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Inside Gina Rinehart's 70th birthday bash

<p>Gina Rinehart has celebrated her 70th birthday in style, hosting a star-studded black tie event featuring a horse show and Australian music. </p> <p>The billionaire mining magnate threw the bash on the banks on the Swan River in Perth last week, setting up an enormous marquee where Guy Sebastian performed the national anthem to kick off the celebrations. </p> <p>Gina was joined by her staff at Hancock Prospecting, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas who MC'ed the evening, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who made a a nine-hour round trip just to spend 40 minutes at the private gathering as the star guest speaker.</p> <p>The evening was documented on Rinehart's business website, with the staff attendee recalling the glamorous party. </p> <p>“Many attended wearing their Rossi boots, and enjoyed a horseshow backed by the fantastic Aussie music, ‘The Man from Snowy River’, with riders accordingly also dressed in iconic Driza-Bone, and Rossi boots, carrying large Australian and company flags,” Hancock Prospecting said on its website.</p> <p>Mayor Zempilas also recalled the evening on Perth radio, saying, “It was a very special night actually.” </p> <p>“To see the admiration of the staff, the loyalty, I guess. And yes, it doubled as a 70th birthday party for the current West Australian of the Year.”</p> <p>The mining magnate, who has a net worth of $37.4 billion, was named 2023’s Western Australian of the Year for her philanthropic support of “worthwhile causes supporting several medical, sporting, veterans, health and other organisations personally and through the Hancock companies”.</p> <p>Gina's 70th birthday was celebrated with multiple chocolate cakes as she was joined by other company executives who have February birthdays.</p> <p>“The event celebrated the incredible life of one of Australia’s icons and recognised the long-serving staff members of Hancock Prospecting companies, including Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Hancock Agriculture,” the company said.</p> <p>“The event was greatly enjoyed by all, with very positive comments by staff who attended, including, ‘The best night of my life.’”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Courtesy of Hancock Prospecting</em></p>

Family & Pets

Legendary model Christie Brinkley talks body image ahead of her 70th birthday

<p>Christie Brinkley may be pushing 70 but she’s showing no signs of switching up her sensual public image.</p> <p>The 69-year-old Vogue model will still be donning bikinis for social media and says she feels as good as she did 40 years ago.</p> <p>“I feel strong,” Brinkley told <em>People</em>, “I pretty much feel, as I'm approaching 70, the same way that I felt when I was approaching 30. I feel good.”</p> <p>She spoke to the outlet while hosting Pet Life Unlimited’s Forever Young senior dog adoption event at the Animal Haven shelter in New York City.</p> <p>“I feel like the number doesn't match my spirit, so I may as well just keep spiriting on,” she added. She will turn 70 on February 2, 2024.</p> <p>“I think they all signal to us certain things,” she said.</p> <p>“I've been shocked by not feeling the way I thought I was supposed to be feeling at that age,” she explained.</p> <p>“I don't believe that focusing on age is going to make you feel any better about it.” And her advice for looking young was, “I think curiosity in the world around you and just wanting to do something with each day, that is what keeps you young and going.”</p> <p>The 69-year-old shared that her family keeps her grounded. She has two daughters, Alex Ray, 37, and Sailor, 24, and one son Jack, 27.</p> <p>“I just love any time I have any family and friends around, just being able to sit and laugh — I think laughter heals everything,” she continued.</p> <p>In 2022, Brinkley spoke about her figure. She was seen in a crop top and shorts while stretching on the beach and offered some solid advice.</p> <p>“When you eat too much, it’s not as easy to lose the weight, so here’s a tip that’s tried and true, that will make you feel like your best you,” she said.</p> <p>She also advised, “avoid the sugar and do exercise, it’s not about the size of your thighs.”</p> <p>“Vibrant good health will be your prize! Reminder this month when you buy a bottle, you’ll put planting trees into full throttle!” she said.</p> <p>The mum-of-three was spotted in a light blue swimsuit while walking on the shore in the Caribbean and took to Instagram to reveal to followers what she eats to stay in shape.</p> <p>She broke down her healthy diet tips and tricks that don’t skimp on flavour but rely heavily on freshly picked fruit.</p> <p>In one post she uploaded an image of freshly cut papaya sprinkled with greens.</p> <p>“My neighbors grew this papaya! Look at the rich color! I'm planting the seeds from this papaya!”she wrote.</p> <p>Another post showcased her breakfast which appeared to consist primarily of fresh fruit.</p> <p>“Today's breakfast! Chia seeds really fill you up fast, great source of fiber and quercetin an antioxidant that can reduce your risk of developing several health conditions including heart disease!”, she wrote.</p> <p>Another post saw blueberries and raspers over chia seeds mixed with a “milk replacement” and pecans on top.</p> <p>“Easy to make too just put 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for every half cup of your milk replacement of choice. I love it made with coconut milk or Oatmilk, Just pop it in the fridge and it will puff up. Ta Da!</p> <p>“Add fruit dribble with honey if you have a sweet tooth.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

