Latest news with #Charlene
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Charlene Styles a Surprising Pair of Sneakers With Her Hermès Blouse at the Monaco Grand Prix
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Princess Charlene of Monaco is often admired for her style, and a weekend at the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monte Carlo gave her the perfect opportunity to showcase her chic wardrobe. However, royal fans were surprised when Charlene opted to wear a pair of low-key sneakers with an Hermès blouse while meeting attendees alongside her husband, Prince Albert. The Monegasque Royal Family shared photos taken at the Grand Prix on May 24 on Instagram. In several snaps, Princess Charlene could be seen wearing a casual pair of tan sneakers with white soles. The rest of Charlene's outfit remained formal, yet laidback. The princess wore black pants with an Hermès "Guepards et Palmettes" Painter Blouse, which retails for $2,500. The Monaco Royal Family's caption explained, "Prince Albert and Princess Charlène graced the tribune of the Monégasque Association of Motor Disabled with their presence. Located on the outskirts of Monaco-Ville, this grandstand, specially designed for people with reduced mobility, offers one of the most beautiful views on the circuit. On this occasion, the Princier Couple offered caps signed by Monégasque pilot Charles Leclerc. A moment of sharing and kindness, greeted by all." On Sunday, May 25, Princess Charlene had the opportunity to wear more formal attire, and she did so with aplomb. While congratulating the winner of the Grand Prix, the former Olympian wore a Louis Vuitton Silk Scarf Shirt in red, with a pair of twill pants in the same color, via UFO No More. Charlene completed her perfectly coordinated outfit with a pair of Manolo Blahnik BB 70 Pointed-Toe Pumps in bright red suede, which retail for $865, and Louis Vuitton Idylle Flower Diamond Earrings. View Deal Later that night, Princess Charlene changed into a floor-length white gown featuring silver hardware to attend a gala dinner in honor of the Grand Prix. One thing is certain: whether she's wearing sneakers or evening gowns, Charlene remains a royal fashion inspiration.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Business
- Telegraph
‘I'm retired, with £30k income – do I really need to bother with an Isa?'
Write to Pensions Doctor with your pension problem: pensionsdoctor@ Columns are published weekly. Dear Charlene, My wife and I jointly owned a second property which has recently sold for £195,000. We purchased the property at £150,000, so estimate the capital gain will be on £45,000, less a couple of thousand allowable for the selling expenses, meaning tax of around £6,500 or £3,250 each Our income is around £30,000 a year before tax. This is my state pension, plus £20,000 from a holiday rental we still own with no debts or mortgages. We both have modest private pensions. My wife's pension does not kick in for another three years, but I took my full 25pc tax-free cash three years ago when I reached state pension age, and subsequently invested £50,000 into Premium Bonds for us both. I'm not drawing any income from the private pension, and we don't not have any Isas. We are not in immediate need for any further income day to day, but we would like access to a £10,000-£15,000 when we occasionally visit our son in Australia. Could you please give us some guidance as to how we could organise our pensions and other savings? Is it worth us taking out Isas? Or just leave everything in cash? We are comfortable with locking in savings for a few years, if the rates are worth it. Kind regards, — Mark Dear Mark, I'll cover the tax rules when you sell a second property, before moving on to your wider savings. You're aware I cannot give you advice, but I can point out the options available to you. Tax on second properties Based on your gain figure of £45,000, deducting £3,000 for selling costs leaves a £42,000 gain to split between you both. Assuming no other investment gains for the year, you can both also deduct your annual tax-free allowance of £3,000 from your respective share, leaving a taxable gain of £36,000. Any part of the gain that sits within the basic-rate band for income tax when added to your income will be taxed at 18pc. Gains that sit above the basic rate band (£50,270) when added to your income will be taxed at 24pc. Assuming all or most of the gain will be taxed at 18pc for both of you, I'd agree with your estimated tax bill of around £3,250 each, but it's also worth mentioning the tight deadline when it comes to property sales. Although capital gains tax is due when selling investment like shares should be declared by the usual self-assessment deadlines (the January after the end of the tax