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Heartbreaking final message as world's oldest woman passes away

<p>Maria Branyas Morera, the world's oldest woman, has died aged 117. </p> <p>The centurion, who has lived through two world wars and a global pandemic, passed away “peacefully and without pain”, according to her family members who announced her tragic passing on X, formerly Twitter. </p> <p>“Maria Branyas has left us.</p> <p>“She died as she wished: in her sleep, peacefully and without pain.</p> <p>“We will always remember her for her advice and her kindness.”</p> <p>In a heartbreaking final message shared to X on Tuesday, Morera shared that she felt "weak" and that the "time is near". </p> <p>“The time is near. Don’t cry, I don’t like tears. And above all, don’t suffer for me," she wrote. </p> <p>“Wherever I go, I will be happy.”</p> <p>Morera became the world's oldest living person after French nun Lucile Randon passed away aged 118 in January last year. </p> <p>Before her death, Morera agreed to undergo scientific testing by researchers who collected samples of her saliva, blood and urine, in hopes to gain insight into the secrets to a long life. </p> <p>They will compare them with those of her 80-year-old daughter and hope that by studying her genes they may develop drugs which could combat diseases associated with ageing. </p> <p>Morera is survived by her two daughters, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. </p> <p><em>Images: news.com.au/ Guinness Book of Records</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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First photos of new royal baby emerge

<p>Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg is every bit the proud grandmother as she took to Instagram to share photos of the newest royal family member, Prince Balthasar Felix Karl. </p> <p>Prince Balthasar is the third child of Prince Felix and his wife Princess Claire, and the Grand Duchess' seventh grandchild. </p> <p>"What a great joy the arrival of Balthasar, our seventh grandchild, born on January 7 in Luxembourg," she captioned the series of photos. </p> <p>The Grand Duchess, 67, was pictured with a huge smile on her face as husband Grand Duke Henri, 68 cradled Prince Balthasar. </p> <p>In another photo, Prince Felix and Princess Claire are pictured with their older children Princess Amalia, 9, and Prince Liam, 7, with Prince Balthasar fast asleep in his mother's arms. </p> <p>The third photo shows Grand Duchess Maria and Princess Amalia posing on the hospital bed as the Grand Duchess cradles her grandson. </p> <p>The Grand Duchess ended the series of photos with two pictures of her grandkids holding their new baby brother.</p> <p>The birth of Prince Balthasar was announced on Monday in a statement which read: "The newborn Prince will be named Balthasar Felix Karl. He weighs 3.220 kg (7lbs 1 oz) and measures 50 cm.</p> <p>"Prince Balthasar and Princess Claire are in perfect health."</p> <p>The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess share five children – Hereditary Grand Duke Guillaume, Prince Felix, Prince Louis, Princess Alexandra and Prince Sebastien.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Husband arrested over murder of beloved Nonna

<p>Frank Dimasi, 91 has been charged over the murder of his wife, Maria, 85, who was found dead inside the couple's home over the weekend.</p> <p>Maria was found with multiple stab wounds inside the couple's home in Findon, Adelaide, at around 11:20pm on Saturday. </p> <p>Frank was arrested at the scene and charged over the murder of his wife of over 50 years on Monday.</p> <p>He is currently under police guard at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, having suffered from self-inflicted and non-life threatening wounds, according to SA police. He is also reported to suffer from a "neurological disability". </p> <p>Maria was a beloved member of the Italian community in Adelaide. </p> <p>She was regarded as the "neighbourhood matriarch” and was well-known because of her love for cooking, including making meals for the vulnerable.</p> <p>She was heavily involved with the family's taxpayer-funded meal service, Nonna’s Cucina, that even Health Minister Mark Butler recognised her hard work and described her as "extremely generous".</p> <p>“Maria lit up the kitchen at Nonna’s Cucina,” he said. “She was always extremely generous and made sure no one ever left her company hungry.</p> <p>“Maria gave so much to her community and will be greatly missed by her loved ones and everyone who had the pleasure to meet her.”</p> <p>South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas also paid tribute to the beloved great-grandmother and described the murder as "tragic". </p> <p>“On a personal level, Maria Dimasi was a very significant contributor to our state, particularly in the western suburbs’ Italian community,” said the premier. </p> <p>“Nonna’s Cucina, which will be very well-known to a lot of South Australians, did amazing work delivering meals to people that are vulnerable, particularly the elderly.</p> <p>"This is a good person who has lost their life in tragic circumstances.”</p> <p>The premier is currently facing increasing pressure to authorise a Royal Commission into domestic violence in the state, after five women have allegedly been killed at the hands of a partner since November 16, according to <em>The Advertiser</em>.</p> <p>The publication also reported that this is "the worst DV toll in Australia's history".</p> <p>In their first public statement issued through the police late Monday, the couple's family paid tribute to Maria, who they described as “loving mother to her four children, her 10 grandchildren and a great grandmother to 13”. </p> <p>“Maria had a caring nature and shared love and happiness to those around her,” they said in the statement obtained by <em>The Advertiser</em>. </p> <p>“Maria was the centre of our family, bringing us together to care for and support each other. Family was everything to Maria, and she was everything to her family.</p> <p>“Maria has warmed the hearts of many and we would like to extend our gratitude for the support the community has provided as we come to terms with our loss.”</p> <p>They added: “The support truly shows that Maria was loved by many and has made a positive impact to the community.</p> <p>“We will always remember Maria for her warmth, caring nature, compassion and her beautiful smile.”</p> <p>They also thanked Nonna’s Cucina for allowing her to spread joy with the community and said that they will come together as a family in the coming days to celebrate Maria's life. </p> <p>“We thank Nonna’s Cucina for supporting Maria to share her joy with the community.</p> <p>“The past few days have been difficult for our family as we process the grief of losing our beautiful mother and Nonna.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook/ Nine News. </em></p>

