Former private secretary of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II has slammed a play portraying the Royal Family as sex-crazed egocentrics. 'A Right Royal Farce', written by journalists Toby Young and Lloyd Evans, depicts an imaginary world in which a Machiavellian Prince Harry plots to steal the thrown following the death of the queen.

Britain's Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, has launched the 50th Tall Ships race.

The Duke - who unveiled the first contest half a century ago - visited the waterfront in Devon, South England before the race, to meet young crew members.

Belgium's Crown Princess Mathilde arrived in Russia on Tuesday for a three-day visit.

The royal took time out from official engagements to take a tour around Russia's capital - Moscow.

A National Thanksgiving service is being held in London, June 15, to celebrate Britain's Queen Elizabeth II's 80th birthday.

The ceremony is being held at St Paul's Cathedral and is scheduled to start just after 11 a.m.