Queen Elizabeth health news: Her Majesty to make ‘early & dignified appearance’ at Philip memorial amid wheelchair fears

What to expect during this year’s Jubilee celebrations

As this year marks 70 years of heading up the British Monarchy, more plans are being announced for the Summer and year ahead.

Three displays will be on show marking the three key moments in the Queen’s reign – her ascension, her coronation and her jubilees.

There will be events held at the monarch’s private estates, Balmoral and Sandringham. Locals residents and visitors will be able to attend.

Free events for members of the public will also take place over the Bank Holiday weekend. This will include ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ on the big screen in the Royal Parkland at Sandringham.

Open letter to Kate and William from Jamaica refusing to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign as monarch

William is addressed as heir to the throne, and therefore in a unique position to make changes.

Jamaica gained independence from British colonial rule 60 years ago. And last year saw Barbados remove the Queen as their ceremonial head of state after 55 years of independence.

As more countries make plans and discuss the removal of the Queen as their head of state and gain full independence, many wonder why Kate and William are doing a tour of the Caribbean.

Addressing William directly the letter states, “You, who may one day lead the British Monarchy, are direct beneficiaries of the wealth accumulated from the traffic and enslavement of Africans.

“You have the unique opportunity to redefine the relationship between the British Monarchy and the people of Jamaica

“We urge you to start with an apology.”

More voices of disdain as Prince Andrew’s attendance at Prince Phillip’s memorial service is announced

Social media has been flooded with people surprised and disappointed to find out that Prince Andrew will be at the service.

Many have taken to sarcasm to express surprise at Prince Andrew’s attendance.

Meanwhile others have been very clear about how they feel Prince Andrew being at the service is poor judgement.

Jamaican uproar in response to William and Kate’s Caribbean tour

This year, Jamaica celebrates 60 years of Independence from British colonisers.

It’s said that a protest will be staged in Jamaica today by a group named the Advocates Network, as the Duke and Duchess land in the country.

A local human rights activist who is said to be joining the protest today, Kay Osborne, said “We do not welcome Kate and William. We do not want them here.

“We reject the photo ops that will be staged here for the UK’s consumption.”

Good morning!

It’s Ije Teunissen-Oligboh bringing you the latest news about your favourite royals.

Pubs will stay open two hours later on three nights over the Queen’s Jubilee

Pubs will stay open two hours later over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, the government has confirmed.

Boozers in England and Wales will be given a two-hour licensing extension to serve drinks until 1am during the three-day summer celebration.

The change, from the usual 11pm cut off, applies on June 2, 3 and 4 as Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne.

Home Office minister Kit Malthouse said it would allow revellers to “celebrate the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom”.

In a written statement to Parliament concerning the rule relaxation, he added that an impact assessment is being prepared and will be published alongside the order.

Among the events planned to mark the monarch’s record sovereignty are a live concert featuring some of the world’s biggest stars, a service of thanksgiving and a day at the races.

Kate & William’s ‘crucial side mission’

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been handed a side mission for their royal tour to the Caribbean, a royal commentator has claimed.

Speaking to True Royalty’s The Royal Beat, Hello! Royal Editor Emily Nash said: “The official line is the Cambridges are going on tour to thank people for their support for the Queen over her 70-year reign.

“And they’ve always said any decision about becoming republics is for the people of whichever country it is.

“But it is a charm offensive, and it’s a way of re-establishing ties, particularly after this two-year hiatus in royal travel.”

What is the Naval and Military Club?

A string of his royal relatives were members of the Naval and Military Club, which describes itself as a  “blended, eclectic mix” of like-minded people from a “wide range of backgrounds”. 

The organisation was originally created in 1862 for “gentlemen of the British Armed Forces” but now welcomes women and those who haven’t served.

It takes its name the In and Out from the etchings on te pair of commanding pillars at the front of the building at 94 Piccadilly in London.

Ten years ago, Prince Philip celebrated the club’s 150th anniversary by marching members around St James’s Square.

The Naval and Military Club also remembered the Duke of Edinburgh in June last year by commemorating his 100th birthday with a party.

