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Meghan Markle shares unseen pics of Harry and Lilibet

<p>Meghan Markle delighted fans on Saturday by sharing a never-before-seen image of her husband, Prince Harry, and their three-year-old daughter, Princess Lilibet, in a touching father-daughter moment.</p> <p>In the photo, Prince Harry can be seen kissing Lilibet’s head as she sits on his lap aboard a boat. The young princess, dressed in a pink T-shirt and floral leggings, is turned away from the camera, her hair styled in a ponytail. Harry, donning a white T-shirt, blue-and-white striped shorts, a backwards blue baseball cap and sunglasses, exudes relaxed fatherly affection in the candid shot.</p> <p>Markle, who shares Lilibet and five-year-old Prince Archie with the Duke of Sussex, posted the image on Instagram in honour of International Women’s Day.</p> <p>“Happy International Women’s Day!” she captioned the image. “Celebrating the strong women around us & the girls with dreams who will become women with vision. Also thanking those who uplift us every day.”</p> <p>The 43-year-old Duchess of Sussex also shared a series of other images, including a sweet moment of Harry embracing her from behind as they strolled along a beach. She also threw in several nostalgic photos with her mother, Doria Ragland – one from her childhood and another from adulthood.</p> <p>Markle’s Instagram post comes shortly after the launch of her new Netflix series, <em>With Love, Meghan</em>. A crew member from the production revealed that Harry, Archie and Lilibet frequently visited Markle on set during filming. The insider also noted Markle’s devotion to her children. “She was super attentive and doting on them. We would give them headphones so they could listen to audio,” they said.</p> <p>Prince Harry even made a surprise cameo in the eight-episode series, which features Markle sharing her passion for cooking, gardening and hosting. In one heartfelt scene, Harry embraces his wife during a group brunch. “Well done! You did a great job,” he tells her before adding, “I love it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Could not be happier": Channel 7 commentator's baby joy

<p>AFL great and Channel 7 commentator Dale Thomas and his wife Natasha have announced that they are expecting their first child together. </p> <p>The couple told family and friends over Christmas before announcing their baby joy to the public on Monday. </p> <p>“Tash and I could not be happier to be welcoming our baby into the world in August,” the former Carlton and Collingwood player said. </p> <p>“Last year started with the high of our wedding and ended with this fantastic news.</p> <p>“Telling loved ones over the Christmas period made for some wonderful memories and some brilliant reactions, and we will treasure this forever.</p> <p>“This next chapter has us both so excited.</p> <p>“As happy as we are to be sharing this great personal news, we also want to acknowledge and send big love and thoughts to those who are still waiting for their baby joy.</p> <p>“We appreciate how difficult and sensitive it can be.”</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/reel/DGusT0yz1zr/?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/reel/DGusT0yz1zr/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Dale Thomas (@dthomas_39)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple also shared a video of the moment they found out they were expecting, and revealed the due date is in August on Instagram. </p> <p>"Baby Thomas, due August ❤️ We love you so, so much," they captioned the video. </p> <p>The comments were flooded with well-wishes from friends, with footy commentator Abbey Holmes writing: "YAY. Cats outta the bag!! So so so excited for you both. Bring it on xxxxxxxxxxxxxx." </p> <p>"OMFG this is the best news ever!!!! What a wonderful Monday surprise. Congratulations to the both you. Good job," added MasterChef's Khanh Ong.</p> <p>The happy news comes a year after they tied the knot in Dunkeld. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Meghan Markle shares rare glimpse at Princess Lilibet

