Royal news – live: King Charles unveils official portrait as Meghan reveals ‘best souvenir’ from Nigeria tour

King Charles and Queen Camilla have hosted a star-studded garden party for UK creatives following the news that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s charity is no longer “delinquent”.

News of the charity’s troubles came amid a three-day unofficial tour of Nigeria to mark the 10th anniversary of the Duke of Sussex’s Invictus Games.

The couple said the visit was “unforgettable” with Meghan describing the memories they made as the “best souvenir”.

The statement came after news of the state of California declaring the couple’s charity “delinquent”.

The Archewell Foundation was given the status after “failing to submit [the] required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees”.

However, on Tuesday it emerged that the fees and paperwork had been submitted properly – last year – and so the charity is no longer listed as delinquent.

The King and Queen then hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace yesterday afternoon for around 4,000 members of the UK’s creative industries.

The event took place just a day after a striking new portrait of King Charles was unveiled.

Key Points

• Prince William calls for ‘urgent action’ against drug resistant superbugs

• Meghan Markle reveals best souvenir from Nigeria trip

• ‘Queen of Arts!’ – Camilla hosts garden party for celebrated artists

• Queen Camilla praised for decision to go fur-free

• King hands military role to William during visit to Hampshire air base

• Harry and Meghan’s defiant statement after Nigeria tour

Lady Amelia Windsor ‘so excited’ to make Chelsea Flower Show debut

15:16 , Emma Guinness

Lady Amelia Windsor has revealed that she is “so excited” to make her debut at this year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The model and freelance writer, 28, is showing off her horticultural skills by making a pot of wildflowers for the event.

“So excited and honoured to be a very small part of the team for Kent Wildflower Seeds’s first garden at the Chelsea Flower Show,” she wrote.

Amelia, known as “Mel”, is 43rd in line to the British throne.

She is the granddaughter of the Duke of Kent and King Charles’s second cousin once removed.

Queen Camilla says she would love to visit Hogwarts

13:00 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla has revealed that she would love to visit Hogwarts.

She made the revelation on an engagement in Sussex yesterday that celebrated the area’s literary achievements.

When asked by a schoolgirl which fictional place she’d most like to visit, the Queen Consort said: “One place I think I’d love to go is Hogwarts.

“I’d like to jump on the Express and I’d like to go to Hogwarts and sit in that wonderful hall and wait for the hat to come round and pick a house for me.’

“I’d like to look at Dumbledore, and Hagrid, and Snape, and see all the pictures going mad and people jumping out of pictures and the food flying about.”

Free portraits of King Charles now available to more public institutions

12:30 , Emma Guinness

Additional public institutions can now apply for a free portrait of King Charles from 5 June.

As part of His Majesty The King’s Official Portrait Scheme, hospitals, coastguard operations centres, job centres, universities and Church of England churches can receive the free portraits.

“His Majesty’s accession marked a new chapter in the history of our nation,” Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden said in the government’s official announcement.

“Our public authorities and established churches are an essential part of the fabric of the nation and it is right that they have the chance to commemorate this moment.

“Displaying this new portrait also serves as a reminder of the example set by our ultimate public servant. Like his mother before him, The King has dedicated his life and work to serving others.”

New royal portrait exhibition opens today

11:39 , Emma Guinness

A new exhibition showcasing over 100 years of royal portrait photography has opened today (17 May) in London.

Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography is located at the King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace and features some of the earliest known pictures of the royal family, including previously unseen portraits.

It also includes photographs from the first-ever portrait photographer to be given a royal warrant, Hugo Burnand, who has been capturing the current monarchy at milestone occasions for over two decades.

He told The Independent: “I always want people when they’re looking at the subjects in my photographs to feel that they could be in conversation with that person.”

Queen Camilla issues first Royal Warrants

10:30 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla has revealed her favourite goods and services by giving out her first Royal Warrants.

Among those in receipt of the honour, which acts as an official seal of approval, are London department store Fortnum & Mason, sparkling wine producer Shane Connolly, and the florist who was responsible for the designs at last year’s coronation.

The chief executive of Fortnum & Mason, Tom Athron, said the company was “honoured” by the Queen’s decision.

“We are particularly thrilled to have received these grants because of what we believe the warrants stand for,” he said.

