Latest news with #Sandringham
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Prince Andrew was asked to honour Jeffrey Epstein in special 50th birthday album
The Duke of York's close pal, Ghislaine Maxwell, contacted Jeffrey Epstein's rich and powerful friends, asking them for handwritten notes wishing the billionaire a happy 50th birthday Prince Andrew was asked to contribute to Jeffrey Epstein's 50th birthday album in which Donald Trump told the paedophile, 'May every day be another wonderful secret', it is claimed. The Duke of York's close pal Ghislaine Maxwell asked the sex offender's rich and powerful friends to write messages for the billionaire's 50th in 2003. The British socialite, 63, who is serving 20 years in a US jail for trafficking girls for Epstein, bound the tributes in a leather album. The gift was discovered by US Justice Department investigators probing the financier's inner circle. A US source told this newspaper: 'Ghislaine was the driving force behind the birthday tributes. She wanted it to be a who's who of Epstein's inner circle, and she leaned on a lot of people to write something. It wasn't just casual greetings. Ghislaine wanted messages that were personal, meaningful. 'Jeffrey... always saw Andrew as the pinnacle of his pals, and Ghislaine made sure he was asked to contribute. 'She framed it as a celebration of Jeffrey's brilliance, his generosity, his supposed unique mind. She made it sound like an honour to be included.' It is not clear if the prince did send a message. At the time, Prince Andrew was a regular fixture at social gatherings with his pal, who was convicted of a sex offence with a minor in 2008. The Duke has said he was not aware of Epstein's crime. Andrew, 65, was introduced to Epstein in 1999 by Maxwell. He visited the financier in New York, Florida and the US Virgin Islands, and hosted Epstein at Balmoral, Windsor Castle, Sandringham and Royal Ascot. Each time Maxwell was also present. In a 2014 court filing, Virginia Giuffre claimed she was loaned by Epstein to Andrew for sex three times as a teenager. Andrew repeatedly and vehemently denied her claims. She later sued him in New York for sexual abuse, which he settled out of court for a reported £12million. He continued to deny any wrongdoing, telling BBC Newsnight he had no recollection of meeting her. In April, Giuffre, 41, took her own life in Australia. Epstein, 66, died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019. The birthday album came to light after it was reported that Donald Trump had contributed a signed note. The Wall Street Journal claimed to have seen a 2003 typed letter featuring a permanent marker sketch of a naked woman. Trump allegedly wrote: 'A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret,' and also: 'We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.' Trump's links to Epstein stretch back to the 1990s. In a 2002 interview, Trump said: 'He's a lot of fun to be with… he liked beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' The US President said the Journal story was faked, adding that he never drew pictures of women. However, some of his city skyline sketches have been sold at auction. Last month Elon Musk claimed the President was named in Epstein-related material. Trump called the claims a Democrat'scam' but he and key Republicans have since demanded the Epstein files be unsealed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Antiques Roadshow expert left 'shaken' after giving guest 'life-changing' news
An expert was left visibly shaken after delivering a jaw-dropping valuation during a recent episode of the BBC show. Jewellery specialist Geoffrey Munn, known for his calm manner and royal knowledge, became emotional while sharing the value of a set of rare heirlooms brought in by a guest. You may also like Antiques Roadshow star left stunned by 'one-of-a-kind' item in very rare moment Antiques Roadshow guest speechless as £1 vase turns out to be worth a fortune Royal cufflinks spark unexpected moment During the segment, Geoffrey was presented with a set of cufflinks and a brooch passed down through the guest's family. The items had originally belonged to her great-grandfather, who worked as a chef to Queen Victoria and Edward