<p>Meghan Markle has shared a rare glimpse at her daughter Princess Lilibet spending time with her sports star "Auntie", Serena Williams. </p> <p>The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #333333; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size: 16px;">to share a series of photos and videos of Lilibet playing a game with the tennis star at their home. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">"When the aunties comes to celebrate … and to play! Love you @serenawilliams," shared in her stories. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">The three-year-old was pictured playing a personalised 'Archie &amp; Lili Candy Land' board game, wearing a long-sleeved top and floral pants, with Serena watching over her. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">With the upcoming release of the royal's newest Netflix series, </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;"><em>With Love, Meghan</em>, a series where she holds candid conversations with friends while also sharing "practical how-tos" in the kitchen, garden and more, the royal spent some time with family and friends to celebrate. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">"[Three] days until the party begins. All are invited ❤️ @netflix," Meghan shared a follow up Instagram story, with a picture of her embracing Serena. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">Williams and the royal first met at the Super Bowl in 2010 and have remained close friends since. </span></p> <p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">They recently spent time together at the Paley Honours Fall Gala in December of last year. </span></p> <p><em><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Proxima Nova, system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, Segoe UI, Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, Fira Sans, Droid Sans, Helvetica Neue;">Image: Instagram</span></em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Meghan Markle shares rare glimpse of Princess Lilibet

<p>Meghan Markle has shared a rare glimpse of her daughter, Princess Lilibet, as she reintroduces her lifestyle brand under a new name – As Ever.</p> <p>Following trademark issues with her original brand name, American Riviera Orchard, the Duchess of Sussex officially confirmed the rebranding in a social media post. Accompanying the announcement, a newly launched website prominently features an image of Meghan and Lilibet walking hand-in-hand through a park, seemingly captured by a drone.</p> <p>This marks the third new image of three-year-old Lilibet shared with the public in just a few months. In December, Prince Harry and Meghan’s private Christmas card included a touching moment of the couple embracing Lilibet and her older brother, Prince Archie, 5. Then, in a tribute video following the passing of Meghan’s beloved rescue Beagle, Guy, fans caught another glimpse of Lilibet in a photo from Meghan’s private album, showing her with Guy in a park. The latest image appears to have been taken on the same day, as Meghan and her daughter are seen wearing similar outfits.</p> <p><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2025/02/LilibetMarkle_Insta.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p> <p>The heartwarming photo aligns with the essence of As Ever, which will offer a variety of products, including Meghan’s homemade jams. In a video accompanying the brand's launch, the Duchess excitedly shared her passion for the venture.</p> <p>“I think we're all clear at this point that jam is my jam, but there are so many more products that I just love and use in my home, and now it’s time to share them with you,” she said. “I can't wait for you to see it.”</p> <p>The name As Ever holds special meaning for Meghan’s followers, as it was originally her signature sign-off on her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig. The phrase later appeared on her podcast, Archetypes, and has now been embraced as the identity of her revived business, which coincides with her reactivated Instagram account.</p> <p>“And if you’ve followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know I’ve always loved cooking, crafting and gardening,” she explained. “This is what I do, and I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years, but now I can.”</p> <p>As Ever is expected to reflect Meghan’s personal style and passions, much like her previous work on The Tig, with a focus on home and lifestyle products. </p> <p><em>Images: As Ever / Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"So disrespectful": Meghan Markle criticised for moving wheelchair user

<p>Meghan Markle has been criticised online after appearing to move a person in a wheelchair without asking permission. </p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex was met with Team Canada at the True Patriot Love Foundation breakfast on Sunday to celebrate the team before the official start of the 2025 Invictus Games. </p> <p>The Sussexes were mingling with athletes when Meghan appeared to move a team member's wheelchair, but didn't appear to ask for her permission beforehand.</p> <p>In a short video clip, which was shared to Meghan's Instagram, the team member stopped talking mid-conversation as the Duchess moved her towards the group in preparation for a photograph.</p> <p>The moment struck a nerve with many people online, with one writing on X, "My daughter is in a wheelchair, and someone else trying to move it is a huge NO!"</p> <p>"Their wheelchair is an extension of themselves. Meghan is in her personal space and needs to stop."</p> <p>Many social media users took to the comment section to agree that Markle should not have moved the wheelchair unless she gained permission beforehand.</p> <p>One said, "So rude and disrespectful!", while another questioned, "Isn't that woman in the wheelchair an athlete? Why does she need to be pushed?"</p> <p>"I've had that happen it's very rude to presume you can just push someone without asking if they require assistance, disabled doesn't mean dumb," said another, while a fourth person added, "Some of the onlookers look horrified too."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Caring

