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.”

King Charles Diagnosed With Cancer, Buckingham Palace Says

Posted on 05/02/2024 by Boris Clair

King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer, Buckingham Palace said in a statement on Monday.

The palace did not go into detail about the kind of cancer the monarch 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.

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

Charles underwent surgery last week, after the palace announced in January that he was seeking “treatment for an enlarged prostate”. At the time, the palace described the king’s condition as “benign”.

The king’s diagnosis comes as his daughter-in-law Kate, Princess of Wales, recovers from abdominal surgery that saw her hospitalised for about two weeks. She is “making good progress,” according to a statement from the palace, and returned home to Windsor last week.

Prince Harry, who quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to California, is expected to fly to the UK in the coming days to see his father.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak tweeted: “Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”

Charles departed from royal tradition with his openness about his prostate condition. For centuries Britain’s royal family remained tight-lipped about health matters.

The British public wasn’t told that Charles’ grandfather, King George VI, had lung cancer before his death in February 1952 at the age of 56.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

‘That Is Crazy!’: Bob Odenkirk Stunned By Revelation About His Family History

Posted on 30/01/2024 by Boris Clair

Bob Odenkirk might’ve spoken too soon in denouncing monarchs.

On an upcoming episode of the PBS series Finding Your Roots, the Better Call Saul star is stunned upon learning that he has royal ancestry, according to a Monday preview in Rolling Stone.

Host Henry Louis Gates Jr reveals on the show that Odenkirk’s sixth great-grandfather was Germany’s Duke of Plön, who was related to the royal families of Europe. But the actor is quick to assert that he’s “not a monarchist”.

“I’m an American,” Odenkirk says in a teaser clip. “I don’t believe in, uh, that. You know, I feel like it’s a little twisted.”

He adds: “I understand why society built itself around monarchs and leaders. … But I think that we’ve gotten to a better place with democracy, and we should keep going down that road.”

It’s at that moment that an excited Gates primes Odenkirk for a follow-up revelation, saying: “You and King Charles III are 11th cousins.”

The actor is initially at a complete loss for words before guffawing — and cheekily reassessing his stance.

“Well, maybe I’ll change my mind on that,” quips Odenkirk. “Oh, that is crazy!”

Gates’ team of genealogical researchers went back generations to trace Odenkirk’s lineage to a fifth great-grandfather named Friedrich Carl Steinholz, who was born out of wedlock in 1755 and fathered by the Duke of Plön.

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Royal families commonly intermarried to maintain political alliances, which helps explain how Odenkirk is distantly connected to the British crown.

When Gates asks how Odenkirk feels about “all of this”, the actor appears grateful.

“Like I’m part of history that I didn’t think I was any part of,” he answers.

See the full story at Rolling Stone.

King Charles Said WHAT To Natalie Portman at The Phantom Menace Premiere?

Posted on 06/12/2023 by Boris Clair

During the press tour for her new film May December, Natalie Portman is taking time is taking time to reflect on some of her biggest movies to date.

In an interview with Andy Cohen for Watch What Happens Live! recently, the Oscar-winner was asked about her early work, including the 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

Portman starred as Padmé Amidala, a role she would reprise in the sequels Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, back when she was just 18 years of age.

Whilst discussing her experience on set and her willingness to reprise the role in future Star Wars properties, Cohen asked Portman what she thought of getting to meet The Royal Family at The Phantom Menace premiere back in ’99.

“I remember Prince Charles, he was then Prince Charles, asked me if I was in the originals. I was like, ‘No, I’m 18!’ But he was very friendly.”

The original Stars Wars saga began in 1977 with Star Wars, and kickstarted the careers of leads Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford and Carrie Fisher. Portman, meanwhile, was born only two years old when the final film – Return of the Jedi – was released in 1983.

Then Prince of Wales meets Natalie Portman at The Phantom Menace Royal Film Performance at the Odeon Leicester Square

The actress, who had already starred in blockbuster Léon: The Professional by the time she appeared in her first Star Wars film, also revealed it was her first time working digitally with a green screen, which was “amazing”.

“I don’t think anyone was shooting that way then. It was my first time working with a green screen. It was a whole new set of skills to pick up and a whole new world to enter.”