Andrew ‘quits prestigious Navy club’

Andrew has reportedly quit the prestigious Naval and Military Club as he continues to pull back from public life.

The disgraced Duke of York is said to have “disappeared from the books” in wake of his landmark settlement with rape accuser Virginia Giuffre.

He had been a member of the historical consortium – aptly known as the In & Out – since rising through the ranks of the Royal Navy.

The move marks a particularly low point for the 62-year-old, as his late father Prince Phillip had previously served as the club’s president.

What does day three of William and Kate’s involve?

Prince William and Kate will visit the ancient Maya ruins on the third day of their Caribbean tours. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be given a tour of the site and have the chance to take in Caana which remains the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

The couple will then make there way to a reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

Kate plants tree for Queen on second day of tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a chocolate business in Belize on Sunday a day after arriving in the caribbean.

William and Kate were given a tour of the Maya cacao farm where they were told all about how the Mayans cultivate cacao trees, process cacao beans and make the chocolate.

The royal couple got stuck in and even helped plant a tree in commemoration of the Queen. 

Kate and William suffered terrifying royal tour moment

William and Kate shared a terrifying moment while on a long tour to India in 2016.

Whilst visiting Kaziranga National Park, which homes tigers and elephants, the couple found themselves in a horrifying situation.

During their visit, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the neighbouring nation of Myanmar.

Tremors were reportedly felt at Kaziranga National Park, despite the distance between the two locations.

Queen ‘pacing her diary’

The Queen is ‘pacing her diary’ amid health fears that ‘she can’t stand for long’ periods of time.

The Queen’s royal diary has been reworked by Buckingham Palace in support of the monarch’s workload, a source has claimed.

Royal sources said senior royal aides at Buckingham Palace have accepted that the “frailties that come with living a long life” are finally catching up with her.

One source told The Telegraph: “It’s about pacing her diary now.

“She has said herself that she is as committed to service as ever, but that will have to take a slightly different form.”

A royal expert has also claimed that The Monarch is finding it “extremely difficult to walk or stand for long periods”.

Speaking to the Telegraph, royal expert Phil Dampier said: “She will make a huge effort to attend the Prince Philip memorial, but they will have to make allowances for her – and no one will begrudge it.

“She’s nearly 96.”

Queen ‘finding it extremely difficult to stand’ for long periods

A royal expert has claimed that The Queen is finding it “extremely difficult to walk or stand for long periods”.

Speaking to the Telegraph, royal expert Phil Dampier said: “She will make a huge effort to attend the Prince Philip memorial, but they will have to make allowances for her – and no one will begrudge it.

“She’s nearly 96.”

Sophie Wessex’s ‘benefit from Megxit’

The Countess of Wessex has ‘undoubtedly benefited’ from Megxit as her profile ‘has been raised’, a royal expert claimed.

Royal expert Russel Myers has now explained how the mother-of-two has seen her fame rise after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California last year. 

Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, Myers explained: “Are the Instagram generation going to be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not.

“However, when you’re dealing with them… Sophie’s really across her subject matter. 

“It’s not just for show and she has really grown into that. With the Sussexes not here, the Wessexes will undoubtedly benefit.”

The royal expert also pointed out the similarities between Meghan and Sophie’s interests, saying: “The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen. 

“Sophie’s working with girls’ education, she’s done a lot of stuff about violence against females in Africa.”

Kate & William’s ‘crucial side mission’

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been handed a side mission for their royal tour to the Caribbean, a royal commentator has claimed.

Speaking to True Royalty’s The Royal Beat, Hello! Royal Editor Emily Nash said: “The official line is the Cambridges are going on tour to thank people for their support for the Queen over her 70-year reign.

“And they’ve always said any decision about becoming republics is for the people of whichever country it is.

“But it is a charm offensive, and it’s a way of re-establishing ties, particularly after this two-year hiatus in royal travel.”

Thanks for reading

Joe Gamp here, signing off from today’s Royal Family live blog.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our real time, rolling coverage throughout the day.

My colleague Louis Allwood will return at 6am.

