Queen Camilla arrived at the Buckingham Palace Ballroom for a state dinner in honour of the Emir of Qatar after revealing her battle with pneumonia and post-viral fatigue.
The Queen, who skipped the outdoor ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade yesterday, joined the King, the Prince of Wales for the dinner in a red velvet gown and a Diamond Kokoshnik Tiara.
Camilla told guests at the two-day state visit yesterday that the chest infection she contracted after a long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa was a form of pneumonia.
It is understood that she no longer has the infection but continues to struggle with post-viral fatigue after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
It comes as the princess is set to deliver a heartful Christmas message about the importance of love at her upcoming annual carol service, telling the 1,600 Westminster Abbey carol-goers on Friday: “Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times.”
Latest Royal Family News
- Queen’s chest infection ‘was form of pneumonia’
- Kate and William greet Emir of Qatar on state visit
- Camilla pulls out of welcome for Emir of Qatar state visit as Kate steps in
- Kate’s carol service message revealed with William and kids set to attend
- Thomas Kingston took own life after reaction to antidepressant, inquest finds
Queen reveals she is recovering from pneumonia – what we know so far
Tuesday 3 December 2024 17:04
Athena Stavrou
The Queen has been urged to take more time to recover after a bout of pneumonia.
At the start of November it was announced that Camilla had been diagnosed with a chest infection and was under doctors’ supervision.
The 77-year-old was forced to withdraw from her engagements so she could rest at home. She has now revealed that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
According to NHS.uk, most people get better in two to four weeks after a diagnosis.
But it has emerged that the Queen is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari state visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
Lady Gabriella Kingston calls for people to be warned about effects of mental health medications
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:08
Tara Cobham
Lady Gabriella Kingston has called for people to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or she feared more could die.
The 43-year-old issued the warning at an inquest into her husband’s death, as the coroner ruled Thomas Kingston died from a shotgun wound after suffering an adverse effect to medication prescribed by his doctor.
In a statement read out to Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday by Ms Skerrett, Lady Gabriella said: “(Work) was certainly a challenge for him over the years but I highly doubt it would have led him to take his own life, and it seemed much improved.
“If anything had been troubling him, I’m positive that he would have shared that he was struggling severely.
“The fact that he took his life at the home of his beloved parents suggests the decision was the result of a sudden impulse.”
She said she believed his death was “likely provoked” by an adverse reaction to the medication he had begun, and subsequently stopped taking, in the weeks leading up to his death.
He had initially been given Sertraline – an anti-depressant – and Zopiclone, a sleeping tablet, by a GP at the Royal Mews Surgery – a practice used by royal household staff – after complaining of trouble sleeping following stress at work.
Mr Kingston complained this was not making him feel better and his doctor moved him off Sertraline to Citalopram, another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used as an anti-depressant.
“The lack of any evidence of inclination it seems highly likely to me that he had an adverse reaction to the pills that led him to take his life,” Lady Gabriella said.
“I believe anyone taking pills such as these need to be made more aware of the side effects to prevent any future deaths. If this could happen to Tom, this could happen to anyone.”
Thomas Kingston took own life after reaction to antidepressant, inquest finds
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:03
Tara Cobham
The husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent’s daughter Lady Gabriella Kingston died from a shotgun wound after suffering an adverse effect to medication prescribed by his doctor, a coroner has found.
Thomas Kingston died from a head injury and a gun was found near his body on February 25 at his parents’ home in the Cotswolds.
The 45-year-old financier married Lady Gabriella at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in 2019 with the Queen and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh among the guests.
At an inquest into his death held at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Tuesday, Lady Gabriella, 43, said people need to be warned about the effects of medications used to treat mental health conditions or more people could die.
Recording a narrative conclusion, Katy Skerrett, senior coroner for Gloucestershire, said: “Mr Kingston took his own life using a shotgun which caused a severe traumatic wound to the head.
“The evidence of his wife, family and business partner all supports his lack of suicidal intent. He was suffering adverse effects of medication he had recently been prescribed.”
Full story: Kate joins King and William to greet Emir of Qatar on state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 16:00
Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales made a rare public appearance as the King officially welcomed the Emir of Qatar to the UK for a two-day state visit.