VII. According to the guest, her ancestor had been gifted the jewels by various members of European royalty, including Tsar Nicholas II and Wilhelm II, during his time working at Sandringham and Buckingham Palace. Geoffrey immediately noted the rarity of the pieces, describing the cufflinks as 'very, very Russian' and likely crafted using the samorodok technique, a style favoured by Fabergé. Though not confirmed to be from the famous house, he said they 'reeked' of the legendary jewellery firm. A surprise Fabergé find The real highlight came when the guest produced a brooch that had once been given by Tsar Nicholas II. Geoffrey confidently identified it as an authentic Fabergé piece due to the visible workmaster's initials, declaring it a 'full-blown Fabergé brooch'. The guest appeared emotional as she reacted: 'Wonderful. Because I wondered and half hoped it would be and that's marvellous.' Life-changing valuation Geoffrey began with a modest estimate for the cufflinks, placing their value at around £8,000. He explained that although not confirmed to be Fabergé, their provenance and style made them highly desirable. The cufflinks that had been turned into brooches were given a slightly higher valuation of around £9,000. However, it was the valuation of the brooch that left both the guest and expert speechless. After the guest guessed £10,000, Geoffrey replied: 'Well it is £10,000 and it's more than £10,000. It's £15,000.' At this point, Geoffrey held the guest's hand and said: 'You feeling calm? This is very, very good isn't it? Making me nervous.' The studio erupted in applause as the guest responded: 'My dear chap. Gosh. That's amazing. I never realised it would be as much as that, I must confess.' A collection to treasure Despite the significant valuation, the guest told Geoffrey she had no plans to sell the items. 'I don't really want to sell these,' she said. 'I want to keep them because they're family pieces.' Geoffrey agreed, adding: 'I think in a way they should be kept together as a collection.' Fans watching at home were equally moved by the exchange. Many praised Geoffrey for his kind manner and emotional sensitivity, with one viewer writing on X: 'Geoffrey Munn always handles these moments so well. What a lovely man.' Another commented: 'You could see how much this meant to both of them. Antiques Roadshow at its best.' Family ties to royalty The items' connection to the Imperial Russian family and European monarchs made the valuation especially significant. Geoffrey pointed out the imperial cipher and historic craftsmanship as crucial factors in determining the brooch's worth. The emotional moment served as a reminder of the rich stories often attached to family heirlooms.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
William and Kate share sweet birthday tribute to Queen Camilla as she turns 78
The Prince and Princess of Wales have paid tribute to Queen Camilla as she marks her 78th birthday today. Kate and William, both 43, used their social media accounts to wish William's stepmother many happy returns. The pair, taking to Instagram, shared a sweet photo of the Queen with a message that read: 'Happy Birthday to Her Majesty'. They later shared the message on X (formerly known as Twitter). Developing a close bond with his stepmother over the years, the heir to the throne appears to have bonded with Camilla as they last year similar hurdles in their personal lives, with both their spouses are undergoing treatments for cancer. Elsewhere, mother-of-three Kate is also said to have a warm relationship with the Queen, the pair often snapped chatting cordially during joint royal engagements. In December, the pair even wore nearly identical outfits as they arrived at St Mary Magdalene church for the Royal Family 's annual Christmas Day service in Sandringham in a sartorial display of solidarity. King Charles 's wife has also marked today's celebrations with a stunning new portrait released by Buckingham Palace. Royal photographer Chris Jackson, who also snappedthe then-Duchess of Cornwall on her 75th birthday, took the picture earlier this month at Ray Mill - the Queen's private residence in Wiltshire. Camilla is pictured with a big smile on her face as she leans against a fence while