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Prince Harry’s Christmas message to bereaved military children

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry dressed up as Spider-Man for a surprise Christmas video for children’s charity for bereaved military children and young people.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex recorded himself in the superhero costume for Scotty’s Little Soldiers which was played at their annual Christmas party.</p> <p dir="ltr">The theme of the Christmas party was heroes and villains with the children being told the villains were trying to ruin the holiday season by stealing and locking away Santa’s presents.</p> <p dir="ltr">The children were then given challenges to save the day and defeat the villains for presents.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Use your teamwork, your brains, and your brawn and you do exactly that... Find them, and don't let them ruin Christmas,” Prince Harry said in the video.</p> <p dir="ltr">He then went on to tell the children and their families that it was okay to celebrate Christmas despite mourning the loss of their loved ones.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Christmas is a time when we miss our loved ones really, really badly and that’s OK,” Harry continued.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But at the same time, it can be possible to feel guilty for having fun without our parents. But I am here to assure you that our parents always want us to have fun, OK? So don’t feel guilty.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You are allowed to have the best time ever, especially with this Scotty’s Little Soldiers community. Go out there, have the best time, and Merry Christmas.”</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yVImKSa_HVE" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr">Scotty’s Little Soldiers Founder, Nikki Scott, said it meant a lot for children and their families to hear Prince Harry’s message as he could relate.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s incredible for everyone at Scotty’s to have Prince Harry’s continued support,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He knows what it’s like to grow up without a parent and understands there are certain times of the year that can be particularly challenging.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Christmas is one of those times. We love the fact that Prince Harry not only recorded such a special message but also dressed up as Spider-Man."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Scotty’s Little Soldiers</em></p>

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China’s influence in Myanmar could tip the scales towards war in the South China Sea

