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Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
EDEN CONFIDENTIAL: 'No10 lied to hide distaste for Donald Trump's speech in UK'
When Tony Blair was prime minister, he was accused of trying to 'muscle in' on the Queen Mother 's funeral. Now, Labour Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has become embroiled in a row involving Buckingham Palace himself. Downing Street – and by extension the Royal Household – has been caught in a lie about the coming state visit of Donald Trump. No10 claimed the US President was unable to address both houses of Parliament because his visit would not start until Wednesday, September 17 – the day after the House of Commons breaks for the party-conference recess. However, I understand that parliamentary clerks made it clear that this excuse was groundless. They pointed to a precedent in 2010 when Pope Benedict addressed both houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall. That occurred, neatly enough, on September 17 – when the Commons had also broken for its conference recess the day before. 'There was no huffing and puffing about Benedict addressing us out of term-time,' says a senior parliamentary figure. 'It is clear that Sir Keir Starmer's advisers simply did not want President Trump making a speech at the Palace of Westminster. They are entitled to their view, but they should not bend the truth by claiming that the dates made any such speech impossible.' Benedict's address was not without controversy. Before his state visit he urged Roman Catholic bishops to fight a gay-rights Bill with 'missionary zeal'. His arrival in the country drew protests from human-rights campaigners. Downing Street and Buckingham Palace did not want the White House to think President Trump was being snubbed, even though that clearly seems to be the case. A No10 spokesman tells me: 'We're delighted that President Trump accepted His Majesty's offer of an unprecedented, historic second state visit, and the Prime Minister looks forward to welcoming President Trump to the UK.' Back touring Britain in September, Eric Idle, 82, rules out a stage reunion with his Monty Python colleagues. They last did ten shows together in London in 2014. Idle, who recently fell out with John Cleese, Sir Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam over Python's business affairs, snaps: 'I don't think this lot will get together and be funny. I don't think it's possible. I want to be funny with new people, or jam with other wonderful musicians.' 'It's your day!' top tips for brides by newlywed Toff Having married BrewDog pub chain founder James Watt in March, Georgia Toffolo has compiled some advice for brides-to-be. Here are the seven pearls of wisdom from the I'm A Celebrity winner, 30, who wore a Divine Atelier gown, left, when she exchanged vows with Watt, 43, both pictured right, in Aberdeenshire: You shouldn't have to invite people for the sake of it. Your guest list isn't a diplomatic summit. Invite people you love. It's your day, not networking. You shouldn't feel guilty for that. Wedding cakes are a waste of money. We had the children bake ours that morning. No fancy tiers, no overpriced price tag. Just made with pure love. Best decision ever. Flowers are overpriced and overrated. I grabbed daffodils straight out of the vase on our kitchen table, and you know what? They were perfect. £2 from the supermarket and not a single florist in sight. You don't need to spend the morning apart. Who made that rule up? Waking up together on your wedding day is actually really romantic (and calming). The chance to share your nerves and excitement together is something to be cherished. Children SHOULD be at weddings. Children bring the best chaos, particularly on the dance floor. They add magic, not mess. No need for a three-course meal. We had burgers at BrewDog. Grazing tables, pizza ovens, food trucks... all way more fun. You don't have to change your surname. He can take yours. Or double-barrel. Tradition is optional, your identity isn't. Have King's garden woes hit Highgrove's kitchen? It's not just in the gardens of his Gloucestershire retreat that King Charles is apparently struggling to keep staff. Highgrove is advertising not just for a head chef, but a sous chef, a chef de partie, a commis chef and an assistant hospitality manager. The roles are advertised as permanent and full-time, with 'up to £30,000' offered for the hospitality role, and 'up to £38,000' for the head chef position. A Sunday Times investigation last weekend claimed 11 of the King's 12 gardeners had quit following complaints about his 'demoralising' and 'impolite' feedback. His charity, The King's Foundation, found evidence of staff shortages and suggested a pay review. Bonkbuster author Dame Jilly Cooper says she's a failed matchmaker in real life thanks to Bluebell, her 'larky and bossily assertive' greyhound. 'If I wanted to introduce a single man to a woman and put them on my sofa, Bluebell would saunter in, leaping between them, waggling her silken hips to separate them,' she says of her pet, who died four years ago. Dame Jilly, 88, reflects: 'Having a dog stops one reaching for the gin.' Party girl Pike's tickled pink about stage role Treading the boards in this country for the first time in 15 years, Saltburn star Rosamund Pike is determined to prove that she fits the stage like a glove. The Oxford graduate, 46, wore an eye-catching pair of fuchsia opera gloves to the first-night party following the debut performance of Suzie Miller's new play, Inter Alia. The former Bond girl, who has two children with her businessman boyfriend Robie Uniacke, 64, paired them with a floral dress by Erdem. Banksy has a big secret: More than a dozen of his works are hidden away at Switzerland's embassy in London. Asked which of the street artist's pieces no one has ever seen, his first agent and photographer, Steve Lazarides, replies: 'The Swiss Embassy car park.' He explains: 'It was bats*** crazy. The old Swiss ambassador put on a full-on rave down in the car park at the Swiss Embassy and invited Banksy.' Speaking at his talk in east London, Crime Pays – The Untold Story Behind Banksy, in association with Grove Gallery, Lazarides adds: 'I'd say between ten and 15 complete works are on the walls of that embassy.'