Charles greeted the Gulf state ruler in Whitehall as he began a busy round of public engagements aimed at strengthening the ties between the UK and the Middle East nation.
Military pomp and pageantry was on display for the ceremonial welcome for the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher.
Read the full story here:
In pictures: Emir of Qatar and his wife tour Westminster Abbey
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:53
Tara Cobham
William sticks close to Kate’s side
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:50
Tara Cobham
Kate arrived at the Palace after the ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade, with William sticking close to her side as they viewed the small displays of exhibits together.
The princess pointed at a gold mantel clock featuring a bronze model of a horse, which was given by Sheik Tamin to the King as the Prince of Wales in 2010.
She also peered closely at a set of photographic prints by Dutch photographer Robert Van Hilst which capture the spirit of Doha’s historic market Souq Waqif.
The princess, a keen photographer and history of art graduate, asked a question about the prints, before replying “Oh yes” as she examined them closely.
Also among the group was the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent.
Royal party and VIP guests have lunch in Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:49
Tara Cobham
The royal party and their VIP guests had lunch in the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace.
Afterwards, the King led the Emir and his guests into the Picture Gallery, where Christmas trees, decked out in white lights and golden baubles, were on show high above the grand doorways.
Following behind was the Queen, in a blue tartan dress, accompanying Sheikha Jawaher.
The Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, was greeted by Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection, as they prepared to view the exhibition of items from the Royal Collection Trust and the Turquoise Mountain Foundation relating to Qatar.
Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation received $5million donation in 2023
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:30
Tara Cobham
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation received a contribution of $5million (£4 million) last year from an unnamed donor, documents show.
According to the charity’s tax form for the year 2023, the donation was made by a person who is not named and is the largest contribution listed in the document.
The form also showed that the foundation had given a $250,000 (£198,000) grant to a women’s wellness centre founded by US President Joe Biden’s daughter Ashley.
The centre, called the Women’s Wellness Space and based in Philadelphia, aims to empower women who have experienced trauma to help them “break from the cycle of poverty” and support each other, according to its website.
The Archewell Foundation, launched by Harry and Meghan, is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to “show up, do good”, according to its website.
Its annual impact report for 2023 to 2024, published on its website, outlines work the foundation has conducted this year, including the public launch of its Parents’ Network to support those whose children have experienced online harm.
It also details the expansion of the Welcome Project, which brings together recently resettled women through social activities such as cooking, swimming or hiking.
In pictures: Charles, Camilla, Kate and William with Emir of Qatar and his wife at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 14:57
Tara Cobham
Princess of Wales’s attendance at Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks start of busier week for her
Tuesday 3 December 2024 14:30
Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales’s attendance at the Horse Guards Parade ceremony marks the start of a busier week for her.
Kate will be hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey on Friday, when she is expected to be joined by her children and husband for the event.
The princess has been gradually returning to royal duties after she announced in September she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and her focus was “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
Her participation in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade is one of her few official appearances this year.
She will travel with her husband in the carriage procession and the couple will join Charles and Camilla as they host a lunch for their guests Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher.
However, Kate will not attend the state banquet hosted by the King, although William will be a guest.
Life Guards seen leaving Buckingham Palace following ceremonial welcome
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:57
Tara Cobham
Queen no longer coughing but still extremely tired, according to royal source
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:54
Tara Cobham
Camilla no longer has a cough but is still extremely tired at times, according to a royal source.
They said: “Some days the Queen is on really good form. It’s just one of those things.
“She has lost the coughing but the lingering side of it is bouts of extreme tiredness.
“There has to be a degree of flex in the Queen’s diary at the moment.”
Charles travels in Irish State Coach with Emir of Qatar and his wife Sheikha Jawaher
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:52
Tara Cobham
Kate pays tribute to the late Queen in burgundy ensemble for Qatar state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:40
Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales paid homage to Queen Elizabeth II whilst sporting the colour of the season at Qatar’s state visit to Buckingham Palace.
The princess wore a monochromatic burgundy ensemble, with a long line coat by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (who was also the mind behind her wedding dress) with leather gloves, pointed boots and a Chanel bag.
