- Friday, April 19, 2024
FOR Yohan Poonawalla, a collector of classic cars, Queen Elizabeth’s blue Range Rover holds a special place as it comes packed with many surprises. While the car looks like any other Range Rover, what made Poonawalla shell out £224,850 was the fact that it retained the old number plate, The…
BRITISH-AMERICAN author Salman Rushdie releases his memoir Knife on Tuesday, recounting the harrowing experience of being stabbed at a public event in 2022 and how he overcame the near-fatal ordeal. Rushdie lost sight in one eye after the attack by a knife-wielding assailant, who jumped on stage at an arts…
King Charles III was presented with the inaugural set of banknotes featuring his portrait by representatives from the Bank of England at Buckingham Palace in London on Tuesday. The 75-year-old monarch, currently undergoing cancer treatment, was photographed alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey and Chief Cashier and Executive Director…
This grand castle, exclusively used by the royal family, will be opened to the public this summer. King Charles has made this unprecedented decision for Balmoral Castle, where the public can explore the Scottish highlands. The tickets for guided tours of the castle will offer glimpses into royal quarters. The…
King Charles attended the annual Easter church service in Windsor on Sunday, his first appearance at a public royal event since his cancer diagnosis was announced in February. Charles, 75, waved as he and Queen Camilla arrived by car at St George's Chapel, the resting place of his late mother…
In recent developments concerning the health of members of the UK royal family, ancient predictions by the renowned 15th-century prophet Nostradamus have resurfaced, sparking intrigue and speculation about the monarchy's future. Nostradamus, known for his eerily accurate forecasts, had previously predicted significant historical events, including the death of Queen Elizabeth…
Mustafa Suleyman, a prominent figure in Artificial Intelligence (AI), recently took the helm of Microsoft's newly formed consumer AI division, Microsoft AI. Suleyman's background is far from that of a typical tech CEO. Mustafa Suleyman's upbringing was shaped by his family in London. His father, a Syrian taxi driver, instilled…
THE Bestway Group has reported a five per cent increase in revenues to £4.74 billion for the year ended June 2023, a statement said. The group, founded by Sir Anwar Pervez, OBE H Pk, reported a pre-tax profit of £420.9 million during the period, Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE, group chief…
CATHERINE, the Princess of Wales, and her husband, Prince William, have been "enormously touched" by the messages of support received following her shock announcement that she is being treated for cancer, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said on Saturday. Catherine said on Friday she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy after tests done…
A second photograph featuring members of the royal family has come under scrutiny after being flagged by a global picture agency for being "digitally enhanced at source." This revelation follows the recent controversy surrounding an image of the Princess of Wales released for Mother’s Day, which prompted several picture agencies…
The UK’s most important and prestigious theatre awards, the Olivier Awards, have announced its nominees with Zubin Varla and Pyiyanga Burford bagging nominations for top honours. While Varna has been nominated as Best Actor in a Supporting Role for A Little Life, Burford has been nominated as Best Actress in…
VISITORS to the Bank of England’s “The Future of Money” exhibition got their first glimpse of banknotes bearing King Charles’ image last week. The four new banknotes with the King Charles’ portrait – £5, £10, £20 and £50 – went on display at the central bank’s in-house museum at its…
Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal on Wednesday became the first Indian citizen to be conferred an honorary Knighthood by Britain's King Charles III “for services to UK and India business relations”. In a list of honorary British awards unveiled by the UK Cabinet Office, Mittal receives a…
KING CHARLES said during a meeting with prime minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (21) he had been reduced to tears by messages of good will following his cancer diagnosis. King met Sunak in person for their weekly audience for the first time since announcing his diagnosis. The palace announced earlier…
British actor Olivia Colman, reknowed for her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in The Crown, has a surprising confession: she loves a good swear word. As long as it’s used responsibly, of course. This revelation comes just in time for her latest film, Wicked Little Letters, a comedic whoudnit brimming with…
NHS England's top medical training official has issued a heartfelt apology to the relatives of Dr Vaish Kumar, 35, who took her own life. Dr Kumar faced undue stress after being incorrectly informed that she had to undergo an additional six months of training before she could commence a new…
King Charles III expressed his "heartfelt thanks" to well-wishers on Saturday (10), in his first statement following his shock announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Buckingham Palace said Monday that Charles had begun treatment, but did not specify what type of cancer he has. "I would like to…
I was introduced to Baroness Flather exactly 30 years ago, soon after my wife Heather and I were married. At our wedding, Julie Barnes, the wife of one of my best friends from boarding school, who was a senior journalist working at the Maidenhead Advisor, said I must meet her…
Queen Camilla, wife of King Charles III, disclosed on Thursday (8) that her husband, who has been diagnosed with cancer, is "doing extremely well" given the circumstances. King Charles has been "very touched by all the letters and the messages the public have been sending from everywhere", she said during…
THE British Asian community, which has long been supported by King Charles from the days he was a young Prince of Wales, is now rallying round the 75-year old monarch following his cancer diagnosis on Monday (5). Since the King is also head of the Commonwealth, just as Queen Elizabeth…
Prime minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday (6) that he was “shocked and sad” upon discovering that King Charles was diagnosed with cancer, though he found solace in the fact that the condition was detected early. Buckingham Palace revealed on Monday evening that the King had commenced outpatient treatment for…
AFTER spending more than seven decades waiting to become sovereign, Britain's King Charles has been diagnosed with a form of cancer less than 18 months since he ascended to the throne. Buckingham Palace announced that Charles, 75, would postpone public-facing duties while he undergoes treatment but was looking forward to…
KING CHARLES has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday (5), but added he remained "wholly positive" about the scare less than 18 months into his reign. Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the…
South Asia's finest musical stars are set to perform at the first South Asian Sounds Festival at London's Southbank Centre. From the 7th to the 10th March, a stunning programme of both classical and contemporary South Asian music features some mega stars of the South Asian music scene such as…
Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away at the age of 96 in September 2022, reportedly left a sealed death-bed letter for her son and heir, King Charles III, a new book has claimed. According to a report in ‘The Daily Telegraph' on Saturday, biographer Robert Hardman has written about the…
THE former boss of Britain's Post Office said on Tuesday (9) she will return a royal honour received from Queen Elizabeth II as public anger mounts over a miscarriage of justice scandal. Former-CEO Paula Vennells said she had "listened" to the growing clamour to hand back the CBE (Commander of…
PUBLIC anger is mounting over what has been described as Britain's biggest ever miscarriage of justice that saw hundreds of subpostmasters wrongly convicted of theft because of a computer software glitch. Lives were ruined by the false accusations that led to some Post Office branch managers being jailed, going bankrupt,…
Critically acclaimed actress and writer of Indian origin based in the UK, Meera Syal has revealed how a pantomime in Stoke-on-Trent convinced her to become an actress. Syal, who is best known for such successful TV shows as Goodness Gracious Me and The Kumar’s at No. 42, told BBC Radio…
On Sunday (31), London's Big Ben commemorates the 100th anniversary of its New Year's "bongs" being broadcast worldwide. Ever since New Year's Eve 1923 when BBC engineer A.G. Dryland clambered onto a roof opposite the British parliament to record the strikes, live transmission has become an annual tradition. The unmistakable…
KING Charles called on people on Monday (25) to help those less fortunate during a time of economic hardship and global conflict, using his Christmas Day message to emphasise the importance of kindness, compassion and care for the environment. In his second Christmas message since becoming Britain's king, Charles also…
Award-winning British Indian musician Nitin Sawhney, recognised for his notable musical compositions, including the score for the screen adaptation of Salman Rushdie's 'Midnight's Children' has been named as a member of the 2024 Booker Prize judging panel. The announcement was made on Thursday (14). Sawhney, in his late 50s, will…
THE year 2022 marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Ugandan Asian expulsion which saw the uprooting and resettlement of some 80,000 Ugandan Asians when Idi Amin Dada, the self-styled dictator of Uganda, declared on 4 August 1972 that he had had a dream in which he was enjoined by God…
SIX former London police officers on Thursday (7) were given suspended prison sentences for sharing offensive and racist messages on WhatsApp, including references to Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and other members of the royal family. In a statement after the sentencing hearing Commander James Harman, who leads the Metropolitan…
A British Asian boy boldly questioned Prince William about his 'bank balance' during a visit to the Hideaway Youth Project in Manchester. “How much do you have in your bank account?," Amir Hassan, 11, asked the Prince of Wales. The royal responded with a hearty laugh, confessing, "I didn't know."…
Netflix’s acclaimed series The Crown, which chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, nears its long-anticipated conclusion from Thursday. The sixth and final season of the multiple award-winning series by Peter Morgan premieres the first five episodes on Thursday. The audience gets to see the final five episodes on December…
KING CHARLES III turns 75 on Tuesday (14), showing no sign of a let-up in activity just over a year since he became king after the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II. Halfway through his eighth decade, the head of state is due to spend the day carrying out…
King Charles will grace the cover of the Big Issue, a magazine sold by homeless and vulnerable individuals, to mark his 75th birthday on November 14. His appearance on the cover aims to draw attention to the pressing issues of food insecurity and wastage. Charles has also authored an article…
Following his ascension to the throne, King Charles III's charity, The Prince's Trust, has been officially renamed The King's Trust, Buckingham Palace on Friday (10). The head of state, who turns 75 next week, formed the Prince's Trust with his Royal Navy severance pay in 1976 when he was Prince…
THE government’s new legislative agenda will build on its priority to grow the economy, safeguard energy independence and ensure the UK is securing “the benefits of Brexit”, prime minister Rishi Sunak’s office said last Saturday (4). Measures will also help build “the most competitive and supportive environment for businesses to…
Charles III will deliver the inaugural King's Speech in over 70 years on Tuesday (7), formally opening the parliament session and outlining his government's legislative agenda amid the approaching elections. The 74-year-old head of state will outline Conservative prime minister Rishi Sunak's wish list of new laws that are expected…
THE government's new legislative agenda will build on its priority to grow the economy, safeguard energy independence and ensure the UK is securing "the benefits of Brexit", prime minister Rishi Sunak's office said on Saturday (4). Measures will also help build "the most competitive and supportive environment for businesses to…
KING CHARLES said on Tuesday (31) that there could be "no excuse" for British colonial atrocities against Kenyans as he visited the country, but did not offer the apology demanded by some in the East African nation. "There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they…
British Indian sculptor Anish Kapoor is set to reveal a fresh collection of Vantablack paintings at New York’s Lisson Gallery. The exhibition, showcased from November 2 to December 16, will represent the New York City debut of Kapoor’s paintings created with Vantablack nano-technology—a substance that absorbs 99.965% of visible light. Alongside…
Actress Haydn Gwynne has died at the age of 66, her representatives have confirmed. She had recently been diagnosed with cancer. The versatile stage and screen actress was best known for her roles in the comedy series Drop The Dead Donkey and as Camilla in the British sitcom The Windsors.…
THE government on Wednesday (18) warned its citizens to avoid travel to a popular Ugandan park where two tourists, including a Briton, and their local guide were killed in an attack blamed on a notorious militia group. The trio were targeted on Tuesday by gunmen as they were on safari…
The Royal Mint has revealed eight new coin designs, showcasing King Charles' dedication to conservation and the natural world. Overseen by the king, the eight designs showcase the flora and fauna from different regions of the UK. The 1p coin displays a hazel dormouse, the 2p coin depicts a red squirrel,…
MASTER percussionist Gubzy Singh Lackhanpal has had a magnificent career filled with magical moments. The dynamite dhol player and tabla maestro has performed in over 46 countries, with leading artists that include Malkit Singh, DCS, Apache Indian, Beverly Knight, AS Kang, Sukshinder Shinda, Hans Raj Hans, Surinder Shinda, Balwinder Safri,…
A man who confessed to attempting to kill the late Queen Elizabeth II after being found on the grounds of Windsor Castle with a loaded crossbow was on Thursday (5) given a nine-year sentence. Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, will serve the first part of his term in the high-security Broadmoor…
France extended a warm welcome to King Charles III on Wednesday (20), as he begins a rescheduled three-day visit designed to underscore the enduring strength of the cross-Channel alliance, even in the face of numerous political tensions following Brexit. The originally scheduled trip was set for March and was intended…
A British Sikh crossbow-armed intruder who has admitted to committing treason after telling royal guards at Windsor Castle on Christmas Day 2021 that he was there to kill Queen Elizabeth II has apologised to King Charles III and the royal family, a UK court heard on Friday (15). Jaswant Singh…
FIVE former Metropolitan Police officers have been found guilty of sharing “grossly offensive racist messages” including mocking prime minister Rishi Sunak and other British Asian politicians. Peter Booth, 66, Robert Lewis, 62, Anthony Elsom, 67, Alan Hall, 65, and Trevor Lewton, 65 retired from the UK’s largest force between 2001…
Charles III commemorates his first year as king today (8). Here are five pivotal moments from his first year on the throne. - Inaugural address - Following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022, Charles assumed the throne. During his…
FIVE former Metropolitan Police officers have been found guilty of sharing “grossly offensive racist messages” including mocking prime minister Rishi Sunak and other British Asian politicians. Peter Booth, 66, Robert Lewis, 62, Anthony Elsom, 67, Alan Hall, 65, and Trevor Lewton, 65 retired from the UK’s largest force between 2001…
King Charles expressed gratitude to the public for their "love and support" on Friday (8) the first anniversary of his mother Queen Elizabeth's passing and his ascension to the throne. He echoed her sentiments, pledging to be of service to all. Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning sovereign, died aged 96 on September…
A former detective inspector has accused West Midlands police protection officers tasked with safeguarding Pakistani human rights activist Malala Yousafzai of using derogatory language towards her, the MailOnline reported. Rebecca Kalam alleged that the officers referred to Malala as 'Tikka Masala,' a deeply offensive term, on multiple occasions. This disturbing…
This week marks the first-year milestone of King Charles III's reign, marked by a seamless transition from the late Queen Elizabeth II's rule. The anniversary on Friday (8) is anticipated to be observed privately, considering it coincides with the date of his mother's passing at the age of 96. Charles,…
QUEEN Camilla has unveiled a new portrait of the Indian-origin spy and descendent of Tipu Sultan, Noor Inayat Khan, at the Royal Air Force (RAF) Club in London to honour her sacrifice as an undercover agent for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during the World War II. Camilla on Tuesday…
The annual Vogue 25 list has been a platform to honour remarkable women who are driving British society forward since its establishment in 2018. According to British Vogue, this year's lineup is not only incredibly impressive but also features pioneering individuals achieving success on their own terms, including some renowned…
MORE than 640,000 students received their GCSE results today, while an additional 390,000 pupils got their vocational qualifications. The distribution of top grades (grade 7 and above) and standard passes (grade 4) remains consistent with the figures from 2019, reflecting the return to normal grading standards, the Department for Education…
BRITISH police said they would not take any further action following an investigation into media reports that honours had been offered in return for donations to one of King Charles's charities. Metropolitan Police's Special Enquiry Team (SET) began investigating in February last year after the Sunday Times reported a Saudi…
STUDENTS across the country have been celebrating their A level results announced earlier this morning, with many getting into universities of their choice or taking up apprenticeships or starting work. UCAS said 79 per cent of students secured their first choice, two percentage points down from 2022, when exams were…
MOHAMMAD Kamal Syed has been appointed interim chief executive of NatWest's private banking arm Coutts to succeed Peter Flavel who resigned over the Nigel Farage scandal."Mo has extensive wealth management experience and is the ideal person to lead Coutts through this difficult time…," NatWest's interim CEO Paul Thwaite said on…