William and Kate to face protests in Jamaica

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Caribbean tour faces further protests with Jamaican campaigners accusing the Queen and her predecessors of perpetuating slavery.

As the country marks its 60th anniversary, a coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians have called in an open letter for the British monarchy to pay slavery reparations.

“We note with great concern your visit to our country Jamaica, during a period when we are still in the throes of a global pandemic and bracing for the full impact of another global crisis associated with the Russian/Ukraine war,” the letter states, according to a section quoted by The Independent’s race correspondent Nadine White.

“We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, has perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”

It is believed the group will stage a protest on Tuesday outside the British High Commission in Kingston, with the royals due to arrive that day in Jamaica where they will stay until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas.

Queen’s guard who went AWOL to fight in Ukraine is arrested

A TEENAGE Queen’s Guard has been arrested by military police after going AWOL to fight Russia.

The 19-year-old, who wanted to use his training with the elite regiment to help the besieged Ukrainians, was immediately taken in for questioning after returning to Britain.

The Sun on Sunday understands the Coldstream Guard had contacted Army bosses while he was in Ukraine and agreed to return before jetting home from Poland.

But he could now face a jail sentence for desertion after going to the warzone in direct defiance of Ministry of Defence orders not to travel to Ukraine.

Armed Forces chief, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, has publicly declared it was “unlawful” for service personnel to join the fight against Russia in the country.

And Top Brass fear rogue troops, including the Guardsman, posed a huge security risk in Ukraine as they could be used by Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin to claim

Britain had entered the war.

Ministry of Defence chiefs are now said to be “hugely relieved” that the teen — who touched down at London Stansted on Thursday — had “seen sense” and returned.

Military style operation launches to get Queen to Philip memorial service

SENIOR Buckingham Palace aides have launched a major military- style planning operation aimed at getting the Queen to Prince Philip’s memorial service using a helicopter and privacy screens.

The frail 95-year-old monarch pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service last week amid fears for her “comfort” on the 60-mile round trip and having to sit in Westminster Abbey for more than an hour.

She was forced to watch the event on the telly at Windsor Castle.

But she is determined to attend for the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving on Tuesday week ? he died last April at the age of 99 ? and officials are exploring an incredible range of options to get her to the Abbey.

The Sun on Sunday understands senior staff will arrange to fly Her Majesty by helicopter on a 15-minute trip from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.

Although the Queen was seen on her feet at face-to-face engagements at Windsor last week, her aides are not happy with her walking around 100 yards from the Abbey entrance through the nave and choir to get to her seat. Instead, they want to drive her the short distance from the Palace and seal off the entire Dean’s Yard to the west of the Abbey so they can park in private outside a side door.

Six-foot privacy screens or even a football-style tunnel could be erected to prevent photographers from capturing her as she leaves the car.

Military style operation launches to get Queen to Philip memorial service

SENIOR Buckingham Palace aides have launched a major military- style planning operation aimed at getting the Queen to Prince Philip’s memorial service using a helicopter and privacy screens.

The frail 95-year-old monarch pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service last week amid fears for her “comfort” on the 60-mile round trip and having to sit in Westminster Abbey for more than an hour.

She was forced to watch the event on the telly at Windsor Castle.

But she is determined to attend for the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving on Tuesday week ? he died last April at the age of 99 ? and officials are exploring an incredible range of options to get her to the Abbey.

The Sun on Sunday understands senior staff will arrange to fly Her Majesty by helicopter on a 15-minute trip from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.

Although the Queen was seen on her feet at face-to-face engagements at Windsor last week, her aides are not happy with her walking around 100 yards from the Abbey entrance through the nave and choir to get to her seat. Instead, they want to drive her the short distance from the Palace and seal off the entire Dean’s Yard to the west of the Abbey so they can park in private outside a side door.

Six-foot privacy screens or even a football-style tunnel could be erected to prevent photographers from capturing her as she leaves the car.

William and Kate’s eyes light up as they visit chocolate factory

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in chocoholic heaven sampling products made in a Belize cocoa farm but had to work for their sweet treats.

