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King Charles delivers heartfelt message amidst cancer treatment

In times of adversity, the power of unity and compassion shines through, and this sentiment has never been more evident than in the heartfelt message delivered by King Charles amidst his cancer treatment. As news of his diagnosis spread, an outpouring of support enveloped the King from all corners of the Commonwealth. His gratitude and appreciation for this unwavering kindness were palpable as he addressed the nations in a video message, unable to personally attend the 2024 Commonwealth Day celebrations due to his health. "I have been most deeply touched by your wonderfully kind and thoughtful good wishes for my health and, in return, can only continue to serve you, to the best of my ability, throughout the Commonwealth," he said. "My belief in our shared endeavours and in the potential of our people remains as sure and strong as it has ever been. I have no doubt that we will continue to support one another across the Commonwealth as, together, we continue this vital journey." The absence of the Princess of Wales, still in recovery from surgery, served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones. In such moments, the strength of familial bonds and the support of a caring community become invaluable lifelines. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth, we reflect not only on its historical significance but also on its enduring relevance in today's world. The theme of "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Commonwealth" resonates deeply as we navigate the challenges of the modern age together. King Charles' words remind us of the interconnectedness of our shared humanity, transcending borders and differences. He likened the Commonwealth to the wiring of a house, where each nation contributes to the collective energy and strength that sustains us all: "As I have said before, the Commonwealth is like the wiring of a house, and its people, our energy and our ideas are the current that runs through those wires. Together and individually we are strengthened by sharing perspectives and experiences, and by offering and borrowing the myriad ways we have each tackled the challenges of our time. This is true both at the level of nations and, indeed, at the local level. We recognise today that our diversity is our greatest strength." In facing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and socioeconomic shifts, the importance of collaboration and cooperation cannot be overstated. King Charles eloquently underscored the power of diversity as our greatest strength, recognising that it is through our varied perspectives and experiences that we find innovative solutions to complex problems. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lR6Z8ss_AW0?si=Gf8lGHmG-xnw9zCP" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Image: Youtube

