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Jacinda Ardern receives Damehood at Windsor Castle

<p>Jacinda Ardern has been officially made a dame in a special ceremony at Windsor Castle in London. </p> <p>The former New Zealand prime minister received one of the country's highest honours on Wednesday, The New Zealand Order of Merit, for her services to the state. </p> <p>She was appointed a Dame Grand Companion a few months after her shock resignation as prime minister in 2023, but only just formally received her damehood from Prince William at the investiture ceremony in London. </p> <p>Prince William and Princess Catherine posted a clip of the moment Ardern received her damehood in a social media post, where they called her a friend and extraordinary advocate. </p> <p>"It was a privilege to present you with this deserved award at Windsor today!" he wrote. </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/reel/DBMNQx0tPjp/?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/reel/DBMNQx0tPjp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Jacinda said she was honoured and humbled by her damehood. </p> <p>"I feel really humbled by the chance to be here with my family, and really I see it as an acknowledgement of them and of every person I worked with, and of every person who's supported me, and that includes a very large number of New Zealanders."</p> <p>The former New Zealand prime minister was in the UK for a meeting of the prince's Earthshot Prize, which she is a trustee first. </p> <p>She advocated for the movement behind the prize, saying: "About telling every single person out there that we don't have to wait, for this catastrophe to happen to us, that there are things we can do and that are being done."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

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World’s oldest skydiver dies after record-breaking jump

<p dir="ltr">Just weeks after becoming the oldest person to complete a tandem skydive, 104-year-old Dorothy Hoffner has passed away. </p> <p dir="ltr">On October 1st, the Chicago native <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/retirement-life/104-year-old-woman-becomes-world-s-oldest-skydiver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">broke a world record</a> by jumping out of a plane with a professional skydiver. </p> <p dir="ltr">Her incredible display of bravery captured global attention, with her amazing feat being recognised by the Guinness World Records association. </p> <p dir="ltr">Less than two weeks after her historic freefall, Dorothy passed away peacefully.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement to <em><a href="https://people.com/inspiring-104-year-old-woman-dies-1-week-after-becoming-world-oldest-skydiver-8349727" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em> magazine, Skydive Chicago and the United States Parachute Association confirmed the news of her death. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We are deeply saddened by Dorothy’s passing and feel honoured to have been a part of making her world-record skydive a reality,” the statement read. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Skydiving is an activity that many of us safely tuck away in our bucket lists. But Dorothy reminds us that it’s never too late to take the thrill of a lifetime.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are forever grateful that skydiving was a part of her exciting, well-lived life.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her legacy is even more remarkable because of the attention the world gave to her inspiring story.”</p> <p dir="ltr">According to a close friend of Hoffner’s, Joe Conant, the Chicago record-breaker passed away peacefully in her sleep. </p> <p dir="ltr">He also told the <em><a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-dorothy-hoffner-skydive-chicago-obituary-20231010-bebci7alezdvnmrc4advc7lnm4-story.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chicago Tribune</a></em> that despite her 104 years, her death was unexpected.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It came as quite a shock,” Conant said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She gave an incredible amount of her spirit and life to all of us, and it inspired all of us.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: ABC 7 Chicago / Skydive Chicago</em></p>

Caring

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Tourist faces $10k fine for jumping into iconic harbour