Legal

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Jock Zonfrillo's daughter receives flood of love over emotional video

<p>Jock Zonfrillo's eldest daughter, Ava, has received an outpouring of love after she shared an emotional TikTok of her late father.</p> <p>“I never thought I’d lose you at 22,” she captioned the post.</p> <p>“Life is unfair. I miss you dad," she added, with a series of photos and videos of moments she shared with her father.</p> <p>She used a popular TikTok sound with sombre music and Zendaya's <em>Euphoria</em> character Rue, who also lost her father expressing her sadness.</p> <p>“I miss you dad. I miss you when I close my eyes,” her character said through tears.</p> <p>At the end of the video, Ava put a video of her dad and younger brother Alfie, sending her a message.</p> <p>“We love you Ava, we miss you,” the late chef said.</p> <p>“Miss you,” Alfie sweetly echoed.</p> <p>“Say ‘I love you Ava’,” Zonfrillo told Alfie, who copied his dad.</p> <p>“Aw your big sister, where is she?” he added.</p> <div><iframe title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7264800785194700039&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40avazonfrillo%2Fvideo%2F7264800785194700039%3Flang%3Den&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2Fb279df6fd76b4f4fb3b61e4df86af24a_1691468249%3Fx-expires%3D1691647200%26x-signature%3Dkjt1j9OWCHSdvm1v6xMj7dBCdFk%253D&amp;key=5b465a7e134d4f09b4e6901220de11f0&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p>The video has since racked up almost 900,000 views with thousands of fans sharing their love and support.</p> <p>“Oh sweetheart, it’s so cruel and unfair that you had to lose him so young. You’re going to live an amazing life that would make him proud xoxox,” commented one person.</p> <p>“This is heartbreaking,” wrote another.</p> <p>"I am SO sorry for your loss beautiful girl. As someone who looked up to your dad, hearing about his death absolutely broke me. You are so strong gorgeous," wrote a third.</p> <p>"Oh my sweet girl, my heart breaks for you. He is with you always. Meet him in the garden of your dreams," commented another.</p> <p>The post comes just two months after she <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/jock-zonfrillo-s-daughter-pays-tribute-to-her-late-father" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paid tribute</a> to her late dad.</p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Jock Zonfrillo’s daughter pays tribute to her late father

