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The retirement of Roger Federer is the abdication of tennis royalty

This is a time of endings. In the midst of the all-consuming <a href="https://theconversation.com/media-coverage-of-queen-elizabeths-death-began-well-but-quickly-descended-into-farce-190645" target="_blank" rel="noopener">media spectacle</a> surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth II, “tennis royalty” in the form of Roger Federer <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-15/roger-federer-announces-retirement-from-tennis/101446316" target="_blank" rel="noopener">retired</a> in the same week and in the same city that she is laid to rest. When the career of a sporting celebrity concludes, it is widely represented as if they have died, in what journalists call “sports obituaries”. The person in question is usually still alive and will probably go on to be successful in the business, media and/or charity sectors. But the experience of watching them perform live at the stadium or on screen immediately mutates into nostalgic reflection. So, what can be said about the sporting life of “Roger”, one the few people often known solely by their given name? <h2>The final curtain</h2> When the institution of sport emerged during the late industrial revolution in the 19th century, it changed, as Allen Guttmann famously put it, “<a href="http://cup.columbia.edu/book/from-ritual-to-record/9780231133418" target="_blank" rel="noopener">from ritual to record</a>”. It became all about the numbers and the score. By this measure, Federer’s sporting record is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/roger-federers-records-milestones-2022-09-15/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formidable</a> – world men’s number one for the best part of six years, 20 Grand Slam singles titles (including six Australian Opens), the only player to win at least ten titles on clay, grass and hard court surfaces, and sundry other tennis achievements. Of course, it has not all gone smoothly. The body that was his finely tuned instrument on the tennis court increasingly failed him, although the steely determination of the champion never wavered. Until, facing one last hurrah but probably playing on one leg, he chose to lower the curtain at the event that he co-created. Named after his tennis hero, the <a href="https://lavercup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Laver Cup</a> is a testament to Federer’s unusually intense immersion in tennis history and, ultimately, his own place within it. Federer, who arrived as a <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/The_Master/2N79DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=federer+biography&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">teenage firebrand</a>, admires not just the impressive tennis record but also the demeanour of <a href="https://www.tennisfame.com/hall-of-famers/inductees/rod-laver" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rod Laver</a>. An elegant and courteous stylist who was instrumental in the professionalisation of tennis in the 1960s, he has been a significant role model for Federer. Laver is not just acknowledged as a superlative tennis player, but widely respected and admired. In emulating him, Federer generally behaved well on and off court, although unlike Laver, he sometimes wept with frustration or joy. In the pure aesthetics of tennis, Federer arguably eclipsed the master. No cold-eyed counting of tournament wins can capture the beauty of his backhand, the flourish of his forehand. <h2>King Roger and the big three</h2> In the early days of his career, the Swiss-South African Federer could have gone the way of Australian <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-the-ash-barty-and-special-k-tennis-triumphs-say-about-australia-and-the-buttoned-up-sport-industry-175993" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nick Kyrgios</a>, who is more than a decade younger. Both supremely talented and combustible, Federer and Kyrgios went in different directions. Federer became “<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/king-roger-c6xpgkd8t?region=global" target="_blank" rel="noopener">King Roger</a>”, as he was anointed by the august Times of London in 2018 – a player who trained hard, curbed his temper, and won Wimbledon at the age of 21. Kyrgios, by contrast, emerged as “<a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-10964325/Wimbledon-2022-Stars-slam-Nasty-Nick-Kyrgios-SPAT-direction-abusive-fan.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nasty Nick</a>”, attracting media and spectator interest as much for his confrontational on-court antics as his sometimes sublime tennis. Even if Kyrgios begins to win Grand Slams while continuing to <a href="https://www.crikey.com.au/2022/07/05/people-cant-look-away-from-nick-kyrgios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fascinate younger tennis</a> fans, it is unimaginable he will come close to Federer’s elevated place in the pantheon. Federer’s place in tennis history has been enhanced in part by his membership of the “<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/feb/01/obsession-with-big-three-nadal-djokovic-federer-ruined-tennis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Big Three</a>” alongside Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic – or the “Big Four” if Andy Murray is included. With more than 60 Grand Slams between them, the three rivals dominated men’s tennis, supplying the kind of “golden age” narrative so beloved of terminally sentimental sport fans. Now, with Nadal also prone to injury and Djokovic sacrificing tournaments by refusing to be <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-59890943" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vaccinated</a> against COVID, Federer’s retirement signals the end of this era. The departure of “<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/08/28/all-hail-queen-serena-williams-on-the-verge-of-future-triumphs-in-new-fields/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Queen Serena Williams</a>” from the women’s game and the youth of the singles winners in the 2022 US Open is further evidence that the wheel has, perhaps mercifully, turned in favour of renewal. But longevity is a major aspect of Federer’s status. He has been at or near the top of tennis for most of the 21st century. Just as most people have only known one Queen of England, young and middle-aged tennis fans have had the comforting certainty of King Roger plying his trade on the world tennis circuit. Unlike constitutional monarchies, though, those of the sporting world are produced by performance, not heredity. The new tennis regime is yet to take shape. <h2>Astonishing athleticism</h2> I only saw Roger Federer in the flesh once. It was two decades ago in London’s shiny <a href="https://www.nike.com/retail/s/niketown-london" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NikeTown</a>, and young Roger – an up-and-coming professional contracted to Nike – was playing an exhibition game with oversized tennis balls and undersized racquets. My initial cynicism was overwhelmed by the astonishing athleticism on display. I thought he’d do well then, but had no idea I was witnessing the rise of the House of Roger. Federer, we are told, may return to such spaces to play post-retirement exhibition games. The <a href="https://rogerfedererfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roger Federer Foundation</a>, dedicated to alleviating child poverty through education, could use the money. But before the next phase of King Roger’s life there must be the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Media_Events/MxzQnVZhQE0C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=live+events+broadcasting&printsec=frontcover" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ceremonial media moment</a> of his appearance in the O2 arena in London, this week’s global capital of farewell ceremonies. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-retirement-of-roger-federer-is-the-abdication-of-tennis-royalty-190832" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Conversation</a>. Image: Getty