<p>Footage surfaced online of the man leaping from Opera Bar, just a few metres away from the Opera House.</p> <p>While his jump was certainly surprising, what shocked viewers was the hefty fine the tourist could be slapped with following his return from the water.</p> <p>Security helped the man back over the harbour ledge before telling him the risky stunt could see him $10,000 poorer.</p> <p><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7235491102143401234&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7235491102143401234%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fo03m1enFIeAeQNC0aCDgjQIXDXzvbjDTIIabA4%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DoWRm%252BIslhOfB81xvrV77sRxfWog%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>“Well there's a very good reason why you've never seen anyone jump into the sea from the Opera House... I'll show you why,' Future Travellers said in a TikTok clip.</p> <p>In a second TikTok, the young man is seen talking to a group of police officers.<iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7239141948261534984&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40futuretravellers23%2Fvideo%2F7239141948261534984%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fbc76967996de4cefb23cfe5e6930fddc_1685494092%3Fx-expires%3D1686200400%26x-signature%3DSY8QPztxLxbP%252FPfYm4itGUmYloE%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>However, a number of viewers commenting about the eye-watering fine also noted it was the least of the swimmer’s worries.</p> <p>"I'm a Sydney gal and it's not the $10,000 that scares me, it's the huge bull sharks that lurk in those waters,' one person wrote.</p> <p>“It’s a busy shipping lane and if it was full of floating tourists the ferries couldn't run,” another said.</p> <p>“I'm sure if he got run over by ferry his family would be suing NSW government for compensation,” a third added.</p> <p>Others were skeptical of the large fine.</p> <p>The official fine for swimming around the Opera House is a maximum of $1,100 with the law stating a person must not “swim to and enter on any part of the Opera House premises or swim from any part of those premises”.</p> <p>Several others were impressed by the young man’s jump and slammed NSW for being a “nanny state”.</p> <p>“Welcome to Sydney, please do not do anything,” one person remarked.</p> <p>“This guy is an absolute legend,” another wrote.</p> <p>'Only $10,000 per dip? It's probably cheaper to live in the harbour than some apartments. Sign me up,' a third joked.</p> <p>“Australia has a fine for everything,” another claimed.</p> <p>Earlier footage of the risky trick was shared alongside a montage of the tourist showing his British mum around Australia.</p> <p>The first video left viewers astounded with one writing, “In all my life living in Sydney I've never seen anyone jump in at the opera house!”</p> <p><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Body language expert weighs in on Prince George

<p>Prince George has stunned fans by stepping out ahead of his family during the annual Easter Sunday service at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.</p> <p>9-year-old George was accompanied by his parents - the Prince and Princess of Wales - and his siblings, seven-year-old Princess Charlotte and four-year-old Prince Louis. And while in 2022 the young royal stood between her parents as they made their way into the service, all eyes were on George in 2023 when he took the lead and strode a step ahead of them. </p> <p>And now, body language expert Judi James - who took note of George at both the 2021 and 2022 services as well - has spoken to<em> The Daily Mail </em>about what she believes the 9-year-old’s new “grown-up dynamic” means - both for himself, and the future of the British royal family. </p> <p>“At this Easter service there was a status step-up from George, who walked ahead to lead his family into the service,” she explained, “showing a newly grown-up dynamic from the five Wales’ when it comes to royal outings.</p> <p>“George used to be the one holding his father’s hand and looking rather timid, but here it was Charlotte walking in alongside William, while Kate held Louis’s hand beside them.”</p> <p>Judi went on to note that even this line-up “had its own upgrade”, outlining how Charlotte had appeared to check in on her younger brother, before sharing “a beam of pride at his impeccable behaviour.”</p> <p>“On the way out of the service it was Charlotte mirroring her mother, walking beside Kate and offering her own shy wave to the crowds in a gesture that showed who she takes her own lead from,” she continued. </p> <p>“Louis was a very different boy from the playful, fidgety young royal <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/adorable-prince-louis-upstages-entire-royal-family" target="_blank" rel="noopener">we saw at the Jubilee</a>. Walking beside Kate he looked serious and confident, offering a level stare at the crowds of fans and well-wishers, who seemed to have saved a special cheer for this mother and son duo.</p> <p>“Kate looked down at Louis with a grin of pride before smiling back up at the crowd, as though sharing her admiration for his grown-up behaviour. Louis even appeared to look down to straighten his tie as he entered the chapel.”</p> <p>Judi circled back to George while discussing the family leaving the service, noting that George was the first to exit, and that he demonstrated initiative when he set out “shaking hands without any prompting.”</p> <p>Meanwhile, many fans just couldn’t believe how quickly the young royal had grown before their very eyes, taking to social media in the wake of the service to voice their surprise. </p> <p>“How grown up does Prince George look today?” wrote one. </p> <p>“Can't believe how much Prince George has grown up,” said another. “He will be as tall as Prince William soon.”</p> <p>“It has been wonderful to see him grow in confidence as well as height,” someone agreed.</p> <p>Another noted that George bore a strong resemblance to Charles Spencer, and that the “Spencer genes are currently running strong.”</p> <p>While others couldn’t forget the rest, declaring “​​Princess Charlotte &amp; Prince Louis too! They are so adorable!”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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TV hosts face backlash for alleged "queue jumping" to see the Queen

