King Charles won’t face the Royal Family during the coronation service as it “emphasizes” an important aspect.  

• His Majesty will be sitting in the centuries-old Coronation Chair on May 6 and he’s set to face away from the congregation.
• Instead the Chair will be played facing the High Altar of Westminster Abbey to “emphasize” a certain aspect of the service.   
• This royal news comes as a new book claimed Kate Middleton and Prince William's marriage is “not all sweetness” and they have “terrible rows” and “throw things at each other”. 

King Charles’ coronation day is drawing ever closer and many details like Queen Camilla’s coronation crown and the planned procession to Buckingham Palace have been confirmed. Although the Palace has previously declared the service will “reflect the monarch’s role today and look towards the future”, there will also be plenty of traditions upheld too. One of these focuses on the Coronation Chair and taking to social media, Westminster Abbey gave fans a unique insight into its centuries-old history, from its elaborate original decorations to its symbolism. 

Curator Dr Susan Jenkins also revealed that King Charles won’t face the Royal Family during the coronation service on May 6 as the two-meter high chair will be positioned the other way! 

“During the service itself the chair is placed on the Cosmati Pavement, facing the High Altar,” she explained. “The monarch sits with their back to the congregation. This emphasizes the religious nature of the coronation service.” 

So it seems King Charles won’t face the Royal Family or any other attendees during this part of his coronation day. In pictures taken at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation she appears sitting on the Coronation Chair facing the altar with the guests behind her. 

To her right were her Maids of Honor and in banks of seats higher up above them look to be where the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret and 4-year-old King Charles sat. Even they weren’t in her immediate eye-line during this part of the day. 

The chair is made of Baltic Oak and was originally decorated with gold and colored glass, with some bird and foliage designs still visible. On the back is a painting of a King which is all that many members of the congregation see during the service. 

It seems incredibly likely that this tradition will be upheld at King Charles’ coronation service too, especially as he is Head of the Church of England, taking religious services incredibly seriously. Just which immediate and extended Royal Family members will be left looking at King Charles’ back or side profile during this part of the coronation remains a matter of intense speculation. 

Although Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s coronation invite has been confirmed their answer remains unknown. Even if they do attend, it’s been claimed recently that Meghan and Prince Harry’s children aren’t invited.  

Meanwhile, it’s expected that the Prince and Princess of Wales will be there and that Prince George, who is second in the royal line of succession, could play a role. 

Speaking to True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, The Sunday Times’ Royal Editor Roya Nikkhah explained that his education could limit this role to being more “low-key”, though. 

"They are very keen, but if George does have an official role, it will be quite low-key. They are very conscious that he will return to school on the Tuesday, and they do not want him to be overwhelmed by the attention.”

The Royal Family came together yesterday, March 13, for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, but Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis were missing from the event for this very relatable reason.

• Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were noticeably missing from Monday's Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, leaving many royal fans disappointed. 
• While the rest of the Royal Family marked the first event with King Charles as Monarch, the Wales children's absence was understandable as it clashed with school hours.
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton steps out of her comfort zone in uber-stylish peplum suit but it's the diamond feather brooch that's really caught our eye.

The Royal Family stepped out as a united front for the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 13. Senior royals gathered to mark King Charles' first Commonwealth Day event as Monarch, with Queen Camilla, Prince William, and the Princess of Wales all bringing smiles to the faces of royal fans outside the Abbey. 

Prince Edward and Sophie, who just last week became the new Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and Charles' younger sister Princess Anne wearing a cool fedora also joined the procession. But despite the array of royal faces, senior politicians, and standout musical performances at the service, many royal watchers couldn't help but feel disappointed that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis weren't in attendance. 

The Wales children have completely stolen the show at the recent events they've attended, winning hearts and headlines thanks to their sweet childish antics like Louis' excited expressions during last year's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Their absence may have been notable, but the likely reason for it is understandable. While Kensington Palace hasn't officially confirmed it, with the event taking place on a Monday afternoon, the timing of the service would have clashed with the youngster's school hours. 

Considering that reports place their school fees from anywhere between £21,000 per year to £28,000, it's understandable that Prince William and Kate Middleton are hesitant to pull them out of lessons for royal engagements. 

George, Charlotte, and Louis joined Lambrook School in Berkshire in September following their family's move from London to Windsor.

Royal fans may have been disappointed, but they likely won't have to wait too long to see the young royals again. William and Kate have begun bringing their two older children to more royal engagements recently, including the events marking the late Queen's death in September last year and, just two months later, the Family's Christmas celebrations.

With Easter right around the corner, it's likely that the children will attend the annual Easter morning church service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. Just as with the Christmas Day service, the royals are often welcomed by crowds as they walk to the chapel, collecting bouquets of flowers as they stop to chat with the well-wishers.

Queen Camilla's grandchildren will play an important role in the royal's upcoming coronation alongside King Charles III this May, according to inside sources.

• Queen Camilla's grandchildren will be included in her coronation ceremony alongside the King, according to inside sources. 
• The Queen Consort, 75, has reportedly expressed her wish to have her five grandkids involved in a special part of the service. 
• In other royal news, Princess Anne's secret obsession: Royal discusses 'deep and long-held interest' and it has a poignant link to her late father.
  

With just over two months to go until the King's coronation, the race is on at Buckingham Palace to ensure that the historic occasion goes smoothly. 

His Majesty will be crowned alongside the Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, in what's expected to be a 'scaled back' version of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953. Celebrations across the UK have been arranged in honor of the event, including a star-studded coronation concert at Windsor Castle on the Sunday. 

Senior members of the Royal Family will also play a prominent role in the service, with Prince William and Prince George expected to receive most of the focus as symbols of the line of succession. It remains unknown whether or not Prince Harry or Meghan Markle will travel back to London for the King's coronation, but it's understood that an official invitation has been sent to the Sussex couple. 

It has now been reported that Queen Camilla's grandchildren will also be included in the coronation ceremony - a 'bold move' that marks a significant shift from royal tradition. 

The 75-year-old's five grandchildren, who have lived mostly outside of the spotlight since they were born, are predicted to play an important role in the most religious stage of the service. 

Camilla's son, Tom Parker Bowles, is the father to Lola, 15, and Freddy, 13, while her daughter, Laura Lopes, is mum to Eliza, 15, and twins, Louis and Gus, 13. 

According to the Times, Camilla wants the teenagers to hold the gold cloth canopy over her head while she is being anointed with holy oil by the archbishop. 

Traditionally, this sacred duty has been performed by duchesses. 

The news comes shortly after it was revealed that Princess Diana's favorite designer set to make the Queen Consort's coronation gown. According to the Sun, Camilla has been working closely with Bruce Oldfield, one of the UK's most renowned couturiers, to make sure that the special garment is exactly to her liking on the big day. 

"Camilla has a very close friendship with Bruce spanning many years so in many ways it is the natural and obvious choice," the source told the publication. "Camilla trusts Bruce because he has really delivered on dresses for so many important occasions recently for her."

The King has been praised for handling the issue of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s attendance at his coronation, with one royal expert claiming he has 'played a blinder' by leaving the decision up to the Sussex couple. 

• King Charles handled the dilemma of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's attendance at his coronation 'perfectly', a royal expert has claimed. 
• It's understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been invited to the King and Queen Consort's crowning ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May, but it remains unknown if they will end up going. 
• In other royal news, Prince George and Princess Charlotte's special treat without Prince Louis revealed.
  

King Charles III has been applauded for his handling of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s attendance at his Coronation, with one royal expert praising the 74-year-old for allowing the couple to make the decision themselves. 

Ever since Buckingham Palace announced that His Majesty and the Queen Consort will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, royal fans have been desperate to know all the details about the historic event. 

The coronation will see Charles officially succeed his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, as monarch, and will be marked by a number of celebrations across the UK. It’s understood that around 2,000 guests have been invited to attend the ceremony, with dignitaries and politicians from around the world traveling to London for the momentous occasion. 

Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, are also expected to play ‘prominent’ roles alongside their parents in the coronation. 

It remains unknown, however, whether or not Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will attend the crowning of Charles and Camilla this summer. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s relationship with their British relatives have been notoriously strained since their withdrawal from the Royal Family in January 2020, when they moved to North America to pursue independence from the Firm. The couple’s CBS interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, in which they made allegations of racism against the Palace, and the subsequent release of their controversial Netflix docuseries in December, only served to exacerbate these tensions. 

The publication of Harry’s first memoir, Spare, which is jam-packed with bombshell claims about the 38-year-old’s experiences in the Royal Family, has also been a major contributor to the ongoing rift. 

Despite this, it's been widely reported that Meghan and Harry will still be invited to the King and Queen’s coronation. The couple has yet to publicly RSVP, however, leaving royal fans across the world speculating over their attendance. 

“The King, actually, has played a blinder here,” BBC royal correspondent, Michael Cole, told Sky News Australia. “He’s made it clear from the very beginning that his youngest son, and his youngest son’s wife, are perfectly welcome at the Coronation.” 

According to the royal reporter, this strategy "puts the ball in their court" but also leaves them vulnerable to criticism regardless of their final decision. 

"They have to decide, if they decide they don’t come it will make them look a little bit petty and mean-spirited," he explained. 

"And of course, if they do come, it will leave them open to the charge of hypocrisy."

Buckingham Palace unveiled the official emblem for King Charles’ coronation this weekend. The emblem, which will be used at all official celebrations throughout the coronation in May, reflects Charles’ vision for the monarchy. Truly ushering in a new era after the death of Elizabeth II, Charles’ emblem combines personal touches like references to the flora and fauna of Great Britain, and a nod to Charles’ lifelong passion for innovation in technology.

• The official emblem of King Charles’ Coronation has been unveiled by Buckingham Palace
• Designed by a former Apple official and with nods to Charles’ passion for environmentalism, the emblem ushers in a whole new era for the monarchy
• In other royal news, statement sweaters, millennial pink, and western wear? Unlikely fashion icon King Charles beat us all to the trends decades ago

Buckingham Palace has shared the official emblem of the coronation for King Charles III and the Queen Consort, due to take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6.

The emblem, which has been designed by Apple’s Sir Jony Ive, is packed full of poignant touches which represent values and the vision of King Charles for his reign.

