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Alluring, classic, glamorous: the history of the martini cocktail

<p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ursula-kennedy-560331">Ursula Kennedy</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p>The martini cocktail has existed in a range of guises throughout its ice-cold, crisp life.</p> <p>Several stories exist as to its origins. The “classic” martini is made with gin and vermouth (a fortified wine infused with spices) and garnished with an olive or a twist of lemon. It is quintessentially American.</p> <h2>The contested origins of the martini</h2> <p><a href="https://historynewsnetwork.org/article/143103">Many believe</a> the martini was invented in the 1860s at the Occidental Hotel in San Francisco by bartender Jerry Thomas.</p> <p>Thomas evolved a one part sloe gin, two parts sweet vermouth, maraschino and a dash of bitters with a lemon concoction into a drink he called the Martinez, which he made for passengers departing on the ferry to the town of the same name. It was said to also be prepared for miners celebrating striking gold.</p> <p>Others believe it was invented in 1911 at the Knickerbocker Hotel in New York by bartender Martini di Taggia, served to billionaire John D. Rockerfeller with equal parts London dry gin and dry vermouth. However, recipes for the drink were published as early as 1862, in Jerry Thomas’s Bartenders’ Guide.</p> <p>Stronger versions of the martini include two parts gin, and even up to five parts gin, to one part vermouth, garnished with olive or lemon.</p> <p>A “dry” martini has little to no vermouth at all – the focus being gin. Author T.S. Eliot once said:</p> <blockquote> <p>There is nothing quite so stimulating as a strong dry martini cocktail.</p> </blockquote> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=380&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=380&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=380&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=478&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=478&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521990/original/file-20230420-16-tnbdz5.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=478&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">A classic martini with olives as the garnish.</span> <span class="attribution">Shutterstock</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>The martini’s rise, fall and rise again</h2> <p>During the <a href="https://www.history.com/topics/19th-century/gilded-age">Gilded Age</a> (1880-1900), the martini rose in popularity and remained so through to the mid-20th century.</p> <p>Prohibition in America during 1920 to 1933 did little to harm the martini’s popularity, as backyard gin production was reasonably easy.</p> <p>In the 1960s the drink’s popularity started to wane due to the burgeoning quality and availability of other beverages such as wines and beers. There were also concerns about alcohol consumption and health.</p> <p>With the increasing popularity of “retro” style and culture in recent years the martini has made a comeback, with <a href="https://vinepair.com/articles/martini-hype-train/">reports of increased demand</a> for the drink among young people.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=458&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=458&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=458&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=576&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=576&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521989/original/file-20230420-22-ci80sy.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=576&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Customers at a Philadelphia bar after Prohibition’s end, Dec. 1933.</span> <span class="attribution">Shutterstock</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>Martini and its variations</h2> <p>Today, the martini (or a common variation of it) is best known for its identity in popular culture, most famously as the drink of fictional British Secret Service agent, James Bond. The famous phrase “shaken, not stirred” was first uttered on screen by actor Sean Connery playing Bond in the 1964 movie Goldfinger. Bond’s tipple of choice is prepared with vodka rather than gin.</p> <p>While most purists believe the gin martini is the classic form of the drink, there are myriad variations that use the martini name or are closely related to the original drink, such as <a href="https://www.liquor.com/recipes/gibson/">the Gibson</a>, a classic martini garnished with cocktail onions instead of olives.