StrangeSights: Prince Louis’ starring role; one big plant; and, left behind – in an Uber…

DAVID ADAMS provides a round-up of some stories on the odder side of life…
Essay: The Queen – (Online) visibility with restraint

Writing from London, MAL FLETCHER says the Queen provides us with an important lesson for us, facing as we do the temptation to incessantly promote, through technology, our own personal “brands”…
Queen Elizabeth II “humbled” by cheering Jubilee crowds

London, UK Reuters Queen Elizabeth II said she was humbled by the support she had received during her Platinum Jubilee after crowds of royal fans cheered her appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, flanked by her heir Prince Charles and two other future kings. The 96-year-old monarch had withdrawn from several events during the […]
“You continue to make history”: Prince Charles pays tribute to mum Queen Elizabeth II

London, UK Reuters Prince Charles paid an emotional personal tribute to his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on Saturday during celebrations to mark her Platinum Jubilee, praising the monarch for uniting the nation and continuing to make history during her 70-year reign. Charles spoke at a pop concert that opened with a comic sketch of the […]
Australia PM honours Queen Elizabeth II amid renewed republican debate

Sydney, Australia Reuters Australia’s new Prime Minister honoured Queen Elizabeth in Canberra on Saturday amid celebrations for her 70 years on the throne and renewed debate about Australia becoming a republic. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attends the Quad leaders’ summit, in Tokyo, Japan, on 24th May. PICTURE: Yuichi Yamazaki/Pool via Reuters Anthony Albanese, whose […]
The Platinum Jubilee: Elizabeth II’s 70 years as head of the Church of England

CATHERINE PEPINSTER, of Religion News Service, reports that while Defender of the Faith has been, over the years, an inherited title and little more, Elizabeth II embraced it and made it her own…
Queen Elizabeth II thanked for being “still in the saddle” after 70 years

Updated: 9:45am, 4th June, 2022 (AEST) London, UK Reuters Horse-loving Queen Elizabeth II was thanked for being “in the saddle” for 70 years as head of state at a service on Friday to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee, an event she missed due to ongoing mobility issues. Other senior members of the royal family joined a […]
Queen Elizabeth II misses out as royals attend Platinum Jubilee service

London, UK Reuters Britain celebrates the second day of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee on Friday, with the highlight a service of thanksgiving attended by senior royals and politicians that the 96-year-old monarch herself will miss due to ongoing mobility issues. The four days of events kicked off on Thursday, when a happy-looking Elizabeth waved to […]
Pitcairn Islands to light final Platinum Jubilee beacon

Wellington, New Zealand Reuters The entire population of the Pitcairn Islands – 35 permanent residents – will make the Pacific Ocean territory the last place in the Commonwealth to light a beacon as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebration later Thursday. The beacon, which came on the last supply ship to the islands six […]
Some Russians wish “Granny Liz” well amid Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations

London, UK Reuters Russia may be deeply at odds with Britain over the invasion of Ukraine but that didn’t stop some Russians in Moscow praising Queen Elizabeth II as her Platinum Jubilee celebrations began on Thursday, wishing her good health and lauding her stylish choice of hats. The Queen along with members of the Royal […]