Latest news with #RoyalYacht
Daily Mirror
24-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Queen's favourite sandwich she had ‘for every afternoon tea' since childhood
When it came to enjoying her daily afternoon tea, the late Queen Elizabeth had one particular favourite sandwich that she always tucked into - and it's a surprisingly simple one The late Queen Elizabeth was a creature of habit, especially when it came to enjoying her afternoon tea. The former monarch never missed afternoon tea, no matter what she was doing or where she was in the world. Her duties took her all over the globe, and she had a host of talented private chefs ready to cater for her every day, but when it came to her preferred sandwich—an insider has revealed—there was one surprisingly simple choice that she always opted for since childhood. Generally, the late monarch and the rest of the Royal Family enjoy their afternoon tea between 3.30 pm and 5.30 pm. This regal spread tends to feature a range of savoury snacks and delicious sweet treats, including her favourite chocolate biscuit cake. Former royal chef Darren McGrady worked for the Royal Family for 15 years, receiving his formal training at the Savoy Hotel in London. He previously revealed the Queen's favourite sandwich. In one YouTube video to mark the return of garden parties at Buckingham Palace, McGrady revealed that one of The Queen's favourite afternoon treats was jam pennies. He said, "The Queen was served jam pennies in the nursery as a little girl. She's had them for afternoon tea ever since. It's simple: just bread and jam with a little butter—usually strawberry jam. We'd make the jam at Balmoral Castle with the gorgeous Scottish strawberries from the gardens." If you can't see the poll, click here According to another former royal chef, Owen Hodgson, the Queen was also fond of a simple tuna mayonnaise sandwich. She reportedly liked her sarnie well buttered and served with thin slices of cucumber and a sprinkle of pepper. While the late monarch enjoyed a few other treats with her afternoon tea, the whole affair would certainly not have been complete without some scones. She also followed the traditional Cornish method when eating her scones, spreading the jam on first before adding a dollop of cream. McGrady previously said: "She'd always have afternoon tea wherever she was in the world. We'd flown out to Australia and were on the Royal Yacht. It was five o'clock in the morning, but for the Queen, it was five in the afternoon, so my first job was making scones." In another interview, he added: "When I started as a young chef at Buckingham Palace, it was fascinating to see how important afternoon tea was to the Queen." He revealed that she enjoyed a "full afternoon tea of sandwiches and pastries". "In terms of scones - one day plain and one day with raisins folded through," he said. "Also, tiny pastries like raspberry tartlets and a cut cake, honey and cream sponge, fruit cake, banana bread, or her favourite chocolate biscuit cake. It would all be 'washed down with a delightful steaming hot cup of Earl Grey tea." Get Royal Family updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the royals get back to their normal duties after a difficult year, the Mirror has launched its very own Royal WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news on the UK's most famous family. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will 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. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Times
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
News in pictures
Gardeners at Levens Hall, five miles south of Kendal in Cumbria, make sure everything is trim and tidy for World Topiary Day on Sunday TIMES PHOTOGRAPHER JAMES GLOSSOP The Qatar National Museum in the capital Doha, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, is modelled after the desert rose, a naturally occurring mineral formation found in the region. Inside, immersive exhibits explore Qatar's natural history, Bedouin culture and its transformation into a global nation NESE ARI/ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES Mirage, a 12-year-old tabby cat, at the Best Friends Animal Society's sanctuary, in Kanab, Utah. Mirage survived a 380-foot fall that killed its owners, Matthew Nannen, 45, and Bailee Crane, 58, whose bodies were found on April 29 at Bryce Canyon National Park SWNS This year marks the next chapter in the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust's legacy with the opening of a visitor centre with exhibition and shops on the second floor of Ocean Terminal in Edinburgh's Port of Leith. Queen Elizabeth II's former royal yacht attracts 350,000 annual visitors THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA TRUST HAMIT YALCIN/ANADOLU/GETTY IMAGES AMANDA PEROBELLI/REUTERS A design by Ellie Anderson, a performance costume student, at a showcase of sci-fi and fantasy-themed stage costume designs at Edinburgh College of Art JANE BARLOW/PA A Venezuelan boy plays with a roller skate and his pet at La Pista migrant camp in La Guajira in northern Colombia. More than 9,000 migrants and indigenous people living in the camp in a former airport have lost all support from US-funded NGOs LUIS ACOSTA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES A vendor displays socks bearing caricatures of the ousted Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad at his souvenir shop in a Damascus market. Images of the once-feared Assad family have gone from being ubiquitous symbols of repression to objects of derision since the 59-year-old president was ousted in December by an Islamist-led rebel offensive, ending the family's 53-year rule LOUAI BESHARA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
