PRINCE Andrew could stand-in for the Queen as Head of State should she be taken ill – despite him being stripped of royal duties and titles.
The disgraced senior royal is one of four Counsellors of State who can be appointed on a temporary basis to act on behalf of the monarch, alongside Charles, William and Harry.
By law, those who can deputise for the monarch include his or her spouse plus the next four people in the line of succession who are over 21-years-old.
The guidance reads: "Under the 1937 Act, a Counsellor of State must be domiciled in “some part” of the UK.’
It continues: "The Regency Act 1943 added the discretionary provision that if it “appears to the Sovereign” that any eligible Counsellor will be “absent from the United Kingdom or intends to be so absent during the whole or any part of the period of such delegation”, then Letters Patent [a legal tool available to the monarch] “may make provision” for excepting that person."
Read our Royal Family live blog below for the latest updates…
- Joseph Gamp
Harry given 'insufficient information' over security decision, court hears
The Duke of Sussex received "insufficient information" over a decision to change his tax-payer funded police protection when he is in the UK, the High Court has heard.
Harry is bringing a legal challenge against the Home Office after being told he would no longer be given the "same degree" of personal protective security when visiting from the US, despite offering to pay for it himself.
The duke wants to bring his children to visit from across the Atlantic, but "does not feel safe" when visiting under the current security arrangements, the court was previously told.
He is challenging the February 2020 decision of the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec), which has delegated powers from the Home Secretary.
Harry is arguing that his private protection team in the US does not have adequate jurisdiction abroad or access to UK intelligence information which is needed to keep his family safe.
On Friday, the first hearing in the case continued at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, at which Harry was not present.
- Joseph Gamp
When the Queen dies, will it be the end of the royal family as we know it?
It was announced days ago that the queen tested positive for COVID at the age of 95.
The Queen, who celebrates her Platinum Jubilee, became the longest serving monarch seven years ago after surpassing her Great-great-Grandmother, Queen Victoria.
With 70 years under her belt, many have wondered what the royal family will be like under Charles’s reign, and William has left many to wonder.
He says he will bring the royal family from the tradition of the past into to modernity of today.
- Joseph Gamp
Kate praised for heartwarming gesture
Kate Middleton has been highly praised after she reportedly took time to thank the security team at the end of her visit to Denmark.
Kate exhibited kindness, and royal fans were taken back at over how she treated her security officers who followed her during her two-day stay in Copenhagen earlier this week.
One Twitter user wrote: “Royalty and manners through and through!”
Another said: “Catherine was very well brought up and is a credit to her family, both birth and royal.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen LOVES The Kumars at No.42, former journalist claims
The Queen once described The Kumars at No 42 as her favourite television programme and was even able to "recite some of the one-liners from the grandma character", a former BBC journalist has said (Charlotte Wace writes).
It bolsters several reports over the years about the Queen being a fan of the sitcom, which is based on a British Indian family and was first broadcast in 2001.
The show is centred on Sanjeev Kumar, an aspiring chat show host who broadcasts from his home in Wembley while his relatives constantly interrupt.
Phil Jones, a former editor of The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2, described how he had kept the "exclusive story secret for 21 years" after a meeting with the Queen during a media function at Buckingham Palace in 2001.
Writing for The New Statesman, he explained that a BBC executive had told him that "on pain of death, journalists should never reveal their conversations with the monarch".
But Jones went on anyway: "The first thing the Queen said was how much she loved Terry Wogan. No surprise there. We all knew the Queen was a Radio 2 listener.
"We chatted for ages, which I can tell you is rather surreal. My brain kept saying, 'Bloody hell I'm talking to the Queen and I can't think of a single thing to say!'
"In the end I alighted on, 'What's your favourite programme?' Straight away, she said, 'The Kumars at No 42' and, even more astonishingly, proceeded to recite some of the one-liners from the grandma character, played by the brilliant Meera Syal."
- Joseph Gamp
Andrew's legal battle 'a distraction the Queen didn't need in Jubilee year'
The Queen "deserves a fantastic celebration" in her Platinum Jubilee year and does not need to be "upset" by the Duke of York's legal worries, a Conservative MP has said.
Andrew Rosindell (Romford) said the legal battle between the duke and Virginia Giuffre was a "private matter" for the royal.
Mr Rosindell's remarks, in a pre-recorded interview with GB News to be broadcast on Thursday, came after it was reported that the Queen would help to pay the £12 million out-of-court settlement Andrew has agreed with Ms Giuffre.