Retirement Life

Game of Thrones: King Charles III’s choice of royal residences

After King Charles III was sworn in as England’s next monarch, he isn’t just assuming his late mother’s royal duties, but also ownership of her residences. Charles has a choice of five palaces when it comes to his official home, though he doesn’t necessarily have to select just one. If he follows in his mother’s footsteps, he could choose to travel between several locations for official duties and downtime. "He is going to have to weigh up the cost against the importance of keeping these palaces and castles and residences truly royal by using them," a source told The Times. With choices spanning London to Berkshire, here’s a whirlwind tour of the residences King Charles III can choose from. Buckingham Palace, London Having been the official London residence for monarchs for 185 years, when Queen Victoria first took up residence there in 1837, Buckingham Palace has a lengthy history. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/buckingham-palace1.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> The 775-room building is now used as the administrative headquarters, or royal office, of the monarch thanks to its 92 offices, 188 staff bedrooms, and 52 royal and guest bedrooms. But, if Charles does want to move in, current renovations to the palace mean he’ll have to wait. The changes are estimated to cost over $700 million, with an expected completion date in 2027. Clarence House, London Located beside St James’ Palace, Clarence House has been a royal residence for slightly longer than Buckingham Palace, having been built in 1827 for Prince William Henry, Duke of Clarence. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/clarence-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> King Charles and Camilla, now the Queen Consort, have called Clarence House home since 2003. Sandringham House, Norfolk The 20,000-acre Norfolk property is known as the royal’s country house and has been passed down through the royal family for centuries. With its sprawling acreage, more than 200 people make their living from the estate, including gamekeepers, gardeners, farmers and workers at Sandringham’s sawmill. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/sandringham-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Sandringham House has also gone down in history as the location of Queen Elizabeth II’s first televised Christmas message. Highgrove House, Gloucestershire King Charles has used Highgrove House as his private residence since the 1980s - over 180 years after it was built. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/highgrove-house.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Before Charles lived there, the Georgian home belonged to Maurice Macmillan, the son of former British PM Maurice Macmillan. Nowadays, Highgrove House sees around 40,000 visitors walk through the estate’s expansive gardens each year. Windsor Castle, Berkshire With more than 1000 rooms and over 300 fireplaces, Windsor Castle has been in the royal family for 900 years. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/09/windsor-castle.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> But it isn’t the only building located on the property, with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s residence, Frogmore Cottage. Images: Getty Images