Body

10 facts you didn’t know about Meryl Streep

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Today marks the 70</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> birthday of Hollywood heavyweight Meryl Streep who has proven time and time again she is a force to be reckoned with. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Born 22</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">nd</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> June 1949 in Summit, New Jersey USA, Meryl first came on the scene in the late ‘60s when she performed in several Broadway productions. Eventually in the ‘70s, Streep transitioned to films and thus began her iconic entryway to become one of the most beloved and talented actresses of the 20</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">th</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and 21</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">st</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> century. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Streep won Oscars for </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kramer vs. Kramer, Sophie’s Choice </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">and</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The Iron Lady </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">among a league of numerous nominations. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Hollywood star went on to have four children with sculptor Don Gummer, whom she married in 1978. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are 10 facts you might not know about Meryl Streep. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1. </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The world-famous actress has had such a wildly successful career which has led to Oscar nominations. Due to this, she has broken her </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">own </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">record of being the single actress to be nominated.</span></p> <p>2. She supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US Presidential elections and joined the campaign.</p> <p>3. Streep was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama in November 2014.</p> <p>4. The veteran actor has a master’s degree in Fine Arts received from Yale University.</p> <p>5. Streep studied acting in NYC with Michael Howard.</p> <p><span>6. Meryl donated a wardrobe of hers from her 2011 film </span><span>The Devil Wears Prada, </span><span>to a charity auction.</span></p> <p><span>7. She also donated her entire salary received from 2011’s </span><span>The Iron Lady </span><span>to the Women’s History Museum.</span></p> <p>8. Streep is worth an estimated whopping US$90 million.</p> <p><span>9. When the beloved actress was just a teenager, she quit opera lessons and took up smoking and cheerleading instead, according to an interview she had with </span><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2016/08/22/meryl-streep-discusses-musical-training-accessorizing-for-florence-foster-jenkins/?utm_medium=google#506f50555014"><span>Forbes</span></a><span>.</span></p> <p>10. When Meryl was 23, she thought of becoming an environmental lawyer. Unfortunately, she slept through an exam and took that as a clear sign that the career path was not the right one for her.</p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Scroll through the gallery above to see the life of Meryl Streep through pictures. </span></p> <p> </p>

Art

Studio 10’s Denise Drysdale spends her 70th birthday in rehab

<p>Denise Drysdale has welcomed her 70<sup>th</sup> birthday by staying out of the public eye this week, as she took a break from her regular gig on the <em>Studio 10</em> panel on Tuesday.</p> <p>But she made sure to ring in as she spoke to her co-hosts via telephone where she revealed that she’s been admitted to rehab following her recent knee replacement.</p> <p>“I’m going to rehab. It’s about time you all say,” she joked.</p> <p>She continued to say: “It’s just for my knee, after my knee replacement.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-uGFZl6DJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq-uGFZl6DJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">We’re sending all our best wishes to birthday girl Denise Drysdale today! 🎉🎂 We ❤️ you Ding Dong. #Studio10</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/studio10au/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Studio 10</a> (@studio10au) on Dec 4, 2018 at 1:10pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The legendary TV personality went on to commend the staff at Robina Hospital where she is currently undergoing treatment.</p> <p>But despite the circumstances, the popular presenter was still as chipper as ever, and said that she would be celebrating her birthday with her close friends and family, as they all plan to share a roast dinner.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiDYksghVzU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BiDYksghVzU/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">ANNOUNCEMENT: We are so excited to welcome Angela Bishop & Denise Scott to #Studio10 as permanent panel members! Get more out of your mornings – 8.30 on TEN.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/studio10au/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Studio 10</a> (@studio10au) on Apr 26, 2018 at 4:56pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“I’m 70 – I can’t believe it. I made it,” she said through laughter, as her co-hosts all wished her a happy birthday along with viewers of the show.</p> <p>Denise has been with Channel Ten since 2010 and has plans to return to <em>Studio 10</em> at the end of January next year.</p> <p>The former Hey, Hey It’s Saturday star was made a permanent addition to the show in 2016 after making regular appearances as a fill-in presenter.</p> <p>Her co-hosts include Sarah Harris, Joe Hildebrand, Denise Scott, Angela Bishop and Kerri-Anne Kennerley.</p> <p>Do you watch Denise Drysdale on <em>Studio 10</em>? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