The chief executive of NatWest Bank Alison Rose, announced her resignation on Wednesday (26), acknowledging a "serious error of judgment" in speaking to a reporter regarding the banking matters of Nigel Farage, a prominent advocate for Brexit. Farage, known for his leadership of the Brexit Party and UKIP, raised concerns…
In a historical move, British passports will bear the title of "His Majesty" for the first time in 70 years, as they begin to be issued this week under the name of King Charles III. The new design update was unveiled by UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman on Tuesday evening…
Three-time Grammy-award-winning musician Ricky Kej on Friday (local time) attended the banquet dinner that French President Emmanuel Macron hosted in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Louvre Museum in France. Taking to Twitter, Ricky shared a couple of selfies from the event and wrote, “Wow! Our Hon'ble Prime…
ONE of Britain's leading television news anchors, Huw Edwards, was identified by his wife as the BBC presenter facing allegations he paid a young person thousands of pounds for sexually explicit photos, the broadcaster reported. Edwards announced the death of Queen Elizabeth to the nation in September and has led…
ACTING must put more people of colour in creative boardrooms to stop unconscious bias, colonialism and complacency which exist in the profession. That is the call from one of the industry’s biggest south Asian stars. Meera Syal told the Raminklal Pioneers Project, a partnership of the Asian Media Group [the…
US PRESIDENT Joe Biden was in Britain on Monday (10) for a brief visit to his key ally during which he will meet King Charles III and prime minister Rishi Sunak before going on to a Nato summit in Lithuania. Ahead of the visit, the White House said Biden would…
US president Joe Biden will arrive in Britain on Sunday (9) for a brief visit during which he will meet prime minister Rishi Sunak and discuss climate change issues with King Charles ahead of the upcoming NATO summit. The White House said the trip was designed "to further strengthen the…
FOR anyone who likes flowers, art and photography, there is the perfect exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in King’s Road, Chelsea, until July 9, which isn’t very long now, so it’s worth catching while you can. Last month, the Royal Horticultural Society partnered with Eastern Eye to produce the Garden…
ENGLAND’S world cup winning cricketer Adil Rashid is among the British Asian names recognised in King Charles’s inaugural Birthday Honours List announced today. With doctors, politicians, educators, authors, community leaders and philanthropists among the 11 per cent of recipients coming from an ethnic minority background, the list showcases the immense…
Kiln Theatre today announces that Indhu Rubasingham will step down as Artistic Director of the company, leaving early 2024, having led the company for over a decade. Indhu Rubasingham said today, “I never had an inkling of the journey ahead when I was first was appointed. I immediately felt the…
This year’s Chelsea Flower Show has celebrated eight ‘Heroines of Horticulture’, among them the Indian scientist Dr Janaki Ammal, who struggled against the odds and especially male prejudice to make their mark. Ammal, who was born in Kerala in south India in 1897, did cutting-edge research at RHS Wisley in…
The RHS-Eastern Eye Garden of Unity, unveiled at the Chelsea Flower Show, captivated visitors with its vibrant and diverse display. Landscape designer Manoj Malde highlighted the garden's striking colors, including shades of pink, orange, aubergine, and alabaster. The garden received distinguished guests, such as King Charles and Queen Camilla, who…
The Kohinoor diamond, claimed by India, is on display at the Tower of London with the organisers of the exhibition trying to contextualise its turbulent colonial history in a “transparent” way. Kohinoor, also referred to as Koh-i-Noor, forms part of the new Jewel House exhibition at the tourist attraction and…
In a momentous occasion at RHS Chelsea Flower Show, his Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla awarded the first recipients of The Elizabeth Medal of Honour on Monday (22). According to a press release, the distinguished individuals honoured with this prestigious recognition include world-renowned garden designer Piet Oudolf, the…
The King and Queen, accompanied by members of the Royal Family, attended the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Tuesday (23). Their majesties were greeted by Keith Weed, president of the Royal Horticultural Society, the official site of the British Royal Family said. They embarked…
Landscape designer Manoj Malde has spoken of the highlights of the RHS-Eastern Eye Garden of Unity which was unveiled on Monday (22) at the Chelsea Flower Show. “It’s a very colourful garden – pinks, oranges with hints of aubergine and alabaster,” said Malde. Even amidst the riot of colour, his…
Meera Syal, a well-known actor, screenwriter, and novelist of Indian origin based in the UK, has been conferred a BAFTA fellowship, the highest honour awarded by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts upon an individual in recognition of an outstanding and exceptional contribution to film and/or television. The…
King Charles III was anointed and crowned on Saturday in Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years. In front of a congregation of about 100 world leaders and a television audience of millions, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of…
The much-awaited British coronation, after a 70-year gap, was an impressive spectacle. The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, where members of the royal family, politicians, global leaders, and the public gathered to witness the coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, the queen consort. Among the attendees…
The Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami has described the coronation of King Charles III as an "interesting moment" for India due to the special affiliation the Indian people feel towards the British monarch. He also mentioned the presence of India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in the UK…
The coronation of King Charles is set to draw attention today, Saturday (06) as the British royal family is accompanied by around 100 heads of state and prominent global figures. Here is a breakdown of the key members of the royal family, their place in the line of succession, and…
Police arrested the leader of the anti-monarchy group Republic hours before King Charles' Coronation on Saturday (6) and a number of other protesters who had gathered among the crowds lining the procession route in central London. Republic had earlier said it would mount the biggest protest against a British monarch…
Charles III will be crowned king on Saturday (6) in Britain's biggest ceremonial event for seven decades, a sumptuous display of pageantry dating back 1,000 years. Charles succeeded his mother Queen Elizabeth when she died last September and at 74, he will become the oldest British monarch to have the…
King Charles welcomed enthusiastic crowds gathering for his coronation and later hosted a reception for world leaders at Buckingham Palace on Friday (05). The upcoming event, which will feature ancient traditions dating back 1,000 years, promises to be the largest ceremonial occasion in Britain in seven decades. The monarch and…
Britain's first coronation in 70 years takes place on Saturday (6), with Charles III crowned king in an elaborate Christian ceremony steeped in solemn ritual and more than a millennium of history. The coronation - the first of a British king since 1937 - is the religious confirmation of his…
As King Charles' coronation approaches, dozens of royal enthusiasts have started camping out in central London. However, while many are eagerly anticipating the historic event, an equal number of people are expressing apathy toward it. The coronation, steeped in 1,000 years of history, will be the largest ceremonial event since…
The coronation ceremony of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be held at Westminster Abbey on Saturday (06). Many are eagerly anticipating the royals' appearance prior to the ceremony or plan to watch the events on TV, which will culminate in a balcony appearance at Buckingham Palace. After the…
What are the most anticipated highlights of King Charles' coronation on Saturday (06), from the religious symbolism of his anointment to the pivotal moment when the crown is placed on his head? COACH PROCESSION During the coronation of King Charles on Saturday (06), one of the highlights will be a…
King Charles has been urged by prominent community and business leaders to use his reign to tackle inequalities within British society. More than 2,200 people will attend the coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday (6), among them international representatives from 203 countries as well as community and charity workers. The…
Donald Trump criticised President Joe Biden for not attending the coronation of King Charles III, as he toured Scotland and Ireland. Trump, who is running for president in the upcoming elections, called Biden's decision to skip the London event "disrespectful." However, UK and US officials noted that it is in…
Despite sharing a surname with the British royal family, Ryan King will not be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III this week. Instead, he plans to take part in protests against the monarchy wearing a yellow T-shirt with the provocative slogan: "Abolish the monarchy." King, who is 40 years…
The upcoming coronation of King Charles III will involve numerous historical roles, many of which have been adapted to suit the present day. Buckingham Palace stated that those chosen for these roles were selected to acknowledge, thank, and represent the nation for their notable contributions. The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin…
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise is likely to attend King Charles III's coronation concert. According to Variety, the stars whose presence are to be confirmed at the coronation concert on the grounds of Windsor Castle, the day after the historic ceremony, are Top Gun actor Tom Cruise, Pussycat Dolls frontwoman Nicole…
A new processional cross, gifted to the Church in Wales by King Charles to mark its centenary last year, will feature fragments from the True Cross, gifted by Pope Francis. The cross, made from recycled silver, Welsh slate, and reclaimed wood, will lead the coronation procession of King Charles at…
Buckingham Palace has announced that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty will lead a procession of flag-bearers during the Coronation ceremony of King Charles III at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6. The UK's flag will be carried by a high-ranking Royal Air Force (RAF) cadet.…
Popular series The Crown's versions of Prince William and Kate Middleton have arrived. Netflix revealed the first images of Ed McVey, 23, as Prince William and Meg Bellamy, 19, as Kate Middleton on Thursday. As shown in the photos, the two are at St. Andrews during their university days. They…
The upcoming coronation of King Charles III on May 6th will be steeped in ancient traditions, reminiscent of the 10th-century ceremony. However, despite the significance of customs and rituals, the new king has expressed a desire to introduce modern elements to the proceedings. Here's what we know about Charles' plans…
King Charles is being crowned as a symbolic and ceremonial confirmation of his rightful position as the monarch of the United Kingdom and the other 14 realms that make up the Commonwealth of Nations. The coronation is a centuries-old tradition that signifies the monarch's duty to uphold and defend the…
For nearly a thousand years, Westminster Abbey has held a vital role in the history of Britain's royal family. The story of the abbey dates back to the 960s when a Benedictine monastery was established on the site. King Edward the Confessor ordered the construction of a stone church in…
As Britain prepares for the coronation of King Charles III, in a ceremony with traditions dating back some 1,000 years, an age-old question looms over the monarchy: how does it maintain its relevance in the modern world? The House of Windsor faces a challenge far more daunting than hostility from…
Republic, the largest anti-monarchist group in the UK that advocates for an elected head of state, proposed on Monday (24) that India could take a leading role in the Commonwealth to demonstrate that the organisation is not inextricably linked with the British royal family. Graham Smith, CEO of Republic, pointed…
On Saturday, May 6, the coronation of King Charles III and his wife Camilla as queen will be the highlight of a weekend of celebrations. The King's Procession The day's proceedings will commence with the "King's Procession," a 1.3-mile (two-kilometre) journey from Buckingham Palace in central London to Westminster Abbey.…
ASIAN peers representing the Hindu and Sikh faiths are likely to be joined by Muslim and Jewish House of Lords representatives in carrying key pieces of coronation emblems to add a multi-faith touch to the Christian religious ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London on May 6, it emerged on Saturday…
As the coronation of King Charles III approaches, a new poll by YouGov conducted and published on Tuesday (18) has revealed that over half of the British population is against the idea of funding the ceremony with taxpayers' money. The poll found that 51 per cent of the respondents believed…
ONE of the most interesting looking theatre pieces being staged is To Be A Young Man at Queen Elizabeth Hall, The Southbank Centre, in London on May 26. The original play inspired by British Asian singer Nadine Shah’s debut album, Love Your Dum and Mad, dives into the themes of…
The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, has confirmed that he will attend his father King Charles' Coronation next month. However, his wife Meghan will not be accompanying him. This announcement puts an end to months of speculation about whether the couple would attend the event. The ceremony, which is steeped…
The recent discovery of a file from the archives of the India Office, which was responsible for British rule over India, has provided new information about the gems and jewels that were acquired by the royal family during the colonial era. This discovery was part of The Guardian newspaper's ongoing…
An Eid formal dinner scheduled on April 23 has sparked accusations that Magdalen College is "cancelling" St George's Day festivities, The Telegraph reported. Prior to the pandemic, the college held an annual banquet in honour of England's legendary patron saint, where dons, fellows, and students feasted together amidst the college's…
A review of one of England's largest NHS trusts has revealed a toxic work environment and repeated instances of bullying. The Bewick report was commissioned after BBC Newsnight reported that staff at University Hospitals Birmingham felt a culture of fear had compromised patient care. Among the report's criticisms was the…
THE current crop of Britain’s chief constables cannot be trusted to reverse institutional racism in their forces, according to the country’s former top south Asian cop, and the National Black Police Association [NBPA]. Ex-assistant commissioner, Neil Basu, made his comments during a wide-ranging interview for the Ramniklal Solanki Pioneers Project…
TRUST in policing matters – but trust must be earned. One of the most harrowing features of the brutal abduction and murder of Sarah Everard was how it highlighted the tragic dangers when those in positions of trust are allowed to abuse the coercive powers of the state without being…
In a heartfelt message posted on social media, King Charles paid tribute to mothers “everywhere” and those who may be missing their moms on this special day. The King and Queen Consort shared two pictures - one featuring a young Charles with the late Queen Elizabeth II and another with…
The colonial-era Kohinoor diamond, claimed by India, will be cast as a “symbol of conquest” in a new display of Britain's Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity that manages Britain's palaces, said the new Jewel House exhibition will explore the history of the…
As the world of television continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the Emmy Awards recognize the best and brightest in the industry. Every year, the Emmy Awards celebrate excellence in television, honoring outstanding actors, writers, directors, and producers for their contributions to the small screen. In 2023, DStv subscribers…
At the annual Commonwealth Day ceremony on Monday (13), soldiers from the Indian subcontinent who lost their lives in the two World Wars were honoured alongside service members from the Commonwealth. The Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill played host to defence personnel and diplomats, including Indian high commissioner to the…
Camilla, wife of Britain's King Charles, will wear the crown of Queen Mary for her coronation in May, Buckingham Palace said, avoiding the use of a crown featuring the disputed 105-carat Koh-i-Noor diamond which India has demanded be returned. The Koh-i-Noor, one of the largest cut diamonds in the world,…
A residents’ group from south-east London has pledged to fight on after a “beloved community member” lauded by the late Queen’s representative for his services over the Covid pandemic lost a legal visa battle and now faces deportation to India. The Rotherhithe Residents group have gathered over 177,000 signatures through…
He was once honoured by late Queen Elizabeth II for supporting 50 families with free food during the Covid-19-induced lockdown but for 42-year-old Vimal Pandya, the world has come crashing down as he is faced with deportation to native India within weeks as his appeal to stay back has been…
A British Sikh man who wanted to “assassinate” Queen Elizabeth II on Christmas Day in 2021 and was caught on the grounds of Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow has admitted to committing treason. Jaswant Singh Chail, who identified himself as an “Indian Sikh”, wanted to kill the late monarch…
Mother of Airdrie boy who died just four months after a devastating brain tumour diagnosis said that losing him was 'devastating'. Nadia Majid, mother of Rayhan Majid who died in April 2018, has joined forces with her family and friends as the 17-strong team take part in Brain Tumour Research's…
Scottish actor Alan Cumming said on Friday he had returned a UK state honour in protest at the "toxicity" of the British Empire, 14 years after receiving the award. Cumming, who is largely US-based, was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2009 in recognition…
Accident and emergency departments in UK hospitals are reeling under enormous pressure due to a shortage of beds and strikes by staff during the thick of flu season.A record 54,532 people waited for more than 12 hours once arriving at A&E in December, according to NHS England.The average wait for…
Junior doctor Vaishnavi Kumar who took her own life in June last year blamed Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), where she worked, for her extreme step, according to her suicide note.“I am sorry mum, I can blame the whole thing on the QEH,” she said in the note revealed by…
