Family & Pets

Robbie Williams and wife share heartbreaking family update

Robbie Williams and wife Ayda have been left heartbroken following the death on their beloved dogs, Poupette and Walle. The British pop star, 50, took to Instagram on Friday to share the devastating news, saying that the two dogs died together in their sleep. In a heartfelt tribute to Instagram, his wife Ayda shared that Poupette had been with her for nearly two decades. “Today, our dogs Poupette & Walle left this planet to start an adventure in an infinite galaxy far, far away," she began. “They died together in bed, listening to ‘Dancing Queen’, surrounded by tremendous love. “For those of you who don’t know about Poupette and Walle, here’s some backstory … “Poupette’s been with me 18 years. From the day we met, she was my soulmate. I was a single girl, and all of a sudden, with Poupette, I was a single mum. “Everyone that knows me, called Poupette ‘my shadow’ … because wherever I’d go, she was right behind me. “It’s weird how you can share so much with a being that can’t communicate back in the same language. “But, that’s the beauty of unconditional love … it needs no words.” <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_hicKtx3R5/?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/C_hicKtx3R5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ayda Field Williams (@aydafieldwilliams)</a> </div> </blockquote> She explained that when she started dating Robbie, he fell in love with Poupette "instantly" and took her on as his own dog. “Rob, at the time, had 3 big dogs & I assumed he’d baulk at the idea of having to take a tiny, white, fluffy dog on the streets, shouting ‘Poupette’ with a Northern English accent," she said. “But, Rob immediately fell in love with her and all of a sudden, the big tattooed, popstar … became a small-fluffy-dog kinda guy.” The couple decided to get Walle a year later, and “from that day forward, on 4th of July, we officially became a blended family.” Their dogs even played a big role on their wedding day in 2010, with Poupette as Ayda's maid of honour, and Walle as Robbie's best man. “Through the years, Poupette & Walle have been there for the birth of all 4 children, multiple tours, countries, & all the ups & downs that life has thrown our way the past 14 years since we said, ‘I do’.” “As time has gone on, we have had to say our sad goodbyes to each of those bridesmaids & groomsmen … Miraculously, Poupette & Walle have held on. “Recently, Rob and I renewed our marriage vows. There’s a lot of things we’re facing now (more on that another time) and we wanted to celebrate what was good in our lives; family & love. “Just as 14 years ago … Poupette was my maid of honor & Walle was Rob’s man.” The star admitted that she would be taking the next few days to grieve over her "fur bestie" and how she loves them "with all her heart." Many fans shared their condolences for the couple, with one writing: “Oh that is so sad, they will be truly missed! Sending you all the biggest hugs!” Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

"Ding dong, the witch is dead": Daughter's scathing obituary for late mother

A woman has taken her last chance to call out her "terrorising" mother in a damning obituary. Florence “Flo” Harrelson, 65, died back in February, although her notice of death wasn't published until August 29th by her estranged daughter Christina Novak. The delay in the obituary came as a result of Novak not finding out about her mother's death until months after she passed. Novak noted in the obituary that her mother, a former U.S. Marine who served as a Maine prison guard, died “on Feb. 22, 2024, without family by her side due to burnt bridges and a wake of destruction left in her path.” Her daughter confirmed that Flo had been suffering from cancer but ultimately died of heart failure. She went on to say that it had been 10 years since she spoke to her estranged mother. “Florence did not want an obituary or anyone including family to know she died,” reads the obituary. “That’s because even in death, she wanted those she terrorised to still be living in fear looking over their shoulders. So, this isn’t so much an obituary but more of a public service announcement.” She also shared the obit to Facebook, and punctuated it with a line from The Wizard of Oz, writing, “Ding dong, the witch is dead.” Novak told the <a href="https://www.bangordailynews.com/2024/08/30/central-maine/central-maine-culture/maine-wake-of-destruction-obituary/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bangor Daily News</a> she was “giggling to myself” while composing the obit, admitting she originally set out to write a traditional obituary, but kept drifting into sarcasm. Novak even considered listing the ways in which her mother wronged her relatives, before stopping short but saying the reaction to the obituary was “priceless.” Image credits: Facebook

Family & Pets

Popular names Generation Alpha believe are “for old people”

