Keir Starmer Dismisses Calls For Donald Trump’s State Visit To The UK To Be Cancelled

Posted on 02/03/2025 by Boris Clair

Keir Starmer has dismissed calls for Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK to be cancelled in the wake of his Oval Office row with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

The prime minister said he was “not going to be diverted” by those calling for King Charles to withdraw his invitation to the US president.

Starmer handed over a letter from the monarch to Trump when he visited the White House on Thursday.

It is the first time ever that a US president has been granted the honour of a second state visit.

But calls have been growing for the visit to be shelved after Trump and his vice-president, JD Vance, ganged up on Zelensky on Friday.

SNP leader John Swinney said: “Right now, given [Friday’s] shocking events, it is hard to believe the visit can happen.”

Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns said: “State visits should be conferred to the most honourable of allies, not to curry favour.

“No state visit should proceed until the steadfastness of the US’s commitment to her allies is assured. His Majesty should not have to carry the weight of Keir’s diplomatic failings.”

Asked about the row on BBC1′s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Starmer said: “I’m not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric without really appreciating what is the single most important thing at stake in Europe.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Kemi Badenoch slapped down Alicia Kearns.

He said: “Personal views of individual MPs are not official Conservative Party positions.

“In practical terms, the state visit is a matter for the King who extended the invitation, and not for MPs. As Kemi said on TV this morning, it is imperative that the UK remains close to America and they don’t disengage from Nato if we are going to get a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.”

Lib Dem leader Ed Davey also insisted the state visit should go ahead.

He said: “What we’ve said in the Liberal Democrats all along is that the state visit should be used to secure guarantees for Ukraine.

“Therefore, I think we should use every single card that we have, and I think it should be made clear to the White House that the state visit would be a genuine one, we would welcome him here, but on condition that he steps up, that the US steps up, to work with the UK and Europe to support and defend Ukraine.”

Robbie Williams Addresses Claims He Turned Down An Offer To Perform At King Charles’ Coronation

Posted on 14/01/2025 by Boris Clair

Robbie Williams has spoken out about rumours that he turned down the chance to perform at King Charles′ coronation.

Back in 2023, it was widely reported that Buckingham Palace was struggling to book acts to perform at a celebration event for the monarch for a variety of reasons.

At the time, it was claimed that Robbie was among those to have declined an offer to perform, which he was asked about during an interview on Watch What Happens Live on Monday.

“There was a reason,” Robbie insisted, with his wife Ayda Field reminding him from the sidelines that he was already “working” on the day of the coronation concert. “I [already had] something [booked] that I couldn’t turn down.”

“Because of money,” the always-candid Angels singer then added.

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Around the time of the coronation concert, it was reported by The Sun that Sir Elton John and Harry Styles had been top picks to perform, but both turned down the offer due to scheduling conflicts.

Prior to this, it had been rumoured that Adele had also declined the chance to perform at the coronation due to her then-ongoing residency in Las Vegas, with Ed Sheeran also supposedly missing out due to prior commitments.

However, the Shape Of You singer later claimed this was not the case, with his rep claiming he’d actually not been approached about performing.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the day of his coronation

Meanwhile, the Spice Girls were tipped to reunite as a five-piece for the royal event, but this did not end up coming to fruition.

Instead, the concert featured performances from British stars like Olly Murs, Paloma Faith and Take That, while Katy Perry and Lionel Richie flew in from the US.

Katy and Lionel’s performances coincided with an unexpected cameo from King Charles and his wife Camilla Parker-Bowles on American Idol that same night, which raised eyebrows at the time.

Labour MP Forced To Swear In Again After Getting It Wrong The First Time

Posted on 16/07/2024 by Boris Clair

A Labour MP has been forced to swear in again after getting the words wrong first time round.

Clive Lewis, who is a republican, refused to pledge allegiance to King Charles’ “heirs and successors” when he went through the process last week.

But he was notified that he could be at risk of losing his seat if he failed to do it properly.

That meant he had to return to the House of Commons chamber today to do it all again, using the right words.