Real Estate

House with royal connection hits the market

If you’re in the market for a new home with a royal connection, a recently-listed pub-turned-house could be a perfect match, thanks to its prime location on Sandringham Estate. The Georgian home, formerly a pub called the New Inn, is one of several privately-owned residences within the border of the royal family’s estate, located just across the road from St Mary the Virgin Church, which the Queen traditionally visits for Christmas mass when she is staying at the estate. Now called the Inn House, the property on Abbey Road has been listed for £700,000 ($NZ 1.31 million) with the <a href="https://www.brown-co.com/properties/15756061/sales#from-grid" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brown & Co agency</a>. According to the listing, New Inn presents a unique opportunity to own a home on the estate, with the majority of houses owned by the Royal Estate. Built in 1820, the two-storey home has retained much of its pub charm since its conversion, with additions from the current owner including a garage. The ground floor boasts a reception hallway with a pitched open ceiling and exposed roof trusses and a sitting room with a wood burning stove, as well as a study, the kitchen and dining room, and a utility and boot room that opens out to the garden through a stable door. Upstairs, there are four bedrooms and a bathroom, with the master bedroom including an ensuite and views over the other cottages and pasture on the estate. Images: Brown & Co agency

Real Estate

Woman who was adopted as a baby finds out she is a real life princess

A woman who was adopted has grown up to find out she is in fact part of a royal family. Princess Sarah Culberson, now 46, was adopted by James and Judy Culberson from West Virginia, who had no idea their daughter was royal. It was no secret to Princess Sarah that she was adopted but she just wanted to know more about her heritage. She eventually tracked down her mother who had unfortunately died a few years prior but this did not stop her curiosity. At the age of 28, Sarah hired a private investigator to find her biological father who found an address in Maryland. Sarah wrote a letter and sent it to the address and received a call from her uncle instead who asked if she knew who she was. "Oh Sarah! We are so happy you have been found. Do you know who you are?" she recalled in an interview with UNILAD. "I'm Sarah,” she said in response. <iframe style="overflow: hidden; border: initial none initial;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Funiladmag%2Fvideos%2F537159117421173%2F&show_text=false&width=476&t=0" width="476" height="476" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> "He says, 'You are part of a royal family. Your great-grandfather was a paramount chief, your grandfather was knighted Justice of the Peace by the Queen of England. "You can be chief someday. You are a princess in this country."Sarah could not believe her ears as her uncle explained that her dad was Joseph Konia Kposowa, a chief in Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa. He then got in contact with her father who called her up two weeks later asking for forgiveness to which she said was unnecessary as her adopted parents gave her a wonderful upbringing. Eventually, Sarah travelled to Sierra Leone where she was welcomed for the Princess that she was. "It was beautiful to be welcomed and loved. It was so spectacular,” she said. Princess Sarah then explained that this unexpected turn of events has given her “purpose” and that she can do a lot to help her community. Images: Instagram

Family & Pets

A regal tour like no other: New Zealand locations with a nod to royalty

From Queen streets and Queen’s parks to the entire town of Queenstown (which was named after Queen Victoria), there are a host of spots named after New Zealand’s head of state that deserve a look-see on your next visit. It isn’t just the Queen who has a Kiwi namesake either, with Albert Town, near Wānaka, named after Queen Victoria’s husband and the town of Alexandra being named after her daughter-in-law. But many of these date all the way back to the Victorian era and places named after the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, are more select. According to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/queens-birthday-new-zealand-locations-with-a-nod-to-royalty/R7YE2WY5GEJYJEBGTY56HWMTAM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>, this list of royally-inspired locations has dwindled to make way for new developments and because of natural disasters. Of those that remain, here’s a list of spots well-worth visiting. Parks galore Queen Elizabeth has been the inspiration for two parks that should be on your royal travel bucket list: one in Masterton and the other on the Kāpiti Coast. Stretching over 638 hectares, Queen Elizabeth Park on the Kāpiti Coast was opened by the monarch during her first royal visit, months after her coronation in 1953. It boasts a vast expanse of beaches, dunes, wetland and farmland, includes a large holiday park and an ancient pā site (a Māori hill fort). <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Queen Elizabeth Park features beaches, wetlands, and more, spread across 638 hectares. Image: Greater Wellington Regional Council Masterton’s Queen Elizabeth Park, on the other hand, was founded during Queen Victoria’s reign and later renamed. The park is known as one of the best and most child-friendly parks in the country, with a castle-like playground, flying fox, BMX track, steam-powered miniature train and pedal-boat rides on the lake. It also includes a deer enclosure accessed by a swing bridge across the Waipoua River. <img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/06/qeii-park2.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /> Masterton’s park boasts one of the country’s most child-friendly parks, and even houses an deer enclosure.Image: Destination Wairarapa Recreation and sports After Christchurch’s Queen Elizabeth II park - built to host the 1974 Commonwealth Games - had its stadium and pool complex damaged in the 2011 earthquake, the Taiora QEII Recreation and Sports Centre was built in its stead. The big draw for the park is its aquatic centre, with its hydroslide for big kids and its play pool for tiny swimmers, and its spa, sauna and steam room. Image: Destination Wairarapa / Getty Images

