Archive for ‘Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 2012 coverage’

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June 2, 2012

The Queen enjoys jubilee celebrations at the Epsom Derby

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Epsom racecourse. Photo Credit: EPA

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Epsom racecourse. Photo Credit: EPA

A host of Royals gathered to watch the races at the Epsom Derby on Saturday. Photo Credit: Ken Goff, GoffPhotos.com

A host of Royals gathered to watch the races at the Epsom Derby with the Queen on Saturday. Photo Credit: Ken Goff, GoffPhotos.com

Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York. Notice Eugenie's festive Union Flag decorated nails. Photo Credit: EPA

Princess Eugenie of York and Princess Beatrice of York. Photo Credit: EPA

Notice Eugenie’s festive Union Flag decorated nails. Photo Credit: Camera Press

The diamond jubilee weekend celebrations began today with the Queen’s visit to the Epsom Derby.

Her majesty was driven down the course and cheered for by a 130,000-strong race-going crowd, according to The Guardian.

There was much entertainment to be enjoyed by those present besides the racing:

  •  A parachute fall by the Red Devils.

    The Red Devils parachute display. Photo Credit: EPA

  •  A performance of the national anthem by Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins, accompanied by the band of Her Majesty’s Royal MarinesPortsmouth.
    Katherine Jenkins. Photo Credit: Getty Images

    Katherine Jenkins. Photo Credit: Getty Images

  •  And an act by Ashleigh Butler with her dog Pudsey, the winners of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent.

    Ashleigh Butler and Pudsey. Photo Credit: RacingFotos.com

Other royals joined the Queen at the Derby, including:

  • Prince Andrew, The Duke of York

    Prince Andrew, Duke of York. Photo Credit: Camera Press, James Veysey

  • The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester

    Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (L) and his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester arrive on Derby Day. Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO / CARL COURTCARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages

    Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester (L) and his wife Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester arrive at Derby Day. Photo Credit: AFP PHOTO / CARL COURTCARL COURT/AFP/GettyImages

  • Prince and Princess Michael of Kent

    Prince Michael of Kent and the Princess Michael of Kent Marie Christine. Photo Credit: Ken Goff, GoffPhotos.com

  •  Princess Beatrice

    Princess Beatrice. Photo Credit: James Whatling/ Splash News

    Princess Beatrice. Photo Credit: James Whatling/ Splash News

  •  Princess Eugenie

    Princess Eugenie. Photo Credit: EPA

    Princess Eugenie. Photo Credit: EPA

Anthony Cane, the Epsom Downs racecourse chairman, told media: “At the end of the day, her love [the Queen's] is to come here. You have to remember, she comes here in a normal year in a private capacity, not on an official visit. But she comes because she loves it, and this time it’s her one trip to Surrey in the diamond jubilee.”

The Queen arrives at the Derby:

Coronation gun salute rings out around London:


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May 22, 2012

Queen invites Middletons to ride the Elizabethan in Jubilee pageant

Michael, Carole, Pippa and James Middleton.Photo Credits: Pippa (WEEN.com); Carole and Michael Middleton (XPOSUREPhotos.com); James Middleton (Royal Gossip); Photo of Elizabethan via thamesdinnercruises.co.uk

Michael, Carole, Pippa and James Middleton.Photo Credits: Pippa (WEEN.com); Carole and Michael Middleton (XPOSUREPhotos.com); James Middleton (Royal Gossip); Photo of Elizabethan via thamesdinnercruises.co.uk

The Queen has issued an invitation to the entire Middleton family (Carole, Michael, Pippa and James) to join the Diamond Jubilee pageant on The River Thames, it was revealed recently. The surprise move by the Queen shows just how much Kate means to the royal family.

Though the Middletons won’t be situated on the royal barge, they will travel behind the Queen as part of the royal squadron on the the Elizabethan, a replica 1890s Mississippi paddle steamer.

“Michael and Carole’s inclusion on the Elizabethan has only just emerged and has taken a lot of people by surprise, but the Queen is incredibly supportive of the Duchess and her family,” a source told the Daily Mail.

“Boats travelling in the Royal Squadron are solely reserved for special guests of the Queen, which demonstrates just how far the Middletons have come.”