Bangkok Post
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Bangkok Post
Yellow shirts urged in honour of King's birthday
The government has urged the public to wear yellow throughout next week in tribute to His Majesty the King who celebrates his birthday on July 28. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting prime minister, has instructed all government agencies to express their loyalty and gratitude to HM the King on this auspicious occasion, said government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap. At a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Mr Phumtham called on all public sector agencies, state enterprises, security forces, private sector entities and the general public to wear yellow shirts from July 28 to Aug 1, as a unified gesture of loyalty and appreciation for the King's benevolence during this special month. Meanwhile, the Royal Household Bureau is inviting the public to sign an online book of blessings for Huis Majesty, from July 25 to 31 via the official Royal Household website. The bureau also encourages the public to practise the Noble Eightfold Path, specifically the 'Right View' (Sammā Diṭṭhi), and reflect on the Triple Gem as a source of spiritual refuge. The initiative is part of a merit-making campaign dedicated to His Majesty, running from July 25 to 31 through the Samathi Sebiangboon meditation app, which is available for download on both the Play Store and App Store.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Fans in a frenzy over Kate's new 'dishy silver fox' aide at Wimbledon
Princess Kate's private secretary has caused a stir after joining the royal family at Wimbledon this year, with royal fans all saying the same thing about her handsome aide Princess Kate 's private secretary has caused a stir at Wimbledon this year, after joining the Waleses in the royal box over the weekend. The Princess of Wales made her first 2025 Wimbledon appearance on Saturday for the women's final, before being joined by Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte for the men's final on Sunday. Kate, who is the patron of All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, presented the winners and runners-up trophies to the women's finalists, consoling tearful runner-up Amanda Asiminova, as she put her hand on the American player's arm and telling her: 'Keep your head high.' As the Princess was welcomed to the royal box on Saturday by a chorus of applause, some were distracted from Kate's arrival by her handsome aide. Kate was accompanied by her private secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Tom White, who stole the show during the her highly anticipated arrival. Fawning over the 36-year-old, who was wearing a double-breasted cream blazer with a shirt and tie, one viewer wrote: "He's a fox!" while another added: "I mean, silver fox." One person said: 'Well he sure is dishy,' while another added: 'Flirt mode is on,' followed by a series of heart-eyes emojis. Another fan candidly wrote: 'Is it a prerequisite for equerrys to be good looking?!' Lt Col White first joined the Royal Household in 2020 as the late Queen's Squire, where he worked until her death on September 8th 2022. The Colonel was the first commando of the Royal Marines to hold the title. As well as being a royal aide, White is also a talented tennis player who fans say shares an uncanny resemblance to the retired Wimbledon star, Roger Federer. Before joining the R oyal Family 's staff, he served in Afghanistan in 2009, where he helped prevent a bombing of a school in Helmland. According to reports, Princess Kate invited Lt Col White to join her for a public engagement in 2023, and was later appointed to Prince William and Kate's household staff. Since the departure of her trusted aide Hannah Cockburn-Logie in October 2022 after serving the Princess for two years, Kate had been without a private secretary. A Royal Family member's private secretary is similar to their chief of staff, meaning their role to ensure the royal's day runs smoothly, with duties including anything from coordinating royal engagements to briefing on meetings. Private secretaries also join the royals during public appearances, often standing a few feet away to keep a watchful eye on security and fans.
