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Last Australian 'Rat of Tobruk' dies age 102

Thomas Pritchard, Australia's last "Rat of Tobruk" has passed away at the age of 102. Pritchard was part of the famous garrison who held the eponymous Libyan port against a furious Nazi siege in World War II. The Rats of Tobruk Association announced Pritchard's death on Saturday, honouring his service to his country. "Tommy was a stalwart member of our association and a most humble veteran, having served with the 2/5th field ambulance throughout the Middle East and the South West Pacific," the association wrote in a post. "We as an Association are extremely grateful to have had Tommy for so long yet we mourn his loss and the last direct linkage with some 14,000 Australian servicemen who served in Tobruk." The post added that Pritchard would be farewelled in a private family funeral, as was Tommy's wishes. However, they added that a public memorial for all Rats of Tobruk will take place in Melbourne, with the date yet to be confirmed. The Rats of Tobruk were an Allied garrison of about 26,000 soldiers, including 14,000 Australians, commanded by Australian Lieutenant-General Leslie Morehead. They were besieged by the Nazi Afrika Korps, comprised of German and Italian troops, from April 10th to November 27th 1941. The Africa Korps, under the leadership of Nazi general Erwin Rommel, had never known defeat, until he faced the Rats for 231 days, who denied Rommel a port on the Libyan coast as the Nazis were unable to take control of Tobruk. The nickname came from American-born Nazi propagandist William Joyce, who, when he heard the Allied soldiers were taking cover in the pre-existing below-ground defences of the city, derided them as living like "rats". However, Aussies took the nickname with pride as they celebrated their victory. Image credits: Rats of Tobruk Association

Caring

Gold medallist sleeps in Paris park to protest "disappointing" Olympic village conditions

A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow." The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100m backstroke, had already complained publicly about the accommodations in the Olympic Village, after he failed to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday. Since the commencement of the Paris Games, many athletes have spoken out about the conditions in the Olympic village, saying the beds are uncomfortable, the rooms are poorly air conditioned and the food is poor quality. “There is no air-conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon said, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29673636/thomas-ceccon-sleeping-park-conditions-olympic-village-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun. </a> “Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows." “I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.” Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling The Times of London, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.” “And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.” A number of athletes, including the entire US women’s tennis team (with the exception of Coco Gauff) have left the village and searched for alternate accommodation for the duration of the Games. Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

Royal family confirms heartbreaking death

Buckingham Palace have confirmed the heartbreaking sudden death of Lady Gabriella's husband Thomas Kingston, who has died at the age of 45. The 45-year-old British businessman, who also previously dated Pippa Middleton, has been married to Lady Gabriella, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, since 2019. Buckingham Palace confirmed the news of his passing in a statement released on Wednesday morning. “It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the death of Thomas Kingston, our beloved husband, son and brother,” a statement issued on behalf of Lady Gabriella and his family said. “Tom was an exceptional man who lit up the lives of all who knew him. His death has come as a great shock to the whole family and we ask you to respect our privacy as we mourn his passing.” Thomas was reportedly found dead at a property in Gloucestershire on Sunday evening, with his cause of death still not known. Lady Gabriella, 42, is the only daughter of Prince Michael of Kent, who is first cousins with Queen Elizabeth. Her mother, Baroness Marie Christine von Reibnitz, is known as Princess Michael. King Charles and Camilla have paid tribute to Thomas after being informed of his death. “The King and The Queen have been informed of Thomas’s death and join Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and all those who knew him in grieving a much-loved member of the family,” the statement said. “In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family.” Image credits: Getty Images

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Rob Dale "destroyed" after police shot dead pet dog

Rob Dale, who has previously starred in reality TV show Aussie Gold Hunters, was left heartbroken after his pet dog Monty was shot dead during an arrest in Perth's north-east. Police were making an arrest in Dale's house on Stratton Blvd at around 9:30am on Tuesday when the incident occurred. “While at the residence, a dog owned by another person approached and attacked the arrested suspect and a female police officer,” authorities said at the time. A male officer fired at Monty "to prevent further injury". Two men were arrested for aggravated home burglary and commit, stealing and trespassing, after a series of incidences that led police officers to Dale's home. Dale was not home at the time of the incident, and there is no suggestion that he was involved in any alleged crimes. The TV personality said that his nine-year-old French mastiff x Great Dane, was a much loved “member of the family," and he was only trying to protect the occupants of the house. “He was loyal and protective and he gave me a lot of comfort knowing that if anything was to happen ... my family would be safe with him,” Dale said. “This has destroyed my children and myself.” Dale described his pet as a “really soft-natured animal”, and was a "protector of the family”. “He was just fulfilling his duty in that house and that’s to protect the occupants, and it’s cost him his life,” Dale added. Both the suspect and police officer were taken to hospital after the incident and discharged on Tuesday afternoon. Images: 7NEWS