Prince Charles’s former valet (Michael Fawcett) has been hired to attend to the Middleton family for the day; this is possibly a result of Kate’s close relationship with her new father-in-law.

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March 26, 2012

Royals to attend service of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral was designed by Christopher Wren in 1710. Perhaps the building is best known as the location where Charles, Prince of Wales, married Lady Diana Spencer on 2 July 1981. Many other monumental events are also associated with the cathedral: in 1853 The Duke of Wellington's funeral procession took place here and Sir Winston Churchill’s in 1965. Photo via travelblat.com

Fun Fact: St. Paul's Cathedral is the "symbolic heart of London," according to many city guides. Photo via londonsorted.com

On the morning of June 5th, before the royal family takes part in a glittering carriage procession retracing the royal wedding route to Buckingham Palace, there will be a ceremony of thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The Dean of St Paul’s, The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, will conduct the service and the Archbishop of Canterbury will preach, reports the Press Secretary to The Queen in a recent media release.

A special prayer in honor of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be incorporated into the service, which is to be followed by two separate receptions.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a reception at Mansion House, the London Mayor's home in the City of London. Photo Credit:Lee W. Nelson via inetours.com

First, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh will attend a short reception at Mansion House, while other members of the Royal Family will go to Guildhall. Second, the royal family will proceed to Westminster Hall to attend a Diamond Jubilee lunch given for The Queen by the Livery.

The Queen was at Westminster just a week ago and was presented with a stained-glass window in honor of her Jubilee; it was funded by both Houses of Parliament and will be installed later this year during a planned restoration of the Hall.

A Diamond Jubilee lunch is to be presented at Westminster Hall, the oldest existing part of the Palace of Westminster. Photo via flickr.com

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March 24, 2012

Royals to travel royal wedding route in Jubilee carriage procession

The Jubilee carriage procession will take the same procession route used by Will and Kate on their wedding day last April. Photo Credit: Getty Images via Zimbio

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credits: Getty Images via Zimbio.Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Thousands of people are expected to line the streets to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee Weekend and the crowd is sure experience some royal wedding déjà vu on June 5th when the royal family polishes up the royal carriages, to ride through the streets of Westminster in full pomp and circumstance.

The royals will travel along the very same procession route that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge used on their wedding day, reports the PRESS SECRETARY TO THE QUEEN in a recent media release.

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales (Prince Harry) will depart from the Palace of Westminster and proceed towards Buckingham Palace.

The royal wedding procession route. Photo via theroyalweddingwilliamkate.com

According to the press release: “There will be personnel from all three military services lining the streets for the procession, military bands along the route, and the procession will be accompanied by the Sovereign’s Escort. The King’s Troop will fire a 60 gun salute during the carriage procession. There will be a Guard of Honour present in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace, says the release.”

Once at the palace, the royals will appear on the balcony— the same where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared a kiss in front of the world on their wedding day—to witness an RAF Flypast and a Feu de Joie (“Fire of Joy”).

Photo Credit: Getty Images via Zimbio

Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe

Photo Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe

Photo Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe

Photo Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images Europe

A celebratory bought of rifle fire will follow the former events; it is a salute by The Queen’s Guard from the Forecourt, writes the Queen’s Press Secretary.

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March 16, 2012

Kate, Charles and Camilla get crafty in children’s art class

Photo Credit: WPA Pool, Getty Images

Photo Credit: WPA Pool, Getty Images

Photo Credit: John Stillwell — WPA Pool/Getty Images

Photo Credit: John Stillwell — WPA Pool/Getty Images

Photo Credits: WPA Pool, Getty Images, Reuters. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Photo Credits: WPA Pool, Getty Images, Reuters. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Photo Credit:WPA Pool, Getty Images

Photo Credit:WPA Pool, Getty Images

Photo Credit: WPA Pool, Getty Images

Photo Credit: WPA Pool, Getty Images

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cambridge both have a passion for the arts— from this mutual interest came the idea to take a trip to the Dulwhich Picture Gallery Thursday, where a project ,The Great Art Quest, is taking place for one of Charles’s charities.