Caring

‘Existential questions’: is this the beginning of the end of the Commonwealth Games?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/damien-whitburn-1455572">Damien Whitburn</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Tuesday that the Victorian government has withdrawn from its commitment to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing an anticipated cost blowout from an original estimate of A$2.6 billion to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/jul/18/australia-commonwealth-games-2026-victoria-cancels-event-after-funding-shortfall">over $6-$7 billion</a>. Commonwealth Games Australia chief executive Craig Phillips described the decision as “beyond disappointing”. Phillips questions the government’s figures, <a href="https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/2023/07/18/commonwealth-games-federation/">saying that the</a> cost of running the Gold Coast event in 2018 was $1.2 billion and the 2022 Birmingham Games was $1.8 billion. The government said existing funding set aside for the games will remain invested in regional projects intended to create an event “legacy”. Aside from the viability of the 2026 event, Victoria pulling out of hosting the event raises the broader question of whether the Commonwealth Games will survive. <h2>How has this happened?</h2> Victoria secured the Commonwealth Games in April 2022 with a unique multi-region model that sought to bring the event to regional Victoria. Despite the obvious risks and costs associated with decentralising a major event away from pre-existing infrastructure in Melbourne, Andrews <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/victoria-confirms-bid-for-2026-commonwealth-games-20220216-p59wvp.html">noted</a> at bid submission that "Victoria is Australia’s sporting state, and, if awarded the 2026 Commonwealth Games would demonstrate to the world a new way to deliver the competition." Andrews made clear the decision to withdraw was entirely financial, stating that the new estimated cost of potentially over $7 billion “does not represent value for money”. When pressed at his media conference to provide accountability as to how his government’s costing could have been so grossly inaccurate, Andrews said that certain event costs were unforeseeable. "What could not be reasonably foreseen, and was not foreseen, was the costs incurred in terms of services, security, transport […] there were estimates that were made and those estimates are clearly well and truly under the actual cost." The Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia dispute these costs estimates. They <a href="https://www.commonwealthsport.com/news/3594069/response-to-victoria-government-2026-commonwealth-game-host-withdrawal">signalled</a> the blame for any cost overruns lies with the Victorian government. "The numbers quoted to us today of $6 billion are 50% more than those advised to the Organising Committee board at its meeting in June." :Since awarding Victoria the Games, the Government has made decisions to include more sports and an additional regional hub, and changed plans for venues, all of which have added considerable expense, often against the advice of the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Bit of a long one this morning. You might have heard the news this morning that Victoria will no longer be hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games. And I wanted to tell you about the decision. — Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielAndrewsMP/status/1681087774110384128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <h2>The implications</h2> The decision to withdraw from hosting the event will still incur costs. This includes pre-existing costs related to staffing contracts, renting premises and marketing, as well as to-be-determined contractual break costs as negotiated with the Commonwealth Games Federation. The financial costs of the withdrawal, however, may pale against the longer-term reputational damage done to Victoria and perhaps Australia more broadly. This decision may also damage Andrews’ reputation. In proposing an untested regional games delivery model, it was incumbent on the government to adopt a particularly rigorous process to ensure the the event’s viability, which does not appear to have been done. <h2>Is Victoria still Australia’s ‘sporting capital’?</h2> Victoria has long proclaimed itself Australia’s (and even the world’s) <a href="https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/INFORMIT.143058285756777">sporting capital</a>. The state has developed an unparalleled portfolio of major sport events since the 1980s, and become a global exemplar in executing major events in the process. But withdrawing from the 2026 Commonwealth Games arguably represents Australia’s most prominent sporting failure of the past half-century, and is a significant reputational blow to Victoria’s sporting pre-eminence. What’s more, in an <a href="https://inqld.com.au/news/2023/07/12/take-that-melbourne-brisbane-now-rated-as-australias-sports-capital/">annual global ranking of sport cities</a> published last month, before the Commonwealth Games decision, Brisbane (15th) leapfrogged Melbourne (23rd) and Sydney (44th) to become Australia’s top ranked. Brisbane’s success isn’t only attributable to its impending hosting of the 2032 Olympics. Its ranking also recognises that the FIFA Women’s World Cup is being played predominantly in the north-east Australian states due to <a href="https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/sport/soccer/not-a-realistic-option-why-the-matildas-aren-t-playing-at-the-mcg-20230717-p5doxk.html">stadium challenges</a> associated with <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/dec/03/melbourne-falls-short-in-womens-world-cup-venue-allocation">AFL-orientated</a> Victoria. Meanwhile, South Australia’s recent sporting successes include the hosting of <a href="https://www.afl.com.au/news/906620/afl-to-gather-round-again-in-sa-for-next-three-years">AFL Gather Round</a>, LIV Golf and recent procurement of the <a href="https://supernetball.com.au/news/location-2024-ssn-grand-final-revealed#:%7E:text=Adelaide%20will%20host%20the%202024,at%20the%20Adelaide%20Entertainment%20Centre.">2024 Super Netball</a> final from Victoria. Victoria’s grip on the “sports capital” title is increasingly tenuous. <h2>The end of the Commonwealth Games?</h2> Perhaps the most critical question is the viability not only of the 2026 Games, but also the broader Commonwealth Games movement. Victoria’s withdrawal continues a trend of recent instability. In 2017, the South African city of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-games-commonwealth-durban-idUSKBN16K1UN">Durban</a> was stripped of 2022 hosting rights for a failure to meet key obligations around governance, venues and funding. However, whereas the Commonwealth Games Federation had just under 2,000 days to secure a replacement host for 2022, Victoria’s withdrawal has occurred only 973 days prior to the start of the event. The movement’s broader existence is perilous given there’s a shrinking pool of host cities. Victoria was the <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/sport/melbourne-set-to-step-into-breach-as-2026-commonwealth-games-host-city-20220118-p59p6r.html">only formal applicant</a> for the 2026 edition. This is a challenge faced by large sporting events more broadly, with potential applicants <a href="https://www.routledge.com/Sport-Management-in-Australia-Organisation-Development-and-Global-Perspectives/Karg-Shilbury-Phillips-Rowe-Fujak/p/book/9781032330242?_ga=1233395845.1684800000">increasingly wary</a> of the significant costs. Even the summer and winter Olympic Games have increasingly struggled to attract applicants. This resulted in the <a href="https://olympics.com/ioc/2024-2028-host-city-election">unprecedented</a> move to simultaneously award the 2024 and 2028 summer games to Paris and Los Angeles in 2017 – normally the summer games are awarded to one city at a time. With seemingly little global appetite to host the event, and broader cultural discussions in Australia and abroad surrounding the role of the monarchy, existential questions surround the Commonwealth Games movement.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/209961/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-fujak-290599">Hunter Fujak</a>, Lecturer in Sport Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/damien-whitburn-1455572">Damien Whitburn</a>, Lecturer, Sport Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/deakin-university-757">Deakin University</a> Image credits: Getty Images This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/existential-questions-is-this-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-the-commonwealth-games-209961">original article</a>.

Travel Trouble

Busting a king-sized myth: why Australia and NZ could become republics – and still stay in the Commonwealth