“To receive a royal warrant in 2024 requires a rigorous focus on acting for a sustainable future, supporting the country’s rural and farming communities and protecting the arts and heritage crafts.”

Warrants can last up to five years and within this time companies are permitted to trade using the coat of arms of the royal they are associated with.

Queen Camilla shares update about King Charles’s health

09:19 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla shared an update about King Charles’s health at her engagement in Sussex yesterday.

According to royal reporter Roya Nikkhah, she admitted that while the Monarch is “getting better” it came with the caveat: “Well, he would if he behaved himself.”

The alleged comments come as the King attended five engagements within the space of just 48 hours – the most recent of which was a visit to the Royal Opera House last night.

The Queen Consort was in Rye yesterday for an event celebrating the area’s literary achievements.

King Charles delights the Royal Opera House with joyful appearance

09:00 , Emma Guinness

King Charles was in high spirits at last night’s Royal Opera House engagement and even took to the stage at the end of the special gala performance.

This was in tribute to the venue’s outgoing music director, Sir Antonio Pappano, who was delighted by the Monarch’s kind words.

“He was just so generous in his praise, and genuinely so, and that means everything, he loves music,” he said.

King Charles visits Royal Opera House

08:40 , Emma Guinness

King Charles’s busy list of engagements took him to the Royal Opera House last night where he watched a special gala performance.

This marked the Monarch’s fifth engagement in just two days following his return to work at the end of April.

He was allowed to continue with his public-facing duties after medics declared that he had made sufficient progress in his ongoing cancer treatment.

Last night’s performance was in tribute to the venue’s outgoing music director, Sir Antonio Pappano.

Queen Camilla giving up real fur? This is what leadership is all about

07:00 , Holly Evans

When I started campaigning for animal rights as a teenager in the 1980s, I was really inspired by an iconic poster created by anti-fur campaigners. Alongside an image of a smartly dressed woman holding a bloody fur coat was a corker of a slogan: “It takes up to 40 dumb animals to make a fur coat. But only one to wear it.”

Of all the animal rights issues I campaigned on, fur seemed the most straightforward. Why should animals be caged and killed, just to produce a weird coat?

If you’d told me back then that we’d still be discussing the issue four decades on, I wouldn’t have believed you. Surely this vain cruelty would have been eradicated long before 2024?

Read the full article from Chas Newkey-Burden here:

Camilla giving up real fur? This is what leadership is all about

Unseen photographs of royal family go on display at new Buckingham Palace exhibition

06:00 , Holly Evans

Previously unseen photographs of the royal family will go on display as part of a major new exhibition at Buckingham Palace setting out one hundred years’ of notable portraits of the monarchy.

The oldest-surviving colour photographic print of a royal family member and an image marking Princess Kate’s 40th birthday are among those set to be displayed in the new exhibition.

Due to open at Buckingham Palace on Friday, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at the King’s Gallery will also contain works by the likes of Dorothy Wilding, Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey, Andy Warhol and Rankin.

Read the full article here:

Unseen photographs of royal family go on display at Buckingham Palace exhibition

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

05:00 , Holly Evans

Queen Camilla has promised she will not be buying any new real fur clothes or products.

Buckingham Palace made the revelation in a letter to Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), where it was said that the Queen, 76, “will not procure any new fur garments”.

“This comes with the Queen’s warmest wishes,” the palace added.

Read the full article:

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare beaten to top gong by puzzle book at British Book Awards

04:00 , Holly Evans

Prince Harry’s bombshell memoir ‘Spare’ has been beaten in every category it was nominated for at the British Book Awards.

A puzzle book, children’s writer, comedian, and a former MP were among the winners that claimed victory over the duke at Monday night’s awards.

The 39-year-old’s book grabbed headlines when it was released last January as it included never-seen-before details of royal feuds including the accusation that his brother, the Prince of Wales, pushed him into a dog bowl in a row over Meghan Markle.

Read the full article here:

Prince Harry’s memoir Spare beaten by puzzle book at British Book Awards

Roman Kemp on working with Prince Harry and Kate Middleton: ‘You never really see a princess in her socks’

03:00 , Holly Evans

Roman Kemp has looked back at some of his interactions with the royals, including a “weird” time he DJ-ed with Prince Harry at a party thrown by the Princess of Wales.

