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Britain's Zara Phillips will compete in the World Equestrian Games.
The former world eventing champion - who is the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth - has been named in Great Britain's squad for the forthcoming competition, and couldn't be happier to be joining Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Izzy Taylor and Oliver Townsend in the tournament.
Zara said: "It's fantastic to be part of a team again."
The 33-year-old sportswoman - who gave birth to daughter Mia, her first child with husband Mike Tindall, in January - is confident about the chances she and her horse High Kingdom have at the games, which take place in Normandy, France, in August.
She added: "High Kingdom has improved each year and every time I've taken him to a big competition he's got better and better.
"He's felt good this year and hopefully will peak at the right time."
In 2012, Zara was the first member of the royal family to win an Olympic medal, taking silver as part of the Team GB eventing team.
She now has her sights set on competing in the 2016 Olympics, which will be staged in Rio, Brazil.
Zara Phillips to compete in Equestrian Games
Britain's Zara Phillips will compete in the World Equestrian Games.
The former world eventing champion - who is the granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth - has been named in Great Britain's squad for the forthcoming competition, and couldn't be happier to be joining Tina Cook, William Fox-Pitt, Pippa Funnell, Izzy Taylor and Oliver Townsend in the tournament.
Zara said: "It's fantastic to be part of a team again."
The 33-year-old sportswoman - who gave birth to daughter Mia, her first child with husband Mike Tindall, in January - is confident about the chances she and her horse High Kingdom have at the games, which take place in Normandy, France, in August.
She added: "High Kingdom has improved each year and every time I've taken him to a big competition he's got better and better.
"He's felt good this year and hopefully will peak at the right time."
In 2012, Zara was the first member of the royal family to win an Olympic medal, taking silver as part of the Team GB eventing team.
She now has her sights set on competing in the 2016 Olympics, which will be staged in Rio, Brazil.
Royal
Britain's Duchess Catherine has urged people to support children's hospices.
The 32-year-old duchess - who has 10-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William - made a low-key visit to East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Treehouse (EACH) in Ipswich in her role of patron of the organisation during Children's Hospice Week this week, and met with volunteers and patients.
And Catherine said being patron allowed her to see how important the "remarkable" facilities are.
She said: "Around the clock support is crucial for children receiving palliative care. They and their families often need help every hour of every day, both in hospices and at home.
"As patron of EACH I have seen first-hand this remarkable and varied work and just how vital the support of staff and volunteers can be to the families of children with life limiting conditions.
"It has been wonderful to see the fantastic public support for Children's Hospice Week over the last few days.
"Please continue supporting your local children's hospice in whatever way you can."
Meanwhile, executives at EACH praised Catherine for being a "very active" patron of the organisation.
Graham Butland, chief executive of EACH, said: "As our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness has really helped put children's hospice services in the UK at the forefront of people's minds and allowed us to demonstrate the full and flexible range of services families can benefit from 24/7.
"The very active role the duchess plays, both publicly and in private, is considerable and much appreciated by our staff, volunteers and of course the children, young people and families using our services."
Duchess Catherine makes hospice appeal
Britain's Duchess Catherine has urged people to support children's hospices.
The 32-year-old duchess - who has 10-month-old son Prince George with husband Prince William - made a low-key visit to East Anglia's Children's Hospices' Treehouse (EACH) in Ipswich in her role of patron of the organisation during Children's Hospice Week this week, and met with volunteers and patients.
And Catherine said being patron allowed her to see how important the "remarkable" facilities are.
She said: "Around the clock support is crucial for children receiving palliative care. They and their families often need help every hour of every day, both in hospices and at home.
"As patron of EACH I have seen first-hand this remarkable and varied work and just how vital the support of staff and volunteers can be to the families of children with life limiting conditions.
"It has been wonderful to see the fantastic public support for Children's Hospice Week over the last few days.
"Please continue supporting your local children's hospice in whatever way you can."