The imminent coronation of King Charles III is an ideal time for Australia and New Zealand to take stock of the British monarchy and its role in national life – including certain myths about what becoming a republic might mean. In particular, there is a common assumption that both nations must remain monarchies to retain membership of the Commonwealth of Nations. It might sound logical, but it’s entirely wrong. There is no basis for it in the rules of the Commonwealth or the practice of its members. Australia could ditch the monarchy and stay in the club, and New Zealand can too, whether it has a king or a Kiwi as head of state. Yet this peculiar myth persists at home and abroad. Students often ask me about it when I’m teaching the structure of government. And just this week a French TV station interpreted the New Zealand prime minister’s opinion that his country would one day <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/01/new-zealand-will-ideally-become-a-republic-one-day-says-chris-hipkins">ideally become a republic</a> to mean he would <a href="https://www.bfmtv.com/international/oceanie/nouvelle-zelande/nouvelle-zelande-le-nouveau-premier-ministre-souhaite-que-son-pays-quitte-le-commonwealth_AN-202305010328.html">like to see</a> it leave the Commonwealth. <h2>What does ‘Commonwealth’ mean?</h2> The implication that breaking from the Commonwealth would be a precursor to, or consequence of, becoming a republic relies on a faulty premise which joins two entirely separate things: the way we pick our head of state, and our membership of the Commonwealth. It would make just as much sense to ask whether Australia or New Zealand should leave the International Cricket Council and become a republic. The confusion may derive from the fact that the 15 countries that continue to have the British sovereign as their head of state are known as “Commonwealth Realms”. What we usually refer to as the Commonwealth, on the other hand, is the organisation founded in 1926 as the British Commonwealth of Nations. This is the body whose membership determines the competing nations of the <a href="https://www.commonwealthsport.com/">Commonwealth Games</a>, the highest-profile aspect of the Commonwealth’s work. King Charles III is the head of state of the 15 Commonwealth Realms and the head of the international governmental organisation that is the Commonwealth of Nations. The Commonwealth has 56 members – but only 15 of them continue to have the king as head of state. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said Monday he personally favors his country becoming a republic, though it’s not a change he intends to push for as leader. <a href="https://t.co/1XEiFFtqPT">https://t.co/1XEiFFtqPT</a> <a href="https://t.co/aftsZ0hHmV">pic.twitter.com/aftsZ0hHmV</a> — The Diplomat (@Diplomat_APAC) <a href="https://twitter.com/Diplomat_APAC/status/1653406552693395457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2023</a></blockquote> <h2>Joining the Commonwealth club</h2> To be fair, confusion over who heads the Commonwealth is nothing new. A <a href="https://www.royalcwsociety.org/_files/ugd/e578ea_5642f282aad345faa0b39c9eebd465e5.pdf">2010 poll</a> conducted by the Royal Commonwealth Society found that, of the respondents in seven countries, only half knew the then queen was the head of the Commonwealth. A quarter of Jamaicans believed the organisation was led by the then US president, Barack Obama. One in ten Indians and South Africans thought it was run by former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan. Given the king’s overlapping leadership roles and the different use of the word in the contexts of Commonwealth Realms and the Commonwealth of Nations, these broad misunderstandings are perhaps understandable. In fact, it was this ambiguity that allowed for the development of an inclusive Commonwealth during the postwar years of decolonisation. However the confusion arose, it is also very simple to correct. The Commonwealth relaxed its membership rules regarding republics when India became one in 1950. According to Philip Murphy, the historian and former director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, this decision was based on the erroneous idea that India’s huge standing army would underwrite Britain’s great-power status in the postwar world. From that point on the Commonwealth of Nations no longer comprised only members who admitted to the supremacy of one sovereign. To make the change palatable, a piece of conceptual chicanery was needed. Each country did not need a king, but theking was to be head of the organisation comprising equal members. <h2>Monarchy optional</h2> Since then, the number of Commonwealth members has steadily increased to the 56 we have today. As early as 1995, membership was extended to countries with no ties to the former British Empire. With the support of Nelson Mandela, Mozambique became a member, joining the six Commonwealth members with which it shared a border. Rwanda, a former German and then Belgian colony, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/oukwd-uk-commonwealth-rwanda-idAFTRE5AS1C520091129">joined in 2009</a>. It became an enthusiastic member and hosted the biennial meeting of states known as CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting). The most recent countries to take up Commonwealth membership are the <a href="https://thecommonwealth.org/news/gabon-and-togo-join-commonwealth">former French colonies of Togo and Gabon</a>. According to the <a href="http://www.thecommonwealth.org/shared_asp_files/GFSR.asp?NodeID=174532">Commonwealth’s own rules</a>, membership is based on a variety of things, including commitment to democratic processes, human rights and good governance. Being a monarchy is entirely optional. The new king offers the chance for a broader debate on the advantages of monarchy. But let’s do so knowing Commonwealth membership is entirely unaffected by the question of whether or not the country is a republic. Image credits: Getty Images This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/busting-a-king-sized-myth-why-australia-and-nz-could-become-republics-and-still-stay-in-the-commonwealth-204750" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.

Legal

Princess Charlotte’s show-stopping faces

Princess Charlotte stole the show at the Commonwealth Games with her adorable animated facial expressions. The seven-year-old attended the games with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to watch the swimming at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Birmingham on Tuesday. During the races, the Duchess was explaining things about the race, while Prince William watched on. As England’s Luke Turley prepared for the 1500m freestyle the Princess and her parents watched on in glee. Turley smashed a gruelling 30 lengths of the pool in 15:35.65 which qualified him for the final on Wednesday. Princess Charlotte smiled when the race came to the end before rolling her eyes about something her dad said. Several images captured the Princess’ cute facial expressions as she watched the races. Check them out below. Images: Getty