<p>Claims that a disabled woman in the queue to view the Queen lying in state was moved aside to make way for UK TV hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been denied.</p> <p>ITV has responded to the accusation made against the posts, in a recently deleted tweet.</p> <p>"This is a photo taken by my sister's husband yesterday after he had queued with my sister, their 10-year-old daughter and my disabled mum for 13-plus hours," it read.</p> <p>"My mum was ushered out of @hollywills and @schofe way so they could #queuejumpers without even a thanks #schofieldgate #queuejumping."</p> <p>Responding to the accusations, an ITV representative said, "This Morning asked Phillip and Holly to attend Westminster Hall to make a report on the Queen lying in state as part of a wider piece around the death of the monarch."</p> <p>"They followed all restrictions and guidelines and attended the media area, entering via the media centre door, in a professional capacity alongside many other broadcasters and media. They neither jumped the queue nor took anyone's place in the queue."</p> <p>Since the claims emerged that the pair "queue jumped" during Queen Elizabeth II's lying in state period, thousands have signed a petition calling for the duo to be fired, as members of the public including celebrities like David Beckham, waited hours in the line to enter Westminster Hall.</p> <p>Willoughby and Schofield have since addressed the controversy on air, saying they would "never jump a queue."</p> <p>"Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists, we were given official permission to access the hall," Willoughby said.</p> <p>"The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back. In contrast, those paying respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause."</p> <p>"None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen."</p> <p>"We of course respected those rules. However, we realise that it may have looked like something else, and therefore totally understand the reaction. Please know that we would never jump a queue."</p> <p>Following claims the pair were not on the media accreditation list to see Her Majesty, an ITV representative explained they were accredited via their production team and "Holly and Phillip continue to have our full support."</p> <p>About a quarter of a million people viewed Queen Elizabeth's coffin ahead of her state funeral at Westminster Abbey on September 19th.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Little Louis' heartbreaking comment about "Grannie"

<p>As mourners gathered outside Windsor Castle to pay their tributes to Queen Elizabeth, Kate, William, Harry and Meghan reunited in a show of solidarity. </p> <p>As they spoke to heart-broken Britons about the Queen, Kate revealed the devastating comment her son Prince Louis made after hearing about the Queen's death. </p> <p>Kate spoke of the touching anecdote while meeting people on the Long Walk, with 28-year-old Banita Ranow hearing the new Princess of Wales tell the children next to her what her 4-year-old son said.</p> <p>She said Kate told the children, “Louis said ‘at least Grannie is with great grandpa now’.”</p> <p>Ms Ranow said the Duchess of Cornwall and Cambridge was “welling up” as she spoke to the children.</p> <p>Ms Ranow, along with several others who attended the makeshift memorial, said it "so beautiful to see" the reunion of the Cambridges and the Sussexes in the wake of the Queen's death. </p> <p>She said, “I felt so emotional and I felt the Queen would have loved it. I just hope in the future they remain like that and that the brothers come together, and the families.”</p> <p>It was William and Kate’s first engagement under their new titles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and the first time they have appeared in public with Harry and Meghan since the National Service of Thanksgiving for the Queen’s Jubilee in June. </p> <p>A royal source said the Prince of Wales asked his brother and his wife to join them in viewing the tributes, as they all inspected tributes to Queen Elizabeth and met with well-wishers at the gates of Windsor Castle. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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You could become King of this medieval castle