Speaking to presenter Gloria De Piero, Mr Rosindell said: "I don't know what's going on there and clearly it's very difficult and it's very upsetting for the Queen, especially in this year of the Queen's Jubilee.
"I want this year to be a wonderful year for the Queen, she deserves a fantastic celebration, and this is a distraction which the Queen didn't need, the country doesn't need it.
"So, it is a private matter really for Prince Andrew to resolve and I really hope it can be resolved very quickly because I want to celebrate a wonderful year for the Queen as she reaches 70 years on the throne and I think that's something we should be focusing on rather than issues such as the problems that Prince Andrew is facing."
- Joseph Gamp
Prince Edward takes on new prestigious role
Prince Edward is taking over a key role held for several years by his late father Prince Philip.
The Early of Wessex has been appointed as the Royal Windsor Horse Show’s next president.
Speaking about taking over from his father, the Earl said: “My father was instrumental in helping to develop Royal Windsor into one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world.
“I am honoured to have been invited to become only the fourth President in the Show’s history and will do all I can to maintain the Show’s reputation throughout the equestrian community and beyond; something my father was passionate about.”
- Joseph Gamp
Queen ‘getting over’ Covid
The Queen is “getting over” COVID-19 and is on the right path to recovery, a source has claimed yesterday.
A source claimed: “She’s already getting over it – amazing to think that she’s done it so quickly.
“She only ever displayed mild symptoms.”
The source also discussed the relentless spirit of the monarch, saying: “That’s why she’s such an inspiration.
“Positive test revealed on Sunday, meeting with the Prime Minister on Wednesday. Not bad for 95.”
- Milica Cosic
Queen 'getting over' Covid
The Queen is "getting over" COVID-19 and is on the right path to recovery, a source has claimed.
A source claimed: "She’s already getting over it – amazing to think that she’s done it so quickly.
"She only ever displayed mild symptoms."
The source also discussed the relentless spirit of the monarch, saying: "That’s why she’s such an inspiration.
"Positive test revealed on Sunday, meeting with the Prime Minister on Wednesday. Not bad for 95."
- Milica Cosic
Royal baby at risk of falling out of fashion
Scarlett, Harvey and Jayden are the baby names that have fallen out of favour the most over the past five years, according to new research.
While other popular monikers like Jessica and Samuel have fallen from grace, names belonging to several key members of the Royal Family are also slipping down the rankings too as Harry, Elizabeth, Charlotte, William and Charles have all experienced a decline in popularity.
- Royal names including Charlotte, William, Charles and Harry aren't as popular as they were in 2016
- Names such as Harvey and Scarlett could be on their way to falling out of the Top 100 ranked baby names after a decline in popularity
- Jayden has fallen the furthest, slipping 37 places in five years
This research was conducted by online casino Slingo.
- Milica Cosic
Prince Edward takes on new prestigious role
Prince Edward is taking over a key role held for several years by his late father Prince Philip.
The Early of Wessex has been appointed as the Royal Windsor Horse Show's next president.
Speaking about taking over from his father, the Earl said: "My father was instrumental in helping to develop Royal Windsor into one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world.
"I am honoured to have been invited to become only the fourth President in the Show’s history and will do all I can to maintain the Show’s reputation throughout the equestrian community and beyond; something my father was passionate about."
- Milica Cosic
Kate praised for heartwarming gesture
Kate Middleton has been highly praised after she reportedly took time to thank the security team at the end of her visit to Denmark.
Kate exhibited kindness, and royal fans were taken back at over how she treated her security officers who followed her during her two-day stay in Copenhagen earlier this week.
One Twitter user wrote: "Royalty and manners through and through!"
Another said: "Catherine was very well brought up and is a credit to her family, both birth and royal."
- Milica Cosic
Other Royal trips planned this year
Kate and William's overseas trip overlaps a visit to Ireland for Charles and Camilla.
The future King and Queen Consort are set to make a three-day visit on March 23.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines from 22 to April 28 2022.
And Princess Anne will visit Papua New Guinea from April 11 to 13.
- Milica Cosic
Kate & William head to Jamaica
KATE Middleton and Prince William will head to Jamaica as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee tour.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are set to travel to Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas on March 19 for an eight-day tour.
Their trip is part of a series of events to celebrate the 95-year-old Monarch's 70th year on the throne.
In a personal message on their Twitter account, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: "We are so excited to visit Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas next month as we mark The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
"We can't wait to meet people in all three countries, celebrate local cultures and understand more about innovative work being done across communities."
The message was signed off with "W & C".