Family & Pets

Horror crash sees cyclist launch into crowd

The opening session of the track cycling event at the Commonwealth Games has been cancelled after a horrific crash left several athletes and spectators injured. A cyclist and his bike were catapulted over the barrier and into the crowd in an incident that brought down several riders in a sickening scene during the men’s 15km scratch race qualifying at the Lee Valley Velodrome. Medical staff rushed to the area where they were seen tending to British cyclist Matt Walls for more than 40 minutes before he was taken to hospital. England’s Commonwealth Games team then provided a positive update on Matt's condition later in the day. “Matt is alert and talking (as he has been throughout) and is being given medical attention in hospital,” the team statement read. The 24-year-old was trying to avoid riders who had fallen in a crash lower down the banking but as he rode up, he clipped another wheel and went over the top into the crowd. Witnesses said that, because of the gradient of the banking, spectators in the front row had been unsighted for the crash. One man received treatment for cuts to his arm while a young girl also received medical attention. Isle of Man rider Matt Bostock was also taken away from the scene on a stretcher. A Birmingham 2022 spokesperson said three riders and two spectators were treated by the on-site medical team. All three riders were taken to hospital, while the spectators were tended to at the scene. The session was abandoned moments later with one more event still scheduled. England’s Commonwealth Games Team released a preliminary statement sending its best wishes to all those involved. “Following a crash in the cycling men’s scratch race, Matt Walls has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks,” the statement read. “We send our best wishes to the riders and spectators involved in the incident, and will provide a further update when we can.” England’s racing team also tweeted, “Thoughts are with all the riders involved in the crash in the velodrome.” Image credits: Getty Images

News

Prince Charles, Duran Duran and a giant bull: All the highlights of the Comm Games Opening Ceremony

The 2022 Commonwealth Games are officially underway, after the impressive opening ceremony kicked off on Thursday evening. The extravagant ceremony captivated the attention of local and international fans, with TV viewers around the word tuning in to the Birmingham event. Prince Charles arrived at the Alexander Stadium in style, driving the same Aston Martin the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge famously left Buckingham Palace in on their wedding day. The Prince of Wales drove his luxury, vintage car out onto the arena before a display where several motor vehicles combined to form a perfect Union Jack on the arena surface. The ceremony celebrated aspects of the rich history and culture of Birmingham, with a 10 metre tall mechanical "Raging Bull" being waltzed into the stadium. The Bull Ring is a major shopping district in the city, which also features a sculpture of a bull, while the mascot for these Commonwealth Games is Perry the Bull. Female chain makers dragged the bull into the stadium, representing the chains used during the slave trade. The bull then broke free of those chains — symbolising the abolition of the slave trade and the 1910 wage strike that paved the way for women to break free from poverty. Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai addressed the audience early in the ceremony, sharing a heartfelt message about how Birmingham became her home and welcomed her family. Musical act Duran Duran, who began their career in Birmingham, closed the ceremony as they belted out fan favourite tracks such as Save A Prayer, Planet Earth and Ordinary World. The Commonwealth Games will run until August 8th, with 72 countries competing in 19 sports over the 11-day event. Image credits: Getty Images

International Travel

“Acknowledge the past”: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan call on the Commonwealth

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan have called on the Commonwealth to “acknowledge” its colonial past, even if it is “uncomfortable”. Speaking in a video-link discussion on institutional and systemic racism with young leaders from the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust, Harry said the UK has to reckon with its historic involvement in other countries that now make up the Commonwealth. “When you look across the Commonwealth, there is no way that we can move forward unless we acknowledge the past,” he said. “So many people have done such an amazing incredible job of acknowledging the past and trying to right those wrongs, but I think we all acknowledge on there is so much more still to do. “It’s not going to be easy and in some cases it’s not going to be comfortable but it needs to be done, because guess what, everybody benefits.” The Commonwealth consists of 54 member states, nearly all of which were previously ruled by the British Empire. Meghan added: “We’re going to have to be a little uncomfortable right now, because it’s only in pushing through that discomfort that we get to the other side of this and find the place where a high tide raises all ships. “Equality does not put anyone on the back foot, it puts us all on the same footing – which is a fundamental human right.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Watch the discussion now and share your thoughts on the actions we can take to create a fairer and more just world: <a href="https://t.co/WR7grpu9fG">https://t.co/WR7grpu9fG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamQCT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamQCT</a> — The Queen's Commonwealth Trust (@queenscomtrust) <a href="https://twitter.com/queenscomtrust/status/1280109784042217472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2020</a></blockquote> The pair also spoke about unconscious bias and the role it plays in people’s lives. “We can’t deny or ignore the fact that all of us have been educated to see the world differently,” Harry said. “However, once you start to realize that there is that bias there, then you need to acknowledge it, you need to do the work to become more aware.” Meghan reflected on her personal experience with unconscious bias and racism. “It’s not just in the big moments, it’s in the quiet moments where racism and unconscious bias lies and thrives. It makes it confusing for a lot of people to understand the role that they play in that, either passively and actively,” she said. “So much of what I’ve come to the understanding of, especially in learning even more about it of late and obviously having had personal experience with it as well, but in people’s complacency they’re complicit, and that I think is the shift that we’re seeing.” The conversation came as the Black Lives Matter movement continues in the US, where the royal couple is residing. Last week, Harry said he regretted not having done enough to “<a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/07/02/europe/prince-harry-institutional-racism-endemic-intl-scli/index.html">right the wrongs</a>” of the “endemic” institutional racism in society for young people. Last month Meghan <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/meghan-markle-addresses-black-lives-matter-movement-in-new-video-the-only-wrong-thing-to-say-is-to-say-nothing">addressed the killing of George Floyd</a> in a video message to her old high school, saying: “The only wrong thing to say is to say nothing.”