As other MPs looked on, he said: “I was elected to parliament to represent my constituents and our country to the best of my ability, to defend democracy and uphold human rights.

“And one day I hope all members of parliament will be entitled to swear an oath of allegiance based on those values.

“I do solemnly and sincerely and truly declare and affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law.”

Posting a video of it on X, the Norwich South MP said: “After omitting to swear allegiance to King Charles’ ‘heirs and successors’ last week, I’ve had to take the oath again in order to sit in the House of Commons.

“The majority of the public are committed to democracy, and so I hope one day MPs can swear an oath based on those values.”

After omitting to swear allegiance to King Charles’ “heirs and successors” last week, I’ve had to take the oath again in order to sit in the House of Commons. The majority of the public are committed to democracy, and so I hope one day MPs can swear an oath based on those values. pic.twitter.com/h7fTDdEjxX

— Clive Lewis MP (@labourlewis) July 16, 2024

According to the Parliamentary Oaths Act, any MP who does not swear in properly can be fined £500 every time he sits in a debate or votes “and in addition his seat shall be vacated in the same manner as if he were dead”.

In a letter to Lewis, an official in parliament’s journal office told him: “There is accordingly a risk that someone could bring a legal action.

“It would ultimately be for the courts to decide, but it could result in you losing your seat. The safest course would be to remake the affirmation in the words prescribed by law.”

Lewis said: “This should change, so MPs have the choice to swear allegiance to our constituents and democracy.”

King Charles Releases Message About Kate Middleton’s Next Public Appearance

Posted on 15/06/2024 by Boris Clair

King Charles released a message after Kate Middleton confirmed that she will attend Trooping the Colour this weekend, marking her first public appearance since December 2023.

“His Majesty is delighted that The Princess is able to attend tomorrow’s events, and is much looking forward to all elements of the day,” a Buckingham Palace spokesperson told People magazine Friday.

The event, which is the official celebration for the monarch’s birthday, will be held on Saturday, June 15. Charles, who was diagnosed with cancer in February, will be in attendance, alongside Queen Camilla.

The Princess of Wales on Friday issued a deeply personal update on her journey with cancer, and also confirmed her attendance at the military parade.

“I am making good progress, but as anyone going through chemotherapy will know, there are good days and bad days. On those bad days you feel weak, tired and you have to give in to your body resting,” Kate said. “But on the good days, when you feel stronger, you want to make the most of feeling well.”

The royal added that her “treatment is ongoing” and will continue “for a few more months.”

A new photo of the Princess of Wales, taken by photographer Matt Porteous on the grounds of Windsor Castle earlier this week.

“On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Kate said, adding that she is “learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.”

Trooping the Colour usually includes a carriage procession for members of the royal family, as well as a balcony appearance to wave to the crowds from Buckingham Palace.

The Princess of Wales is expected to ride in a carriage alongside her three children ― Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis ― and also make a balcony appearance.

The Wales family and King Charles III watch an RAF flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during Trooping the Colour on June 17, 2023, in London, England.

On Saturday, Kate issued an apology for missing a rehearsal for the annual military parade.

Watch The Moment Maya Jama Asks King Charles About His Love Island Knowledge

Posted on 16/05/2024 by Boris Clair

If there are two things we never imagined uttering in the same breath, they’re probably King Charles and Love Island.

The monarch and his wife Queen Camilla hosted a garden party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday (15 May) to celebrate the creative industries, where they took some time to meet their celebrity guests.

One particularly notable meeting took place when the King introduced himself to Love Island host Maya Jama, who jumped at the opportunity to tell the royal about the popular reality dating show.

As the presenter introduced herself, she said: “I host Love Island. I don’t know if you’ve watched that, though? It’s a reality dating show.”

The King, looking amused, replied: “There’s one born every minute.”

The King and Queen hosted a special Garden Party at Buckingham Palace this afternoon to celebrate the Creative Industries. @MayaJama met the King and said: “I host Love Island. I don’t know if you watch that though?”

