The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will ‘undertake light engagements’ until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm she will return to public duties following the completion of her chemotherapy course.
Her heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
She describes the past nine months since her serious health issues began as “incredibly tough for us as a family” and how the “cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone”, with the experience giving her a “new perspective on everything.”
The princess revealed she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate has stayed largely out of the public eye since her diagnosis, having only been seen at official engagements twice since January.
The mother-of-three attended Trooping the Colour in June and presented the Wimbledon men’s trophy in July and it is now understood she will return to work this autumn.
Key Points
- Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
- Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback'
- Harry ‘to receive millions’ on 40th birthday from Queen Mother
- King’s health ‘heading in positive trajectory’
Starmer sends well wishes to Kate
20:00
Athena Stavrou
The prime minister has said he is “pleased to hear” that the Princess of Wales has completed her chemotherapy treatment as he sent his well wishes.
Sir Keir Starmer wrote on X: “Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy. On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery.”
Pleased to hear the Princess of Wales has finished chemotherapy.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 9, 2024
On behalf of the entire country, I send her my very best wishes for a full recovery. https://t.co/HI4ILmErqu
Is the shrinking Royal Family about to collapse? Join our event on the British Monarchy’s personnel crisis
19:07
Athena Stavrou
The future direction of the monarchy is on a knife-edge, amid the passing of the late Queen, tense relationships, and a shrinking inner circle bolstered by an unprecedented health crisis.
Less than two years into his tenure as monarch, King Charles III announced his cancer diagnosis, reducing his public duties to recover. The Princess of Wales is also unable to carry out public duties, dealing with her own cancer diagnosis.
The event will be hosted on Zoom and will last one hour. It will take place on Tuesday September 10 and will start at 7pm BST.
Once signed up you will be able to ask questions to the panel. You can also post questions in the comments of this article.
For more information and to sign up for a free ticket click here.
King to speak at Scottish Parliament 25th anniversary celebration
18:35
Athena Stavrou
The King will address the Scottish Parliament at its 25th anniversary celebration later this month.
The event on Saturday September 28 marks a quarter of a century since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened.
Charles and the the Queen will attend and meet First Minister John Swinney and other party leaders ahead of the King’s speech in the chamber.
They will then meet people from across Scotland nominated by MSPs as “local heroes” for their extraordinary contribution to their communities at a parliamentary reception.
Scottish Parliament presiding officer Alison Johnstone, who will make opening remarks in the chamber ahead of the King’s speech, said: “25 years of the Scottish Parliament marks a significant milestone in the country’s political journey.
“I am delighted that Their Majesties The King and The Queen will join us to mark this special occasion.”
Family moments captured on film as Kate shares cancer journey update
17:57
Athena Stavrou
Moments of the Princess of Wales’s family life, from snuggling with the Prince of Wales to spending precious time with her children, feature in footage released by Kate as she opened up about her cancer journey.
The montage, by filmmaker Will Warr, captures the princess enjoying the summer sunshine in the Norfolk woods with William and Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Embraces between the princess and her husband appear throughout, with a message from Kate played as a voiceover against a backdrop of gentle music.
Kate is shown cuddling into William, with her head on his shoulders as he holds and pats her hand, as they sit on a picnic blanket in the forest.
The family is seen happily, and competitively, playing cards around a table with Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton.
There are hugs for Charlotte and a cuddle and kiss on the head for George from Kate, and Louis is shown embracing his father William.
Daredevil Louis climbs high in a tree, watched by Kate at the bottom, and William uses a playing card to remove a green caterpillar from Charlotte’s hair, showing it to her which makes her squeal.
In another clip, George peers into the camera and asks: “Is this filming?” and Charlotte and Louis press their faces near the lens giggling and both saying “Hello”.
Full story: Kate Middleton completes cancer treatment as palace announce health update
17:31
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm the news as she described the past nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family”.
The princess has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
Read the full story here:
Kate releases message on social media
17:19
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales shared her deeply moving video message in a social media post on Monday afternoon.
Alongside her statement, giving an update on her health, the princess spoke over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
A message from Catherine, The Princess of Wales
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) September 9, 2024
As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an… pic.twitter.com/9S1W8sDHUL
Kate to return to royal duties
17:08
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales will now ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ this year after completing chemotherapy treatmenent.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video message alongside Prince William and their three children to announce the news and give an update on her health.
The princess, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years and she has begun working with her team on the project.
‘Out of darkness, can come light’: Kate’s full statement
16:59
Athena Stavrou
“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment.
The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.
The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you.
With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.
This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.
