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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.

Join The Independent’s Platinum Jubilee panel event this Thursday

Join former BBC Royal Correspondent Jennie Bond to reflect on the Queen’s 70 incredible years on the throne at a Platinum Jubilee panel event run by The Independent on Thursday 17 May at 6.30pm.

The broadcaster and journalist will be joined by The Independent’s Associate Editor Sean O’Grady, Deputy Voices Editor Sunny Hundal and hosted by Deputy Lifestyle Editor Laura Hampson to explore the highs and lows of Her Majesty’s seven decades on the throne.

Find out more below:

Jennie Bond to look back at the Queen’s 70 years on the throne

Join broadcaster and journalist Jennie Bond for a special Platinum Jubilee event run by The Independent

Kate Ng17 May 2022 15:00

When was the Queen’s coronation?

It’s been 70 years since the Queen ascended the throne, but just 69 since she was coronated.

So why did it take just over a year between the Queen becoming the head of the royal family and her coronation occuring, and what did she wear to her coronation?

Joanna Whitehead has all of the answers here:

When was the Queen’s coronation?

The Queen was just 27-years-old at her coronation

Laura Hampson17 May 2022 15:16

What are the platinum jubilee beacons?

To mark the Queen’s historic milestone, platinum jubilee beacons will be lit across the UK and in Commonwealth nations.

Joanna Whitehead explains what the beacons represent and how you can take part:

What are the platinum jubilee beacons and how can I take part?

More than 2,000 beacons will be lit to honour the Queen’s 70-year reign

Laura Hampson17 May 2022 15:45

How old was the Queen when she became the Queen?

The Queen’s platinum jubilee will mark her 70th year on the throne, the longest of any British monarch.

But when did Her Majesty take on the Crown? Joanna Whitehead explains:

How old was the Queen when she became the Queen?

The Queen’s official coronation took place in 1953

Kate Ng17 May 2022 16:44

Untraditional artwork of the Queen to go on display for platinum jubilee

Over 50 cutting-edge portraits of the Queen by urban, graffiti and contemporary artists are going on show to mark her Platinum Jubilee.

Her majesty has been hailed a “true icon” and a “cultural inspiration” by creatives as diverse as musician and graffiti artist Goldie and X-ray artists Ernesto Romano.

Find out more about the exhibition below:

Queen shown with sunglasses and tattoos in Jubilee exhibition

The show by leading contemporary artists will be staged at the gallery@oxo in London from 2 June

Kate Ng17 May 2022 17:50

Barbie doll made in honour of the Queen sold out in three seconds

A Barbie doll created in the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II to mark her platinum jubilee sold out in three seconds - and the dolls are now being sold for hundreds of pounds on eBay to avid royal collectors.

Kate Ng reports:

Barbie Queen made in honour of Platinum Jubilee sells out in three seconds

The commemorative doll is being resold on eBay for hundreds of pounds

Kate Ng17 May 2022 18:50

When is the Platinum Jubilee?

In case you’ve forgotten already, here are the details on when the platinum jubilee is:

When is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee?

The monarch will mark 70 years on the throne with a four-day bank holiday weekend in June

Kate Ng17 May 2022 19:50

Tune in to our liveblog again tomorrow

That’s a wrap of our coverage today! Check back in tomorrow for more news and live updates about the Queen’s upcoming platinum jubilee celebrations.

Kate Ng17 May 2022 20:30

Good morning, and welcome to The Independent’s liveblog following the latest news about the Queen and the royal family ahead of the upcoming platinum jubilee.

Kate Ng18 May 2022 08:56

Charles and Camilla celebrate Canada’s culture during tour of country

Prince Charles and Camilla are currently on a three-day tour of Canada in honour of the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

On Wednesday, the royal couple celebrated the culture, crafts and people of Canada by pouring themselves pints of beer made from icebergs that were thousands of years old.

Read about their trip so far below:

Charles and Camilla celebrate Canada’s culture during tour of country

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall were welcomed by prime minister Justin Trudeau when they arrived in Canada.

Kate Ng18 May 2022 09:02

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