Your daily adult tube feed all in one place!
Smiling King Charles attends fourth royal engagement in just 48 hours as he joins Queen Camilla in 2,000-strong congregation at St Paul's Cathedral for OBE service amid return to public-facing duties
King Charles continued his busy week of events by attending a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire with Queen Camilla in London today.
The monarch and his wife walked up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral for the event where they joined nearly 2,000 people who are holders of various royal honours.
Charles and Camilla were both wearing bright rose pink robes, also known as 'mantles' of the Order - with the King also having his naval uniform on underneath.
It comes after Charles attended the unveiling of a new portrait at Buckingham Palace yesterday which followed a morning investiture at Windsor Castle.
And on Monday he officially handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his son Prince William on a visit to its base in Middle Wallop, Hampshire.
Charles has jumped back into public-facing royal duties in recent weeks after being given the all-clear to do so by doctors while his cancer treatment continues.
King Charles laughs with Lord Mayor Michael Mainelli as he and Queen Camilla leave after a service of dedication for the Order of The British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
Charles smiles at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted ahead of the service at St Paul's this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave after attending a service at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Members of the congregation at the service of dedication at St Paul's Cathedral today
The Order of the British Empire (OBE) was established by King George V in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the First World War effort.
But the award now recognises the work of people from all walks of life with well-known honours such as MBEs and OBEs, as well as Knighthoods and Damehoods.
The King is the Sovereign of the OBE, and the Queen is the Grand Master of the OBE.
Almost 2,000 members who are holders of the Orders awards - including GBE, KBE, DBE, CBE, OBE, MBE and British Empire Medal - attended the service this morning.
The congregation was formed by people from all parts of the UK and Commonwealth and also included a number of honorary award holders.
Upon their arrival just before 11am today, Charles and Camilla were met at St Paul's by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli.
The couple were then escorted in where they were greeted by the Dean, the Chapter and officials of the Order, before taking their place in the processional order.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla watch during the service of dedication at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The car carrying King Charles and Queen Camilla arrives at St Paul's Cathedral this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted ahead of the service at St Paul's this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The service comes one day after the King unveiled the first completed official portrait of himself since the coronation, which includes one detail Charles suggested should be added.
The portrait, by British artist Jonathan Yeo, was commissioned in 2020 to celebrate the then Prince of Wales's 50 years as a member of The Drapers' Company in 2022.
The portrait, which was unveiled on Tuesday afternoon at Buckingham Palace, depicts Charles wearing the uniform of the Welsh Guards, of which he was made Regimental Colonel in 1975.
The uniform of the Welsh Guards inspired the colour red, which was painted over much of the portrait, as Yeo said he felt like this portrait should have more of a 'dynamic and contemporary feel'.
A butterfly is hovering over the King's shoulder in the portrait, which was added in by Yeo at Charles's suggestion.
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
Charles attends the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral today
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Members of the congregation at the service of dedication at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave after attending a service at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted ahead of the service at St Paul's this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted ahead of the service at St Paul's this morning
After the unveiling, Yeo said he would 'love to take full credit for that' but it was 'actually the subject's idea'.
During a conversation with the King, Yeo said they discussed how it would be 'nice to have a narrative element which referenced his passion for nature and environment' and he spoke of how Charles 'changed jobs halfway through the process' and the butterfly is a 'symbol of metamorphosis' so it 'tells multiple stories'.
After Yeo's speech, the King joked 'it's nice to know I was a chrysalis when you first met me,' which was met with laughter.
The Queen said she 'hopes it is going to be seen by lots of people' after the unveiling.
After the unveiling Yeo said he often says the secret to a good portrait is 'having an interesting subject to start with, and you couldn't ask for a better one than this', before quickly adding 'other than Your Majesty' referring to Camilla who he has previously painted.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla are greeted ahead of the service at St Paul's this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Bishop of London Sarah Mullally arrives to take the service of dedication at St Paul's today
Yeo said The Drapers' Company had asked for the portrait to be a specific scale, and there was a preference for Charles being in uniform, but no other directions from them or the King, which Yeo added was 'exciting and also a little bit daunting'.
He said the King 'couldn't be more lively' and was 'very easy company' during their sittings, adding: 'He kind of makes you laugh and asks lots of questions, and he's interested in art as well so there's always lots to talk about.'
Asked if the King's accession to the throne had altered his approach, Yeo said 'maybe very slightly', adding 'I'd sort of started it but not got very far when he changed jobs, and you can sense his, you know, his face doesn't change particularly, but I have seen it in politicians, in other sittings before, when people are in office, they do sort of move differently.
'And so I think I was conscious of that. And then when I saw him again, you had this sense of, I don't know how to explain it, but he seemed very comfortable with himself. And so it's a sort of subtle thing, but yes, it's definitely there.'
Yeo said it is 'always the person who knows the subject best who gives you the instant visual feedback' and when he could tell Camilla 'liked it, or at least recognised it, I knew I was kind of nearly there with it'.
