Selasa, 09 Mei 2023

Metropolitan Police expresses 'regret' over arrest of anti-monarchy group leader and five others before coronation - Sky News

The Metropolitan Police has expressed "regret" over the arrest of six protesters in London before the coronation.

Leader of anti-monarchy group Republic, Graham Smith, was among six people detained by officers, who seized items that they believed could be used as lock-on devices.

However, the Met now says an investigation has been unable to prove intent to disrupt the event.

"This evening all six have had their bail cancelled and no further action will be taken," the Met said in a statement.

"We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route."

Officers arrested 64 people on coronation day, with 46 of those later bailed after being detained on suspicion of causing a public nuisance or breaching the peace.

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Republic chief on coronation arrests

Mr Smith said the Met Police were told it was not "physically possible to 'lock on'" with luggage straps and that "they were told very clearly what those luggage straps were for".

More on King's Coronation

He also called for a "full inquiry" into who authorised the arrests during the "disgraceful episode".

He said: "The speed with which they did this demonstrates they were very quickly aware they had made a very serious error of judgment and there will be action taken again.

"I'm obviously relieved they dropped it so quickly but very angry they even went down this road, robbing people of their liberty for absolutely no reason.

"There was no evidence of any ability or intent to commit any offence and they simply decided to arrest us and that is outrageous."

He added that a chief inspector and two other officers from the Met apologised to him personally at his home in Reading on Monday evening.

"I had three officers at my door personally apologising and handing the straps back to me. They were a chief inspector and two other officers from the Met. They seemed rather embarrassed to be honest," he said.

"I said for the record I won't accept the apology. We have a lot of questions to answer and we will be taking action."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has backed the Met over the arrests despite concerns they were cracking down on dissent on Saturday at the behest of politicians.

Mr Smith previously described the arrest of protesters during the coronation as a "direct attack on democracy" which showed that the right to peacefully demonstrate "no longer exists".

In a tweet on Monday evening, he said: "We have just been told that the police will be taking no further action.

"This has been a disgraceful episode and we will be speaking to lawyers about taking legal action.

"I also expect a full inquiry into why they repeatedly lied to us and who authorised the arrests."

Among the group's members who felt "targeted" and silenced were nine people that held up signs reading "Not my King" at the Mall, moments before the procession left Buckingham Palace.

Although not arrested, they were whisked out of sight of the King and Queen into St James's Park to be searched by Welsh police officers, outnumbering them roughly two-to-one.

Officers surrounded them and exchanged words before rifling through their pockets - some protesters faced the wall with their hands up in front of them.

Read more:
Nation's support is 'greatest coronation gift,' says King
London mayor calls for 'urgent clarity' from Met

Protester Harvey Woolf said: "I wasn't very happy about the searches, I think we had been targeted because they didn't want our message to get out."

He continued: "What we are annoyed and disappointed about is that it was timed exactly to coincide with the point at which the carriage went down the Mall."

The 66-year-old said police told him the protesters were suspected of carrying paint, but an officer told Sky News they led the Republic members away to avoid a "hostile environment" created by the crowds.

Harvey Woolf, 66, Republic protestor, at the Mall during the coronation of King Charles
Image: Harvey Woolf, 66, Republic protestor, on the Mall during the coronation of King Charles

Royal supporters had booed and shouted "shame on you" when the protesters were initially marched away from the Mall.

The Met and Welsh police were asked if it was policy to remove people who are subject to a "hostile environment", rather than those creating it, but were not able to immediately respond to a request for comment.

The protesters had been standing still holding bright yellow signs above their heads, several rows back from the barricades lining the Mall, to object to what they called hereditary privilege and power.

Republic was not the only group at the centre of a dispute over police behaviour on Saturday, with Westminster Council volunteers handing out rape alarms reportedly arrested.

The arrests come in the wake of the Public Order Act, given royal assent on Tuesday, which handed the police more powers to curtail demonstrations, such as allowing officers to search people for items including locks and glue.