<p>The fate of Myanmar has major implications for a free and open Indo-Pacific.</p> <p>An undemocratic Myanmar serves no one’s interests except China, which is consolidating its economic and strategic influence in its smaller neighbour in pursuit of its <a href="https://cimsec.org/chinese-maritime-strategy-indian-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two-ocean strategy</a>.</p> <p>Since the coup China has been – by far – the main source of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/myanmar-economy-idUSL4N2U721T" target="_blank" rel="noopener">foreign investment</a> in Myanmar.</p> <p>This includes <a href="https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/junta-approves-25bn-power-plant-project-backed-by-chinese-companies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US$2.5 billion</a> in a gas-fired power plant to be built west of Myanmar’s capital, Yangon, that will be 81% owned and operated by Chinese companies.</p> <p>Among the dozens of infrastructure projects China is funding are high-speed rail links and dams. But its most strategically important investment is the <a href="https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/china-myanmar-economic-corridor-and-chinas-determination-see-it-through" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China-Myanmar Economic Corridor</a>, encompassing oil and gas pipelines, roads and rail links costing many tens of billions of dollars.</p> <p>The corridor’s “jewel in the crown” is a deep-sea port to be built at Kyaukphyu, on Myanmar’s west coast, at an estimated <a href="https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/kyaukphyu-deep-sea-port-poses-challenges-maday-islanders-and-local-fisheries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cost of US$7 billion</a>.</p> <p>This will finally give China its long-desired “back door” to the Indian Ocean.</p> <p>Natural gas from Myanmar can help China reduce its dependence on imports from suppliers such as Australia. Access <a href="https://www.diis.dk/en/research/myanmar-chinas-west-coast-dream" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to the Indian Ocean</a> will enable China to import gas and oil from the Middle East, Africa and Venezuela without ships having to pass through the contested waters of the South China Sea to Chinese ports.</p> <p>About <a href="https://chinapower.csis.org/much-trade-transits-south-china-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">80% of China’s oil imports</a> now move through the South China Sea via the Malacca Strait, which is just 65 kilometres wide at its narrowest point between the Malay Peninsula and Indonesia’s Sumatra.</p> <p>Overcoming this strategic vulnerability arguably makes the Kyaukphyu port and pipelines the most important element of China’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/china-is-financing-infrastructure-projects-around-the-world-many-could-harm-nature-and-indigenous-communities-168060" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Belt and Road initiative</a> to reshape global trade routes and assert its influence over other nations.</p> <h2>Deepening relationship</h2> <p>Most of China’s infrastructure investment was planned before Myanmar’s coup. But whereas other governments and foreign investors have sought to distance themselves from the junta since it overthrew Myanmar’s elected government in February 2021, China has deepened its relationship.</p> <p>China is the Myanmar regime’s most important international supporter. In April Foreign Minister Wang Yi said <a href="https://apnews.com/article/wang-yi-aung-san-suu-kyi-china-myanmar-diplomacy-d68de69436c1462f647f6475b6315c92" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China would support Myanmar</a> “no matter how the situation changes”. In May it used its veto power on the United Nations Security Council to thwart <a href="https://news.yahoo.com/russia-china-block-un-statement-034542265.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a statement expressing concern</a> about violence and the growing humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.</p> <p>Work continues on projects associated with the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor. New ventures (such as the aforementioned power station) have been approved. More projects are on the cards. In June, for example, China’s embassy in Myanmar announced the completion of <a href="https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2022/06/08/feasibility-study-completed-for-myanmar039s-wan-pong-port-improvement-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a feasibility study</a> to upgrade the Wan Pong port on the Lancang-Mekong River in Myanmar’s east.</p> <h2>Debt trap warnings</h2> <p>In 2020, before the coup, Myanmar’s auditor general Maw Than <a href="https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/costly-borrowing-06102020151951.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warned of growing indebtedness</a> to China, with Chinese lenders charging higher interest payments than those from the International Monetary Fund or World Bank.</p> <p>At that time <a href="https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Forty-per-cent-of-Myanmar%E2%80%99s-government-debt-held-by-China-46071.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">about 40%</a> of Myanmar’s foreign debt of US$10 billion was owed to China. It is likely to be greater now. It will only increase the longer a military dictatorship, with few other supporters or sources of foreign money, remains in power, <a href="https://www.eastasiaforum.org/2021/06/23/how-the-coup-is-destroying-myanmars-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dragging down Myanmar’s economy</a>.</p> <p>Efforts to restore democracy in Myanmar should therefore be seen as crucial to the long-term strategic interests of the region’s democracies, and to global peace and prosperity, given the increasing belligerence of China under Xi Jinping.</p> <p>Xi, now president for life, this month told the People’s Liberation Army to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/09/xi-jinping-tells-chinas-army-to-focus-on-preparation-for-war" target="_blank" rel="noopener">prepare for war</a>. A compliant and indebted Myanmar with a deep-sea port controlled by Chinese interests tips the scales towards that happening.</p> <p>A democratic and independent Myanmar is a counter-strategy to this potential.</p> <h2>Calls for sanctions</h2> <p>Myanmar’s democracy movement wants the international community to impose <a href="https://specialadvisorycouncil.org/cut-the-cash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tough sanctions</a> on the junta. But few have responded.</p> <p>The United States and United Kingdom have gone furthest, banning business dealings with Myanmar military officials and state-owned or private companies controlled by the military.</p> <p>The European Union and Canada have imposed sanctions against a more limited range of individuals and economic entities.</p> <p>South Korea has suspended financing new infrastructure projects. Japan has suspended aid and postponed the launch of Myanmar’s first satellite. New Zealand has suspended political and military contact.</p> <p>Australia has suspended military cooperation (with some <a href="https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/security/sanctions/sanctions-regimes/myanmar-sanctions-regime" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pre-existing restrictions</a> on dealing with military leaders imposed following the human rights atrocities committed against the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41566561" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rohingya</a> in 2017.</p> <p>But that’s about it.</p> <p>Myanmar’s closest neighbours in the ten-member Association of South-East Asian Nations are still committed to a policy of dialogue and “<a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/11/will-asean-finally-change-its-approach-toward-myanmar/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">non-interference</a>” – though <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/05/malaysian-fm-says-asean-envoy-welcomes-idea-of-engaging-myanmars-nug/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Malaysia</a> and <a href="https://thediplomat.com/2022/11/indonesian-fm-says-myanmar-military-to-blame-for-countrys-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indonesia</a> are increasingly arguing for a tougher approach as the atrocities mount.</p> <p>The <a href="https://myanmar.iiss.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project</a> says the only country now more violent than Myanmar is Ukraine.</p> <p>Given its unique geo-strategic position, self-interest alone should be enough for the international community to take greater action.</p> <p><strong>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/chinas-influence-in-myanmar-could-tip-the-scales-towards-war-in-the-south-china-sea-189780" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>.</strong></p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

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Why Harry didn't end up wearing military outfit to Queen’s funeral

