Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Party, horse race take centre stage at Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee

The queen herself had not been expected to attend

Party, horse race take centre stage at Queen Elizabeth's Jubilee

A pop concert, featuring the likes of singers Alicia Keys and Diana Ross, and the Epsom Derby horse race take centre stage on the third day of Britain's nationwide celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee.

However, the 96-year-old monarch, a huge horse-racing fan and owner of many thoroughbreds, will skip the 243rd running of the Derby because of "episodic mobility problems" which also forced her to miss a thanksgiving service in her honour on Friday (3).


Her daughter Princess Anne, who competed in the three-day equestrian event in the 1976 Olympics, is expected to stand in for her mother.

Later on Saturday, performers from around the world will entertain some 22,000 people at the "Platinum Party at the Palace", while Elizabeth's son and heir Prince Charles and grandson Prince William will speak.

The queen herself had not been expected to attend.

The concert will also feature a specially recorded performance by Elton John, a performance from rock band Queen + Adam Lambert, and conclude with Diana Ross' first live appearance in Britain in 15 years.

Queen guitarist Brian May, who played the national anthem from the roof of the palace at a concert for Elizabeth's golden jubilee in 2002, said the band was happy to have been invited again.

"Then there was a moment when I wondered ... after Buckingham Palace roof where can you go? Well ... you will see," he said.

Four days of celebrations to mark the monarch's record-breaking 70 years on the throne began with a military parade, a Royal Air Force flypast, and the lighting of beacons across Britain and the world.

During Friday's National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral in London, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell used a horse racing analogy in his sermon to pay tribute to the queen.

"Your Majesty, we are sorry that you're not here with us this morning, but we are so glad that you are still in the saddle," he said. "And we are glad that there is still more to come. So thank you for staying the course."

(Reuters)

More For You

maid

The service offers domestic help at customers' doorsteps within 15 minutes, charging 59 rupees (50 pence) per hour.

istock

India's Urban Company launches maid service in India for 50p an hour

URBAN COMPANY, a Mumbai-based firm known for providing services such as plumbing, electrical work, and beauty treatments, has introduced a new feature called "Insta Maids."

The service offers domestic help at customers' doorsteps within 15 minutes, charging 59 rupees (50 pence) per hour.

Keep ReadingShow less
Horizon scandal: Victim sues Post Office and Fujitsu

Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongfully convicted after faulty software said money was missing from their branch accounts. (Photo: Getty Images)

Horizon scandal: Victim sues Post Office and Fujitsu

FORMER sub-postmaster Lee Castleton has launched legal action against the Post Office and Fujitsu, becoming the first individual Horizon IT scandal victim to sue the two organisations.

According to recent reports, Castleton has instructed his solicitors, Simons Muirhead Burton, to issue proceedings at the High Court against the Post Office and Fujitsu on his behalf. Castleton is seeking compensation, alleging the civil judgement against him was obtained by fraud.

Keep ReadingShow less
Tulsi Gabbard

Gabbard, who arrived in India this week on a diplomatic visit, made the comments in an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV on Monday.

Getty Images

Bangladesh rebukes Tulsi Gabbard for comments on attacks on minorities

BANGLADESH has criticised US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard over her remarks on religious violence in the country, calling them unfounded and potentially harmful to sectarian relations.

Gabbard, who arrived in India this week on a diplomatic visit, made the comments in an interview with Indian broadcaster NDTV on Monday. When asked about violence in Bangladesh, she referred to the "long-time unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities" and said these were areas of concern for the US government.

Keep ReadingShow less
JFK-Reuters

John F Kennedy, pictured minutes before he was shot dead by a sniper in 1963. (Photo: Reuters)

Reuters

Final set of JFK assassination files released by US

THE US National Archives has released the last batch of files related to the assassination of president John F Kennedy, a case that continues to fuel conspiracy theories more than 60 years after his death.

The release follows an executive order issued by president Donald Trump in January, which directed the unredacted disclosure of the remaining files connected to the assassinations of Kennedy, his brother Robert F Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

Keep ReadingShow less
King Charles III’s aide Muna Shamsuddin’s journey from Kerala to Buckingham Palace

Muna's story is a testament to how talent and perseverance can transcend borders

Instagram/ muna.shamsuddin - Getty Images

King Charles III’s aide Muna Shamsuddin’s journey from Kerala to Buckingham Palace

In the intricate tapestry of the British monarchy's operations, certain individuals stand out for their unique contributions and backgrounds. One such figure is Muna Shamsuddin, a woman whose journey from the serene landscapes of Kerala’s Kasaragod to the bustling corridors of Buckingham Palace epitomises dedication, cultural fusion, and exceptional service. Her role as Assistant Private Secretary to King Charles III showcases her remarkable diplomatic career and her ability to bridge cultural divides at the highest level of governance.

Roots in Kerala

Muna Shamsuddin’s story begins in Kasaragod, a picturesque district in Kerala, India. Born to the late Dr Puthyapurayil Shamsuddin, a distinguished lawyer, and Shahnaz alias Sayedunnisa, Muna was raised in an environment that placed a strong emphasis on education and cultural heritage. Her father’s career as a legal expert took the family to several countries, including the USA, UK, and Saudi Arabia, before they eventually settled in Birmingham, UK. This international exposure not only broadened Muna's worldview but also cultivated a sense of adaptability and ambition that would later define her career. Her early experiences, combined with a multicultural upbringing, laid a solid foundation for her to navigate the complex world of international diplomacy.

Keep ReadingShow less