Doing what I can to stay cancer free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.
William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling.
To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
In pictures: Kate and William cuddle in moving video message
16:50
Athena Stavrou
Watch Kate’s full video message as she completes cancer treatment
16:41
Athena Stavrou
Kate releases deeply moving video as she announces completion of cancer treatment
16:39
Liam James
The Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment and will ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ until the end of the year.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video with her family to confirm the news as she described the past nine months as “incredibly tough for us as a family”.
The princess has been undergoing preventative chemotherapy after having been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer earlier this year.
Kate’s heartfelt message about her cancer journey is spoken over images showing the Waleses and their children enjoying the outdoors, walking through woods and the couple shown cuddling as they hold hands.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
“Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life.”
Meghan Markle’s ‘chapter of joy’ on anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death
15:00
Emma Guinness
Meghan Markle attended a bookshop event with her friend Oprah Winfrey on the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death (8 September).
Oprah’s book club event took place at Godmothers bookstore, in Summerland, California, while other members of the royal family marked the second anniversary of the late queen’s passing.
As reported by the Sun, the Duchess of Sussex said: “I’m looking at this time as my chapter of joy.”
She added: “The more you are able to look at your life and really, truly recognise and be able to be grateful for your life – you have to be grateful for all aspects of it.”
King Charles’s second year on the throne marked with 41 gun saltue
13:32
Emma Guinness
The second anniversary of King Charles’s ascension to the throne has been marked today with a 41 gun salute in Hyde Park.
Queen Elizabeth II passed away on 8 September, 2022, at the age of 96.
The Band of the Welsh Guards also marked the occasion with music.
Late Queen Elizabeth II would have been ‘proud’ of King Charles
13:00
Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II would have been “extremely proud” of how King Charles’s has handled the many challenges he has faced in his reign so far.
These include several health problems within the royal family, including his own cancer diagnosis, as well as ongoing tensions with his youngest son, Prince Harry, who he last saw in February.
Royal expert Duncan Larcombe told OK! magazine: “The Queen always had that ‘keep calm and carry on’ work ethic, and we’ve really seen that continue with the King.
“He has kept going, and you get the impression he’s been doing as much as he physically can. I wonder if his doctors might privately be a bit annoyed that he hasn’t rested as much as he could have.”
Queen Elizabeth predicted big changes in monarchy before death
12:00
Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II appears to have predicted the many changes that the monarchy would undergo after her death.
This year, in particular, has put King Charles’s vision for a comparatively slimmed-down monarchy to the test as the family battles several health problems, including his own cancer diagnosis.
As reported by the Express, the late monarch said four months before her death: “I have lived long enough to know things never remain quite the same for very long. Events and situations change with startling speed.”
Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the queen’s passing.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘sitting on goldmine'
10:40
Emma Guinness
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are “sitting on a goldmine” if Meghan decides to write a memoir, it has been claimed.
This comes ahead of the paperback release of the Duke of Sussex’s bombshell 2023 memoir Spare, which is said to have bagged him a $20m advance.
But royal expert Tom Bower said that should the duchess write her own account, it would destroy any hopes of a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royal family.
He told Talk TV: “The only thing she has got left – and I think that is her potential gold mine – is her autobiography.”
Mr Bower added: “She has a very, very vivid imagination and she’ll be able to spell out an amazing story... to increase her income.”
The duchess currently has no known plans to write an autobiography.
Watch: King Charles attends church on second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death
07:00
Athena Stavrou
Songs Of Praise filmed at Balmoral church for first time
06:00
Athena Stavrou
The Scottish church where Queen Elizabeth II worshipped has hosted the BBC’s Songs Of Praise programme for the first time to mark the second anniversary of her death.
The special programme, which was screened on Sunday, featured a hymn commissioned by the King called Crathie in honour of the building.
During the programme, presenter Claire McCollum meets Crathie’s minister and chaplain to the monarch, Reverend Ken MacKenzie, to reflect on the late Queen’s deep faith and how she always felt part of his congregation.
He took the broadcaster on a historical tour of the kirk, including the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1893 and the royal pews where the King and Queen Camilla regularly worship.
The King’s ‘rollercoaster year’ filled with family health challenges
05:00
Athena Stavrou
The King faced a “rollercoaster” second year as sovereign, with the Queen proving herself the “star of the show” thanks to her support for her husband and the monarchy, a royal expert has said.
Sunday was the second anniversary of Charles’s accession to the throne and the loss of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The year 2024 looked set to offer a chance for the King and the royal family to settle in amid the aftermath the late Queen’s death and the King’s accession in 2022 and the hectic demands of the coronation in 2023.