Family & Pets

Love Actually child star engaged to Elon Musk's ex-wife

Actress Talulah Riley has announced that she is engaged to former child star Thomas Brodie-Sangster after two years together. She revealed the news in a tweet with a photo of the couple cuddled up under a blanket and the caption: "Very happy to share that after two years of dating, Thomas Brodie-Sangster and I are engaged!" The Pride and Prejudice actress, 37, and the Love Actually star, 33, first met during the filming of their TV series Pistol where they also played a couple. Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to his ex-wife's happy news with a simple: "Congratulations!" Elon's sister Tosca also replied with "Congratulations, Talulah" and a red heart emoji. Fans took to the comments on Twitter to congratulate the couple. "Congratulations! I wish the couple much happiness," wrote one fan. "Love conquers all. When you find love, hold on to it and never let it go. Very good news," wrote another. "Congratulations. Happy for you!" commented a third. "Congratulations, great couple!" wrote a fourth with two red heart emojis. The couple were rumoured to be together in 2021, but they didn't confirm their relationship until the following when they arrived arm-in-arm at the Gala Dinner for the 2022 British Academy Film Awards. Riley was previously married to Elon Musk, 52, twice before her relationship with Brodie-Sangster. Their first marriage was in 2010 after a 10-day whirlwind romance, which lasted for two years. After they split, they remarried in 2013 with the second marriage lasting three years before they ultimately split. Image: Twitter/ Getty

Relationships

Reward offered after "senseless vandalism" of giant statue

An act of vandalism that is being treated as suspicious by local police has seen a beloved art installation destroyed in Mandurah, south of Perth. Described as "thoughtless and selfish" by WA Premier Mark McGowan, the brazen act has caused a flood of disbelief and anger, with police offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction. The fire – which took place on Friday night – caused irreparable damage to Vivi Cirklestone, one of five wooden sculptures created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo and hidden throughout bushland in Mandurah, with a sixth installed in the Perth suburb of Subiaco. Mourners gathered to leave flowers on the charred wreck of the popular sculpture, which is one of a handful of “protectors of the environment” built in the region as part of a cultural tourism project. <iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FwaIncidentsalerts%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0j7E3Ssk4YC2sd7b6FhGyvRAWnhB4qKQs1EVZ2uYPbFkmn7Ratwee2bmEVAzzbPxVl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="792" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> “The circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire are being treated as suspicious,” WA Police said in a statement. Mandurah Detectives and the Arson Squad are now working to find what sparked the fire that razed the installation. Police also stated that an image doing the rounds on social media that showed the sculpture on fire had been accounted for and was not what it first appeared to many. “The photograph that’s been distributed on social media actually was taken by the person who reported the fire to DFES and the person in the footage is one of his mates,” acting inspector Tom Tristram said. The Giants of Mandurah took Danish artist Thomas Dambo hundreds of hours to complete and were launched in November as a free Australian-first exhibition. “Me and my crew are obviously super sad to hear this news,” Dambo said. “I feel it is probably done by a troubled person and is not the feeling of the general population”. Premier Mark McGowan also weighed in on the incident, saying that he “hopes whoever is behind this thoughtless and selfish behaviour at some point reflects on the sadness they have caused, especially so close to Christmas." “The sculptures aren’t just works of art, they are meant to be positive and fun attractions for families not just in Mandurah but across Perth and beyond. This is senseless vandalism. That’s all it is. And the victim isn’t just the artist but the community as well.“ Images: Facebook / Courtesy of Visit Mandurah

