Latest news with #RoyalFamily
Western Telegraph
27 minutes ago
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Starmer meeting Indian PM ‘golden' chance to help detained Briton
Talks between Sir Keir and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India are seen as being a 'unique opportunity' to seek a resolution to the case of Jagtar Singh Johal. Mr Johal, a Sikh activist from Dumbarton near Glasgow, was arrested while in India for his wedding, and has been held ever since – despite having been cleared of one of the cases against him earlier this year. But he still faces charges at a federal level, which his supporters – who claim an initial confession he made was as a result of torture – fear could take years to come to a conclusion. However, campaigners at Reprieve, who have been working to free Mr Johal, say the talks between the UK and Indian leaders could be a 'rare chance to make progress' in the case. The Indian prime minister is visiting London to sign a landmark, free trade agreement between his country and the UK. And Gurpreet Singh Johal, said: 'I'm putting my faith in the Prime Minister to get this done and bring Jagtar home.' He said Sir Keir had 'recognised that Jagtar is arbitrarily detained' and that Foreign Secretary David Lammy had twice told him that 'resolving the case is a priority for this Government'. Leaving for 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. @Keir_Starmer @RoyalFamily… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2025 Mr Johal said: 'That means it should be high on the agenda when the prime ministers meet. 'Over the last eight years, I've grown very tired of fine words and weak excuses for a lack of action, while my brother grows old in prison. 'The time is now – it would be devastating if the Prime Minister lets this golden opportunity slip away.' Dan Dolan, deputy executive director of Reprieve, said returning Mr Johal to the UK should be a priority for Sir Keir when he has talks with his Indian counterpart on Thursday. Mr Dolan said: 'Jagtar has been found not guilty of the allegations against him, and it should be a priority for Keir Starmer to secure his release and return to Britain. 'Trying him again for the same crime, on the same evidence, is prohibited in India's constitution and in international law. 'This is a clear cut case of double jeopardy and it is in everyone's interests to see it resolved. 'This week's talks are a rare chance to make progress at the very highest level.'
NDTV
an hour 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.
Telegraph
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The Queen finds my royal tattoos hilarious, says superfan
The Queen saw the funny side when a superfan pulled up his shorts to show her a tattoo of a royal cypher on his leg. The Queen, 78, laughed as Phil Smith, from Northampton, told her that his latest royal inking – of Their Majesties' joint cypher – had 'bloody hurt'. The 61-year-old's latest tattoo, at the top of his left thigh, joins three other cyphers – the symbol of the late Queen Elizabeth II's reign, as well as the King and Camilla's individual symbols, on the same leg. The Queen also took the opportunity to reveal that one of her police protection officers also has a tattoo of the couple's joint royal cypher. The interaction took place during Their Majesties' annual visit to the Sandringham Flower Show, which marked their final large-scale joint public engagement before the summer holidays. Mr Smith waited at the front of the crowd to meet the Queen, whom he has been writing to since before her marriage to Charles in 2005. Speaking after their meeting, he said: 'I just think she's fabulous and have got to know her a bit. We just hit it off. 'I love the royal family and she in particular has got a good sense of humour. She frequently responds.' He added: 'I waited to see her to show her my latest [tattoo] and she laughed…She asked how long it [the latest one] took and I told her about two and a half hours. But I told her this one bloody hurt. She just finds it hilarious. 'She pulled her police officer's sleeve and said 'look, it's catching on!'' The Royal couple's annual visit to the flower show, held in the grounds of the Norfolk royal residence, saw them touring stands and meeting hundreds of well-wishers. They arrived in a special door-less carriage, once used by Queen Victoria, and were presented with flowers while a choir and band from Springwood High School sang the National Anthem. The King looked delighted to be back after he was forced to skip the event – which attracts around 20,000 visitors annually – last year because of his ongoing cancer treatment. Their first stop was at Peter Beales Roses, where Camilla sympathised with fellow avid gardeners about recent heatwave spells wreaking havoc on plants. 