Meanwhile, executives at EACH praised Catherine for being a "very active" patron of the organisation.
Graham Butland, chief executive of EACH, said: "As our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness has really helped put children's hospice services in the UK at the forefront of people's minds and allowed us to demonstrate the full and flexible range of services families can benefit from 24/7.
"The very active role the duchess plays, both publicly and in private, is considerable and much appreciated by our staff, volunteers and of course the children, young people and families using our services."
Royal
Felipe VI has been sworn in as the new King of Spain today (19.06.14).
The newly anointed monarch was officially proclaimed king after his father Juan Carlos ended his reign in a ceremony at Madrid's Royal Palace at midnight.
The 46-year-old former Olympian took an oath of loyalty to Spain's constitution before giving an address to the Spanish parliament.
He said: "We have a great country. We should all be proud of being Spaniards."
Following the speech - in which he also called for "a renewed monarchy for new times" - Felipe VI, his wife Letizia and his daughters, Princess Leonor, eight, and Princess Sofia, seven, greeted crowds from the balcony of the Royal Palace with other members of the royal family.
His father Juan Carlos - who did not attend the ceremony - was tearful and emotional as he ended his reign last night (06.18.14).
The 76-year-old monarch arrived at the palace to a cannon fired salute and chants of, "Long live the King!" before he signed the act of parliament ending his reign and embraced his son the then future King Felipe VI.
Upon signing his abdication, Juan Carlos was applauded by his wife Queen Sofia, his son Felipe and daughter-in-law Princess Letizia.
While the ceremony took place, preparations were made to decorate the streets of Madrid for the swearing-in ceremony.
Flags and flowers covered the streets while a red canopy with the state coat of arms embroidered in gold was erected over the front doors of the lower house of parliament, which Felipe VI passed through.
Carlos Tesorero told Expatica.com: "There's a festive atmosphere. It's a party for this new king.
"All the Spanish people have faith in him. He is very capable and I think he will be a good king."
King Felipe VI is sworn in
Felipe VI has been sworn in as the new King of Spain today (19.06.14).
The newly anointed monarch was officially proclaimed king after his father Juan Carlos ended his reign in a ceremony at Madrid's Royal Palace at midnight.
The 46-year-old former Olympian took an oath of loyalty to Spain's constitution before giving an address to the Spanish parliament.
He said: "We have a great country. We should all be proud of being Spaniards."
Following the speech - in which he also called for "a renewed monarchy for new times" - Felipe VI, his wife Letizia and his daughters, Princess Leonor, eight, and Princess Sofia, seven, greeted crowds from the balcony of the Royal Palace with other members of the royal family.
His father Juan Carlos - who did not attend the ceremony - was tearful and emotional as he ended his reign last night (06.18.14).
The 76-year-old monarch arrived at the palace to a cannon fired salute and chants of, "Long live the King!" before he signed the act of parliament ending his reign and embraced his son the then future King Felipe VI.
Upon signing his abdication, Juan Carlos was applauded by his wife Queen Sofia, his son Felipe and daughter-in-law Princess Letizia.
While the ceremony took place, preparations were made to decorate the streets of Madrid for the swearing-in ceremony.
Flags and flowers covered the streets while a red canopy with the state coat of arms embroidered in gold was erected over the front doors of the lower house of parliament, which Felipe VI passed through.
Carlos Tesorero told Expatica.com: "There's a festive atmosphere. It's a party for this new king.
"All the Spanish people have faith in him. He is very capable and I think he will be a good king."
Royal
Denmark's Crown Princess Mary took her children to see One Direction on Tuesday (17.06.14).
The Australian-born princess was seen heading into a private entrance at the open air Parken stadium on Copenhagen with Prince Christian, eight, and seven-year-old Princess Isabella, together with two of their friends.
As they headed for the entrance, the royal children were seen excitedly skipping alongside their mother.
It is believed Mary's husband, Crown Prince Frederick, stayed at home with the couple's three-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
While it is unclear what the royal fans thought of the show, the 'What Makes You Beautiful' band themselves enjoyed the gig.
