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Princess Kate's first public appearance since completing chemo

<p>In a heartening display of strength and grace, the Princess of Wales has been seen in public for the first time since completing her chemotherapy.</p> <p>Princess Kate, accompanied by her husband Prince William, was spotted attending church with King Charles III and Queen Camilla near Balmoral, Scotland, on Sunday.</p> <p>The 42-year-old princess, who announced earlier this month that she had <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/kate-middleton-confirms-the-end-of-her-chemotherapy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">finished her cancer treatment</a>, appeared radiant and at ease, her signature smile lighting up as she was photographed in the passenger seat of a car driven by William. The couple was en route to Crathie Kirk Church, a place of personal significance to the royal family, located on their Balmoral estate.</p> <p>Dressed in a stylish brown checked coat and a green brimmed hat adorned with feathers, Kate seemed poised and serene as the car passed. The sight of her back in public after months of treatment brought warmth to royal watchers and well-wishers alike, many of whom have been following her health journey with concern and support.</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/DAOKSf5s40h/?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/DAOKSf5s40h/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Watcher (@the_royal_watcher)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Earlier this month, the mother of three shared a heartfelt video update on her cancer battle, expressing both gratitude and realism about the road ahead. "The path to full recovery will be long," she said, vowing to take it one day at a time. While she plans to resume some public duties, she was firm about the need for balance, explaining that her engagements in the coming months would be limited as she continues her recovery.</p> <p>Among those anticipated engagements are the solemn Remembrance Sunday ceremony in London this November, as well as her much-cherished annual Christmas concert at Westminster Abbey. Both events are deeply meaningful to the princess, and royal supporters are eagerly awaiting her return to these public moments.</p> <p>Despite taking a step back from most duties during her treatment, Kate made two public appearances earlier this year: first at the Trooping the Colour in June, the annual celebration marking the King’s birthday, and later at the Wimbledon men’s final in July, where she received a standing ovation from the crowd, a touching testament to her enduring popularity and the public’s admiration for her resilience.</p> <p><em>Image: The Royal Watcher / Instagram</em></p>

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Kate Middleton makes rare appearance at Wimbledon

<p>Kate Middleton has made a rare public appearance since her cancer diagnosis, arriving at Wimbledon for the men's singles final clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.</p> <p>The Princess of Wales attended the Wimbledon final with daughter Princess Charlotte and sister Pippa Middleton, but without husband Prince William.</p> <p>As the Princess took her place in the royal box, she appeared emotional as a huge cheer rang out, with an impromptu standing ovation taking place across centre court.</p> <p>Princess Kate and Princess Charlotte met with tennis players inside before making their way to centre court to watch the nail-biting match. </p> <p>Following Alcaraz's win over Djokovic, Kate took part in the trophy presentation, heading the Spanish player his winning trophy.  </p> <p>The Wimbledon outing marks Kate's second public appearance in 2024 amid her cancer battle. </p> <p>In June, the princess revealed she was making "good progress" with her treatment but was "not out of the woods yet" in her biggest update on her recovery since announcing her diagnosis in March.</p> <p>She made her royal return at Trooping the Colour last month, appearing alongside her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the celebration in honour of the King's birthday.</p> <p><em>Image credits: John Patrick Fletcher/Action Plus/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

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Princess Kate makes first public appearance since cancer diagnosis

<p>The Princess of Wales has made her first public appearance in almost six months following her cancer diagnosis. </p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Princess Kate</span>, who was last seen in public at a church service on Christmas Day, underwent abdominal surgery in January and has been receiving chemotherapy since late February. </p> <p>The royal took part in Trooping the Colour on Saturday, after taking time away from royal duties, and left Buckingham Palace in a carriage with her children shortly before 11am local time to watch the parade. </p> <p>After the King's Birthday Parade, she appeared at the balcony alongside King Charles, Queen Camilla, Prince William and other members of the royal family. </p> <p>The family waved to the cheering crowd as they watched military aircrafts fly by to mark the monarch's official birthday. </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/C8Pt2DrN61b/?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/C8Pt2DrN61b/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Prince and Princess of Wales (@princeandprincessofwales)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Princess Kate confirmed in a statement on Friday that she would be attending the King's Birthday Parade, as well as a few other public engagements over the summer. </p> <p>However, she also said that her treatment was "ongoing, and will be for a few more months". </p> <p>"On the days I feel well enough, it is a joy to engage with school life, spend personal time on the things that give me energy and positivity, as well as starting to do a little work from home," she wrote in the statement on Friday. </p> <p>"I am learning how to be patient, especially with uncertainty.</p> <p>"Taking each day as it comes, listening to my body, and allowing myself to take this much needed time to heal."</p> <p>King Charles, who is also being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, travelled in a carriage with Queen Camilla this year, instead of on horseback as he did last year. </p> <p>He has also been easing back into public duties, and just last week he attended commemorations for the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe. </p> <p><em>Image: Ray Tang/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

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Christina Applegate's Emmy’s appearance moves audience to tears

