Displaying items by tag: royal family

The Dukes of Cambridge and Sussex met on 1 July to unveil a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, on what would have been her 60th birthday. It was William and Harry's first appearance together since the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral in April. The statue, commissioned by the brothers in 2017, will stand in Kensington Palace's redesigned Sunken Garden. At the time, they said they hoped it would help visitors to the palace ‘reflect on her life and her legacy’. Also the royal princes have reportedly bonded over England's Euros victory over Germany by exchanging texts and speaking before their reunion.

The Queen was ‘delighted’ after Harry and Meghan announced the birth of their second child, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Lilibet is a very intimate name that the Queen has used since she was very little and her sister could not pronounce her name properly. Many believe this is a diplomatic olive branch offered to the royal family after what has been a fractious year between Harry and Meghan and the rest of the royals. Lilibet was born in a California hospital, weighing 7 lbs 11oz.

John Sentamu, the former archbishop, said, ‘There was an unbelievable depth of Prince Philip’s rootedness in Christ, and Her Majesty is exactly the same. I have not met a couple that are so free.’ He said he had prayed with them both; their prayers were never said aloud, but they would say amen. The royal family are proving they are no ‘different in grief from anybody else. They want to be part of the grieving for the nation, for the many people who died from Covid-19, and for those who have not been able to be present when their loved one is being buried.’ Dr Sentamu joked that Philip would have appreciated his shortened funeral service, because ‘the duke could not stand what he called “long church”'.

After Prince Philip’s death on 9 April, Justin Welby said, ‘He consistently put the interests of others ahead of his own and provided an outstanding example of Christian service’. He was multi-talented, he supported charities tirelessly, and spent seven decades by the Queen’s side, supporting her at significant moments. The royal family is observing two weeks of mourning. On 13 April the Queen conducted her first in-person royal duty since he died, when she hosted a ceremony for the Lord Chamberlain to stand down.

The 99-year-old Duke of Edinburgh is said to be in good spirits after a month-long stay in hospital being treated for an infection and a pre-existing heart condition. He left through a side entrance of the hospital in a wheelchair, and was helped into the rear passenger seat of a waiting car. A statement said, ‘His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him ... and everyone who has sent their good wishes.’

Four days before an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle was claimed by unidentified sources to have bullied three personal assistants. The royal household launched an investigation, and will speak to current and former staff. See Since the interview, front pages and TV screens everywhere have commented on the ‘royals in crisis’ over mixed-race skin colour comments, family dysfunction and no emotional support for Markle’s mental health struggles. The senior royals released a statement asserting that while some recollections of incidents may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately. They confirmed that ‘Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members’.

Lord, You desire all the royal family to display your righteousness, wisdom, and majesty. May Your will be done. We ask that every change taking place at the moment will strengthen not weaken the monarchy reputation and the future of this nation. Please reinforce every Godly inheritance within the royals. We cry out for wounds to be healed, relationships restored, and for love and honour to overcome every attempt of the enemy to divide or conquer. We thank you for our Queen and celebrate her heart for You, the wisdom, righteousness and integrity reflected in her life and for the respect she holds within this land. Give her peace as she stands above, yet amid, political noise and personal pain. We ask you to heal every injury inflicted by the media and misinformation. May all the royal household have God-given wisdom, peace, and resilience.

Prince Philip, 99, had already spent 16 nights in hospital, being treated for an infection. He was then moved to St Bartholomew’s Hospital for tests and observation on a heart condition. On 3 March a surgical procedure was performed. The duke will remain in hospital for treatment, rest, and recuperation for a number of days.

The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital as a ‘precautionary measure’ after feeling unwell on the evening of 16 February. The following day a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the 99-year-old is ‘expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest’. It is understood the decision to admit him was taken with an ‘abundance’ of caution by his doctor and he is said to be in good spirits. He does not have a coronavirus-related illness, and walked into the hospital unaided.

American bishop Michael Curry, who delivered a memorable sermon on the 'power of love' at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, has reached out to the couple after they announced they will no longer be working members of the royal family as of spring this year. The head of the Episcopal Church is offering ‘pastoral care’ to the couple ‘as they forge lives across the pond’, according to The Sunday Times. Bishop Michael’s sermon included these words: ‘We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love and when we discover that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world, for love is the only way. When love is the way, we actually treat each other well, like we are actually family.’ Prophetic sentiments now, as the couple step away from royal life.