In the release, the Palace officials explain how the design “pays tribute to The King’s love of the natural world, unifying the flora of the four nations of the United Kingdom; the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales and the shamrock of Northern Ireland.”

In the visually impressive emblem, the flowers come together to form “the shape of St Edward’s Crown, with which His Majesty The King will be crowned.”

As for the choice of colours, the emblem “has been designed using the red, white and blue of the union flag.”

While Charles’ love for environmentalism has been a lifelong passion – one which he clearly passed on to Prince William, who has established the Earthshot Prize to fund projects promoting sustainability – there’s another sign that this emblem represents Charles’ personal interests.

They enlisted the help of “internationally acclaimed designer Sir Jony Ive KBE and his creative collective, LoveFrom” to create something that “symbolises and celebrates the historic beginning of the new reign.”

By using Sir Jony Ive, the former Chief Design Officer at Apple, Charles could be sending a message that his era will be forward thinking. Whereas the late Queen Elizabeth was all about tradition, Charles has been known to have an interest in new technology and modernity.

The emblem will be used throughout the official coronation plans, which includes multiple days of celebrations, where Brits are being encourage to partake in street parties and commit some time to giving back.

The emblem will also be seen throughout shop windows, on flags and even in the Coronation service itself.

The designer said about the emblem, “It is such an honour to be able to contribute to this remarkable national occasion, and our team is so very proud of this work. The design was inspired by King Charles’ love of the planet, nature, and his deep concern for the natural world.”

“The emblem speaks to the happy optimism of spring and celebrates the beginning of this new Carolean era for the United Kingdom. The gentle modesty of these natural forms combine to define an emblem that acknowledges both the joyful and profound importance of this occasion.”

There is a strange controversy behind King Charles' coronation throne that is set to appear at his coronation in May 2023, and this drama dates back seven centuries!

• King Charles' coronation is set to take place later this year in May 2023.
• For this ancient traditional ceremony, it is expected that a sacred stone will be used that has controversial roots in British history.
• In other royal news, Queen Camilla's Narnia-esque cream coat and black leather boots keep the cold at bay as she visits famous London lane with poignant history. 

During the coronation of a new monarch, the crowning and anointing will take place on the traditional Coronation Chair. This chair is also known as the St Edward’s Chair or King Edward's Chair which was carved from oak in a gothic style and made between the summer of 1297 and March 1300.

While this chair has been used for centuries, there is a strange controversy around the chair that was only resolved in the 1990s and may still pose some controversy for King Charles' coronation. 

The chair originally contained the coronation stone of Scotland - also known as the Stone of Destiny or the Stone of Scone-  but this was returned to Scotland in 1996 to be kept in Edinburgh Castle with the other Scottish Crown Jewels. 

The stone was stolen from the Scottish people by the English army during the First Scottish War of Independence in 1296. King Edward I of England had the stone placed in a wooden chair and this then became the King Edward's Chair (also known as the Coronation Chair).

For centuries the chair and the stone lived in Westminster Abbey, but after years of discussions about the significance of the stone to Scottish Cultural history, it was decided that the stone should be returned to Scotland.

Prince Andrew acted on behalf of the crown and in 1996, 700 years after it was first stolen, it was returned to the people of Scotland.

It is thought that the stone will be returned to the chair briefly for King Charles' ceremony, but will then be given back to the Scottish people until the next monarch (Prince William according to the line of succession) is crowned.

Following the Queen's death in September 2022, Historic Environment Scotland announced that the stone would temporarily return to Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Charles III. This is the first time since the stone was returned to Scotland that it will once again sit in Westminster Abbey.

When it comes to  May 6, 2023, King Charles won't sit on the Queen's throne at his coronation and he and the Queen consort Camilla will have their own chairs designed for the occasion. These new thrones will be in addition to the St Edward's coronation throne which will also be present in the ceremony.

When the stone of destiny is fitted back into the King Edward's Chair (or the Coronation Chair) it will be the exact chair that was used for Queen Elizabeth's coronation in 1953 and so the King will once again take the throne that his mother sat on. 

Kate Middleton enjoyed the return of a special birthday honor when she turned 41, despite the royal privilege previously being scrapped. 

• Kate Middleton's rare birthday honor made a return, having been taken away in recent years due to financial struggles.
• The Princess of Wales is now 41-years-old and is just one of four royals to be allowed this particular birthday tribute. 
• In other royal news, the significant detail in Kate Middleton’s birthday message from King Charles and Queen Camilla you may have missed was pointed out. 

With January 9th marking the newly-appointed Princess of Wales' 41st birthday, the future Queen Consort was granted a special royal tribute to mark her big day. 

At 1pm on her 41st birthday, the bells of Wesminster Abbey, where Princess Catherine and Prince William married in 2011, rang out in celebration. 

Kate Middleton's rare birthday honor is reserved for just three other senior members of The Firm, those being King Charles, Queen Consort Camilla and Kate's husband, Prince William. 

Kate's 41st birthday bell toll is particularly key as the honor was previously scrapped due to financial difficulties. 

The bells once rang to mark the birthday of all senior royal family members, however it is now just for those on the very top tier of the monarchy. 

In 2021 it was announced that only Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III, who was known as the Prince of Wales at the time, would enjoy the birthday bells, in light of monetary strains caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

At the time, a Westminster Abbey spokesperson confirmed, "The Abbey bells can be heard ringing out before services and in celebration of church festivals. The bells have also traditionally been rung to mark the birthdays of senior members of the Royal Family.

Speaking to Hello! the representative added, "Due to the financial challenges posed to the Abbey by the Covid-19 pandemic, and in consultation with Buckingham Palace, the bells will now ring only for the birthdays of HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales."

While it is unknown what Princess Catherine is doing to personally celebrate her birthday, however it's expected that she will spend the evening with Prince William and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who will have been at school at Berkshire's Lambrook during the day. 

It's also likely that Kate will be surrounded by members of the Middleton family, with her parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, living a short drive away from Adelaide Cottage in Windsor, where the Wales family lives having moved from Kensington Palace last year. 

Carole is the proud owner of celebration decoration company, Party Pieces, so there's no doubt that any celebration for her daughter's 41st will be complete with all the most beautiful balloons and banners. 

King Charles' coronation could face a 'constitutional crisis' because of his divorce from Princess Diana, a royal biographer has claimed. 

• King Charles's coronation could face 'revisions' due to his divorce from Princess Diana, a royal expert has claimed. 
• His Majesty will be the first divorced man to be crowned King by the Church of England at the state ceremony on May 6. 
• In other royal news, Prince Harry wants a ‘family, not an institution’ as he claims royals painted him and Meghan as ‘villains’.
  

King Charles's upcoming coronation could be affected by the monarch's divorced status, a royal insider has claimed. 

His Majesty will be crowned on Saturday, May 6, in what will be Britain's first coronation ceremony in over 70 years. 

The 74-year-old is expected to break royal tradition by holding a 'scaled back' service at Westminster Abbey, in light of the UK cost of living crisis. It's understood that the monarch will do without much of the pomp and grandeur present at Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953, with its smaller guest list and shorter length set to reflect the 'spirit of the times'. 

Before being anointed as King with holy oil, Charles will take an oath to uphold the law and the Church of England from the 'Coronation Chair'. St Edward's Crown will then be placed on his head, and he will move towards the throne. His wife Camilla will also go through the same process to become Queen Consort. 

However, it's now understood that the King's coronation oath could be subject to change due to his marital history. 

Charles separated from his first wife, Princess Diana, in 1992, after years of pursuing a romantic relationship with Camilla Parker Bowles. The former prince would go on to marry Camilla in 2005 in a civil ceremony at Guidhall Hall in Windsor, having received the Queen's stamp approval five years prior to one day propose to the English socialite. 

In a letter to the Guardian, royal biographer Anthony Holden has explored how the King's divorced status could wreak havoc on his upcoming coronation plans. 

He writes how Robert Runcie, who was once Archbishop of Canterbury, once told him that in order for a divorced man to be crowned King, "a revision of the coronation oath" and a "new statute of parliament" would be required. 

"Given the convention that parliament does not debate the monarchy without the monarch’s consent – it is his or her government, after all, not ours – this would require the prime minister of the day to seek King Charles III’s permission to debate whether or not it felt able to crown him," the English author explains. "This, Runcie told me, would amount to a constitutional crisis." 

King Charles’ sentimental Christmas gifting traditions could make this year’s festivities special and honor the Queen as the royals prepare for the first festive season since her passing.  

• There is a long-standing festive traditions carried out by the Queen that King Charles could uphold for his first Christmas as monarch. 
• During her reign the Queen handed out Christmas puddings to staff members and sent Christmas trees to significant venues.  
• This royal news comes as Meghan Markle wore a Queen necklace representing “royalty” and “honesty”. 

For many people the festive season is all about family traditions and the Royal Family is no different, with plenty of regular events and occasions including the Royal Christmas tradition that pays tribute to their German heritage. Already this year reports have suggested that King Charles’ Christmas plans could be a little different as he prepares for the first festive season since the Queen passed away. It’s now been confirmed that he’ll be hosting Christmas for his family at Sandringham and King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to honor the Queen in doing so. 

This Norfolk home held a special place in her heart and it’s not just the tradition of hosting at Sandringham that could continue. King Charles’ sentimental Christmas gifting traditions could make the season extra special if he follows in the Queen's footsteps. 

In past years, the Queen donated beautiful Christmas trees to Westminster Abbey (where Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding was held) as well as to St Paul’s Cathedral (where King Charles and Princess Diana were married), St Giles’ Cathedral and the Canongate Kirk in Scotland (where Zara and Mike Tindall said “I do”). The late monarch also gave trees to churches and schools in the Sandringham area.

This tradition is something that King Charles could possibly choose to continue this year especially given its sweet connection to his mother and that’s not the only sentimental gifting tradition he might uphold in 2022. 

As previously revealed on the Royal Family website, during the Queen’s reign all members of The Royal Household received Christmas presents from her and she handed some of these out personally at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. 

She gave around 1500 Christmas puddings to staff throughout the royal palaces, as well as staff in the Court Post Office and Palace police alongside a greetings card from her. This tradition can be traced back to the Queen's grandfather King George V and her father King George VI carried it on too.

