Royal
Royal
Britain's Princess Beatrice launched the Virgin STRIVE Challenge yesterday (30.04.14).
The princess - the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson - was joined by a host of UK celebrities at London's O2 Arena, including scientist Brian Cox, comedian Jack Whitehall and 'The Voice UK' winner Jermain Jackman to promote Sam Branson's ultra-endurance charity challenge.
The challenge takes place between 7 August and 6 September and sees a team of people - who scaled the O2 wearing harnesses and ropes - travelling from London to the summit of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
A team of volunteers, including Beatrice, singer Ed Sheeran and chef Jamie Oliver, will assist the group in running, cycling, rowing and hiking to their destination.
The participants will be raising money for Big Change - a charity Beatrice helped set up - which aims to improve the lives of young people through developing life skills.
Speaking at the launch, Sam said: "I am incredibly excited to have created such a challenging event that will hopefully have such a positive impact on young people across the UK.
"It has been so rewarding seeing it evolve from an idea with my cousin into a massive and very real physical event that will cross three countries, five different sporting disciplines and contain over three hundred and fifty participants."
Princess Beatrice launches charity challenge
Britain's Princess Beatrice launched the Virgin STRIVE Challenge yesterday (30.04.14).
The princess - the daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson - was joined by a host of UK celebrities at London's O2 Arena, including scientist Brian Cox, comedian Jack Whitehall and 'The Voice UK' winner Jermain Jackman to promote Sam Branson's ultra-endurance charity challenge.
The challenge takes place between 7 August and 6 September and sees a team of people - who scaled the O2 wearing harnesses and ropes - travelling from London to the summit of the Matterhorn in Switzerland.
A team of volunteers, including Beatrice, singer Ed Sheeran and chef Jamie Oliver, will assist the group in running, cycling, rowing and hiking to their destination.
The participants will be raising money for Big Change - a charity Beatrice helped set up - which aims to improve the lives of young people through developing life skills.
Speaking at the launch, Sam said: "I am incredibly excited to have created such a challenging event that will hopefully have such a positive impact on young people across the UK.
"It has been so rewarding seeing it evolve from an idea with my cousin into a massive and very real physical event that will cross three countries, five different sporting disciplines and contain over three hundred and fifty participants."
Royal
Britain's Queen Elizabeth met a tsunami survivor yesterday (30.04.14).
The monarch and her husband Prince Philip visited UWC Atlantic College near Llantwit Major, in the Vale of Glamorgan, and after being entertained by an a cappella choir, they were shown around the campus by student Tomas Alvarez, whose family's escape from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami went on to inspire the Naomi Watts-starring movie 'The Impossible'.
Tomas was very impressed by the queen and her interest in the college.
He said after the royal meeting: "I became a lifeguard because of what happened to my family in the 2004 tsunami. We were incredibly lucky to survive, especially my mother who had to undergo 14 operations.
"If it wasn't for the people who helped us, I don't know if we would have survived. So I decided to become a lifeguard to give something back.
"Getting to show the Queen around the college was an incredible honour.
"She is very different from the person you see in the media.
"She asked a lot of questions from the students here and was really interested in what we do."
The residential facility, of which the queen is an honorary president, follows the International Baccalaureate and encourages its 350 students to participate in the local community.
Earlier in the day, the royal couple visited the base of International Greetings in Caerphilly, where they were shown several processes carried out by the firm, which makes gift packaging and greetings cards as well as stationery products.
The factory also produces the Christmas crackers which are used by the royal family over the festive season.
Queen Elizabeth meets tsunami survivor
Britain's Queen Elizabeth met a tsunami survivor yesterday (30.04.14).
The monarch and her husband Prince Philip visited UWC Atlantic College near Llantwit Major, in the Vale of Glamorgan, and after being entertained by an a cappella choir, they were shown around the campus by student Tomas Alvarez, whose family's escape from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami went on to inspire the Naomi Watts-starring movie 'The Impossible'.
Tomas was very impressed by the queen and her interest in the college.
He said after the royal meeting: "I became a lifeguard because of what happened to my family in the 2004 tsunami. We were incredibly lucky to survive, especially my mother who had to undergo 14 operations.
"If it wasn't for the people who helped us, I don't know if we would have survived. So I decided to become a lifeguard to give something back.