Legal

‘Teacher’s Pet’ journalist takes stand in Chris Dawson trial

The journalist whose podcast, The Teacher’s Pet, brought global attention to Lynette Dawson’s disappearance has taken the stand in Chris Dawson’s murder trial, telling the court he wasn’t out to “condemn” Mr Dawson. Hedley Thomas, a journalist with The Australian, is one of the final witnesses the prosecution will call in the Supreme Court trial, during which Mr Dawson has denied killing his wife Lynette 40 years ago, per <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/300562138/the-teachers-pet-chris-dawson-to-face-murder-trial-over-death-of-his-wife-whose-body-has-never-been-found" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. Ms Dawson’s disappearance from her home on Sydney’s northern beaches in January, 1982, was the subject of investigation in Mr Thomas’ podcast, which was downloaded 60 million times internationally. Mr Thomas began investigating the case in 2017 and spoke with Ms Dawson’s family about seeking “justice”. “Justice for Lyn meant to you, didn’t it, the prosecution of Christoper Dawson?” Pauline David, Mr Dawson’s barrister, asked Mr Thomas on Monday. “Yes, I think that that is a fair call, yes,” Mr Thomas answered. Under Ms David’s questioning, Mr Thomas said he hadn’t met Mr Dawson but had formed an opinion of him after interviewing those close to the case and reading material from the two inquests into Ms Dawson’s disappearance. “I don’t think you need to meet someone to form a view about them,” Mr Thomas said, after the court was told of an interview Mr Thomas had with 60 Minutes where he described Mr Dawson as “despicable”, “severely narcissistic” and “dangerous”. “People can form views about tyrants, for argument’s sake, without ever having met them, study materials, talk to people and form a view. “At that stage it was my view and it hasn’t changed.” However, Mr Thomas denied that the podcast amounted to an attempt to “incite evidence” against Mr Dawson, saying he would have broadcasted evidence that contradicted his theory that Mr Dawson murdered his wife. “There was no doubt from the outset of the podcast it was going to be an exercise in condemning Christopher Dawson?” Ms David asked. “No, I disagree,” Mr Thomas said. “If I had uncovered or received information from anybody that disrupted, changed the narrative, that disputed the findings by coroners or anyone, that would have become a very significant part of the podcast.” As the case draws to a close, the court heard on Monday that Mr Thomas would be one of the final witnesses called by the prosecution, which argues that Ms Dawson was killed on or about January 8, 1982. Mr Dawson argues that on the morning of January 9, 1982, he drove Ms Dawson to a Mona Vale bus stop so she could go shopping, and that she later failed to meet him at the Northbridge baths, where he worked as a part-time lifeguard. According to Mr Dawson, Ms Dawson called him from the baths, telling him she needed time away. His version of events were said to be corroborated by a woman - known for legal reasons as KB - who worked at the baths and was interviewed by former detective Damian Loone in March 2001. Mr Loone didn’t take a statement from her, and told the court that he didn’t turn a blind eye to evidence that supported Mr Dawson’s account. He disagreed that KB told him she remembered the phone call. “I want to suggest your failure to take a statement from (KB) was consistent with your approach to the investigation, which was that if inquiries supported Christopher Dawson you would not take a statement,” Ms David said. “That’s incorrect,” Mr Loone replied The trial continues under Justice Ian Harrison. Image: Nine

Legal

"It's a travesty": Meghan Markle’s dad rushed to hospital

Thomas Markle, Meghan Markle’s father, has reportedly suffered a stroke. A photo has emerged of the 77-year-old being treated by paramedics and wearing an oxygen mask, with <a href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/05/24/thomas-markle-hospital-stroke-symptoms-meghan-markle-father/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TMZ</a> reporting that he suffered a medical incident at his home in Tijuana, Mexico, on May 24. According to the publication, Thomas was transferred to a nearby hospital in Chula Vista, California, approximately seven hours away from Harry and Meghan’s Montecito home. It’s reported that Thomas was unable to speak and was asked to write down his symptoms. Shortly after the news broke, Meghan’s half-sister Samantha Markle issued a statement. “My father is recovering in hospital. We ask for privacy for the family, for his health and wellbeing. He just needs peace and rest. Goodspeed,” she told the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10850461/Meghans-father-Thomas-Markle-suffered-major-stroke-reveals-DAN-WOOTTON.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail</a>. “We are praying. He just needs some rest. It’s a travesty how much he’s been tortured and how much he’s had to go through thanks to my sister’s disregard the past few years. That is unforgivable.” In recent years, Thomas has suffered ailing health and was notably treated for a heart attack ahead of Meghan’s marriage to Prince Harry in 2018 and was unable to attend the wedding due to ill health. It was around that time that the relationship between Meghan and Thomas broke down. “The last time we spoke - actually, we didn’t speak, we actually texted each other - I was laying in a hospital bed after having a heart attack,” he told <a href="https://www.itv.com/hub/good-morning-britain/zfwnrdk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Good Morning Britain</a> in 2021. “I had to tell them that I couldn’t come to the wedding. “At that point, we pretty much said goodbye.” Thomas also claimed Harry chastised him as he lay in a hospital bed after undergoing surgery, who said if he had listened to the royal that “this wouldn’t have happened to you”. “And me, laying in a hospital bed after I’ve had a procedure and getting a stent put here and a stent put here, felt that that was kind of snotty, so I hung up on him,” Thomas claimed. “And that’s the last conversation we ever had.” Image: Fox News

Caring

Thomas Markle slams Meghan and Harry’s memorial absence

Thomas Markle has hit out at his daughter, Meghan, and son-in-law Prince Harry, for their “unforgivable” absence from Prince Philip’s memorial service. Mr Markle - who has never met Prince Harry or seen his daughter since before her 2018 wedding - said their decision not to fly to the UK to attend the service was “a slap in the face for the Queen”. “Attending and giving respect and giving God’s grace to Prince Philip for a lifetime of service was very important to the Queen, and for them not to show up was a slap in the face to the Queen,” he fumed in a video posted to his YouTube channel. “It was unforgivable. The British people won’t forgive them for that, and they shouldn’t. “I don’t know what the reason was, but there’s no excuse at all. It’s a slap in the face for the Queen and the British people.” His remarks come as Prince Harry takes legal action against the Home Office for no longer providing him with armed police protection or allowing him to pay for that himself, according to the <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/thomas-markle-blasts-meghan-and-harry-for-absence-from-philips-memorial-unforgivable/MKSV7W5YN6X7BPD3S2CF34V4VY/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NZ Herald</a>. The lack of police protection was cited as <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/arrogant-selfish-brat-ben-fordham-calls-out-prince-harry" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the reason</a> Harry didn’t join the rest of his family at the service celebrating Philip’s life last week. Image: Channel 5