Given the multi-generational history behind this, it would certainly make sense for King Charles to keep this going this year. And in light of his decision to continue the Queen’s custom of hosting the Royal Family in Norfolk it seems that His Majesty is keen to preserve some of his late mother’s most iconic festive traditions. 

Christmas 2022 will be tinged with sadness for the Royal Family as they mark their first festive season since the Queen's death. And amidst all the royal firsts set to take place - like King Charles’ Christmas speech - it would certainly be lovely if these long-standing and sentimental gifting traditions continued.

The late Queen Elizabeth II suffered a mishap when it came to her pearl necklace on her and Prince Philip's wedding day.

• November 20th 2022 will mark 75 years since Queen Elizabeth II married the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, in 1947. 
• The late royal couple tied the knot at Westminster Abbey and Her Majesty, who was Princess Elizabeth at the time, almost wasn't able to wear her stunning pearl necklace for the big day.
• In other royal news, the reason the Queen insisted on always holding her own umbrella on rainy days has been revealed. 

In light of what would've been Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip's 75th wedding anniversary being just around the corner, a sweet story about the beautiful pearl necklace the late monarch wore for her big day has been revealed. 

The Queen, who reigned for over 70 years before passing away at Balmoral Castle aged 96 in September, was gifted two pearl necklaces by her parents as a wedding gift. 

The Queen Mother and King George VI gave Queen Elizabeth, fondly know as Lilibet by her loved ones, the Queen Anne and Queen Caroline pearl necklaces, which experts at jewelry retailer Seven Stone estimate to be worth around $30,000.

Seven Stone reports that the two necklaces are worn together to create a double-strand look but are clasped separately as individual pieces. The Queen Anne necklace is strung with an impressive 46 pearls, while the Queen Caroline necklace is bigger, with an incredible 50 pearls. 

The Queen planned to wear the pearls for her and Prince Philip's nuptials but before leaving for the ceremony, realised that she had left them behind at St. James’s Palace where her wedding gifts were on display. 

Luckily, the Queen’s private secretary, Jock Colville, dashed to collect the pearls so that she could wear them to marry Philip.

The Queen famously loved pearls and had many pearl pieces in her astounding jewelry collection, with the likes of the Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, having paid tribute to the monarch by wearing pears on various occasions since her death. 

The new King Charles coins will feature a nod to the late Queen Elizabeth II by including a design that had been originally imprinted on coins to mark the Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1953.

• The Royal Mint has begun making coins bearing the likeness of King Charles III for the first time following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
• The coin will feature a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle in September.
• In other royal news, Meghan Markle has admitted to 'cowering and tiptoeing into a room' in the workplace.

Since the death of Queen Elizabeth, many things are set to change including stamps, post boxes and flags - and one major change is that of bank notes and coins. Work started on Thursday to produce 9.6 million copies of a new commemorative 50p coin, which will mark the late Queen Elizabeth's death.

The coin will feature a design that had been originally imprinted on coins to mark the Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey in 1953. It shows four quarters of the Royal Arms represented within a shield, while emblems of the home nations - a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek - feature on the outside.

The head of King Charles can also be seen on the other side of the coin, in a historic first described as the biggest change to UK coinage since decimalisation.

The new King Charles coin will begin appearing from December, with plans to start circulating them through banks and post offices. Coins displaying the Queen's portrait will continue to be legal tender, and will be gradually replaced with the newer coinage as they become damaged or worn.

Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said, "For many people this will be the first time in their lives that they have seen a new monarch appear on money. It represents the biggest change to UK coinage since decimalisation and will usher in a new era where the coins of Queen Elizabeth II and Charles co-circulate in the UK."

He added, "The new memorial 50 pence marks a moment in history and honours a landmark reign that lasted for 70 years."

There are currently around 27 billion coins with Her Majesty's portrait in circulation in the UK, although it used to be common for coins featuring multiple monarchs to be in use at the same time.

Sculptor Martin Jennings worked for a year with experts from the Royal Mint to prepare the portrait of Charles, based off of images taken for his 70th birthday back in 2018.

He said that he was also inspired by images of previous Kings, which he had found on "a little sack" of old coins given to him by his mother. His initials, MJ, feature in tiny letters by the King’s neck on the new coin.

King Charles III is shown facing to the left on the new coins, following the tradition that the new monarch looks in the opposite direction to their predecessor. Unlike the Queen's coins, he appears without his Crown. 

The King's face will also appear on a commemorative £5 coin, the reverse of which features two new portraits of his late mother.

King Charles III may wear faux fur instead of the Royal Family's signature ermine robes at his 'slimmed down' coronation in May, according to royal insiders. 

• King Charles III could wear a cruelty-free alternative to ermine, the white fur traditionally worn by British monarchs at coronations. 
• His Majesty, who will be crowned with the Queen Consort on May 6, is reportedly planning a 'slimmed down' coronation that reflects the climate of today's culture. 
• In other royal news, Sarah Ferguson reveals touching 'presents' at Royal Lodge on 63rd birthday.
  

King Charles III could abandon a longstanding royal tradition at his coronation next summer, as part of the 73-year-old's wishes that the British monarchy reflects the changing times. 

Buckingham Palace confirmed last week that His Majesty and Camilla, Queen Consort will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, eight months after the death of Queen Elizabeth. 

The update put an end to widespread reports that the King's coronation would take place on June 3, the one-year anniversary of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

There has been much speculation about the enthroning ceremony for the regal couple, with Camilla's potential crown in light of the Koh-i-Noor diamond controversy at the forefront of royal fans' minds following news of the confirmed date. 

It's understood that the King wishes for the service to be shorter and cheaper than Queen Elizabeth's 1953 coronation, which lasted three hours and cost the equivalent of £46m in today's money. He has even considered cutting costs in his own 'slimmed down' coronation by going 'low-carbon', which would reportedly involve telling Commonwealth leaders not to fly into London for the event. 

Earlier this week, it was revealed that His Majesty also plans to 'trim' down the number of costume changes in a traditional British coronation. 

It has now been suggested by the Telegraph that he may choose not to wear ermine at the event, over concerns that its usage would draw criticism from the public. 

The white fur of the short-tailed weasel has been embraced by both British and European royals throughout history, with many monarchs believing it to symbolize power and purity. It also famously lined the Imperial State crown, which was used to crown Queen Elizabeth at her coronation over 70 years ago, along with the Robe of State she wore as she entered Westminster Abbey for her iconic anointment. Prince Charles also wore ermine for his Investiture ceremony as the Prince of Wales in 1969, along with a gold ring, rod, and sword. 

The Palace kept King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla's coronation next May 'deliberately unplanned' until recently, a royal insider has revealed.

• King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation was "deliberately" left "unplanned" until recently, a royal insider has claimed. 
• The Palace reportedly delayed finalizing details for the historic ceremony so that it could be adjusted to 'reflect' the climate of the nation at the time it took place. 
• In other royal news, Princess Anne used to ‘break out’ of school and try to escape her ‘lovely security officer’ for this British classic.
  

The organization of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's coronation is underway "in earnest" after being "deliberately" left "unplanned" a royal insider has claimed. 

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday that the royal couple will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023, ending previous speculation that the ceremony would fall on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

It has now been suggested that the details for Charles and Camilla's coronation were tentative for years before Her Majesty's death, to allow royal aides to plan a service that would best reflect "the climate" of the times. 

"The Coronation has deliberately been kept quite unplanned, unlike the Bridges program [Operation London Bridge, for the late Queen’s death] to ensure it can best reflect the climate at the time at which it happens," a source told the Telegraph.

"Now is when the planning will begin in earnest, and people at the palace will be acutely aware of and wanting to reflect tradition whilst being sensitive to the issues around today." 

One of the major talking points surrounding the coronation is Camilla's potential crown, which is likely to be the same one used at the Queen Mother's coronation in 1937. 

The extravagant headpiece contains the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond, which was acquired by the East India Company in 1849 before being presented as a gift to Queen Victoria. Despite demands from India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan that the stone is returned to their respective countries over the years, the British government insists it legally acquired the jewel under the terms of the Last Treaty of Lahore. It remains unknown whether or not Camilla will wear the divisive garland, but it looks like alternative options – such as having a new crown specially made – are now on the table. 

"At this stage, it’s entirely possible that the Koh-i-Noor will be in or out," the source added. "Bluntly, people will be wondering whether they really want a row over a diamond right now." 

Queen Camilla may not wear the Queen Mother's crown at her upcoming coronation alongside King Charles III, amid renewed pressure for the headpiece's Koh-i-Noor diamond to be returned to India. 

• Queen Camilla may not wear the Queen Mother's crown at her coronation in May, amid ongoing debate over the headpiece's history. 
• The Queen Mother's crown contains the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which has been controversially owned by Britain since the 1800s. 
• In other royal news, we've found a dupe of Meghan Markle's go-to lash serum and the wonder product is currently on sale.
  

Queen Camilla may not wear the Queen Mother's crown at her coronation this summer, as controversy over the extravagant headpiece's most iconic jewel resurges in light of Her Majesty's death. 

Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday that King Charles III's coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, May 6, 2023, in what's expected to be a shorter and less costly version of his late mother's crowning in 1953. 

Camilla will also be anointed and crowned at the historic ceremony, becoming the first Queen Consort of Britain in over seven decades. 

King Charles will wear the St. Edward's Crown, which was made in 1661 and originally belonged to Saint Edward the Confessor, in the final ritual of the upcoming coronation. Weighing nearly 5lb, the mighty headpiece boasts 22 carats of gold and currently resides in the Tower of London. 

It's been predicted that Queen Camilla will be adorned by the Queen Mother's crown as a tribute to Charles's beloved late grandmother and in keeping with the royal tradition of wearing family heirlooms. The platinum garland, which is also kept in the Tower of London, is encrusted by about 2,800 diamonds and boasts four detachable arches that allow it to be worn as an open crown. Its last public outing took place for the Queen Mother's lying-in-state in 2002, when it was placed on the late consort's coffin. 

However, controversy over the crown's history has led to whispers that Camilla may not wear the decadent headpiece for the occasion. 