<p dir="ltr">You could become a lord or lady of your very own medieval castle, after the sprawling home in Rochester, Minnesota hit the market for just $2.5 million ($NZD 4.07 million).</p> <p dir="ltr">The sprawling property, complete with 26 rooms, a wine cellar, hot tub, and its very own pub, was built in the 1990s and has been <a href="http://www.signaturesir.com/property/detail.php?market=MI_REALCOMP&amp;mlsn=20221030870" target="_blank" rel="noopener">listed</a> on Zillow and Signature Sotheby’s International Realty.</p> <p dir="ltr">Enclosed by a wrought-iron fence, the 567-square-metre home also boasts two gated towers, a drawbridge, arched windows and soaring ceilings.</p> <p dir="ltr">Other highlights include timbered and mirrored walls, ceilings covered in artwork, chandeliers, and a red-carpeted grand staircase in the foyer, as well as a portcullis, five fireplaces and an elevator.</p> <p dir="ltr">Each of the seven bathrooms - which outnumber the five bedrooms - is decorated with statues, marble details, and gold railings.</p> <p dir="ltr">The listing describes the home as “the perfect private palace”, which took over a team of international artisans over six years to construct.</p> <p dir="ltr">The castle is 18 metres tall - rising above a standard four-storey building - and comes with a few surprises, including secret rooms and passageways, as well as a hidden staircase.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-72b1bd5d-7fff-c7e1-b784-7270e9687ea7"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Signature Sotheby’s International Realty</em></p>

Real Estate

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“I am here to kill the Queen”: Crossbow assassin charged

<p>A man from the UK has been charged after storming the grounds of Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow. </p> <p>Jaswant Singh Chail allegedly told a police officer, "I'm here to kill the Queen", before being apprehended and handcuffed.</p> <p>The 20-year-old assailant is being charged under the Treason Act with intending to "injure the person of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, or to alarm her majesty".</p> <p>He has also been charged with threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.</p> <p>The incident took place at the royal residence west of London on Christmas Day 2021, when the Queen was staying at the castle. </p> <p>Prosecutors allege the former supermarket worker from Southampton in southern England was wearing a hood and a mask and carrying a loaded crossbow with the safety catch off.</p> <p>His attempts to kill the Queen were immediately thwarted and he was taken into police custody. </p> <p>Prosecutor Kathryn Selby said the Supersonic X-Bow weapon allegedly carried by Chail had the potential to cause "serious or fatal injuries".</p> <p>Prosecution lawyers maintain Chail wanted revenge on the British establishment for its treatment of Indians and sent a video to about 20 people claiming he was going to assassinate the Queen.</p> <p>Prosecutors also allege that the man had tried to join the British Army and the Ministry of Defence Police in order to get close to the Royal family to carry out his revenge plan.</p> <p>Charges under the Treason Act of 1842 are rare, with the last person charged and convicted in 1981. </p> <p>The man in question, Marcus Sarjeant, was charged under the act after firing blank shots at the Queen as she rode on horseback in the Trooping the Colour parade in London.</p> <p>He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to five years in prison.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Supplied</em></p>

Legal

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An Italian lodge jumps the Swiss border

<p dir="ltr">The borders in the European Alps have been the source of some strange happenings recently, including a border-jumping ski lodge.</p> <p dir="ltr">Refugio Cervino, a two-storey lodge built on the Italian side of Theodul Glacier, has been slowly moving towards Switzerland - and its international movement has called its ownership and national boundaries into dispute.</p> <p dir="ltr">The border between Italy and Switzerland has previously been defined at the boundary of the Theodul drainage divide, the point where melted water either flows south to Italy or north towards Switzerland.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, rising temperatures have changed the flow of water.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result, two-thirds of the Refugio sits in Switzerland while the remaining third is in Italy, and has become a subject of diplomatic negotiations.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to Agence France Presse, a compromise to redraw the boundaries was reached last year - but that doesn’t stop the ever-increasing glacier melt.</p> <p dir="ltr">Swisstopo, which stays on top of the official boundaries of the Confédération Helvétique, will be changing the boundaries in 2023.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We agreed to split the difference," chief border official Alain Wicht told AFP.</p> <p dir="ltr">Though international surveyors have previously been brought in to determine where the boundary should sit previously, Mr Wicht says the Refugio is a sensitive issue as the Theodul Glacier is “the only place where we suddenly had a building involved”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Swiss have taken a more neutral stance in the debate, but the Italians are unwilling to part with the building without compensation, </p> <p dir="ltr">"The refuge remains Italian because we have always been Italian," Refugio’s caretaker, 51-year-old Lucio Trucco, says.</p> <p dir="ltr">For now, the refuge will be an enclave of Italy within Switzerland until the borders are changed.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3d7b9463-7fff-3769-cf91-d68e9a97682f"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

International Travel

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Adorable family photo shows Princess Mary’s kids all grown up

