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Princess Diana's brother shares "immensely sad" personal news

<p>Princess Diana's younger brother Charles Spencer has shared that he and his wife are divorcing after 13 years of marriage. </p> <p>The Earl's relationship with his wife, Karen Gordon, reportedly broke down while Spencer was writing his harrowing memoir which detailed the physical and sexual abuse he suffered at boarding school. </p> <p>Revealing the split to the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13509355/charles-spencer-sad-divorce-wife-memoir.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mail on Sunday</a></em>, the 60-year-old said, "It is immensely sad."</p> <p>"I just want to devote myself to all my children, and to my grandchildren, and I wish Karen every happiness in the future."</p> <p>Spencer and Gordon, a Canadian philanthropist, first met on a blind date at a restaurant in Los Angeles in 2010, and got married just one year later in June 2011 on the Althorp estate, where Princess Diana is buried. </p> <p>The couple share a 12-year-old daughter named Charlotte Diana, while Spencer also has four children from his previous marriage to his first wife, Victoria Lockwood, and two children with his second wife, Caroline Freud.</p> <p>Karen was notably absent at events held at Althorp and Spencer House in London in mid-March to launch the Earl's tell-all book, <em>A Very Private School</em>.</p> <p>Charles Spencer told the <em>Mail on Sunday</em> that the five years of work on his memoir has deeply affected him and led to him undergoing residential treatment for trauma late last year.</p> <p>In a March interview with <em><a href="https://people.com/charles-spencer-reveals-he-was-sexually-abused-by-a-woman-as-a-child-at-boarding-school-8606246" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a></em>, Spencer opened up about how “supportive” Karen had been throughout his healing journey as he recalled the traumatic details of his childhood.</p> <p>“I think it was very challenging for her to have a husband going through what was essentially four and a half years of the most profound therapy with very difficult undertones to it. And she supported the idea of me doing it,” he said.</p> <p>“I think she always hoped I would come out happier and healthier and that seems to be the case very much. So, I’m grateful to have her standing by me while I went through this, what I now realise was an essential process.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Splashnews.com/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Relationships

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"Taken way too soon": TV star's brother breaks silence after shocking death

<p>The grieving brother of slain TV star Johnny Wactor has broken his silence over his brother's untimely death. </p> <p>Johnny Wactor, 37, was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/soap-star-killed-in-robbery-gone-wrong" target="_blank" rel="noopener">killed</a> in Los Angeles in the early hours of Saturday morning when he intercepted a group of men trying to steal the catalytic converter from his vehicle, and was shot dead at the scene. </p> <p>Now, Wactor's brother Grant has shared more details on the events surrounding his Johnny's death, telling <a href="https://people.com/general-hospital-actor-johnny-wactors-brother-speaks-out-on-killing-taken-way-too-early-8654340" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>People</em></a> magazine that he had finished a shift working as a bartender at the time he was shot. </p> <p>After his shift finished at about 3:25am local time, he walked to his car with a female co-worker  when he noticed that his car had been “jacked up or lifted in some way”.</p> <p>Initially, the actor thought his car was being towed away, but quickly realised the people surrounding his car were not tow-truck drivers.</p> <p>Grant said his brother physically shielded his female colleague to prevent her from being hurt and had his hands up in the air when he was shot.</p> <p>“He did not confront them,” he told the publication. “He did not try to stop them. He was just trying to diffuse the situation by stepping back.”</p> <p>After the shooting the men fled the scene in a different car, and LAPD officer Jeff Lee said the suspects were “still outstanding”.</p> <p>Grant Wactor said his family were “hoping and praying” that the killers were found and brought to justice.</p> <p>“We just want (them to be found) as quickly as possible and correctly,” he said, describing his brother as “a good person”.</p> <p>“He was taken way too early, and no one should be taken like this at all,” he said.</p> <p>“He touched a lot of people. He believed in his core values to the end, and he lived life to the fullest the way he wanted to. And he was happy doing that.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Ouzounova / Shutterstock Editorial</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Kate Middleton's family shares emotional tribute after cancer diagnosis

<p>Kate Middleton's younger brother has shared an emotional tribute to his royal sister in the wake of the public <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/kate-middleton-reveals-cancer-diagnosis-in-heartfelt-message" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a> of her cancer diagnosis. </p> <p>On Saturday, the Princess of Wales announced that following her "major abdominal surgery" in January, she had been diagnosed with cancer. </p> <p>After weeks of speculation, the 42-year-old royal shared that she has privately been undergoing chemotherapy, and thanked the public for their concern about her health, as well as their support. </p> <p>With the announcements of Kate's health sending shockwaves, James Middleton took to social media to share his support for his sister. </p> <p>James shared a childhood photo of himself with Kate, writing how he and the rest of his family vowed to stick together during the difficult time. </p> <p>“Over the years, we have climbed many mountains together. As a family, we will climb this one with you too,” he wrote in the caption. </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/p/C41ArAWogQS/?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/C41ArAWogQS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Middleton (@jmidy)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Many flocked to the comments of James' post to send well wishes to Kate.</p> <p>“Praying for a speedy recovery,” one wrote.</p> <p>“Catherine is very lucky to have such a wonderful, supportive family. All of us in the royal watcher community are praying for your sister and the whole family,” another commented in support.</p> <p>The announcement of Kate's cancer diagnosis comes after weeks of speculation, after the princess had not been seen in public since Christmas Day. </p> <p>Despite the Palace sharing that she would not be returning to royal duties until "after Easter", the rumour mill continued with wild conspiracies about her whereabouts. </p> <p>After a <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/princess-kate-s-post-surgery-pic-ignites-even-wilder-conspiracy-theories" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clearly edited</a> family photo was released of the Princess of Wales and her three children to ease the worries of the public, the concern for Kate's wellbeing went into overdrive, no doubt finally prompting the emotional announcement of her cancer diagnosis. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram / Supplied</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Princess Diana's brother reveals tragic secret

