Latest news with #BritishMonarchy
CBC
6 days ago
- General
- CBC
A royal visit and a high-stakes political moment
Front Burner (Sarah Claydon) For more episodes of this podcast, please click here . For the third time in Canadian history, the head of the British monarchy delivered the throne speech before ushering in a new session of parliament. It comes at a time when Canada could use some help protecting its sovereignty in the face of threats from U.S. President Donald Trump. But how does this moment fit in with King Charles' reign so far, which has been marked by political turmoil, royal rifts, calls for reparations and cutting ties with the British monarchy? We break it all down with Ellie Hall, a freelance reporter and former official royal correspondent for BuzzFeed News. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit:
The Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Meghan's Instagram posts of family Utopia are designed to quash rumours of surrogacy & 7yr-itch with Harry – here's why
OH, Meghan you tease…. From bare baby bumps to PDAs, the Duchess of Sussex's 'mood board' of intimate snaps to mark her seventh wedding anniversary with Prince Harry may be revealing but, as ever, it's not quite the full picture. 7 7 With the 'mood' pretty self-satisfied this curated Instagram-shared 'love story' is the usual drip feed of both oversharing and censoring that has become a Sussex hallmark and remains a tricky mix. We see images of their first blind date in London, Prince Archie's ultrasound scan and a sweet shot of the six-year-old kissing his young sister Lilibet on the forehead. And while their faces are still mostly obscured, there is more on show than a back view or silhouette. 'Love story' So why is the duchess upping the ante? Well, for all her prowess with a table setting and flower display, Meghan 's brand currency is still rooted in her family and its blood ties to the British Monarchy – a son and daughter, sixth and seventh in line to the throne. In recent months, the couple's separate professional endeavours - Meghan's focus on lifestyle brand, As Ever, and new podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder and Harry's solo charity trips have predictably given rise to rumours that all is not well. Brand currency What better riposte than with a pictorial gush-o-meter on Instagram? Indeed, the mood board's main message is far from cryptic; seven-year itch? Not a chance; we're more loved up than ever. It's blissed out utopia wrapped up in the usual Californian gloss with calligraphy captions and a shout out to the faithful for supporting their 'love story'. Yes, such cutesy collages may be more associated with tweens celebrating their besties than a 44-year-old mum of two, but we all know by now that Meghan does things a little differently. And no more so than the inclusion of a photo showing her bare belly while heavily pregnant with Archie, which has emerged as a key talking point and for good reason. 7 7 Meghan Markle's £15k 'push present' from Prince Harry MEGHAN Markle has a staggering jewellery collection - but have you ever noticed the £15,000 'push present' piece that Prince Harry gave to her? Following the birth of their son Archie, who is now four, the Duke of Sussex reportedly bought Meghan a sapphire pinky ring. According to Grazia: 'Meghan Markle has several [pinky rings] in her collection, including a blue sapphire heart by Jessica McCormack, believed to be a 'push present' after Archie was born.' We saw Meghan wear the exquisite pinky ring as she attended Wimbledon in July 2019. The heart-shaped item is from Jessica McCormack's Signature collection and is said to be 'set with a 0.94 carat heart cut sapphire handcrafted in blackened 18k white gold and 18k yellow gold'. However, it's not the only item rumoured to be Meghan's 'push present' from Harry. Some fans thought Meghan's 'third wedding ring' is a special gift to celebrate Archie's birth. Alongside Meghan's gold banded three-stone engagement ring, which includes two diamonds from Princess Diana 's collection, and her plain gold wedding band, the Duchess often wears another gold ring. Push presents have 'become a tradition in the royal family' over the years, according to royal etiquette expert Myka Meier. Prince William is reported to have given Kate Middleton a £1,000 white gold eternity ring after the birth of their first son, George, which she wears on her wedding finger. Royal bumps are usually shrouded in elegant maternity wear with the bundle of joy dutifully presented on steps of St Mary's hospital in Paddington. The former Suits star and LA native's belly airing is straight from the La La Land handbook. It draws more subversive comparisons to actress Demi Moore's iconic 1991 Vanity Fair cover when she was seven-months and photographed nude by esteemed snapper Annie Leibovitz. 'Moon bump' claims For Meghan, this display of candour - inconceivable for Princess Kate - was perhaps designed to quash those unfounded but persistent rumours that she used surrogates for her pregnancies. Yes, you heard that right. Wild theories have long been rife among the time-rich, IQ-poor conspirators who believe Meghan wore a 'moon bump' - a prosthetic belly all along - an elaborate and risky ruse given it was under the glare of global media spotlight. According to these ridiculous rumours her 'advanced' age of 37 and thin ankles were big clues because they didn't swell to the usual ham-like proportions of pregnant women, and she was able to squat with her knees together. 7 7 7 These slack sleuths also point to the shunning of the usual post-birth photocall on the hospital steps for one arranged a couple of days later at Windsor Castle. Not that the new image of naked bump has done much to convince the naysayers- 'too shiny and high up' apparently. Will this stirring of crackpot ideas be that unexpected for her? Probably not. Contrary to the image she likes to project, Meghan isn't that spontaneous, she's simply too canny, careful and controlling. Whatever her true intention has been in posting the shot it has once again got everyone talking about her and that usually appears to be the desired result.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
