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As it happenedended

Royal family news – live: Sussexes release photograph of daughter Lilibet after arriving in US

Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s daughter turns one during her first trip to the UK

Queen makes balcony appearance to mark end of platinum jubilee

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have released a picture of their daughter Lilibet after celebrating her first birthday.

The photograph of Lilibet, who celebrated the occasion with family and close friends of the Sussexes at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor on Saturday, is understood to have been taken by family friend Misan Harriman.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s second child, born on 4 June 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, was named in honour of Queen Elizabeth II.

The couple have been “incredibly touched” by the birthday wishes that have flooded in for Lilibet.

More than 100,000 dollars (£79,800) in donations to the World Central Kitchen were made in her honour by people around the world, for which the Duke and Duchess have also expressed their gratitude.

It follows reports that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had returned to the US following a short trip to the UK for the jubilee celebrations.

The early departure means the Sussexes missed the finale of the festivities, which saw the Queen make a surprise appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after the royal standard flag was raised above the residence during the pageant.

Women fleeing abuse ‘have nothing to be ashamed of’, the Duchess of Cornwall says

The Duchess of Cornwall has said women fleeing domestic abuse “have nothing to be ashamed of” as she visited a refuge in Canada.

Camilla was visiting a YWCA transitional housing centre in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories, which can house up to 18 victims of violence and their children.

Read more about her visit in Canada:

Camilla says women fleeing abuse ‘have nothing to be ashamed of’

The royal was visiting a YWCA transitional housing centre in Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories

Kate Ng23 May 2022 15:00

Plan your supermarket shop ahead of platinum jubilee weekend

Here’s everything you need to know about what time supermarkets are open over the bank holiday weekend:

What are supermarket opening times on the platinum jubilee bank holiday?

The weekend to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne will take place from 2 to 5 June

Kate Ng23 May 2022 16:00

Tesco is giving ‘everyday heroes’ £700 to celebrate Jubilee

Tesco has launched a limited edition Jubilee card in honour of the Queen’s 70th year on the throne.

The special card will offer recipients £700 to spend at Tesco, either in-store or online.

Olivia Petter reports:

Tesco is giving ‘everyday heroes’ £700 to celebrate Jubilee

Supermarket surprised one customer by bringing them a Corgi

Kate Ng23 May 2022 17:00

That’s a wrap for today’s liveblog, come back tomorrow for more live updates on the Queen, the royal family and the upcoming platinum jubilee.

Kate Ng23 May 2022 18:00

Good morning, and welcome back to The Independent’s liveblog following all the royal coverage leading up to the Queen’s platinum jubilee weekend.

Kate Ng24 May 2022 08:41

Queen tours Chelsea Flower show in electric buggy

The Queen has made a surprise appearance at the Chelsea Flower Show in an electric buggy, delighting attendees as she toured the sprawling horticultural event while smiling from the mini vehicle.

In a statement to the BBC, Buckingham Palace said the royal’s attendance at the annual flower show came after “adjustments [had] been made for the Queen’s comfort”.

Chelsea Ritschel reports:

The Queen tours Chelsea Flower Show in a buggy

96-year-old monarch has attended annual flower show more than 50 times during her reign

Kate Ng24 May 2022 08:54

How to throw a jubilee street party

Street parties are a traditional part of British celebrations, so why not throw one for the Queen’s platinum jubilee? Find out how to organise a royal bash below:

How to throw a jubilee street party

The Queen’s platinum jubilee will be marked with thousands of street parties across the country

Kate Ng24 May 2022 10:00

Everything that happened at the Queen’s previous jubilees

Over her decades-long reign, Queen Elizabeth II has celebrated her Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilees in spectacular fashion, with plenty of events, pageants and tours to celebrate.

Find out more about how the monarch celebrated each milestone below:

Everything that happened at the Queen’s Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees

Her Majesty has marked a number of significant milestones throughout her 70-year reign

Kate Ng24 May 2022 11:00

What will pub opening hours on platinum jubilee weekend be like?

Keen to raise a late-night toast to her majesty over the jubilee weekend? Depending on which part of the UK you’re in, you may well be in luck.

Joanna Whitehead has put together this handy guide for your pub planning needs:

Kate Ng24 May 2022 12:00

Queen reacts to the John Ystumllyn rose being planted at Chelsea Flower Show

Yesterday, the first rose named after a person from an ethnic minority background was planted at the RHS Chelsea Flower show.

Named after John Ystumllyn, who was one of the UK’s first Black gardeners in the 18th century, the yellow rose “represents the values of friendship and community”.

The Queen released a statement in response to the planting of the rose and said she was “pleased” about it.

Read her full statement below:

Kate Ng24 May 2022 13:00

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