Duchess of Cambridge to be Vogue cover star

Pictures taken by British fashion photographer Josh Olins will hang in National Portrait Gallery as part of exhibition to mark magazine’s centenary

The Duchess of Cambridge is to appear on the front cover of the British edition of Vogue to mark the magazine’s centenary.

Several more pictures of the duchess will appear inside the magazine, and two of the photographs will go on public display in London on Sunday 1 May.

The photographs, taken by British photographer Josh Olins, will hang in the National Portrait Gallery, where the duchess has been a patron since 2012.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: “The duchess was delighted to play a part in celebrating the centenary of an institution that has given a platform to some of the most renowned photographers in this country’s history.

“She is incredibly grateful to the team at Vogue and at the National Portrait Gallery for asking her to take part. Continue reading..,





Published By - Theguardian.com - Tech News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Saturday 30 April 2016 23.14 BST

The Obamas and the royals: bond with monarchy covers up political cracks

As America’s first couple joins in the Queen’s birthday celebrations, the visit contrasts with Obama’s stiff relationship with British government leaders

When Michelle Obama flies in to join her husband for birthday lunch with the Queen on Friday it will also mark an annual ritual for White House schedulers: when in doubt, reach for the royals. Throughout a presidency known for cordial but somewhat stiff relations with Britain’s political rulers, the monarchy has provided a flexible sticking plaster to cover up any sign of cracks in the special relationship.

Ever since the first lady and the Queen famously put their arms around each other during the Obamas’ first official visit to the UK, a series of surprisingly relaxed encounters have delighted diplomats on both sides of the pond.

Princes Harry, Charles and William have all paraded through the Oval Office in the last 18 months, receiving levels of presidential access and bonhomie usually reserved for current heads of state rather than those in the waiting room.

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Thursday 21 April 2016 18.00 BST

Prince William rejects tag of do-nothing royal: 'I take duty seriously'

In interviews marking Queen’s 90th birthday, Duke of Cambridge says he will step up duties when time is right and tells of grandmother’s influence in his life

The Duke of Cambridge has defended himself over criticism that he does not complete enough royal duties.

Speaking to the BBC to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday, he said he was focusing on being a father and an air ambulance pilot but would be the “first person to accept” duties when it came for his grandmother to hand over responsibilities.

William also paid tribute to his grandmother’s sense of duty and her role as head of the Royal Family. The second-in-line to the throne said he was making the most of time to do another “worthwhile job” while he could and his family was supportive. 

He said: “I take duty very seriously. I take my responsibilities very seriously. But it’s about finding your own way at the right time and if you’re not careful duty can weigh you down at a very early age.

Published By - Theguardian.com - Sports New, LifeStyle News, Politics news, UK and world political comment and analysis: Wednesday 20 April 2016 07.06 BST