Kate tried her hand at grinding nibs, broken-up made cocoa beans, back-breaking work traditionally performed by the women in rural communities, during their visit to the Che ‘il chocolate farm.

Later as the future Queen watch her husband pounding away with a mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock she said: “The smell of the chocolate is amazing.”

William even joked about giving up his day job as a working royal asking Julio Saqui owner of the family-run chocolate firm: “Do you take apprentices?

“Can I come and work for you? It’s my kind of thing.”

The couple’s eyes lit up when they saw chocolate fountains, dipping tortilla chips into the brown sticky liquid, and they tried hot chocolate made from organic products with Kate confessing: “I think our children will be very jealous.”

William and Kate stun crowds as they dance in Belize

William and Kate had a village rocking yesterday as they thrilled crowds by dancing with the locals.

The prince gave a little shimmy as the royal pair watched a performance welcoming them to Belize.

But it was Kate, in a floral Tory Burch dress, who was first on to the dancefloor She threw shapes with nine schoolchildren and rattled maracas.

The royal couple – who are on a Caribbean tour to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – were treated to dancing and food by the Garifuna community in Hopkins.

William, 39, looked on as Kate, 40, grabbed the limelight, before he was persuaded into dancing with organiser Laura Cacho, 57.

They were soon holding hands and gyrating to the music ? as onlookers screamed in delight.

Laura said afterwards: “That was so exciting. A dream come true. It was fun he was a good dancer and I told him he got the Garifuna culture in him.

“He did the punta dance better than me. He shook his waist to the music. He had beautiful rhythm. It was a pleasure for me. Kate was excellent as well and has Garifuna culture in her. They were shaking their waists like nobody’s business.”

Stars pay tribute to Dame Vera Lynn during Westminster thanksgiving service

Katherine Jenkins, Alan Titchmarsh and Jonathan Dimbleby were among those who paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn at a thanksgiving service in London to celebrate the life and work of the wartime singer.

The service was held at Westminster Abbey on Monday with members of her family, friends from the world of music, representatives from charities she supported and members of the Armed Forces in attendance.

Dame Vera had a celebrated career as a singer and entertainer spanning more than 90 years. She died in June 2020 at the age of 103.

During the thanksgiving service, the central band of the Royal British Legion greeted attendees on arrival and played out their departure.

TV gardener Titchmarsh gave a personal remembrance to Dame Vera while broadcaster Dimbleby reflected on the late singer’s close connection with the Armed Forces.

Also among the performers were singer Katie Ashby and the D-Day Darlings who performed Dame Vera’s classic The White Cliffs of Dover. The wartime singer’s former personal assistant Susan Fleet read a poem titled Goodnight Sweetheart by Michael Claughton.

Annie Lennox elected to join Royal Society of Edinburgh

Former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox is one of 80 new fellows to have been elected to join Scotland’s national academy of science and letters.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) awards a fellowship to people from the arts, business, public service, civil society and academia whom the organisation’s judges deem to have made outstanding achievements for social progress and development.

This year’s group will be joining the RSE’s current fellowship of about 1,700 high-flyers who are recognised as being some of the greatest thinkers, researchers and practitioners working in or with Scotland today.

In addition to toping the charts with the Eurythmics, Lennox also had a distinguished, award-winning, solo career.

She is also chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, the founder of The Circle: a non-profit organisation of women working together to achieve equality for women and girls, and was formerly special envoy for the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking about being nominated as a fellow of RSE, Lennox said she is “truly humbled and honoured”.

“Apart from a lifetime of music-making, my ardent passion lies with the most crucial issues facing all of humanity at this precarious point in time, namely the sustainability of our precious planet and the actual implementation of human rights and justice, most especially regarding the lives of women and girls in all four corners of the globe,” she said.

What to expect during this year’s Jubilee celebrations

As this year marks 70 years of heading up the British Monarchy, more plans are being announced for the Summer and year ahead.

Three displays will be on show marking the three key moments in the Queen’s reign – her ascension, her coronation and her jubilees.

There will be events held at the monarch’s private estates, Balmoral and Sandringham. Locals residents and visitors will be able to attend.