King Charles walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla attend a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London today
King Charles and Queen Camilla leave after attending a service at St Paul's Cathedral today
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
The Royal Cypher of King Charles III is pictured on the uniform of a member of His Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms at the service in London today
Charles attends the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The canvas size - approximately eight-and-a-half by six-and-a-half feet when framed - was carefully considered to fit within the architecture of Drapers' Hall and the context of the paintings it will eventually hang alongside.
Yeo had four sittings with the King, beginning when Charles was Prince of Wales in June 2021 at Highgrove, and later at Clarence House. The last sitting took place in November 2023 at Clarence House.
Yeo also worked from drawings and photographs he took of the King, allowing him to work on the portrait in his London studio between sittings.
Yeo said: 'It was a privilege and pleasure to have been commissioned by The Drapers' Company to paint this portrait of His Majesty The King, the first to be unveiled since his coronation.
'When I started this project, His Majesty The King was still His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, and much like the butterfly I've painted hovering over his shoulder, this portrait has evolved as the subject's role in our public life has transformed.
'I do my best to capture the life experiences etched into any individual sitter's face. In this case, my aim was also to make reference to the traditions of royal portraiture but in a way that reflects a 21st-century monarchy and, above all else, to communicate the subject's deep humanity.
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
A screen display for invited guests shows the arrival of the King and Queen at St Paul's today
Members of the congregation at the service of dedication at St Paul's Cathedral today
King Charles walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
'I'm unimaginably grateful for the opportunity to capture such an extraordinary and unique person, especially at the historic moment of becoming King.'
Yeo has also previously produced commissions of Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Camilla, Sir Tony Blair and Lord David Cameron.
At Buckingham Palace yesterday, the King and Queen were met by The Master of The Drapers' Company Tom Harris and Past Master William Charnley.
Guests included other members of The Drapers' Company, students and staff from the Drapers' Academy, Welsh Guards and Yeo's family.
The Drapers' Company dates back more than 600 years, when a group of merchants came together to promote their trade in woollen cloth in London. As their guild and fellowship grew, they made philanthropy part of the plan.
In 2024, The Drapers' Company has evolved from a trade association into a grant-giving body.
The portrait will go on public display for a month at the Philip Mould Gallery in London, from May 16 until June 14. Entry is free.
Queen Camilla walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Royal superfan John Loughrey awaits the arrival of Charles and Camilla at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Members of His Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms stand on duty during a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
The artwork is expected to be displayed at Drapers' Hall from the end of August.
Philip Mould said it is the 'most progressive formal royal portrait' created for a 'very long time'.
He added: 'As it's such an important image, it's quite exciting that the public has the opportunity to get close.'
Mr Mould said monarchy is about 'continuity, a touch of divinity' and modern art is 'edgy' and added that it is 'difficult to pull off both' but that Yeo has done it.
Also yesterday, the King held an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle for the first time since December last year.
The Archbishop of Canterbury described the coronation in May 2023 as 'deeply moving' after being honoured by the King.
Justin Welby recalled the experience of anointing Charles at Westminster Abbey as he was made a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO) for his key role in the event.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Members of His Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms stand on duty during a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles walks up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
It was the first investiture ceremony carried out by the King for five months, and his first since being diagnosed with cancer in February.
The monarch, who was given permission by his doctors to return to public duties last month, greeted 52 recipients one by one at Windsor Castle yesterday.
Mr Welby said that Charles seemed in 'very good spirits indeed' and was 'looking very well' as they spoke during the ceremony.
Awards of the Royal Victorian Order are in the King's gift and are bestowed independently of Downing Street to people who have served the monarch or the royal family in a personal way.
The archbishop conducted the service for the coronation and had the momentous task of anointing and crowning the King and Queen.
Asked about his personal memories of the coronation, Mr Welby said: 'I was very keyed up, a lot of adrenaline, but not nervous because we'd rehearsed so much [and] very focused.
'The anointing and the crowning were obviously supreme high points, particularly the anointing - [a] great sense of the presence of God, the presence of the Holy Spirit of God. It was a really deeply moving moment.'
Members of His Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms stand on duty during a service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Royal superfan John Loughrey awaits the arrival of Charles and Camilla at St Paul's today
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Mr Welby said being part of such a hugely historical moment was 'surreal', adding: 'You sort of keep thinking you're going to wake up.'
He admitted that he hoped he would never have to do the coronation because of his affinity with Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022.
Asked about the legacy of the coronation, Mr Welby said: 'What I hope is remembered is the solemnity and the authenticity with which the King said to the small boy at the beginning: 'I come not to be served, but to serve in the battle of Jesus Christ.'
'That summed up everything we were trying to say in the current nation.'
Dean of Westminster Abbey Dr David Hoyle was among the other people honoured at the ceremony, as he was made a Knight Commander for his own role in the coronation.
Dr Hoyle revealed there were plans for a building in the King's honour to be built on the side of Westminster Abbey.
