
Joanna Lumley recalls tearful moment she received mystery letter from Buckingham Palace
Joanna Lumley, a devoted royalist and tireless charity supporter, was over the moon when she was appointed an OBE in the 1995 New Year Honours List. However, when an "official-looking" letter arrived at Joanna 's doorstep seven years later, she was somewhat apprehensive.
The Absolutely Fabulous actress confessed to Saga Magazine: "My heart sank because I thought it would say I'd been parking on the wrong side of the street. Then I opened it and was completely overwhelmed. I blubbed."
She revealed that the letter, from Buckingham Palace, informed her she was to be made a Dame.
Joanna added: "I was terribly moved. I don't think you should be rewarded for charity stuff - you do it because you love to help - but it was a big deal."
Joanna remembers that the 2022 awards were the final New Year's Honours bestowed by the late Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen passed away nine months later in September 2022 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, after celebrating her Platinum Jubilee marking her record-breaking 70-year reign.
Joanna remarked: "She left so gracefully, remaining upright and swearing in Liz Truss as Prime Minister until the very last minute. We never saw her use a wheelchair, even though she was very frail. She was compos mentis, then she went to her bed and died."
Joanna has penned a book titled 'A Queen for All Seasons: A Celebration of Our One and Only Queen Elizabeth II on Her Platinum Jubilee', which compiles anecdotes from individuals who had the privilege of meeting the late monarch during her long reign.
In conversation with Jonathan Ross, she revealed that these stories were gathered "from all kinds of people from very grand statesmen people like Ban Ki-moon and Khrushchev and Winston Churchill, right down to little kids who saw her passing by in the street and were allowed to go and give their flowers."
She highlighted one particular tale from Rob Halford, the lead vocalist of rock band Judas Priest: "He went to Buckingham Palace and heard the queen say 'heavy metal.' He said 'I never believed i'd hear The Queen say the words heavy metal.'"
Speaking to Saga, Joanna also expressed her immense admiration for the King: "He was the most brilliant Prince of Wales we will ever see," she stated.
Noting that the King held the title of Prince Of Wales for over 64 years, she emphasised that his cancer diagnosis hasn't hindered him from fulfilling his Royal duties: "He's exceptionally brave, because he really is ill, but practically nobody can keep up with him.
"He packs so much into every day, he walks faster than anybody I've ever met - he's incredible."
Joanna noted that during his time as Prince Of Wales, he experienced "a dark, dark time" when the media sided with Princess Diana against him: "So much mud was flung at the new Queen when she was Camilla Parker Bowles, but now she just goes about her job without any rancour. She's a golden, fabulous person."
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Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
Judas Priest and Alice Cooper: A suitably wild ode to Ozzy – with help from Johnny Depp
Inevitably, and rightfully, at their more-or-less co-headline concert at a busy O2 Arena, both Judas Priest and Alice Cooper found ways to memorialise their late comrade in metal, the pioneer Ozzy Osbourne, who died earlier this week. As well as having Black Sabbath's War Pigs as their intro music, fellow sons-of-Birmingham Priest splayed Osbourne's likeness on a giant screen. Over an hour earlier, without ceremony, Cooper led his own capable group, along with members of his first band – and a surprise appearance from Johnny Depp on guitar – through a spirited version of Sabbath's Paranoid. The singer introduced Depp, with whom he plays in the side project Hollywood Vampires, as 'some guy we found in the alley'. With the actor bearing the look of a man who paints towns red for a living, this wasn't hard to believe. Despite becoming the eldest statesman of West Midlands metal singers just this week, 73-year-old Priest frontman Rob Halford wasn't the oldest person on the bill. Still singing songs about blowing up schools – the deathless School's Out, of course – at four years his senior, that honour goes to Alice Cooper. Like Ozzy, the pair have had their run-ins with excess. In London, the evident sprightliness of both Cooper and Halford was attributable either to several decades of abstinent living or else the restorative powers of walloping music. Returning with his trademark streaky black eye make-up and numerous costume changes, Alice Cooper looked much the same as he did in the 1980s. As one would expect from the godfather of shock rock, in an hour-long set that peaked quite brilliantly, the daft theatrics were present and correct. There was a guillotine, a straitjacket and a man dressed as Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th series. Despite never being much of a singer to begin with, Cooper's half-an-octave voice remains in good shape. Incredibly, the same can be said for Rob