British Royals

The King to ‘hold Labour MP hostage’ in centuries-old tradition

A Labour MP will be ceremonially “held hostage” at Buckingham Palace during the State Opening of Parliament in a centuries-old tradition dating back to the reign of Charles I. The parliamentarian – who on this occasion is the MP for Scunthorpe, Sir Nic Dakin – remains at the Palace while the monarch travels to Westminster to deliver the King’s Speech. Sir Nic will only be released…
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British Royals

Princess Anne honoured in striking new portrait

A new ceremonial portrait of Princess Anne in her role as Colonel-in-Chief of the British Army’s Intelligence Corps has been unveiled in London. The painting, by acclaimed British portrait artist Louise Pragnell, was revealed on Friday and will go on public display during London Craft Week at Painters’ Hall in the City of London. Commissioned by the Intelligence Corps in 2024, the…
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British Royals

First look at Queen Elizabeth memorial as statue plans revealed

Plans for a permanent national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II have been unveiled in London on what would have been the late monarch’s 100th birthday. The tribute, to be created in St James’s Park, will feature a prominent bronze statue of the Queen in the early years of her reign, positioned to overlook The Mall near Buckingham Palace. The sculpture is expected to become the centrepiece of…
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British Royals

The King's new racing star? Royal horse stuns on debut at Newmarket

The King may have unearthed a new equine superstar after his homebred colt Portcullis produced a striking debut victory at Newmarket, overcoming an early setback to win in emphatic fashion. The three-year-old, trained by John and Thady Gosden and ridden by Ryan Moore, made a slow and awkward start in the mile-long Wood Ditton Maiden, leaving him several lengths adrift of his rivals in the early…
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