Queen Elizabeth news – Monarch prepares for 1st accession day without Philip as she gets ready to mark Platinum Jubilee

THE QUEEN will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of her accession today. However, a royal commentator has said that the jubilee will also be a difficult time for The Queen.

This is the first time that the Monarch will be celebrating the day without Prince Philip. He was by her side for 73 years.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: “The Queen is a person of deep religious faith.

“She took an oath when she was 21 in 1947 to serve her whole life and she meant every word of it.”

The monarch was also filmed in Windsor Castle’s Oak Room viewing homemade cards and artwork to Queen Victoria for her Golden Jubilee in 1887.

The footage was taken ahead of the Queen’s Accession Day today, as Platinum Jubilee cards decorate the room, including one featuring a picture of her as a young woman surrounded by flowers with the words “70 Glorious Years”.

Read our Royal Family live blog for the latest news and updates…

  • Milica Cosic

    The Queen’s golden carriage lined up for return

    THE Queen’s golden carriage is lined up for a glittering return for her Platinum Jubilee — after being pimped up at Buckingham Palace.

    The 240-year-old horse-drawn coach is getting what insiders describe as an MoT-style once-over, 20 years since it last appeared on London’s streets.

    Experts are carrying out checks on the 24ft four-ton Georgian-era carriage to ensure it is in tip-top shape for the festivities marking 70 years on the throne.

    The Queen, 95, previously described the ride in the Gold State Coach during her Coronation in 1953 as “horrible”.

    Coachmen and mechanics checking the comfort and suspension hope to pimp up the ride while it gets the once-over at a Royal Collection Trust museum currently closed to the public.

    Palace aides have yet to confirm exactly what role it will play.

  • Milica Cosic

    Platinum Jubilee cards given to Queen

    Footage was taken ahead of the Queen’s Accession Day today, and Platinum Jubilee cards decorate the room, including one featuring a picture of her as a young woman surrounded by flowers with the words “70 Glorious Years”.

    The Queen studies one, made from bottle tops and bearing the words “Ma’am You’re The Tops”, from her 2002 Golden Jubilee She remarks: “That’s good — simple but ingenious.”

    A fingerprint portrait created by nursery and primary school pupils in Leicestershire delights her, too.

    A letter from a nine-year-old boy called Chris is titled: “A Recipe For A Perfect Queen”.

    It lists ingredients such as “500ml of royal blood”, a “dab of jewels and posh gowns” and “a dash of loyalty”.

    The Queen — who receives more than 100,000 pieces of correspondence in a jubilee year — chuckles and says: “That’s quite fun.”

    Her Majesty smiled as she studied a fan handed to Queen Victoria to mark her Golden Jubilee in 1887Credit: PA
  • Milica Cosic

    'Tensions are high' as Kate set for big role

    An expert has claimed that Kate Middleton is set to play a significant role this year, by acting as a peacemaker between the Sussexes and the rest of the Royal Family.

    Royal expert Katie Nicholl told Closer magazine that The Duchess of Cambridge could prove significant when it comes to building bridges.

    She said: “Tensions are high but Kate will do what she can to heal the rift”.

  • Milica Cosic

    'Philip in her thoughts' as Queen marks anniversary

    The Queen will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of her accession soon. However, a royal commentator has said that the jubilee will also be a difficult time for The Queen.

    This is the first time that the Monarch will be celebrating the day without Prince Philip. He was by her side for 73 years.

    Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told Express.co.uk: "The Queen is a person of deep religious faith.

    "She took an oath when she was 21 in 1947 to serve her whole life and she meant every word of it."

  • Milica Cosic

    Bank holiday extravaganza

    The extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee can be easily added to make a four-day extravaganza. 

    On Thursday June 2, 2022, the first day of the bank holiday, more than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the traditional Trooping the Colour Parade to mark The Queen’s official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June.

    On Friday, June 3, 2022, a service of thanksgiving for the Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral.

    Meanwhile, on Saturday, June 4, a special live concert of the “world’s biggest entertainment stars” from Buckingham Palace will be broadcast.