The Phantom Menace was only Portman’s sixth feature film. She has since gone on to star in the likes of Closer, V for Vendetta, Thor, Jackie and Black Swan, for which she won a Best Actress at the 83rd Academy Awards.

Portman admitted to Cohen that even though no one has asked her to reprise her Star Wars character, she would be open to doing so.

This comes after filmmaker Taika Waititi revealed to Rolling Stone that he once shared his plans for directing an upcoming Star Wars with Portman, and asked her if she would ever consider joining the franchise.

“I’ve been in Star Wars movies”, she told Waititi, who was forced to admit that he had forgotten she’d starred quite significantly in the prequel trilogy.

You can watch Natalie Portman’s Watch What Happens Live appearance here, and catch May December on Sky Cinema in the UK from 8 December.

King Charles Wears Tie With Greek Flag At COP28 Amid UK’s Row With Athens

Posted on 01/12/2023 by Boris Clair

King Charles caused quite the stir with his outfit choice during his keynote speech at COP28 on Friday.

While at first glance it may appear pretty subtle, upon closer inspection, the Greek flag appears to have been printed on the monarch’s blue and white tie, with a similar pattern seen on his pocket-square.

Earlier this week, prime minister Rishi Sunak triggered a diplomatic row with Greece when he decided to cancel a meeting with his Greek counterpart at the last minute.

No.10 claim it was because Kyriakos Mitsotakis broke his promise not to publicly discuss Greece’s demand for the UK to return the 2,500-year-old Elgin Marbles (or Parthenon sculptures) to their place of origin – Greece.

This has led to significant public backlash against Sunak for his supposed “petulance”.

Sending subtle political messages through clothing, while outwardly maintaining your place as an apolitical figurehead, was an art Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II was well-known for.

Worth looking closely, the King today, wearing a Greek flag tie at COP, after days of a simmering diplomatic row btw UK and Greek PM pic.twitter.com/CEwaFmBYW4

— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) December 1, 2023

The Queen’s decision to wear a blue hat with yellow circles on it at the 2017 state opening of parliament was widely perceived as a sign of solidarity with the EU at a time when Brexit negotiations were pulling Westminster apart.

The Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly later denied any political intent behind the outfit, saying it “never occurred to her” that it would be comparable to the EU flag.

The King has managed to steer clear of direct intervention in politics since ascending the throne in September last year – as his role demands – despite his reputation as the “activist prince” when he was the heir apparent.

He does have Greek heritage through his father, the late Prince Philip who was born in Corfu as the Prince of Greece and Denmark, and has visited the European country on multiple occasions.

However, the King did also seem to wear the same tie last week, when meeting the South Korean president – before the Elgin Marbles row kicked off.

Charles meeting the South Korea president on November 21

Is This Why King Charles Stopped Short Of Apologising For Colonialism In Kenya?

Posted on 01/11/2023 by Boris Clair

King Charles notably stopped short of apologising for colonialism during an emotive speech on Tuesday in Kenya, prompting a wave of criticism.

But there may be a reason for that – here’s what you need to know.

Why are people calling for an apology?

Kenya was colonised by Britain for decades, one of many countries which were considered part of the British Empire.

When its citizens started to call for independence in 1952, insurgents called the Mau Mau started a rebellion, triggering a wave of violent suppression from British forces and the introduction of a state of emergency the same year.

This “emergency” saw Britain force 1.5 million Kenyans suspected of being part of the Mau Mau rebellion into concentration camps. This lasted from 1952 and 1960, when the state of emergency was lifted.

The country declared its independence from Britain in 1963, 11 years after Charles’ mother Queen Elizabeth II had taken to the throne.

So a royal apology during Charles’ first state visit to a Commonwealth country, ahead of Kenya’s 60th anniversary of independence, has been seen as apt for some.

Ahead of the royal visit, the Kenyan Human Rights Commission said that only “an unconditional and unequivocal public apology” for Britain’s colonial abuses – along with compensation – would be enough.

Why did King Charles not apologise for colonialism?

He, like his mother, is a constitutional monarch. As the Royal Family’s official website explains, this means “the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected parliament”, even though the sovereign is head of state.

And the sovereign “no longer has a political or executive role”, but continues to act as “a focus for national identity, unity and pride”.

