THE Queen said the Covid pandemic was a period "of anxiety, grief & weariness" in a letter read to the Church of England's national assembly by Edward.
After missing the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend, the Queen was due to appear in person at the Synod, but her appearance was cancelled last week.
Edward, who read the 95-year-old head of state's speech to bishops and clergy at Church House, the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England, praised the institution for offering "hope" during the pandemic.
In the message the earl read on his mother's behalf, the Queen, who has been under doctors' orders to rest for nearly a month, made reference to her late husband, saying "none of us can slow the passage of time".
"It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod," her address said.
"None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings."
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest news and updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Celebrity psychic Sally Morgan says she fears for the Queen
SALLY Morgan has revealed fears for the Queen after Her Majesty pulled out of the Remembrance Sunday service.
Celebrity psychic Sally, 70, commented on the speculation surrounding the Queen after she left royal fans surprised by missing the event.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Sally predicted: "She's not well and, like a lot of people, I am worried about her. She looks to me like she's lost a lot of weight but she is 94"
When asked about the future of the monarchy, Sally added: "Charles will take the throne in the not-too-distant future but there’s no way the Queen will hand it over.
"She will never abdicate. But Charles can’t wait to be King and he deserves it."
- Joseph Gamp
'A period of anxiety, grief and weariness'
In the speech, the Queen also described he coronavirus pandemic as a period "of anxiety, of grief, and of weariness".
Speaking on his mum's behalf Edward said: "Of course, in our richly diverse modern society, the well-being of the nation depends on the contribution of people of all faiths, and of none.
"But for people of faith, the last few years have been particularly hard, with unprecedented restrictions in accessing the comfort and reassurance of public worship.
"For many, it has been a time of anxiety, of grief, and of weariness.
"Yet the Gospel has brought hope, as it has done throughout the ages; and the Church has adapted and continued its ministry, often in new ways, such as digital forms of worship."
- Joseph Gamp
Queen to remember Philip on 74th wedding anniversary
The Queen will mark a heartbreaking milestone this weekend, without her husband Prince Phillip.
Prince Phillip died on April 9, this year at the age of 99.
On Saturday 20 November 20, the Royal couple would have celebrated their 74th year of marriage.
The monarch also faces her first Christmas without Philip.
It is understood she will host her extended family in Norfolk this year, having missed out on a big family Christmas last year due to Covid restrictions.
- Joseph Gamp
'The third way': Queen stopped Harry & Meghan living as royals
According to unearthed reports, the Queen put a stop to the idea that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could keep their royal patronages, while pursuing lucrative commercial partnerships.
According to a source from The Daily Mail, the Sussexes’ planned to have scaled back royal duties, enabling them to take on independent projects but also hang on to their formal roles with the military, arts, Commonwealth and sporting organisations.
Speaking to the newspaper, the source claimed: “The direction of travel has been clear for a while.
“The Queen has been very clear from the start that this ‘half in, half out’ model demanded by the Sussexes wouldn’t work and hasn’t deviated from that. Not once.
“Their original idea was to have a ‘third way’ of being a royal. And the Queen has said quite simply ‘no, you can’t’.'”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen says 'no one can slow passage of time'
Addressing the opening session of the 11th General Synod of the Church of England, the Queen said: "It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod.
"None of us can slow the passage of time, and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings."
The Queen married Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, with the duke passing away after more than 70 years of marriage in April this year.
The Earl of Wessex read his mum's speech to bishops and clergy at Church House, the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England, in her absence after she sprained her back.
- Joseph Gamp
Why did the Queen pull out of Remembrance Sunday service?
The Queen was also forced to pull out of the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend due to the back injury.
Her Majesty has missed the event just six times during her reign – either when pregnant or away on tour.
Speaking today, Prince Edward told the General Synod "you probably understand why" the Queen was not present to deliver her address.
Edward, addressing the Church of England's national assembly on behalf of his mother in Westminster on Tuesday, said the Queen sends her "sincere and deep apologies that she cannot be here today".
He added: "I think you probably understand why, and she regrets that deeply."
- Joseph Gamp
Rania of Jordan expresses concerns for 'strong' Queen
Queen Rania of Jordan has voiced her concerns for Britain's head of state but said the UK monarch is a "strong woman", as she hosted the Duchess of Cornwall.