SHE has delivered stunning albums, sung superb songs, composed amazing music, and done great cross-cultural collaborations, but Bombay Jayashri has always been at her very best on stage. One of the world’s greatest live performers, she has been entertaining global audiences for decades and setting an undeniably high standard for…
Writer and host Manish Tiwari has been conferred with The Freedom of the City title at an event held at the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall, London on January 6, a statement said. Touted as ‘one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today’, the tradition of conferring the…
British King Charles III on Sunday (8) gave a special message to the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) community as it celebrates the birth centenary of His Holiness (HH) Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921-2916). In his message which was tweeted by UK in India, the King said, "As you commemorate…
Prince Harry's denial that he accused his family of racism was interpreted in the UK press Monday as a bizarre peace offering, but commentators argued the damage had already been done as his unflinching memoir comes out. The midnight release of "Spare" is being accompanied by four television interviews, with…
Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke with King Charles III of UK on the telephone on Tuesday (3) and discussed several subjects including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and solutions for the financing energy transition. As this was PM Modi's first conversation with King Charles III after he assumed the Office of…
King Charles III chose a multi-faith message for his first-ever Christmas Day broadcast on Sunday as the British monarch, referencing the work of churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and gurdwaras across the UK and wishing everyone a Christmas filled with “peace, happiness, and everlasting light”. The 74-year-old King, who had recorded…
Prominent British entrepreneur and Genisys Group founder Sir Ashok Rabheru died on Friday. He was aged 70. The former trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is survived by his wife Harshida and children Nikita, Rishi and Shayan. Sir Rabheru was born in the eastern Tanzanian city of Morogoro on…
Birmingham Edgbaston’s MP Preet Gill has urged the health secretary to hold a public inquiry into the alleged “toxic culture” at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) that has had an “alarming impact” on staff and patient care. In a letter to Steve Barclay, Gill said she was “inundated” by messages from…
The design for the first set of bank notes to feature the new monarch of Britain, King Charles III, was unveiled by the Bank of England here on Tuesday. The 74-year-old monarch’s portrait will appear on the existing designs of all four polymer banknotes in the denominations of £5, £10,…
Indian High Commissioner to the UK Vikram Doraiswami presented his credentials to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London on Thursday (8), marking the formal start of his UK posting. Doraiswami is the first Indian envoy to be received at the palace by the King since the death of…
The first coinage featuring King Charles III will start to appear in circulation at Post Offices around the UK from Thursday, with millions of the new 50-pence coins bearing the new monarch’s portrait given out as change to customers. The coin with the 74-year-old monarch’s image reflects a transition from…
More than 60 people took part in the celebration organised by Asian People's Disability Alliance (APDA) to mark the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who passed away in September, at its Harlesden Day Care and Development Resource…
King Charles covered his head with a traditional Ramaal headscarf as a gesture of humility and respect when he visited the newly-built Gurdwara in Luton on Tuesday (6). He also made the traditional namaste gesture as he spoke to volunteers, and a traditional shawl for meditation was placed around his…
The new teaser trailer for a hyped Netflix docu-series on Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, has divided opinion in the UK among royal watchers and commentators. "Harry & Meghan", the first volume of which will drop this Thursday, shows clips of the…
A jewel-encrusted crown kept in the Jewel House of the Tower of London has been removed to be re-sized ahead of King Charles III’s coronation next year. The St. Edward’s Crown, described as the “historic centrepiece” of the country’s Crown Jewels, has been removed from the world-famous tower to allow…
His Royal Highness (HRH) The Duke of Gloucester on Tuesday (29) visited Queen Elizabeth’s School or QE, Barnet, as the reigning Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year prepares to celebrate its 450th anniversary in early 2023. While members of the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) flanked the main…
Finance trustee at St John Ambulance, Mohan Mansigani, has received his Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire from HRH The Princess Royal – the charity’s Commandant-in-Chief (Youth) – during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, November 30. St John Ambulance is England’s leading first…
An eminent solicitor with Pakistani ancestry has said Lady Susan Hussey enquired him about his heritage at a Buckingham event where Ngozi Fulani, the UK-born founder of a charity, was repeatedly quizzed about her origins. Lady Hussey, who had served the late Queen Elizabeth for six decades as a lady-in-waiting,…
The godmother of Britain’s Prince William on Wednesday (30) resigned from her honorary duties at Buckingham Palace following controversial remarks made to a black British charity worker at an event that were perceived as racist. Lady Susan Hussey, 83, who had been an aide to the late Queen Elizabeth II…
The father of a junior doctor has paid tribute to his 'dedicated and selfless' daughter who took her own life due to 'work stresses and a family bereavement', according to reports. Dr Ravi Kumar told Birmingham Coroner's Court on Monday (28) that his daughter Dr Vaishnavi Kumar, 35, felt the…
Eight-year-old Indian-origin girl Aleesha Gadhia won the Rushcliffe Council's Young Person of the Year 2022 Award at an event in Rushcliffe Arena on Thursday (24). Nominated by the Lady Mayor of Rushcliffe, Aleesha, who is from West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire, works on raising awareness to tackle climate change and save…
A 13-year-old Indian schoolgirl travelled to London to receive her Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC) Prize from Queen Consort Camilla for a true story based on the Forest Man of India, Jadav Molai Payeng. Maulika Pandey from India's northern state of Uttarakhand was named the Junior Runner-up for her essay…
Some 21 months after becoming paralysed waist-down and having undergone multiple spinal operations, an NHS surgeon is creating history on Thursday. Mohammed Belal is set to become the first doctor in the UK to conduct surgery after being paralysed. The neuro-urology surgeon, who suffered spinal injuries when he was hit…
Nimisha Madhvani, the Ugandan high commissioner to the UK, on Thursday (10) met King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in London and presented her letters of credence as the African nation's high commissioner in London. The monarch, who took over following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth II in…
India-born British-American molecular biologist Venki Ramakrishnan was among the six new members in a diverse list chosen to join the elite Order of Merit by the late queen Elizabeth II on Friday (11). Buckingham Palace announced the nominees, who will be appointed by King Charles III. Created in 1902 by…
A delegation of officers of the British Army on Wednesday (9) paid obeisance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab. Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak committee chief Harjinder Singh Dhami honoured the delegates with 'siropao' (robe of honour) and religious texts at the shrine's information centre. Major Daljinder Singh Virdee, an officer…
Dr Mahendra Patel, a pharmacist from Btradford, collected on October 12 his OBE at a historic investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace, the first to take place since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8. Anne, Princess Royal, the ceremony's host, honoured Patel. The renowned pharmacist was awarded the…
Britain's new Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Thursday (27) thanked his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi for congratulating him on his new role, saying he was "excited" about what the two great democracies can achieve as they deepen their security, defence and economic partnership. His comment came soon after Prime Minister…
Princess of Wales Kate Middleton is formally supporting the upcoming expedition of Captain Preet Chandi across Antarctica. The latter, who is an officer and physiotherapist serving in the British Army currently, hopes to become the first woman to cross all of the ice-covered continent on her own. Buckingham Palace confirmed…
Rishi Sunak formally became Britain's new prime minister on Tuesday (25) after meeting King Charles at Buckingham Palace. Decades ago, his grandfather Raghubir Sain Berry, nearly missed dinner with Queen Elizabeth II, it has emerged. Oadby-based Sain Berry was born in India and worked in Tanzania before coming to the…
Sir Ashok J Rabheru received Knighthood at a ceremony at Windsor Castle on October 18, a statement said. Princess Anne carried out the investiture ceremony in the presence of Sir Ashok’s wife Harshida and triplets-Nikita, Rishi and Shayan. He received the rare title of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian…
Oscar-winning actress and Dame Judi Dench is voicing her opinion on the forthcoming season of Netflix’s critically acclaimed series The Crown, based on the British royal family. In an open letter she wrote to the U.K. publication The Times, the actress accused the show of "crude sensationalism" and said the…
British Prime Minister Liz Truss is fighting for her political survival after only six weeks in the job. Below is a timeline: SEPT. 5 - TRUSS WINS LEADERSHIP CONTEST Truss is elected Conservative Party leader by the party's membership, winning 57% of the vote to succeed Boris Johnson. SEPT. 6…
British Prime Minister Liz Truss has enjoyed the shortest of political honeymoons -- her chaotic premiership apparently mortally wounded despite having barely begun. Discounting 10 days of mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II, Truss had only a week before her political programme imploded, leading to the sacking of her…
The Conservative Friends (CF) of India and the Indian high commission in London recently hosted a joint reception at the annual Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham which was attended by more than 400 guests, including many high-profile ones. The event celebrated the importance of strong ties between the UK and…
King Charles III took over the reins of the British Monarchy after the Queen's demise last month. His coronation ceremony will be held on May 6, as per the official statement of Buckingham Palace. One question, however, that has garnered the most attention is whether Queen Consort Camilla will wear…
India indicated on Friday that it will continue to explore ways to bring back the Kohinoor, one of the largest diamonds in the world, from the United Kingdom. The death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, reignited the demand in India to bring back the Kohinoor. Asked about the…
A "robot artist" called Ai-Da told British lawmakers on Tuesday (11) that although it was an artificial creation, it was still capable of producing art, as it spoke at a parliamentary inquiry into how new technologies will affect the creative industries. Described as "the world's first ultra-realistic AI humanoid robot…
In a major development, Royal Navy has tested Iron Man-style ‘jet pack’ suits over the New York Harbor and landed onto HMS Queen Elizabeth. A video footage of the testing was posted by Salisbury, UK-based aerospace company Gravity Industries on Sunday (9). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plIFUQ5BeqM The company has claimed that the jet…
Hollywood star Margot Robbie finally broke her silence over Lady Gaga portraying Harley Quin in 'Joker 2'. The 'Birds of Prey' star is reportedly very excited about Lady Gaga taking on the role of Harley Quinn in the upcoming 'Joker' sequel, officially titled 'Joker: Folie a Deux.' According to Variety,…
According to a royal biographer, the UK royal family is "hugely nervous" about Prince Harry's upcoming memoir. Page Six has reported that Tom Bower, the author of 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors', has claimed that the planned book by the Duke of Sussex is a "time…
A new edition of Meghan Markle's Archetype podcast, which launched last month with Serena Williams as the guest, has finally come out. The Duchess of Sussex's podcast released its most recent episode as the first one following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II earlier in September. The most recent episode…
Britain’s King Charles III hosted his first major event in Scotland for the South Asian diaspora since becoming monarch last month as a celebration of charity initiatives geared towards the region. The event for the British Asian Trust, founded by him as the Prince of Wales in 2007 to tackle…
London mayor Sadiq Khan has become the subject of online abuse after media reports suggested he was blocking the installation of Queen Elizabeth's statue at Trafalgar Square.A sculpture depicting Malawi’s resistance icon John Chilembwe was unveiled on the Fourth Plinth of the famous square last month and Khan’s office had…
The period between September 14 and 25 was one when Britain faced a gloomy situation. While it marked a phase when the country mourned the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, culminating in the state funeral on September 19, the common people continued to cope with the rising cost of…
Film-maker Danny Boyle is set to direct a dance adaptation of the 1999 sci-fi blockbuster 'The Matrix.' According to Variety, titled 'Free Your Mind,' the Warner Bros. The play billed as a 'large-scale immersive performance,' will make its world premiere at Factory International, a brand-new arts centre in Manchester, U.K.,…
The UK is "working intensely" with India to achieve the Free Trade Agreements soon, UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said. This comes after Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal had said the UK is keen to stick to the Diwali deadline for free trade agreements. "We have signed Free Trade Agreements…
London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office has said no statue of Queen Elizabeth II will be erected on the Fourth Plinth of Trafalgar Square in the foreseeable future.A statue of Malawi’s resistance icon John Chilembwe has been unveiled on the platform, although there were calls for installing a monument in memory…
The Rt. Hon. Shailesh Vara MP has paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II in a speech to Parliament. Mr. Vara spoke of the Queen’s extraordinary sense of duty and commitment to public service and her impact on the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world. Mr. Vara also spoke of…
Far-right British politician Nigel Farage has alleged that politicians who promoted the policy of multiculturalism are responsible for the ongoing violence in Leicester. Virtually every single MP in Westminster is responsible for the ethnic and religious violence seen in Leicester, Farage wrote on Twitter on Wednesday (21). "They decided to…
Two journalists praised the British empire on a prominent news channel in the UK, sparking a backlash on social media, as the death of Queen Elizabeth II rekindled memories of the kingdom's colonial rule. While both said the decolonisation led to chaos in many countries, journalist-writer Rowan Dean’s call to…
Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday said the UK is keen to stick to the Diwali deadline for India-UK free trade agreement and both countries are working towards it. He referred to the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II and said "as we are expanding our engagements, the UK…
Some 250,000 mourners filed past Queen Elizabeth's coffin at Westminster Hall in London during her lying-in-state, Britain's culture minister Michelle Donelan said on Tuesday. "It's approximately around the 250,000 mark. We're just crunching those final numbers," Donelan told Times radio. The full figures would be released in due course, she…
IF this was the end of an era - the Elizabethan age - what an ending it was. The scale of global attention for the Queen’s funeral renewed the sense that nobody does tradition quite like the British. It was broadcast magnificently too. Sweeping shots of Westminster Abbey combined with…
Gopichand P Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group and chairman of Hinduja Automotive Limited, UK, on Monday (19) paid a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-serving British monarch who passed away on September 8. The late Queen's funeral, attended by several people and foreign dignitaries, took place on Monday.…
Queen Elizabeth's coffin was lowered into a vault at Windsor Castle, her final resting place, on Monday after a day of inimitable pageantry that drew world leaders to her funeral and huge crowds to the streets to say farewell to a revered monarch. Hundreds of thousands of well-wishers lined the…
Today marks the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen, which takes place at Westminster Abbey (London, UK). This day is also the first day of a seven-day religious festival (Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Suvarna Mahotsav), which sees thousands of followers of Maninagar Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan from around the world…
King Charles III, the new British monarch who has succeeded Queen Elizabeth II after her death, on Saturday (17) dialed Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka to express gratitude to her for personally attending his mother's funeral in London on Monday (19). The King also thanked the president of…
Leaders and monarchs from across the globe gathered in London on Monday to bid farewell to Britain's Queen Elizabeth at a state funeral of inimitable pageantry, marking the passing of a beloved figure who unified the nation through her 70-year reign. Thousands of people lined the streets to witness the…
Queen Elizabeth will be buried alongside her husband Prince Philip in a small chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle in a private ceremony after her state funeral on Monday. Her parents were also laid to rest in St. George's Chapel. Elizabeth's funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey, before…
Expressing his condolences to the royal family, US President Joe Biden on Sunday (local time) paid his respects at Queen Elizabeth's coffin and said that the Queen had always reminded him of his mother. While mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth, Biden remembered Queen's warm candour and said, "The way…
Ahead of Queen Elizabeth's state funeral, President Droupadi Murmu met King Charles III at a reception held at Buckingham Palace on Sunday. President Murmu also signed the condolence book for Queen Elizabeth II, at the Lancaster House near Buckingham Palace in London. "President Droupadi Murmu signed the Condolence Book in…
