Latest news with #Royalty
News.com.au
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Kate's latest move exposes huge double standard
Royalty didn't use to demand much of the people: Occasionally wait behind a metal barricade outside a Sheffield hospital to wave, buy a commemorative tea towel here and there, don't rise up and start hammering together a guillotine on the Mall. But now? Beekeeping, flourishing, breadmaking, rose-arranging, fresh berry-picking, wild-swimming, vegetable patch-tending, long walks, making our own jewellery, and fitting in the time to bask in the wonders of sun-dappled rippling wheat fields that would have brought a tear to the eye H.E. Bates. Don't they know some of us have jobs? And don't have access to wheat fields? This week King Charles' daughters-in-law, within 24 hours of one another, put out bizarrely similar videos. Kate, The Princess of Wales and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex might be Buckingham Palace's answer to the Gallagher brothers and will never again be seen within GHD-distance of one another outside of a Westminster Abbey funeral procession but they nearly simultaneously put out videos about their passion projects. First came the Duchess of Sussex, back with the trailer for season two of her Netflix lifestyle show With Love Meghan, which is perfect viewing for anyone with a Spotlight gift card about to expire and hungry to learn how to make this thing called 'salad'. Appetites of Meghan fans and detractors were whetted alike: The former at the prospect of more hours of the duchess remaining shockingly pristine in crisp cotton separates as she sizzled, sauteed and gushed over foodie guests; the later over the chance to titter over her West Coast good-vibes-only frittata making. Par meet course. However, only a day later, along came Kate, putting out Summer, the second part in her Mother Nature video series which she conceived while recovering from cancer. The thematic and visual SIMILARITIES between what the two videos are really something. Both are dogmatically positive, sparkly upbeat, and unremittingly peppy. 'These are easy ways to show up lovingly,' Meghan says. 'Simply love, and be loved,' urges Kate. The With Love trailer includes words such as 'joy', 'happy', 'dream', 'beauty', and 'joyful'; Kate's Summer features 'love and friendship', 'abundance', 'potential', 'growth', 'inner fire', and 'embracing the joy'. Both videos place real emphasis on building friendships and connecting with people. There are also similar visual cues between what Meghan and Kate have been making. Both videos feature shots of vegetable gardens, hands picking fresh berries, dogs and laughing friends; and both are dreamy idyls that suggest endless summery days and finding one's gauzy bliss. The first scene in the first episode of With Love (out in March) we see Meghan tending to her bee hives in full apiarist rig; one of the first scenes in Kate's new video shows a beekeeper with their hives. In the first season of With Love, the duchess demonstrates flower arranging using soft pinks and very English florals; in the princess' Spring we see a woman arranging roses. Kate's Summer talks about 'abundance', 'our own potential for growth', 'igniting our inner fire and exploring our own creativity, passions, and dreams', 'flourishing', 'cherishing', 'playing, connecting, being present', and urges viewers, 'so open your hearts; sing, dance, play.' Come again? This sounds more like the jottings of Meghan's dream journal after a medically inadvisable quantity of ashwagandha rather than an official communique from the next Queen. For years, even before cancer, the princess has promoted the healing power of nature and a very English muddy frolic, however the last year or thereabouts has seen her vibe shift sensible Home Counties gal who can make a decent cottage pie to a far more dreamcatcher-y, gauzy, New Age one. Forget the monarchy, just call it the rise of the vibe-archy. Personally I'm absolutely here for it, for Kate's somewhat random but not unwelcome turn towards influencer-core – next thing you know she'll be introducing a line of supplements to the Palace gift shop – but consider the reaction if this had been Meghan doing this. For one thing, if the Jimmy Choo was on the other foot, and Meghan had put out a video so hot on Kate's heels she would be accused of cynically trying to best Kate. For another, if the duchess was making a video series that thematically, tonally and aesthetically bore such a resemblance to what the princess was making, the former Suits star would be being called out for having supposedly copied