Latest news with #KingCharlesIII


BBC News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
In pictures: Queen Camilla attends 142nd Sandringham Flower Show
King Charles III and Queen Camilla were among the 14,500 visitors that attended Sandringham Flower Show as it celebrated its 142nd year. The flower show, which is held at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, will be paused next year to make way for the six-day Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) touring flower show in 2026 and and the flower show's chairman, Graham Browne, said the event on Wednesday had a lovely atmosphere. He said: "The mood of the whole of the show is good, everyone is happy, the weather is good, the King is in a really good frame of mind. "We were talking about vegetables and flowers and the weather and things that are happening" The king and queen visited the event on Wednesday, but last year's event saw no royal visitor for the first time in 30 years. Creative freedom Hillary Fay-Mellor, a professional garden designer who has created a display at the flower show, said she enjoyed "the freedom to be creative" at the show. She said: "There's a very lovely atmosphere at Sandringham Flower Show. Everyone helps each other, the whole team they genuinely want each other to do well... it's a bit like going to a festival except you have to work hard."There's always been a flower show here, so it's a real tradition for the village... it will just be a different vibe because RHS shows are bigger. "They are much more expensive to get accepted... and you have to be very specific with your brief." The Sandringham Flower Show said all profits from each show were donated to local charities and since 1977 the committee has donated more than £825, Thomas has been involved in designing her first show garden for the Sandringham Flower Show. She said: "This is the first time I have done a show garden at Sandringham, it might be the last with the amount of rain we have had to contend with. "It's a climate change garden so it's based on producing a sustainable garden through periods of climate change... it's plants that will sustain those conditions and also a low carbon footprint garden." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


NDTV
18 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
Strong India-UK Friendship Is Essential For Global Progress: PM Modi
London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Wednesday evening for his two-day visit to the United Kingdom (UK), and said that a "strong friendship between the two countries is essential for global progress". "Landed in London. This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations. The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress," PM Modi said on social media platform X. "Scripting a new beginning in the India-Great Britain Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. PM @narendramodi lands in London, on an official visit to the UK. Bilateral talks with PM @Keir_Starmer & meeting with His Majesty King Charles III @RoyalFamily lie ahead," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said on X. The Prime Minister's visit to the UK, scheduled for July 23–24, comes at the invitation of British counterpart Keir Starmer and will be his fourth trip to the country. "Leaving for the UK, a country with which our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved significant momentum in the last few years. I look forward to my talks with PM Keir Starmer and my meeting with His Majesty King Charles III," PM Modi said on X as he emplaned for the UK. "During the visit, the two sides will also review the progress of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with a specific focus on trade and economy, technology and innovation, defence and security, climate, health, education and people-to-people ties," the Ministry of External Affairs said in its press statement. The discussions will also touch upon regional and global developments of mutual concern. The visit is expected to inject new momentum into the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with both leaders aiming to review progress and chart new areas of cooperation, including India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA). PM Modi is also likely to call on King Charles III during his stay. Under negotiation for three years, the FTA is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UK and reduce tariffs on 90 per cent of British goods. It is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030 from the current $60 billion and boost British exports such as whisky and cars to India. PM Modi is likely to raise concerns about Khalistani extremists in the UK. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, "The issue of the presence of Khalistani extremists, bodies close to these people, is something that we have brought to the attention of our partners in the UK." The Ministry of External Affairs said the visit builds on frequent high-level engagement between the two countries. PM Modi and his UK counterpart Starmer have already met twice -- in Brazil during the G20 Summit and again at the G7 in June 2025 -- and held multiple phone conversations.


