, 24 May, some 41 months later than originally planned.
Deputy Travel Editor Lucy Thackray has the full report here:
New TFL tube map released featuring Elizabeth Line
Some were surprised to see the part-overground line on the iconic Underground map
Why Kate Middleton can’t vote
Kate Middleton is forbidden from going to the ballot box. After Kate entered the royal family, she could no longer express her political views in public, and must always remain politically impartial in interviews and at events.
According to the official royal website this is “convention” rather than law. “By convention, The Queen does not vote or stand for election, however, Her Majesty does have important ceremonial and formal roles in relation to the government of the UK.”
Here are all the other things the Duchess cannot do:
Kate Middleton can’t vote, and other everyday things she’s not allowed to do
The Duchess of Cambridge has a dress code, is not allowed a social media account and may find it difficult to eat pasta for dinner at the palace
This is the Queen’s favourite alcoholic drink
Darren McGrady, who previously worked as a personal chef for Queen Elizabeth II for over a decade, and later served Princess Diana and her two sons, William and Harry, once divulged everything that the Queen eats in a day.
Sharing a series of videos on YouTube, the former royal chef explained that during his time working for the monarch between 1982 and 1993, the Queen enjoyed four small meals a day, and always took afternoon tea - even when they were on the Royal Yacht Britannia on a tour of Australia.
Find out what the Queen’s favourite tipple is here:
The Queen’s favourite alcoholic drinks, according to former royal chef
Former royal chef Darren McGrady recently revealed everything that the Queen eats in a day
That’s a wrap of our coverage today, join us again tomorrow for more updates on the Queen and the royal family.
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