Niall Horan tweeted: "gig last night in Copenhagen was amazing! Sick crowd! And amazing to have @mcbusted open for us! Huuuuuuggggeeeee (sic)"
Harry Styles added: "Thank you for having us Copenhagen. You were very loud and nice."
The young royals seem to be live music fans, as last month they were taken by their mother to the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
They were able to watch both the rehearsal and the main show in Copenhagen.
Princess Mary takes children to One Direction gig
Denmark's Crown Princess Mary took her children to see One Direction on Tuesday (17.06.14).
The Australian-born princess was seen heading into a private entrance at the open air Parken stadium on Copenhagen with Prince Christian, eight, and seven-year-old Princess Isabella, together with two of their friends.
As they headed for the entrance, the royal children were seen excitedly skipping alongside their mother.
It is believed Mary's husband, Crown Prince Frederick, stayed at home with the couple's three-year-old twins, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
While it is unclear what the royal fans thought of the show, the 'What Makes You Beautiful' band themselves enjoyed the gig.
Niall Horan tweeted: "gig last night in Copenhagen was amazing! Sick crowd! And amazing to have @mcbusted open for us! Huuuuuuggggeeeee (sic)"
Harry Styles added: "Thank you for having us Copenhagen. You were very loud and nice."
The young royals seem to be live music fans, as last month they were taken by their mother to the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
They were able to watch both the rehearsal and the main show in Copenhagen.
Royal
Spain's King Juan Carlos appeared tearful as he ended his reign last night (18.06.14).
The 76-year-old monarch signed an act of parliament ending his reign at a ceremony in Madrid's Royal Palace at midnight, before embracing his son Prince Felipe, who will be sworn in as king later today (19.06.14).
As the royal party had arrived at the palace, cannons fired a salute and shouts of "Long live the King!" could be heard.
Once he signed his abdication, Juan Carlos was applauded by his son, his wife Queen Sofia, and daughter-in-law Princess Letizia.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony today, with Madrid bedecked with flags and flowers adorning the streets, while a red canopy with the state coat of arms embroidered in gold has been erected over the front doors of the lower house of parliament, where Felipe will pass through.
Local residents welcome the change in sovereign.
Carlos Tesorero told Expatica.com: "There's a festive atmosphere. It's a party for this new king.
"All the Spanish people have faith in him. He is very capable and I think he will be a good king."
King Juan Carlos abdicates
Spain's King Juan Carlos appeared tearful as he ended his reign last night (18.06.14).
The 76-year-old monarch signed an act of parliament ending his reign at a ceremony in Madrid's Royal Palace at midnight, before embracing his son Prince Felipe, who will be sworn in as king later today (19.06.14).
As the royal party had arrived at the palace, cannons fired a salute and shouts of "Long live the King!" could be heard.
Once he signed his abdication, Juan Carlos was applauded by his son, his wife Queen Sofia, and daughter-in-law Princess Letizia.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the swearing-in ceremony today, with Madrid bedecked with flags and flowers adorning the streets, while a red canopy with the state coat of arms embroidered in gold has been erected over the front doors of the lower house of parliament, where Felipe will pass through.
Local residents welcome the change in sovereign.
Carlos Tesorero told Expatica.com: "There's a festive atmosphere. It's a party for this new king.
"All the Spanish people have faith in him. He is very capable and I think he will be a good king."
Royal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is to visit the set of 'Game of Thrones'.
The 88-year-old monarch and her husband Prince Philip are making a three-day visit to Northern Ireland next week, and part of their agenda includes a trip to the Belfast studios where the popular HBO drama series is filmed.
The show is estimated to be the biggest TV production in Europe and has brought over 900 full-time and 5,700 part-time jobs to the region, and has brought a direct economic benefit of £82 million to Northern Ireland.
