Royal Family in Another Flap Over Nickname

Who is the nicest, who's the fussiest, and who never picks up his clothes

(NEWSER) - Who is the fussiest member of the British royal family? Where is the secret closet in Buckingham Palace for private drinks? Who can swim in the royal pool? These secrets and more are revealed in the Daily Mail's excerpts of the new book Not in Front of the Corgis (it's been released in Britain, but you'll have to wait for it to hit shelves in the United States). Among the revelations:

• The Prince of Wales gets his shoelaces ironed by his valet every time his shoes come off.

US president, first lady welcomed at Buckingham Palace

(NEWSER) - The Obamas were grandly received at Buckingham Palace today, greeted by a 41-gun salute as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip welcomed them to London. Earlier in the day, the president and first lady had a chance to meet with Prince Charles and wife Camilla, as well as newlyweds Prince William and wife Kate—and the Obamas are even staying in the same suite Wills and Kate used on their wedding night. According to the AP , royal watchers say the queen took a liking to the Obamas after their 2009 visit, during which the first lady famously touched the royal back . Click for more pictures, and details on what all the ladies wore . More»

So ... congrats?

(NEWSER) - Prince Charles may be just No. 10 when it comes to good-looking royals , but he's No. 1 in another area: being next in line to the British throne. He set the record yesterday, at which point he had been the heir apparent for 59 years, two months, and 14 days, the AP reports. Charles, 62, overtook King Edward VII, who waited 59 years, two months, and 13 days to succeed Queen Victoria. And Charles' mum, Queen Elizabeth, is 85 and still kickin', so who knows how much longer he'll have to wait. More»

Oldest-ever Prince of Wales has much to celebrate on his birthday

(NEWSER) - Prince Charles turns 60 today, heir to the British throne since the age of 3. Barring calamity, he will one day be king—though perhaps not for a long while, as his mother remains in good health and rejects the idea of abdication. Yet the oldest-ever Prince of Wales has something to celebrate, writes the Guardian: Once derided and even reviled, Charles has slowly, begrudgingly won his country's respect. More»

Thanks British people as Diamond Jubilee kicks off

(NEWSER) - It's 60 years to the day since Elizabeth II became queen, and she's kicking off a year of celebrations with a message to the British people. "I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years," she writes. "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope that we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship, and good neighborliness." More»