The presenter and former host of Capital Radio’s Breakfast Show has become known as a vocal advocate for men’s mental health in recent years, fronting awareness campaigns and documentaries.

His 2021 film Our Silent Emergency, which explores the urgent issue of young men’s mental health and the prevalence of male suicide, was met with acclaim and is now shown to children in schools.

Read the full article here:

Roman Kemp on working with Kate Middleton: ‘You never see a princess in her socks’

Might Harry and Meghan’s original Megxit plan actually have worked?

02:00 , Holly Evans

It may not have been an official “royal visit”, but anyone watching the coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visiting Nigeria, in aid of the Invictus Games and its charitable foundation, could have been forgiven for thinking that it was.

The pair have some celebrity and fame, and no one, leastways outside palace circles, seems all that fussed about whether the pair are classified as “working” or “non-working” royals: “Megmania” gripped this part of west Africa, in any case.

Harry is a Prince, his wife is a duchess, his dad is the king and head of the Commonwealth, and no amount of alienation or briefing can alter that. In Lagos State, he was given a prince’s welcome.

Read the full article here:

Might Harry and Meghan’s original Megxit plan actually have worked?

Prince Harry could be on rare royal US visa, expert says amid questions over drug use

01:00 , Holly Evans

Prince Harry may hold a rare United States visa reserved for heads of state and royal family members, a lawyer has suggested – amid questions over how the Duke of Sussex’s past admission of drug use sits in relation to America’s tight immigration rules.

The royal – who lives in California with wife Meghan Markle and their two children – is currently the subject of a legal battle brought by the right-wing Heritage Group to demand that the US Department of Homeland Security release his immigration file.

Former US president Donald Trump and ambassador to the UK, Jane Hartley, are among those who have recently commented on the speculation ignited by Harry’s discussion of his past use of illicit drugs in his January 2023 autobiography Spare.

Read the full article here:

Prince Harry could be on rare royal US visa, expert says amid questions over drug use

King unveils first completed official portrait of himself since coronation

Friday 17 May 2024 00:00 , Holly Evans

‘Queen of Arts!’ Camilla celebrates best of British creativity at Buckingham Palace garden party

Thursday 16 May 2024 23:00 , Holly Evans

Camilla has proven herself to be the queen of arts by hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace for the best of the UK’s creative arts industry.

The star-studded event was attended by around 4,000 guests from the worlds of film, theatre and the performing arts. Notable guests at Wednesday’s event included artist Tracy Emin, comedian Lenny Henry, model Kate Moss and film director Ridley Scott.

Charles, wearing a grey suit and pink waistcoat and top hat, smiled to the gathered crowd as he entered the garden from the palace.

‘Queen of Arts!’ Camilla celebrates best of British at Buckingham Palace garden party

Prince William gives passionate speech at event to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Thursday 16 May 2024 22:00 , Holly Evans

The Prince of Wales has called for “urgent” action to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which he said risked “jeopardising the well-being” of future generations.

Addressing the conference, hosted jointly by the Government and the Royal Society, William said: “There is an urgent need for new measures to access new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines.

“We stand at a critical juncture, where the interconnections between drug resistance, climate change and environmental degradation cannot be ignored.

“Rivers are polluted with antibiotics and oceans are filled with micro-plastics containing resistant bacteria.

“Meanwhile, deforestation is playing havoc with ecosystems, facilitating the emergence of new infectious diseases.

“Unless we act now and together, the ripple effects of drug resistance will be felt across generations, jeopardising the well-being of our children and our grandchildren.”

The prince added that he was “hopeful” regarding the future of AMR because of the growing expertise on the topic and new technologies required to better prevent, detect and respond to the issue.

Unseen photographs of royal family go on display at new Buckingham Palace exhibition

Thursday 16 May 2024 21:00 , Holly Evans

Previously unseen photographs of the royal family will go on display as part of a major new exhibition at Buckingham Palace setting out one hundred years’ of notable portraits of the monarchy.

The oldest-surviving colour photographic print of a royal family member and an image marking Princess Kate’s 40th birthday are among those set to be displayed in the new exhibition.

Due to open at Buckingham Palace on Friday, Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography at the King’s Gallery will also contain works by the likes of Dorothy Wilding, Cecil Beaton, Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey, Andy Warhol and Rankin.