( @DuncanCStone) pic.twitter.com/7cTKazRBja

— Lizzie Robinson (@LizzieITV) May 15, 2024

Maya then revealed that she was “just about to go to Spain to film some young people snog”.

During her short interaction with Charles, Maya even admitted to once previously breaking protocol by touching the royal when she wasn’t supposed to, which got a laugh out of the King.

Other guests at the afternoon garden party included model Kate Moss, documentarian Louis Theroux, director Sir Ridley Scott and artist Tracey Emin.

As for Love Island’s return this summer, there’s still some speculation about the exact date it will be back on screen, but previous years suggest it might be the first week of June.

The new series will welcome a whole new crop of islanders to the villa in Mallorca this summer, where young singletons will search (and graft) for love.

Earlier this year marked the first time a host of former contestants returned to the villa for Love Island All Stars.

It was series six’s Molly Smith and season nine’s Tom Clare who were crowned the public’s favourite pairing at the final, though it turned out the voting figures were actually pretty close.

What We Know Right Now About Kate Middleton’s Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on 23/03/2024 by Boris Clair

Kate Middleton shared her cancer diagnosis in an unexpected video statement last night.

The Princess of Wales explained that the news came as a “huge shock” to her and her family.

Kate has spent the last few months out of the public eye, following a planned abdominal surgery which was initially thought not to be cancer-related.

Here’s a look at what is publicly known about her condition at the moment.

When and how did Kate find out she had cancer?

When she had planned abdominal surgery on January 16 at a private facility – the London Clinic – Kensington Palace said her condition was “not cancer-related”.

News of the surgery was announced the day after it happened. The Palace only said it was successful, but did not offer any further details.

In Friday’s video, Kate said “tests after the operation found cancer had been present” and she was now in the early stages of preventative chemotherapy.

Dr Yuman Fong, a surgeon at City of Hope cancer centre in Southern California, told Associated Press finding cancer after surgery for a noncancerous problem can happen in about 4% of procedures.

A patient can be going for a surgery related to what is thought to be a benign disease, like removing the gallbladder or ovarian cysts, when cancer can be found, according to Fong.

It is common for tissues taken during surgery to be analysed at a lab afterwards, and that’s when other conditions may be detected.

A still of the Princess of Wales, provided by BBC Studios, in the video where she announced the news.

What is cancer and how common is it?

The NHS says: “Cancer is a condition where cells in a specific part of the body grow and reproduce uncontrollably. The cancerous cells can invade and destroy surrounding healthy tissue, including organs.”

Cancer can sometimes spread through the body, too – that’s known as secondary or metastatic cancer.

One in every two people in the UK will develop cancer in their lifetime.

There are more than 200 different types, and each one is diagnosed and treated differently.

Anyone can get cancer but the risk increases as people get older – more cases are found in people aged 50 and over – because there’s more time for cell damage to accumulate.

But, rates of cancer diagnosis are rising for younger people in developed countries, according to medical research. Kate is 42.

Dr Fong told AP: “We hate it when young people get cancer but at the same time, they are the ones that recover best.”

Survival rates from cancer have doubled over the last 50 years, according to Cancer Research UK.

There’s a huge variation in survival between cancer types. Fifty per cent survive cancer for 10 or more years, according to Cancer Research’s data from 2010-11.

What kind of cancer has Kate been diagnosed with?

Kate did not reveal this, and neither did the Palace.

It’s unlikely they will any time soon, especially as the Princess of Wales has already shared an unprecedented amount of detail about her health.

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: “We will not be sharing any further private medical information. The princess has a right to medical privacy as we all do.”

What treatment is the Princess of Wales receiving?

Kate said in her statement her team advised her to start ‘preventative chemotherapy’ in late February.

She is now in the early stages of this treatment.

Chemotherapy is an un umbrella term for medication – administered by drip or via pill – meant to kill cancerous cells.

It’s meant to stop the risk of cancer coming back again, although the amount needed and how regularly it needs to administered depends on the cancer.