<p dir="ltr">Christina Applegate has moved audiences to tears after making a courageous appearance at the Emmy Awards. </p> <p dir="ltr">Applegate announced at the beginning of 2023 that she would be taking a step back from acting after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), with the disease making a drastic impact on her life. </p> <p dir="ltr">Now, the 52-year-old took to the stage, supported by a cane, at the Peacock Theatre in downtown Los Angeles on Monday night, with the crowd rising to their feet in a round of applause. </p> <p dir="ltr">Applegate immediately began to tear up as she leaned on host Anthony Anderson for support, telling the audience, “I’m gonna cry more than I’ve been crying.”</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOJNgHgKnFs?si=Y8K-e2H8gFq1Pr0u" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">Keeping her sense of humour, she said to the sea of celebrity faces, “Thank you so much! Oh my God! You’re totally shaming me (and my) disability by standing up.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Applegate presented the award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, with the award going to Ayo Edebiri for her role in <em>The Bear</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The heartfelt moment of the standing ovation was shared on X, with fans saying, “She deserves that ovation and more.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The iconic actress has been candid about her battle with MS since she was first diagnosed in 2021, keeping her fans updated as her illness progressed. </p> <p dir="ltr">In 2023, Applegate told <em>Vanity Fair</em> that her work on the hit Netflix TV show <em>Dead To Me</em> would be her last as an actor, saying “I can’t even imagine going to set right now.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m probably not going to work on-camera again,” Applegate said at the time, adding that while she loved her cast and crew, working had been a “struggle.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

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Celine Dion's first public appearance in years since cruel diagnosis

<p>Celine Dion, the iconic Canadian singer, has recently made a triumphant return to the public eye after a few years of battling a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome. This inspiring comeback took place as she attended a hockey game in Las Vegas, watching the match between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Montreal Canadiens alongside her sons, René-Charles, and twins, Eddy and Nelson.</p> <p>After the thrilling game, Dion made her way to the locker room, and her visit was captured in images and a reel shared by the Montreal Canadiens, the team she came to support.</p> <p>In the clip, the embattled singer appeared to be in high spirits as she interacted with players and coaches, expressing her delight at meeting them all.</p> <p>The Montreal Canadiens shared their excitement on social media in what was a heartwarming moment for both Dion and her fans – especially getting to witness her enthusiasm and resilience.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CzFTVOwLPUP/?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/reel/CzFTVOwLPUP/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Canadiens de Montréal (@canadiensmtl)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Stiff Person Syndrome is an extremely rare neurological disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, specifically the brain and spinal cord. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, this condition manifests in symptoms such as extreme muscle stiffness, rigidity, and painful spasms in the trunk and limbs, significantly impeding mobility.</p> <p>Dion's battle with Stiff Person Syndrome forced her to postpone some tour dates, as the disorder was affecting her ability to sing the way she was accustomed to. In a video clip shared on social media, she addressed her fans and revealed her determination to overcome the challenges posed by this condition.</p> <p>"I'm working hard with my sports medicine therapist every day to build back my strength and my ability to perform again," she shared. "But I have to admit it's been a struggle." Dion's candour about her struggles and her unwavering commitment to her recovery have earned her even more admiration from her fans.</p> <p>Celine Dion's journey with Stiff Person Syndrome has been a testament to her strength and resilience. She has shown that even in the face of a rare and debilitating condition, she refuses to be defeated. Her determination to regain her ability to perform is a source of inspiration to all who face adversity in their lives.</p> <p>It's worth noting that Celine Dion has faced significant personal challenges in the past, most notably the loss of her husband, René Angélil, in 2016 to throat cancer. Despite these difficulties, she has continued to be a shining star in the world of music. Her return to the public eye, following her battle with Stiff Person Syndrome, is a testament to her enduring spirit and the deep connection she has with her fans.</p> <p>As Celine Dion makes her way back into the spotlight, her fans around the world eagerly await her return to the stage, where her powerful voice and indomitable spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift us all. Her story serves as a reminder that with determination and a strong support system, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Bees have appeared on coins for millennia, hinting at an age-old link between sweetness and value