her. One more double standard: If Meghan, back in her duchessing days, had dared create something like this Mother Nature series the howls of derision would be so loud you could hear them in Calais. So too would the whitebread columnists of the more conservative UK papers uniformly be churning out lengthy, incensed pieces about a taxpayer-funded working member of the royal family using investing time and money in making this sort of woo woo. Instead the Princess of Wales has enjoyed a smooth, largely laudatory ride in the UK press, along with a certain head-patting, affectionate blind-eye being turned to its hippy-dippy daffiness. The same thing is playing out over in the YouTube comments action. On the platform, the highest ranked comments about Kate's Summer video feature words like 'beautiful' and 'inspiring' and all swoon over how wonderful she is. And Meghan's With Love trailer? The highest ranked comments are caustically, bitingly and uniformly negative. Likewise the numbers. On YouTube, Summer has 2,700 thumbs ups and 12 thumbs downs; With Love has 2900 thumbs up and 29,000 thumbs downs. It's not all good news for Kate though. Though Mother Nature has largely gotten a free pass, as she dances ever close to just putting out Insta posts of sunsets with Rumi quotes over the top and handing out a royal warrant to her reiki practitioner of choice, she runs the risk of irritating more traditional Brits who like their royalty sticking to the Queen Mary script of opening hospitals, cutting ribbons and remaining ignorant of forest bathing. There is one other massive difference between Kate and Meghan here though: Eyeballs. The Duchess of Sussex, in the awareness stakes, is light years ahead of the Princess of Wales. On YouTube, Summer has been viewed 14,000 times; the new With Love trailer 360,000 times. On the Waleses' official Instagram account, Kate's offering has gotten 3 million times; and over on @Meghan, the duchess has racked up 4.5 million. Given we all live in an attention economy now, by that metric it's easy to see who has come out on top. Netflix should be well pleased.
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Inside Look: Le Meurice Review
P aris is full of beautiful hotels, but few make you feel like you've stepped into a piece of the city's history the moment you walk through the door. Since opening in 1835, Le Meurice has long been a magnet for royalty, artists and tastemakers—from Coco Chanel's fashion shows to surrealist gatherings hosted by Salvador Dalí (who took annual month-long residence at the hotel over the course of 30 years). Deemed one of the city's select Palace hotels, a mark of distinction awarded by the French government for exceptional service and heritage, the property is a must-see destination for art and culture lovers, featuring contemporary art that blends seamlessly alongside classic French design. On a recent trip to Paris, I checked in to Le Meurice with my family. Its prime location on Rue de Rivoli in the 1st arrondissement, facing the Tuileries Garden and steps from the Louvre and the Seine, make it a great base for exploring the City of Lights. Plus, the property itself feels like an oasis—albeit an ornate, luxurious one—with impeccable service and amenities (it's no surprise it made it into our best Paris hotels guide). If you're planning a stay, here's what to know. Exterior of Le Meurice hotel. Le Meurice Who Will Love It: Art lovers; couples and families looking for a prime location All-Star Amenities: Penhaligon's toiletries, spa featuring Valmont products; Italian marble bathrooms; location facing the Tuileries Garden and right near the Louvre What Not To Miss: Hammam and sauna, breakfast in the Versailles room, cocktails at Bar 228 Location: Paris, France Public spaces on the property were designed by Philippe Starck, and every detail feels carefully curated (think statement lighting and rich fabrics alongside Eero Saarinen Tulip chairs and an oversized frosted mirror in the lobby for guests to write on). The hotel's La Maison Valmont Spa, blending Swiss wellness traditions with cutting-edge treatments, is the only one of its kind in Paris. After a revitalizing massage or facial, guests can unwind in the serene lounges. The hammam and sauna are open from 8am until 10pm, making it especially convenient for the jet lagged. Store at La Maison Valmont Spa. Mark Read The hotel's 24-hour concierge staff stands out for their impeccable knowledge of Paris, and can conveniently be reached via a guest Whatsapp service too. When I asked them for itinerary ideas, they were ready to arrange everything from private museum