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Elmo's chat about grief with famous actor goes viral

<p>A heart-warming conversation between actor Andrew Garfield and Elmo has gone viral for their candid conversation about grief. </p> <p>While on a press tour to promote his new film <em>We Live in Time</em>, the English actor stopped by Sesame Street for a chat about his mourning journey after his mother died from pancreatic cancer in 2019. </p> <p>Sitting on a stoop beside Elmo, Garfield began the vulnerable conversation, that has been praised for being so open about the taboo of grief and death. </p> <p>“Elmo’s going around Sesame Street checking in on everybody,” Elmo told a smiling Garfield. “So, Elmo wants to know how Andrew’s doing?”</p> <p>With some encouragement from the Muppet, Garfield revealed that he’s been thinking about his mother, as he said, “She passed away not too long ago, and you know, I just miss her. Miss her a lot.”</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EVlXbiP4x2E?si=fFYYt5DJDiGAawXJ" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>After Elmo responded apologetically, Garfield reassured Elmo that there’s no need to say sorry, and that “it’s actually kind of OK to miss somebody,” even if it invokes feelings of sadness.</p> <p>“That sadness is kind of a gift. It’s kind of a lovely thing to feel, in a way, because it means you really loved somebody when you miss them,” Garfield said, adding: “When I miss my mum, I remember all of the cuddles I used to get from her, all of the hugs I used to get from her.”</p> <p>Garfield finished his thoughts by saying that he can miss and celebrate his mother at the same time, as Elmo thanked Garfield for sharing his emotions, saying, “You know what, Elmo is gonna think about and celebrate your mommy, too.”</p> <p>The video quickly racked up millions of views and comments, with many saying how Andrew's thoughts were so poignant, and that they resonated with their own personal stories of grief.</p> <p>Many people called it a "touching conversation" that was "absolutely beautiful", while another person added, "I didn't expect a talk with Elmo to get this deep."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Sesame Street - YouTube</em></p>

Mind

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Distressing twist in sudden death of former MAFS groom

<p>Just days after the shocking death of former <em>Married At First Sight NZ</em> contestant Andrew Jury, shocking new details have emerged about his final weeks before his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/married-at-first-sight-groom-dies-at-just-33" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passing</a>. </p> <p>The 33-year-old Auckland-based builder passed away in recent weeks, as his untimely death was announced by two of his former <em>MAFS</em> contestants on Sunday.</p> <p>Now, Jury's father Roy confirmed to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-nz-groom-andrew-jury-dies/47OQFBCORZHARPILFOEA65N7SE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>New Zealand Herald</em></a> that his son was on remand in Mt Eden Corrections Facility prison at the time of his death. </p> <p>Andrew had been just hours from a scheduled court appearance, where he was facing charges that included “assault with intent to injure, wilful damage and possession of an offensive weapon.”</p> <p>His father also told the publication that he’d been worried about his son’s mental state ahead of his court hearing, adding that his family were “bewildered” and “deeply saddened” by the tragic turn of events.</p> <p>Roy said that his son had been arrested on April 2nd and had told his relatives he was “struggling” in prison.</p> <p>“It should have been a red flag when Andy stopped communicating with family and friends,” he told the outlet.</p> <p>Andrew's death was announced by former <em>MAFS NZ</em> stars Brett and Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell who wrote a joint statement to the <em>New Zealand Herald</em> to break the news of his passing. </p> <p>“It’s with the heaviest hearts we’ve come together to acknowledge the passing of Andrew Jury,” they said. “We had the absolute pleasure of filming and participating in a show which leaves us intricately linked for a lifetime."</p> <p>“Despite his struggles, Andrew was always friendly and the life of the party during our shared experience, and he really valued his time on the show."</p> <p>“At this time, our entire cast wishes to send our deepest condolences and love to his family.”</p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem;"><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Legal

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Married at First Sight groom dies at just 33

<p>Former <em>Married At First Sight NZ</em> contestant Andrew Jury has died at the age of 33. </p> <p>The Auckland-based builder passed away in recent weeks, as his untimely death was announced by two of his former <em>MAFS</em> contestants. </p> <p>“It’s with the heaviest hearts we’ve come together to acknowledge the passing of Andrew Jury,” former <em>MAFS NZ</em> stars Brett and Angel Renall, and Benjamin Blackwell wrote in a joint statement, according to the <em><a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-nz-groom-andrew-jury-dies/47OQFBCORZHARPILFOEA65N7SE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Zealand Herald</a>.</em></p> <p>“We had the absolute pleasure of filming and participating in a show which leaves us intricately linked for a lifetime."</p> <p>“Despite his struggles, Andrew was always friendly and the life of the party during our shared experience, and he really valued his time on the show."</p> <p>“At this time, our entire cast wishes to send our deepest condolences and love to his family.”</p> <p>On Sunday, Warner Bros Discovery, broadcaster of <em>MAFS NZ</em>, released a statement about the death.</p> <p>“WBD takes duty of care extremely seriously and has protocols in place regarding the wellbeing of cast and crew,” a spokesperson of the company said.</p> <p>"All <em>MAFS NZ</em> contributors have access to mental health professionals throughout the process, including pre-screening, during production and after broadcast."</p> <p>Jury appeared on the first season of <em>Married At First Sight NZ</em>, which aired in 2017. </p> <p>During his time on the show, he was matched with Vicky Gleeson-Stokes, but the pair were not a perfect fit and did not make it to final vows.</p> <p>Following his appearance on the show, Jury was heavily critical of the TV programme and urged others not to audition. </p> <p>The final straw for the builder, who was 26 at the time, was when local sex worker Lisa Lewis announced she had been short-listed to appear in the season after Jury’s.</p> <p>“It’s unethical how they’re going about these things,” he told the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/married-at-first-sight-star-andrew-jury-bags-show-and-warns-other-kiwis-from-applying-after-lisa-lewis-announcement/QULDBF6S4SHDOEOBUSZIPY3FXU/#:~:text=%22It's%20unethical%20how%20they're,%22experts%22%20to%20match%20couples." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>New Zealand Herald</em> </a>at the time. “You can’t get an escort on this show. You can’t do that to a guy.”</p> <p>The former contestant said he and his fellow participants were hopeful in finding love when going on the show, but he believed it was all a stitch-up from day one.</p> <p>“They [the contestants] are the most amazing people on the show, they put their hearts on the line and they all got burned,” he continued.</p> <p>“I make great TV, but my wife and me were not matched in the slightest. She’s a princess, I’m a bogan. How can they say it’s a legit process when you get the complete opposite of what you want?”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Harry Potter star's delightful baby name has fans enthralled