<p>Celebrity chef Jock Zonfrillo’s eldest daughter, Ava, has shared a loving tribute to her late father, three weeks on from his passing. </p> <p>In a post to social media, Ava shared a series of images of herself and her father - some from her childhood, some more recent, all of them capturing happy moments from throughout their lives. </p> <p>“Still can’t accept that we’ll be remembering you for more time than we had you,” she wrote as the post’s caption, “but it doesn’t mean we’ll love you any less.</p> <p>“I love you dad, always.”</p> <p>Support came in thick and fast for the young Zonfrillo - who is one of two daughters from a previous relationship - with friends and supporters offering their love and support in Ava’s time of grief. </p> <p>“Sending you so much love and strength,” wrote reality TV star Tayla Broad. </p> <p>“Sending you so much love, beautiful girl,” influencer Rebecca Harding echoed. </p> <p>“Love you dearly and will be giving you the biggest of hugs soon my darling friend,” one friend promised. “We’ve got you”.</p> <p>“Thinking of you always,” another wrote, “giving you the biggest hug”.</p> <p>“What an amazing human,” one said, before adding, “Ava, I can’t imagine the pain! Sending so much love and strength”.</p> <p>Meanwhile, former <em>Masterchef Australia </em>contestants Laura Sharrad and Simon Toohey each shared three heart emojis with the 22 year old. Jackie Barnes followed suit, sharing one. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsfAH7yvwiA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CsfAH7yvwiA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by ava zonfrillo (@avazonfrillo)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Fashion designer Colette Dinnigan also wrote that she was sending love Ava’s way. Dinnigan had previously shared her own tribute to the late chef and his family, writing that “our hearts go out to the family that Jock adored and loved so much.</p> <p>“It feels like I have had him as a lifelong friend but that is how he made everyone feel. Rest in Peace Jock.”</p> <p>The response was similar there, with one user summing it up for everyone when they wrote “it's obvious his loss has been felt deeply across Australia. A man who must have given so much to others.”</p> <p>The loss is one sitting heavily on the shoulders and in the hearts of Jock’s loved ones - from his children, to his wife Lauren, and his coworkers-turned-friends, who all meant the world to him. </p> <p>As Andy Allen, Jock’s fellow <em>Masterchef Australia</em> judge, told Channel 10, “every single day he made time for Lauren and the kids.</p> <p>“Every single day [on set] we’d be in makeup, he’d get a call, he’d FaceTime them.”</p> <p>Andy went on to make the heartbreaking confession that one of the hardest things to come to terms with was knowing his late friend would never be able to walk his three daughters down the aisle, something he knew “meant so much to Jock.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Karl Stefanovic tears up over daughter

<p dir="ltr">Karl Stefanovic has broken down on TV as he spoke about his daughter completing her end-of-year school exams. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Today Show hosts were speaking about the flooding in Victoria and the difficulties some students would be facing for their final exams. </p> <p dir="ltr">Karl then gave a shout out to his eldest daughter Ava Willow as she sits through the HSC exams.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I will do an embarrassing dad thing, my daughter Ava is in year 12 and almost finished her HSC,” an emotional Karl said.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfNnGNdJc55/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CfNnGNdJc55/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by karl stefanovic (@karlstefanovic_)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I want to say how proud I am of her, she has really done incredibly well, as a dad watching her work, do all the work she has done, the way she has dealt with the pressures and the stress of it makes my heart sing.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I love you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Tears welled up in Karl’s eyes with him getting embarrassed saying: “Oh, jeez … okay I’m ready to go”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier in the year, Karl shared photos of him with Ava before she headed off to her school formal. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Eldest daughter of Georg and Maria Von Trapp dies

<p dir="ltr">Rosmarie Trapp, the last surviving daughter of Georg and Maria Von Trapp, whose family inspired <em>The Sound of Music</em>, has died aged 93.</p> <p dir="ltr">The eldest daughter of Georg and Maria, Rosmarie died on May 20 at a nursing home in Morrisville, Vermont.</p> <p dir="ltr">The family released a statement saying Rosmarie was “in the presence of loved ones all day long”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“She traveled and performed with the Trapp Family Singers for many years, and worked at the Trapp Family Lodge in its infancy when the family first began hosting guests in their home,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Her kindness, generosity, and colorful spirit were legendary, and she had a positive impact on countless lives. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Please respect our family’s privacy as we take time to process this loss, and prepare to celebrate the life of an amazing woman. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We believe the best way to recognize Rosmarie is to demonstrate the same selfless kindness and generosity that she exemplified daily.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Respectfully, Johannes, Lynne, Kristina, and Sam von Trapp.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdiqd_vOch5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdiqd_vOch5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Trapp Family Lodge (@trappfamilylodge)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Rosmarie was born on February 8th 1929, just outside Salzburg in Austria. </p> <p dir="ltr">She was the first daughter of Captain Georg von Trapp and Maria von Trapp, with her family inspiring the play and film. </p> <p dir="ltr">The family escaped from Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938 and performed singing tours throughout Europe and America before eventually settling in Vermont in the early 1940s.</p> <p dir="ltr">The couple’s children have previously indicated that <em>The Sound of Music</em> wasn’t entirely based on fact.</p> <p dir="ltr">However, them fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria was real which saw the family sing and perform around the US. </p> <p dir="ltr">The 1965 American musical drama remains a favourite starring the beloved Julie Andrews and the late Christopher Plummer. </p> <p dir="ltr">Click <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/movies/fun-facts-about-the-sound-of-music" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to read about five fun facts about the movie. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Getty/Instagram</em></p>