As the Queen lies-in-state at Westminster Hall before being removed for Monday's state funeral at Westminster Abbey, many have questioned how Her Majesty's coffin can be publicly displayed for so long. One mortician has taken to TikTok to explain the procedures. TikTok mortician 'AskTheUndertakr', who uses his platform to answer…
The death of Queen Elizabeth II has reignited the debate in South Africa, a former colony of Britain, over the ownership of world's largest clear-cut diamond. The African nation said that the precious diamond-the Great Star of Africa, or Cullinan l, belongs to them. The diamond was was mined in…
Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reached in London on Saturday (17) to attend the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday (19). According to the Foreign Office, Sharif will represent the country at the state funeral. The funeral of the Queen will take place at 11:00 BST on Monday…
Queen Elizabeth II's death means that around 600 of her favourite brands risk losing their royal warrant and must now await the approval of her successor King Charles III. Fortnum and Mason teas, Burberry raincoats, Cadbury chocolate and even broomstick and dog food manufacturers are among those facing the loss…
When newly elected indigenous Australian parliamentarian Lidia Thorpe took her oath to office last month, she raised her fist above her head in protest and labelled Queen Elizabeth II a "colonising queen". "It was like kneeling to the murderer," the Greens senator told Reuters this week. "I had to swear…
Queen Elizabeth's state funeral on Monday (19) will be shown by around 125 cinemas across Britain, while parks, squares and cathedrals will also set up viewing screens for the huge ceremonial event, the government said on Saturday (17). The funeral service at Westminster Abbey and related processions across London will…
President Droupadi Murmu arrived in London on Saturday (17) evening to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and to offer condolences on behalf of the Indian government. Queen Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 at her summer residence of Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, is lying-in-state…
King Charles III has pledged to uphold the “additional duty” as a new monarch of protecting the diversity of the UK and be a sovereign of all communities around the Commonwealth. Addressing a group of faith leaders on Friday evening in the Bow Room at Buckingham Palace, where just days…
It was my great privilege be appointed by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to serve as her representative in South Glamorgan as Deputy Lord Lieutenant and also as Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy. During that time I was incredibly lucky to have met her on a number of occasions,…
The Chinese delegation visiting London to attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral on Monday (19) will not be allowed to view her coffin at the lying-in-state vigil inside parliament, the BBC reported on Friday (16). Some parliamentarians had raised concerns about inviting representatives from China after several British lawmakers were sanctioned by…
Hundreds of foreign royals and leaders are expected to attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London on Monday in one of the biggest diplomatic gatherings in decades. Westminster Abbey has space for around 2,000 people, so only heads of state and one or two guests have reportedly…
Here are a few numbers related to the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday. 1,500 The number of miles (2,414 kilometres) travelled by the new King Charles III in his first week on the throne. Charles began his reign with visits to Scotland, where he was at the…
Over 300 Muslims from across the UK came together at London Central Mosque to honour the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and to mark the accession of His Majesty The King, Charles III on Thursday, 15th September 2022. Guests included Shabir Randeree CBE, the first Muslim chair of…
The Toronto International Film Festival is all set to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II with a special screening of director Roger Michell's 'Elizabeth: A Portrait in Part(s)'. According to The Hollywood Reporter, The last film from the 'Notting Hill' rom-com director stars Queen Elizabeth II and the documentary…
Two Champions League matches involving Scottish teams made headlines on Wednesday over incidents surrounding the late Queen Elizabeth II and the British monarchy. Celtic fans raised offensive banners just before the Glasgow team’s clash with the Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk began at the Polish Army Stadium in Warsaw. The first…
A top police official has admitted that officers who arrested anti-monarchy protesters don’t understand the law, according to media reports. The chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, Ken Marsh, added that people have a '100 per cent' right to stage such protests. “That’s part of our democracy, that’s what we…
SIR KENNETH OLISA OBE, the lord-lieutenant of Greater London, paid tribute to the efforts of Mr and Mrs Solanki in integrating in British society and making younger generations of migrants feel at home in a multi-racial UK. Sir Kenneth said, “That the UK is the tolerant country we know it…
Household staff who served King Charles while he was heir to the British throne have already been told they could lose their jobs, drawing criticism from a labour union that called the move "heartless" before Queen Elizabeth is even buried. Charles, who succeeded his mother on her death last Thursday,…
Labour leader Keir Starmer has urged anti-monarchy protesters not to disrupt mourners from expressing their thanks to Queen Elizabeth II in the run-up to her funeral slated for next week. While defending the “British tradition” of the right to protest and disagree, he said it should be exercised “in the…
SENIOR SOUTH ASIAN and Black leaders have urged King Charles to make sure their communities continue to have a strong influence on Britain’s future. While he was a prince, the new monarch was outspoken on issues which concerned him. They included highlighting the dangers of climate change, the benefits of…
The former Prince Charles is not the only one getting used to having "King" in his title all of a sudden. About 1,900 elite UK lawyers and hundreds of others in Commonwealth countries who held the rank of "Queen's Counsel" became "King's Counsel" when Queen Elizabeth died last week, instantly…
Mary Reynolds who is famous for looking uncannily similar to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, has said that she will give up the job after 34 years, “out of respect” for the late monarch who passed away on September 8. Speaking to the PA news agency, Reynolds said she felt "lucky"…
Britain has not invited representatives from Russia, Belarus and Myanmar to attend Queen Elizabeth's state funeral due to be held next Monday, a Whitehall source said on Tuesday (13). Britain, along with its Western allies, has sought to isolate Russia and its ally Belarus on the world stage with economic…
State publications and TV networks in Iran branded the Queen as a war criminal and compared her with Adolf Hitler and 'some American presidents, media reports said. Media outlets in the country claimed that Queen's death has swelled a tide of anti-monarchist sentiment around the world. Iran's Channel 1 host…
An Indian MP has fumed at an American anchor over a pro-British India rant on Twitter, according to reports. Congress leader and former diplomat Shashi Tharoor hit back at Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson who on social media said that India has not built a single structure as beautiful as…
Rights groups have deplored the arrests of anti-monarchy protesters in the UK during events following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Two young people have been arrested in Scotland since Sunday over breach of peace and public order while a man was rounded up in England for similar reasons. The…
Saudi authorities have arrested a man who claimed to have travelled to the Muslim holy city of Mecca to perform an umrah pilgrimage on behalf of the late Queen Elizabeth II. The man, a Yemeni national, on Monday published a video clip of himself on social media at the Grand…
The Australian government said on Tuesday that the image of King Charles III would not automatically replace Queen Elizabeth II's on A$5 notes, and it may be replaced by Australian figures. While coins are mandated to carry the image of the British monarch, Federal Assistant Minister for the Treasury Andrew…
To bid farewell to Queen Elizabeth II, Sarah Fowles came to Buckingham Palace with not just flowers but a teddy bear too: Paddington in his red hat and his blue duffel coat. The beloved children's book character is omnipresent among the thousands of bouquets outside the palace, thanks largely to…
Britain's government said Monday (12) that travel plans for foreign leaders and their spouses to Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral "will vary" by country, following a report they will have to take special buses. "Arrangements for different leaders will vary depending on things like security risks, so we are providing…
King Charles III on Monday (12) addressed Parliament for the first time as Britain's monarch during which he pledged to follow the example of selfless duty set by his "darling late mother" Queen Elizabeth II in upholding "the precious principles of constitutional governance. Responding to the condolences offered by the…
A key question around Britain's royal succession was resolved on Sunday (11) when it emerged scandal-hit Prince Andrew and his ex-wife will look after Queen Elizabeth II's corgi dogs after her death. The prince and his former spouse Sarah Ferguson will take on Muick and Sandy following the queen's death…
Antigua and Barbuda plans to hold a referendum on becoming a republic within the next three years, the Caribbean nation’s prime minister told British media Saturday, a move that could see King Charles III removed as its head of state. "This is a matter that has to be taken to…
Foreign dignitaries arriving in London for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II have been told they will be bussed en masse to the venue as they cannot use their cars or helicopters. They are also asked to use commercial aircraft to arrive in the British capital to avoid crowding of…
An Australian newsreader of Indigenous heritage said she was not mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, stating that the monarchy owed an apology to First Nationals for its colonial past. Narelda Jacobs said the modern-day Royals did little to make up for the “great wrong” done to Aboriginal people…
A secret letter written by Queen Elizabeth II is locked inside a vault in Sydney, and the interesting this is, that it cannot be opened for 63 years! According to 7NEWS Australia, the letter is inside a vault in a historic building in Sydney and was written by her in…
Queen Elizabeth II’s love for India and the Commonwealth, shared by her son and successor King Charles III, were the recurring themes as Indian-origin members of Parliament, peers and diaspora groups paid tribute to the late monarch. In special sittings of the Houses of Parliament over the past few days…
A Birmingham City University professor of British African-Caribbean heritage said he was not saddened by the death of Queen Elizabeth II who “represented white supremacy”.Kehinde Andrews said the longest reigning British monarch’s popularity was rooted in the white supremacist world which “came from the colonial era.”On the MSNBC channel’s special…
The face of Queen Elizabeth II will continue to appear on its currency, the Bloomberg reported. Queen was the head of state of Canada, a former British colony. In 2011, Canada decided to feature Queen Elizabeth's image on the backs of coins and on plastic-based C$20 ($15.28) bank notes. According…
British High Commissioner to India has mourned the death of Queen Elizabeth with a tribute in Hindi, reports said. In a video shared on Twitter, Alex Ellis said that the Queen dedicated her life to service of others. He added that her legacy will will be remembered by the world.…
With the passing away of Queen Elizabeth II, people across the world have expressed grief. Many political leaders, diplomats, actors, and famous personalities have mourned the loss of the longest-serving UK Monarch. Many Bollywood actors like Shilpa Shetty uploaded a picture with the Queen and remembered her by paying condolences…
Queen Elizabeth, the longest-reigning monarch in Britain's history, died on Thursday (8) aged 96, and her son Charles succeeded to the throne immediately. Here is an explanation of the protocol surrounding the official accession of a new monarch and Saturday's ceremony formally proclaiming Charles as king. An Accession Council has…
Netflix suspended filming of its British royals drama "The Crown" on Friday (9) following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the company said. The acclaimed show is currently filming its sixth season, having charted the late monarch's life through multiple decades over the course of its previous seasons. "As a…
Football pundit Trevor Sinclair has has been taken off air by TalkSport after the former English footballer tweeted that the Queen allowed racism to thrive in England within hours of Buckingham Palace confirming the Monarch's death, media reports said. Sinclair tweeted: "Racism was outlawed in England in the 60’s &…
With Charles succeeding his mother Queen Elizabeth II as the British monarch, his wife Camilla is set to get the crown which holds the famous Indian-origin Kohinoor diamond.The Queen Concert will receive the crown when the formal coronation of the new king takes place after the mourning of Elizabeth who…
An American university professor created a flutter on social media by wishing Queen Elizabeth II would die an intensely painful death. Her comment drew immediate condemnation from Amazon boss Jeff Bezos.Uju Anya, an associate professor of second language acquisition at the Pittsburgh-based Carnegie Mellon University, wrote on Twitter, “I heard…
Hollywood celebrities, mourned the demise of the longest-serving monarch of the UK, Queen Elizabeth II on social media. Actor Daniel Craig in his statement, wrote, "I, like so many, was deeply saddened by the news today and my thoughts are with The Royal Family, those she loved and all those…
India on Friday declared one-day mourning on September 11 on the passing away of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, passed away on Thursday. "As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of India has decided that there…
The accession of King Charles to the British throne has stirred renewed calls from politicians and activists for former colonies in the Caribbean to remove the monarch as their head of state and for Britain to pay slavery reparations. Charles succeeds his mother, Queen Elizabeth, who ruled for 70 years…
Queen Elizabeth II's reign encompassed to a large degree Britain's declining global influence, from an empire that once bestrode the world to a middle-ranking economy. During her time as queen, the footprint of her monarchy shrank dramatically. However, at her death, she was still head of state of the United…
The UK's new king will travel without a passport and drive without a licence, own all the mute swans in England and may continue a tradition of celebrating his birthday twice a year. Here is a list of unusual facts about Britain's new monarch. No licence or passport King Charles…
During her record-breaking reign, Queen Elizabeth II racked up an array of statistics. Here are some numbers associated with her life and reign: 0 She was a frequent traveller, but she had no passport as she was the one who issued the document. Her name was on the passports of…
Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, has died aged 96, Buckingham Palace said on Thursday. Here is some reaction to the news: U.N. SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTONIO GUTERRES "As the United Kingdom's longest-lived and longest-reigning Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II was widely admired for her…
Queen Elizabeth, Britain's monarch for more than seven decades, died on Thursday aged 96. The following is an explanation of the rules of the British court regarding the accession of a new sovereign and a description of the powers and responsibilities of the monarch. Under the British constitution, a sovereign…
Queen Elizabeth, Britain's longest-reigning monarch and the nation's figurehead for seven decades, died at her home in Scotland aged 96 on Thursday. "The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will…
Britain's royal family rushed to be with Queen Elizabeth after doctors said they were concerned about the health of the 96-year-old monarch on Thursday and said she should remain under medical supervision. The queen, Britain's longest-reigning sovereign and the world's oldest monarch, has been suffering from what Buckingham Palace has…
Britain's new prime minister Liz Truss convenes her senior ministers for an inaugural cabinet meeting on Wednesday on her first full day in office, before she faces a barrage of questions in parliament. Truss, who officially became leader Tuesday at an audience with the head of state Queen Elizabeth II…
It's good news for millions of households in UK. The new British prime minister Liz Truss is planning to freeze household energy bills at the current level for 18 months, media reports said. Queen Elizabeth appointed Truss as new leader on Tuesday (6). She is tasked with steering the country…
Boris Johnson on Tuesday promised unswerving support for his successor Liz Truss, as he left Downing Street for the final time as British prime minister to tender his resignation. Johnson, whose tenure was dominated by Brexit and Covid and cut short by scandal, bid farewell to cheers and applause from…
Britain's Rishi Sunak, who lost the race to become Britain's prime minister on Monday, said the party must now unite behind winner Liz Truss. "It's right we now unite behind the new PM, Liz Truss, as she steers the country through difficult times," Sunak said on Twitter. Truss, 47, will…
Liz Truss will become Britain's next prime minister after winning a leadership race for the governing Conservative party on Monday, vowing to press ahead with promises of tax cuts and to deal with a growing energy crisis. After weeks of an often bad-tempered and divisive leadership contest, Truss, currently the…
The makers of the hit Netflix series 'The Crown' have revealed who is set to play Prince William and Kate Middleton in Season 6. According to Variety, the young prince will be played by 16-year-old Rufus Kampa and 21-year-old Ed McVey, respectively. Meg Bellamy will portray Kate Middleton in the…
The Duchess of Sussex has alleged that the British press called her children ‘the N-word’, according to reports. In a recent interview, Meghan Markle opened up about taking the decision to not release Archie's photo. She was expected to release pictures of her now 3-year-old son, Archie, to the Royal…