<p>Bonnie Wright, renowned for her role as Ginny Weasley in the 'Harry Potter' film series, has welcomed a baby boy with husband Andrew Lococo. The 32-year-old British actress joyfully shared the wonderful news with her fans via Instagram, expressing the overwhelming love she and Andrew feel for their newborn son.</p> <p>Elio Ocean Wright Lococo, the couple's pride and joy, made his entrance into the world at home on Tuesday, September 19th. Bonnie marked the occasion by posting an endearing picture of their newborn, along with the heartwarming caption:</p> <p>"Say hello to Elio Ocean Wright Lococo," wrote the proud new mum. "Born at home on Tuesday 19th September. We’re all healthy and happy. Andrew and I are so in love with our sun 🌞!</p> <p>"So grateful for our birth team that have held our hands throughout and made the journey so joyous and expanding. Birth is the wildest experience! Our perfect and loving midwives Tiffany and Taylor @dosmidwifery our wise and wonderful doula Patti @umamother our doctor Phabby if we had needed to transfer @phabulouscare 🕊️</p> <p>"During these healing postpartum days we’ve been visited by some angels thank you @meaghan_snider_ @motherbees and @themilkywaymamas 🕊️ and thank you @ccmeyer for your incredibly informative course I took in the early weeks of pregnancy. Birth workers are amazing 🕊️ !</p> <p>"Lastly thanks to Andrew my rock throughout birth quite literally as I squeezed onto you so tight and you never wavered. Elio has the most tender loving papa. Ok hormonal emotional extra long caption over!"</p> <p>Prior to welcoming their bundle of joy, Bonnie and Andrew took some time to relax and enjoy a babymoon in Laguna Beach, California. Bonnie cherished these moments, captioning one of her posts, "Our last quiet holiday as just two".</p> <p>Throughout her pregnancy, Bonnie proudly displayed her growing baby bump in various photos, captioning one of them, "A summer of growth".</p> <p>Bonnie Wright and Andrew Lococo exchanged vows in a heartwarming ceremony in March of the previous year. Reflecting on their special day, Bonnie shared her happiness with a caption beneath a picture of their wedding rings, writing, "Yesterday was the best day of my life 💙, Thanks to my husband!!"</p> <p>Many well-wishes poured in, including a heartfelt message from Tom Felton, known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter's rival at Hogwarts. The 34-year-old actor wrote, "Congratulations B x."</p> <p>Bonnie Wright's journey in the world of entertainment began at the age of 11 when she made her on-screen debut in the first Harry Potter film, <em>Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone</em>, released in 2001.</p> <p>In recent years, Bonnie has garnered recognition for her passionate environmental activism – a definite nod to the "Ocean" element of her newborn's name. She now resides in San Diego, having moved there in February 2020 to be with her now-husband, Andrew Lococo.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Prince Andrew “terrified” to leave Royal Lodge amid eviction rumours

<p dir="ltr">Prince Andrew is refusing to exit his royal residence as renovations are carried out on the Windsor property, despite advice to the contrary.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Daily Mail</em>, the 63-year-old is putting his foot down over fears that he “might never get back in”, likely in response to circulating rumours that his brother - King Charles - wants to evict Andrew from the home as part of his grand plan to scale back the monarchy. </p> <p dir="ltr">While Andrew no longer holds any official royal duty after his involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, he still maintains his claim on the mansion with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson.</p> <p dir="ltr">And now, that same property is set to become “virtually a building site”, with Andrew having hired builders to undertake necessary repair work on the property, tackling everything from damp to mould. </p> <p dir="ltr">As a source told <em>Page Six</em>, Andrew was reportedly advised to vacate “while work was undertaken” over the course of a few months, “but he’s refused because he’s so terrified that the property might be seized in his absence.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the meantime, Harry and Meghan vacated Frogmore after being told they needed to leave to make way for Andrew but he is refusing to go there, even though he was given the keys.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s allowing Eugenie to stay there. She’s just given birth to her second child so while she recovers and gets back on her feet, she’s staying in Frogmore to be near her mum and dad.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And while some believe the temporary move would make sense for Andrew, his fears remain at the forefront. </p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s become farcical,' an insider told <em>The Daily Mail</em>.  “Andrew has roof repairs scheduled later this summer which will take several months to complete and has been advised that staying in the house during those renovations could prove problematic. But he is reluctant to leave.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Buckingham Palace has yet to comment on the rumours, but another source is adamant that the Duke of York will remain in the property, <a href="post.php?post=134779&amp;action=edit&amp;classic-editor">regardless of alleged drama and financial woes</a>. </p> <p dir="ltr">As <em>Page Six</em> noted, Andrew has been making the most of money left to him by the late Queen Elizabeth to fix up the house, with one source explaining that “he’s been quite open about where the money has come from because he doesn’t want people to think he’s come up with it through other means.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The costs are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands of pounds.”</p> <p dir="ltr">And, as they surmised, Andrew “is adamant that he will see out the end of his [75-year] lease at Royal Lodge.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Real Estate