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lend a hand to LA fire victims

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spotted lending a helping hand to those affected by the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles. </p> <p>The royal Californian residents, who live around 145 kilometres north of LA, were seen at the Pasadena Convention Centre on Friday handing out food and supplies alongside other volunteers.</p> <p>They also met with Pasadena mayor, Victor Gordo, and thanked first responders for their efforts amid the catastrophic fires, which have claimed at least 11 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes and iconic buildings. </p> <p>“It’s great people, great personalities and great heart for them to come out here and meet with the first responders, meet with the people who were affected,” Gordo told Fox 11 of his meeting with the pair. </p> <p>Mr Gordo added that their visit “really buoyed the spirits of the first responders” and that “people were very happy to see them”.</p> <p>“They want to be as helpful as they can be … we visited with some of the affected families in some of the burnt-out areas in Pasadena and Altadena,” he said. </p> <p>“They took the time to meet the people that are affected and spent time. They’re just very caring people who are concerned for their friends and neighbours.”</p> <p>Mr Gordo went on to explain that the high-profile couple had visited the World Centra Kitchen “anonymously” by “serving food with masks” and wearing baseball caps, insisting they weren’t there for “publicity”, but were keen to “work”.</p> <p>“We went to visit some of the families in the impacted area and view first-hand some of the impacted area and then they wanted to go visit the first responders and personally thank them for their efforts to help our families and their neighbours,” Mr Gordo said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Fox 11</em></p>

International Travel

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Beloved Hollywood couple's move to Sydney

<p>Freddie Prinze Jr and Sarah Michelle Gellar have made a very low-key entry into Australia, after they were spotted at Chin Chin, a restaurant in Sydney's CBD on Saturday night with their two children. </p> <p>The beloved 90s stars have reportedly temporarily relocated to the harbour city as they film the next instalment of the <em>I Know What You Did Last Summe</em>r horror franchise, 27 years after the release of the first movie, according to <em>The Daily Telegraph</em>. </p> <p>The new film, titled I Never Forget What You Did Last Summer, will see Prinze Jr, 48, reprise his role as Ray Bronson.</p> <p>The horror film is expected to be released next year through Sony Pictures. </p> <p>Prinze Jr and Gellar's first date was not intentional, as they had plans for dinner with a mutual friend who then cancelled. </p> <p>“We decided to have dinner anyway and never looked back,” Gellar told <em>People</em> in 2002.</p> <p>They tied the knot in Mexico that same year. </p> <p>“One day, I just knew we were gonna get married and I knew I was gonna propose. I didn’t know when or how,” Prinze Jr told <em>People</em> in 2020.</p> <p>“And so I did and fortunately, she was on the same page. My instincts were correct.”</p> <p>In 2009 they welcomed their daughter Charlotte and in 2012 they had their son Rocky. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Last Australian 'Rat of Tobruk' dies age 102

<p>Thomas Pritchard, Australia's last "Rat of Tobruk" has passed away at the age of 102. </p> <p>Pritchard was part of the famous garrison who held the eponymous Libyan port against a furious Nazi siege in World War II.</p> <p>The Rats of Tobruk Association announced Pritchard's death on Saturday, honouring his service to his country.</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"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."</p> <p>The post added that Pritchard would be farewelled in a private family funeral, as was Tommy's wishes. </p> <p>However, they added that a public memorial for all Rats of Tobruk will take place in Melbourne, with the date yet to be confirmed. </p> <p>The Rats of Tobruk were an Allied garrison of about 26,000 soldiers, including 14,000 Australians, commanded by Australian Lieutenant-General Leslie Morehead.</p> <p>They were besieged by the Nazi Afrika Korps, comprised of German and Italian troops, from April 10th to November 27th 1941.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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".</p> <p>However, Aussies took the nickname with pride as they celebrated their victory. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Rats of Tobruk Association</em></p>

Caring

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Meghan Markle opens up about past trauma

