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Margot Robbie snubbed as Oscar nominations announced

<p>The nominations for the 96th academy awards has been announced, and despite <em>Barbie</em> being nominated for eight awards, there were a few notable snubs that fans aren't happy about. </p> <p>The film’s star, Margot Robbie, was not nominated for best actress, despite co-star Ryan Gosling receiving a nomination for best supporting actor for his role as Ken. </p> <p>The film's director Greta Gerwig, was also snubbed as she was not nominated for best director. </p> <p>Fans took to social media to express their thoughts, with many of them unhappy with the academy's choice. </p> <p>"So Ryan Gosling’s nominated for playing ken but Margot Robbie isn’t nominated for playing barbie… in barbie," one person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">So Ryan Gosling’s nominated for playing ken but Margot Robbie isn’t nominated for playing barbie… in barbie <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Oscars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Oscars</a> </p> <p><a href="https://t.co/uceB20BB8H">pic.twitter.com/uceB20BB8H</a></p> <p>— poppy ☾ (@scddevereaux) <a href="https://twitter.com/scddevereaux/status/1749792570840907879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>"No nomination for Margot Robbie or Greta Gerwig for the #Oscars but Ryan Gosling gets one. Literally the whole point of the Barbie film," another wrote. </p> <p>"Greta Gerwig made a film that was critically acclaimed, culturally impactful, hilarious, unique, visually exceptional, perfectly cast and acted, left people laughing, crying and thinking AND made a billion dollars at the box office. But no Best Director nom?!" another tweeted. </p> <p>One particular tweet went viral, with over 109 thousand likes. </p> <p>"Ken getting nominated and not Barbie is honestly so fitting for a film about a man discovering the power of patriarchy in the Real World," the tweet read. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ken getting nominated and not Barbie is honestly so fitting for a film about a man discovering the power of patriarchy in the Real World.</p> <p>— Michael. (@yosoymichael) <a href="https://twitter.com/yosoymichael/status/1749794592076034203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>In a more positive light, America Ferrara, who played Gloria in <em>Barbie</em>, was nominated for best supporting actress with many saying that her character's passionate speech on feminism had sealed the deal. </p> <p>The film was also nominated for Best Picture, and two nods for best song including Gosling's popular solo <em>I'm Just Ken, </em>and Billie Eilish's <em>What Was I Made For</em>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Movies

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Pitt stop! Snubbed rookie’s hilarious response to Brad Pitt’s F1 debut

<p dir="ltr">Brad Pitt is set to make his formula one debut at the Silverstone Grand Prix for his upcoming F1 movie that is co-produced by British F1 Driver, Lewis Hamilton.</p> <p dir="ltr">News that the Hollywood heartthrob will drive an adapted F2 car as part of his role prompted a hilarious response from snubbed rookie Colton Herta, who was denied a super-licence last year because he didn’t have enough points.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Brad Pitt got a super license before me. Tough,” he tweeted in response to the news.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You're not experienced enough mate! 😂,” another user jokingly replied.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Brad Pitt got a super license before me. Tough. <a href="https://t.co/r7gedm1esn">https://t.co/r7gedm1esn</a></p> <p>— Colton Herta (@ColtonHerta) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColtonHerta/status/1654225843042787330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Mr. &amp; Mrs. Smith</em> actor will begin filming on-site at the Silverstone Grand Prix in July between the main F1 sessions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Pitt will play a retired driver making his comeback, and while the movie remains untitled, the project is being led by Joseph Kosinski, director of <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em> and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.</p> <p dir="ltr">Hamilton has also spoken up about his involvement and experience in co-producing the film.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I don’t know absolutely every single plan with all the things we’ll be doing in the paddock, I’m more focused on making sure the script is where it needs to be,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“That’s where all the time is currently, going through the script.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We’ve got a really great and diverse cast. Joe’s focus is to make us as embedded in this sport as possible. For me it’s to make sure it’s authentic, and that all of you and racing fans see its authenticity and say ‘this is believable’, and have a view of racing from a different perspective than you might see on TV.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’m spending a lot of time right now helping Joe and the team get the script right, it’s an amazing process and I’m really enjoying it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Fans have also shared a bunch of memes in reaction to the news of Pitt being allowed to race on the track during Grand Prix weekends.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">brad pitt seeing max lap him for the 12th time <a href="https://t.co/fWMyLkSnYF">pic.twitter.com/fWMyLkSnYF</a></p> <p>— Maude⁴⁷ (@schumihoney) <a href="https://twitter.com/schumihoney/status/1654216747048742917?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">brad pitt at turn one in silverstone <a href="https://t.co/168nTurA43">pic.twitter.com/168nTurA43</a></p> <p>— bella (@lovesjenson) <a href="https://twitter.com/lovesjenson/status/1654235239911415808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Colton Herta when Brad Pitt is allowed to join F1 without any super licence points but he isn't <a href="https://t.co/Utlt6fRBLz">pic.twitter.com/Utlt6fRBLz</a></p> <p>— F1 Updates (@paddock2go) <a href="https://twitter.com/paddock2go/status/1654222779900633088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Fergie breaks her silence on coronation snub