year), you must report and pay any tax on residential property sales within 60 days. Planning your cash One technique used in financial planning through retirement is to build a cash flow ladder, or funnel. You've got a good handle on your spending already, so you should be able to map what you need for the next few years. The bottom part of the ladder or funnel is your rainy-day fund in instant access cash, followed by a cash buffer for your Australia trips and other bigger costs that might come up in the next couple of years. Next up, your existing Premium Bonds, which could meet your cash needs for the medium term. Beyond that you've got money you could consider investing, as well as what is already in your private pension(s). You've already mentioned you're happy to lock some cash away – locking in now might protect you against any further cuts to the Bank Rate, but just make sure you shop around for the best interest rate and account for your needs. Premium Bonds Premium Bonds remain very popular, despite recent cuts to the expected prize fund rate and the fact that two thirds of people (14.4 million holders), have never won anything. Being government-backed also adds an important extra layer of protection for the most risk-averse savers. Although chances are low, the more you hold in Premium Bonds, the greater your chance of winning. Your total £50,000 holding split between you puts you both just above the average £23,397 holding across all prize winners for the 12 months to February 2025. While I understand the lure of a tax-free prize, it's worth keeping in mind that you could get a better rate of return in a competitive savings account or cash Isa. Tax allowances to be aware of The personal savings allowance protects many people from paying tax on their savings interest outside of an ISA but has been stuck at current levels since it was introduced in 2016. The allowance currently stands at £1,000 for basic-rate taxpayers and £500 for higher-rate taxpayers. Leaving your share of the property sale in cash could mean that you pay tax on your savings, although your wife might be eligible for a further savings allowance of up to £5,000, called the 'starting rate for savings', depending on her income and how much of the holiday rental is attributed to her. Holding more cash in her name could prove tax efficient while she is not drawing on her pension or receiving any other income, provided you can secure a competitive fixed rate. The starting rate for savings could give her up to another £5,000 worth of tax-free interest. Eligibility for the starting rate band depends on other income – such as wages and pensions. Once this tips over £12,570, the £5,000 band reduces by £1 for every £1 of extra income. What to do about Isas While your wife might have a higher tax-free allowance for cash savings until her pension starts, Isas could prove crucial for you both to protect future returns from tax. You can save up to £20,000 a year into these accounts and your returns are protected from income and capital gains tax. You are already holding high levels of cash, so you could consider investing some of your money into a stocks and shares Isa each year, to help protect a chunk of your wealth from inflation over the long term. Going back to the cash flow ladder – this money could build a tax-free fund towards future care costs if required. You should only invest money you won't need for at least five years. You also need to consider your attitude to risk – how you'd feel about the value fluctuating in the short term in the pursuit of higher long-term returns. A multi-asset fund will spread your money across different types of investments and markets if a pure equity fund or tracker would feel too bumpy a ride. Pensions As you have taken your tax-free cash, any other withdrawals from your pension will be taxed as income. Your wife will be able to access her private pension(s) from age 55, rising to 57 from April 6 2028, with up to 25pc of any pot usually payable as a tax-free lump sum. At this point your wife might consider allocating this lump sum to a stocks and shares Isa in her own name (perhaps split over two tax years, depending on the value) to ensure it remains shielded from tax. You should also check her state pension age and forecast, as this will be another valuable income stream, with triple-lock inflation proofing when the time comes. I hope this gives you some food for thought, but if you are unsure on the best course of action for your circumstances then please contact a regulated financial adviser. Charlene Young is a pensions and savings expert at online investment platform AJ Bell. Her columns should not be taken as advice or as a personal recommendation, but as a starting point for readers to undertake their own further research.