Movies

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Maria Sharapova shares exciting life update

<p>Maria Sharapova is having a baby. The tennis legend shared her exciting news in an Instagram post on her 35th birthday. She has received quite the flood of well-wishes from friends and fans.</p> <p>“Precious beginnings!!!” she captioned her social media post. “Eating birthday cake for two has always been my specialty.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcjQPQ9sn2R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CcjQPQ9sn2R/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sharapova shocked tennis by retiring at 32 after having reached No. 1 in the world rankings. She has won five grand slam titles and amassed a personal fortune estimated at $300 million, after walking away from tennis in early 2020. Part of the reason for her early retirement was the fact she was unable to overcome injury issues that plagued the latter stages of her career.</p> <p>In December 2020 Sharapova got engaged to British art dealer Alexander Gilkes .</p> <p>Maria has also recently joined the ranks of Russian athletes hitting back at her home country’s invasion of Ukraine, pledging to donate to the Save The Children’s Crisis Relief Fund.</p> <p>“I am donating to Save the Children’s crisis relief fund, an organisation working tirelessly to provide food, water, and aid kits to support those in need.</p>

Family & Pets

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Olympian who beat bone cancer sells medal to save toddler

<p>Olympic medallist Maria Andrejczyk has decided to auction off her silver medal for a very worthwhile cause. </p> <p>The Polish athlete, who won the silver medal for her outstanding performance in javelin, is auctioning off the medal to help fun a toddler's life-saving heart surgery.</p> <p>After beating bone cancer herself, the Olympian wants to help the young boy and his family pay for the operation, which comes with a hefty cost of $246,000.</p> <p>The 25-year-old athlete took to her Facebook page to call for her fans to help her. </p> <p>She said, “Miloszek has a serious heart defect. He needs an operation."</p> <p>“He already has a head start from Kubus — a boy who didn’t make it in time but whose amazing parents decided to pass on the funds they collected."</p> <p>“And in this way, I also want to help. It’s for him that I am auctioning my Olympic silver medal.”</p> <p>Maria missed out on an Olympic medal at Rio in 2016, before having to sit out the following year for a shoulder injury, which later led to her cancer diagnosis in 2018. </p> <p>After making it to the podium in Japan, she explained why she will be using her medal to help those in need. </p> <p>On a Polish television show, she said, “The true value of a medal always remains in the heart. A medal is only an object, but it can be of great value to others."</p> <p>“This silver can save lives, instead of collecting dust in a closet. That is why I decided to auction it to help sick children.”</p> <p>Maria's personal best of 71.4 metres is the third longest ever thrown by a woman in javelin, but her kind action will go much further. </p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Bec and Lleyton Hewitt’s kids are growing up fast

<p>Celebrity offspring are not too often in the public eye, and for many years this included the three children of Australian power couple Lleyton and Bec Hewitt.</p> <p>However, the three little tykes we used to see running around during their dad’s high-profile tennis matches are not so little anymore, and each are paving their own path to greatness just like their parents did.</p> <p>Here is what the brilliant Hewitt kids are up to now.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840854/road-rule-fine-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/d170b35de69a4dee975665fe3ca84025" /></p> <p><strong>Mia</strong></p> <p>Mia is a spitting image of her tennis star dad, but it seems like the 15-year-old has taken after her mother and wants to pursue a career in fashion and modelling.</p> <p>Back in Bec’s heyday, it was normal to see the Aussie starlet gracing our TV screens, and it seems like Mia is not far behind her mother as she aims to take over runways across the globe.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840853/road-rule-fine-3.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/77dbade69b5840e5994269080c73c22d" /></p> <p>The eldest child of Bec and Lleyton is a fashion icon in her own right, with her mum labelling Mia as her fashion muse.</p> <p>"Happy Birthday to my style icon! @miarebeccaofficial," the proud mum wrote an Instagram post last year. "15 today!"</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzbk_PkpatZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzbk_PkpatZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Bec Hewitt (@bechewitt23)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><strong>Cruz</strong></p> <p>While Mia wants to dominate the fashion industry, Cruz has his sights set on being just like dad.</p> <p>The promising young 12-year-old came on the radar for his sporting abilities when he won the Under 12s Australian Claycourt Championships title for 2021.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNhDCnqpXzr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNhDCnqpXzr/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Cruz also took part in the Australian Open playoffs back in December, where Lleyton watched from the sidelines.</p> <p>"Hopefully, he gets a chance to play in this great event [the Australian Open] if he wants to," Lleyton said during the Australian Open earlier this year.</p> <p><strong>Ava</strong></p> <p>The youngest of the Hewitt sure does pack a punch judging by her Instagram page where she can often be seen dancing, acting, modelling, or showing off her gymnastic skills to her 11.7k followers.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8S_pVKhTNQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8S_pVKhTNQ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Ava Hewitt (@avasydneyofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The 10-year-old even competed at the Victorian Championships back in 2018.</p>