International Travel

Queen summons Meghan and Harry back to the UK

Her Majesty has called back Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from their relaxed new life in Canada to attend a Commonwealth Service. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Canada after announcing they were quitting royal life and becoming “financially independent”. The 93-year-old monarch has reportedly asked them to return to the UK next month for the service at Westminster Abbey. The couple attended the Commonwealth Service last year with Meghan heavily pregnant with Archie. If the couple attend the March 9 event, it will be the first royal engagement for Meghan since the couple quit. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=34784X1028065&isjs=1&jv=13.26.2-stackpath&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fnews%2F10925713%2Fqueen-calls-meghan-markle-prince-harry-back%2F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Fharry-and-meghan-earn-1m-for-speech-in-florida-hrvf07xln&xguid=17e9c84a97d49625f2521cd872b72ac6&xs=1&xtz=-660&xuuid=b4ad45a1df2960b47ffacfe9162e3ff2&xcust=01702c414a0700030f308df2f70a03073005306b0086e" target="_blank">The Sunday Times</a> reported the couple will make a round of final engagements in March before returning to North America. However, the Queen is “remarkably unfazed” by the couple’s decision to start a new life in Canada. “If that’s what they want, if they want to go, we must let them go,” she told friends. <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxNPb_9B0fn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxNPb_9B0fn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)</a> on May 8, 2019 at 8:39am PDT </div> </blockquote> Prince Harry made his first public appearance at JPMorgan’s Miami billionaire’s summit, where he gave a speech and was reportedly paid $1 million plus expenses for the opportunity. The couple were reportedly flown on the JPMorgan private jet from Vancouver to Palm Beach and the summit was attended by the likes of Patriots owner Bob Kraft and billionaire philanthropist Robert Frederick Smith.

International Travel

The Queen's "sincere wish" for Prince Charles

The Queen has announced it is her “sincere wish” that her son, Prince Charles, succeed her to become the leader of the Commonwealth ahead of the critical decision on due on Friday. Speaking at the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in London on Thursday, Her Majesty said she never could have guessed that in 1952 when she became leader of what was then eight nations, it would become 53 and 2.4 billion people. She said: “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations, and will decide that one day The Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949. “By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us: a world where the Commonwealth’s generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all.” <img width="448" height="336" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/3d98cad581e259e28104f00e22680def" alt="The Queen with son Prince Charles arriving for the formal opening of CHOGM. Picture: AFP/Pool/Jonathan Brady" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> Her comments are the first by the monarch that address the issue of succession at what is believed to be her last Heads of Government meeting as she no longer travels long distances. However, the Queen also noted she was “mindful as always that this summit of Commonwealth leaders draws its mandate and authority from our member countries collectively”. Leaders will discuss the issue of succession at a leaders’ retreat on Friday at Windsor. In his speech, Prince Charles said the meeting was an “occasion to celebrate with renewed pride our remarkable Commonwealth family.” <img width="446" height="335" src="http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/322629ab9f3e7feaadc07f1311301a01" alt="Prince Charles said the Commonwealth had been a ‘fundamental feature’ of his life. AFP/Pool/Dominic Lipinski" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/> “The modern Commonwealth has a vital role to play in building bridges between our countries,” he said. “I pray that this CHOGM meeting will not only revitalise the bonds between our countries but give the Commonwealth a renewed relevance to all its citizens.” UK Prime Minister Theresa May paid tribute to the Queen in her opening speech, offering “heartfelt thanks” for her service in the role over many decades. “Over many years you have been the Commonwealth’s most steadfast and permanent champion,” she said. “You have seen us through some of our most serious challenges. And we commit to sustaining this Commonwealth, which you have so carefully nurtured. “For your service, for your dedication, for your constancy, we thank you.”

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Meghan Markle stuns in “Jackie O” dress

Last night, Meghan Markle shined in the spotlight as she attended a Commonwealth women’s empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society with Prince Harry. The bride-to-be wore a “Jackie O” dress from Black Halo, which is inspired by the iconic First Lady. She paired the classic dress with a pair of 18kt white gold and diamond earrings from Canadian jeweller Birks. According to Black Halo’s founder Laurel Berman, the Jackie O dress is a “modern classic designed to make women feel 2in taller and 5lbs thinner”. Meghan opted for a natural makeup look and wore her hair in a low bun. Prince Harry and Meghan mingled with guests at the reception, which was hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson as part of this week’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). <blockquote class="twitter-video"> Prince Harry, Ms. Markle and the Foreign Secretary meet guests from organisations who are supporting the aim to provide quality education to girls across the Commonwealth. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOGM2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHOGM2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/4hvUnzdEaL">pic.twitter.com/4hvUnzdEaL</a> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/987032374310526976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2018</a></blockquote> The engaged couple will also meet representatives from charities and organisations that work to promote global gender equality through girls’ education – a cause which Meghan has previously voiced her passion for. The organisations they will speak to include the Malala Fund, Plan International, the Varkey Foundation and Code Camp. Royal experts have highlighted that it is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be so involved in high profile occasions such as the CHOGM summit this week. However, the Queen has said that she sees Harry and Meghan as key players who will continue her work in the Commonwealth. Meghan, who walked away from her acting career to dedicate her time to royal duties, has worked with the UN as a women’s advocate for Political Participation and Leadership. She has also completed several humanitarian missions. At the reception, the couple encouraged the work of young activists who are campaigning to improve the education rights of girls around the world. Speaking to a group of girls and young women who are advocating for the right of girls to 12 years of free education, Prince Harry said, “What you are doing is absolutely amazing.” Nigerian activist Kiki James, who is working with the Malala Fund, said, “He said we are moving with the tide, moving in the right direction.” Peace, a 15-year-old from Nigeria who spoke at the summit earlier this week, said, “I told Meghan she was pretty, which she is. She said she watched me give my speech. She said she was really impressed, and that that is what she wants girls to do.” At tonight’s reception, Mr Johnson launched his Platform for Girls Education initiative, which will work to see that every girl gets 12 years of “quality education and learning”. The initiative will involve 12 influential figures from across the Commonwealth campaigning for girls’ education and working to keep countries accountable. Meghan has previously expressed her desire to “hit the ground running” with her official duties after she marries Prince Harry on May 19.