He said: 'We have already done the archaeology, so the site is prepared. We have plans which the King has seen.
'We hope we might have it built in the next two to three years.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, at St Paul's today
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
On his memories from the coronation, Dr Hoyle said: 'It was the biggest privilege of my life, without a doubt.
'There are some moments that really stand out - watching the abbey fill with that extraordinary gathering of people, and that sense of anticipation, that sense of occasion.
'There are lots of wonderful memories, not least of the music, which was spectacular.
'In all honesty, there was a little thread of terror running through the day, because a coronation is unlike any other service - and the things I had to do were a bit challenging. But it was marvellous.'
On Monday, the King officially handed over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William during a visit to its Hampshire airfield.
Charles - who became the inaugural holder of the title 32 years ago - met with his eldest son in a rare joint official engagement at the Middle Wallop base to transfer the role.
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Army Air Corps is the Duke of Sussex's old unit, in which he served as an Apache helicopter commander and co-pilot gunner during his second tour to Afghanistan in 2012.
The King's decision to hand the role to William was seen as a blow to Harry when it was announced last year.
The King said it was a 'great joy' to meet servicemen, their families and veterans at an earlier visit to the Army Flying Museum but added the handover was 'tinged with great sadness'.
He said: 'I do hope you'll go from strength to strength in the future with the Prince of Wales as your new Colonel-in-Chief.
'The great thing is he's a very good pilot indeed - so that's encouraging.'
He unveiled a plaque commemorating an Apache AH Mk.1 going on display, the first of its kind to be installed at a UK museum.
The aircraft was one of four involved in a rescue mission during the Battle of Jugroom Fort in 2007.
The King said: 'Let me just say what a great joy it is to be with you even briefly on this occasion but also it is tinged with great sadness after 32 years of knowing you all, admiring your many activities and achievements through the time that I've been lucky enough to be Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.'
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Professor Michael Mainelli, at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
General Nick Barton, who took part in the rescue operation, said it was a 'unique honour' to meet the King who served as an important 'figurehead' for the soldiers.
Charles spoke to one veteran who had recently undergone chemotherapy for testicular cancer, discussing losing the sense of taste as a result of the treatment.
William embarked on his first engagement with the Army Air Corps after the King left, receiving a briefing on its work and inspecting training and operational aircraft as well as talking to soldiers.
He was presented with gifts on behalf of the corps - a tartan scarf for the prince, a wrap for his wife Kate and three wooden helicopter models for each of the couple's children.
He then left the base in an Apache as part of a capability flight.
Kensington Palace posted two images of the prince during his military service on X, showing a young William in 1998 and 2009 - standing next to a helicopter in one picture and smiling at the controls in another.
'Time flies!' the caption read.
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Charles and Camilla at the service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Camilla and Charles walk up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Monday's visit comes just days after Harry travelled to the UK to mark 10 years of the Invictus Games, without meeting up with his father and brother.
The King trained with the RAF while in his second year at the University of Cambridge and was given his wings in August 1971.
William served in the Army with the Blues and Royals and was an RAF search and rescue pilot for three years at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales.
Meanwhile, animal rights group Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) revealed today that Camilla had pledged to buy no new fur products for her wardrobe.
Buckingham Palace sent the organisation her 'warmest wishes' as it confirmed her stance on the issue.
Camilla is following in the footsteps of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who switched to faux fur for new outfits from 2019.
Peta founder Ingrid Newkirk said: 'Peta is toasting Queen Camilla with a glass of the finest claret for being a true queen by standing with the 95 per cent of British people who also refuse to wear animal fur, as polls show.
Scenes outside the service of dedication for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's today
King Charles and Queen Camilla walk through St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
Camilla and Charles walk up the steps of St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive at St Paul's Cathedral in London this morning
'It's right and proper for the British monarchy to reflect British values by recognising that fur has no place in our society - and it makes the MoD's (Ministry of Defence) use of real bear fur for the royal guards' caps ever more preposterous and out of touch.'
Peta has been campaigning for the MoD to end the use of bearskin for the King's Guards' caps for more than two decades.
The letter, which was dated April 15, typed on Buckingham Palace-headed notepaper and from the head of royal correspondence, read: 'In response to your query, I can confirm that Her Majesty will not procure any new fur garments.'
It added: 'This comes with the Queen's warmest wishes.'
The recently unveiled coronation roll, a handwritten record of the King and Queen's crowning, was the first to use paper, not the usual animal skin, reflecting Charles's animal welfare views.
But both the King and Queen wore fur at the coronation, with ermine capes on their robes and historic crowns trimmed in ermine.
Charles opted for his grandfather George VI's robes, while Camilla wore Elizabeth II's Robe of State and a newly made Robe of Estate with ermine believed to have been reused from a past robe.
Peta had offered to supply Charles with new fur-free robes free of charge ahead of the ceremony.
Camilla was criticised by the group in 2009 after she was spotted wearing a rabbit fur stole during a tour to Canada.