Björk has shared another new song off her upcoming album, Fossora.
The track is titled “Ovule” and is described by the Icelandic artist as her “definition of love.”
“It is a meditation about us as lovers walking around this world,” Björk shares.
“Ovule,” which is available now via digital outlets, is the second cut to be released from Fossora, following the song “Atopos.” Like its predecessor, “Ovule” is accompanied by a video filled with elaborate costumes and vibrant colors, which you can watch now streaming on YouTube.
Fossora, the follow-up to 2017’s Utopia, will be released September 30.
Meanwhile, you can listen to Björk work through her discography on her new Sonic Symbolism podcast. Each episode in the nine-part series is dedicated to one of Björk’s past albums.
Britney Spears and her sons, Jayden and Sean Preston,may be dealing with some family drama at the moment, but the pop star is putting it aside to wish her teenage boys the happiest of birthdays.
Jayden turned 16 on September 12, while his brother, Sean Preston, turned 17 on September 14.
Britney celebrated the birthday milestones on her Instagram and penned a sweet message to her boys. “Happy birthday Preston and Jayden !!! Love you both so much !!!” she exclaimed in a caption filled with balloon, heart and celebration-related emojis.
The Grammy winner shared a photo of her wrapping an arm around Sean Preston, who’s razzing the camera, while another photo shows the trio embracing under an archway made to look like snow in what appears to be a Christmas celebration. Britney clarified the photos “are from last year.”
Their relationship has been strained in recent years, with Jayden revealing in an interview that he and his brother haven’t seen their mother in months.
Britney has since come forward in several audio recordings, which have all been deleted, about how her estrangement has hurt her. “Honestly, I don’t understand how it’s just so easy for them just to cut me off like that. I don’t understand it,” she expressed.
She also had strong words for their father, her ex-husband Kevin Federline, and accused him of manipulating their children.
Kevin denies the accusations and told 60 Minutes Australia, “The boys have decided that they’re not seeing her right now.”
Jayden said in a separate interview, “I just want [my mom] to get better mentally. When she gets better I really want to see her again.”
(NEW YORK) — Serena Williams is opening up about how she is moving forward after the final match of her historic career at the U.S. Open earlier this month.
The tennis legend appeared on Good Morning America Wednesday and said “it hasn’t quite sunk in yet.”
“I’ve been so busy literally every day — except for the first two days I literally slept all day — but otherwise, it’s just like, OK, I’m still running a business, still have my company … still a mom,” she shared.
Reflecting on what was likely her final tennis match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, she added, “I couldn’t have asked for anything more and it was — I’ll never forget those moments, you know, it was pretty awesome.”
When asked about her sister, fellow tennis star Venus Williams, trying to persuade her to come back, Serena laughed.
“Because she’s not done yet — this is just me … she’s trying to get me and I’m like, ‘No listen,’ ” she said.
“I mean you never know,” she added. “… You know, I think Tom Brady started a really cool trend … and the way he did it, huge.”
Brady, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement from the NFL on Feb. 1 but reversed that decision six weeks later on March 13.
Regardless of whether or not she decides to ever return to tennis professionally, Williams said she’ll always be involved in the game to some extent.
“I feel like tennis has given me so much, and I feel like there’s no way that I don’t want to be involved in tennis somehow in the future,” she said. “I don’t know what that involvement is yet, but I do know that I love the sport so much. I love the game. I love everything about it and it’s just been such a light in my life that I definitely want to keep something involved in there.”
For now, Williams is focusing on is her new children’s book, The Adventures of Qai Qai, which debuts Sept. 27.
Longtime fans may already know that Williams created the popular Qai Qai Instagram account for her daughter’s favorite doll in 2018. Speaking about the inspiration for the book on Wednesday, she explained that she came up with the idea “during COVID, and this particular book of Qai Qai is really just about using her imagination because kids have such an amazing imagination.”
“We just wanted to really just put in people’s minds that we can’t forget how important it is to just use your imagination and play and also believe in yourself,” Williams said. “So there’s some really cool hidden messages in there about self-confidence and that you can do it and also just going back to the art of just being a kid.”
The book’s illustrations were created by artist Yesenia Moises. Williams said she had a specific vision in mind for the book’s art.
“When I saw the illustration, I said, listen, I really want it to represent a Black girl because I thought it was really important — the reason Qai Qai came [about was] because I was looking for a Black doll and I just wanted it to be something really authentic that represented who we are — our hair and like everything and the texture. And I thought she did a wonderful job with getting that across, even with the mom and the dad.”
“Olympia thinks it’s her in the book,” she added with a laugh. “And she thinks the dad is my husband and it’s quite funny because I’m like, it’s not us although it’s heavily [inspired]. I don’t want it to go to her head!”
(LONDON) — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II “died peacefully” on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Balmoral Castle, the British royal family’s estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace. She was 96.
Elizabeth was Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. She ascended to the throne in 1952 and, in June, celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years as queen.
Here’s how the news is developing. All times Eastern:
Sep 14, 12:08 PM EDT
Doors of Westminster Hall open to public
The doors of Westminster Hall have now been opened to the public to allow people to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth as she lies in state.
Lines have been forming for the last 24 hours as Londoners hope to get the chance to walk by the queen’s casket.
The last member of the royal family to lie in state at Westminster Hall was Queen Elizabeth’s mother, who died in 2002.
Sep 14, 10:42 AM EDT
Biden calls King Charles, offers condolences
President Joe Biden spoke Wednesday with King Charles III to offer his condolences, according to a statement from the White House.
Biden hopes “to continue a close relationship with the King,” the statement said.
“The President recalled fondly the Queen’s kindness and hospitality, including when she hosted him and the First Lady at Windsor Castle last June,” the statement said. “He also conveyed the great admiration of the American people for the Queen, whose dignity and constancy deepened the enduring friendship and special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.”
Sep 14, 10:11 AM EDT
Procession from Buckingham Palace ends at Westminster Hall
Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has arrived at Westminster Hall following a procession from Buckingham Palace.
The royal family will now take part in a brief service.
Then Westminster Hall will open to the public to allow people to pay respects to the queen.
Sep 14, 9:25 AM EDT
Queen’s children, grandsons walk behind coffin
Queen Elizabeth’s four children — King Charles, Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward — are walking directly behind the coffin during the procession.
Walking behind the queen’s children are: William, the prince of Wales; his brother Harry, the duke of Sussex; and the brothers’ cousin, Peter Phillips. This marked the second time since the queen’s death that William and Harry were seen in public together amid reports of tension between the brothers.
Several spouses of the children and grandchildren are traveling by car: Camilla, the queen consort; Kate, the princess of Wales; Meghan, the duchess of Sussex; and Sophie, the countess of Wessex.