NDTV
13-07-2025
- NDTV
King Charles Set To Retire The British Royal Train After 180 Years
Britain's Royal Train is more than just a mode of transport for the royal family - it is a part of national heritage. The train has travelled through decades of British history, carrying key moments and members of the monarchy. It has allowed the royals to perform official duties onboard and travel overnight, arriving at destinations rested and ready for engagements. But that journey is soon coming to a close. According to the Royal Household's latest financial report, cited by CNN, the current royal train will be decommissioned by March 2027 to "secure best value for public money." Going forward, senior members of the royal family will rely more on helicopters and scheduled trains for official travel across the UK, including between residences in England and Scotland. The move is in line with King Charles's efforts to modernise the monarchy and cut costs. James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse - the official responsible for royal finances - described the decision as "the fondest of farewells," adding, "In moving forwards, we must not be bound by the past." He said the royal train had been "part of national life for many decades, loved and cared for by all those involved." Also Read: 6 Countries That Are Best Seen By Train If You Are Travelling Through Europe Queen Victoria was the first British monarch to travel by royal train in the early 1840s. Since then, royal trains have been maintained at Wolverton in Buckinghamshire - the world's first railway town. The current train features a dedicated set of claret-liveried sleeper, dining, and lounge carriages. Today, the train's fixtures and fittings are outdated, and its use has dropped sharply. In 2024-25, the royal train made only two trips, with a cost of over $105,000, according to the Royal Household's annual financial report. The train played a visible role during Queen Elizabeth II's Golden and Diamond Jubilees in 2002 and 2012. In December 2020, Prince William and Kate, now the Prince and Princess of Wales, travelled 1,250 miles on the royal train to thank frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales) King Charles III is now set to end the train's service. Before it is retired in 2027, the royal train is expected to go on a farewell tour, offering rail enthusiasts and royal watchers one last look. What Happens To The Royal Train Now? While no formal announcement has been made about the train's future, several royal train vehicles have previously been preserved in museums, including the National Railway Museum in York (NRM). "I would not like to see them (parts of the royal train) scrapped," said Philip Marsh, senior railway manager and historian. "I'd like to see them displayed in a registered museum, whether that be the NRM or a new museum at their home in Wolverton."
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Royal Family to Break Nearly 160 Year-Long Tradition in Dramatic Fashion
The Royal Family to Break Nearly 160 Year-Long Tradition in Dramatic Fashion originally appeared on Parade. Practically since the invention of the steam engine itself, the United Kingdom's royal family has traveled via rail lines across the expanse of their island nation. But in a major shakeup signifying the beginning of a new era for the British monarchy, the royals have decided to step away from a centuries-long tradition when it comes to how they get around the United Kingdom, breaking a long-held custom originally introduced by Queen Victoria in the mid 20th century. This traditional mode of transportation favored by the royals originally came about with the introduction of the royal train car during the reign of Queen Victoria in the early 1840s. In the decades that followed, Victoria traveled across the United Kingdom in several different elaborate train cars before an official royal train was constructed in 1869. For the next 160 years, numerous train companies raced to outfit the royal family with increasingly luxurious rail cars, allowing the monarchs to tour their nation in the most opulent manner imaginable. In an effort to scale back living costs and "secure [the] best value for public money,' the Royal Household has confirmed that they plan to retire the familial royal train in 2027. Instead of relying on garishly designed train cars, senior members of the family will instead rely more heavily on helicopters and scheduled trains to travel around the country. The news has been met with both appreciation and heartbreak from average citizens of the United Kingdom. While most have been quick to commend the royals for choosing a less expensive way to travel, some train enthusiasts and historians within the country have looked upon the change with more bittersweet emotions. 'This is incredibly sad news,' said Andrea Rossi, chief executive of DB Cargo UK, which has managed the train on behalf of the British government for 30 years. 'Not just for DB Cargo UK… but for the broader railway family too. 'There is always a great sense of occasion when the royal train is out on the network," said Andrea Rossi, chief executive of DB Cargo UK, according to CNN. "Our drivers take great pride in being asked to take the controls of what is arguably the most prestigious train in the UK and a piece of our national heritage.' The Royal Family to Break Nearly 160 Year-Long Tradition in Dramatic Fashion first appeared on Parade on Jul 11, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