<p>Sarah Ferguson has opened up about not being invited to the coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla. </p> <p>Last week, the Duchess of York revealed she did not receive an invitation to the crown of His Majesty, due to take place in Westminster Abbey on May 6th. </p> <p>Fergie is not among the 2,000 people expected to attend, despite knowing the king since she was a child. </p> <p>Instead, she is expected to watch the event on TV at Royal Lodge, which she shares with disgraced ex Prince Andrew.</p> <p>Speaking candidly on <em>Good Morning Britain</em>, Fergie shared the exact reasoning she wasn't invited. </p> <p>She said, “I‘m not invited because it’s a state occasion. Being divorced you can’t have it both ways."</p> <p>“I am enjoying being divorced to my husband - not from my husband."</p> <p>“I am close with King Charles and Camilla. The great thing at this moment is the unity of family."</p> <p>“In private I can be there. It‘s a great feeling to be part of the family.”</p> <p>Earlier this month, she told ITV1’s <em>Loose Women</em> she always planned to watch the Coronation on TV.</p> <p>She said, “I will be having a little tea room and putting out the bunting. I love to watch it on the telly because the commentators are always good.”</p> <p>Despite not being invited to the ceremony, the Duchess will have a seat on the East Lawn of Windsor Castle 24 hours after the ceremony.</p> <p>She will be joined at the bash by other royals believed to include daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, plus 20,000 lucky ticket holders.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Oscars slammed for In Memoriam snubs

<p dir="ltr">The Oscars have been slammed for leaving out several big names from the In Memoriam segment, which honours the lives and careers of those who have died in the past year. </p> <p dir="ltr">Among those left out of the annual industry tribute was <em>Six Days, Seven Nights</em> star Anne Heche, beloved comedy actor Leslie Jordan, and <em>Sopranos </em>star Tony Sirico.</p> <p dir="ltr">Notably missing from the list was South African actress Charlbi Dean, 32, who died just weeks before the release of her film <em>Triangle Of Sadness</em> – one of the 10 nominated in the Best Picture category this year.</p> <p dir="ltr">Also left off the list was <em>Goodfellas </em>star Paul Sorvino, as his Oscar-winning daughter, Mira Sorvino, was just one of many who were left baffled by the snub.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It is baffling beyond belief that my beloved father and many other amazing brilliant departed actors were left out. The Oscars forgot about Paul Sorvino, but the rest of us never will!” she wrote on Twitter, after the Oscars segment aired with no mention of her famous father.</p> <p dir="ltr">While Paul was left out of the tribute, his fellow <em>Goodfellas </em>actors James Caan and Ray Liotta, who also passed away in the last year, were mentioned in the segment.</p> <p dir="ltr">An emotional John Travolta introduced the tear-jerking tribute segment, and became choked-up as he <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/john-travolta-s-teary-tribute-to-olivia-newton-john" target="_blank" rel="noopener">referenced </a>his late <em>Grease </em>co-star and friend, Olivia Newton-John, who died from cancer last August.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In this industry, we have the rare luxury of getting to do what we love for a living, and sometimes getting to do it with people that we come to love,” Travolta said</p> <p dir="ltr">Beginning with Newton-John, a montage of recently departed actors, directors, producers and other industry figures then played on the screen while singer Lenny Kravitz performed a stripped-down version of his song <em>Calling All Angels</em>.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-44124b3f-7fff-185f-d94c-8a9e1061e10e"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Archie and Lilibet snubbed from royal tradition

<p>The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not be called “His Royal Highness” or “Her Royal Highness”.</p> <p>With King Charles III agreeing to bestow the titles of “Prince” and “Princess” on Archie, 3 and Lilibet, 1, he has refused to allow them to be known as HRH.</p> <p>The Duke and Duchess are allegedly furious over the snub, after they were stripped of “HRH” after moving to the US in 2020.</p> <p>So, why does the title matter? King George V declared in 1917 that both sons and daughters of the ruling monarch, as well as grandchildren from the sovereign’s male line, were entitled to be called HRH (His or Her Royal Highness).</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth II amended the rule in 2012, declaring all children of the Prince of Wales’ eldest son (Prince William) would be entitled to the HRH titles. The change never mentioned Charles’ younger children, leaving Harry in a grey area.</p> <p>The announcement was made before Kate Middleton and William had their first child, meaning their daughter would also be granted the title.</p> <p>An “HRH” title gives access to a salary as a working royal, and entitles one to official protection and security. It also means people are supposed to bow or curtsy when an HRH approaches.</p> <p>The title of HRH is currently held by King Charles III; Queen Consort Camilla; Princess Anne; Prince Edward; Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Prince William; Princess Kate; their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte; and Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.</p> <p>Harry and Meghan believe their children have a right to the title, but it is becoming more than likely they won’t receive it.</p> <p>Archie and Lilibet are currently called “Master” and “Miss,” and are expected to take the “Prince” and “Princess” titles without the HRH.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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Why Craig McLachlan's Neighbours finale snub is so "devastating"