Members of the queen’s close personal staff are also participating in the procession.
Londoners have lined the route to watch the solemn procession. Big Ben is tolling at one-minute intervals and minute guns are firing from Hyde Park.
Sep 14, 8:31 AM EDT
What to expect Wednesday
On Wednesday, a procession will take Queen Elizabeth’s coffin from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, where it will lie in state until her funeral on Monday, Sept. 19.
The procession, which begins at 9:22 a.m. ET, includes King Charles and members of the royal family.
The coffin will arrive at Westminster Hall at 10 a.m. ET which will be followed by a short service.
At 6 p.m. ET, Westminster Hall will open to the public to allow them to pay their respects as Queen Elizabeth lies in state.
Sep 14, 5:14 AM EDT
Heathrow flights to be delayed during queen’s coffin procession on Wednesday
Heathrow Airport flights will be delayed so they do not disturb the Queen’s coffin procession on Wednesday. The west London airport said in a statement that “out of respect” for the mourning period it will be making “appropriate alterations to our operation”.
These include flights being disrupted between 1:50 p.m. and 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday to “ensure silence over central London as the ceremonial procession moves from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall.”
Sep 13, 6:46 PM EDT
Who’s set to march in Wednesday’s procession of queen’s coffin
The procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin on Wednesday will leave from Buckingham Palace at 9:22 a.m. ET and arrive at Westminster Hall at 10 a.m. ET, a palace spokesperson said.
Members of the royal family who will be in the procession include King Charles III; Prince Andrew, duke of York; Anne, princess Royal; Prince Edward, earl of Wessex; William, prince of Wales; and Harry, duke of Sussex, among others, the spokesperson said.
Other members of the royal family will travel to the hall by car, including Camilla, queen consort; Sophie, countess of Wessex; Catherine, princess of Wales; and Meghan, duchess of Sussex, according to the spokesperson.
Once they arrive at Westminster Hall, the archbishop of Canterbury will lead a short service. The queen’s lying in state will begin at noon ET.
Sep 13, 3:13 PM EDT
Coffin arrives at Buckingham Palace
The public cheered as the hearse carrying Queen Elizabeth’s coffin pulled into Buckingham Palace Tuesday.
Queen Elizabeth’s children and grandchildren were to meet the late queen’s casket as it arrived at Buckingham Palace, according to the palace.
Huge crowd of mourners gathers as Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin arrives home at Buckingham Palace.
Sep 13, 2:38 PM EDT
Hearse carrying queen’s coffin en route to Buckingham Palace
After the plane carrying Queen Elizabeth’s coffin landed at Royal Air Force Northolt in England, the coffin was moved to a state hearse.
The hearse is headed to Buckingham Palace where the coffin will be greeted by King Charles and his family.
The state hearse was designed by The Royal Household and Jaguar Land Rover, and Queen Elizabeth was consulted on the plans, according to a palace spokesperson. The hearse was designed to allow members of the public to have a clear view of the coffin, the spokesperson said.
Sep 13, 2:15 PM EDT
Canada announces national day of mourning
Canada will mark the death of Queen Elizabeth with a national day of mourning on the day of the funeral, Monday, Sept. 19.
“There are still a few details to be worked out, but declaring an opportunity for Canadians to mourn on Monday is going to be important,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at a news conference in New Brunswick Tuesday. “For our part, we will be letting federal employees know that Monday will be a day of mourning.”
Sep 13, 2:12 PM EDT
Princess Anne releases statement on queen’s death
Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, said in a statement Tuesday, “I was fortunate to share the last 24 hours of my dearest Mother’s life.”
Anne, who has been accompanying her mother’s casket from Scotland to England said, “The love and respect shown by so many on these journeys has been both humbling and uplifting.”
She added, “I am also so grateful for the support and understanding offered to my dear brother Charles as he accepts the added responsibilities of The Monarch. To my mother, The Queen, thank you.”
Sep 13, 1:55 PM EDT
Plane carrying queen’s coffin lands in England
The plane carrying Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has landed at Royal Air Force Northolt in England. A hearse will now carry the coffin to Buckingham Palace where it will be greeted by King Charles and his family.
The plane carrying Queen Elizabeth’s coffin has departed from Edinburgh Airport to head to London.
Princess Anne is traveling to London alongside the coffin.
Meanwhile, King Charles has left Northern Ireland to return to London.
Charles and his family will greet the coffin at Buckingham Palace.
Sep 13, 11:58 AM EDT
People line up in London to see queen more than 24 hours before doors open
People have already started lining up in London to see Queen Elizabeth lying in state, even though the first mourners will not be let in until 5 p.m. local time Wednesday.
About one dozen people are in line so far, most with camping chairs.
They are ready to wait all night under the rain, worried that otherwise they risk missing their chance to pay their respects.
Glyn Norris, 63, who was setting up to wait, told ABC News it was a “no-brainer” to be there already.
“She’s reigned for 70 years — 24 hours in the rain isn’t going to hurt me,” he said. “She’s been with me for 63 years. She’s like a grandmother that I’ve never met.”
People in the line are not allowed to camp in tents, so he and others will just be in coats or sitting up in sleeping bags.
“I have pretty much everything I need for the next day and a half,” Norris said. “I’ve got an umbrella, I’ve got chargers, I’ve got batteries, I’ve got food, I’ve got drink, I’ve got warm clothing for the evening, gloves, fleece, over jacket, hat.”
He said of the queen, “I think she’s done a fantastic job. And I’m very proud to be British.”
-ABC News’ Patrick Reevell
Sep 13, 11:37 AM EDT
US House to honor queen with moment of silence
The House of Representatives will hold a moment of silence on the floor Tuesday evening to recognize Queen Elizabeth II.
Sep 13, 9:10 AM EDT
What to expect Tuesday: Coffin to arrive at Buckingham Palace
As King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, visit Northern Ireland Tuesday, the coffin of the king’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, remains at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland.
Around noon ET, Queen Elizabeth’s coffin will be taken by hearse from St. Giles’ Cathedral to Edinburgh Airport. At about 1 p.m. ET, the plane carrying the coffin will take off for London, with Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, on board.
The coffin is set to arrive at Buckingham Palace at about 3 p.m. ET. King Charles, Camilla and other members of the royal family will greet the coffin as it arrives.
People are expected to line the streets of London to watch the hearse drive by on its way to Buckingham Palace.
Sep 13, 7:33 AM EDT
King, queen consort arrive in Northern Ireland
King Charles III and his wife Camilla, the queen consort, are in Belfast in Northern Ireland on Tuesday to meet with leaders and attend a service in honor of the king’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
During Tuesday’s trip, Charles will meet with the secretary of state for Northern Ireland, the speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the leaders of Northern Ireland’s five biggest political parties. The king and queen consort will then attend a service at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast before flying to London.