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry’s uniform has been the subject of heated discussion following the death of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p dir="ltr">The former working royal first made headlines after he was spotted in a suit during royal events where Prince Andrew was wearing his military uniform.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite his father, King Charles III, giving Prince Harry permission to wear his dress uniform at Queen Elizabeth II’s vigil over the weekend, the 38-year-old arrived at Westminster Hall in his morning suit during <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/final-farewell-for-longest-reigning-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Monday morning’s service</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The prince added his medals to his black suit jacket which he wore while walking in the procession to and from Westminster Abbey during the funeral.</p> <p dir="ltr">But he wasn’t the only one not in uniform, after Prince Andrew was also prohibited from wearing official military dress during the service.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/major-backflip-over-prince-harry-s-military-uniform-rules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">changes to uniform permissions</a> came after the palace announced that only working members of the royal family who hold a rank could wear military uniforms at the funeral, with both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew being excluded from that category after leaving royal life.</p> <p dir="ltr">A source told<em> Page Six </em>last week that Prince Harry was just “prepared to wear whatever his grandmother made plans for”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He’s focused on honouring her and that’s it,” they said.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement, the prince said what he wore wasn’t reflective of his military service.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother. His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”</p> <p dir="ltr">During the funeral, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were seated in the second row behind King Charles III and Camilla, the Queen Consort.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meghan was spotted wearing a touching tribute to her grandmother-in-law, donning pearl earrings the Queen gave her in 2018.</p> <p dir="ltr">After the service, the couple walked behind the Queen’s coffin, with Prince Harry joining male family members for a procession through London streets ahead of her burial at Windsor Castle.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Major backflip over Prince Harry's military uniform rules

<p>Prince Harry will now be allowed to wear his military uniform in a special tribute to Queen Elizabeth. </p> <p>According to <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/prince-harry-wear-military-uniform-28003285" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Mirror</a>, the Duke of Sussex has been given special permission to don his military colours for a lying-in-state vigil staged by Her Majesty’s grandchildren at Westminster Hall.</p> <p>The Queen's eight grandchildren, including Prince Harry and Prince William, will stand on Saturday evening in silence for a 15 minute vigil alongside Her Majesty’s coffin.</p> <p>After disgraced royal Prince Andrew was given special permission to wear his military uniform, it is understood that palace officials stepped in to give Prince Harry the same allowance. </p> <p>A royal source said, “Common sense has prevailed."</p> <p>“It was a ludicrous situation given the Duke of Sussex has served his country and is a highly respected member of the armed forces with everything he has done for veterans."</p> <p>"It is important that the Queen's grandchildren are all made to feel welcome and comfortable as they grieve their beloved grandmother together."</p> <p>Prince Harry and Prince William will be joined by Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, Zara and Peter Philips and Lady Louise and James, Viscount Severn, to form the part of the guard of honour. </p> <p>Harry, who served in the British army for a decade including two tours of Afghanistan, had this week been at the centre of a row over whether he would be allowed to wear his Blues and Royals uniform.</p> <p>After <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/harry-responds-to-reports-of-being-barred-from-wearing-military-uniform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">previously being banned</a> from wearing his military colours, a spokesman for the Sussexes told CNN, "His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Harry responds to reports of being barred from wearing military uniform

<p>Prince Harry has responded to claims that he has been barred from wearing a ceremonial military uniform at Queen Elizabeth's funeral. </p> <p>While the Duke of Sussex has been banned from donning the military outfit out of respect, scandal-prone Prince Andrew has been given an exception. </p> <p>While both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew served in the military, neither men are working royals. </p> <p>A Buckingham Palace edict stipulated that only working royals would be allowed to wear military uniforms at events to mark the Queen's death, making many wonder why Prince Andrew was granted an exception after his years of ongoing scandals. </p> <p>US TV network CNN today reported that the prince had issued a statement over the clothing controversy.</p> <p>"Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex will wear a morning suit throughout events honouring his grandmother," a spokesman for the Sussexes told CNN.</p> <p>"His decade of military service is not determined by the uniform he wears and we respectfully ask that focus remain on the life and legacy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II."</p> <p>It is likely to leave a bitter taste for ex-soldier Harry, who is proud of his decade in the forces, and who was saddened after being stripped of his honorary military roles including Captain General of the Royal Marines by the Queen after the Sussexes retreated overseas.</p> <p>Prince Andrew joined King Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Edward in a suit for the procession of the Queen's coffin through the streets of Edinburgh, in like with the edits of Buckingham Palace. </p> <p>But it has emerged that Andrew, who stepped down from public life after the furore over his friendship with paedophile billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, will be allowed to wear his uniform at Wednesday's vigil in Westminster.</p> <p>However, he is expected to wear a suit for the Queen's funeral on Monday. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Royal Family strips Prince Andrew of all royal patronages and military titles

