Latest news with #StGeorge'sDay
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
School which banned girl, 12, from ‘diversity day' for Union Jack dress closes early for summer over ‘extremist threats'
THE SCHOOL which banned a girl from wearing a Union Jack dress has been forced to close following "extremist threats". Courtney, 12, had chosen to wear the dress as part of the Advertisement 4 Courtney was banned from wearing a Union Jack dress at her school Credit: Roland Leon 4 Now, the school has been shut down following 'extremist' threats Credit: Roland Leon Bilton School in Rugby, The school released a letter to parents on Thursday in which is said it was receiving "extremist abuse online and via our telephone systems". Headteacher Jayne Delves and Ranjit Samra, CEO of Stowe Valley Multi-Academy Trust, both said that members of staff had been threatened. The letter said that the "nature and tone" of the threats had escalated in recent days too. Advertisement Read More on UK News The letter continued: "While we have been working closely with our multi-agency partners to address the situation, our primary responsibility remains the safety and wellbeing of every child and member of staff. "This is not a decision we have taken lightly. We understand the disruption this may cause to your families and your child's education, but the safety of our school community must come first." The abuse followed an online frenzy over Courtney's decision to wear the now controversial dress on her school's Culture Celebration Day. Courtney had chosen the Union Jack dress in reference to the iconic outfit worn by Spice Girl Geri Halliwell. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive Exclusive Exclusive However, she was allegedly told: 'You get to celebrate being British every day, this is for everybody else.' The 12-year-old had planned to read a speech about tea, Shakespeare, fish and chips and the royals as part of her presentation. Sir Keir issues rallying cry to 'reclaim our flag' for St George's Day as PM savagely attacks those who 'sow division' Courtney was offered the chance to wear second-hand uniform, instead of the dress she had chosen. When she refused, her father, Stuart Field, arrived at the school and took her home. Advertisement Stuart said the school had issued an apology before slamming them for "virtue signalling". He said: 'Her head of year bizarrely said that if she had worn a suit of armour or a nurse's outfit, she probably would have been allowed. It's ridiculous. "The irony is they were having a cultural diversity day and yet they singled out a group of people. 'She's a Advertisement Stuart added that another mum at the school told him that her son had been banned from wearing a farmer's outfit. Ahead of the event, the school's headteacher had described the Culture Celebration day as an opportunity for "celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our school community". 4 Bilton School in Rugby says that its members of staff have been 'threatened' Credit: Roland Leon In her speech, Courtney had hoped to say: 'We have lots of traditions including drinking tea, our love of talking about the weather and our Royal Family. Advertisement 'We have amazing history, like kings and queens, castles and writers like She was also planning on saying: 'Sometimes at school we only hear about other cultures — which is great because learning about different countries is interesting and important. 'But it can feel like being British doesn't count as a culture, just because it's the majority.' Speaking out about the incident, a spokesperson for the school said: 'We deeply regret the distress this has caused and offer our sincere and unreserved apologies. Advertisement "We've since spoken directly with the pupil and her family to listen to their concerns and reflect on how this could have been handled better. 'We are committed to learning from this experience and ensuring every student feels recognised and supported.' Courtney's dad has also suggested that other children carrying He said: "Another with a Advertisement "It's ironic they were having a cultural diversity day but then decided to single out a group of people." 4 Courtney said that her dress was a reference to Geri Halliwell Credit: PA More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at
Belfast Telegraph
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Councillors take control over decisions on flying of flags at war memorials
A decision on the flying of flags at Mid and East Antrim's war memorials is to be made by councillors, rather than an official, in the future. Members have approved a recommendation that the borough council's Neighbourhoods and Communities Committee will approve requests, instead of the council's interim chief executive Valerie Watts. DUP councillor Gregg McKeen proposed accepting the recommendation, seconded by party colleague Reuben Glover. The flying of flags at war memorials is in addition to statutory days for flags to be flown at public buildings. Flags flown at war memorials in the borough are the Union flag (Larne and Ballymena) and the Union and Northern Ireland flags (Carrickfergus). If a Royal British Legion commemoration is held, for example, the armed forces charity's standard can be flown for the duration of the service. Other occasions when a flag may be flown at war memorials in the borough include the North Irish Horse Battle for the Hitler Line commemoration in Carrickfergus, for example. Permission has to be sought in all instances. A report presented to councillors at a meeting in The Braid, Ballymena, last week said district councils have the right to decide whether or not to fly the Union flag on the King and Queen's wedding anniversary (April 9); Coronation Day (May 6); Queen's birthday (July 17); anniversary of the King's accession (September 8); King's birthday (November 14) and other days including St Patrick's Day (March 17), St David's Day (March 1) and St George's Day (April 23).