Sep 13, 5:36 AM EDT
Queen Elizabeth II set to make final journey to London on Tuesday
Thousands of well-wishers in Scotland have been paying their respects to Queen Elizabeth II as her coffin currently remains at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh until 12 p.m. ET. The queen, accompanied by the Princess Royal, will then will start her final journey to London.
The queen’s coffin is expected to land at RAF Northolt at approximately 2 p.m. ET. It will then be driven to London before arriving at Buckingham Palace at 2:50 p.m. The route she will take to the palace has been publicized and large crowds are expected, along with an outpouring of emotion, as the queen returns to her capital for the last time.
Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state at Westminster Hall for four days beginning on Wednesday at 12 p.m. ET.
Sep 12, 4:10 PM EDT
Queen’s children hold vigil at her coffin
King Charles III and his siblings, Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward, held a vigil at their mother’s coffin at St. Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland.
On Tuesday, Princess Anne will travel with the queen’s coffin to London.
Sep 12, 1:48 PM EDT
King Charles addresses Scottish Parliament
King Charles III was greeted by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon when he arrived at Scottish Parliament on Monday.
Charles said to Parliament members, “I know that the Scottish Parliament and the people of Scotland share with me a profound sense of grief at the death of my beloved mother. Through all the years of her reign, The Queen, like so many generations of our family before her, found in the hills of this land, and in the hearts of its people, a haven and a home. My mother felt, as I do, the greatest admiration for the Scottish people, for their magnificent achievements and their indomitable spirit.”
Charles said he’s passing to his son Prince William the title of “Duke of Rothesay, and the other Scottish titles which I have had the honour to carry for so long.”
He continued, “I take up my new duties with thankfulness for all that Scotland has given me, with resolve to seek always the welfare of our country and its people, and with wholehearted trust in your goodwill and good counsel as we take forward that task together.”
Sep 12, 10:32 AM EDT
Queen’s coffin brought inside St. Giles’ Cathedral
The queen’s coffin has arrived inside St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The wreath of flowers on the coffin includes dried white heather from the queen’s beloved Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
After the service, the coffin will remain at the cathedral for 24 hours so the people of Scotland can pay their respects.
Sep 12, 10:22 AM EDT
Queen’s children follow coffin from Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral
Queen Elizabeth II’s four children — the new King Charles III, Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward — are walking behind the hearse carrying her coffin from Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland.
The walk is nearly one mile.
The people of Scotland have lined up to silently watch the procession.
The coffin will lie in rest at St. Giles’ Cathedral on Monday. The coffin will be flown to London on Tuesday.
Sep 12, 10:08 AM EDT
24-hour access for public to attend queen’s lying-in-state in London
Members of the public will be able to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II later this week, as the late monarch lies in state at the U.K. Houses of Parliament in London for four days.
According to a press release from the U.K. government on Monday, people will be allowed to “file past the coffin 24 hours a day” inside Westminster Hall from 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday until 6:30 a.m. local time on Sept. 19, the day of the funeral.
“Those wishing to attend will be required to queue for many hours, possibly overnight,” the government added. “Large crowds are expected and people are encouraged to check ahead, plan accordingly and be prepared for long wait times.”
All attendees must go through “airport-style security and there are tight restrictions on what you can take in, with only small bags permitted,” according to the government.
Sep 12, 10:05 AM EDT
Queen’s children follow coffin from Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral
Queen Elizabeth II’s four children — the new King Charles III, Princess Anne and Princes Andrew and Edward — are walking behind the hearse carrying her coffin from Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral in Scotland.
The walk is nearly one mile.
The people of Scotland have lined up to silently watch the procession.
The coffin will lie in rest at St. Giles’ Cathedral on Monday. The coffin will be flown to London on Tuesday.
Sep 12, 9:52 AM EDT
King Charles given keys to city of Edinburgh
King Charles III was presented with keys to the city of Edinburgh after he arrived in Scotland on Monday, as a part of the Ceremony of the Keys tradition as monarch. Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge welcomed the new king to his “ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland.”
Sep 12, 7:37 AM EDT
King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, arrive in Edinburgh
Britain’s King Charles III and his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, traveled on Monday from London to Edinburgh, where they will walk behind his mother’s coffin as it is transported in a procession through the Scottish capital.
Thousands of people have lined the streets since the coffin carrying the late Queen Elizabeth II began its final journey from Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where the 96-year-old monarch died last Thursday. On Monday, the coffin will be moved from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St. Giles’ Cathedral, with Charles and Camilla walking behind it along Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.
A service to celebrate the late queen’s life will take place Monday afternoon at St. Giles’ Cathedral, where members of the public will be able to pay their respects and view the coffin for 24 hours before it is flown to London on Tuesday.
Charles and Camilla will also hold a vigil at St. Giles Cathedral on Monday evening.
Sep 12, 6:00 AM EDT
King Charles III addresses UK Parliament for 1st time
King Charles III addressed the U.K. Houses of Parliament for the first time as sovereign on Monday morning.
Speakers from both Houses of Parliament addressed the new king at Westminster Hall in London. Charles, accompanied by his wife Camilla, Queen Consort, then gave a reply in front of some 1,200 people gathered inside.
“As I stand before you today, I cannot help but feel the weight of history which surrounds us and which reminds us of the vital parliamentary traditions to which members of both Houses dedicate yourselves, with such personal commitment for the betterment of us all,” Charles said in a brief speech.
“We gather today in remembrance of the remarkable span of the queen’s dedicated service to her nations and peoples. While very young, her late majesty pledged herself to serve her country and her people and to maintain the precious principles of constitutional government which lie at the heart of our nation,” he added. “This vow she kept with unsurpassed devotion. She set an example of selfless duty which, with God’s help and your counsels, I am resolved faithfully to follow.”
Sep 12, 5:34 AM EDT
Prince Harry pays tribute to queen in 1st statement since her death
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, paid tribute to his grandmother on Monday in his first statement since her death, thanking the late queen for her “commitment to service,” “sound advice” and “infectious smile.”
“In celebrating the life of my grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen—and in mourning her loss—we are all reminded of the guiding compass she was to so many in her commitment to service and duty,” Harry said. “She was globally admired and respected. Her unwavering grace and dignity remained true throughout her life and now her everlasting legacy. Let us echo the words she spoke after the passing of her husband, Prince Philip, words which can bring comfort to all of us now: ‘Life, of course, consists of final partings as well as first meetings.'”