Beauty & Style

Critical decision about Commonwealth due this week

A decision on whether the Prince of Wales should succeed his mother as head of the Commonwealth is expected later this week, the UK government confirmed. UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s official spokesman on Monday declined to say whether the position should go to Prince Charles, stating it is a decision for all leaders of Commonwealth states. “This is obviously a decision that is taken later in the week, a decision taken by all the members together,” the spokesman said. “I think that all happens on Friday.” On Friday, the leaders of the 53 Commonwealth governments gather for “frank dialogue” at Windsor Castle. It comes after the Queen named Prince Harry as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador on Monday, a role the <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2018/04/prince-harry-honours-bride-to-be-meghan-markle-in-a-speech-about-his-impressive-new-job/">Prince said he and Meghan Markle are “hugely excited” about.</a> The Queen has been head of the Commonwealth since ascending the throne in 1952, but the position is not automatically held by the British monarch. A statement on the Commonwealth Secretariat website states: “When the Queen dies or if she abdicates, her heir will not automatically become Head of the Commonwealth. It will be up to the Commonwealth heads of government to decide what they want to do about this symbolic role.” Do you think Prince Charles should be head of the Commonwealth? Let us know in the comments below.

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Prince Harry honours bride-to-be Meghan Markle in speech about his impressive new job

Prince Harry has delivered his first speech since receiving the exciting new role as the Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. The royal will work to create links between young people and leaders, helping them address social, environmental and economic challenges across the world. On Monday, Harry spoke at the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum, where he took the time to honour his bride-to-be, who will also be assisting him in the role. "In my new role, I will work to support The Queen, my father The Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today," the 33-year-old said. "I am also incredibly grateful that the woman I am about to marry, Meghan, will be joining me in this work, of which she too is hugely excited to take part in." Harry explained that he would look to his grandmother as the “ultimate source of guidance on all things Commonwealth”. "On the day of her 21st birthday, the then-Princess Elizabeth gave an extraordinary radio address from Cape Town. With an eye on the future, and an already unflinching sense of duty, she made a commitment," he said. "She said that whether her life be long or short, it would be dedicated to the service of the people of the Commonwealth. "From that speech in 1947 onwards, she has known that young people really make the difference," he continued. "Her call to action was for her fellow young people to lead the way in making the Commonwealth a 'more free, more prosperous, more happy and a more powerful influence for good in the world’." It’s been revealed that Harry and Meghan will be making a trip to Australia for the 2018 Invictus Games. It hasn’t been officially announced via Kensington Palace, but the actress revealed the exciting news during an outing earlier this month at the UK team trials for the Sydney Invictus Games. Athlete Michael Mellon, who competed in the games last year in volleyball and wheelchair basketball, said that Meghan revealed the couple’s travel plans. "She told me she had never been to Australia but was going to this year's event and really looking forward to being there with Harry," Michael revealed to royal reporter Omid Scobie. Image credit: Kensington Palace via Twitter

Relationships

Palace issues statement over “bored” Camilla claims

Buckingham Palace has issued an extraordinary public statement responding to claims the Duchess of Cornwall was bored during the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony. <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2018/04/camilla-criticised-for-her-appearance-at-commonwealth-games-opening-ceremony/">Camilla was spotted numerous times</a> by Channel 7 cameras flicking through a Games program with seemingly little interest for the live action in front of her. <img width="393" height="306" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/04/16/4AD29D1600000578-5578395-image-a-65_1522857305531.jpg" alt="She was snapped flicking through a Games program as the ceremony took place in front of her" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-b022bd38bc8f5163"/> But Clarence House has insisted both Prince Charles and Camilla were genuinely entertained and moved during the show. “The Prince and The Duchess thoroughly enjoyed the opening ceremony,” the statement said. “They found it entertaining and moving particularly the indigenous musical performances and the smoking ceremony.” <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> The royals look like we all feel right now... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OpeningCeremony?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OpeningCeremony</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/YzBtUzmk9n">pic.twitter.com/YzBtUzmk9n</a> — Adrian Stoll (@macstoll) <a href="https://twitter.com/macstoll/status/981484402931777536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 4, 2018</a></blockquote> The official statement was released after Games bosses defended Camilla yesterday, declaring she had been jet-lagged. Commonwealth Games Federation president Louise Martin said if the Duchess appeared bored, it was “not true”. “She did full duty right through and the only time she got a break was when she sat in the car from Brisbane down to here,’’ she said. “Then she got 20 minutes to change before she went to another reception. When you’re back to back like that, coming off a long-haul flight ... and she literally hates flying. She really wanted to go to sleep. “She really enjoyed herself [at the opening ceremony]. I didn’t see the facial expressions etc but the comments between the Duchess, Charles and myself — she was asking questions all day. “They both enjoyed it.” Former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie – who Camilla appeared to ignore as he officially welcomed her and Charles to the Games during the ceremony – said the Duchess was “enthusiastic in any dealing that I had with her”. Prince Charles attended the swimming finals last night while Camilla was medal presenter at the track cycling.