Kate finished the look with a tribute to the late Queen, by wearing a custom burgundy teardrop beret adorned with a bow by Sahar Millinery. The millinery is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, paying homage to the late Queen’s taste.
Kate’s hat was not the only tribute to Queen Elizabeth II. The princess also paid tribute to the late Queen by wearing a pair of her Bahrain pearl drop earrings, which Kate previously wore for the Trooping the Colour parade in celebration of the late Queen’s birthday on June 8th 2019.
The diamond-encrusted earrings are reportedly crafted from a shell containing seven pearls, which was a wedding gift to Elizabeth II from the ruler of Bahrain in 1947.
Alongside her Bahrain earrings, Kate paired the pearls with another piece passed down by the late Queen: a four-strand pearl choker, which she previously wore to Prince Philip’s funeral in April, 2021.
This striking pearl and diamond choker was commissioned to be created using a collection of cultured pearls gifted to the late monarch by the Japanese government. The piece was part of the Elizabeth II’s regular jewellery collection in the Eighties and Nineties, and was also worn by the late Princess Diana.
Queen’s chest infection ‘was form of pneumonia’
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:38
Tara Cobham
The Queen has told guests at the state visit that her chest infection was a form of pneumonia.
Camilla is suffering from post-viral fatigue and is missing the outdoor elements of the Qatari visit after being urged by her doctors to take more time to recover.
It is understood Camilla’s condition was viral, not bacterial, and she no longer has pneumonia.
The Queen missed the outdoor ceremonial welcome on a chilly Horse Guards Parade on Tuesday.
Instead, she arrived at Buckingham Palace shortly beforehand, giving a smile as she stepped from her car at the Grand Entrance.
Camilla, 77, waited for the Emir of Qatar and his wife inside, in the warm surroundings of the Grand Hall.
She contracted her chest infection after a long haul trip to Australia and Samoa and has pulled out a series of engagements since then, including the the Royal Variety Performance, the Gladiator II premiere and the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph.
It is understood the Queen was not taken to hospital with pneumonia, but is now facing bouts of extreme tiredness.
In pictures: King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery perform gun salute in St James’s Park
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:36
Tara Cobham
Pictured: Prince and Princess of Wales arriving at Buckingham Palace
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:28
Tara Cobham
King and Queen introduce Emir and his wife to British suite
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:25
Tara Cobham
Inside Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen introduced the Emir and his wife to the British suite – key members of the Royal Household – who had gathered to wait in a receiving line.
The King and Emir walked together, followed by Camilla and Sheikha Jawaher.
Among those in the receiving line were the Lord Chamberlain Lord Benyon, the Queen’s companions Sarah Troughton and Lady Lansdowne, as well as Keeper of the Privy Purse Sir Michael Stevens and Master of the Household Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt.
Also there was Assistant Private Secretary to the King Muna Shamsuddin, who joined the royal household this year and is leading on the Qatari state visit.
The red carpeted Grand Hall was decorated for Christmas with a large Christmas tree.
His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms were positioned in the Grand Hall, and the King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard stood in the Marble Hall.
The Prince and Princess of Wales were also pictured walking through the Grand Hall before a lunch with the Emir.
In pictures: Kate lets family heirlooms shine against dark palette of ensemble
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:17
Tara Cobham
The Princess of Wales has chosen to wear a pearl necklace known as the Four-Row Japanese Pearl Choker.
The necklace is believed to have been given to the late Queen by the Japanese Government sometime in the 1970s when she made her first state visit to Japan.
Kate previously wore the statement necklace at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral in 2021 as well as in 2017 at a dinner to commemorate the 70th wedding anniversary of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.
The necklace has also been worn by Kate’s late mother-in-law, Diana, the Princess of Wales, who chose to wear it for a banquet at Hampton Court Palace in honor of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in November 1982.
King arrives with Emir at Palace in Irish State Coach to sound of Qatari and British national anthems
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:14
Tara Cobham
The King arrived at the Grand Entrance of Buckingham Palace in the Irish State Coach with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani to the sound of the Qatar and British national anthems.
Waiting inside in the warm in the Grand Hall was the Queen. In the second carriage, the Australian State Coach, were the Prince and Princess of Wales with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Sheikh Mohammed stepped from the carriage first, followed by William, with both turning to wait for Kate. The princess stepped carefully from the state coach in her knee-high high heeled boots.
