• Dressed in a red suit with black accessories, Queen Elizabeth II visits Lord Roberts' workshops in London's Kensington on November 10, 1960. Getty Images
    Dressed in a red suit with black accessories, Queen Elizabeth II visits Lord Roberts' workshops in London's Kensington on November 10, 1960. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and co-ordinated hat, during a royal visit to the Isle of Wight on July 26, 1965. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and co-ordinated hat, during a royal visit to the Isle of Wight on July 26, 1965. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat dress and co-ordinated hat, greets the public as she attends the Maundy Service at Hereford Cathedral on April 15, 1976. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat dress and co-ordinated hat, greets the public as she attends the Maundy Service at Hereford Cathedral on April 15, 1976. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red dress with gold detail, at a Big Top Show in Home Park, Windsor, to celebrate her silver jubilee on May 29, 1977. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red dress with gold detail, at a Big Top Show in Home Park, Windsor, to celebrate her silver jubilee on May 29, 1977. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red and white coat, and Prince Philip arriving in Kiribati during their tour of the South Pacific on October 23, 1982. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red and white coat, and Prince Philip arriving in Kiribati during their tour of the South Pacific on October 23, 1982. Getty Images
  • Prince Philip, Marianne von Weizsacker, Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and white gloves, and former German president Richard von Weizsacker at Castle Bellevue in Berlin on May 27, 1987. AP
    Prince Philip, Marianne von Weizsacker, Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and white gloves, and former German president Richard von Weizsacker at Castle Bellevue in Berlin on May 27, 1987. AP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat with white gloves and a white hat, arrives at the Perth Government House on April 21, 1988. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat with white gloves and a white hat, arrives at the Perth Government House on April 21, 1988. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and co-ordinated hat, visiting St Anne's Church in Kew, London on April 14, 1989. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and co-ordinated hat, visiting St Anne's Church in Kew, London on April 14, 1989. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, having tea with a family in Glasgow on July 7, 1999. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, having tea with a family in Glasgow on July 7, 1999. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red silk-embossed chiffon dress by Karl Ludwig, attending a reception at King's House, Jamaica on February 18, 2002. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red silk-embossed chiffon dress by Karl Ludwig, attending a reception at King's House, Jamaica on February 18, 2002. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red gown with crystal detailing, attends the Royal Variety Performance in Cardiff, Wales on November 21, 2005. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red gown with crystal detailing, attends the Royal Variety Performance in Cardiff, Wales on November 21, 2005. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a deep red dress and matching hat, attends the Cheltenham Festival on March 13, 2009. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a deep red dress and matching hat, attends the Cheltenham Festival on March 13, 2009. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red dress and her Canadian Maple Leaf Royal Brooch, arrives for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Canada on July 1, 2010. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red dress and her Canadian Maple Leaf Royal Brooch, arrives for Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Canada on July 1, 2010. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, arrives to greet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to her Windsor residence on October 26, 2010. WPA
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, arrives to greet the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to her Windsor residence on October 26, 2010. WPA
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red and white checked coat, during a visit to Essex on October 28, 2010. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red and white checked coat, during a visit to Essex on October 28, 2010. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, during a visit to RAF Valley in Holyhead on April 1, 2011. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and matching hat, during a visit to RAF Valley in Holyhead on April 1, 2011. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing her mantle of the Order of The British Empire designed by Marion Foale, attends a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, on March 7, 2012. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing her mantle of the Order of The British Empire designed by Marion Foale, attends a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, on March 7, 2012. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat, leaves hospital on March 4, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat, leaves hospital on March 4, 2013 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a co-ordinated red dress, hat and coat, attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2019. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a co-ordinated red dress, hat and coat, attends the Christmas Day service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 25, 2019. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and hat, with a red and white scarf, in Windsor on December 8, 2020, waits to thank local volunteers and key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red coat and hat, with a red and white scarf, in Windsor on December 8, 2020, waits to thank local volunteers and key workers for their efforts during the coronavirus pandemic. AFP
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red hat and coat with black details, visits aircraft carrier 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' in Portsmouth, England, on May 22, 2021. AFP
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a red hat and coat with black details, visits aircraft carrier 'HMS Queen Elizabeth' in Portsmouth, England, on May 22, 2021. AFP

Royal rouge: Queen Elizabeth's red outfits most popular with style fans


Farah Andrews
  • English
  • Arabic

Queen Elizabeth II is a quiet style icon. The British monarch, who is celebrating her platinum jubilee this week, is known for her colourful outfits, with a commitment to one shade from head-to-toe.