tours—like Louvre treasure hunts for families or a city walk tracing the life and career of Rodin—to skip-the-line access to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The property's 160 rooms, many of which have been refreshed by the design duo Lally & Berger, tap into the elegance of Louis XVI style while mixing antique-style furnishings with modern comforts. Rooms feel spacious by Paris standards, with elegant touches like silk draperies, marble bathrooms and plush bedding that create a warm, inviting ambiance. I stayed in an executive suite with my family, which featured soft pastel tones, Parisian art, gilded accents, and sweeping views of the Tuileries Garden, Eiffel Tower and Musee D'Orsay. Even with a lively summer carnival going on throughout our stay, the soundproofing on the windows was excellent, as were the blackout blinds, which could be controlled by conveniently placed switches bedside and throughout the room. Living room in a Meurice Executive Suite. Mark Read Food And Beverage Along with design, there's even an artful vibe to the on-site dining options. Le Dalí is the main restaurant and Starck's surrealist ode to the namesake (you can't miss the handpainted ceiling by his daughter, Ara Starck). It offers French and international classics and a lively atmosphere perfect for cocktails or casual gatherings. A highlight of our meal was a signature Cédric Grolet trompe l'oeil dessert simply named 'pistachio' that was a delightful chocolate, nutty, crunchy concoction. The Michelin-starred Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse features inventive French haute cuisine served in a Versailles-inspired dining room. (Pro tip: If you're treating yourself to breakfast at the hotel, opt to have it in this space.) Bar 228 serves up cocktails, wine and spirits, alongside live jazz. Nearby, Cédric Grolet's Pâtisserie tempts with visually stunning pastries that are as delicious as they are artful. Dining room at Le Dalí restaurant. Mark Read What To Do In The Area Le Meurice occupies a prime spot on Rue de Rivoli, overlooking the expansive Tuileries Garden and a short stroll from storied museums and Place Vendôme. It's close to plenty of Métro stations and bus stops, but there's so much to see within walking distance whether you want to visit museums, check out cute wine bars or browse the 'perfume row' of neighboring Rue Saint-Honoré. How To Get There Le Meurice is located in the 1st arrondissement on the Right Bank of Paris. It's about a 45-minute drive from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and a 30-minute drive from Paris-Orly Airport. Its closest subway stations are: Tuileries (a 3-minute walk away) and Concorde (a 5-minute walk away).
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch Chris Brown Surprise a 13-Year-Old Fan & Her Mom With a New Car & $10,000 at Recent Tour Stop
A 13-year-old fan and her mother received the ultimate surprise when attending a recent Chris Brown concert, as Breezy and TikTok influencer MDMotivator hooked up the pair with a special VIP package that included $10,000 and a new car. And it was all caught on video, which the star shared on social media Sunday (Aug. 10). It all starts with MDMotivator looking for the biggest Chris Brown fan and caught 13-year-old Gabby's attention, who recognized CB's 11-year-old daughter, Royalty, nearby. More from Billboard The Life of a Prolific Pop Star: 'Showgirl' Will Be Taylor Swift's Ninth Full-Length Album of the 2020s How Preston Cooper Went From 'The Singing Mailman' to Writing His First Country Hit With The Warren Brothers Travis Kelce Calls Taylor Swift an 'Athlete,' Praising the 'Mind-Blowing' Amount of Work She Puts Into Shows Gabby then convinced her mother to purchase the 'mystery tickets' from MDMotivator for $5, for which they received a Breezy Bowl filled with $10,000 in cash and the opportunity to meet Brown himself that night. 'This is the best night of my life!' Gabby cries in the video. 'Chris, you influenced my whole dance career. I grew up dancing to you. You're such an inspiration to me. I love you so much!' Brown is shown in the clip giving MDMotivator his flowers for 'changing people's lives,' and also shared that his daughter Royalty cried after watching one of the influencer's videos in which he's helping others. The video then shows Gabby and her mom being blindfolded and escorted to a parking lot, where they were in shock after seeing a brand new Ford with a red bow on it that they would be taking home. Once Brown found out Gabby was a dancer, he gave her some advice for the road ahead. 'You said you dance? Don't stop, go harder and harder,' he relayed. 'Always be yourself. I love you guys.' CB got a ton of love in his comment section from the likes of Tony Yayo, Kelly Rowland and actor Omari Hardwick. Brown's Breezy Bowl XX stadium tour continues this week with shows in New Jersey and Philadelphia. Watch the video below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