<p>Charles Spencer has bravely detailed the alleged sexual abuse he experienced as a child.</p> <p>The younger brother of Princess Diana, now 59, initially made the revelation that he was abused as a child while in boarding school when he was 42. </p> <p>Now, the 9th Earl Spencer is recalling the alleged trauma in his new memoir <em>A Very Private School,</em> and the first moment he told anyone about the abuse he experienced. </p> <p>“I was doing a 10-day course of very deep introspection and therapy,” he told Fox News Digital.</p> <p>“My therapist said to each of us, ‘Whisper to me one secret you’d never told anyone.’ I whispered to him that I was sexually abused as a child by an adult.</p> <p>"And I remember him looking so shocked, and he had heard it all. Afterwards, he took me aside and said, ‘This is very serious stuff.’”</p> <p>He added that at that stage, he already had children, and having kids of his own made him realise how devastating his experience was. </p> <p>“I suddenly put it into context. What if one of my children of either gender had been subjected to this as an 11-year-old? It made my blood boil," he said. </p> <p>"I then started to allow myself to feel the full devastation of what had happened to me.”</p> <p>Spencer was eight when he was enrolled at Maidwell Hall, an elite English boarding school, and he claimed that it didn't take long for him to witness and experience incidents of alleged abuse. </p> <p>He claimed that  he was groomed and sexually abused at age 11 by an assistant matron at the school, who was 19 or 20 years old. </p> <p>“It was a brutal experience,” he claimed in his memoir. </p> <p>“The headmaster was a sadistic pedophile. He staffed a very small number of teachers in this place who were either … perverted or would never tell tales against him. There wasn’t really anyone to go to.“</p> <p>He added that the beatings had become "a ritual part of every day," and his parents had no idea the extent of what was going on behind closed doors.</p> <p>The royal also alleged that one student was whipped so badly he struggled to take off his pants at night because the dried blood and clothing stuck to his skin, and that it took two weeks for him to recover. </p> <p>Spencer claimed he was allowed to write a letter to his parents once a week, with the messages being supervised so he was unable to tell his parents what was going on. </p> <p>“We were just left there at the mercy of some really dangerous people,” Spencer alleged.</p> <p>He said that meeting with other former pupils was what motivated him to write the new memoir, and revisit the painful memories of his past. </p> <p>The historian recalled the moment he met another former student, who kept quiet about the abuse he experience because it was so traumatising. </p> <p>"He told me how he was made to feel worthless every day, how he’d been seriously sexually assaulted as a nine-year-old three times by somebody who was meant to protect him," he recalled.</p> <p>“I took 10 pages of notes, stopped and said, ‘This is too terrible — I can’t tell this story.’ He reached across, grabbed my arm and said, ‘Somebody has to do it – it’s got to be you.’ That convinced me, the truth needed to be shared with the world.”</p> <p>The 9th Earl also said that he is undergoing “a very effective” post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, as well as Tai Chi and breathing exercises.</p> <p>“I’ve got a whole armoury of support techniques to try and get to a better place,” he shared.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Kate Middleton's brother welcomes first child

<p>In an exciting family update for Princess Kate, her brother James Middleton and his wife Alizee Thevenet have welcomed their first child. </p> <p>The couple were spotted pushing a pram around London on Tuesday, according to the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-12675009/James-Middleton-Alizee-Thevenet-welcome-baby.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail</em>.</a> </p> <p>The pair are already getting into the groove of things as James was spotted pushing the pram with a cup of coffee in hand and a backpack carrying all of his essentials as they walked down the streets of Nottingham Hill.</p> <p>Alizee rocked a makeup free look, with a coffee in one hand and a shopping bag on the other. She also carried a backpack and the pair had a travel bag for their newborn reportedly worth around £127 (around $250 AUD) </p> <p>Although exact details and when James' new bub was born has been kept private, it is assumed that he or she was born in recent weeks, following a post James shared of Alizee in celebration of their anniversary. </p> <p>“The best is yet to come," he captioned the sweet photo of his wife holding her baby bump. </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/CxD9eLBIVAc/?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/CxD9eLBIVAc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James Middleton (@jmidy)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>James' bub means that Princess Kate is now an aunt to four kids, as she already has two nieces and one nephew from her sister Pippa. </p> <p>The baby is also the seventh grandchild of Carole and Michael Middleton. </p> <p>James first <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/kate-middleton-s-brother-shares-exciting-family-news" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced his wife's pregnancy</a> in a post shared to Instagram this July. </p> <p>"We have a new member of the pack coming soon, we couldn't be more excited 🐾 ❤️,"  he posted at the time. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"My brother and I are safe and alive": Lil Tay speaks out

