Queen Elizabeth

Queen portrait released as UK set for celebrations

The portrait, by Ranald Mackechnie, was taken in the Victoria Vestibule at Windsor Castle earlier this year.

In her Jubilee message the monarch thanked people for organising events to celebrate her milestone, saying "many happy memories" would be created.

Millions are gearing up for street parties to mark 70 years on the throne over the four-day bank holiday weekend.

There are also a series of official events starting with Thursday's Trooping of the Colour parade and ending on Sunday with a Jubilee Pageant through London.

Prince Charles leads Jubilee tributes to 'remarkable' Queen

Prince Charles welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King.

He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honour".

The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, and is spending the day privately.

In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.

Queen wants Camilla to be known as Queen Consort

In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.

There had been suggestions Camilla would be known as Princess Consort.

But the Queen's announcement paves the way for her to be known as Queen Camilla in the future.

A Clarence House spokesman said the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were "touched and honoured".

The Queen's message, marking her accession to the throne in 1952, directly addresses the unresolved question of the Duchess of Cornwall's future title.

Nine million tune in for Queen's message

An audience of 8.96 million saw the festive address on BBC One, ITV and Sky News, according to overnight ratings.

The BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special and Call the Midwife were the next two most popular shows.

In the battle of the soaps, ITV's Coronation Street came out on top.

In her first annual Christmas message since the death of Prince Philip, the Queen, 95, described him as her beloved.

Queen cancels pre-Christmas event amid health warnings on Omicron surge

A source said it was felt the annual event could put too many people's Christmas plans at risk.

It follows England chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty's advice to prioritise events "that really matter" to avoid the risk of infection.

The event had been due to take place early next week at Windsor Castle.

The Queen's decision comes as families across the UK consider their Christmas plans in the light of the country's biggest Covid surge yet.

Queen Elizabeth to appear publicly for first time after hospital stay

The world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch went to hospital for "preliminary investigations" into an unspecified ailment, and has since missed events such as the COP26 climate conference and a festival to remember the nation's war dead on Saturday evening.

While the queen has been photographed greeting dignitaries online, the palace had said the 95-year-old was determined to appear in person at the Cenotaph where members of the royal family join leading members of the government, military and veterans to commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict.

Queen advised to rest for two more weeks

The palace said the monarch, 95, could undertake some light duties during that time, including virtual audiences.

Officials said it is her "firm intention" to attend Remembrance Sunday events on 14 November.

The Queen underwent preliminary medical checks in hospital on 20 October after cancelling a visit to Northern Ireland.

She resumed public engagements on Tuesday this week by meeting ambassadors via video link from Windsor Castle.

But it was announced this week that she will not attend the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow.

The Queen back at Windsor after hospital stay

The 95-year-old monarch returned from hospital at lunchtime on Thursday, the palace said.

The Queen was said to be "disappointed" after cancelling a visit to Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

She was given medical advice to rest for a few days, after a busy schedule of public engagements.

In a statement on Thursday night, Buckingham Palace said: "Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits."

Queen 'told Meghan she did not have to give up acting or embrace royal duties'

The Duchess revealed to Oprah Winfrey in a blockbuster interview last month that she was forced to give up her passport and driving licence when she joined the family in 2018, and that at times she felt suicidal and alone.

But Andrew Morton, who wrote a leading biography of Princess Diana, told the podcast that the Duchess was not prevented from pursuing her career or a private life and said Her Majesty gave the Sussexes different routes to take within the family.

Queen to reject Harry and Meghan's royal adviser offer

It was during the couple's interview with Oprah Winfrey that they spoke of the difficulties they had faced during their time as part of the royal family.

These included claims of racism by Meghan which Prince Harry confirmed.

Despite the couple's offer to work with the monarchy to help them move forward in a more inclusive way, Her Majesty and palace staff are thought to have opted to deal with matters themselves, announcing they will be hiring a diversity coach.