The Queen Mother's crown contains the Koh-i-Noor, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. Translating to 'Mountain of Light', the Persian stone was likely first discovered in Southern India between 1100 and 1300. It went on to have multiple different owners over the next few centuries but has resided in Britain ever since it was acquired by Queen Victoria in 1850. 

The governments of India, Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan have all claimed to be the rightful owners of the Koh-i-Noor ever since India gained its independence from the UK in 1947. Demands for the stone's restitution have resurfaced in light of Queen Elizabeth II's death, with petitions even circulating to put public pressure on the UK government to return it. 

The British government has defended its right to keep the Koh-i-Noor however, arguing that it legally obtained the jewel under the terms of the Last Treaty of Lahore.  

Sophie Wessex could get a new royal title which was once held by the late Queen Elizabeth, as her husband Prince Edward may take on his father's title of the Duke of Edinburgh.

• The royal line of succession has changed now that Charles is King, and changes are expected to be made in the Royal Family.
• Sophie Wessex, who is currently the Countess of Wessex, could be getting a new title if Prince Edward takes on Prince Philip's Edinburgh dukedom.
• This follows royal news that King Charles III has been pictured working with the red box at Buckingham Palace for the first time.

Sophie Wessex could become the Duchess of Edinburgh if Prince Edward takes on Prince Philip's title of the Duke of Edinburgh. This new title for Sophie was the same courtesy title which was held by the Queen from her wedding in 1947 until her accession to be Queen in 1952. 

King Charles plans to have a 'slimmed down monarchy' during his reign. Prince William and Kate have already received their new titles as the Prince and Princess of Wales, but the new monarch is expected to hand out more titles as he works on modernising the Royal Family and it has been suggested Prince Edward could receive his late father Prince Philip's title as the Duke of Edinburgh. 

It's understood that King Charles III is determined to scale back his highly-anticipated crowning, which will take place at Westminster Abbey sometime next year, in light of the cost-of-living crisis facing millions of people in the UK. 

"The King is very aware of the struggles felt by modern Britons so will see his wishes carried through that although his coronation ceremony should stay right and true to the long-held traditions of the past, it should also be representative of a monarchy in a modern world," a source told The Daily Mirror.

The date of King Charles III's coronation ceremony has yet to be announced, but it's expected to go ahead in 2023. The new monarch's crowning usually takes place within 12 months of their ascension to the throne, meaning we could be looking at a spring or summer ceremony for the eldest of the Queen's children.  

Charles' coronation "will be shorter, sooner, smaller, less expensive and more representative of different community groups and faiths," a source has since told The Telegraph. Charles is also apparently hoping to streamline the Royal Family once he is crowned, having "long been an advocate" of a "slimmed down monarchy." 

Prince Louis is reportedly struggling to understand the loss of Queen Elizabeth as Princess Catherine revealed he’s ‘asking questions’ now. 

• The Princess of Wales is said to have shared how her eldest son Prince George is “now realizing” how important Queen Elizabeth was. 
• Whilst Prince Louis is supposedly struggling to fully comprehend his great-grandmother’s passing and is “asking questions” about Balmoral. 
• This royal news comes as we revealed the special jewelry choice that united Catherine, Meghan, Sophie and Zara at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral.  

On Monday, September 19th the Royal Family said a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II as she was laid to rest in St George’s Chapel following a poignant State Funeral that was watched by millions. Two of the Queen’s great-grandchildren, nine-year-old Prince George and seven-year-old Princess Charlotte, had special roles in the funeral procession at Westminster Abbey and attended the services to pay their respects to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. Now it’s been suggested that their younger brother Prince Louis is struggling to fully comprehend the significance of the Queen’s loss. 

As reported by the Evening Standard, the Princess of Wales recently reflected upon how her two sons are coping with the death of their extraordinary great-grandmother and Prince Louis is apparently "asking questions". 

The day before Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, King Charles was joined by other senior royals including the Prince and Princess of Wales as he hosted a reception for dignitaries from across the Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace. Princess Catherine is said to have spoken with Australia’s Governor-General, David Hurley and opened up about her sons. 

Recalling this conversation, David claimed that she revealed Prince George is “sort of now realizing how important his great-grandmother was and what is going on”. 

Whilst four-year-old Prince Louis is reportedly struggling to understand in quite the same way as his older brother. 

“The younger one is now asking questions like, ‘do you think we can still play these games when we go to Balmoral’ and things like that, because she’s not going to be there?” the Governor-General went on to allege.

The Wales family is understood to have regularly spent time with the late monarch at her beloved Scottish home, Balmoral Castle, during her summer breaks there, as did many of the Queen’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren over the years. These summer trips are likely part of incredibly precious memories of the late monarch for her family as they grieve her loss. 

Whilst her youngest son might not have fully realized the significance of the Queen’s loss like Prince George, during a walkabout in Windsor on September 10th. Here Princess Catherine revealed Prince Louis’ sweet first words after hearing the sad news of his great-grandmother’s passing.  

As reported by The Independent, royal well-wisher Banita Ranow claimed the Princess was “welling up” as she explained that “Louis said, ‘at least Grannie is with great-grandpa now’.” 

Following the Queen’s State Funeral and Committal Service the national mourning period has now come to an end, though the Royal Family will remain in official mourning until seven days afterwards. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral is taking place today, Monday, September 19, 2022, and sees the Royal Family, as well as royals, politicians, and leaders from across the world pay tribute.

• Her Majesty’s funeral service is being watched by people from across the world. 
• The day will include several processions by members of the Royal Family as well as two services.
• Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral service will be followed by a Committal Service later on in Windsor.   

Eleven days after Buckingham Palace made the solemn announcement that Queen Elizabeth II had died at Balmoral Castle, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch is being laid to rest. Attended by 2,000 guests from around the world, including the extended Royal Family, European royalty, and world leaders Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral is also being watched by many across the globe. 

Consisting of multiple processions, the State Funeral Service at Westminster Abbey and a Committal Service at St George’s Chapel, here we share the key moments from the State Funeral of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

Procession to Westminster Abbey begins - 10.44am 

The Queen’s coffin is lifted from the catafalque at Westminster Hall where it has been Lying-In-State since the afternoon of Wednesday, September 14, and where mourners from across the world had been paying their respects. Ahead of this, many members of the Royal Family including Camilla, the Queen Consort, the Princess of Wales, Prince George of Wales, Princess Charlotte of Wales, and Duchess of Sussex arrived at Westminster Abbey.

Her Majesty’s coffin begins its journey from Westminster Hall to Westminster Abbey, carried in the State Gun Carriage of the Royal Navy drawn by 142 sailors. Upon Her Majesty’s coffin, which is draped in the royal standard which represents the Sovereign and the United Kingdom, are the Imperial State Crown, as well as the Sovereign’s Orb and Sceptre and flowers in pink and red tones.

Senior members of the Royal Family including King Charles, the Prince of Wales, Duke of Sussex, walk behind the late monarch’s coffin in a solemn procession. The first row includes the King, Princess Royal, Duke of York, and Earl of Wessex. 

Following them in the second row is the Prince of Wales, Duke of Sussex, and Peter Phillips, and other members of the Royal Family in the procession are the late Queen’s nephew, the Earl of Snowdon, her cousin the Duke of Gloucester, and Princess Anne’s husband, Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence. 

The Procession is led by the Pipes and Drums of the Scottish and Irish regiments as well as members of the Royal Air Force and the Gurkhas. The route is lined by not only well-wishers paying tribute to Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, but the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. 

A guard of honor also stands in Parliament Square consisting of all three military services, the army, navy and air force, as well as a Royal Marines Band. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral begins - 11am 

Following the procession to Westminster Abbey and the arrival of Her Majesty’s coffin at 11.00am, Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral begun. Before the service the tenor bell sounded every minute for 96 minutes, reflecting her extraordinary life. The Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend David Hoyle leads the service with a sermon given by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby. 

The service is sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey and the Choir of the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, under the direction of James O’Donnell, Organist, and Master of the Choristers. The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry are led by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford and Sub-Organist Peter Holder plays the organ. 

The Queen’s coffin is carried through the nave and quire of Westminster Abbey and placed upon a platform. 

Everyone inside Westminster Abbey stands as the Procession of the Coffin enters the Abbey, followed by members of the Royal Family. Prince George and Princess Charlotte of Wales joined their father the Prince of Wales walking behind their great-grandmother’s coffin as it made its way up the Abbey. The Queen Consort, Princess of Wales, Countess of Wessex and Duchess of Sussex also walked alongside them.

Beginning the service, the Dean of Westminster declares, “In grief and also in profound thanksgiving we come to this House of God, to a place of prayer, to a church where remembrance and hope are sacred duties. Where Queen Elizabeth was married and crowned, we gather from across the nation, from the Commonwealth and from the nations of the world, to mourn our loss. To remember her long life of selfless service and in sure confidence to commit her to the mercy of God, our Maker and Redeemer.”

He continues, “With gratitude we remember her unswerving commitment to a high calling over so many years as Queen and Head of the Commonwealth. With admiration, we recall her life-long sense of duty and dedication to her people. With thanksgiving we praise God for her constant example of Christian faith and devotion. With affection we recall her love for her family and her commitment to the causes she held dear."

During the service, UK Prime Minister Liz Truss reads the second Lesson, followed by The Lord’s My Shepherd - a hymn that was also sung at the wedding of Her Majesty and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in November 1947. 

In his sermon the Archbishop of Canterbury reflects upon the example the Queen set and spoke of how he knows the King shares the “same faith and hope in Jesus Christ” as Her Majesty, as well as the same sense of “service and duty”. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury gives the Commendation and the Dean of Westminster pronounces the Blessing. As the service draws to an end, everyone attending the funeral remains standing as The Last Post is played by the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry from the steps of the Lady Chapel. 

A Two Minute Silence is observed across the UK, followed by The Reveille sounded by the State Trumpeters. The congregation of Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral sings God Save The King, followed by the Sovereign’s Piper of the Royal Regiment of Scotland playing “Sleep, dearie, sleep”.