“Granny, while this final parting brings us great sadness, I am forever grateful for all of our first meetings — from my earliest childhood memories with you, to meeting you for the first time as my Commander-in-Chief, to the first moment you met my darling wife and hugged your beloved great- grandchildren,” he continued. “I cherish these times shared with you, and the many other special moments in between. You are already sorely missed, not just by us, but by the world over. And as it comes to first meetings, we now honour my father in his new role as King Charles III.”
“Thank you for your commitment to service. Thank you for your sound advice. Thank you for your infectious smile,” he added. “We, too, smile knowing that you and grandpa are reunited now, and both together in peace.”
Sep 11, 10:54 PM EDT
How the public can attend Queen Elizabeth’s lying in state at Westminster Hall
The U.K. government has released details on how members of the public can pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who will lie in state at Westminster Hall from Wednesday until Monday, Sept. 19.
The queen’s coffin will travel in a ceremonial procession from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster for the lying in state, the U.K. government said on its website, where it will rest on a raised platform and “be draped in the Royal Standard with the Orb and Sceptre placed on top.”
“Each corner of the platform will be guarded around the clock by a vigil of units from the Sovereign’s Bodyguard, the Household Division, or Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London,” the government said.
Members of the public will be able to file past the coffin 24 hours a day, starting at 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday until 6:30 a.m. on the day of the queen’s funeral, Sept. 19.
The government advised the public to expect to wait in line for long hours, “possibly overnight,” and that there would be “airport-style security” and only small bags permitted, as well as restrictions on what can be taken inside.
President Joe Biden has formally accepted an invitation to attend Queen Elizabeth’s funeral on Sept. 19 at Westminster Abbey in London, the White House said Sunday.
“This morning, President Biden formally accepted an invitation to attend the State Funeral Service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 19. He will be accompanied by the First Lady,” the statement from the White House reads.
Sep 10, 12:50 PM EDT
Prince William, Princess Kate, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle view flowers together
Prince William and Prince Harry, and their wives, Princess Kate and Meghan Markle, viewed flowers together outside Windsor Castle Saturday.
This is the first time the four have been seen together in public since Harry and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the royal family and moved to the United States.
A representative for William, the Prince of Wales told ABC News the prince invited the Duke and Duchess to join him and the Princess of Wales.
Sep 10, 12:21 PM EDT
Queen’s funeral to be held Sept. 19
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral will be held on Sept. 19, Buckingham Palace announced Saturday.
Sep 10, 12:07 PM EDT
William, Prince of Wales, makes 1st statement since the queen’s death
William, Prince of Wales said he is grateful for the queen’s presence in his life, in his first statement since the death of the queen. William said that he recognized the world lost an “extraordinary leader.”
“I, however, have lost a grandmother. And while I will grieve her loss, I also feel incredibly grateful. I have had the benefit of The Queen’s wisdom and reassurance into my fifth decade. My wife has had twenty years of her guidance and support. My three children have got to spend holidays with her and create memories that will last their whole lives,” William said.
“She was by my side at my happiest moments. And she was by my side during the saddest days of my life. I knew this day would come, but it will be some time before the reality of life without Grannie will truly feel real,” William said.
“I thank her for the kindness she showed my family and me. And I thank her on behalf of my generation for providing an example of service and dignity in public life that was from a different age, but always relevant to us all,” William said.
Sep 10, 7:20 AM EDT
King Charles III officially proclaimed king by Accession Council at St James’s Palace in London
King Charles III has been formally proclaimed monarch at a historic Accession Council in the State Apartments of St James’s Palace at 5 a.m. on Saturday. The ceremony is being televised for the first time in history.
A Principal Proclamation will then be read in public for the first time by the Garter King of Arms in the open air from the balcony overlooking Friary Court at St James’s an hour later at 6 a.m. ET.
It will be followed by a flurry of Proclamations around the country, with the second one at City of London at the Royal Exchange at midday on Saturday, and further Proclamations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales at midday on Sunday.
Buckingham Palace issued details of the arrangements, considered the first official orders of business of a new reign, on Friday.
Charles automatically became King on the death of his mother, but the Accession Council is usually convened at St James’s in London within 24 hours of the death of a sovereign.
Historically, the entire Privy Council is summoned to the Accession Council to oversee the formal proclamation of a new monarch.
But with the number of privy counsellors –- who are lifetime members and mostly past and present politicians –- now standing at more than 700, restrictions have been put in place. This does not affect the constitutional process.
Sep 10, 4:59 AM EDT
King Charles III to receive several key audiences today at Buckingham Palace
King Charles III will undertake a number of important meetings at Buckingham Palace today following his formal proclamation as king this morning.
The king is scheduled to meet with Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, at 9 a.m. ET followed by a meeting with the U.K.’s newly appointed prime minister, Liz Truss, and members of her cabinet at 9:30 a.m. ET.
At 10 a.m. ET, King Charles II will receive the leaders of the opposition parties at Buckingham Palace before his final scheduled meeting of the day at 11 a.m. ET where he will receive David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster.
Sep 09, 8:02 PM EDT
A look at Queen Elizabeth’s lifelong love of corgis
Perhaps no animal has been so closely associated with a world figure as corgis were with Queen Elizabeth II.
Her death sparked an outpouring of photographs and drawings of her and her dogs throughout the years.
Fellow dog owners are also planning to celebrate the queen’s life of service with a corgi parade outside of Buckingham Palace next month, the U.K. newspaper The Daily Mirror reported.
Sep 09, 1:52 PM EDT
Biden says he will attend the queen’s funeral
President Joe Biden told reporters Friday that he will be attending Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
“Yes. I don’t know what the details are yet, but I’ll be going,” Biden told reporters on the tarmac of Ohio’s Columbus International Airport.
Buckingham Palace has not yet announced when the queen’s funeral will be held.
Asked if he had spoken to King Charles III yet, Biden said, “I know him, I haven’t spoken to him. I did not call him yet.”
Sep 09, 1:36 PM EDT
King Charles III pledges to uphold Britain’s constitutional principals
In his first speech as monarch, King Charles III pledged to follow in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, upholding Britain’s Constitution.
“As the queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the constitutional principles at the heart of our nation,” King Charles III 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 endeavor to serve you with loyalty, respect and love as I have throughout my life,” he added.
The king also recognized his new role, and the changes it will bring.
“My life will, of course, change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But, I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others,” the king later said.
Sep 09, 1:18 PM EDT
New titles announced for Prince William and Catherine
King Charles III announced new titles for his son, Prince William, and his son’s wife, Catherine, previously the duke and duchess of Cambridge.
They are now the new prince and princess of Wales, the new king announced in a speech from Buckingham Palace Friday.
