Latest news with #PlatinumJubilee
Daily Record
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
King Charles' 'hunky' aide marries again in intimate ceremony
The King's aide found love again after splitting with his first wife Caroline. King Charles' kilt-wearing aide Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson has tied the knot again in an intimate ceremony. Jonny has become known as the 'hunky' equerry to royal fans after being spotted several times while on duty by the sides of King and Queen Camilla in his trademark kilt. And now, according to reports, Jonny has married for the second time, just months after getting engaged to PR executive, Olivia Lewis. Jonny, who is from the 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland, started dating Olivia after he split from his first wife several years ago, writes The Mirror. The Mail On Sunday report that the couple got hitched over a week ago in an 'elegant' and 'low-key' ceremony at St Mary's Church in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire, which was followed by a lunch hosted by the bride's parents. However, it seems it was shortly back to work after the big day as just two days later, the equerry was spotted in Canada with the King and Queen during their travels across the Atlantic. According to reports, the equerry found love with Olivia last year after being together for a year, with the pair being described as "well matched and very happy" at the time. Their engagement was later announced in The Times, with the notice saying: "The engagement is announced between Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Thompson, son of Mr and Mrs Alan Thompson of Morpeth, Northumberland, and Olivia Rose, daughter of Mr and Mrs Simon Lewis OBE of Primrose Hill, London." The lovely news comes just months after he won a promotion to become Charles' 'super equerry'. Lt Col Thompson is now in a new role, which will see him remaining to work with the King and Queen and be in charge of the monarch's private affairs, however, this promotion means that, unfortunately for fans, he won't be spotted much with the royals in public. Equerries are drawn from the armed forces and are required to assist the royals both inside their residences and when out and about on public engagements. This means he has been at the King's side ever since his reign began and played a prominent role at the late Queen's funeral, the Coronation and also won over a new set of fans across the English Channel when he accompanied Charles and Camilla on their trip to France in 2023. Jonny has also been spotted sitting behind Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a service to mark the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee last year. Also, he welcomed former Prime Minster Rishi Sunak as he visited Buckingham Palace to see the King. Fans have previously gushed over Jonny after he was spotted out with the King. One fan previously took to social media and wrote: "Major Jonny Thompson is a tremendous hunk!" While another one said: "I think I'm getting a wee crush on King Charles's new royal equerry." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Ultra-rare pattern on 50p coin means it's sold for an enormous £2,500 – do you own one?
A COMMEMORATIVE 50p coin has sold for a whopping £2,500 because of an ultra-rare pattern. Coin hunters should check their collections to see if they have snatched up one of the treasures. After a bidding war, the coin was snagged for £2,552 and had five bids in total. The coin was released for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee in 2022. It was first 50p ever made to mark a royal event. The heads side of the coin features The Queen on horseback, while the tails face shows the number 70, marking how long Her Majesty had been ruling for. The coin's design was personally been given the nod by the Queen. Around 1.3million of the celebratory coins were made available on "limited release". News of the 50p coin was first revealed by the Royal Mint, exciting collectors. Postmaster Umesh Sanghani, who has run Dedworth Green Post Office in Windsor for 23 years with wife Rashmita, said at the time: "We have had many customers coming into our Post Office to check that we are going to get the special 50p coin. "They don't want to miss out on this souvenir." Other versions of the seven-sided 50p coin are among the most collectable and it's the first time a royal event has appeared on the tail side of the coin. Rare 50p coins can often sell for hundreds of pounds and far more than their face value. Their value is based on how many are available and demand, and if collectors are keen to get their hands on one this can push up the price. What makes a coin more valuable? Mintage figures are generally what collectors look at to work out its value. Low mintage makes it rare which often means it is more valuable, but that's not the only thing. Coin website Change Checker looks at how many of the coins have been collected by its members which shows how easy they may be to find (or not), and ranks them regularly. The experts also track the number of times a design has been requested as a swap over the previous three months, showing the current level of collector demand. While these indexes don't necessarily correspond to value, it can be an effective indicator. Coins with errors like a misprint can also be worth more than face value. A rare error on a 5p coin means it sold for £161 - more than 3,000 times its original value. 3