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Camilla's unexpected coronation guest

<p>As the royal family prepares for the highly-anticipated coronation of King Charles, an unexpected guest has been revealed to be attending. </p> <p>Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, will be present for the coronation in Westminster Abbey in May, as he remains “joined at the hip” with his ex-wife.</p> <p>Andrew and Camilla were married for 22 years before they divorced in 1995. </p> <p>Andrew went on to marry Rosemary Pitman the following year, who died from breast cancer in 2010, while Camilla married the then-Prince of Wales in 2005. </p> <p>Ever since their divorce, the couple have remained close. </p> <p>A friend of Parker Bowles told <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/camillas-naughty-ex-andrew-parker-bowles-is-coming-to-the-coronation-blwlqc9dv" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sunday Times</em></a>, “He arranges so much for her. They have lunch together the whole time. He’s right in there. He was always, and still is, Camilla’s co-conspirator.”</p> <p>One of Camilla’s Queen Companions, the Marchioness of Lansdowne said everyone “loves Andrew” and that he’s a “real charmer but he’s always terribly misbehaving”.</p> <p>She added, “Through adversity they’ve kept a really good family ethic. It helps with their children and grandchildren.”</p> <p>Parker Bowles was unfaithful to Camilla during their marriage, and their friends describe the retired army officer as “a bit of a rogue” and “very naughty”.</p> <p>He remains close, however, with several members of the royal family, including Princess Anne with whom he had a brief romance.</p> <p>Parker Bowles has attended both of Charles’ weddings, including to Princess Diana in July 1981 when he accompanied the then-Prince and Princess of Wales’s carriages on horseback after the ceremony.</p> <p>Parker Bowles was also present at Charles and Camilla’s wedding in 2005, attending the ceremony with Pitman.</p> <p>Camilla and Andrew have two children together, Tom Parker Bowles, who is King Charles' godson, and Laura Lopes, who have given the former couple five grandchildren. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Relationships

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"Totally bereft": Andrew Lloyd Webber's tragic family news

<p>Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared the devastating news that his eldest son has died. </p> <p>The legendary composer said he was "shattered" to confirm the news that his son Nicholas, 43, had passed away after a battle with gastric cancer. </p> <p>The 75-year-old Oscar-winning composer shared the news on Twitter on Saturday, writing, "I am shattered to have to announce that my beloved elder son Nick died a few hours ago in Basingstoke Hospital."</p> <p>"His whole family is gathered together and we are all totally bereft. - ALW".</p> <p>The heart-breaking news comes just weeks after it was revealed that Nicholas, who was also a composer, has been moved into <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/we-are-all-praying-andrew-lloyd-webber-s-family-heartbreak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">hospice care</a> due to a bout of pneumonia. </p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">In a statement to <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">People </em>magazine, Andrew gave the update that “as my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">“I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> Bad Cinderella </em>and, as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday."</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 1rem; caret-color: #212529; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji';">"We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner," Webber continued. "He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family."</p> <p>Stars from the world of musical theatre, politicians, celebrities and close family friends paid tribute to Nicholas as the sad news emerged.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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“We are all praying”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s family heartbreak

<p>Andrew Lloyd Webber has shared the devastating news that his eldest son, Nicholas, is “critically” ill with gastric cancer. </p> <p>The composer, known around the world for his award-winning musicals, revealed that he and his family are “absolutely devastated” about the 43-year-old Nicholas’ diagnosis, and brave 18 month fight.</p> <p>In a statement to <em>People</em>, Andrew gave the update that “as my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised.</p> <p>“I, therefore, have not been able to attend the recent previews of<em> Bad Cinderella </em>and, as things stand, I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on opening night this Thursday.</p> <p>"We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner," Webber continued. "He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, but at the moment my place is with him and the family."</p> <p><em>Bad Cinderella </em>is Andrew’s latest Broadway creation - the 21st to his name - and is loosely adapted from the classic Cinderella story, with the titular character seeking to "create her own happily ever after.” </p> <p>It is set to open in March, and prior to the devastating news about Nicholas, he was to attend its associated press events. It’s also Andrew’s first production since<em> School of Rock</em> closed in 2019. </p> <p>Like his father, Nicholas Lloyd Webber - who is the son of Andrew and his first first, Sarah Hugill - has made a name for himself in the composing world. </p> <p>He scored BBC One’s <em>Love, Lies and Records</em>, the 2021 film <em>The Last Bus</em>, and the original cast recording album for <em>Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella</em> - from which he received his first ever Grammy nomination.</p> <p>Nicholas’ first production came in 2011, when his musical adaptation of <em>The Little Prince</em> was performed. In light of the milestone event, Nicholas admitted that he was “very nervous”, as he knew there would be attention on him as the son of Andrew. </p> <p>“But I’d like to think that the show will be judged on its own merits,” he continued, “that’s all anyone can ask for.”</p> <p>And in 2011, he told <em>The Times </em>that he’d actually opted to drop the Lloyd part of his name for a while, just to see how attitudes toward himself and his work would shift. </p> <p>“I got some stuff on the radio,” he said, “so I thought ‘okay, I’m obviously not a complete idiot’.”</p> <p>From there, he came to realise that if people were happy to work with him regardless of his surname, then “maybe I should just get on with it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Musical mastermind pens King Charles’ coronation anthem

