No kidding! Goat mascot attends King Charles III's proclamation in Wales
In Wales, an unusual guest appeared at the proclamation of Charles as king at Cardiff Castle — Shenkin IV, the mascot of the 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh, an infantry regiment of the British army.
The battalion has kept a goat as a mascot since the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American War of Independence in 1775, according to the Royal Welsh Museum.
Queen Victoria allowed the new mascot to be chosen from the royal herd of Kashmir goats and the tradition has been followed until the modern day. Queen Elizabeth II gave Shenkin IV — who has a military rank of Lance Corporal and receives an income that contributes to his uniform and lodging — to the battalion in 2018.
Shenkin IV took four weeks to catch from the royal herd. Goat Major Sergeant Mark Jackson of the Royal Welsh said at the time it was the “cheeky look in his eye” that made him an ideal mascot.
New Prince of Wales speaks with Welsh first minister
Prince William, newly named the Prince of Wales after his father's ascent to the throne, spoke on Sunday with the Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford.
William told the official that he would serve the Welsh people with “humility and great respect,” according to a statement released by Kensington Palace.
“The prince acknowledged his and the princess’s deep affection for Wales, having made their first family home in Anglesey including during the earliest months of Prince George’s life,” it added.
William and his wife, Catherine, Princess of Wales, intend to visit the country soon and to meet with Drakeford and other leaders, according to the statement.
Anti-royalists demonstrate outside Cardiff Castle in Wales
Antigua and Barbuda to hold republic referendum within 3 years
The prime minister of Antigua and Barbuda said he would call for a referendum on whether the his country should become a republic within three years.
The Caribbean country is one of 14 nations to retain the British monarch as their head of state, but after signing a document confirming Charles’ status as the new king, he said he would push for a new poll.
“It does not represent any form of disrespect to the monarch. This is not an act of hostility, or any difference between Antigua and Barbuda and the monarchy,” he told British broadcaster ITV News. “It is a final step to complete the circle of independence to become a truly sovereign nation.”
Since Barbados became a republic in 2021, a number of other Caribbean countries, including the Bahamas, Jamaica and St. Kitts and Nevis, signaled they intend to do the same.
Sharp shooters over Edinburgh cathedral ahead of queen's arrival
King arrives at Buckingham Palace
LONDON — Crowds lining the roads cheered as King Charles III arrived at Buckingham Palace Sunday afternoon.
The new king waved as his black car drove down The Mall and through the palace gates accompanied by a motorcade of four cars and four police motorbikes.
Onlookers shouted “God save the King” while one man teared up and said he would remember the moment for the rest of his life.
India holds national day of mourning
NEW DELHI — Flags at public places are flying at half-staff across India as the country held a national day of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.
While some questioned why a symbol of colonial rule was being honored, others chose to focus on the person herself.
New Delhi shop owner Sameer Chaudhary, 50, told NBC News that the queen had a "terrific" reign but she symbolized the cruel colonial institution that devastated India.
What is the Royal Standard draped over the queen's coffin?
The coffin of the late queen was draped in the Royal Standard of Scotland as it left Balmoral Estate, highlighting the monarch's personal and official connection to one of her favorite places.
The Royal Standard has taken various forms throughout history and varies from country to country.
In Scotland, it features Scottish arms in the first and fourth quarters and English arms in the second. The lion rampant is a nod to the Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland, the crown’s official banner in Scotland.
In England, however, the standard bears four quarterings — England (represented by three lions) in the first and fourth quarters, Scotland (represented by a lion rampant) in the second quarter and Ireland (represented by a harp) in the third quarter.