Gibraltar finally joined the official list of British cities on Monday, after 180 years in which its status, granted by Queen Victoria, had been overlooked due to an administrative error. The British overseas territory bid to become a city earlier this year as part of the celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's…
Britain's Prince Charles has guest edited an edition of the country's only Black newspaper to mark its 40th anniversary, honouring the contributions of African-Caribbean communities to the arts and society. The Voice newspaper records Charles' "long-standing collaboration with Black leaders", his office said, as the royal family increasingly engages with…
BRITISH ASIAN students across the country celebrated top A-level grades last Thursday (18), with one school in Newham – where 71 per cent of residents are from BAME communities – sending a remarkable 92 students to Oxford and Cambridge. Nearly 90 per cent of students from Brampton Manor Academy in…
The Indian National Students Association, UK has launched a fundraiser for Indian students who died in an accident in Scotland on August 19. Three Indian students, including two Leicester University students and a graduate from the institute, died in a car-lorry collision while on a holiday in the Appin area…
With 85.6 per cent of GCSEs (General Certificates of Secondary Education) at QE awarded level 8 or 9 grades – equivalent to the old A* – the first pupils to sit public examinations at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, since 2019 have put in a “terrific” record-breaking performance. In fact, results…
The three young children of Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate are to start at a new school next month, his office announced on Monday, as the family prepare to move to a new home on his grandmother Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle estate. Princes George and Louis, aged 9…
Queen Elizabeth’s School is today (Thursday 18th August) celebrating its best-ever results, with seven out of every ten A-levels awarded the highest-possible A* grade. The results are yet another golden achievement at the end of a year that has seen the boys’ state grammar school earn an ‘outstanding’ rating from…
A man arrested at Queen Elizabeth's Windsor Castle home on Christmas Day last year wearing a mask and holding a crossbow told security "I am here to kill the queen", a British court heard on Wednesday. Jaswant Singh Chail, 20, who has been charged under Britain's Treason Act, had spent…
A man, arrested with a crossbow at Windsor Castle in London last year, has been charged with treason. Met Police said Jaswant Singh Chail from Southampton has also been charged with making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon with intent to "alarm her Majesty”. The 20-year-old man…
PRINCE Harry won permission on Friday (22) to legally challenge a government decision that denied him police protection while in Britain. Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, received the full police protection generally given to royal figures before he decided to step back from his royal duties and move to the United…
THE Conservatives' contest to elect a new leader and British prime minister has been whittled down to five contenders after two rounds of voting by party MPs this week. Several further ballots of Tory lawmakers will be held next week, with the last-placed candidate and any others receiving fewer than…
Britain's economy rebounded in May, official data showed Wednesday, dampening fears of a slowdown despite surging inflation and rising interest rates. Gross domestic product expanded 0.5 per cent, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement, beating expectations of zero growth. "The economy rebounded in May with growth across…
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday awarded the George Cross to the state-run National Health Service (NHS) for its work over the past 74 years and praised its Covid-19 vaccine rollout. The George Cross is the highest non-military award for gallantry bestowed by the British government. The queen presented the…
Olympic great Mo Farah won praise from across Britain's political spectrum Tuesday after the shock revelation that he was illegally trafficked as a child to the country and forced to work in domestic servitude.The 39-year-old distance runner, one of Britain's best-loved and most successful athletes, told a BBC documentary that…
A judge at the High Court in London ruled on Friday a newspaper article about Prince Harry's legal battle with the British government over his security arrangements was defamatory, paving the way for him to take his libel claim to trial. Harry, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, is suing Associated Newspapers, publisher…
East London arts organisation Certain Blacks in association with Without Walls, the national network for outdoor arts, will be organising the day-long Ensemble Festival at Victoria Docks, Newham on Saturday July 23 from midday to 7pm. This free programme includes an array of non-stop innovative performance including dance, aerial work,…
Boris Johnson lasted just three years as British prime minister. Weakened by scandals, he refused for months to resign but on Thursday was poised to quit, forced by his own colleagues.July 2019: triumphant victory After Theresa May's resignation, Brexit figurehead Johnson is elected head of the Conservative party in July…
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces what looked to be the final blow for his premiership as two senior ministers resigned after trying to apologise for his administration's latest scandal. Below May 28, 2020 - 'Minor' breach of lockdown by PM adviser British police say Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings…
An NHS nurse who was driving at more than double the speed limit has been jailed for causing a “dreadful” crash that left a pedestrian in a coma for three weeks and lingering trauma.Wolverhampton Crown Court sentenced Roopa Kumar to 18 months behind bars and handed her a 28-month driving…
Prince Charles told Commonwealth leaders Friday that the choice to become a republic or abandon the queen as head of state was theirs alone, and expressed "personal sorrow" at Britain's legacy of slavery. The British heir to the throne addressed the opening of a Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)…
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday defended his controversial deal to expel migrants to Rwanda, telling critics to "keep an open mind". On the first day of a trip to Kigali -- which is hosting a Commonwealth summit this week -- he also heaped praise on Rwandan President Paul…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson said he was looking forward to visiting Rwanda on Thursday (23) to help people shed their "condescending attitudes" to Rwanda after criticism of the government's plans to deport asylum seekers to the country. Johnson will meet with Prince Charles in Kigali on Friday (24) on…
ESTABLISHED more than 70 years ago, it has the stated aim of upholding democracy, rule of law and good governance around the world. Here are a few key things to know about it: Key facts Full name: Commonwealth of Nations Member states: 54 Head of the Commonwealth: Queen Elizabeth II…
SUPPORTERS of Meghan Markle have come out in support of The Duchess of Sussex after a report claiming that she was investigated by some members of the Buckingham Palace in lieu of her allegedly bullying a staff of the Palace was leaked. According to the report, Markle was responsible for…
Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, plans to move his family into a cottage on his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's Windsor Castle estate to be closer to the 96-year-old monarch and royal officials, according to UK media reports on Tuesday. William, the second in line to the British throne who…
THE UK government on Tuesday (14) defended its controversial policy to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, even as the entire senior leadership of the Church of England branded it shameful and immoral. According to Daily Mail, opening Cabinet this morning, prime minister Boris Johnson said, "What is happening with the…
CHANCELLOR of the exchequer Rishi Sunak on Monday (13) launched the Future of Compute Review during the opening address at London Tech Week, which kicked off the same day, as part of the UK government’s new Digital Strategy which was also unveiled at the event. The review will be led…
Britain's Prince Charles has called the government's plan to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda "appalling", a report said Saturday after it cleared a legal challenge. The UK government intends to fly the first planeload of 31 claimants to Rwanda on Tuesday -- shortly before Charles is due to represent his mother…
THE annual Queen’s Birthday Honours 2022 bring with them an added fervour since this year also marks the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s 70 years in service. To give the 96-year-old monarch a tribute, noted personalities from various walks of the society have been chosen to be awarded for…
The UK on Wednesday ruled out suspending the British Virgin Islands' self-government and returning to direct rule, after the former premier Andrew Fahie was arrested for drug trafficking and money laundering.Fahie and the BVI's chief port official were arrested in April at a Miami-area airport after a sting operation by…
UK prime minister Boris Johnson convened his cabinet on Tuesday (7), vowing to "get on with the job" after surviving a confidence vote of Conservative MPs that has left him severely weakened. The beleaguered leader has claimed that Monday (6) evening's dramatic ballot, which saw 211 Tory party lawmakers support…
Little more than two years after winning a landslide election victory, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson faces a no-confidence vote among Conservative MPs following months of growing pressure. Here are key questions around the crisis confronting the UK leader: Where did it go wrong? Brexit cheerleader Johnson joined other Tory…
While millions watched the Platinum Jubilee festivities to thank Queen Elizabeth and reflect on her 70 years on the British throne, for the monarchy itself, the four-day celebrations have also very much been about looking to the future.From parades in London and a party outside Buckingham Palace to a Service…
Britain’s opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer said the jeering faced by prime minister Boris Johnson reflected the public sentiment about the government.Johnson was booed when he arrived at St Paul's Cathedral in London for a Service of Thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth on Friday. But the prime minister, who was accompanied…
THE 260-year-old Gold State Coach will lead a procession in London on Sunday (5) for the first time in two decades as part of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, according to a report. It carried a young Queen Elizabeth II from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey on her coronation day…
A pop concert, featuring the likes of singers Alicia Keys and Diana Ross, and the Epsom Derby horse race take centre stage on the third day of Britain's nationwide celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee. However, the 96-year-old monarch, a huge horse-racing fan and owner of many thoroughbreds, will skip…
British pop superstar Ed Sheeran was on Sunday set to bring the curtain down on four days of momentous nationwide celebrations to honour Queen Elizabeth II's historic Platinum Jubilee.The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter will perform at the finale of a day-long pageant lauding the 96-year-old monarch's record seven decades on the throne,…
Horse-loving Queen Elizabeth was thanked for being "in the saddle" for 70 years as head of state at a service on Friday to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, an event she missed due to her "mobility issues". Other senior members of the royal family joined a congregation of politicians, charity figures…
CHEERS greeted Prince Harry and his wife Meghan outside St Paul's Cathedral on Friday (3) as they made their first public appearance in Britain for two years. But opinions were split among the throng of fans waiting at the London landmark to catch a glimpse of the royals, reflecting a…
While former prime ministers received gentle applause as they arrived at the service, Johnson and his wife Carrie were met with boos and jeers from the large crowd of royal fans waiting outside the cathedral. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was met with boos, jeers, and some applause as he…
June 2nd 2022 marked the 70th Anniversary since Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen. This occasion was marked with the Jubilee celebration across the United Kingdom and her other realms and territories including the British Commonwealth from Australia to Zimbabwe, from the Global South to the Global North and from…
AS thousands converged on central London to mark the historic milestone, messages of congratulation poured in for the 96-year-old queen. The US "Jill and I wish Your Majesty a joyful Platinum Jubilee celebration. On behalf of the United States, congratulations to Queen Elizabeth II on an unprecedented 70 years of…
Britain's Queen Elizabeth, known for her love of horses, will receive one of French President Emmanuel Macron's prize thoroughbreds as a gift to mark her 70 years on the throne, Macron's office and the British Embassy in Paris said on Thursday. The 7-year-old horse, called Fabuleu de Maucour, escorted Macron…
AT LEAST two people caused a disturbance at a military parade in London which launches celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee on Thursday (2), running out in front of marching soldiers before being arrested, TV pictures showed. Two men ran out from behind barriers where tens of thousands of people…
Longevity Elizabeth has reigned for 70 years and nearly four months -- longer than any other monarch in British history. The previous record was held by her great-great-grandmother queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years, seven months and two days until 1901. At 96, Elizabeth is the oldest current monarch…
Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday began four days of celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee, the first British monarch in history to achieve such a feat. As thousands converged on central London to mark the historic milestone, messages of congratulation poured in for the 96-year-old queen.Most of Britain’s print media…
A growing number of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Conservative lawmakers have withdrawn their support for the British leader after a damning official report detailed a series of illegal parties at his Downing Street office during Covid-19 lockdowns. More than 25 Conservative lawmakers have publicly called for Johnson to quit, with…
A British Indian actor is all set with a special Bollywood-themed Wedding Party, complete with a six-metre-high four-tiered cake and a specially designed sari, to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee outside Buckingham Palace in London. Ajay Chhabra and his Nutkhut performance company have been chosen to represent the Commonwealth…
Here is a selection of extracts from speeches, addresses and contributions to documentaries given by the queen: "It's inevitable that I should seem a rather remote figure to many of you, a successor to the kings and queens of history. "I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give…
WHILE nearly all attention will be focused next week on Queen Elizabeth as she celebrates her 70th anniversary on the throne this year, for those with eyes on the future of the British monarchy, attention is switching to her grandson Prince William. The British royals have suffered a bruising couple…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson will fly to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday (15) to pay his condolences following the death of president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Downing Street said. Johnson's visit will also "reinforce the close bond between the UK and United Arab Emirates," the statement said.…
HEAD of state Queen Elizabeth II missed Tuesday's (10) ceremonial opening of the UK parliament for the first time in nearly 60 years, handing the duty to her heir Prince Charles in a clear sign of the looming transition of power. The 96-year-old monarch usually presides over the pomp-filled event…
QUEEN Elizabeth II will miss Tuesday's (10) ceremonial opening of Britain's parliament, as prime minister Boris Johnson tries to reinvigorate his faltering government by unveiling its plans for the coming year. The 96-year-old monarch, who usually presides over the pomp-filled event and reads out her government's legislative programme from a…
RENOWNED dancer Akram Khan will perform Kaash at the Southbank Centre tomorrow (21) as part of the centenary celebrations of the late Pandit Ravi Shankar. Kaash had its premiere at the Queen Elizabeth Hall venue in 2002 and was the first full length feature of Khan’s dance company. Collaborating with…
BRITAIN’S arm of the charity Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS) participated in a tree planting event at Whalebone Park in the London borough of Barnet as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.Green Canopy is a pro-environment initiative undertaken to mark Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee by inviting communities across the UK…
LIVE PERFORMANCE SEVENS When: Saturday April 2 Where: The Place, 17 Duke’s Road, London WC1H 9PY What: An ensemble cast of UK-based Indian classical dancers and musicians share the stage in this triple bill show conceptualised by award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Nina Rajarani MBE, which explores the sacred, and…
THE Queen on Tuesday (29) made her first major public appearance in months, at a thanksgiving service for her late husband, Prince Philip, who died last year aged 99. The monarch, who turns 96 next month, has not attended a high-profile event outside her homes since she spent a night…
QUEEN Elizabeth II has called on the Commonwealth to show unity in troubled times, as she sat out a major event for the organisation after a period of fragile health. The event on Monday (14) with some 1,500 guests at Westminster Abbey in central London had been due to be…
SHE IS a great grandmother herself, but it turns out the Queen is a fan of the grandmum portrayed by Meera Syal in The Kumars at No 42.Phil Jones, a former BBC journalist has revealed that the monarch could “recite some of the one-liners from the grandma character”.The Emmy award…
SENIOR faith leaders in the UK have urged their communities to take part in Platinum Jubilee Beacons.Beacons will be lit in the Commonwealth on June 2 to mark the 70th anniversary of the accession of Queen Elizabeth.In the run-up to Accession Day on February 6, leaders from the nine faith…