<p>Craig McLachlan has slammed "cancel culture" as the reason he was excluded from the final <em>Neighbours</em> episode. </p> <p>McLachlan played the brother of Kylie Minogue’s character Charlene, Henry Ramsay, in the beloved soap from 1987 to 1989, but was not invited back to the highly-anticipated show's finale. </p> <p>Craig accused the show's creators for succumbing to "cancel culture" to leave him out, after he was cleared of assault charges made by against him by four women he worked with on the Rocky Horror Show live production in 2014.</p> <p>He claims his past has now come back to haunt him, telling <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/19339434/neighbours-craig-mclachlan-cancel-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a> he believes his legal troubles are the reason he was shunned from the show's star-packed finale, which will see a number of familiar faces reprise their roles.</p> <p>His entire onscreen family, including Kylie Minogue’s Charlene, his onscreen stepfather Harold Bishop, played by Ian Smith, and even a cameo from his on-screen late mother Madge (Anne Charleston) as a ghost, will give viewers one last show after 36 years on the air. </p> <p>A spokesperson for McLachlan said his on-screen mother being reincarnated so Anne Charleston can be involved in the episode was a particular sticking point for the actor. </p> <p>“Henry’s dead mother is being reincarnated for the final episode — but cancel culture won’t allow her son Henry to appear or even be acknowledged,” a spokeswoman for McLachlan exclusively told The Sun, going on to call the snub “devastating”.</p> <p>“What Craig and his partner have endured over the past four-and-a-half years — only to come out the other side and be confronted by, among other things, the attempted permanent erasing of his part in <em>Neighbours</em> history — is devastating,” the spokeswoman said.</p> <p>“Craig was not invited to take part in the closing episode or indeed to contribute in any way to the end of <em>Neighbours</em>."</p> <p>“Henry was, and continues to be, an all-time <em>Neighbours</em> favourite, a character Craig loves to this day. Craig happily and enthusiastically contributed to a number of <em>Neighbours</em> celebratory milestones over the years and was always so thrilled to be invited to partake.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle snubbed by Dutch royals

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly been snubbed by the Dutch royals ahead of Meghan’s first trip outside the US since ‘Megxit’ in 2020.</p> <p>The couple will be travelling to The Netherlands for four days for The Invictus Games, which open on Easter Sunday. The Royals would historically stay with the Dutch royal family, headed by King Willem-Alexander, aged 54.</p> <p>But Harry and Meghan have reportedly not been invited to stay at the palace in the Hague and will take a hotel instead.</p> <p>The snub comes as the couple has apparently been denied the opportunity of armed security in the Netherlands. Harry and Meghan lost access to their British taxpayer-funded security in January 2020 when they stepped back as senior working royals.</p> <p>They now have privately funded close personal protection in the US, but it has been reported that Dutch authorities will not permit the team to be armed while on Dutch soil. It is still unclear if the couple will visit the UK after their time in The Netherlands, after they did not return home for Prince Phillip’s memorial in London last month.</p> <p>A legal representative for Harry has previously said the 37-year-old said the family was “unable to return home”, fearing it was too dangerous without security there.</p> <p>On Monday, a spokesperson for Meghan and Harry confirmed that Meghan will attend the first few days of the Invictus Games.</p> <p>The Invictus Games, co-founded by Prince Harry, pits sick and injured veterans against each other in sporting events, and is aimed at “showing how the power of sport can inspire and heal us all”.</p> <p>The 2020 games were postponed to 2021, and then again to this year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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"Arrogant" Prince Harry's brutal royal snub