<p>Rising to online stardom at the tender age of nine, rapper Lil Tay, the child prodigy, has defied widespread reports of her demise, as confirmed by her recent statement following a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/death-announced-of-child-star-and-her-brother-at-just-14" target="_blank" rel="noopener">death announcement that appeared on her official Instagram page</a>.</p> <p>Speaking to TMZ, the 14-year-old social media sensation expressed her relief, saying: "I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I'm completely heartbroken, and struggling to even find the right words to say. </p> <p>"It's been a very traumatising 24 hours. All day yesterday I was bombarded with endless heartbreaking and tearful phone calls from loved ones – all while trying to sort out this mess."</p> <p>Those past 24 hours have certainly been harrowing for Lil Tay, having to deal with a barrage of anguished and tearful phone calls from concerned relatives. </p> <p>Lil Tay has come forward to explain that her Instagram account, which initially held 3.3 million followers and now exceeds 3.5 million, was subjected to a hack before the now-deleted misleading announcement was posted.</p> <p>"My Instagram account was compromised by a 3rd party and used to spread jarring misinformation and rumours regarding me, to the point that even my name was wrong. My legal name is Tay Tian, not 'Claire Hope'." </p> <p>Early on the morning of Thursday August 10, a message surfaced on the official Instagram account, proclaiming the "sudden and tragic" passing of the artist – the first post to surface since 2018.</p> <p>In the heartfelt message, it was conveyed, "Words fail to capture the insurmountable void and inexpressible anguish. This outcome took us by complete surprise, leaving us all in a state of disbelief."</p> <p>"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribably pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."</p> <p>It was also claimed in the statement that Jason Tian, Lil Tay's 21-year-old brother, had also died.</p> <p>"Her bother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief," the statement continued. "During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding [Lil Tay] and her brother's passing are still under investigation."</p> <p>"[Lil Tay] will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."</p> <p>Following the announcement, Variety initially reported Lil Tay's management as confirming her demise. Nonetheless, Insider revealed that Lil Tay's father, Christopher Hope, refrained from commenting on the Instagram post and declined to address queries regarding her current state.</p> <p>During her brief yet impactful three-month presence in the social media landscape, Lil Tay found herself entangled in various controversies, most notably offering an apology after employing a racial slur in one of her videos.</p> <p>Yet, as swiftly as her rise to virtual stardom unfolded, Lil Tay faded from view. Lil Tay's ultimate Instagram post before the now-deleted death notice emerged on June 19, 2018. This post was a tribute to the late rapper XXXTentacion, who tragically lost his life at 20 years old the preceding day.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

News

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Child star and her brother die at just 14

<p>The family of both rapper Lil Tay, 14, and her brother, Jason Tian, 21, have announced on social media that they have both passed away.</p> <p>Lil Tay, originally known as Claire Hope, was a musical artist and influencer with an enormous, three-million strong following on Instagram, the same account through which the family shared the statement that she passed away suddenly. Their deaths are currently being investigated, as after the controversial social media star's former manager Harry Tsang called into question the legitimacy of the post - which did not mention a cause of death - as police in both Vancouver and LA report that they have no current record of their passing. </p> <p>The statement expressed the profound grief and pain the family is experiencing due to this apparent unexpected loss.</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/CvuphvirkOz/?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/CvuphvirkOz/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lil Tay (@liltay)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Lil Tay gained prominence on social media in 2018 at the tender age of just nine. She became famous for her orchestrated confrontations and videos where she showcased stacks of money while getting in and out of luxurious sports cars. However, she abruptly disappeared from the social media scene due to contractual and custody disputes.</p> <p>During that time, she mentioned in an interview that she and her mother, Angela Tian, were legally required to move back to Vancouver from Los Angeles to be with her father, citing a court order. She alleged at the time that her father's motivation was financial.</p> <p>Her father's spokesperson, Charles Wong, denied these accusations, stating that her father wanted her to maintain a more structured public image and a portion of her earnings to be set aside in a trust fund.</p> <p>After a prolonged absence from social media, Lil Tay's Instagram account, which was supposedly compromised, posted accusations of abuse against her father and his second wife. In response, her father refuted these claims, expressing heartbreak over the situation and stating that false information had been spread online.</p> <p>He expressed uncertainty about the hacking of the Instagram account and emphasised the potential legal consequences of the actions taken on the platform.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

News

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Woman divides internet after cancelling her brother's wedding