AMAZON streaming service Prime Video announced a major "long-term" deal for the exclusive use of new production facilities at studios near London, further boosting Britain's booming film industry. The "landmark multimillion-pound... contract with Shepperton Studios" was for "original TV series and movie productions", its owner Pinewood Group said in a…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson will probably hold onto his job for now despite a scathing report about government coronavirus lockdown parties, but his long-term future is out of his hands as police probe claims of rule breaking, analysts said on Tuesday (1). Johnson on Monday (31) apologised after his…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson on Monday (31) apologised after his government was criticised for "failures of leadership and judgment" in allowing lockdown-breaching parties at his offices. Johnson's position has been hanging by a thread because of the steady drip of revelations since late last year, but he has in…
AN India-born vicar, who grew up in a leprosy hospital in Bangalore where his mother was a nurse, has been consecrated as Bishop in the Church of England with a staff, or crozier, made of Indian rosewood. The Right Reverend Malayil Lukose Varghese Muthalaly, known as Saju, aged 42 became…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (19) suffered an embarrassing defection from his Conservative party over revelations of lockdown-breaching events in Downing Street but vowed to fight on.Seven Conservatives said they had filed letters demanding a Tory vote of no-confidence in the embattled Johnson, and more than 20 others…
BRITAIN'S main opposition leader on Sunday (16) accused prime minister Boris Johnson of breaking the law, but the government vowed changes after an explosive series of revelations about lockdown-breaching parties. In the latest, Johnson's wife Carrie was photographed on the front page of the Sunday Telegraph embracing a friend at…
THE scandal engulfing British prime minister Boris Johnson over his conduct during coronavirus lockdowns has helped the opposition Labour Party to pull into a 10 point lead over the ruling Conservatives in a new opinion poll released on Friday (14). Johnson apologised to parliament on Wednesday (12) and to Queen…
"I'd think twice about it," Uxbridge resident Veronika Machu said of voting again for her local MP Boris Johnson, after a slew of lockdown partying allegations. Voters in suburban Uxbridge, on the fringes of Greater London, feel anger, disappointment and resignation at the ongoing accusations, including that the prime minister's…
LIVE PERFORMANCE BOLLYWOOD BLAST When: Sunday January 16 Where: Beck Theatre, Grange Road, Hayes, Middlesex UB3 2UE What: Ketan Kansara headlines an unforgettable evening celebrating the music of Indian cinema from the 70s, 80s and 90s. He will be accompanied by the band D26, along with fellow singers Anuradha Shukla,…
Earlier, it was speculated that Pakistani star Fawad Khan will be seen playing the character of Dr Khan in The Crown. Pakistani star Humayun Saeed has been cast to portray the character of Dr Hasnat Khan in the much-anticipated fifth season of Netflix’s globally successful series The Crown. On the…
LIVE PERFORMANCE ATTAULLAH KHAN ESAKHELVI When: Sunday January 9 Where: 1078-1082, Mayfair Venue, High Road, Romford RM6 4BD What: The legendary Pakistani folk singer Attaullah Khan Esakhelvi continues his UK tour and will perform the greatest hits from his very distinguished career. Tickets include a VIP meet and great option.…
BRITISH police said Monday (27) they were assessing a video purportedly made by a man who tried to break into a castle where Queen Elizabeth II was spending Christmas in which he said he “wanted to kill her. In the video, obtained by The Sun tabloid, a masked figure in…
A MAN armed with a crossbow who broke into Windsor Castle, where Queen Elizabeth II is spending Christmas, has been arrested and detained for mental health treatment, police said Sunday (26). "Security processes were triggered within moments of the man entering the grounds and he did not enter any buildings,"…
Soaring Omicron cases left Britons scrambling on Thursday to make alternative Christmas plans, faced with cancellations, long queues for vaccines and France shutting the border to UK visitors. Britain recorded a second consecutive record daily number of new Covid infections at more than 88,000 but the government has so far…
CURRENTLY, an unprecedented, politically driven commitment towards the transformation of the India-UK relationship is taking place. This began with the virtual summit between the two prime ministers Boris Johnson and Narendra Modi on May 4, 2021. The new UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss, visited New Delhi and Mumbai in late…
LIVE PERFORMANCE YUVA NARTAN When: Saturday November 13 Where: Curve Theatre, Rutland Street, Leicester LE1 1SB What: An exhilarating evening of vibrant Indian classical and contemporary dance, featuring several emerging and established artists, performing Odissi, Kathak, Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance styles. www.curveonline.co.uk SONU NIGAM: RAFI, KISHORE AUR MAIN When: Saturday…
LIVE PERFORMANCE DEEPAVALI: THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT When: Saturday, November 6 Where: Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham B12 9QH What: Uplifting family-friendly performances in celebration of Diwali, which showcase Bollywood, Kathak, Bharatanatyam and bhangra by some of the best British south Asian dance artists, companies, and community groups.…
Live Performance SEVENS When: Friday, November 5 Where: Pavilion Dance South West Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU What: An ensemble cast of UK-based Indian classical dancers and musicians will be sharing the stage in this triple bill show conceptualised and choreographed by award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Nina Rajarani MBE.…
LIVE PERFORMANCE SEVENS When: Friday, November 5 Where: Pavilion Dance South West Westover Road, Bournemouth BH1 2BU What: An ensemble cast of UK-based Indian classical dancers and musicians will be sharing the stage in this triple bill show conceptualised and choreographed by award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Nina Rajarani MBE.…
INDIA and the UK are carrying out a series of complex military drills as part of a tri-services wargame in the Arabian Sea, billed as the most ambitious exercise by the two countries ever. Britain's Carrier Strike Group (CSG) led by its largest warship HMS Queen Elizabeth and several other…
IN her current trip to India, the UK's foreign secretary Liz Truss in order to forge stronger security and defence links with India, visited HMS Queen Elizabeth in Mumbai on Saturday (23). The ship is the spearhead of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG), and on its visit to Mumbai is…
UK Navy Chief Admiral Sir Tony Radakin arrived in India on Friday (22) on a three-day visit during which he would visit the Indian Navy's Western Naval Command, according to an official statement. Admiral Radakin met Indian Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh on Friday and laid a wreath at the…
LIVE PERFORMANCE SEVENS When: Thursday, October 21 Where: Kala Sangam, 1 Forster Square, Bradford BD1 4TY What: An ensemble cast of UK-based Indian classical dancers and musicians will be sharing the stage in this triple bill show conceptualised and choreographed by award-winning Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer Nina Rajarani MBE. www.kalasangam.org…
BRITISH and Indian military services will take part in exercises as the UK’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, sailed into the Bay of Bengal today (15). The deployment “is a powerful demonstration of the UK’s commitment to deepening its diplomatic, economic and security-based ties in the…
A six-year-old British Indian girl has won Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s daily Points of Light award for her campaign to raise awareness of deforestation and climate change. Aleesha Gadhia is a climate activist and mini ambassador for UK-based non-profit Cool Earth and has raised over £3,000 for the organisation. Cool Earth…
LIVE PERFORMANCE DARBAR FESTIVAL 2021 When: Thursday, October 21-Sunday, October 24 Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS What: The annual music festival, now in its 16th year, returns following a digital edition in 2020, with more classical concerts and performances featuring acclaimed artists. Some of the concerts will be available…
BRITAIN's Queen Elizabeth and other members of the royal family support the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, a senior representative of Buckingham Palace told Channel 4 News in an interview. Ken Olisa, the first Black Lord-Lieutenant of London, told the channel he had discussed the topic of racism with the…
MALALA Yousafzai said she has preserved a surgically removed skull bone as a reminder of the horror she went through after she was shot by a Taliban insurgent in Pakistan nine years ago. The Nobel Peace Prize winner, who survived the brutal attack as she received intensive medical care in…
STUDENTS have celebrated the release of their GCSE results on Thursday (12) after a second year of cancelled exams due to the coronavirus pandemic. Alike to A-Level results on Tuesday (10), teachers submitted grades for pupils using their mock exams and coursework as estimates. According to data, top grades (7/As…
STUDENTS expressed their happiness and relief as their A-levels results were revealed on Tuesday (10), following a second year of replacement grades after cancelled exams due to the coronavirus pandemic. Grades have been decided by teachers’ estimates - rather than exams - after almost 40 per cent of students taking…
ENGLAND has been granted "dialogue partner" status by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced on Thursday (5), saying that the partnership is expected to lead to closer cooperation between the UK and the region on a range of issues such as trade,…
BRITAIN said on Tuesday (20) it would permanently deploy two warships in Asia after its Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier arrives in Japan in September, traversing waters at the centre of tension between China, the United States and its ally Japan. Plans for the high-profile visit by the carrier leading a…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson was not prepared to impose lockdown restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19 to save the elderly and denied the National Health Service (NHS) would be overwhelmed, his former aide said in an interview on Monday (19). In his first TV interview since leaving his…
JAMAICA plans to ask Britain for compensation for the Atlantic slave trade in the former British colony, a senior government official said, under a petition that could seek billions of pounds in reparations. Jamaica was a centre of the slave trade, with the Spanish, then the British, forcibly transporting Africans…
BRITAIN's Queen Elizabeth has awarded George Cross, UK's highest award for gallantry and heroism, to National Health Service (NHS) in recognition of health workers' service over seven decades and during the pandemic, Buckingham Palace announced on Monday (5). "This award recognises all NHS staff, past and present, across all…
BUCKINGHAM PALACE has admitted that it “must do more” as it came to light for the first time on Thursday (24) that Britain's royal family employs a very low proportion of ethnic minority staff, amounting to just 8.5 per cent. "It is not that we have not been progressing…
ENGLAND footballers Raheem Sterling and Jordan Henderson will receive the MBE as part of Queen Elizabeth's Birthday Honours List announced on Friday (11). Manchester City forward Sterling, 26, is being recognised for his campaigning against racism and setting up a foundation for deprived children. "I am grateful to have been…
By Amit Roy MALALA YOUSAFZAI is now a young woman of 23 and has talked, probably for the first time, about finding love. The activist for girls’ education is now so famous that she is known by her first name. She has just spent three days in London being glammed…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced on Sunday the birth of their daughter Lilibet Diana - named for Harry's grandmother Queen Elizabeth and his late mother - in a moment of joy capping a year of increasingly strained ties between the couple and the British royal family. The baby, who…
Asim Chaudhry is known for his performances in People Just Do Nothing (TV series), Hoff the Record (TV series), Eaten by Lions (film), Click & Collect (film), and others. Now, recently, the actor posted on Twitter that he has recorded for the series The Crown. Asim tweeted, “Just recorded the…
THE maiden voyage of a new British aircraft carrier has the potential to trigger a potential batteship diplomacy as it would sail into uncharted waters as part of NATO exercises in the Mediterranean. Speaking on board HMS Queen Elizabeth, the largest ship built for the Royal Navy, Admiral Tony Radakin…
QUEEN ELIZABETH will set out government's post-pandemic agenda on Tuesday (11), outlining a raft of new laws prime minister Boris Johnson hopes will help him fulfill his promise to tackle inequality and "level up" the country. In a ceremony stripped back because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the queen will list…
By Charlotte Green FOLLOWING Oldham’s dramatic election shock in the early hours – which saw council leader Sean Fielding lose his seat – the question of his successor looms large. Fielding lost his seat in Failsworth West, which he had held since 2012 by 191 votes to Mark Wilkinson, a…
By Charlotte Green LABOUR'S stronghold in Oldham has been dealt a shattering blow after the incumbent council leader was defeated by a new independent party. Sean Fielding, who became leader in May 2018 at the age of just 28 after ousting incumbent Jean Stretton from the top job, lost his…
QUEEN ELIZABETH and her family paid their last respects to Prince Philip at a funeral on Saturday (17) that celebrated his naval past, his international heritage and seven decades of service in which he helped guide the queen through repeated crises. Elizabeth, dressed in black and in a white trimmed…
WHEN Prince Philip's coffin is conveyed to church for his funeral service, it will be taken in a specially-commissioned Land Rover that the British royal himself helped design. Philip, the husband of Queen Elizabeth, died last week aged 99 and his funeral will be held entirely at Windsor Castle on…
THE QUEEN bids a final farewell to her late husband, Prince Philip, on Saturday (17), at a funeral restricted by coronavirus rules but reflecting his long life of military and public service. The ceremony from behind the stately walls of Windsor Castle, west of London, will be watched by an…
Here is a timeline for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II's husband Prince Philip, which takes place at Windsor Castle, west of London, on Saturday (17). 11:00 am local time (1000 GMT). Prince Philip's coffin is moved from the royal family's private chapel at Windsor Castle to a separate hall…
AN almost 90-year-old car that once belonged to Britain's late Prince Philip is now the centrepiece of a seaside museum in Sri Lanka. The Duke of Edinburgh, whose funeral will be on Saturday (17), was a car aficionado who bought the 1935 Standard Nine for £12 when he was based…
As tributes pour in for Prince Philip, we reveal his legacy on British Asians By Barnie Choudhury Prince Philip crossed generational divides and helped south Asians to transform Britain, according to politicians, business, global and Commonwealth leaders. They also told Eastern Eye that the duke was wrongly characterised as racist,…
GUN salutes will be fired across Britain on Saturday (10) to mark the passing of Prince Philip as tributes flooded in for a man who was a pillar of strength for Queen Elizabeth during her 69-year reign. Flowers were piled high outside royal residences as sombre mourners paid their respects…
HERE are 10 key dates in the life of Britain's Prince Philip, who died Friday (9) at age 99: Birth June 10, 1921: Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark is born on a kitchen table in Corfu. Aged 18 months, he was spirited out of Greece in an orange box…
PRINCE PHILIP, husband of the Queen and a leading figure in the British royal family for almost seven decades, has died aged 99, Buckingham Palace said on Friday (9). The Duke of Edinburgh, as he was officially known, had been by his wife’s side throughout her 69-year reign, the longest…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi paid tribute on Friday (9) to Prince Philip who visited the former British colony four times, not always helping to mend ties. Modi praised the "distinguished" military career of Queen Elizabeth II's husband, who has died at the age of 99. "My thoughts are with…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson paid tribute to Prince Philip, who died on Friday (9), saying the country would mourn with the royal family and Queen Elizabeth, who had lost her 'strength and stay of more than 70 years'. "We remember the duke ... above all for his steadfast support for Her Majesty…
by LAUREN CODLING ACCUSATIONS of racism against the British royal family by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shown that racial discrimination is “still pervasive in British society”, commentators have said. In a wide-ranging interview aired in the UK on Monday evening (8), the duchess spoke about her experiences…
QUEEN ELIZABETH has said that the British royals were saddened by the challenging experiences of her grandson Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and promised to privately address revelations about a racist remark about their son. Meghan and Harry's tell-all TV interview with Oprah Winfrey aired on US television on…
THE British monarchy wrestled on Tuesday (9) to formulate a response to Meghan and Prince Harry who accused a family member of making a racist remark about their son and courtiers of ignoring her pleas for help when she was suicidal. Meghan and Harry's tell-all TV interview to Oprah Winfrey…
Meghan says royals worried about skin colour of her son Prince Harry's wife says she was suicidal Harry: my father Prince Charles let me down MEGHAN, the wife of Prince Harry, accused Britain's royal family of raising concerns about how dark their son's skin might be and pushing her to…
MEGHAN, Britain's Duchess of Sussex, was awarded £450,000 on Tuesday (2) as a provisional payment towards her legal costs after she won a privacy claim against the Mail on Sunday which had printed extracts of a letter she wrote to her father. Last month, a judge at London's High Court…
By Amit Roy AS A special treat for BBC Radio 4 listeners on Valentine’s Day last Sunday (14), Malala Yousafzai appeared on Desert Island Discs when she revealed many of her thoughts, feelings and interests. The presenter, Lauren Laverne, said her guest, who was very nearly killed by the…
Despite stark failures in curbing Covid-19's spread, Britain has scored a notable success with its mass vaccination drive, giving 15 million people a first dose by Sunday. Here are some of the factors behind the speedy rollout. - Early backing - In May 2020 the UK government signed a deal…
By Amit Roy FAMILY treasures belonging to Patricia Mountbatten, the elder daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, are to be auctioned by Sotheby’s on March 24. More than 350 lots “spanning jewellery, furniture, paintings, sculpture, books, silver, ceramics & objets d’art” reflect the Mountbatten family’s close…
By Amit Roy Heirlooms in Sotheby's sale include jewellery, paintings and objects D'art FAMILY treasures belonging to Patricia Mountbatten, the elder daughter of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, are to be auctioned by Sotheby’s on March 24. More than 350 lots “spanning jewellery, furniture, paintings, sculpture, books,…