The South African
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Princess Charlene steals the show at Monaco Grand Prix
Princess Charlene of Monaco, the former South African Olympic swimmer, once again stole the show at the Monaco Grand Prix. On Friday, Charlene met children supported by the Monaco Liver Disorder association. She wore a striking 'Drareen' shirt dress by Sara Roka. Princess Charlene and Prince Albert hosted a grand reception at the Prince's Palace to mark the opening of the 82nd Monaco Grand Prix. For this, the princess chose a waist-cinching black Giorgio Armani ensemble, glittering with crystals. The dress hugged her figure, showing off her athletic build, with her signature blonde hair falling in soft waves, and her makeup gave her a radiant glow. Charlene's fashion streak didn't stop there. Last week, she attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Rome, according to Hello Magazine. As one of the few royal women allowed to wear white before the Pope, she chose a breathtaking Ellie Saab midi dress. The dress featured delicate stripes and abstract patterns. She finished the look with a white Akris clutch, white heels, and a sheer mantilla. Princess Charlene's recent outfits have captivated royal watchers and fashion fans alike. Her choices blend Monaco's glamour with a subtle nod to her South African roots. She proves that style knows no borders. Princess Charlene's connection to South Africa runs deep and remains a central part of her identity. Born Charlene Wittstock in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, she moved to South Africa with her family at the age of 12. This is where her passion for swimming flourished. She went on to represent South Africa at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and won multiple medals at international competitions. She even went on to become a national champion and a celebrated athlete. Despite her royal status in Monaco, Charlene has always spoken fondly of her South African roots. 'South Africa has – and always will be – in my heart. Every time I visit this beautiful country, I am filled with immense joy and pride'. She regularly returns for charitable work, especially through her foundation's water safety initiatives. She has often described herself simply and proudly: 'I am African and this is my heritage As the Grand Prix excitement continues, all eyes remain on Monaco's princess. Princess Charlene continues to captivate the world with her grace, style, and unwavering connection to her South African roots. Whether dazzling on the Monaco Grand Prix stage or championing causes close to her heart. She embodies the spirit of a modern royal who honours her heritage while embracing her global role. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Charlene Revs Up Her Style on the Racetrack in a Departure From Her Usual Royal Wardrobe
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Princess Charlene of Monaco turned heads at the Monaco E-Prix over the weekend—not just for her presence at the high-octane racing event, but for her unexpectedly bold fashion choice. Attending round seven of the 2025 FIA Formula E World Championship, Charlene—who is married to Prince Albert—traded her usual understated ensembles for a striking pink and orange skirt. Princess Charlene presented a trophy to Swiss driver Sébastien Buemi at the end of the race, stepping out in a crisp white wrap blouse and vibrant striped skirt by designer Sara Roka, as confirmed by The Royal Couturier. View Deal The pieces are sold as a $1,300 set and Roka, who trained under Michael Kors and Valentino, transformed a classic men's white shirt into a feminine bodysuit-style wrap top. Although the top pictured with the set features red piping, Charlene's appears to be a custom, plain white version. View Deal View Deal The royal added a new pair of red slingback heels by Gianvito Rossi and carried a white Dior clutch. She also amped up her beauty routine for the event, showing off bright fuchsia lipstick instead of one of her usual softer pink shades. Like the Duchess of Sussex, Princess Charlene is known to lean toward neutral shades, making the sunny skirt a surprising addition to her wardrobe. Later in the evening, however, Princess Charlene went back to a more familiar style at the Monaco E-Prix gala, wearing a repeat white Elie Saab jumpsuit with ruffled detail. During the event, held at the Hôtel de Paris, she presented the new HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco trophy for the first time, honoring British driver Oliver Rowland.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Charlene Says It's "Hard" to Keep Her Twins, Jacques and Gabriella, "Under Control"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Prince Albert, 67, and Princess Charlene of Monaco, 47, have their work cut out for them as the parents of 10-year-old twins, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella. The royal kids, who recently reached a major milestone, were one of the topics discussed by their parents during a new interview with Monaco's Royal Family. During a press conference at the Prince's Palace of Monaco to commemorate 20 years on the throne, Prince Albert answered a question from La Gazette de Monaco regarding his proudest achievements to date. "What I am most proud of is my marriage and my children, first and foremost," Albert explained (via Tatler). Princess Charlene was present for the press conference, and said of their twins (via Hello! magazine), "The children also help me stay young. It's hard to keep them under control." During the event, Prince Albert also noted that the important anniversary would be "a moment of great conviviality with the Monegasques and my family, and an opportunity to express our affection and friendship to the Monegasques and to thank them," (via Hello! magazine). An Instagram post recently revealed that Jacques and Gabriella had passed a huge milestone. "On this day of First Communion, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella who received this sacrament with faith and reverence," the caption explained. This isn't the first time Princess Charlene has opened up about her children. In November 2024, she told Gala magazine, "Gabriella is very curious." Charlene continued, "She is very intrigued by the world and life in general. She asks lots of questions and demands a lot of attention." Opening up about her son, Charlene said, "As for Jacques, he is curious and observant. [He is] more reserved, he is naturally very calm." Charlene—a former Olympic swimmer—was also candid about aging and how her body has changed over the years. "I walk, I cycle, I swim too, but not as much as before," she told the outlet. "I don't practise swimming as intensely as in the past. When I was young, I trained very hard, I challenged myself physically. These days, it's all about moderation."