Prince Charles' entire 70th birthday photo album revealed

<p>Last week, the heir to British throne, Prince Charles, celebrated his 70th birthday.</p> <p>Celebrations for the Prince of Wales included a lavish birthday dinner hosted by the Queen, a limited-edition stamp collection in tribute to the milestone and the release of a BBC documentary, which gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look into his life.</p> <p>Now, two never-before-seen official portraits have been released of the Prince and his family to mark the event.</p> <p>One of the portraits shows a precious moment between young Prince Louis and his grandfather as Prince Charles cuddles him.</p> <p>The sparkle of joy in Louis’ eyes and Charles’ big smile reveals just how special their bond is.</p> <p>The other photo, which is currently on the cover of the <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em style="font-weight: inherit;">Sunday Times </em></strong></span></a>magazine in the UK, shows the Charles and his family posing for a photo in the palace gardens.</p> <p>The image shows Prince Louis grabbing Prince Charles’ face while the rest of the clan look on smiling.</p> <p>The sweet family photos were taken by royal photographer of 15 years, Chris Jackson.</p> <p>Speaking to the <em style="font-weight: inherit;">Sunday Times</em>, Jackson said the photoshoot was the “happiest” he has ever seen Prince Charles.</p> <p>"It was lovely chaos with the children," he said.</p> <p>"He is a very hands-on grandfather. He was holding hands with George and Charlotte, and bouncing Louis up and down for a long time."</p> <p>He said Prince George, 5, was happy to be sitting on his grandfather’s knees while the photos were taken.</p> <p>"[Charles] is someone with a sense of pride for his family," he added.</p> <p>"A sense of pride for what his children are achieving."</p> <p>The photographer shared more candid snaps of Charles that were captured during the filming of the documentary, <em style="font-weight: inherit;">Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70.</em></p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see the entire birthday album. </p>

Art

Family first! Prince Charles celebrates 70th birthday with heartwarming new portraits

<p><span>To celebrate Prince Charles’ milestone 70th birthday today, the palace has released beautiful new portraits of the future king with his immediate family. </span></p> <p><span>Taken at Clarence House in September, the heartwarming family photos feature Prince Charles, Duchess Camilla, Prince Harry and pregnant Duchess Meghan, and Prince William and Duchess Kate, along with their three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvjMIALqV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvjMIALqV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">Two new photographs of The Prince of Wales and his family have been released to celebrate HRH’s 70th birthday. The photos were taken by @chrisjacksongetty in the garden of Clarence House.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/clarencehouse/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Clarence House</a> (@clarencehouse) on Nov 13, 2018 at 2:04pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>Prince George is pictured in one of the snaps chuckling cheekily while seated on Grandpa Wales’ – as he is affectionately known to by his grandkids – lap. </span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvrC2gYHs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIvrC2gYHs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">The Prince of Wales with his family in the garden of Clarence House. The photo was taken by @ChrisJacksonGetty to mark The Prince’s 70th birthday.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/clarencehouse/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> Clarence House</a> (@clarencehouse) on Nov 13, 2018 at 2:05pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>It has been widely reported how much of a doting grandfather Charles is with both his and Camilla’s grandchildren. </span></p> <p><span>The Duchess revealed in new BBC documentary, <em>Prince, Son and Heir: Charles at 70</em>: “He will get down on his knees and crawl about with them for hours, you know making funny noises and laughing and my grandchildren adore him, absolutely adore him.” </span></p> <p><span>Camilla added, “He reads Harry Potter and he can do all the different voices and I think children really appreciate that.”</span></p> <p><span>The new portraits are also the first time Prince Louis has been seen since his official christening photos were released by the palace in July. </span></p> <p> </p>

Art

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip release stunning portrait to mark 70th wedding anniversary