Today's youth have a very different idea of what constitutes an "old person" name, and one mum was left flabbergasted after a conversation she had with her six-year-old daughter about her classmates’ names. “You know what I find wild? I have an eight-year-old and a six-year-old, and the names of their friends, I can’t even pronounce some of them,” Australian entrepreneur and mum-of-two Steph Pase said in a now viral TikTok. “I asked her, so do you have anyone in your year called Sarah, Alex, Jack or Daniel? “She laughed and said ‘they’re old people names!’.” She then probed her daughter with a few other common names saying: “I asked, what about Steph … Michelle … she’s like no,” she laughed. “It just makes me realise, that we are that generation … our parents’ generation. Names like Helen, Karen or Joanna … now we’re that generation. “We have the old people names.” She captioned her video with the text "Millennial names are officially old" and many of her followers agreed with the upsetting revelation. “In my classes we have Vision, Stoney, Diesel, Hennesy, Blaze, Cruze, Kingdom, Ace, Boss, Oasis, Mercedes, Destiny,” one shared. “Luna, Harper & Arlo are the new Ashley, Jessica & Stephanie,” another said. “The names in my kids classes are Lamb, Honey, Hazard, Blu, Bambi,” another added. “My six year old has a girl in his class named ‘Summah’ and another called ‘Phox’ because Fox was too mainstream,” a fourth wrote. “My daughter has a Moses, Twayla, Lorde it’s wild …” a fifth commented. Baby name expert and CEO of Fifth Dimension Consulting Lyndall Spooner told news.com.au that there are a few reasons why there's been a shift in children's names over the years, including popularity, less pressure to follow traditional family names, and a trend towards more gender-neutral names. “Parents want their children to be unique and so they use nouns or verbs as names, or character names from books, TV shows, movies, shopping chains or cars," she said. And while the "millennial names" are not as common, "they are not extinct". “We will continue to see changes in baby names and the ‘recycling’ of older names that become popular again,” she told the publication. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

Mariah Carey has revealed a devastating double tragedy, as both her mother and sister passed away on the same day. In a heartbreaking statement to <a href="https://people.com/mariah-carey-mom-patricia-sister-alison-both-died-same-day-exclusive-8701561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a>, the singer announced the deaths of her mum Patricia, 87, and sister Alison, 63, who died over the weekend. Carey's statement read, "My heart is broken that I've lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day." "I feel blessed that I was able to spend the last week with my mom before she passed." "I appreciate everyone's love and support and respect for my privacy during this impossible time." No cause of death has been revealed for either member of the family. Carey famously had a turbulent relationship with her mother and sister over the years, and was estranged from Alison for three decades before her untimely death. In 2016, Alison, who was a recovering drug addict, made a plea to her famous sister through the Daily Mail to ask for support, saying, "Mariah I love you, I desperately need your help." As well as substance abuse, Alison endured homelessness throughout her life and tested positive for the HIV virus. Mariah opened up about complicated relationships with her mom and sister in her 2020 memoir, The Meaning Of Mariah Carey. "Like many aspects of my life, my journey with my mother has been full of contradictions and competing realities. It's never been only black-and-white — it's been a whole rainbow of emotions," she explained. She said their relationship was a "prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration, and disappointment", however the book was still dedicated to Patricia. "And to Pat, my mother, who, through it all, I do believe actually did the best she could," the singer penned in the dedication. "I will love you the best I can, always." Image credits: Paul Archuleta/Shutterstock Editorial

Family & Pets

Family divided over unique baby name choice

A woman has asked for advice after her choice of baby name sparked a family feud. The woman, a new mother, took to Reddit to explain that when she found out she was pregnant, she and her husband decided to use a traditional Irish moniker for their baby boy. “My husband is Irish and not in the Boston, my great great, great grandfather came over in the 1800s kind of way. But in the born in Galway kind of way,” the woman said. They decided on the name ‘Oisín’ for their son to honour the Irish heritage. Tensions soon arose when the woman’s brother and sister-in-law also announced they were expecting a baby, and quickly fell in love with the name Oisín and wanted it for their own son. “My brother and his wife have as much right to name their child whatever they want. I do not own the name. I have no right to dictate to my brother what he names his kid,” she explained. “However, neither my family nor my sister-in-law have any other connection to Ireland.” “She got pregnant right around when I did, and her son was born two months before ours. They named him ‘Oisín Miguel’,” she said. “I didn’t get upset or anything,” she added. “But she has flipped out that two cousins will have the same name. She is nuts because our family is Hispanic, and half of our cousins are named ‘Carlos’ or ‘Camilla’.” The woman’s sister-in-law is now “trying to insist that the couple call him by his middle name or change his name”, to which the woman said, “I told her to p*** off.” “My mum is staying neutral, but she was very surprised that my brother gave his son an Irish name which he knew I was planning on using. She expected him to name him after our late father.” The woman finished her post by saying that her “husband’s family thinks the whole thing is hilarious, my family thinks my sister-in-law is a ‘weirdo,’ and she thinks I’m an a**hole for copying her”. The woman’s post quickly went viral with thousands of people siding with the original poster. “Your husband’s family is right. So is your family. She doesn’t own the name,” said one. “Not the a**hole. You’re right, anyone can use a name,” added a second. “You’re not the a**hole, sounds like someone in the family likes to manufacture drama,” said a third. “Honestly, it sounds like your sister-in-law is overreacting. You had that name picked out long before she got pregnant, and it’s not like you’re trying to steal her son’s identity,” added another. Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