<p>A woman has divided the internet after admitting to cancelling her brother's wedding without telling him, after consistently being treated poorly by her future sister-in-law. </p> <p>The 27-year-old shared that the "extreme" moment came after countless mean comments, wedding planning gone wrong and a selection of financial problems. </p> <p>Writing on Reddit's "Am I The A**hole?" thread, the woman wanted advice on if she was in the wrong. </p> <p>The woman explained that her brother, 30, and his fiancée Ella, 28, had been together three years but the two women were never particularly close.</p> <p>"Honestly, we never got along but I always tried to put up a peaceful front because my brother seemed blissfully happy with her," the poster explained on the online forum.</p> <p>"Ella was mean to me a lot ... She would make comments about my weight, my makeup, and especially my dog. She hated animals and hated that I would bring my lab, Toast, to my parents or my brothers house."</p> <p>After her brother popped the question, she was shocked when Ella asked her to be her Maid of Honour, given their turbulent relationship. </p> <p>Despite this, she agreed to the role, thinking it was the "sisterly" thing to do.</p> <p>"What I failed to realise when I accepted the role was that to her [Maid Of Honour] meant planning the entire wedding. Like I was booking venues, florists, jazz band, everything," the woman wrote.</p> <p>"Even worse she expected me to put my MY credit card down for all of it... Every time I asked Ella about it, she would say that it would all be paid back by her parents before the wedding."</p> <p>It wasn't until three weeks before the wedding that the relationship between the two women took a turn for the worst. </p> <p>"I asked if she had received the updated receipt of everything owed when she exploded," she said.</p> <p>"She called me a whole line of terrible names but the one that stuck out was her saying 'What do you need the money for anyway? Your sick dog is dead now'."</p> <p> </p> <p>"My beautiful Toasty died about a month before this after he fought the bravest battle with cancer. He was my soul dog and I was devastated."</p> <p>Ella's hurtful comments went a step too far, leading the woman to "immediately called the vendors and cancelled any deposit under my card. Every. Single. One."</p> <p>"After almost 20 calls, all that was left of her wedding was the dress and the flower arch."</p> <p>The woman told her brother what she had done, and said she would no longer be attending their wedding if it still went ahead after her revenge plan. </p> <p>She then ignored calls from her future sister-in-law, forcing her to deal with all the wedding fallout. </p> <p>Most people took to the comments in support of the woman's "revenge", saying she would have been saddled with footing the bill.</p> <p>"MOH duties do NOT include planning the whole wedding and they certainly do NOT put down all the deposits and pay for the wedding," one person wrote.</p> <p>"If you ask me, it sounds 100% like they were going to stiff you for the wedding. I don't believe for a minute her parents were paying for it."</p> <p>Another wrote, "You didn't cancel the wedding. You extricated yourself from an abusive and exploitative situation. They're still free to marry, on their own thin dime."</p> <p>While most people supported the woman's actions, there were a handful of comments that believed the woman had gone too far with her revenge, but also agreed her sister-in-law treated her very poorly. </p> <p>After the original post went viral, the poster shared an update that she is now speaking to her brother again and that the couple didn't make it down the aisle.</p> <p>They are currently on a "break" with Ella no longer in possession of an engagement ring.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p>

Relationships

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Ronan Keating's emotional final tribute to his late brother

<p>Ronan Keating has performed an emotional rendition of his song <em>This Is Your Song</em> at his brother's funeral, before helping to carry him to his final resting place.</p> <p>The 46-year-old singer returned to his native Ireland after hearing that his older brother Ciaran had died in a tragic car crash at the age of 57.</p> <p>Ronan and his wife Storm were among many grieving family and friends who congregated at St Patrick's Church in Louisburgh, County Mayo, to pay their respects to Ciaran in an emotional funeral service. </p> <p>After helping to carry his brother's coffin into the church, Ronan sang <em>This Is Your Song</em> during the mass after telling mourners, "I shouldn't be singing it in these circumstances but we are and we will."</p> <p>The Irish singer said the ballad was written after their mother, Marie, died of cancer in 1998, with the touching song including the lyrics, "You were our friend, walk with you till the end, and one day we'll all sing along, 'cause this is your song."</p> <p>To hear Ronan's emotional performance, click <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12319513/Ronan-Keating-pallbearers-carrying-brothers-coffin-following-death-car-crash-star-expected-sing-todays-funeral-Ireland.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>. </p> <p>During the ceremony, Ronan paid a tearful tribute to Ciaran's three children - Conall, Ruairi and Aisling - and said they had made their father "very proud".</p> <p>He told the congregation, "As a parent all you want to do is raise your children as best you can, Ciaran and Annemarie have done a spectacular job - three incredible human beings. Your strength over the past few days has been incredible and you've done your dad very proud."</p> <p>Ciaran, who has been described as a "hero" by his grieving family, died in a car crash in the rural county while he was travelling with his wife Annemarie to watch their 28-year-old son Ruairí play football.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CFtMbfN5gcY" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

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Kate Middleton’s brother shares exciting family news