<p dir="ltr">Princess Mary and Prince Frederik’s children appear all grown up in stunning photos shared to social media. </p> <p dir="ltr">The members of the Danish Royal Family attended the annual parade at Grasten Castle in southern Denmark on Sunday to greet members of the Grasten Ring Rider Association.</p> <p dir="ltr">The gorgeous photo shared to social media shows Australia’s beloved Princess Mary alongside her husband Prince Frederik, her daughter Princess Isabella, 15, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 11.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their eldest son Prince Christian, 16, however did not appear at the event. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The Crown Prince's family today received the Gråsten Ringrider Association's procession at Graasten Castle, where your Royal Highnesses are currently staying,” an English translation of the caption reads.</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/CgHevTLD4-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CgHevTLD4-w/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by DET DANSKE KONGEHUS 🇩🇰 (@detdanskekongehus)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“The annual procession with Gråsten Ringriderforening begins at Gråsten Riding School and ends at Ringriderpladsen, where the traditional ring riding is completed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The procession consists of both riders and children on bicycles, and true to tradition, the procession today at noon made its way past Graasten Castle, where the royal family received and greeted the many participants”</p> <p dir="ltr">The young royals were seen waving and smiling as the procession of 300 horse riders and 100 bicycle riders made their way outside the castle. </p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Mary was also pictured greeting some of the riders. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Rene Schütze/Shutterstock</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Anne Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon jump on new Barbiecore trend

<p dir="ltr">After official <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/entertainment/movies/first-look-at-completely-transformed-ryan-gosling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">behind-the-scenes photos</a> emerged of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken in the upcoming live action <em>Barbie</em> film, there’s been a resurgence in Barbiecore, with celebrities and high-end fashion houses deciding that its vibrant pink hues are the new “It” colour this season.</p> <p dir="ltr">The nostalgic trend that embraces hyper-pink shades and feminine silhouettes has been cropping up on social media, high fashion runways, and at red carpets and A-list events around the world. </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d815d5df-7fff-6579-fbae-e4f2806e96f9">“The main theme? More is more – and you can never have too much pink,” reports <em><a href="https://www.beautycrew.com.au/what-is-barbiecore?category=makeup" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Beauty Crew</a></em>. “When it comes to fashion, the vibe is essentially dopamine-dressing in fluorescent pink and as many sparkles as you can handle.”</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/barbiecore1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Anne Hathaway (left), Reese Witherspoon (centre), and Duckie Thot (right) have stunned with their own spins on the Barbiecore trend. Images: Getty Images</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Stars Anna Hathaway and Reese Witherspoon are among the growing number of celebrities jumping on the fuschia-focused trend, which has also been featured heavily by designer brand Valentino to the point where “Valentino pink” is the fashion house’s “now-signature magenta hue”, per <em><a href="https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/anne-hathaway-valentino-couture-front-row-magenta-dress-1235248441/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Women’s Wear Daily</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hathaway was spotted styling a sequin minidress in the brightest of hot pinks, paired with towering platform shoes and a studded minibag in a matching shade at the Valentino Haute Couture show in Rome.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-413fa31d-7fff-825f-e2de-b202e24780bc">Joining her in the front row in equally pink outfits was Korean pop rapper Hwasa and West Side Story star Ariana DeBose, with actress Florence Pugh also spotted styling the vibrant hue.</span></p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/07/barbiecore2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Anne Hathaway, Hwasa, and Ariana DeBose were spotted in all-pink outfits in the front row of the Valentino Haute Couture, flanked by Giancarlo Giammetti (far left) and Anna Wintour (far right). Image: Getty Images</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, Witherspoon styled a knee-length, fuschia frock at the New York premiere of Where The Crawdads Sing, where actress Karen Pittman was also spotted pairing a hot pink camisole and skirt with a bold 80s-style blazer.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ab7093a2-7fff-c494-4a56-77d03b17f7d8"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">Other celebrities who have embraced the trend include Lady Gaga, the Kardashians, Australian model Duckie Thot, Lizzo, Sebastian Stan, and Natalie Portman.</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/Cf6c52LOMAQ/?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/Cf6c52LOMAQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Natalie Portman (@natalieportman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Australian designer Mariam Saddiq, who featured Barbie pink suits and dresses at her Australian Fashion Week show this year, describes it as feminine without being “sickly sweet”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When people ask me for the Barbie treatment, it’s about helping them look like they have a magically snatched-in waist. It’s a move away from the androgynous look to something feminine, with prettier silhouettes, blazers with nipped waists and the celebration of that hourglass silhouette,” she told the <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/fashion/the-barbiecore-summer-is-coming-blame-margot-robbie-20220630-p5axxt.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">“For me, it’s about making sure that there’s an edge to pink looks so that they’re not sickly sweet.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Erik Yvon, a Melbourne designer, says the trend is a continuation of the current generation’s interest in styles from the 80s and 90s.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You can see it happening internationally at labels such as Moschino already but I totally see it happening here,” Yvon says.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s an energy and playfulness to it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-de8d7168-7fff-120a-dd7d-36e6ce050122"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Queen Elizabeth's coronation outfit goes on display

