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The Queen to Attend the Entente Littéraire Prize Ceremony

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French President's wife Brigitte Macron, right, listens as Queen Camilla delivers her speech during their visit to the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, to present a new French-British literary prize, Sept.21, 2023 in Paris.
French President's wife Brigitte Macron, right, listens as Queen Camilla delivers her speech during their visit to the Bibliotheque Nationale de France, to present a new French-British literary prize, Sept.21, 2023 in Paris.

THE QUEEN WILL ATTEND THE ENTENTE LITTÉRAIRE PRIZE CEREMONY

French Ambassador’s Residence, 11 Kensington Palace Gardens, London W8.

Wednesday 4th December 2024

The Queen, accompanied by Madame Macron, will attend the Entente Littéraire Prize Ceremony. The prize is awarded to books aimed at teenagers and young adults and helps to promote literature from all corners of the UK and France, shining a light on Franco-British literary talent. It celebrates the pleasures of reading and the special connections between the two countries created by literature.

The idea to establish a UK-France literary prize was agreed at leader level during the UK-France bilateral Summit in Paris on 10 March 2023. The Entente Littéraire was officially launched by Her Majesty and Madame Macron during Their Majesties’ state visit to France in September 2023.

This year’s first ceremony takes place during the 120th anniversary year of the Entente Cordiale, which is being celebrated in both countries. The prize illustrates the importance of the close bilateral relationship between the UK and France and celebrates the rich cultural ties between the two countries.

State Visit by The Amir of the State of Qatar

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King Charles III waves to the crowd underneath a giant Union flag during a visit to a festival in celebration of British and French culture and business at Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on September 22, 2023.
King Charles III waves to the crowd underneath a giant Union flag during a visit to a festival in celebration of British and French culture and business at Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux, southwestern France, on September 22, 2023.

STATE VISIT BY THE AMIR OF THE STATE OF QATAR

Tuesday 3rd December – Wednesday 4th December 2024

The Amir of the State of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, has accepted an invitation from His Majesty The King to pay a state visit to the United Kingdom from Tuesday 3rd December to Wednesday 4th December 2024.

The King and Queen will host the state visit at Buckingham Palace.

MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER 2024

The Amir of the State of Qatar and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani will arrive in the United Kingdom on the afternoon of Monday 2nd December at London Stansted Airport.

Their Highnesses will be greeted by His Excellency Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohammed bin Saud Al-Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar. The Viscount Hood, Lord in Waiting, will greet Their Highnesses on behalf of the King.

TUESDAY 3RD DECEMBER 2024

Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales will greet the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher at their residence, on behalf of the King, on Tuesday morning.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will travel with Their Highnesses to Horse Guards Parade, where the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher will receive a Ceremonial Welcome.

The King and Queen will formally welcome Their Highnesses at the Royal Pavilion on Horse Guards Parade. Presentations will be made, the Guard of Honour will give a Royal Salute and the Qatari National Anthem will be played.

The Amir, accompanied by the King, will then inspect the Guard of Honour, formed of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, with the Band of the Regiment.

Afterwards, Their Highnesses will join the King and Queen, and The Prince and Princess of Wales, in a carriage procession along The Mall to Buckingham Palace, where they will be met by a second Guard of Honour formed of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards with the Band of the Irish Guards. As the carriages arrive at Buckingham Palace, the Band of the Irish Guards will play the Qatari and British National Anthems.

Following a lunch at Buckingham Palace, His Majesty will invite Their Highnesses to view a special exhibition in the Picture Gallery of items from the Royal Collection Trust and Turquoise Mountain Foundation relating to Qatar.

In the afternoon, the Amir and Sheikha Jawaher will visit Westminster Abbey, where Their Highnesses will take a tour of the Abbey, accompanied by the Dean of Westminster and the Chapter.

Next, His Highness will travel to Palace of Westminster where he will be greeted on arrival by Black Rod, the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Speaker of the House of Commons and the Lord Speaker. In the Royal Robing Room, His Highness will address gathered Parliamentarians and other invited guests before joining a reception with Members of the House of Lords and Members of Parliament.

At Kensington Palace, the Amir will then be received by the Prince of Wales.

In the evening, the King, accompanied by the Queen and Members of the Royal Family, will give a state banquet at Buckingham Palace for the Amir of Qatar and Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani.

Speeches will be made by the King and the Amir at the beginning of the banquet.

WEDNESDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2024

On Wednesday morning, the Amir will visit the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. His Highness will meet contemporaries from the Amir’s time at Sandhurst and Qatari cadets. The Amir will also meet representatives from 11 Sqn based at RAF Leeming who are delivering advanced and high-speed jet training to Qatari Emiri Air Force and RAF pilots in Hawk Mk167 aircrafts. His Highness will also view a flypast on Parade Square.

The Amir and Sheikha Jawaher will then travel to Buckingham Palace to formally bid farewell to the King and Queen.

Afterwards, His Highness will visit No. 10 Downing Street for a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer.

That evening, the Amir, joined by the Duke of Gloucester, will attend a dinner at Mansion House given by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. The Lord Mayor and the Amir will both make speeches at the end of the dinner.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Lord Chamberlain will bid farewell to the Amir on behalf of The King, before His Highness departs from London Stansted Airport. Her Highness will depart privately.

King to Celebrate Launch of Circular Bioeconomy Alliance

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King Charles III attends a reception to thank those involved in the planning and arrangements following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation at Buckingham Palace, London. October 19, 2023.
King Charles III attends a reception at Buckingham Palace, London. October 19, 2023.

HIS MAJESTY THE KING WILL CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE CIRCULAR BIOECONOMY ALLIANCE

Thursday 21st November 2024

At St James’s Palace, His Majesty The King will join scientists, businesses and indigenous leaders to celebrate the launch of the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance (CBA).

Established by the King as Prince of Wales, the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance is accelerating the transition to a nature-first, circular bioeconomy that is climate neutral, inclusive and powers prosperity.

The Circular Bioeconomy Alliance initiative was established in 2020, and in September 2023 became a registered UK charity. It aims to create a positive impact, building sustainable value chains which transform land, food, health and industrial systems. Its approach combines a rigorous science-based framework, coalitions of expert partners, indigenous and local leaders and a bespoke ‘Living Lab’ activation model.

The Queen Among Recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day 

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Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day, November 2024. Image credit Jonathan Cole Photography.
Her Majesty The Queen has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature by the University of London Chancellor, The Princess Royal, November 2024. Image credit Jonathan Cole Photography.

Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day 

Her Majesty The Queen is one of five leading figures to receive an Honorary Degree from the University of London, recognising her outstanding contribution to promoting literacy and literature across the UK. The ceremony will take place on 20 November at Senate House, where Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Chancellor of the University of London, will present the award as part of the University’s historic Foundation Day celebrations. 

HM The Queen’s Honorary Doctorate of Literature acknowledges her advocacy for literacy and dedication to numerous literary organisations, including The National Literacy Trust and Book Aid International. Through ‘The Queen’s Reading Room’ initiative and patronage of multiple literary charities, Her Majesty has championed the transformative power of reading and writing across all age groups and communities. 

Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said:

“Since its founding, the University of London has been a force for social and educational change, from being the first university to admit students regardless of gender, race or religion, to enabling people to study wherever they are in the world. Honorary degrees are our way of recognising those who share and represent these values of inclusion and transformation. 

“Her Majesty’s work in promoting literacy and literature over many years has transformed lives and embodies our belief in the education’s power to create positive change. Together with our other distinguished recipients, they represent the very best of public service and demonstrate how knowledge and dedication can transform our society for the better.” 

Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day, November 2024. Image credit Jonathan Cole Photography.
Her Majesty The Queen among recipients of Honorary Degrees at University of London Foundation Day, November 2024. Image credit Jonathan Cole Photography.

Foundation Day marks the anniversary of the University’s first charter, granted 188 years ago in 1836 by William IV. This year’s ceremony will also honour four other distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to society: 

·        Dr Nahim Ahmed MBE – Honorary Doctorate of Science (Social Sciences) 

·        Professor Sir Michael Arthur – Honorary Doctorate of Science (Medicine) 

·        Anthony Neoh – Honorary Doctorate of Laws 

·        Abdul Fazal Bhanji OBE – Honorary Fellow 

During the ceremony, the Chancellor will also celebrate several institutional milestones, including the addition of Brunel University of London to the University of London federation and the merger of City and St George’s into a single multi-faculty institution – City St George’s, University of London. Her Royal Highness will also commemorate the School of Advanced Study’s 30th anniversary, the 10th annual Being Human Festival, the 75th anniversary of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies and the reopening of the Warburg Institute. 

Foundation Day 2024 will be attended by students and staff of the University of London, representatives from Federation Member institutions and Regional Teaching Centres, and people with long-standing connections with the University.  

The King and Queen to Attend The Royal Variety Performance

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King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at a state banquet at State House in Nairobi, on day one of the state visit to Kenya. October 31, 2023.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrive at a state banquet at State House in Nairobi, on day one of the state visit to Kenya. October 31, 2023.

THE KING AND QUEEN WILL ATTEND THE ROYAL VARIETY PERFORMANCE

Friday 22nd November 2024

The King, Patron of The Royal Variety Charity, and The Queen, will attend the Royal Variety Performance, Royal Albert Hall, London.

The annual Royal Variety Performance is the world’s longest running entertainment show with the first ‘Royal Show’ being held in 1912. The event supports the Royal Variety Charity which helps members of the entertainment industry in the UK who need help and assistance.

This year the charity has launched a Mental Health initiative, providing advice and support to those struggling with mental health issues.

This will be the first year that His Majesty attends as Patron of the Royal Variety Charity.

Prince William to Visit Newport

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The Prince of Wales meeting members of the public outside St Thomas Church, in Swansea, Wales, 2022.
The Prince of Wales meeting members of the public outside St Thomas Church, in Swansea, Wales, 2022.

PRINCE WILLIAM TO VISIT NEWPORT TO RECOGNISE WORK ADDRESSING AND PREVENTING FEMALE HOMELESSNESS

Wednesday 20th November 2024

Prince William will visit Newport on Wednesday 20th November to hear about the Homewards Newport local Coalition’s approach to preventing women’s homelessness in the city, and unveil commitments from local organisations who have pledged their support.

During his time in Newport, the Prince will be joined by Homewards Advocate, Sabrina Cohen-Hatton, who herself experienced homelessness as a teenager in the city. They will visit The Nelson Trust which is a member of the Homewards Newport Coalition and plays a pivotal role in delivering trauma-informed support for women in Newport.

Women’s homelessness, and specifically women who face multiple disadvantages such as trauma, poverty and domestic abuse, have been identified as a key priority in Newport with reports of women’s homelessness rising in the city. Women are often more susceptible to experiencing ‘hidden homelessness’ compared to men, as they are less likely to rough sleep due to safety fears, resulting in sofa surfing, or sleeping on public transport. By focusing support specifically on women’s homelessness in Newport, Homewards will be able to not only support these women but also share learnings with the programme’s other five flagship locations and beyond.

Whilst at the Nelson Trust, the Prince will meet with local women who have experienced homelessness and are part of a ‘Women of Newport’ photography series. The project has been created to raise awareness and change perceptions around women’s homelessness and demonstrate that recovery from homelessness is possible.

His Royal Highness will then meet with businesses, charities and other organisations including Homewards Newport Coalition members Newport City Homes, Newport City Council, Newport Live, POBL, Dick Lovett and Public Health Wales, to hear about commitments they are making to support Homewards Newport’s efforts to prevent and end women’s homelessness.

Whilst in Newport, His Royal Highness and Sabrina will also privately visit a women’s support service to hear from women who have experienced homelessness due to domestic abuse and sexual exploitation. The meeting will highlight what services are needed to help women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and what needs to be done to support them further in the city.

The Duchess of Edinburgh Joins Challenge Walk for Children in Need

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The Countess of Wessex during the Big Jubilee Lunch with members of the local community seated at 'The Long Table' on The Long Walk, Windsor Castle, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, June 5, 2022.
The Countess of Wessex during the Big Jubilee Lunch with members of the local community seated at 'The Long Table' on The Long Walk, Windsor Castle, on day four of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, June 5, 2022.

The Duchess of Edinburgh Joins Challenge Walk for Children in Need
Windsor

13 November 2024

The Duchess of Edinburgh has joined Emily, a young person with cerebral palsy, as she embarked on The Long Walk in Windsor as part of BBC Children in Need and The One Show’s fundraiser, The Challenge Squad.

Earlier today, 21-year-old Emily from North London, who uses a wheelchair and walking sticks to assist with her mobility, was surprised by Her Royal Highness during the penultimate stretch of her walk to Windsor Castle. 

During the walk along the iconic tree-lined avenue, Her Royal Highness and Emily spoke of the challenge, Emily’s training and preparation for the day and why she’s raising funds for BBC Children in Need.

Emily was set the epic walking challenge by The One Show as she’s always wanted the opportunity to walk the furthest she’s ever walked before. Emily’s family were also there to cheer Emily on. 

The Duchess of Edinburgh’s commitment to supporting young people and disabled people is well known and Her Royal Highness was pleased to join Emily on her challenge, and celebrate her determination and drive to advocate for disabled people.

CPotential, a BBC Children in Need supported project, has helped Emily since three years of age to strengthen her body and improve movement. BBC Children in Need funding allows CPotential to continue its music therapy programme which promotes emotional expression, reduces stress and develops communication skills.

Princess of Wales to Host Abbey Carol Service

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Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis blowing out his candle and the Princess of Wales during the Royal Carols - Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in London. December 8, 2023.
Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis blowing out his candle and the Princess of Wales during the Royal Carols - Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in London. December 8, 2023.

Princess of Wales to Host Abbey Carol Service

Wednesday, 13th November 2024

HRH The Princess of Wales will return to Westminster Abbey to host her fourth annual Together at Christmas carol service on Friday 6th December.