<p>In a brand new tell-all interview, Prince Harry has snubbed the Queen and the royal family several times. </p> <p>While in The Netherlands for the Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex sat down for an exclusive interview on US television. </p> <p>Harry opened up about his "special relationship" with the Queen, and admitted to missing his family while living in the states. </p> <p>However, he appears to have also snubbed his family five times with some off-handed comments throughout the interview. </p> <p>Here's how.</p> <p><strong>Uncertainly over the Jubilee</strong></p> <p>Prince Harry refused to say whether he would be returning to the UK in order to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in June, which will honour her 70 years on the throne. </p> <p>Instead, he said making the trip would be difficult due to his ongoing disagreements with the UK government over his security. </p> <p>When asked whether he will return to the UK for the celebrations, Harry said, “I don’t know if I’ll come. There are lots of issues with security and everything else.”</p> <p><strong>Missing Lilibet</strong></p> <p>Harry told US journalist Hoda Kotb that the Queen hasn't met his daughter Lilibet yet, despite him visiting the UK twice since she was born. </p> <p>But with his uncertainty around returning for the jubilee, it is unlikely Her Majesty will get to meet her namesake any time soon.</p> <p>Harry said, “I’m trying to do everything to make sure my kids can meet her.”</p> <p><strong>His new home in America</strong></p> <p>Two years after leaving the UK to relocate to America, Prince Harry seems to have firmly cemented himself in the States. </p> <p>He praised his neighbours in the Montecito area of Santa Barbara in California for welcoming his family.</p> <p>Harry said, “Home for me now, for the time being, is in the States and it feels that way as well."</p> <p>“We’ve been welcomed with open arms and we have such a great community up in Santa Barbara.”</p> <p><strong>His "special relationship" with the Queen</strong></p> <p>During the interview, Harry gushed over his "special relationship" with his grandmother. </p> <p>He said she is able to open up with him as a confidant, which gives her "peace".</p> <p>Harry said, “We have a really special relationship."</p> <p>“We talk about things that she can’t talk about with anybody else, so that is always a nice peace to her.”</p> <p><strong>Protective grandson</strong></p> <p>The Duke reveals that he wants the "right people" around the Queen, as his strained relationship with other members of the royal family continues. </p> <p>He said, “Being with her, it was great. It was just so nice to see her. You know, she’s on great form."</p> <p>“She has always got a great sense of humour with me and I’m just making sure she’s protected and has got the right people around her.”</p> <p>Royal experts branded his misguided remark a “gross insult” to his family that showed his “arrogance”.</p> <p>Author Angela Levin remarked, “His comment on US TV is a gross insult to all the royal family, the royal doctors and all the aides around HM. His arrogance knows no bounds.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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West Side Story actress snubbed from Oscars

<p><em>West Side Story</em> actress Rachel Zegler claims she was not invited to the 2022 Oscars, despite the film receiving seven nominations. </p> <p>When a fan commented on Rachel's Instagram expressing their excitement over seeing the actress's Academy Award outfit, the breakout actress replied, “I’m not invited, so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel.”</p> <p>Rachel's followers immediately jumped to her defence with messages of shock and surprise, considering the film she is starring in received a Best Picture nomination. </p> <p>“Breaks my heart. You were the best part of that movie. Surely Steven Spielberg could do something about this,” one fan wrote, referencing the film’s legendary director, who is also nominated.</p> <p>“Step up to the mic? How’s the leading actress of a movie that’s up for seven Academy Awards not invited? How does that make any sense?” another commented.</p> <p>After the influx of confused comments, 20-year-old Rachel said she didn't understand the snub either, but she would still be cheering on the musical from home. </p> <p>“IDK y’all I have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening,” she wrote in a second comment. “I will root for <em>West Side Story</em> from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did three years ago.”</p> <p>The young actress has already won a Golden Globe award for her portrayal of Maria Vasquez this award season, stumping movie fans even more. </p> <p>Despite the outrage, she also thanked her fans for their shock over the apparent snub, saying, “I hope some last minute miracle occurs and I can celebrate our film in person but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes, I guess.” </p> <p>“I’m disappointed, too. But that’s OK. So proud of our movie.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Movies

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Fergie opens up about William and Kate wedding snub: “I don’t think I was worthy”

<p><span>Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York has spoken out about the scandal that plagued her in 2011.</span><br /><br /><span>The royal, who was married to Prince Andrew from 1986 until 1996 has opened up about her being left off the invitation list for Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding.</span><br /><br /><span>She shares daughter Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie with Andrew and has been a controversial figure in the royal family for decades.</span><br /><br /><span>She told <em>Town &amp; Country</em> that being excluded from William and Kate’s wedding was not a situation that she fought.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842686/sarah-ferguson-plus-william-and-kate-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/73d23f3821a1454b935f8ca2317c8ea1" /></p> <p> <em>Image: Getty</em><br /><br /><span>"I didn't think I was probably worthy to go to their wedding," she told the publication.</span><br /><br /><span>“I took myself to Thailand, actually, to be far away from it so that I could try and heal."</span><br /><br /><span>Ferguson admitted to Oprah in recent years that the snub upset her greatly.</span><br /><br /><span>"I think what I felt was that I went through the phase of feeling so totally worthless and that (it) was quite right they didn't invite me.</span><br /><br /><span>“Why would they - why would they invite me?</span><br /><br /><span>"I felt that I ostracised myself by my behaviour, by the past, by living with all the regrets of my mistakes, that I sort of wore a hair shirt and beat myself up most of the day thinking and regretting why did I make such a mistake?"</span><br /><br /><span>Just a year before the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah Ferguson found herself caught up in a major scandal.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842687/sarah-ferguson-plus-william-and-kate-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/047e85441656431093299643b3dc322b" /></p> <p> <em>Image: Getty</em><br /><br /><span>She was caught by an undercover reporter who reported her attempting to sell a meeting with Prince Andrew for cash.</span><br /><br /><span>The fallout from this saw her being left off the guest list for the upcoming nuptials.</span><br /><br /><span>"It was so difficult," she went on to say.</span><br /><br /><span>“Because I wanted to be there with my girls, and to be getting them dressed and to go as a family. And also it was so hard because the last (royal) bride up that aisle was me."</span><br /><br /><span>By 2018, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed, Fergie was back in the family's good books and received an invite.</span><br /><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7842688/sarah-ferguson-plus-william-and-kate-4.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c090e71110514bb8b33512f15c159ee3" /></p> <p> <em>Image: Getty</em><br /><span>The Duchess is enjoying being a new grandmother after the birth of grandson August to daughter Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank.</span><br /><br /><span>Her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice is also expecting her first child with husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi later this year.</span></p>