Read the full article here:

Unseen photographs of royal family go on display at Buckingham Palace exhibition

Queen Camilla giving up real fur? This is what leadership is all about

Thursday 16 May 2024 20:00 , Holly Evans

When I started campaigning for animal rights as a teenager in the 1980s, I was really inspired by an iconic poster created by anti-fur campaigners. Alongside an image of a smartly dressed woman holding a bloody fur coat was a corker of a slogan: “It takes up to 40 dumb animals to make a fur coat. But only one to wear it.”

Of all the animal rights issues I campaigned on, fur seemed the most straightforward. Why should animals be caged and killed, just to produce a weird coat?

If you’d told me back then that we’d still be discussing the issue four decades on, I wouldn’t have believed you. Surely this vain cruelty would have been eradicated long before 2024?

Read the full article from Chas Newkey-Burden here:

Camilla giving up real fur? This is what leadership is all about

Maya Jama asks baffled King during garden party if he watches Love Island

Thursday 16 May 2024 19:00 , Holly Evans

Maya Jama has been praised by fans for her fun and relaxed greeting of King Charles and Queen Camilla while attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Fans were delighted by a video clip that saw the Bristolian Love Island presenter tell the monarch she would soon be flying to Spain to film another series of “young people snogging”. In another clip, she is heard saying “You alright?” to Queen Camilla.

Jama, who is known for her relaxed and chatty presenting style, was attending a special summer party that hosted 4,000 guests from the worlds of film, theatre and entertainment at the palace on Wednesday (15 May).

Read the full article here:

King Charles left surprised by Maya Jama question at garden party

King Charles and Queen Camilla set to visit the Chelsea Flower Show

Thursday 16 May 2024 17:30 , Emma Guinness

King Charles has well and truly returned to work and is set to enjoy the sights of the Chelsea Flower Show with Queen Camilla on Monday (May 20).

The couple are scheduled to visit the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London where they will meet the President of the Royal Horticultural Society, Keith Weed.

Prince William visits hospital where his children were born

Thursday 16 May 2024 17:00 , Emma Guinness

Prince William’s engagement this afternoon took him to St Mary’s Hospital in London, which is where all three of his children were born.

He attended an event at The Royal Society’s building in Carlton House Terrace, highlighting “the latest scientific and economic research into antimicrobial resistance.”

Coincidentally, the hospital is also where William himself was born in 1982 and later Prince Harry in 1984.

Prince William calls for ‘urgent action’ against drug resistant superbugs

Thursday 16 May 2024 15:54 , Emma Guinness

The Prince of Wales has called for “urgent action” against drug-resistant superbugs – describing this point in history as a “critical juncture”.

Prince Willam made the plea while acting in his capacity as patron of the Fleming Initiative, which is working to ensure the continued effectiveness of antibiotics.

He did so today at an event in London celebrating the steps that have already been made in this area.

“There is an urgent need for new measures to access new and existing vaccines, diagnostics and medicines,” he said.

“We stand at a critical juncture where the interconnections between drug resistance, climate change and environmental degradation cannot be ignored.”

Prince William arrives at Royal Society of London for charity engagement

Thursday 16 May 2024 13:28 , Emma Guinness

The Prince of Wales has arrived at the Royal Society of London as a patron of the Fleming Initiative.

Prince William, 41, is a vocal supporter of the charity, which is working to ensure that antibiotics remain effective in the face of antimicrobial resistance.

Taking to Twitter (X), Kensington Royal wrote: “The Fleming Initiative is dedicated to combating antimicrobial resistance, and is at the forefront of research and innovation.

“Proud to be Patron of the appeal for its creation.”

Meghan Markle reveals ‘best souvenir’ from Nigeria trip

Thursday 16 May 2024 11:30 , Emma Guinness

Meghan Markle has opened up about the “best souvenir” she acquired from her recent three-day unofficial tour of Nigeria.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was in the country with Prince Harry, 39, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

While Harry had chosen to mark the occasion in the UK before flying to Nigeria, Meghan skipped this leg of the celebrations last week.

Opening up to PEOPLE about the events she did attend in Nigeria, she gushed: “It was such warm hospitality and it was a really meaningful trip. It was incredibly memorable and special. That alone is the best souvenir to take with us – all the memories we’ve made.”