<p>In celebration of Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee, the dress, robe and jewels she wore for her coronation in 1953 are being displayed in Her Majesty's residence at Windsor Castle. </p> <p>The Sir Norman Hartnell coronation dress and Robe of Estate are now on display in the largest room in the castle, in the spectacular setting of St George's Hall.</p> <p>The eye-watering jewels include a platinum, gold and silver set diamond necklace, which features 25 graduated cushion-shape brilliant cut diamonds with a central drop-shape pendant, and are accompanied by matching earrings.</p> <p>They were originally created by Garrard for Queen Victoria in 1858 and will be available for viewing in the Lantern Lobby.</p> <p>The exhibition also features other key jewels, including a number of brooches from around the Commonwealth - with the Australian wattle and New Zealand silver fern brooches amongst those on display.</p> <p>Also featured in the display are the first official portraits taken of Her Majesty, as well as unseen photos that document her accession. </p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lgPowhnhSA8" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The collection, titled <em>Platinum Jubilee: The Queen's Coronation</em>, opened to the public on Thursday and runs until September 26th. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Royal Collection Trust / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Discover the wonder of classical music in Prague Castle

<p dir="ltr">Uncovering a city’s most underrated experiences is one of life’s great pleasures when travelling through places you have never seen. </p> <p dir="ltr">These breathtaking moments are often found lurking in the most unlikely of places, but are ones you are likely to never forget. </p> <p dir="ltr">One of these stunning experiences not to be missed on your next travels is the wonder of a classical music performance in the extraordinary Prague Castle. </p> <p dir="ltr">Performed by members of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, a one hour performance is open to the public each and every day. </p> <p dir="ltr">Complete with a trio of a flute, viola and a piano, these talented musicians play a selection of the world’s most celebrated pieces of classical music from composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart and Beethoven.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZKmd7y2ol28" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">The intimate environment of the Lobkowicz Palace within the walls of Prague Castle boasts the ultimate conditions to enjoy the performance, as audience members can also enjoy the stunning art surrounding them. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Lobkowicz Collections comprise one of the oldest and largest private art collections in Central Europe, bringing an artistic experience for all the senses.  </p> <p dir="ltr">While in the grounds of the castle, explore the castle complex that dates back to the 9th century and is rich with extraordinary history, breath-taking architecture and a stunning view point that gives amazing views of all of Prague.</p> <p dir="ltr">With <a href="https://www.prague-castle-concert.cz/en/">tickets</a> available for an extremely reasonable price, the midday classical concerts at Prague Castle are a must see for any music lover. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Supplied</em></p>

Music

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World first: paratriathlete bungee jumps from 50m in wheelchair

