Queen makes ‘unusual’ political statement on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
The Queen has withdrawn a loan to Moscow in light of President Putin's attack on Ukraine

The Queen has made a rare political statement by joining the 'cultural boycott' of Russia, after withdrawing her recent donation to a Moscow museum.
- The Queen has made a rare political statement after refusing to lend weapons to Russia for a history exhibition in its capital city.
- Her Majesty had reportedly agreed to send three antique swords to the Kremlin Museums in Moscow but halted the process ahead of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- In other royal news, Zara Tindall wows in statement Karen Millen cape as she snuggles up to Mike at Cheltenham Festival.
The Queen may have a reputation for upholding a neutral stance on all things political—but when it comes to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it looks she's firmly picked a side.
Her Majesty has reportedly denied permission for six Royal Trust Collection artifacts to be displayed at a Moscow museum, in what appears to be support for the 'cultural boycott' of President Putin's regime following his military attack on the Eastern European country last month.
The news comes shortly after it was revealed that a Russian billionaire is unable to pay his rent to the Queen due to the UK's sanctions on the transcontinental nation.
It's now understood that the 95-year-old monarch has refused to loan six pieces of 17th-century armor to the Kremlin Museums for a March exhibition, after initially agreeing to make the donation. The weapons, which include a dueling gauntlet, cavalry helmet, and a breastplate from English Civil Wars, are reportedly now on their way back to Britain.
The move has left royal fans taken aback, with many noting that such a political statement is uncharacteristic of the Queen.
"Very unusual for the UK royal family to get involved in political issues in any way, so quite surprised to read this!" one person wrote on Twitter.
A 17th cavalry helmet from the Royal Collection Trust
The Royal Armouries confirmed that it had "recalled the loan items" because of the "escalation of the situation in Ukraine", adding that they are following the same process that "other major European collections have gone through regarding the items from their collections that are also on loan as part of this exhibition."
The Duel: from Trial by Combat to a Noble Crime had been due to start on 4 March in the Kremlin Museums but has been delayed indefinitely due to the mass withdrawal of exhibitions from its ten European contributors.
The state run museum's request for the Queen to send engraved Henry VIII armor was also denied, because it required a Royal Armouries staff accompaniment to travel - a journey that would not have been possible in the current circumstances.
Emma is a Lifestyle News Writer for woman&home. Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, she mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.
Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.
-
-
Prince William's 'parent behavior' put Kate Middleton in role of ‘naughty child’ in Jordan, claims body language expert
Prince William's interactions with Kate Middleton have been analysed an expert who believes that it wasn't one of his 'finest moments'
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse • Published
-
Queen Letizia of Spain's floral midi dress channels Princess Diana's summer-ready style - and we're loving it!
Queen Letizia of Spain's floral midi dress is the bright outfit of dreams for the warmer months and she's not the only royal to love this look
By Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse • Published
-
This is not a drill: Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston will star in a body swap comedy a la Freaky Friday
The comedy film we never knew we needed is reportedly in the works starring the amazing Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston
By Anna Rahmanan • Published
-
Jennifer Lopez's see-through dress has an unexpected surprise underneath
Jennifer Lopez's see-through dress stunned on the red carpet, with its long train and sparkles for days - but what was going on beneath it?!
By Aoife Hanna • Published
-
We bet you can recreate Kate Middleton's new go-to outfit with items already in your closet
Kate Middleton's new go-to outfit is the ultimate chic look for chilly weather
By Caitlin Elliott • Published
-
Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd revealed as latest cast members of hit TV series in HILARIOUS TikTok
Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd are joining the third season of one of the hottest crime dramedies around, alongside old A-list pals
By Aoife Hanna • Published
-
Christina Applegate pays tribute to Dead To Me with fun manicure at Critics Choice Awards as actor's MS battle rages on
Christina Applegate's manicure tribute to Dead To Me as actor rubs shoulders with A-listers at first awards ceremony since MS diagnosis
By Aoife Hanna • Published
-
Pamela Anderson Netflix documentary: when is it premiering and what is it about
In the first trailer for the Netflix tell-all Pamela, A Love Story, Pamela Anderson addresses the Hulu show Pam & Tommy
By Anna Rahmanan • Published
-
We're obsessed with Salma Hayek's Golden Globes corseted Gucci gown as the actor proves her style icon status once again
Salma Hayek's Golden Globes dress is a nude, beaded number that hugs in all the right places but we just CAN'T get over the corseted back
By Aoife Hanna • Published
-
Shania Twain is embracing her menopausal body and being naked at 57 - 'I'm not going to be shy about it'
Shania Twain is embracing her menopausal body as the star explains, 'I'm feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I've ever felt before'
By Laura Harman • Published