The trip was also a significant one in terms of the couple’s history, marking their first overseas tour as private citizens following their decision to step down as working royals in 2020.

Ridley Scott has ‘no idea’ if the royals enjoy his films

Thursday 16 May 2024 10:00 , Emma Guinness

Ridley Scott admitted that he has “no idea” if the royal family are fans of films.

The Gladiator director, 86, said he was “incredibly honoured to be invited to yesterday’s Buckingham Palace garden party for UK creatives.

He said of the possibility that they are fans: “[I have] no idea. But they’ve to watch something at night don’t they?”

King and Queen accidentally matched at yesterday’s garden party

Thursday 16 May 2024 09:30 , Emma Guinness

King Charles and Queen Camilla accidentally matched their outfits at yesterday’s Buckingham Palace garden party.

The Queen Consort, 75, wore a pale pink fringed coat dress by Anna Valentine and matching hat and the Monarch appeared to match his outfit with a pink waistcoat.

Artist Tracey Emin, one of the 4,000 guests at the party, revealed: “We spoke about health and painting.

“He asked me if I was recovering - which I am and it was lovely to see the Queen too. I complimented them on their pinks - she said it was unintentional!”

Louis Theroux thought he had been invited to King and Queen’s party by mistake

Thursday 16 May 2024 09:00 , Emma Guinness

Louis Theroux thought he had been invited to Buckingham Palace’s garden party by mistake.

The documentary filmmaker, 53, attended the event in celebration for UK creatives yesterday, which was full of famous faces including model Kate Moss and esteemed film director Ridley Scott.

Recalling the moment he discovered he was one of the 4,000 people invited, he said he thought it “must have been a mistake”.

He added to PA news agency that he was “very flattered” when the news sunk in.

King Charles shares his opinion of Love Island

Thursday 16 May 2024 08:45 , Emma Guinness

King Charles appears to be oblivious to the existence of the UK hit show Love Island.

The reality TV dating show, which has participants almost all under the age of 30, was mentioned to the Monarch by its host Maya Jama, 29, at Buckingham Palace’s garden party yesterday.

Opening up to the King, 75, about her occupation at the event for creatives, she said: “I present Love Island, but I don’t suppose you’ve heard of that.”

The King allegedly shrugged and said: “There’s one born every minute.”

Queen Camilla a fan of M&S lingerie

Thursday 16 May 2024 08:27 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla revealed she’s a fan of M&S underwear at Buckingham Palace’s star-studded garden party yesterday.

The Queen Consort made the revelation to model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who has recently released a lingerie line with the high street store.

The model reportedly said she was “very touched” by the compliment at the event held for UK creatives.

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

Thursday 16 May 2024 07:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Queen Camilla has promised she will not be buying any new real fur clothes or products.

Buckingham Palace made the revelation in a letter to Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), where it was said that the Queen, 76, “will not procure any new fur garments”.

“This comes with the Queen’s warmest wishes,” the palace added.

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

Watch: King and Queen don lavish robes at St Paul’s Cathedral service

Thursday 16 May 2024 06:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles reveals side effect of cancer treatment on rare joint engagement with Prince William

Thursday 16 May 2024 05:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The King has given a rare insight into his ongoing private battle with cancer as he attended a joint official engagement with Prince William.

Charles, 75, was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February after a check-up found an unrelated, enlarged prostate that proved to be benign.

On Monday, he discussed the side effects of cancer treatments with British army veteran and cancer survivor Aaron Mapplebeck while visiting the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.

King reveals side effect of cancer treatment on rare joint engagement with William

‘Uncomfortable’ and ‘innovative’: King Charles’s first portrait draws mixed reactions online

Thursday 16 May 2024 04:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles’ first official portrait as King has been met with mixed reactions from the public.

The abstract painting by Jonathan Yeo was unveiled by the monarch at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday to show the King wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards against a red backdrop.

It went down a storm with Queen Camilla, who is reported to have looked at the portrait and said: “Yes, you’ve got him.”

‘Uncomfortable’: King Charles’s first portrait draws mixed reactions online

Prince William celebrates his favourite football team qualifying for the Champions League

Thursday 16 May 2024 02:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Prince William has praised his long-time favourite football team for qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in an upbeat social media post.

