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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Kate Was Mistaken for Prince William's Assistant—& Her Response Deserves a Crown
Since their marriage in 2011, Prince William and Princess Catherine have been inseparable. They've embarked on numerous tours around the world, in addition to extensive charity work in the United Kingdom. The pair, known to be quite affable, showed their humorous side in a recently resurfaced quip during a 2020 trip to Cardiff. In particular, it was Princess Catherine who came in with a lighthearted line in response to an innocent misidentification. WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images In 2020, the royal couple paid a visit to Shire Hall Care Home in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. There, they reunited with Joan Drew-Smith (pictured above), a resident who had previously participated in an online bingo event the prince and princess had hosted. Per Hello!, after reuniting, Prince William said to Drew-Smith, "Hello Joan, do you remember we did the bingo with you? You said we weren't very good!" "Yes. You did a bloody s****y job," was the elderly resident's spry reply. WPA Pool/Pool/Getty Images Because of the pandemic, the then duke and duchess were both sporting face masks. Prince William explained this to Drew-Smith: "We have to wear masks because of the virus, but it's difficult to hear sometimes when you can't see someone's mouth." The gear lead to a quirky mix-up, when Drew-Smith then gestured to the Princess of Wales and quipped, "Is that your assistant?" Ever graceful, Princess Catherine laughed and said, ""Well I am your assistant! I have been for a long time!" as she affectionately put a hand on her husband's shoulder. The now-Prince of Wales was far from offended, later remarking, "I love Joan, she's brilliant. If only everyone was as honest as her." More recently, Their Royal Highnesses attended the naming ceremony of HMS Glasgow in Scotland last week. "A pleasure to meet with members of the Ship's Company and their families, as well as BAE Systems' Shipbuilding Academy apprentices and graduates, and some of the incredibly skillful teams involved in the building of the ship," they wrote on Instagram. The photo shows the pair debarking from the plank, steps in synch. Proving, as always, that they've got each others' backs. Want all the latest royal news sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here. Kate Middleton Stuns on Palace Walk, But I Can't Get Over What She's Wearing (And I Don't Mean That Dress)
Scotsman
28-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Businesses demand action to boost growth as Scotland falls behind UK as a whole
Economy shrinks in February and March with GDP growth for first quarter sluggish, new Scottish Government data reveals Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Business leaders have called for growth to be the 'top priority' at Holyrood and Westminster after it emerged Scotland's economy shrank in February and March and has fallen behind the UK as a whole. Data published by the Scottish Government reveals GDP fell 0.2 per cent in March, following a similar drop of 0.2 per cent in February, prompting Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to demand 'decisive action' from the UK Government. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The figures also reveal that over the first three months of this year, growth increased 0.4 per cent in Scotland - below the 0.7 per cent recorded for the UK as a whole over the same period. The governments of Keir Starmer and John Swinney need to have a proper working relationship (Picture: Andy Buchanan/WPA Pool) | Getty Images Ms Forbes insisted Labour ministers need to 'counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit' and also reverse the recent hike in employer national insurance contributions. She said the Scottish Government has only 'limited powers' over the economy. Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill insisted it is 'absolutely essential' that both the Scottish and UK governments 'work together to deliver better jobs, wages and opportunities for the people of Scotland'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Firms 'expect situation to get worse' Her call was echoed by Colin Borland, director of devolved nations at the Federation of Small Businesses, who warned that most small firms expected the situation to deteriorate further. Mr Borland said: 'We saw the first signs of confidence starting to return among small business owners in Scotland during the first quarter, after our Small Business Index (SBI) hit a four-year low at the end of last year. However, that returning confidence remains fragile – with more small businesses still expecting things to get worse before they get better – so it needs to be nurtured. 