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Tennis fans slam Dylan Alcott's brutal snub

<p>Aussie wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott was ecstatic to be playing in prime time on Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night - until he wasn't.</p> <p>Alcott won his seventh straight Australian Open quad singles crown by beating Dutchman Sam Schroder 6-1 6-0 in the final, but Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas didn't exactly help him out.</p> <p>Alcott was expected to arrive on centre court after Nadal and Tsitsipas' quarter-final, which started at 7.30pm. But the match went on longer than expected forcing organises to shift Alcott and Schroder off Rod Laver Arena and onto Margaret Court Arena instead.</p> <p>Both players arrived on court at around 11.15 pm which meant the game took place when most Aussie fans were fast asleep.</p> <p>While Alcott is not one to complain, he did express his disappointment that his match wasn't scheduled for prime time as promised.</p> <p>Before the schedule change was announced, many fans on social media were already complaining about putting Alcott’s final on after a match that had every chance of going to five sets.</p> <p>The criticism kept coming after Australian Open officials made their crunch call.</p> <p>Journalist Rachel Riley tweeted: “Disappointed I won’t get to see @DylanAlcott play tonight because it’s on so late. An Aussie champion playing in the final of the #AusOpen should be prime time to entertain/inspire so many. Take nothing away from the game on now. Just want to see the best of all abilities.</p> <p>“Should have been playing at the same time, prime time, on a different court, broadcast on other 9 channel. Disappointing for fans and surely players too.”</p> <p>AFL reporter Tom Browne tweeted: “Sending Alcott out at 11.13 pm is so strange.”</p> <p>Tennis writer Ben Rothenberg wrote: “Bummer to move the quad final to MCA ... would have preferred it got delayed to another day, especially with fans arriving tomorrow.”</p> <p>Damien Peck added: “Obviously no one can foresee a 5 set match beforehand, but Alcott should be livid that it’s not being played in Australian prime time.”</p> <p>Jake Bozinovski said: “What a pathetic decision for @TennisAustralia to reschedule tonight’s Dylan Alcott’s game to be played at Margaret Court Arena, it should’ve been for tomorrow so the fans could be there to witness the final, absolutely disgraceful.”</p> <p>Even though hitting the court for his singles final so late probably wasn’t his ideal scenario, Alcott knows he’s lucky to be playing at all.</p> <p>“We are so lucky to be playing tennis at the moment,” he said on Tuesday. “We aren’t taking that opportunity for granted.</p> <p>“I feel very grateful to be here. When other people can’t do their jobs, have lost loved ones, lost their jobs, can’t travel, are in lockdown … when you are grateful for the moment, I think you can relax.</p> <p>“Win, lose or draw, who cares. I’m just lucky to be here. I’m thinking like that.”</p>

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Royal snub: Prince Charles' quiet decision against Prince Harry