“Our new prince and princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations,” King Charles said in the prerecorded message.
William’s mother, Diana, was the last princess of Wales. Charles’ wife, Camilla, never took the title. With Charles’ ascension, her title is now queen consort.
King Charles also mentioned his younger son, Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, the duke and duchess of Sussex.
“I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan, as they continue to build their lives overseas,” the king said.
Sep 09, 1:17 PM EDT
‘Thank you for your love and devotion,’ King Charles III remembers the queen
In his first address, King Charles III ended his address thanking his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, for her lifetime of service and her love and devotion.
“To my darling mama, as you begin your gray last journey to join my dear late papa, I want simply to say this. Thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family, and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years,” King Charles III said.
The king also expressed his gratitude for the “condolences and support” that his family has received after the passing of the queen.
Sep 09, 1:10 PM EDT
King Charles III expresses ‘profound grief’ after death of the queen
King Charles III delivered his first address as monarch Friday, in remembrance of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, saying her death has brought him “profound sorrow” and “great sadness.”
“Throughout her life, her majesty, the queen, my beloved mother, was an inspiration. An example to me and to all my family. And we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family could owe to their mother for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example,” King Charles said.
The king said the queen’s affection, admiration and respect were a hallmark of her reign.
“I pay tribute to my mother’s memory and I honor her service,” he later added.
Sep 09, 12:25 PM EDT
Prime Minister Liz Truss meets with king
British Prime Minister Liz Truss met with King Charles III Friday, shortly after he arrived at Buckingham Palace.
Sep 09, 11:13 AM EDT
English Premier League postpones weekend matches
England’s top soccer league has postponed its slate of matches this weekend in tribute to the queen’s death.
“We and our clubs would like to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s long and unwavering service to our country,” Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said in a statement. “As our longest-serving monarch, she has been an inspiration and leaves behind an incredible legacy following a life of dedication.”
He continued, “This is a tremendously sad time for not just the nation, but also for the millions of people around the world who admired her, and we join together with all those in mourning her passing.”
The queen never made her “football” allegiances clear over her reign, but the new king, Charles III, has been public about his support for Burnley Football Club. With the postponements, he’ll have to hold off on watching their next match against Norwich City.
The EPL said it would announce any further postponements, such as on the day of the queen’s funeral, “in due course.”
Sep 09, 9:43 AM EDT
King Charles III views flowers outside Buckingham Palace
King Charles III has landed in London, returning from Balmoral Castle where the queen was when she died. The king walked outside Buckingham Palace, shaking hands and greeting people who gathered to share their condolences.
The king and Camila, the queen consort, walked outside the gates of Buckingham Palace viewing flowers left by people mourning the death of the queen.
As the king arrived outside, the Royal Standard was raised above Buckingham Palace for the first time during his reign.
Sep 09, 8:53 AM EDT
British Parliament members pays tribute to the queen
Both British houses of Parliament are meeting Friday for members to pay tribute to the queen in a special session of condolence.
Politics in both Houses will be on hold for a period of mourning.
“For the 70 glorious years of her reign, our queen was at the heart of this nation’s life,” Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer said. “She did not simply reign over us, she lived alongside us.”
“It seems impossible to imagine a Britain without her,” he added.
There will also be a rare Saturday meeting where senior members of Parliament can take an oath of allegiance to the king. The meeting will end with an address to the king expressing condolences following his mother’s death.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle will determine the timetable in the House for the following days, which is expected to be significantly reduced until after the state funeral for the queen.
This means new laws cannot be passed until Parliament returns, though it could be recalled for pressing matters.
-ABC News’ Zoe Magee
Sep 09, 8:37 AM EDT
King Charles III set to deliver remarks today
King Charles III will return to London this afternoon to record a televised address to the nation from Buckingham Palace. The speech will air at 1 p.m. ET before he attends the national service of thanksgiving for his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, at St. Paul’s Cathedral at 2 p.m. ET.
King Charles will be officially proclaimed king at 6 a.m. ET on Saturday from the balcony at St James’ Palace. The first son of Queen Elizabeth II became king the minute his mother died but the formal announcement will be made on Saturday.
Sep 09, 7:24 AM EDT
Sec. of State Antony Blinken comments on death of Queen Elizabeth II
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has shared the following statement to the people of the United Kingdom following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sept. 8, 2022:
Together with the American people, I extend my deepest sympathies to His Majesty The King, the entire Royal Family, the people of the United Kingdom, and the peoples of the Commonwealth on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
For more than 70 years – a period during which the United Kingdom and the world witnessed unprecedented change – Queen Elizabeth personified a sense of stability. During a time of tremendous division, she was a source of unity.
Her influence extended well beyond the Commonwealth. As Queen, she visited more than 120 countries, including the United States, where she made a point of meeting not only with leaders, but with people from all walks of life. She was the embodiment of the special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom, and a symbol of the enduring alliance that has seen our nations through the greatest tests of the 20th and 21st centuries.
We join people around the world in mourning her passing, and we will forever be inspired by the memory of her service, leadership, and friendship.
Sep 09, 5:17 AM EDT
The queen’s final moments
Prince Charles and Princess Anne were with their mother in her final hours.
Prince Andrew and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie raced to be by her side, as did her grandsons Prince William and Prince Harry but they did not get there in time.
Sep 09, 12:36 AM EDT
World reacts to Queen Elizabeth II’s death
Cities around the world joined in mourning Queen Elizabeth II’s death on Thursday.
With Queen Elizabeth II’s death, Camilla becomes queen consort
With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, her eldest son Charles becomes king and his wife Camilla becomes queen consort.
The queen made the request for the title in February, saying that “it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”
The statement marked the first time the queen had publicly addressed her daughter-in-law’s role in the future monarchy.
The eldest son of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch has taken his late mother’s place on the throne.
King Charles III is the first child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Upon the death of his mother on Sept. 8, Charles succeeded her as king of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms.
Charles, 73, was born at Buckingham Palace in London in 1948. He was just 3 years old when he became the heir apparent as his mother acceded to the throne as queen, following the death of her father, King George VI.
Sep 08, 3:26 PM EDT
Biden orders flags to half-staff
In a new proclamation, President Joe Biden has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff “until sunset, on the day of interment,” as a “mark of the respect for the memory of Queen Elizabeth II.”
“I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” the proclamation reads.
He continued, “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 3:15 PM EDT
Former US presidents react over queen’s death
Former presidents of the United States have released statements in reaction to the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch.
President Bill Clinton said in a statement that he and former first lady Hillary Clinton are mourning the passing of Her Majesty with the royal family and the rest of the world, describing her life as “extraordinary.”