enjoying a warm summer day at her home. She opted to wear a bright teal dress with motifs of a colourful bird as the Queen appeared relaxed and happy in her latest portrait. She is wearing the same Fiona Clare dress in an earlier image released by the Royal Family on July 14 - three days before her birthday. In that photo, the King's wife was seen cuddling her sweet rescue dog, Jack Russell-cross Moley, in the garden of her Wiltshire home. Camilla, who often repurposes her outfits for different occasions, also picked the striking maxi dress for the final day of the King and Queen's state visit to Kenya in 2023. For her birthday portrait, Camilla opted to keep her makeup light and dewy as she wore a hint of blusher, a light coat of mascara, and a swipe of pink lip gloss. She also kept her accessories to a minimum, with Camilla opting to wear a stack of rings - including her five-carat engagement ring from King Charles - and a pair of gold earrings. The release of her birthday portrait comes after Camilla unveiled a new dog garden at the Battersea animal shelter in central London, which was thought to have been originally created this year's Chelsea Flower Show by broadcaster and gardening expert, Monty Don. As she toured the premises of the South West London-based site, Camilla, who lost her beloved Jack Russell rescue Beth last November, made a fuss of the pooches living at the shelter The outdoor space was designed in collaboration with the RHS and BBC Radio 2 and was gifted to the animal charity to help provide a calming environment for canines. Camilla fastened a sweet Terrier badge to her chest to honour her visit to the animal shelter, which cares for strays and abandoned pets. The Queen rescued Jack Russell-cross, Moley, from Battersea earlier this year when she was just eight weeks old. It's understood that Moley is a female and was born on Boxing Day and her mother is half Jack Russell, half unknown - while her father's breed is also unknown. It's thought Moley lives at Rat Hill, Queen Camilla's private Wiltshire residence, although it's expected she'll accompany the royal couple when they stay at official royal residences. The Queen revealed the happy news as she affectionately stroked a guide dog while meeting a partially-sighted museum group in the Beaney House of Art & Knowledge located in the centre of Canterbury's bustling high street in February. 'I've just got a new puppy, he's eight-weeks old,' she told owner Susan Mason, 66, who is partially-sighted. When Ms Mason asked what breed she is, the Queen laughed and said: 'You may well ask, a bit of everything. It's a rescue dog. It's called Moley - it looks just like a mole.' She has been patron of Battersea since 2017 and had a tour around the new garden, which has shady spots for pooches to cool down from the sun, along with grass and also sensory elements with the aim of helping them de-stress. One day before her birthday, Camilla appeared in high spirits as she attended a garden party at HMNB Devonport on Wednesday to honour her new position as Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom. The royal attended the event in Plymouth, which marked the end of HMS Astute's first commission - the longest first commission of any Royal Navy submarine in history - at over 15 years. Camilla - who has become the first female Vice Admiral of the UK - put her best fashion foot forward in a sapphire pleated blue dress which fell elegantly to her ankles and paired the stunning ensemble with her trusty nude and black heels, pearl earrings and a classy gold brooch. The royal, 77, attended the event in Plymouth, which marked the end of HMS Astute's first commission, which is the longest first commission of any Royal Navy submarine in history, at over 15 years. Camilla - who has become the first female Vice Admiral of the UK - put her best fashion foot forward in a sapphire pleated blue dress which fell elegantly to her ankles and paired the stunning ensemble with her trusty nude and black heels, pearl earrings and a classy gold brooch. Earlier this month, Camilla took her place in the Royal Box at the recently-concluded Wimbledon tennis tournament, when she met British actor Hugh Grant - before he now-famously nodded off mid-match.