But which colour is most popular?

According to recent Pinterest data, fans are most drawn to her red looks. The queen's scarlet, ruby and vermilion outfits are the most frequently pinned, and have been shared nearly 10,000 times.

Scroll through the gallery above to see a chronology of the queen in red, with outfits dating back throughout her reign.

Queen Elizabeth II wears red to attend Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Ontario on July 1, 2010. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II wears red to attend Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Ontario on July 1, 2010. AFP

The sartorial choice of vibrant red is no accident. The queen has worn cherry hues to attend Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa and mirrored the Qatari flag by wearing a carmine coat to welcome country's Emir to Windsor Castle in 2010. It is also a festive favourite, often chosen for walks to attend the Christmas Day church service.

Significantly, red also the national colour of both England and Wales, and one of the three British national colours, alongside white and blue. It is the colour of roses, England's national flower, and a shade synonymous with London, thanks to the city's vibrant red double-decker buses, traditional telephone boxes and pillar-box red post boxes — although the latter two are found across the UK.

There are also military associations with the colour red. The red coat, or scarlet tunic, has been used by the British Army since the 17th century; and it is a powerful colour, associated with pride, confidence and courage.

When the queen steps out for official engagements, there is an element of dressing for a service job, says British historian Robert Lacey.

Lacey explained why she frequently chooses to wear hats, saying: "Very few modern women wear a hat as part of their work uniform, aside from perhaps members of the armed forces ... It's a reminder that the queen is indentured to a service, to a job."

There is also a practical reason why the monarch always chooses vibrant colours and matching hats for engagements — they ensure members of the public can spot her in a crowd says her daughter-in-law, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.

“She needs to stand out for people to be able to say, ‘I saw the queen’,” the countess said in the 2016 documentary The Queen at 90.

“Don’t forget that when she turns up somewhere, the crowds are two, three, four, 10, 15 deep, and someone wants to be able to say they saw a bit of the queen’s hat as she went past.”

Look back at Queen Elizabeth II's rainbow wardrobe, with her best colour-blocked looks:

  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, waits to thank local volunteers and key workers for their efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic, at Windsor Castle on December 8, 2020. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, waits to thank local volunteers and key workers for their efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic, at Windsor Castle on December 8, 2020. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, arrives to welcome Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to her Windsor residence on October 26, 2010. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, arrives to welcome Qatar's Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani to her Windsor residence on October 26, 2010. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, during a visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth at HM Naval Base ahead of the ship's maiden deployment on May 22, 2021 in Portsmouth, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing red, during a visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth at HM Naval Base ahead of the ship's maiden deployment on May 22, 2021 in Portsmouth, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing orange, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at Buckingham Palace on October 7, 2021, for the launch of the queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing orange, and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at Buckingham Palace on October 7, 2021, for the launch of the queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham for the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth ll, wearing orange, attends The Vivari Queen's Cup Final at Guards Polo Club on June 17, 2007, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth ll, wearing orange, attends The Vivari Queen's Cup Final at Guards Polo Club on June 17, 2007, in Windsor, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing orange, attends Royal Ascot on June 20, 2015, in Berkshire, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing orange, attends Royal Ascot on June 20, 2015, in Berkshire, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing peach, arrives to unveil a memorial to the Queen Mother on The Mall on February 24, 2009, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing peach, arrives to unveil a memorial to the Queen Mother on The Mall on February 24, 2009, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing peach, formally opens the new South Lynn Fire Station on February 2, 2015, in King's Lynn, Norfolk, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing peach, formally opens the new South Lynn Fire Station on February 2, 2015, in King's Lynn, Norfolk, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, at Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Oaks Stakes, Surrey, 1960. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, at Epsom Downs Racecourse for the Oaks Stakes, Surrey, 1960. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends the first day of Royal Ascot on June 15, 2004, in Berkshire, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends the first day of Royal Ascot on June 15, 2004, in Berkshire, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, walks to the Royal Enclosure June 21, 2001 at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, walks to the Royal Enclosure June 21, 2001 at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends Derby Day of the Epsom Derby on June 5, 2010, in Epsom, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends Derby Day of the Epsom Derby on June 5, 2010, in Epsom, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends Royal Ascot 2015 at Ascot racecourse on June 19, 2015 in Ascot, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, attends Royal Ascot 2015 at Ascot racecourse on June 19, 2015 in Ascot, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive at New Scotland Yard on July 13, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive at New Scotland Yard on July 13, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, waves to the crowds during a visit to Greenfaulds High School on June 28, 2019, in Cumbernauld, Scotland. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing yellow, waves to the crowds during a visit to Greenfaulds High School on June 28, 2019, in Cumbernauld, Scotland. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light green, during a visit to The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial on March 31, 2021, near Egham, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light green, during a visit to The Royal Australian Air Force Memorial on March 31, 2021, near Egham, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing lime green, meets members of the public in Chester, England, on June 14, 2018. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing lime green, meets members of the public in Chester, England, on June 14, 2018. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light green, attends a ceremony to mark her official birthday at Windsor Castle on June 13, 2020. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light green, attends a ceremony to mark her official birthday at Windsor Castle on June 13, 2020. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, opens the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre on June 7, 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, opens the Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre on June 7, 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, attends a service to mark the Centenary of the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral on May 24, 2017 in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, attends a service to mark the Centenary of the Order of the British Empire at St Paul's Cathedral on May 24, 2017 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, shelters from the rain during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on July 19, 2011 in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, shelters from the rain during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on July 19, 2011 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, arrives to formally open the new headquarters of asset management company Schroders on November 7, 2018, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, arrives to formally open the new headquarters of asset management company Schroders on November 7, 2018, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, during a visit to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, as part of her traditional trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week on July 1, 2021, in Edinburgh. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing green, during a visit to the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, as part of her traditional trip to Scotland for Holyrood Week on July 1, 2021, in Edinburgh. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing dark green, arrives for the opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament on October 2, 2021, in Edinburgh. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing dark green, arrives for the opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament on October 2, 2021, in Edinburgh. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attend the official open the National Cyber Security Centre on February 14, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, attend the official open the National Cyber Security Centre on February 14, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, opens Newtongrange Station on September 9, 2015, in Newtongrange, Scotland. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, opens Newtongrange Station on September 9, 2015, in Newtongrange, Scotland. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, visits The Lexicon shopping centre during a visit to Bracknell, England, on October 19, 2018. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, visits The Lexicon shopping centre during a visit to Bracknell, England, on October 19, 2018. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, attends the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, attends the traditional Royal Maundy Service at Windsor Castle on March 24, 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, hosts a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 31, 2018. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing turquoise, hosts a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 31, 2018. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after the christening of Prince George at St James's Palace on October 23, 2013, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after the christening of Prince George at St James's Palace on October 23, 2013, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, during a visit to the headquarters of British Airways at Heathrow, London, on May 23, 2019. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, during a visit to the headquarters of British Airways at Heathrow, London, on May 23, 2019. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, arrives at Hull train station during a visit to the English city on November 16, 2017. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, arrives at Hull train station during a visit to the English city on November 16, 2017. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, attends the Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, attends the Ceremony of the Keys on the forecourt of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light blue, waves to well-wishers as she departs for Melbourne on March 15, 2006, in Canberra. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light blue, waves to well-wishers as she departs for Melbourne on March 15, 2006, in Canberra. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, attends a military ceremony in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle to mark her official birthday at Windsor Castle on June 12, 2021. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, attends a military ceremony in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle to mark her official birthday at Windsor Castle on June 12, 2021. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, attends the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 21, 2019, in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, attends the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 21, 2019, in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, await the arrival of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait at Windsor Castle during a three-day state visit on November 27, 2012. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light blue, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, await the arrival of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of Kuwait at Windsor Castle during a three-day state visit on November 27, 2012. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, attends events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, attends events to mark the centenary of the RAF on July 10, 2018, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, visit the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire on June 16, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, visit the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire on June 16, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, visits St John's College at the University of Cambridge, England, on April 27, 2011. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, visits St John's College at the University of Cambridge, England, on April 27, 2011. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, and Anne, Princess Royal, visit Skypark in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 30, 2021. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in blue, and Anne, Princess Royal, visit Skypark in Glasgow, Scotland, on June 30, 2021. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, attends the inauguration ceremony of the Memorial Gates at Constitution Hill on November 6, 2002, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing blue, attends the inauguration ceremony of the Memorial Gates at Constitution Hill on November 6, 2002, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing navy blue, attends a service of Thanksgiving to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey on October 12, 2021, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing navy blue, attends a service of Thanksgiving to mark the centenary of The Royal British Legion at Westminster Abbey on October 12, 2021, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in purple, leaves a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 7, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in purple, leaves a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 7, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, leaves Sandringham Church after attending the Christmas Day service on December 25, 2004, in Norfolk, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, leaves Sandringham Church after attending the Christmas Day service on December 25, 2004, in Norfolk, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, attends the opening of the rebuilt Jubilee Gardens on October 25, 2012, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, attends the opening of the rebuilt Jubilee Gardens on October 25, 2012, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in lilac, attends the Solemn Drumhead service at Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 28, 2014, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in lilac, attends the Solemn Drumhead service at Royal Hospital Chelsea on June 28, 2014, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, leaves Chester Cathedral after the wedding of Lady Tamara Grosvenor on November 6, 2004, in Chester, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, leaves Chester Cathedral after the wedding of Lady Tamara Grosvenor on November 6, 2004, in Chester, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, after officially opening the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle June 29, 2021, in Stirling, Scotland. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing purple, after officially opening the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum at Stirling Castle June 29, 2021, in Stirling, Scotland. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing mauve, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive for Evensong in celebration of the centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour at Hampton Court Palace on June 13, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing mauve, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive for Evensong in celebration of the centenary of the Order of the Companions of Honour at Hampton Court Palace on June 13, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing claret, visits the headquarters of MI5 at Thames House, London, on February 25, 2020. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing claret, visits the headquarters of MI5 at Thames House, London, on February 25, 2020. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during her visit to Berkhamsted School as part of its 475th anniversary celebrations on May 6, 2016, in Berkhamsted, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during her visit to Berkhamsted School as part of its 475th anniversary celebrations on May 6, 2016, in Berkhamsted, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, meets veterans during the D-Day 75 Commemorations on June 05, 2019, in Portsmouth, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, meets veterans during the D-Day 75 Commemorations on June 05, 2019, in Portsmouth, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during the Patron's Lunch at The Mall, London, for her 90th birthday celebrations on June 12, 2016. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during the Patron's Lunch at The Mall, London, for her 90th birthday celebrations on June 12, 2016. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, pictured during a visit to the Bailey caravan factory as part of her diamond Jubilee tour on November 22, 2012, in Bristol, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, pictured during a visit to the Bailey caravan factory as part of her diamond Jubilee tour on November 22, 2012, in Bristol, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, visits The Royal Welsh Regimental Family to mark St David's Day at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, England, on March 3, 2017. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, visits The Royal Welsh Regimental Family to mark St David's Day at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, England, on March 3, 2017. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the gates at Balmoral, Scotland, on August 9, 2021. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, during an inspection of the Balaklava Company, 5 Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, at the gates at Balmoral, Scotland, on August 9, 2021. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, arrives for the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd at The Senedd on October 14, 2021 in Cardiff. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, arrives for the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the Senedd at The Senedd on October 14, 2021 in Cardiff. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, and Prince of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on July 12, 2010. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, and Prince of Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, arrive at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on July 12, 2010. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, visits the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down science park near Salisbury, England, on October 15, 2020. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, visits the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down science park near Salisbury, England, on October 15, 2020. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, waits for the arrival of US President Joe Biden at Windsor Castle on June 13, 2021. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing pink, waits for the arrival of US President Joe Biden at Windsor Castle on June 13, 2021. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in light pink, with members of the royal family, arrives at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015, in King's Lynn, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in light pink, with members of the royal family, arrives at the Church of St Mary Magdalene on the Sandringham Estate for the Christening of Princess Charlotte of Cambridge on July 5, 2015, in King's Lynn, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 16, 2017, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, during a garden party at Buckingham Palace on May 16, 2017, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, arrives to the Chichester Theatre while visiting West Sussex, England, on November 30, 2017. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, arrives to the Chichester Theatre while visiting West Sussex, England, on November 30, 2017. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, attends the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing light pink, attends the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 29, 2019 in London, England. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing white, talks to Rob Holden, chairman of HS1, as she unveils a plaque at St Pancras International in London on June 5, 2014. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing white, talks to Rob Holden, chairman of HS1, as she unveils a plaque at St Pancras International in London on June 5, 2014. Getty Images
  • German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Queen Elizabeth II, wearing white, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to the Chancellery in Berlin on June 24, 2015. Getty Images
    German Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomes Queen Elizabeth II, wearing white, and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to the Chancellery in Berlin on June 24, 2015. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, in black, leaves St Paul's Cathedral after attending the National Memorial Service dedicated to victims of the July 7 bombings on November 1, 2005, in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, in black, leaves St Paul's Cathedral after attending the National Memorial Service dedicated to victims of the July 7 bombings on November 1, 2005, in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing black mourning attire, leaves a memorial service for her sister, Princess Margaret, on April 19, 2002, at Westminster Abbey in London. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing black mourning attire, leaves a memorial service for her sister, Princess Margaret, on April 19, 2002, at Westminster Abbey in London. Getty Images
  • Queen Elizabeth II, wearing black, greets well-wishers at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, England, on November 9, 2004. Getty Images
    Queen Elizabeth II, wearing black, greets well-wishers at Howe Barracks in Canterbury, England, on November 9, 2004. Getty Images
Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