Domestic Travel

Aussie family uncover their royal connection

A family from the New South Wales Central Coast has discovered something unusual about their past which they claim could make them billionaires and even hold titles in a royal court. The Sharpe family live in Terrigal but have traced their lineage all the way back to a family estate in central London, thanks to a map found among some paperwork. Michael Sharpe also discovered another surprise fact while working on his family tree: he’s a direct descendant of the Earl of Oxford. “Elizabeth Sharpe is my seven or eight times great-grandmother and her father being the Earl of Oxford… it’s quite a story,” Michael Sharpe told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/nsw-family-discover-royal-connection-through-earl-of-oxford-descendant/b270faf5-b48a-41d9-b24b-c2c35a326a5d" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A Current Affair</a>. Robert Harley, the Earl of Oxford, was Lord High Treasurer in the court of Queen Anne in the 1700s who owned the estate in Shooter’s Hill until his death. The estate and title, which included a 100-room mansion called Hazelwood House, were then passed to his son, George Harley. “There were 375 acres on the estate, which is now part of London,” Michael explained. “Eighty-seven million pounds was the value of the estate in 1931.” George’s sister Elizabeth, who is Michael’s grandmother many times over, had settled in the Richmond district in Sydney’s west when their father passed. But, by the time word reached her of Robert’s death, she was also in a bad way and urged her son William to return to London to claim the estate, according to letters found. “Unfortunately he died not long after her and it never happened,” Michael said. After that, the family were unaware of the estate until the Richmond Windsor Gazette obtained Elizabeth’s and her father’s will, publishing her obituary and a call-out for family members to claim the estate. “In the article, she is urging her children before her death to leave no stone unturned, to claim the property, including a large sum of money in the Bank of England,” Michael said. Then the search effort began during the 1930s, until the onset of World War II forced it to cease, with Michael and his late father picking up the search again. “It probably happens all the time when people don’t look into it further,” Michael’s wife Elizabeth said. Now, the family are hoping to prove their right to the kingly sum. “DNA - we can prove we are all related and it is just sitting there all these years,” Michael’s daughter Jordi said. “We have to get lawyers and more information on how to go ahead and contact the Bank of England.” Image: A Current Affair

Family & Pets

Photos released marking Prince Louis’ fourth birthday

Adorable photos showing Prince Louis on his fourth birthday have been released. The third and youngest child to Prince William and Duchess Kate was born on April 23, 2018 at the private maternity Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. The Duchess took the photos earlier in April of Prince Louis on the dunes in Norfolk, England, grinning from ear-to-ear in a grey sweater with stars over a button down shirt and blue shorts. The series of photos show Louis running and playing in the sand with an orange ball and laughing. Louis is fifth in line to the throne after his grandfather the Prince of Wales, his father Prince William, and older siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Will and Kate occasionally share photos of their children to mark special events such as the first day of school. The Duchess is a former art history student and is an honoured member of the Royal Photographic Society. Images: Duchess of Cambridge/Instagram