Leigh Terrell entrusted her dad to pick her dog up from daycare. Little did she know that the pup he had with him was not hers, and now the moment she realised her dog had been left behind at the daycare has gone viral. "This is what happens when you let a man pick up your dog from daycare," she captioned the post shared on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@leigh.terrell/photo/7403459903190289695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>. She shared a series of text messages between her and her dad, after he sent her a picture of the dog he collected, to which she replied: "Let me see his face haha that doesn't look like him." She then jokingly sent a follow up text saying: "make sure you got the right dog," with no idea that he actually collected the wrong dog. Her dad then sent another photo of the dog, now facing him, and wrote: "His collar [is] on," and that was the moment it clicked for Terrell. "That's not my dog dad. That is not Archie, you need to go back and switch him out," she replied. It appeared that both dad and the daycare had mixed up the two dogs who looked pretty similar. The father then replied with a photo of Archie, to which Terrell replied: "Alright that's my dog thanks." The video has racked up over 4 million views, and many were amused at the dad's blunder. "The way the first dog is looking out the window for his real dad, too," one user wrote. Another joked: "I'm imagining the first dog thinking 'my name is NOT Archie' as your dad tries to get his attention for a pic lmao." "The way your dad didn't reply, I bet he was panicking and thinking he did not just dognap someone's baby," another wrote. "That dog knew he wasn't supposed to be there" another joked. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

Sam Neill moved to tears by simple question

Sam Neill has unexpectedly broken down in tears over one question posed to him by a university student. The Jurassic Park actor was the surprise guest during the premiere of ABC's new series, The Assembly, based off the UK show which sees high-profile figures being interviewed by a class of university students who are all autistic. The students can ask whatever they want, and one student, Abby brought the actor to tears with her question. “What’s the best lesson you learned from your parents?” she asked. “Ooft, wow. That’s a really interesting question … A really, really interesting question,” Neill replied, before pausing as he began tearing up. “I don’t know why that question has moved me so much, but it has.” The actor then went on to explain that his parents were “of the generation that went through a lot” – including the Great Depression and World War One, in which his maternal grandfather was killed – leaving both his parents “very stoic”. “And I’d done a year of university and I’d done bugger all. I was acting in plays and trying to find a girlfriend, you know … so it came to exam time and I realised I’d done almost no work,” Neill recalled. “It got me very anxious. Anyway, I got home and Mum said, ‘How are you, darling?’ and I said, ‘I think I’m having a breakdown, I’ve got exams in a couple of weeks …’ and she just looked at me and said, ‘Well, you’re just going to have to pull yourself together’.” He continued: “And I think that’s the best lesson I learned from her. Sometimes you just have to pull yourself together. It’s a tough lesson, but a good one – and thank you for that question." Elsewhere during the interview, he also spoke candidly about his recent blood cancer battle, and while he is in remission after a year of chemotherapy, he still requires monthly treatments which he'll have to do for the rest of his life. One student asked him, "what motivated you to keep going, and did you have anyone supporting you through it?” He admitted that while it had been a "pretty brutal" process, he is grateful for all the treatments keeping him alive "and living is much better than the other thing.” Images: ABC