The Independent
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Taylor Swift pokes fun at Jason Kelce for panicking over Prince William meeting
Taylor Swift has teased Jason Kelce for panicking over what to do with his beer before meeting the Prince of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Appearing on New Heights, Travis and Jason Kelce's podcast on Wednesday (13 August), the singer recalled the 'amazing' moment that she invited the former NFL star to meet the Prince of Wales and his children while they were attending an Eras tour show in London in 2024. 'I watched him have this moment with his beer where he was like, 'But I want to take it, but I know that I probably should not take it,' ' Swift said, miming Jason holding up his can. Jason agreed that was exactly what was going on in his head, before contemplating: 'Is it disrespectful to have a beer when you meet royalty?'
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'We are world's most famous kids - and now we're rich enough to buy a goat'
A new six-part documentary series that tells the extraordinary story of a dancing troupe of poverty-stricken children who came all the way from the streets of Uganda to win a golden buzzer on BGT and meet Royalty They are the kids who stole the nation's hearts when they exploded in a riot of colour and energy onto the Britain's Got Talent stage. But behind the wide smiles, infectious enthusiasm and thrilling dance routines of the Ghetto Kids troupe lies a story of determination, courage and triumph over the cruellest of adversity. Now their life-affirming journey, which has taken the youngsters from living on the streets of Uganda to meeting the Queen, performing at Westminster Abbey and being guests of honour at Chelsea FC, has been made into a six part documentary series. Three years in the making, Ghetto Kids: No Plan B will launch on Sunday 6 July exclusively on YouTube. The series traces the origins of the group, following them through to the final of BGT and reveals what happened after the heat of the international spotlight cooled. Along the way we meet the children, hear their heartbreaking stories and see how radically dance has transformed their lives. As 15-year-old Akram says: 'I feel so much joy when I am on stage; so happy that I forget what happened to me on the street. I was honoured to meet Queen Camilla and Prince William. Queen Camilla said to me that we danced really well, and our performance made them feel happy.' At the heart of it all is the extraordinary Kavuma Dauda, himself a child of a Ugandan ghetto, who used his own experiences to bring hope to orphaned and poverty stricken children. 'When you're on the street life is always difficult. You have to try many ways to find your luck,' reflects Kavuma. 'To get out of the ghetto there is one chance. It's like having one match in a box and then there is a lot of wind; you have to make sure you light that candle so you must hold the match with care. 'I told the children whenever you get a chance, utilise it well; leave a mark because you may not get another opportunity to do it again.' Kavuma has certainly left his own mark on the community in which he lives and on the lives of the street children he has rescued. He left home at the age of seven to live on the streets, surviving by selling polythene bags and bananas. 'On the street you learn a lot of things; you have to hustle to make ends meet. It was not good.' His life was changed by a simple football game. As he enviously watched other kids in their smart school uniforms kick a ball, the teacher asked if he wanted to join in. He did so – and promptly scored three goals. READ MORE: 'I've stuck by my husband Ozzy Osbourne for over 50 years for one simple reason' That natural talent for football led to a scholarship, enabling him to attend school. But the kindness of a stranger that day laid the groundwork for his life's mission - to help as many street children as he could. He became a teacher, a headmaster – and even the bus driver – for a school in Kampala, although many children around him didn't have the money to pay for food, let alone school books. He also started to offer a safe place for street kids to live. Some were orphaned, others had witnessed violence at home. All were hungry and at risk of falling victim to crime. Always passionate about dance and drama, Kavuma began teaching his kids routines and when they performed in public, people would tip them. Then the troupe - aged between three and 17 - entered a local competition. 