Family & Pets

Cricket legend Rod Marsh farewelled by sporting royalty

The sporting world has farewelled cricketing legend Rod Marsh at a private funeral at Adelaide Oval. This follows the talented wicketkeeper's death from a heart attack. Marsh, aged 74, was rushed to hospital after he had suffered a massive heart attack while visiting Bundaberg in Queensland for a cricket charity event before passing away on the 4th of March. Fellow cricketing legend Dennis Lillee spoke about his former teammate during the ceremony for the first time since Marsh's death. 'I still can't believe our mate, and mate to many, is not around anymore,' Lillee began. 'It's taken me days to be able to write my thoughts down on his amazing bloke. I don't want to talk about his cricket ability, that's been very well documented. 'It's the person Rod Marsh that I love.' Lillee was joined on the during the service by teammates John Inverarity and Bruce Laird, who all shared memories of Marsh and paid their respects. The renowned bowler started his speech by recalling a significant memory he shared with Marsh during their cricket-playing days where the pair drank a soft drink and beer respectively. He later added: 'People often ask me if I missed playing - my answer was no, I don't, but I do miss my teammates of 14, 15 years. 'Again, I miss my mate, and will keep remembering the good times. He was a one off, let's all celebrate a life well lived.' Marsh's funeral saw more than 800 people in attendance, with cricket icons including Allan Border, Adam Gilchrist, Justin Langer, Shane Watson, and Glenn McGrath were spotted in attendance. TV personality and former first-class cricketer James Brayshaw hosted the service. He opened the ceremony by speaking about the cricketer's life, family and career. 'We are here to celebrate, to respect the passing of a great man,' he stated. Graham often choked up during his speech as he paid tribute to his brother. 'I always remember my brother Rod for his devotion, loyalty, love for his family and friends.' Following on from his brother's speech, fellow wicketkeeping great Adam Gilchrist narrated a mini-documentary on Marsh's life that played out for attendees on the projector screen at the funeral. Rod Marsh's oldest son Paul eventually took to the stage to speak about his father. 'Words could never do justice to how much respect, gratitude, and appreciation I have for what Rod did for me and taught me about cricket and, more importantly, about life,' he said. 'It's been an incredibly tough and emotional few weeks for our family, but as we got today's celebration of Dad's life, the two overriding emotions I have for him are pride and gratitude.' Paul Marsh later said: 'I'm incredibly grateful for the example he set for all of us to learn from. He was a fantastic father and grandfather, and Mum could not wish for a better husband.' He then thanked the cricket community, his father's former teammates and close friends for their support and kind words during the difficult time. The crimson-coloured coffin was decorated with flowers on top. Framed pictures of the cricketer and the teams he played with were placed on the stand behind the coffin. Marsh's cricket shirt and blazer with the number 7 emblazoned on the back were spotted off to the side next to a candle with the Cricket Australia logo, while a Fremantle Dockers scarf - the AFL team he barracked for - hung off a marble column in the background. The family also thanked staff at Bundaberg Hospital, the Australian Cricketers' Association and Queensland Bulls Masters officials for keeping him alive. Marsh's death coincided with Australia's first Test against Pakistan. Players wore black armbands in the legend's honour. Images: Getty

News

Tennis royalty: What Ash Barty said to William and Kate

Ash Barty is now officially tennis royalty after beating Karolina Pliskova and taking her first Wimbledon singles title. Barty has become the second Australian woman to take the crown in 41 years, following behind Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Kate Middleton presented Barty with her trophy, and later spoke with the Aussie star alongside Prince William. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842374/ash-barty-royal-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/62621ff12cb9407d889c28c163c2f643" /> Barty joined the British pair upstairs in the Wimbledon clubhouse and spent the rest of the afternoon mindlessly chatting with Middleton, who asked her if she’d spoken to her family the night before she stepped onto Centre Court. “Yeah I called my niece and nephew and they were so excited,” Barty explained to Middleton. “I know they’re up watching now.” Middleton praised Barty for her success, mentioning how difficult it would have been to be restricted by the “intense” life of being stuck in a biosecure bubble. The tennis star, alongside the rest of the players, we’re all severely limited with their movements in London and on tour in general. When asked how it felt to play in front of fans and a packed out stadium, Barty admitted it was “the best feeling.” <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842372/ash-barty-royal-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/965bb0aaffc4448db23f398f89a648bd" /> Australia's Ashleigh Barty holds The Venus Rosewater Dish after winning the Ladies Singles Final during The Championships 2021 “When we walked here, they (the fans) were just incredible.” William said: “You didn’t look like you had any nerves today at all.” “Oh no, I did (have nerves),” she responded, chuckling. “I tried to just hit it out. “I love playing here ... it brings out the very best in me.” Middleton added: “I met a little fangirl downstairs, she was so sweet. So you’re inspiring the next generation.” Barty also got to meet tennis legends Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova before she rejoined her team in the corridor. The star broke down in tears again when her boyfriend Garry Kissick wrapped his arms around her. <img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842375/ash-barty-royal-5.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/a2f1a10daa734b7f9c4ce3398cf865f5" /> Barty said her triumph was nothing short of a “miracle”, admitting to reporters post-match that her team had kept a secret from her about the extent of the injury she suffered before the French Open. It was a hip complaint experts predicted would keep Barty out for two months but she rose to the occasion, despite pulling out from Roland Garros weeks earlier. “Being able to play here at Wimbledon was nothing short of a miracle,” Barty said. “They kept a lot of cards close to their chest. It just proved how much we were against the odds. “To be playing pain-free through this event was incredible. Certainly now chatting to them it looked a lot less likely than I felt. It’s been an incredible month.” Images: Getty

News

JK Rowling unveils new book and will donate all royalties

JK Rowling has unveiled a new children’s book, which she is releasing in chapters each weekday for children to enjoy during these “strange, unsettling times”. The author announced the news on Twitter, saying the upcoming book – titled The Ickabog – is not a spin-off of her best-selling Harry Potter series. Rowling said she wrote “most of the first draft” more than 10 years ago, while she was still writing the Harry Potter books. “A few weeks ago at dinner, I tentatively mooted the idea of getting The Ickabog down from the attic and publishing it for free, for children in lockdown,” Rowling said in a statement on Tuesday. “Over the last few weeks I’ve done a bit of rewriting and I’ve decided to publish The Ickabog for free online, so children on lockdown, or even those back at school during these strange, unsettling times, can read it or have it read to them.” Chapters of The Ickabog are being published every weekday until July 10 on <a href="https://theickabog.com/">The Ickabog website</a>. Rowling also invited young readers to draw illustrations for the story in an official competition being run by Scholastic. Winners will see their artwork in the book, which will be published in print, eBook and audiobook in November. “Creativity, inventiveness and effort are the most important things: we aren’t necessarily looking for the most technical skill!” she said. Rowling is pledging all author royalties from the book to “projects and organisations helping the groups most impacted by COVID-19”, she wrote on Twitter.

Books

Queen summons Meghan and Harry back to the UK

Her Majesty has called back Meghan Markle and Prince Harry from their relaxed new life in Canada to attend a Commonwealth Service. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex moved to Canada after announcing they were quitting royal life and becoming “financially independent”. The 93-year-old monarch has reportedly asked them to return to the UK next month for the service at Westminster Abbey. The couple attended the Commonwealth Service last year with Meghan heavily pregnant with Archie. If the couple attend the March 9 event, it will be the first royal engagement for Meghan since the couple quit. <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://go.skimresources.com/?id=34784X1028065&isjs=1&jv=13.26.2-stackpath&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesun.co.uk%2Fnews%2F10925713%2Fqueen-calls-meghan-markle-prince-harry-back%2F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thetimes.co.uk%2Farticle%2Fharry-and-meghan-earn-1m-for-speech-in-florida-hrvf07xln&xguid=17e9c84a97d49625f2521cd872b72ac6&xs=1&xtz=-660&xuuid=b4ad45a1df2960b47ffacfe9162e3ff2&xcust=01702c414a0700030f308df2f70a03073005306b0086e" target="_blank">The Sunday Times</a> reported the couple will make a round of final engagements in March before returning to North America. However, the Queen is “remarkably unfazed” by the couple’s decision to start a new life in Canada. “If that’s what they want, if they want to go, we must let them go,” she told friends. <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxNPb_9B0fn/?utm_source=ig_embed&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="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;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BxNPb_9B0fn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal)</a> on May 8, 2019 at 8:39am PDT </div> </blockquote> Prince Harry made his first public appearance at JPMorgan’s Miami billionaire’s summit, where he gave a speech and was reportedly paid $1 million plus expenses for the opportunity. The couple were reportedly flown on the JPMorgan private jet from Vancouver to Palm Beach and the summit was attended by the likes of Patriots owner Bob Kraft and billionaire philanthropist Robert Frederick Smith.

