Latest news with #Scandinavian
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Princess Kate's the 'best thing for the Royal Family since Diana'
The Princess of Wales was met with a standing ovation at Wimbledon on Saturday, as she marked her first public engagement since she cancelled her Ascot appearance - and we asked if the Royal Family would be as popular without Kate Princess Kate received a standing ovation as she took her place in the Royal Box for the Wimbledon's women's singles final on Saturday - and we asked Mirror readers if the Royal Family would be as popular without the Princess of Wales. Tennis enthusiast Kate, patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, smiled and waved as she was met with a warm welcome on Centre Court. This marked Kate's first public engagement since she had to cancel her attendance at Ascot last month. It's understood she missed the event as part of her ongoing effort to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements, just months after she announced her cancer was in remission. During her visit to Wimbledon, Kate met Lydia Lowe, a courageous eight year old who has faced her own health battles. The young girl, having sustained a brain injury in January 2024 that left her visually impaired and relearning basic actions like walking, talking, and eating, encouraged Kate with the words: "Don't be nervous, take deep breaths". As the Princess continues her cancer recovery with remarkable candour, recent royal outings have underscored just how central her presence has become to the monarchy's modern image. From the dazzling tiara sported at the glitzy state banquet at Windsor Castle for the French state visit, to the beautiful teal number sported at Trooping the Colour - it's clear that the public's fascination with the Firm is deeply entwined with hers. While Kate is widely admired for her classic and elegant fashion choices, she has also been praised for her refreshing candidness. This was evident when she spoke to staff and patients at Colchester Hospital, where she delved into her own personal experience with cancer for the first time, revealing much about her illness and recovery. We asked Mirror readers if the Royal Family would be as popular without Kate, and a whopping 78 percent said they would not. Around 21,023 people took part in our poll and a hefty 16,417 selected the option 'No, they wouldn't'. Voicing their thoughts in the comments section, one Scandinavian reader penned: "You are so lucky to have a very professional, clever and well-educated person as Princess of Wales. She is a princess of today! Compared to Mary [Denmark], Letizia [Spain], Mette Marit [Norway] and Victoria [Sweden], who all do a great job, but your Catherine is the born diplomat - and some of you underestimate her wisdom - and importance for Britain!" Another shared: "Kate is the best thing for the RF since Princess Diana," while a third wrote in another Mirror article: "Always elegant and charming. One the best royals." "I'm sorry to those who are anti-royal, but some, like the Prince and Princess of Wales, bring a lot to the table. They do a lot behind the scenes which is not reported on. They bring tourists from around the world here to London and they are ambassadors for the UK when they are aboard. Everyone has their own opinion but whatever your point of view be kind and respectful, because what you see on the outside is not always what goes on the inside," expressed a fourth. Meanwhile, 22 percent said the royals would still be as popular without Princess Kate, as reader stated: "This poll is not able to take into account that, if Catherine did not exist, someone equally attractive in appearance and personality could well be married to William. Catherine is understandably very popular, but so was Queen Elizabeth II before her - even more so. All the Monarchy needs is at least one very lovable main character every generation - and the others in the Family reliable and enthusiastic patriots for UK and the Commonwealth." Another voiced: "Neither of them ever got close to the most popular Royal in history, Diana. She was on a level Kate cannot dream of and that's from an anti-royalist. To be honest Kate can't reach that level because she's only popular with old women and royalists, she has no connection with the young or even the middle aged." "The RF survived before she came along and would do had she she is here though as she makes William happy," added a third. Do you think the Royal Family be as popular without Kate? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Please note that the poll is still live, so these results may change after the article has been published.