Free events for members of the public will also take place over the Bank Holiday weekend. This will include ‘Platinum Party at the Palace’ on the big screen in the Royal Parkland at Sandringham.

Open letter to Kate and William from Jamaica refusing to celebrate the Queen’s 70 year reign as monarch

William is addressed as heir to the throne, and therefore in a unique position to make changes.

Jamaica gained independence from British colonial rule 60 years ago. And last year saw Barbados remove the Queen as their ceremonial head of state after 55 years of independence.

As more countries make plans and discuss the removal of the Queen as their head of state and gain full independence, many wonder why Kate and William are doing a tour of the Caribbean.

Addressing William directly the letter states, “You, who may one day lead the British Monarchy, are direct beneficiaries of the wealth accumulated from the traffic and enslavement of Africans.

“You have the unique opportunity to redefine the relationship between the British Monarchy and the people of Jamaica

“We urge you to start with an apology.”

More voices of disdain as Prince Andrew’s attendance at Prince Phillip’s memorial service is announced

Social media has been flooded with people surprised and disappointed to find out that Prince Andrew will be at the service.

Many have taken to sarcasm to express surprise at Prince Andrew’s attendance.

Meanwhile others have been very clear about how they feel Prince Andrew being at the service is poor judgement.

Jamaican uproar in response to William and Kate’s Caribbean tour

This year, Jamaica celebrates 60 years of Independence from British colonisers.

It’s said that a protest will be staged in Jamaica today by a group named the Advocates Network, as the Duke and Duchess land in the country.

A local human rights activist who is said to be joining the protest today, Kay Osborne, said “We do not welcome Kate and William. We do not want them here.

“We reject the photo ops that will be staged here for the UK’s consumption.”

Good morning!

It’s Ije Teunissen-Oligboh bringing you the latest news about your favourite royals.

Pubs will stay open two hours later on three nights over the Queen’s Jubilee

Pubs will stay open two hours later over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, the government has confirmed.

Boozers in England and Wales will be given a two-hour licensing extension to serve drinks until 1am during the three-day summer celebration.

The change, from the usual 11pm cut off, applies on June 2, 3 and 4 as Her Majesty marks 70 years on the throne.

Home Office minister Kit Malthouse said it would allow revellers to “celebrate the longest-reigning monarch in the United Kingdom”.

In a written statement to Parliament concerning the rule relaxation, he added that an impact assessment is being prepared and will be published alongside the order.

Among the events planned to mark the monarch’s record sovereignty are a live concert featuring some of the world’s biggest stars, a service of thanksgiving and a day at the races.

Kate & William’s ‘crucial side mission’

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been handed a side mission for their royal tour to the Caribbean, a royal commentator has claimed.

Speaking to True Royalty’s The Royal Beat, Hello! Royal Editor Emily Nash said: “The official line is the Cambridges are going on tour to thank people for their support for the Queen over her 70-year reign.

“And they’ve always said any decision about becoming republics is for the people of whichever country it is.

“But it is a charm offensive, and it’s a way of re-establishing ties, particularly after this two-year hiatus in royal travel.”

What is the Naval and Military Club?

A string of his royal relatives were members of the Naval and Military Club, which describes itself as a  “blended, eclectic mix” of like-minded people from a “wide range of backgrounds”. 

The organisation was originally created in 1862 for “gentlemen of the British Armed Forces” but now welcomes women and those who haven’t served.

It takes its name the In and Out from the etchings on te pair of commanding pillars at the front of the building at 94 Piccadilly in London.

Ten years ago, Prince Philip celebrated the club’s 150th anniversary by marching members around St James’s Square.

The Naval and Military Club also remembered the Duke of Edinburgh in June last year by commemorating his 100th birthday with a party.

Andrew ‘quits prestigious Navy club’

Andrew has reportedly quit the prestigious Naval and Military Club as he continues to pull back from public life.

The disgraced Duke of York is said to have “disappeared from the books” in wake of his landmark settlement with rape accuser Virginia Giuffre.

He had been a member of the historical consortium – aptly known as the In & Out – since rising through the ranks of the Royal Navy.