Rania spoke about the Queen's health after a sprained back forced her to cancel a much-anticipated appearance at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
Camilla was treated to an electrifying tour of Jordan's capital Amman by Queen Rania, who drove her guest in a top of the range Tesla.
The two royal women enjoyed a 30-minute journey in the electric £90,000 Model X P90D, cruising across the capital city with a police escort to visit a children's centre established in the Queen's name.
Afterwards Rania, who is married to Jordan's ruling monarch King Abdullah II, was asked by ITV News about the Queen, who is only carrying out desk duties after being advised to rest by her doctors.
She replied: "We're always concerned for her health, but she is a strong woman and even at this age is very active."
- Joseph Gamp
Queen missed opening of CofE Synod for first time in 51 years
It came after Edward, the Queen's youngest son, attended an opening service at nearby Westminster Abbey, where the Archbishop of Canterbury lead a number of prayers.
It is the first time the monarch, who is Supreme Governor of the church, has missed her five-yearly visit to the Synod in its 51-year history.
The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England which passes legislation.
It was the first full in-person meeting of Synod since February 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen's grief during pandemic (continued…)
In the message the earl read on his mother's behalf, the Queen, who has been under doctors' orders to rest for nearly a month, made reference to her late husband, saying "none of us can slow the passage of time".
"It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod," her address said.
"None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings."
Edward added on the Queen's behalf: "Of course, in our richly diverse modern society, the well-being of the nation depends on the contribution of people of all faiths, and of none.
"But for people of faith, the last few years have been particularly hard, with unprecedented restrictions in accessing the comfort and reassurance of public worship.
"For many, it has been a time of anxiety, of grief, and of weariness.
"Yet the Gospel has brought hope, as it has done throughout the ages; and the Church has adapted and continued its ministry, often in new ways, such as digital forms of worship."
- Joseph Gamp
The Queen tells of grief during pandemic in message read by Edward
The Queen has described the coronavirus pandemic as a period "of anxiety, of grief, and of weariness", in an address delivered to the Church of England's national assembly by the Earl of Wessex.
After missing the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend, the Queen, whose husband the Duke of Edinburgh died seven months ago, was due to appear in person at the Synod, but her appearance was cancelled last week.
Edward, who read the 95-year-old head of state's speech to bishops and clergy at Church House, the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England, praised the institution for offering "hope" during the pandemic.
Before the speech, he said the Queen sends her "sincere and deep apologies that she cannot be here today".
Edward added: "I think you probably understand why, and she regrets that deeply."
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Charles says 'its time for action on the ground' after COP26
In the banquet suite, the foreign monarch made a short speech and said: "We are tremendously delighted to welcome you back."
He spoke of his late father and his own pride at being "the third generation" to have had such a warm relationship with Charles.
He said it continued with "our two young men" – a reference to the meeting between the Duke of Cambridge and the Crown Prince when the pair watched the World Cup together in 2018.
The King also thanked Charles for his environmental efforts: "I want to say how proud we all are of the successes in Glasgow because that was something you started way beforehand."
Charles said: "You're very kind to mention (Cop26) but now hopefully the talking has gone on for so long, it's time for action on the ground."
- Joseph Gamp
Charles apologises for Jordan Royal tour delay
The prince apologised for the trip – initially planned for March 2020 – being delayed due to the pandemic and highlighted the importance of Jordan's centenary celebrated this year.
He said: "It is always very special indeed to come back to Jordan – I'm sorry this time it is 19 months late. The fact that we can come back is hugely encouraging.
"This occasion is even more special bearing in mind the centenary. The friendship between our countries. That relationship has mattered even more and matters a great deal within the UK."
When the couple first arrived they were greeted by the King and Queen and the couple's son Crown Prince Hussein and Camilla curtseyed to the monarch and was welcomed by his wife with a kiss on each cheek.
- Joseph Gamp
Charles praises relationship between Jordan & UK
The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to the enduring ties between the UK and Jordan, saying the "relationship has mattered even more and matters a great deal within the UK".
Charles began his tour of the country with the Duchess of Cornwall by visiting its ruling monarch King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania, and praised Jordan's efforts in welcoming millions of refugees from the region over the decades.