'That requires all levels of government from Westminster and Holyrood through to local councils to keep a clear focus on the impact of their policies on small businesses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Growth needs to be everyone's top priority. At a UK level, that includes looking again at the parts of the Employment Rights Bill that threaten to put smaller employers off taking a chance on hiring new recruits and removing barriers to business finance. 'For the Scottish Government and local authorities, it means delivering on promises to carefully assess the small business impact before adopting new regulations, taxes or policies.' For the period January to March, Scotland's services sector – which makes up the bulk of the economy – grew by 0.5 per cent, while the production sector grew by 0.3 per cent. The construction sector was flat with 0 per cent growth recorded, while the agriculture, forestry and fishing sector contracted 0.4 per cent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Looking at March alone, output in the services sector was flat at 0% growth, while the production sector shrank by 1.6 per cent. However the construction sector expanded by 0.3 per cent. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes | PA Mr Forbes, who has responsibility for the economy within the Scottish Government, stressed the figures for the first quarter of 2025 are 'encouraging' when compared to the 0.1 per cent growth recorded over October to December 2024, and said they show quarterly growth 'getting stronger'. She added: 'In the face of ongoing global challenges, dynamic steps are being taken to grow and transform Scotland's economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We are pursuing new investment, building export potential and supporting innovation. Last week the First Minister announced that US green aircraft engine developer ZeroAvia is to establish a new manufacturing base in Scotland, creating around 350 jobs. 'Meanwhile, our Programme for Government includes a six-point export plan to help businesses tap into new markets and increase sales.' 'Limited' powers for Scottish ministers But she added the Scottish Government's 'limited' powers mean 'decisive action' is needed from the UK Government to 'counter the damaging economic impacts of Brexit and tackle the economic uncertainty currently being felt by business, workers and families'. This action from Westminster must include reversing the 'damaging decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions', the Deputy First Minister insisted. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms McNeill made clear however that 'Scotland's growth must not lag behind the rest of the UK'. She said: 'The UK government ended austerity in Scotland with a record £50 billion block grant in 25-26 for the Scottish Government to spend on public services. 'Meanwhile our Brand Scotland trade missions are promoting Scotland's goods and services on the world stage to encourage further growth and investment, and our forthcoming industrial and trade strategies will create opportunities for people right across the UK.' Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill | PA She also said the UK Government's Plan for Change is 'working by kick-starting economic growth and putting more money in people's pockets'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ms McNeill added: 'There's been an annual pay rise of around £1,400 for up to 220,000 Scottish workers and an end to zero-hours contracts for nearly 80,000 Scots thanks to our ground-breaking Employment Rights Bill.' READ MORE: Why a Fair Banking Act would create a more inclusive economy Scottish Conservative shadow cabinet secretary for finance and local government Craig Hoy said governments in both Edinburgh and London were to blame for Scotland falling behind the UK as a whole. He said: 'Growth across the UK has been badly hit by Labour's disastrous budget and their National Insurance tax rise. But under the SNP Scotland is lagging behind even those sluggish figures. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Two left-wing governments to blame' 'Thanks to the SNP's higher tax rate, excessive regulations and failure to pass on rates relief, Scottish businesses are at a disadvantage. Thanks to the policies of two left-wing governments, economic growth has stalled, while Scottish firms and households are paying more to get less.' Kevin Brown, Savings Specialist at Scottish Friendly, said: 'March's GDP figures show Scotland trailing the wider UK, which is disappointing but not disastrous, and certainly isn't a signal to panic. 'The gap between Scotland and the UK isn't huge, and with the right conditions – stable inflation, improved consumer confidence, and no escalation in global trade tensions – growth could quickly pick up.