“Throughout her remarkable 70-year reign, she led Britain through great transformations with unfailing grace, dignity, and genuine care for the welfare of all its people,” Bill Clinton said. “In sunshine or storm, she was a source of stability, serenity and strength.”
Bill Clinton added that he and Hillary Clinton “will always be grateful” to the kindness the queen showed them during visits to Buckingham Palace in 1995 and 2000.
President George W. Bush said in a statement that he and former first lady Laura Bush were “honored” to know the queen, describing her as a “woman of great intellect, charm and wit.”
“Spending time at Buckingham Palace, and having tea with Her Majesty — and her Corgis — is among our fondest memories of the presidency,” George W. Bush said.
The queen was able to lead the U.K. through dark moments with “her confidence in her people and her vision for a brighter tomorrow,” George W. Bush said.
“Our world benefitted from her steady resolve, and we are grateful for her decades of service as sovereign,” George W. Bush said. “Americans in particular appreciate her strong and steadfast friendship.”
President Barack Obama said in a statement that he and former first lady Michelle Obama were “lucky enough to come to know Her Majesty,” adding that the queen “meant a great deal to” to them.
“Back when we were just beginning to navigate life as President and First Lady, she welcomed us to the world stage with open arms and extraordinary generosity,” Barack Obama said. “Time and again, we were struck by her warmth, the way she put people at ease, and how she brought her considerable humor and charm to moments of great pomp and circumstance.”
Barack Obama continued, “Like so many, Michelle and I are grateful to have witnessed Her Majesty’s dedicated leadership, and we are awed by her legacy of tireless, dignified public service. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of the United Kingdom at this difficult time.”
President Donald Trump also released a statement following the news of the queen’s death, saying that he and former first lady Melania Trump will always cherish their time together with the queen and will “never forget Her Majesty’s generous friendship, great wisdom, and wonderful sense of humor.”
“Melania and I are deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II,” Donald Trump said on Truth Social, his social media platform. “Together with our family and fellow Americans, we send our sincere condolences to the Royal Family and the people of the United Kingdom during this time of great sorrow and grief. Queen Elizabeth’s historic and remarkable reign left a tremendous legacy of peace and prosperity for Great Britain.”
Sep 08, 2:47 PM EDT
UK thrived under Elizabeth’s reign, says Liz Truss
The newly appointed prime minister of the United Kingdom, Liz Truss, emphasized the importance of Queen Elizabeth II’s rule while addressing the death of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch on Thursday.
“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built,” Truss said outside of 10 Downing Street on Thursday. “Our country has grown and flourished under her reign. Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”
Among the accomplishments Truss highlighted were Elizabeth’s accomplishment of growing the Commonwealth from a small group of seven countries to a “family of 56 nations” as well as visiting more than 100 countries as sovereign.
The queen, who met with Truss on Tuesday at Balmoral, invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, to form a new government as prime minister, an act emblematic of the queen’s devotion to duty, Truss said.
“Earlier this week, at 96, she remained determined to carry out her duties as she appointed me as her 15th prime minister,” Truss said, describing her as the “the very spirit of Great Britain.”
Truss also extended condolences to the now-King Charles III, calling for the country to support him in the passing of the crown.
“We offer him our loyalty, and devotion, just as his mother devoted so much to so many for so long,” Truss said.
Sep 08, 2:21 PM EDT
Charles on queen’s passing: ‘A moment of the greatest sadness’
The queen’s eldest son and new king of England — who will be known as King Charles III — released a statement following his mother’s passing.
“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family,” Charles said.
“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world,” the statement continued.
Sep 08, 2:06 PM EDT
UK lowers flags to half-mast as rainbows appear
The U.K. ordered all flags to fly at half-mast in the wake of the queen’s death Thursday.
In a bit of fortuitous timing, the rain clouds eased up following the announcement and rainbows appeared over Buckingham Palace.
U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also ordered the flags to fly at half-mast over the Capitol in tribute to the monarch, according to her deputy chief of staff.
Sep 08, 2:02 PM EDT
How the British royal line of succession changes
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, there is a new line of succession to the British throne.
The queen’s oldest son, Charles, the Prince of Wales, is now the new king. Members of his direct family — including his sons, Princes William and Harry — are now higher in the line of succession.
In general, succession falls to the first-born child of the heir and their children, followed by the next oldest sibling of the heir and their offspring and so on.
Sep 08, 1:51 PM EDT
What comes next after queen’s passing?
With the queen’s death come questions about what happens next, as the world has not witnessed a changeover in Britain’s monarchy in 70 years.
The U.K. government and the royal family have been planning for years to ensure a smooth transition after the queen’s death, and to appropriately honor her history-making reign.
Buckingham Palace announced Thursday that Queen Elizabeth II has died. She was 96.
“The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon,” the palace said in a statement. “The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
Elizabeth is survived by her three sons, Charles, Prince of Wales; Prince Andrew, Duke of York; and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex; her daughter, Anne, Princess Royal; her eight grandchildren, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex; Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie; Peter and Zara Phillips; Lady Louise Windsor; and James, Viscount Severn. She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Her oldest son, Charles, succeeds her as king. His wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is expected to become queen consort, a title that Elizabeth requested at the time of her Platinum Jubilee in June.
Charles’s oldest son, William, is now heir apparent to the throne.
Sep 08, 1:10 PM EDT
Biden briefed on queen’s health, White House says
U.S. President Joe Biden has been briefed on Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and “will be updated throughout the day concerning news out of the United Kingdom,” given the reports of her health, White House spokesperson John Kirby said Thursday
“His and the first lady’s thoughts are solidly and squarely with the queen today and her family,” Kirby told reporters.
Biden also expressed that his thoughts are with U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, who took office on Tuesday and is currently taking part in a previously scheduled phone call with Biden and other allies focused on “continued support for Ukraine,” according to Kirby.
“I can tell you that in this video conference that the president is having as we speak, I can tell you that he did convey to Prime Minister Truss, who is on the video teleconference, that he and Dr. Biden are thinking very much of the queen and the family and the people of the United Kingdom,” Kirby said.
-ABC News’ Molly Nagle
Sep 08, 10:05 AM EDT
UK prime minister ‘deeply concerned’ about queen
U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss took to Twitter on Thursday to say that her “thoughts — and the thoughts of people across our United Kingdom — are with Her Majesty The Queen and her family at this time.”
“The whole country will be deeply concerned by the news from Buckingham Palace this lunchtime,” Truss tweeted.
Truss, who was recently selected as the new leader of the United Kingdom’s ruling Conservative Party, had an audience with the queen at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on Tuesday, during which she was formally asked to form a new government as prime minister after Boris Johnson’s official resignation. It was the first time in the queen’s 70-year reign that the ceremonial transfer of power was held at Balmoral, rather than at Buckingham Palace in London.