<p>Meghan Markle has opened up about her mental health struggle in a new interview. </p> <p>In a joined interview with <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">her husband Prince Harry for <em>CBS Sunday Morning</em>, </span>the Duchess of Sussex admitted that she hasn't "really scraped the surface" on her struggle, as the couple launched their new project <a href="https://archewell.org/theparentsnetwork/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Parents' Network</a>. </p> <p>The Parents’ Network aims to support parents who lost or almost lost their child to cyberbullying and other traumas related to social media use. </p> <p>While speaking about online bullying and its effects on young children, <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">the Duchess of Sussex spoke about her own experience and connection to the families, as she also had suicidal thoughts in 2021. </span></p> <p>“When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey — certainly part of mine — is being able to be really open about it,” she told Jane Pauley. </p> <p>"And you know, I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way," she continued.</p> <p>"And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed."</p> <p>"So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything's OK, then that's worth it.</p> <p>"I'll take a hit for that."</p> <p>In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed that she had suicidal ideation while pregnant with son Archie due to the pressure of life as a royal and the way the British media treated her. </p> <p>“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore,” she said at the time.</p> <p>She also recalled reaching out to palace officials and said that she did not receive any mental health help. </p> <p>The initiative, launched with the couple’s Archewell Foundation, aims to make sure that no other families go through what they did. </p> <p>“Our kids are young; they’re 3 and 5. They’re amazing,” she told Pauley. </p> <p>“But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”</p> <p><em>Images: CBS Sunday Morning</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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

<p>A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. </p> <p>Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. </p> <p>Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>“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"><em>The Sun</em>. </a></p> <p>“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows."</p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling <em>The Times of London</em>, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.”</p> <p>“And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.”</p> <p>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. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Robert Downey Jr announces shock Marvel return

<p>Robert Downey Jr. has sensationally announced his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe at the San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday. </p> <p>The actor, who has been instrumental in the build up of the franchise with his role as Iron Man/ Tony Stark, before the character was killed off in the <em>Avengers: Endgame</em> finale, will return to screens as one of Marvel Comics' original villains, Dr. Doom. </p> <p>The moment Downey Jr.'s return was unveiled has since gone viral.</p> <p>In the video clip, studio head Kevin Feige announced two upcoming films <em>Avengers: Doomsday</em> and <em>Avengers: Secret Wars, </em>while surrounded by rows of figures in green robes wearing Doom's iconic metal mask. </p> <p>Joe Russo, one of the directors for <em>Avengers: Infinity War</em> and <em>Endgame</em>, then said: </p> <p>"As proof of the unlimited possibilities of the Marvel [Multiverse], we give you the one person who could play Victor von Doom."</p> <p>Downey Jr, among the dozens of others wearing metal masks dressed as Dr. Doom, coyly walked to the front of the stage and took of his mask to a thunderous response from the crowd. </p> <p>"New mask, same task," the actor said.</p> <p> He added, "I tell ya, I like playing complicated characters."</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/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?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/reel/C98vrwXvgSc/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“If we’re going to bring Doctor Doom to the screen — he is one of the most complex characters, most entertaining characters in all of fiction,” said Joe Russo.</p> <p>“If we’re going to do this … then we are going to need the greatest actor in the world,” he added.</p> <p><em>Avengers: Doomsday </em>will be out in cinemas on May 2026, with <em>Avengers: Secret Wars</em> set to be released the following year. </p> <p><em>Image: John Salangsang/ Shutterstock Editorial</em></p> <p> </p>

Movies

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Royal family confirms heartbreaking death

<p>Buckingham Palace have confirmed the heartbreaking sudden death of Lady Gabriella's husband Thomas Kingston, who has died at the age of 45. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>Buckingham Palace confirmed the news of his passing in a statement released on Wednesday morning. </p> <p>“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. </p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>Thomas was reportedly found dead at a property in Gloucestershire on Sunday evening, with his cause of death still not known. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>King Charles and Camilla have paid tribute to Thomas after being informed of his death.</p> <p>“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. </p> <p>“In particular, Their Majesties send their most heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Gabriella and to all the Kingston family.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Caring