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adrian-dyer-387798">Adrian Dyer</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p>In 2022, the Royal Australian Mint issued a $2 coin decorated with honeybees. Around 2,400 years earlier, a mint in the kingdom of Macedon had the same idea, creating a silver obol coin with a bee stamped on one side.</p> <p>Over the centuries between these two events, currency demonstrating a symbolic link between honey and money is surprisingly common.</p> <p>In a recent study in <a href="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/assets.mmxgroup.com.au/ACR/Bee+Article.pdf">Australian Coin Review</a>, I trace the bee through numismatic history – and suggest a scientific reason why our brains might naturally draw a connection between the melliferous insects and the abstract idea of value.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=600&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536400/original/file-20230709-15-2u5ywn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=754&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A Royal Australian Mint 2022 two-dollar coin representing 200 years since the introduction of the honeybee to Australia.</span></figcaption></figure> <h2>What is currency and why is it important?</h2> <p>Money is a store of value, and can act as a medium of exchange for goods or services. Currency is a physical manifestation of money, so coins are a durable representation of value.</p> <p>Coins have had central role in many communities to enable efficient trade since ancient times. Their durability makes them important time capsules.</p> <p>Ancient Malta was famous for its honey. The modern 3 Mils coin (<a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1775.html">1972-81</a>) celebrates this history with images of a bee and honeycomb. According to the information card issued with the coin set,</p> <blockquote> <p>A bee and honeycomb are shown on the 3 Mils coin, symbolising the fact that honey was used as currency in Ancient Malta.</p> </blockquote> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=582&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=582&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=582&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=732&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=732&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536403/original/file-20230709-23-drk2lj.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=732&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A circulating 3 Mils coin from Malta showing a honeybee on honeycomb.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>In ancient Greece, bees were used on some of the earliest coins made in Europe. A silver Greek obol coin minted in Macedon between 412 BCE and 350 BCE, now housed in the British Museum, shows a bee on one side of the coin.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=293&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=293&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=293&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=368&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=368&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536411/original/file-20230709-182252-v4evxr.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=368&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">An ancient obol from Macedon, dated between 412 BCE and 350 BCE, shows a bee one side.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>Bees also feature on coins minted elsewhere in the ancient Greek world, such as a bronze coin minted in Ephesus dated between 202 BCE and 133 BCE.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=546&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=546&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=546&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=686&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=686&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536407/original/file-20230709-27-a2jvo3.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=686&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A bronze coin minted in Ephesus, dated between 202BCE and 133BCE, featuring a honeybee.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The use of bees on ancient coins extended for many centuries including widely circulated bronze coins, and new varieties <a href="https://coinweek.com/bee-all-that-you-can-bee-honeybees-on-ancient-coins/">continue to be discovered</a>.</p> <h2>Why we might like bees on coins</h2> <p>Why have bees appeared so often on coins? One approach to this question comes from the field of neuro-aesthetics, which seeks to understand our tastes by understanding the basic brain processes that underpin aesthetic appreciation.</p> <p>From this perspective, it seems likely the sweet taste of honey – which indicates the large amount of sugar it delivers – promotes positive neural activity <a href="https://brill.com/view/journals/artp/10/1/article-p1_2.xml">associated with bees and honey</a>.</p> <p>Indeed, primatologist Jane Goodall once proposed that obtaining high-calorie nutrition from bee honey may have been <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0066185668800032">an important step</a> in the cognitive development of primates.</p> <p>Our brain may thus be pre-adapted to liking bees due to their association with the sweet taste of honey. Early usage of bees on coins may have been a functional illustration of the link between a known value (honey) and a new form of currency: coins as money.</p> <h2>The bee on modern coins</h2> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=588&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=588&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=588&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=738&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=738&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536393/original/file-20230709-17-jywq3f.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=738&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A 1920 Italian bronze ten-centesimi coin featuring featuring an Italian honeybee on a flower.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>The use of bees as a design feature has persisted from ancient to modern times. A honeybee visiting a flower is shown on a series of ten-centesimi bronze coins issued in Italy from <a href="https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces1960.html">1919 to 1937</a>.</p> <p>(As an aside, the world’s last stock of pure Italian honeybees is found in Australia, on Kangaroo Island, which was declared a sanctuary for Ligurian bees by an <a href="https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/home/historical-numbered-as-made-acts/1885/0342-Lingurian-Bees-Act-No-342-of-48-and-49-Vic,-1885.pdf">act of parliament</a> in 1885.)</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=586&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=586&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=586&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=737&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=737&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536416/original/file-20230709-15-60yst8.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=737&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">A coin from Tonga showing 20 honeybees emerging from a hive.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>More recently, a 20-seniti coin from the Pacific nation of Tonga shows 20 honeybees flying out of a hive. This coin was part of a series initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to promote sustainable agricultural and cultural development around the world.</p> <p>Bees are relevant here because their pollinating efforts contribute to about one-third of the food required to feed the world, with a value in excess of <a href="https://zenodo.org/record/2616458">US$200 billion per year</a>, and they are threatened by climate change and other environmental factors.</p> <h2>Bees on coins, today and tomorrow</h2> <p>Public awareness of bees and environmental sustainability may well be factors in the current interest in bee coins. The diversity of countries using bees as a design feature over the entire history of coins suggests people have valued the relationship with bees as essential to our own prosperity for a long time.</p> <p>In Australia, the 2022 honeybee $2 coin is part of a series developed by the <a href="https://www.ramint.gov.au/about-mint">Royal Australian Mint</a>. In 2019, the Perth Mint in Western Australia also released coins and stamps celebrating native bees.</p> <figure class="align-center "><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=373&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=373&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=600&amp;h=373&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=45&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=469&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=30&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=469&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/536405/original/file-20230709-15-iditcb.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&amp;q=15&amp;auto=format&amp;w=754&amp;h=469&amp;fit=crop&amp;dpr=3 2262w" alt="" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Australian native bee coin and stamps released in 2019 by the Perth Mint.</span></figcaption></figure> <p>Despite the decline of cash, bee coins still appear to be going strong. The buzzing companions of human society are likely to be an important subject for coin design for as long as coins continue to be used.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/208912/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adrian-dyer-387798">Adrian Dyer</a>, Associate Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/monash-university-1065">Monash University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Australian Royal Mint / NZ Post Collectables</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/bees-have-appeared-on-coins-for-millennia-hinting-at-an-age-old-link-between-sweetness-and-value-208912">original article</a>.</em></p>

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Kate and Will's stunning appearance at royal wedding

<p dir="ltr">The Prince and Princess of Wales were spotted at the spectacular royal wedding of Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Alseif.</p> <p dir="ltr">The royal couple travelled all the way to Amman, Jordan to attend the wedding ceremony which took place on Thursday.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Jordanian Crown Prince tied the knot in an Islamic marriage ceremony at Zahran Palace, which was followed by a reception at Al Husseiniya Palace hosting over 1,700 guests.</p> <p dir="ltr">Upon arrival Princess Kate was the epitome of grace, as she dipped into a curtsy while greeting the parents of the groom, King Abdullah II and Queen Rania.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple also reportedly had a lengthy chat with the King and Queen of Jordan.</p> <p dir="ltr">Following the ceremony, Prince William and Princess Kate warmly greeted the newlyweds with hugs and kisses on the cheeks.</p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Kate looked stunning in a pink maxi gown with long sleeves which she complimented with a pair of statement earrings and sparkly gold clutch.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince William donned a dark blue suit which he complimented with a white dress shirt and light blue tie.</p> <p dir="ltr">The exclusive line up included Princess Beatrice and her husband, Edoardo, Denmark's Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik, Sweden's Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel, Norway's Crown Prince Haakon, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, among others.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Prince and Princess of Wales have been close friends with Jordan's royal family for a while. In 2018, during his official visit to Jordan, Prince William spent time with Crown Prince Hussein, escorted him to the Roman ruins of Jerash and watched soccer together.<em>Images: Royal Hashemite Court Handout / Youtube / Instagram</em></p>

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Appearance, aroma and mouthfeel: all you need to know to give wine tasting a go

<p style="text-align: justify;">So you like drinking wine, but don’t actually know much about it? You want to feel more confident when talking about wine? You would like to know how to choose a “good” wine? You are not alone – but I am here to help.</p> <p>Many of us enjoy drinking wine but do not really understand or appreciate the complexity of this amazing beverage. And many feel nervous about discussing wines, thinking they may say the wrong thing.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Fearnot – there is no right or wrong when appreciating wine, however the more you know and understand, the more you will really treasure and enjoy the experience of wine tasting.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Here are my top tips for giving wine tasting a go.</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">Appearance, aroma and mouthfeel</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">When appreciating wine, all of the senses are employed.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Formal wine judges and critics will appraise the appearance, aroma and taste (or “mouthfeel”) of a wine, and anyone who has heard the pop of a cork from a bottle of sparkling has appreciated the sound.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A wine should be clear: free of any haziness or solids (“natural” wines may have some haziness due to yeast residue).</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">The colour of a wine is also important. A young white wine should be a very pale yellow or “straw” colour, and a young red may have purple notes. Brown tinges of a young wine indicate that the wine may be spoilt – possibly premature ageing due to poor storage.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There are hundreds of aroma compounds which all contribute to the smell of a wine. The term “aroma” refers to the smells originating from the grape, and “bouquet” from the smells resulting from the wine making process.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">A good wine should not be simple – it should have an interesting array of aromas. A wine should not have any undesirable or off odours, as this can also indicate spoilage. The smell of a wine should make you want to have a taste of it!</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">While you are tasting, you can observe how wines range in style from dry (lacking any sugar) to very sweet, still to sparking, and may have varying concentrations of alcohol (ethanol). Pay attention to how acidic the wine is, and notice if the wine has an astringency or bitterness – these are the tannins found particularly in red wines.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Notice the different flavours derived from both the grape and the winemaking process.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">All of these components contribute to the mouthfeel of a wine and should be in “balance”: no one component should over-dominate the others.</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">How to taste</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">There are a number of factors which will improve your wine tasting experience, and three main steps taken when wine tasting.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Make sure you have clean wine glasses which can hold a reasonable volume of wine – at least 100mL with room to swirl! Wine should not be cold or too hot – room temperature is best.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Step 1: look</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Is the wine clear and free from any deposits or solids? Does it have any bronzing? Does it have bubbles when it is not a sparkling style?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Step 2: smell</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Swirl the glass to coat the insides with wine. This helps to release the aroma compounds. Put your nose right into the glass and take a deep sniff. Does it smell good? Free from any off odours? Can you smell fruity and floral aromas that come from the grape? Are there any oak or yeasty aromas from the winemaking process?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Step 3: taste</strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Take a big sip and move it about your mouth. Can you taste grape flavours, acid, warmth, some viscosity or oiliness? You can even suck some air in through your teeth which helps to release aroma compounds in your mouth, which can then travel through your nose to help you taste and smell the wine even better.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Is the wine complex? Does the taste last for a long time in your mouth, or does the wine taste quickly disappear?</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There are also tools such as aroma wheels and tasting guides which may be beneficial to have on hand when tasting wines – these provide suggestions of wine descriptors. It may also be useful to write down your thoughts in a journal.</p> <h2 style="text-align: justify;">And how to appreciate</h2> <p style="text-align: justify;">The best way to really appreciate and enjoy wine is to talk about it. Enjoy wine with others such as a group of friends or a local wine enthusiast group. Taste wines side by side so you can compare the differences.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">There is a wealth of information on wine appreciation available – wine critics give reviews of wines in print and online, and most larger wine retailers will also provide wine reviews. Or get out to wineries and talk to the cellar door staff or winemakers about their wines. It is very useful to talk to other people as this helps you to build up your “wine vocabulary”.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Consider the appearance, aroma and taste and then the overall impression of the wine. Your opinion is your opinion - nobody is right and nobody is wrong. If you want to go back for another taste, or another glass, then you have found the wine for you.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Food & Wine

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Robert Irwin left in tears after birthday video from his dad appears

<p dir="ltr">Robert Irwin has been left in tears after he received a birthday video message from his late father, Steve Irwin.</p> <p dir="ltr">He was just two years old when his father passed away after he was stung by a stingray in 2006 at the age of just 44.</p> <p dir="ltr">Robert recently celebrated his 19th birthday but now a video has resurfaced of the Crocodile Hunter discussing Robert's birth and his hopes that Robert would follow in his footsteps.</p> <p dir="ltr">The birthday boy was surprised with the video in which it showed footage of his birth in 2003.</p> <p dir="ltr">“At that very moment I saw the light,” Steve said, in a voiceover about Robert’s birth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“This is why I was put here,” he said of his children.</p> <p dir="ltr"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYGMAY9eRHo?start=287" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">“Because I could be dead tomorrow.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So I need these blokes to come up as quick as they can, so this little bloke’s (Robert) going to have to catch the crocs with Bindi.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When they’re ready to run up our mission, I will gladly step aside.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Steve then says that it would be the “proudest moment of my life” if his children were to continue his legacy.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video then cuts to show Robert fulfilling his father's dream as he performed shows in the Crocoseum and saving crocodiles in the wild.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Then and only then will I know that I have achieved my ultimate goal and my job will be done. And I guarantee you it will be the proudest moment of my life,” a voiceover of Steve plays at the same time.</p> <p dir="ltr">When the clip ended, Robert shed a few tears and said it was a “privilege” to continue his dad’s legacy in making the world a better place.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It means the absolute world... I just think it's such a privilege, personally and as a family, to continue the legacy of dad,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He gave his life, quite literally, for wildlife conservation and to make the world a better place.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Why Kylie Minogue's Neighbours finale appearance was so brief

<p><em>Neighbours </em>fans everywhere were beaming with excitement when it was announced that Kylie Minogue would reprise her iconic role as Charlene in the highly-anticipated finale episode of the long-running soap. </p> <p>But when Minogue took to the screen with her TV husband Jason Donovan, fans were left less than impressed with her lack of screen time and dialogue. </p> <p>Between the on-screen couple, they had just a handful of lines, with Minogue - arguably <em>Neighbours</em>' most successful export - uttering just five words: “Home, sweet home”, “Jane!” and “Harold!”</p> <p>Their brief return to Ramsay Street was flimsy in comparison to Guy Pearce's storyline, which ended up being a major plot point for the finale episode. </p> <p>Fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment in the finale, with one viewer saying, "Kylie Minogue saying absolutely nothing on the <em>Neighbours </em>finale is genuinely hilarious."</p> <p>Another said, "The <em>Neighbours </em>finale was great and Guy Pearce is an absolute legend for giving it his all. Presumably Kylie was being paid by the word."</p> <p><em>Neighbours</em>’ executive producer Jason Herbison has finally responded to fans’ confusion, <a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/08/neighbours-reveals-why-kylie-jason-had-limited-dialogue-in-finale.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">telling </a><a href="https://tvtonight.com.au/2022/08/neighbours-reveals-why-kylie-jason-had-limited-dialogue-in-finale.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TV Tonight</a> that it all boiled down to timing – and that the pair’s top-secret filming was completed before the rest of the episode.</p> <p>“Our discussions with Jason (Donovan) and Kylie were always about making a small appearance,” he told the website.</p> <div id="indie-campaign-rHsIzpAmAj7xkA4llYlH-2" data-campaign-name="NCA ENTERTAINMENT newsletter" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1640955600000" data-to="1677502800000"></div> <p>“They didn’t want to overshadow the current cast or make the finale about them. We also filmed their scenes before I’d written the episode, so whatever we filmed had to fit in with that. I hate to see Kylie copping any criticism – she was nothing short of amazing on the day.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Marilyn Monroe dress allegedly damaged after Met Gala appearance

<p dir="ltr">After sparking ire among fashion and history experts for <a href="https://oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/marilyn-monroe-dress-designer-weighs-in-on-kim-kardashian-s-met-gala-outfit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic <em>Happy Birthday Mr President</em> gown</a> at the Met Gala, images have emerged suggesting that Kim Kardashian may have damaged the 60-year-old garment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Its current owner, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, has said that the dress was returned undamaged after Kardashian wore it.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5d66cbfb-7fff-8e92-b1f7-6ad8b77775a7">Amanda Joiner, a vice president of licensing and publishing at Ripley’s, told the Daily Beast that “a lot of requirements” were put in place while it was handled.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">And this is why every historical garment archivist and textile expert about had a coronary seeing Kim Kardashian in Marilyn Monroe's dress. <a href="https://t.co/XIs9MOeEiK">https://t.co/XIs9MOeEiK</a></p> <p>— Kathryn #GoBolts⛈️ Brightbill (@KEBrightbill) <a href="https://twitter.com/KEBrightbill/status/1536452582352224262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“The dress was never with Kim alone. It was always with a Ripley’s representative. We always ensured that at any time we felt that the dress was in danger of ripping or we felt uncomfortable about anything, we always had the ability to say we were not going to continue with this,” Joiner said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We did two different fittings with her. The first one was in L.A. in April and then the second one later in April to see whether or not the dress would fit. The biggest challenge that we had is that we really wanted to make sure that we kept the integrity of the dress and the preservation, because it’s 60 years old, and we feel that it’s such an iconic piece of fashion, both from a historical perspective, but also from a pop culture perspective.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-56f5cbf4-7fff-ace1-dfe3-93a69841619e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">However, <em><a href="https://twitter.com/PopCrave/status/1536415873421914112" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pop Culture</a></em> posted side-by-side photos of the gown allegedly from before and after Kardashian wore it, with the ‘after’ image showing signs of stretched fabric around one of the snaps and missing crystals around the back closure.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">the quotes are so damn ignorant, it's not about the actual dress. it's about the meaning. marilyn was used all her life, she hardly had anything that was truly her own. This dress, it was hers. it was designed specifically and ONLY for her. now it's ruined. <a href="https://t.co/4MO4jDHFcR">https://t.co/4MO4jDHFcR</a></p> <p>— ✨ (@shipsandshows) <a href="https://twitter.com/shipsandshows/status/1536425419116883969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Fans were quick to weigh in with their thoughts, blaming Kardashian for the damage and pointing out the importance of conserving historical items.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Kim should’ve never worn that dress to begin with. I mean yes it’s nice to pay homage to Marilyn but she could’ve had a new dress made and replicated. This was a timeless and iconic artefact that’s been ruined,” one person commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Leave it to Kim to destroy a historical piece of art,” another said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Congratulations to the Met Gala for showcasing a real-life example of why a conservation department like the Costume Institute is necessary for historically significant garments,” a third added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Collector Scott Fortner, who also shared images of the dress’ alleged damage online, told <em><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/lending-marilyn-monroe-dress-to-kim-kardashian-was-irresponsible-collector-says-12633589" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sky News</a></em> it was “irresponsible” for the museum to loan the gown to Kardashian.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I think the disappointment that I'm experiencing is Ripley has made multiple statements that they were doing everything that they could to protect and preserve the gown," he told the outlet.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I do feel that it (was) irresponsible, this is not just a dress.</p> <p dir="ltr">"This is a cultural icon. It's a political icon. It's a Hollywood icon.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It's part of American history from an event that happened 60 years ago and…it should have been archived and preserved and taken care of."</p> <p dir="ltr">The gown was made using 6,000 crystals and was hand-sewn by costumier Jean Lewis.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: @lmorrisette (Twitter) / Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Charlie's Angels star stuns with her ageless appearance

<p>Beloved Charlie’s Angels star Jaclyn Smith has stunned fans with her latest jaw-dropping photo at an incredible 76 years of age.</p> <p>She casually posed in jeans and a puffy white blouse as she flaunted her ageless complexion in a pic posted to her Instagram.</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/CXg1pb_PlnA/?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/CXg1pb_PlnA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jaclyn Smith (@realjaclynsmith)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Hundreds of fans immediately took to the comments section to express their shock over Smith’s youthful appearance. This isn’t the first time the mother-of-two has gone viral for her ageless appearance.</p> <p>She uploaded a photo on social media in December, where she was seen embracing her son Gaston Richman. Many followers pointed out how she managed to look younger than the 39-year-old.</p> <p>“I’ll tell you, it was a good photo,” the actress admitted.</p> <p>“Right place, right time. That’s the luck of the draw. Great lighting. I’m with a person that I adore, my son, and it was a going-away party, so my eyes were probably glistening with tears there, sparkling because he’s one of the human beings I worship.”</p> <p>Smith noted that fans still remember her best for playing Kelly Garrett in the hit series, which aired from 1976 until 1981. She has since spoken about her time on Charlie's Angels, sharing fond memories from filming.</p> <p>“Angels in chains, being chained together. Eating lunch together. It was an education and it was eye-opening because each girl was so unique with her own personality and style. And these are my friends today. That bond is what I really remember."</p> <p>“The friendship is what I treasure from that,” she shared.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Shania Twain makes surprise appearance on Coachella stage

<p dir="ltr">At the first Coachella festival since 2019, audiences on the first night of performances were shocked with a surprise performance from a music legend.</p> <p dir="ltr">During Harry Styles’ headlining set at the show, the crowd went wild as the intro to Twain’s iconic girl power anthem <em>Man! I Feel Like a Woman!</em> began to play. </p> <p dir="ltr">To the surprise of the 100,000-strong crowd, the Canadian songstress appeared on the stage, in a matching sequined outfit to mirror Styles. </p> <p dir="ltr">Together the pair performed the 1997 song, with the audience singing and dancing along to every word. </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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcZ6Tu8Dtm8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CcZ6Tu8Dtm8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Harry Styles Updates ♡︎ (@harry_update)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Concluding the song, Styles spoke of his admiration of Twain and how she influenced his music tastes when he was growing up. </p> <p dir="ltr">“In the car with my mother as a child, this lady taught me to sing. She also told me that men are trash,” Styles said when introducing Twain.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To you, to the memories you gave me with my mother, I will be forever grateful. I’m so grateful you’re with us here tonight. This is very special for me.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In a stripped back acoustic number, the pair then sang Shania’s 1997 track <em>You’re Still The One</em>, before Shania left the stage to an overwhelming crowd reaction. </p> <p dir="ltr">The surprise guest appearance has delighted young and old music fans around the world, with many praising Styles’ expression of gratitude to the legendary singer. </p> <p dir="ltr">With Styles set to play another Coachella headlining show in the coming weeks, many are excited at the prospect of another high-profile guest performer on the global stage. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Queen makes emotional appearance at memorial service for Prince Philip

<p>Queen Elizabeth has made her first public appearance in over five months as she attended St. George's Chapel for a memorial service marking one year since Prince Philip's death.</p> <p>Her Majesty was joined by other members of the royal family and other dignitaries for the emotional service in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh. </p> <p>The Queen looked lonely and solemn as she entered the church to pay her respects, as she sat alone to reflect on her life with her husband. </p> <p>Prince Philip, who was by his wife’s side for more than seven decades, passed away at their Windsor Castle home in April 2021, just two months shy of his 100th birthday.</p> <p>Due to strict coronavirus rules, only 30 people were able to be in attendance at the service, meaning the Queen said poignantly alone as her husband of 73 years was lowered into the Royal Vault of St George’s Chapel of the castle.</p> <p>Another memorial service was held at London's Westminster Abbey and was a much larger event, with royals Prince Charles and Camilla, and Prince William, Kate Middleton and their children all in attendance. </p> <p>The event also marked the first public appearance of Prince Andrew since settling his lawsuit over sexual assault allegations, as Andrew accompanied the Queen into the church.</p> <p>“A man of rare ability and distinction, rightly honoured and celebrated, he ever directed our attention away from himself,” David Hoyle, the Dean of Westminster, said of Philip.</p> <p>The Dean went on to say it was a "long life lived fully".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Camilla's first appearance since the Queen's announcement