Times of Oman
a day ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
"Look forward to my talks with PM Keir Starmer and King Charles III": PM Modi
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday embarked on a visit to the United Kingdom, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. He said that India's ties with the UK have gained "significant momentum" in recent years under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. "Leaving for the UK, a country with which our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has achieved significant momentum in the last few years. I look forward to my talks with PM Keir Starmer and my meeting with His Majesty King Charles III," Modi said in a post on X after his departure. The visit to the UK from July 23-24 is aimed at boosting bilateral ties, with the signing of the much-awaited India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as a key highlight. India and UK share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that has witnessed significant progress in recent years. Our collaboration spans a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, technology, innovation, defence, education, research, sustainability, health and people-to-people ties. The two countries are expected to sign a free trade agreement, potentially doubling bilateral trade by 2030 from the current $60 billion. "During my meeting with Prime Minister Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer, we will have the opportunity to further enhance our economic partnership, aimed at fostering prosperity, growth and jobs creation in both countries. I also look forward to calling on His Majesty King Charles III during the visit," said PM Modi in his departure statement. The India-UK FTA, has been under negotiation for three years. This agreement is expected to eliminate tariffs on 99% of Indian exports to the UK and reduce tariffs on 90% of British FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, from the current USD 60 billion mark. It will also make it easier for British firms to export products like whisky and cars to to the MEA, PM Modi will hold wide-ranging discussions with his UK counterpart, Keir Starmer, on the entire gamut of India-UK bilateral relations. They will also exchange views on issues of regional and global the years, the India-UK historical ties, have transformed into a robust, multi-faceted, mutually beneficial relationship. PM Modi is likely to raise the issue of Khalistani extremists in the UK, who have been a concern for India. The UK government has assured India that it will take necessary actions to address this issue. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the issue of Khalistani extremists and related groups is a matter of concern for India, and it has been brought to the attention of partners in the United Kingdom. The two countries will also review progress in areas like climate action, healthcare, education, and people-to-people connections. With an Indian diaspora that forms about 2.7 per cent of the total population of UK, it acts as the living bridge which forms a key pillar of growth and development of India -UK relations through their valuable contribution to the British society and economy as well as promoting bilateral cultural and economic cooperation and bonds of friendship between peoples of our two countries. After the UK visit, PM Modi will travel to the Maldives from July 25-26. He will attend the 60th-anniversary celebrations of Maldives' independence and will meet with President Mohamed Muizzu to advance their joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. "I will thereafter travel to the Maldives at the invitation of the President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Independence of Maldives. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. I look forward to my meetings with President Muizzu and other political leadership, to advance our joint vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, and to strengthen our cooperation for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean Region," Said PM Modi in his departure statement. The visit is expected to advance India's Neighbourhood First Policy, prioritizing cooperation with neighboring countries. "I am confident that the visit will yield tangible outcomes, benefiting our people and advancing our Neighbourhood First Policy," added PM Modi.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bradford's Usman Ali knighted by King Charles at Windsor Castle
A diversity and inclusion champion from Bradford has been knighted by King Charles III. Usman Ali, a long-serving advocate for social justice, was recognised at a ceremony at Windsor Castle for his work in equality, representation, and social mobility. During the investiture, Mr Ali compassionately covered the King's hand during their handshake, an act explained by a spokesperson as follows: "[Mr Ali] was mindful of the King's well-documented medical condition, which can cause discomfort and swelling in the hands, and wished to shield His Majesty from potential close-up media scrutiny." Mr Ali used the opportunity to thank King Charles for his support of Muslim communities, and in particular for hosting Ramadan at Windsor Castle earlier this year. He told the King: "You won the hearts of billions of Muslims worldwide by hosting Ramadan at Windsor Castle this year - and the hearts of your Kingdom by the love you showed to Bradford, our City of Culture 2025." Mr Ali was allowed to bring six family members to the ceremony, after having made a written request that South Asian family-centric traditions, and the cause of social mobility, be considered (Image: Supplied) Mr Ali also praised the King's response to being heckled by college students during a recent visit, saying: "Your humility and patience touched the nation." One aide noted that the King had "taken a real liking" to the Yorkshire champion. Mr Ali was allowed to bring six family members - double the normal allowance - after writing to the palace to advocate for consideration of family-centric traditions in South Asian communities, and for the cause of social mobility. He also asked for this compassionate exception to be considered for others from minority and working-class backgrounds going forward. Mr Ali said: "For communities like ours, family isn't just support – it's survival." He added: "This belongs to every child told they didn't belong, every parent who sacrificed in silence, and every community still waiting to be heard. "I stood at Windsor for all of us." A spokesperson said: "[Mr Ali's] recognition comes as a point of pride for Bradford and a signal that voices from all walks of life – including those who have faced poverty, disability, and exclusion – can shape Britain's national story. "With his influence spanning justice, diversity, youth, and social mobility, Usman Ali MBE is now seen not only as a Bradford hero, but as a humanitarian voice for multicultural Britain." Mr Ali has worked across multiple Ministry of Justice departments. His work spans His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, probation and prison reform, neurodiversity advocacy, youth justice, public protection (MAPPA), and international civil service inclusion networks.


Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
King Charles ‘cautious and wary' of Prince Harry's latest attempt to mend royal rift: expert
King Charles III is said to be "cautious and wary" about his son's latest peace offering. The claim was made by British royals expert Hilary Fordwich following reports that Prince Harry is hopeful that the Invictus Games, which are taking place in his home country in 2027, will result in a warm reunion with the royal family, particularly with the monarch. "King Charles, while cautious and wary, might attend the Invictus Games," Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "But of course, he prefers all private matters to remain private. In addition, there are many conflicts with the royal schedule, let alone Queen Camilla's 80th birthday during the games." "For Harry, it's about what he can gain, while, for the royals, it's about what they have to lose," Fordwich claimed. "Harry wants to be included. He misses not only the U.K. but many aspects of royal privileges. However, he hasn't been successful in any of his endeavors. For the royals, more disclosures and scandals are concerning. They simply don't need… Harry around, particularly not Prince William, who is resolute regarding any reconciliation being a huge mistake." Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Archewell, which handles the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. It's understood that sending invites to the Invictus Games is not Harry's responsibility, but up to the Invictus team. Still, it would be a heartfelt gesture for the king to support his younger son publicly. Talks of a royal reunion have been a hot topic since the recent "peace summit" took place. According to the Mail on Sunday, Meredith Maines, the Duke of Sussex's chief of staff and communications director, flew from California to London recently to meet with the king's communications secretary, Tobyn Andreae. Liam Maguire, who oversees the U.K. press for Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, was also present. Fox News Digital learned that Maines was in London to meet with the U.K.-based communications team, media, stakeholders and senior figures connected to Harry's patronages. It's understood that the visit was routine and part of ongoing planning and engagement. WATCH: PRINCE HARRY LOOKING TO RECONCILE WITH KING CHARLES, ROYAL FAMILY A source told the Mail on Sunday that the meeting was only the "first step towards reconciliation between Harry and his father, but at least it is a step in the right direction." "It was always the case that the Sussexes, who rely on their royal connections for the work they receive, were going to use the Invictus Games, an important military charity, to promote the idea of 'reconciliation,'" royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams explained to Fox News Digital. "No one can disagree with the theory of it, but the fact is that they have exploited their royal connections whilst trashing the family and making Queen Elizabeth's last years so difficult," Fitzwilliams claimed. "King Charles is in his late 70s and is battling cancer," he continued. "He also would like a relationship with the grandchildren he has hardly seen. Also, as monarch, he is commander in chief of the Armed Forces. Is it difficult, therefore, for him to refuse to attend the Games for personal reasons." Helen Helliwell, CEO of the Invictus Games in Birmingham, recently told People magazine that she also hopes members of the British royal family will be in attendance for the 2027 event. "We [would] be delighted if they came over for the year out and for the Games," she told the outlet. "We are so far out it's impossible for one individual to confirm their plans, but we would be delighted if the Duke were able to come." "I've seen the impact [of the Games]," Helliwell shared. "His passion is unsurpassed. He really brings a magical sparkle dust to his interactions, and there is a really special relationship with him and the community. So, we will be super excited to host him in Birmingham as well." Helliwell pointed out that the royals are "supporters of the Armed Forces." "We're two years away, and it's too soon to confirm who's going to be there," she said. "But obviously, we'd be delighted if members of the royal family were able to attend and would very much welcome their presence in a couple of years' time." Still, Fordwich pointed out that several senior royals reportedly don't trust the Duke of Sussex, 40. Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's royal exit in 2020, the couple has publicly discussed their struggles with royal life in interviews and documentaries. Harry's 2023 memoir "Spare" also laid bare embarrassing details about the House of Windsor and shed light on his sibling rivalry with his brother Prince William, heir to the British throne. The royals never publicly commented on Harry's tell-all. But many experts believe they're still not over it and the damage it caused to the monarchy's reputation. "The major issue continues to be the lack of trust any of the senior royals can ever have in Harry," said Fordwich. "Time after time, he has rejected his family's values, he reveals private family matters, which is unprecedented, and, in general, has behaved in an abhorrent manner. For any family, such a betrayal would be hard to forgive, let alone having been part of such a highly sensitive environment." Fitzwilliams claimed that senior royals have been "keeping their guard up." "Trusting the Sussexes is out of the question," he claimed. "Reconciliation is desirable… [But] it is considered unlikely that William wants any contact. Turbulent times lie ahead." In May, Harry told the BBC that he wanted reconciliation, but that his father, 76, wouldn't speak to him. Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner claimed to Fox News Digital that as the king continues to battle cancer, his young grandchildren would be on his mind. "I feel King Charles would love to be involved with his American grandchildren, showing them Highgrove and Balmoral," he said. "I feel this is an opportunity not to be missed. It would make the legacy of the king complete to see his whole family united… It would also be a timely reminder for those seeking to rule the monarchy that Charles, as king, is still the supreme leader and makes his own decisions." "It is time for the king to make strong decisions that reflect the values of the oath he took to serve all people," Turner added. Still, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital it would take a lot more than extending an olive branch to his father for Harry to win over the family. "He can start by being more self-aware – throw down his sword and end the family attacks for good," Chard suggested. "Showing some contrition wouldn't go amiss either. It also doesn't help that the Invictus Games fall on Queen Camilla's 80th birthday… Prince Harry needs to start building bridges if he wants to redeem himself. I am dubious… as he is contradictory. He constantly feels so hard done by." During his sit-down with the BBC, Harry admitted. "I don't know how much longer my father has," referring to his cancer diagnosis. "There's no point in continuing to fight anymore," he said.