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2023-05-09 06:56:15Z
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Coronation portraits: King thanks nation for 'the gift of support' - The Times

The King described the nation’s support for him as the “greatest possible coronation gift” as official portraits to mark the ceremony were released by Buckingham Palace.

The pictures of the King and Queen in their crowns and coronation robes were taken by the photographer Hugo Burnand at the palace after Saturday’s service at Westminster Abbey.

In his first words to the public since his coronation, the King said he and his wife would “rededicate” their lives to serving the people of Britain and the Commonwealth.

The image of the royal couple together in their regalia was taken in the throne room

The image of the royal couple together in their regalia was taken in the throne room

HUGO BURNAND/PA

In a message signed Charles R, he wrote: “As the coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such

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2023-05-08 23:00:00Z
2000331656

NHS disruption warning as ambulance staff strike in south-east England - The Guardian

Ambulance staff in the south-east of England are to strike over pay for the second time on Tuesday, prompting warnings from hospital bosses of further pressure on overstretched emergency services.

Members of the Unite trade union employed by two ambulance trusts are striking after rejecting the government’s pay offer of a lump sum cash payment for 2022-23 and a below inflation increase of 5% for 2023-24.

Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, urged ministers to reopen negotiations and make a “proper wage offer” to NHS workers.

She said: “The strike action by our south-east ambulance workers is part of Unite’s escalation strategy to exert greater pressure on the government. We have always said that a non-consolidated lump sum for 22-23 would not cut it. So it has turned out. The current offer does nothing to resolve the recruitment and retention crisis crippling the NHS.”

Unite is carrying out a series of ballots to increase the number of workers able to take strike action. The move comes despite the NHS staff council, which covers 12 unions, voting to accept the pay deal. Unite was among the unions that failed to back the deal at the vote earlier this month.

Unite members employed at both South Central and South East Coast ambulance trusts will strike from 12pm until 10pm on Tuesday. This is their second strike, though some other ambulance trusts have held five days of industrial action.

Julian Hartley, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents health service trust leaders, said the strike would “pile even more pressure on already overstretched NHS services”. Hospital leaders, he said,
were anticipating another day of disruption including rescheduled patient appointments, handover delays and increased pressure on emergency departments.

“Leaders across the health service had hoped the NHS staff council’s welcome acceptance of a new pay deal signalled an end to the most disruptive period of industrial action in NHS history, but they continue to face more walkouts,” said Hartley.

“We need to see serious talks between the government and unions to resolve these ongoing disputes and to avert further strikes.”

He said added that trust leaders were working hard to minimise the impact of the strikes, and urged people to continue to call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and to use NHS 111 online services for non-urgent health needs.

Picket lines will be in place at Portsmouth patient transport service base and Thameside ambulance station in Northfleet, Kent.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said it was disappointing that strike action was continuing after some unions voted to accept the pay offer.

She said: “These strikes will put more pressure on the NHS and will be disruptive for patients. Most unions on the NHS staff council voted to accept our pay offer and we hope the unions who choose to remain in dispute – despite many of their members also voting to accept this offer – will recognise this as a fair outcome that carries the support of their colleagues and decide it is time to bring industrial action to an end.”

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2023-05-09 06:31:00Z
2005174133

Senin, 08 Mei 2023

Official portraits for King Charles and Queen Camilla's Coronation released - The Telegraph

The King has hailed the public’s support, encouragement and kindness as “the greatest possible Coronation gift” as the first official portraits for the event were released.

His Majesty and the Queen rededicated their lives to public service as they rounded off a three-day weekend of celebrations.

In a personal written message to the nation, the King said: “We thank you, each and every one.”

Four portraits of Charles III and Queen Camilla, taken by photographer Hugo Burnand at Buckingham Palace after the Coronation on Saturday, were released to mark the occasion.

In the first, the King is captured in his full regalia, wearing the Imperial State Crown and dressed in his regal purple tunic and grandfather George VI’s Robe of Estate, conserved for the occasion.

