Latest news with #monarchy
CTV News
a day ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Prince Edward returns to P.E.I. as Canadians question the monarchy's role
Marie Sarrouh says Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Prince Edward Island is to mark the 150th anniversary of P.E.I.'s regiment. Marie Sarrouh says Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Prince Edward Island is to mark the 150th anniversary of P.E.I.'s regiment. For the first time in a decade, Prince Edward is back in Prince Edward Island. The Duke of Edinburgh is in the province this week to mark 150 years of the PEI Regiment, along with his continued ties to the troops which he serves as their colonel-in-chief. But on the streets of Charlottetown, reactions to the royal visit - and to the monarchy - are mixed. 'You know it's always nice when they come and show they respect the province,' said Brayden MacEwen. Mira Matheson echoed the sentiment. 'I think it's going to draw in a lot of attention to Charlottetown and I think that's going to be good for us.' But not everyone agrees. 'I'm not in favour of the monarchy at all ... I would be happy for it to go away,' said Arlene Bourque. Visiting from Halifax, Elaine Whalen and Cathy Mombourquette say there are more interesting members of the royal family. 'If it was Prince William, I might be more excited about it,' Mombourquette said. Last month, King Charles III — Edward's oldest brother — delivered the speech from the throne in Ottawa, a symbolic moment with a message that Canada will not be the 51st state. An Ipsos poll released in May found 66 per cent of Canadians still view the monarchy as useful, because it helps distinguish the country from the U.S. Royal experts say support has grown for these visits as the country's nearest neighbour levels threats. '(They) remind Donald Trump and everybody around the world that Canada is a sovereign state,' said CTV Royal Commentator Afua Hagan. Edward's itinerary on the Island includes a forum with representatives from all four Atlantic provinces, a visit with Abegweit First Nation and events with local youth. The trip wraps with a regimental ball and parade through Charlottetown on Saturday. After that, the Duke of Edinburgh heads to Toronto and Ottawa for Canada Day.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Thailand teeters on edge as Thaksin trial, PM ouster threat stir political storm
BANGKOK, June 27 — Thailand's controversial ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra goes on trial for lese-majeste next week with the kingdom teetering on the brink of political chaos, as his daughter faces being sacked as prime minister and activists threaten mass protests. South-east Asia's second-biggest economy looks set for a new round of the turmoil that has periodically gripped it over the last two decades as conservative forces renew their long-running tussle with the Shinawatra dynasty. The coming weeks will see a series of court hearings that could terminate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's brief political career and send her 75-year-old billionaire father to jail. Thaksin goes on trial from Tuesday accused of insulting the monarchy, which under Thailand's strict royal defamation laws could bring a maximum 15-year jail sentence. The allegations stem from an interview he gave in 2015 to a South Korean newspaper, with the trial set to last three weeks. A verdict is not expected for at least a month after that. The lese-majeste laws shield King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his close family from insult or abuse, but critics say the laws are abused to stifle legitimate comment and debate. The drama comes as the tourist-dependent kingdom seeks to reinvigorate its economy while heading off US President Donald Trump's damaging threatened trade tariffs. Thailand is also grappling with a festering border row with Cambodia. Phone call crisis Paetongtarn's government hangs by a thread. Its ruling coalition was slashed to a tiny majority by the departure last week of the conservative Bhumjaithai party in a row over a leaked phone call between the prime minister and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen. In the audio of the call about the border dispute, Paetongtarn makes disparaging reference to a Thai army commander and addresses Hun Sen as 'uncle'. Critics slammed the 38-year-old for insulting the military — a powerful force in Thai politics — and for being too deferential, calling for her to quit. She apologised last week and managed to shore up her coalition, but now a group of conservative senators has submitted a petition to the Constitutional Court calling for her to be sacked. The court may decide on Tuesday whether to accept the case, but its president, Nakharin Mektrairat, told reporters this week that it would be up to the nine judges to decide the timeframe. If the court accepts the case, it may suspend her from office while it considers it, with a ruling expected to take several months. 25-year battle Paetongtarn's case and her father's trial are the latest round in a bitter 25-year arm wrestle between Thailand's traditional conservative, pro-military, pro-royalist elite and parties linked to Thaksin. Thaksin was twice elected prime minister in the early 2000s and is still loved by many of the rural voters whose lives were changed by his policies. But the establishment has long despised him as corrupt, nepotistic and a threat to the kingdom's long-established social order. Thaksin was ousted in a coup in 2006, his sister Yingluck Shinawatra suffered the same fate in 2014 and other prime ministers from their political movement have been sacked by court rulings. After 15 years abroad, Thaksin returned to Thailand in August 2023. He was immediately ordered to serve an eight-year jail term for historic graft and abuse of power charges, but was taken to hospital on health grounds and later pardoned by the king. That sequence of events has prompted a separate judicial probe into whether he got special treatment, and Thaksin's regular public appearances seem to have riled his old foes. 