Latest news with #RoyalFamily
The Independent
10 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Senior royal aide reveals how King has managed since cancer diagnosis
A senior royal aide says he has seen 'no difference' in King Charles, who has been receiving cancer treatment for more than a year. The King has maintained a busy schedule since the start of the year, reflected by his whirlwind 24 hours in Canada this week to deliver a speech opening the country's parliament, and is dealing 'incredibly well' with his undisclosed cancer by living life as 'normal as possible'. 'The thing you learn about this illness is that you just manage it and that's what he does,' the aide said. 'The medical science has made incredible advances and I genuinely see no difference in him. 'As long as you just do what the doctors say, just live your life as normal as possible… that's exactly what he is doing.' The senior royal aide described Charles' speech, written by the Canadian government, as 'thought-provoking, not provocative' and set out the agenda of Prime Minister Mark Carney 's new administration, outlining measures widely seen as combating US President Donald Trump. The US leader has launched a trade war against his neighbour, spoken of annexing the nation and has made fresh claims that Canada is in talks to become America's 51st state in return for free military protection. The King warned Canada is facing a 'critical moment' in its history and the government would bond with 'reliable trading partners and allies,' a move that follows Mr Trump's economic tactics. Charles told the gathered parliamentarians the Canadian government would also boost its armed forces to 'protect Canada's sovereignty'. The two-day visit with the Queen to Canada – the most senior foreign country where Charles is head of state – was seen as the completion of a series of firsts for the King. Charles has been passing a number of milestones since becoming monarch, from his inaugural address to the country, first trips to the home nations, and now his first visit to Canada as its King. A senior royal aide said: 'It is a reset of that relationship, and for Their Majesties to see so many people turn out and to be so thrilled to see them was fantastic.' The King's royal aides gave careful consideration to the issue of continuity and change from one monarch to the next in light of Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year reign, which had come to define the modern role of the head of state. Charles wanted to use his position as the Prince of Wales to make an impact and still does now he is King, a change from the late Queen who rarely spoke about issues. The Carolean reign, begun in September 2022, is underpinned by Charles' core commitments, what aides have called the four Cs – climate, community, culture and Commonwealth – with the addition of a smaller c for his own illness being used to show support for others affected by cancer. The aide said about the Carolean age: 'Almost three years on, everyone has a clear impression of what that is and the role that he will play – one that is both traditional for the monarchy and distinct to His Majesty. 'Leveraging on the long relationships he has built over the years, he has enhanced his role as a global statesman on so many issues, wielding soft power to the benefit of all the realms and commonwealth nations at a time of great international challenge. 'He has dealt with his illness in a very human way and the way he's engaging with the public at a very human level. I think we now have a clear idea of what the Carolean age looks like and what it stands for – now and hopefully for many years to come.'
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mail
King Charles deliberately made pointed speech about the sovereignty of Canada, but did not want to 'call out' President Trump, aides reveal
King Charles ' pointed speech to President Trump regarding the sovereignty of was 'thought-provoking, but not provocative', sources have insisted. In an historic speech to the country's parliament as their head of state on Tuesday, he hailed a 'strong and free' Canada in a clear attempt to dial down the president's rhetoric over the fellow North American nation becoming America's '51st state'. Royal aides have said it was a deliberate decision by the King, acting on the advice of the Canadian government, to make his point firmly and politely but not to 'call out' President Trump by name. 'It's all about commending what is positive. And that's what the sovereign does, it's not the sovereign's job to start pointing fingers,' one insider said. Whether it falls on receptive ears remains to be seen. Hours after Charles' landmark 'Speech from the Throne', President Trump appeared to double down on his threats to annexe Canada by saying that the country would not have to pay billions of dollars to join his future 'Golden Dome' missile programme 'if they become our cherished 51st State'. 'They are considering the offer!' Trump posted on social media. This was in contrast to claims by the US ambassador to Canada who said last week that the whole annexation saga was 'over' and the White House had more important things to focus on. Royal aides have said it was a deliberate decision by the King, acting on the advice of the Canadian government, to make his point firmly and politely but not to 'call out' President Trump by name Trump was not the only target, with China the target of a subtle but significant message, too, given its current attempts to gain a foothold in the region and become a 'polar power'. The Arctic is seen a something of a new crossroad for global superpowers in terms of access to raw materials, trade routes and science and research. Sources say it was 'really important' for the King to address the issue given Canada's sovereignty in the region and China's 'troubling' ambitions - described in the speech as 'new threats'. Buckingham Palace are viewing the King's whirlwind 23-hour visit to Canada, his first as its monarch and head of state, as a huge success. Tens of thousands of people turned out to see him in the capital, Ottawa, and with cries of 'God Save The King' and 'Vivre Le Roi' wherever he went. 