Latest news with #GeorgeCrossAssociation
The South African
02-05-2025
- General
- The South African
King Charles III and Prince William unite to honour war heroes
In a rare and heartfelt royal gathering, King Charles III and his son, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, joined forces to celebrate the courage and sacrifice of war heroes. They did so at a special reception held at Windsor Castle on Thursday evening. Alongside Queen Camilla, the royal trio welcomed recipients of the Victoria Cross and George Cross. These are Britain's highest awards for bravery, in a moving tribute to their extraordinary acts of heroism. The event was a poignant reminder of the bravery displayed by servicemen and women in the face of danger. Prince William expressed deep admiration for Major Peter Norton, a triple amputee and George Cross holder. Norton lost his left leg and suffered severe injuries while defusing an improvised explosive device near Baghdad in 2004. 'I'm in awe of Major Norton,' the Prince told guests. Major Norton, 62, who joked to the King, 'I'm spread across three countries.' He spoke candidly about his injuries and recovery, saying, 'I hold no bitterness; it is what it is.' He added that advances in technology and healthcare might have changed his outcome had they been available earlier, according to The Telegraph. The reception also honoured Colour Sergeant Johnson Beharry, awarded the Victoria Cross for twice saving colleagues under fire in Iraq. Keith Payne, a 91-year-old Australian Victoria Cross recipient also bravely led troops to safety during a fierce enemy attack in Vietnam. Payne had travelled from Australia to attend the event, underscoring the Commonwealth's shared military history. Earlier that day, King Charles and Queen Camilla planted a Swedish oak tree gifted by King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden in the grounds of Windsor Castle. The tree, planted on the hottest start to May since records began, symbolises the enduring friendship between the two royal families. The King used a spade once wielded by his great-grandfather in 1908, linking past and present in a touching ceremony. 'With any luck, it'll take to the soil, I hope,' Charles remarked as the queens watered the young oak together. This reception marked the first such event at Windsor Castle since 2006. It highlighted the royal family's ongoing commitment to recognising the sacrifices of those who serve. The event resonates as a powerful reminder of the bravery found across the Commonwealth. This includes South African veterans who have also displayed remarkable courage in conflicts past and present. Prince William's role as president of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, alongside King Charles's patronage, signals a new chapter in royal support for veterans. Their united presence dispelled any speculation about royal succession tensions. It showcases a strong family front dedicated to honouring true heroes. As Major Norton said, 'If we were doing in 2005 what we were doing in 2010, I would be walking now.' His words remind us all of the progress made and the sacrifices endured by those who protect peace and freedom. This stirring royal reception celebrated not only medals but the spirit of resilience and unity that binds the Commonwealth's defenders. It was a night of respect, remembrance, and hope for the future. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Queen Camilla reveals her 'favourite' alcoholic beverage as she jokes 'it's all I drink'
Queen Camilla appeared in great spirits on Thursday night as she couldn't resist talking about her 'favourite drink' at a reception at Windsor Castle. The monarch joined her husband King Charles and step-son Prince William for a rare joint engagement, a reception for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. At one point, Camilla spoke to Keith Payne V.C, and insisted on getting him something to drink. She said: 'Nice to see you, we've met before, haven't we!' before turning to an aide and asking: 'Would you be able to get some more wine?' The Queen, 77, couldn't resist joking about her fondness for her favourite tipple, adding: 'On its way, red wine. That's all I drink, it's very good for you! Just what the doctor ordered! 'I promise you I do, It's my favourite drink. Very good for you' Clearly on a mission to make sure everyone had a red wine, she asked another attendee, 'you don't want one too, do you?' Keith, 92, was the oldest member of the association present and was awarded the VC in Vietnam after saving 40 men under heavy mortar fire, who had flown over especially from Australia for the occasion. Payne received his VC from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht, Britannia in Brisbane in April 1970. It was one of 27 medals he received during a distinguished military career. He said: 'It's a wonderful occasion. I have met all the Royal Family over the years, so many times in fact that when someone tried to introduce me to Queen Elizabeth she said: 'Oh you don't need to do that, Mr Payne and I know each other very well!' The Queen is a known lover of red wine, previously admitting at a reception for the United Kingdom Vineyards Association's 50th anniversary: ''People always ask me how I became involved in it all, well, first of all, I love wine, but secondly, my father was in the wine business, so I was brought up as a child drinking wine and water rather like the French.' And when she was interviewed by her son, Tom Parker-Bowles for You Magazine, she admitted her 'last supper' would need to involve 'a really good glass of red claret. 