'His enemies never disappear — they are still there, while new enemies have emerged and friends become enemies,' Paradorn Pattanatabut, a former secretary general of the National Security Council, told AFP. In a country which has seen a dozen coups since the end of absolute monarchy in 1932, the latest crisis has sparked speculation about another possible military intervention to oust Paetongtarn. Tub-thumping posts on military-affiliated Facebook pages voicing vehement support for the army after Paetongtarn's leaked call have added fuel to the fire. But a security source told AFP that a conventional tanks-in-the-street coup was both difficult and unnecessary, given the potential to stage a 'silent coup' through the courts or other bodies such as the election commission. Wanwichit Boonprong from Rangsit University agreed, saying this kind of 'stealth authoritarianism' was more effective. To add further spice to the mix, on Saturday a group of political activists involved in huge demonstrations that helped sink previous governments has pledged to hold a major rally calling for Paetongtarn to quit. — AFP
CTV News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Prince William at 43: The making of a modern monarch
Prince William, walks in the Parade Ring on the second day of the Royal Ascot horse race meeting at Ascot, England, Wednesday June 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Afua Hagan is a contributor to focusing on the Royal Family. Based in London and Accra, Hagan is a regular commentator on the royals across a variety of international outlets, and is a leading voice on diversity in Britain. Prince William turns 43 this week, and with each passing year, he grows more into the role he was born to inherit — that of the future king. The road to monarchy is rarely a smooth one, especially in an institution that is steeped in tradition yet increasingly under pressure to modernize. But as the Prince of Wales steps further into the spotlight, it's becoming clear: William is shaping a monarchy that is more attuned to the challenges of the 21st century, while staying rooted in its core mission of service. Prince William now plays the part of a steady hand in the monarchy. As King Charles deals with cancer treatment, William has taken on more duties tied to the country's constitution and important traditions. He hasn't been named as regent, but he helps steer the monarchy's path. He attends significant public events and takes part more and more in private meetings and state affairs showing someone who is getting ready to lead — not by making big statements, but by steady actions. This careful approach shows his support for his father and his sense of how crucial smooth transition is during this fragile time. Royals Trooping the Colour From the left, Queen Camilla, King Charles, Prince William Prince Louis , Prince George, Kate Princess of Wales and Princess Charlott on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour in London on June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) At the heart of this transformation is a shift in tone and priorities. William is more direct, more engaged, and more present than ever before. His recent engagements — from spotlighting the U.K.'s homelessness crisis to tackling environmental sustainability — are not just photo opportunities. They reflect a deeper commitment to using his platform for tangible, long-term impact. The Prince of Wales has started making practical changes to royal operations. He removed Queen Elizabeth II's long-standing 'no selfies' rule, often stopping to take loads of pictures with royal watchers and fans. On top of that, he's simplified communications by sharing his personal number with staff and uses WhatsApp for quick messages. 'If you want me, just get me, just message me,' William told one employee, according to former secretary and keeper of the records Alastair Martin in an interview with The Times. Over the last several years, Prince William has focused on meaningful initiatives rather than just ceremonial appearances. He launched housing projects to help the homeless and backed mental health programs for farmers. Prince William and Cate Blanchett Prince William, left, and Earthshot Prize Council Member Cate Blanchett, right, visit Earthshot Prize Finalist Colorifix, a UK based company which creates sustainable dye for clothing in Norwich, England, Thursday, June 19, 2025. (Eddie Mulholland /Pool Photo via AP) The Earthshot Prize stands as his major environmental achievement – a £50-million initiative spanning a decade to fund innovative climate change solutions. These efforts paint a picture of a future king who wants to guide with both empathy and decisive action. William faces the pressures of being the next monarch while dealing with concerns about the monarchy's popularity. His approach combines global influence with ground solutions to create an effective blueprint. His environmental work has brought him face to face with world leaders like former President Biden and President Macron at global summits. 'He wants it to be modern and meaningful,' reveals a royal insider. Britain VE Day Prince William and Kate, Princess of Wales attend a concert to mark the 80th Anniversary of V-E Day at Horse Guards Parade, London, Thursday May 8, 2025. (Toby Melville/Pool via AP) But this past year had been difficult for the Prince of Wales. He himself described it as the hardest year of his life. The emotional weight of the Princess of Wales's absence from public life due to her cancer treatment deeply affected not just the public, but William himself. He chose to pause some royal responsibilities to stay close to Kate and spend time with their children. That choice reminded people of the person behind the royal title. It made him more relatable. This period revealed a different side of William — one that focuses less on strict rules and more on care and understanding. Along with managing more royal tasks, he carries a visible emotional burden, yet handles it with dignity. Some transparency about Kate's health brought in a fresh wave of openness for the Royal Family breaking away from their long-standing tradition of keeping personal struggles hidden. Estrangement with Prince Harry Ukraine-Prince Harry Prince Harry waves as he leaves the Royal Courts of Justice in London on April 9, 2025. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali) Of course, the elephant in the room remains his relationship with Prince Harry. Their estrangement is no secret, and it continues to cast a long shadow over public perception. William has opted for silence and stability in contrast to Harry's more vocal critiques of royal life. To some, this stoicism enhances William's image as a man of duty, to others it can come across as cold. The lack of reconciliation also represents a missed opportunity — the future king wants to exude unity and maturity in his ascent to the throne. Still, William appears resolute in protecting the institution first, even if that means keeping personal wounds private. 'Strategic succession planning' A source confirms a report saying that the Prince and Princess of Wales have been quietly assembling a team that will help guide their eventual transition to King and Queen. It's a behind-the-scenes move that reflects both foresight and realism — an understanding that the demands of the modern monarchy require not just personal resilience, but the right people in the room. Trusted advisers, communications strategists, and private secretaries with a clear-eyed view of the challenges ahead are already in place, shaping everything from public engagements to long-term philanthropic strategy. This isn't palace intrigue — it's strategic succession planning. A source said that whilst there is no indication that King Charles II will abdicate anytime soon, it just makes sense for the Prince and Princess of Wales to get their ducks in a row for the next stage of their Royal life. William and Kate are not just preparing themselves, but building an infrastructure of stability that will serve the monarchy for decades to come. What we are witnessing is a royal heir coming into his own. No longer just 'Diana's son' or 'Charles' boy,' William is beginning to carve out a legacy that is distinctively his. He's forging a modern model of kingship — one that is less about grandeur and more about grounded leadership. As he turns 43, Prince William stands at the intersection of history and change. The monarchy he will one day lead may look very different from the one his grandmother or even his father shaped. But if his current trajectory is anything to go by, it will be one that strives to meet people where they are — his vision for his monarchy is royal with a small 'r'. And that might just be what secures the monarchy's place in the future.
News.com.au
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Prince William's plan for future of monarchy revealed
IN LONDON Details of Prince William's plans for the future of the monarchy have been laid bare by several sources close to him. In a wide-ranging profile published by The Times UK in honour of the Prince of Wales' 43rd birthday, personal insights into how he really feels about the 'formalities' and pomp and pageantry surrounding his role were revealed – as well as his plans for the future of the monarchy. A major theme was the confirmation that there will be an overhaul of procedure at Buckingham Palace once William is King. 'He's definitely been thinking a lot about how things will evolve over time. When the moment comes, he'll want to do it his way: genuinely, not just following a script,' a friend of the prince's told The Times' Roya Nikkah. 'He's not afraid to dig into the details, ask the tough questions, and figure out what actually works today. He wants to make sure the whole thing has even more impact and remains relevant.' Insiders added that William is also 'mindful of how much the monarchy costs' and plans to 'take every stone and look underneath it' while reviewing the 'footprint of the institution'. And fresh from William's appearance alongside the King and Queen in the carriage procession at Royal Ascot this week, a source who 'knows him well' told Nikkah: 'I never get the feeling the whole top hat and racing is really his thing, and he's such as much. He's never really seemed comfortable doing it.' According to friends of William's, when it comes to his ongoing estrangement from his younger brother, there has been a 'marked, recent shift'. Noting that he'd previously been left furious at Harry's public criticisms of his family – particularly in his memoir, Spare, which delved into arguments between the siblings in excruciating detail – he is now more indifferent, albeit 'burning' inside. 'What has struck me the most recently is that he just doesn't mention it at all. It used to be that the family stuff was taking up a lot of space in his head, it was a very close relationship and he was very upset,' the pal said. 'But he's not letting it get to him at all any more. It is a change. It's sad, but it's a much healthier space for him to be at.' The latest personal deep-dive into the future monarch follows another published in The Times early last month, which examined what it was like to actually work with him. As a 'senior figure' on one of his projects told royal editor Kate Mansey, he is a 'stringent boss' and 'won't be pushed into anything he doesn't want to do'. According to others, the heir to the throne is also 'known to fire off dozens of weekend WhatsApp [messages] to staff'. Other sources claimed that he is 'laser-focused' when it comes to his goals, but is both 'thoughtful' and 'collaborative' and his 'sometimes tough approach is born of a zeal to get results'.
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Was this divorced American diva the original Meghan Markle? The REAL story of the most divisive person to ever marry into the royal family...
An American divorcee. A dazzling wardrobe. A royal romance that ends in exile. Denied the use of her HRH title, accused of corrupting a prince, cast as a threat to the very survival of the British monarchy and relentlessly vilified by the press. No, not Meghan Markle - but you'd be forgiven for thinking so.