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
King and Prince of Wales share private moment at Order of the Bath ceremony
The private moment took place as the father and son, dressed in their crimson satin robes, greeted each other ahead of the pomp and pageantry of the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey. The special ceremony, which celebrated the 300th anniversary of the order, was also Charles's first time at the service as the sovereign – and saw William, who was attending for the first time, installed as Great Master of the ancient order. It is awarded to members of the military or Civil Service for exemplary work, and the Dean of Westminster, Reverend Dr David Hoyle, told guests: 'We gather today around the idea that virtue and value are precisely not measured in pounds and pence. 'It is in chivalry, nor is it patronage that binds us together. It's a shared and ordered belief in promise and service.' The Prince of Wales at Westminster Abbey (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Matters such as 'excellence and goodness', which are worthy of praise, 'do not happen by accident or chance', he reminded those gathered. He added: 'We have to sum them up. We have to remember them, and then, having done that, we have to act – that surely is what the most honourable Order of the Bath should be, what it should celebrate, what it should do. 'Here's a place to know and name what service of excellence look like. 'Here's a community that can describe goodness and commit to community and live it out. 'So the finery we see around us is a symbol of a deeper dignity, excellence, honour, and those things will only exist if we name them, it's a conversation we have to have.' The lavish ceremony saw Charles and William process through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order and take their seats in the Quire. Charles, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, and William appeared just two weeks on from his youngest son the Duke of Sussex's bombshell television interview in which he claimed the King will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer his father has left to live. Charles at Westminster Abbey (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The installation ceremony took place in the abbey's Lady Chapel of King Henry VII, where the William took an oath, followed by five new Knights Grand Cross. They are Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Admiral Philip Jones, along with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Lord Young and Sir Tom Scholar. Charles handed the role, which he held himself for nearly 50 years, to William on St George's Day last year as part of a wave of prestigious appointments which included ones for the Queen and the Princess of Wales. During Friday's ceremony, Charles made an offering of gold and silver at the altar. It was followed by an offering from the newly installed knights whose swords were placed upon the altar. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the eighth century. The title arose from the ritual washing inspired by baptism cleansing, a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood. The honour was not given until the candidates had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to purify the inner soul such as fasting, vigils and prayer, and cleansing themselves by bathing. During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the custom of giving an honorary Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to visiting presidents began, and famous recipients included former US president Ronald Reagan. The service usually takes place every four years, with the Great Master attending each time and the sovereign every eight. In April last year, Charles appointed daughter-in-law Kate the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of her public service and support of the arts, while Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
North Wales Chronicle
17-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
King and Prince of Wales share private moment at Order of the Bath ceremony
The private moment took place as the father and son, dressed in their crimson satin robes, greeted each other ahead of the pomp and pageantry of the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey. The special ceremony, which celebrated the 300th anniversary of the order, was also Charles's first time at the service as the sovereign – and saw William, who was attending for the first time, installed as Great Master of the ancient order. It is awarded to members of the military or Civil Service for exemplary work, and the Dean of Westminster, Reverend Dr David Hoyle, told guests: 'We gather today around the idea that virtue and value are precisely not measured in pounds and pence. 'It is in chivalry, nor is it patronage that binds us together. It's a shared and ordered belief in promise and service.' Matters such as 'excellence and goodness', which are worthy of praise, 'do not happen by accident or chance', he reminded those gathered. He added: 'We have to sum them up. We have to remember them, and then, having done that, we have to act – that surely is what the most honourable Order of the Bath should be, what it should celebrate, what it should do. 'Here's a place to know and name what service of excellence look like. 'Here's a community that can describe goodness and commit to community and live it out. 