The Waleses walked side by side chatting to one another, with Kate carrying a small matching burgundy handbag and a pair of gloves, as they made their way up the red carpeted steps of the Grand Entrance.
Former economist Sheikh Mohammed is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and a member of the Qatari royal family. He has been prime minister since 2023 and is distantly related to the Emir.
In the palace quadrangle in formation was a Guard of Honour from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards in their grey greatcoats and bearskin hats with the Band of the Irish Guards. A dismounted Detachment of Household Cavalry stood either side of the Grand Entrance.
Camilla expected to be at Palace to bid formal farewell to Emir
Tuesday 3 December 2024 13:00
Tara Cobham
Camilla is expected to be at Buckingham Palace when the Emir of Qatar formally bids the King and her farewell.
The Emir will visit Sandhurst on Wednesday, the final day of the two-day visit, before travelling to the Palace.
Pictured: King greets Emir of Qatar
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:47
Athena Stavrou
Emir of Qatar welcomed by King
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:36
Athena Stavrou
The Prince and Princess of Wales have arrived at Horse Guards Parade with the visiting head of state Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher
The royal women travelled in one chauffeur driven limousine while men travelled in another and the waiting King warmly greeted his guests on a dais.
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:31
Athena Stavrou
Watch live as King Charles III welcomes the Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani begins a two-day state visit to the UK on Tuesday, 3 December.
Charles will welcome the leader and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during an extravagant ceremony staged in Whitehall.
Queen Camilla will be absent; On Monday, she pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to the palace due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
The Prince and Princess of Wales will take part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer.
Starmer, Lammy and Cooper arrive for Ceremonial Welcome
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:17
Athena Stavrou
Kate and William greet Emir of Qatar
Tuesday 3 December 2024 12:08
Athena Stavrou
The Prince and Princess of Wales have greeted the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and his wife Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani at the Emir’s private residence on behalf of the King.
It was Kate’s first appearance at a state visit since her cancer diagnosis.
She was pictured smiling in a fitted burgundy coat and hat alongside William and the VIP guests inside the residence in London.
Kate, wearing a pearl necklace and with her hair in a low chignon, was seen in conversation with Sheikha Jawaher.
The royal party will make their way to Horse Guards Parade by car for the traditional ceremonial welcome where they will be met by the King, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and other senior government figures.
In pictures: Prince and Princess of Wales greet Emir of Qatar and his wife
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:57
Tara Cobham
Watch live: King welcomes Emir of Qatar to Buckingham Palace for state visit
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:55
Tara Cobham
In pictures: Union flags and flags of Qatar line The Mall in London on Tuesday
Tuesday 3 December 2024 11:34
Tara Cobham
No major changes to Queen’s diary expected for rest of week
Tuesday 3 December 2024 10:45
Tara Cobham
No major changes are expected to her diary for the rest of the week, but the Queen has been advised by her medical team to take each day as it comes.
Doctors have urged Camilla to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa, which include diminished reserves of energy.
Watch: Princess of Wales adds final touches to Christmas carol service plans
Tuesday 3 December 2024 10:00
Tara Cobham
Camilla pulls out of welcome for Emir of Qatar state visit as Kate steps in
Tuesday 3 December 2024 09:06
Tara Cobham
The Queen has had to pull out of the welcome for the Emir of Qatar’s two-day state visit to the UK that is being hosted by the King, while the Princess of Wales has stepped in.
Charles will welcome Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the first of his three wives, Sheikha Jawaher, during a ceremony of pomp and pageantry staged in Whitehall on Tuesday.
But missing will be Camilla who, on Monday evening, pulled out of the official open-air greeting on Horse Guards Parade and a carriage ride back to Buckingham Palace, due to lingering effects of a recent viral chest infection.
She will join the royal party later for a private lunch with the Emir and his wife and will also take part in all but one of the elements of the evening state banquet at Buckingham Palace, staged in honour of the Emir.
Meanwhile, the Prince and Princess of Wales will take part in the ceremony on Horse Guards Parade, one of the few official appearances by Kate during a year in which she has been successfully treated for cancer.