Family & Pets

New mum admits she hates her baby’s name

A woman has asked for advice after admitting that she hates her new baby’s name and “can’t stand to say it out loud”. The new mum took to Reddit to explain that she had given birth to a baby boy a month ago, and had been discussing potential names for her son with her boyfriend since she fell pregnant. The mother explained that her partner “immediately bombarded” her with names “that he would name” their son, and many of them were family monikers. She said that her boyfriend was keen to name the baby after either his grandfather or great-grandfather, whose names were Oliver and Chad. “I HATE the name Chad,” she said. “We know a couple of Chads and they are not great people. I also don’t love the name Oliver but I’d rather that than Chad.” The woman explained her partner was “very sentimental when it comes to anything in his life that has to do with his family”, while she was “not that sentimental”. “He was adamant on the name Chad because it belonged to his dad’s grandpa, whom his dad never met due to him passing away in the war,” she said. “I asked him to compromise and make Chad the middle name ‘cause I’d rather the name Oliver, his response was ‘maybe’ but in a tone that meant ‘no.’” The woman went on to explain that she and her partner reached a stalemate in the name discussion and it wasn’t brought up again until their son was born. The new mother said the couple planned on “waiting until she was relaxed and situated before they signed the birth certificate”, but when she went to sign it, she saw his name had been written as ‘Chad Beau Smith’ by her boyfriend. “I had had no say in the name whatsoever, my partner had seen me bare-down and drugged up, going through the hardest experience of my life and gave me no say in what we name our son,” she said. The woman was shocked and ended up arguing with her husband for about an hour or so but was so exhausted from the birth, she gave up and said “fine you win”. “My boyfriend then smirked as he handed the birth certificate in. I was too tired to fight anymore. I felt like I just needed to focus on taking care of my new baby,” she said. The mum said she has been avoiding saying his name and also hadn’t posted anything to social media because she “just hates the name”. “I also now feel like I am disconnecting from my relationship with my partner because after all he watched me go through, I feel that I don’t matter,” she said. “Am I overreacting?” she asked on Reddit. The woman’s post quickly went viral on the platform, with people quick to side with the new mum. “Your boyfriend is a bully, and he sucks. Names are a two yes, one no situation. He took advantage of you, and kept calling your little boy by his middle name. I’m enraged for you.” said one. “Why are you with this person?” asked another. “Have his name legally changed. Leave your husband. This is abuse,” said a third. “This guy has no respect for you, you’re not overreacting, you’re under-reacting,” added another. Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

"My daughter was right": Gracious grandma praised for humble act

Watching your parents become grandparents is a beautiful experience, but it often comes with disagreements or differences in opinion in terms of how you are raising your kids. One grandma has gone viral for her wise words when it comes to navigating these differences. "If I don't agree with every little decision that my daughter makes for the baby, I usually don't say anything," TikTok user @mommom.maria, who frequently posts about being a grandma, shared recalled her most recent babysitting experience. "Sometimes I can't help myself, and when it came to this I couldn't help myself, I had to say something." She explained that her 13-month-old granddaughter has two bottles a day, one in the morning and one at night. "My husband and I were babysitting the other night and my daughter said to put her milk before bed in this," she said, holding up a sippy cup with a straw. The grandmother didn't think it was okay that her granddaughter was drinking out of a sippy cup that young, but admitted that it's not her decision to make. "I'm not the decision maker. I'm not the mum: I'm the Mum-Mum, the privileged Mum-Mum that gets to babysit her," she explained. She decided to respect her daughter's choices, and said that her granddaughter drank her milk with no issues. "So I guess my daughter was right, and that's really what I wanted to say to the other grandmothers: You don't have to agree, but you have to do it," she finished. Many have praised the grandmother for respecting her daughter's wishes, with the video gaining over 100k views. "Protect this sweet woman at all costs," commented one person. "Oh how I wish my MIL (mother in law) was like you," another added. "You are so emotionally mature about it. I'm so proud of you showing what respecting your children's right to parent looks like!" wrote a third. One woman also shared the way she approached parenting differences and replied, "I told my Mom and MIL this 'I'm not saying you're wrong with how you chose to do things with your kids. I just do things differently.' Helped a lot!" Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

Readers response: What is the best piece of advice you've passed down to your children?

if there's one thing you can count on your parents or grandparents for, it's to hand down valuable advice that will work its way through generations. This advice could be simple everyday words of wisdom, or more life-altering affirmations. We asked our reader what is the best piece of advice they have passed down to their children and grandchildren, and the response was overwhelming. Here's what you said. Margaret Barnes - Treat other people as you would like them to treat yourself. Kate Stephens - Listen to your mother. Keryn Bache - I recently advised my 22 year old granddaughter that if you have nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all. Linda Kauffman - Be careful in relationships. Janice Evans - Live within your means. Norell Standley - Learn self defence to protect yourselves. Les Thornborough - Look after your parents in their old age. Linda Kauffman - Thinking before acting. Liz N Jeff Busky - Don't try drugs, you may just like them. Rick Dayes - Mind your own business. Margie Buckingham - Live respectfully. Marian Arakiel - Get a job, get up, dress up and show up. Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Gold medallist breaks down in tears over her late father's note