<p dir="ltr">James Middleton and his wife Alizee Thevenet are expecting their first child together!</p> <p dir="ltr">Princess Kate’s younger brother took to Instagram to share the positive news following a difficult start to the year after the death of their dog, Ella.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We couldn't be more excited … well Mable might be ❤️," James captioned the post, with a picture of his dog, Mable staring at his wife’s baby bump.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 36-year-old also shared another post on his company, Ella &amp; Co. 's, Instagram account showing an alternate angle of Alizee’s bump.</p> <p dir="ltr">"We have a new member of the pack coming soon, we couldn't be more excited 🐾 ❤️," he gushed, in the Instagram account named after his late dog.</p> <p dir="ltr">"It was a very difficult start to the year after losing my beloved Ella however we will end the year with the most precious little addition to our growing family ❤️” he added in both posts.</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/CuUwrtJoNdT/?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/CuUwrtJoNdT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by James &amp; Ella (@ella.co)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The couple met thanks to their dog Ella, in an interview with the <em>Daily Telegraph</em> in 2019, James recalled the moment they were brought together.</p> <p dir="ltr">"The two of us were at the South Kensington Club in Chelsea," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Ella was lying at my feet under the table; realising she might want some water, I trusted her to take herself to the water bowl across the terrace. However, she made a beeline for Alizee. Rather embarrassed, I went over to apologise and bring Ella back."</p> <p dir="ltr">In an event that you often see in romcoms, Alizee had thought James was a waiter and ordered a drink from him and the rest was history.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans have shared their delight at the happy news and wished the couple well.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Great dog owners make fabulous parents!!” wrote one fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Huge congratulations to you both.💛” commented another.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Amazing news!!! Congrats and wishing a healthy pregnancy to Alizee!” wrote a third.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I'm not crying 😭 luckiest baby with an amazing family, congrats!” commented a fourth.</p> <p dir="ltr">James and Alizee tied the knot in 2021 in an intimate ceremony with family and friends in France.</p> <p dir="ltr">Their new baby will be Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton's seventh grandchild.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“That name goes back four generations”: Paul Walker’s brother makes a touching tribute

<p>Almost a decade after the world lost <em>Fast & Furious </em>star Paul Walker, his younger brother Cody Walker has paid heartfelt tribute with the birth of his third child. </p> <p>Cody and his wife, Felicia, welcomed their son on April 30, with <em>People </em>magazine reporting that he weighed in at 7lbs 5oz. Felicia took to Instagram on May 2 to make an announcement, too, declaring that they’d had a boy, and writing “welcome to the clan, Barrett”.</p> <p>Many took this as confirmation of his name, and rushed to congratulate the family on their new addition. Felicia had shared a picture of the newborn in the arms of his big brother, Colt, with the announcement, and fans were delighted to note that he was the image of a proud older sibling, beaming from ear to ear. </p> <p>However,<em> People</em> magazine have now revealed that there was more to the story, and that the newborn Walker’s name is even closer to his father’s heart than anyone had anticipated. </p> <p>It was a day after his birth that Cody and Felicia reached their decision, declaring their son’s name to be Paul Barrett Walker - naming him after Cody’s late brother. </p> <p>"This November will mark 10 years since we lost my brother, Paul,” Cody told the publication, “and I just felt now was the appropriate time.”</p> <p>He went on to share that he and their other brother - Caleb - were “both done having children”, and that the name held special meaning to all of them. </p> <p>“My brother, Paul, was Paul William Walker IV and that name goes back four generations,” he explained. "Within the family, he went by ‘little Paul’ or ‘Paul 4,’ even though he quickly outgrew our father in height. </p> <p>“It was important to me to have that name carry on.”</p> <p>It isn’t the only move Cody has taken towards honouring his brother, having teamed up with Tyrese Gibson and Chris Lee to bright FuelFest to life - an automotive and motorsports festival showcasing car culture, with a portion of profits going towards Paul’s nonprofit Reach Out WorldWide, something that Cody views “as a part of Paul that he left behind.”</p> <p>And in an echo of his message regarding his new son’s name, he noted that “it’s important to so many to see that part of his legacy live on.”</p> <p>And Paul’s daughter, Meadow, has made her own moves towards furthering her father’s legacy, with a cameo appearance in <em>Fast X</em> - the tenth instalment in the <em>Fast & Furious</em> franchise. </p> <p>“For me, this is super exciting,” she said of her involvement, “and he would be amazed that this is happening.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram, Getty</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Woman matches with brother on dating app

<p dir="ltr">A woman who took the plunge and dived back into the world of dating apps, despite a series of negative experiences, has been left in shock after an unexpected match. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dani, who was using the dating app Hinge - “the app that’s designed to be deleted” - took to TikTok to share her story, telling followers she re-downloaded the app and told herself "let's get back into this.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"And I could vomit at who my most compatible was," she said before revealing a bizarre match.</p> <p dir="ltr">"So this is my brother," she explained, panning the camera back to show her brother Jordan’s profile on Hinge. </p> <p dir="ltr">"Super cute right? Yeah. It runs in the family.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Dani explained that Hinge matched her with her brother due to their “compatibility”.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I don't know if he is the one for me. I mean I guess we are compatible in the sense we share the same parents and shelter growing up and like blood and DNA and all those fun things.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Hinge was really saying to me, 'Girl, I know more for you. We're done with you. Here's your brother. Why don't you try this one out.”</p> <p dir="ltr">At the end of her video, she recommended her brother as a match to any unrelated singles. </p> <p dir="ltr">"While I go pick up my vomit that's on the floor from this, my brother's single, if any ladies out there are interested, just let me know.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The video amused fellow TikTokers, gaining a lot of traction with over 373,000 views.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Most compatible for a blood transfusion maybe," one wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">"LMAO even Hinge was like girl there's nothing out there, have you tried your family," said another.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-db485c25-7fff-ee7a-5795-0c06895523ec"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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“A special girl”: Orphaned crash victim receives bravery award for saving baby brothers

