Last month, I attended Philip’s memorial service at Westminster Abbey. She was accompanied there by Prince Andrew. This was an expression of support for her son. Andrew lost his credibility after an American woman accused him of sexual assault. Andrew denies the allegations, but has settled with the woman and handed some of his surnames to his mother.
Last week, Elizabeth received an early birthday visit from her grandson Harry and his wife Meghan. It was the first time since the two gave up their roles within the royal family in 2020 and moved to California where they were in touch with the Queen again.
Somewhat boring
in conversation with NBC News Harry said his grandmother was “in good shape”. “It was nice to be with her and see her.” He joked that Elizabeth was starting to find birthdays a little boring at her age.
Later this year, the Queen is still waiting for a public appearance: she has held the throne for exactly seventy years, and the four-day platinum jubilee will be celebrated at the beginning of June with all kinds of festivities, coinciding with her 96th birthday.
Barbie’s manufacturer Mattel is also trying to cash in on a royal Christmas, with the release of a special Queen doll in an ivory gown, royal blue sash and tiara to mark the occasion. Unlike previous Queen dolls, these are also on sale, but it’s going fast: the doll was no longer available in Mattel’s online store on Thursday morning.