RTÉ News
6 hours ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Dalata Hotel Group agrees to €1.4 billion takeover deal
Scandinavian property companies Pandox and Eiendomsspar have agreed to buy Ireland's largest hotel group Dalata Hotel Group for €1.4 billion, the companies said today. Dalata shareholders will get €6.45 in cash per share, representing a premium of about 12% to the closing price on June 2 - the day before the Scandinavian hotel investors first disclosed their interest in the Irish company. Dalata had rejected an initial proposal in early June from Pandox and Eiendomsspar, valuing it at €1.3 billion, saying that the price undervalued the group. The latest offer, which has the backing of the board, concludes the Dublin-based company's strategic review that was launched in March to drive up shareholder returns. The cash offer of €6.45 per share also represents a 35.5% premium to the Dalata share price before the launch of its strategic review and formal sale process in March and a 49.7% premium to the 12 month volume-weighted average Dalata share price. Sweden-based Pandox will own 91.5% of the entity taking over Dalata, while Norway-based Eiendomsspar will own 8.5%, the companies said in a statement. Pandox's long-term operating partner, Scandic Hotels Group AB, will become an operating partner for the existing Dalata portfolio, they added. Dalata operates 55 hotels under the Maldron Hotel and Clayton Hotel brands, mostly in Ireland and the UK, and aims to open new hotels in Europe including in Berlin and Madrid. It launched a strategic review in March to explore options for enhancing shareholder value, including a potential sale. The Dalata Board said it believes the acquisition is in the best interests of Dalata shareholders and represents the most effective route to enhance value for shareholders, relative to Dalata's other strategic options which have been considered as part of its strategic review. Dalata said it will retain its staff, management team and Dublin headquarters as it continues to expand as an international hotel group. Dermot Crowley, CEO of Dalata, said the deal represents an exciting new chapter for Dalata in which it will become part of a larger hotel platform and will further accelerate its growth. He said the deal was a "very good fit" as it gives Pandox a large portfolio in Britain and Ireland, and Dalata better access to capital and a larger platform to accelerate growth. Dalata will continue to target new properties in the United Kingdom and Western and Southern Europe, he added. "Our focus remains firmly on our people and our customers. I'm proud to continue to lead our team in close partnership with our new owners. Together, we will unlock new opportunities for the Clayton and Maldron brands as we continue to expand as a leading international hotel company," the CEO added. John Hennessy, Chair of Dalata, said that after a thorough and rigourous strategic review, incorporating a formal sales process, the board has determined unanimously that this transaction delivers compelling value and represents the best available strategic option for shareholders. "We believe that it is the right path forward for all stakeholders, and that it positions the business strongly for its next phase of growth under new ownership," the said. "The value achieved reflects the hard work and professionalism of the exceptional people working in Dalata now and in the past, and we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone in the Dalata Group and to all who have contributed to the journey so far. We look forward to the company's continued success into the future," he added. Pandox CEO Liia Nõu said the portfolio consisted of "well-established and highly profitable four-star hotels in strong locations" that would increase its footprint in key markets. Sweden-based Pandox specialises in the ownership, development and leasing of large hotel assets in major cities across Sweden and northern Europe. It has been expanding its portfolio through acquisitions and leases in key European cities including Stockholm, Berlin and Brussels and its portfolio consists of 163 hotel properties with about 36,000 rooms across 11 countries in Northern Europe. Eiendomsspar is one of the largest real estate owners in Norway and it owns 11 hotels in Norway, with another two hotels under construction. Eiendomsspar controls about 36% of the voting shares of Pandox.
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Great British Sewing Bee start time, contestants and judges for 2025 series
The Great British Sewing Bee is back on BBC One with 12 new sewers looking to impress the judges - and here's everything you need to know The Great British Sewing Bee is set to return to BBC One, with the competition series kicking off tonight, July 15. Sara Pascoe will be at the helm as 12 new sewing enthusiasts display their talents, starting with a pattern challenge to create a tie-front blouse. Their skills will be further tested in the subsequent made-to-measure round, where they'll be tasked with crafting a perfectly shaped dress featuring pleats. The contestants will then face the transformation challenge, where they're asked by the judges to transform a circle skirt into a completely new garment. Here's everything you need to know about the series, including the start time, participants and judges. When does The Great British Sewing Bee begin? The hour-long episode is the first of 10, which will air weekly on Tuesday evenings at 9pm. Fans can catch up on missed episodes via BBC iPlayer. Who are the new Great British Sewing Bee contestants? Caz - 59 Caz, hailing from Nottingham, managed her family's print business for over three decades before recently retiring. She began sewing at the age of 11 and even crafted her own wedding gown. Kit - 24 Kit, originally from Surrey but now residing and working in Manchester, embarked on his sewing journey during primary school. During his university years, he would create a new garment every week and has a passion for exploring haberdasheries. Gaynor - 72 This Welsh grandmother has been sewing since the 1950s and currently teaches her 12 year old granddaughter the craft. Jess - 33 Jess, from Berkshire, started her sewing journey at the age of 11, using leftover fabric scraps to make items for her sister. During lockdown, she rediscovered her passion for sewing and hasn't looked back since. Órla - 19 Órla, a German and Scandinavian student at the University of Edinburgh, began sewing when she was just 15. She enjoys creating items for her loved ones and aspires to have a completely self-made wardrobe one day. Peter Peter, a senior construction manager, developed an interest in sewing while watching the Great British Sewing Bee with his two daughters. Since then, the entire family has been crafting their own clothes. Glendora Bus driver Glendora inherited her love for sewing and quilting from her mother. Since June 2021, she has crafted an impressive 36 quilts. Yasmin - 30 Yasmin hails from Gateshead and works as a research and development scientist. Her family prefers to make and mend rather than buy new, and it was her father who taught her how to create her own clothes from scratch. Novello - 66 Novello was inspired by Blue Peter to start sewing at the tender age of five. The Welsh-born contestant has maintained this interest throughout his life. Dan - 37 Dan is a performer from Durham who has been sewing since he was 10 years old. He even creates his own costumes for his performances. Saffie - 32 Saffie, a lecturer in Product & Industrial Design from Haggerston, learned to knit from her great aunt when she was eight. Since then, she has created numerous practical yet fashionable pieces. Stuart - 53 Stuart is a premises manager who frequently mends his family's clothes. His sewing journey began in 2020 when he started making hats. Who are the judges on the Great British Sewing Bee? The resident judges are Esme Young and Patrick Grant. Esme, aged 74, joined the programme in 2016 and has an impressive portfolio of costume design for major films such as Trainspotting and Bridget Jones's Diary. After launching her own shop in London, she has had the privilege of dressing celebrities like Grace Jones, Siouxsie Sioux, and Cher. Patrick, who is 51, has been a part of the show since its inception in 2013. He serves as a designer and creative director for bespoke tailors Norton & Sons of Savile Row, and was awarded Menswear Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards in 2010. The Great British Sewing Bee is broadcast on BBC One at 9pm.
