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Newspaper to challenge secrecy over Prince Philip’s will

The left-leaning daily said its challenge would “focus attention on the secrecy that surrounds an obscure exemption that has been granted to the royal family” over wills…reports Asian Lite News

British newspaper The Guardian on Monday said it had been given permission to challenge a decision banning the media from a court case about Prince Philip’s will.

A High Court judge in September 2021 ruled the will should remain sealed for 90 years, to protect the privacy of his widow, Queen Elizabeth II, and other royals. The hearing was held in private and media organisations were not allowed to attend.

The Guardian said a Court of Appeal judge had allowed it to take legal action against the attorney general, who is the government’s chief law officer, and the Queen’s private lawyers. Judge Eleanor King said there was “a real prospect” the newspaper would succeed in arguing the original judge had “erred in law” by preventing the media from attending, it added.

The left-leaning daily said its challenge would “focus attention on the secrecy that surrounds an obscure exemption that has been granted to the royal family” over wills.

Unlike those of ordinary members of the public, wills of the Windsor family are kept secret after their deaths. More than 30 members of the royal family have successfully applied at private court hearings to keep their wills secret since 1910, the newspaper said.

Prince Philip, who was also known as the Duke of Edinburgh, died in April last year, just weeks short of his 100th birthday, after more than a month in hospital. He and the Queen were married for 73 years.

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Queen pays tribute to late Prince Philip

She also praised the work of her heirs Prince Charles and Prince William at the COP26 climate change summit and their commitment to the “stewardship of the environment”…reports Asian Lite News.

Queen Elizabeth II on Saturday paid tribute to her late husband, Prince Philip, in her annual message to the nation and the Commonwealth, broadcast on Christmas Day, describing him as her “beloved” whose presence she felt during the festive period.

The 95-year-old monarch delivered a particularly personal message for the first Christmas without her husband of 73 years, who died aged 99 in April. She described Prince Philip as her “beloved”, and said she felt his presence over the festive period.

That mischievous, enquiring twinkle was as bright at the end as when I first set eyes on him, said the Queen of the late Duke of Edinburgh. “But life of course consists of final partings as well as first meetings and as much as I and my family miss him I know he would want us to enjoy Christmas. We felt his presence and we like many around the world readied ourselves for Christmas,” she said.

The message was recorded earlier at Windsor Castle beside a framed photograph of the royal couple taken during their diamond wedding anniversary in 2007 when the Queen wore the same sapphire chrysanthemum brooch as in the broadcast. After another year of uncertainty with the pandemic, Queen Elizabeth spoke of the reassuring comfort of family traditions, such as “watching a favourite film where we already know the ending”.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

She also praised the work of her heirs Prince Charles and Prince William at the COP26 climate change summit and their commitment to the “stewardship of the environment”. The monarch also looked ahead to the Platinum Jubilee next year, marking 70 years of her reign, which she hoped would bring a “sense of togetherness” and a chance to take stock of the “enormous changes” over those decades.

As a precaution against rising levels of the Omicron variant, the Queen is staying in Windsor Castle, rather than spending Christmas as usual at her Sandringham estate in Norfolk. The Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall, will be joining her at the castle for Christmas.

ALSO READ-Queen Elizabeth seen using walking stick at public event

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Prince Charles’ final conversation with Prince Philip revealed

Philip was hospitalized months before his death. On February 16, the prince was admitted to a London hospital after feeling unwell…reports Asian Lite News.

An upcoming documentary reveals snippets of the conversation Prince Charles had with his late father Prince Philip.

According to People magazine, the documentary titled, ‘Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers’, by BBC One about the legacy left by Queen Elizabeth’s husband of 73 years, Prince Charles reportedly reveals he spoke on the phone with the Prince of Edinburgh one day prior to his death.

Philip died at the age of 99 on April 9, nearly two months shy of his 100th birthday. A news outlet reported that Charles and Philip were discussing how to celebrate the big milestone in what is believed to be their final conversation.

“We’re talking about your birthday,” Charles said to his father in a phone call on April 8, according to the outlet. Charles allegedly repeated again, “We’re talking about your birthday! And whether there’s going to be reception!”

Philip, who was at his home in Windsor following a hospitalization, cracked, “Well, I’ve got to be alive for it, haven’t I?” Replying Charles said, “I knew you’d say that!”

BBC announced earlier this month that the upcoming documentary “Prince Philip: The Royal Family Remembers” will feature all four of Prince Philip and the queen’s children: Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. The project was originally produced to mark Philip’s 100th birthday on June 10.

“There are poignant recollections, plenty of humour and numerous fresh insights into the character and legacy of this royal pioneer. With special access to the Queen’s private cine-film collection, this film is an unrivalled portrait of a man with a unique place in royal history – by those who knew him best,” the BBC said in a statement, as per Fox News.

Prince Charles had offered a heartfelt tribute to his father in April following his death.

Philip was hospitalized months before his death. On February 16, the prince was admitted to a London hospital after feeling unwell.

On March 3, he underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital before being transferred back to King Edward VII hospital on March 5 and ultimately released home on March 16.

