Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth II celebrates 70-year reign

In a statement sent to Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II said it is a day that, even after 70 years, she still remembers as much for the death of her father, King George VI, as for the start of her reign.

“As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will always be devoted to your service.

Prince Charles leads Jubilee tributes to 'remarkable' Queen

Prince Charles welcomed his mother's wish that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, be known as Queen Consort when he becomes King.

He said he and his wife were "deeply conscious of the honour".

The Queen is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, and is spending the day privately.

In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.

Queen wants Camilla to be known as Queen Consort

In a message marking the 70th anniversary of her reign, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Camilla would have that title.

There had been suggestions Camilla would be known as Princess Consort.

But the Queen's announcement paves the way for her to be known as Queen Camilla in the future.

A Clarence House spokesman said the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were "touched and honoured".

The Queen's message, marking her accession to the throne in 1952, directly addresses the unresolved question of the Duchess of Cornwall's future title.

Nine million tune in for Queen's message

An audience of 8.96 million saw the festive address on BBC One, ITV and Sky News, according to overnight ratings.

The BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special and Call the Midwife were the next two most popular shows.

In the battle of the soaps, ITV's Coronation Street came out on top.

In her first annual Christmas message since the death of Prince Philip, the Queen, 95, described him as her beloved.

Queen cancels pre-Christmas event amid health warnings on Omicron surge

A source said it was felt the annual event could put too many people's Christmas plans at risk.

It follows England chief medical officer Prof Chris Whitty's advice to prioritise events "that really matter" to avoid the risk of infection.

The event had been due to take place early next week at Windsor Castle.

The Queen's decision comes as families across the UK consider their Christmas plans in the light of the country's biggest Covid surge yet.

The Queen back at Windsor after hospital stay

The 95-year-old monarch returned from hospital at lunchtime on Thursday, the palace said.

The Queen was said to be "disappointed" after cancelling a visit to Northern Ireland on Wednesday.

She was given medical advice to rest for a few days, after a busy schedule of public engagements.

In a statement on Thursday night, Buckingham Palace said: "Following medical advice to rest for a few days, the Queen attended hospital on Wednesday afternoon for some preliminary investigations, returning to Windsor Castle at lunchtime today, and remains in good spirits."

Queen Elizabeth gets Zoom lesson from Princess Anne in clip from new ITV documentary

When she was taking part in her first public video call last month, her daughter Princess Anne helped her with Zoom.

The adorable exchange features in ITV's upcoming royal documentary celebrating Anne's 70th birthday, Mail Online reports.

In the clip, posted on Twitter by ITV's royal editor Chris Ship, Anne asks the Queen: "Can you see everybody? You should have six people on your screen."

She replies: "Yes, well I can see four anyway."

Anne's amusing response: "Actually, you don't need me. You know what I look like."

Prince Philip to step down from carrying out royal engagements

Prince Philip, who turns 96 in June, made the decision himself and the Queen supported him, a spokesman said.

"I'm sorry to hear you're standing down", one man told him at a royal lunch on Thursday. "Well, I can't stand up much," the duke quipped.

The duke will attend already scheduled engagements between now and August but will not accept new invitations.

The Queen "will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements", the palace said.

Queen Elizabeth misses New Year's Day church service

Despite her absence at church, the monarch is "up" and "working" Sunday, a royal source told CNN. The source added that the Queen is "taking red boxes," a reference to the famous red boxes that contain government documents and other information and business pertaining to her role as head of state.

Queen Elizabeth II: Longest-reigning monarch by the numbers

Here is a look at Elizabeth II by the numbers:

89: Age

April 21, 1926: Date of birth

25: Age she became queen

63: Years as British monarch

1945: Elizabeth learns how to drive.

November 20, 1947: Elizabeth II marries His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

1953: Elizabeth II attends her first football match (FA Cup Final).