<p dir="ltr">An Aussie paratriathlete has become the first to bungee jump from a whopping 50m while in a wheelchair.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rohan Sills, a former carpenter, became paralysed following a serious workplace incident that saw him fall three metres down a stairwell at a construction site in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">Three years later, Rohan continues to refuse to allow his condition to stop him from doing what he loves. </p> <p dir="ltr">He has now broken the previous record of bungee jumping from 50m while in a wheelchair thanks to Sky Park in Cairns. </p> <p dir="ltr">Several thrilling videos were shared to Rohan’s Instagram showing his excitement to roll his wheelchair off the rooftop. </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/tv/CaVtRpYlgH4/?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/tv/CaVtRpYlgH4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rohan Sills (@rohansills)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“First ever wheelchair bungee jump off the roof in Australia and it was epic!” he wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Massive shout out to the crew @skyparkcairns for making it possible. If you’re interested in giving it a go then give them a call and they will do their best to help you out.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans were left in awe at his bravery and commended him for not giving up on his dreams.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Man you are the real hero because you are chasing your own dreams. God will give you the power,” one wrote. </p> <p dir="ltr">“This is superrrrr inspiring! What a lovely spirit!” another commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations!!! It looks amazing!” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">Rohan did another bungee jump last year at the same park but this time wanted to go higher. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Security concern after intruder spends night just metres from Queen

<p dir="ltr">An intruder who was given access to the Army Barracks by soldiers who protect Queen Elizabeth has sparked a security concern.</p> <p dir="ltr">The man, who claimed to be a priest, told the soldiers that he was a friend of the padre to the Coldstream Guards at the base. </p> <p dir="ltr">Soldiers allowed the man into the Victoria Barracks on Sheet Street - the week the Queen was away at Sandringham for Easter - despite not providing any form of ID.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was given a bed and spoke to the soldiers about “how he had worked as an ejector-seat test pilot and had donated some of his organs”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The next morning, after the intruder was given breakfast, the soldiers raised the alarm.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police attended the barracks just hours before the Queen was due to return to Windsor Castle and removed him from site. </p> <p dir="ltr">The fake priest however was not arrested and is believed to have been suffering from mental issues.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Officers attended and removed the intruder from the barracks. No further action was required," a Thames Valley Police spokesman told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/18438925/queen-shock-security-blunder-windsor-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">Ex-Met Police commander John O’Connor said the palace should already be on “full alert” as they counteract threats.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The timing is very serious. They should already be on full alert for the Jubilee.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are still under a continuing threat from terrorists, It’s this lackadaisical attitude which leads to disasters.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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Stunning images released of Princess Isabella’s confirmation

<p dir="ltr">Heartwarming family photos of the Danish Royal Family have been released following Princess Isabella’s confirmation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Isabella, the daughter of Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik, was confirmed at the Fredensborg Palace Church on April 30.</p> <p dir="ltr">The confirmation ceremony, which was held just a few weeks after Princess Isabella’s <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/beauty-style/new-images-of-crown-princess-mary-s-daughter-released-on-her-birthday" target="_blank" rel="noopener">15th birthday</a>, was attended by Queen Margrethe II and her three siblings, Prince Christian, 16, and 11-year-old twins Princess Josephine and Prince Vincent. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The garden hall at Fredensborg Castle forms the setting for the official confirmation photos of Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella and the royal family as well as the Princess' sponsors,” a translated message from the Danish Royal Family reads. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In the photos taken shortly after the confirmation in Fredensborg Castle Church, the confirmand is seen together with Her Majesty the Queen, the Crown Prince Couple and their Royal Highnesses Prince Christian, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The princess was also photographed with her godparents, Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Her Royal Highness Princess Alexia of Greece, Dr. Nadine Johnston, chief physician, dr.med. Christian von Buchwald, director, major Peter Heering and chamberlain Marie Louise Skeel.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In another post, the Danish Royal Family revealed that Fredensborg Castle has been used for the family’s confirmation over the past 100 years. </p> <p dir="ltr">“The church has formed the framework for royal confirmations. Thus it was also in this church that both Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were confirmed in 1955 and 1981 respectively.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Franne Voigt</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Queen’s great grandchildren playing outside Windsor Castle