- Milica Cosic
Queen’s favourite TV show revealed
There have been a few guesses at the Queen’s favourite thing on the box, from The Bill to Pointless, but now we can finally reveal what Her Majesty puts her feet up to.
The monarch revealed her show of choice in a conversation with BBC Radio 2 editor Phil Jones during their meeting at Buckingham Palace in 2001.
Though The Queen is not limited to the noughties sitcom.
Apparently she is just as big a fan of boxset binging as we are as it was revealed that the monarch’s private secretary sends a list of the shows she would like to see to the Special Services department at the BBC, which puts together a collection.
A senior courtier once asked the sovereign her favourite TV show and she promptly replied that it was The Bill.
She added the caveat that she didn't like "those episodes where policemen get hurt".
- Milica Cosic
Royal news you may have missed
- The Queen cancelled two virtual engagements yesterday as she recovers from Covid
- And she could strip Harry of a key role because of his move to LA
- Piers Morgan has dared Meghan Markle to be the first guest on his new show
- The first musician to play at the Platinum Jubilee concert has been announced as the ballot for tickets opens
- Kate Middleton was a huge hit on a solo tour of Denmark, whizzing down a slide and joking she's "broody"
- Joseph Gamp
Harry & Meghan to be recognised at NAACP Image Awards
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are to receive a top accolade at the NAACP Image Awards for heeding the call to social justice and joining the struggle for equity around the world.
Harry and Meghan were named as recipients of the prestigious President’s Award, which recognises special achievement and distinguished public service.
The couple, who stepped down as senior working royals in 2020, said in a joint statement that it was a “true honour”.
They added that the efforts by US civil rights organisation the NAACP on racial justice were as “vital” today as they were more than a hundred years ago when it was founded.
Past recipients of the President’s Award include Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, LeBron James, Rihanna, Jay-Z and Lauryn Hill.
- Joseph Gamp
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge ‘excited’ for tour next month
In a personal message on their Twitter account, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said: “We are so excited to visit Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas next month as we mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“We can’t wait to meet people in all three countries, celebrate local cultures and understand more about innovative work being done across communities.”
The message was signed off with “W & C”.
- Joseph Gamp
C of E leaders condemn Russia’s actions as ‘an act of great evil
The attack launched on Ukraine has been labelled “an act of great evil” by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.
On Thursday morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would be conducting a military operation in eastern Ukraine, with the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, declaring martial law.
The news of the “unprovoked attack” has been condemned by Church of England leaders, the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell.
In a joint statement, they said: “The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.
“Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.
“We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long-term agreements for stability and lasting peace.”
They encouraged Christians to make Sunday February 27 “a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace”.
- Joseph Gamp
Royal Family to tour around the world to mark Platinum Jubilee
The Royal Family will tour the globe in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Buckingham Palace has announced.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be among those carrying out overseas trips this spring to mark the monarch’s 70 years on the throne.
Among the tours will be a visit by heir to the throne Charles with Camilla to the Republic of Ireland from March 23 to 25.
William and Kate will travel to the Caribbean, touring Belize, Jamaica and The Bahamas from March 19 to 26.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex will visit Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines from April 22 to 28, and the Princess Royal will visit Papua New Guinea from April 11 to 13.
The Queen, who currently has Covid, reached her Platinum Jubilee on February 6, becoming the first British monarch in history to do so.
She called time on her overseas travel a number of years ago, leaving the duties to other family members.
Jubilee tours abroad have long been carried out in celebration of the Queen’s milestone anniversaries.
- Joseph Gamp
Crimewatch’s Nick Ross remembers Jill Dando during CBE ceremony
Former Crimewatch presenter Nick Ross paid tribute to his “utterly committed” late co-host Jill Dando as he collected a CBE in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The broadcaster, 74, said he believed meeting victims while working on the popular BBC programme had changed both his and Dando’s views on how to tackle crime.
Ross also said the original show had been “shutting the door after the horse had bolted”, making him less interested in seeking justice and more focused on trying to prevent offending.
He was speaking after being made a CBE for services to broadcasting, charity and crime prevention by the Princess Royal on Wednesday.
Ross credited Crimewatch with helping to break several high-profile cases but said it was “very difficult to imagine” how the programme as it was first made would work now.
During his time on the show, viewers came forward with details that assisted investigations into crimes including the murders of James Bulger and Sarah Payne after the programme appealed for information.
But the broadcaster said a decline in ratings, as well as the loss of a “sense of occasion” around the airing of TV shows caused by the rise in streaming options, has weakened the chances of gaining valuable information.