King's invite to Canada sends a message to Trump
A decade ago, a portrait of the British monarch caused a row in Canadian politics. Now, the King is being invited to deliver the Speech from the Throne. What's changed? In 2011, shortly after forming a majority Conservative government, Prime Minister Stephen Harper caused a national uproar when he sought to emphasise Canada's ties to the British monarchy. In one example, he replaced two artworks by a Quebec painter with a portrait of the Queen. Some rebuked the gesture as being out of touch with modern times. Canada has, throughout its 157-year-old history, sought increasing independence from the British monarchy, while still remaining a part of the Commonwealth. When Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau succeeded Harper four years later, the Queen's portrait went down, the Quebec paintings, back up. Fast forward to 2025, and a paradoxical shift has occurred in Canada's relationship with the Crown. In a transparent show of Canada's sovereignty and independence against threats from US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Mark Carney - a Liberal - has invited King Charles the III to open the 45th Canadian parliament. King Charles uses symbols to show support for Canada The strategy behind Carney's invite to the King The move is "a huge affirmation and statement about the uniqueness of Canada and its traditions," Justin Vovk, a Canadian royal historian, told the BBC - "a theatrical display that is meant to show what makes Canadians separate from Americans" and not, as Trump has often repeated, a "51st state". Both countries are former British colonies, but America's founding fathers took a different path and severed all formal connections to the Crown nearly 250 years ago. Canada's separation from the monarchy has been more gradual, and its ties have never been completely broken. Canada's parliamentary system is modelled after Britain's Westminster system. The British monarch is still formally the head of state, but their duties are often carried out by their Canadian representative, called the governor general. Loyalty to the Crown was seen as important to Canada's politicians in the 19th Century who wanted to maintain separation from the US, said Canadian royal historian and commentator Carolyn Harris. That later changed in the 1960s, as Quebec - Canada's majority French-speaking province - began to assert its own distinct identity and threatened separation. This led to an era of politicians like Lester B Pearson and Pierre Elliott Trudeau who worked to untangle Canada from its British colonial past. In 1982, Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau repatriated Canada's constitution, giving full legislative power to the federal government and the provinces, and removing it from British parliament. Ms Harris noted that Canada remained a constitutional monarchy throughout these periods. What fluctuated, however, was how much the prime minister of the day chooses to embrace that connection. Carney's invite to King Charles III signals that his government will be one that is much more supportive of the Crown, Mr Vovk said, marking "a very different tone" from previous Liberals. A British monarch has not delivered Canada's throne speech since 1977, and has not opened a brand new session of parliament since 1957, making the King's upcoming visit a truly rare occasion. It comes at a consequential time for Canada. Carney heavily campaigned on standing up to Trump, after the US president spent months undermining Canada's sovereignty by saying it would be better off as a US state. Trump also imposed a series of tariffs that have threatened Canada's economic stability, given that the US is its largest trade partner by far. When announcing the visit last month, Carney called it "a historic honour that matches the weight of our times". He added that the King's visit "clearly underscores the sovereignty of our country". Both historians, Mr Vovk and Ms Harris, noted that the bulk of Canada's modern population is indifferent to the British monarchy. Some are even critical of it. The coronation of King Charles III in 2023 made way for fresh scrutiny of the Crown's historic mistreatment of indigenous people in Canada, and questions on whether the new monarch will move towards reconciliation. Quebec politicians are also still calling for Canada to cut ties with the monarchy. On Friday, the separatist Bloc Québécois party said it will again seek to scrap the need for elected officials to swear allegiance to the King. Some Canadians will be intrigued by the pomp and pageantry of the King's visit, Mr Vovk said, but its chief purpose is to send a political message from Canada to the world. It is also a way for Prime Minister Carney to improve the relationship with Trump, who is famously