King Charles is expected to make an appearance at Royal Ascot in June, marking his first public engagement since revealing his cancer diagnosis in February. The monarch, 75, will pay tribute to the late Queen, who considered Ascot a highlight of her calendar.
A bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by her cherished corgis was unveiled in Oakham, Rutland, on what would have been her 98th birthday. The statue, standing at 7 feet tall, has been warmly received by local residents. Sculptor Hywel Pratley is responsible for creating the piece, which is displayed outside a library in Oakham. Social media posts encourage visitors to come and admire the statue, which features bronze Corgi dogs designed by local children. Despite the Queen’s significant influence on London, only a single statue of her is on display in the capital. The Royal Albert Hall unveiled a sculpture of the late Queen and her husband, Prince Philip, in late 2023. The memorial, depicting the Queen looking out confidently in a long gown, is situated on the South Porch of the venue. A second statue on the porch shows Prince Philip gazing lovingly at his wife.
Despite her regal status, the late Queen Elizabeth II was known for her down-to-earth nature and her willingness to help with daily chores. Former Press Secretary Dickie Arbiter recounted an incident where the Queen and Prince Philip joined him in clearing up after lunch, with the Queen herself washing dishes with her bare hands. Prime Minister David Cameron also recalled the Queen’s insistence on doing the dishes during their stays at Balmoral Castle. These anecdotes highlight the Queen’s humble and relatable character, showcasing her willingness to engage in everyday tasks alongside her staff and guests.
Balmoral Castle, the beloved Scottish abode of the British royal family, has witnessed its fair share of accidents and injuries, making it the most dangerous of the royal residences. From Queen Camilla’s fractured leg to Princess Anne’s illness, and even a dog fight involving the late Queen’s corgis, the sprawling estate has been a scene of mishaps.
Angela Kelly, the former personal dresser to the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been gifted a three-bedroom bungalow in the Peak District. The property, worth £465,000, was a gift from the Royal Family as part of a lifetime accommodation arrangement. However, despite its generous size, the bungalow is said to be a far cry from Kelly’s former Grade II-listed cottage on the Windsor estate. The move came after Kelly was asked to leave her Windsor residence following the Queen’s passing in 2022. King Charles, honoring his mother’s wish, provided Kelly with alternative accommodation. Kelly, known for her close working relationship with the Queen, has published two approved books about her time working with the monarch. The bungalow is reportedly part of a non-disclosure agreement, preventing Kelly from sharing royal secrets or using the palace name for commercial gain.
The late Queen Elizabeth II maintained a close bond with Prince Harry despite the complexities following his departure from the royal family. However, she repeatedly declined one persistent request from Harry involving his young family. During the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, Harry’s desire for a professional photo of his daughter, Lilibet, with the Queen went unfulfilled despite his persistence. Royal expert Camilla Tominey reported that the Queen declined the request, citing a bloodshot eye, denying the Sussexes the coveted photo opportunity. The incident highlights the intricacies of the late Queen’s relationship with Harry and the complexities surrounding the decisions she made.
To commemorate the 98th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II, a magnificent bronze statue has been unveiled in the county of Rutland, England. This permanent memorial, sculpted by Hywel Brân Pratley, depicts the beloved monarch in her youth, accompanied by her cherished Corgis. With contributions from the public and businesses, the project raised approximately $155,000, making it a testament to the affection and respect for her legacy.
Prince Philip, the late husband of Queen Elizabeth II, expressed concerns about Meghan Markle after their first meeting, likening her to Wallis Simpson, the wife of King Edward IV who was blamed for pushing him away from the Royal Family. Royal author Ingrid Seward states that the Queen was aware of Philip’s reservations, noting that she later commented on Harry’s intense love for Meghan. Prince Philip’s skepticism is attributed to his keen ability to assess people, recognizing similarities between Meghan and Mrs. Simpson.
Camilla, the Queen Consort, paid homage to the late Queen Elizabeth II during a visit to the Royal Lancers by wearing a brooch with a skull and crossbones design, the regiment’s symbol. The brooch, previously worn by the Queen on visits to the regiment, serves as a poignant connection between the two monarchs.
A special bronze statue of Queen Elizabeth II, depicting her as a young monarch accompanied by her beloved corgis, was unveiled in Oakham, Rutland, on her 98th posthumous birthday. The statue, sculpted by Hywel Pratley, serves as the first permanent memorial to the late queen, who passed away in 2022. The unveiling ceremony took place in the presence of a crowd of over 400, while members of the royal family were notably absent due to prior commitments.
