BELGIUM — It’s 2026 and we’ve still got kings and emperors, queens and empresses: Belgium’s King Philippe, left, and Belgium’s Queen Mathilde, right, pose for an official photo with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, center-right, and Japan’s Empress Masako, center-left, as part of a state visit at the Palace of Laeken, in Laeken, Monday, June 22, 2026.
Japan’s Imperial family and the Belgian royal family have been close for many years. While he was Crown Prince, Naruhito and Princess Masako attended the wedding of Philippe while he was Belgium’s Crown Prince.
LONDON — Bill Nighy, the cool British guy: Actor Bill Nighy poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the series ‘Ride or Die’ on Monday.
This action-adventure series, set to premiere on July 15, follows two best friends, one of whom is revealed to be an assassin. Bill Nighy stars with British actress Hannah Waddingham and American Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer.
The 76-year-old Nighy has won many awards, including BAFTA and a Golden Globe, for his work on stage and screen. He has also received several more nominations, including for the Academy Awards and a Tony Award.
LONDON — British government star employee contemplates feelings about getting new roommates: Larry the cat, Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office, waits on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, Monday, while Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation.
Amid growing internal pressure, Starmer will remain in office until a successor is chosen. Andy Burnham, a former cabinet minister and current mayor, is widely viewed as a leading contender to replace him. This makes him Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade to resign, reflecting political instability since Brexit. His tenure was marked by party unrest, electoral setbacks and controversy over his appointment of a U.S. ambassador with ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The 19-year-old Chief Mouser has proven a more stable presence than many politicians, serving during the terms of six prime ministers and two monarchs. He reportedly enjoyed the company of former President Barack Obama more than he did that of David Cameron, the prime minister who adopted him in 2011.
LONDON — Popular “Sherlock” actor speaks about the critical role individuals and businesses play in disrupting the illegal wildlife trade: Actor Benedict Cumberbatch attends a landmark Business Forum for The Royal Foundation’s United for Wildlife, Monday.
The prolific actor, who turns 50 next month, has won multiple awards for his work in theatre, film, television and radio. Queen Elizabeth II appointed him a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2015 for his contributions to the performing arts and charitable work.
IRAQ — Notable anniversary for Shiites during Muharram, first month of the Islamic new year: Shiites participate in Muharram processions of the Imam Ali shrine in Najaf, Sunday, June 21, 2026, to mark the death of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Hussein, in the 7th century in present-day Iraq.
Hussein was killed after refusing to pledge allegiance to the caliph. Shiite Muslims commemorate his martyrdom as a sacrifice in the fight against injustice.
In the 7th century, the region now known as Iraq came under Arab Muslim rule after the defeat of the Persian Sasanian Empire in Mesopotamia, the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Islam spread throughout the region during this period.
GERMANY — Throwing everything she’s got into that return: United States’ Venus Williams returns the ball to Romania’s Irina Camelia Begu during their round of 32 match at the Bad Homburg Open WTA tennis tournament in Bad Homburg, Monday. Begu won the match, 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (6).
A round of 32 consists of 16 matches, eliminating half the field. In single-elimination tournaments, the number of rounds depends on the size of the draw, with larger fields requiring more rounds. Some major tournaments begin with 128 players.
MEXICO CITY — World Cup fans come in all shapes, sizes and species: Christian Gomez interacts with his duck Merlin, dressed in a Mexican national soccer team jersey, as they attend the daily press conference by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum at the National Palace, Monday.
Merlin was dubbed the World Cup’s unofficial mascot after going viral and upstaging the players in the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
TEXAS — Small fans, big energy: Fans of Argentina cheer prior to the World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Austria in Arlington, near Dallas, Monday.
Lionel Messi became the men’s all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s record.
