Cadbury lost its royal warrant after 170 years after King Charles III decided not to renew the chocolatier’s endorsement. The decision marks the end of an era for Cadbury, which received its first royal warrant in 1854 under Queen Victoria and was reportedly a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.
Unilever, another chocolatier affected by the decision, also lost its royal warrant. Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the reasons behind the changes, following standard royal protocol.
Controversy over Mondelez’s operations
The move has fueled speculation, especially as Cadbury’s parent company, U.S.-based Mondelez International, faces backlash over its continued operations in Russia. Earlier this year, the campaign group B4Ukraine called for King Charles to strip Mondelez of its royal warrant.
The group criticized the company for continuing its Russian business amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Unilever has faced similar scrutiny over its operations in the region.
What does losing a royal warrant mean?
Royal warrants are a mark of prestige awarded to companies that supply goods or services to the royal household. These warrants also allow brands to display the royal coat of arms on their packaging and branding, which enhances credibility and boosts consumer trust.
A spokesperson for Mondelez expressed disappointment over the loss but respected the decision. They told the BBC, “Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the U.K. to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”
Unilever echoed the sentiment, with a company representative saying, “We are very proud of the long history our brands have supplying the royal household and of the warrants they have been awarded during this time.”
Some chocolatiers stayed on the royal list. Bendicks and Prestat Limited retained their royal warrants, along with the renowned winery Moët & Chandon.
Queen Elizabeth II statue sparks backlash, critics say it misses the mark
A newly unveiled statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II is sparking controversy in the United Kingdom. While officials in Northern Ireland described the bronze statue as capturing her grace and dedication, reactions online were anything but flattering.
The statue, created by artist Anto Brennan, stands alongside Prince Philip and their corgis in Antrim Castle Gardens. Brennan is known for his political caricature work, and some feel his style didn’t translate well in this tribute to the late monarch.
Some compared the statue to the movie character Mrs. Doubtfire, while one critic suggested it should be “removed and melted down.” Even British art historian Richard Morris called it a “very poor representation,” saying he couldn’t identify the queen until reading the plaque.
With social media reactions turning hostile, comments were later turned off on the official online post. The local council is standing by the statue, saying it is being “warmly received by most who have seen it in person.” The council is now encouraging visitors to see it for themselves.
King Charles III diagnosed with cancer: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 6, 2024
Buckingham Palace announces King Charles III is being treated for cancer. And country music superstar Toby Keith passes away after his own cancer battle. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.
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Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III began outpatient treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday, Feb. 6, during an interview with the BBC that he was “shocked and sad” to learn of the King’s diagnosis but is thankful the cancer was caught early.
The BBC reported King Charles would continue regular treatment and postpone his public duties under doctors’ advice. Still, the King looks forward to returning to his full public responsibilities as soon as possible.
Charles is less than 18 months into his reign, becoming King following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after her 70 years on the throne. You can read Lauren Taylor’s full report now.
Toby Keith dies at age 62
Country music star Toby Keith has died. A statement was posted to his official “X” account early this morning, saying Keith passed away peacefully Monday night, Feb. 5, surrounded by family. Keith announced he’d been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022 and was receiving treatment. The statement read, “he fought his fight with grace and courage.”
The country star, known for songs such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup,” was named Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards in 2011 and received the Country Music Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
“I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You’ve been riding shotgun with me for a little while,” Keith said during his acceptance speech in September. He also thanked his team, adding “Most of all I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do.”
Heavy rainfall led to flooding and mudslides throughout the region, with about 38 million people under flood alerts from California to southwest Arizona. In Los Angeles, firefighters rescued 16 people from mudslides on one street.
In a 24-hour period, nearly a foot of rain was measured at the University of California at Los Angeles. According to the White House, President Joe Biden has pledged federal aid to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
Biden threatens to veto House GOP’s standalone Israel aid bill
Haley remains the last remaining opponent to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination. Nevada holds its Republican and Democratic primary elections today. On Thursday, the Nevada Republican Party will host a caucus.
Most Americans consider football to be ‘America’s sport’
Baseball has long been considered to be America’s pastime, but now it appears that baseball’s time has passed as the top sport in the nation. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey of 12,000 adults, 53% said football is “America’s sport.”