Apologising for colonialism would err away from the official line the British government toes, therefore breaching his apolitical position.

Even when the UK offered £20 million of compensation to more than 5,000 Kenyans in 2013 after they suffered under colonial authorities during the state of emergency, then foreign secretary William Hague stopped short of an apology.

He just said the UK “sincerely regrets” its actions.

Neil Wigan, the UK high commissioner to Nairobi, told a local radio station last week a royal apology would take the King into “difficult legal territory”.

Britain's King Charles III (CL) meets with Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge (L) and other Kenyan runners during a visit to Karura Forest in Nairobi on November 1, 2023. — Britain’s King Charles III (CL) meets with Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge (L) and other Kenyan runners during a visit to Karura Forest in Nairobi on November 1, 2023.

So what did Charles say during his visit?

On his first state visit to a Commonwealth state since he inherited the throne, the monarch expressed his “deepest regret” at the “unjustifiable acts of violence” the British forces carried out against Mau Mau rebels in the 1950s.

He said: “There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans,” by the colonial forces, therefore triggering a “painful struggle for independence and sovereignty”.

He added: “For that there can be no excuse.”

The King continued: “In coming back to Kenya, it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs, and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected.

“None of this can change the past. But by addressing our history with honesty and openness we can, perhaps, demonstrate the strength of our friendship today. And, in so doing, we can, I hope, continue to build an ever-closer bond for the years ahead.”

Kenya's President William Ruto welcoming Charles to Kenya — Kenya’s President William Ruto welcoming Charles to Kenya

How did Kenya respond?

His words were welcomed by Kenya’s president William Ruto who said the monarch was a “veteran visionary”.

He told Charles he appreciated the monarch’s “expression of willingness to acknowledge the painful aspects of our shared history” and praised “his exemplary courage and readiness to shed light on uncomfortable truths”.

Ruto said: “This is a highly encouraging first step, under your leadership, to deliver progress beyond tentative and equivocal half measures of past years.”

However, the president also called for “full reparations”, and said “much remains to be done” to achieve this.

Others such as David Ngasura, a historian from the Talai clan in western Kenya, told Reuters news agency that “acknowledgement alone is not enough”.

He said: “I am yet to hear him about compensation and reparations by the British government to the victims of historical injustices meted by the British colonial government.”

Coronation Guest Proves He’s Not Secretly Meghan Markle: ‘I Look This Way All The Time’

Posted on 11/05/2023 by Boris Clair

Sir Karl Jenkins wants everyone to know he’s no impostor.

The Welsh composer good-naturedly addressed the array of unhinged theories about his appearance at King Charles’ coronation on Saturday ― namely, the allegations that he was actually Meghan Markle in a wild disguise.

“I look this way all the time,” Jenkins said of his prodigious mustache, retro mop and ’70s-chic glasses in a TikTok video on Tuesday.

“I understand there’s been a lot of interest in me since I appeared at the coronation,” Jenkins said, noting that some of his music was used in the ceremony.

He told viewers he was not there “to steal the Crown Jewels”, as some people online have joked. (Though isn’t that what you’d say if you were there to steal them?)

Jenkins assured viewers there was “nothing sinister” about his style choices or his presence at the coronation. “I’ve had the mustache since I was 18 years old,” he said. “It was very trendy then.”

Sir Karl Jenkins holds his Insignia of Knighthood award after it was presented at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 6, 2015.

You’ve heard Jenkins’ composition Adiemus, at least if you ever saw those commercials for the Pure Moods CDs in the ’90s. (A piano arrangement of the song can be heard in the background of the TikTok video above.)

At this weekend’s coronation, Jenkins sat beside Cats composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, who later seemed tickled by all the conspiracy theories.

“I can confirm it probably wasn’t MM and had no jewels on his person as far as I could see,” Lloyd Webber tweeted Tuesday.

Markle opted against attending the coronation to stay in California to celebrate the fourth birthday of her and Prince Harry’s son, Archie.

Met Police Admits ‘Regret’ Over Arresting Six Anti-Monarchy Protesters

Posted on 08/05/2023 by Boris Clair

The Metropolitan Police has expressed “regret” over the arrests of six anti-monarchy protesters ahead of the King’s coronation after deciding no charges will be brought against them.