    Audience tickets will be available to apply for via ballot, released in February.

    And communities are encouraged to celebrate The Big Jubilee Lunch on Sunday in their neighbourhoods.

  • Milica Cosic

    How the Queen has changed over the years

    Ahead of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, body language expert Darren Stanton has analysed the Queen's changing body language over the years. 

    Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, Darren reveals how the much-loved Royal has gone from a self-confident young monarch to a stoic figure and reassuring face for the British public in her 70-year reign.

    Speaking about The Queen's early reign, Darren said: "Since being in the public eye, she has never been one to follow conventional rules of communication. Matching and mirroring someone’s behaviour is a naturally occurring action in psychology to build rapport with those you are in conversation with.

    "However, the Queen consciously chooses not to do this. Instead, she has the ability to build this same level of connection by adopting the notion of pace and lead. She uses her influence to find common ground and build trust with those around her, instead of mirroring their gestures and actions, with the other person slowly then beginning to mirror the Queen as a result."

    And, as a mother, Darren said about Her Magesty: "The only time we have seen a change in the Queen is when she has been surrounded by family. From limited historical footage that exists of her in an informal setting, it is clear that the idea of family has always been the most important nucleus of her life.

    "There are plenty of moments where she and Prince Philip are playing with the children and she appears to show a very strong connection with Charles – maybe because he was her first son. It’s clear she is immensely proud of him. She relaxes her usually stiff posture and clearly comfortable at home, we see her laughing and openly playing the role of the entertainer."

  • Milica Cosic

    How to apply for Platinum Jubilee tickets

    Applications for tickets for Trooping the Colour 2022 opened on January 17.

    They will be allocated by a ballot due to the high interest, and applications must be made through the Army website in January and February 2022.

    The public can also get tickets for other Platinum Jubilee events.

    The ballot for UK residents to secure the thousands of audience tickets for the Platinum Party at the Palace will be launched in February.

    Ahead of the main Jubilee weekend, some members of the Royal Family will attend a special celebration at the Windsor Horse Show, which runs between May 12th and May 15th 2022.

    Tickets for the event are available to buy on the official website.

  • Milica Cosic

    The Queen's 70 years

    This weekend The Queen will mark 70 years since she acceded to the throne and she will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee.

    A royal insider previously said: "The anniversary of the day she changed from Princess Elizabeth to Queen Elizabeth is obviously a very proud and important moment for her every year.

    "This year she will mark 70 years on the throne and is very much looking forward to throwing a four-day party for the country in June.

    "But the anniversary of the day she became Queen on February 6 in 1952 is also tinged with sadness as it was the moment she lost her father.

    "The Queen always wants to be at Sandringham where he died and this year's Accession Day is no different.

    "She will be there at Sandringham. The Queen wants to spend it in sombre reflection.

    "There will be a time for the nation and Queen to properly mark the milestone but it is important for her to be at Sandringham on Accession Day and mark it in private."

  • Milica Cosic

    Queen's Jubilee news you may have missed

    • We shared how thousands of Queen’s Platinum Jubilee merchandise printed with major error.
    • And to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee Sun readers share their heartwarming stories of meeting The Queen.
    • And we revealed inside Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the key dates YOU need to know.
    • Milica Cosic

      Kate Middleton's jumped on the latest beauty trend

      Kate Middleton has been spotted donning the latest beauty trend – laminated eyebrows. It was notable visible when the royal glowed in gold at the No Time to Die premiere in London last year.

      Tori Rosero, make-up artist and founder of Glowblade Academy told Express.co.uk: "Kate Middleton's fluffy brows definitely look like they have been laminated to create a natural, yet fluffy and perfectly set brow.

      "When brows are laminated we use a cream to set brows into the desired position, so Kate’s therapist could definitely have done this to create the fluffy and textured, yet immaculately groomed look she has now."