<p>Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip have marked 70 years together by releasing a stunning portrait to coincide with the royal couple’s 70th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>The pair, who wedded at Westminster Abbey in 1947, are both now in their 90s and still going strong, celebrating their 70th anniversary tomorrow. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">To mark The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh's 70th Wedding Anniversary, new photographic portraits have been released worldwide. <a href="https://t.co/Jl6elndhFe">pic.twitter.com/Jl6elndhFe</a></p> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/932006703217995776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 18, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>While no public events are planned, the royal family is reportedly planning to celebrate the event with a private gathering at Windsor Castle.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth is the first monarch in British history to celebrate a platinum wedding anniversary. At their 50th anniversary, Her Majesty referred to Prince Philip as, “quite simply... my strength and stay all these years.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The Queen and Prince Philip have released a new photo to mark their 70th wedding anniversary. More: <a href="https://t.co/bu47j5hbDU">https://t.co/bu47j5hbDU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/7News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#7News</a> <a href="https://t.co/MQohDp4MuK">pic.twitter.com/MQohDp4MuK</a></p> — 7 News Brisbane (@7NewsBrisbane) <a href="https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/932365585421279232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>What do you think of the portrait?</p> <p><em>Image credit: Twitter / The Royal Family</em></p>

Art

The Queen loses one of her closest confidantes days before 70th anniversary

<p>The past year has involved a lot of celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.</p> <p>The 91-year-old monarch has learned that another great-grandchild is on the way and later this month she will be celebrating her 70th wedding anniversary with Prince Philip.</p> <p>If royal speculation is anything to go by, the Queen may also soon be celebrating Prince Harry’s engagement to Meghan Markle.</p> <p>However, this year has also been filled with grief for Her Majesty, including the loss of a close family member just this week.</p> <p>The Queen’s first cousin Davina, Countess of Stair, has passed away at the age of 87.</p> <p>She was the daughter of Sir David Bowes-Lyon and would regularly attend royal occasions.</p> <p>A royal courtier told the Daily Mail that the Countess’ passing is “very sad” news for the Queen as “they go back a very long way”.</p> <p>According to Daily Mail’s Sebastian Shakespeare, the Queen has already lost two lifelong friends in the past year.</p> <p>Prince Philip has also mourned his first cousin, his former secretary and a close friend, this year. </p>

Relationships

Why the Queen & Prince Philip won’t have a big 70th anniversary celebration

<p>In three weeks’ time, the Queen and Prince Philip will reach a rare yet exciting milestone – 70 years of marriage. But while most of us would consider a platinum wedding anniversary as something to celebrate, it seems this royal couple won’t be having a big party to mark the occasion, and the reason why will break your heart.</p> <p>A close confidant of Her Majesty and Prince Philip told the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-5022549/Queen-hosts-select-70th-wedding-anniversary.html" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><em>Daily Mail</em></strong></span></a> they wouldn’t be doing anything big for their anniversary as they “don’t want to be reminded of the many missing faces” of the friends and family they’ve lost over the years.</p> <p>In the last 12 months, the Queen lost two lifelong friends, Elizabeth Longman and cousin Margaret Rhodes, plus Philip’s cousin, Countess Mountbatten.</p> <p>And it hasn’t been an easy year for the Prince, either. “The Duke was knocked sideways by the loss of Brian McGrath (his former Private Secretary, who died last year aged 90) and one of his closest female friends, Anne Griffiths (the librarian, archivist and keeper of the royal secrets, who died in March aged 84).”</p> <p>The royal source also explained they “feel they can’t top the golden and diamond wedding anniversaries and don’t particularly want to.”</p> <p>Buckingham Palace confirmed that there would be no official public celebrations held, but it’s believed the couple will hold a very small private event around November 20, hosting only their nearest and dearest.</p>