Scotland Yard issued a lengthy defence of its decision to arrest Graham Smith, chief executive of the campaign group Republic, and five others on Saturday.

The force said it had arrested the group under new powers after it was believed items found alongside a large number of placards could be used to “lock on” to an object or building, which the new Public Order Act made a jailable offence.

“The investigation team have now fully examined the items seized and reviewed the full circumstances of the arrest,” a statement released on Monday added.

“Those arrested stated the items would be used to secure their placards, and the investigation has been unable to prove intent to use them to lock on and disrupt the event.

“This evening all six have had their bail cancelled and no further action will be taken. We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route.”

Smith on Monday demanded a “full inquiry” into who authorised the arrests that prevented the group expressing their dissent during the “disgraceful episode”.

The force made 64 arrests on coronation day, with 46 people bailed after being detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance or breaching the peace.

Smith, who said the group was are considering legal action against the Met, earlier accused Scotland Yard of having “every intention” of arresting demonstrators and of having “lied” in discussions ahead of the planned protests.

The campaigner said he was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance unloading placards in St Martin’s Lane, Westminster.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak has backed the Met over the dozens of arrests of protesters amid concerns they were cracking down on dissent on Saturday at the behest of politicians.

Furious CEO Of Republic Says Police Should ‘Hang Their Heads In Shame’ Over Arrests

Posted on 07/05/2023 by Boris Clair

Furious republicans have told the police to “hang their heads in shame” after protesters were arrested at King Charles’ coronation.

Graham Smith, CEO of anti-monarchy group Republic, said the right to protest peacefully in the UK “no longer exists”.

He blasted the Met Police for showing “no judgement, no common sense and no basic decency” after scores of demonstrators were arrested on Saturday.

Smith described it as a “direct attack on our democracy and the fundamental rights of every person in the country”.

He was arrested among 52 people during the king’s coronation on Saturday before being released after nearly 16 hours in police custody.

I’m now out of the police station. Still waiting for my colleagues.

Make no mistake. There is no longer a right to peaceful protest in the UK.

I have been told many times the monarch is there to defend our freedoms. Now our freedoms are under attack in his name.

— Graham Smith (@GrahamSmith_) May 6, 2023

The Metropolitan Police Service has faced criticism after more than 50 people were arrested for alleged affray, public nuisance and breach-of-the-peace offences.

The arrests were described by human rights organisations as a “dangerous precedent” for a democratic nation.

In a statement following his release, Smith said: “Yesterday, as we prepared for a peaceful and lawful protest, a number of Republic’s team were arrested and detained for the rest of the day.

“These arrests are a direct attack on our democracy and the fundamental rights of every person in the country.

A policeman is seen carrying a banner taken away from protesters during an Anti-monarchist protest during King Charles III's Coronation. — A policeman is seen carrying a banner taken away from protesters during an Anti-monarchist protest during King Charles III’s Coronation.

“Each and every police officer involved on the ground should hang their heads in shame. They showed no judgement, no common sense and no basic decency.

“This was a heavy handed action which had the appearance of a pre-determined arrest that would have occurred regardless of the evidence or our actions.

“The right to protest peacefully in the UK no longer exists. Instead we have a freedom to protest that is contingent on political decisions made by ministers and senior police officers.”

Smith said the arrests had “destroyed” whatever trust might have existed between peaceful protesters and the Met Police.

He questioned what was the point in the protesters being “open and candid with the police, working with their liaison officers and meeting senior commanders” if this is what happens.

A protester holds a placard which states 'This country is ours' during the demonstration. — A protester holds a placard which states ‘This country is ours’ during the demonstration.

The campaigner insisted they would not be deterred from further protest, adding: “We will continue to protest with one simple message: Charles is not our king, it is time to abolish the monarchy.”

However, culture secretary Lucy Frazer insisted the police got the “balance right” and denied that officers had gone too far.

She told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge: “I think, overall, they managed to get that balance right.”

Home secretary Suella Braverman also praised the police for their actions, tweeting: “I’m incredibly grateful to the police for all their hard work at today’s coronation celebration to ensure it was safe and passed without incident.”