<p dir="ltr">An adorable video showing the Queen’s great grandchildren playing outside Windsor Castle has been shared online.</p> <p dir="ltr">The footage shared to Twitter shows the children in a horse drawn carriage outside the castle with photographers nearby.</p> <p dir="ltr">It is unclear which of the Queen’s 12 great grandchildren are there; it is evident that Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and Princess Eugenie’s son August are there.</p> <p dir="ltr">Nearby, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank can be seen looking on and helping the kids get into place.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">So excited!!! The Queen's great grandchildren at Windsor Castle!!! For sure we will have a new portrait for Platinum Jubilee 😍🫶🏻 This will be awesome 🥹 <a href="https://t.co/oGDnXkVdH6">pic.twitter.com/oGDnXkVdH6</a></p> <p>— 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬 (@NewsCambridges) <a href="https://twitter.com/NewsCambridges/status/1519640706150965248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 28, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">It is rumoured that the photographers are helping piece together the new portrait for Platinum Jubilee in June or Trooping the Colour. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is being celebrated to mark the 70th anniversary of her accession February 6, 1952.</p> <p dir="ltr">The four day UK bank holiday weekend runs from June 2 to June 5 and will include celebrations, public events and community activities.</p> <p dir="ltr">A reflection of the Queen’s 70 years’ reign will be shared as well.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Honouring Queen Elizabeth II on her 96th birthday

<p dir="ltr">Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate her 96th birthday on April 21.</p> <p dir="ltr">Britain's longest-lived monarch has already travelled by helicopter to her Norfolk estate, where she will be joined by family and friends for celebrations.</p> <p dir="ltr">She is expected to stay at a cottage at Sandringham Estate, which was much loved by her late husband Prince Philip.</p> <p dir="ltr">A beautiful photograph capturing the Queen’s love for horses was released by Buckingham Palace in honour of the occasion.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Queen is seen wearing an olive gown standing in between her two fell ponies Bybeck Katie and Bybeck Nightingale, at Windsor Castle, who will appear at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.</p> <p dir="ltr">Every year, the Queen marks her birthday twice, once in April and again in June.</p> <p dir="ltr">The celebration in April is a small intimate one with family and is marked publicly via gun salutes in central London at midday.</p> <p dir="ltr">Queen Elizabeth’s second birthday is celebrated on the second Monday of June in Australia.</p> <p dir="ltr">The delaying of official birthdays is dated back to 1748, when George the II could not have the big celebration he wanted in November.</p> <p dir="ltr">He began the tradition in 1748 as his birthday, in November, meant he could not have the big public celebration he wanted.</p> <p dir="ltr">But it was the Queen’s great-great-grandfather Edward VII who standardised tradition by having an “official” birthday in summer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Check out the gallery below for a very special look back at some of the special images that sum up her life.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram / Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Man selling US$60 million castle so he can build another one

<p>The fairytale castle that looks straight out of the opening credits to any Disney movie - a custom-built castle in northeast Connecticut, US.</p> <p>After originally being put on the market for US$35 million in November 2021, this incredible nine-bedroom masterpiece has been freshly re-listed .... for almost DOUBLE, at US$60 million.</p> <p>The reason for the price increase? Its owner, Chris Mark, needs funding – a LOT more funding – to move on and begin construction on yet another fairytale castle.</p> <p>“We had a couple of serious inquiries,” agent John Pizzi of Randall Realtors told The Post of the fairytale property’s luck since November. “The owner is relocating out of state and he thought he would build another castle, and in talking to architects and engineers, he realised he would need in the ballpark of US$60 million to construct another mediaeval-energy mansion."</p> <p>Mark completed the current castle in 2010, but is ready to move on from it now that his daughters have graduated high school. </p> <p>Mark — who is the descendant of a Chicago steel tycoon – was very hands-on and passionate in having the castle built. He went as far as buying a boat manufacturer to more easily acquire materials needed, and imported the labor of Polish, Czech and Russian craftsmen to construct it.</p> <p>“You would think it was something from the 1400s or 1500s, but it’s less than 20 years old,” Pizzi noted of the high quality result of Mark’s energies.</p> <p>“Fit for the contemporary king, this architectural wonder is accessible via two different stone bridges,” reads the site dedicated to the 10-bathroom home. “Upon crossing between towering turrets, the natural stone pathways guide visitors over a deep moat that surrounds the entire estate.”</p> <p>There are modern conveniences including central air, an elevator, radiant flooring, a pool, a dock and a garage, as well as gothic luxuries, such as 12 fireplaces, 126-foot-high turrets, an entry hall, a 30-acre pond, stained glass and 25 types of hardwood flooring. There’s also a raised stage auditorium, a guest apartment, a recording studio and 400 acres including a moat.</p> <p><em>Images: Tyra Pacheco</em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

Real Estate