'And, seeing it's my last supper, probably two.' The Victoria Cross is awarded 'for most conspicuous bravery or some daring pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy, irrespective of rank. The George Cross, instituted by King George VI in 1940, which may also be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of 'acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger'. King Charles appeared in good spirits as he spoke to guests at a Windsor Castle reception for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association The King is patron of the association, following in the footsteps of his late mother and grandmother. After posing for group photographs in St George's Hall, the royal trio spent time with the VC & GC holders, and members of their families, as well as representatives of posthumously awarded recipients, in the Grand Reception Room. Founded in 1956, the VC & GC Association provides support to the living holders and their families, restore - and in some cases, create - graves and memorials associated with VC & GC holders, and educate the public on the two awards. The reception is held every four years. The King and his son both spoke to Major Peter Norton GC, a triple amputee. He lost both legs and an arm, with his remaining limb badly injured, after stepping on an IED in 2005 while serving as a commander of weapons intelligence unit in the Royal Logistics Corp. He told William that had there been the same medical practices in 2005 that there were in 2010, he would 'probably still be walking'. 'But I am not bitter,' he said. 'What is normal? I'm spread across three continents (in reference to both his immediate injures and amputations that took place later as a result of them). ' After posing for group photographs in St George's Hall, the royal trio spent time with the VC & GC holders, and members of their families, as well as representatives of posthumously awarded recipients, in the Grand Reception Room 'There's not a lot I can say to that. I am in awe. Of all of you,' said the prince. 'This is my first parade with the VC and GCs and I am just in awe of you. The stories. ' He also praised Major Norton's wife, Kate, saying: 'You have clearly found happiness. It takes two people to make that happen. 'Do you remember it at all? Were you one of the most severely injured? They must have learnt a lot since then.' The King also spoke at length to Major Norton, praising his bravery and dedication since the incident. And he laughed as Kate Norton-Hewins, who is six foot tall, gestured to her husband's wheelchair and said it was lucky she had met him before he was injured 'as he would have been far too short for me'. 'Wonderful, just wonderful,' the king smiled. Speaking afterwards Major Norton said he had been due to receive his GC from the late Queen Elizabeth in 2006 but it was one of those 'rare occasions' that she was ill after suffering a bad back. He instead received his award from Princess Anne who told him: 'I am so glad, I never get to give these out! She was my corp Colonel-in-Chief'. He said, remarkably matter-of-fact, of his injuries: 'It is what it is. We always thought we could go at any time. Most of us thought we would either survive of get killed. You could consider it an advantage. ' He currently lectures, among other things, in explosive ordinance engineering. He said of the Royal Family: 'They are so good at what they do. They are professionals. I worked as chairman of the association for eight years with the late Queen and she knew every one of us, everything about us. She was just amazing. They make it so easy. King Charles is exactly the same.' Other guests included Jonhson Beharry, awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for gallantry. Earlier in the day, the King and Queen hosted Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia for a special tree planting at Windsor tonight. The Swedish Oak is a gift from the Scandinavian sovereign to celebrate the British royals' coronation in May 2023 - two years on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Prince William yesterday returned to the UK following a very special two-day trip to the Isle of Mull and Iona, accompanied by the Princess of Wales. The first day of their visit to the Scottish island coincided with the royal couple's 14th wedding anniversary. The reception for the Victoria and George Cross Association comes one day after the King issued a moving message about his 'frightening' cancer diagnosis on Wednesday. In what has been described as Charles' most 'personal' statement about being diagnosed with the illness, the monarch revealed he had taken inspiration from the late Dame Deborah James. She urged sufferers, he said, with moving magnificence to 'find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.' His Majesty's 'poignant' words were addressed to fellow sufferers, as they attended a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Charles to recognise the incredible work of community-based cancer organisations last evening. The King is himself still undergoing regular treatments as someone 'living with cancer', although aides say his recovery continues in a 'very positive direction, as reflected with the very full national and international diary programme' he is undertaking. The personally-penned message from Charles' desk has added significance given that his daughter-in-law, the Princess of Wales, was also diagnosed with cancer within weeks of his own diagnosis last year and underwent preventative chemotherapy. In his message, Charles thanked those who so 'selflessly' work to provide care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year - as well as those working to treat the diseases and raise funds for research. 'Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones,' he wrote. The reception for the Victoria and George Cross Association comes one day after the King (centre) issued a moving message about his 'frightening' cancer diagnosis on Wednesday 'As one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity,' Charles continued. 'It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. 'And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits - that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.' He added with added poignancy: 'You have my whole family's deepest admiration and gratitude.' The King was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year following routine surgery for an enlarged prostate. Buckingham Palace have not confirmed what form he has, but have ruled out it being connected with his prostate issue. They have also not disclosed what treatment he is still undertaking.
Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
King urges cancer sufferers to live with ‘rebellious hope' like Deborah James
The King has cited the late Dame Deborah James as an inspiration for those affected by cancer, sharing her final message to 'always have rebellious hope'. The King shared the final message of Dame Deborah, a bowel cancer campaigner who died aged 40 in 2022, at a Buckingham Palace reception on Wednesday night. Saying he could 'only echo the departing words' of Dame Deborah, he said: 'Find a life worth enjoying; take risks; love deeply; have no regrets; and always, always have rebellious hope.' The King issued the written message during a palace reception for those working in community-based cancer support, telling them that the illness 'brings into focus the very best of humanity'. In his most personal reflection on his own cancer, which was diagnosed in February last year, he said such news could be 'daunting and at times a frightening experience' for individuals and their loved ones. 'But as one among those statistics myself,' he said, 'I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.' It is the first message in which the King has referred extensively to his own cancer, although he did not confirm further details about his specific diagnosis. 'Inspiration to us all' The King added: 'And to those who may be receiving such upsetting news today, tomorrow or at any point in the future, I can only echo the departing words of the late Dame Deborah James, whose parents I am delighted to have with us here this evening, and whose example stands as an inspiration to us all, in sickness and in health.' The words were originally posted on social media alongside the announcement of Dame Deborah's death. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deborah James (@bowelbabe) The campaigner, known online as 'Bowel Babe', had her damehood conferred by Prince William at her home in May 2022, the month before she died. The King and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The Princess is now in remission, and continuing a gradual return to work with her first official overnight stay on the Isle of Mull this week. The King, whose treatment continues, has recently travelled to Rome and is keeping up a full schedule of public engagements. At the end of March, he was briefly admitted to hospital owing to the side-effects of his cancer treatment. His medical care is reportedly heading in a 'very positive direction', with plans for state visits and further overseas travel later this year. The King will next week lead the nation's VE Day anniversary commemorations, hosting Second World War veterans at the palace, attending a Westminster Abbey service, and a celebratory concert. Among his ordinary engagements, some of which are pre-announced and others are kept under wraps for security reasons, he will host a reception at Windsor Castle for members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association on May 1. As the Royal family approaches the busy summer season, he is expected to attend events including Trooping the Colour, Ascot and the Chelsea Flower Show. A senior palace source said recently that the King 'knows he is fortunate to be in a position to make a difference, and is determined to do just that'. 'As we are seeing, since this reign began two and a half years ago, he's achieving that in very many different ways,' they added. In a written message, printed in a booklet for guests at the Buckingham Palace reception on Wednesday night, the King thanked 'all those who so selflessly give care, comfort and reassurance to the 390,000 people who, sadly, receive a new cancer diagnosis across the UK each year. 'Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones.' He added that his own experience had 'certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening'. 'And it has reinforced what I have long observed during these visits – that the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion,' the King said. The King and Queen, through patronages of cancer charities, have 'seen first-hand how you not only fund vital research and deliver exceptional healthcare but also create spaces where patients and their families find sanctuary, understanding and practical assistance when they need it most'. 'What strikes us repeatedly is the profound impact of human connection – whether in the careful explanation from a specialist nurse, the hand held by a hospice volunteer, or the shared experience in a support group,' he said. 'These moments of kinship create what I might call a 'community of care', one that sustains patients through the most difficult of times.' In a message to researchers, healthcare professionals, volunteers and campaigners, the King said: 'You have my whole family's deepest admiration and gratitude. 'Your commitment to early diagnosis, evermore successful therapies and truly holistic care represents the very best our country can offer.' He added: 'While every patient's journey may be different, together you are ensuring that a cancer diagnosis need never mean facing the future without hope and support.' The King has regularly spoken of his own cancer experience when meeting members of the public, and has included raising awareness in his public engagements. In a visit to the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre in April 2024, after he returned from a period of working at home to prevent infection, he told patients: ' It's always a bit of a shock, isn't it, when they tell you.' Earlier this year, in Northern Ireland, he shared his personal motto, adopted from Sir Winston Churchill, to 'Keep buggering on.' In his Christmas message, he said: 'From a personal point of view, I offer special, heartfelt thanks to the selfless doctors and nurses who, this year, have supported me and other members of my family through the uncertainties and anxieties of illness, and have helped provide the strength, care and comfort we have needed.' Guests at Wednesday's reception included campaigners Adele Roberts, former footballer Ashley Cain, actor Richard E Grant, and Heather and Alistair James, the parents of the late Dame Deborah. They were joined by representatives of the King and Queen's cancer charity patronages, Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie's and Children's Hospice South West, with showcases from Move Dance Feel, which unites women affected by cancer through dance, Rainbow Boxes, which offers practical items as people start cancer treatment, and Wigs for Heroes, which supports people undergoing cancer treatment. The King and Queen will also watch a short performance by the ITV Change + Check Choir, made up of 26 women who all spotted their breast cancer symptoms after seeing the awareness campaign on ITV programme Lorraine. The Duchess of Gloucester, who is patron of Prostate Cancer UK, was also in attendance.