Family & Pets

Unseen texts claim Meghan Markle knew controversial letter would leak

As Meghan Markle's court battle with a British publisher continues, a major bombshell has been dropped about the authenticity of the Duchess' claims. In the lengthy legal battle, Meghan Markle claims that Associated Newspapers misused Meghan's private information when they published a letter she sent to her father before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. But now, Meghan's former private secretary Jason Knauf claims she was "happy for the public to read" the letter, and altered her language in the correspondence to "pull at the heartstrings" of the public. The court heard that the duchess had written, “Given I’ve only ever called him ‘daddy’ it may make sense to open as such, despite him being less than paternal, and in the unfortunate event that it leaked it would pull at the heartstrings.” “Obviously everything I have drafted is with the understanding that it could be leaked, so I have been meticulous in my word choice.” The duchess later texted Knauf again, saying: “Honestly Jason, I feel fantastic." “Cathartic and real and honest and factual. And if he leaks it then that’s on his conscience." “And at least the world will know the truth, words I could never voice.” As these revelations came to light, lawyers for Associated Newspapers are hoping to overturn the original decision of the high court by arguing the letter was crafted with the "possibility of public consumption" in mind. The letter was sent to Meghan's father Thomas after he refused to walk her down the aisle at the high-profile royal wedding, and the letter was subsequently sold by Thomas to the UK newspaper. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Thomas Markle Jr pens apology letter to sister Meghan

Thomas Markle Jr opened up about his relationship with estranged half-sister Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Big Brother VIP on Monday night, with the support of fellow housemate and former Survivor favourite Luke Toki. On Monday night’s episode, Toki, who’s been developing a friendship with Markle, was called into the diary room and asked to read the infamous letter Markle wrote to Prince Harry. In the letter, Markle urged Harry to reconsider his marriage, and called the pair’s marriage “the biggest mistake in royal wedding history”. Toki was asked for his thoughts on the letter, and he was incredibly supportive of his newfound friend, saying, “He’s so upset, he’s seen his sister being given so many opportunities. Some people like to climb the corporate ladder and not look back. I understand - there are two sides to every tale. “But from everything I know - I like Tom, and I think he loves his sister. As brothers and sisters we give each other s**t and we fight and get back together. At the end of the day family is family. “Tom really wants to reconnect with his sister - he loves his sister,” Toki said while tearing up and adding, “I’m actually getting quite emotional over this - sorry.” Asked by Big Brother if this struck a chord with him, Toki replied, “A little bit… A little bit… I haven’t spoken to my sister for the last two or three years, I just started speaking to her again. "Family is family and deep down the love is always going to be there, it doesn’t matter what happens.” Toki was then asked to convince Markle to write an apology to Meghan, which Markle agreed to do. Asked what it was like growing up with Meghan, Markle said, “It was fun. There was a whole lot of love growing up. Her first nickname as a child was ‘flower' because her bedroom she had these decorative flowers over her crib, so when she woke up that’s the first thing she would see.” “She’s my sister and she’s my blood and I love the hell out of her.” After taking some time to write the letter, Markle read it aloud. He had written, ”Dear Meghan and Harry, the first thing I want to say to you two is that I’m sorry from the bottom of my heart for the awful, mean letter I wrote to you prior to your wedding. “I want both of you to know that it didn’t come from the real person I am, but came from the very dark, hurt part of my heart. I am not a mean person at all and I have more love inside me to give than anyone I know. “The letter was definitely written from my feeling hurt and confused from your response that I was ‘distant family’ and that you ‘didn’t know those people’. I was hurt and confused because of the amazing bond and relationship we shared growing up together, and all I could do was put up a defensive wall to protect my heart. “I know that the letter was immature and wrong and I truly regret it. When your relationship with Harry first became known to the public, I - along with all of our family - became public figures overnight - no more privacy. “Let me tell you, It was very, very stressful to deal with it all alone with no help at all. A real nightmare and constant pressure, and I if I could turn back the clock and do it all over knowing what I know now. I would never have tried to communicate any of my feeling to the media. I feel like a complete ass after what I’ve done and I am truly sorry for that. “Meg, if I could turn the clock back, I would tell you that I'm so, so proud of you and I'm truly happy for you and Harry and I love you. You’re my little sister, my family, and you always will be. Now you’ve found the love of your life and started a family of your own, I couldn’t be more proud. “The last several years of my life I have grown and learned more about myself, and I must say what I did to you with that letter is quite possibly the biggest mistake of my life. I hope you and Harry can find it in your hearts to accept my sincere apology because this is the real Tom Markle. I truly love you guys. I wish you, Harry and Meghan, and Archie and Lili the happiest most loving life possible. Sincerely, your big brother, Tom.” Following the exercise, Markle said it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, and that he felt indebted to Big Brother, who confirmed he would be sending the letter to the couple. “I’ve grown exponentially since my stay here,” Markle added. Image: Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images

