UK

Of Princess Diana's funeral, many people especially remember the moment when Sir Elton John sang the adapted version of his song Candle in the wind.   But according to archival documents that have just been released, the Palace was not in favour of this. Buckingham Palace would have found the text too sentimental. An early draft of the program stated that Elton John would be singing another song, Your song. The Dean of Westminster pleaded for Candle in the wind in a personal letter to the Palace. He felt that a "daring" choice was needed at that point in the celebration, pointing out that the song is "played and sung all over the country in memory of Diana". The dean suggested not to print the text if it was found to be too sentimental. A saxophonist would have been ready to play...

The British authorities are struggling to keep up with the demand for rapid tests. Citizens can request these via a government site. However, according to Sky News, the UKHSA health service warns that they may be temporarily unavailable there due to "exceptionally high demand".   The British authorities are providing rapid tests on a large scale to the population in the hope of detecting more infections in time. The tests can be ordered online and then delivered to your home. They can also be picked up at particular collection points in libraries. Britons can also go to the pharmacy for rapid tests. The country has recently reported record numbers of corona infections, which is also increasing pressure on testing capacity. Residents of parts of England were temporarily unable to or...

A leaked video of a Downing Street "pseudo press conference" has discredited British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. There was indeed a Christmas party in the official residence last year. Of course, the prime minister was not there himself, but it certainly did not go according to the corona rules that he had just issued.   At a pseudo press conference about the Christmas party of a year ago, the then press spokesman for British Prime Minister Johnson made a slip of the mind. Indeed, there was a large staff party on December 18, 2020, with "cheese and wine" and "no social distancing". That says that spokesman Allegra Stratton and other staff members rehearse a press conference on December 22, 2020. The video has now been leaked via the ITV channel. The video is front-page news in al...

The British prime minister and three former prime ministers attended the funeral of parliamentarian David Amess, stabbed to death in October. Boris Johnson, Theresa May, David Cameron and John Major sat in the front row of the church.   A message from Pope Francis was also recited during the funeral mass. The Pope offered condolences to the family of 69-year-old Amess and praised the conservative parliamentarian's dedication. "It was evident in his concern for the poor and disadvantaged people," Francis said. The highest-ranking Catholic cleric in England and Wales, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, led the service at Westminster Cathedral. Amess was a committed Catholic. But, according to Sky News, those in attendance laughed when the priest of parliament told a story about Amess eating a...

Queen Elizabeth II of England does not appear to have fully recovered since her hospitalization last week. So once again, the 95-year-old monarch cancels an important event because her doctors make her rest.   Last week, Buckingham Palace shared photos of Elizabeth showing her return to work. This was the first time she returned to action since her hospitalization last week, forcing her to cancel a visit to Northern Ireland. She welcomed several ambassadors to the palace via video call from Windsor Castle. Many people were shocked by these images because the queen did not look very good. Buckingham Palace reports that Elizabeth has "reluctantly" decided not to attend the COP26 climate conference, a major UN meeting where the goals of the Paris climate agreement are discussed. Earl...

The London police stopped their investigation into the abuse case in which the British Prince Andrew (61), the second son of the Queen, is said to be involved.   Although, he is being sued in the United States by a victim of American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew also abused her. Therefore, it is not entirely clear why the London police will not take further steps. Virginia Giuffre (38) is an alleged victim of American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a former friend of Prince Andrew. Epstein and his British partner Ghislaine Maxwell are said to have recruited underage girls and placed them in a network of sexual exploitation. Although Epstein was charged in the US two years ago, he died in his cell awaiting trial. Giuffre says she was introduced to Prince Andrew through ...

The British Prince Andrew (61), son of the Queen, can view a sealed court document that, according to his lawyer, can exempt him from all liability in an abuse case. However, the prince has been sued in the United States by Virginia Giuffre (38).   She is a victim of billionaire Jeffrey Epstein and says Prince Andrew also abused her. Prince Andrew's lawyer can now view the confidential settlement that Giuffre previously reached with Epstein. Virginia Giufrre (38) is one of the alleged victims of American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, a former friend of Prince Andrew. Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell are said to have recruited underage girls and placed them in a sexual exploitation and abuse network. Although Epstein was charged in the US two years ago, he died in his cell a...