a fan of the British monarchy and its history. "Strengthening the relationship with the monarchy puts a stamp on legitimacy that transcends individual parties and the current political climate," Mr Vovk said. "Politicians come and go, but the monarchy has always remained." It also works to tie Canada closer to Europe - a key objective of Prime Minister Carney, a former governor of the Bank of England, who has spoken about the need for Canada to find new allies as it navigates its changing relationship with the US. The visit is notable for the Crown, too. It will be the King's first to Canada as reigning monarch. He and the Queen had intended to visit last year, but cancelled their plans due to his cancer diagnosis. The palace has promised a throne speech that will "mark a significant moment between the Head of State and the Canadian people". And while it will be a short trip - the King and Queen will arrive Monday morning and depart Tuesday evening - the palace said they hope the trip will be "an impactful one". King meets Carney in symbolic support for Canada Mark Carney says Canadians are not 'impressed' by UK's invite to Trump Provocative Trump statements about Canada loom large as Trudeau meets King
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Inside Queen Elizabeth's groundbreaking visit to the Republic of Ireland - including the 2,000 silk shamrocks dress and a speech that made history
Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II was more than a monarch - she was a master of sartorial diplomacy. Ever mindful of the occasion, the Queen selected her outfits to reflect the culture and traditions of the people she was meeting.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How 'the Kate effect' will take hold when Princess of Wales is able to give her favourite brands an official royal warrant - and here is what is holding her back
A royal warrant is not just an official endorsement from the British monarchy but it can do wonders for any company formally associated. For the royal family it is a chance to give brands an ultimate seal of approval and for the rest of us it allows a rare insight into the Windsor shopping basket. Almost 400 companies were included in the December batch of Royal Warrants issued by the King and Queen after the latter had previously granted them for the first time in May that year, deciding to award one to Fortnum & Mason. This prestigious task, once a hallmark of Queen Elizabeth II 's reign, will mark another significant step in Kate Middleton 's journey as a senior royal, underscoring her increasing role in shaping the monarchy's modern image. The last Princess of Wales to issue a royal warrant was Mary of Teck, who issued them before her husband, George V, took the throne in 1910. In January it was reported that the Princess of Wales would grant royal warrants for the first time ever in her gradual return from illness. With the 'Kate Effect' adding a reported £1 billion to the British fashion industry, a nod from the Princess of Wales could be one of the highest honours a brand can receive. However, King Charles has decided to delay granting permission to Princess Kate and Prince William to bestow their own royal warrants, according to the Times. King Charles began issuing warrants as the Prince of Wales in 1980, although this job was not given to Princess Diana after their wedding the following year. A royal warrant is a sign of excellence, awarded to businesses or individuals who have regularly supplied goods or services to the royal household. It lasts for up to five years at a time, and can often increase growth for companies. It enable companies to have a royal coat of arms on their packaging for at least five years, although they can be cancelled if products fall below expected standards. A source previously revealed that the Kate and William plan to use them to 'recognise British skills and industry'. But people close to the royal pair are interested to find out when they will receive the honour, especially those part of the brands that supply Kate and William's household. It is understood that some of these brands have already contacted the warrants office to find out if they would be considered. But a source confirmed that applications will not be considered until the King grants permission to Kate and William. A number of reasons could be behind the delay including a backlog from previous warrants issued by the late Queen and by Charles when he was Prince of Wales. Furthermore, it has been suggested that the lord chamberlain's office has also been busy with the late Queen's funeral and then Charles' coronation. A company must be selected by the grantor and once the Kate and William are given permission, the royal warrants office would set a timeframe for firms to apply for consideration. Alexander McQueen is top of the list of those who are expected to be awarded a royal warrant by Kate and William, with other potential favourites including handbag brand Strathberry, tweed clothing range Holland Cooper, and accessories label Emmy London. The 'Kate effect' has seen items worn in public by the princess sell out within minutes and this is expected become even more dramatic if she is able to give brans and an official seal of approval. While William is expected to champion different brands and has previously advocated eco-friendly brands such as Rapanui, which sells sustainable clothes, and Purified Shoes, which makes plastic-free trainers. Buckingham Palace and the Royal Warrant Holders