But the health blows faced by Charles and the Princess of Wales torpedoed any plans for a run-of-the-mill year.
Joe Little, of Majesty magazine, said: “Nobody saw those things coming and they had a profound impact. It has been a rollercoaster year for the King, not just for him, but for his family, and it will have been of great concern to the Queen.
“Nonetheless he has been remarkably active for someone with his condition and given his age.
“He hasn’t really let the treatment hold him back, but I’m sure he hasn’t done anything near as much as he would have liked to have done.”
Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback’
04:00
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales is hoping to join the royal family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and host her Christmas carol concert, according to reports.
Kate, who has undergone months of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, is “potentially” set to join the King on November 10 at the national service in Whitehall in honour of those who died in conflict, The Sunday Times said.
Planning is also said to be under way for her annual televised Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in December, if she continues to have “more ‘good days’”, the newspaper revealed.
Kate, 42, has made two official public appearances since her diagnosis – attending Trooping the Colour in June and presenting the Wimbledon men’s trophy in July.
No date has been set for her return to public life, but the princess is understood to be holding more regular meetings as she works from home, having enjoyed the summer with the Prince of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate to return to royal duties
20:13
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales will now ‘undertake a few more public engagements’ this year after completing chemotherapy treatmenent.
Kate, 42, appeared in a deeply personal video message alongside Prince William and their three children to announce the news and give an update on her health.
The princess, who is continuing to work from home, is hoping to return to a light programme of public duties for the remainder of the year, reflecting her need to make a full recovery, and aims for a handful of engagements in the coming months.
In the video, Kate says: “Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.
“I am however looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can.
She is also working towards appearing with the royal family at the annual Remembrance Sunday service staged at the Cenotaph in Whitehall.
The princess’ Christmas Carol concert at Westminster Abbey has become a firm fixture in the royal calendar in recent years and she has begun working with her team on the project.
King’s health ‘heading in positive trajectory’
02:30
Athena Stavrou
The King’s health is “heading in a very positive trajectory”, royal sources have said, as he marks the second anniversary of his accession to the throne.
Charles’, second year as sovereign has been filled with health concerns, having been diagnosed with cancer and dealing with ongoing treatment alongside his royal duties.
But a source said Charles had coped with the past year with a “determination to be as public as he was able” to reassure the nation about how much he could still do.
The King spent around three months away from public-facing duties and returned in April with a visit to a cancer centre in London.
He had a high profile run of engagements through the next few months with D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations in Portsmouth and Normandy, Trooping the Colour, the incoming Japanese state visit, a short trip to Jersey and Guernsey, the appointment of a new Prime Minister after Labour’s landslide general election, and the State Opening of Parliament.
The King and Queen are gearing up for an important tour to Australia and Samoa in the autumn – their first major overseas trip since news of Charles’s cancer was announced.
“Health has to remain the number one priority, albeit heading in a very positive trajectory,” the source said.
Sir Ian McKellen says ‘he’s most definitely on Prince Harry’s side’
01:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Ian McKellen has asserted his support for Prince Harry as the duke’s estrangement with his brother and father continues.
The veteran British actor, 85, told The Times he believed Harry isn’t “bright enough” to deal wit the turmoils of royal life.
Reportedly pointing to a copy of Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, in his east London home, Sir Ian said: “I’m most definitely on Harry’s side.”
He added: “Imagine being born into the royal family. I’ve been in public life a bit, but these people are in prison. They can’t do anything normal. Can you imagine having to be nice to everyone you talk to?”
“Hats off to anyone who manages to stay sane in that world,” he said.
“Like the [late] Duke of Edinburgh managed to do, although even he was deeply, deeply eccentric and I suspect deeply unhappy. Same with the present king. He sort of survives, but he is clearly damaged. As for Harry, he’s probably not bright enough or doesn’t have the right friends to really help himself.
“Mind you, he had the pick of all the pretty women in the world. I hope he’s got the right one.”
Harry ‘to receive millions’ on 40th birthday from Queen Mother
Sunday 8 September 2024 23:30
Athena Stavrou
The Duke of Sussex is set to receive millions from the late Queen Mother when he celebrates his 40th birthday next week.
Prince Harry will reportedly become eligible to receive a large sum on September 15 from a trust set up by Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother when he was ten years old.
An estimated £19 million was set aside by the dukes great-grandmother to be shared between her grandchildren, The Times reports.
Citing contemporary reports, the newspaper claimed William and Harry were set to receive £6 million between them when they turned 21 and a further £8 million when they turned 40. It is believed Harry would receive a larger share as William would benefit from the income from the Duchy of Cornwall.