<p dir="ltr">The British Royal Family has removed Prince Andrew’s military titles and royal patronages, meaning the Queen’s second son will no longer be known as ‘His Royal Highness’.</p> <p dir="ltr">The move comes as Andrew fights a lawsuit brought in US court by Virginia Giuffre, accusing him of sexually abusing her when she was a teenager.</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew was already forced to step down from public duties in 2019 because of his connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and after a disastrous BBC interview failed to clear his name.</p> <p dir="ltr">Buckingham Palace said in a statement, “With the Queen’s approval and agreement, The Duke of York’s military affiliations and royal patronages have been returned to the queen. The Duke of York will continue not to undertake any public duties and is defending this case as a private citizen.”</p> <p dir="ltr">On Wednesday, Andrew’s lawyers failed to persuade US District Judge Lewis Kaplan to dismiss Virginia Giuffre’s civil lawsuit, and Judge Kaplan ruled that Giuffre could pursue claims that Andrew battered her and intentionally caused her emotional distress while Epstein was trafficking her. Andrew continues to deny Giuffre’s accusations that he forced her to have sex with him.</p> <p dir="ltr">The decision means Andrew could be required to give evidence at a trial which could begin between September and December if no settlement is reached. A source close to Andrew said, “Given the robustness with which Judge Kaplan greeted our arguments, we are unsurprised by the ruling. However, it was not a judgment on the merits of Ms Giuffre’s allegations. This is a marathon not a sprint and the Duke will continue to defend himself against these claims.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As for the Royal Family’s move to distance themselves from Andrew, the BBC’s royal correspondent Nicholas Witchell said, “This is now about the protection of the royal family’s reputation. This is likely to do, and is already doing, considerable reputational damage – it’s being followed around the world.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Andrew’s military affiliations and patronages will be redistributed to other members of the family.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Christopher Furlong - WPA Pool/Getty Images</em></p>

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Prince Harry will not be allowed to wear his military uniform at armed forces gala

<p dir="ltr">Prince Harry will not wear his military uniform when he appears at the Salute to Freedom gala on Wednesday, despite serving in the military for 10 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex, whose service included two tours in Afghanistan in 2008 and 2012, is set to appear at the gala in New York to award five war heroes with medals. However, he will not be allowed to wear his military uniform, because he has been stripped of his honorary titles.</p> <p dir="ltr">Harry lost his titles after he and wife Meghan Markle resigned as senior royals in March 2020. It is understood that Harry wanted to retain his honorary positions, including the title of Captain General of the Royal Marines, but was not able to do so. It is thought that Princess Anne will be the next royal to hold that title, making her the first woman to do so.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 37-year-old second son of Princess Diana was appointed to the position of Captain General of the Royal Marines in 2017. Prior to his appointment, the position had been held by his grandfather, Prince Phiilip, for 64 years.</p> <p dir="ltr">As a result of losing his titles, Harry will wear plain clothes when he presents awards at the gala, which is to be held aboard a warship in New York on Wednesday November 10. Despite this, he will be allowed to pin his four medals to his suit for the occasion.</p> <p dir="ltr">The Salute to Freedom gala is being held to honour "those who have served in the US forces, defending America." Award recipients are those who have "demonstrated courage and perseverance in the face of great danger or personal struggle."</p> <p dir="ltr">The event will be held at the Intrepid Sea, Air &amp; Space Museum, and other attendees include Jon Bon Jovi, who will be receiving the 2021 Intrepid Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. The Foundation works to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through affordable shelter and housing, including providing permanent supportive housing for veterans.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bon Jovi and Harry have crossed paths before, when Bon Jovi recorded ‘Unbroken’ as a single for Harry’s Invictus Games Foundation last year.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Geoff Pugh - WPA Pool/Getty Images</em></p>

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Mother falsely accused of bringing COVID-19 to China says it's like living in a nightmare