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=597&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=597&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=597&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=750&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=750&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521991/original/file-20230420-3001-awnpdc.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=750&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">Sean Connory as James Bond, making his signature vodka martini.</span> <span class="attribution">Wikimedia</span></figcaption></figure> <p><a href="https://www.spiritshunters.com/cocktail/the-history-of-the-dirty-martini/">The “dirty” martini </a>is currently popular, which is gin soiled with a generous dash of brine from the olive jar. According to the Oxford Companion to Spirits &amp; Cocktails, the practice of adding brine to a martini has been around since at least 1901. The term “dirty martini” seemingly wasn’t coined until the 1980s, however.</p> <p>US president Franklin Delano Roosevelt may have been an early proponent of using olive brine in cocktails. Allegedly, the president “would shake up a drink at the drop of a hat … and was reported to have splashed a bite of brine in his drinks at the White House,” writes Robert Simonson in The Martini Cocktail: A Meditation on the World’s Greatest Drink, with Recipes.</p> <p><a href="https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/espresso-martini-vodka-cocktail">The story goes</a> that London bartender Dick Bradsell first made the espresso martini, a fusion of espresso, sweet coffee liqueur and vodka, in the late 1980s when supermodel Kate Moss (or sometimes Naomi Campbell) asked for a drink that would “wake me up and fuck me up”.</p> <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=1000&amp;fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=399&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=399&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=399&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=502&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=502&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/521984/original/file-20230420-2604-g4y6r4.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=502&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /></a><figcaption><span class="caption">The espresso martini.</span> <span class="attribution">Shutterstock</span></figcaption></figure> <p>There are many modern drinks that use the iconic martini glass to justify using martini in their name – however, they bear little resemblance to the original cocktail. An appletini is vodka blended with apple juice, apple cider or apple brandy, while the “French martini” consists of vodka, pineapple juice and raspberry liqueur. The TV show Sex and the City popularised the “flirtini”, containing vodka, champagne and pineapple juice.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8STeT9WrYtU?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Keeping cool</h2> <p>A martini glass – a classic conical bowl on a long straight stem – is one aspect of the drink that does not change.</p> <p>The glass was <a href="https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/design-moment-martini-glass-1925-1.4094434">formally unveiled at the 1925 Paris Exhibition</a> as an alternative to the classic champagne glass.</p> <p>The long stem allows the glass to be held while the drink remains cool, not warmed by the drinker’s hands. The wide rim allows the drinker’s nose to be close to the liquid when sipping, so the aromatics can be easily appreciated.</p> <h2>Never out of style</h2> <p>While Bond embodied the glamorous side of the martini, studies of writer Ian Fleming’s famous spy indicate that Bond had a <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-names-bond-james-bond-and-im-an-alcoholic-21440">severe problem with alcohol</a> consumption. On occasion he may have had a blood alcohol concentration of .36% – almost fatal.</p> <p>The martini should be consumed with deference … and in moderation.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/195913/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ursula-kennedy-560331">Ursula Kennedy</a>, Lecturer of Wine Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-southern-queensland-1069">University of Southern Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/alluring-classic-glamorous-the-history-of-the-martini-cocktail-195913">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Elton John's glamorous new digs