According to the NHS website, chemo can cause some difficult side effects, though “many can be treated or prevented and most will pass once your treatment stops”.

Not everyone gets the same side effects, but some common ones include: anaemia, infections, loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea and hair loss.

Dr Monica Avila of Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, told AP: “A patient can take anywhere from a few weeks to a month or two to recover from those effects.”

When will Kate return to the public eye?

The Palace did not reveal a working timeline for Kate’s treatment, or the advice from her medical team who will decide when it is.

But, the royal officials seem confident Kate will recover.

The statement said: “The Princess is now on a recovery pathway.”

In her video statement, Kate said she had taken her time to tell the public her diagnosis because she wanted to first reassure her three children – aged 10 and under – that she was “going to be OK”.

“As I have said to them, I am well and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal, in my mind, body and spirits,” Kate said.

King Charles Is ‘So Proud’ Of ‘Beloved’ Princess Of Wales After She Shared Her Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on 23/03/2024 by Boris Clair

King Charles’s spokesperson expressed the monarch’s pride for his daughter-in-law Kate Middleton after she revealed her cancer diagnosis last night.

Buckingham Palace said the King is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did”.

The pair have “remained in the closest contact with his beloved daughter-in-law throughout the past weeks” after they spent time in hospital together, according to the spokesperson.

They added that Charles and his wife, Camilla, “will continue to offer their love and support to the whole family through this difficult time”.

In a video statement released on Friday, Princess of Wales announced she was diagnosed with cancer after a planned abdominal surgery in January.

She said she is now undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

The news comes a few weeks after the monarch revealed he was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year following a separate procedure for a benign prostate enlargement.

Charles is now going through a schedule of regular treatments.

The two royals were treated at the London Clinic at the same time earlier this year.

The Palace has not revealed what kind of cancer either of the senior royals has, and it is unlikely to do so.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle extended their sympathies to Kate from across the pond, saying: “We wish health and healing for Kate and the family, and hope they are able to do so privately and in peace.”

Kate’s brother James Middleton also posted on Instagram about the news, sharing an old photo of the two of them alongside the caption: “Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you, too.”

What Is The Garrick Club?

Posted on 20/03/2024 by Boris Clair

A central London private members’ club has been under the spotlight after its membership list was published in the Guardian newspaper. But what is the Garrick Club, and why is it controversial?

What is the Garrick Club?

The Covent Garden club, named after eighteenth century actor David Garrick, opened in 1831, and is said to have around 1,500 members.

Last week, The Guardian revealed what it describes as “the roll call of (the) British establishment” – a membership list that reportedly includes judges, barristers, MPs, academics, actors and senior figures in the arts.

London’s private members’ clubs are world famous, with some notorious for their men-only rules and strict dress codes. The Garrick is among the best known among scores of clubs across the capital. Other legendary names include Annabel’s, The Groucho Club and the National Liberal Club, with some more political in their membership than others.

So who is actually a member of the Garrick Club?

The Guardian claimed the membership list included King Charles, deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden and Sir Richard Moore, the head of MI6.

Among other names on the members list are actors Matthew Macfadyen, Benedict Cumberbatch and Damian Lewis as well as the chief executive of the Royal Opera House, Alex Beard, and Antonio Pappano, who is now chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Others said to be members include Succession star Brian Cox, former England men’s football manager Roy Hodgson and Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler. BBC broadcasters John Simpson and Melvyn Bragg are also members, according to the reports.

What’s the controversy?

The row stems from the fact the Garrick Club excludes women, and its refusal to admit female members despite efforts to change the rules. Women can only visit as a guest of a male member.

In 2015, the Garrick’s membership voted 50.5 per cent in favour of allowing female members but the club rules require a two-thirds majority for a change. This year, members will have a chance to vote again on allowing women.

Critics say they have no issue with men hanging out with other men, but have concerns over a club containing so many influential members, highly concentrated in certain professions.

On Wednesday, Simon Case, Britain’s top civil servant, quit the club just a day after being mocked for claiming he had only joined it to help women become members.