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Maatje Benassi has had her life turned upside down after conspiracy theorists falsely placed her at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, saying that she brought the disease to China.</p> <p>These false claims are spreading like wildfire on YouTube every day, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and have been embraced by Chinese Communist Party media.</p> <p>Maatje, her husband Ben and her two children have never been tested positive for coronavirus or experienced symptoms but are now subjects of discussion on Chinese social media.</p> <p>The family’s home address has been posted online and they had to shut down their social media accounts as their inboxes were overflowing with messages from believers of the conspiracy.</p> <p>"It's like waking up from a bad dream going into a nightmare day after day," Maatje told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/27/tech/coronavirus-conspiracy-theory/index.html" target="_blank">CNN Business</a></em><span> </span>in an exclusive interview.</p> <p>Maatje works as a civilian employee at the US Army's Fort Belvoir in Virginia and her husband Ben is a civilian employee with the Air Force at the Pentagon. Despite the couple working for the US Government, Maatje believes it's too much. </p> <p>"I want everybody to stop harassing me, because this is cyberbullying to me and it's gone way out of hand," Maajte said while fighting back tears.</p> <p>The baseless claims initially began after Maatje participated in October 2019 in the Military World Games and was hosted by Wuhan, where the coronavirus outbreak began.</p> <p>While hundreds of US athletes took part in the games, Maatje Benassi was plucked out of the group and named as the reason why COVID-19 hit the city.</p> <p>The claims have gained more traction due to George Webb, who’s a prolific American misinformation peddler. Webb, 59, regularly streams hours of misinformation on YouTube and has amassed more than 27 million views.</p> <p>Webb considers himself an “investigative reporter” instead of a conspiracy theorist, but Maatje’s husband Ben said that it’s “hard to hold Webb accountable”.</p> <p>"Law enforcement will tell you that there's nothing that we can do about it because we have free speech in this country,” Ben explained.</p> <p>“Then they say, 'Go talk to a civil attorney,' so we did. We talked to an attorney. You quickly realize that for folks like us, it's just too expensive to litigate something like this. We get no recourse from law enforcement. We get no recourse from the courts."</p> <p>Unfortunately for the Benassi family, the “damage is done”.</p> <p>"I know it [will] never be the same. Every time you're going to Google my name, it will pop up as patient zero," said Maatje sadly.</p> <p><em>Photo credits:<span> </span><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/04/27/tech/coronavirus-conspiracy-theory/index.html" target="_blank">Heather Fulbright / CNN</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

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Prince Harry's military colleagues weigh in on the royal withdrawal

<p>Following the announcement to step back as senior members of the royal family, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have fought an increasing amount of backlash from the media and public who believe the pair are disrespecting the monarchy.</p> <p>However, some of the military members who served alongside Prince Harry have come to his defence in a number of heartfelt, meaningful posts.</p> <p>While their has been mixed reactions from the public to the news of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex intending to step back from their positions as royal members, others have firmly backed the decision and have voiced their support.</p> <p>Former British Special Forces soldier Dean Stott said, "The Duke of Sussex has and will continue to hold the utmost respect from the entire military community for his service both in Uniform and out. Say what you want about the current situation but I defy anyone to say this man does not deserve the full respect awarded to a soldier."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">The Duke of Sussex has and will continue to hold the utmost respect from the entire military community for his service both in Uniform and out.<br />Say what you want about the current situation but I defy anyone to say this man does not deserve the full respect awarded to a soldier. <a href="https://t.co/Y1K8eWU8AY">pic.twitter.com/Y1K8eWU8AY</a></p> — Dean Stott (@DeanStottSBS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DeanStottSBS/status/1216812009058131974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Another veteran shared a photograph of him with the duke, writing, "I personally served with Harry in Afghan 2012/13 and think hes a top bloke, hes done amazing things with the INVICTUS games, supporting wounded and injured soldiers so we need to do the same for him. Get behind him when he needs our country and back him in whatever he chooses."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">I personally served with Harry in Afghan 2012/13 and think hes a top bloke, hes done amazing things with the INVICTUS games, supporting wounded and injured soldiers so we need to do the same for him. Get behind him when he needs our country and back him in whatever he chooses. <a href="https://t.co/rOgP7E9DQ2">pic.twitter.com/rOgP7E9DQ2</a></p> — Father of an Angel (@M4MHA) <a href="https://twitter.com/M4MHA/status/1216781400868892672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Ex-soldier David Wiseman, who competed in the Invictus games in 2016, and launched the games in 2014 alongside Prince Harry shared his own message.</p> <p>"Prince Harry has served this country in &amp; out of uniform," he wrote.</p> <p>"Operated in AFG on the ground &amp; in the air. Been a champion of the Armed Forces Community for many years. His work has supported thousands &amp; inspired millions. Please remember this when commenting on duty. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Prince Harry has served this country in &amp; out of uniform. Operated in AFG on the ground &amp; in the air. Been a champion of the Armed Forces Community for many years. His work has supported thousands &amp; inspired millions. Please remember this when commenting on duty. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceHarry</a> <a href="https://t.co/24NpU4NDa4">pic.twitter.com/24NpU4NDa4</a></p> — David Wiseman (@wiseshow) <a href="https://twitter.com/wiseshow/status/1216774856257212416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Former Royal Marines commando JJ Chalmers took to Twitter to pinpoint the Duke’s mental health awareness.</p> <p>"<a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#PrinceHarry</a> served long before he was in uniform," Chalmers wrote.</p> <p>"And since, few have done more to champion the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmedForces?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#ArmedForces</a> Community or have done more to progress the open discussion of <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MentalHealth?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#MentalHealth</a>. I’m greatful for his service and won’t forget what he’s done for me &amp; thousands of others."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceHarry</a> served long before he was in uniform.<br /><br />And since, few have done more to champion the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmedForces?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmedForces</a> Community or have done more to progress the open discussion of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MentalHealth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MentalHealth</a>.<br /><br />I’m greatful for his service and won’t forget what he’s done for me &amp; thousands of others. <a href="https://t.co/h9SKeaXy1y">pic.twitter.com/h9SKeaXy1y</a></p> — JJ Chalmers (@JJChalmersRM) <a href="https://twitter.com/JJChalmersRM/status/1217011345754918913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Veteran Micky Yule made a few cheeky statements about the Prince, but ultimately shared his own words in support.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">He might have skinny arms 😋 but the Boss is a top lad. I’ll always have the upmost respect for him. Let people get on with there life’s. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PrinceHarry</a> and once you’ve done 2 tours of Afghan come back to me 👊🏼🖤 <a href="https://t.co/cfnl4t0BZd">pic.twitter.com/cfnl4t0BZd</a></p> — Micky Yule (@MickyYule9) <a href="https://twitter.com/MickyYule9/status/1216823446887370753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>"He might have skinny arms," he wrote, "but the Boss is a top lad. I'll always have the upmost respect for him. Let people get on with there life's. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PrinceHarry?src=hashtag_click" target="_blank">#PrinceHarry</a> and once you've done 2 tours of Afghan come back to me."</p>