Family & Pets

Thomas Markle Jr spills secrets on Big Brother

Appearing on Big Brother VIP in the UK, Thomas Markle Jr has begun to share intimate details about his half-sister Meghan. He claims that since marrying into the Royal Family in 2018, Meghan treats her family as if “she’s embarrassed of where she comes from”. Thomas said he was once close to his sister, but the last time he saw her was at their grandmother’s funeral in 2011. “She took off after that anyway and went to Canada... What happened to her? Nobody can figure it out,” Thomas said of his half-sister. “Money changed her I guess. Money and fame just went to her head really bad.” Thomas also went on to discuss Meghan’s first marriage to American film producer Trevor Engelson, who she was married to between 2011 and 2013. According to their divorice papers, the pair split due to “irreconcilable differences”, as Trevor described the way Meghan handled the divorce as “cold”. “The thing that gets to me is the guy that she was married to the first time, Trevor. This guy just took care of her like, man she was adored by him and she just walked all over him and dumped him, that fast... after being married,” Thomas told his fellow Big Brother housemates. “Sent the ring back in the mail. Is that cold or what?” “But Harry’s next, Harry’s on the chopping block next,” he told them. “He doesn’t seem like a bad guy,” Bernard Curry told Thomas. “The only difference between now and then is all the photos prior to that he had a smile on his face, all the ones after he doesn’t,” Thomas replied. Meghan’s family have repeatedly slated her in the media, with her father, Thomas Markle Sr, repeatedly giving incendiary interviews about the royal family. In the 2021 interview with Oprah, Meghan said she has felt “betrayed” by her family’s actions over the years. Image credits: Channel 7 / Getty Images

Family & Pets

Tragedy strikes solo sailor Jessica Watson

The long-term partner of Queensland solo sailing star Jessica Watson, Cameron Dale, has died, aged 29, following a catastrophic stroke. Watson, who became the youngest person to sail solo around the world more than 10 years ago, posted on Instagram on Wednesday evening, confirming the tragic loss of her partner. Describing him as her ‘long-term partner in every aspect of life and planned future.’ She added that even with all of her achievements – which include Young Australian of the Year, Youth Representative for the United Nations World Food Program and being a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia – the role she was most proud of was being ‘Cam's “Jess,”’ Watson went on to say: ‘Cam and I have been inseparable since 2011, our shared world centred on messing about on boats/ ‘Describing what Cam means to me is impossible – everyone who knows us understands how much we simply loved each other.’ <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/CTRTvA6v0Rh/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CTRTvA6v0Rh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Jessica Watson (@jessicawatson_93)</a> </div> </blockquote> "Even while experiencing indescribable grief, I feel so grateful for the family, friends, and communities Cam has given me and the person I've become with him," she added. "I take enormous strength from having been so devotedly loved. The years of treasured memories offer enormous comfort." Cameron Dale died on Monday, nearly six weeks after a catastrophic stroke, despite the best efforts of staff at the Gold Coast University Hospital, according to Watson. Watson’s story about how she became the youngest person to sail solo around the world at just 16, is about to become a Netflix feature film based on her best-selling memoir, True Spirit. Image: Instagram