A former Palace aide told The Times: “There was a trust fund set up at the time. It was a way in which the Queen Mother could set aside money for when her great-grandchildren were older and a way of passing a slice of her estate down in a tax-efficient way. It was a way in which some of her estate could be ring-fenced for them.”
Reports name Zara and Peter Phillips, Beatrice, Eugenie, Viscount Linley and Lady Sarah Chatto as the other beneficiaries of the fund.
King clocks up more than 100 days of engagements in scaled-back second year
Sunday 8 September 2024 22:00
Athena Stavrou
The King’s second year as monarch has been less hectic than his first, with cancer treatment understandably having an impact on his schedule, though he has still undertaken dozens of visits, meetings and events.
Charles has carried out official engagements on 132 days during the past year, compared with 161 days in the previous 12 months.
The second year of his reign can be divided roughly into three sections: a full schedule during the autumn of 2023, with trips around the UK as well as to France, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, a period out of the public eye following his prostate operation in January 2024 and subsequent diagnosis of cancer, and a gradual return to regular activity from May onwards, including visits to Scotland and the Channel Islands.
The figures have been compiled by the PA news agency using the Court Circular, which is the official record of the royal family’s daily activities.
Ian McKellen claims Queen Elizabeth was rude to him - recap
Sunday 8 September 2024 21:00
Athena Stavrou
Sir Ian McKellen has claimed the late Queen Elizabeth II was “quite rude to him” on the occasions they met.
The veteran British actor, 85, was knighted for services to the performing arts in 1991 and had met the Queen at least once when she personally appointed him Companion of Honour (CH) for his services to drama and to equality in 2008.
The Lord Of The Rings actor said he thinks the late monarch was “quite mad at the end” as he described some unpleasant encounters with her.
“The Queen, I’m sure she was quite mad at the end. And on the few occasions I met her she was quite rude,” he told The Times. “When I received a medal for acting (the Companion of Honour in 2008), she said, ‘You’ve been doing this for an awfully long time’.
“I said, ‘Well, not as long as you.’ I got a royal smile for that, but then she said, ‘Does anyone still actually go to the theatre?’.
“That’s bloody rude when you’re giving someone a medal for acting. It meant, ‘Does anyone care a f*** about you because I don’t. Now off you go!’”
The Burnley-born actor went on to demonstrate how the late Queen shook his hand, claiming she “shoved” him away as he offered his hand and added: “That was her handshake and it meant, ‘Go! Go!’”
Charles ‘very well known and liked’ in local Balmoral community
Sunday 8 September 2024 20:00
Athena Stavrou
The guest preacher at the service attended by the King and Queen described the anniversary as “particularly significant and poignant for the royal family”.
Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said he had remembered the royal family in his prayers during his sermon, and it was a privilege to preach to the King, the Queen and rest of the congregation.
After the service, he described how the King was “very well known and liked” in the local community around Balmoral and is “very much part of it”, just like the late Queen.
Dr Paterson said: “It was a privilege to preach to the congregation of Crathie Kirk, which included King Charles III and members of the royal family.
“This weekend is particularly significant and poignant for the royal family, indeed for all of us in Scotland, across the wider UK and Commonwealth, because the 8th of September marks the second anniversary of the death of Her Majesty the Queen and His Majesty’s accession to the throne.
“Like his late mother, His Majesty is very well known and liked in this community and is very much part of it. I remembered the royal family, along with all the people of this parish and the wider nation and Commonwealth in my prayers.”
Royal pictures of the week
Sunday 8 September 2024 19:00
Athena Stavrou
Kate ‘hoping for autumn comeback’
Sunday 8 September 2024 18:00
Athena Stavrou
The Princess of Wales is hoping to join the royal family at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and host her Christmas carol concert, according to reports.
Kate, who has undergone months of chemotherapy treatment for cancer, is “potentially” set to join the King on November 10 at the national service in Whitehall in honour of those who died in conflict, The Sunday Times said.
Planning is also said to be under way for her annual televised Together At Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey in December, if she continues to have “more ‘good days’”, the newspaper revealed.
Kate, 42, has made two official public appearances since her diagnosis – attending Trooping the Colour in June and presenting the Wimbledon men’s trophy in July.
No date has been set for her return to public life, but the princess is understood to be holding more regular meetings as she works from home, having enjoyed the summer with the Prince of Wales and their children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Watch: King Charles attends church on second anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death
Sunday 8 September 2024 17:00
Athena Stavrou
Zara Tindall’s children enjoy fun family day out supporting her at horse trials
Sunday 8 September 2024 16:00
Athena Stavrou
Zara Tindall’s children enjoyed a fun family day out supporting their mother as she competed in an equestrian event in Lincolnshire.