<p>Christmas is approaching and Prince Harry has been served the ultimate royal snub by his father Prince Charles.</p> <p>Each year, the royal family releases Christmas teddy bears that are named after members of The Firm.</p> <p>However, Harry is nowhere to be found on the website this year.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838341/prince-harry.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c0a04e8d080a4650ab628eb06a7ab02c" /></p> <p>It follows after an intense year for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who announced their intention to resign as senior royal members at the beginning of the year.</p> <p>The couple are now perched in their California mansion with their son, Archie, as they pursue their own career paths.</p> <p>The teddy bears are sold through the Highgrove Gardens store along with other products.</p> <p>All funds raised going towards the Prince of Wales Charitable Fund.</p> <p>The 'William' and 'Louis' teddy bears are selling for £125 (AUD$227) and are made of alpaca hair and feature a gold-embroidered Highgrove emblem on its paw.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838339/prince-harry-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4bfcfb9ac42541ce8df3bb72580046b0" /></p> <p>The 'William' bear is described as: "Handmade by Merrythought, the last remaining British teddy bear manufacturer, William is a classically designed teddy bear crafted from the highest-quality pale gold alpaca hair.</p> <p>"Featuring a gold embroidered Highgrove emblem on his sandy-beige silk paw, he has honeyed coloured eyes, a beautifully simple smile and is wonderfully soft and cuddly.</p> <p>"His look is complete with a large green and gold satin bow – a perfect accessory for a grand looking bear.</p> <p>"An ideal companion for anyone who loves bears, William arrives in a presentation box with a certificate of authenticity.</p> <p>"William Bear is an exquisite piece of British heritage and a loyal companion to both adults and children alike."</p> <p>Only 200 William bears have been made and each comes in an easy-to-wrap presentation box.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838339/prince-harry-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4bfcfb9ac42541ce8df3bb72580046b0" /></p> <p>In 2019, a limited edition 'Harry' bear made from mohair from goats was withdrawn from sale after concerns were raised about animal cruelty.</p> <p>The gift shop told The Mirror: "We will no longer be selling products manufactured using mohair once current stocks have sold out."</p> <p>Since then though, a more ethical version of the 'Harry' bear has not been produced.</p> <p>All items relating to Prince Andrew have been entirely pulled from the gift shop.</p> <p>Prince Andrew has stepped down from royal duties after his friendship with deceased convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was made public.</p> <p>Prince Harry memorabilia is still on sale at Balmoral.</p>

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Prince Harry "fighting back tears" after public royal snub

<p><span>March may have been some time ago but the private details that date all the way back to early 2020 has just revealed that Prince Harry was “holding back tears” on his and Meghan Markle’s last royal appearance.</span><br /><br /><span>A new book just released has claimed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex received a hurtful and purposeful snub when they joined Prince William, Kate Middleton, and the Queen at the Commonwealth Day Service.</span><br /><br /><span>Robert Lacey's Battle of Brother claims that initially it was Kate and William who would be walking into the event with the Queen, Prince Charles, and Duchess Camilla.</span><br /><br /><span>Meanwhile Harry and Meghan were supposed to take their seats ahead of them.</span><br /><br /><span>The Daily Mail revealed at the time that the royal pair were “quite sensitive and emotional about it,” and that William and Kate “stepped in to defuse the situation”.</span><br /><br /><span>To do this, the future king and his wife offered to join them in their seats instead of walking in with the Queen &amp; co.</span><br /><br /><span>While that may seem like a smooth plan, Lacey reports that the programs announcing the order of procession had already been distributed to everyone in the building ahead of their arrival.</span><br /><br /><span>The royal snub game when the orders of the service did not mention Meghan or Harry once.</span><br /><br /><span>"The only problem was that 2,000 orders of service had already been distributed round the Abbey, explaining that William and Kate would enter and process with the main royal party—and making no mention at all of Harry and Meghan," Lacey writes, per Newsweek.</span><br /><br /><span>“So there was the snub in black and white—set out for all to see. Observers also noted that Harry's face was 'quite tense and unsmiling'—and that when William sat down close to him, he barely greeted his brother.</span><br /><br /><span>“Throughout the service, Meghan megawatted away with her best TV smile but, as the ceremony progressed, Harry appeared to grow gloomier.</span><br /><br /><span>“According to one observer, 'his accelerated blinking even suggested he might have been fighting back tears.'"</span></p>

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Princess Beatrice’s heartbreak as Harry and Meghan “may snub” her wedding

<p>According to friends of Princess Beatrice, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could snub her wedding as they “think they’re bigger” than the royal family.</p> <p>A friend reportedly told The Telegraph in the UK: “It’s fair to say the relationship is not what it was.”</p> <p>Tensions have been simmering away since the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan who decided not to invite Sarah, Duchess of York to their wedding reception.</p> <p>Things got considerably worse between the Yorks and the Sussexes after Meghan’s pregnancy was announced the day after Princess Eugenie’s wedding reception.</p> <p>Prince Harry reportedly came alone to the event and had just one drink before the pregnancy was announced.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Q27JVnXD9/?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="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/B8Q27JVnXD9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a> on Feb 7, 2020 at 3:07am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Of course Harry and Meghan will be invited [to Beatrice’s wedding] but it is up to them whether or not they choose to attend,” the insider explained to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/11036388/harry-meghan-snub-princess-beatrices-wedding/" target="_blank">The Sun</a>.</em></p> <p>“The trouble with Harry and Meghan is that they think they are bigger than the institution.</p> <p>“It’s such a shame things have turned out like this.”</p> <p>The whole royal family is said to be devastated by Prince Harry and Meghan’s departure from the royal family, with an insider close to Zara Phillips explaining the general feelings.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ATaDXHxAr/?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="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/B9ATaDXHxAr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Cambridges &amp; Sussexes (@cambridge.sussex.royal)</a> on Feb 25, 2020 at 1:20pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“The overwhelming feeling is just one of sadness.</p> <p>“She is incredibly fond of Harry and just feels so sad about what has happened. That’s how they all feel.”</p> <p>The Queen is reportedly “feeling hurt” herself by her grandson deciding to leave the royal family, especially as she ruled the other day that the Sussexes cannot use the word “Royal” in their new roles.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Did Prince Charles just snub US Vice President Mike Pence?