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Unusual and lavish gifts the royal family has received since 2020, revealed by Buckingham Palace
Credit: X/@RoyalFamily As the symbolic face of Britain, the Royal Family continues to hold a unique position of global reverence. From heads of state to members of the public, people across the world present gifts as gestures of respect, tradition, and goodwill—whether during official state visits or casual public engagements. According to Buckingham Palace's newly released gift records from 2020 to 2023, the answer ranges from the opulent—like a £340,000 Rolls-Royce—to the heartwarming, quirky, and sometimes downright unexpected—like a model slurry tanker, feather crowns, or even a soft toy camel. These annual records, delayed due to the pandemic and a series of historic royal events including Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee and passing, followed by King Charles III's accession and coronation, are a fascinating glimpse into a world where tradition, diplomacy, and symbolism intersect: A Glimpse into Royal Etiquette: The Rules Behind the Gifts While these gifts may sound extravagant or eccentric, it's important to understand the framework behind royal gifting. As per guidelines tightened after the 2003 Peat Inquiry (prompted by scandals involving the improper handling of gifts), all items received in the course of royal duties are catalogued. These are not personal possessions—they become part of the Royal Collection, a priceless archive held in trust for the nation. They cannot be sold or traded, though some items like food can be consumed, and perishable items valued under £150 may be donated to charity or staff. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo In essence, these gifts are diplomatic gestures, symbols of goodwill, and tokens of admiration. Rolls-Royce to Royal roots: Gifts to King Charles III The most headline-grabbing entry on the list came in May 2023: a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, presented to King Charles by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. Retailing at over £340,000, the luxury SUV is not for personal joyrides. Instead, it has been officially included into the Royal Fleet, housed at the Royal Mews in London, and will be reserved for state occasions. This grand gesture wasn't the only standout. King Charles also received: A feather crown, two beaded chest pieces, and two carved staffs from Amazonian Indigenous leaders Uyunkar Domingo Peas Nampichkai and Atossa Soltani. Two gold Blue Peter badges, one each for him and Queen Camilla , during a pre-Eurovision visit to Liverpool. A leather folder from U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden , containing printed letters between Queen Elizabeth II and President Eisenhower, along with a photograph of Eisenhower's UK visit. A framed mosaic, scrolled document on St Sophia Cathedral, and a signed Ukrainian ship's flag from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February 2023. In a nod to his love for horticulture and sustainability, the King also received dozens of trees and bushes from various countries, including a tree from the King of Sweden, which he and Queen Camilla ceremonially planted at Windsor. Platinum Jubilee Tributes to the Late Queen Elizabeth II The years leading up to Queen Elizabeth II's passing were marked by an outpouring of affection, particularly during her Platinum Jubilee in 2022. Her gifts included: Two platinum and diamond brooches, from the Goldsmiths' Company and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. A Cedar of Lebanon tree from Pope Francis, as part of The Queen's Green Canopy initiative. An intricately designed wine vessel from President Xi Jinping of China, featuring royal and auspicious Chinese motifs. A Tiffany sterling silver box and floral brooch from President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden during a tea visit at Windsor Castle . A gift set from the beloved British soap opera Coronation Street, including a presentation-case cobblestone, gin glasses, a commemorative book, and a bottle of 'Coronation Street gin.' More lighthearted additions included six dog jackets from the Australian Royal Air Force and a NASA face mask from the pandemic era. Queen Consort Camilla After her accession to the throne, Queen Camilla has received many gifts ranging from simple keepsakes to more special tokens. Among these are a locally-made tartan scarf, a delicate brooch, and a bouquet of flowers. Beyond these, she has also been honored with some rare and important gifts that reflect her royal status. Lapis Lazuli gemstones from H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan The Order of Te Arikinui Queen Te Atairangikaahu (first-class honor) a first-class honor from Kiingi Tuheitia of New Zealand, reserved exclusively for senior royals, presented in May 2023 Locally-made tartan scarf gifted during a visit to the Port of Nigg Brooch from HH Sheikh Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait The Prince and Princess of Wales: Caribbean swims and Childhood keepsakes During their royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022, Prince William and Princess Catherine were gifted items fit for underwater adventure: Snorkelling