Queen Elizabeth found a secret friend in Tom Cruise before her death

Washington [US], November 7: In the weeks before Queen Elizabeth's death, the late monarch had found a new pal in Hollywood star Tom Cruise, suggests a new report

According to Page Six, she and the 'Top Gun' actor "really hit it off" over the summer, a source told a British media outlet.

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations that marked her 70th anniversary on the throne had been attended by Cruise; however, the ailing royal was unable to meet the 'Mission Impossible' star as she suffering from mobility issues.

"The Queen let it be known that she was really disappointed not to have met Tom at the pageant, so he was invited to have a special tour of Windsor Castle with everything laid on for him. Afterwards, just the two of them had tea together," the source said, reported Page Six. The visit was a success, with Cruise given the chance to fire a ceremonial gun. "She loved seeing him and they really hit it off, so much so that she invited him back for lunch. He was even allowed to fly in by helicopter," the source added.

This newly-formed friendship could have continued with a lunch date, but it could not as Elizabeth died on September 8 at the age of 96, before they could reunite.

Cruise had spoken of his admiration for the Queen during a television interview that happened before the Platinum Jubilee's Gallop Through History equine pageant in May. Tom Cruise communiqué "She's just a woman that I greatly admire. I think she is someone who has tremendous dignity and I admire her devotion. What she has accomplished has been historic," he said at the time, as per Page Six.

#thecommunique #tc #tcn #QueenElizabeth #tomcruise

A minute-by-minute guide to Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral

The King and Queen will host a state reception for world leaders at Buckingham Palace on Sunday

The late monarch's lying in state will end at 6.30am tomorrow

The coffin of Queen Elizabeth II remains in Westminster Hall for the last full day of lying in state ahead of her funeral on Monday.

Britain's longest serving monarch will be honoured with a full state funeral at Westminster Abbey, featuring every element of pomp with personal touches from her late Majesty.

Here is everything we know about what will happen – and when – over the next 48 hours.

Today

Evening

The King and Queen Consort host heads of state and official overseas visitors in a state reception at Buckingham Palace.

Monday

6.30am

Lying in state ends as doors of Westminster Hall are closed to the public.

8am

Westminster Abbey opens for members of the congregation to start taking their seats.

10.35am

With world leaders and dignitaries flying from across the globe, and an expected crowd of over 2 million people, the Queen's funeral will, in all likelihood, be the highest-attended event in the history of the United Kingdom. Let's see what will happen at the state funeral - a detailed step-by-step plan for Monday. According to the New York Times, the funeral will begin at 11 am (London Time). According to Indian time, it will be 4:30 pm. The funeral will take place at Westminster Abbey and according to Buckingham palace officials, The Royal Hospital Chelsea which is a residence for retired soldiers in West London will host a gathering of heads of state and foreign royals before they leave for Westminster Abbey.

New York Times quoted some local UK media reports that claim that many world leaders are unhappy with community transportation because they heard rumours that some of them will get preferential treatment and be permitted to drive their own cars. Currently, the Queen's coffin is at Westminster Hall and after 6 am (London time) on September 19, the doors will close to the public.

Preparations will thereafter begin for the Queen's coffin to be moved to Westminster Abbey. According to New York Times, the Westminster Abbey will open at 8:00 am (London time) for those who have been invited to the funeral. New York Times also reports that the coffin will be carried in a procession from Westminster Hall to the abbey. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel will be stationed along the way.

About 200 musicians, including the pipes and drums of the Scottish and Irish Regiments, will lead the procession. King Charles III and other royal family members will ride in the carriage. The funeral service will be conducted by the dean of Westminster, and readings will be given by Patricia Scotland, the secretary general of the Commonwealth, and Prime Minister Liz Truss.

The sermon will be delivered by Canterbury's archbishop, the Most Reverend Justin Welby. Two minutes of silence will be observed across Britain towards the end of the ceremony. The service is expected to end around 12 pm (UK time) After the service ends, a procession will follow the coffin to Wellington Arch in London after which it will be driven to Windsor.

New York Times also revealed that following the funeral, visiting heads of state and government representatives would attend a reception hosted by the foreign secretary.

Now, after the Queen's coffin will reach Windsor, the hearse will join a new procession on the journey to St. George's chapel.

A committal service will be held there. All members of the queen's staff, including those who have worked on private estates, will be in attendance. The dean of Windsor will conduct the service there.

According to the online media portal, The Imperial State Crown, the orb, and the sceptre will be taken off the top of the coffin and placed on the altar by the crown jeweller before the last hymn is sung. Then, the coffin will be lowered into the royal vault, a burial room underneath the chapel, following the hymn. New York Times quoted a Buckingham Palace release that read, "The Queen is to be buried together with The Duke of Edinburgh".

The blessing will be pronounced by the archbishop of Canterbury, and "God Save the King" will then be sung.

The funeral service will be private and begin at 7:30 p.m. The dean of Windsor will be conducting it.

STATE GUN CARRIAGE CARRYING QUEEN ELIZABETH’S COFFIN

#thecommunique #thequeen #tc #tcn #queenelizabeth #death

Alicia Keys' song, 'Empire State of Mind' draws in criticism

Washington [US], June 07: American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys confused fans after giving a performance on her chartbuster song "Empire State of Mind" at the Queen's Platinum Jubilee concert. Many claimed that her choice of the song about New York didn't sit well with the British event.

Pritish Bagdi

According to Twitter users, they did not understand why Alicia chose to sing such a song which talked about a love letter written to New York while performing at a British celebration, reported Page Six. "Why is Alicia Keys singing about how amazing New York City is at an event to celebrate the Queen? Maybe choose another song?" wrote a Twitter user.

Besides Alicia's decision to perform an unfitting song, she also belted out her love for New York in front of such a large audience at the Buckingham Palace, which led to further disapproval from fans as well as from several Britishers, reported Page Six. "When I'm in London I feel like I'm home. It reminds me of New York," Alicia spoke before beginning her performance on the "Empire State of Mind" song. Naturally, Alicia's choice of words drew in a lot of criticism, reported Page Six. "How to win and lose your audience in 5 seconds," tweeted a user.

Around 22,000 guests were invited to attend the Platinum Party at the Palace concert on June 4, where notable artists like Hans Zimmer, and Queen gave an amazing performance. At the event, David Beckham, Dame Julie Andrews and Sir David Attenborough also made guest appearances, while Elton John entertained the audience with a specially recorded performance.

The Platinum Jubilee celebrates Queen Elizabeth's 70 years of reign in London.

#thecommunique #tc #tcn #alicia #music #event #queenelizabeth #london #platinumjubilee