The Herald Scotland
06-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Royal Yacht Britannia's new visitor centre ready to welcome visitors
Two years in development, the visitor centre and retail experience "incorporate the latest in advanced technology" with hand-crafted furniture and fittings. Designed by 442 Design, with collaboration from the Royal Collection Trust, author/historian Richard Johnstone-Bryden, and former Royal Yachtsmen, the "highly engaging" exhibition tells the story of Britannia's launch from John Brown & Company Shipyard in Clydebank in 1953, to the ship's new life as a five-star visitor attraction in Leith, voted Tripadvisor's No.1 Attraction 2023-2024. READ MORE: Major Scottish industry heading for 'choppier waters' Housebuilder acquires land for 99 new homes overlooking city park Scottish city shopping park brought to market for sale Highlights of the new exhibition include: the No.1 uniform of Prince Philip, previously gifted to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust by Queen Elizabeth II; a cascade of historical photographs storytelling life on board the Royal Yacht; and a 11-foot-long LEGO Britannia model. Several new and exciting product lines have been created by Director of Retail, Kerry Burns and her team, including a range of fine bone china called the 'Admiral's Collection', inspired by the gold rings insignia worn on the cuffs by Admirals in the Royal Navy. Chief Executive Franck Bruyère said: 'This is a momentous event for The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust and I'm incredibly proud of the enormous collaborative effort behind the project and the Britannia team who have been integral in ensuring our new space is world-class and enhances our existing five-star visitor experience. "An additional bonus for us is this month marks the anniversary of Britannia arriving in Leith to start her new life as a visitor attraction 27 years ago in 1998.' The Royal Yacht Britannia Mr Bruyere added: 'It has been a pleasure working closely with the Royal Collection Trust to source never-before-seen images of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip relaxing and enjoying life at sea on board this iconic ship.' Director of Visitor Experience, Robert Gill, who led the project on behalf of the Royal Yacht Britannia Trust, commented: 'Through this new exhibition we can amplify the history and heritage of this iconic vessel and spark imaginations before our visitors step on board the Yacht itself. Exhibition designers, 442 Design, have told Britannia's story so magnificently, and specialist interior fit-out company, Hugh Stirling Ltd, have brought our vision to life. We are so proud of the final result.' Spring also brings a new delivery to The Royal Yacht Britannia Trust's fleet of vintage cars; The British Motor Museum have loaned the original 1966 Land Rover used by Queen Elizabeth II for rural transport and Royal pursuits. Used by the Royal Family for 17 years, the classic green station wagon is on display alongside the Rolls-Royce in recognition of the vehicles Britannia used to carry on board when in Royal Service.
The National
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Toffs in tweed flock to Highlands, but what benefits do they bring?
We were both attending the wedding of the offspring of another second homer whose guests had variously arrived by helicopter and private jet. It's not the sort of small talk I'm used to and I was, to put it mildly, like a fish out of water. My end of Tiree, specifically the coast closest to Coll, is known as Millionaire's Row. If the millionaires in question didn't know that before, and they happen to read The National, they do now. It's also known as the 'Dinner Party End'. I recall my father being almost apoplectic one night as a helicopter conveyed someone's dinner guests and landed without permission on our land. I don't think he's got over it yet. Of course, nothing was ever said, because it never is. It's their world, and we are the supporting cast. READ MORE: John Swinney urged to put 'country before party' and join Independence Summit My dad stewed and the lord, whose dinner party it was, remained oblivious. Lords and ladies have been 10 a penny over the years, and for the most part, keep themselves to themselves. We're rather fond of them despite them choosing Tiree thanks to their association with the Duke under whose fiefdom we continue to reside. It's not just Tiree that attracts that element of the population. The great, the good, and the wealthy have a long and loving association with the many parts of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, and none more so than the royals. The royal family's ties to the Highlands and Islands are woven through a tapestry of tradition, personal retreat, and the occasional mishap. The Queen Mother, seeking solace after King George VI's death, purchased the Castle of Mey in Caithness in 1952. She restored the once-derelict Barrogill Castle, renaming it and spending summers there until her passing in 2002. In 1996, she entrusted it to a charitable trust. Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852, remains a cherished royal residence. The Royal Yacht was often seen in Scottish waters over the years. King Charles' Scottish escapades include a 1987 stint as a 'crofter' in Berneray, where he immersed himself in local life, planting potatoes and cutting peat. (Image: PA) Earlier, in 1963, a youthful Charles caused a stir by ordering a cherry brandy at a pub in Stornoway, despite being underage. The charges against the licence holder and barmaid were dropped, and the hotel in question has the news story in a frame on the wall to this day. In 1994, the King experienced a more serious incident when a jet he was piloting overran the runway in Islay during a landing attempt. Frances Shand Kydd, Princess Diana's mother, spent her later years in the Isle of Seil, 'embracing a quieter life' away from royal circles. Now, before I go much further, I have been warned to behave myself on the grounds that many people I am close to are collectors of china and tea towels featuring more than one generation of Windsors. I, on the other hand, couldn't give two hoots about the royal family, but I don't actively dislike them. They exist, and on balance – looking States-ward – I think I prefer them to a president, for the time being at least. However, I am no respecter of pomp or pageantry, of titles, of class or frankly, of wealth. I most certainly have no truck with the concept of someone being 'in charge' by virtue of a quirk of birth. I have before now even been accused of being unfairly prejudiced against the well-heeled. That's probably true but I imagine that the well-heeled in question cope with my prejudice just fine. For the last few weeks, my news alerts have been awash in headlines about William and Kate and their trip to Mull. Mull is the fourth largest of the Scottish islands and only an hour from Oban by boat, but that didn't stop the papers telling us about how Kate and Wills were escaping to a 'tiny, remote' island. The long-awaited visit finally happened on Tuesday and Wednesday, occasioning another wave of loving (some might say sycophantic) headlines. The couple were, of course, carefully clothed in well-tailored tweed and muted check verging on tartan. The classic hunting and shooting set look with a Hebridean twist to make them fit in with the natives. They don't of course. Instead it makes them look like they are on safari, through some sort of built-up nature reserve, peering at the local inhabitants with the same gentle interest usually displayed by an elderly naturalist. Sometimes I play a David Attenborourgh-type commentary in my head as I watch these news reports. 'And here we see the upper-class predator observing the peasants. Already well-fed, their smile signals that they are no threat, and bedecked for the occasion in their best plumage, the prey becomes eager to please.' I'll stop there. I can feel hackles rising around some breakfast tables … In the interests of balance, royal visits – while they cost money, delay ferries and cause untold traffic chaos wherever they go – also bring with them a host of benefits. In Mull, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, as they are known in Scotland (because the higher up the ladder you are, the more names you collect), spent time with any number of organisations and small businesses. (Image: PA) In Tobermory, they visited Aros Hall – a well-used community space that hosts everything from lunch clubs and toddler groups to ceilidhs. The hall is also home to the Community Fridge, which last year alone diverted over 60 tonnes of food from landfill. Their visit coincided with news of new investment via The Royal Foundation to support community spaces in Mull. Aros Hall also runs the weekly Tobermory Producers Market at the harbour, where local food producers, crafters and artists showcase their work. The Duke and Duchess toured the market, sampling island produce and meeting the community. On Wednesday, the pair joined the Mull and Iona Ranger Service at Ardura Community Forest – part of the Atlantic rainforest – to learn about conservation and early-years outdoor learning. The trip finished with a ferry to Iona, where they heard about the importance of reliable ferry links. Whether they have any sway in relation to timetables is unknown, but their visit has ensured that Mull and Iona have been talked about on every news channel and in every paper. That kind of advertising is hard to get and not to be sneezed at. Hopefully it will give all of the organisations involved in the trip a boost. There remains something distasteful, though. I don't know if it's the fawning, the fashion, the fleeting bestowal of interest, the Highlands and Islands treated as a sort of safari, fondly remembered from a castle armchair. Maybe it's the privilege, the wealth, or just my own prejudice, but I struggle with the whole performance. If only the island's hard-working organisations received this kind of attention year-round, without needing a royal fly-by. Across communities like ours, the real work happens quietly – without fanfare, crowns or cherry brandies. Yet despite the wall-to-wall coverage, it's still the royals centre stage, and the locals playing the supporting cast. It ought to be the other way around.
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.