He said: “At first I treated it like a journalist, but in the end you do get swept in – you can’t help but get swept into it, and particularly the more you meet the victims of crime. You quickly realise the coverage of crime increases the fear of crime and there’s not much you can do about that. And a recognition too that we were largely shutting the door after the horse had bolted.
“The criminal justice system is retrospective and so as we went on I, and I think one or two others, became more interested in crime prevention than in seeking justice for what has gone wrong in the past.”
- Joseph Gamp
Harry’s book to look ‘inside’ Charles & Diana’s marriage
Speaking to US Weekly, British Royal correspondent Tom Skyes has talked about whether Harry will “really go for Camilla” when speaking on the breakdown of the marriage between Prince Charles and Diana in his new book.
Skyes said: “If you really think what a publisher is going to pay $20 millions for, it’s the inside account of the breakdown of that marriage”.
Prince Harry is to release a memoir next year, which he says will be “accurate and wholly truthful”.
In a statement, The Duke of Sussex said: “I’m writing this not as the prince I was born but as the man I have become.
“I’ve worn many hats over the years, both literally and figuratively, and my hope is that in telling my story – the highs and lows, the mistakes, the lessons learned – I can help show that no matter where we come from, we have more in common than we think.
“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share what I’ve learned over the course of my life so far and excited for people to read a first-hand account of my life that’s accurate and wholly truthful.”
- Joseph Gamp
How Harry tried to keep his legal fight a secret
The Mail on Sunday revealed that Prince Harry tried to keep the details of his legal battle a secret from the public, in which he tried to reinstate his police protection.
High Court documents show he fought for a far-reaching confidentiality order on the documents and witness statements surrounding his case against the Government.
However, the Home Office argued for transparency, saying “there must be a sufficiently good reason, in the wider public interest, to justify the departure from open justice that such an order involves”.
Both sides agreed that some papers would be made public, with the Home Office agreeing to carry out a ‘confidentiality exercise’ to determine what would be kept secret.
The revelations of this are a crushing blow to Harry as he has always implied he had always been willing to foot the bill.
Following this, royal author David McClure, tweeted: “Once more confusion about the accuracy of messages coming out of the Sussex camp. First Harry offers to pay, then when he visits the UK, he does not.”
- Joseph Gamp
Kate wields hammer to chop wood in Denmark
The Duchess of Cambridge went back to nature on her visit to Denmark, chopping a log and taking a woodland ramble as she joined children at a forest nursery school.
Kate embraced the outdoor life that forms the backdrop to teaching for many youngsters in the country who thrive on being given the freedom to play in the open air.
In a wooded area on the outskirts of Copenhagen, the duchess, dressed for the bitterly cold but sunny conditions in boots, jeans, a polo-neck jumper and jacket, took on the challenge of splitting a log after watching five-year-olds complete the task.
Surrounded by children dressed in outdoor onesies, teaching assistant Carla Bro advised Kate on her stance and grip and, laughing, the duchess struck the wood.
Kate took just three blows to split the log and was applauded for her efforts by Ms Bro, 21, who said afterwards: “She was very good, she had the right stance with both hands on the hammer and had good focus.
“She asked how we deal with risky play and how we keep things safe. We have safety rules and we teach the children they should not be afraid of tasks but treat them with respect.”
- Joseph Gamp
Racing trophy awarded by Queen Victoria could fetch £30,000 at auction
A recently rediscovered horse racing trophy awarded by Queen Victoria in 1845 could fetch £30,000 at auction next month.
Dubbed Her Majesty’s Vase, the silver piece was won by Sir John Barker-Mill at the Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall horse races and passed down through his family.
However, the trophy was separated from its stand and the award’s significance was forgotten over time.
Both pieces were recently brought back together when Sir John’s living relatives discovered the engraved base in an outbuilding.
The trophy is expected to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 when it goes under the hammer at Chiswick Auctions in London in March.
It was commissioned for the races by Queen Victoria and crafted by silversmith John Samuel Hunt, and inspired by an ancient vase dating from the 2nd century AD that was found in fragments in 1770 at the bottom of a lake at Hadrian’s Villa near Rome.
- Joseph Gamp
Online searches for Kate’s ‘red blazer’ skyrocket
Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for “red blazer” skyrocketed 367% in the UK on the 23rd of February, after Kate Middleton wore one on her arrival to Copenhagen for her solo royal trip.
The Duchess touched down at the airport in a £59.99 red double-breasted blazer from Zara paired with some black wide leg trousers and a blag Aspinal bag to complete the chic look.
The finding was conducted by online gaming review expert Lucky Creek.
Credit: PA
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