Everyone remains standing as the coffin and processions begin to leave Westminster Abbey at 12:09pm with the Sub-Organist playing Fantasia in C minor BWV 562 by Johann Sebastian Bach.  Much of the music played during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral was of special significance to the late monarch. ‘Love Divine’ was sung in an arrangement first heard at the wedding of the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2011, while the ‘O Taste and See’ was composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams for the Queen’s coronation in 1953. 

Procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch - 12.15pm-1.40pm

After Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral service, her coffin is now on procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch. The route is lined with military personnel and police officers. Big Ben in the Elizabeth Tower tolls at one-minute intervals throughout the procession and gun salutes are also being fired every minute from nearby Hyde Park.

At designated viewing areas along the route, people can watch the poignant procession and pay their respects to Her Majesty. The procession is led by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and is made up of seven groups each with their own band, with the UK and Commonwealth’s armed forces, the police and NHS also involved.

The King walks in the procession behind Her Majesty’s coffin accompanied by Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince William and Prince Harry, while Camilla, the Queen Consort, Princess of Wales, Countess of Wessex, Duchess of Sussex, Prince George and Princess Charlotte follow the procession in cars.

During the procession, Her Majesty’s coffin travels past the monarch’s official London home, Buckingham Palace, where she appeared on the balcony during so many historic occasions over the course of her remarkable reign. Palace employees stand in silence as a mark of respect. 

After reaching Wellington Arch in the middle of Hyde Park corner the procession travels under the arch itself, before Queen Elizabeth’s coffin is transferred to the State Hearse to travel to Windsor Castle. After saluting the King, Princess Anne follows behind her late mother’s coffin in a car as they make their way to Berkshire. 

Procession to Windsor Castle - 3.10pm

The Queen’s coffin travels to Windsor Castle by hearse and as it approaches Windsor is escorted down the road through the Berkshire countryside by the Household Cavalry, the Sovereign’s Escort, Pipes and Drums and the Band of the Household Cavalry. 

The Sebastopol and Curfew Tower Bells at the castle are tolled every minute and gun salutes are fired from the grounds. The procession reaches the top of the Long Walk around 3:20pm and travels all the way up this three mile long avenue which is lined by members of the armed forces. 

The public are able to watch the procession with access to the Long Walk allowed and many people lined the way into Windsor to pay their respects. The Queen's pony 'Emma' and the grooms who work in the Royal Mews are also standing to one side of the Long Walk as the procession goes by.  

As the procession enters Windsor Castle two of Her Majesty’s corgis are also seen - Sandy and Muick - to the right of the arch.  Senior members of the Royal Family, led by the King, later joined the procession in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle at around 4pm. 

Queen Elizabeth II’s Committal Service at St George’s Chapel - 4.20pm 

The Queen’s coffin enters St George’s Chapel in Windsor for a Committal Service attended by around 800 guests, many of whom are current or former staff members.

The service is conducted by The Right Reverend David Conner, KCVO, the Dean of Windsor, with a Blessing from the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Honorable Justin Welby. As the Queen’s coffin enters St George’s Chapel and moves towards the Quire, the choir sings Psalm 121, followed by the Russian Kontakion of the Departed. 

The Dean of Windsor reflected upon the late Queen’s “calm and dignified presence” and how it has given people the confidence to face the future with "hope and courage". 

“As, with grateful hearts, we reflect on these and all the many other ways in which her long life has been a blessing to us, we pray that God will give us grace to honor her memory by following her example, and that, with our sister Elizabeth, at the last, we shall know the joys of life eternal,” he said.

The poignant service also includes several important traditions that symbolize the Queen’s reign coming to an end. The Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign’s Orb, and Scepter, are removed from the top of Her Majesty’s coffin and are received back by the Dean of Windsor, who places them on the high altar.  

This signifies the separation of the Queen and her crown for the last time. Following the end of the final hymn, King Charles placed the Queen’s company camp color (the flag) of the Grenadier Guards on his mother’s coffin. 

The Lord Chamberlain Baron Parker, who is the most senior official in the Royal Household, broke his wand of service and placed it on the Queen’s coffin, signaling the end of his service to the sovereign. 

During the Committal Service the Queen’s coffin is lowered, the styles and titles of Queen Elizabeth II are proclaimed by the Garter King of Arms and the Sovereign’s piper plays - something Buckingham Palace has said was personally requested by the late Queen - before a blessing is then said. The National Anthem is sung and the Committal Service for Queen Elizabeth comes to a poignant end. 

This evening around 19.30pm a private family service will be held. The Queen will be buried with her late husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, at the King George VI Memorial Chapel in St George’s Chapel. 

The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II today sees 2,000 people from across the world join at Westminster Abbey to pay their respects to Britain's longest-serving monarch. International royals, world leaders, and high-profile celebrities are all at the historic service. 

• Around 2,000 guests are attending Queen Elizabeth II's funeral at Westminster Abbey
• World leaders, foreign dignitaries, and international royals have traveled to London to pay their respects to Britain's longest-serving monarch. 
• Here's how to send condolences to the Royal Family following Queen Elizabeth II's death.
  

Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral is being held today, Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey in London, eleven days after the 96-year-old monarch died peacefully at Balmoral Castle. 

Nearly 2,000 people are in attendance, with invited guests traveling from as far as New Zealand to honor the legacy of Britain's longest-serving sovereign and to pay their respects to the Royal Family. 

Members of the public also gathered on the streets to watch The Queen's coffin travel from Westminster Hall to Westminister Abbey, with accommodations made for large crowds to watch the historic event. 

The funeral commenced at 11am at Westminster Abbey, almost 12 hours after the miles-long queue to see the Queen's Lying-In-State was officially closed on Sunday night.

Which Royal Family members are attending the Queen's funeral? 

All four of Queen Elizabeth II's children, including King Charles III, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward, are attending their beloved mother's state funeral. Their respective spouses – Camilla, the Queen Consort, Sir Timothy Laurence, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, are also present. 

The Queen's second youngest son, Prince Andrew, is also in attendance with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. 

All of the Queen's grandchildren, including Prince William, Price Harry, Peter Phillips, Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Lady Louise Windsor, and James, Viscount Severn are also present.

Prince William's wife, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and Prince Harry's wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, are also present. Some of the Queen's 12 great-grandchildren, including Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are at the ceremony. However, it's understood that Prince Louis as well as the children of Zara Tindall, Princess Beatrice, and Princess Eugenie are not.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children, Archie and Lilibet, are also not at the service. 

A number of Queen Elizabeth II’s cousins, including the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, and Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester have joined the congregation. 

Which foreign Royals are attending the Queen's funeral? 

Several members of European, African, and Asian royalty were also invited to The Queen's funeral. 

It's understood that Spain’s King Felipe and Queen Letizia, the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway, and Queen Margrethe II of Denmark are in attendance, as well as Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco. 

The King of Bhutan, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, the Sultan of Brunei, and the King of Jordan also traveled to London to pay their respects to The Queen. Other international royals in attendance include the King of the Kingdom of Lesotho, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, the Salman of Saudi Arabia, the King of Tonga, and the Sultan of Oman. 

Which world leaders are at the Queen's funeral? 

As Britain's Head of State for over seven decades, the late Queen Elizabeth II met with hundreds of world leaders during her record-breaking reign. 

Her Majesty's state funeral sees the UK host one of the largest gatherings of foreign dignitaries of the century. Representatives from every G7 country have flown into London to pay their respects to the late monarch.

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska are all present.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, who was received by the Queen at Balmoral just two days before the monarch passed away is also in attendance.

First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and Ireland's Prime Minister, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin are also at the service, along with India's President, Droupadi Murmu, and the president of Kenya, William Ruto.

Can the public attend Queen Elizabeth II's funeral? 

Queen Elizabeth's state funeral is an invite-only event, meaning the public cannot join the 2,000-member congregation inside Westminster Abbey today. 

A small number of members of the public, however, are in attendance, with 183 people being selected as VIP guests in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their communities. All of these individuals have also already been acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. 

Who is not attending Queen Elizabeth's funeral? 

A small number of nations have not been invited to send representation to the Queen's state funeral today. 

Russia was omitted from the guest list in light of President Putin's invasion of Ukraine, while Venezuela and Syria have not received an invitation due to a lack of diplomatic relations. Afghanistan has not been invited in light of its recent Taliban takeover, while North Korea, Nicaragua, and Iran were invited only at an ambassadorial level. 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is now Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall. 

• Her Majesty The Queen is Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral on Monday 19 September.
• The coffin of Her Majesty The Queen will be reposed at Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament 24 hours a day to allow the public to pay their respects. 
• This is how to pay respects to the Queen Lying-in-State.
  

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the Queen's Lying-in-State at Westminster Hall, before Britain's longest-serving monarch's state funeral on Monday 19 September.

Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on Thursday, September 8, just hours after Buckingham Palace had announced she was being 'medically supervised' by royal doctors at Balmoral Castle. 

The news marked the end of Her Majesty's 70-year-long reign and the beginning of a new one under her eldest son, King Charles III. Her death has also meant that many members of the Royal Family have had their titles change, as the line of succession moves forward for the first time in seven decades. 

The Queen's coffin was flown into London from Scotland on Tuesday evening, after being temporarily deposed at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh for the public to pay their respects. It is currently lying in the historic Westminster Hall following a sombre ceremonial procession this afternoon. 

King Charles III, Prince William and Prince Harry, along with other members of the Royal Family, followed the coffin on foot as it made its way past St. James's Park and towards the Houses of Parliament, arriving at Westminster Abbey at 3pm. 

Now the Queen's coffin has been positioned on a catafalque in Westminster Hall, where the Royal Family attended a short service held by the Archbishop of Canterbury on Wednesday afternoon. At 5pm on Wednesday September 14, the doors of Westminster Abbey will open for the public to pay their respects. The coffin will remain at Westminster Hall until 6.30am on the day of the Queen's funeral, Monday, September 19. 

Westminster Hall will remain open for 24 hours to give as many people as possible the chance to say their goodbyes and pay their respects to the beloved monarch.

What does Lying-in-State mean? 

Lying-in-State refers to the practice of placing the body of a deceased official, like a King or a Queen, in a state building so that the public can pay their respects. The body may be displayed in an open casket or concealed by a coffin, and is traditionally flanked by a unit of guards. In Britain, the tradition has been taking place at Westminster Hall since the death of King Edward VIII in 1910. 