The Prince of Wales said he “can’t wait” for Aston Villa’s next season as he publicly shared his joy following the team’s confirmation they had gained their place in the competition.

The Villa squad had gathered for the team’s end-of-season awards on Tuesday night and were watching on TV as Tottenham slipped to a 2-0 loss to Manchester City - a result that had more ramifications than simply for the Premier League’s title race.

Prince William celebrates Aston Villa qualifying for the Champions league

‘Queen of Arts!’ Camilla celebrates best of British creativity at star-studded Buckingham Palace garden party

Thursday 16 May 2024 01:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Camilla has proven herself to be the queen of arts by hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace for the best of the UK’s creative arts industry.

The star-studded event was attended by around 4,000 guests from the worlds of film, theatre and the performing arts. Notable guests at Wednesday’s event included artist Tracy Emin, comedian Lenny Henry, model Kate Moss and film director Ridley Scott.

Charles, wearing a grey suit and pink waistcoat and top hat, smiled to the gathered crowd as he entered the garden from the palace.

‘Queen of Arts!’ Camilla celebrates best of British at Buckingham Palace garden party

King’s nephew Peter Phillips takes date to event attended by the Queen after split with long-term girlfriend

Thursday 16 May 2024 00:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Peter Phillips, King Charles’s nephew, has been spotted with a new date just weeks after his split from his partner of three years.

The late Queen’s ‘favourite grandson’ is now understood to be dating paediatric nurse and freelance writer, Harriet Sperling.

The pair were spotted holding hands as they spent the weekend together at the Badminton Horse Trials.

King’s nephew Peter Phillips takes date to event after split from girlfriend

Might Harry and Meghan’s original Megxit plan actually have worked?

Wednesday 15 May 2024 23:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The ‘Megmania’ witnessed during the Sussexes’ tour of Nigeria suggests that their blueprint – to be ‘half-in, half-out’ royals – had merit, says Sean O’Grady:

Might Harry and Meghan’s original Megxit plan actually have worked?

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

Wednesday 15 May 2024 22:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Queen Camilla has promised she will not be buying any new real fur clothes or products.

Buckingham Palace made the revelation in a letter to Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), where it was said that the Queen, 76, “will not procure any new fur garments”.

“This comes with the Queen’s warmest wishes,” the palace added.

Queen Camilla promises to buy no more clothes with real fur

Scarred by war, Nigeria’s wounded soldiers fought to recover at Prince Harry's Invictus Games

Wednesday 15 May 2024 21:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

One evening in November 2020, a year into his military service, Peacemaker Azuegbulam’s lifelong dream of being a soldier came to an abrupt end.

He was among a group of Nigerian soldiers deployed in the country’s grinding counteroffensive against Islamic extremists in northeastern Borno state when an anti-aircraft weapon was fired at them. When he regained consciousness, his life was no longer the same, and his left leg later had to be amputated.

He was given what he described as a chance to recover when he joined Nigeria’s team in last year’s Invictus Games and won Africa’s first gold medal at the biennial sporting event founded a decade ago by the U.K.’s Prince Harry to aid in the rehabilitation of wounded soldiers.

Scarred by war, Nigeria’s wounded soldiers fought to recover at Prince Harry's Invictus Games

Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation no longer listed as ‘delinquent’

Wednesday 15 May 2024 20:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation is no longer listed as “delinquent” by California’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.

On Monday the charity was listed as “delinquent” and a delinquency notice letter was sent to the foundation on May 3 for “failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees”, but on Tuesday the status of Archewell Foundation had been changed to “current”.

The letter had warned that an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from “soliciting or disbursing charitable funds” and “its registration may be suspended or revoked by the registry”.

Prince Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation no longer listed as ‘delinquent’

King Charles hid poignant symbol in new painting

Wednesday 15 May 2024 19:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

King Charles requested a subtle, poignant detail to be added to his new portrait when asked to think of a message for future generations.

The new portrait, by British artist Jonathan Yeo, features the King in the uniform of the Welsh Guards against a red backdrop with a single butterfly appearing to land on his shoulder.

This detail was the King’s idea, which he thought of when asked to think of a “clue” to sum up his reign for schoolchildren in the future.

King Charles hid a poignant symbol in new portrait ‘for schoolchildren’

Zara Tindall celebrates her 43rd birthday today

Wednesday 15 May 2024 18:30 , Emma Guinness

Zara Tindall is celebrating her 43rd birthday today (15 May).