International Travel

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Proud parents Harry and Meghan reveal Archie's latest milestone

<p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have shared some exciting news regarding their six-month-old son Archie.</p> <p>Archie is crawling.</p> <p>Duchess Meghan shared the exciting news with military families during a surprise visit. Archie is ahead of schedule with this milestone, as most babies begin crawling at the ages of seven to ten months.</p> <p>During the visit, the Duke and Duchess spoke to fellow parents about the difficulties they face as their partners travel to serve the country.</p> <p>Amy Thompson, whose husband Brad is attached to the Welsh Guards, told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://honey.nine.com.au/royals/archie-new-milestone-revealed-by-proud-parents/e5d0137a-4c01-4510-89c9-c159138f94e5" target="_blank">9Honey</a></em>:</p> <p>"My daughter Aeris is the same age as Archie and we talked about weaning and the children beginning to crawl. [Meghan's] just a normal mum and it was like talking to a friend."</p> <blockquote 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);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4j36_wlAPC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <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> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B4j36_wlAPC/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">Thank you from The Duke and Duchess of Sussex to all the military families they met with yesterday. For more details on this surprise visit, please see our previous post. #remembrance #lestweforget Photo ©️SussexRoyal/MOD</a></p> <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 post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/sussexroyal/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank"> The Duke and Duchess of Sussex</a> (@sussexroyal) on Nov 7, 2019 at 2:16am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The duo also learned about the unique challenges surrounding military life as well as the importance of social networks that exit to support families during deployments.</p> <p>This struck a chord with Prince Harry, as he has previously served in the military.</p> <p>"I can't imagine what it's like to miss so much, as they change so quickly," he said.</p> <p>The couple also spent time speaking with their neighbours, including army wife Leigh Smith and her daughter Molly, 8.</p> <p>"Meghan promised not to tell anyone that I was off school," Molly later told<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/2019110780244/meghan-markle-prince-harry-reveal-archie-new-milestone/" target="_blank">HELLO!</a>  </em>"She asked me who my best friend was."</p>

Family & Pets

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Try this old military trick to fall asleep in two minutes

<p>Struggling to fall asleep? Try an old military technique that's said to help you nod off in two minutes.</p> <p>The method is outlined in Lloyd Bud Winter's 1981 book <em>Relax and Win: Championship Performance</em>, which has enjoyed a recent resurgence online.</p> <p>It was apparently used by the American military service, which found a 96 per cent success rate after six weeks of practice with people reportedly falling asleep in two minutes or less, reports <em><a href="https://www.joe.co.uk/news/sleeping-tricks-197402">Joe.co.uk</a></em>.</p> <p>So how does it work? The method involves two main steps.</p> <p>The first is to relax, and it should take about a minute and a half (which, FYI, isn't included in the two minutes to fall asleep) if you're doing it correctly.</p> <ol> <li>Start by relaxing the muscles in your face.</li> <li>Then drop your shoulders as low as they'll go, followed by your upper and lower arm on one side, and then the other.</li> <li>Breathe out and relax your chest. Then relax your legs (thighs first then calves).</li> </ol> <p>After that, spend about 10 seconds trying to clear your mind. Then focus on one of these images/sayings:</p> <ul> <li>Lying in a canoe on a calm lake with nothing but a clear blue sky above you.</li> <li>Lying in a black velvet hammock in a pitch-black room.</li> <li>Saying "don't think, don't think, don't think" to yourself over and over for about 10 seconds.</li> </ul> <p>If all goes to plan, you should be drifting off about now.</p> <p><em>Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/106848461/try-this-old-us-military-trick-to-fall-asleep-in-two-minutes">Stuff.co.nz</a>.</em></p>

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Prince Harry breaks military rule but can you guess what it is?