Sep 08, 9:41 AM EDT
Senior royals head to Balmoral Castle
Senior members of the British royal family are either at or on their way to Balmoral Castle in Scotland, where Queen Elizabeth II remains “under medical supervision.”
The queen’s oldest child and the heir to her throne, Charles, prince of Wales; and his wife, Camilla, duchess of Cornwall; as well as the queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, are already at Balmoral, according to their respective spokespersons.
Meanwhile, the queen’s other sons, Prince Andrew, duke of York; and Prince Edward, earl of Wessex; as well as Edward’s wife, Sophie, countess of Wessex; Charles’ two sons, Prince William, duke of Cambridge; Prince Harry, duke of Sussex; and Harry’s wife, Meghan, duchess of Sussex, are all on their way to Balmoral, their respective spokespersons confirmed.
During a new Billboard interview, Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner let slip that a new Bruce Springsteen album apparently will be released soon.
Wenner, whose new memoir Like a Rolling Stone was published Tuesday, was asked by Billboard how he felt about pop and hip-hop becoming the dominant music genres, and he admitted that he still prefers rock ‘n’ roll.
“Give me the [Rolling] Stones,” the publisher declared. “There’s a new Bruce [Springsteen] record coming out this fall, which is stunning. I’m listening to that.”
Back in May 2021, Springsteen revealed while accepting the Woody Guthrie Prize that he had a new, California-inspired album “coming out soon,”but little word about the project has been heard about since.
Meanwhile, Springsteen interviewed Wenner about his book on Tuesday night at an event in New York City that was streamed live online.
According to the Asbury Park Press, during the Q&A, the Boss jokingly griped about how Rolling Stone didn’t put him on the cover after the success of his 1975 album, Born to Run.
“I’m not picking a bone here or anything. But … I always felt they were a little skittish about putting me on the cover when that record came out,” Springsteen commented. “I was on the cover of Time and Newsweek!”
Wenner responded by noting, “He was the establishment pick at that time. I mean, nobody ever got on the cover of those two magazines at once. There was a huge controversy in New York media between Time and Newsweek.”
Wenner also reflected on some of the famous rock artists who were easy to interview, mentioning Springsteen, The Who‘s Pete Townshend and U2‘s Bono.
“All you have to do is ask one question,” Jann said.
(WASHINGTON) — ABC News reports that retired Army Brigadier Gen. Don Bolduc is projected to win the Republican nomination in New Hampshire’s Senate race, handing a victory to a controversial candidate in one the nation’s marquee midterm contests.
Bolduc defeated a field including state Senate President Chuck Morse. With 87% of the vote in, Bolduc led the field with 37% of the vote, compared with 36% for Morse.
Bolduc hailed his win, saying his victory helped put Republicans “one step closer towards defeating” first-term Democrat Maggie Hassan, one of the Senate’s most vulnerable incumbents.
Morse, meanwhile, tweeted overnight that “It’s been a long night & we’ve come up short” and said he “called and wished all the best” to Bolduc.
Bolduc’s primary win marks a defeat for establishment Republicans in New Hampshire and Washington, D.C., seeking to elevate Morse, whom they viewed as a more electable candidate to put up against Hassan.
Morse boasted that he’d look to work across the aisle while Bolduc sparked worries over a years-long reputation of courting controversy.
Among other things, Bolduc called popular Republican Gov. Chris Sununu a “Chinese Communist sympathizer,” said U.S. forces should “get in there on the ground” in Ukraine, advocated for the repeal of the 17th Amendment codifying direct popular election of U.S. senators and accused then-President Donald Trump of rigging the 2020 Senate primary that Bolduc lost by endorsing an opponent.
Neither Bolduc nor Morse has as beefy a war chest as Hassan, though Bolduc’s fundraising has been particularly anemic.
Amid rising concern over Bolduc’s polling lead late into the primary race, Republicans in Washington and Concord mobilized to blunt his momentum.
White Mountain PAC, a political group with reported ties to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., dumped millions into an ad buy highlighting Bolduc’s “crazy ideas.” Sununu, who routinely wins reelection by yawning margins, also endorsed Morse, blasting Bolduc as a “conspiracy-theory type” candidate who would struggle to unseat Hassan.
Some Democrats, meanwhile, sought to undercut Morse, seemingly in the belief that elevating Bolduc would net them a more beatable foe. Senate Majority PAC, which has ties to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., released an ad tying Morse to McConnell, who has drawn the ire of Trump and his diehard supporters in the grassroots.
James Taylor knows how sweet it is to perform at America’s most famous house — the White House — because that’s what he did on Tuesday to celebrate the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Grammy winner suited up for the event, even trading in his signature cap for a classy fedora. He cracked before jumping in to a performance of one of his biggest hits, “Fire & Rain,” that he’s “not used to needing sunblock to go on stage.” His wife, Kim Taylor, then joined him to assist with “You Can Close Your Eyes” and “America the Beautiful.”
Taylor supports the latest piece of legislation from the White House, calling it “important” and a “hopeful moment” for the nation.
“This is a time where the world needs to cooperate more than ever before, more than anything since the second world war. The world needs to get together and respond to the climate crisis,” Taylor said. He advocated and encouraged people to see the bill “as an opportunity to come together to protect our home.”
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee is an outspoken advocate for climate change, and this initiative contains some green energy incentives. He has also served on the Natural Resources Defense Council for over three decades.
It should be noted former President Barack Obama awarded Taylor the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in 2015.
Video of the celebration is now available to watch on YouTube.
EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Universal Pictures
Last year, when the James Bond film No Time to Die premiered in London, Billie Eilish — who wrote the movie’s theme song — got the chance to meet some of the British royal family, including then-Prince, now King, Charles III and Prince William. She says what struck her the most was, well, how chill they all were.
Speaking to Australian radio hosts Fitzy and Wippaon the Nova Network, Billie recalled that she had been given a long list of rules to follow ahead of meeting the royals, which promptly went out the window.
“I had it all ready to go,” she said. “I was, like, studying what the etiquette was supposed to be. I was, like, ready to curtsy. I was ready to not shake a hand. I was ready to not ask questions and not speak unless I was spoken to. And I was so worried about it! I was like, ‘I’m not gonna know how to do it!’”
“And they all walked in,” Billie continued. “And they were like, ‘What’s up!? How are ya!? How’s it going!?'”
“They were just so nice and friendly and charming,” she laughed.
Billie also shared with Fitzy and Wippa that these days, when she’s on tour, she’ll actually leave her hotel room…sometimes.