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Late Queen's dessert has ingredient that may lower blood pressure
The dish was made for the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother (Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images) Tom Parker Bowles has revealed the quirky story behind one Royal Family dessert. The 50-year-old reflected on the incident involving the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, which caused quite a stir at Clarence House. The situation came about when their cherished chef, Alma McKee, served a delicious meat course for lunch but accidentally forgot about dessert. Frantically scrambling for something to whip up, her eyes landed on some bananas. Detailing the account in his book, 'Cooking & The Crown', Tom wrote: "The meat course had gone up, when she suddenly realised there was no pudding. I can remember there was a certain amount of panic about what to do next. Save, that is, for a few bananas." Tom Parker Bowles explained how the quirky dessert made for Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother came about (Image: (Image: Getty)) Dubbed 'Bananes au Caramel', this straightforward but tasty creation by Alma requires just the following ingredients: Bananas Caster sugar Butter Golden syrup Double cream For those eager to experiment with some royal cooking, Tom outlines the process. To kick things off, cut up the bananas and toss them in a bit of caster sugar—around two tablespoons worth. These sugary slices should then be gently fried in some butter over medium heat until they take on a caramelised colour. Following this step, it's essential to let the banana pieces sit for around 60 seconds before mixing them with around 100ml of double cream. For serving perfection, spoon them into sundae glasses and allow them to chill in the fridge. And if you're feeling extra indulgent, you might even make some caramel drizzle for the finishing touch. "Break the hardened syrup into small shards, sprinkle over the banana and serve immediately," Tom wrote. While 'Bananes au Caramel' is undoubtedly a very sugary dessert, bananas in general are often lauded by health experts for their various perks. This is primarily attributed to their hefty potassium levels - a mineral tied to possible reductions in blood pressure. Tom Parker Bowles is Queen Camilla's son (Image: Getty Images) Right now, estimates suggest that approximately 4.2 million adults in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney dysfunction, and vascular dementia. "Bananas are a great source of potassium, with a medium banana providing 10% of the DV," experts at Healthline claim. "A 2017 study in mice also suggests that potassium may lower the risk of heart disease by 27%. Additionally, bananas contain 8% of the DV for magnesium, another important mineral for heart health." Tom's book, 'Cooking and The Crown,' boasts more than 100 culinary delights spanning from Queen Victoria's era to King Charles III's reign, according to the Express. Although it includes some extravagant dishes like 'Pommes Elizabeth' and 'Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises', there are plenty of simpler dishes to try at home. More information can be found here.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's son Archie turns 6
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Prince Archie, the eldest child of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is celebrating his 6th birthday. Archie, a grandchild of King Charles III, was born on May 6, 2019, in London. PHOTO: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle, May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England. (Dominic Lipinski/ WPA Pool via Getty Images) He now lives in California with his parents and younger sister, Lilibet. The Sussex family is expected to celebrate Archie's birthday privately, as they have in past years. Meghan Markle shares rare family photo of Prince Harry and their kids on Instagram Harry and Meghan have made a point of keeping both their children largely out of the spotlight since stepping away from their senior royal roles in 2020. Since re-joining Instagram earlier this year, Meghan has shared more behind-the-scenes glimpses of her kids' lives, including a recent photo showing Harry holding Archie's hand while carrying Lili on his shoulders. Archie's birthday this year falls just days after Harry lost a yearslong legal battle over the security protection he and his family receive in the United Kingdom. In an interview with the BBC after the May 2 ruling, Harry said he does not picture himself returning to the U.K. with his family in light of the court's decision. "I can't see a world in which ... I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, and the things that they're going to miss is, well, everything," Harry said. "I love my country. ... I miss the U.K. I miss parts of the U.K., of course I do, and I think that it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland." Prince Harry, Meghan Markle are parents of 2: What to know about their kids The family of four is not known to have traveled to the U.K. together since 2022, when they attended Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Harry's grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle's son Archie turns 6 originally appeared on
Toronto Sun
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Grievances and forgiveness were both on display in Prince Harry's raw TV interview