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Liberace's glamorous Hollywood townhouse hits the market

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"A special dress for a special day": Victoria Beckham's glamorous mother-of-the-groom gown

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margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcNtertoCZu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcNtertoCZu/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"The bespoke fabric was developed by one of my favourite mills in Italy, it's like liquid metal and hangs so beautifully."</p> <p>In the series of Instagram stories, Beckham said the dress took five days to create by six staff in the London workshop.</p> <p>"It's been a labour of love and I'm so grateful to my incredible team for creating something beautiful for me."</p> <p>Victoria also shared that her fashion line had designed gowns for several guests in attendance, including Eva Longoria and former Miss Universe Nadia Ferreira. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcQCQ0sIicx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcQCQ0sIicx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Victoria Beckham (@victoriabeckham)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The fashion icon's husband (and fellow "proud parent", as she put it on Instagram) David Beckham was equally dapper in a Dior tuxedo.</p> <p>Their son Brooklyn married Nicola in an intimate ceremony at the Peltz family's sprawling Palm Beach estate in a fairytale ceremony last weekend.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Prince William and Duchess Kate step out for glamorous date night

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were dressed to the nines for the 2019 Royal Variety Performance at London’s Palladium Theatre.</p> <p>The royal couple left their kids at home and brought some gorgeous glamour to attend the annual gala on Monday evening.</p> <p>It is the third time Prince William and Duchess Kate has attended the Royal Variety Performance.</p> <p>This year, the 37-year-old Duchess opted for a floor-length, long-sleeved black lace frock designed by Alexander McQueen - a much loved brand for the royal.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BXBn_FtUN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BXBn_FtUN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Nov 18, 2019 at 1:06pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Pairing the look with a striking pair of gold and pearl earrings, her standard glamour makeup and her go-to waves, the Duchess looked every part a princess for the special date night out.</p> <p>The Duke stuck with a slick black tuxedo for the event, leaving the jewels and sparkles to his beloved wife.</p> <p>The Cambridges met with performers after the show, including the cast of the <em>Mary Poppins </em>musical.</p> <p>The annual event raises funds for the Royal Variety Charity, in aid of UK entertainers who are sick, impoverished or elderly and in need of support.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth is the organisation's royal patron.  </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ALMJklKlN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ALMJklKlN/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">This evening The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will attend the Royal Variety Performance at the Palladium Theatre, London. Her Majesty The Queen is photographed here arriving for the #RoyalVarietyPerformance in 1952, with The Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret. The annual Royal Variety Performance is held in aid of the Royal Variety Charity, of which The Queen is Patron. The money raised from the show helps hundreds of entertainers throughout the UK, who need help and assistance as a result of old age, ill-health, or hard times. The origins of the Royal Variety Performance date back to 1912 when King George V and Queen Mary agreed to attend a 'Royal Command Performance' at the Palace Theatre in London, in aid of the Variety Artistes' Benevolent Fund. In July 1919, the second Royal show was performed and was the first to be billed a "Royal Variety Performance”, before becoming an annual event in 1921. This will be the third time that The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have attended the performance, following their attendance in 2014 and 2017. 📷 PA / Royal Variety Charity #Variety4Charity</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> Kensington Palace</a> (@kensingtonroyal) on Nov 18, 2019 at 2:03am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Ahead of the event, Kensington Palace shared a photograph of Her Majesty attending the gala in 1952 along with Prince Philip and Princess Margaret.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see Prince William and Duchess Kate’s glamorous outfits for the night.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Have you considered “glamping” for your next holiday?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Glamping” is known as a form of camping that involves accommodation and facilities that are more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s essentially camping for “city-slickers”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many places across the world are adopting this style of camping for those who still want to explore the bush, but not want to give up creature comforts such as a comfortable bed and a shower.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One destination that’s taken advantage of glamping as well as their beautiful scenery is Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory of Australia. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The new glamping tents offer our guests a sensory experience of the Australian outback. From the early morning song of the crested bellbird to the call of the dingo, the sights and sounds of the desert are front and centre of the glamping experience at Kings Canyon Resort,” says General Manager, Michelle Ikin.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With six premium canvas tents to choose from that have been designed to blend in with the landscape of the Northern Territory, some would argue you’re spoilt for choice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Three tents have been designed for couples whereas the other three are for families as they feature a king bed as well as two king single beds.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Each tent includes premium linen, a modern lounge area, dining space and an outdoor deck with seating so you’re able to take in the natural beauty around you.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s also a split air-conditioning system to beat the heat as well as a private ensuite bathroom full to the brim with Australian made skin care products.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scroll through the gallery to see what the glamping tents look like.</span></p>

Domestic Travel

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Spitting image: Annie Lennox’s daughter makes glamorous arrival at red carpet event

