Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

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

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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.

Johnson praises Queen

No monarch has ever served their country as well as the Queen, the Prime Minister has said ahead of her platinum jubilee.

Boris Johnson hailed her leadership, wisdom and lifelong service at home and abroad as the world prepares to celebrate her 70-year reign.

In a personal message, he said: “This week the good people of the United Kingdom will pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, honouring her exemplary service, celebrating both the institution of the Crown and the exceptional individual who wears it.”

You can read Johnson’s full message here:

Johnson praises Queen saying ‘no monarch has served the country so well’

In a personal message ahead of the Platinum Jubilee, the Prime Minister praised the monarch’s leadership, wisdom and lifelong service.

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 09:36

How to make the ‘Platinum Pudding'

In preperation for the Queen’s platinum jubilee next weekend, it’s probably time you started thinking about buying in the ingredients to make the official “Platinum Pudding”.

Jemma Melvin’s lemon trifle creation took the crown during the BBC special earlier this month, and you can find the full recipe for the moreish trifle here:

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 10:38

In 2018 the Queen sat front row at London Fashion Week

As part of the Royal Family Twitter account countdown to the platinum jubilee, today they have shared a photo of the Queen from 2018.

It sees Her Majesty seated next to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour during the Richard Quinn show, where the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for Design was awarded to Quinn.

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 11:53

Queen to ‘miss Epsom Derby’ on platinum jubilee weekend

The Queen is no longer planning to attend the Epsom Derby during her platinum jubilee weekend.

The 96-year-old monarch is said to want to pace herself during her milestone celebrations, with her daughter the Princess Royal representing her at the racecourse instead, The Sunday Times reported.

However, Buckingham Palace declined to comment, saying Her Majesty’s attendance (or lack thereof) won’t be confirmed until the day-of.

Read the full story here:

Queen to ‘miss Epsom Derby’ on platinum jubilee weekend

The monarch, 96, has episodic mobility problems and is gearing up to mark her milestone reign

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 13:32

What events will the Queen attend on the platinum jubilee weekend?

With the Queen thought to be missing the Epsom Derby next weekend, which events will she be attending?

Joanna Whitehead has the run-down here:

What events will the Queen attend on the platinum jubilee weekend?

Episodic mobility issues have blighted the Queen since the autumn

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 14:47

Ed Sheeran to pay tribute to Prince Philip during jubilee pageant

Ed Sheeran is to perform his love song “Perfect” at the Jubilee Pageant in a special moving tribute to the Queen and her late husband, the Duke of Edinburgh.

At the finale of the carnival procession through the streets of London on Sunday, ahead of the National Anthem, the star will sing the hit romantic ballad as footage featuring images of the Queen and Philip fills the giant screens around the stage.

Find out more information here:

Ed Sheeran to pay tribute to Prince Philip during jubilee pageant

The star will appear in the finale of the Jubilee Pageant next Sunday

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 15:33

That’s a wrap of our royal coverage today, check back in tomorrow as we begin our countdown to the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

Laura Hampson29 May 2022 16:54

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of the Queen and the wider royal family in the lead-up to next weekend’s platinum jubilee.

Saman Javed30 May 2022 08:00

Coronation maid of honour gown and pageboy outfit go on display in Co Fermanagh

Two original outfits worn at the Queen’s coronation in 1953 have been rediscovered from storage.

The gown worn by a maid of honour, Lady Moyra Campbell, and an ensemble worn by Lord Erne are set to go on display at Enniskillen Castle in Northern Ireland.

The outfits are being provided by Lady Campbell and Lord Erne’s families, who have carefully preserved the garments.

Read the full story here:

Coronation maid of honour gown and pageboy outfit go on display in Co Fermanagh

The garments were rediscovered from careful storage by the families of Lady Moyra Campbell and Lord Erne in time for the Diamond Jubilee.

Saman Javed30 May 2022 08:30

Royal family to share friendship, food and fun at jubilee lunches

Members of the royal family are to share friendship, food and fun at special lunches to celebrate the Queen’s 70-year reign.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will meet guests at a feast at The Oval cricket ground in south London, while the Earl and Countess of Wessex will join members of the local community in Windsor.

Find out more below:

Royal family to share friendship, food and fun at jubilee lunches

More than 85,000 people have signed up to host Big Jubilee Lunches, the official community celebration for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Kate Ng30 May 2022 08:45

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in