Photo Credit: James Whatling / Splash News Online

Photo Credit: James Whatling / Splash News Online

Photo Credit: LUKE MACGREGOR, Reuters

Photo Credit: LUKE MACGREGOR, Reuters

Photo Credit:LUKE MACGREGOR, Reuters

Photo Credit:LUKE MACGREGOR, Reuters

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied The Duchess of Cambridge to the Gallery to meet a group of children involved with the project. While there, Kate and her in-laws took part in a children’s art class making a montage of their faces for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, reports Sky News.

Kate, Charles and Camilla looked to be having loads of fun; they laughed and joked with each other and with the children.

The Gallery is one of four UK arts venues chosen by The Prince’s Foundation to take part in the project, which introduces students at four local primary schools to the world of art, artists and the gallery setting.

The Duchess of Cambridge arrives to the Dulwhich Picture Gallery with her in-laws to take part in a children's art class wearing a gray Orla Keily dress. Photo Credit: PopSugar

Photo Credit: PopSugar

Photo Credit: PopSugar

Photo Credit: PopSugar

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photos via PopSugar. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Photo Credit:PopSugar

Photo Credit:PopSugar

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March 10, 2012

Prince Harry’s athletic Saturday in Brazil

Saturday, Prince Harry took part in a variety of activities including: the Sport Relief mile, rugby and volleyball. Photo Credits: Getty Images. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Saturday, Prince Harry took part in a variety of activities including: the Sport Relief mile, rugby and volleyball. Photo Credits: Getty Images. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits: AFP. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Photo Credits: AFP. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Prince Harry, now in Brazil, joined in the Sport Relief mile close to Rio de Janeiro’s Flamengo beach today. He set the race of hundreds off in fine style with the wave of a Brazilian Flag. The Prince began the race at a jog, next to a blind athlete, but ran a brisk mile in around six-minutes.

In pure Harry style, he crossed the finish line wearing a paper cut-out mask of his brother’s face.

Mask Harry wore of Duke of Cambridge crossing the finish line. Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images.

Mask Harry wore of Duke of Cambridge crossing the finish line. Photo Credit: AFP/ Getty Images.

The Prince then taught children how to play tag-rugby and beach volleyball in one of Rio’s hillside slums.

Prince Harry can now add "Coach" Harry to his long list of titles. He had great fun teaching children in Brazil how to play rugby. Photos via JustJared.

Prince Harry can now add "Coach" to his long list of titles! He had great fun teaching children in Brazil how to play rugby. Photos via JustJared. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge.

Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt spoke to the media last night about Harry’s trip to Brazil: “Well Prince Harry is worth a thousand politicians,” said Hunt, “as you can see he has extraordinary celebrity pulling power. But also the way he’s approached things here in Brazil, sums up what we’re most proud about with the Royal Family. He’s self effacing, he’s interested, he really engages with people, he joins in – great qualities – and I just think we’re incredibly lucky to have a Royal Family that does such a good job in banging the drum for Britain.”

He added: “We’re never going to have a year like 2012, it’s an extraordinary year for Britain and what we want do is bang the drum for everything we’re proud of. This is the year when we are officially allowed to get out to everyone huge messages about what we’ve achieved as a country, our role in sport, inventing or codifying eight of the world’s top ten sports. The inventions that Britain has made which have shaped the modern world – from the industrial revolution to the world wide web – our incredible culture, the home of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens and so on. So we’ve got this opportunity and this is a year if we bang the drum loud enough we’ve got a chance to create jobs for British people and business for British companies.”

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March 8, 2012

Diamond Jubilee U.K. tour starts with royal visit to Leicester

Photo Credit: XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM via the Daily Mail

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, and Duchess of Cambridge have officially kicked off the Diamond Jubilee tour of the U.K. in Leicester. Massive crowds appeared today on every step of the tour and there are several reasons for this: First, everyone wants to get a glimpse of the new Duchess of Cambridge—the new “it” girl and world fashion icon— Second, Prince Harry’s Caribbean escapades have truly amped up the press coverage of the Queen’s Jubilee both nationally and internationally.