<p>Prince Harry has been accused of breaking military rules while on official duty in a British Army uniform by wearing a beard.</p> <p><img width="375" height="438" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/12/12/4643F2A300000578-5074637-British_Army_rules_forbid_all_beards_except_in_a_few_rare_circum-m-44_1510488958250.jpg" alt="British Army rules forbid all beards, except in a few rare circumstances, such as when a soldier is suffering from a skin complaint, or has strong religious reasons for retaining facial hair " class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-427e841bef9872af"/></p> <p>The 33-year-old left the armed forces in 2015 but attended the Cenotaph in London for the Remembrance Sunday service on official duty with a full beard. </p> <p>A serving military member in the elite cavalry regiment was unhappy that Prince Harry had not shaved for the occasion.</p> <p>“Prince Harry is letting us all down. There's no place for beards in the Queen's cavalry. He should have shaved it off for such an important day,” they said.</p> <p><img width="409" height="292" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/11/12/12/4644044100000578-5074637-image-a-45_1510489185777.jpg" alt="Britain's Prince William (centre), Prince Andrew (left) and a bearded Prince Harry (right) take part in the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service in London" class="blkBorder img-share b-loaded" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="i-5466ed853f5d4ae"/></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em>Prince William (centre), Prince Andrew (left) and a bearded Prince Harry (right) take part in the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph service in London.</em></p> <p>British Army rules forbid beards, except in a few circumstances, such as when a soldier is suffering from a skin complaint, or has strong religious reasons for retaining facial hair.</p> <p>However as Prince Harry is no longer a serving officer, the rules do not require him to comply with the regulations.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

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Prince Charles reflects on his concern over Harry’s time in the army

<p>As he celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Army Air Corps, Prince Charles spoke candidly about the fears he had for Harry during his military service.</p> <p>The next-in-line to the throne, decked out in his tropical service dress and AAC blue beret, addressed soldiers at a presentation in the grounds of Salisbury Cathedral yesterday.</p> <p>“As the father of a former Army Air Corps pilot myself, I am very much aware of the mixed emotions of pride and concern involved in your children embarking on helicopter training and operations,” he confessed. “I have no doubt that it is the unfaltering support, provided by those at home, that allows our soldiers to manage so well when the going gets tough.”</p> <p>Prince Harry entered the military in 2005, undergoing an intense 44-week training course at Sandhurst College. He fought on the front line in Afghanistan on two occasions – once as a forward air controller in 2007 and again in 2012, flying the Apache attack helicopter after retraining with the Army Air Corps. He left the AAC in 2014 to focus on his charity work and the Invictus Games.</p> <p>Charles himself had been the Colonel-in-Chief of the AAC for 25 years. “Army aviation has evolved continuously and has played a vital role in many of the key operations worldwide,” he said. “The campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan have demonstrated the decisive contribution that soldiers in the air can make to the outcome of the land-air battle.”</p> <p><em>Image: UK Press/Getty.</em></p>

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The rarest passport in the world

<p>The Sovereign Military Order of Malta holds the title of the rarest passport in the world with only three people granted the permission to receive one.</p> <p>The exclusive passport is granted to the three highest ranking officers in the Catholic order.</p> <p>The red passport belongs to the grand master, deputy grand master and chancellor of the Order.</p> <p>Despite the rarity of the passport, it is not valid in the United Kingdom, United States, New Zealand and many other countries and territories with similar rules.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="347" height="487" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37959/sovereign-order.jpg" alt="Sovereign Order"/></p> <p>The group’s position is also expressed on license plates, stamps and coins.</p> <p>In 1113, the Order was officially recognised by Pope Pascha.</p> <p>It currently operates as a charitable organisation offering medical aid around the world and consists of more than 13,500 knights, dames and chaplains along with</p> <p>80,000 volunteers.</p> <p>Despite the Order not controlling any territory, they have diplomatic relations with over 100 states.</p> <p>Germany currently holds the most powerful visa in the world where they can travel to 176 countries of 218 without a visa.</p>

International Travel

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Daughter eats breakfast with “daddy doll”