"Getting to show the Queen around the college was an incredible honour.
"She is very different from the person you see in the media.
"She asked a lot of questions from the students here and was really interested in what we do."
The residential facility, of which the queen is an honorary president, follows the International Baccalaureate and encourages its 350 students to participate in the local community.
Earlier in the day, the royal couple visited the base of International Greetings in Caerphilly, where they were shown several processes carried out by the firm, which makes gift packaging and greetings cards as well as stationery products.
The factory also produces the Christmas crackers which are used by the royal family over the festive season.
Royal
Cressida Bonas split from Britain's Prince Harry because she didn't enjoy the constant scrutiny.
The couple ended their romance this week after two years of dating, and friends say the 25-year-old heiress wanted out of the "serious" relationship because she was tired of strangers taking her picture, and knew the attention would only get worse if she went on to marry the prince.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Cressie doesn't want to be famous in any way. Her relationship with Harry was incredibly serious but she became sick of strangers taking pictures of her.
"She started to think about how her life would be if she was a princess -- and she jumped ship."
The source believes the couple will eventually get back together once Cressida has taken time away to consider their future.
They added: "However, Harry and Cressie still love each other. Only a brave man would bet on them not getting back together.
"Cressie is only 25 and has found the last two years overwhelming. She needs some time out of the spotlight to really think about what she wants. Harry has given her that time because he loves her.
"Cressie has been terrified by the thought of being a princess because it is just another world to her. She was like a deer in headlights.
"She loves Harry but she just wants some breathing space."
Cressida Bonas didn’t like attention
Cressida Bonas split from Britain's Prince Harry because she didn't enjoy the constant scrutiny.
The couple ended their romance this week after two years of dating, and friends say the 25-year-old heiress wanted out of the "serious" relationship because she was tired of strangers taking her picture, and knew the attention would only get worse if she went on to marry the prince.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Cressie doesn't want to be famous in any way. Her relationship with Harry was incredibly serious but she became sick of strangers taking pictures of her.
"She started to think about how her life would be if she was a princess -- and she jumped ship."
The source believes the couple will eventually get back together once Cressida has taken time away to consider their future.
They added: "However, Harry and Cressie still love each other. Only a brave man would bet on them not getting back together.
"Cressie is only 25 and has found the last two years overwhelming. She needs some time out of the spotlight to really think about what she wants. Harry has given her that time because he loves her.
"Cressie has been terrified by the thought of being a princess because it is just another world to her. She was like a deer in headlights.
"She loves Harry but she just wants some breathing space."
Royal
Mark Shand's funeral will take place today (01.05.14).
The body of the 62-year-old conservationist - the brother of Britain's Duchess Camilla - will be laid to rest in a private family service at Holy Trinity Church in Stourpaine, Dorset, South West England following his shock death in New York last week.
Camilla will be joined by her husband Prince Charles at the service, which is taking place in the same church where her father Major Bruce Shand's funeral took place in 2006.
The duchess and her siblings often spent time together in the village, where her sister Annabel Elliot lives, and Mark previously said the country retreat had become the "centre" of the family.
The adventurer's body was escorted home by a private jet by Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles and nephew Ben Elliot.
His death - from hitting his head after falling on a pavement outside a bar - has been ruled an accident by a medical examiner in the US.
Mark was known for his dedication to protecting the Asian elephant, and since his passing, conservation charity Elephant Family - which has received many offers of support since Mark's death - have launched the Mark Shand Memorial Fund, which will raise money for the cause.
Mark Shand to be buried today
Mark Shand's funeral will take place today (01.05.14).
The body of the 62-year-old conservationist - the brother of Britain's Duchess Camilla - will be laid to rest in a private family service at Holy Trinity Church in Stourpaine, Dorset, South West England following his shock death in New York last week.
Camilla will be joined by her husband Prince Charles at the service, which is taking place in the same church where her father Major Bruce Shand's funeral took place in 2006.
The duchess and her siblings often spent time together in the village, where her sister Annabel Elliot lives, and Mark previously said the country retreat had become the "centre" of the family.
The adventurer's body was escorted home by a private jet by Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles and nephew Ben Elliot.