'He was very touched. To go to a Realm of which you are king but in which you don't actually live, is a big thing when you do it for the first time. It is a reset and reaffirmation of that relationship, and for so many people to turn out and to be so thrilled to see him was fantastic,' a source said. 'What the king was able to do was show very strong support for Canada and what would be the point of being King of Canada if you didn't show support?' Royal insiders say the visit brings to an end a host of historic 'firsts' since the King's accession in 2022. Starting with his return to London and tour of the home nations in the weeks after Queen Elizabeth's death, as well as his first public address and Christmas message, it continued with his inaugural tour of Australia and now Canada, considered the 'senior realm'. Moving forwards it is understood the King intends to focus on continuing 'getting it right', shining a light on causes he feels passionate about and ensuring the monarchy continues to evolve with the times. 'Almost three years on, everyone has a clear impression of what that is and the role that he will play - one that is both traditional for the monarchy and distinct to His Majesty,' a source said. 'Leveraging on the long relationships he has built over the years, he has enhanced his role as a global statesman on so many issues, wielding soft power to the benefit of all the realms and commonwealth nations at a time of great international challenge. 'Underpinning it all are the four big Cs at the heart of his personal value system - communities, climate, commonwealth, culture - with the smaller c of his own illness being used to show support for others affected by cancer. 'He has dealt with his illness in a very human way and the way he's engaging with the public at a very human level. I think we now have a clear idea of what the Carolean age looks like and what it stands for - now and hopefully for many years to come.' Despite the taxing nature of his role, the King is also continuing to 'manage' his illness, after being first diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in January last year. 'The thing you learn about this illness [cancer] is that you just manage it. And that's what he does. The medical science has made incredible advances and I genuinely see no difference in him,' a source close to the king said. 'As long as you just do what the doctors say, just live your life as normal as possible… [and] that's exactly what he is doing. 'It's no secret that he is still having treatment but because he is incredibly fit, he is just dealing with it all incredibly well. 'As everybody knows he is driven by duty, so he just gets on with it….
Scottish Sun
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Two Doors Down star reveals awkward encounter with member of Royal Family after she mocked them
She wasn't sure how the Royal would react to her joke ROYAL RIDICULE Two Doors Down star reveals awkward encounter with member of Royal Family after she mocked them Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TWO Doors Down star Arabella Weir has revealed she risked upsetting Princess Anne by making fun of her lack of qualifications. The actress was presented with an MBE by the Princess Royal at Buckingham Palace last year. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Two Doors Down star Arabella Weir poked fun at Princess Anne when presented with her MBE Credit: PA 2 She is best known for playing Beth Baird in the hit BBC comedy Credit: Handout After being told by a friend to make the princess laugh when receiving the honour, Weir poked fun at the royal's academic performance. When Princess Anne confessed she wasn't very good at school, Weir jokingly replied: "We all know that." Princess Anne famously never went to university and left school with a handful of O-levels and two A-levels. Weir, who plays Beth Baird in Two Doors Down, said she was relieved when the Royal laughed after her quip. Speaking on presenter Lewis Nicholls' YouTube channel, she said: "I'm not a royalist or anything but I was quite nervous before it. "My friend who went with me and my two children to the palace said to me 'Just make her laugh' and I did. "Princess Anne said to me 'I know who you are but why are you getting this?' "I said 'Oh I think it's because I make people laugh'. "She said 'When did you first realise you were funny?' and I said 'At school because I wasn't very academic.' "She said 'Neither was I,' and I went 'We all know that,' because famously she didn't do well. Two Doors Down star looks worlds away in unrecognisable BBC newsreader role "As it came out of my mouth I thought 'Is that something you're not supposed to say to royalty,' but she laughed. She was jolly nice." Weir, 67, received her MBE for service to acting and charity work. She made her name in The Fast Show alongside co-stars Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson and John Thomson. She has played Beth in Two Doors Down since 2016 and is set to reunite with the cast for a Christmas special this year. Princess Anne was taught at home in a small class before going to Benenden School in Kent at the age of 13, the first sovereign's daughter to attend boarding school. She left five years later, with six O-levels and two A-levels and instead of going to university she entered the public life of the Royal Family. Since then she has come to be regarded as the busiest and most hard-working of all the Royals and is well-known for her no-nonsense approach. In a documentary to mark her 70th birthday in 2020, she said: "So many of my contemporaries, when asked why they were going to university, would say, 'Well basically because that's what you do.' "And I remember thinking really that doesn't sound like a very good reason to go university, so I thought I would skip that."