sets, wetsuits, diving fins, and swimming caps—all of which reflect the tropical charm of the region. Their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, also garnered attention from admirers: Cuddly toys, books, rugby shirts, and in one instance, a soft toy camel presented to William in Dubai on behalf of Prince Louis. Other earlier gifts included GAA jerseys, bottles of whiskey, and toiletry sets from Ireland's President Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Sabina during their 2020 visit. Princess Anne and the art of unusual gifting Few in the Royal Family receive gifts as unique as Princess Anne, who was presented with: A model of a slurry tanker Five mouth guards A collection of rugby balls, 51 acorns, edible goods, and tartan items Every gift, regardless of value or sentiment, is logged and stored—many at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. The palace is reportedly considering revising the 2003 gift policy to allow more low-cost, unofficial gifts to be donated directly to charitable causes, enhancing sustainability and community impact. Some floral tributes and food items are already distributed to local hospitals, care homes, and hospices, emphasizing the monarchy's effort to give back.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Gifts fit for a King! The astonishing presents given to the Royal Family are revealed – from a £340,000 Rolls-Royce for Charles and platinum and diamond brooches for Elizabeth II – but they're not all glamorous
What do you give the family who has everything? Well, in the case of the late Queen Elizabeth, at least two platinum and diamond brooches to celebrate her landmark 2022 jubilee. And for her new heir, King Charles? How about a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, which starts at a mere £340,000? Those are some of the more eye-popping items included in the royal 'gift lists' released by Buckingham Palace yesterday, albeit amid hundreds of far more mundane items like baseball caps, socks, books and a model of a slurry tanker. Royal aides have been obliged to keep a log of every item given to senior royals in the course of their duties since the 1990s, following a string of scandals over the disposal- and even selling-on for profit - of often expensive offerings. Details of the gift lists are normally given out annually but have been delayed in recent years by the pandemic, followed by a series of 'extraordinary' events including the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee and death in 2022, followed by the King's accession, coronation and cancer diagnosis. However they have now been issued for the years 2020-2023 and make for fascinating reading. Many of the hundreds of entries are from well-wishers and members of the public offering inexpensive but heartfelt gifts on public walkabouts or official visits - ranging from bottles of whisky and gin, to jars of honey and wooly hats. Poignantly, they even go back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth who would have no doubt been delighted to receive six dog jackets of varying sizes from the Australia Royal Air Force to mark its centenary in 2021. More unusually that year she also received a NASA face mask - although it may still have been useful towards the latter stages of the pandemic - and gifts of a Tiffany sterling silver box and a floral brooch from President Biden over tea at Windsor Castle. The following year - 2022 - was her historic Platinum Jubilee when, understandably, well-wishers great and small were keen to pass on their regards for the 70 years in the throne. There were personalised pony blankets from the President of Switzerland, as well as diamond and platinum brooches from the Goldsmiths' Company and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Even President Xi Jinping of China felt sufficiently moved to send her an array of gifts including a wine vessel enshrined with Chinese motifs representing royalty and good fortune. One also has to wonder whether Her Late Majesty ever got round to drinking her 'Coronation Street gin', handed to her during a tour of the famous TV street. It should be noted that very few of these items would be considered her personal property. Instead they go into the Royal Collection, the unparalleled collection of historic and often priceless arts, antiques and artefacts held in trust by the sovereign on behalf of the nation. They cannot be sold, profited from or disposed of. One of the most eye-catching entries included in the list is the Rolls Royce Cullinan II car given to him by his good friend and fellow ruler, the King of Bahrain (the two pictured together November 11, 2024) The following year marked King Charles' coronation and again the gifts flooded in - there are more than 260 entries for that year alone. The most eye-catching undoubtedly is the Rolls Royce Cullinan II car given to him by his good friend and fellow ruler, the King of Bahrain. It is important, again, to note that this is not considered the King's personal property and, palace aides confirm, has gone into the 'Royal Fleet', housed at the Royal Mews in London. It will be used on official occasions. Appropriately given the King's love of horticulture and farming there were several dozen trees, plants and bushes from various well-wishers, which would have been planted on the royal estates. Indeed, the King and Queen belatedly planted one, a tree from the King of Sweden, in the grounds at Windsor just last month. He and the Queen also received 'his and her fragrances' from J Floris Ltd, plus matching walking boots personalised with their respective royal cyphers from the President of Hungry - an absolutely genius gift, it has to be said. Buckingham Palace would never be so crass to calculate the value of any particular item and some are classed rather coyly to minimise speculation such as the 'gentleman's wristwatch' received from the President of the Republic of Korea. It's fair to say it is unlikely to be Ratner's. Princess Anne received some corkers including a model of a 'slurry tanker' and five mouth-guards, along with lots of rugby balls, tartan, edible goods - and 51 acorns. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - William and Catherine - received a snorkel set, wetsuit, pair of diving fins and a swimming cap on their official tour of the Caribbean in 2022, along with a model boat which they proudly posed aside in the Bahamas. They have also received, over the last few years, hundreds of gifts for their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, including cuddly toys, t-shirts, rugby shirts and books. According to internal guidelines, members of the Royal Family are permitted to accept any gifts they are given in the course of royal duties. Indeed when it comes to fellow heads of state or official ambassadors, the giving and receiving of gifts is an important part of official protocol. They are not considered the personal property of the member of the Royal Family who receives them but may be held by the sovereign in right of the crown or designated in due course as part of the Royal Collection, the rules state. It is understood that there are huge stores of these treasures at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle According to internal guidelines, members of the Royal Family are permitted to accept any gifts they are given in the course of royal duties but items like flowers are often donated to local hospitals, hospices and care homes. Royals can eat any food given, while perishable gifts with a value of less than £150 can be given to charity or staff. Some items such flowers are regularly donated to local hospitals, hospices and care homes. Sources told the Mail on Thursday that the existing 2003 guidelines are likely to be updated in the near future in a bid to encourage sustainability. This may include allowing smaller, inexpensive unofficial gifts to be donated to worthy causes, where appropriate.
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
The Government of Canada makes a donation to The King's Trust Canada in honour of the Royal Visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla Français
The donation from the Government of Canada marks the end of Their Majesties' visit to Canada OTTAWA, ON, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada will make a donation of $50,000 to The King's Trust Canada to commemorate the visit of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla to Canada. During their visit on May 26 and 27, Their Majesties took part in a number of noteworthy activities. The King delivered the Speech from the Throne, opening Canada's 45th Parliament. This was His Majesty's first visit as Sovereign of Canada. The Royal Visit showcased our rich Canadian identity, our cultural diversity and the vitality of our democratic institutions. The Government of Canada's donation is part of a longstanding tradition of recognizing visits or tours by members of the Royal Family with a meaningful gesture. This contribution will be made to The King's Trust Canada, an organization founded in 2011 by His Majesty King Charles III (formerly the Prince's Trust Canada). The organization works with community partners, employers and educational institutions to help 100,000 young people across the country integrate into the workforce. Quotes "Their Majesties' visit was a profound moment for our country, highlighting the stability of our democracy and the strong ties between Canada and the Crown. This donation to The King's Trust Canada reflects our shared commitment to inclusion, service, and support for young people. By supporting this mission, we are helping build a more fair and promising future for youth from coast to coast to coast." —The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages Quick Facts The last time a monarch delivered the Speech from the Throne was Queen Elizabeth II in 1977, as part of her Silver Jubilee tour. Prior to that, Queen Elizabeth II delivered the Speech from the Throne in 1957 to mark her first visit to Canada as reigning monarch and the first time a monarch opened Parliament in Canada. Canada is a constitutional monarchy. The Monarch is the Head of State, whose powers are defined by the Constitution and constitutional conventions. These responsibilities are typically carried out by the Governor General (the Monarch's representative in Canada). The Speech from the Throne is usually delivered by the Governor General. This was the 20th visit to Canada for His Majesty The King and the sixth for Her Majesty The Queen. Their Majesties' last visit to Canada (as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall) was from May 17 to 19, 2022, as part of the celebrations marking the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign as Queen of Canada.