He is seated on a Throne Chair in the Throne Room, holding the Orb in his left hand and the Sceptre with Cross in his right, the darker background adding gravitas and striking a relaxed but regal tone.

The throne is one of a pair of 1902 chairs that were made for the future King George V and Queen Mary for use at the Coronation of King Edward VII.

The Queen is pictured standing in the Green Drawing Room. Wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, her hands are clasped and the long train of her embroidered Robe of Estate is spread in front of her.

The Queen is wearing her Coronation dress and the embroidered Robe of Estate Credit: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA

The rich purple velvet robe, made for the occasion, is embroidered in goldwork threads and intricately decorated with bees, a beetle and a host of flowers, drawing on the themes of nature and the environment.

It pays tribute to the King by incorporating delphiniums - one of his favourite flowers - while in memory of Elizabeth II it includes the late Queen's favourite bloom, lily of the valley.

The Queen Mary’s Crown was made by Garrard’s for the 1911 coronation of George V and mounted with 2,200 diamonds.

It originally featured the Koh-i-Noor diamond but, to avoid controversy, this time it has been reset with the Cullinan III, IV, and V diamonds in tribute to Elizabeth II, who often wore them as brooches.

In a separate image, she stands alongside the King, clutching her Bruce Oldfield-designed ivory Coronation dress. With a hint of a smile on his lips, the King appears relaxed and relieved that the day’s formalities are over.

Camilla wears Queen Mary's Crown as she is pictured alongside the King Credit: Hugo Burnand/Royal Household 2023/PA

Finally, all working members of the Royal family are pictured together; The Majesties flanked by the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra, who is supported by the Edinburghs.

The team photo shows all those who will support the King as he embarks on his reign. Aged between 40 and 86, the band of 12 will set the tone for the new Carolean age.

The number of working royals has reduced in recent years due to the deaths of Prince Philip and Elizabeth II and the departures of the Duke of York and the Duke of Sussex.

By the time the portrait session had started, Prince Harry was already on his way back home to California.

The group image offers the first sight of the Princess of Wales’s Alexander McQueen dress in ivory silk crepe featuring embroidered rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs.

The images will mark the moment for the history books, just as photographer Cecil Beaton’s iconic portraits of Elizabeth II’s coronation did in 1953.

Queen Elizabeth's official Coronation portrait in 1953 taken by Cecil Beaton Credit: Royal Collection Trust/© His Majesty King Charles III 2023/PA

Mr Burnand, 59, has been taking royal portraits for more than 20 years and was behind the lens for the official shots after the weddings of both the then Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles at Windsor Castle in 2005 and Prince William and Catherine Middleton at Buckingham Palace in 2011.

He told the Telegraph it was a “family moment” adding of the portraits: “We keep it nice and tight and cosy.”

In his message, the King said: “As the Coronation weekend draws to a close, my wife and I just wanted to share our most sincere and heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped to make this such a special occasion.

“We pay particular tribute to the countless people who have given their time and dedication to ensuring that the celebrations in London, Windsor and further afield were as happy, safe and enjoyable as possible.

“To those who joined in the celebrations - whether at home, at street parties and lunches, or by volunteering in communities - we thank you, each and every one.”

He added: “To know that we have your support and encouragement, and to witness your kindness expressed in so many different ways, has been the greatest possible Coronation gift, as we now rededicate our lives to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth.”

The message was signed Charles R.

King Charles thanked the public for their support in an official letter

The personal message marked the end of a weekend that blended ancient ceremonial tradition with pomp and pageantry, Pete Tong and Kermit the Frog.

The two-hour ceremony at Westminster Abbey was followed by the spectacle of a 4,000-strong procession and the King’s first appearance on the palace balcony as monarch.

The Coronation concert, featuring an eclectic mix of Muppets, Shakespeare and pop music followed thousands of street parties and Big Lunch events.