Halford. During a relentless Painkiller, on which he sounded exactly the same as he did in the 1990s, the frontman reached notes that were so high, and so clear, that I could only imagine every dog in Greenwich was losing its mind. Dressed in black and patrolling the stage like a headmaster at a school for Satanists, Halford was every inch the commanding frontman. Despite these days resembling Uncle Albert, from Only Fools & Horses, he even managed to ride a motorbike onstage during the irresistible Hell Bent For Leather. While Ozzy and Sabbath have harvested due credit for creating metal more or less single-handedly, the legacy of Priest remains, I think, somewhat underpriced. But as well as minting the 1980s aesthetic of leather and studs, musically, the quintet influenced both the poppier end of the market – particularly with Living After Midnight, the 75-minute set's closing song – while pointing the way forward for heavier and darker bands such as Megadeth and Slayer. Unlike Ozzy, Halford may not be on first name terms with the wider public; but it's not for nothing that he's called 'the Metal God'. At the top of the evening, opening act Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons played Ace Of Spades, the evergreen classic from Campbell's old band Motörhead. Alice Cooper knocked out I'm Eighteen; Priest unveiled You've Got Another Thing Comin'. From first to last, at the O2 Arena, even the death of a rock deity couldn't smother the sound of giants walking among us still. As it always has, and as it always will, metal lives on. No further dates


Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
'I took £550 luxury train to Edinburgh for Royal Family site – but I was left torn'
Reporter Lucy Marshall felt like she went back in time as she rode the Northern Belle train last week. She shared her experience after paying a hefty price for the luxury experience from Yorkshire to Edinburgh It's 8am on a Thursday morning and bag pipes can be heard around Wakefield Westgate station as a sea of mothers, daughters, grandparents and loved up couples could be seen dressed up to the nines on the platform awaiting the Northern Belle train. Steam bellows out of the train before coming to a halt. Passengers beam as train staff, dressed in smart, traditional railway uniform roll out branded red carpets and greet guests as they board the luxurious carriages named after British castles or stately homes around the UK. I feel like a Royal Family member and can't wait for my first sip of champagne. As a regular train traveller - who more than often ends up with cancelled journeys, rowdy passengers or delays - I couldn't wait to get a taste of this luxurious experience that I often see celebrities and influencers raving about on social media. So what better time than for my sister's 30th birthday to enjoy such a treat. Loved ones had also shared stories of how "amazing" the train is and insist it is a must-try. But while I was excited, priced at a whopping £550 per person, my expectations were high. The deluxe train takes passengers on rides to racecourses, castles, seaside towns, and more. We were travelling from West Yorkshire to Edinburgh, where we would also experience a tour of the Royal Yatch Britannia. The train picked up passengers from Huddersfield, Wakefield and York. It was due to also stop at Leeds but due to a fault [shock] this stop was taken off the pick up list. After a wonderful greeting, I was seated in the Harlech carriage - the last one. If you are with a group, you will be put in a four booth seat, while couples were sat at a two-seater table at the other side. We also loved that a magician came round and performed tricks which left us totally baffled and wowed. The views from the train up to Scotland were amazing to see and I also observed the toilets were clean and enjoyed the White Company hand cream and luxury of using cotton hand towels instead of tissue or a dryer. Four-hour stop in Edinburgh After arriving at Edinburgh station, stuff with champagne and delicious food, we got on a a private transfer from Waverley Station to Leith, before our tour of the Royal Britannia. For some 40 years, the magnificent Royal Yacht Britannia cruised round the world carrying the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh on 968 State visits. They sailed more than a million miles, entertaining impressed prime ministers, presidents and foreign monarchs, while keeping the flag flying for Great Britain, before it stopped sailing in 1997. It was also used for a pre-wedding party in July, 2011 as the extended Royal Family joined Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall for a cocktail party on board. I loved seeing the staff quarters on board and we could not get over the size of the bed that the Queen and Prince Phillip would stay in. The beds looked like they were made for children. It was totally fascinating and we had a hand held phone which provided informative information. I loved hearing about the Queen's favourite places on board and seeing the dining room where they held important dinners. If you are a royal fan, keen sailor or love