Family & Pets

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Lleyton and Bec Hewitt celebrate daughter’s birthday with unseen photographs

<p><span>The world has watched Aussie royalty, Bec Cartwright and Lleyton Hewitt in awe and excitement over the years.</span><br /><br /><span>What sprouted from an innocent friendship to a high-profile marriage has made the pair Australia’s sweetheart couple despite choosing to keep a large portion of their lives out of the public eye.</span><br /><br /><span>The <em>Home And Away</em> actress and tennis legend have welcomed three gorgeous kids over the years as well– Mia, Cruz and Ava.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGgVBYWpKjp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGgVBYWpKjp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89)</a> on Oct 18, 2020 at 5:38pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>And on Monday, the Hewitt family celebrated their little Ava’s 10th birthday.</span><br /><br /><span>To commemorate the milestone, both Bec and Lleyton have shared a series of unseen snaps of their stunning daughter, which they very sweetly curated into a short video accompanied by the hit song Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder.</span><br /><br /><span>"Happy 10th B'day Princess @avasydneyofficial We're so proud of you sweetheart! 💞" Lleyton captioned the clip on his Instagram page.</span><br /><br /><span>Bec captioned her own post: "Happy 10th Birthday Ava! Keep shining your bright light wherever you go!"</span></p> <p><span class="CmCaReT" style="display: none;">�</span><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7838333/ava-hewitt-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/254508a404974468bf0edb419f931b12" /><br /><br /><span>Big sister Mia also shared a heartfelt birthday dedication to Ava with a photo of them on holidays.</span></p>

Family & Pets

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Princess Maria of Austria dead at just 31

<p>Princess Maria Galitzine has died suddenly from heart failure and leaves behind her husband and two-year-old son.</p> <p>The 31-year-old, who’s a descendant of Emperor Karl of Austria, was living with her husband in Houston, Texas when she passed away.</p> <p>She had a fatal cardiac aneurysm on May 4th, just six days before her 32nd birthday.</p> <p>The news of her passing was confirmed in the<span> </span><em>Houston Chronicle</em>.</p> <p>“Our Maria passed away in the Houston morning of Monday, May 4, 2020, from a sudden cardiac aneurysm,” the obituary read.</p> <p>“She was born in 1988 to Prince and Princess Piotr Galitzine in the city of Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.” Maria was the daughter of Prince Piotr Galitzine, a Russian aristocrat and Archduchess Maria Anna of Austria, who’s the daughter of the Archduke Rudolf of Austria.</p> <p>Her father was the youngest son of Emperor Karl I of Austria and Empress Zita of Bourbon-Parma, and the couple were the last Emperor and Empress of Austria. They were exiled after World War I.</p> <p>Maria lived in Russia with her family, where she went to the German School of Moscow until she graduated.</p> <p>She went to live and work in Brussels, Chicago and Houston after she attended the College of Art and Design in Belgium.</p> <p>She spoke to<span> </span><em>The Houston Chronicle<span> </span></em>in February 2018, explaining that her parents never publicised their royal status.</p> <p>“My life is completely normal unless we are invited to royal weddings. My mail sometimes says ‘Princess Tatiana’.</p>

News

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First royal to die from COVID-19