The princess has been gradually returning to royal duties after she announced in September she had completed her chemotherapy treatment and her focus was “doing what I can to stay cancer free”.
She will travel with her husband in the carriage procession and the couple will join Charles and Camilla as they host a lunch for their guests Sheikh Tamim and Sheikha Jawaher.
However, Kate will not attend the state banquet hosted by the King, although William will be a guest.
Doctors have urged Camilla, 77, to take time to rest and recover fully because of the lingering effects of the illness, contracted a month ago following her long-haul trip to Australia and Samoa, which include diminished reserves of energy.
Where can I watch Kate’s Christmas carol service?
Monday 2 December 2024 08:01
Athena Stavrou
The event will be broadcast as part of the programme Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, screened on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, and it will feature three films about the stories of people and organisations who have inspired, counselled and comforted others in their times of need.
Alongside the event at Westminster Abbey, 15 community carol services will take place around the UK in the coming days, to provide a moment for people to come together and celebrate community work during the festive season.
Hosted by Lord Lieutenants, and supported by William and Kate’s Royal Foundation, these events will be tailored to their local communities and include elements of the Westminster Abbey service – including Kate’s letter.
Saudi Arabia launches partnership with King Charles’s foundation to encourage handicrafts
Monday 2 December 2024 07:00
Athena Stavrou
King Charles’s decades’ old celebration of traditional architecture, arts and handicrafts is being embraced by the Arab world, now keen to promote their own arts and crafts in similar fashion.
This week an agreement effectively uniting the commitment of two kingdoms was signed in Riyadh. The co-operation agreement commits The King’s Foundation to participate in Saudi Arabia’s Year of Handicrafts 2025 initiative through the Foundation’s School of Traditional Arts.
The signing ceremony on Wednesday was attended by Prince Bader bin Farhan, minister of culture, at the Saudi International Handicrafts Week Exhibition in Riyadh. Khaled Omar Azzam, director of the traditional arts school at The King’s Foundation, and Hamed Fayez, deputy minister of culture, also attended the signing of the agreement, which aims to revive and promote handicrafts in Saudi Arabia throughout 2025.
Read the full article here:
Meghan Markle says ‘every year it gets better’ as she shares holiday plans with Archie and Lilibet
Monday 2 December 2024 06:01
Athena Stavrou
Meghan Markle is embracing the magic of the holidays, thanks to her children with Prince Harry.
In an interview with Marie Claire, the 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex reflected on how her children — son Archie, five, and daughter Lilibet, three — are reaching the age when the festive season feels even more special.
“I love the holidays,” Meghan shared enthusiastically. “Archie and Lilibet are now three and five, so every year it gets better.”
Read the full story:
Less than 3% of UK hospitals take free portrait of King
Monday 2 December 2024 05:00
Athena Stavrou
Fewer than 3% of the UK’s hospitals have accepted a free portrait of the King after more than 20,500 were made available following his coronation.
The scheme was launched in November 2023, and was billed as a chance to commemorate Charles’ reign.
The portrait, showing Charles in the Royal Navy uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet, was taken by photographer Hugo Bernard at Windsor Castle last year.
It was offered free to public institutions by the last Conservative government, but the scheme has seen mixed success.
Take-up has ranged from 100% of Coastguard centres, to just 40 of the nation’s 1,454 hospitals – or 2.75%.
The second highest take-up was Lord Lieutenancies at 76.7%, while the second lowest was universities and higher education institutions at just 7.4%.
Only 25.5% of Church of England churches accepted the offer, despite the King being the head of the Church.
The total cost of the scheme was £2,710,705.50 with an average price of £131.81 per portrait. The total number of portraits commissioned was 20,565.
Multi-million pound cost of King Charles’ coronation revealed
Monday 2 December 2024 04:03
Athena Stavrou
The cost of King Charles’ coronation has been revealed, with government accounts showing that £72 million in taxpayer money was spent on the event.
An annual report from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) shows that it spent £50.3 million on the coronation. This was alongside the £21.7 million in policing costs for the royal event.
The coronation took place on 6 May 2023, marking the crowning of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Around 18 million viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony on the BBC – fewer than the 28 million that watched Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
Read the full article here: