Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Mother's reluctance to marry her 'Bertie' revealed in private letters

As documented in Oscar-winning film The King's Speech, the Queen Mother was King George VI's rock, and fiercely protective of her husband. But there was a time she wasn't sure if she wanted to marry...

A moment of reflection: A new portrait of the Queen is unveiled to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee

Queen buys iconic Andy Warhol portraits

Queen and Prince Charles all smiles despite Prince Harry controversy

Prince Philip released from hospital after five nights

The Duke of Edinburgh has been released from hospital after spending five nights being treated for a bladder infection. The 91-year-old was discharged from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary on Monday morning....

Elizabeth the great: A surprisingly modern monarch

The Queen's Bond-babe style dive into the Olympics opening ceremony sent a ripple of shock around the globe. Even her own family were left applauding in amazement and delight. "To be honest,...

Queen turns Bond girl in Olympic ceremony's best kept secret

The Queen made her acting debut, leaving no one in any doubt that she has a finely attuned sense of humour. Her family including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge joined the rest of the audience...

Excitement as Queen's VIP guests head to Olympic ceremony

Welcoming presidents, prime ministers, kings and queens to London, Elizabeth II told her illustrious audience that like her great-grandfather and father before her she would "take pleasure...

Boris Johnson thrills royal audience with poetic performance

Members of the Olympic movement were given a taste of British culture at a Royal Opera House reception where London Mayor Boris Johnson welcomed them by reciting a poem in English and ancient Greek. Committee...

Samantha and the Queen wearing summery outfits as sun finally appears

On Tuesday, the first lady of British fashion met up with someone who knows a thing or two about making a sartorial statement and they were perfectly in sync. David Cameron's wife Samantha hosted a Diamond...

Queen's spending cuts mean Dutch royals overtake British monarchy as most costly

A leading financial scholar has noted that the British royal family has cut spending, reducing the cost of the monarchy to the tax payer. In his sixth international report on the costs of European heads...

Royal seal of approval for the Olympic torch

The spirit of the Olympics came to Windsor Castle on Tuesday as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh welcomed the torch to their home. In just 17 days, the Diamond monarch will officially open the Games...

Proud Duchess by William's side as he receives historic Scottish honour

Prince William has been installed as a Knight of the Order of the Thistle at a special ceremony in Edinburgh. By his side was his proud wife, the Duchess of Cambridge who chose an elegant soft...

Garden and street parties for Queen in Scotland

Despite the inclement weather - and some unwanted guests - about 8,000 people attended a royal garden party on Tuesday, regarded as being a chance for ordinary people to meet the Queen. The Holyroodhouse...

Lovely Lorraine Kelly gets emotional as she receives her OBE

Scottish TV favourite Lorraine Kelly has been awarded an OBE. And the bubbly presenter has confessed she was overcome with emotion when she met the Queen. "I was very, very nervous, but it...

Queen receives the keys to Edinburgh as she begins week of Scottish celebrations

The Queen has taken part an centuries-old ceremony to formally receive her in Edinburgh as she begins a week-long visit to Scotland to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. During the event on Monday she...

Queen's diamonds go on display

In honour of her Jubilee year, the Queen has helped select more than 10,000 diamonds for a dazzling exhibition at Buckingham Palace. On Saturday, the doors will open on the special display which includes...

Queen and thousands of airborne poppies honour Bomber Command heroes

A £6m memorial remembering the 55,573 airmen of Bomber Command who died during World War II has been unveiled by the Queen. Measuring 9ft tall and featuring the figures of seven aircrew, the...

Queen's meeting with Martin McGuinness was 'wonderful', says countess injured by IRA bomb

Earl Mountbatten's daughter, who lost most of her family in an IRA attack, said the Queen had her full support for meeting Martin McGuinness, a former IRA commander who is now Deputy First Minister. "I...

Historic handshake for Queen and Martin McGuinness

Following a successful first day on her tour of Northern Ireland, the Queen has met former IRA commander Martin McGuinness – who is now Deputy First Minister. While the intitial introductions...