history, you will really enjoy it. Those on board the Northern Belle who weren't keen on this spent the four hour break from the train exploring Scotland's capital city instead. Six-course meal and evening experience The Northern Belle looks even more beautiful at night time as the lamps inside make it look magical. We got back on the train for more champagne before a sumptuous six-course dinner with fine wines on our memorable journey home. Then we ordered our three main courses at the start of the journey, as well as selecting the bottle of wine we would share to accompany each course and our selection of port to go with the cheese course. I opted for the Lishman's of Ilkley Ham, Hock Terrain, followed by the Terroir et Saisons slow-braised daube, and finished off with Eton Mess of Annabel Strawberries. While waiting for a main course we enjoyed a selection of canapés - including Yorkshire Asparagus Donut, British Raj Chicken, and Royal Siberian Baerii Caviar. The caviar canape was by far my favourite; it was salty and delicious. I couldn't quite believe how amazing the quality of food was on a train. Haven eaten in plenty of high end and Michelin-starred restaurants, this meal was up there thanks to the fantastic presentation, incredible flavours, and quality. But the star of the show was yet to come - the cheeseboard. Oh my, the size of the board was as big as the tables. It was simply a cheeselover's dream. We had the choice of Batch Clothbound Cheddar, Duke of Wellington Blue, Flat Capper Brie and Sheffield Forge. Of course I tried them all. There was also a choice of different crackers, jams and chutneys. Around this time, a two-man band came around and played music at each seats. This was super fun and got everyone clapping together on the train which was really sweet. While fabulous, they only did one song at each seat. Throughout the rest of the journey both travelling to and from Edinburgh there was no music. So I think considering it is listed as part of it they could have the band play for longer or put on some classical music on in the background. The evening was finished off with us ordering espresso and porn star martinis. I was shocked not all drinks were including within the price. While it was great to shared a bottle of wine, and that is enough, throughout the rest of the long journey if you want a drink you have to pay extra for it. To be honest I think this is pretty appalling when you are paying £550 I think the price should cover all drinks for the day. Overall I absolutely loved this experience and was totally wowed. It has also made me want to try other fancy train rides too. It's a brilliant way to not only enjoy luxury, spend a long period of time having fun with friends, a partner or family, but it also allows you to see new places. While I think it is totally justified it's an expensive experience, I do think £350-£400 would be a more appropriate amount for what we got on the day. If they included all drinks and provided more entertainment I believe it would be worth the full price. But would I ride it again? Absolutely.


Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Queen Elizabeth's clever reason for dressing in bright colours and matching coat and hat
A major new exhibition, opening in in Buckingham Palace next Spring, will feature around 200 garments and accessories from across her life, nearly half of which have never been displayed publicly She once said of herself, 'I have to be seen to be believed'. And during her 70 years on the throne, Queen Elizabeth II used her wardrobe, and impeccable sense of fashion, to ensure exactly that. From her stunning evening gowns and countryside chic to her love of silk headscarves and vibrant colour-blocking outfits with matching hats, Britain's longest-reigning monarch was also one of the world 's greatest style icons. Through seven decades of public duty, the Queen used the way she dressed to be seen, to subtly express her thoughts, and to brilliantly conduct diplomacy on the world stage. Now, the sartorial elegance for which she will forever be remembered is to be celebrated in a major new exhibition in Buckingham Palace next Spring, marking what would have been her 100th birthday. Queen Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at the King's Gallery will feature around 200 garments and accessories from across her life, nearly half of which have never been displayed publicly. Among outfits on show for the first time will be a bridesmaid dress eight-year-old Elizabeth wore for the 1934 wedding of her uncle, the Duke of Kent - one of the earliest surviving pieces of couture from the Queen's childhood wardrobe Royal biographer Ian Lloyd says the display will help people remember just how in tune the Queen was to the power of fashion. He says: 'The exhibition will be fascinating because you'll be able to see the development of her style, from a young, slim, attractive Queen aged 25 when she took the throne, through 20 years of her evolving fashion. 'The early stuff is particularly interesting because it's a style that is obsolete now, and absolutely fascinating in terms of couture. Her heavily-embroidered evening gowns, made by Norman Hartnell, were each like a wedding dress. 