As well as the set visit, the couple will also pop in on another TV show, 'Antiques Road Show', as their official Northern Irish residence, Hillsborough Castle, is playing host to experts and crew from the programme next week.
The queen and Philip's schedule also includes a visit to the historic Crumlin Road Gaol to see how the prison has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, and a reception and lunch at Belfast City Hall.
The queen - who last visited Northern Ireland in 2012 - will also attend a Royal British Legion reception in Coleraine in Co. Londonderry to launch a programme of activities commemorating the First World War.
The trip will be the royal couple's 21st to the region.
Queen Elizabeth to visit Game of Thrones set
Britain's Queen Elizabeth is to visit the set of 'Game of Thrones'.
The 88-year-old monarch and her husband Prince Philip are making a three-day visit to Northern Ireland next week, and part of their agenda includes a trip to the Belfast studios where the popular HBO drama series is filmed.
The show is estimated to be the biggest TV production in Europe and has brought over 900 full-time and 5,700 part-time jobs to the region, and has brought a direct economic benefit of £82 million to Northern Ireland.
As well as the set visit, the couple will also pop in on another TV show, 'Antiques Road Show', as their official Northern Irish residence, Hillsborough Castle, is playing host to experts and crew from the programme next week.
The queen and Philip's schedule also includes a visit to the historic Crumlin Road Gaol to see how the prison has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, and a reception and lunch at Belfast City Hall.
The queen - who last visited Northern Ireland in 2012 - will also attend a Royal British Legion reception in Coleraine in Co. Londonderry to launch a programme of activities commemorating the First World War.
The trip will be the royal couple's 21st to the region.
Royal
Britain's Duchess Catherine learned about her grandmother's wartime role yesterday (18.06.14).
The duchess - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage to Prince William - visited Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, where World War II code breakers worked, and met with her late gran Valerie Glassborow's friend Lady Marion Body - and discovered the women were among the first to learn the war was over.
Lady Body said: "It was 15 August 1945, I think it was in the afternoon, and we happened to be on that shift. Our superior officer, Commander Williams, came into the room smiling and he said, 'Well done, girls. A signal has been intercepted from Tokyo to Geneva and it's the signal that the Japanese are surrendering.
"We just sat there in complete silence...
"It's something that I could never tell anybody that happened to me, obviously, because we were sworn to secrecy. But it was a great moment to feel you were perhaps among the first people to hear the war was at last over."
Lady Body, 90, admitted Catherine was stunned by the revelation.
She added: "She didn't know about that and said she'd go and tell her father.
"She wanted to know what she did here. I was able to tell her. Valerie would never have spoken about it - I wouldn't have done until recently.
"Valerie died a few years ago and it was only fairly recently that people felt able to talk about it."
Catherine said: "What an incredible story that you shared your time here with my grandmother.
"It's so moving for me, and to be here as well.
"I was aware of it when I was a young girl and I often asked granny about it but she was very quiet and never said anything."
During her visit, Catherine was able to view the interactive exhibitions and demonstrations, as well as meet the team who worked on the £8 million restoration project to create a visitors centre and new exhibitions and interactive displays.
Duchess Catherine learns gran’s history
Britain's Duchess Catherine learned about her grandmother's wartime role yesterday (18.06.14).
The duchess - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage to Prince William - visited Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire, where World War II code breakers worked, and met with her late gran Valerie Glassborow's friend Lady Marion Body - and discovered the women were among the first to learn the war was over.
Lady Body said: "It was 15 August 1945, I think it was in the afternoon, and we happened to be on that shift. Our superior officer, Commander Williams, came into the room smiling and he said, 'Well done, girls. A signal has been intercepted from Tokyo to Geneva and it's the signal that the Japanese are surrendering.
"We just sat there in complete silence...
"It's something that I could never tell anybody that happened to me, obviously, because we were sworn to secrecy. But it was a great moment to feel you were perhaps among the first people to hear the war was at last over."
Lady Body, 90, admitted Catherine was stunned by the revelation.