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Camilla criticised for her appearance at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

The Duchess of Cornwall has been criticised for appearing bored during the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast last night. Camilla, who was in attendance with her husband Prince Charles, was spotted by Channel 7 cameras numerous times flicking through a Games program with seemingly little interest for the live action in front of her. <img width="393" height="306" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/newpix/2018/04/04/16/4AD29D1600000578-5578395-image-a-65_1522857305531.jpg" alt="She was snapped flicking through a Games program as the ceremony took place in front of her" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-b022bd38bc8f5163"/> She appeared to ignore former Queensland Premier Peter Beattie as he officially welcomed her and Prince Charles to the games. Prince Charles officially opened the Games on behalf of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II. “Over the years these ‘Friendly Games’ have shown the potential of the Commonwealth to connect people of different backgrounds and nationalities,” the Prince said to the 35,000-strong crowd in Carrara Stadium. But Camilla’s boredom was not the only moment that sparked commentary on social media during the marathon 140-minute showcase. Right from the start the athletes’ procession was a cause of interest with some nation’s eclectic uniform choices – including Welsh athletes wearing striking Hawaiian shirt-like ensemble. An unfortunate wardrobe malfunction also saw viewers around the world subjected to a bare bottom during Ricki-Lee Coulter’s beach-themed performance. <a href="https://twitter.com/Sir_Smartee/status/981483384433094659/photo/1" title="View image on Twitter"> </a>

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Outrage over the PM sending a plane to pick up Prince Charles and Camilla

Next month, Prince Charles and Camilla will arrive in Australia for the Commonwealth Games but the way that they are arriving down under is raising some eyebrows. Last month, it was confirmed that Camilla would be joining her husband for two short days despite the fact that she finds long flights “gruelling”. The solution, to make Camilla’s flight a little easier, is thanks to Australian taxpayers' money, according to Peter FitzSimons in the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/charles-camilla-first-class-flight-fitzsimons-20180302-p4z2l9.html" target="_blank">Sun Herald.</a> “Why is the Australian government – led by Malcolm Turnbull of all people – sending a plane to pick them up from Singapore?” FitzSimons wrote. Reportedly, a RAAF jet will be sent to their halfway point to pick them up, and some Aussies are not happy with this idea. “So: If it’s too gruelling for Their Royal HMs to trudge all the way out here, perhaps we should give the job to a local and spare them the pain,” one person wrote on Twitter. “Why aren't they paying for themselves, they can afford it?” another asked. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Regarding the royals, why aren't they paying for themselves, they can afford it? They want to rule us, surely they could put some effort in. Or they could make the suggestion that we become a Republic. As for Camilla, if she is into it, we can stop right now. No harm done. — Huw Merlin (@Huw_Merlin) <a href="https://twitter.com/Huw_Merlin/status/970210923913687041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2018</a></blockquote> In January, it was reported that Camilla was unable to come on the trip due to her travel sickness on long-haul flights. However, it was later confirmed that she will be in Australia from April 4 until April 6. When it was announced, Mr Turnbull said in parliament that their trip was “an opportunity for the royal couple to share an important national moment". “The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit Brisbane, before travelling to the Gold Coast, where His Royal Highness will represent Her Majesty The Queen at the Games,” he said. After Camilla leaves, Prince Charles will visit other parts of Queensland followed by the Northern Territory. Prince Charles and Camilla last toured Australia in November 2015. Their visit is the first of two royal tours that will happen in Australia this year. In October, Prince Harry will visit Sydney for the 2018 Invictus Games. It is speculated that Meghan will also attend. What do you think about the Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull sending a plane to pick up Prince Charles and Camilla from Singapore? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Travel Trouble

Prince Harry's exciting new royal role

Prince Harry has a new official position with the Commonwealth, which has been viewed as a manoeuvre to make the organisation “relevant to a younger generation”. The 33-year-old will play a principal role at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) which will be held in London from April 16 to 20. The engaged prince is also expected to take interest in the organisation’s youth-related work and speak at the summit’s Commonwealth Youth Forum. The Commonwealth is a voluntary association that is made of up 53 independent sovereign states that are mostly former territories of the British empire. At the Queen’s coronation in 1953, she was proclaimed as Head of the Commonwealth. At the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, which will be opened by Prince Charles, there are murmurs that Harry may take on an ambassadorial role. Deputy director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London, Dr Su Onslow, said, “It's a very astute move giving Prince Harry a non-political, global role, drawing on his charisma and energy to help keep the Commonwealth and its headship relevant to a younger generation. This is soft-power diplomacy.” The news of Harry’s new role follows speculation on whether Prince Charles will <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/2018/02/who-will-take-over-commonwealth-after-queen-dies/" target="_blank">take over as head of the organisation</a> when the Queen dies. Despite the Queen wishing for Prince Charles to succeed her in the organisation, there is no formal process for choosing her successor and it is not a heredity position. At the most recent CHOGM in Malta two years ago, the Queen said she could not “wish to have been better supported and represented in the Commonwealth than by the Prince of Wales who continues to give so much to it with great distinction.” Last year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said the Commonwealth will soon overtake the EU in term of the size of its economy. He highlighted how important it was to get good trade deals with the Commonwealth and how UK can survive outside the EU.