Daily Record
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Hamilton housing development scoops industry awards
Cala's Darroch showhome at Cornhill Village was recognised at the Scottish home awards A Hamilton housing development has been recognised at this year's Scottish home awards, while its project manager has earned a prestigious honour from the National Home Building Council (NHBC). Cala Homes, who are constructing 26 properties at Cornhill Village off Strathaven Road, took home the showhome of the year title from the 18th annual Scottish home awards in Glasgow for their five-bedroomed Darroch house type. It features the housebuilder's 'showhome of support' initiative by showcasing products by 10 local suppliers; while the property has been designed by Alison Harding of amw Designs, inspired by nature and the development's green surroundings and using influences including Japanese and Scandinavian design, and neutral aesthetics. Judges were impressed by the Darroch's 'high specification and finish, flexibility and sustainability features' as the Cala property triumphed in a keenly-contested category with 16 finalists. Cala began sales of their Cornhill development last October with its three showhomes opening in February, in what is the company's first development in Hamilton since constructing the nearby Wellshaw Grange development nearly a decade ago. Project manager Jordan Hughes made it a double award success as he earned a pride in the job quality award from the NHBC, meaning he will now go on to this autumn's seal of excellence and regional awards, with winners then going forward to a national ceremony in January. Jordan said: 'This recognition means a lot. It reflects the high standards I set every day but more importantly, reflects the team culture we've built on site: one that takes ownership, solves problems fast, and never compromises on the quality of the homes we deliver. 'This is what it looks like when a team believes in the product, the process, and each other. The whole team is on cloud nine about the recent award wins.' Cala Homes (West) managing director Ian Conway said: 'Since launching our latest Hamilton development we have received spectacular feedback, so it is a great honour to be awarded showhome of the year and to witness Jordan and the team being recognised, as they have helped make this site possible. 'Pride in the Job is a highly-regarded accolade which is testament to the hard work Jordan and the team carry out day-to-day, ensuring our site and its teams including our sub-contractor partners achieve the highest standards for our customers and communities. 'Congratulations are very well deserved.' Hamilton's community growth area. * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. Article continues below
Campaign ME
10 hours ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Bold Management appoints Global Executive Vice Managing Director
Bold Management, an influencer talent agency, has appointed Ahmad Daabas as Global Executive Vice Managing Director. The appointment aims to mark a pivotal move in the agency's continued global expansion and leadership in the influencer marketing space. In his new role, Daabas will work alongside Enrico de Finis, Global Director of Bold Management, to further strengthen the agency's strategic presence across key markets including the Middle East, Europe, the United States, and the Scandinavian region. With a background in fashion, digital strategy, and talent management, the agency claims Daabas brings key experience that aligns with Bold's commitment to shaping the future of influencer partnerships. 'Ahmad has consistently demonstrated an unmatched ability to lead with both vision and integrity. His deep industry knowledge and international mindset make him the ideal partner to support our global growth,' said de Finis. 'I'm confident that with Ahmad in this new position, we will elevate Bold to even greater heights and continue setting new standards in the world of influencer management.' Since joining Bold Management, Daabas' leadership has steered Bold towards successfully signed and nurtured top-tier talents. He has also established long-term brand collaborations, and pioneered regional influencer marketing strategies. As Global Executive Vice Managing Director, Daabas will drive global strategy, scout new market opportunities, develop emerging talent, and lead cross-border partnerships with brands and creators. 'I am honored to step into this new global role and to continue building on what we've achieved with Bold in the Middle East,' said Daabas on his appointment. 'Bold is more than an agency — it's a movement that is redefining how creators, brands, and markets interact. I'm excited to work closely with Enrico and our global teams to push the boundaries of what influencer marketing can be.' This new appointment comes at a time when Bold Management is actively expanding into new territories and investing in innovation to lead the next wave of influencer-brand collaborations.