'We won!' smiles Kavuma. 'And the prize was a goat. We sold it and the money paid for exams for the children. That's where I got the idea to dance, to go to school and to change lives.' He describes their style as 'Afro-comic' – joyful moves which connect the dancer and the audience through the sheer fun of the performance. The big breakthrough came when Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo heard about the troupe and invited them to perform in a music video. The response was phenomenal. 'I was told we had gone viral on social media. I said 'what is viral?'' laughs Kavuma. By this time the Ghetto Kids Foundation had been established and he was looking after 30 children in a house in Kampala, helping to clothe, feed and educate them - and always, always encouraging them to dance. 'At the start, people told me 'you will fail, these children will go back to the streets.' But I kept on with my dream. Children are my calling." And that may have been that, but for their appearance on Britain's Got Talent, which propelled them onto a truly global stage. After seeing auditions of BGT on YouTube the troupe applied to appear on the programme. Their first performance caused a sensation among the judges, with Simon calling them 'magical'. And for the first time in his stint on BGT, an overwhelmed Bruno Tonioli pressed the golden buzzers, sending them straight to the semi-finals of the 2023 season. READ MORE: UK location that gets more UFO sightings than anywhere else on planet In the final they were placed sixth overall, missing out on the £250,000 first prize which Kavuma had hoped to use to expand his work. 'It was a very big disappointment,' he admits. 'But you have to accept it. If something is meant to be yours it will be; I told the children 'this is not our time'.' Nevertheless, their appearance on UK television was a game changer, gaining them international recognition and opening huge opportunities which saw them take a central role in last year's Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, while they found a champion in Rio Ferdinand, who met them at the 2022 World Cup. Ultimately, it has also enabled Kavuma to realise his ambition of finding larger premises for the street children who call him 'dad'. 'In Uganda local people have donated towards building the Ghetto Kids Foundation house, because of how well we represented our country on Britain's Got Talent,' explains Kavuma. 'The children in the Foundation are now seen in Uganda as positive role models, because of how proudly they represented themselves in the UK.' It's little wonder. Ask the Ghetto Kids what they want to be when they grow up and their answers - from businesswoman to engineer and journalist - tell you everything you need to know about how dance is not a hobby but a lifeline. 'The UK is a special place for me; it has opened a lot of doors for us.' says Priscilla, now 14. 'Before I did not go to school. I did not know how a responsible girl should behave. Now I want to be a lawyer.' And 14-year-old Ashiraf reflects: 'Whenever we would dance on the streets we would forget about everything else; sometimes you would forget that you are hungry because you are happy. The UK has truly changed our lives.' All of them clearly hold their mentor in the highest regard, with one boy, Arban, calling Kavuma 'kind and gentle' with a 'pure heart'. Another comments, 'I once viewed myself as worthless. Now I am a star.' As for Kavuma himself, his entrepreneurial spirit continues. He has been able to buy land and the group is learning how to farm - each child has their own goat; crops are being planted to help with income and food supply. 'When they grow up they will outgrow dance; we need to raise a self-reliant child,' says Kavuma. Ghetto Kids remain a social media sensation, with two million YouTube subscribers and 11.7 million followers on TikTok. But Kavuma's work never stops and his desire to help even more youngsters still burns bright. 'I am planning for 100 children! ' he grins 'I want to show the world that street kids can make it. I'll keep on doing it until the end of me.' So how does he see himself? Teacher, charity worker, father figure? 'I'm a person who wants to make sure something impossible can be possible.' It seems he has well and truly succeeded. • Ghetto Kids: No Plan B, Sunday 6 th July, 4pm on YouTube and produced by Toy Green.