      Celebrity brow artist, Sarah Fogg, who has treated the brows of Love Island's Olivia Attwood among others, said: "Looking at the Duchess of Cambridge's brows, it does look as though she may have had them lightly laminated.

      "The shape has changed slightly and looks flatter and the hair definitely looks to be pushed in an upward direction.”

    • Milica Cosic

      Kate and Willam's move from the city

      Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly looking to swap their residence in Kensington Palace for the countryside, in a shocking departure.

      There is speculation that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are planning to move to Berkshire while their children are still young, with their eyes set on a home within Windsor Great Park in Berkshire.

      The hope is that they'll be within commuting distance of London, to still carry out royal duties, but also closer to the Middleton family and The Queen too.

      A source told Us Weekly: "It’s where Kate was raised and the place they feel most comfortable as a family whenever they go."

    • Milica Cosic

      The Queen’s favourite breakfast revealed

      THE Queen has a team of royal chefs and kitchen staff to prepare her breakfast every morning – but she’s chosen the same thing every day for 70 years. 

      Her Majesty, 95, is said to choose to tuck into a bowl of Kellogg’s cereal to start her day. 

      The cereal brand confirmed its long-standing relationship with the royal household.

      Dan Bitti, Kellogg’s Breakfast Lead, said in a statement: “Having Her Majesty’s royal seal of approval is a wonderful endorsement and we’re honoured that the Queen continues to start her day off with a bowl of Kellogg’s cereal.”

      Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who worked for the royal family for over a decade, also previously revealed that the monarch’s favourite choice is Special K.

    • Milica Cosic

      Harry laying 'low for now'

      Royal expert Katie Nicholl has suggested Prince Harry is "laying low for now" and "doesn't want to cause any more upset" to the Queen.

      She said Harry has "paused and reflected" on interviews over the past year.

      "He's realised how much last year took a toll on his grandmother, and doesn't want to cause any more upset, so is laying low for now," she told Closer magazine.

      Despite that, the Royal Family will be bracing for Harry's memoir, due to be released this year.

      He promised to give an "accurate and wholly truthful" account of his life, writing as "the man he has become".

    • Milica Cosic

      Kate could be stopped from taking part in a tradition

      Kate Middleton could be prevented from taking part in one very important tradition treasured by The Queen Elizabeth as it's thought a minor health condition could leave her on the sidelines.

      The Duchess has previously admitted she is allergic to horses. This condition could stop her stop her from taking part in many of the equine-based activities and events so associated with the royals.

      According to Clarisa Ru, wife of Santa Barbara Polo Club president Wesley Ru, Kate has been trying to overcome her allergy.

      Speaking to the People in 2011, Ms Ru said: “I asked if she was into polo before she met William. She said no.

      “But she’s been riding horses for a while and she hopes to play polo one day.

      “She said ‘I’m actually allergic to them, but the more time one spends with them the less allergic you become.’”

      Royal Ascot is one of the most prominent horse racing events attended by the Queen and other royals including Kate. Looking to the future however, Kate's children will pick up where she can’t.

    • Milica Cosic

      PM backs permanent Bank Holiday

      It is understood that Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie have privately backed a campaign in favour of establishing an extra bank holiday to honour the Queen.

      A campaign has been launched in the run-up to the beginning of the Platinum Jubilee to create a "Thank Holiday" from 2023.

      The Prime Minister and his wife are 'on board' with this plan, with an insider telling the Telegraph: "They are highly supportive of the idea."

    • Milica Cosic

      Kate accused of only working 'four days'

      Kate Middleton has been accused of only working "an entire four days" this year after it was announced she will visit Denmark, Copenhagen with The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to bring their work to the international stage.

      In a tweet, she said "Denmark is a beacon of best practice in its approach to the early years", alongside posting a video of a Danish flag which she made out of LEGO.

      However, some have criticised the trip accusing the Duchess of not being "hardworking".

      One Twitter user, said the visit looks more "like a social" one "than a workshop".

      Another wrote: "Can’t say hardworking…she’s only worked an entire four days in 2022."