International Travel

Rise to royalty: Swedish Sofia’s journey from risque star to beloved princess

Before she became Princess Sofia of Sweden, she was Sofia Hellqvist. Born in December 1984, she began making a name for herself while studying in Sweden’s capital, Stockholm. The royal started out as a glamour model and partook in risque photoshoots. One of her most outlandish was one she posed for at the age of 20 for a Swedish men’s magazine, Slitz, where she wore a boa constrictor as her own form of clothing. In 2004 she was crowned Miss Slitz 2004. The recognition from the bold cover earnt her a spot on a popular reality television show, Paradise Hotel, in 2005. The show required a group of single people to stay in a luxury tropical resort and compete to find their perfect match. The royal would not find the one for her until 2009, however, when she met her future husband, Prince Carl Philip of Sweden, at a busy nightclub. They both described their first meeting as “love at first sight”. Having studied accounting, global ethics and various other courses focussing on children’s rights, Princess Sofia received encouragement from her royal boyfriend to focus on more charitable endeavours. In 2010, she established the Sofia Hellqvist Project Playground, which supports underprivileged children in South Africa. When the news of their intimate relationship became public, critics thought the couple were not a good match. Princess Sofia said in an interview in 2018 the transition from local celebrity to royal an incredibly difficult feat. "I was met with an enormous hate storm, from people who had opinions about as a person, about my relationship. "I was surprised and it definitely affected me. I didn't understand that people had such need to express how badly they felt about me. It was very tough. "I don't regret anything. All these experiences have made me the person I am. I wouldn't have made those choices today." In 2014, the couple announced their engagement and it seems Prince Carl was head over heels with his soon-to-be-fiance. "I don't think I knew the magic of love before I met Sofia," Prince Carl said in their joint engagement interview. "But ever since I met her, I've seen how love can change a person." Princess Sofia said: "The first thing I noticed about Carl Philip was that he seemed very humble. "When I got to know him, I saw that he was incredibly natural, very intelligent and very humble." The duo married inside the Royal Chapel at the Royal Palace of Stockholm on June 13, 2015. Other royals from all over the world were there to witness the nuptials including Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary, along with others from the UK, Belgium, Japan, the Netherlands, Greece, Norway and Germany. The couple welcomed their first child, Prince Alexander, in April 2016, and then later on, Prince Gabriel in August 2017. Scroll through the gallery above to see Princess Sophia’s life in pictures.

Beauty & Style

Wimbledon royalty: Ladies of the palace step out in three glamorous outfits

Duchess Kate and Meghan may have been taking part in a playdate with their offspring at the polo, but they weren’t the only set of Windsors to catch people’s attention. The same day, three members of the royal family attended Wimbledon day nine: Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Zara Tindall and Sophie, Countess of Wessex. And despite not being seated together, the three still managed to put on a show on their own. Camilla, who is known to be a fan of the sport, opted for a white dress, perfect for the summer season. She paired the outfit with Ray Ban sunglasses and a chic set of pearls. She started off the day by attending a private lunch in the members dining room before she made her way to the royal box where she got the best view of the match. Meanwhile, Sophie looked picture perfect in a midi-length, blue dress which featured a floral design and a cinched in waist. The dress was designed by none other than Peter Pilotto, the man behind Princess Eugenie’s wedding dress, which she wore in October last year. She wore her hair in a casual ponytail, keeping her hair off her face to help her concentrate on the events unfolding in front of her. Finally, also making an appearance was the Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall, who attended the tournament with her husband Mike. Wearing a sophisticated blue and white striped number, Zara paired the floaty outfit with a set of sunglasses. She styled her blonde bob with loose waves, looking on trend. The couple confused spectators as they chose not to sit in the royal box, but it is assumed they were guests of Rolex, which is why they sat in the stands on centre court. Scroll through the gallery above to see the fashionable royals at Wimbledon.