<p>Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber has been revealed as the creative driving force behind King Charles III’s coronation anthem. </p> <p>Webber’s work is one of 12 commissioned, and personally selected by Charles, for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on the 6th of May. The piece includes words adapted from Psalm 98, and is scored specifically for the abbey’s choir and organ to encourage “joyful noise”.</p> <p>"I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for The Coronation," Webber said in a statement from Buckingham Palace. "I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion."</p> <p>The coronation’s program is set to include older music and newer compositions in a bid to reflect Britain in 2023 by merging the traditional and the modern.</p> <p>"The decision to combine old and new reflects the cultural breadth of the age in which we live,'' said organist and master of choristers at Westminster Abbey Andrew Nethsingha. </p> <p>"Coronations have taken place in Westminster Abbey since 1066,” he added, “it has been a privilege to collaborate with his majesty in choosing fine musicians and accessible, communicative music for this great occasion."</p> <p>The ceremony will also include pieces by English composers William Byrd, Edward Elgar, Henry Walford Davies, William Walton, Hubert Parry, and Ralph Vaughan Williams, as well as German-British composer George Frideric Handel and contemporary Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. </p> <p>The musical talents of Sarah Class, Nigel Hess, Roxanna Panufnik, Shirley J Thompson, Judith Weir, Roderick Williams, Debbie Wiseman, Tarik O'Regan, and Paul Mealor will also be featured. </p> <p>Altogether, 12 pieces were commissioned and created for the event - six orchestral, five choral, and one organ. Additionally, it is said the coronation will include personal touches, one of such a musical tribute to Charles’ father, Prince Philip. </p> <p>Philip was born a prince of both Greece and Denmark, and was in the line of succession for both thrones. As such, King Charles III requested Greek Orthodox music be played, to be performed by the Byzantine Chant Ensemble. </p> <p>While many specifics are still unknown, many have no doubt that the 18th century hymn <em>Zadok the Priest </em>will feature. After all, it has been played at every coronation since 1727, when it was commissioned for King George. </p> <p>As Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “a range of musical styles and performers blend tradition, heritage and ceremony with new musical voices of today, reflecting The King's lifelong love and support of music and the arts.”</p> <p>And for those eager to hear even more of the music surrounding the event, a concert is set to be held at Windsor Castle the following night on May 7, with many international headlining acts rumoured to play. </p> <p><em>Images: Getty </em></p>

Music

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Prince Andrew’s eviction fears

<p>Prince Andrew is facing eviction from his £30 million (~$53m) Windsor home, according to reports. The controversial royal figure is allegedly “distraught” over the news that a cut to his yearly earnings is on the horizon. </p> <p>It is expected that Andrew will have his allowance of 249,000 (~$440,000) cut in April, the same allowance that he has been “dependent” on since he took a step back from his royal duties in 2019 in the wake of sexual assault allegations against him. </p> <p>Andrew has reportedly informed his friends that he will be unable to maintain his home, Royal Lodge, without the money from his brother, and will be forced to leave the property by September. Reports claim that the 30-room mansion is in need of extensive work.</p> <p>Despite the cutbacks, Andrew will not be left penniless, as he will maintain his Navy pension. </p> <p>The Duke of York currently resides at the property with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. It has served at the official country residence of the 63-year-old since 2004, and was previously the Windsor residence of Queen Elizabeth II’s mother. </p> <p>Andrew’s yearly allowance, paid out from his mother’s private estate, has allowed for the upkeep of Royal Lodge. However, King Charles III is now in control of those payments, and with his goals for the British monarchy, his sights have been set on Andrew. </p> <p>Over the Christmas period, it is alleged that a senior royal made the joke that “we will kick Andrew out of the house.”</p> <p>The jest is likely to have fallen flat with the royal, as a source informed <em>The Sun</em>, “Andrew and Sarah are distraught they have been given such short notice.</p> <p>“The Queen died only a few months ago. He’s not being explicitly kicked out but it’s expected that he won’t be able to afford the maintenance - Royal Lodge has a swimming pool, 98 acres of land, and is already in need of some repair.”</p> <p>The source went on to explain that Charles’ decision was about telling Andrew “he can use his own money to pay for things” and how the same went for other members of the royal family, such as Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. </p> <p>“And while there is leniency with working members of the family, who have offices funded by the Sovereign Grant,” they added, “there have been other examples.”</p> <p>It was mentioned that Charles “doesn’t feel he should pay for the upkeep of ponies to pull the carriage” in reference to Charles’ aim to slim down the British monarchy, and the review into how their money is being spent. </p> <p>“He knows the public won’t want to see money wasted,” the source surmised. “Particularly in the current climate.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

News

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Kate Walsh shares how she met the Australian love of her life

<p>Kate Walsh has revealed how she first crossed paths with her Australian fiancé, Andrew Nixon. </p> <p>On an episode of Kelly Clarkson’s talk show, the American actress -  best known for her role as Addison Montgomery on <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> - confirmed the rumour that the two had met on a journey to Antarctica. </p> <p>“We were on a ship to the Antarctic,” she told Kelly when the singer expressed her disbelief, “and that's how I met him.”</p> <p>The trip took place in early 2020, and Kate explained how she had wanted to see Antarctica in the wake of the planet’s climate crisis, having already visited the Arctic. </p> <p>Kate shared some of the highlights from her trip, featuring everything from the animals to the scenery - including, of course, love at first sight. </p> <p>"It was incredible,” she said, “it was an incredible trip and then bonus, you know, found the love of my life. Saw the penguins, check. Ice, check. Whales, check. Man, check.”</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/B8eg95UnsAY/?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/B8eg95UnsAY/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kate Walsh (@katewalsh)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple got engaged in 2022, with the 54-year-old actress revealing the news during an Instagram Live in October. Andrew Nixon, a Western Australian farmer and Kate’s fiancé, made an appearance in the video. </p> <p>Speaking with Kelly, Kate opened up about living in Australia, and how driving on the left side of the road has proven to be quite the change for the actress, admitting that it’s often as though “some old operating system clicks in”.</p> <p>Kate initially moved to Australia a month after the Antarctica trip. She was visiting friends and exploring the Margaret River when COVID-19 cases broke out across the country, and she made the decision to buy a property when lockdowns were enforced.</p> <p>"I got a little place up here in Perth and that's where I am," Kate told 9Honey Celebrity at the time,  "and I have to say, I love it. I really love Perth.”</p> <p>Kate and Andrew now live together in Perth, and made their red carpet debut as a couple in December for season 3 of Kate’s hit Netflix show <em>Emily in Paris</em>. </p> <p>Andrew posted a photo from the event, of the two of them smiling and matching in grey outfits. Fans were delighted to see the pair so happy together, with Kate commenting, “we cute.” </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/CmCDkkdLcp2/?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/CmCDkkdLcp2/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Andrew Nixon (@andynix1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Despite Andrew’s post, and the occasional appearance in Kate’s Instagram Lives, the farmer of over 30 years is primarily kept private when it comes to what Kate shares with her audience. </p> <p>Whatever their reasons, the couple appear to be happier than even. No wedding date has been announced, but supporters are eager for news, and thrilled for this exciting new chapter in their lives. </p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images, Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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How Prince Andrew and Prince Harry have thrown coronation plans into "chaos"