<p>Annie Lennox’s daughter Lola Lennox oozed glamour as she took to the stage for the Discovey Channel’s star-studded<span> </span><em>Serengeti</em><span> </span>premiere.</p> <p>The singer, 29, stunned in a black thigh-split gown as she performed at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.</p> <p>Lola, who is the oldest daughter of music legend Annie, 64, from her second marriage to Israeli film product Uri Fruchtmann, wore <span>a fitted black halter-neck gown with a cinched-in waist, as well as boasting a thigh-high split. She completed her outfit with matching black heels.</span></p> <p>Lola styled her hair in loose curls and finished the look with a silver bejewelled bracelet.</p> <p>Her performance was used to introduce the audience to a screening of the acclaimed nature documentary, and she sang a hyena-themed track with<span> </span><em>American Idol<span> </span></em>star Joshua Ledet.</p> <p>Lola also has a sister called Tali, who works as a model and has turned her attention to portrait painting.</p> <p>Annie has shared with <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/news/a26059494/annie-lennox-botox-plastic-surgery-health-gift/" target="_blank"><em>Good Housekeeping</em></a> that she hopes her daughters are proud of what she has achieved in her career.</p> <p>“I think my daughters respect what I’ve done and am trying to do… I’m so proud of both the girls as human beings.</p> <p>“I grew up in Scotland in the '50s and in my background, nobody hugged or kissed. It was viewed as too soft, as times were hard and the culture contained a great deal of stoic reserve.” </p> <p>Scroll through the gallery to see Lola Lennox’s glamorous outfit.</p>

Music

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Wimbledon royalty: Ladies of the palace step out in three glamorous outfits

<p>Duchess Kate and Meghan may have been taking part in a playdate with their offspring at the polo, but they weren’t the only set of Windsors to catch people’s attention.</p> <p>The same day, three members of the royal family attended Wimbledon day nine: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex.</p> <p>And despite not being seated together, the three still managed to put on a show on their own.</p> <p>Camilla, who is known to be a fan of the sport, opted for a white dress, perfect for the summer season. She paired the outfit with Ray Ban sunglasses and a chic set of pearls.</p> <p>She started off the day by attending a private lunch in the members dining room before she made her way to the royal box where she got the best view of the match.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Sophie looked picture perfect in a midi-length, blue dress which featured a floral design and a cinched in waist.</p> <p>The dress was designed by none other than Peter Pilotto, the man behind Princess Eugenie’s wedding dress, which she wore in October last year.</p> <p>She wore her hair in a casual ponytail, keeping her hair off her face to help her concentrate on the events unfolding in front of her.</p> <p>Finally, also making an appearance was the Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall, who attended the tournament with her husband Mike.</p> <p>Wearing a sophisticated blue and white striped number, Zara paired the floaty outfit with a set of sunglasses. She styled her blonde bob with loose waves, looking on trend.</p> <p>The couple confused spectators as they chose not to sit in the royal box, but it is assumed they were guests of Rolex, which is why they sat in the stands on centre court.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see the fashionable royals at Wimbledon.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Pregnant Duchess Meghan stuns in glamorous $6K gown

<p>The Duchess of Sussex walked hand-in-hand with husband Prince Harry as they attended the glamorous premiere of Cirque du Soleil’s new show Totem.</p> <p>The extravagant event was being held for Prince Harry’s charity Sentebale. The organisation focuses on youth in Lesotho, a country in Africa, who are currently suffering from HIV.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BstbfUnlWVL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BstbfUnlWVL/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal)</a> on Jan 16, 2019 at 1:03pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Arriving at the Royal Albert Hall to meet those performing in the stunning act, Meghan opted for a dazzling, floor-length navy gown by French designer Rolan Mouret. The sparkling dress came with a hefty price tag of £3400 ($NZ6459).</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822787/meghan1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ce781fea71af4e2c92e7a0a5135e1f35" /></p> <p>The Duchess chose to keep the rest of her look understated, as her hair was slicked back into a bun, with her growing baby bump proudly on display. Prince Harry chose to keep things classic, with a royal blue suit and tie.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Duchess Meghan shows off royal baby bump during glamorous night out