An Olympic gold medallist has broken down in tears as she recalled an emotional and poignant exchange she had with her father before he died of cancer. Lola Anderson claimed the gold medal for Team Great Britain in rowing, beating The Netherlands by just 0.15 seconds in the women’s quadruple sculls. In her victory interview with the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnd06pg0k0wo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a>, Lola recalled a note her father Don had given her months before his death in 2019. Before his death, Lola's father asked her to retrieve a safety deposit box that contained an old diary entry that Lola wrote when she was just 14 years old. In it, she wrote about becoming an Olympic rowing champion after seeing Helen Glover win gold at London 2012. The note read: “My name is Lola Anderson and I think it would be my biggest dream in life to go to the Olympics and represent Team GB in rowing and, if possible, win a gold medal.” Lola soon threw the note in the bin as she started to doubt her dream, but unbeknownst to her, her father fished it out of the garbage and kept it, giving it back to her before he died. When asked about the note after the win, she told the BBC, “I’d forgotten about it obviously. A couple years ago my dad reminded me." “I know he’d be so, so proud. I’m just thinking a lot about him right now, it’s really lovely.” Speaking about the note to the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/26/he-chose-to-believe-meet-lola-anderson-gb-rower-living-her-late-fathers-olympic-dream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Guardian</a> before the Olympics, Anderson said her father, who introduced her to the sport, believed in her when she didn’t. “I kinda thought that was a really cocky, arrogant thing to have written. Back then, on a good day I wasn’t capsizing. I ripped the page out and threw it in the bin,” she said. “It reflects to me how much he cared, invested and believed in me and my siblings, even when we couldn’t see it. There was nothing to show I had any talent when I first started rowing but he kept the note and chose to believe.” Image credits: BBC

Family & Pets

Heartache for Harry and William after the death of their uncle

Prince William and Prince Harry have been rocked by a devastating loss as their uncle has died. Lord Robert Fellowes, the husband of William and Harry’s aunt Jane, passed away at the age of 82 from undisclosed causes. Jane, an elder sister of the late Princess Diana, had been married to Robert for more than 40 years. Prince William had an especially close relationship with Fellowes, as Lord Robert and Jane’s eldest daughter, Laura, is godmother to Princess Charlotte. Lord Fellowes worked as private secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth during some of the most dramatic times during the 1990s, including when his sister-in-law Diana died in 1997 at the age of 36. It has previously been reported that throughout Lord Robert's time as a palace courtier, he sometimes had a strained relationship with his sister-in-law. However, when Diana died, he explained, “I was deeply fond of her. She was a very good person. She found it difficult in life to find happiness, and I’m sad for people who have that situation.” Lord Fellowes was long a trusted member of a small group of advisors who guided the royal family during difficult times. According to The New York Times, he helped to write the speech Elizabeth II gave to the nation from Buckingham Palace on the eve of Diana’s funeral. Lord Robert Fellowes is survived by his wife Jane and their three children Laura, Alexander and Eleanor. Image credits: SplashNews.com/Shutterstock Editorial

Family & Pets

92-year-old grandma steals hearts in Paris

Australian judo champion Aoife Coughlan stunned Olympic audiences with a tense showdown against German athlete Miriam Butkereit in Paris, but some audience members had their attention drawn elsewhere. The 28-year-old Aussie was holding her own against Butkereit, until sudden-death overtime saw Butkereit, 30, win at the last second in the women's 70kg judo round of 16. Despite the unbelievable scenes inside Grand Palais Éphémère in Champ de Mars in Paris, some spectators were quick to notice a special guest hovering behind the TV cameras, who has since drawn the world's attention. Coughlan's 92-year-old grandmother Pam Coughlan, from Ireland, scored a prime position mat-side to watch her granddaughter compete, with the judoka's cousin explaining just how his grandmother secured her prime, and unusual, spot on social media. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> My 92 year old granny is at the Olympics today to watch her Australian grandchild in the Judo. She persuaded them to let her sit here. Never doubt the Dublin Granny. <a href="https://t.co/XevdsWxKnt">pic.twitter.com/XevdsWxKnt</a> — Mark Coughlan (@Mark_Coughlan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mark_Coughlan/status/1818561337212977605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote> "She persuaded them to let her sit here. Never doubt the Dublin Granny," Mark Coughlan wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Wearing sunglasses inside and a red, French-style beret to complete her look, Coughlan's grandmother Pam kept a watchful eye on her granddaughter, with Mark commentating from at home. "Judo is quicker than I knew, and harsh," Coughlan's cousin explained to his social media followers. "Round two 20 minutes after round one: Aoife lost on Judo's equivalent of extra time and penalties in the last minute." "Massive pride. What an achievement. Olympian and hugs from Granny afterwards." Pam Coughlan, Mark said, will "have to do the Paris look-around now" as she did eight years ago, when she flew aged 83 to spectate at Rio 2016. Mark's Twitter thread about his grandmother quickly went viral, with many applauding the older woman for her supportive nature. One fan wrote, "Dublin Granny…need you say more??" while another added, "All olympic grannies who can manage to attend in person should be given front row seats." Image credits: Nine