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Who will take over the Commonwealth after the Queen dies?

When the Queen dies, Prince Charles will accede to the throne. But you might be surprised to learn that this doesn’t necessarily mean he will also take control of the Commonwealth. Senior officials are set to meet in London shortly for secret talks to decide who will take over. They have <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43040240" target="_blank">reportedly</a> set up a “high level group” of seven leading figures to discuss “wider governance considerations” – in other words, to discuss the line of succession. This group will then deliver their report to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London in April, which is believed to be the last such meeting the Queen will attend. Her Majesty, who, after becoming the head of state for seven out of eight Commonwealth nations was made Head of the Commonwealth at her 1953 coronation, wants Prince Charles (the next in line to the throne) to succeed her. However, the Head of the Commonwealth is not a hereditary position that will automatically pass to Charles, who will only be head of state in 15 of the 53 nations that make up the Commonwealth. “I imagine the question of the succession, however distasteful it may naturally be, will come up,” a senior source <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43040240" target="_blank">told the BBC</a>. While many high-ranking Commonwealth figures believe there’s no realistic alternative to the Prince of Wales, there has been talk of electing a “ceremonial leader” to improve the Commonwealth’s democratic credentials. One of the issues set to be discussed at the secret meeting is whether or not a one-off decision should be made either to appoint Prince Charles as Head of the Commonwealth, or to create a new process altogether, in which the British Monarch would automatically become Head of the Commonwealth. “There are various formulas being played with,” the insider said. “Should it always be the heir to the throne or Prince Charles himself? Is it the person or the position?” Tell us in the comments below, do you think Prince Charles should become Head of the Commonwealth when he becomes King? Image: The Royal Family/Instagram.

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Royal Family gathers for Commonwealth Day service

The Royal Family gathered for the annual Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey in London. The Queen was joined by her grandson Prince Harry, her sons Edward and Charles, and Charles’ wife Camilla. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did not attend the event. The Queen used her address to speak about how the cornerstones of peace are respect and understanding. The theme of the Queen’s message to Commonwealth citizens was a “peace-building Commonwealth”. With instability around the globe, the Queen highlighted that “international peace and security, sustainable economic growth and development and the rule of law are essential to the progress and prosperity of all”. In the order of service for the Commonwealth event, the Queen wrote, “The cornerstones on which peace is founded are, quite simply, respect and understanding for one another. Working together, we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual and community.” “By upholding justice and the rule of law, and by striving for societies that are fair and offer opportunities for all, we overcome division and find reconciliation, so that the benefits of progress and prosperity may be multiplied and shared. “As members of the Commonwealth family, we can find much to be thankful for in the inheritances we have received from those who came before us. Through consensus and co-operation, great things have been achieved.” The service was attended by important political figures including the British Prime Minister Theresa May and former PM John Mayer. Former Olympic heptathlon champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, processed the Queen’s baton for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. She was escorted by Australian and UK athletes including Victoria Pendleton, a double Olympic gold medal cyclist. Overnight, the Queen launched the baton from Buckingham Palace with a global relay. Image credit: WestminsterAbbey.org

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Royals celebrate Commonwealth Day service

Kate, William and Harry joined three generations of the Royal Family to celebrate the Queen's enormous commitment to the Commonwealth in the year of her 90th birthday. The three young royals were seen laughing and smiling as they arrive at the service at Westminster Abbey, one of the most significant says in the Queen’s calendar year. As head of the 53 nations, the Queen - whose father King George VI was the union's first figurehead - sees the continuation of the Commonwealth as one of the greatest achievements of her reign and is keen to pass on her enthusiasm for it to her grandchildren. She was praised by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan who said 'nobody had made a greater contribution to the Commonwealth' than the monarch Embodying this year's theme, she said in her official address “Today, and in the year ahead, the theme An Inclusive Commonwealth is an inspiration for us all. Let us give it practical effect by supporting those in need and those who feel excluded in all walks of life. By doing so, we will continue to build a truly representative Commonwealth community.” Scroll through the gallery above to see photographs from this momentous occasion. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/03/new-footage-of-young-queen-elizabeth/">New home footage shows young Queen Elizabeth playing with little Prince Charles</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2016/01/rare-photos-of-princess-diana/">10 photos of Princess Diana that capture her beauty</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/2015/12/kate-middleton-wears-dianas-tiara/">Kate Middleton wear's Diana's favourite tiara for the first time</a>

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King Charles delivers heartfelt message amidst cancer treatment

‘Existential questions’: is this the beginning of the end of the Commonwealth Games?