<p>Princess Maria Teresa of Spain has died at the age pf 86 after testing positive for COVID-19.</p> <p>The princess which belonged to the Bourbon-Parma Royal Family of Spain is the first royal to sadly succumb to their illness.</p> <p>Her distraught younger brother, Prince Sixtus Henry of Bourbon-Parma was the one to announce she passed away on Sunday.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.33058277462607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835367/princess-maria-teresa-of-spain.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/4a3929d0de7e41faa3d75eae2f7b371c" /></p> <p>The siblings are family members of the House of Bourbon-Parma – a cadet branch descending from the French Capetian dynasty off the Spanish royal family.</p> <p>A cadet branch is created when a young member of a Royal family is granted lands and titles of their own but is not the current heir.</p> <p> Princess Maria Teresa was born in Paris, France on July 28, 1933, to her parents Prince Xavier and Madeleine de Bourbon. She had six brothers and sisters.</p> <p>The late princess’ family once ruled as King of Etruria and as Duke of Parma and Piacenza, Guastalla, and Lucca until 1859.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.33058277462607px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7835365/princess-maria-teresa-of-spain-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/dffb7cac1b6b44c88b853f72dc84cfa1" /></p> <p>The sad news comes at the same time it was revealed Prince Charles, the future King of England tested positive to a “mild” form of COVID-19 at 71.</p> <p>Princess Maria did not have children of her own but is survived by a plethora of nieces and nephews, Prince Carlos of Bourbon-Parma, Duke of Parma and Piacenza, Princess Margarita and Prince Jaime.</p> <p>Spain is currently recording high numbers of coronavirus deaths and the army is now being handed emergency power to transfer dead bodies as undertakers are currently unable to cope.</p> <p>Spain is now firmly in second place as the worst-hit nation ahead of China with 3,295 in total as the number of deaths from COVID-19 reaches 5,690.</p>

Travel Trouble

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Happy family! Jasmine Stefanovic shares rare photo of Karl and daughter Ava

<p>Jasmine Stefanovic has shared a gorgeous rare candid of her husband, Karl, and her stepdaughter Ava.</p> <p>The 36-year-old shoe designer married the<span> </span>Today<span> </span>star in December 2018.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8k1wUwFAX7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8k1wUwFAX7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jasmine Stefanovic (@jasyarby)</a> on Feb 14, 2020 at 9:22pm PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This year, she has shared a special snap of Karl and his 14-year-old daughter laughing together, along with the caption “#fatheranddaughter”..</p> <p>It comes after Jasmine and Ava were seen sharing a shopping day together in Sydney’s north shore at the weekend, where the mum-to-be showed off her growing baby bump in a skin-tight maxi dress.</p> <p>In January, Jasmine and Ava were photographed sitting alongside Karl in VIP seats at the Australian Open in Melbourne, as they watched Ash Barty battle Slovenia’s Polena Hercog.</p> <p><img style="width: 451px; height: 253px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7834619/karl-ava-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/bba2691fb72a4de7a7fe1819dbdddb75" /></p> <p>It is widely reported that Jasmine is five month pregnant with her first child, while it will be Karl’s fourth time becoming a father.</p> <p>While Jasmine hasn’t directly addressed the news, Karl validated reports in the most Karl way possible.</p> <p>Posting a paparazzi photo of himself emerging from the ocean during a beach trip in December, the TV host made a self-deprecating remark referencing his food baby.</p> <p>“After a great deal of speculation … the rumours are true,” he wrote in a caption alongside a baby emoji.</p>

News

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So grown up! Reese Witherspoon celebrates son’s birthday with heartfelt post

<p>Reese Witherspoon is one who likes to keep a lot of her family life private. </p> <p>However, for her eldest son, Deacon’s sweet 16th she posted a beautiful message along with a snap of the two to celebrate. </p> <p>"Happy 16th Birthday to this guy whose bright smile makes every day better!" she wrote.</p> <p>"Kind, compassionate, hysterical, friendly, and talented," Witherspoon continued. "I'm so lucky to have a son like you!"</p> <p>Witherspoon, 43, shares her son Deacon with ex-husband Ryan Philippe, who posted his own message to Deacon on his Instagram story the night before his son’s milestone age. </p> <p>“The edge of sixteen,” it read. </p> <p>The pair also have another child together, 20-year-old Ava who is their eldest. </p> <p>Witherspoon and her now-husband Josh Toth share a son, Tennesse, who recently just celebrated his seventh birthday. </p> <p>Reese has proven to have some seriously strong genes because her three children look so similar to her it is unnerving. </p> <p>Ava also took to Instagram to share a heartwarming post for her younger brother. </p> <p>“Happy happy sweet 16 to my cooler-than-me little brother with a heart of gold! I couldn’t have gotten any luckier than to have your humor, love, and patience in my life,” she said. </p> <p>“You are always one of the funniest, most thoughtful, peaceful people in the room, and I couldn’t be prouder as your big sister of who you are and who you’re becoming. Happy birthday, D!”</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to see Reese’s three kids, Ava, Deacon and Tennesse all grown up! </p>