News

Author recalls swimming with Prince Charles in her new book

<img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6769599ade9143b4beea9b742c4674a9" /><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/401044158a9d43b69893430da54a1b30" />In her new book Finding Fabulous Over 60, Lesley Thomas opens up about how she had some drinks and swam with Prince Charles in 1983 – as well as a collection of other amazing life lessons. Lesley Thomas was the woman we saw swimming with Prince Charles on the front page of all the newspapers when he visited back in 1979 and 1983. She says, however: "I was not the model who ran up and kissed him in the surf!" But she did swim with Prince Charles several times at the North Cottesloe surf club beach when he visited Perth. She adds: "He turned up unexpectedly late one Sunday afternoon. The full story is in my book, but he came to the party and stayed two hours and had a great time because there were no press, no cameras, no mobile phones and he could relax, have a couple of drinks and enjoy himself - which is exactly what he and his entourage did." <img style="width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843165/lesley-thomas-book-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/401044158a9d43b69893430da54a1b30" /> As well as these stories there's much more from Thomas in her new book including how she overcame serious addictions, ended toxic relationships and lost weight, to wind up as she says: “a fit, vibrant 67-year-old woman – or so I’m told!” Her autobiographical book documents her darkest moments when she prayed to a power greater than herself for help. Even though the road was rocky, she based her recovery, weight loss, fitness, and absolutely brilliant sense of wellbeing on those prayers being answered and her path being guided. Here at Over 60, we talked with Thomas and asked her what inspired her to sit down and write her book – Finding Fabulous Over 60? I wanted to help others to know it is possible to overcome and recover from addictions, childhood traumas, weight issues and toxic relationships and find for themselves the level of inner peace and joy that I have experienced more and more in my life. When Covid arrived in 2020, space opened for me when I lost my job and that is when I was guided to start writing. Your book is autobiographical and you’ve said it’s about a “transformation” and “overcoming addictions – in particular alcohol addiction.” Was this something you struggled with yourself and you wanted to write and let people know how you became sober? Yes, the 'disease of addiction' is debilitating, more so when you are trying to quit. You are fighting with your body, which wants a substance far more than you can cope with. It may sound dramatic, but anyone who has experienced it will know exactly what I am talking about. You feel like you are going insane and that you can hardly bear to be awake at times. The mental and physical anguish and torment are unbearable. I am hoping that the stories of my experiences with overcoming my addictions to nicotine and alcohol in particular, but also my struggles with my addiction to processed sugar and flour and overeating will give people hope that they too can overcome their addictions. <img style="width: 428.2700421940928px; height: 500px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843166/lesley-and-children-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6769599ade9143b4beea9b742c4674a9" /> You also talk about ‘overcoming childhood traumas’ in your book. Was this another area you found helped you in your life? Unprocessed childhood traumas crippled me mentally and emotionally, especially in my adult life and I wasn't even aware of it. I didn't start seeking professional help until I was 45 and it was the best thing I could have done for myself. Starting the process of dealing with childhood traumas assisted me enormously as I worked on overcoming my addictions. It wasn't easy and it took a long time, but it was certainly worthwhile. Many people would be interested in how you ‘detached from a three-year toxic relationship’. Does it inspire you to let people how you’ve dealt with issues so you can help them? Absolutely. It is so wonderful seeing 'hope' or 'the realisation of possibilities' come into someone's eyes. I used the word 'detached' in that phrase because it wasn't just a matter of physically leaving, I had to detach mentally and emotionally (from what seemed like a soul level) as well as physically and I could hardly believe how painful that was, but I knew in my heart I had to do it and get through it for my sanity and wellbeing. Key to this was a willingness to look at and address honestly my own 'stuff'. In any relationship, we each have our part and we kid ourselves if we think it's 'all' someone else's fault when the relationship breaks down. Also, if we don't do this work, we will take out 'stuff' into the next relationship and it will all happen again. So many men and women would be keen to know how you ‘lost weight and dealt with food addictions.’ Can you please give us a teaser of how you did this? I had to accept the fact that nobody was going to do it for me. I also acknowledged that to be successful I needed to get out of my own way, become accountable, and get professional guidance. Do you feel your life after death experiences with each of your parents after they passed has helped you on your journey? Yes, enormously. Each of the visits of my parents after they passed that I describe in my book absolutely astounded me and left me in no doubt at all that there is life after death. It was a great comfort to me knowing that and that they are around me when I need them and are helping me. Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Over60? With a grateful heart and a willingness to look on the bright side, I believe anything is possible for anyone. Truly! You are never too young or too old to take the first step to freedom, a better life, inner peace and a lot of laughs along the way. It's just the best feeling. Lesley Thomas’s book is available on her website here: - <a rel="noopener" href="http://www.findingfabulousover60.com/" target="_blank">www.findingfabulousover60.com</a> Here are some of the reviews of the book: “An incredible read! A hugely inspirational story of transformation” - Sue Stone - UK Author, Secret Millionaire and Inspirational Speaker A recommended read for sure this book left me motivated to change ...in my case to lose weight (which I have since done) and in places the stories gave me a good old fashioned laugh. And who does not need a dose of that!!!! - Henry Blatman Photos: Courtesy of Lesley Thomas

Books

Thomas Markle hand delivers letter to Oprah

Thomas Markle has hand delivered a letter to Oprah Winfrey, asking her to interview him about his relationship with estranged daughter Meghan. The 76-year-old drove up to the talk show host's $117 million estate in Montecito, California, on Thursday and handed the note to a security guard outside. It is reported that he hopes to tell his side of the story to Oprah after her explosive interview with Meghan, in which the Duchess spoke of her father's "betrayal". A source told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/14468921/meghan-markle-dad-thomas-letter-oprah-interview/" target="_blank">The Sun</a> this weekend: “Thomas delivered a letter to Oprah asking her to contact him so he could tell his side of the story. “This was not a note to Meghan and Harry, it was meant for Oprah. “Thomas watched the interview she did with them and feels he deserves a chance to have his say.” <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/CM5g74dHtVD/?utm_source=ig_embed&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/CM5g74dHtVD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Mci (@mycelebrityandi)</a> </div> </blockquote> In January last year, Thomas revealed to The Sun he was thinking of sending a letter to Oprah. Knowing she was friends with his daughter, he said: “I was going to write Oprah a letter asking her to let me have an opportunity to speak.” Thomas had a falling out with his daughter in the lead up to their wedding in 2018, when he lied about posing for paparazzi pictures. Meghan told Oprah: “When I said we won’t be able to protect our own kids one day and I said: ‘So I just need you to tell me and if you tell me the truth, we can help’. “He wasn’t able to do that. And that for me has really resonated, especially now as a mother. “I look at Archie, I think about this child, and I genuinely can’t imagine doing anything to intentionally cause pain to my child.”