Case was asked by a Commons committee how his membership of the Garrick could be squared with his commitment to making the civil service more diverse.

He said: “My position on this one is also clear. If you believe profoundly in reform of an institution, by and large it’s easier to do if you join it to make the change from within rather than chuck rocks from the outside.

“And by the way, maths is also part of this. Every one person who leaves who is in favour of fixing this antediluvian position, every one of us that leaves means these institutions don’t change.

“I think when you want reform you have to participate.”

Head of Civil Service Simon Case claims that he only joined the controversial men-only Garrick Club, in order to “reform it from within” – to much laughter.

When Angus McNeil and Harriett Baldwin query the relevance, they’re given to understand it’s an inside joke.

Indeed. ~AA pic.twitter.com/lNz7Kr9WCf

— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) March 19, 2024

Meanwhile, MI6 boss Richard Moore also resigned from the club after facing criticism for being a member against the backdrop of the secret service attempting to demonstrate that it is no longer staffed exclusively by white, male Oxbridge graduates.

Prince Harry Says He Jumped On A Plane To London After Learning Of King Charles’s Cancer

Posted on 16/02/2024 by Boris Clair

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry said on Friday that he immediately arranged to go to London after his father, King Charles III, called to tell him he had cancer.

“I jumped on a plane and went to go see him as soon as I could,” Harry told the US news programme Good Morning America. “I love my family. The fact that I was able to get on a plane and go see and spend any time with him, I’m grateful for that.’’

Harry arrived from California less than 48 hours after Buckingham Palace announced on February 5 that the king had cancer and had begun treatment.

The visit between the monarch and his younger son at Clarence House was relatively brief, as Charles and his wife, Queen Camilla, were seen leaving about an hour later.

The palace has not revealed the type of cancer the 75-year-old king has, saying only that it was discovered during a treatment for an enlarged prostate but isn’t prostate cancer.

The Duke of Sussex wouldn’t reveal any details about his father’s prognosis. “That stays between me and him,” he said.

Harry has had a troubled relationship with his family since he quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to Los Angeles with his wife, Meghan, citing what they said were the unbearable intrusions and racist attitudes of the British media. He showed up alone for his father’s coronation in May but left as soon as the ceremony ended to return to California for his son’s birthday.

Asked if the illness could help reunify his family, Harry, speaking at an Invictus Games event near Vancouver, said, “Yeah, I’m sure.” He said he has witnessed that type of galvanizing effect among the wounded service members who compete in the games the prince founded in 2014.

“Throughout all these families, I see it on a day to day basis,” he said. “You know, again, the strength of the family unit coming together.”

Prince Harry To Fly Back To UK To Be With King Charles After Father’s Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on 05/02/2024 by Boris Clair

Prince Harry is to fly to London to be with his father after the King’s shock cancer diagnosis.

The Duke of Sussex has spoken with King Charles about his condition and will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, a source close to Prince Harry has said.

Harry and the Duchess of Sussex quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to the US after their suggested “half in-half out” approach to royal life was rejected.

In Harry and Meghan’s primetime Oprah interview in 2021, Harry said Charles stopped taking his calls when he was trying to discuss stepping down as a working royal.

“My father and my brother, they are trapped. They don’t get to leave. And I have huge compassion for that,” Harry told Winfrey.

Harry has a long-running rift with his brother, the Prince of Wales. Charles pleaded with his sons to reconcile at their grandfather Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021. “Please, boys, don’t make my final years a misery,” Charles allegedly said.

A previously unseen portrait of King Charles taken during a state visit to France last year.

The palace did not go into detail about the kind of cancer the King has, or its severity, but said he has begun treatment.

“During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted,” the palace said in a statement shared with HuffPost.

“Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer. His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”

The palace made sure to note that the monarch “will continue to undertake State business and official paperwork as usual”.

“The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure,” the palace said, adding that Charles “remains wholly positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible. His Majesty has chosen to share his diagnosis to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer.”

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