News.com.au
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Prince William plans to ‘banish' Prince Andrew from the royal family when he becomes King
If there is one person Prince Andrew should be worried about, it is his nephew, the future king. Royal experts told Fox News Digital that when Prince William takes over the throne one day, he reportedly will swiftly address 'the Andrew problem' that has plagued the British royal family. 'Prince William has long had a strained and distant relationship with Andrew,' British royal expert Hilary Fordwich claimed to Fox News Digital, noting that the Prince of Wales holds 'a grudge against his disgraced uncle.' 'Andrew's future within the royal family is beyond bleak, since Prince William is firmly opposed to any public rehabilitation with no foreseeable path back,' Fordwich claimed. 'He wants Andrew to vanish from public view.' Fordwich's claims came shortly after longtime BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told Closer Weekly that the father of three is not interested in wasting time on the Duke of York following his sex scandal. 'William has been a strong voice in managing 'the Andrew problem' — he is adamant that there is no way back for his uncle,' Bond told the outlet. Fox News Digital has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. Andrew, once second-in-line to the throne, has been a constant source of tabloid fodder. It is said that the 65-year-old permanently damaged his reputation after he gave a disastrous interview to the BBC in 2019, which forced him to give up all royal duties. Andrew gave the interview to address concerns about his ties to the late American financier and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. His televised tell-all backfired when he failed to explain his continued contact with Epstein or show sympathy for his victims. 'William's strong stance on 'the Andrew problem' is consistent, unwavering and his influence has been decisive in ensuring Andrew remains sidelined,' said Fordwich. 'He is driven by his desire … to protect the monarchy's reputation, doing all he can to safeguard its future.' '[William is] very in touch with the public,' Fordwich shared. 'Every public opinion poll has Andrew at the bottom, reinforcing Prince William's stance. Once king, no doubt, Prince William will ensure Andrew is completely excluded from royal life, as well as all public appearances.' Bond noted to Closer Weekly that keeping the monarchy relevant is 'extremely important' to William, guaranteeing that there will never be a place for Andrew. 'I think [the Prince and Princess of Wales] are completely united in doing all they can to keep the monarchy connected with the younger generation,' said Bond. 'They look modern, they act modern.' Following Andrew's nuclear interview, his late mother stripped him of his royal duties and charity roles. More recently, his brother, King Charles III, tried to persuade Andrew to cut his expenses by leaving his home, Royal Lodge, a sprawling royal estate, and instead, moving to a smaller cottage inside the security perimeter of Windsor Castle. However, Andrew remains ensconced in the 30-room Royal Lodge. 'Prince William's role within the royal family is more prominent and influential than ever, as is his centre stage position in diplomatic relations,' British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard explained to Fox News Digital. 'He recognises the public animosity towards Andrew,' said Chard. 'He views him as a complete liability with his series of scandals, both past and present, shovelling shame on the family. His stance towards his uncle is tough. He will not entertain anyone toxic to the brand. Andrew will not be part of the streamlined monarchy.' 'King Charles is said to be fed up with 'the Andrew problem,' although he has a softer approach to his brother as he is family,' Chard continued. 'Prince William, however, has never been a fan of his uncle. He has no time for him. Allegedly, he was also disappointed that Andrew did not welcome his wife into the family with open arms all those years ago.' That grudge, Chard claimed, was unshakeable even before Andrew's relationship with Epstein came to light. The 'Andrew Problem' has long been a source of friction for the royal family. After 22 years in the Royal Navy, including combat operations as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War, Andrew was named Britain's special representative for international trade and investment in 2001. However, he was forced to step down in 2011 amid growing concern about his friendship with Epstein, who had been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution. Andrew had also been criticised for meeting with the son of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi and the son-in-law of ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Even before that, some members of Parliament had raised concerns about the sale of Andrew's former home, but Andrew's links to Epstein have been his biggest problem. 'Andrew has been an embarrassment for years and represents the worst, most entitled aspect of royalty,' royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams claimed to Fox News Digital. ' … One of the problems with Andrew is that fresh embarrassments, most recently regarding an alleged Chinese spy and emails which indicated that he had further contact with Epstein after what was supposed to be a cut-off date, keep appearing.' Fitzwilliams claimed that while the king, 76, 'may privately feel some sympathy' for his sibling, William 'has to be kept at arm's length.' For William, protecting the crown comes first above all, and there is no place for Andrew once he becomes king. 'His best future is well behind him,' said Fitzwilliams.
Times of Oman
16 hours ago
- General
- Times of Oman
HM the Sultan hosts, bids farewell to Iranian President
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik today hosted a private luncheon in honour of President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian of the Islamic Republic of Iran at Al Alam guesthouse in celebration of the president's official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. The luncheon was attended by several Royal Family members and ministers from both sides. After the luncheon, His Majesty the Sultan bid farewell to the Iranian President, wishing him a safe return home.