The move marks a particularly low point for the 62-year-old, as his late father Prince Phillip had previously served as the club’s president.

What does day three of William and Kate’s involve?

Prince William and Kate will visit the ancient Maya ruins on the third day of their Caribbean tours. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be given a tour of the site and have the chance to take in Caana which remains the tallest man-made structure in Belize.

The couple will then make there way to a reception hosted by the Governor General of Belize in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. 

Kate plants tree for Queen on second day of tour

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a chocolate business in Belize on Sunday a day after arriving in the caribbean.

William and Kate were given a tour of the Maya cacao farm where they were told all about how the Mayans cultivate cacao trees, process cacao beans and make the chocolate.

The royal couple got stuck in and even helped plant a tree in commemoration of the Queen. 

Kate and William suffered terrifying royal tour moment

William and Kate shared a terrifying moment while on a long tour to India in 2016.

Whilst visiting Kaziranga National Park, which homes tigers and elephants, the couple found themselves in a horrifying situation.

During their visit, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook the neighbouring nation of Myanmar.

Tremors were reportedly felt at Kaziranga National Park, despite the distance between the two locations.

Queen ‘pacing her diary’

The Queen is ‘pacing her diary’ amid health fears that ‘she can’t stand for long’ periods of time.

The Queen’s royal diary has been reworked by Buckingham Palace in support of the monarch’s workload, a source has claimed.

Royal sources said senior royal aides at Buckingham Palace have accepted that the “frailties that come with living a long life” are finally catching up with her.

One source told The Telegraph: “It’s about pacing her diary now.

“She has said herself that she is as committed to service as ever, but that will have to take a slightly different form.”

A royal expert has also claimed that The Monarch is finding it “extremely difficult to walk or stand for long periods”.

Speaking to the Telegraph, royal expert Phil Dampier said: “She will make a huge effort to attend the Prince Philip memorial, but they will have to make allowances for her – and no one will begrudge it.

“She’s nearly 96.”

Queen ‘finding it extremely difficult to stand’ for long periods

A royal expert has claimed that The Queen is finding it “extremely difficult to walk or stand for long periods”.

Speaking to the Telegraph, royal expert Phil Dampier said: “She will make a huge effort to attend the Prince Philip memorial, but they will have to make allowances for her – and no one will begrudge it.

“She’s nearly 96.”

Sophie Wessex’s ‘benefit from Megxit’

The Countess of Wessex has ‘undoubtedly benefited’ from Megxit as her profile ‘has been raised’, a royal expert claimed.

Royal expert Russel Myers has now explained how the mother-of-two has seen her fame rise after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to California last year. 

Speaking on True Royalty TV’s The Royal Beat, Myers explained: “Are the Instagram generation going to be as obsessed with Sophie and Edward Wessex as they are with the Sussexes? Obviously not.

“However, when you’re dealing with them… Sophie’s really across her subject matter. 

“It’s not just for show and she has really grown into that. With the Sussexes not here, the Wessexes will undoubtedly benefit.”

The royal expert also pointed out the similarities between Meghan and Sophie’s interests, saying: “The similarities between Sophie and Meghan are there to be seen. 

“Sophie’s working with girls’ education, she’s done a lot of stuff about violence against females in Africa.”

Kate & William’s ‘crucial side mission’

Kate Middleton and Prince William have been handed a side mission for their royal tour to the Caribbean, a royal commentator has claimed.

Speaking to True Royalty’s The Royal Beat, Hello! Royal Editor Emily Nash said: “The official line is the Cambridges are going on tour to thank people for their support for the Queen over her 70-year reign.

“And they’ve always said any decision about becoming republics is for the people of whichever country it is.

“But it is a charm offensive, and it’s a way of re-establishing ties, particularly after this two-year hiatus in royal travel.”

Thanks for reading

Joe Gamp here, signing off from today’s Royal Family live blog.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our real time, rolling coverage throughout the day.

My colleague Louis Allwood will return at 6am.

William and Kate to face protests in Jamaica

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Caribbean tour faces further protests with Jamaican campaigners accusing the Queen and her predecessors of perpetuating slavery.