'In fact one of them, a Hartnell dress he made for the Queen to go to the Lawrence of Arabia premiere in 1962, was worn by Princess Beatriz as her wedding dress.' The Queen's designer for over three decades, Norman Hartnell made both her wedding dress in 1947 and her Coronation dress in 1953, both of which will be included in the exhibition. But London designer Hardy Amies is credited with modernising the Queen's look with colourful, more streamlined dresses, beginning in the 1950s. They include an evening dress made of silk chiffon with gold thread embellishments she wore for a state dinner during her visit to Bahrain in 1979 'Queen Elizabeth typifies all that I admire most in the English women's attitude to dress,' he once said. Ian Lloyd, author of The Queen: 70 Chapters of the Life of Elizabeth II, says that later in her reign - and particularly after the dawn of colour TV - she increasingly chose to wear one colour head-to-toe, creating a powerful visual impact. He says: 'For the World Cup in 1966 she wore a bright primrose yellow outfit which stood out in the royal box at Wembley. It meant that anyone attending the match would see a tiny figure in yellow and even from half a mile away know it was the Queen. 'It was part of her sense of duty. She knew people often caught just a fleeting glimpse of her from a long way away, so by wearing bright, vivid colours they would know it was her. She used the whole palette of colours, with a matching hat. 'She always stayed true to herself, always dressed as the Queen. One of her designers told me she was always dressed for a wedding, the kind of thing your mum or aunty would get once for an important occasion she would wear every day. 'She'd be on a royal engagement in Sheffield or Birmingham and have the handbag, the pearls, the court shoes, hat and gloves. She was always dressed immaculately and presented herself in that very formal, elegant way. Today's female royals, like Queen Camilla and the Princess of Wales, don't have the same style, they don't wear gloves or hats in the same way.' Ian says that in the last three decades of her life the Queen's clothing was made in-house by her senior dresser and personal designer Angela Kelly. 'It suited the modern era and the Queen's desire to save money and 'make do and mend' attitude,' he says. It also meant the Queen could be even more hands-on with the design process. According to Ian, she had a unique understanding of the soft power behind her clothing, and often incorporated a message into what she wore. 'She was the past master of diplomatic fashion,' he says, remarking how she often dressed to suit the country she was visiting. She researched the country and then would incorporate the national colours into her dress, it was a diplomatic coup.' One of the dresses that will be on display is a gown, designed by Norman Hartnell, for a 1961 State Banquet in Karachi, which incorporates Pakistan's national colours through a dramatic green pleat cascading down the back. In 2011, the Queen arrived for an historic four-day visit to Ireland wearing an emerald green coat and hat - widely interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation and goodwill. Later, at a state dinner, the quiet diplomacy continued when she wore a silk dress adorned with 2,091 hand-sewn embroidered shamrocks, while a Swarovski-embellished Irish harp was pinned to the left shoulder. For a monarch constitutionally bound to remain mute on political issues, the Queen became known for the coded messages embedded in her choice of attire. In June 2017, almost exactly a year after Britain's vote to leave the European Union, she addressed parliament dressed in the blue and yellow of the EU flag, with the flowers on her hat mimicking the flag's stars. Her brooches often wielded intent. When she met Donald Trump, during his 2019 state visit, she wore three different brooches on each day. The first had been given to her by Trump's political nemesis Barack Obama, the second by her the Governor-General of Canada, and the third was one the Queen Mother had worn to King George VI's funeral, a brooch inextricably tied to mourning . The 'Life in Style' exhibition, which will run from spring to autumn 2026 with tickets on sale from November, will also feature the Queen's jewellery, hats, shoes and accessories, as well as never-before-seen design sketches, fabric samples and handwritten correspondence that reveal the behind-the-scenes process of dressing the most famous woman in the world. Curator Caroline de Guitaut said: 'Over the course of Queen Elizabeth II's remarkably long reign, her distinctive style became instantly recognisable around the world, bolstering the British fashion industry and influencing generations of designers and couturiers. Only now, as the late Queen's fashion archive comes under the care of Royal Collection Trust, can we tell the story of a lifetime of thoughtful style choices – from her hands-on role and understanding of the soft power behind her clothing, to the exceptional craftsmanship behind each garment.'