"They should have waited": Thomas Markle's response to Oprah interview

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> Meghan Markle's estranged father Thomas Markle has spoken out about the controversial tell-all interview between Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Oprah. Thomas spoke to Good Morning Britain about the interview, saying it was "way over the top". "I totally agree that they went way over the top with these stories with Oprah and should have waited considering the Queen's age and Philip's age they certainly should have waited or tried to wait," he said. He also said that he felt let down by his daughter and son-in-law as they didn't visit him in hospital. "I was in a hospital bed the last time we talked and I never heard from them again. They didn't care if I died, I never heard from them again … and they have not talked to me since," he said. "When my father was in the hospital, me and my three brothers showed up the very next day. That's what family does." Thomas mentioned that he doesn't think the royal family are racist, despite claims from Meghan and Harry that they are. "This whole thing about the colour and how dark the baby is, is bulls---. I married a very beautiful black woman and had a beautiful child and if she had turned out dark it wouldn't have been a problem, anything in between it wouldn't have been a problem, (she was) a beautiful baby." "The thing about what colour will her baby be or how dark will her baby be, I'm guessing and hoping it's just a dumb question from somebody. It could just be that simple, somebody's asked a stupid question rather than it being a total racist." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> Thomas Markle reacts to bombshell Oprah interview in GMB world exclusive<a href="https://t.co/DN185hhPmc">https://t.co/DN185hhPmc</a> — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMB/status/1369216040748650498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2021</a></blockquote> When Thomas was asked about Meghan's revelations that she had contemplated suicide, he said he would have supported his daughter. "I've been pushed around and knocked down for one thing I did (releasing part of a personal letter from Meghan to the press), for one big mistake I made, and I've apologised for it as many times as I possibly can," he said. "However I love my daughter very much, had I known she was having psychological problems I would have been there for her." He said that "the biggest problem … is she's pretty much ghosted all of her family, on her mother's side and my side". "She really had no one to reach out to, she would have had us if she kept us." Thomas also revealed why he sells stories to the press. "Bottom line, I’ve never heard back from Meghan and Harry in any way shape or form. "What I do if I don’t hear from them, is I’ll do another story for the press." "I’ve yet to hear from them. I would love to hear from them. They’re not talking to me. When they decide to talk to me, I’ll stop talking to the press.” "I’ve been pushed around and knocked down for one big mistake I made." </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

"Beacon of hope": Captain Sir Thomas Moore's daughter speaks out

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> The daughter of Sir Captain Thomas Moore has spoken out about her father and how he was a "beacon of hope" to many. Hannah Ingram-Moore said that it has been "really difficult" since the death of her father, who passed away from COVID-19 on the 2nd of February. "I mean what a journey we've been on and what a beacon of hope and light he has been to the world," she told show hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid. "We miss him terribly but we know his legacy lives on." Sir Thomas shot to worldwide fame after raising more than $42 million for health services and charities in the UK and was even knighted by the Queen for his efforts. Piers spoke about being contacted by Sir Tom on Twitter. "It really touched me as it touched everybody in the country," Morgan continued. "Did you ever imagine Hannah that you'd end up with your dad not just raising nearly £40million for the NHS but also being knighted having a number one pop record, being a GQ cover star, a man of the year, winning a Pride of Britain award... I mean he achieved more in nine months than most people do in their entire lifetime." Hannah described the experience as "almost indescribable". "We were just an ordinary family, just like everybody else. But yes, we sat here thinking what can we do to help fight the pandemic in those very early days, raise a thousand pounds? And that was it, there was nothing more to it." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> ‘What a beacon of hope and light he became to the world.’ ‘We miss him terribly.’ Captain Sir Tom Moore’s funeral will be held on Saturday. His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore speaks to <a href="https://twitter.com/piersmorgan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@piersmorgan</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/susannareid100?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@susannareid100</a> about losing her father. <a href="https://t.co/zWM1zcRxn4">pic.twitter.com/zWM1zcRxn4</a> — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) <a href="https://twitter.com/GMB/status/1364128077685653506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2021</a></blockquote> She also mentioned that her father left specific instructions for his funeral. "He was very clear he wanted us to eat Victoria sponge cake and sandwiches afterwards," she said, adding that he wants his tombstone to read: "I told you I was old." She laughed when explaining the tombstone. Hannah also asked the British public that even though many will want to pay their respects, they are asking people to stay away due to the coronavirus pandemic. Photo credits: Good Morning Britain </div> </div> </div>