Met Police commander Karen Findlay acknowledged concerns about the arrest of protesters but defended Scotland Yard’s actions, saying: “Our duty is to do so in a proportionate manner”.

Protestors from the group Republic gather in their hundreds in Trafalgar square to say 'Not My King' in central London. — Protestors from the group Republic gather in their hundreds in Trafalgar square to say ‘Not My King’ in central London.

She said: “We absolutely understand public concern following the arrests we made [on Saturday morning].

“Protest is lawful and it can be disruptive. We have policed numerous protests without intervention in the build-up to the coronation, and during it.

“Our duty is to do so in a proportionate manner in line with relevant legislation. We also have a duty to intervene when protest becomes criminal and may cause serious disruption.

“This depends on the context. The coronation is a once in a generation event and that is a key consideration in our assessment.

“A protest involving large numbers has gone ahead today with police knowledge and no intervention.”

The Met said it received information that protesters were “determined to disrupt” the coronation – including defacing public monuments with paint, breaching barriers and disrupting official movements.

They confirmed 52 people were arrested for affray, public order offences, breach of the peace and conspiracy to cause a public nuisance around the coronation.

Under the controversial new Public Order Act, protesters who have an object with the intention of using it to “lock on” are liable to a fine, with those who block roads facing 12 months in prison.

Tory MP Lee Anderson Rinsed Over Tweet Telling Republican Protesters To ‘Emigrate’

Posted on 07/05/2023 by Boris Clair

Tory MP Lee Anderson has been accused of trying to “cancel” republican protesters after he told them to leave the country.

The deputy chairman of the Conservative Party told anti-monarchy activists to “emigrate” rather than exercise their right to protest.

He made the comments after dozens of protesters were arrested during King Charles’s coronation.

Sharing an article on the arrests on Twitter, the MP for Ashfield wrote: “Not My King?

“If you do not wish to live in a country that has a monarchy the solution is not to turn up with your silly boards. The solution is to emigrate.”

Not My King?

If you do not wish to live in a country that has a monarchy the solution is not to turn up with your silly boards.

The solution is to emigrate.https://t.co/G7CIU55YO6

— Lee Anderson MP (@LeeAndersonMP_) May 6, 2023

Twitter users were quick to point out the irony of the hardline MP’s comments given he has previously railed against “cancel culture”.

One person commented: “Telling people who don’t agree with you to leave the country is about as ‘cancel culture’ as it gets.”

Jonathan Harris, a Lib Dem councillor in West Northamptonshire, tweeted: “30 p Lee – Idiot on display. You took the rights away for British people to live and work across the EU, and forget that great democracies are built on and absolutely allow the right to peaceful protest.”

Another described him as being a “liability” when being “this ludicrous” while one drily commented: “If you are leaving your country because you oppose its political system, Mr Anderson will, I’m sure, follow that logic and be the first to welcome you when you arrive at Dover.”

One pointed out: “Deputy chair of the Conservative party rejects freedom of speech.”

Meanwhile, one Twitter user told him: “I think you’re forgetting that the people protesting are the people of this country, they deserve to be able to freely express what they want for their country without being arrested.”

Ah. So once again you show that free speech is only speech you agree with?

— ((Paul Goldsmith)) (@PaulGoldsmith73) May 6, 2023

However, some did back Anderson’s view including fellow Tory MP Kevin Hollinrake who wrote: “Quite right Lee Anderson – time and a place for everything. Wrong time, wrong place.”

The Metropolitan Police Service has faced criticism after more than 50 people were arrested for alleged affray, public nuisance and breach-of-the-peace offences.

The arrests were described by human rights organisations as a “dangerous precedent” for a democratic nation.

It is not the first time Anderson has proved controversial, having previously called for the return of the death penalty and claiming people on Universal Credit were not in poverty.

Anderson is a former coal miner who was a Labour councillor in Ashfield before he defected to the Conservative Party in 2018 and went on to serve as a Tory councillor in Mansfield.

He has been dubbed “30p Lee” for claiming that meals could be prepared for that sum and suggesting people using food banks could not budget.

He recently clashed with Met Police commissioner Mark Rowley over the force’s handling of protests, telling him to “leave his ivory tower” to deal with demonstrators in Westminster.

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