<p>With King Charles' coronation looming closer, royal experts have claimed that the celebratory weekend will be overshadowed by controversial royals Prince Harry and Prince Andrew. </p> <p>Buckingham Palace recently released <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/new-details-announced-for-king-charles-coronation-weekend" target="_blank" rel="noopener">more information</a> on the slew of events that will take place over the coronation weekend in May, with a range of ceremonial, celebratory and community happenings to commemorate the new reigning sovereign.</p> <p>However, the plans for the grand weekend seem to already have been thrown into "chaos" by the revelation the Duke of York has amassed a £10 million ($A17.6 million) war chest to launch a case against sex abuse victim Virginia Giuffre.</p> <p>Plus, Prince Harry’s memoir, which quickly became the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time, is still making headlines all over the world.</p> <p>Royal expert Angela Levin thinks the coronation plans will “absolutely” be thrown into chaos as a result, questioning whether the royal outcasts will even attend. </p> <p>She told <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/21135717/kings-coronation-plans-chaos-prince-andrew-harry-meghan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun Online,</a> “I don’t even know if he and Harry are going together.” </p> <p>The Sun revealed on Saturday that Prince Andrew is making a bid to overturn the multimillion-dollar settlement with his sex accuser after her abuse case against a high-profile US lawyer crumbled.</p> <p>Angela said, “Andrew is out of control – who’s guiding him on this?”</p> <p>She said it seemed to be more than a coincidence that the Duke’s plans came to light less than two weeks after the release of <em>Spare</em>, saying “It seems very odd."</p> <p>“I’ve got no evidence. But the people who feel full of resentment could be going up against King Charles."</p> <p>“The nastiness is just beyond imagination really.”</p> <p>After Prince Harry's string of revelations in Spare, it has been speculated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will not attend the coronation, with no confirmation yet on whether they plan to face the royal family for the joyous occasion. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Family & Pets

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Prince Andrew to appeal loss of another royal perk

<p dir="ltr">Prince Andrew has lost another costly royal perk in the wake of his various controversies, but his appeal against it may spark ire among Brits struggling with a cost-of-living crisis.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former royal has been told he will no longer be granted taxpayer-funded armed guards from next month, nearly a year after he was stripped of his titles and duties after his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein was publicised.</p> <p dir="ltr">Unlike titles and duties, security for the royal family is determined by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, including the Home Office, Metropolitan Police and palace officials.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to <em>The Sun</em>, insider sources said Andrew has written to the Home Office and Met Police over losing his security detail.</p> <p dir="ltr">''He is going to write to the Home Office and the Met Police to complain about losing his taxpayer-funded security,'' the source told the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">Currently, Andrew is escorted by police guards whenever he leaves the grounds of Windsor, with the escort estimated to cost taxpayers up to three million pounds ($NZ 5.8 million) a year.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the UK facing a cost-of-living crisis and skyrocketing bills this winter, there is speculation that Andrew’s complaints may cause more negative reactions towards him.</p> <p dir="ltr">''He doesn't seem to understand that he's in disgrace and people don't want to hear from him anymore - especially him with his begging bowl,” a Labour MP said, as reported by <em>Express UK</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The latest loss comes after the 62-year-old was told to stop using His Royal Highness and his royal military titles in January, with his royal patronages also returned to the late Queen.</p> <p dir="ltr">In the following months, Andrew settled a lawsuit launched against him by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager.</p> <p dir="ltr">With the ultimate decision surrounding his security detail lying with Home Secretary Suella Braverman and given his recent controversies, it seems unlikely that Andrew’s appeal will be a success.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-d10cf40b-7fff-cd55-9619-9ca938bdf68d"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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“I believe Prince Andrew”: Fergie’s ex speaks in bombshell interview