The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
King Charles cashing in by letting out property on his Sandringham estate to holidaymakers for eye-watering sum
THE King is letting out a property at Sandringham to holidaymakers for £5,623 a week. Charles has turned the former home of Queen Elizabeth 's head gardener on his royal estate in Norfolk into a posh hols pad. 6 6 6 Encircled by towering pine trees and edged by centuries-old estate walls, it lies in the heart of the estate 300 meters from Sandringham House. He has had the four-bedroom Gardens House restored. Oliver's Travels, which is exclusively marketing the Edwardian property, says: 'Once home to the Estate's head gardener, this handsome brick residence now offers guests a rare invitation to experience the grace and quiet rhythm of life on one of Britain's most storied country estates.' It can sleep eight guests and has three bathrooms. Oliver's Travels adds: 'Children and dogs can roam freely in the expansive garden, while adults unwind with a glass of wine and views across the lawns.' It says The Gardens House is the closest holiday cottage to Sandringham House, 'offering guests an extraordinary connection to one of the United Kingdom's most iconic royal residences.' It adds: 'Set amidst manicured gardens and ancient parkland within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this charming retreat invites guests to step into a rich tapestry of royal heritage, seasonal splendour, and timeless countryside tranquillity.' The property offers a choice of two sitting rooms – a formal lounge and a room with a TV. There is also a dining room with a table for eight people and a modern kitchen, with French doors opening onto the terrace for alfresco breakfasts or evening drinks beneath the Norfolk sky. The four bedrooms include a choice of super-king and twin bed, with each room individually dressed with patterned fabrics, floral prints, reclaimed wood and soft furnishings that reflect the surrounding nature. Major change King Charles is making to his Sandringham Estate home for the summer revealed The three bathrooms are equally characterful, with some boldly papered or painted in sunshine yellow, all elegantly finished with a mix of baths, walk-in showers and period details. 6 6 6
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Choirmaster at King Charles' church off sick with work-related stress after unholy row with rector
The choirmaster at the church where King Charles worships at Sandringham has gone on sick leave with work-related stress after a bust-up with the rector. The issue apparently blew up after the Rev Canon Paul Williams tried to bring in steps to modernise the choir and music at St Mary Magdalene Church on the Royal Estate in north Norfolk. He is said to have commissioned a report into music at the 18th-century church by Tansy Castledine who is described by BBC Radio 3 as 'one of the UK's leading women conductors'. Her report and apparent recommendations have angered Dr Claire Stewart, the director of music at St Mary Magdalene Church, as well as choristers and worshippers. Dr Stewart is reported to have written a 28-page 'grievance' dossier responding to the report and is now off sick. The King has been informed of the row, which has been likened to a Vicar of Dibley storyline, and is said to have taken time to speak to distressed parishioners about it before he left a recent service at the church. It is believed that Rev Williams wanted to make the choir more 'inclusive' with younger singers, and even a social media account to promote its activities at the six medieval churches in the Sandringham group of churches. A source said: 'As you can imagine, with its links to the Royal family, St Mary Magdalene is quite traditional and high church. 'The rector wanted to make the church a bit more inclusive for everyone'. Dr Stewart who has been in her post for 12 years and is 'hugely adored' by many worshippers told the Mail on Sunday that she had been left feeling 'very anxious and stressed'. She said: 'I am unable to comment at the moment as I am on sick leave with work-related stress.' Dr Stewart described the report by Ms Castledine, the Director of Music at Peterborough Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, as 'controversial'. She added: 'She was commissioned by the rector to do this, and as a result of it being published, it has greatly upset the choir, the congregation and myself.' The bust-up is said to have led to a number of members of the 'tight-knit' choir staying away from Sunday services and practice sessions. The Bishop of Norwich, the Right Rev Graham Usher, has received a number of letters from parishioners who have been distressed about the row. Tory peer Lord Greville Howard of nearby Castle Rising which has its church included in the Sandringham group of parishes is believed to have held a meeting earlier this month with church leaders to try and reach a peace deal. Members of the Royal family traditionally attend St Mary Magdalene Church for morning service on Christmas Day when they are watched by thousands of members of the public. The late Queen and her husband Prince Philip attended the church when in residence at Sandringham, and the King who is battling cancer has followed in the footsteps of his parents as a regular worshipper. During his reign, he and Queen Camilla have often been photographed walking to the church from Sandringham House or sometimes being driven there by car. The Rev Williams became Sandringham rector in September 2022 shortly after the death of the late Queen, and was later appointed Domestic Chaplain to the King. He was previously vicar of Tewkesbury Abbey in the Diocese of Gloucester. The rector did not respond to a request for comment, while Edward Parsons, a churchwarden at Sandringham, also declined to comment. A spokesperson for the Diocese of Norwich said: 'St Mary Magdalene, the parish church of Sandringham is one of six churches that form the Sandringham Group of Churches in North West Norfolk. 'We are aware that a discussion around music has taken place within the group of churches. It has taken in the views of parishioners and members of the congregation and the discussions continue.' The Diocese spokesperson was unable to comment on the contents of the report produced by Ms Castledine.
