royal commentator, film critic, PR consultant, lecturer. given c1,300 TV interviews. columnist Mail & Express Online. Ed. The International Who's Who 1975-2001.
Have fun at Ladies Day at Epsom. It is no longer the national event it once was and the dress sense was terrible, especially the fascinations. Little sense of history, it urgently needs the revamp Royal Ascot had so successfully 20 years ago.
For their final engagement on their second day in Portugal, TRH’s toured Batalha Monastery which was recently damaged in a storm.
In the Veteran’s Museum, TRH’s saw a wreath laid by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957 🇵🇹
The Town Hall in Brussels, 15th Century Gothic is one of the finest in the world and a “must” for visitors. Its spire is amazing. Married couples wave from its balcony. Open Mondays closed Sundays. Audio guide.
I find Brussels fascinating with the Grand Place magnificent. In the Chapel at the Royal Palace they were rehearsing a Bach Concert. The architecture is very distinctive too.
🐎 King Charles & Queen Camilla, as Joint Patrons of The Jockey Club, will attend Derby Day on Saturday 6 June.
Their Majesties will present the Trophy to the winning owner, jockey, & trainer of the Derby.
Derby Day is one of the most historic & celebrated events in the British sporting calendar, with around 40,000 racegoers expected at Epsom Downs on Saturday to watch the 247th running of the Derby.
During the visit Their Majesties will meet the Chair of Epsom Downs Racecourse, Andy Hornby, as well as members of the Racecourse & The Jockey Club’s Senior Team.
Their Majesties will also present ceremonial caps to jockeys riding in the Derby for the first time, in keeping with a long-standing tradition at Epsom Downs Racecourse.
Following the race the King & Queen will present the Derby Trophy in the Winner’s Enclosure & congratulate the winning owner, jockey, & trainer before departure.
Their Majesties last attended Epsom Downs Racecourse on in May 2024, when their horse Treasure competed in The Oaks. The Derby was first run in 1780 & is one of five Classic races staged each year (the others being the 2000 & 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Oaks at Epsom Downs & the St Leger at Doncaster).
The Derby is open only to three-year-old horses & is run over a mile & a half, including the famous Tattenham Corner. It is considered a unique test of the racehorse that its ability to produce future stallions has helped define the Thoroughbred breed. The Derby at Epsom Downs is the original Derby, with hundreds of horse races & other sporting events now named after it, including the Kentucky Derby in the United States.
The Derby was much loved by the late Queen Elizabeth II, who only missed Derby Day on two occasions during her Reign — once in 1956 while on a State Visit to Sweden & the other in 1984 when attending the 40th Anniversary of D-Day Commemoration in France.
The Fine Art Gallery opposite the Royal Palace in Brussels has a magnificent collection of Dutch and Flemish 16th and 17th Century paintings including many masterpieces. Includes several by Ruben’s & Breughel.
Debate the legacy of Queen Elizabeth 11 with Graham Smith, CEO of Republic
@thejeremyvine @ BBCRadio2. I believe she was an exemplary monarch whose achievements, from the state visit to Ireland to her Covid broadcast were unique. Andrew betrayed her.
This is a ghastly photo. Meghan has released it & others to commemorate their 8th wedding anniversary. They look like a couple of drunks & this should have been redacted. Perhaps it’s a metaphor for what she has done to his relations with his family!
It was wonderful to see Prince William so joyous and with close friends to see Aston Villa triumph in Turkey. He has been President of the FA for 20 years and his commitment to Aston Villa dates from Eton when he wanted to choose a Club that he could be part of emotionally.
The King and Queen wrapped up their annual visit to Northern Ireland at a vibrant community event in Newtownards.
In Conway Square, Their Majesties joined a celebration of local food, artists and businesses.
👋 Thank you to everyone who came to say hello!
What a night. Thank you to Turkey for hosting a great final. Incredible atmosphere and great sportsmanship from Freiburg. Enjoy the parade, Birmingham. W
🎥 The Prince of Wales
Three years ago, we set out to take a different approach, to think more carefully about how the Duchy could use its land to create opportunity and support people over the long term, including launching a project here in Cornwall to help tackle homelessness with the right support around it. It’s fantastic to come back at Nansledan and to see that beginning to take shape, and to meet some of the people now calling it home. There’s still more to do, but it’s encouraging to see what’s already possible when you bring together the right people, ideas and ambition. W