Baseball came in second with 27%, followed by basketball and soccer. But while football was the top choice of those surveyed, most do not consider themselves diehard sports fans. In fact, 60% said they do not closely follow professional or college sports. But there’s probably still a good chance most will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, Feb. 11, even if it’s for the commercials.
President Biden, world leaders react to King Charles III cancer diagnosis
Royal U.K. officials announced that King Charles III is being treated for cancer. The diagnosis, disclosed Monday, Feb. 5, comes just over a year into his reign after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
President Joe Biden and other world leaders reacted to the announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis. According to the BBC, President Biden told reporters that he is concerned about the diagnosis and went onto say he would talk to King Charles III.
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also reacted to the news on social media.
“Wishing his majesty a fully and speedy recovery,” Sunak wrote. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time, and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
The cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace. Royal officials said the cancer was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate, which is a separate issue from the cancer. Officials emphasized the enlarged prostate is benign but did not disclose the type of cancer King Charles III discovered.
Charles’ prostate treatment was announced on Jan. 17, which involved a three-day stay at a London Hospital. Charles was released from the hospital on Jan. 29, according to CNN.
If Charles were to abdicate the throne, his son, Prince William, would become king. However, the palace said there is no plan for Charles to postpone his state duties. Buckingham Palace did say that King Charles III will postpone his public duties, under the advisement of doctors. According to the statement from Buckingham Palace, Charles “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
King Charles is said to have chosen to publicly disclose the diagnosis to avoid speculation and raise awareness for those impacted by cancer around the world. His announcement is unlike his grandfather’s, King George VI, who died of lung cancer in 1952 but did not share his diagnosis with the British public. King George VI died at the age of 56.
Buckingham Palace said that King Charles III has begun a schedule of “regular treatments.” The statement added, “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.”
Georgia grand jury report to be released: The Morning Rundown Sept. 8, 2023
The Georgia special grand jury investigating the 2020 election will release their report, and a viral internet challenge turns deadly. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Georgia special grand jury report to be released
The special grand jury report in Georgia that ultimately led to an indictment of former President Donald Trump is expected to be released Friday. The grand jury spent seven months, heard from 75 witnesses and closed their investigation in December.
Their job was to compile any recommendations regarding potential charges and give those to Georgia prosecutors. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used report to indict former President Trump and 18 others on charges related to the 2020 presidential election in the state.
North Korea unveils nuclear-armed submarine
North Korea announced Friday it has launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine.” Leader Kim Jong Un said the submarine will be one of the main “underwater offensive means” of the North Korean Navy.
The submarine has been assigned to the fleet that patrols the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. It has 10 launch tube hatches, most likely armed with ballistic and cruise missiles.
A former U.S. government weapons expert told Reuters the submarine won’t add much value to North Korea’s more robust, land-based nuclear forces. He said it is based on an aging submarine model that is relatively noisy, slow and has limited range.
South Korea’s military said the submarine did not appear to be read for normal operations, adding that there were signs the North was attempting to exaggerate it capabilities.
17 arrested in Cuba human trafficking ring
Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring. The goal of the ring was to lure young Cuban men to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine.
According to authorities, the group’s “internal organizer” was one of the 17 arrested. The leader relied on two people living in Cuba to handle the recruiting. Charges the group members are facing include:
Human trafficking
Fighting as a mercenary
Hostile action against a foreign state.
Potential sentences from these charges range from up to 30 years in prison to the death penalty.
Despite its close ties to Russia, Cuba has maintained that it has no part in the war in Ukraine. Cuba said it rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
CIA releases Russian spy recruitment video
The CIA has renewed its push to recruit Russians to become spies against their own government. The agency posted a video in Russian on social media on Thursday, Sept. 7.
In the video, the CIA made an appeal to tell the truth about a system the agency has said is riddled with lying sycophants. In July of 2023, CIA Director William Burns said dissatisfaction from some Russians over the war had created a rare opportunity to recruit spies.