“I used to go out and like walk around and do stuff. And I don’t do that as much. Because life is a little different,” she laughed. ”For the last couple of years, when I was on tour, I was scared to step outside ’cause I was just worried [about people recognizing me]. But I am more chill about it now, I’m more comfortable.”
Katy Perry always seems to be in the public eye, whether it’s judging American Idol or promoting her Las Vegas residency PLAY. One thing we haven’t seen her do in a while is an actual tour, but that might be about to change.
Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Showon Tuesday, Katy was asked about being “too much.” She explained that she has an onstage persona and “dials it up” when she’s doing her Vegas show. Then, she added, “I’ll probably go and make another record soon and write it and tour the world after this, which’ll be so great.”
Katy then pivoted back to the “too much” question, explaining, “I’m pretty, like, ‘even’ offstage. I’m more, like, businesswoman; I don’t talk a lot offstage…I’m very, kind of, an observer. I really save my energy for when I have to go and turn it on. ‘Cause when I turn it on, it’s up to 11, girl.”
Katy’s residency is scheduled to run through October 22; it’s not clear if she’ll announce any other dates. Her most recent record was 2020’s Smile. Her last tour, however, came in support of her 2017 album, Witness, and wrapped up in the summer of 2018.
(LONDON) — The death of Queen Elizabeth II after a 70-year reign and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne marks the end of an era.
With the passing of Britain’s longest-reigning sovereign during a period that saw tectonic shifts in geopolitics and social norms, as well as a royal family rocked by scandal, many are now left wondering: what’s next for the British monarchy?
Criticism, in particular, about the monarchy’s link to colonialism and the lasting injustices it perpetuated — and waning support among younger Britons, according to a YouGov poll — have reignited difficult questions about the future of the monarchy and its purpose in modern times.
“You cannot think of British nationalism, you have to think of British imperial nationalism. And in the center of that is the monarchy,” said Caroline Elkins, a professor at Harvard University and author of “Legacy of Violence: A History of the British Empire.”
At the empire’s peak around 1921, the British colonized around a quarter of the land on Earth, leading to a description of the empire as one on which the sun never sets.
When Queen Elizabeth II became queen in 1952, Britain ruled over more than 70 territories – many of which Britain would lose or relinquish in struggles for independence, including in deadly conflicts.
One of the atrocities that scholars have detailed — and that critics have again highlighted in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing — was Kenya’s Mau Mau uprising for independence from British rule in the late 1950s.
Some historians estimate that there could have been up to 100,000 people killed in detention camps during the clashes between the Kenya Land and Freedom Army, known as the Mau Mau, and the British authorities, according to Elkin’s book, “Britain’s Gulag: The Brutal End of Empire in Kenya.”
According to a class action lawsuit against the U.K. government settled in 2013, thousands of Kenyans raised claims of torture, imprisonment and rape by British colonial forces in concentration camps during the uprising.
“The successive prime ministers – from Churchill on down – lied to Parliament, lied to the public, covered all this stuff up,” said Elkins, noting the monarchy likely had glimpses into the systematic torture under its imperialism.
“That said, what’s been the monarch’s role in perpetuating an image of imperial benevolence?” Elkins said. “Pretty huge.”
Many former colonies gained their independence from the British empire not in the distant past, but in the 20th century.
India gained its independence in 1947, Kenya in 1963 and Nigeria in 1960. Several countries experienced civil conflicts following their fight for independence due to British interference that reportedly led to thousands of deaths, according to historians.
“Europe came and divided Africa without taking into consideration the identity, the values, the differences and commonalities of different communities, ethnic entities, and so on,” said Mohamed S. Camara, professor of African Studies at Howard University. He also pointed to examples of this in India. “And we have repercussions of that today.”
For some people in those former colonies, Queen Elizabeth II’s rule is associated with oppression.
“Whether it’s in Africa, or in Southeast Asia … the people whose countries went through that will not forget and would like to see serious change happen,” Camara said.
“I don’t think there is any other form of violation of human rights in history that can equal to enslavement,” he added, “the transformation of a human being to the property of another man, let alone the transformation of an entire people into the property of another people or another state.”
Ahead of a trip by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to the Caribbean and Central America in March of this year to celebrate the queen, some Jamaican leaders demanded slavery reparations and local opposition in Belize forced them to cancel a trip.
Some of the countries that make up the Commonwealth have also signaled that they want to drop the monarchy as the head of state to achieve true independence from British rule, which Jamaica is moving toward.
They can still be a part of the Commonwealth without the British monarchy as the head.
“I want to say clearly, as I have said before, that each member’s constitutional arrangement, as republic or monarchy, is purely a matter for each member country to decide,” said then-Prince Charles during the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. “The benefit of long life brings me the experience that arrangements such as these can change, calmly and without rancour.”
Though there have been few apologies given from the royal family, the queen did often “extend a hand” to opponents of the monarchy, such as in Ireland, when the queen shook the hand of a former Irish Republican Army commander, Elkins said.
The IRA fought against British rule and was responsible for the death of the queen’s cousin, Lord Louis Mountbatten.
With King Charles III now on the throne, historians say there’s potential for the monarchy to make a fresh start in seeking atonement for past injustices and signal a new era for the royal family.
“There’s no question that [the monarchy has] benefited financially from the trade of enslaved people. And there’s no question that they as an institution benefited enormously from the prestige of the empire,” Elkins said.
“You are the monarch of a multicultural nation that must come to terms with the past,” she noted of the task facing King Charles III. “And if you really have a hope for the future of the monarchy, you must solve this.”
Myko Clelland, a royal expert and genealogist who worked closely with the Royal Household on the publication of their digitized records, says that even though King Charles III is entering at a vastly different time than his mother, the role of the monarchy remains an outwardly apolitical one.
“The constitutional role of the monarchy is separate from politics,” Clelland said.
King Charles III pointed to the changing times in his first speech as king: “When The Queen came to the throne, Britain and the world were still coping with the privations and aftermath of the Second World War, and still living by the conventions of earlier times.”
He continued, “In the course of the last 70 years we have seen our society become one of many cultures and many faiths. The institutions of the State have changed in turn.”
King Charles III has been outspoken about politics in a way that past leaders of the monarchy have not. He’s made comments through the years taking stances against climate injustice, strict immigration policy, enslavement and more.
However, Clelland predicts King Charles III may not necessarily change the monarch’s role as a figurehead intended to be “the heart and the soul of Britain, not the apparatus, not the machinery or the levers of power.”
“People worry that he might try to meddle in government, but that royal prerogative says that those powers have slipped into history, and that keeping the monarchy above politics is a way that keeps their survival,” Clelland said.