PRESIDENTS CUP

Draw for Presidents Cup fourball matches on Thursday (Internationals first mention). All times UAE:

02.32am (Thursday): Marc Leishman/Joaquin Niemann v Tiger Woods/Justin Thomas
02.47am (Thursday): Adam Hadwin/Im Sung-jae v Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay
03.02am (Thursday): Adam Scott/An Byeong-hun v Bryson DeChambeau/Tony Finau
03.17am (Thursday): Hideki Matsuyama/CT Pan v Webb Simpson/Patrick Reed
03.32am (Thursday): Abraham Ancer/Louis Oosthuizen v Dustin Johnson/Gary Woodland

FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties? 
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

STAGE%201%20RESULTS
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Global institutions: BlackRock and KKR

US-based BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $5.98 trillion of assets under management as of the end of last year. The New York firm run by Larry Fink provides investment management services to institutional clients and retail investors including governments, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, banks and charitable foundations around the world, through a variety of investment vehicles.

KKR & Co, or Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, is a global private equity and investment firm with around $195 billion of assets as of the end of last year. The New York-based firm, founded by Henry Kravis and George Roberts, invests in multiple alternative asset classes through direct or fund-to-fund investments with a particular focus on infrastructure, technology, healthcare, real estate and energy.

 

England Test squad

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Alastair Cook, Sam Curran, Keaton Jennings, Dawid Malan, Jamie Porter, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes.

Andor
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

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The Lost Letters of William Woolf
Helen Cullen, Graydon House 

The Perfect Couple

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor

Creator: Jenna Lamia

Rating: 3/5

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My Cat Yugoslavia by Pajtim Statovci
Pushkin Press

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Libya's Gold

UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves. 

The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.

Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE

Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.

UAE SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Ali Khaseif, Fahad Al Dhanhani, Mohammed Al Shamsi, Adel Al Hosani

Defenders: Bandar Al Ahbabi, Shaheen Abdulrahman, Walid Abbas, Mahmoud Khamis, Mohammed Barghash, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Hassan Al Mahrami, Yousef Jaber, Salem Rashid, Mohammed Al Attas, Alhassan Saleh

Midfielders: Ali Salmeen, Abdullah Ramadan, Abdullah Al Naqbi, Majed Hassan, Yahya Nader, Ahmed Barman, Abdullah Hamad, Khalfan Mubarak, Khalil Al Hammadi, Tahnoun Al Zaabi, Harib Abdallah, Mohammed Jumah, Yahya Al Ghassani

Forwards: Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo, Ali Saleh, Ali Mabkhout, Sebastian Tagliabue, Zayed Al Ameri

Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
  • George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
  • Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
  • Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
  • Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills. 
Hunting park to luxury living
  • Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
  • The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
  • Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds

 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

Points about the fast fashion industry Celine Hajjar wants everyone to know
  • Fast fashion is responsible for up to 10 per cent of global carbon emissions
  • Fast fashion is responsible for 24 per cent of the world's insecticides
  • Synthetic fibres that make up the average garment can take hundreds of years to biodegrade
  • Fast fashion labour workers make 80 per cent less than the required salary to live
  • 27 million fast fashion workers worldwide suffer from work-related illnesses and diseases
  • Hundreds of thousands of fast fashion labourers work without rights or protection and 80 per cent of them are women
Updated: June 01, 2022, 4:27 AM