<p>Prince Charles appeared to have “snubbed” Mike Pence as a video shows the royal walking past the US vice president without shaking his hand.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales was attending the World Holocaust Forum in Jerusalem on Thursday when he made his way down the line of dignitaries. The prince reached Pence and his wife Karen but did not shake hands with them, and continued on to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I’m sure Prince Charles just snubbed Mike Pence. Titter <br /><br /><a href="https://t.co/M9Hur6jXEs">pic.twitter.com/M9Hur6jXEs</a></p> — Darren Lethem (@DarrenLethem) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenLethem/status/1220327690563194880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>Some observers believed the Duke of Cornwall had ignored or “shunned” the vice president by not shaking hands with him.</p> <p>However, the representatives of both the Buckingham Palace and the White House have denied the claim, noting that Charles had already greeted Pence and his wife earlier in the event.</p> <p>“Vice President Pence and the Second Lady spoke with Prince Charles for five minutes in the pre-program before they entered the hall. Also, they shook hands at the end of his remarks,” said the vice president’s press secretary Katie Waldman.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Video of <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike_Pence?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mike_Pence</a> and Prince Charles backstage in Jerusalem. <a href="https://t.co/PWOypUaUs3">pic.twitter.com/PWOypUaUs3</a></p> — Katie Waldman (@VPPressSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/VPPressSec/status/1220370576293998592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2020</a></blockquote> <p>A royal spokesperson told the <em><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-51227444/palace-denies-prince-charles-snubbed-mike-pence">BBC</a> </em>the prince and the vice president had a “long and warm conversation” before the start of the ceremony.</p> <p>In <a href="https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/prince-charles-snub-mike-pence/">the video posted by Israel’s official Holocaust memorial Yad Vashem</a>, the prince could also be heard greeting the vice president, saying “Mr Pence”.</p>

Travel Trouble

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"You're a loser, I'm a winner": Sun Yang lashes out after second podium snub

<p>British swimmer Duncan Scott has become the latest athlete to protest against Chinese swim star Sun Yang at the world championships in Gwangju, South Korea.</p> <p>Sun, who is competing despite his upcoming hearing on a doping case against him in September, won the gold medal in the men’s 200 metre freestyle event after first finisher Lithuanian Danas Rapsys was disqualified for moving on the starting blocks.</p> <p>During the medal presentation, Scott congratulated silver medallist Katsuhiro Matsumoto of Japan and fellow bronze medallist Martin Malyutin of Russia, but snubbed Sun.</p> <p>The Chinese swimmer appeared to be shouting and gesturing towards Scott, who also refused to join in for a group photo. </p> <p>“You’re a loser, I’m a winner,” Sun appeared to yell at Scott as they walked off the podium.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Sun Yang gets in bronze medalist Duncan Scott's face after the 200m freestyle medal ceremony (Sun won gold after Lithuanian Danas Rapsys was DQed for a false start). Scott and Sun did not appear to shake hands, and Sun shouted in Scott's direction earlier in the ceremony. <a href="https://t.co/0ilhiSorqt">pic.twitter.com/0ilhiSorqt</a></p> — Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/nzaccardi/status/1153632492311785474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> <p dir="ltr">Sun Yang to Duncan Scott: "You're a loser. I'm a winner." <a href="https://t.co/W1AhD6XekV">pic.twitter.com/W1AhD6XekV</a></p> — Nick Zaccardi (@nzaccardi) <a href="https://twitter.com/nzaccardi/status/1153666308636127233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2019</a></blockquote> <p>In response to the incident, swimming’s governing body FINA reprimanded both Sun and Scott for “inadequate behaviour”.</p> <p>Scott’s protest comes days after Australian swimmer Mack Horton refused to share a podium with Sun on the 400 metre freestyle medal presentation over his views that Sun is a ”drug cheat”. Horton and Swimming Australia were also sent warning letters for this action.</p> <p>When asked why he refused to pose for pictures with his Chinese rival, Horton said, “I don’t think I need to say anything … His actions and how it has been handled speaks louder than anything I could say.”</p> <p>Sun, who was suspended for doping in 2014, was cleared to participate in the world championships after a FINA panel concluded that the Chinese Olympic swimmer did not violate any anti-doping rules following reports that his team destroyed blood sample vials for drug testing with a hammer last September.</p> <p>The World Anti-Doping Agency is looking to appeal the finding to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in September. Sun could face a lifetime ban if he is found guilty.</p> <p>Scott said he was “Team Mack” when reporters asked him about the podium standoff. </p> <p>“You do quite a job of making sure everyone continues to know about it and so I guess that’s all I have got to say about it,” he said.</p> <p>“If [Sun] can’t respect our sport, then why should I respect him? Hopefully this will happen in more events.”</p> <p>Sun maintained that he did not cheat his way to triumph. </p> <p>“My victory was because of my hard work,” the 27-year-old said. “I continued to keep fighting, I didn’t give up when I was in second place.”</p>

