With the King and Queen’s tour of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh in doubt due to rising tensions and military action over the disputed province of Kashmir, I can reveal the royal couple have their sights set on Antigua and Barbuda. The trip won’t replace the autumn tour slot, with the Palace busy working up alternative travel arrangements, but it will fall early next year for the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
Dates for the 2026 summit have not yet been announced, but I understand that organisers are looking to host leaders from across the Commonwealth early next year. The King, as Head of the Commonwealth, is keen to attend the summit again next year, having travelled to Samoa for the most recent CHOGM.
It marked his first since becoming sovereign, and the seventh time he has attended the meeting following Edinburgh in 1997, Uganda in 2007, Sri Lanka in 2013, Malta in 2015, the UK in 2018 and Rwanda in 2022.
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Charles is keen to continue championing the Commonwealth’s importance, which was one of Queen Elizabeth’s central priorities throughout her 70-year reign.
“His Majesty wants to continue his mother’s legacy and show his commitment to the Commonwealth,” a source said, adding that he’s made it clear he wants to attend the 28th summit next year. It is understood that courtiers have already travelled to the small Caribbean country to conduct a recce and start planning the trip’s itinerary.
The Commonwealth is, of course, one of the King’s five c’s – that underpin his top working priorities – alongside climate, community, culture, and the new addition, cancer.
In recent months, we’ve seen the monarch use symbols to throw his support behind Commonwealth nations such as Canada, as the country faces threats from US President Donald Trump.
By utilising the subtle art of diplomatic dressing, the Royal Family has made clear their commitment to Canada and the King and Queen’s upcoming trip to the country for the state opening of Parliament reinforces this. Canada, like all 56 of the Commonwealth countries, is important to the King and he will continue to support them, just as his mother taught him.
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Garden party season is in full swing, and they are a special afternoon for those invited. They are organised every summer to honour public servants and charity members, and offer people a rare glimpse of the beautiful gardens of Buckingham Palace.
Preparations begin months in advance to ensure everything is in perfect condition, from the immaculate lawns to the seasonal bedding displays.
Military bands play a selection of music while guests in their glad rags enjoy the food and drink on offer at the Royal Tea Tent.
But while many people conjure images of people sipping champagne in the sunshine, booze is not on the menu as it’s a strictly sober affair.
The omission of alcohol is to keep things as civilised as possible in the presence of members of the Royal Family, which is probably a wise call, knowing what Brits can be like…I’m not sure many people will be surprised to learn that Meghan Markle’s popularity with the British public has fallen to its lowest level since YouGov started tracking it in 2017. Prince Harry’s has also plummeted to its lowest since early 2023, when his bombshell memoir was released.
The public doesn’t suffer fools gladly, and patience is wearing thin for the couple as they continue to hurl attacks at Britain’s beloved Royal Family.
After years of criticising the Firm, the tide is unlikely to ever turn in their favour again – even a live TV apology will do the trick.
Tomorrow, the King and Queen will visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show a day before the eminent gardening event officially kicks off.
They will be joined by the Duke of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.
Charles and Camilla will tour the gardens and view the impressive displays at this year’s event, which includes the Dog Garden designed by Monty Don.
The Queen, a dog-lover who adopted a new puppy at the start of the year, will no doubt be looking forward to touring the special garden, which includes a brick path with the names of dogs belonging to RHS ambassadors and Radio 2 presenters to reflect the special place dogs hold in the nation’s hearts and gardens.
The Queen’s new addition Moley, features along the path, as well as her Jack Russell Terrier, Bluebell, and her much-loved dog Beth, who passed away late last year. The name of The King’s dog, Snuff, is also included on the path.
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