<p>The Duchess of Cornwall has made her first public appearance since Queen Elizabeth asked that Camilla be called ‘Queen Consort’ after Prince Charles takes the throne.</p><p>The comments were made by Her Majesty on the eve of her Platinum Jubilee and just days later, Camilla resumed her royal duties with a big smile as she worked the crowd.</p><p>The Duchess visited the town of Bath, approximately 185 kilometres west of London, for two special engagements - starting at a primary school, where students welcomed her waving mini Union Jack flags.</p><p>While visiting Roundhill Primary School, Camilla planted a tree for the Queen's Green Caonpy initiative with the 10-year-old "Eco Team".</p><p>The 74-year-old joined a number of classes with pupils of all different ages including a small reading group of 10 and 11-year-olds, as well as a group making fruit smoothies and a 'Language for Life' class for three-year-olds.</p><p>The Duchess was then treated to a short performance of a new song learned for the occasion, called 'We Are Proud of Our School'.</p><p>The five to 11-year-old students performed this in the Main Hall, before the royal unveiled a plaque to commemorate the visit.</p><p>In the afternoon, Camilla visited charity VOICES and met people with lived experience of domestic abuse, to understand how VOICES works with survivors and overcomers of abuse on their journey of recovery.</p><p>The Duchess has long been a champion of women's safety and is Patron of domestic abuse charities.</p><p>After touring the support spaces at The Villa, the royal met two of the centre's counsellors followed by a few long-term clients.</p><p>The Duchess then attended a small reception, where she unveiled another plaque to commemorate the visit.</p><p>On Saturday, Queen Elizabeth made her wishes clear about the future of the monarchy, calling it her "sincere wish" for Camilla to be known as Queen Consort and asked the public to show the couple the same support given to her and Prince Philip over the years.</p><p>"When, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service," the Queen said in a statement from Sandringham House.</p><p>Prince Charles humbly accepted his mother's wishes in a congratulatory message on Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee on Sunday, while simultaneously praising his "darling wife".</p><p>"We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my mother's wish," Prince Charles said in a statement from Clarence House.</p><p>"As we have sought together to serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast support throughout."</p><p>Princes William and Harry are said to have supported the monarch's decision but are yet to speak publicly on it.</p><p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Kate Middleton makes rare appearance with Charles and Camilla

<p dir="ltr">The Duchess of Cambridge has stepped out in <a href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/kate-middleton-prince-charles-camilla-rare-joint-royal-engagement/1feb8a05-2842-44b0-ac85-98ef13aaab43" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a rare public appearance</a> with her father and mother-in-law, with the trio last spotted in public together nearly a decade ago.</p><p dir="ltr">Prince Charles, Camilla, and Kate Middleton appeared for the first time together in March 2012 at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, which was also the first joint engagement for Charles and Camilla in nine years.</p><p dir="ltr">On Thursday, the trio appeared at the Trinity Buoy Wharf, London’s former docklands, to support students taking part in Charles’ Foundation School of Traditional Arts.</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/kate-art.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Kate speaks with a student during a life-drawing class. Image: Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images</em></p><p dir="ltr">They were welcomed by David Armstrong-Jones, the Queen’s nephew and Princess Margaret’s son, who is also the Vice President of the Prince’s Foundation.</p><p dir="ltr">She appeared animated while speaking with students in a pattern-cutting studio, while Camilla praised one student for their skills with a sewing machine.</p><p dir="ltr">“You’re obviously very good at this. I did it so long ago but I’m very bad at it now,” Camilla said, according to UK newspaper <em><a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-wears-recycled-dress-26127293" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a></em>.</p><p dir="ltr">The royals also met with students taking sculpture courses and spoke about working with wax, before joining some newer students in a life drawing class.</p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Chris Jackson - WPA Pool/Getty Images</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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New artwork appears over existing Banksy art

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A mysterious artwork has appeared on the wall of a house in Bristol that once showcased an original Banksy work before it was vandalised. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The original artwork, which shows a girl firing a slingshot of flowers, appeared on Valentine’s Day in 2020 and was subsequently vandalised. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The destruction of the piece prompted the owners of the house to cover up the ruined work, and encase the untouched flower explosion in a glass case to prevent any further damage. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Now, a new tag has appeared on the wall that shows a man in a balaclava attempting to pry away the covering with a crowbar.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7846891/banksy-bristol.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/78080f293fda4bbfa32b94145cb127e7" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The original artwork appeared on Valentine’s Day 2020. Image credits: Getty Images</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite the new work being in Banksy’s signature street art style, the work featured a tag of the word “Pouchy”, leaving locals to wonder if the new work is Banksy’s at all, or the work of a copycat artist.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Banksy has yet to claim the piece online. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the piece was originally vandalised and covered up, Banksy </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">himself released a statement in which he said he was “kind of glad” the artwork was vandalised as he released a series of “better” sketches of it. </span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram @damianjvcunningham</span></em></p>

Art

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Missing tennis star makes public appearance