Family & Pets

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Mixed emotions in Folau household as Maria and Israel face their weekends

<p>The Folau couple have endured very different weekends as they have usually reserved Sunday nights for sport.</p> <p>Israel Folau was forced to watch on as his former Wallabies teammates secured a record-setting win over New Zealand at a whopping 47-26. This means that they are in the running to win the Bledisloe Cup.</p> <p>The Wallabies have secured bragging rights for the first time since 2002 and was a surprising outcome for Aussie fans and rugby players alike as they were forced to watch the same outcome for the last 17 years.</p> <p>One can only imagine how Israel felt as his former teammates have put on a memorable performance at the sport he used to play.</p> <p>Many rugby fans were curious as to how the Wallabies would fill the backline hole that was left by Israel’s absence, but if the rugby team can continue to perform as they did on Saturday night, he might not be as missed as much as everyone thought.</p> <p>As Israel continues to fight for his $10 million payout saying that he did nothing wrong and that he shouldn’t be punished for his post on Instagram saying that gay people are destined for hell if they don’t repent for their sins, it appears that the national team has moved on without him.</p> <p>Things were looking up for his wife, Maria, as she led the Adelaide Thunderbirds to a 71-59 win over the Queensland Firebirds on Sunday.</p> <p>Maria was efficient on the court, finishing with 35 goals from 38 attempts in front of a packed stadium in Queensland.</p> <p>“I was a fangirl of her when I was growing up and still am,” Thunderbirds centre Hannah Petty said of the New Zealand international to<span> </span><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/israel-folau-and-wife-maria-endure-mixed-fortunes-over-the-weekend/news-story/996810094793fe53267232ee8468ec75" target="_blank">news.com.au</a></em>.</p> <p>“She's full of confidence and helps everyone around her.</p> <p>“Maria's the calmest customer I've come across. Every time you look at her when you're feeling a bit rattled, she says take a deep breath.</p> <p>“She makes everyone play better.”</p>

News

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“It’s been hard for her”: Israel Folau breaks silence as he praises wife Maria

<p>Disgraced ex-rugby star Israel Folau has praised his wife Maria during his first television interview since his $4 million Rugby Australia contract was terminated.</p> <p>Folau also revealed that RA had offered a substantial amount of money for him to remove the post, but the athlete refused as sharing the bible was part of his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>Rugby Australia has denied the “completely untrue” claims.</p> <p>Folau sat with conservative commentators Alan Jones and Peta Credlin on Thursday evening to have a discussion about freedom of speech in Australia, and his sacking over his homophobic views.</p> <p>Despite standing by his original Instagram post which claimed, “homosexuals go to hell”, Folau said the entire incident has been tough on his family.</p> <p>“It’s been a very tough time for myself, Maria and our families … but we’re holding up really strong from the support,” he said on<span> </span><em>Sky News</em>.</p> <p>“It’s [faith] the most important thing to me. My identity is found in what’s written in that book.</p> <p>“The Bible and what I believe comes out of that is very important to me.”</p> <p>He also credited his wife Maria for staying “strong” throughout the entire ordeal.</p> <p>“Look it’s been extremely hard for her, she’s been dragged into this situation unexpectedly,” he said.</p> <p>“It’s been very frustrating for her but I’m very lucky she’s a strong woman, she’s [the] same as me, convicted by her faith.</p> <p>“She’s continued to march on and stay strong.”</p> <p>Mr Jones then asked Folau what his motivation is to keep fighting to which he responded saying his faith was his number one priority.</p> <p>“[I’m] driven by my faith – being number one – and my wife … my family and my friends,” he said.</p> <p>Discussing the specific verse that started the war in the first place, the 30-year-old said, “It’s nothing personal” – but a message he must convey due to his duty as a Christian.</p> <p>“I’m trying to share in love and that’s the way I look at it in terms of sharing the Bible,” he said.</p>

Money & Banking

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Heartbreaking decision – is Israel Folau’s wife risking it all?