Published May 03, 2025 • 4 minute read Prince William and Prince Harry arrive for the unveiling of a statue they commissioned of their mother Diana, Princess of Wales, in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, July 1, 2021 in London, England. Photo by Yui Mok / WPA Pool / Files / Getty Images LONDON — The rift between Prince Harry and his family has burst into the open again with the prince's raw television interview after losing a court case over his security. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account In a long and at times emotional conversation, the 40-year-old prince said he wants reconciliation, while re-airing grievances against the Foyal Family, the U.K. government and the media. Here are key takeaways from Friday's BBC interview: A security feud has deepened the royal rift Harry said his father, King Charles III, won't speak to him because of 'this security stuff' — a legal wrangle over protection for the prince when he is in Britain. 'This, at the heart of it, is a family dispute,' he said. Harry has been estranged from his family since he and his wife Meghan quit royal duties in 2020 and moved to the United States, alleging hostility and racist attitudes by the press and royal establishment. Harry's tell-all 2023 memoir 'Spare,' stuffed with private details and embarrassing revelations, made things worse. But Harry said what's souring the relationship now is a decision to remove his police protection detail after he stopped being a working royal. On Friday the Court of Appeal in London rejected Harry's bid to restore the protection, saying a government committee was justified in deciding that security should be assessed on a case-by-case basis whenever Harry visits the U.K. Harry blamed the palace, alleging that the decision to withdraw his security had been made at the direction of royal officials, who sit on the committee alongside police and government representatives. He said they were 'knowingly putting me and my family in harm's way,' hoping that the sense of threat 'would force us to come back.' He suggested his father was part of the problem, saying he'd asked the king 'to step out of the way and let the experts do their job.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. King Charles, 76, has been treated for an undisclosed cancer for more than a year. Buckingham Palace has given infrequent updates, and has not disclosed what form of cancer the king has. Harry, who has met his father only once, briefly, since his diagnosis early last year, said 'I don't know how much longer my father has.' He held out little hope of another meeting soon. 'The only time I come back to the U.K., is, sadly, for funerals or court cases,' he said. After taking several months off last year, Charles has returned to a full slate of public duties. This week he told a reception for cancer charities that being diagnosed was 'a daunting and at times frightening experience.' He added: 'I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harry has well-founded concerns for the safety of himself and his family. He is fifth in line to the throne, behind his brother William and William's three children. He spent 10 years in the British army, serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan. Harry's lawyer said in court papers that al-Qaida had published a document that said Harry's assassination would please Muslims. Harry said that before 2020 he was placed in the highest tier of at-risk royals, alongside his late grandmother Queen Elizabeth II. Since then, he has been stripped of taxpayer-funded police protection, and also denied permission to pay for it himself, leaving private security his only option. He said that is not as good as police protection, which is provided for life to 'people who leave public office,' such as former prime ministers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I can never leave the Royal Family,' he said. 'I was born into those risks, and they've only increased over time.' He claimed that 'some people want history to repeat itself,' an apparent reference to the death of his mother Princess Diana. She was killed in a car crash in Paris in 1997 while being pursued by paparazzi. He worries his children will lose part of their heritage Harry, Meghan and their children Archie, 5, and 3-year-old Lilibet, currently live in California, and Harry said he 'can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K.' The prince said he loves Britain and 'it's really quite sad that I won't be able to show my children my homeland.' Harry claimed that he and his family are endangered when visiting Britain because of hostility aimed at him and Meghan on social media and through relentless hounding by news media. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Harry's explosive memoir 'Spare' scattered bitterness and blame at Charles, Queen Camilla — Harry's stepmother — and his elder brother William. In the interview, he said he could forgive his family, and even the British press that he reviles and has repeatedly sued. 'I would love reconciliation with my family. There's no point in continuing to fight anymore,' Harry said. Historian Anthony Seldon said Harry had chosen his words deliberately to signal he 'wants to make a new start.' 'There will be no more spiteful books,' Seldon told Sky News. 'He has signaled he wants to be back in a way that needs to be worked out.' But Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty Magazine , said it's hard to see how reconciliation can happen. 'He clearly feels aggrieved at the outcome of this legal action, but there is a great deal to be gained by maintaining a dignified silence,' Little said. 'Sadly, as we know from past events, this isn't Harry's way of doing things.' Sunshine Girls Canada Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto & GTA