Family & Pets

"My days are numbered": Rod Stewart reveals candid thoughts on death

Sir Rod Stewart is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, and he's well aware he can't live forever. As he nears 80-years-old, the music legend shared his views on death, and how he knows his "days are numbered", but that won't stop him from toning down his rock 'n' roll lifestyle as he kicks off his last run of Las Vegas shows after 13 years of residency. "I'm aware my days are numbered but I've got no fear," he told The Sun. "We have all got to pass on at some point, so we are all in the same basket. "I am going to be enjoying myself for these last few years as much as I can. I say few — probably another 15. I can do that easy mate, easy," he added. He then admitted: "I'm not like I was in the '70s and '80s and I can't stay up all night, get drunk and go mad and still have a voice just like that. Nowadays I have to protect my voice before and after every show." The singer said he counts on staying hydrated to keep up with his performance demands as he got older, but he definitely has not vowed off the booze. "You're talking to Rod Stewart here, mate. We go mad after every show. There are 13 of us, six women, really great musicians and I make them drink. We absolutely love it," he said. Despite keeping up his party ways, the rock star is also very conscious of his health, after he revealed that he had experienced a private three-year battle with prostate cancer in 2019. "I am more aware of my health now than before. You should be when you start getting on a bit. It's very important," he said. The rock star said he works out three or four times a day with his personal trainer of three years who has been keeping him in check for over three decades. Images: Kiko Huesca/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial

Family & Pets

Prince Harry finally speaks out on "rift" with royal family

Prince Harry has finally opened up on his "rift" with the royal family for the first time, in an interview for the ITV documentary, Tabloids on Trial. The Duke of Sussex revealed that his decision to launch multiple legal battles against a string of tabloid newspapers was central to his rift with the royal family. He said that his determination to fight the publications ruined his relationship with them. “That’s certainly a central piece to it,” he said. “But, you know, that’s a hard question to answer because anything I say about my family results in a torrent of abuse from the press. “I’ve made it very clear that this is something that needs to be done. It would be nice if we, you know, did it as a family," he continued. “I believe that, again, from a service standpoint and when you are in a public role, that these are the things that we should be doing for the greater good. “But, you know, I’m doing this for my reasons. I think everything that’s played out has shown people what the truth of the matter is. “For me, the mission continues, but it has, it has, yes. It’s caused, yeah, as you say, part of a rift.” In December, London's High court ruled that he had been the victim of phone-hacking and other unlawful acts by journalists, with the knowledge of their editors at Mirror Group Newspapers. Harry said that the publications under MGN had targeted him for 15 years. He was awarded £140,600 ($267,400), and called the judge's ruling in his favour a "monumental victory". Image: ITV

Family & Pets

Prince George looks all grown up in new birthday portrait

Prince George is 11! The Princess of Wales has celebrated her son's birthday by sharing a new portrait of the young royal on social media. “Wishing Prince George a very happy 11th birthday today!” she captioned the black and white photo of George looking all grown up in a button up shirt and black blazer. Royal fans also flooded the comment section with happy birthday wishes for the young monarch. "This picture is so beautiful, he is growing up so fast! I wish the happiest birthday to Prince George, have the best day," one wrote "Prince George looks so much like his Dad," another added. "HE'S GROWING UP SO FAST! I can't believe! Happy birthday George!" a third commented. "Happy birthday! I hope you have so much fun," a fourth wrote. <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/C9t-OYdNdUb/?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/C9t-OYdNdUb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a> </div> </blockquote> This comes as Prince George's godmother, Julia Samuels revealed the young royal's birthday tradition that was inspired by the late Princess Diana. Speaking on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, she shared that each year she buys noisy toys for George that take the Prince of Wales "days to put together" in a running joke inspired by Diana. "I come in slightly tipped by the size of the present that William then has to spend days putting together," she said. "And then put all the machinery together and it makes awful tooting noises and lights flashing and all of that. That makes me laugh and it makes George laugh." She also praised the young prince saying: “He is amazing. He’s funny and feisty and cheeky and God she [Diana] would have loved him so much. “That is heartbreaking for all of them.” Julia Samuels is one of seven godparents for Prince George, and she was a close friend of Princess Diana, who she met at a dinner party in 1987. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