World leaders said they were looking forward to working with Joe Biden, the Democrat sworn in as US president on Wednesday (20) after four turbulent years under Donald Trump. - Britain - Prime minister Boris Johnson, who has faced criticism over his close relationship with Trump, said he was looking…
THE UK prime minister Boris Johnson has said that the year 2021 will be an important one for UK-India ties. He made this comment while discussing global and bilateral issues, including collaboration on Covid-19 vaccine, climate change, and trade and investment flows with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Friday(27).…
A NEW public garden will be created at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to commemorate Londoners who have lost their lives to Covid-19. London Mayor Sadiq Khan on Friday(27) said that 33 blossoming trees, one for each London borough, will be the centrepiece of a new public garden which will commemorate…
By Amit Roy WHAT a civilised country Britain is becomes apparent from the tale of Jan Morris, the travel writer, who died last Friday (20), aged 94, at her home in Wales. Jan was famous for two events in a varied and colourful life. She was born James Morris but…
BRITAIN's poppy appeal, when tens of millions buy a red paper or metal poppy to remember the war dead and help armed forces families, is struggling to collect money amid the strictest lockdown in peacetime history. In Britain, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the Remembrance Poppy became a…
BRITAIN's Prince William contracted Covid-19 in April but he kept his diagnosis a secret because he did not want to 'alarm the country', media reports said. William, grandson of Queen Elizabeth and second-in-line to the British throne, caught the virus at a similar time his father Prince Charles also contracted…
INDIAN luxury silk firm has opened its first UK store in Wembley by investing around £300,000 with support from the UK’s department for international trade (DIT). Chennai-based Nalli Silks, which previously gifted sarees to King George V and Queen Elizabeth, is likely to open more stores in London and Birmingham,…
Internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, whose directorial repertoire consists of several outstanding Hindi and British titles, has been appointed as the President of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) Society and the Chairman of the institute's governing council. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday announced his selection.…
Doctors, nurses, fundraisers and volunteers who have made "outstanding contributions" to the UK's coronavirus response will be recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours list to be unveiled on October 10, Downing Street said on Sunday (27). The list, which is traditionally published in early June to coincide with the…
Thousands of innovative new coronavirus-safe face masks created by a surgeon and his colleague based in the UK are being offered free to the National Health Service (NHS) clinics to stop patients from accidentally spreading COVID-19 to ear, nose and throat (ENT) medics. Dr Ajith George, who is based at…
THE Caribbean island of Barbados wants to remove Britain's Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and become a republic, the government has said, reviving a plan mooted several times in the past. A former colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a formal link with the British…
by LAUREN CODLING AS A teenager, Air Trooper Munib Sheikh dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. Growing up in Pakistan, Sheikh idolised Portugal footballer Cristiano Ronaldo for his work ethic and rise to the top of his field. The self-proclaimed “football crazy” teen was inspired to pursue his own dream…
BRITAIN on Friday (11) announced a £23.8 million investment to triple the size of its base in an Omani port close to the sensitive waters of the Gulf. The expansion of the "logistics hub" at Duqm will "facilitate Royal Navy deployments to the Indian Ocean" and "further support British Army…
by LAUREN CODLING A NEW exhibition featuring four centuries of paintings and manuscripts gifted to the British monarchy from the Indian subcontinent is a “once in a generation experience,” its curator has said. Eastern Encounters showcases a number of artworks, including vivid depictions of the Mughal court, royal portraits and…
A study of 400 hospital patients in the UK has revealed that air pollution, overcrowded and poor-standard homes are linked to severe impact of Covid-19 on people from minority ethnic groups. People from areas of environmental and housing deprivation were twice as likely to arrive at hospital with more severe…
A FORMER Uber driver cleared of planning a terror attack at Buckingham Palace was on Thursday jailed for life after plotting a gun and knife rampage at London tourist sites. Mohiussunnath Chowdhury was found guilty in February of planning to target popular attractions, including the annual Gay Pride march last…
MEGHAN MARKLE has spoken about events following the police killing of George Floyd, saying she was sorry that children had to grow up in a world where racism still existed. The Duchess of Sussex termed that current events in the US "absolutely devastating". "I know you know that black lives…
COLONEL Tom Moore, who became a national hero in Britain after raising £33 million for the NHS in the run-up to his 100th birthday, is to be knighted. Moore becomes "Sir Tom" after a special nomination from Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who called him a "true national treasure". Moore set himself the goal of…
QUEEN ELIZABETH II led tributes to veterans of World War Two recalling the "never give up, never despair" message of Victory in Europe Day 75 years ago as the coronavirus damped commemorations for the end of the war on the continent. In a rare televised address that brought together the…
The UK on Friday (8) paid tributes to an estimated 87,000 Indian martyrs who had fought as part of the British Army as it observed a two-minute silence to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. With about 2.5 million men, the Indian Army of the Second World…
BORIS JOHNSON on Friday (8) compared Britain's battle with coronavirus to the country's fight against the Axis powers in World War II, in a letter to veterans to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The prime minister told veterans they were "quite simply the greatest generation of Britons who…
BRITISH World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has become a national hero after raising almost £30 million for the NHS, celebrates his 100th birthday on Thursday (30) with an honorary promotion and two military flypasts. Moore has raised £29.4 million for charities that help front-line NHS staff by…
An online fundraising drive to cover the funeral expenses of an Indian-origin woman, who died of COVID-19 while her daughter is battling the deadly virus, attracted over £6,000 within a day. Anusuya Chandra Mohan, in her 60s, passed away recently and her family in the UK and India were keen…
The UK's death toll from Covid-19 in hospitals rose 861 to 13,729, as of 1600 GMT on Wednesday (15). It was the biggest daily rise in five days. "[At least] 327,608 people have been tested of which 103,093 tested positive," the health ministry said. Deaths in English hospitals rose by…
By Amit Roy WHEN Joanna Lumley appeared as a guest on Classic FM last Sunday (12), she was introduced by a star-struck presenter John Humphrys – he is no longer the fierce inquisitor from his Radio 4 Today days – with the gushing words: “There are so many Joanna Lumleys…
BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital for tests on Sunday (5), 10 days after testing positive for the virus, even as Downing Street said he remained in charge of the government. "The PM is still at hospital," a British government source said on Monday (6). "He spent…
Queen Elizabeth told the British people on Sunday (5) that they would overcome the coronavirus outbreak if they stayed resolute in the face of lockdown and self-isolation, invoking the spirit of World War Two in an extremely rare broadcast to the nation. In what was only the fifth televised address…
The British government on Sunday warned that outside exercise could be banned if people flout stringent guidelines to cut the spread of coronavirus infections. The UK government on March 23 ordered a three-week shutdown of non-essential shops and services to cut close-contact transmission of the virus. But warmer weekend weather…
Deaths from the global coronavirus epidemic accelerated again on Friday (3) as the US, Spain and Britain grappled with their highest tolls yet and the world economy took a massive hit. With more than 53,000 dead, the threat has never been more stark. Experts warn that the more than one…
Queen Elizabeth II will make an extremely rare address to the nation on Sunday as Britain grapples with the increasingly deadly coronavirus outbreak. The government has put Britain into a lockdown, closing pubs, restaurants and nearly all shops, while banning social gatherings and ordering Britons to stay at home unless…
PIONEERING British arts legend Jay Visvadeva has many impressive achievements, including curating more than 1,600 events with over 3,200 artists at hundreds of venues, across a 50-year career. During this time, he also co-produced 450 multi-genre music albums from the South Asian arts world. He is still going strong, curating…
British Prime minister Boris Johnson has tested positive for coronavirus and is self-isolating at his Downing Street residence but said he would still lead the government’s response to the accelerating outbreak. Johnson, 55, experienced mild symptoms on Thursday - a day after he answered at the prime minister’s weekly question-and-answer…
Prime minister Boris Johnson said Thursday (19) that Britain could "turn the tide" on coronavirus within 12 weeks -- but only if people heed advice to avoid social contact. "We can turn the tide within the next 12 weeks, and I'm absolutely confident we can send coronavirus packing in this…
British prime minister Boris Johnson's government on Tuesday (17) unveiled a huge package of support for businesses to help them survive the introduction of tough new social measures to stem the coronavirus outbreak. The Conservative leader said Britain needed to act "like any wartime government", as chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled…
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton, visited Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant in South Wales on Tuesday (February 4). The Tata Group said Kate and William were shown around the integrated steel-making site (UK's largest) and explained about the importance of Tata Steel’s operations to…
UK home secretary Priti Patel on Monday (13) dismissed suggestions that some of the country's media coverage of Meghan Markle had racist connotations, ahead of crisis talks to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth to chalk out the future roles for Prince Harry and his wife. Patel will oversee the final…
The UK government on Thursday (19) confirmed plans to introduce a new visa for qualified doctors and nurses from countries around the world to address workforce shortages in the state-funded National Health Service (NHS). Prime minister Boris Johnson had made references to such a new so-called “NHS visa” on the…
An Indian-origin writer has spoken about her grandfather''s unique friendship with a fellow soldier during World War II as the UK marks Remembrance Sunday in honour of those from the Indian subcontinent who fought with the British in the two World Wars. Nima Suchak said that Remembrance had not felt…
by LAUREN CODLING A LEADING actress has revealed how she pulled apart the typical notion of an “idealised” Indian mother in her latest theatre role, which is set to premiere in north London on Wednesday (23). In When the Crows Visit, British-Indian actress Ayesha Dharker plays Hema, a mother who…
UK-based India-born Nobel Prize winning biologist Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has warned the British government that the uncertainty around Brexit is hurting science in Britain, with a dramatic drop in the number of leading researchers. The president of the Royal Society, Britain's key advocate for science, issued his latest warning as…
A fair, modern and global immigration system was listed at the heart of a series of policies tabled by the Boris Johnson led government as part of the Queen’s Speech in Parliament on Monday (14). The speech, read out by Queen Elizabeth, sets the government’s agenda for the parliamentary year…
Legend: Amidst the many who populated the galaxy of dancing stars of the 1960s Tamil screen, Kamala Laxman was a bit different. She wasn’t the most beautiful nor the most glamorous, but my mother, who had seen her performances on stage when she was young, had already built her up…
THE award-winning Scottish artist behind the iconic sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square in London believes that the apostle of peace is the most revered of world leaders who occupy that historic site opposite the Palace of Westminster, which houses the UK Parliament. As Britain joins in marking the…
Mumbai cafe owner Boman Kohinoor, arguably India's biggest fan of the British royal family, died on Wednesday (25), officials said. The Indian Parsi restaurateur "was suffering from cardiac issues and passed away at 4:45 pm (1115 GMT)," an official from Parsee General Hospital told AFP. Kohinoor was the star of…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi, along with UN chief Antonio Guterres and other world leaders, inaugurated the Gandhi Solar Park and Gandhi Peace Garden at the headquarters of the global body, underlining that Mahatma Gandhi's principles act as a moral compass as the world grapples with challenges of climate change,…
BRITISH prime minister Boris Johnson's decision to shut down the British parliament for five weeks in the run-up to Brexit was unlawful, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday (24) in a humiliating rebuke to him. The unanimous decision by the court's 11 presiding judges thrusts Britain's exit from the European…
Britain's Supreme Court announced on Thursday (19) said it will rule next week on whether prime minister Boris Johnson acted unlawfully in shutting down parliament in the final weeks before Brexit. Following three days of intense arguments as the Brexit battle switched to the highest court in the land, judges…
Judging Navadal dance competition: Being on the judging panel for Navadal 2017 and 2019, the Akademi’s national Indian classical youth dance competition, has been a privilege. It is so incredible to see how strong the Indian classical dance scene is becoming here in the UK, it’s something to be really proud of. Training…
A PETITION opposing prime minister Boris Johnson's decision to suspend parliament for a month in the run-up to the planned Brexit date of October 31 gained more than 450,000 signatures in a matter of hours after Johnson's announcement. Johnson set October 14 for the formal state opening of a new…
INDIAN prime minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the 'Order of Zayed', the UAE's highest civilian award, on Saturday (24) as a mark of appreciation for his efforts to boost bilateral ties between the two nations. The award has earlier been bestowed on several world leaders, including Russian president Vladimir…
BY LAUREN CODLING BRITISH ASIAN school leavers celebrated their GCSE results today (22), as it was revealed the pass rate and the percentage of top grades had increased this year. The pass rate rose to 67.3 per cent in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It has increased up by 0.4…
BY LAUREN CODLING STUDENTS across the country have been celebrating as thousands received their A-Level results today (15). Many gathered to collect results this morning to see if they had been accepted to their university of choice, as it was announced the proportion of students achieving the top grades at…
A prominent Indian-origin peer in the House of Lords on Wednesday (24) said he believes that Britain's prime minister-in-waiting, Boris Johnson, will appoint one of the UK's most ethnically diverse Cabinets in history. With British Indian Conservative Party parliamentarians Priti Patel, Rishi Sunak and Alok Sharma all tipped for frontline…
BORIS JOHNSON took office as British prime minister on Wednesday (24), vowing to implement the result of the 2016 Brexit referendum and lead Britain out of the European Union on October 31 with "no ifs or buts". Johnson enters Downing Street at one of the most perilous junctures in post-World…
NEWLY elected prime minister Boris Johnson is expected to present an ethnically diverse Cabinet after he meets the Queen later today (24). Sources close to Johnson say that his team will reflect "modern Britain." It will see more women and a better representation from ethnic minorities. "Boris will build a…
THE Brexiteer, Boris Johnson, who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by the end of October, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party on Tuesday (23). His convincing victory catapults the UK towards…
IRELAND will work constructively with Boris Johnson to resolve the impasse over Britain's planned exit from the European Union, foreign minister Simon Coveney said on Tuesday (23) after Johnson was elected leader of Britain's governing Conservative Party. "Congratulations to Boris Johnson on becoming leader of the UK Conservative Party," Coveney…
BORIS Johnson, the ebullient Brexiteer who has promised to lead Britain out of the European Union with or without a deal by Halloween, will replace Theresa May as prime minister after winning the leadership of the Conservative Party on Tuesday (23). His victory catapults the United Kingdom towards a Brexit…
Nobel Prize winning biologist Prof Sir Venkatraman (Venki) Ramakrishnan has written to Britain's prime ministerial hopefuls to warn them of the adverse impact on science if the UK were to crash out of the European Union without a deal in place. Boris Johnson, the front-runner in the race to replace…
Prince William and his wife Kate will visit Pakistan later this year on the first royal trip to the country in more than a decade, Kensington Palace announced on Sunday (30). Pakistan has battled homegrown militants for more than a decade, with tens of thousands of people killed, but the…
REVERED speaker Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswatiji has called for an urgent need to conserve water, considering 780 million have no access to an improved water source. Speaking at the G20 Interfaith Summit in Tokyo, Japan, Saraswatiji said water shortage will be more widespread and severe by 2040, and to combat this,…
Academics, business chiefs and professionals from different fields are among over 30 India-origin high achievers to make it to the Queen's annual Birthday Honours list released in London on Saturday (8). Professor Harminder Singh Dua, professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Nottingham, has been honoured as…