'So the finery we see around us is a symbol of a deeper dignity, excellence, honour, and those things will only exist if we name them, it's a conversation we have to have.' The lavish ceremony saw Charles and William process through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order and take their seats in the Quire. Charles, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, and William appeared just two weeks on from his youngest son the Duke of Sussex's bombshell television interview in which he claimed the King will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer his father has left to live. The installation ceremony took place in the abbey's Lady Chapel of King Henry VII, where the William took an oath, followed by five new Knights Grand Cross. They are Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Admiral Philip Jones, along with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Lord Young and Sir Tom Scholar. Charles handed the role, which he held himself for nearly 50 years, to William on St George's Day last year as part of a wave of prestigious appointments which included ones for the Queen and the Princess of Wales. During Friday's ceremony, Charles made an offering of gold and silver at the altar. It was followed by an offering from the newly installed knights whose swords were placed upon the altar. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the eighth century. The title arose from the ritual washing inspired by baptism cleansing, a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood. The honour was not given until the candidates had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to purify the inner soul such as fasting, vigils and prayer, and cleansing themselves by bathing. During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the custom of giving an honorary Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to visiting presidents began, and famous recipients included former US president Ronald Reagan. The service usually takes place every four years, with the Great Master attending each time and the sovereign every eight. In April last year, Charles appointed daughter-in-law Kate the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of her public service and support of the arts, while Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
Rhyl Journal
17-05-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
King and Prince of Wales share private moment at Order of the Bath ceremony
The private moment took place as the father and son, dressed in their crimson satin robes, greeted each other ahead of the pomp and pageantry of the Order of the Bath service at Westminster Abbey. The special ceremony, which celebrated the 300th anniversary of the order, was also Charles's first time at the service as the sovereign – and saw William, who was attending for the first time, installed as Great Master of the ancient order. It is awarded to members of the military or Civil Service for exemplary work, and the Dean of Westminster, Reverend Dr David Hoyle, told guests: 'We gather today around the idea that virtue and value are precisely not measured in pounds and pence. 'It is in chivalry, nor is it patronage that binds us together. It's a shared and ordered belief in promise and service.' Matters such as 'excellence and goodness', which are worthy of praise, 'do not happen by accident or chance', he reminded those gathered. He added: 'We have to sum them up. We have to remember them, and then, having done that, we have to act – that surely is what the most honourable Order of the Bath should be, what it should celebrate, what it should do. 'Here's a place to know and name what service of excellence look like. 'Here's a community that can describe goodness and commit to community and live it out. 'So the finery we see around us is a symbol of a deeper dignity, excellence, honour, and those things will only exist if we name them, it's a conversation we have to have.' The lavish ceremony saw Charles and William process through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order and take their seats in the Quire. Charles, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, and William appeared just two weeks on from his youngest son the Duke of Sussex's bombshell television interview in which he claimed the King will not speak to him and he does not know how much longer his father has left to live. The installation ceremony took place in the abbey's Lady Chapel of King Henry VII, where the William took an oath, followed by five new Knights Grand Cross. They are Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, Admiral Philip Jones, along with General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Lord Young and Sir Tom Scholar. Charles handed the role, which he held himself for nearly 50 years, to William on St George's Day last year as part of a wave of prestigious appointments which included ones for the Queen and the Princess of Wales. During Friday's ceremony, Charles made an offering of gold and silver at the altar. It was followed by an offering from the newly installed knights whose swords were placed upon the altar. The Most Honourable Order of the Bath was established by King George I in 1725, although it is believed to originally date back as far as the eighth century. The title arose from the ritual washing inspired by baptism cleansing, a symbol of spiritual purification, which formed part of the preparations for the conferment of knighthood. The honour was not given until the candidates had prepared themselves through various rituals designed to purify the inner soul such as fasting, vigils and prayer, and cleansing themselves by bathing. During Queen Elizabeth II's reign, the custom of giving an honorary Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath to visiting presidents began, and famous recipients included former US president Ronald Reagan. The service usually takes place every four years, with the Great Master attending each time and the sovereign every eight. In April last year, Charles appointed daughter-in-law Kate the first Royal Companion in the history of the Order of the Companions of Honour in recognition of her public service and support of the arts, while Camilla was made Grand Master and First or Principal Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