King Charles’s eldest niece, who is not a working royal, recently hit the headlines after the pair were seen smiling together at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on 3 May.

She is best known for being the sixth in line to the throne at the time of her birth in 1981 and winning the 2006 Eventing World Championship for her equestrian skills.

The daughter of Princess Anne and Captain Mark Philips, Tindall is now 21st in line to the throne.

Prince Harry praises the life-changing power of sports on final day of Nigerian tour

Wednesday 15 May 2024 17:30 , Emma Guinness

Prince Harry praised the life-changing power of sports on the final day of his visit to Nigeria in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex, 39, founded the event for injured, sick and wounded service people to give them a chance to showcase their sporting talents.

“The power of sport can change lives,” Harry said on a visit to a school in Lagos on Sunday (12 May).

‘Queen of Arts!’ – Camilla hosts garden party for celebrated artists

Wednesday 15 May 2024 16:46 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla has been pictured hosting a garden party at Buckingham Palace for artists including Tracy Emin.

The Queen wore a long pink dress to the event and was matched by King Charles, who donned a pink waistcoat for the Creative Industries Garden Party.

First portrait of King Charles since Coronation receives a mixed reaction online

Wednesday 15 May 2024 16:30 , Emma Guinness

The first portrait of King Charles since his Coronation has received a mixed reaction online.

Painted by British artist Jonathan Yeo, the new portrait was unveiled yesterday at Buckingham Palace.

The painting features the King in the uniform of the Welsh Guards against an abstract red background with a butterfly appearing to land on his shoulder.

Reacting to the picture, one Twitter (X) user couldn’t help but compare it to the famous “This is fine” meme.

“The face is great but the rest looks like a blood bath,” added a second.

However, not everyone was so critical of the painting, which was created following the artist spending four sessions with the King.

“I think this is beautiful and such a break from the traditional portraits,” remarked one fan.

A second added: “A lovely portrait of King Charles! I love the way the muted background draws attention to his face!”

Queen Camilla worried that King Charles is doing too much

Wednesday 15 May 2024 15:00 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla is reportedly concerned that King Charles is doing too much now that he has returned to work.

A friend of the Queen Consort said she fears this could “set him back”, even though medics have declared that he is well enough to undertake a “reduced summer schedule”.

“She has been trying to encourage him to slow down,” a friend told The Daily Beast. “Of course, he wants to keep cracking on, but she is afraid that doing too much could set him back.”

Queen Camilla praised for decision to go fur-free

Wednesday 15 May 2024 14:30 , Emma Guinness

Queen Camilla has been praised by yet another animal charity following the announcement that she will no longer buy real fur clothes.

The Queen Consort, 76, made the revelation in a letter from Buckingham Palace to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) where she said she “will not procure any new fur garments”.

Now, the Humane Society International, who are leading the #FurFreeBritain campaign in a bid to have fur imports banned in the UK, have said they are “thrilled” by the news.

As it stands, while it is illegal to factory farm fur in the UK, it can still be imported from other countries.

Claire Bass, senior director of public affairs, told The Independent: “We are thrilled that Her Majesty Queen Camilla has followed in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II by officially confirming her fur-free status.

“Queen Camilla’s decision to ‘go faux’ reflects the morals and mood of the British public, the majority of whom detest cruel fur.

“We hope this powerful message from the Queen inspires the government to take decisive action to ban the import of cruel fur from overseas.”

Reacting to the news, PETA similarly said that they would be celebrating with “a glass of the finest claret”.

Prince William celebrates as favourite football team qualifies for Champions League

Wednesday 15 May 2024 14:03 , Emma Guinness

Prince William is celebrating today after his favourite team Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League.

The team qualified for the very first time yesterday (14 May) after their rivals Tottenham Hotspur lost to Manchester City.

Taking to Twitter (X) to mark the achievement, the heir to the throne, 41, wrote: “We are Champions League! A historic season and an amazing achievement. Thanks to Unai, the whole squad and everyone at @AVFCOfficial. Can’t wait for next season. #UTV! W”

The Prince of Wales has made no secret of his love of the team and has frequently been pictured at Aston Villa games, sometimes accompanied by Prince George.