    • Milica Cosic

      ‘Sweaty’ Prince Andrew cozies up to socialite (Continued…)

      Pascale, the daughter of late Canadian politician Andrew Bourbeau, was in Saint Tropez for the party hosted by Tony Murray, 85, an Anglo-French businessman who spent £500,000 entertaining 400 guests.

      One picture from the night shows Pascale with her arms around Andrew's neck, while he appeared to places a hand on her rear.

      A casual Duke wears cream-coloured chinos and a blue open-necked shirt.

      Another image shows a slightly sweaty-looking Andrew standing awkwardly next to the model with his hands by his side.

      A third image shows the two almost nose-to-nose as they get close at the swanky gathering.

      It has since been proven that it is Pascale in the photos from that night. Jeffery Dread, a New York artist, told the Daily Mail in 2007: "They were dancing together by the pool, away from the crowd. Then I saw them hugging, kissing, and cuddling.

      "It was very heavy. They disappeared upstairs, then came down and left the party on a boat with a group of friends."

    • Milica Cosic

      ‘Sweaty’ Prince Andrew cozies up to socialite

      PRINCE ANDREW once enjoyed a wild night out with Canadian model and singer Pascale Bourbeau – and as he partied with the glamorous brunette, his teenage daughter Beatrice was just metres away at the same event.

      One pal at the time claimed the woman was mistaken for Prince William's future wife Kate Middleton, and partygoers thought Andrew appeared to be kissing his nephew's girlfriend.

      The wild party took place in France's millionaire's playground of Saint Tropez on July 28, 2007.

      Accompanying the Duke at the bash was his daughter Princess Beatrice, weeks before her 19th birthday.

      It came just three days after Andrew partied with US socialite Chris Von Aspen, with pictures showing the Duke of York dancing with the blonde.

    • Milica Cosic

      Prince Harry: 'Life is about learning'

      Prince Harry spoke of "finding success both in and outside of work” in a woke online lecture to 100,000 business people. The seminar was set up by US corporate coaching firm BetterUp which last year hired the prince as its "chief impact officer".

      The prince revealed that when Archie is in school and Lilibet is sleeping he takes 45 minutes to meditate every day in a bid to focus on “self care”.

      Harry said you need to make it a habit, just like "brushing your teeth" and said you can't lose your focus.

      "Life is about learning. If you're in your 20, 30s, 40s and even your 50s and you think you've got it sorted, bad things are going to happen," he said.

      He added: "I’m being schooled by the universe, there’s something for me to learn… If you have that perspective every single day, bad things can be good." The royal continued the seminar talking about mental fitness.

      “It has to start from yourself, this idea that you can somehow find mental fitness from other people…it starts at home, it’s internal.”

    • Milica Cosic

      Harry causes searches for 'mental health support' to skyrocket

      Searches for 'Mental Health Support' skyrocket 132% worldwide after appearance alongside Serena Williams at BetterUp virtual conference.

      The new finding by Bed Kingdom reveals that online searches for ‘Get Therapy’ and 'Mental Health Support' skyrocketed 109% and 132% respectively in just hours on the 4th February – an unprecedented spike in people Googling for assistance on their mental wellbeing, according to analysis of Google search data.

      A spokesperson for Bed Kingdom commented on the findings:  “Prince Harry, along with his wife Meghan Markle, has been incredibly outspoken about the causes that are important to them, namely issues surrounding mental health.

      "Ever since Prince Harry stepped down from his role as a working royal last year, he has used his enormous influence and platform to speak out against the wrongdoings he sees around him, in an effort to make the world a better place. "

    • Milica Cosic

      Heartbreaking reason Queen’s Jubilee isn’t on official date

      Her Majesty, 95, officially ascended the throne on February 6, 1952, but there is a heartbreaking reason why we aren’t celebrating it on the official date.

      The Queen started her reign after her father, King George VI, passed away in his sleep at the age of 56.

      He died from ill health, following a lung operation from which he failed to recover.

      Elizabeth ascended the throne on the same day, and the Queen chooses to not celebrate the date for this reason and instead honours her father.