<p>Duchess Meghan has shown off her growing baby bump while attending her first ever Royal Variety Performance event.</p> <p>The expecting mum attended the event alongside her husband, Prince Harry, wearing a $1,576 fitted top and $1,497 skirt by British label Safiyaa.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p style="text-align: center;" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/IhpAJRx0qb"></a><img style="width: 312.3333333333333px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822019/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/81431e41ad3b488b855015845e9224fa" /></p> </blockquote> <p>After arriving on the red carpet, the happy couple mingled while holding hands.</p> <p>The 37-year-old former actress, who expecting her first child next year in the UK springtime, was greeted in the theatre foyer by Darcie-Rae Moyse, 7, who presented her with a bouquet of winter blooms.</p> <p>The annual event is a star-studded variety show which raises money for the Royal Variety Charity.</p> <p>The Queen is a patron of the organisation which dates back to 1912. Prior to the show commencing, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chatted with some of the performers, including the cast of Hamilton and members of band Take That.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7822020/image_.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4acd55723f0e487388fd9e6aee40ede2" /></p> <p>Other guest stars included George Ezra, Rick Astley and performers from Cirque du Soleil.</p> <p>It was the second year that Prince Harry has attended the event, which always has a member of the Royal Family represented.</p>

Beauty & Style

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Grace Kelly’s grandson gets engaged – will the wedding be as glamorous as hers?

<p>Another royal wedding is on the horizon!</p> <p>Monaco’s Princess Stephanie, the daughter of Grace Kelly, announced on Wednesday that her son Louis Ducruet, 25, is to marry his girlfriend Marie Chevallier, his college sweetheart.</p> <p>“Her Serene Highness Princess Stephanie has the joy to announce her son Louis Ducruet's engagement with Miss Marie Chevallier,” the statement from the Palace read.</p> <p><img src="https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpeopledotcom.files.wordpress.com%2F2018%2F02%2Fchevalier-ducruet-2-2000.jpg&amp;w=1100&amp;q=85" style="width: 356px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Louis is Stéphanie’s oldest child, her son with ex-husband Daniel Ducruet, who was once the princess’ bodyguard.</p> <p>Louis, who has no title but is twelfth in the line of succession to the Monegasque throne, is the first of Stephanie's children to get married.</p> <p><img width="371" height="546" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/21/15/497117F500000578-5418009-image-m-76_1519226252495.jpg" alt="Careers: At Western Carolina University, Louis earned a bachelor's degree in sports management while Marie studied marketing. They are pictured in a file photo" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-a957a26ff48713b6"/></p> <p>The engaged couple both attended Western Carolina University, in Cullowhee, North Carolina, where Louis earned a bachelor's degree in sports management and Marie studied marketing.</p> <p>They have been dating for around five years, with both posting touching engagement photos to their social media.</p> <p>The photo sees Louis down on one knee on a beach at the Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam, popping the question in a dapper white suit.</p> <p><img width="398" height="396" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2018/02/21/15/497109B500000578-5418009-image-a-81_1519226355474.jpg" alt="Nuptial: Princess Stephanie, 53, announced on Wednesday that her son Louis Ducruet, 25, is to marry his girlfriend Marie Chevallier. Louis and Marie are pictured in an engagement shot" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-fe21f3a80ee680ba"/></p> <p>“Let me introduce you the future madame Ducruet,” Louis said in his post. “She said yes and we are now engaged.”</p> <p>Marie wrote: “Proud to announce that, I said YES to the love of my life. I love you so so so much.”</p>

News

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This couple’s glamorous photo shoot and love story will warm your heart

