The Royal Family demonstrated a strong front during the 80th anniversary commemorations of VE Day, a series of events that culminated in a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey and a concert in London's Horse Guards Parade. Despite concerns that Prince Harry's recent comments might overshadow the occasion, the family's collective participation, including a surprise appearance by Prince William and Princess Kate's children, underscored their unity and commitment to honoring the sacrifices of World War II veterans.

The Duchess of Gloucester, Birgitte, showcased royal etiquette with a perfect curtsy to King Charles and Queen Camilla during the VE Day thanksgiving service. This gesture, a hallmark of royal protocol, was observed as the senior royals departed Westminster Abbey. The event also highlighted the order of precedence among the royals, with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duke of Kent seated first, followed by other members of the royal family, culminating in the arrival of the King and Queen.

Queen Camilla and Princess Kate made a striking statement in matching white outfits at the service, effectively dispelling rumors of any discord between them. Their coordinated appearance, along with the inclusion of personal touches such as Princess Kate wearing earrings that belonged to the late Princess Diana, added a layer of personal significance to the public commemoration. The handwritten notes on wreaths by Prince William and Princess Catherine, and King Charles III, further personalized the tribute to the war's fallen heroes.

The week's events not only celebrated the historical significance of VE Day but also showcased the Royal Family's ability to present a united front in the face of potential distractions. The participation of multiple generations of royals, from the King and Queen to the youngest members of the family, emphasized the continuity and enduring relevance of the monarchy in contemporary society. The careful observance of traditions, combined with personal gestures of remembrance, highlighted the family's dual role as custodians of national memory and as individuals with their own connections to history.

Kilcoo secured their place in Down football history on Sunday, capturing an unprecedented seventh consecutive Senior Football Championship title with a 1-17 to 1-11 victory over Carryduff at Pairc Esler. The Magpies delivered their strongest performance of the championship when it mattered most, with Paul Devlin's first-half penalty goal providing crucial separation in a hard-fought contest that saw the throw-in time pushed back to 5pm following a pitch inspection.

The match, originally scheduled for 3:30pm, saw Kilcoo demonstrate the championship experience that has defined their remarkable 12-title run over 13 seasons. Devlin's 22nd-minute penalty strike down the middle proved decisive, with the player explaining his calculated approach: "It was a big moment in the game and it needed to go in, so I didn't want to put it in the corner and the keeper has a chance if diving. I just thought I wanted to hit it hard."

Carryduff, making their first final appearance since losing to Kilcoo in the 2020 decider, mounted a second-half rally but ultimately fell short of claiming what would have been their inaugural Frank O'Hare Cup. The South Belfast club had powered past Burren in the semi-final with their full contingent available, but couldn't overcome Kilcoo's championship pedigree despite showing improved form from their previous final appearance five years earlier.

Devlin expressed satisfaction with the victory amid external skepticism, noting "it's nice to see that people want Kilcoo to fall" while emphasizing the team's resilience. "This one is sweet with how the game played out and the build-up where we were doubted in this year's championship," he told BBC Sport NI. "It just shows the character of this team. Big teams play well in big games and we have that experience to put in those big performances." The win solidifies Kilcoo's status as the dominant force in Down football, achieving a landmark that had eluded them when Burren denied their seventh consecutive title bid in 2018.