Beauty & Style

Former housekeeper to the Queen reveals her secrets

If anybody can teach you how to make a bed fit for royalty, it would be the Queen’s former housekeeper. Barbara Allred, who was head housekeeper at Sandringham for a decade, now tutors at The English Manner, which trains butlers and housekeepers for billionaires, celebrities and aristocracy. Allred (left) tells The Daily Mail, “When you're working for the top, standards have to be 110 per cent, not just 100 per cent.” So what domestic secrets can the former housekeeper reveal? For sparkling bathroom thrones <ul> <li>To remove lime scale build-up on chrome taps, apply a paste of 2 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar. Use a toothbrush or cotton bud to clean difficult areas, and a bottle brush to clean plugholes.</li> <li>Keep a sponge and rubber gloves dedicated to the toilet - and manually clean under the rim of the bowl.</li> <li>Don’t use bleach as it takes the shine off porcelain. To remove mildew or mould, mix equal parts lemon juice and baking powder into a paste, leave on for two hours, and then rinse off. Toilet paper should roll from the front. Fold the end into a point to show the bathroom has been cleaned.</li> </ul> For crisply folded towels <ul> <li>Lay the towel flat, then fold it in three, lengthwise, before hanging on the towel rail.</li> <li>If you're folding them away in the cupboard, fold them in three again (or four, for large bath towels.) Stack towels, neatly, with the fold towards you, with towels of one size in a single section.</li> </ul> For a table setting fit for a royal <ul> <li>Set one place setting first to ensure you're happy with it. Then place each main course plate on the table. All plates should be equidistant.</li> <li>Each main course plate should be an inch from the edge of the table, as should the bottom of the cutlery. The side plate should be at ten o'clock in relation to the main plate. Glasses are at two o'clock.</li> <li>The red wine glass is traditionally larger, and to the right. The white wine glass is smaller, to its left.</li> <li>The sweet fork and spoon are normally positioned at the top of the main plate.</li> <li>A tablecloth is optional.</li> <li>Polish cutlery, and clean glasses without touching the rim - use your left hand to cradle the bowl; never twist the bowl when washing or drying the inside of a glass.</li> </ul> For a dust-free house <ul> <li>Start from the ceiling, from the left, so you can be methodical. Use a cobweb brush for ceilings.</li> <li>A squeezed out damp cloth is best for ornaments. If it's dry, you're just pushing dust around - you need the dust to adhere to the cloth.</li> <li>For antique picture frames, use a soft hogshair brush - one for wood and another for metal.</li> <li>Dust furniture with a very tightly squeezed out soft cloth. Never spray wood directly - spray the cloth. The same rule applies to cleaning windows.</li> </ul> For silver that shines <ul> <li>Don’t use a toothbrush if the silver is intricately wrought - use cotton buds.</li> <li>Then wash the item in warm water and liquid detergent, and dry. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to buff it - it’s the buffing that makes the difference.</li> </ul> Source: <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-3358717/How-run-house-fit-Queen-Plates-inch-table-edge-Taps-sparkle-like-crown-jewels-former-royal-housekeeper-reveals-secrets.html" target="_blank">The DailyMail</a> Related links: <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/10/things-you-shouldnt-put-in-the-dishwasher/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/diy-christmas-decorating-ideas/">13 easy-peasy Christmas decorating ideas</a> <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/10/things-you-shouldnt-put-in-the-dishwasher/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/diy-christmas-decorating-ideas/">More great vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a> <a href="/lifestyle/at-home/2015/10/things-you-shouldnt-put-in-the-dishwasher/"></a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/vacuum-cleaning-tricks/">Vacuum cleaning tricks you’ll want to know about</a>

News

What Queen Elizabeth’s father wrote to her on her wedding day

In commemoration of Queen Elizabeth's 68th wedding anniversary (November 20 for those who missed it), her Majesty's office gifted royalists with a touching letter her father, King George VI, gave to Elizabeth on her wedding day. <img width="272" height="294" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/02/24/article-1360124-0D53114C000005DC-128_634x686.jpg" class="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px; float: left;"/> The emotional note reads: "I was so proud and thrilled at having you so close to me on our long walk in Westminster Abbey. But when I handed your hand to the Archbishop, I felt I had lost something very precious. You were so calm and composed during the service and said your words with such conviction, that I knew everything was all right I have watched you grow up all those years with pride under the skilful direction of Mummy ... who, as you know, is the most marvellous person in the world in my eyes, and I can, I know, always count you, and now Philip, to help us in our work. Your leaving us has left a great blank in our lives, but do remember that your old home is still yours ... and do come back to it as much and as often as possible. I can see that you are sublimely happy with Philip, which is right, but don't forget us is the wish of your ever loving and devoted ... Papa." Four years after King George penned the note to his daughter, he unexpectedly died while Elizabeth was travelling through Kenya with Philip. At just 25, Princess Elizabeth became the Queen of England. And 64 years later, she has the great honour of being Britain's longest reigning monarch, with Prince Philip by her side.

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What Queen Elizabeth’s father wrote to her on her wedding day