Here is how the day unfolded: the royals took the 10.15 train to Nottingham and then toured some of Leicester, before heading off to watch some cultural dancing at De Montfort Square. Security was extremely tight, as was to be expected— especially at the train station; a police helicopter was present and officers and patrol cars were all around: “Crowds stood three-deep on pavements surrounding the train station, behind crash barriers, as they waited to try to catch a glimpse of the royal party arriving…” reports the Daily Mail.

Next on the agenda was De Montfort University, where the Queen and Kate watched a student fashion show and the Duke of Edinburgh (less fashion inclined) heard about a school service project. As was the plan, Kate then chose a shoe design from one of six student sketches—the shoes will now be made for Kate to wear—the idea being to give the student a kick start in his or her career. The winner of the contest was Becka Hunt, a student whose shoe design was inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring.

After the show, it was off to a reception and lunch at the Grand Hall at St Martins House. Here, according to the Mail, Kate and the Duke of Edinburgh met with various outreach officials and the Queen met with various faith leaders as they were right near the cathedral.

The last stop of the day was the Clock Tower in Leicester city center. Here, the royals received a gift from the City.

Crowds at the University gather to see the royals. Photo Credit: De Montfort University Facebook

Photo Credit: EPA/ANDY RAIN

Photo Credit:EPA/ANDY RAIN

Photo Credit: EPA

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit:Getty Images

Photo Credit:Getty Images

Shoes Kate chose by Becka Hunt.Photo via the Mirror.

Photo Credit: PA/The British Monarchy/Clarence House

Photos: Anthony Devlin / Getty

Photo Credits: Anthony Devlin / Getty. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits:PacificCoastNews.com and Bauer Griffin via Zimbio. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits:PacificCoastNews.com and Bauer Griffin via Zimbio. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits:PacificCoastNews.com and Bauer Griffin via Zimbio. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits:PacificCoastNews.com and Bauer Griffin via Zimbio. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Photo Credits:PacificCoastNews.com and Bauer Griffin via Zimbio. Collage work by Elspeth Lodge

Footage: The Queen and the Duchess arrive in Leicester

Footage: HM The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Tour to start at De Montfort University (DMU)

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March 8, 2012

Prince Charming: Harry, the ideal balance of fun and formality

Rita Marley, the wife of musician Bob Marley, and Prince Harry in Jamaica. During a state dinner in Kingston the Prince referenced a song by her legendary husband, saying: "The Queen can't be here, so you’re stuck with me, but don’t worry, cos every little ting’s gonna be all right." Photo Credit: Suzanne Plunkett / Reuters

Prince Harry’s tour of the Caribbean has been going famously, and perhaps it’s because he has finally struck the right balance between fun and formality.

The Prince, known for his wild child ways, has been taking some advice from his brother, according to The Daily Telegraph: “The two Princes have been texting each other and talking on the phone throughout the past week,” a source told the news outlet, “with the Duke giving his younger sibling tips on how to strike the right balance….”

“He spoke at length to his brother before coming out, about how to approach it, and they have been in communication throughout the tour,” said the source. “They have been in touch regularly via mobile and text. The relationship they have full of banter and humour but Prince William is deeply caring of his younger brother and wants his younger brother succeed. He can advise him on how to mix the informality with the dignity of [representing] the Queen.”

Prince Harry meets Portia Simpson Miller. Photo Credit: AP / Collin Reid

Perhaps, the place where William’s advice was most crucial was upon Harry’s meeting with Portia Simpson Miller, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, who aims to remove the Queen as head of state.

Simpson Miller made negative commentary regarding Britain to the BBC just hours before she and the Prince sat down for lunch. It could have been a disastrous meeting, and especially for Harry who is a novice at handling these sorts of diplomatic situations. However, the Prince handled the situation with great finesse; he broke the ice by giving Simpson Miller a hug and kiss upon meeting her.

The two held hands and chatted as if they were the best of friends, not mere strangers: “he really wanted to do the best for his grandmother and for the three countries,” a source told the Telegraph.“What we have seen of Prince Harry is Prince Harry – he is just himself and he has got natural enthusiasm and energy and is someone whose character lends itself very well to this region. He has got a flexible approach to his work and he has got great empathy with people; it’s something he innately has, it’s not something that can be taught.”