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Missing Chinese tennis champion Peng Shuai has made her </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/peng-shuai-hold-video-call-speaks-with-olympic-officials-ioc/231011ea-4cf6-4cee-910b-aae84a608433" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">first direct contact</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> with officials outside China in a video call with Olympic officials several weeks after she disappeared from public view.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The three-time Olympian disappeared from public view on November 2 after alleging online that she was sexually assaulted by a former member of China’s ruling Communist Party.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Shuai spoke with officials from the International Olympic Committee from Beijing, and told them that she was safe and well, according to a statement from the organisation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She explained that she is safe and well, living at her home in Beijing, but would like to have her privacy respected at this time,” the statement </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-president-and-ioc-athletes-commission-chair-hold-video-call-with-peng-shuai" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7845785/peng1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/9e6eafe7a6504dabad172c4a2ddd00f0" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: International Olympic Committee</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Along with IOC President Thomas Bach, Ms Shuai spoke with Emma Terho, the Chair of the IOC Athletes’ Commission, and IOC Member in China Li Lingwei, who the IOC said “has known Peng Shuai for many years from her time in the Chinese Tennis Federation”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Ms Shuai “thanked the IOC for its concern about her well-being” and said she is spending “her time with friends and family right now”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Nevertheless, she will continue to be involved in tennis, the sport she loves so much,” the statement said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Bach invited Ms Shuai to join him for dinner when he is in Beijing next year “which she gladly accepted”, the IOC said. Ms Terho and Ms Lingwei were also invited.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was relieved to see that Peng Shuai was doing fine, which was our main concern,” Ms Terho said in the statement.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“She appeared to be relaxed. I offered her our support and to stay in touch at any time of her convenience, which she obviously appreciated.”</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereIsPengShuai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhereIsPengShuai</a> <a href="https://t.co/t8SPCrqnMl">pic.twitter.com/t8SPCrqnMl</a></p> — wta (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1461418624858607616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Concerns about her safety began to grow after her disappearance and the rapid removal of her post from social media, prompting calls to boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing in February.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 30-minute call came as footage emerged of her at a youth tournament in Beijing, according to images released by the organiser.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Peng Shuai autographs balls for the kids at the opening ceremony of Junior Tennis Challenger Finals in Beijing. <a href="https://t.co/uPVxlNK1cQ">pic.twitter.com/uPVxlNK1cQ</a></p> — Shen Shiwei沈诗伟 (@shen_shiwei) <a href="https://twitter.com/shen_shiwei/status/1462235050607472643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The images, posted by the China Open on social media service Weibo, made no mention of the allegations or Ms Shuai’s disappearance. She was pictured standing next to a court, waving and signing commemorative tennis balls.</span></p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/tennis-world-reacts-to-disappearance-of-chinese-player" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tennis stars</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) have been especially vocal since Ms Shuai’s disappearance, while the IOC has previously remained quiet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Saturday, the organisation said it would “continue our open dialogue on all levels with the Olympic movement in China”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">WTA chairman and CEO Steve Simon expressed concern for Ms Shuai’s safety after two videos appearing to show her in a restaurant were shared online by Hu Xijin, editor of nationalistic newspaper </span><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Global Times</span></em><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“While it is positive to see her, it remains unclear if she is free and able to make decisions and take actions on her own, without coercion or external interference. This video alone is insufficient,” Mr Simon said. “Our relationship with China is at a crossroads.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Getty Images</span></em></p>

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Queen makes first in-person appearance since being hospitalised

<p>The Queen has conducted her first in-person engagement after a brief hospitalisation last month. </p> <p>She hosted <span>outgoing armed forces chief Sir Nick Carter at Windsor Castle, who is stepping down from his coveted position at the end of November. </span></p> <p><span>The 95-year-old monarch had missed several in-person events due to her recent health scare, including the opening of the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow. </span></p> <p><span>The Queen spent her first night in hospital since 2013 on October 20th for an unknown illness, and was subsequently advised to rest for two weeks. </span></p> <p><span>Since her health scare, she she undertaken lighter </span>royal duties, including hosting virtual audiences over video calls as her family members went in her place to high profile events. </p> <p>Her Majesty was forced to cancel an appearance at a Remembrance Day service in London last week after spraining her back, which Buckingham Palace confirmed was unrelated to the health issue that had her hospitalised. </p> <p>Throughout the year, she has been spotted using a walking stick for support during several public outings, but during her audience with Sir Nick Carter, seemed to be without the walking frame and standing freely. </p> <p>When on a recent royal trip to Jordan, Prince Charles was asked by reporters about his mother's health. </p> <p><span>"She's alright thank you very much," he said.</span></p> <p><span>"Once you get to 95, you know, it's not quite as easy as it used to be."</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

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Meghan Markle makes rare TV appearance on The Ellen Show

<p dir="ltr">Meghan Markle made a surprise appearance on<span> </span><em>The Ellen Show,<span> </span></em>sitting down with Ellen DeGeneres in her first TV interview since her famous interview with Oprah earlier this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a teaser shared by Ellen on Wednesday, Meghan talked about the early days of her acting career, when she would regularly visit the Warner Brothers lot, where Ellen’s show is filmed, to audition. Ellen said to Meghan, “You said the last talk show you did was like, I don’t know, another decade ago, but you used to come to this lot to audition all the time.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan recalled those early days, saying, “Oh my gosh, completely! I would park at gate three and then I would scoot on over, and what was so nice is the security guards would always say, ‘Break a leg, we hope you get it!’” she said. “So to drive in today was very different.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">A lot has changed since the last time Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, was on the Warner Brothers lot. Don’t miss the rest of our interview tomorrow. <a href="https://t.co/pBihJLf0um">pic.twitter.com/pBihJLf0um</a></p> — Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheEllenShow/status/1460975532162437121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">She also talked about the car she used to drive to auditions, describing it as having “a life of its own”. She explained, “I had this very, very old Ford Explorer Sport, and at a certain point the key stopped working on the driver’s side, so you couldn’t get yourself in through the door.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So after auditions, I would park at the back of the parking lot and I would open the trunk and climb in and then pull it shut behind me and crawl over all my seats to get out. That’s how I would come to and fro.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan’s appearance on<span> </span><em>The Ellen Show<span> </span></em>also marks her first interview since giving birth to daughter Lilibet in June. Ellen and Meghan have been friends for years, after meeting at an LA dog shelter where Ellen convinced the actress to adopt her first dog, Bogart.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan’s appearance on the show is part of the long-running show’s 19th and final season, following continued claims of bullying and a toxic workplace.</p> <p dir="ltr">In 2019, Ellen revealed to her audience that she and wife Portia de Rossi had visited Prince Harry and Meghan at their home at the time, Frogmore Cottage, and met their son Archie. She said of the couple, “I see them get attacked and it’s not fair. They are two of the most down-to-earth, compassionate people, and they’re doing so much good for the world.”</p>

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