Royal family celebrates Queen Camilla's 77th birthday

Queen Camilla is 77! Senior members of the royal family have wished her a very happy birthday, with the Prince and Princess of Wales sharing a portrait of her, taken by the Princess on Wednesday. The portrait was featured on the cover of a special commemorative edition of Country Life magazine, two years ago, which the queen helped edit for her 75th birthday. "Wishing Her Majesty a very Happy Birthday!" the Prince and Princess wrote on social media. The royal family's official X account also shared an image of her posing on the balcony of author Victor Hugo's former home in Guernsey on Tuesday, with the caption: "Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy Birthday today." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> 🎂 Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy Birthday today! <a href="https://t.co/Wv5fStZdlm">pic.twitter.com/Wv5fStZdlm</a> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1813462770127392939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2024</a></blockquote> The Queen celebrated her birthday early, with private tour of Hugo's former home, the Hauteville House, where he lived for 15 years during his exile from France, which Camilla called a "remarkable treat". She was presented with some vintage cheddar by Guernsey Dairy as "an early birthday present" and a group of school children from Sark sang Happy Birthday in the island's native language, Sercquiais. The Queen thanked the children and praised them for their singing. However, it was back to work for the Queen on her official birthday on Wednesday, with an appearance at the State Opening of Parliament, where she joined the King for the traditional carriage procession to the House of Lords. One of the Queen's friends told the Daily Mail that: "It's not the tip-top way she would choose to be spending her birthday, but you won't ever hear a single word of complaint. About anything, really." "For someone who wasn't born into the Royal Family, she's got an extraordinarily strong sense of duty and the temperament to cope." Image: X

Family & Pets

BBC star's heartbreaking plea after wife and daughters were killed

Grief-stricken BBC racing commentator John Hunt has broken his silence after his wife and two daughters were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-arrested-after-bbc-presenter-s-wife-and-children-murdered" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> during a crossbow attack. Carol Hunt, 61, Hannah Hunt, 28, and Louise Hunt, 25, were fatally injured at their home in North London last Tuesday, with Hertfordshire Police confirming that 26-year-old Kyle Clifford had been arrested in connection to their murders. Speaking to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx825zwy2r5o" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BBC</a> about the devastating incident, John's friend and fellow commentator, Matt Chapman, said, "Family means more to some than others and for John, his family unit was something he absolutely adored." "He told me: 'Matty, the message I would tell everyone is you never know when it's going to be the last day you see your family'." "The message was very clear: make the most of every day because you just don't know." Mr Chapman said proceeds from a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-family-of-john-hunt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">fundraiser </a>set up after the horrifying attack, which has currently raised more than $53,000 AUD, will go to John's surviving daughter, Amy. He said John had said his "biggest desire" was to make sure Amy had "no money worries for the rest of her life". "There are a lot of people, including myself, who feel helpless and would like to do something," he said. "John would like nothing more for Amy after these horrific events than a life that is a little less stressful, because life will never be stress-free again." "It's not going to take their grief away - it's not going to take the pain away or change anything - but it might help them have an easier life." John and Amy released a joint statement on Saturday, thanking the public for their messages of support during what they described as "an extremely difficult time for us". "The devastation that we are experiencing cannot be put into words," they said. "We would like to thank people for their kind messages and for the support we have received in recent days. These have provided great comfort to us for which we are very grateful." "As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for us, and we need time and space to come to terms with what has happened and start the grieving process." As the investigation continues into the brutal deaths, police shared that they have not yet been able to speak to him as he remains in a serious condition after suffering self-inflicted wounds. Image credits: GoFundMe / Facebook

Family & Pets

Shannen Doherty's mother breaks silence

Shannen Doherty's mum has shared a touching tribute following the actress' death. The Charmed star <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/force-of-nature-tributes-flow-for-shannen-doherty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed away</a> on July 13 aged 53 following a nine-year battle with cancer. Shannen's mum, Rosa Doherty, has now thanked her daughter's fans for their support. "She is my beautiful girl and my heart," Rosa told People. "Our family wants to thank everyone who has shown love and support for our Shannen throughout her life. We are truly appreciative." Shannen was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and went into remission two years later. In 2022 she shared that the cancer had returned and spread, and was now stage four. A year later, she told fans that the cancer had spread to her brain. Shannen had a close relationship with her mum, and had previously credited her mum for teaching her how to push through hard times. In a 2023 interview with People, she recalled how her mum pushed through despite her brain aneurysm when Shannen was eight, and how that experience stuck with her. “I come from a woman who was determined,” she told the publication at the time. “She impressed that upon me as a very young child like, 'You don't give up. You just have to work hard at it.' " “I think I was always a fighter,” she added. “I was raised that way to be very strong and that I could do anything that I put my mind to.” The actress carried that attitude despite her battle with cancer, and in an April episode of her podcast Let's Be Clear, she opened up on her desire to keep living. “I’m not done with living. I’m not done with loving. I’m not done with creating. I’m not done with hopefully changing things for the better," she said in the podcast. "I’m just not — I’m not done." Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

“Don’t marry him”: Bride-to-be shares wild altercation with her future in-laws over her wedding dress