Meanwhile, on Monday Prince Louis, five, took part in his first official royal engagement as he joined his family to support the Big Help Out volunteer initiative.

Prince Louis helps out during a visit to a Scout hut in Slough Credit: AFP

Both Charles and Camilla are said to be “extremely” tired after the long weekend but “so proud of how it went.”

On Tuesday, the couple will travel to Sandringham in Norfolk for some rest and relaxation, having opted not to attend the second Coronation Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

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2023-05-08 19:42:00Z
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Coronation: Met Police 'regrets' arresting six anti-monarchy protesters - BBC

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The Metropolitan Police has expressed "regret" over the arrests of six anti-monarchy protesters on Coronation day.

Republic chief executive Graham Smith, who was among the group, said he has now received a personal apology from police officers.

Mr Smith said he would take legal action against the Met after no charges were brought against him.

The force also confirmed it had used a controversial new law to detain the group.

Mr Smith said a chief inspector and two other officers visited his Reading home on Monday evening to issue the apology.

He told PA news agency: "They seemed rather embarrassed to be honest.

"I said for the record I won't accept the apology. We have a lot of questions to answer and we will be taking action."

Mr Smith earlier said he wanted a "full inquiry" into the "disgraceful episode".

The Met said a review found there was no proof the six protesters, who were detained when their vehicle was stopped near the procession route, were planning to "lock on", a protesting tactic which is now banned.

New legislation which makes taking equipment that could be used to attach people to objects in order to cause disruption came into force earlier this month.

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The Met said the group of six were detained after items were found in a vehicle which officers "had reasonable grounds to believe could be used as lock on devices". But the force said it was "unable to prove intent to use them to lock on and disrupt the event".

One man in the group was also arrested for possession of a knife or pointed article.

The Met said it was "not clear at the time" to the arresting officers that "at least one of the group stopped had been engaging with police" about holding a lawful protest prior to the Coronation.

Now it has said all six people have had their bail cancelled and confirmed no further action will be taken.

"We regret that those six people arrested were unable to join the wider group of protesters in Trafalgar Square and elsewhere on the procession route," a statement continued.

Mr Smith said earlier on Monday that he had spent months consulting with officers about his group's protest plans, and said in a statement on Twitter that his group would be "speaking to lawyers about taking legal action".

He said he had been held for 16 hours on the morning of the Coronation after being stopped by officers who suspected him and group members of carrying "lock on" devices to tie themselves to inanimate objects.

"They also said they had intelligence, which is untrue," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"If they did have intelligence their intelligence officers are either lying or incompetent because there was never any discussion, thought, email, message, anything that suggested any intent to do anything disruptive."

Mr Smith added that, after months of discussions with the Met, the force had "repeatedly said, right up until Friday, that they had no concerns about our protest plans, that they were well aware of what we were going to do and they would engage with us and not disrupt us".

He continued: "So they've repeatedly lied about their intentions, and I believe they had every intention of arresting us prior to doing so."

Mr Smith also rejected suggestions his arrest, along with other protesters, was necessary to limit disruption to the Coronation.

Earlier, Met Police Federation chairman Ken Marsh said officers "police without fear or favour," insisting the force had done "an incredible job" policing the Coronation.

He told the Today programme: "We have to take into consideration everything that at that moment is put in front of us. If individuals intend to cause an incident which will affect others near them or around them... then we take action to deal with it.

"Protesting can take place in this country, but it's to the level of which you perform that protesting that we have to balance and deal with."

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2023-05-08 20:55:02Z
1989793260

King says nation's support 'greatest coronation gift' as official portraits released - Evening Standard

T

he King and Queen have called the nation’s support “the greatest possible coronation gift” as they release official portraits marking the end of the historic weekend.

Charles has issued a written message saying he and Camilla give their “most sincere and heartfelt thanks” to “countless people” who helped make coronation celebrations across the UK a success.

The newly-crowned King said he and Camilla have rededicated their lives “to serving the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and Commonwealth”.