King Charles III carried a special gift in tribute to his mother as he led the Queen's coffin procession in Edinburgh today, ahead of her final journey back to London. 

• King Charles III made a subtle nod to Queen Elizabeth II as he led his late mother's coffin procession through the streets of Edinburgh earlier today. 
• The new monarch was joined by his sister, Princess Anne, and his two brothers, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward, as he followed the hearse of Britain's longest-serving monarch from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles' Cathedral on Monday afternoon. 
• In other royal news, Prince Harry calls Windsor Castle a 'lonely place' after visiting Queen's favorite home for first time since her death.
  

King Charles III made a touching tribute to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday afternoon, as he led the coffin of his late mother down the streets of Edinburgh to be laid at St. Giles' Cathedral. 

The newly proclaimed sovereign was joined by his younger siblings, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward for the final journey of Queen Elizabeth II from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where she was temporarily reposed on Sunday for members of the Royal Family to pay their respects in private. 

The Queen died 'peacefully' aged 96 at Balmoral Castle on Thursday, after suffering ongoing health problems for nearly a year. 

The body of Britain's longest-serving monarch has now arrived at St. Giles' Cathedral in Edinburgh, where a service of thanksgiving in celebration of her 70-year-long reign will take place. The Scottish public will also be able to pay their respects for 24 hours before she is taken to Westminister Abbey in London. 

All of the Queen's children, except Prince Andrew, were dressed in military uniforms to follow the late monarch's hearse, which was accompanied by a Bearer Party found by The Royal Regiment of Scotland and The King’s Body Guard for Scotland. 

As well as an adornment of military insignia, King Charles III carried a majestic-looking baton that was presented to him by Queen Elizabeth II on her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. 

The special weapon symbolizes his status as a Field Marshal, which is the highest ranking in the British Army. He was given the lofty title in recognition of his service in the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, as well as his role as the Colonel of the Welsh Guards. His appointment as Field Marshal came 17 years after the Ministry of Defence recommended that the five-star ranking be fazed out as part of their 1995 budget. 

The Queen's funeral will be held on Monday, September 19, at Westminster Abbey in London. The state service, to take place on a Bank Holiday, will be followed by seven days of mourning for the Royal Family. This solemn period will also be observed by Royal Household staff, Representatives of the Royal Household on official duties, and troops committed to Ceremonial Duties. 

All of the Queen's residences, including Balmoral Castle, Buckingham Palace, and Sandringham House, will close to the public until after the funeral. 

The Queen's ascension to the throne after the sudden death of her father, King George VI, reportedly upset an unlikely Royal Family member. 

• The Queen left a close family member 'jealous' after succeeding King George VI as British monarch, a royal expert has revealed. 
• Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II overnight in 1952 when her 56-year-old father died of lung cancer. 
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton and Prince William dubbed ‘generous’ by fans for being so ‘inclusive’ with their children at major events.
  

The Queen's succession to the throne after her father died provoked a backlash from an unlikely member of the Royal Family, a royal insider has revealed. 

Her Majesty's destiny changed forever in February 1952 when King George VI passed away suddenly in his sleep, leaving her to inherit the Crown and become the 61st monarch of Britain. 

At just 25, Princess Elizabeth became the Head of the Commonwealth, the Head of State, and the Head of the Church of England - a trilogy of titles that arguably made her the most powerful figure in the country. 

At the Queen's coronation, which took place at Westminister Abbey in London in June 1953, she pledged to commit herself to a lifetime of service. Two months ago, she marked the 70th anniversary of her reign with a nationwide weekend of Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 

Unfortunately, not every one was completely on board with Queen Elizabeth's ascension at the time. It's understood that this abrupt shift in power dynamics at the Windsor household didn't bode well with the Queen Mother, who reportedly struggled to accept her daughter's elevated status in the wake of King George VI's tragic death. 

The 51-year-old was forced to give up her lofty title as the Queen Consort of England when her husband died and accept a new moniker as the Queen Mother - a demotion that didn't exactly sit well with the iconic royal. 

"The Queen Mother minded very much being the Queen Mother, she was jealous of her daughter having become Queen," Christopher Warwick explained in the 2020 documentary, 'The Private Lives of the Windsors'. According to the royal biographer, the aristocratic widow resented the 'power and privilege' granted to her first-born daughter following the death of King George VI. 

It's also been said that the Queen Mother butted heads with the Queen on finances, with some reports suggesting that arguments about frugality were a constant source of tension between the pair. 

"The Queen did despair of her mother's spending," royal historian Gareth Russell claimed during an appearance on Royally Us. "The Queen Mother was not what we would call frugal, even by royal standards.

"Apparently, the phase 'oh mummy' was what you used to hear in the palace when she saw the Queen Mother's expense bill." 

With just hours to go until the Platinum Jubilee 2022 kicks off, royal fans are feeling nostalgic about past milestones in Queen Elizabeth II's incredible life - starting with her historic coronation in 1953.

• The Queen's coronation in 1953 was the first coronation in history to be televised. 
• Princess Elizabeth inherited the throne when her father died in 1952, but the coronation ceremony didn't take place until more than a year later. 
• In other royal news, Prince Charles jokes about rumors he’ll bypass being king during speech

The Queen, 96, has gone down in history as Britain's longest-serving monarch, having headed the Royal Family and the UK government now for more than 70 years. 

Her impressive reign will be celebrated by the Platinum Jubilee 2022 from Thursday, 2 June, to Sunday, 5 June, with several festive events lined up for royal fans across the UK and the Commonwealth to enjoy.

With so much hysteria surrounding the current day Queen, it can be easy to forget where it all started for Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. Her coronation service, which officially anointed her as Queen, was perhaps the most significant day of her public life ‒ elevating her from a background princess to an almighty monarch in front of the world in mere minutes. Little do many people know, however, Her Majesty's coronation was deliberately delayed for more than a year after she succeeded the throne. 

So without further ado, here's everything you need to know about the Queen's coronation ‒ and why the Royal Family waited so long to give her that coveted crown. 

How old was the Queen when she became queen?

The Queen was only 25 years old when she took on the role of monarch, but this path wasn't something she was born into.

Queen Elizabeth, born Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, was born at 17 Bruton St, London W1, on April 21, 1926. Becoming Queen wasn't always on the cards for Elizabeth.

Edward VIII abdicated in 1936, choosing his love of divorcée Wallis Simpson over his birthright. Their relationship made the woman&home list of the most iconic couples of all time ‒ while also changing the lives of those around them. Elizabeth's father subsequently became King, and with no male heir to take the reins ‒ Elizabeth was suddenly the future Queen.

When was Queen Elizabeth's coronation?

On February 6, 1952, Elizabeth's beloved father, King George VI, died while she was on tour in Kenya with Prince Philip. At once, her whole life changed and she became Queen Elizabeth II, the 61st British monarch.

Her coronation, however, didn't take place immediately. She would have to wait for more than a year to be formally crowned ‒ a delay that was deliberately enforced because of a very strict royal tradition.

Where was Queen Elizabeth's coronation?

The Queen's coronation was held on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey in London, in a lavish ceremony that echoed many of the enthronements of her royal predecessors.

An extravagant procession kicked off the festival, with several carriages transporting heads of state and foreign royalty from Buckingham Palace to the historic cathedral as millions of royal fans watched from the sidelines.

Queen Elizabeth II traveled to Westminster Abbey in the Gold State Coach, which has been used at the coronation of every British monarch since George IV. Shortly after the ceremony began at 11 am, she took an oath to lead a life of service before being anointed with holy oil and adorned with robes. 

The solid gold St. Edward's Crown, which dates back to 1661, was then placed on her head, and the Coronation ring, also known as 'The Wedding Ring of England', was placed on the fourth finger of her right hand. The televised service, which was broadcast live in full on the BBC, was attended by 8,251 guests representing 129 nations and territories of the Commonwealth.

According to the BBC, it was a pivotal moment in the entertainment world, with its television audience of 20 million viewers vastly exceeding its radio listening figures of 12 million.

"The BBC knew the event would be popular ‒ based on the reaction to the limited broadcast of George VI's Coronation Procession ‒ but could not foresee that it would mark the coming of age of television, as well as the modernization of the monarchy."

The broadcast service, which can still be viewed online to this day, also gave us this rare childhood footage of Prince Charles at the Queen’s coronation.

Why was the Queen's coronation delayed?

The Queen technically inherited the throne when her father died in February 1952, but she wasn't coronated until June 1953. This long time span between Her Majesty's succession to the throne and her crowning has confused some royal fans, prompting questions over why the ceremony didn't occur sooner after King George VI's death. The delay was completely intentional, however, following a tradition that insisted on allowing a certain amount of time to pass after a monarch dies before holding any festivals.

Prince Charles could step in for Her Majesty to deliver the Queen's speech next week.

• The Queen is suffering ongoing health and mobility issues lately and has taken part in less public engagements.
• This means Prince Charles could step in at Parliament next week.
• This follows royal news that Harry and Meghan could still appear on the Jubilee balcony despite the Queen's ban.

The Queen's Speech, which outlines the Government's key policies and proposed legislation, is always delivered by the monarch in the Lords Chamber of Parliament.

However, with the monarch's ongoing health and mobility issues, many are wondering if her son, Prince Charles, could break royal tradition and fill in for her instead on Tuesday.

According to the MailOnline, the Queen, 96, is still expected to attend "with tweaks" but a contingency plan has been put in place for Charles to step in at the last minute if the Queen is unable to attend.

Meanwhile, Buckingham Palace has said the Queen "plans to attend" the event but that this would be confirmed on the day.

This wouldn't be the first event the Queen has missed in recent times; the Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey and the annual Royal Maundy church service went ahead without the monarch.

And Buckingham Palace has already announced this week that several of the Queen's upcoming appearances this summer will also not go ahead.

Garden parties will be staged from next week for the first time in three years following the pandemic, but the Queen will not be hosting them.

Buckingham Palace said this week, "Her Majesty The Queen will be represented by other members of the Royal Family at this year's garden parties, with details on attendance to be confirmed in due course."

The Queen made a rare public appearance in March when she attended the memorial service for her late husband, Prince Philip, at Westminster Abbey.