As the country marks its 60th anniversary, a coalition of Jamaican politicians, business leaders, doctors and musicians have called in an open letter for the British monarchy to pay slavery reparations.

“We note with great concern your visit to our country Jamaica, during a period when we are still in the throes of a global pandemic and bracing for the full impact of another global crisis associated with the Russian/Ukraine war,” the letter states, according to a section quoted by The Independent’s race correspondent Nadine White.

“We see no reason to celebrate 70 years of the ascension of your grandmother to the British throne because her leadership, and that of her predecessors, has perpetuated the greatest human rights tragedy in the history of humankind.”

It is believed the group will stage a protest on Tuesday outside the British High Commission in Kingston, with the royals due to arrive that day in Jamaica where they will stay until Thursday when they depart for the Bahamas.

Queen’s guard who went AWOL to fight in Ukraine is arrested

A TEENAGE Queen’s Guard has been arrested by military police after going AWOL to fight Russia.

The 19-year-old, who wanted to use his training with the elite regiment to help the besieged Ukrainians, was immediately taken in for questioning after returning to Britain.

The Sun on Sunday understands the Coldstream Guard had contacted Army bosses while he was in Ukraine and agreed to return before jetting home from Poland.

But he could now face a jail sentence for desertion after going to the warzone in direct defiance of Ministry of Defence orders not to travel to Ukraine.

Armed Forces chief, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, has publicly declared it was “unlawful” for service personnel to join the fight against Russia in the country.

And Top Brass fear rogue troops, including the Guardsman, posed a huge security risk in Ukraine as they could be used by Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin to claim

Britain had entered the war.

Ministry of Defence chiefs are now said to be “hugely relieved” that the teen — who touched down at London Stansted on Thursday — had “seen sense” and returned.

Military style operation launches to get Queen to Philip memorial service

SENIOR Buckingham Palace aides have launched a major military- style planning operation aimed at getting the Queen to Prince Philip’s memorial service using a helicopter and privacy screens.

The frail 95-year-old monarch pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service last week amid fears for her “comfort” on the 60-mile round trip and having to sit in Westminster Abbey for more than an hour.

She was forced to watch the event on the telly at Windsor Castle.

But she is determined to attend for the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving on Tuesday week ? he died last April at the age of 99 ? and officials are exploring an incredible range of options to get her to the Abbey.

The Sun on Sunday understands senior staff will arrange to fly Her Majesty by helicopter on a 15-minute trip from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.

Although the Queen was seen on her feet at face-to-face engagements at Windsor last week, her aides are not happy with her walking around 100 yards from the Abbey entrance through the nave and choir to get to her seat. Instead, they want to drive her the short distance from the Palace and seal off the entire Dean’s Yard to the west of the Abbey so they can park in private outside a side door.

Six-foot privacy screens or even a football-style tunnel could be erected to prevent photographers from capturing her as she leaves the car.

Military style operation launches to get Queen to Philip memorial service

SENIOR Buckingham Palace aides have launched a major military- style planning operation aimed at getting the Queen to Prince Philip’s memorial service using a helicopter and privacy screens.

The frail 95-year-old monarch pulled out of the Commonwealth Day service last week amid fears for her “comfort” on the 60-mile round trip and having to sit in Westminster Abbey for more than an hour.

She was forced to watch the event on the telly at Windsor Castle.

But she is determined to attend for the Duke of Edinburgh’s thanksgiving on Tuesday week ? he died last April at the age of 99 ? and officials are exploring an incredible range of options to get her to the Abbey.

The Sun on Sunday understands senior staff will arrange to fly Her Majesty by helicopter on a 15-minute trip from Windsor Castle to Buckingham Palace.

Although the Queen was seen on her feet at face-to-face engagements at Windsor last week, her aides are not happy with her walking around 100 yards from the Abbey entrance through the nave and choir to get to her seat. Instead, they want to drive her the short distance from the Palace and seal off the entire Dean’s Yard to the west of the Abbey so they can park in private outside a side door.