A woman has been told to “run” from her fiancé after sharing a wild conversation she had with her future in-laws about her wedding dress. The bride-to-be shared that ever since she was a child, she wanted to wear her mother’s wedding dress on her own big day. However, the woman was then confronted by her soon-to-be in-laws, with drama ensuing over her wedding dress. Taking to Reddit’s “Am I The A**hole?” page, the woman explained, "My mother's wedding dress has been passed down for generations and I remember being a little girl dreaming of walking down the aisle in it." Despite her wishes to wear the family heirloom on her big day, she said things went south at a dinner at her sister-in-law’s (SIL) house when she "tapped her spoon against the glass and said that she had to make a toast." "She then said she would be right back before going into another room and returning with a large plastic bag," the bride continues. "Everyone seemed to be excited but I just felt confused." As she "awkwardly smiled", her SIL opened the bag to reveal her wedding dress from her wedding two years earlier as her in-laws began clapping, as her future sister-in-law announced she wanted the bride to wear her dress at her upcoming nuptials. "I tried to smile but I guess I didn't do a good job of hiding my disappointment and everyone began asking me what was wrong," the bride-to-be continues, adding that she tried to explain that she wanted to wear her mother's wedding dress. At this point, her SIL began to cry and her in-laws began berating her, causing the bride to burst into tears and run outside. "My fiancé didn't even come after me and after crying my eyes out on the steps for what felt like hours, he finally came outside and yelled at me to get into the car," she says. Confused, she got into the car only for her fiancé to berate her for making "such a big scene" leaving him feeling "embarrassed in front of his family." "He sounds so mad and he even said he couldn't believe he chose to marry such a 'bitchy c--t' (his exact words)." The woman tried to explain how important it was to her to wear her mother's dress and that she had already promised her mother she would be wearing it on her big day. "I felt like my fiancé's family planned this and put me on the spot thinking I wouldn't stand up for myself and just agree to wear SIL's dress," she continues. "I don't think I did anything wrong but a part of me thinks I should have just gone along with it and then told SIL in private that I wouldn't be wearing the dress." Hundreds of people were quick to comment on her post, suggesting that she “run” not only from her in-laws, but from her partner as well. "Ma'am you need to leave that whole family behind including your fiancé," one said. "You just had a peek into your future if you carry on with this relationship." "Don't you dare marry that man!!!" another said. "The problem doesn't exist as the wedding shouldn't be happening anymore," another added. One Redditor suggested she "be thankful that he is showing you who he really is before you marry him." "You have just had a glimpse of what your future is going to look like if you go through with your wedding." Image credits: Shutterstock

Family & Pets

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Family & Pets

Robbie Williams and wife share heartbreaking family update

"Ding dong, the witch is dead": Daughter's scathing obituary for late mother

Popular names Generation Alpha believe are “for old people”

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

Family divided over unique baby name choice

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

Sam Neill moved to tears by simple question

New mum admits she hates her baby’s name

"My daughter was right": Gracious grandma praised for humble act

Readers response: What is the best piece of advice you've passed down to your children?

Gold medallist breaks down in tears over her late father's note

Heartache for Harry and William after the death of their uncle

92-year-old grandma steals hearts in Paris

"My days are numbered": Rod Stewart reveals candid thoughts on death

Prince Harry finally speaks out on "rift" with royal family

Prince George looks all grown up in new birthday portrait

Royal family celebrates Queen Camilla's 77th birthday

BBC star's heartbreaking plea after wife and daughters were killed

Shannen Doherty's mother breaks silence

“Don’t marry him”: Bride-to-be shares wild altercation with her future in-laws over her wedding dress

News

Shop

Catalogues

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Entertainment

Property

Information

Keep up to date

Family & Pets

Robbie Williams and wife share heartbreaking family update

"Ding dong, the witch is dead": Daughter's scathing obituary for late mother

Popular names Generation Alpha believe are “for old people”

"My heart is broken": Mariah Carey reveals sad double tragedy

Family divided over unique baby name choice

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

Sam Neill moved to tears by simple question

New mum admits she hates her baby’s name

"My daughter was right": Gracious grandma praised for humble act

Readers response: What is the best piece of advice you've passed down to your children?

Gold medallist breaks down in tears over her late father's note

Heartache for Harry and William after the death of their uncle

92-year-old grandma steals hearts in Paris

"My days are numbered": Rod Stewart reveals candid thoughts on death

Prince Harry finally speaks out on "rift" with royal family

Prince George looks all grown up in new birthday portrait

Royal family celebrates Queen Camilla's 77th birthday

BBC star's heartbreaking plea after wife and daughters were killed

Shannen Doherty's mother breaks silence

“Don’t marry him”: Bride-to-be shares wild altercation with her future in-laws over her wedding dress

Join Over60