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Britain's Prince William and Kate lead royal Easter Sunday without Queen Elizabeth

The queen, 95, misses traditional service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle

The National

April 17, 2022

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Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate led the royal family in celebrating Easter Sunday after Queen Elizabeth II stayed away from a traditional church service.

The queen, who turns 96 on Thursday and has suffered what have widely been described as mobility problems, did not make her usual appearance at St George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.

Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, walked to the chapel with their two eldest children Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Behind them were the queen's youngest son Prince Edward and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex, with their children Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn.

Princess Eugenie walked alongside Peter Phillips and his children Savannah and Isla, while Zara and Mike Tindall brought their eldest daughter Mia.

Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips and his daughters Isla and Savannah in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Getty
Princess Eugenie, Peter Phillips and his daughters Isla and Savannah in the grounds of Windsor Castle. Getty

Heir to the throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, who represented the queen at a Maundy Thursday service at the same chapel, did not attend.

Meanwhile, Prince William's brother Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, spent Sunday morning at an athletics track for the Invictus Games in the Netherlands.

The couple, who quit royal duties and moved to America in 2020, were widely reported to have stopped in Britain to see the queen and Prince Charles on their way to The Hague.

The monarch marked 70 years on the throne in February but has been mainly been carrying out duties virtually in recent months and has missed a number of prominent events.

After spending a night in hospital in October, she spent the next three months under doctors’ orders conducting only light duties and contracted the coronavirus in February.

She did attend a memorial service at Westminster Abbey for her husband Prince Philip, who died aged 99 last year. Platinum jubilee events to mark the queen's service are planned for June.

  • Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle at the opening of the Invictus Games in The Hague. AFP
    Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle at the opening of the Invictus Games in The Hague. AFP
  • The Duchess of Sussex spoke at the event. AFP
    The Duchess of Sussex spoke at the event. AFP
  • Harry and Meghan cheer the athletes. AFP
    Harry and Meghan cheer the athletes. AFP
  • Harry founded the games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military service members. AFP
    Harry founded the games to help the rehabilitation of injured or sick military service members. AFP
  • Harry says those involved with Invictus have overcome immense challenges. AFP
    Harry says those involved with Invictus have overcome immense challenges. AFP
  • The couple received a standing ovation as they praised 'boundless humility, the compassion and the friendship” of the event. Getty Images
    The couple received a standing ovation as they praised 'boundless humility, the compassion and the friendship” of the event. Getty Images
  • The Duke of Sussex praised the Ukrainian team. EPA
    The Duke of Sussex praised the Ukrainian team. EPA
  • Harry says events such as Invictus create opportunities for how to better support Ukraine. AP
    Harry says events such as Invictus create opportunities for how to better support Ukraine. AP
  • The Duke of Sussex during the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge. AFP
    The Duke of Sussex during the Jaguar Land Rover driving challenge. AFP
  • Harry is driven by a child in a children's car. EPA
    Harry is driven by a child in a children's car. EPA
  • The couple cheer the participants. AFP
    The couple cheer the participants. AFP
  • The couple ride on children's cars. EPA
    The couple ride on children's cars. EPA
  • The couple obliged photographers and fans. Reuters
    The couple obliged photographers and fans. Reuters
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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.

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Updated: April 18, 2022, 9:11 AM
The UK royal familyQueen Elizabeth IIPrince WilliamUK