<p>A US mother raising her children while her husband serves his country has shared a picture of her daughter eating with her “daddy doll”.</p> <p>“Men and women leave their families for weeks, months, or a year and many people will never know what that is like,” wrote the mother on the Love What Matters Facebook page.</p> <p>The mum goes on to say that her daughter will pretend to feed it, talk to it, and act like he is with us until we are reunited as a family again</p> <p>“Daddy dolls” are quite comment among military families. It's a reminder of the enormous sacrifices that soldiers and their families make for their country. </p> <p>Here's the full post: </p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flovewhatreallymatters%2Fposts%2F1451912904831103&amp;width=500" width="500" height="703" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true"></iframe></p> <p> </p>

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10 facts you didn’t know about Anzac Day

<p><em><strong>Military historian Dr Tom Lewis OAM is the author of 12 books, his most recent being Carrier Attack, a forensic analysis of the first air raid on Darwin.</strong></em></p> <p>1. Everybody knows ANZAC is the acronym formed from the initial letters of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, but did you know it came about because it was the formation into which Australian and New Zealand soldiers were grouped in Egypt prior to the landing at Gallipoli in April 1915.</p> <p>2. First written as A. &amp; N. Z. Army Corps, it soon became A. N. Z. A. C. and the new word was so obvious that the full stops were omitted. The word was initially used to refer to the cove where the Australians and New Zealanders landed and soon after, to the men themselves.</p> <p>3. An Anzac was originally meant to refer to a man who was at the Landing and who fought at Gallipoli, but eventually it came to mean any Australian or New Zealand soldier of World War I.</p> <p>4. After the withdrawal from Gallipoli, Anzacs who had served at Gallipoli were given an “A” badge to be attached to the colour patch – the fabric patch on a soldier’s sleeve which was the mark of his battalion. The A badges became much admired by others.</p> <p><img width="149" height="95" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/19005/1st-battalion-colour-patch-with-a-for-the-gallipoli-anzacs-badge-public-domain-.jpg" alt="1st Battalion Colour Patch With A For The Gallipoli Anzacs Badge (Public Domain) (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>5. Proposals to have something special commemorate the day of the initial landing began well before the first anniversary, with an enthusiastic campaign begun in Queensland.</p> <p>6. The first Anzac Day commemorations were held on 25 April 1916. The day was marked by a wide variety of ceremonies, services and marches across Australia. In the Sydney event convoys of cars carried soldiers wounded at Gallipoli with their nurses on board.</p> <p>7. Of course, most of the Australian forces were still overseas, for the war did not end until November 1918. There was a special march through London by around 2, 000 Australian and New Zealand troops, and a London newspaper dubbed them “the knights of Gallipoli”.</p> <p>8. A dawn service was not originally the routine. It is known a requiem mass was held at daybreak in 1918 in Albany, WA, where the convoys had left from. A dawn ceremony was first held in Sydney in 1928.</p> <p>9. The Australian War Memorial was built in Canberra after the war, but a ceremony was not held there until 1942, well into WWII.</p> <p>10. There is no legal guide as to what makes up an Anzac Day ceremony. </p> <p><em><strong>Scroll through the gallery above to view historic images of World War I. </strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links: </strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2015/12/life-lessons-from-grandparents/"><em>Top 10 life lessons kids learn from grandparents</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/5-types-of-grandparents/"><em>There are 5 different types of grandparents – which one are you?</em></a></strong></span></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/family-pets/2016/01/parents-and-kids-who-look-identical/"><em>10 pics of parents and kids who look identical</em></a></strong></span></p>

Books

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Military hats on display for Remembrance Day

<p>A collector of Australian military memorabilia has teamed up with Melbourne’s iconic City Hatters store to put together a touching Remembrance Day display.</p> <p>Simon Clegg began collecting Australian military hats in 1988, just two weeks after he arrived from Scotland. Since then he has immersed himself in Australian military history, collecting 125 hats that date back as far as 1930, spanning WWII and conflicts in Korea Malaya, Borneo and Vietnam.</p> <p>The pick of the bunch is Mr Clegg’s collection of Australian military slouch hats. Named after the sloping brim design, slouch hats have become a national symbol of patriotism and bravery.</p> <p><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/10838/military-hats-two_497x280.jpg" alt="Military Hats Two" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Mr Clegg had the idea for the a Remembrance Day window display on Anzac Day this year, when he visited City Hatters to have an item repaired and chatted with City Hatters store manager.</p> <p>City Hatters has a unique role to play in Australia’s military history, and was often one of the first points visited by a solider returning from a tour of duty. Store manager Craig Cochrane says: “The returned soldiers would come in on platform one, they would come down the steps and as their slouch hats had seen a bit of action, they would come down and buy another slouch hat from us.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / Suzanne Carbone</em></p>

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