Family & Pets

Captain Sir Thomas Moore's family plans intimate funeral

Captain Sir Thomas Moore's grandson revealed he wanted a "small, intimate" funeral. "I don't think granddad would want a grand funeral," Teixeira told the Daily Star. "He'd like a small, intimate service with just the family. 'March in, march out,' he'd say. 'Pay your respects, then move on, get on with your lives'." The beloved World War II veteran died of COVID-19 on January 31 in the UK at Belford Hospital, surrounded by family. Sir Thomas came to global attention after being knighted by Queen Elizabeth last year at Windsor Castle. Moore managed to raise over $60 million for the NHS coronavirus relief by walking 100 laps of his garden with his walking frame. After news of his death began circulating, tributes poured in from all over the world with 230,000 people signing a petition for him to have a state funeral, although his family politely declined. Teixeira says he will remember his grandfather for his good deeds and love for his family and late wife Pamela who died in 2006. "He wasn't just a war hero and a fundraising machine," his grandson said. "To us, he was a family man. He believed he'd be reunited with grandma. "He wasn't afraid of death."

Caring

"Showed no concern": Thomas Markle slams Meghan in court

Meghan Markle's father Thomas Markle has slammed his royal daughter in court, claiming that a private letter Meghan sent him "signalled the end of our relationship". The letter, which was written in 2018, is at the centre of a highly-followed court battle with the former Duchess of Sussex suing Associated Newspapers for breaching her privacy by publishing the letter. Associated Newspapers is the publisher of Mail on Sunday, which is where the letter was first made public. Thomas said that he felt like he had no choice to make parts of the letter public after reading an article written by People magazine with quotes from Meghan's friends. One of the quotes in the article read: “After the wedding she wrote him a letter. She’s like, ‘Dad, I’m so heartbroken. I love you. I have one father. Please stop victimising me through the media so we can repair our relationship.’” Thomas claims that this comment is a "total lie" and the letter wasn't an attempt to save their relationship but was a "criticism" instead. “(The People quote) suggested to people that Meg had reached out to me with the letter, saying in the letter that she loved me and that she wanted to repair our relationship. “That suggestion was false. The letter was not an attempt at a reconciliation. It was a criticism of me. “The letter didn’t say she loved me. It did not even ask how I was. It showed no concern about the fact I had suffered a heart attack and asked no questions about my health. “It actually signalled the end of our relationship, not a reconciliation.” Thomas then spoke about how the People article hurt him and his reputation in the statement. “(It) vilified me by making out that I was dishonest, exploitative, publicity-seeking, uncaring and cold-hearted, leaving a loyal and dutiful daughter devastated”. He also said that he didn't release the whole letter "because I thought the letter as a whole made Meg look terrible", according to his statement. Lawyers for the Duchess of Sussex said that the publication of the “intrinsically private, personal and sensitive” letter was a “triple-barrelled invasion of her privacy rights”. “It (the letter) is a heartfelt plea from an anguished daughter to her father (the word ‘pain’ or ‘painful’ appears no fewer than five times), begging him to stop talking to the press.” Anthony White QC, who is representing Associated Newspapers, has argued that Meghan penned the letter “to defend her against charges of being an uncaring or unloving daughter” and must have known “that her father might choose to disclose it”. Meghan's lawyers have applied for a summary judgement to be handed down, which means that the case could be resolved without going to trial. However, if the case goes ahead, both Thomas and Meghan could take to the stand as witnesses.

Legal

"Bubble boy" Thomas Collins dies after being unable to return home to QLD

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> A young boy who struggled with an auto-immune disease for most of his life passed away on Saturday. Thomas Collins was just 3 years old when he died after being diagnosed with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) just days after he was born. The deficiency means he has no ability to fight off diseases and makes the risk of infections life-threatening. He spent 858 days in the hospital and was kept in a "plastic bubble" to stop him from catching diseases. Tom's conditions worsened while in a Melbourne hospital and the young family weren't able to move back to Queensland for support from their other family members due to COVID-19 restrictions. Tom's parents Leah and Morgan Collins have been fighting for their son to be let into Brisbane as he was nearing the end of his days but were unable to get a response from Queensland Health in time. The reason the family were in Melbourne was due to a specialist in a Melbourne hospital being the only person who could deliver the treatment Tom needed. The family shared their heartbreak on Facebook. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftomsbattle%2Fposts%2F913107189094286&show_text=true&width=552&height=760&appId" width="552" height="760" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> “It is with deepest sorrow and fractured hearts that we tell you of Thomas’s passing this evening,” the Collins family posted on Facebook. “He passed peacefully in the arms of his parents. “Despite our best efforts we were unable to get him home to Queensland. “No response from Qld was received in time. We understood the potential conditions were very distressing and would have separated our family during transport. “We would then be forced to quarantine in the room he would have passed in as he was unlikely to survive 14 days quarantine. “We chose to do what our son needed most, which was to be with his parents in a peaceful environment to the end. We were able to do that for him.” “Sadly, we now have a choice between 14-day hotel quarantine, or wait 14 days south of the border to get back to Queensland, via NSW,” they said. “We wished we could be surrounded by family during this time but this is the hand we have been dealt.” </div> </div> </div>

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