The King has been captured in his full regalia in traditional official portraits marking his crowning by Hugo Burnand. Camilla was pictured alongside the King and also in a solo portrait.

Meanwhile Prince Louis turned into a labourer as he joined Prince George, Princess Charlotte and the Prince and Princess of Wales by shovelling dirt and operating a digger as they helped out at a Scout Hut in Slough as part of the national volunteering drive to mark the coronation.

Live updates

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Republic CEO says police ‘taking no further action'

Graham Smith, chief executive of the anti-monarchy Republic campaign group – who was among those arrested on Saturday – tweeted: “We have just been told that the police will be taking no further action.

“This has been a disgraceful episode and we will be speaking to lawyers about taking legal action.

“I also expect a full inquiry into why they repeatedly lied to us and who authorised the arrests.”

1683567807

What’s happened today?

If you’re just joining us, Buckingham Palace has released official coronation portraits this evening, including solo portraits of the monarch and Queen Camilla.

The royal family has been captured by former Tatler photographer Hugo Burnand – a favourite of Charles and Camilla’s.

King Charles has also written a statement, which you can read in full below, thanking everyone who helped with the coronation celebrations over the long weekend.

Meanwhile a number of working royals have been out volunteering today in the Big Help Out - including Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George.

Read our wrap of today’s events here.

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King captured in full regalia

The King was captured in his full regalia. He wore the Imperial State Crown, holding the Orb and Sceptre with Cross, and dressed in his regal purple tunic and Robe of Estate, seated on a Throne Chair in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace.

PA
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Pictured: Camilla in solo portrait

Camilla was pictured alongside the King, and also in a solo portrait, wearing Queen Mary’s Crown, with the train of her lengthy embroidered Robe of Estate spread in front of her.

PA
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Pictured: Official coronation portrait

The working royal family – the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Edinburghs, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke of Kent, the Gloucesters and Princess Alexandra – have been photographed standing with the King and Queen in the images by Hugo Burnand.

PA
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Read: King’s written message in full

PA
1683565196

Official portraits released

Traditional official portraits marking the coronation of Charles and Queen Camilla have been released.

PA
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First official portrait of the King released

Buckingham Palace have tweeted the first official portrait of the King following his coronation, taken by Hugo Burnand.

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PM serves lamb casserole and wine in Hertfordshire

Diners at a local lunch club in Hertfordshire have said they feel “really fortunate” after a surprise visit by the Prime Minister as part of the Big Help Out.

Local residents, most of them elderly, were served lamb casserole and wine by “very special guests” Rishi Sunak and his wife, Akshata Murty, in the dining room of Mill End Community Centre in Rickmansworth.

Mr Sunak and Ms Murty chopped parsnips and strawberries in the kitchen in black aprons before joining the room in a toast which ended in the group saying “long live the King” and giving three cheers.

Read more here.

AP
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Women’s football team moves game due to bouncy castle on pitch

A women's football team arrived for their final home game of the season only to find a bouncy castle had been put up on it as part of coronation celebrations.

Colney Heath Ladies were meant to play their last home game against Bowers & Pitsea Ladies on Sunday, on a pitch they regularly use at Colney Heath FC, in the Hertfordshire village.

But players were surprised to find the bouncy castle on the pitch, which organisers refused to move.

Players had to play on a different pitch at the venue, which resulted in a "sour end" to their league campaign.

"We were aware of the fact that there was an event happening, but we didn't know that it would be to the effect that we wouldn't be able to use the pitch", a club spokesperson, who did not wish to be named, told the PA news agency.

Colney Heath Ladies/PA Wire

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2023-05-08 18:01:42Z
CBMihQFodHRwczovL3d3dy5zdGFuZGFyZC5jby51ay9uZXdzL3VrL2tpbmctY2hhcmxlcy1jb3JvbmF0aW9uLWxpdmUtdXBkYXRlcy1yb3lhbHMtbW9uZGF5LWJpZy1oZWxwLW91dC13aWxsaWFtLWthdGUtY2FtaWxsYS1iMTA3OTUzMS5odG1s0gEA

Prince William pays tribute to the King on a star-studded night - Evening Standard

T

he Prince of Wales paid a touching public tribute to his father at the coronation concert, saying: “Pa, we are all so proud of you.”