'Oh the weather, everything is wilting!' she exclaimed. Asked later on whether she liked growing her own vegetables at her beloved Wiltshire home Raymill, she said enthusiastically: 'Yes, I do enjoy it. I'm very proud of my veg. 'It's the best therapy in the world. We haven't had any rain, though, [even though] it's been raining here. I've never done so much watering in my life.' She also gave an update on her latest Battersea rescue puppy, Moley, who did not accompany her last week for a visit to the dogs and cats rescue charity in London. 'I'm sorry we couldn't bring Moley to the engagement last week,' Camilla said, adding: 'She's very naughty, I think I only have one shoe left.' The couple also popped into stalls run by the Cat's Protection League, St John's Ambulance and Medical Detection Dogs, of which the Queen is patron. The King was then given a guard of honour by the local Air Cadets before the couple headed back to Sandringham House in their carriage, smiling and waving to onlookers.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I know why desperate Meghan and Harry REALLY held peace talks – they'll be begging for handouts now, expert claims
A ROYAL expert has claimed the real reason why Meghan and Harry held peace talks, saying the Duke and Duchess will now be begging for handouts. Journalist and author Robert Jobson made the revealing comments whilst appearing on The Sun's latest Royal Exclusive show. 5 His insights come after it was revealed that the couple's $100million deal with Netflix had been scrapped. Mr Jobson, talking to The Sun's Matt Wilkinson said: 'Well, the deal was always set about $100 million, wasn't it? 'And the talk of that figure sort of blew a lot of people's minds, but I think that was for productions and things that they're supposed to have done. 'Where does it leave them? Probably with a bit of a bowl out, looking for some handouts.' He added: 'Maybe that's why they were over with their staff, were over here having discussions with the King. I don't know. 'The reality is in the past they got support from the King and the late Queen, and they said they were going to go and make their way. 'They've lost Spotify, they've lost Netflix. 'They can't rely on the spare money forever, can they?' The show's other guest, Sky News' royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills also speculated what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex would now do for money. She said: 'It's just fascinating. They have this very expensive lifestyle. 'They have to pay for their security, pay for that big mansion. 'How do you kind of keep the money coming in?' Earlier this month it was revealed Netflix will not renew their contract when it expires in September. The Sussexes and Netflix have mutually decided not to make an official announcement. But streaming execs have quietly agreed to part ways. It comes after Harry's vanity project, Polo, about the sport, was watched by just 500,000 people. It was also understood that bosses were mildly infuriated by Meghan making her As Ever brand a priority. A source said streamer Paramount+ was thought to be keen to work with the couple, who would be open to it if the right project came along. Last month it was announced Netflix had signed a deal with King Charles and Idris Elba for a documentary exploring the impact of the King's Trust. And it was understood any deal with the Sussexes could be seen as a hindrance to that link-up. Netflix declined to comment. Harry is said to have 'given his blessing' for the peace talks involving two of his team plus the King and Queen's director of communications. They spoke about potential ways to end their family conflict, though a proposal for Harry to make a royal return was not on the agenda. Adding intrigue to the developments, Prince William's team were not involved in the London summit. California-based Harry is next due to visit the UK in September for the annual WellChild events. It opens up the prospect of meeting his father for the first time in 18 months. Buckingham Palace had also supported the proposals to 'open a channel of communication' — it has been claimed. 5 5
Toronto Star
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's $100 million Netflix deal reportedly won't be renewed. Now what?
Pour out a glass of As Ever rosé and sprinkle some flower confetti on the grave of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 's dreams of Hollywood moguldom: Their Netflix deal will reportedly not be renewed when it expires in September. The Sun broke the story yesterday that the contract, worth $100 million when it was signed shortly after the two exited the Royal Family business in 2020, would end with the second season of ' With Love, Meghan ' when it airs this September. A 'Hollywood insider' also confirmed the story to People magazine.