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Harry Connick Jr shares tragic family update

<p>Harry Connick Jr has shared the tragic news that his father, Harry Connick Sr has passed away aged 97. </p> <p>The former <em>Australian Idol</em> judge's father, who was New Orleans’ district attorney for three decades, died peacefully at his home on Thursday surrounded by family. </p> <p>The cause of death has not been revealed. </p> <p>Harry Connick Jr greatly admired his father who he called his “hero and inspiration.”</p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Harry Connick Sr </span>passed on his love for music to his son, as prior to his career in law he owned two record stores in New Orleans and regularly performed in bands around the city’s French Quarter, according to <em>People</em> magazine. </p> <p>He then began his career as a New Orleans district attorney from 1973 until his retirement in 2003. </p> <p>New Orleans’ current district attorney, Jason Williams, has shared his condolences to Connick's family. </p> <p>“Mr. Connick remains the longest tenured District Attorney, serving from 1973-2003. Such a longstanding public servant gives an enormous amount of themselves to their community — as do their families,” he wrote.</p> <p>“Our thoughts are with the Connick family during this difficult time.”</p> <p>Despite often travelling out of the US  for his music and acting commitments, Harry Connick Jr loved spending time with his father. </p> <p>One of the last few pictures he shared of them together was posted last October, where he described “hanging with my dad” as “my FAVOURITE thing in the world”.</p> <p>“I come to see him about once a month in New Orleans, and it’s still not enough!” he wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>“At 97, he continues to be my hero and inspiration ... I love you sooooo much, dad!!!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Harry and Meghan named "2023's biggest losers"

<p>Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been crowned "the biggest losers of 2023" by highly influential entertainment magazine <em>The Hollywood Reporter</em>. </p> <p>The publication released its annual list of winners and losers, with celebrities like Taylor Swift, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig making the winners list. </p> <p>The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the other hand topped this year's list of losers, which included Twitter/X/Elon Musk, and the streaming series <em>Yellowstone</em>.</p> <p>The publication wrote that this year's list reflected "some of the industry’s biggest success stories — and most embarrassing missteps." </p> <p>Royal commentator Victoria Arbiter said<em> </em>that this is a huge blow for the royal couple, as <em>The Hollywood Reporter </em>is considered an "industry bible that people pay attention to".</p> <p>"It is humiliating in Meghan's home town and they refer to the couple's - and I quote this - 'whiney documentary', that 'whiney biography' and the horrible South Park episode," she said in an interview with Nine's <em>Today</em>.</p> <p>Despite being crowned this year's biggest losers, Arbiter said that the couple are looking forward to a better year ahead. </p> <p>"It is time to leave the royal family behind and really establish what it is they want to do and make positive steps forward if they plan to be successful in 2024," she said.</p> <p>"We've been promised a number of different things via rumours over the past year, with talk of Meghan's website The TIG relaunching and she was going to launch a lifestyle brand similar to Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop.</p> <p>"Netflix paid $3 million pounds for rights to a book Harry and Meghan said they would turn into a rom-com, however we haven't had further development on those plans."</p> <p>The royal commentator added that Harry and Meghan will need to build consumer trust and avoid "negative, scandalous headlines that follow them everywhere", as they approach the new year.</p> <p>"Hollywood doesn't do well with negativity," she said.</p> <p>Check out the full list <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-winners-losers-2023-1235712279/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

TV

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Second “royal racist” accidentally named in new book