William took to the stage at Windsor Castle as part of a night of celebrations featuring perfomances from stars including Katy Perry and Take That.

Speaking about his late grandmother, he said: “I know she’s up there, fondly keeping an eye on us” before telling the King: “She would be a very proud mother.”

<p>Prince William speaks at the coronation concert</p>

Prince William speaks at the coronation concert

/ AP

The prince gave his speech in front of a crowd of 20,000 revellers at the star-studded Windsor Castle gala - and to an audience of millions watching at home - and praised the King’s dedication to “service” as well as his campaigning on green issues and support of diversity.

He described how his father’s first words on entering Westminster Abbey for his coronation – when he responded to the official greeting by a young chorister – were a pledge of service.

“It was a pledge to continue to serve,” William said.

“Because for over 50 years, in every corner of the UK, across the Commonwealth and around the world, he has dedicated himself to serve others, both current and future generations, and those whose memory must not be neglected.”

William also looked to his own future as a king, telling the audience: “I also want to express my pride and gratitude for the millions of people who serve, in the forces, in classrooms, hospital wards and local communities.

“I wish I could mention you all. Your service inspires us. And tonight we celebrate you too.

“I commit myself to serve you all. King, country and Commonwealth. God save the King!”

The younger members of the royal family - Princess Charlotte and Prince George - also played their part by dancing the night away to performances including Lionel Richie’s hit All Night Long and Take That’s anthems.

<p>Kate, Princess of Wales and her children Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the concert at Windsor Castle. </p>

Kate, Princess of Wales and her children Prince George and Princess Charlotte during the concert at Windsor Castle.

/ AP

The princess also sang the words to Perry’s Roar and Firework, as the US singer took to the stage in a shiny gold metallic ball gown.

Like the rest of the 20,000-strong crowd, they wore flashing LED wristbands that lit up the night.

William’s speech was a highlight of a night which saw Top Gun star Tom Cruise tell the King - himself a trained pilot - “You can be my wingman any time”.

The concert hosted by Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville saw the King’s life celebrated, from his role in the Armed Forces to his passion for the arts and his charitable work through the Prince’s Trust.

A host of celebrities including Tracey Emin and Richard E Grant recorded messages for Charles or highlighted little known facts about his life.

<p>Katy Perry performing on stage </p>

Katy Perry performing on stage

/ AP

Katy Perry dedicated her song Firework to the King “and the work that we get to do together with the British Asian Trust and their Children’s Protection Fund”.

She told the crowd she got to “stay in Windsor Castle” – before joking: “No big deal.”

The King and Queen danced along to Take That’s performance of Shine as Princess George and his sister Princess Charlotte enthusiastically waved their Union flags.

In the final performance of the Windsor Coronation Concert, the band, who have not performed together for four years, ended with Never Forget – accompanied by the choristers of St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

<p>Prince George gets into the spirit of the night </p>

Prince George gets into the spirit of the night

/ POOL/AFP via Getty Images

It brought the curtain down on a spectacular show - complete with drone displays and illuminated effects lighting up sites across the country - that began with the King’s words mixed into Pete Tong Ibiza Classics, featuring Vula and Jerub.

A fragment of his televised address to the nation the day after the Queen died was played as the performance began.

Charles said: “And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.”

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2023-05-08 06:01:56Z
CBMieGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW5kYXJkLmNvLnVrL25ld3MvdWsvcHJpbmNlLXdpbGxpYW0tZW1vdGlvbmFsLXRyaWJ1dGUta2luZy13aW5kc29yLWNhc3RsZS1jb3JvbmF0aW9uLWNvbmNlcnQtYjEwNzk1MTAuaHRtbNIBAA