<p>Synthia Rose Day, a five-year-old girl from Western Australia, has received a Children of Courage award for her actions in the devastating crash that orphaned herself and her two younger brothers. </p> <p>Synthia was in the car with her mother Cyndi Braddock, Cyndi’s partner Jake Day, and her two brothers when their Land Rover left the road in Wheatbelt and flipped a handful of kilometres short of their home. Jake was 28, and Cyndi only 25. </p> <p>In the backseat with her little brothers, Synthia survived the accident, but the trio were not found for 55 hours in the wake of the tragedy despite a frantic search by both their loved ones and the local authorities. </p> <p>While the situation the children found themselves in was nothing short of devastating, Synthia stepped up, and took action to make sure her brothers got out of there okay. </p> <p>"She took the seatbelt off the one-year-old Charles,” the childrens’ uncle, Al Slatter, informed <em>9News</em>, “[she] got him out of the seat and then got her foot stuck so she couldn't move … and what she did for Bevan was amazing."</p> <p>The children, freed from the vehicle and watched over by young Synthia, were eventually found on the roadside. </p> <p>For her actions that day, Synthia has been presented with a Children of Courage award, and was nominated by her teacher, Tony Smeed.</p> <p>“She's always been a caring and compassionate person,” Smeed said of the decision to put Synthia forward for the award, “and obviously the bravery she showed in 50 hours of heat to keep her brothers alive was just amazing.”</p> <p>“The award will mean that much to her,” their uncle, Al Slatter added, “and I even had a tear in my eye when they read it out to me, because she’s a special girl.”</p> <p>Synthia’s beloved brothers - two-year-old Bevan and one-year-old Charles - were in attendance to support their hero big sister, and the family had to travel more than three hours from their home in Kondinin to Perth to attend the ceremony. </p> <p>Slatter also opened up to <em>9News </em>about Synthia’s attitude since the tragedy, as the children adjust to their lives in their grandparents’ care, saying, “Charles, she loves him, but Bevan, wherever he goes - if he’s out riding his pushbike out the front - she’s got to be out there checking on him, making sure he’s not too far from Nanny.”</p> <p>Synthia was one of 38 exceptional children across Western Australia to be recognised for demonstrating resilience, determination, and positivity while living with trauma and various health challenges. </p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Madonna struck by family tragedy

<p>Madonna is in mourning after the death of her eldest brother. </p> <p>Anthony Ciccone, aged 66, passed away on Saturday according to reports by <a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/02/26/madonnas-older-brother-anthony-ciccone-dead-at-66/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a>. </p> <p>“Most family members had a difficult relationship with him due to his disease [with alcohol],” a source told the publication.</p> <p>“Madonna helped to support her brother when he would accept that support. During his final months he was in contact with family and Madonna, but this past week he refused the support the rehab facility offered and it was clear he was ready to move on,” the insider added.</p> <p>The sad news was also confirmed on Instagram by musician Joe Henry, who is married to Madonna’s sister Melanie Ciccone.</p> <p>“My brother-in-law, Anthony Gerard Ciccone, exited this earthly plane last evening. I’ve known him since I was 15, in the spring of our lives in Michigan so many years now gone,” he wrote. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CpGlFACuTiT/?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/CpGlFACuTiT/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joe Henry (@joehenrymusic)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“As brother Dave Henry (who took this photograph) notes here, Anthony was a complex character; and god knows: we tangled in moments, as true brothers can. But I loved him, and understood him better than I was sometimes willing to let on."</p> <p>Henry added that while “trouble fades,” family remains – with “hands reached” across the table.</p> <div id="indie-campaign-rHsIzpAmAj7xkA4llYlH-0" data-campaign-name="NCA ENTERTAINMENT newsletter" data-campaign-indie="newsletter-signup" data-jira="TSN-268" data-from="1640955600000" data-to="1677502800000"></div> <p>“Farewell, then, brother Anthony. I want to think the god your blessed mother (and mine) believed in has her there, waiting to receive you,” he continued. “At least for today, no one shall dissuade me from this vision.”</p> <p>Madonna, who is one of eight children, grew up in Michigan, where her older brother was believed to have been living when he died.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Little girl praised for shielding baby brother for 36 hours in quake