Philip married then-Princess Elizabeth in 1947 and is the longest-serving royal consort in British history. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Royal Mail issues stamps in memory of Prince Philip

READ MORE-Former aide of Prince Charles quits over honour claims

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UK News

Royal Mail issues stamps in memory of Prince Philip

Another stamp is of Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, while the last is a portrait taken by photographer Terry O’Neill…reports Asian Lite News.

The UK’s Royal Mail on Thursday announced that it has issued four new stamps in the memory of Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 last month.

The commemorative stamps feature black and white images taken at various stages of the Duke of Ediburgh’s life, reports dpa news agency.

One image reflects the Prince’s time in service, taken by the photographer Baron, while the second is of the him attending the passing out parade of his son, Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, at Dartmouth Naval College in Devon.

Another stamp is of Philip at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, while the last is a portrait taken by photographer Terry O’Neill.

The four stamps cost 5.76 pounds and are a mix of Second Class, First Class, 1.70 pound and 2.55 pound stamps.

The memorabilia is listed for pre-order on the Royal Mail website but will only go on sale from June 24.

“Throughout adulthood, the duke of Edinburgh dedicated himself to the service of this country, the Commonwealth and to the many causes he was involved with,” Simon Thompson, Chief Executive of the Royal Mail, said.

“For more than seven decades he was at the centre of our national life. His passing is a key moment in our history which we mark with this set of commemorative stamps,” Thompson added.

The Prince, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, and was the longest-serving consort in British history.

ALSO READ-Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Dies at 99

READ MORE-Britons mourn death of Prince Philip

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Events Lite Blogs UK News

NWAMI’s Big Debate captures the audience

President of NWAMI Mark Isherwood rendered welcome and a glowing tribute to Late HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was paid. Founder of NWAMI Dr. Sibani Roy read out the letter to HM Queen.

Keynote speaker Rt Hon David Jones and Prof Iwan Davies through a video gave wonderful inputs on social integration, linguistic diversity and community cohesion.

Chair Mark Isherwood speaking at NWAMI event

Human Rights Activist Muheed Jeeran joined from Sri Lanka. Judge Ray Singh CBE, Hywel Williams representing Rt. Hon. Liz Saville Roberts, Chairperson of NWAMI Malta Maria-Gabriele Doublesin and Leanne Georgiades, Secretary-General have all given their wonderful inputs on multiculturalism in the Commonwealth and how it can be harnessed.

Founder Dr Sibani Roy speaking at NWAMI event

Director of NWAMI England heading the Cultural Wing Ragasudha Vinjamuri presented a development plan in brief highlighting how cultural immersion and cultural education lead to greater understanding, mutual respect and cooperation, also eventually mitigating hate crime.

This was followed by the Big Debate on Commonwealth Issues and Q and A. Amr Alwishah hosted the event and has overseen the technicalities. 

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Prince Philip Laid to Rest

Coronavirus social distancing measures forced Queen Elizabeth II to sit alone during the funeral for her husband, Prince Philip, at the St George’s chapel in Windsor Castle, reports Asian Lite News

Prince Philip’s coffin has been interred in the royal vault of St George’s Chapel.

It was placed on a catafalque on a marble slab and lowered into the vault by an electric motor, dpa news agency reported.

The vault was created between 1804 and 1810 for George III, who died in 1820 and is one of three kings buried there. The other two are George IV and William IV.

Horns were played as his coffin was lowered down.

A blessing was given by the Archbishop of Canterbury before the choir sang the national anthem, “God Save the Queen.”

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

The members of the royal family looked up as the choir sang while the queen bowed her head.

The 94-year-old monarch was then led out of the church by the archbishop and followed by her family members.

Prince William, her grandson, was seen glancing back at the vault as he left his pew.

Queen sits on her own at funeral

Coronavirus social distancing measures forced Queen Elizabeth II to sit alone during the funeral for her husband, Prince Philip, at the St George’s chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday.

Her expression was not captured by cameras during the service, however, other members of the Royal family appeared sombre, the dpa news agency reported.

Queen Elizabeth II sits on her own at Prince Philip’s funeral (Credit : DPA) (Not for sale)

Prince Edward, the queen and Prince Philip’s youngest child, was seen touching his forehead with his hand during a performance by the choir. He was later seen gazing at the coffin of his father.

Several of the Royals read the order of service throughout the funeral, while others were seen staring into the distance.

Each member of the Royal family – and their specially chosen guests – were all seen wearing formal black clothes and black face masks.

Also Read – Britons mourn death of Prince Philip

They were all spread around the chapel in their seats to comply with the current Coronavirus restrictions in place in England.

Royal Family remember Duke’s lifetime of service

The ceremonial royal funeral will remember Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburg and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, for his “unwavering loyalty” to the Queen, service to the nation and “courage”.

The duke’s association with the Royal Navy and love of the sea will also be a focus but no sermon will be delivered, in line with his wishes, the BBC reported.

More than 730 members of the armed forces are taking part in the event, but there is a limit of 30 mourners at St George’s Chapel, under Covid rules.