When the King highlighted the recent Cop26 UN climate change conference in Glasgow the prince attended, Charles reiterated calls for action from world leaders.
Later, the Queen drove the duchess to an event at a children's centre – taking the wheel of a Tesla.
Speaking in Al Husseiniya Palace, Charles told the King: "How hugely we all admire Jordan and your Majesty's efforts on looking after so many refugees coming from all around the area. Jordan is so unbelievably hospitable – it's marvellous."
- Joseph Gamp
Climate change 'a main theme' of Charles' Jordan tour
Charles and Camilla have been asked by the Government to visit the Middle East country and will also tour Egypt over the next four days.
The overseas visit comes after an eventful period for the royal family, with senior members of the monarchy taking part in the recent Cop26 UN climate change conference and concerns being raised about the Queen's health after she suffered a back injury.
Chris Fitzgerald, deputy private secretary to the prince, has said climate change would be one of the main themes of the visit, and other issues would include inter-faith dialogue, female empowerment and efforts to preserve cultural heritage.
Mr Fitzgerald said: "The first royal tour in almost two years will come at a significant moment in the UK's relationship with both countries.
"Their royal highnesses will first travel to Jordan, where they will celebrate both Jordan's own centenary and 100 years of the UK-Jordan bilateral relationship.
"Their royal highnesses' visit to Egypt comes as the UK holds the Cop presidency and Egypt has been nominated to assume the Cop27 presidency in 2022.
"In this decisive decade for climate action, the next 12 months is therefore expected to see a significant co-operation between the UK and Egypt. Indeed, both visits will have a major focus on addressing the climate crisis."
- Joseph Gamp
Charles and Camilla begin tour of Jordan
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were today greeted by British diplomats as their tour of Jordan began.
Charles and Camilla arrived in the capital Amman in Voyager, the ministerial jet, and waiting on the runway was the UK's ambassador to the country Bridget Brind.
Among her group was Stephanie Al-Qaq, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's director for the Middle East and North Africa, and Defence Attache Brigadier Jamie Piggott.
The couple left the UK on Sunday, Charles' birthday, after attending the national remembrance service at the Cenotaph and have been spending private time in Jordan.
A guard of honour lined the red carpet at Queen Alia International Airport and waiting nearby was a fleet of limousines for the royal entourage.
Charles and Camilla have been asked by the Government to visit the Middle East country and will also tour Egypt over the next four days.
- Joseph Gamp
Queen gives Prince Charles her blessing to continue royal tour
THE Queen gave Prince Charles her blessing to continue with his royal tour despite her health fears.
He spoke to Her Majesty in a touching phone call to make sure she was coping with a back injury that forced her to miss Remembrance Sunday.
The Prince of Wales was reassured that he and Camilla were all clear to jet off on the first post-Covid royal venture.
The couple start their four-day trip to Jordan and Egypt today as the Queen remains at Windsor Castle recovering from a back sprain.
The 95-year-old sparked fresh health concerns by cancelling an appearance at the Cenotaph for the first time in 22 years.
She remains on “light duties” but royal watchers are worried as she has now cancelled four public engagements in a month.
- Milica Cosic
Queen unlikely to be seen in public for rest of year
The Queen's diary of public engagements has been largely scrubbed clear for the year while she rests at Windsor Castle.
While Her Majesty may not be seen at public engagements, she is expected to return to light duties later this week, including virtual audiences with diplomats.
The monarch missed the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London over the weekend because of a sprained back.
The Queen has no further outside engagements in the next few weeks, meaning it may be January or February before she is seen in public.
Normally she goes to Sandringham at Christmas and resumes public engagements in mid-February. However, she could remain at Windsor.
- Milica Cosic
Prince Andrew smiles during drive around royal grounds
PRINCE Andrew was all smiles as he popped out of his home for a drive around the royal grounds at Windsor on Sunday.
The Duke of York, 61, was spotted as it emerged he might be named in his former pal Ghislaine Maxwell’s upcoming trial.
One lawyer involved in the case said its likely Andrew will be “dreading” the court case which continues jury selection this week and fully kicks off on November 29.
“This will thrust Andre back under the spotlight,” the unnamed case lawyer told The Mail on Sunday.
“It is inconceivable his name won’t be introduced by the women who will testify against Maxwell. He must be dreading it”.