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Thomas Markle blasts the Queen for snubbing him: “She has no excuse not to meet me”

<p>Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan’s relationship captivated the attention of the world, her father has managed to get himself in a muddle with reporters on multiple occasions.</p> <p>Now, Thomas Markle has told US celebrity website <em>TMZ</em> that he is offended he has not had a private audience with the Queen before President Trump.</p> <p>The 73-year-old also claimed that he has received the silent treatment from the royal family since doing a paid tell-all interview with British talk show <em>Good Morning Britain</em> last week.</p> <p>“If the Queen is willing to meet our arrogant and insensitive President she has no excuse not to meet me, I’m nowhere near as bad,” he said.</p> <p>During the interview, Thomas said he thinks the Queen has put him in the “penalty box” after his last interview, in which he talked about Harry and Meghan’s future children.</p> <p>The Queen is set to meet Mr Trump during his trip to the United Kingdom next month.</p> <p>Thomas has still not met Meghan’s new husband, Prince Harry, as he did not attend their wedding because of heart problems and controversy surrounding a staged paparazzi shoot.</p> <p>During his interview with <em>TMZ</em>, Thomas said he was planning to travel to the UK to visit his royal daughter and meet Harry.</p> <p>His latest comments are sure to increase tension between Meghan’s extended family and the royals.</p> <p>During the TV interview last week, he also said his daughter would benefit the royal family.</p> <p>“The royals are very complicated, but she can always rise to that occasion. My daughter is capable of anything and she will be a compliment to the royal family.”</p> <p>He also claimed that Prince Harry was “open” to Brexit and had told him to give Trump a chance, despite the royal family not being allowed to be political in public.</p> <p>“All Harry actually did was say because Trump was new, he said: ‘Give him a chance.’”</p> <p>A royal commentator and a biographer of Prince Harry, Angela Levin, said those claims would have particularly upset the royal family.</p> <p>“I think the Queen will be very angry. She is absolutely the model of the stiff upper lip and not saying anything that is too political.”</p> <p>Prior to the royal wedding, Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland, met the Queen for afternoon tea. </p>

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New mum Serena Williams snubbed by French Open organisers

<p>On Monday, French Open organisers announced that Serena Williams will not be given a seeding for the tournament.</p> <p>“This year again, tournament officials will establish the list and ranking of the women’s seeds based on the WTA ranking,” the French Tennis Federation said in a statement to The Associated Press.</p> <p>“Consequently, (the seeds) will reflect this week’s world ranking.”</p> <p>Following the birth of her daughter in September, Williams briefly returned to the tour in March after a 14-month absence.</p> <p>The three-time French Open champion was not seeded at the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments.</p> <p>While Williams can enter Roland Garros under the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) protected or “special” ranking rule, it is up to Grand Slam organisers to give her a seeding.</p> <p>When Williams left the sport to give birth she was No. 1, now she is currently ranked No 453.</p> <p>Without a seeding, Williams faces the risk of competing against highly ranked players in the early rounds of the tournament.</p> <p>The WTA is considering adding a protected seeding for highly ranked players retuning from maternity leave, but the earliest this rule could take effect is early next year.</p> <p>Some of Williams' biggest competitors have given their support for her to have a seeding in the French Open.</p> <p>“I would like to see that (rule) change,” Maria Sharapova said at the Italian Open last week.</p> <p>“It’s such an incredible effort for a woman to come back from physically, emotionally… There’s just another whole dimension to the travel, to the experiences, to the emotions to the physicality of every single day.</p> <p>“Tennis is such a selfish sport but I think when there’s a child in your life you lose a little bit of that, because there’s something that’s so much more important,” added Sharapova.</p> <p>“So, yeah, I definitely think that would be a nice change.”</p> <p>Top-ranked Simona Halep said, “It’s normal to give birth. It’s normal to have protected ranking… It’s more than tennis.”</p> <p>“So the people will decide what seed she will get. But in my opinion, it’s good to protect the ranking when someone is giving birth.”</p> <p>Previously, Williams revealed the health complications she faced in childbirth, including a pulmonary embolism which made it hard to breathe following her daughter’s birth.</p> <p>After months of training, coach Patrick Mouratoglou told the WTA tour website: “Serena will play the French Open to win it.” </p> <p>The French Open draw will be made on Thursday and the tournament will begin on Sunday. </p>

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