Briefly

UNITED STATES

Warhol's 'Marilyn' auction nabs $195m

Andy Warhol's Shot Sage Blue Marilyn sold for a cool $195 million on Monday, making the iconic portrait of Marilyn Monroe the most expensive work by a US artist ever sold at auction. The 1964 silk-screen image shows Monroe in a vibrant close-up on a rich blue background. It is also the most expensive piece from the 20th century ever auctioned, according to Christie's auction house in New York, where the sale took place.

UNITED KINGDOM

Queen misses British parliament opening

Queen Elizabeth II missed Tuesday's ceremonial opening of the UK parliament for the first time in nearly 60 years, handing the duty to her heir Prince Charles. The queen's absence overshadowed the start of the new parliamentary session in which Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to reinvigorate the government by unveiling plans for the coming year.

Agencies - Xinhua