Six-foot privacy screens or even a football-style tunnel could be erected to prevent photographers from capturing her as she leaves the car.

William and Kate’s eyes light up as they visit chocolate factory

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in chocoholic heaven sampling products made in a Belize cocoa farm but had to work for their sweet treats.

Kate tried her hand at grinding nibs, broken-up made cocoa beans, back-breaking work traditionally performed by the women in rural communities, during their visit to the Che ‘il chocolate farm.

Later as the future Queen watch her husband pounding away with a mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock she said: “The smell of the chocolate is amazing.”

William even joked about giving up his day job as a working royal asking Julio Saqui owner of the family-run chocolate firm: “Do you take apprentices?

“Can I come and work for you? It’s my kind of thing.”

The couple’s eyes lit up when they saw chocolate fountains, dipping tortilla chips into the brown sticky liquid, and they tried hot chocolate made from organic products with Kate confessing: “I think our children will be very jealous.”

William and Kate stun crowds as they dance in Belize

William and Kate had a village rocking yesterday as they thrilled crowds by dancing with the locals.

The prince gave a little shimmy as the royal pair watched a performance welcoming them to Belize.

But it was Kate, in a floral Tory Burch dress, who was first on to the dancefloor She threw shapes with nine schoolchildren and rattled maracas.

The royal couple – who are on a Caribbean tour to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – were treated to dancing and food by the Garifuna community in Hopkins.

William, 39, looked on as Kate, 40, grabbed the limelight, before he was persuaded into dancing with organiser Laura Cacho, 57.

They were soon holding hands and gyrating to the music ? as onlookers screamed in delight.

Laura said afterwards: “That was so exciting. A dream come true. It was fun he was a good dancer and I told him he got the Garifuna culture in him.

“He did the punta dance better than me. He shook his waist to the music. He had beautiful rhythm. It was a pleasure for me. Kate was excellent as well and has Garifuna culture in her. They were shaking their waists like nobody’s business.”

Stars pay tribute to Dame Vera Lynn during Westminster thanksgiving service

Katherine Jenkins, Alan Titchmarsh and Jonathan Dimbleby were among those who paid tribute to Dame Vera Lynn at a thanksgiving service in London to celebrate the life and work of the wartime singer.

The service was held at Westminster Abbey on Monday with members of her family, friends from the world of music, representatives from charities she supported and members of the Armed Forces in attendance.

Dame Vera had a celebrated career as a singer and entertainer spanning more than 90 years. She died in June 2020 at the age of 103.

During the thanksgiving service, the central band of the Royal British Legion greeted attendees on arrival and played out their departure.

TV gardener Titchmarsh gave a personal remembrance to Dame Vera while broadcaster Dimbleby reflected on the late singer’s close connection with the Armed Forces.

Also among the performers were singer Katie Ashby and the D-Day Darlings who performed Dame Vera’s classic The White Cliffs of Dover. The wartime singer’s former personal assistant Susan Fleet read a poem titled Goodnight Sweetheart by Michael Claughton.

Annie Lennox elected to join Royal Society of Edinburgh

Former Eurythmics singer Annie Lennox is one of 80 new fellows to have been elected to join Scotland’s national academy of science and letters.

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) awards a fellowship to people from the arts, business, public service, civil society and academia whom the organisation’s judges deem to have made outstanding achievements for social progress and development.

This year’s group will be joining the RSE’s current fellowship of about 1,700 high-flyers who are recognised as being some of the greatest thinkers, researchers and practitioners working in or with Scotland today.

In addition to toping the charts with the Eurythmics, Lennox also had a distinguished, award-winning, solo career.

She is also chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, the founder of The Circle: a non-profit organisation of women working together to achieve equality for women and girls, and was formerly special envoy for the Scottish Parliament.

Speaking about being nominated as a fellow of RSE, Lennox said she is “truly humbled and honoured”.

“Apart from a lifetime of music-making, my ardent passion lies with the most crucial issues facing all of humanity at this precarious point in time, namely the sustainability of our precious planet and the actual implementation of human rights and justice, most especially regarding the lives of women and girls in all four corners of the globe,” she said.