Thursday morning, the Prince will attend a beach party at the Sandals Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay and later in the day he will depart for Brazil.

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March 7, 2012

Prince shows respect for six fallen British soldiers while in Jamaica

Prince Harry showed respect for six fallen British soldiers today in Jamaica, when he did not take part in all planned military activities. Photo Credit: Getty Images

Prince Harry, a British Army Captain who plans to complete a second stint of service in Afghanistan, decided to watch soldiers rappel down a new training wall at a Jamaican military camp in Kingston, instead of taking part in the festivities as was previously the plan. The Associated Press reports that Harry altered the remainder of his schedule today out of respect for six fallen British soldiers.

According to the British Ministry of Defense, the soldiers tragically fell on Tuesday evening, when an explosion hit their armored vehicle in southwestern Afghanistan.

“Palace press officer Nick Loughran said Harry decided not to take part in a military activity considered peripheral to the duties of an Apache pilot when the day’s focus should be on the British Army’s core roles and ‘looking after the bereaved of those tragically killed in Afghanistan.’” Explains the Associated Press.

After paying his respects, however, the Prince was soon back in action; he took part in target practice at Jamaica Defense Force’s Up Park Camp wearing full military regalia–his camouflage clothing included: a helmet, protective goggles and a flak jacket.

Prince Harry took Part in target practice today in Jamaica. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Jamaican military Sgt. Anthony Forbes told the press that Harry is an “Excellent shot.” He autographed one of the paper targets he shot at “Capt. Wales.”

As usual, the playful, slightly naughty Prince Harry joked with the press; he asked the camera men before he began target practice: “Anyone with a camera want to stand at the other end?”

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit:Mark Large via the Daily Mail

Photo Credit: The Daily Mail

Photo Credit: Mark Large via the Daily Mail

Photo Credit: Mark Large via the Daily Mail

Photo Credit: PA

The Prince will now continue his Jubilee tour by visiting Jamaica’s north coast. He will go to a cruise ship port in the coastal town of Falmouth and an 18th century plantation house. He will then dine at the Sandals Royal Caribbean resort in Montego Bay.

Harry will depart for Brazil late Thursday, where he will work to promote ties at the request of the Britain’s government. According to the Associated Press, he will work to “emphasize the transition from the upcoming 2012 London Games to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.”

Click to watch footage by the Telegraph of Harry achieving a near perfect score at a live firing exercise.

 

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March 6, 2012

Prince Harry ‘bolts’ from Usain Bolt and wins ‘race’

Photo Credit: Collin Reid / AP

Photo Credit: John Stillwell / PA

Photo Credit: John Stillwell / PA

Photo Credit: John Stillwell / PA

Photo Credit:Collin Reid / AP

Being a royal certainly has its advantages. Prince Harry had the chance to both meet and “race” against Olympic 100m champion Usain Bolt, today in Jamaica.

The two men met at the University of the West Indies stadium, where Bolt trains, in Kingston.

After an exchange of pleasantries the men raced against each other.

So, who is faster? Prince Harry or Usain Bolt?

“The prince got off to a false start and was about 50 meters down the track as Usain Bolt bent over with laughter,” reports the Associated Press.”The Olympic medalist then jogged up to Harry, making one of his signature skyward points for a crowd of onlookers at the University of the West Indies in the Jamaican capital.”

University students waved and cheered with enthusiasm as the two ran.

Well, it might not have been a fair race, but no one was complaining and EVERYONE was having fun.

Photo Credit: Collin Reid / AP

After the race Prince Harry didn’t ‘run off’ so to speak. He stuck around and spoke with Bolt and the crowd. “Bolt used the opportunity to present tokens to the Prince, which included PUMA items along with specially autographed items from his soon-to-be-launched Memorabilia Club,” states Usainbolt.com.

In addition, Bolt’s twitter account has been hopping with notes about Harry:

"Showing Prince Harry how to come out of the blocks...." Says Bolt on Twitter. @usainbolt

"Good Jamaican vibes hanging with the Prince Harry..See you at the Olympics" From Bolt's Twitter @usainbolt

"Welcome to Jamaica Prince Harry," Says Bolt on Twitter. @usainbolt

Watch footage of the race below.

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