A joyful celebration of Christmas, this year’s service will offer a moment to reflect on the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult times in our lives.

Inspirational guests
Spearheaded by the Princess and supported by The Royal Foundation, the service will shine a light on individuals from all over the UK who have shown kindness towards others in their communities – whether on a personal level with friends and family, through their work, or as they selflessly give up their time through volunteering.

The 1,600-strong congregation will be joined by Members of The Royal Family and recognisable faces who in their own ways have shown how love can help others thrive.

Musical performances
Combining traditional and modern elements, the service will see the world-renowned Abbey Choir perform some of the nation’s best-loved carols, alongside musical performances by guests including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.

Watch on Christmas Eve
The service will be filmed for broadcast and will air in the UK as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.

King to Open First Two Coronation Food Hubs

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King Charles III during a visit to the City Shamba urban farm project at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi, on day one of the State Visit to Kenya. City Shamba serves as a model farm and information centre for the local community, and provides food to the hospital. October 31, 2023.
King Charles III during a visit to the City Shamba urban farm project at the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital in Nairobi, on day one of the State Visit to Kenya. City Shamba serves as a model farm and information centre for the local community, and provides food to the hospital. October 31, 2023.

THE KING WILL OPEN THE FIRST TWO CORONATION FOOD HUBS TO MARK HIS MAJESTY’S 76TH BIRTHDAY

Thursday 14th November 2024

In celebration of His Majesty’s 76th birthday and the first anniversary of the Coronation Food Project, The King will open the initiative’s first two Coronation Food Hubs – one in person and one virtually.

The hubs – major distribution centres, designed to save and circulate tonnes of surplus food – are set to transform the ability of charities like FareShare and the Felix Project to support communities in need.

To mark His Majesty’s birthday and the opening of the two facilities, the hub the King is visiting will host a ‘surplus food festival’ with meals created from food which would otherwise have gone to waste. His Majesty will tour the new facility, meeting beneficiaries and representatives of food banks, schools and community groups.

The Coronation Food Project is investing in a network of hubs, adding scale and capacity to warehouses, boosting cold storage facilities and funding lorries, vans and drivers to boost their distribution capacity. For example, a newly installed industrial freezer, which the King will view during the visit, will increase capacity by 400%, significantly improving the charity’s ability to preserve more surplus food.

The Coronation Food Project

The Coronation Food Project, inspired by His Majesty The King and coordinated by His Majesty’s charitable fund, King Charles III Charitable Fund (KCCF), seeks to bridge the gap between food waste and food need across all four nations of the United Kingdom, helping people and helping the planet.

There are three pillars to the Coronation Food Project:

1) Saving more surplus food.

2) Supercharging food distribution networks to ensure surplus produce can reach those who need it most, through the creation of a network of Coronation Food Hubs.

3) Delivering a flexible funding programme to support the wider sector and a consortium of pioneering food-rescue initiatives. In just twelve months, remarkable progress has been made towards reaching the project’s three goals.

Working with charities FareShare and the Felix Project, along with leaders from across the food industry, the Coronation Food Project has already saved an additional 940 tonnes of surplus food – equivalent to 2,240,000 meal portions.

£15 million has been raised to design, build and run a network of up to ten Coronation Food Hubs across the UK.

The Coronation Food Project has also given £715,000 in community food grants to 33 organisations across the UK. This includes a grant to East Belfast Mission which runs a range of food related projects, including a daily community fridge for people to come each week to collect high quality fresh surplus produce and UKHarvest’s Grub Club which involves pupils and parents in distributing surplus food to schools.

MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY MARK REMEMBRANCE

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The wreaths of the Royal Family - King Charles, Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward - Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. Nov, 2022.
The wreaths of the Royal Family - King Charles, Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, and Prince Edward - Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. Nov, 2022.

MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL FAMILY MARK REMEMBRANCE

His Majesty The King and members of the Royal Family will attend engagements to mark Remembrance in 2024.

The Queen’s attendance at Remembrance events will be subject to medical advice nearer the time.

Saturday 9th November 2024

Members of the Royal Family will attend the annual Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.

His Majesty The King became Patron of the Royal British Legion earlier this year.

The Festival will be attended by His Majesty The King, the Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent.

Click here to watch in full via BBC iPlayer.

Sunday 10th November 2024

The King and members of the Royal Family will attend the annual Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, and the Duke of Kent will also attend the service.

Click here to watch the highlights via BBC iPlayer.

Monday 11th November 2024

The Duchess of Edinburgh will attend an Armistice Service at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Following the service, the Duchess will place a wreath at the memorial and will be invited to give an Armistice Day Service reading. The day will conclude with a tour of the Arboretum.

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