Prince Philip interred in the royal vault of St George’s Chapel (Credit : DPA) (Not for sale)

Representatives from military units with a special relationship to the duke are positioned in the castle’s Quadrangle, with music provided by the Band of Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, the Band of the Scots Guards and the Combined Bands of the Royal Air Force.

Prince Philip died at Windsor Castle on Friday 9 April, aged 99.

His coffin was carried the short distance to St George’s Chapel on a modified Land Rover, which the duke himself helped to design.

The funeral procession from the castle to the chapel was headed by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, the Major General’s party, and military service chiefs.

Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence and the Earl of Snowdon also walked behind the coffin, trailed by members of the duke’s household staff.

The Queen, 94, travelled with a lady-in-waiting in the state Bentley at the end of the procession.

Following the procession, a Royal Marines bearer party carried the coffin into the service.

Topless protester runs through crowd of people at Windsor Castle (Credit : DPA) (Not for sale)

A reduced choir of four singers will feature but the congregation will follow Covid restrictions and not sing.

A ceremonial gun fire at nine locations across the UK, and in Gibraltar, marked the start and end of the national minute’s silence.

Heathrow Airport said no planes would land or take off for six minutes to coincide with the silence and all major sporting events have been rescheduled to avoid a clash with the funeral.

William, Harry chat as they depart chapel together

Princes William and Harry left St George’s Chapel together and were seen chatting after the funeral service of Prince Philip on Saturday.

Prince Harry, who is also known as the Duke of Sussex, appeared to thank the Archbishop of Canterbury before speaking with Kate, the duchess of Cambridge and Prince William’s wife, dpa news agency reported.

Princes William, Harry chat as they depart chapel together ( CREDIT : dpa) (Not for sale)

He was joined on his other side by Prince William and the two brothers carried on walking together while chatting.

It appeared their conversation was relaxed, with Prince William maskless as they walked and talked outside while Prince Harry kept his mask on.

While the duo have faced difficulties in their relationship over the last few months, however, they appeared to be friendly to each other at the service.

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

British Academy’s heartfelt honour for Rishi & Irrfan

The tribute, in the form of a video clip, was a homage paid to over 40 artistes the world of screen lost during the past year, including actors, writers, directors, and technicians…reports Asian Lite News.

Its truly a great honor for Indians that our favourite actors gets honored by grand stages both in our own country and abroad. Rishi Kapoor and Irrfan Khan were among late screen icons who were given tributes along with Sean Connery, Kirk Douglas and Chadwick Boseman, at the 74th British Academy for Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards held in the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night.

The tribute, in the form of a video clip, was a homage paid to over 40 artistes the world of screen lost during the past year, including actors, writers, directors, and technicians.

The video started with a tribute to Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Irrfan’s name was accompanied by a dialogue from his 2012 Hollywood film “Life Of Pi”.

Other late artistes who were remembered in the video included Ian Holm and Barbara Windsor, and the video ended with a tribute to “Black Panther” star Chadwick Boseman.

The BAFTA, hosted by Edith Bowman and Dermot O’Leary, offered their condolences to the Royal household on the loss of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who passed away on April 9.

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Britons mourn death of Prince Philip

Britain’s Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, died at Windsor Castle on Friday morning…reports Asian Lite News

Despite Covid-19 restrictions, mourners have continued to travel to Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle to pay tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh who passed away on Friday at the age of 99.

Britain’s Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II’s husband, died at Windsor Castle on Friday morning.

All British government buildings have been told to fly official flags at half-mast in tribute to the duke on the day after the his funeral, Xinhua news agency reported.

Gun salutes have been fired across Britain on Saturday, on land and at sea in memory of the duke, the BBC reported.

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh(Wikipedia)

Saluting batteries began firing 41 rounds at one round every minute from midday on Saturday in cities including London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, as well from Royal Navy warships.

Also read:UK Reports 3K New COVID Cases

The royal family website has asked people not to leave flowers and tributes at royal residences. The website encourages members of the public to consider making a donation to a charity instead of leaving floral tributes.

No official details have been announced yet about the duke’s funeral, but it is understood the Duke of Edinburgh will be given a royal ceremonial funeral rather than a state funeral according to his wishes, Sky News reported.

The Buckingham Palace is expected to release during the weekend details about the days to come and the duke’s funeral.

Prince Philip was born on the Greek island of Corfu on June 10, 1921. He married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became Queen, and was the longest-serving royal consort in British history. The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In May 2017, the 96-year-old duke retired from his own program of royal duties after carrying out more than 20,000 solo public engagements.

The duke left hospital last month after a month-long treatment. He underwent a procedure for a pre-existing heart condition, according to Buckingham Palace.

Also read:Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Dies at 99

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-Top News Obituary UK News

Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Dies at 99

Prince Philip, the consort of UK’s Queen Elizabeth II, passed away on Friday, the Buckingham Palace announced. He was 99.

“It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle,” the statement said, the BBC reported.

He had recently been in hospital.

Hailing from the Greek and Danish families, Prince Philip was also the nephew of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, under whom the country became Independent.

Living in Britain and joining the Royal Navy in 1939, he married Princess Elizabeth in 1947, five years before she became the Queen.

The couple had four children, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.