She added: "She didn't know about that and said she'd go and tell her father.
"She wanted to know what she did here. I was able to tell her. Valerie would never have spoken about it - I wouldn't have done until recently.
"Valerie died a few years ago and it was only fairly recently that people felt able to talk about it."
Catherine said: "What an incredible story that you shared your time here with my grandmother.
"It's so moving for me, and to be here as well.
"I was aware of it when I was a young girl and I often asked granny about it but she was very quiet and never said anything."
During her visit, Catherine was able to view the interactive exhibitions and demonstrations, as well as meet the team who worked on the £8 million restoration project to create a visitors centre and new exhibitions and interactive displays.
Royal
Britain's Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla will celebrate the "past, present and future" of Wales on their official visit this year.
The Prince of Wales and his wife spend a week at Llwynywermod, their Welsh farmhouse near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire for a week every summer, and the list of places they will visit this year has now been released.
The trip will begin with visits to three family businesses, Cnwd food company, Melin Tregwynt Mill and Caws Cenarth cheese factory.
Additionally, the couple will visit the newly-restored Galilee Chapel - which houses an important collection of Celtic Christian stones - int he Vale of Glamorgan, and will pay tribute to Wales' coal mining industry at Senghenydd, where they will attend a service and lay a wreath at the Welsh National Mining Memorial, before officially opening the Abery Valley Heritage Centre. The pair will also host a reception at Llwynywermod to mark the centenary of the birth of celebrated writer Dylan Thomas.
The pair will also undertake a number of solo engagements, including a visit to the Sony factory and a celebration of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust at the Edwardian Dyffryn House and Gardens for Charles, and a trip to the Welsh National War Memorial in Cathays Park, Cardiff and a tour of the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff for Camilla.
A Clarence House spokesperson said: "The Prince and Duchess are looking forward to a busy week celebrating the unique heritage of Wales, from Celtic Christianity to Dylan Thomas. Their Royal Highness also want to highlight modern Welsh success stories, such as the production of the Raspberry Pi at Sony in Pencoed and the quality foods made by artisan producers throughout the country."
Prince Charles’ Welsh itinerary released
Britain's Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla will celebrate the "past, present and future" of Wales on their official visit this year.
The Prince of Wales and his wife spend a week at Llwynywermod, their Welsh farmhouse near Llandovery in Carmarthenshire for a week every summer, and the list of places they will visit this year has now been released.
The trip will begin with visits to three family businesses, Cnwd food company, Melin Tregwynt Mill and Caws Cenarth cheese factory.
Additionally, the couple will visit the newly-restored Galilee Chapel - which houses an important collection of Celtic Christian stones - int he Vale of Glamorgan, and will pay tribute to Wales' coal mining industry at Senghenydd, where they will attend a service and lay a wreath at the Welsh National Mining Memorial, before officially opening the Abery Valley Heritage Centre. The pair will also host a reception at Llwynywermod to mark the centenary of the birth of celebrated writer Dylan Thomas.
The pair will also undertake a number of solo engagements, including a visit to the Sony factory and a celebration of the Welsh Historic Gardens Trust at the Edwardian Dyffryn House and Gardens for Charles, and a trip to the Welsh National War Memorial in Cathays Park, Cardiff and a tour of the Biomechanics and Bioengineering Centre at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff for Camilla.
A Clarence House spokesperson said: "The Prince and Duchess are looking forward to a busy week celebrating the unique heritage of Wales, from Celtic Christianity to Dylan Thomas. Their Royal Highness also want to highlight modern Welsh success stories, such as the production of the Raspberry Pi at Sony in Pencoed and the quality foods made by artisan producers throughout the country."
Royal
Princess Beatrice pays respects to namesake
Britain's Princess Beatrice visited the tomb of her late namesake on Monday (16.06.14).
The 25-year-old royal - who is the daughter of Prince Andrew and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson - took a trip to the Isle of Wight and the first stop on her tour was t...
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