His death - from hitting his head after falling on a pavement outside a bar - has been ruled an accident by a medical examiner in the US.
Mark was known for his dedication to protecting the Asian elephant, and since his passing, conservation charity Elephant Family - which has received many offers of support since Mark's death - have launched the Mark Shand Memorial Fund, which will raise money for the cause.
Royal
Monaco's Princess Charlene has been honoured with a Champion of Children award.
The former Olympic swimmer was presented with the accolade by 'Legally Blonde' actress Reese Witherspoon at the Colleagues' 26th Annual Spring Luncheon at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday (29.04.14).
Charlene was given the award in recognition of her charity work
in Europe and her native South Africa.
The 36-year-old princess dazzled in an emerald gown, which was perfectly complemented by Reese's blue and green tulip dress, at the event, with both women opting for nude heels.
Charlene accessorised with just a pair of simple pearl earrings and minimalist make-up.
The Oscar de la Renta-sponsored charity event was hosted by Angie Harmon, who also posed for pictures with Reese - a patron of the organisation - and Charlene on the red carpet.
The princess recently praised her husband - who she wed in 2011 - for being her "biggest support".
She said: "My husband is my biggest support, the person that I confide in and who knows me best.
"We must fight for what we believe in, forgive, move forward and not give up."
Princess Charlene named Champion of Children
Monaco's Princess Charlene has been honoured with a Champion of Children award.
The former Olympic swimmer was presented with the accolade by 'Legally Blonde' actress Reese Witherspoon at the Colleagues' 26th Annual Spring Luncheon at Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills yesterday (29.04.14).
Charlene was given the award in recognition of her charity work
in Europe and her native South Africa.
The 36-year-old princess dazzled in an emerald gown, which was perfectly complemented by Reese's blue and green tulip dress, at the event, with both women opting for nude heels.
Charlene accessorised with just a pair of simple pearl earrings and minimalist make-up.
The Oscar de la Renta-sponsored charity event was hosted by Angie Harmon, who also posed for pictures with Reese - a patron of the organisation - and Charlene on the red carpet.
The princess recently praised her husband - who she wed in 2011 - for being her "biggest support".
She said: "My husband is my biggest support, the person that I confide in and who knows me best.
"We must fight for what we believe in, forgive, move forward and not give up."
Royal
Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a low-key wedding anniversary yesterday (29.04.14).
The couple - who have nine-month-old son Prince George together - celebrated three years of marriage but had no plans to mark the milestone in a big way as they are still recovering from their 19-day tour of Australia and New Zealand, from which they returned at the weekend.
Instead, a royal spokesperson said they would celebrate "privately" and it is believed they spent the day with Duchess Catherine's parents.
Although couples traditionally exchange leather gifts on their third anniversary, it was recently revealed Prince William gave his wife - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage - a luxury watch as an early gift to mark the milestone.
The duchess wore the Cartier item - which is worth £3,600, made of stainless steel and embedded with a sapphire - every day on their Australasia tour.
Last year, the couple spent their wedding anniversary apart, with Catherine - who was then six months pregnant - visiting a children's hospice and William away on duty in north Wales as an RAF search and rescue pilot.
They spent their first anniversary at a friend's wedding, before spending the night at a £164-a-night pub.
Prince William and Duchess Catherine have low-key celebration
Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge enjoyed a low-key wedding anniversary yesterday (29.04.14).
The couple - who have nine-month-old son Prince George together - celebrated three years of marriage but had no plans to mark the milestone in a big way as they are still recovering from their 19-day tour of Australia and New Zealand, from which they returned at the weekend.
Instead, a royal spokesperson said they would celebrate "privately" and it is believed they spent the day with Duchess Catherine's parents.
Although couples traditionally exchange leather gifts on their third anniversary, it was recently revealed Prince William gave his wife - who was known as Kate Middleton before her marriage - a luxury watch as an early gift to mark the milestone.
The duchess wore the Cartier item - which is worth £3,600, made of stainless steel and embedded with a sapphire - every day on their Australasia tour.
Last year, the couple spent their wedding anniversary apart, with Catherine - who was then six months pregnant - visiting a children's hospice and William away on duty in north Wales as an RAF search and rescue pilot.
They spent their first anniversary at a friend's wedding, before spending the night at a £164-a-night pub.