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson’s former partner has made bombshell allegations about Jeffrey Epstein, Prince Andrew and the late Queen, including claims that the convicted sex offender planned to blackmail the monarch.</p> <p dir="ltr">John Bryan, who was in a relationship with Ferguson for four years in the 1990s, made the claims in his first tell-all interview, per <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The US businessman said that Epstein earned some of his wealth by blackmailing others in powerful positions into giving him money in exchange for his silence over their illicit behaviours.</p> <p dir="ltr">“People always ask how Epstein made his money. He was supposed to be this tax wizard. But it was all a con,” Bryan told the <em>Mail on Sunday</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He blackmailed rich men and then made them pay to avoid scandal. He made hundreds of millions of dollars this way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan also claimed he was secretly drafted for crisis talks with Prince Andrew after the royal’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview, including that he was smuggled into the Royal Lodge to advise the royal in the wake of the Epstein scandal and amid claims he had sex with then-teenager Virginia Giuffre.</p> <p dir="ltr">He said the conversation involved probing Andrew about his relationship with Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew’s television interview had been a catastrophe so they needed an honest strategic plan that everyone could buy into,” Bryan recalled.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[Fergie] invited me to come over. She was desperate. She told me that Andrew was in terrible shape.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was distraught. They were distraught.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He claimed that he helped the family come up with a “long term strategy” called “House of Kroy”, a backwards spelling of York.</p> <p dir="ltr">During the interview, Bryan said Epstein’s “ultimate” aim was to blackmail the Queen using the allegations of child sexual abuse and other sexual activities made against Andrew.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Epstein tried to lure Andrew into his web, but I believe his ultimate mark was the Queen,” Bryan said, adding that Epstein’s plan to target the Queen supported his belief that the allegations against Andrew were unfounded.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I believe Andrew is innocent. If he genuinely was involved in ‘orgies’ as has been alleged, then Epstein would have used that to try and bribe the Queen into paying out millions to protect her family,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew has never had any money. The Queen was the one with money.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I truly believe Epstein was going after her but Andrew never gave him the ammunition to do so.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The financial advisor recalled another meeting with the royals, including Andrew, Princess Beatrice, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan claimed Princess Beatrice told Andrew, “you’ve hurt our family”, and that Andrew was “downcast” and yelling: “I don’t care anymore, I don’t care. I am being treated unfairly.”</p> <p dir="ltr">He added that the Duke was in a state he had never seen him in before after the interview.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In the four years I dated Sarah I never once heard him raise his voice or lose his temper,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It showed what strain he was under, how much he cared about the damage this was doing to the Royal Family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Bryan added that he had only seen Andrew with women aged in their mid-20s while he was dating Fergie, and that he believed there was “no hint” of “anything untoward going on”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I truly believe if there was anything untoward going on I would have known about it, Sarah would have known about it,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But there was never a hint of that. I remain and will always remain an outsider, so let me be the first outsider to say that I believe Prince Andrew – and I don’t say it lightly.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-373a09ae-7fff-0a73-c907-818fd09b7e40"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“This outsider has a lot of inside knowledge.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Prince Harry and Prince Andrew’s Remembrance Day wreaths removed

<p dir="ltr">Remembrance Day wreaths laid by Prince Harry and his disgraced uncle Prince Andrew have been removed. </p> <p dir="ltr">The wreaths displayed by the Duke of Sussex and the Duke of York at the Poppy Factory were “got rid of” while the wreaths laid by senior royals over the years remain. </p> <p dir="ltr">The removal is reportedly another way of “removing” the two from the Royal Family, according to UK media. </p> <p dir="ltr">Prince Harry, who fought in Afghanistan, laid a wreath at the last Remembrance commemoration he took part in, in 2019.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Harry used to have his wreath on display in the centre’s old exhibiting area, but it isn’t any more,” a source said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got rid of it – and all the duplicates we kept too.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The Mirror reports that The Poppy Factory and Buckingham Palace declined to comment about what had happened to Harry’s £1,000 wreath.</p> <p dir="ltr">Wreaths from King Charles, the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Anne and Princes William and Edward remain on display. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Camilla’s ex-husband carries out official duty on her behalf

<p dir="ltr">Queen Consort Camilla's ex-husband, whom she shares two kids with, has carried out an official duty on her behalf.</p> <p dir="ltr">Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles formally represented the Queen Consort at his cousin John Bowes-Lyon’s funeral at the London Oratory.</p> <p dir="ltr">This is the first official duty he has performed on behalf of his ex-wife and it is believed that it won’t be the last time the 82-year-old former Army officer would represent the Queen Consort.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Andrew is happy to do anything he is asked. He still enjoys a warm relationship with Camilla,” a source told Daily Mail. </p> <p dir="ltr">Camilla and Andrew married in 1973 before they separated in the 1980s and divorced in 1995.</p> <p dir="ltr">They share two children, Tom and Laura. </p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this year, the Queen Consort spoke candidly about cooking for her children despite not being a great in the kitchen. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I always cooked for the children growing up, and they were good eaters, but I was never the most adventurous of cooks,” she said. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I was sent on a cooking course in Sussex when I was young but, really, I learnt from my mother. I’ve never followed a recipe in my life...</p> <p dir="ltr">“I could fill a book with all my cooking disasters. I’m not a natural baker, to say the least. </p> <p dir="ltr">“As for baked potatoes… many a poor, incinerated specimen has been found in the bottom of the Aga, put in, then forgotten about.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Camilla married King Charles III in 2005 following a whirlwind romance and affairs dating back to when Charles was married to Diana. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Prima donna in pigtails": how Julie Andrews the child star embodied the hopes of post-war Britain