Caring

Chance dance encounter leads to 70th wedding anniversary

<p>It was Roy Barton's first time at the dance and lacking the confidence to take to the floor, he kept around the fringes watching others spin under the spotlight, when a young lady caught his eye.</p> <p>The former RAF crewman had agreed to go to the dance with a friend and had not planned to stay long.</p> <p>But he plucked up the courage to talk to the girl who laughed as she danced, and now the pair are set to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>Roy, 95, says he had returned to Auckland following the surrender of Japan in World War II and had been "immediately taken" with Jean.</p> <p>"She caught my eye, that's for sure. We had a lovely time chatting and the night went by so quickly.</p> <p>"I couldn't dance back then but Jean taught me and we went to many more dances after that night.</p> <p>"We've had some wonderful times together."</p> <p>The pair arranged to meet up again the following week and within a year, Roy had proposed.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img width="497" height="280" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/37414/in-text_497x280.jpg" alt="In Text (6)"/></p> <p>Jean, 86, says she knew straight away that Roy was the man for her.</p> <p>"Somehow, we just knew we were meant to be together.</p> <p>"I really liked him and when he asked me to come back to the dance again the following week, I knew he'd be there.</p> <p>"Perhaps I thought more of myself than Roy thought of himself because he wasn't sure I'd show up and brought a friend along just in case."</p> <p>The pair tied the knot in Auckland on June 7, 1947 and went on to have three children, Greg, Anne and Kate. They have six grandchildren and a great grandson.</p> <p>They moved to Blenheim from Wellington in July last year. For Roy, it is a return to the region after he spent several months based at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Delta Camp in the Wairau Valley in 1942.</p> <p>Both Roy and Jean credit having their own interests to help keep their marriage strong.</p> <p>"Roy played bowls and I did a lot of volunteer work and I think it helped that we did spend time apart.</p> <p>"He was good with the children as well as helping me out around the house.</p> <p>"We're best friends really."</p> <p><em>Written by Paula Hulburt. First appeared on <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a></strong></span><a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/" target="_blank"></a>. Image credit: via Stuff.co.nz. <br /></em></p>

Relationships

Elton John shares snaps from 70th birthday

<p>No one knows how to throw a good party quite like Elton John, so when it came to his own 70th birthday bash, there was no way the Rocket Man would be content with a quiet birthday lunch! The music icon celebrated his big day with a fundraiser for his AIDS charity, boasting Katy Perry, Heidi Klum, Neil Patrick Harris and Jon Hamm among the guests.</p> <p>Earlier in the day, Sir Elton shared a number of photos and videos on Instagram thanking fans for their kind birthday wishes, including a sweet snap with his sons Zachary and Elijah taken by husband David Furnish.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSFPsx2hCxj/" target="_blank">Birthday bliss @davidfurnish #HappyBirthdayElton</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Mar 25, 2017 at 5:54pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The star recently admitted he was dreading this milestone birthday, but has since embraced it with open arms. “Seventy sounds so archaic, doesn’t it?” he said. “When I was growing up, 70 sounded like the end of the world. But things have changed — you’re only as old as you feel inside.</p> <p>“Some people don’t like birthdays, they don’t like celebrating, they don’t want to know about them, and I’ve always enjoyed my birthday.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 8px;"> <div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 28.10185185185185% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;"> <div style="background: url(data:image/png; base64,ivborw0kggoaaaansuheugaaacwaaaascamaaaapwqozaaaabgdbtueaalgpc/xhbqaaaafzukdcak7ohokaaaamuexurczmzpf399fx1+bm5mzy9amaaadisurbvdjlvzxbesmgces5/p8/t9furvcrmu73jwlzosgsiizurcjo/ad+eqjjb4hv8bft+idpqocx1wjosbfhh2xssxeiyn3uli/6mnree07uiwjev8ueowds88ly97kqytlijkktuybbruayvh5wohixmpi5we58ek028czwyuqdlkpg1bkb4nnm+veanfhqn1k4+gpt6ugqcvu2h2ovuif/gwufyy8owepdyzsa3avcqpvovvzzz2vtnn2wu8qzvjddeto90gsy9mvlqtgysy231mxry6i2ggqjrty0l8fxcxfcbbhwrsyyaaaaaelftksuqmcc); display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;"></div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BSF9TSKhqMp/" target="_blank">So many memories in this video. Thank you for all the birthday wishes and your support over the years. @rocketentertainment #HappyBirthdayElton</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Mar 26, 2017 at 12:33am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>According to one of his closest friends and long-time collaborators, Bernie Taupin, the “Tiny Dancer” singer has no plans to take a step back anytime soon. “I will retire when they put me in the grave – it’s the same for Elton,” 66-year-old Taupin told the <a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/elton-john-never-retire-celebrates-10102658" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Mirror Online</span></strong></a>. “We enjoy what we do. We always have. We have the same enthusiasm now as we did when we started out in 1967.”</p> <p>Happy birthday, Sir Elton!</p>

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