<p>A second member of the royal family has been accused of being "racist", after the bombshell royal exposé implied them in the scandal over baby Archie's skin colour. </p> <p>In Omid Scobie's new book <em>Endgame</em>, he discusses the comments that members of the royal family made to Meghan Markle when she was pregnant with baby Archie. </p> <p>Markle first shared the bombshell allegations in her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, but she refused to name the royal family member who made the comments, saying, “I think that would be very damaging to them.”</p> <p>On Wednesday, reports emerged that copies of the book were being <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/books/new-royal-book-pulled-from-shelves-over-huge-legal-blunder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pulled from shelves</a> as the Dutch translation of the book accidentally named the person involved in the scandal.</p> <p>Omid Scobie admitted he does know who made the comments, but UK libel laws prevented him from naming them in the book. </p> <p>Now, as copies of the tell-all book have been flying off shelves, it seems another member of the royal family has been implicated in the book, which is now said to be frantically being pulled from shelves.</p> <p>It comes after Mr Scobie denied responsibility for the Dutch translation of his new book “accidentally naming” a member of the Royal Family.</p> <p>Publishers Xander Uitgevers yesterday said they were seeking to remove Mr Scobie’s work from bookshelves saying there had been an “error”.</p> <p>Speaking to Dutch TV on Wednesday night, Mr Scobie defended his book, saying, “The book is in several languages, and unfortunately I do not speak Dutch”.</p> <p>“But if there are translation errors, I’m sure the publishers will have it under control."</p> <p>“I wrote and edited the English version. There’s never been no version that I’ve produced that has names in it.”</p> <p>In the English version, Mr Scobie writes, “In the pages of these private letters [given to Oprah by Markle], two identities were revealed. UK laws prevent me from reporting who they were”.</p> <p>But the Dutch version reads, “In those private letters, an identity was revealed and confirmed” — before going on to name a senior royal.</p> <p>Dutch royal reporter Rick Evers says he was one of only two journalists to be given a manuscript of <em>Endgame</em> last Wednesday.</p> <p>Mr Evers said, “I was shocked that no one else in the world mentioned the fact that a member of the royals was named in the book as the racist”.</p> <p>“That was the main accusation in the book that I noticed and what I put in my (review) article, which was published with a photo of that royal."</p> <p>“I began to question if it was only my manuscript that had the name in it. I went to get the book from a store and it was exactly the same,” Mr Evers said.</p> <p>“A woman called from the publisher saying there was a legal problem and my article had to be removed.”</p> <p>It is unclear how the error occurred, but Mr Scobie confirmed that the first royal family member named in the book is not the one stated in the letters from Meghan Markle. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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New royal book pulled from shelves over huge legal blunder

<p>Copies of an explosive new book about the royal family are being pulled from shelves and destroyed after a translation error "accidentally named" the alleged "royal racist". </p> <p>Sales of the new book <em>Endgame</em>, written by Omid Scobie who also wrote <em>Finding Freedom</em> about Harry and Meghan's exit from the royal family, were "temporarily" put on hold just days after its release after what has been labelled an error. </p> <p>According to Xander, the publishers of the Dutch edition of Scobie's book, a translation error led to a member of the royal family being identified as the person who made comments about baby Archie's skin colour. </p> <p>“[We are] temporarily withdrawing the book by Omid Scobie from sale. An error occurred in the Dutch translation and is currently being rectified,” the company said in a statement on Tuesday.</p> <p>Meanwhile, <em><a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/24884315/royal-racist-accidentally-named-omid-scobie/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Sun</a></em> claims that thousands of copies of the book are now being destroyed as a result.</p> <p>The "racist royal" scandal dates back to when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview in 2021, when Markle  alleged that while she was pregnant with their first child, Prince Archie, there were “concerns and conversations” from a member of the royal family about how dark his skin might be.</p> <p>The Duchess of Sussex stopped short of naming the person involved, telling Winfrey, “I think that would be very damaging to them.”</p> <p>In the original edition of his book, Scobie also declines to identify the royal, claiming libel laws prevented him from doing so – although he has confirmed he knows who it is.</p> <p>“I do know who made the comments about Archie’s skin colour,” he told UK program <em>Good Morning</em> during his book press tour.</p> <p>“The names were mentioned in letters between Meghan and Charles that were exchanged sometime after the Oprah interview."</p> <p>“We know from sources that Charles was horrified that that’s how Meghan felt. Those conversations were, and that he wanted to, sort of as a representative for the family, have that conversation with her.</p> <p>“And it is why I personally think they have been able to move forward with some kind of line of communication afterwards. Though they may not see eye-to-eye on it.”</p> <p>It’s understood the royal family member accidentally named in the Dutch edition was not the person Meghan had been referring to.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Harper Collins</em></p>

