Displaying items by tag: royal family
Prince Philip in hospital
The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to hospital as a ‘precautionary measure’ after feeling unwell on the evening of 16 February. The following day a Buckingham Palace spokesperson said the 99-year-old is ‘expected to remain in hospital for a few days of observation and rest’. It is understood the decision to admit him was taken with an ‘abundance’ of caution by his doctor and he is said to be in good spirits. He does not have a coronavirus-related illness, and walked into the hospital unaided.
Bishop reaches out to Harry and Meghan
American bishop Michael Curry, who delivered a memorable sermon on the 'power of love' at Harry and Meghan's wedding in 2018, has reached out to the couple after they announced they will no longer be working members of the royal family as of spring this year. The head of the Episcopal Church is offering ‘pastoral care’ to the couple ‘as they forge lives across the pond’, according to The Sunday Times. Bishop Michael’s sermon included these words: ‘We must discover the power of love, the redemptive power of love and when we discover that, we will be able to make of this old world a new world, for love is the only way. When love is the way, we actually treat each other well, like we are actually family.’ Prophetic sentiments now, as the couple step away from royal life.
Prayer for the royal family
Lord, we thank You for the life of Queen Elizabeth II, and celebrate her heart for You and her people, the wisdom, righteousness and integrity reflected in her life, and the respect she carries within this land. We decree that every change taking place at present will strengthen and support the monarchy, promoting and releasing a shift and moving forward in keeping with Your times and purposes. In this season of transition, we speak divine order into every aspect of the royal family. We release Your light into every place of confusion and misunderstanding, that wounds will be healed, relationships restored and solutions released. We speak life into every God-given purpose and call upon Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex, that every gift and skill will be used in alignment with God-given destiny. We agree that the power of Kingdom purpose will overwhelm any plans of the enemy.
(Suzanne Ferrett)
Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein
Lawyers representing victims of the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein have signalled they are willing to serve a subpoena on Prince Andrew to ensure he cooperates with their investigations. Meanwhile, he announced he was standing down from public duties and was willing to help ‘any appropriate law enforcement agency’ with their investigations after what he accepted was his ‘ill-judged association’ with Epstein. Lisa Bloom, a lawyer representing five of the victims, said that Prince Andrew was simply not credible in his recent BBC interview. ‘He and his staff must cooperate with all investigations, show up for civil depositions and trials, and produce all documents about his contact with Epstein. We are just getting started.’ See also
Royal baby Archie’s christening
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that Archie Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a small private ceremony by the Archbishop of Canterbury in the private chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday 6 July. The identities of the godparents ‘in keeping with their wishes will remain private.’ The decision to keep the event entirely private, with no access for any television cameras or news photographers, even as they arrive at the chapel, has prompted considerable debate. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had allowed one television camera and one photographer to take pictures as the family and godparents arrived for the christenings of their children.
Welcome, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have named their baby son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The name Archie does not have any British royal connotations, but the name means ‘genuine’, ‘bold’, or ‘brave’. Harrison is also a totally new name for the royal family: it was originally used as a surname meaning ‘son of Harry’. As the first-born son of a duke, Archie could have assumed the title of Earl of Dumbarton, but he will instead simply be known as Master Archie.
Prince Charles won't speak out when he becomes king
In a BBC documentary to mark his 70th birthday, Prince Charles said the idea that as king he would continue making interventions was 'nonsense'. He said he would have to operate ‘within constitutional parameters'. He has campaigned on issues including the environment, wildlife preservation, architecture and the use of GM crops. When asked about what some people call his 'meddling', he said he had always tried to remain 'non-party political'. He said: 'I think it's vital to remember there's only room for one sovereign at a time, not two. So, you can't be the same as the sovereign if you're the Prince of Wales or the heir. The two situations are completely different.' Asked whether his public campaigning would continue, he said: 'No, it won't. I'm not that stupid. I do realise that it is a separate exercise being sovereign. So of course I understand entirely how that should operate.’
A royal engagement
Students and staff at Immaculate Heart Girls’ School in Los Angeles were buzzing with the news that a previous student was marrying into the British royal family. Meghan Markle studied there from age 11 to 18. On 2 December 1936, the royal engagement of Prince Edward and American divorcee Mrs Simpson was announced: within eight days Edward had abdicated. How times have changed as this week the royal family, politicians, media, and the public celebrate the news that next year an American divorcee will marry Prince Harry. The Archbishop of Canterbury confirmed there will be a church wedding.
Pressure on Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge was speaking at a Royal College for Obstetricians and Gynaecologists reception to launch a project about mental health in early parenthood. The educational films promote understanding of mental health for parents struggling with their infants. She spoke of the ‘pressure of being a perfect parent’ and admits experiencing lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance after becoming a mother. Even she, with all the benefits of having help at home, had found parenthood a ‘huge challenge’. She said, ‘Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. Personally, becoming a mother has also been a rewarding and wonderful experience.’