The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia11 hours ago
The royal family are all keen sportsmen and women — the queen’s granddaughter Zara Phillips is an eventing world champion — and the monarch will emphasise how sport can encourage the development of vital social skills.
“In the parks of towns and cities, and on village greens up and down the country, countless thousands of people every week give up their time to participate in sport and exercise of all sorts, or simply encourage others to do so,” the queen will say during her televised address Saturday.
“These kinds of activity are common throughout the world and play a part in providing a different perspective on life.”
The queen’s speech is broadcast at 3:00 pm (1500 GMT) on Saturday in Britain and will also be shown in Commonwealth countries. In addition, it will be available on the royal family’s YouTube channel.
The 84-year-old, who has reigned since 1952, normally records the message at Buckingham Palace but this year chose to do it at Hampton Court Palace outside London.
The speech is one of the rare occasions when the queen is able to voice her own views — she writes it herself and often draws on her own experiences, while at the same time reflecting current issues.
Her choice of subject has been seen by some commentators as critical of the government’s decision to slash millions of pounds (dollars) in school sports funding earlier this year as part of widespread cuts to reduce a massive budget deficit.
After protests fronted by Olympic medal winners, ministers were forced to review their decision and this week announced they would make up some of the shortfall.
2011 will be a big year for the royal family with the marriage of the second-in-line to the throne, Prince William, to his university sweetheart Kate Middleton on April 29.
And it could be a double wedding celebration following Phillips’s engagement to England international rugby player Mike Tindall, although the couple are yet to set a date for their ceremony.
The storm had already claimed the lives of at least two people in China's Hainan and 16 people in the Philippines
asia11 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
transport11 hours ago
The former all-rounder has returned to cricket during the past year after a horrific car crash at the end of 2022
cricket11 hours ago
Dubai Police have asked drivers to be extra cautious
emergencies12 hours ago
The country has set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest falcon hood, beating the previous record of 1.65 metres
uae13 hours ago
Hamas' health ministry said that 94,616 people have been wounded since the conflict began on October 7
mena13 hours ago
In most Islamic countries, including the Gulf countries, the Prophet's birthday is observed on 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal 1444
uae holidays14 hours ago
Traffic will be diverted to the opposite side during this period
transport15 hours ago