<p>A seven-year-old girl and her younger brother have been rescued after a 7.8 magnitude quake in southeast Turkey and northern Syria destroyed their home and trapped them beneath tonnes of heavy concrete. </p> <p>Mariam and Ilaaf, along with the rest of their family, were asleep at home in Besnaya-Bseineh, a small village in Haram, Syria, when the Monday quake occurred. It is believed the siblings were confined in the debris for 36 gruelling hours before rescuers located them. </p> <p>Footage has emerged of the moment the children were found, and has revealed that despite the horrors of their situation, Mariam had one priority - protecting her little brother. Their father has since informed reporters that Illaf’s name is an Islamic one meaning ‘protection’. </p> <p>With an arm sheltering his head and covering his face from the dust and debris, Mariam can be seen stroking Ilaaf’s hair in what some believe to be the remains of their bed. A concrete slab lies precariously above them, pinning the two to the spot. </p> <p>“Get me out of here,” Mariam pleads to the rescuers in the now viral clip, “I’ll do anything for you.” </p> <p>To the relief of millions, the children were pulled safely from the scene of the disaster, and transferred to hospital to receive medical treatment. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">While under the rubble of her collapsed home this beautiful 7yr old Syrian girl has her hand over her little brothers head to protect him.<br />Brave soul<br />They both made it out ok. <a href="https://t.co/GrffWBGd1C">pic.twitter.com/GrffWBGd1C</a></p> <p>— Vlogging Northwestern Syria (@timtams83) <a href="https://twitter.com/timtams83/status/1623060122695004169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>UN representative Mohamad Safa took to Twitter to urge people to “share positivity” in light of the rescue. With a death toll in the thousands - a number only predicted to rise - and aid a desperate need, the siblings’ story has become a moment of bittersweet brightness in a time of tragedy. </p> <p>Around the world, people who heard their story have taken to social media to praise Mariam for her bravery, hailing her as a hero for her actions and love in a time of disaster. </p> <p>“Oh bless her,” tweeted one,  “children's love and resilience makes me weep.”</p> <p>“Miracles happen. What a great big sister. Lovingly protective under such stressful circumstances,” wrote another. “Hope for all those still trapped. Respect for all the rescuers working tirelessly.”</p> <p>Their father, Mustafa Zuhir Al-Sayed, has confirmed that their family - he, his wife, and their three children - were asleep when it all happened. </p> <p>“We felt the ground shaking,” he said, “and rubble began falling over our heads, and we stayed two days under the rubble. We went through, a feeling, a feeling I hope no one has to feel.”</p> <p>“People heard us,” he explained, after recounting how he and his family prayed for someone to find them, “and we were rescued – me, my wife and the children. Thank God, we are all alive and we thank those who rescued us.”</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p> <p> </p>

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"Those Spencer eyes": Princess Di's brother shares rare 120-year-old family photo

<p>Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, has shared a sentimental photo of their grandfather and his siblings in 1902.</p> <p>Charles shared the picture on Twitter and fans of the royal family were quick to note the striking resemblance between Charles’ grandfather and his own nephew, Prince William.</p> <p>“Your Grandfather, Prince William and Prince George look a lot alike! A really charming photo,” wrote a fan, extending their take to Prince William’s nine-year-old son, Prince George.</p> <p>The black-and-white image shows Charles’ grandfather, Albert Edward John Spencer, alongside his great-aunt Lavinia and great-uncle Cecil, dressed up in period suits and a frilly dress for a fancy-dress party. Charles, who lives at Althorp House with his wife Karen and daughter Charlotte, captioned the image, “Love the family photographs I find here at Althorp”.</p> <p>Fans praised Charles for the rare insight into the family, with one tweeting, “wonderful memories to cherish. Thank you for sharing”.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Love the family photographs I find here at Althorp. My grandfather (left), my great-aunt Lavinia (middle) and my great-uncle Cecil, about to set off for a fancy dress party in c.1902. <a href="https://t.co/pwQ9NVIt75">pic.twitter.com/pwQ9NVIt75</a></p> <p>— Charles Spencer (@cspencer1508) <a href="https://twitter.com/cspencer1508/status/1613987380591038464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>Many were amazed at the similarities to be found between Albert and Prince William, but the fun didn’t stop there, with some even likening Lavinia to the late Diana, Princess of Wales.</p> <p>“Lavinia; I can see Diana in her expression. Great photos! Treasured memories,” wrote one supporter.</p> <p>“Those Spencer eyes,” wrote another, ending their message for the royals with a red heart emoji, a sentiment shared by many.</p> <p>The 9th Earl of Spencer is well known for his Instagram, where he regularly uploads rare pictures of his family and views of his home and its stunning surroundings in Northamptonshire. In an upcoming series helmed by Charles’ wife Karen, on the upkeep and experience of being lady of the house, she joined fans in praising his “ability to tell the history of the family".</p> <p>“Fabulous that you are creating an online journey with your photography finds!!” Praised one fan.</p> <p>“The quality is so good, normally in these old photos they are all cracked and you can’t see the faces very well. Thanks for sharing it’s like taking a step back in history - love it,” said another.</p> <p>The latest snap comes in the wake of Harry’s memoir release and subsequent TV interviews, at a time when fans of the family are more than eager for some positive news, with many sharing their gratitude to Charles for the change in pace.</p> <p><em>Image: Twitter</em></p> <p> </p>