However, instead of arriving through the same public entrance as other members of the Royal Family, an alternative route was put in place for Her Majesty.

The Queen has been forced to cancel plans to attend an Easter tradition as concerns around her health and mobility grow. Her Majesty will be represented at the Maundy Thursday service by Prince Charles and Camilla, marking the first time Charles has stood in for the Queen in this duty.

• The Queen will miss the Maundy Thursday Easter tradition as concerns around her health grow.
• Her Majesty will be represented by the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.
• In other royal news, Prince Philip treated the Queen 'like another human being'—and he was the only one who ever did.
  

The Queen’s Easter gift tradition is thought to be one of Her Majesty’s favorite events as the monarch traditionally distributes Maundy money to pensioners and community figures at the service.

Her Majesty is renowned for always giving back, especially to pensioners and people who served in the war. During coronavirus, she went out of her way to make a private pilgrimage to the grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of his burial.

The Easter traditions are, therefore, thought to be important to the deeply religious Queen. Instead of attending in person, Her Majesty will be represented at the ceremony for the first time by Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

This is the first Maundy Thursday service to be held in person since 2019, due to coronavirus restrictions canceling them in 2020 and 2021.

The Queen last attended the service in 2019, where she was joined by her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie.

This year’s ceremony will take place on April 14 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor.

What is Maundy Thursday?

Maundy Thursday is part of the Christian celebration of Easter and marks the night of the Last Supper as told in the Bible.

The name Maundy and the intent of the ceremony itself derive from the Latin word for mandate (or command) and refers to an instruction of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper that his followers should love one another. As a gesture, he washed the feet of his disciples as an act of kindness.

For the Queen, the service has always included the distribution of what is known as Maundy Money.

These small silver coins, officially known as the Queen's Maundy money, are symbolic alms given typically to elderly recipients.

The coins are technically legal tender, but they are more keepsakes. A small sum of regular money is also given alongside the Queen’s Maundy money gesture.

Today, the service is typically held in a different church every year.

The Queen participates in a special gift-giving tradition every Easter  - and it's looking like this year will be no different.

• The Queen will show off her generous side this Easter by participating in a gift-giving service for older members of the Church of England. 
• Every Maundy Thursday, Her Majesty presents special coins to Christian people across the UK as a thank you for their contribution to their local communities. 
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton and Prince William’s ‘equal respect’ a sign the monarchy is in safe hands, claims expert.
  

The Queen will show off her generous spirit with a touching gift-giving tradition this Easter, just one week before she celebrates her 96th birthday on 21 April. 

For the past seven decades, Her Majesty has recognized the contribution of older members of the Church of England to their community by presenting them with symbolic coins on Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday.  

The monarch typically visits different cathedrals around the UK for the religious service, which was held annually in Westminster Abbey until 1957. 

The silver mint pennies - known as Maundy Money - are wrapped in two leather purses, one of which contains coins that equate to the Queen's age and the other containing a £5 and 50p coin. The currency is technically legal tender but is rarely ever spent by recipients due to its sentimental value. 

Unfortunately, Her Majesty was forced to scrap her Royal Maundy service for the past two years in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She instead posted the jingly gifts to the 190 recipients she had planned to meet, along with a letter expressing regret over the event's cancellation. 

It remains unknown if this year's Royal Maundy service, which falls on 14 April, will go ahead. 

While Covid restrictions are no longer in place, the Queen's health woes has been a source of widespread concern ever since her overnight hospitalization in October 2021. 

Her attendance at Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey last month was also shrouded in speculation, as some royal experts predicted the Queen may need a wheelchair to enter the historic church. 

If the event does happen, it's very likely it will take place at a location nearby Her Majesty's permanent residence of Windsor Castle. 

The Queen will also enjoy a treat for herself on the final day of the upcoming Holy Week, as she marks the end of Lent on Easter Sunday. 

According to former royal chef, Darren McGrady, Her Majesty gives up chocolate every year for 40 days in remembrance of Jesus Christ's sacrifices for his followers. It's custom for the great-grandmother to break Lent by tucking into a box of Bendicks Bittermints, which are also shared with the other members of the royal household. 

Princess Beatrice's close bond with the late Prince Philip was palpable at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving, as the royal icon broke down while in remembrance of her beloved grandfather. 

• Princess Beatrice broke down crying at Prince Philip's memorial service last Tuesday, hiding her face with her hymn sheet to shield her tears. 
• The 33-year-old royal was famously close to her grandfather, who passed away in April 2021. 
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton to feature in The Crown as show creators plan to 'show her blossoming relationship with William'.
  

Princess Beatrice was overcome with emotion at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving last week, hiding her tearful face with a sheet as the opening hymn commenced. 

Prince Philip's memorial service took place at Westminster Abbey in London on 29 March, less than two weeks before the anniversary of his death. 

The Queen's husband died aged 99 on 9 April, after being married to the monarch for 73 years and serving as royal consort for 69 years. His funeral took place at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in the wake of Britain's third Covid lockdown, forcing Her Majesty to sit alone for the ceremony attended by just 30 guests. 

His legacy was finally honored by wider circles at his Service of Thanksgiving last Tuesday. The emotional event saw the Royal Family—with the exception of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—joined by over 2,000 invited guests for a joyful celebration of the Duke's incredible life. 

Princess Beatrice appeared to be particularly moved by the occasion, breaking down in tears as she watched the Queen being escorted to her seat by Prince Andrew. 

The 33-year-old shielded her face with her Order of Service sheet and reached into her purse for a tissue to dry her eyes, prompting her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, to place a comforting hand on her back. 

Princess Eugenie, who was also joined by her husband, Jack Brooksbank, appeared to glance over in concern for her upset sister. 

At another point of the service, Beatrice chuckled when Right Reverend David Conner paid tribute to Philip's tendency to be "be somewhat sharp in pricking what he thought to be bubbles of pomposity or sycophancy." 

"The very personal nature of such a public commemoration hit home when Beatrice, 33, started sobbing upon sight of her grandmother and father, arm in arm, covering her tearful face with her order of service," royal expert Camilla Tominey wrote for the Daily Telegraph. 

Princess Beatrice was undeniably close to her late grandfather, calling him "the most unique person" during the ITV documentary Our Queen at 90 back in 2016. 

"My fabulous grandfather. When I talk about my grandfather, I really get quite emotional," she said. “Because he is the most unique person and I’m very lucky that there are lots of moments where I have been able to share some quite magical times with my grandfather." 

Prince Philip even attended Beatrice's private wedding to Edoardo in July 2020, just nine months before he passed away. 

A photographer has revealed how he managed to take photos of the Queen's arrival at Prince Philip's memorial last Tuesday after palace officials tried to stop him from capturing the historic event. 

• A photographer has revealed how he managed to take photos of the Queen at Prince Philip's memorial service at Westminster Abbey after palace officials forbid him from capturing the historic moment.
• Writing for The Times, Richard Pohle admitted that he committed the 'most cardinal of sins' in order to successfully photograph Her Majesty being escorted to her seat by the Duke of York last Tuesday. 
• In other royal news, Kate Middleton's concern for Prince Louis's wellbeing after birth revealed.
  

A photographer for The Times has shared his ordeal in capturing the Queen's arrival at Prince Philip's memorial ceremony last week after royal staff almost stopped him from taking shots of the monarch walking into Westminster Abbey. 

Writing for the national newspaper on Monday, Richard Pohle revealed that he had been told by a Buckingham Palace press officer not to photograph Her Majesty until she had been seated—an order he admittedly 'balked' at. 

It's understood that the 95-year-old's mobility had been a major source of concern for the Firm, with some reports speculating she may require a wheelchair to access the historic London cathedral. 

Pohle was concerned that 'the entire British media' would be demanding answers if he failed to deliver a photo of the Queen entering the church, especially considering that the BBC was 'broadcasting the entire event to the world.' His attempts to negotiate with the royal press officers on the matter, however, fell on deaf ears. 

"I tried holding my desperation in check and argued my case as I tried to devise a diplomatic solution, but I was by myself and had no one in authority to back me up," he said. 

"The palace officials stood firm, no pictures until she was seated." 

It was only when the news broke that the Queen would be "escorted to her seat by the Duke of York" that Pohle insisted on capturing the moment. 

"This changed everything," he wrote. "The arrival of the Queen was now the major news event. I could see them wavering but they repeated that the no picture order 'came from the top' and that 'it wasn’t up to them'." 

Pohle then highlighted to palace officials the absurdity of allowing the BBC's cameras to film the momentous occasion but forbidding still photography—a comment that seemed to "have an effect." After making a quick phone call, one of the press officers approved his request to take pictures of the Queen walking with her disgraced son. 

Unfortunately, Pohle's struggle to capture the high-profile event didn't end here. 

The award-winning photographer's view of Her Majesty was initially blocked when she entered Westminster Abbey with Prince Andrew, forcing him to move from his "official position" to cover her arrival. 

"I had forgotten that when the Queen enters a room everyone stands up," he admitted. "That’s exactly what happened. Now I couldn’t see a thing for rows of dignitaries and ladies’ hats." 

Desperate not to miss the opportunity, Pohle "jumped off my footstool" and slid "between rows of seats opposite where the Queen would walk." 

"Suddenly moving from an official position while on a royal rota is the most cardinal of sins," he added. "I brushed past the press officer and could feel a hand reach out to try and stop me but I rushed past and crouched in the center of the aisle." 

After successfully snapping a photo of the Queen arm-in-arm with Prince Andrew, he returned to his appointed position and 'whispered an apology' to the 'frowning' press officer. 

Prince Charles and Prince William expressed 'dismay' over Prince Andrew's prominent role at Prince Philip's memorial service on Tuesday, according to royal insiders. 

• Prince Charles and Prince William were dismayed by Prince Andrew's 'front-and-center' role at Prince Philip's memorial service on Tuesday, according to a royal source. 
• The Duke of York escorted the Queen to her seat at Westminster Abbey for all the cameras to see, in what was reportedly a last-minute decision that had not been approved by the family. 
• In other royal news, Princess Charlotte's adorable reaction to cameras at Prince Philip's memorial service has royal fans in tears.
  