BRITISH prime minister Theresa May steps down as leader of her Conservative Party on Friday (7), formally triggering the race for a successor who will try where she failed to deliver Brexit. May will remain prime minister until a new leader is chosen, likely in late July, but has relinquished…
United States president Donald Trump on Wednesday (5) blamed India, China and Russia for pollution while claiming that his own country has among the "cleanest climates". "China, India, Russia, many other nations, they have not very good air, not very good water, and the sense of pollution and cleanliness," Trump…
US president Donald Trump promised a ‘phenomenal’ post-Brexit trade deal with Britain as he met outgoing prime minister Theresa May on Tuesday (4) to boost their frayed alliance against a backdrop of protests and political turmoil. As a big balloon of a nappy-wearing baby Trump floated over a rally that…
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, on Sunday (2) branded the US president as one of the "fascists of the 20th century" and said Britain should not be rolling out a red carpet to a leader like him for a state visit to…
A British-Indian female banking chief from the UK's wealthiest Hinduja family has lashed out at the "toxic culture" that exists for women in the financial world Shanu Hinduja, the chairperson of the Switzerland-headquartered Hinduja Bank, told the Sunday Times that female entrepreneurs were frozen out by a "deeply patriarchal" system…
A new Offensive Weapons Bill aimed at tackling rising knife crime in the UK completed its journey through Parliament to become an act of law after receiving the Royal Assent of Queen Elizabeth this week. The bill had been amended late last year to ensure that it would not impact…
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has given birth to a boy, her "over the moon" husband Prince Harry revealed to the world on Monday in a low-key announcement intended to protect their privacy. Prince Harry said that both mother and baby were "doing incredibly well" as he gave a short…
BRITAIN'S high commissioner to India laid a wreath on Saturday (13) on the 100th anniversary of the Amritsar massacre, one of the worst atrocities of colonial rule for which London is still to apologise. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre, as it is known in India, saw British troops fire on thousands…
HUNDREDS of people holding candles and the national flag marched through the northern Indian city of Amritsar on Friday (12), on the eve of the centenary of the colonial-era Jallianwala Bagh massacre that British prime minister Theresa May has called a "shameful scar." On April 13, 1919, some 50 British…
BRITISH firm BAE Systems has offered India the designs for the Queen Elizabeth-class warship, a report yesterday (5) said. Discussions were held between Indian and British authorities about selling the designs of the Royal Navy’s top aircraft carriers to New Delhi. Indian Naval officials held discussions in Britain which included…
BRITAIN'S prince William will visit New Zealand next month to honour the 50 victims of the mass shooting at mosques two weeks ago, his office said on Wednesday (27). William, the Duke of Cambridge, will make the trip on behalf of his 92-year-old grandmother Queen Elizabeth, New Zealand's head of…
QUEEN Elizabeth on Wednesday (27) hailed the contribution of the nearly 60,000 Indian doctors employed by the NHS during a discussion with the Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Ruchi Ghanashyam. The 92-year-old monarch received Ghanashyam at Buckingham Palace for the presentation of letters of credence ceremony, which marks the…
by LAUREN CODLING THE chief of the Indian Navy (IN) has spoken of the “valuable” partnership between themselves and the Royal Navy (RN), as a carrier aviation plan was announced between the two forces. Admiral Sunil Lanba toured the HMNB Portsmouth naval base last Thursday (14) as part of a…
Two minor Indian-origin brothers were named by British police on Saturday as the victims of a fatal car crash in Wolverhampton involving speeding vehicles. The brothers, 10-year-old Sanjay and 23-month-old Pawanveer Singh, were in their BMW with their mother when they were struck by an Audi S3 on Thursday evening,…
by Amit Roy WHEN she appeared on Who Do You Think You Are? on TV last year, British actress Olivia Colman spoke about discovering she had Indian ancestry. “I’m much more interesting than I thought I was,” was her reaction. Such openness has not always been the case. At 45,…
A top UK government diplomat in India visited the University of Birmingham recently to discover how research experts might work with policymakers and partners in the country’s south-eastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Deputy high commissioner Hyderabad Andrew Fleming visited the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education to…
The UK and India pledged to work closely post-Brexit as the bilateral ties moved forward smoothly in 2018, a year in which India scored a major diplomatic victory when a British court ordered the extradition of liquor baron Vijay Mallya wanted back home for alleged bank fraud. The year 2018…
More and more South Asian families are realising that nursing can be a good career option for their children, thanks to better awareness about the job. Although attitudes are changing, there’s still a long way to go before Asian families consider nursing a prestigious career option. Former banking professional Farina Saheed…
A new sculpture in honour of Indian soldiers who fought during World War I was unveiled on Sunday in the town of Smethwick in the West Midlands region of England on Sunday. Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick had commissioned the “Lions of the Great War” monument, which depicts a turbaned Sikh…
British MPs have made a renewed attempt to raise the profile of a long-standing campaign for declaring the festivals of Diwali and Eid public holidays in the UK with a debate in the House of Commons. The debate on Monday was in response to e-petitions on the Parliament's official website calling for such a move, with the…
Representatives of the Jain and Zoroastrian will now join 15 other faiths, including Hinduism, Sikhism, at Britain's annual war memorial service to make it more reflective of modern Britain, Faith Minister Lord Bourne announced on Wednesday. Hinduism, Sikhism, Islam, Christianity and Judaism are among the faiths already represented at the…
Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are expecting a baby in the spring of 2019, they announced on Monday (15) as they began a Pacific tour. "The Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Sussex is…
A 22-year-old Sikh soldier could be expelled from the UK Army after he was tested positive for cocaine, according to a media report. Charanpreet Singh Lall, who created history by becoming the first to wear a turban during an annual parade to mark British Queen Elizabeth II's birthday ceremony, is…
By LAUREN CODLING SCHOOL LEAVERS celebrated their GCSE results on Thursday morning (23), as it was revealed overall pass rates had increased despite ‘tougher’ exams. More than one-fifth of pupils were awarded top marks, with 20.5 per cent taking home either a 7, 8 or 9. Figures published by the…
BY LAUREN CODLING STUDENTS across the country expressed their happiness and surprise as their A-Levels results were revealed today (16). Students were able to collect results on Thursday morning to see if they had been accepted to their university of choice, as it was announced grades are at a six-year…
by NADEEM BADSHAH MIGRANTS WARY OF SEEKING HELP DUE TO SAFETY FEARS HOMELESS migrants are sleeping in airports and shopping centres due to fears about their safety as well as to avoid being recognised, making it less likely they will receive help, charities said. Campaigners say the growing problem of “hidden…
by LAUREN CODLING A YOUNG Indian who works to promote gender equality in her local community and a Pakistani founder of a network designed to teach underprivileged children the national curriculum are among those who met British prime minister Theresa May on Monday (25) as part of the Queen’s Young…
by LAUREN CODLING PUPILS from a school in north London were named world champions at the world’s largest robotic tournament last month, making them the first UK team ever to win the accolade. The boys from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, north London, brought home the Vex IQ Challenge Excellence…
A Sikh soldier became the first to wear a turban instead of a bearskin hat during the annual parade that celebrates the Queen's Birthday. Guardsman Charanpreet Singh Lall, 22, marched among 1,000 soldiers taking part in Trooping the Colour ceremony. His turban was black to match his comrades' headgear and…
by LAUREN CODLING A RENOWNED Indian engineer has proposed creating an Indo-UK young scientist network which he believes can help tackle challenges such as climate change and drive innovation in health and education sectors. Dr RA Mashelkar, a scientist and a recently appointed judge for the Queen Elizabeth Prize (QEPrize)…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot at Windsor Castle on Saturday in a royal wedding like no other, mixing British pomp and African-American culture in front of a celebrity congregation and cheering crowds. The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows in St. George's Chapel in a…
by Sarwar Alam WHEN Harpreet Chauhan visited London in 2006 for a cousin’s wedding, her plan was to have a good time, enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, and head back home to India. Fate would, however, have different plans for her. Nearly 12 years later, she lives…
VIDYA PATEL WILL PLAY CONTRASTING ROLES AT THE ALCHEMY FESTIVAL A BIG star of this year’s Alchemy Festival is sparkling dancer Vidya Patel, who will be performing in contrasting productions About The Elephant and The Troth. The latter is the latest production from my favourite dance company Akademi, who have always…
by ASJAD NAZIR HOW THE SKA VENGERS PUT THEIR OWN UNIQUE STAMP ON THE MUSIC INDUSTRY BRITISH keyboardist Stefan Kaye put up an advert looking to form a ska band because he thought it might be a fun project to start in India. That is because there were no prominent ska/…
KATE, the wife of Prince William, was admitted to hospital on Monday (23) to give birth to the couple's third child and the latest member of Britain's royal family. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as the couple are officially known, drove from their home Kensington Palace in central London…
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday (19) appealed to Commonwealth leaders to appoint her son as their head. Addressing world leaders as she opened the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, the Queen said it was her "sincere wish" that Prince Charles takes over "one day." She said: "It…
LUKE SITAL-SINGH FOCUSED FOR LIVE ALCHEMY SHOW SOME of the greatest live music of the year can be seen at the annual Alchemy Festival that takes place at Southbank Centre in London. Like previous years, the action-packed series of events at the 2018 edition in May will give a great…
by LAUREN CODLING AN ANNUAL arts festival celebrating the “unique” links between the UK and south Asia returns to London next month. The Alchemy Festival at the Southbank Centre will feature dance performances, comedy, DJs, music, food and film. Rachel Harris, the creative producer at the Southbank Centre, told Eastern…
India prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK last night (17) for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport. Johnson said he was "excited"…
Britain is hoping this week's Commonwealth summit will prise open greater trade with its historic network as it prepares to quit the European single market under Brexit. The UK is pouncing on the organisation's analysis showing the advantages of trade between Commonwealth countries due to its common language and legal…
By Amit Roy A new exhibition at Kensington Palace, Victoria Revealed, shows how closely the histories of Britain and India are intertwined. This will run for the rest of 2018 but next year there will be much more on Queen Victoria because 24 May 1819 will mark the 200th anniversary…
THE UK reacted angrily on Monday (5) to a tweet from US President Donald Trump attacking its public healthcare system in the latest spat to strain US-UK ties, casting further doubt on his possible visit to London. "The Democrats are pushing for Universal HealthCare while thousands of people are marching…
A 26-year-old man of Bangladeshi-origin, who was arrested with a sword near Buckingham Palace and charged with a terror offence, has denied engaging in the acts of terrorism. Mohiussunnath Chowdhury, from Luton area of England, appeared at the Old Bailey court in London via a video link from Belmarsh Prison,…
Queen Elizabeth reflected on the "appalling" terrorist attacks in London and Manchester this year in her traditional Christmas Day message televised to the Commonwealth. The 91-year-old monarch, whose pre-recorded message, paid tribute to the "powerful identities" of the two cities which suffered the loss of 35 lives in attacks claimed…
Prime Minister Theresa May repeated Thursday (30) that US President Donald Trump was wrong to retweet anti-Muslim videos posted by a British far-right group, but stressed that the two nations "special relationship" would continue. May's initial condemnation prompted an extraordinary rebuke from the US leader, who told her on Twitter: "Don't focus…
A 52-year-old doctor in the UK has been charged with committing three sex assaults, according to a media report. Vibhore Gupta, based at Edgbaston's Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, was arrested in March this year, following a report made to the police. In 2013, he added his weight to West…
Police have arrested a second man over the bombing of a London commuter train on Friday (15) that injured 30 people and the security services lowered the threat level for an attack from its highest setting. The 21-year-old man was detained under Britain's terrorism laws in the west London suburb of Hounslow just…
Grouchy, greedy and constipated: nobody could accuse Stephen Frears of kowtowing with his portrayal of Queen Victoria in his new film Victoria & Abdul, which premiered in Venice on Sunday. The director, who won a string of awards for The Queen, his 2006 depiction of Queen Elizabeth II in turmoil…
A leading gastroenterologist, academics and several professionals across different fields are among the various Indian-origin achievers in the UK named in the Queen's annual Birthday Honours list released today. Parveen June Kumar has been conferred the prestigious Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for services to…
The recurring terror attacks across the globe are a grim reminder of the need to intensify the global fight against terrorism, President Pranab Mukherjee said today (24). In a letter to Queen Elizabeth, Mukherjee conveyed his condolences on the lives lost in Mondays terror attack in Manchester. "We are deeply…
A prominent Indian businessman's food processing plant in Britain has won the prestigious Queen's Enterprise Award 2017 for its exceptional contribution to the UK's trade, industry and economy. Yusaffali MA, 61, said the recognition for his Birmingham-based Y International (UK) Ltd will spur his Abu Dhabi headquartered Lulu Group International…
Britain’s defence secretary Michael Fallon will arrive in India tomorrow for a four-day visit during which he will take part in the first Indo-UK strategic dialogue. Fallon will be the third UK Cabinet minister to visit India this month after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond and energy minister Greg…
High Commissioner of India, H.E. Mr. Navtej Sarna presented his credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom at the Buckingham Palace on 16 March 2016 at 1200 hrs. He was accompanied by his wife, Dr. Avina Sarna, the Deputy High Commissioner and senior officers of the…
The annual London Book Fair, which ran from Tuesday (14) to Friday (17) at the Olympia Exhibition Centre, opened a Spotlight on India series as part of the UK-India Year of Culture celebrations in the two countries. The spotlight marked the first event as part of India@UK2017, the official set…
India has reiterated its desire to claim back the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond from Britain despite claims by New Delhi’s solicitor general that the diamond should stay where it is. India has repeatedly demanded that Britain return the 105-carat diamond, which was presented to Queen Victoria in 1850 and today sits…
MAZHER Mahmood, one of the UK’s best known undercover reporters, renowned for his “fake sheikh” sting operations which have even caught out royalty, stands accused of tampered with evidence in a criminal trial to protect his reputation, prosecutors said on Wednesday (September 22). Mahmood, who has worked for several of…
Theresa May may have fairly easily breezed through in the race to be next the prime minister and leader of the conservative party but will now face a sterner examination as the UK plans to leave the EU. May has been called upon to call a snap general election due…
British journalist Mazher Mahmood, renowned for his “fake sheikh” undercover sting operations for media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s tabloids, was jailed for 15 months today for tampering with evidence in a high-profile trial. Mahmood, 53, whose elaborate disguises have duped criminals, celebrities, and even royalty, plotted to get his driver to…
The grieving family of a great-grandmother who was killed after being stuck by a lorry in Birmingham paid tribute to the 80-year-old her describing her as a “wonderful human being.” Malkeet Kaur Surdhar was brutally injured in the collision in Soho Road, Handsworth, at around 10.45am last Tuesday (15). Her…
Shankar Balasubramanian, an Indian-origin professor of chemistry and DNA expert at Cambridge University, has received a Knighthood along with Olympic stars Andy Murray and Mo Farah among others by Queen Elizabeth II for their contributions. Balasubramanian, 50, Herchel Smith Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Cambridge University, has been recognised for…
Queen Elizabeth II will host a special reception at Buckingham Palace to kick start the UK-India Year of Culture celebrations in Britain, the Indian high commissioner has said, noting that the bilateral ties have merged “truly exciting”. In his address at the annual Republic Day event in London, Indian high…
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will tell the top US diplomat in Britain on Tuesday (7) that president Donald Trump’s travel ban on people from a list of Muslim nations is prejudiced and will hurt rather than improve US security. Khan, Britain’s most prominent Muslim politician, will make his…
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will tell the top US diplomat in Britain on Tuesday (7) that president Donald Trump’s travel ban on people from a list of Muslim nations is prejudiced and will hurt rather than improve US security. Khan, Britain’s most prominent Muslim politician, will make his…
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, will tell the top US diplomat in Britain on Tuesday (7) that president Donald Trump’s travel ban on people from a list of Muslim nations is prejudiced and will hurt rather than improve US security. Khan, Britain’s most prominent Muslim politician, will make his…