<p>When wedding photographer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagesByAmberR/posts/1630200093704083" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Amber Robinson shared photos</span></strong></a> of her parents, Marvin and Wanda Brewington, to Facebook in December, she had no idea they would go viral. She also had no idea that her parents’ love story would touch so many people around the world.</p> <p>“In this wonderful creative industry that I worked in, I focus so much on providing couple hours with a day of beautiful photography,” Amber captioned the photos, which you can see in the gallery above. “To be honest, rarely do I stop to think about the day, weeks, months or years that follow a wedding day.</p> <p>“So today I share with you what those years after can look like when true love exists. These are my parents: married for 47 years, they have triumphed over cancer... twice. Have raised two successful daughters. They have been poor together and rich together. They have fed, sheltered, and advised countless lost souls. They love without expectation and give freely, whatever it is they have to offer.</p> <p>“I am SO proud to call them Mum and Dad. They are the epitome of where I strive to be in my own marriage and a constant reminder that a wedding is only a day, but a marriage is forever.</p> <p>“If you are one of the millions in love, or maybe one of the millions of broken-hearted that need a visual reminder that love always endures, I would love for you to share this as a way of letting my mom and dad know, they are an inspiration to anyone who wants, believes, or is in love.”</p> <p>After her touching post received over 16,000 reactions and almost 16,000 shares (at the time of writing), Amber opened up even more about her parents’ gorgeous love story to <a href="https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/couple-married-47-years-goes-viral-glam-photo-shoot-love-story-thats-breaking-hearts-203744864.html" target="_blank"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Yahoo Lifestyle</span></strong></em></a>.</p> <p>“My dad was a football star, a fraternity guy, and a major player with all the girls,” she said. “My mum was shy and from a small mountain town, but she caught his eye. He asked her out multiple times before she said yes.”</p> <p>But things didn’t start out so well when Wanda introduced Marvin to her parents. “My father ate so much food, scraping the bowls clean. My grandmother was shocked, and my grandfather said, ‘He’s got to go.’ Then they fell in love with him.”</p> <p>Amber said her parents were overwhelmed with the reaction to the gorgeous photos, but thrilled that they inspired so many. “The photo shoot rekindled a spark between them,” Amber said. “They were like two high school kids, so sweet and giggly. It really warmed my heart.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ImagesByAmberR/posts/1630200093704083" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Images by Amber Robinson/Facebook</span></strong></a>. </em></p>

Relationships

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Princess Mary looks glamorous in pink gown at royal dinner

<p>Crown Princess Mary has already spent over 10 years in the Danish royal family and throughout that time she has continually impressed with her elegant style.</p> <p>This week, Mary attended a commemorative dinner at Fredensborg Castle and she looked stunning in a pink gown.</p> <p>The dress was one-shouldered and was paired with a sash around her waist.</p> <p>Mary did not arrive to the event with her husband Prince Frederik but was accompanied by her husband’s brother and sister-in-law Prince Joachim and Princess Marie.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="500" height="625" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/43533/1_500x625.jpg" alt="1 (26)"/></p> <p>Rumours have been circulating that Prince Frederik and Princess Mary will soon become King and Queen of Denmark.</p> <p>Royal experts predict that Frederik’s mother Queen Margrethe will abdicate this year.</p> <p>In August, the speculation increased after the Queen’s husband <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/2017/08/princess-marys-father-in-law-lashes-out-at-the-queen-of-denmark/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Prince Henrik claimed in an interview that the Queen had disrespected him</span></strong></a> by giving him a ‘prince’ title instead of ‘king’.</p> <p>“My wife has decided that she would like to be Queen, and I’m very pleased with that,” he told Danish magazine <em>Se og Hør</em>. “But as a person, she must know that if a man and a woman are married, then they are equal.”</p> <p>“My wife hasn’t shown me the respect an ordinary wife should show her spouse.”</p> <p>Prince Henrik has since been <a href="http://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/2017/09/danish-royal-family-rocked-by-tragic-news/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">diagnosed with dementia</span></strong></a>.</p> <p>The Danish royal family said in a statement, "Following a longer diagnostic process and lately a series of examinations during late summer, a specialist team ... has now concluded that his Royal Highness Prince Henrik suffers from dementia."</p> <p>"The extent of the cognitive failure is ... greater than expected considering the age of The Prince."</p> <p>What do you think of Princess Mary's glamourous pink dress? Tell us in the comments below. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Scandinavian royals via Twitter</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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