Senior royals were left in 'dismay' by Prince Andrew's 'front and center' role at the Duke of Edinburgh's Service of Thanksgiving yesterday, according to inside sources. 

The Duke of York escorted the Queen down the aisle of Westminster Abbey for Prince Philip's memorial ceremony on Tuesday morning, marking his first public appearance since his US sex abuse case with Virginia Giuffre was settled in February. 

It's understood that the 62-year-old was only expected to accompany his mother from Windsor Castle to the London cathedral, where she would then be guided by the Dean of Westminster to her seat. 

Andrew remained by her side, however, after entering the church and continued to guide her all the way to the front pew. This decision, which reportedly hadn't been approved by any senior royals, is said to have caused significant 'consternation' within the famous family. 

"There was no suggestion beforehand that he would be supporting her in that way. It hadn't been discussed specifically but it was hoped that common sense would intervene," a source told the Mail Online. "Clearly it didn't. There is dismay. I think people accept that this doesn't look good." 

It's understood that Prince Andrew, who was stripped of his military honors and royal patronages earlier this year, 'insisted' that he walk the Queen up the aisle in an effort to convey her 'endorsement' of him. 

"No one would have found out until it was too late The Prince of Wales will be despairing at the decision," the source added. "And I don't think the Duke of Cambridge will be too happy either. But that's Andrew all over." 

Ultimately, it was the Queen who made the final call on whether or not the disgraced royal should participate in the ceremony. 

According to royal experts, her inclusion of Prince Andrew in the ceremony reflects the 95-year-old monarch's desire to prove her steadfast loyalty to her family. 

"This was her way of quietly showing 'OK, he messed up really badly, this was a disgrace, but he is my son,'" former BBC correspondent  Jennie Bond told the Express. 

Kate Middleton has shown respect to Duchess Camilla by offering up a small inconvenience, a royal insider has revealed. 

• Kate Middleton expressed her respect for Duchess Camilla with subtle gestures at the Commonwealth Day service on Monday, a body language expert claims. 
• The Duchess of Cornwall, 74, will become Queen Consort when Her Majesty dies and Prince Charles ascends the throne. 
• In other royal news, why Meghan Markle was uninvited to Pippa Middleton's wedding at the last minute.
  

Kate Middleton has shown her respect for Duchess Camilla's higher ranking in the Royal Family with several small gestures, according to a body language expert. 

The two female royals joined the Prince of Wales and Prince William at Westminster Abbey in London in honor of Commonwealth Day yesterday, for their first public appearance since the Queen confirmed that Duchess Camilla would be Queen Consort when Charles becomes King. The occasion, which dates back to 1971, observes Britain's 54 member states every March and is generally considered to be an opportunity to cultivate a greater understanding of the Commonwealth's achievements and mission. 

Unfortunately, Her Majesty was unable to attend the event due to concerns that the 95-year-old would find the ceremony—much of which requires standing—'too taxing'. She was instead represented by Prince Charles, one of her four counselors of state, and her message was issued by Buckingham Palace ahead of the service. 

While Duchess Camilla did not address the congregation, it was clear that her social ranking in the Royal Family has climbed since the news of her forthcoming promotion. 

Dressed in a regal purple dresscoat and a matching feathered hat, the 74-year-old looked every inch the future royal consort as she arrived at the London church with Prince Charles for the annual event on Monday. 

The powerhouse couple was greeted by Kate Middleton and Prince William, who had entered the abbey before them, before they took their seats in the front pews of the thousand-year-old building. 

The Duchess of Cambridge appeared to make a special effort to acknowledge Camilla's recent honor, offering multiple gestures to express her admiration for her stepmother-in-law. 

"Kate touched Camilla’s arm with her left hand as an add-on gesture to suggest closeness and affection as they cheek-kissed," body language expert Judi James told the Mirror. "She also performed a huge ‘act of inconvenience’ to show respect, bending her knees to lower herself right down to plant her kiss on Camilla’s cheeks." 

It's understood that Kate and Camilla have always gotten on well behind the scenes, with their shared backgrounds as wealthy commoners from the British countryside likely giving them plenty of material to talk about. The Duchess of Cambridge was reportedly even gifted a gold bracelet from her stepmother-in-law before she married Prince William in 2011, and has attended countless royal engagements with her since. 

Newly released records have revealed that Elton John’s Candle in the Wind performance in honor of the late Princess Diana almost didn’t happen. Instead, a different song of his, Your Song, was originally slated to take place. The Dean of Westminster was instrumental in getting the iconic hit played instead. 

• It’s now one of the most celebrated and poignant tributes of all time, but Candle in the Wind almost wasn’t performed at Diana’s funeral
• In the records released by the National Archives, Elton John’s 1970s hit Your Song was written into the order of service instead
• In other royal news, a TikTok showing the Queen’s Guard knocking down a child has divided opinions online

On September 6, 1997, more than 3 million people tuned in to watch Princess Diana’s funeral at Westminster Abbey. Diana’s death shocked people the world all over and many travelled to London to pay their final respects to the Princess of Wales.

Among the many notable figures in attendance was Elton John, who would deliver one of the most moving and memorable performances in history, when he reworked the lyrics to the original 1973 version of Candle in the Wind in honor of Princess Diana.

Whereas the original was a tribute to screen legend Marilyn Monroe, the 1997 version changed the lyrics to serenade “England’s rose.” Released as a single with the global proceeds going towards Diana's charities, the single would go on to become the second highest selling of all time, behind Bing Crosby’s White Christmas.  

However, newly released records have revealed that the performance almost didn’t happen, and that Elton John was originally slated to sing a different song.

The Guardian, citing records released by the National Archives, report that, before the Dean of Westminster’s personal plea, Elton John’s Your Song was written into the order of service.

Urging for a different song choice, the Dean of Westminster is reported to have written, “This is a crucial point in the service and we would urge boldness. It is where the unexpected happens and something of the modern world that the princess represented. I respectfully suggest that anything classical or choral (even a popular classic such as something by Lloyd Webber) is inappropriate.”

The Dean of Westminster goes on to suggest that Candle in The Wind would “be imaginative and generous to the millions who are feeling personally bereaved” adding that “it is popular culture at its best.”

Old footage of Prince Charles shot at the Queen’s coronation in 1953 has left royal fans cooing over how adorable he was. 

• A royal fan account has shared a rare snippet of footage from the Queen's coronation in 1953, featuring a very young Prince Charles. 
• It was 68 years since the historic day in June of this year. 
• This royal news comes after it was revealed that Prince Charles' horrendous near death experience was the most Googled thing about him last year. 

This year marked 68 years since the milestone day that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially took the crown, ascending her father King George IV.

The huge ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London on 2nd June all of those years ago—the same place that the Queen’s grandson Prince William married Kate Middleton. 

Iconic royal figures, some no longer with us, were in attendance, including, of course, the Queen’s husband Prince Philip, the Queen Mother, her sister Princess Margaret and Her Majesty’s little ones. 

At the time, the Queen’s brood of four (Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward) was only made up of her first born two. 

Prince Charles and The Princess Royal were just four and three-years-old on the momentous day and a royal fan page has shared a lovely, decades old clip showing the little siblings on the day.

Toddler Princess Anne did not attend the lavish ceremony at the Abbey, but joined in for celebrations at Buckingham Palace afterwards and made an appearance on the royal residence’s iconic balcony. 

In the color footage, Charles and Anne can be seen wearing coordinating white outfits, while the newly-crowned Queen, Queen Mother and Prince Philip stand behind them proudly. 

The royal tots cover their eyes before looking around to their father, grandmother and mother, who can be seen wearing the coveted Crown Jewels.

Alongside the post, shared on Instagram account @charlesprinceofwales, a caption detailing some special facts about the little future King on the epic occasion reads, "Did you know that Prince Charles was the first royal child to witness his mother’s coronation as monarch and the only child present in the guests at Westminster Abbey?

"He also received his own child-friendly invitation to the ceremony which was designed just for him."

It was also revealed last year that young Charles almost caused havoc at the coronation, having hoped to get his little mitts on the priceless crown.

 Princess Margaret's lady-in-waiting, Lady Anne Glenconner, told the story on the My Life In Seven Charms podcast in October of 2020, saying, "[The Queen] took it off, put it on a table, and Prince Charles made a beeline for it.

"We thought he was going to drop it. We thought, 'Oh my goodness, that would be a bad omen'. But luckily, I think my mother, as a lady-in-waiting, seized it from him and took it away."

The Queen will walk alongside her cousin, the Duke of Kent, during the Trooping the Colour ceremony this summer. 

• Trooping the Colour will go ahead the year on 12th June.
• This year, the Queen's official birthday parade will take place at Windsor Castle.
• In other royal news, Prince Harry shares learnings on helping others with suicidal thoughts in new town hall with Oprah.

Trooping the Colour is the annual parade held for Queen Elizabeth II's birthday each summer, but this year will look very different for Her Majesty.

The Queen has historically been accompanied by her husband, Prince Philip, who passed away earlier this year.

Instead, this year, the Queen will walk the parade alongside her cousin, the Duke of Kent, as reported by the London Evening Standard.

This isn't the first time the Duke of Kent has stepped in for the Queen at her official birthday parade. He also accompanied her in 2013 when Philip couldn't attend the event while he was recovering from surgery.

This year, the parade will take place on 12th June. The Queen's birthday festivities usually take place in central London, but this year they will happen on a much smaller scale in Windsor Castle. The parade will also feature more military personnel that previous years, according to reporting by the Standard.

Earlier in March, the palace released a statement announcing that the parade would not be going ahead as usual due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The statement read, 'Following consultation with Government and other relevant parties it has been agreed that The Queen’s Official Birthday Parade, also known as Trooping the Colour, will not go ahead this year in its traditional form in central London. Options for an alternative Parade, in the quadrangle at Windsor Castle, are being considered.

'The annual Garter service, usually held in June, will not take place this year.'

After undertaking an official mourning period after the death of Prince Philip, the Queen's diary looks to be filling up again.

As well as taking part in Trooping the Colour, it's been confirmed that Her Majesty will be meeting Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, in June. CNN announced this week that the President and the First Lady are planning to visit the UK and will meet with the Queen following the Group of 7 Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall from 11th till the 13th June.