‘One Chip Challenge’ pulled from shelves after teen’s death
Paqui has pulled its “One Chip Challenge” spicy tortilla chip from store shelves. Last week, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah of Massachusetts died after taking the challenge.
Wolobah ate the chip at school, went to the nurse complaining of a stomach ache and passed out at home before being pronounced dead at the hospital. A report is pending on the official cause of death.
In a statement, the company said the chip is intended for adults only, adding that it’s “not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or other underlying health conditions.”
One year since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The royal family honored the late Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign on the first anniversary of her death Friday. King Charles III released a statement saying he is remembering his mother’s “long life, devoted to service.”
Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death privately at Balmoral Castle. She was 96 years old.
Morning Rundown: Putin hints of long war; Title 42 expiring
Title 42 is expiring; Iran executes a protester; Putin dangles bombs; and “Wordle” tops Google searches. These stories and more highlight the morning update for Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022.
Biden administration appeals end to title 42
Last month, a judge ruled Title 42 would have to be lifted on Dec. 21, calling the COVID-era border policy outdated.
Now, the Biden administration is appealing that ruling. They are asking the courts to wait on ending the policy, while other Title 42 litigation plays out and while the government draws up a replacement policy.
Employees at New York Times go on strike
Hundreds of employees at the New York Times are holding a 24-hour walk out at their company today. It is the first strike of its kind at the newspaper in more than 40 years.
The union employees have been in contract negotiations now for a year-and-a-half. Wage increases and remote work policies are at the center of the stand still.
Iran executes anti-government protester
Today, Iran carried out its first execution linked to the protests and unrest over human rights. The protester, who was hanged, was blocking a main road in the capital. He also injured an officer at one of many demonstrations that have been carried out in the country.
Authorities are seeking the death penalty for 21 others who participated in protests.
Putin says war in Ukraine could be lengthy
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has said the war in Ukraine might be “a long process.” He sat down with state media, confidently discussing Russia’s position.
Putin brought up the potential of nuclear war, saying the risk is growing, but also adding Russia “has not gone mad” and would not “recklessly threaten to use such weapons.” The Russian leader touted Russia’s nuclear arsenal, which is the largest in the world.
House to vote on Respect for Marriage Act
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to hold a vote in the House today to pass a bill protecting same-sex and interracial marriages.
The measure already passed the Senate and is expected to pass the House. It’s meant to act as a safeguard to marriage rights.
The House is also supposed to take a vote on the defense policy bill this week.
‘Wordle’ tops Google searches of 2022
Every second that goes by includes 40,000 google searches from around the world. Google gets more than 1 trillion searches in a year. So what are people googling the most?
This year, “Wordle” was the most-searched word. The game people can play on their phones took the world by storm in 2022. It beat out searches for “election results,” which came in second.
Betty White, Queen Elizabeth, and Ukraine were also part of the top 10.
Google also released its most searched people of the year. The person who came in first was Johnny Depp. His defamation trial became America’s soap opera this past summer.
Queen Elizabeth’s death brings mixed feelings over history of colonial rule
The United Kingdom and the world said a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II on Monday with a state funeral that drew presidents and kings, princes and prime ministers — and crowds in the streets of London — to honor the monarch’s 70-year reign.
But as the queen is laid to rest, her legacy is garnering strong feelings around the world over the British monarchy and its colonial past. When she took the throne in 1952, more than one-quarter of the world’s population was under British imperial power. That accounted for more than 700 million people in all corners of the globe — including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific islands, as reported by NPR.
While historians say British control allowed for the spread of the English language and common law, many note that enslavement, theft and violence defined the history of that rule. As the longest ruling monarch, some who have lived under colonial rule see Elizabeth as an anchor to an imperial past whose damage still lingers, according to the AP.
But her reign is complicated by the fact that during her 70 years on the throne, she modernized the monarchy and the British empire saw a decline in global control where more than 20 countries gained independence. Today the British Empire does not exist aside from a few small island territories, and the monarchy is largely symbolic and ceremonial.
The former colonies of the British Empire are now part of what’s called the Commonwealth, a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries. However, 14 of those are part of the Commonwealth realm; those countries still keep King Charles III as their monarch.