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Prince Harry believes he was born to offer spare organs to his brother

<p>Prince Harry has shared that he believes he was only bred to offer spare organs to his brother, Prince William. </p> <p>In yet another bitter revelation from the Duke of Sussex's memoir <em>Spare</em>, he revealed that he thinks he was only brought into the world in case the heir apparent needed help. </p> <p>“Two years older than me, Willy was the Heir, whereas I was the Spare,” the exiled prince wrote, explaining the title of his memoir, which was officially released on Wednesday.</p> <p>“I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy,” he wrote of his brother and current heir to the throne.</p> <p>He said he understood his role was to be a “diversion” and “distraction” from his brother, or to provide, “if necessary, a spare part” to him.</p> <p>“Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow,” he added in morose detail.</p> <p>He also shared how his dad, now King Charles III, could never be on a plane with his elder son, William, “because there must be no chance of the first and second in line to the throne being wiped out”.</p> <p>“But no one gave a damn whom I travelled with; the Spare could always be spared,” Harry claimed.</p> <p>“This was all made explicitly clear to me from the start of life’s journey and regularly reinforced thereafter,” he claimed of his apparent throwaway standing in the family.</p> <p>Harry complained that the heir and spare clarification “wasn’t merely how the press referred to us”, but was also “the shorthand used by” his royal family, including “Mummy,” the late Princess Diana, “and even Granny,” the since-deceased Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>He wrote that when he was 20-years-old, he was told that his father reacted to his birth by saying to Princess Diana, “Wonderful! Now you’ve given me an Heir and a Spare — my work is done.”</p> <p>Despite naming his memoir Spare, and using his clear distaste for his role in life to justify his ultimate split from his family, Harry maintains that he was initially accepting of it.</p> <p>“I took no offence, I felt nothing about it, any of it,” he wrote — initially acknowledging his incredibly privileged life.</p> <p>“Every boy and girl, at least once, imagines themselves as a prince or a princess. Therefore, Spare or no Spare, it wasn’t half bad to actually be one,” he conceded.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Novak Djokovic kicks his brother out of tennis arena during epic showdown

<p>Novak Djokovic has ordered his brother out of the player's box in the middle of match at the the Adelaide International final.</p> <p>The Serbian star was having a less than desirable game on Sunday, after losing his first set to No.33 Sebastian Korda, from the USA, when he became visibly frustrated and pointed towards the corporate box.</p> <p>His brother Marko and another person then exited the area before Djokovic fought his way back on the court and managed to win the epic three-set thriller.</p> <p>Sports commentator Roger Rasheed claimed the sports star appeared angry, but determined to win the showdown.</p> <p>"He pointed to his box and two out of five members are no longer sitting there," he said.</p> <p>"It's probably living proof that he wants to win badly, in this final. He's got his game face on, mixed with a bit of anger at the moment."</p> <p>Speaking during an on-court interview after prevailing triumphant in a match that lasted three hours, the 21-time Grand Slam champion admitted it had not been an easy night.</p> <p>"I'd like to thank my team for handling me, tolerating me in the good and bad times."</p> <p>"Today, I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them, but I appreciate them being here."</p> <p>"My brother Marko is also here, I don't see him that much so I appreciate you coming here, love you. It's been an amazing week and you guys made it even more special for me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Prince Harry alleges physical fight with brother William

<p>Prince Harry has accused his brother, William, of physically assaulting him during an argument over his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex in 2019.</p> <p>UK newspaper The Guardian claim to have seen an advance copy of Prince Harry's highly anticipated memoir, Spare, in which Harry reportedly alleges William knocked him to the floor during the altercation.</p> <p>The alleged incident took place after a conversation between the two brothers, during which William, the heir to the British throne, called Meghan Markle "difficult," "rude" and “abrasive”.</p> <p>"The confrontation escalated until William "grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and ... knocked me to the floor," The Guardian reported.</p> <p>The Guardian article focuses on the alleged physical altercation between the brothers but describes the entirety of the book as a "remarkable volume."</p> <p>The article reports Harry's version of events, in which William arrives at Harry and Meghan's then home, Nottingham Cottage on Kensington Palace grounds, to allegedly discuss "'the whole rolling catastrophe' of their relationship and struggles with the press.”</p> <p>Harry alleges that William attacked him after he had offered him water and attempted to cool a heated verbal exchange, according to The Guardian.</p> <p>The article quotes Harry, "He set down the water, called me another name, then came at me. It all happened so fast. So very fast. He grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor. I landed on the dog's bowl, which cracked under my back, the pieces cutting into me. I lay there for a moment, dazed, then got to my feet and told him to get out.”</p> <p>The article says Harry states in the book that William urged him to hit back, but he refused to do so. William left but later returned "looking regretful" and apologised, according to The Guardian article, quoting the book.</p> <p>Spare is due to be released on January 10.</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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