He appeared cheery despite allegations that he abused a 17-year-old sex trafficking victim of the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
- Milica Cosic
Charles' responsibilities
Charles, who turned 73 on Remembrance Sunday, is filling in on more official engagements such as investitures, duties the Queen would usually have done.
But it is expected the monarch will take part in a number of audiences with dignitaries this week.
- Milica Cosic
First time Queen has missed visit to the Synod
The Earl of Wessex read his mum's speech to bishops and clergy at Church House, the Westminster headquarters of the Church of England, in her absence after she sprained her back.
It is the first time the monarch, who is Supreme Governor of the church, has missed her five-yearly visit to the Synod in its 51-year history.
The General Synod is the national assembly of the Church of England which passes legislation.
The Queen was also forced to pull out of the Remembrance Sunday service at the weekend due to the back injury.
Her Majesty has missed the event just six times during her reign – either when pregnant or away on tour.
The Earl of Wessex spoke on his mum's behalf in her absence Credit: PA - Milica Cosic
Queen shares poignant message days before wedding anniversary
THE Queen has sent a poignant message about the "passage of time" – just days before her wedding anniversary to the late Prince Phillip.
The 95-year-old monarch's message was read by her son as she recovers from a sprained back.
Addressing the opening session of the 11th General Synod of the Church of England, the Queen said: "It is hard to believe that it is over 50 years since Prince Philip and I attended the very first meeting of the General Synod.
"None of us can slow the passage of time, and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings."
The Queen married Prince Philip on November 20, 1947, with the duke passing away after more than 70 years of marriage in April this year.
- Milica Cosic
Kate and William 'like any other couple'
According to a royal instituter, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William are reportedly "very happy" after 10 years of marriage.
Chris Floyd, a photographer who captured the couple for their 10th wedding anniversary, revealed the royal pair are “just like any married couple”.
He said: “They were just like any married couple who seemed to just love being very happy in each other’s company. It was that straightforward.”
“I just said, ‘Look, this is your 10th anniversary, just be the couple that you are with each other and forget that I’m here. Just forget about me’.
“It was their home and I was made to feel welcome in their home.”
- Milica Cosic
Meghan 'wanted to keep the positions she and Harry lost'
In February, it was confirmed that Harry and Meghan would lose their prestigious patronages as the couple confirmed their departure from the Royal Family was permanent.
A source told the Daily Mail that Harry and Meghan had "absolutely, no question" wanted to keep the positions they had lost.
They added: "They [Harry and Meghan] do respect the decision but they always made clear they were committed to doing those roles."
- Milica Cosic
Queen stopped Meghan & Harry from living as royals in a 'third way'
According to unearthed reports, the Queen put a stop to the idea that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry could keep their royal patronages, while pursuing lucrative commercial partnerships.
According to a source from The Daily Mail, the Sussexes' planned to have scaled back royal duties, enabling them to take on independent projects but also hang on to their formal roles with the military, arts, Commonwealth and sporting organisations.
Speaking to the newspaper, the source claimed: "The direction of travel has been clear for a while.
"The Queen has been very clear from the start that this 'half in, half out' model demanded by the Sussexes wouldn't work and hasn't deviated from that. Not once.
"Their original idea was to have a 'third way' of being a royal. And the Queen has said quite simply 'no, you can't'.'"
- Milica Cosic
Janet Street-Porter brands Adele ‘self-important musical Meghan Markle’
Writing in her latest Daily Mail column ‘spare me any more of her talking’, Janet branded superstar Adele a ‘self-important musical Meghan Markle’.
Janet wrote: "But now she’s one of the most famous people in the world with a multi-million-pound fortune isn’t it time to button up, to let the songs speak for themselves, to spare us the back story, the intimate details about a failed marriage- especially when we are only hearing one side of the story?"
Janet also went on to compare her to the Duchess of Sussex, suggesting Adele has "turned into an over-packaged, self-important musical Meghan Markle".
Janet wrote: "Can you any longer tell the difference between Meghan Markle and Adele Adkins? Both had difficult relationships with their fathers and worship their mothers.
"Both felt that Oprah was the best person to share their ‘truths’ with.
"In other words to offer the world a shiny version of what they want us to believe, slickly edited and unchallenged."
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