Her husband, former rugby international Mike Tindall, accompanied their three young children to watch her appearance at the Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford on Saturday.
The couple’s son, Lucas, three, was seen cheekily climbing on the back of his uncle, Peter Phillips, and hanging around his neck while Peter clung onto a coffee cup. Lucas also enjoyed lying on the grass while playing with his sister, Lena, six.
The couple’s eldest daughter, Mia, 10, was spotted snapping photos of her father, who dressed casually for the occasion in a white t-shirt, jeans and a baseball cap.
All three children smiled as they ran around the event with their father in tow.
The royal family has a lifelong love of horses, with Zara’s mother, the Princess Royal, becoming the first member of the family to compete at the Olympics in a three-day equestrian event at the 1976 Montreal games. Zara went on to win a silver Olympic medal when she competed at the London 2012 games.
How else is the anniversary of the Queen’s death being marked today?
Sunday 8 September 2024 15:00
Athena Stavrou
The King and Queen attended a church service at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral on Sunday on the second anniversary of the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Prayers will be said for the King and the royal family hundreds of miles away at services in London’s Westminster Abbey – the scene of the late Queen’s final farewell at her funeral 11 days after her death.
The gothic abbey’s bells will also ring out to mark the King’s accession anniversary, as is the custom.
Gun salutes are usually fired on Accession Day, but because this year it falls on a Sunday when salutes traditionally do not take place, the military tribute by The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery at Hyde Park and The Honourable Artillery Company at the Tower of London has been moved to Monday.
Both regiments taking part were responsible for firing the Death Gun salutes upon the death of Elizabeth II, with almost all of the soldiers and horses taking part playing a role in the Queen’s funeral and the proclamation of the King.
Starmer pays tribute to late Queen
Sunday 8 September 2024 14:37
Athena Stavrou
Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II on the second anniversary of her death.
The prime minister wrote on X/Twitter: “Today marks two years since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen’s dedication to the UK and Commonwealth taught us that whatever challenges our country faces, the value of service always endures.
“For the 70 glorious years of her reign, she was at the heart of this nation’s life. Today we honour her memory.”
Today marks two years since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) September 8, 2024
The late Queen’s dedication to the UK and Commonwealth taught us that whatever challenges our country faces, the value of service always endures.
For the 70 glorious years of her reign, she was at the heart of this…
Songs Of Praise filmed at Balmoral church for first time
Sunday 8 September 2024 14:02
Athena Stavrou
The Scottish church where Queen Elizabeth II worshipped has hosted the BBC’s Songs Of Praise programme for the first time to mark the second anniversary of her death.
The special programme, due to be screened on Sunday, features a hymn commissioned by the King called Crathie in honour of the building.
During the programme, presenter Claire McCollum meets Crathie’s minister and chaplain to the monarch, Reverend Ken MacKenzie, to reflect on the late Queen’s deep faith and how she always felt part of his congregation.
He will take the broadcaster on a historical tour of the kirk, including the foundation stone laid by Queen Victoria in 1893 and the royal pews where the King and Queen Camilla regularly worship.
The King’s ‘rollercoaster year’ filled with family health challenges
Sunday 8 September 2024 13:17
Athena Stavrou
The King faced a “rollercoaster” second year as sovereign, with the Queen proving herself the “star of the show” thanks to her support for her husband and the monarchy, a royal expert has said.
Sunday is the second anniversary of Charles’s accession to the throne and the loss of his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The year 2024 looked set to offer a chance for the King and the royal family to settle in amid the aftermath the late Queen’s death and the King’s accession in 2022 and the hectic demands of the coronation in 2023.
But the health blows faced by Charles and the Princess of Wales torpedoed any plans for a run-of-the-mill year.
Joe Little, of Majesty magazine, said: “Nobody saw those things coming and they had a profound impact. It has been a rollercoaster year for the King, not just for him, but for his family, and it will have been of great concern to the Queen.
“Nonetheless he has been remarkably active for someone with his condition and given his age.
“He hasn’t really let the treatment hold him back, but I’m sure he hasn’t done anything near as much as he would have liked to have done.”
King and Queen leave Balmoral service
Sunday 8 September 2024 12:57
Athena Stavrou
The King and Queen have left Crathie Kirk by car after the hour-long service.
Also at the service was Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, who had stayed overnight at Balmoral Castle as a guest of the King.
