International

Buckingham Palace Shares New Portrait of the Queen on Her 78th Birthday


Raymill, Wiltshire — July 2025: To mark Her Majesty the Queen’s 78th birthday, Buckingham Palace has released a new official portrait, capturing the monarch in a rare moment of quiet reflection. The photograph was taken earlier this month by acclaimed royal photographer Chris Jackson in the garden of Raymill, the Queen’s private residence located in Wiltshire.

In the photo, the Queen is seen surrounded by the lush greenery of her countryside retreat, a location known to be one of her most beloved escapes from public life. The soft natural light, serene backdrop, and the Queen’s composed presence make this portrait a heartfelt celebration of her life and reign.

Chris Jackson, who has long documented key moments of the Royal Family, shared his experience photographing the Queen in such an intimate setting. “Capturing Her Majesty in her personal space, at a place she holds dear, was an incredible honor,” he noted.

This image adds to the series of royal portraits that not only document important milestones but also offer a glimpse into the Queen’s more personal side — away from public duty and ceremonial grandeur.

As wishes pour in from across the globe, this portrait stands as a tribute to the Queen’s enduring legacy and connection to the people, nature, and the tradition she upholds.

The Queen continues to lead with grace, and as this new portrait shows — at 78, her strength and elegance remain as radiant as ever.

International

Royal Family Welcomes New Addition: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Daughter Hind


Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, has announced the arrival of his fourth child, a beautiful daughter named Hind bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. The news was shared on the Crown Prince’s Instagram account, where he expressed his gratitude and blessings for the new addition to his family.

The name Hind holds great significance in Arab and Muslim cultures, symbolizing strength, prosperity, and resilience. It is a name rich in historical and cultural importance, often associated with qualities of abundance and heritage. By naming his daughter Hind, Sheikh Hamdan honors his mother, Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum, directly linking the newborn to her esteemed lineage.

This cultural practice of naming children after esteemed family members is deeply rooted in the tradition of honoring ancestors and carrying forward their legacies. The choice of the name also resonates with the wider historical and cultural contexts, as “Hind” has historically been used to refer to the Indian subcontinent, known as “Al-Hind” in Arabic, underscoring the name’s extensive geographical and cultural connotations.

Sheikh Hamdan’s family has been growing rapidly in recent years. He welcomed twins Rashid and Shaikha in May 2021, followed by his son Mohammed in February 2023. His marriage to Sheikha Sheikha bint Saeed bin Thani Al Maktoum in 2019 marked the beginning of their family life, which has seen joyful expansions over the past few years.

In his heartfelt post, Sheikh Hamdan shared a personal prayer for his daughter, asking for health, well-being, and divine love. He expressed his hopes that she will grow up under the blessings of strength and grace that her name signifies.

The royal family’s newest addition has been met with widespread congratulations and well-wishes from across the UAE and beyond. As the Crown Prince’s family continues to grow, they remain an integral part of Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and a symbol of the city’s warm and welcoming spirit.

Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his family on the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Hind!