<p>It has been almost two years since Maria Tutaia married her rugby star husband, Israel Folau, in November 2017.</p> <p>The journey has proven not to be easy; Maria has stood by her embattled husband even if it means risking her own career as well.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpqkIaggDFk/" 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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpqkIaggDFk/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on Nov 1, 2018 at 9:47pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>As Folau prepares for a major legal fight to save his own career, after he was sacked from Rugby Australia last month for publicly voicing his anti-gay beliefs, his 32-year-old wife has used her own social media platforms to back him.</p> <p>But there are concerns the professional New Zealander netballer could be at risk of jeopardising her own career by showing her public support.</p> <p><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7828053/maria-folau.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/231c40aa0cc74824b5dc05a249816232" /></p> <p>Last week, she publicly donated her own money to his legal battle, Folau telling his own donors when setting up his GoFundMe page that he and Maria had “already spent over $100,000".</p> <p>However, the Adelaide Thunderbirds – the team Maria plays for – has released their own statement on her public endorsement of her husband.</p> <p>“While Netball SA in no way endorses the reposting, we do not believe Maria has contravened our social media policy,” the organisation said.</p> <p>The club also went on to say Maria was a good ambassador for the sport, by taking part in youth and community projects to inspire other young players to pursue a career professionally.</p> <p>However, other professional players do not see eye to eye with the Adelaide Netball Club.</p> <p>Aussie Netball legend Liz Ellis took to Twitter calling for Maria to be sacked.</p> <p>“Anyone who is seen to support or endorse homophobia is not welcome,” she wrote.</p> <p>“As much as I love watching @MariaFolau play netball I do not want my sport endorsing the views of her husband.”</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjJqpBwgWI-/" 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="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 style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjJqpBwgWI-/" target="_blank">A post shared by MARIA FOLAU (@mariatutaia)</a> on May 24, 2018 at 12:00am PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Maria is currently training for next month’s World Cup in Auckland where she will play for the national New Zealand team in the UK. </p> <p>She will be sure to face a number of uncomfortable questions regarding her personal beliefs.</p> <p>Netball New Zealand said in a statement the professional sportswoman had not broken any social media policy.</p>

Legal

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Take a walking holiday on glorious Maria Island

<p>Once in a while Mother Nature really outdoes herself in creating places of extraordinary beauty and grandeur. When these places also offer the opportunity for the traveller to immerse themselves completely in the heart and soul of that beauty, it becomes a transcendent experience. Such a place exists just off the east coast of Tasmania on world heritage listed Maria Island. </p> <p><strong>A carefully structured walking tour</strong><span><br /></span></p> <p><span>This idyllic gem is best appreciated on the professionally run </span><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.mariaislandwalk.com.au/" target="_blank">Maria Island Walk</a><span>, which operates between October and May and takes groups of 10 on a well-planned and paced four day and three night discovery journey. The walk covers between 4 and 17 kilometres per day and is relatively gentle, so while you don’t need to be a hiking addict, it will help to be of reasonable fitness to fully enjoy the experience.</span></p> <p>The tour begins with a boat transfer from the mainland, which arrives on the pristine white sands of Shoal bay on the south western end of the island. It’s a stunning introduction to a journey that will gradually unfold the natural wonders and vivid colonial history that is so richly present.</p> <p>After exploring the island’s southern end on day one, the route then hugs the western coast of the island on day two, giving you breathtaking vistas of crystal blue waters, beaches of remote beauty and dramatic cliffs that thrust up into the verdant, rolling landscape. On the third day you carve a path into the ancient forested heart of the island’s northern end, where the more able bodied can take an optional detour to scale the slopes of Mount Maria for a view that has to be seen to be believed.</p> <p><strong>Comfort and indulgence all the way</strong></p> <p>Against the backdrop of this unique environment, the creature comforts are all well catered for. Accommodation includes two nights at luxury permanent campsites and one night in the historically elegant Bernacchi House. The expert guides who are so passionate about the island’s heritage are also skilled at preparing gourmet meals that showcase the best of Tasmania’s famous food and wine culture.</p> <p>The haunting allure of Maria Island is ready to reward the willing walker with the experience of a lifetime.</p> <p><em>Written by Tom Raeside. Republished with permission of <a href="https://www.wyza.com.au/articles/travel/take-a-walking-holiday-on-glorious-maria-island.aspx">Wyza.com.au</a>.</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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