Association have been approached for comment on when the Prince and Princess of Wales will be granted permission to hand out royal warrants. Until then, take a look at some of the brand who could be in the running. Alexander McQueen Considered Kate's go-to fashion house, it's no secret that Alexander McQueen holds a special place in her wardrobe. From her wedding gown to the red double-breasted coat that she wore for her milestone return at the Together At Christmas carol concert last December, the British fashion house has been behind some of the royal's most iconic looks. Catherine Walker Catherine Walker is responsible for some of Kate's most regal outfits, and also many of Princess Diana's famous looks. Catherine Walker designed the dignified, military-inspired coat that the Princess of Wales chose for Remembrance Sunday last year. She also designed the coat dress that Kate wore to the funeral of Prince Philip in 2021. Jenny Packham From Hollywood premieres to King Charles's Coronation weekend, Kate has turned to British designer Jenny Packham for some of her most high-profile occasions. Jenny Packham's glamorous contribution to the Princess of Wales's wardrobe cannot be overlooked either. Who can forget Kate's gold dress for the No Time To Die premiere? The Princess knows she can trust Packham's sleek gowns with a touch of glitter to make her feel her best when the eyes of the world are on her. They're a match made in style heaven. Strathberry The Edinburgh-based luxury brand has long been a go-to for many of the royal ladies. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Zara Phillips and Princess Eugenie all carry its bags. Kate, too, seems to have the handbag designer on speed dial and has built up quite a collection. Holland Cooper Holland Cooper blends British heritage with modern designs, creating women's fashion that is both stylish and functional. Thanks to its focus on quality and craftsmanship, Kate gravitates towards the brand's tweed and tartan coats and blazers, which are both elegant and practical. Emmy London Kate has worn 16 pairs of shoes and nearly as many handbags from Emmy London. She has them in a rainbow of colours, making them the perfect accompaniment to her working wardrobe. The company identifies as a slow fashion brand and adopts a sustainable approach. Catherine Zoraida Catherine Zoraida's designs have been a go-to for Kate since 2012 - the same year the Colombian-born jeweller set up her online business. Turning to the brand countless times, including her poignant visit to Southport last October, the princess has made a huge impact on sales with a 500% lift whenever she is seen in a pair of earrings. Kiki McDonough Princess Diana was a fan, Queen Camilla loves the pendants, and Kate Middleton owns at least 20 pieces from British jeweller Kiki McDonough. Its citrine drop earrings seem to be her favourite style and have been spotted at more than 40 engagements. Brora The Princess of Wales has long had a love for warm knitwear, and one of her most-worn jumpers, which frequently makes an appearance near Christmas time, is from Brora. The luxury cashmere manufacturer, whose Scottish knitwear is hand-produced using 200-year-old mills, also hits the sustainability mark, too. Beulah London When it comes to combining style and social consciousness, Beulah London will certainly be in consideration. Founded by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs and Lavinia Richards, the fashion house is known for giving back. The founders have committed to supporting vulnerable and trafficked women, especially through employment. LK Bennett Kate catapulted LK Bennett's now-iconic Sledge shoe to fame in 2011. The shoe has garnered numerous headlines over the years and even featured in an exhibit about royal style in the V&A museum. Since then she has often turned to the High Street brand, including when she wore a recycled floral dress when unveiling the first official portrait of the Prince and Princess of Wales at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Burberry From tailored blazers to ruched midi dresses and bow blouses, the Princess of Wales has mastered the art of incorporating Burberry's heritage checks and playful plaid into her wardrobe. The firm already holds a royal warrant, but the Princess could grant it another one. The iconic, quintessentially British luxury fashion house was founded in 1856. It is likely to be in the running as the Princess is keen to recognise British skills and industry. Mulberry The brand is synonymous with British style, and the Princess of Wales has carried 16 of its handbags to date. From clutches to totes, an array of Mulberry bags have accessorised Kate's outfits over the years, with the white Amberley reigning supreme with ten appearances. Karin Herzog Kate Middleton's radiant complexion is thanks to Karin Herzog's oxygen-infused skincare line - in particular the Vita-A-Kombi 1 Anti-Ageing Face Cream. Karin Herzog is a Swiss pioneer of oxygen beauty treatments, which work by delivering the cleansing properties of oxygen gas deep down into the skin to destroy bacteria. Jo Malone Turning to Jo Malone for her signature scent, Kate scented Westminster Abbey with Jo Malone's Orange Blossom candles on her wedding day. Westminster Abbey smelled of Jo Malone's Orange Blossom candles when Prince William and Kate Middleton wed in April 2011 It is reported that the royal also enjoys the cologne from the British fragrance house, which is synonymous with simple, elegant scents.