<p>In June, the American Film Institute presented its 48th Life Achievement Award, the highest honour in American cinema, to the beloved stage-and-screen star <a href="https://www.afi.com/laa/julie-andrews/">Julie Andrews</a>. </p> <p>On conferring the award, the AFI praised Andrews as “a legendary actress” who “has enchanted and delighted audiences around the world with her uplifting and inspiring body of work”.</p> <p>As anyone who has seen <em>Mary Poppins</em> (1964) or <em>The Sound of Music</em> (1965) can attest, “uplift” is central to the <a href="https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2002/female-glamour-and-star-power/andrews/">Julie Andrews screen persona</a>. </p> <p>It is a sweetness-and-light image that is easy to lampoon. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZtTQSbl-nw/?hl=en">Andrews herself</a> is alleged to have quipped “sometimes I’m so sweet even I can’t stand it”. But it’s an element of feel-good edification that fuels much of the star’s iconic appeal.</p> <p>The idea of Julie Andrews as a figure of uplift has a long history. </p> <p>Decades before she attained global film stardom in Hollywood, Andrews enjoyed an early career as <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19392397.2022.2109303">a child performer</a>. </p> <p>Billed as “Britain’s youngest singing star”, she performed widely on the postwar concert and variety circuit with forays into radio, gramophone recording and even early television. </p> <p>Possessing a precociously mature soprano voice, Andrews was widely promoted in the era as a <a href="https://paralleljulieverse.tumblr.com/post/63601790519/julies-status-as-a-juvenile-prodigy-possessed">child prodigy</a>. A 1945 BBC talent report filed when the young singer was just nine years old enthused over “this wonderful child discovery” whose “breath control, diction, and range is quite extraordinary for so young a child”.</p> <h2>‘Infant prodigy of trills’</h2> <p>Andrews made her professional West End debut in 1947 where she dazzled audiences with a coloratura performance of the <em>Polonaise from Mignon</em>. Newspapers were ablaze with stories about the “12-year-old singing prodigy with the phenomenal voice”.</p> <p>Reports claimed the pint-sized singer had a vocal range of over four octaves, a fully formed adult larynx and an upper <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whistle_register">whistle register</a> so high dogs would be beckoned whenever she sang. </p> <p>On the back of such stories, Andrews was given a slew of lionising monikers: “prima donna in pigtails”, “infant prodigy of trills”, “the miracle voice” and “Britain’s juvenile coloratura”.</p> <p>While much of it was PR hype, the representation of Andrews as an extraordinary musical prodigy resonated deeply with postwar British audiences. The devastation of the war cast <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436946/">a long shadow</a>, and there was a keen sense a collective social rejuvenation was needed to reestablish national wellbeing. </p> <p>The figure of the child was pivotal to the rhetoric of postwar British reconstruction. From political calls for <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0363199020945746">expanded child welfare</a> to the era’s booming <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/30036327">family-oriented consumerism</a>, images of children saturated the cultural landscape, serving as a lightning rod for both <a href="https://www.iwm.org.uk/history/growing-up-in-the-second-world-war">social anxieties and hopes</a>.</p> <p>In her status as “Britain’s youngest singing star”, Andrews chimed with these postwar discourses of child-oriented renewal. </p> <p>A popular myth even traced her prodigious talent to the very heart of the Blitz. Like a scene from a morale-boosting melodrama, the story claimed the young Andrews was huddled one night with family and friends in a Beckenham air raid shelter. In the middle of a communal singalong, a powerful voice suddenly materialised out of her tiny frame, astonishing all into silent delight.</p> <h2>‘Our Julie’</h2> <p>One of the most pointed alignments of Andrews’ juvenile stardom with a discourse of postwar British nationalism came with her appearance at the <a href="https://www.royalvarietycharity.org/royal-variety-performance/archive/detail/1948-london-palladium-">1948 Royal Command Variety Performance</a>. </p> <p>Appearing just two weeks after her 13th birthday, Andrews was the youngest artist ever to participate in the annual event. It generated considerable media coverage and yet another grand nickname: “command singer in pigtails”. </p> <p>Andrews performed a solo set at the event, and was also charged with leading the national anthem at the close.</p> <p>Ideals of restorative nationalism shaped Andrews’ child stardom in other ways. </p> <p>Much of her early repertoire was markedly British, drawn from the English classical canon and rounded out by traditional folk songs. </p> <p>Press reports emphasised, for all her remarkable talent, “our Julie” was still a typical English girl thoroughly unspoiled by fame. In accompanying images she would appear in idyllic scenarios of classic English childhood: playing with dolls, riding her bicycle, doing her homework.</p> <p>Elsewhere, commentary was rife with speculations about Andrews’ prospects as “the next <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelina_Patti">Adelina Patti</a>” or “future <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lily_Pons">Lily Pons</a>”. The mix of nostalgia and hope helped make the young Andrews a reassuring figure in the anxious landscape of postwar Britain. </p> <h2>All grown up</h2> <p>Little prodigies can’t remain little forever. There lies the troubled rub for many child stars, doomed by biology to lose their principal claim to fame. </p> <p>In Andrews’ case, she was able to make the successful transition to adult stardom – and even greater fame – by moving country and professional register into the American stage and screen musical. </p> <p>Still, the themes of therapeutic uplift that defined her early child stardom would follow Julie Andrews as she graduated to become the world’s favourite singing nanny.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/prima-donna-in-pigtails-how-julie-andrews-the-child-star-embodied-the-hopes-of-post-war-britain-188363" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. </em></p>

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Ghislaine Maxwell opens up about “dear friend” Prince Andrew

<p dir="ltr"><em>Content warning: This article mentions sexual assault and child sexual abuse (CSA).</em></p> <p dir="ltr">Convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell has spoken about her “dear friend” Prince Andrew and made new claims about a piece of evidence used against the former royal.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an exclusive interview from her jail cell, Maxwell told journalist Daphne Barak that she feels “so bad” for the prince.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I follow what is happening to him,” she told Barak.</p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <em>Sun on Sunday</em>, the outlet that published the interview, Maxwell looked “shaken” when told Andrew’s lawyers had claimed the pair were never close.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I accept that this friendship could not survive my conviction,” she said in response. </p> <p dir="ltr">“He is paying such a price for the association. I consider him a dear friend. I care about him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The interview is the first since she was convicted of sex trafficking underage girls for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 2004, for which she was sentenced to 20 years behind bars.</p> <p dir="ltr">It also comes as Andrew’s attempts to salvage his public image continue after he was accused of raping Virginia Giuffre during the period of time when she was a victim of Epstein. Two <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/five-key-details-in-prince-andrew-s-statement-after-settlement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weeks before the case was due to begin</a> in federal court, the prince settled the case with a reported payment of $US 12 million ($NZ 21.5 million).</p> <p dir="ltr">Though Maxwell refused to deny allegations she was in a relationship with Andrew, she now claims that one of the biggest pieces of evidence used against him is fake.</p> <p dir="ltr">The socialite claimed the infamous image of Andrew with his arm around Giuffre, with Maxwell in the background, was forged and that the “original one” has never been produced.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This photo is not real," Maxwell said of the photo reportedly taken at her London home in March 2001.</p> <p dir="ltr">"There was never an original one produced." </p> <p dir="ltr">According to the <em>Sun</em>, Maxwell wouldn’t speak further on Giuffre, telling Barak: “I don’t even want to start talking about Virginia.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Maxwell’s new claims go against what she has previously said about the image, including a 2015 email where Epstein’s lawyer asked her whether it was real to which she replied: “It looks real. I think it is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When Barak questioned her about these claims, Maxwell said she had intended to say she recognised the interiors of her house.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't recognise that picture and I don't believe it is a real picture,” Maxwell said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“... But I have come to discover that image I don’t believe is true. And the original has never been produced because it doesn’t exist. I don’t believe that image is a true image.”</p> <p dir="ltr">When asked to explain her response to Epstein’s lawyer, Maxwell it didn’t occur to her at the time that the image could have been created by someone.</p> <p dir="ltr">"If you see a photograph and it's a photograph of you in your home, and someone says to you, 'is that a picture of you?' So you don't question," she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“[It] would never occur to me … that somebody would have created a photograph or, you know, done something with a picture … I recognised the surroundings of that photograph, nothing more than that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The 60-year-old went on to claim that there were “over 50 problems with the picture” that led her to believe it was fake.</p> <p dir="ltr">When asked about reports she was romantically involved with the prince, Maxwell said she had heard “so many monstrous inaccuracies” about what happened.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I have read and seen and heard and had reported to me so many monstrous inaccuracies that I can't even start to pick apart all of them,” she said, adding that she would be “super-happy” to address them with Barak after her appeal.</p> <p dir="ltr">Maxwell also spoke about the possibility her friendship with Andrew could continue in the future.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don't have an expectation. People who I have been friends with — and very close friends with … I can't think about what they will want to do or not do,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em><strong>If you or someone you know is affected by issues in this article, there is support available. You can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, or Blue Knot on 1300 657 380 for support relating to sexual abuse.</strong></em></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a97000c-7fff-5592-ffbb-45f81c310597"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: US Department of Justice</em></p>

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Hollywood star engaged to Aussie farmer

<p>Hollywood actress Kate Walsh accidentally announced she is engaged to Aussie farmer Andrew Nixon during an Instagram Live video. </p> <p>The 54-year-old <em>Grey's Anatomy</em> actress was chatting with her former <em>Private Practice</em> co-star Amy Brenneman when her partner walked into the frame.</p> <p>“Here comes the jungle cat,” she said. “That is my fiancé.”</p> <p>The farmer smiled and waved at the camera as Brenneman, 58, told him, “She just 100 per cent outed your engagement.”</p> <p>Walsh, whose ring could be seen during the video, then confirmed, “I did. I just outed our engagement.”</p> <p>News of the pair's relationship originally broke in February 2021, with reports they had met on a cruise. </p> <p>The couple have been living together in Perth, with Walsh telling The Daily Telegraph in August 2020 that she got “stuck” away from home during the pandemic.</p> <p>“I didn’t really want to go back to New York in the middle of a pandemic when it was pretty gnarly to say the least,” she said at the time.</p> <p>“I couldn’t go home initially, and now that I can, I don’t really fancy going back,” she continued. “I have my own mother saying, ‘Don’t come home,’ my 86-year-old mum. We are in a very challenging time!”</p> <p>Until now, Walsh's relationship with Nixon has been kept extremely private, as they have both chosen not to post photos of each other on social media. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram </em></p>

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“A pain in the a***”: Security expert reveals why woman posing as Prince Andrew’s fiancée got past security

<p dir="ltr">A woman claiming to be Prince Andrew’s fiancée was able to get past security because staff were too “terrified” to check with the royal according to a specialist detective.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Spanish woman claimed to be Irene Windsor and was due to have dinner with the Duke of York when she arrived at the security gate of the Royal Lodge in Winsdor last April, and was allowed in without her identification checked.</p> <p dir="ltr">Her cab fare was even paid for by security officers, with her cover eventually blown when she entered the building and a suspicious staff member alerted police - but not before she walked around the grounds for up to 40 minutes.</p> <p dir="ltr">Philip Grindell, the founder of VIP security firm Defuse and a former specialist detective with the Met Police, has now claimed that staff were reluctant to check the woman’s story with Prince Andrew because of his reputation.</p> <p dir="ltr">Grindell, who was responsible for planning and running security measures for high-profile events that included those with royals and the military, made the claims while speaking at the International Security Expo in London, describing the royal as an “unpleasant character”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Prince Andrew is a pain in the a*** and if you have ever worked with him, is an unpleasant character and the security were terrified of asking him 'is anyone turning up?'” Grindell said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"And because they did not want to upset him, no one asked and they assumed he must have an appointment and let her in.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The security were terrified of asking him."</p> <p dir="ltr">Paul Page, a former Met Police royal protection officer, separately shared a similar account about working with the controversial royal.</p> <p dir="ltr">"When I heard this it became blatantly obvious that the security involved were in the same position with Prince Andrew as I was 20 years ago, in that they were too frightened to question unidentified female visitors as it would always end in him abusing us for stopping them,” he said at the expo.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a classic example of what we feared would happen one day."</p> <p dir="ltr">At the time, the woman was found with maps of the Royal Lodge and other royal residences, as well as a self-defence key ring with two sharp prongs.</p> <p dir="ltr">She was arrested on suspicion of burglary before being sectioned under the Mental Health Act and eventually released without charge.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-bfff73ff-7fff-7826-a75c-88d6a93cf36c"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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