      The Queen also celebrated her Gold and Diamond Jubilees, months after her dad died. 

      It is said Buckingham Palace and the government thought it would also be better to hold the Jubilee celebrations until June, when it is warmer.

    • Milica Cosic

      GMB’s Kate Garraway takes a swipe at Harry

      Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway took a swipe at Prince Harry today after he complained about feeling burned out.

      Kate then referenced Prince Harry's complaints about the hectic pace of life and suggested he and wife Meghan Markle thought they were too good to attend  the upcoming Bafta awards.

      She said: "Well there's another excuse – from Prince Harry this morning we've got 'we're too busy on our inner work to do the outer work', and we're too talented for awards, Richard!"

      Co-host Richard Arnold then quipped: "I've had no inner work for quite some time."

      It comes after Harry admitted he's "always kicking himself" during "hard days" – but visualises positive situations as he's "schooled by the universe".

    • Milica Cosic

      Queen 'not a foodie'

      Former royal chef Darren McGrady, who worked for the royal family for over a decade told The Telegraph in 2015: “Sadly, the Queen is not a foodie.

      “She eats to live, unlike [the now late] Prince Philip who loves to eat and would stand and talk food all day.

      “For breakfast, the Queen likes cereal – usually Special K – and fruit.”

      He also revealed she “loved” to eat scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and a grating of truffle but added she was typically “too frugal to ever order fresh truffles”.

      He said: “[She] only really enjoyed them at Christmas when the truffles were sent as a gift.”

      Pro chef Darren worked in the royal kitchen for 15 years preparing meals for the Queen, Prince Harry, Prince William and Princess Diana during his time at Buckingham Palace.

      Darren also shared that the Queen did not enjoy pizza and during his whole 15 years at the palace not a single pizza was served.

      The monarch’s meals are healthy, low-carb affairs, usually grilled fish or chicken with two different vegetables or a big bowl of salad.

      That said, The Queen still likes to treat herself to something sweet from time-to-time – and Darren claims she's a total "chocaholic".

    • Milica Cosic

      Who will receive the Queen's Platinum Jubilee commemorative medal?

      Armed forces – The medal will be awarded to serving members of the armed forces. It will be handed out to those who have spent five full calendar years of service on February 6, 2022.

      Emergency services – Frontline emergency service workers will receive the Platinum Jubilee medal, provided that they deal with emergencies as part of their conditions of service.
      They must also have completed five full calendar years of service on February 6, 2022.

      Prison services – Publicly-employed prison service personnel who have undertaken five full calendar years of service by February 6, 2022 will be awarded the Platinum Jubilee Medal.
      They must also be regularly exposed to difficult and sometimes be exposed to emergency situations.

      Other recipients of the Platinum Jubilee Medal:

      • Owners of a George Cross Award
      • Owners of a Victoria Cross Award
      • Members of the Royal Household with one year of qualifying service

      Piers Morgan on Prince Harry's 'mental windscreen gibberish' Continued…)

      This is the second extract of a comment piece by Piers Morgan

      the worst bit came when he [Harry] urged companies to let all their staff have the same experience as him by taking “me time” during office hours to work on their inner selves through meditation and mental health coaching.

      “It’s so important as employers to say ‘if you have the chance to do it in your own spare time that’s fantastic’,” he opined, “‘but we are going to factor that into your routine at work’. If everybody was doing that, the shift in global consciousness and awareness would be enormous.”

      Hmmm, call me cynical, but why would Harry be pushing this idea so hard?

      Ah yes, silly me — he was saying all this in his capacity as the absurdly named “Chief Impact Officer” for BetterUp, the world’s fastest-growing life coaching company that sells app-based employee “mental health and career assistance” and promises to enable its customers to live “more meaningful, vibrant lives with greater clarity, purpose, and passion”.

      And the cost?

      BetterUp, which now has more than 3,000 coaches worldwide, charges £367 a month for every employee who signs up. That’s £4,400 a year.

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