Books

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Harry Connick Jnr finally comes clean on feud with Kyle

<p>Kyle Sandilands and Harry Connick Jr. have hashed out their rumoured ongoing feud, calling a truce live on air. </p> <p>The radio shock jock welcomed the singer on <em>The Kyle and Jackie O Show</em> on Wednesday morning to discuss his upcoming Australian tour, when Sandilands brought up their long-running beef. </p> <p>“You know what I admire about Harry, and I’ve watched Harry too,” he told co-host Jackie O when Connick Jr. was on the line.</p> <p>“When you think some doesn't like you, you watch them, you, over-analyse them and you start getting in your head, ‘I wonder why he doesn’t like me?’”</p> <p>Kyle then discussed some lessons he had learned from Harry during their time on Australian Idol together, “What I do know about Harry, and he told the Idol contestants this last year, is read the room. You’ve got to perform to whoever is there, whether it’s an auditorium or it’s to three people on a TV show.”</p> <p>Rather than welcoming the compliment, Connick Jr. thought Sandilands was being sarcastic and "tricky" by stirring the pot. </p> <p>“I see how tricky you are, slipping in there that I don’t like you,” the star said on air. “I don’t know where you got that from. I do like you very much and I really enjoyed our time together. So I see you trying to flip that in there, but you’re not gonna get that past me, pal.”</p> <p>Henderson said Sandilands may have been “paranoid”, while he agreed he “misread” the situation.</p> <p>“So this whole time, I should’ve maybe asked,” he told Connick Jr, who replied: “I love my wife and kids, and I’ve been very lucky in may career. Life is too short for any kind of … I just love life. So when you say I don’t like you, I’m not sure where that comes from, but for the record, I do like you very much and so everything is cool from my end.”</p> <p>While he accepted the explanation, Sandilands also remained slightly sceptical because Connick Jr “is a very good actor” after all, he said.</p> <p>“But Kyle the thing about actors is we don’t lie – we tell the truth,” replied Connick Jr.</p> <p>“You gotta tell the truth in the scene because, if you’re lying, you’re not being true to your character.”</p> <p>Sandilands then urged listeners to forget “everything I’ve ever said about Harry”.</p> <p><em>Image credits: KIIS FM / Getty Images</em></p>

TV

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

<p dir="ltr">Actress Talulah Riley has announced that she is engaged to former child star Thomas Brodie-Sangster after two years together.</p> <p dir="ltr">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!"</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Pride and Prejudice</em> actress, 37,  and the <em>Love Actually </em>star, 33, first met during the filming of their TV series <em>Pistol </em>where they also played a couple. </p> <p>Twitter and Tesla CEO Elon Musk responded to his ex-wife's happy news with a simple: "Congratulations!"</p> <p>Elon's sister Tosca also replied with "Congratulations, Talulah" and a red heart emoji. </p> <p>Fans took to the comments on Twitter to congratulate the couple. </p> <p>"Congratulations! I wish the couple much happiness," wrote one fan. </p> <p>"Love conquers all. When you find love, hold on to it and never let it go. Very good news," wrote another. </p> <p>"Congratulations. Happy for you!" commented a third. </p> <p>"Congratulations, great couple!" wrote a fourth with two red heart emojis. </p> <p>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 <em>British Academy Film Awards</em>. </p> <p>Riley was previously married to Elon Musk, 52, twice before her relationship with Brodie-Sangster. </p> <p>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. </p> <p><em>Image: Twitter/ Getty</em></p>

Relationships

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Meghan and Lilibet spotted in rare outing

<p dir="ltr">There has been a rare sighting of Meghan Markle and her daughter, Princess Lilibet, in California.</p> <p dir="ltr">The royal mother-daughter duo were spotted close to their home in Montecito, California, as they joined revellers to celebrate the Fourth of July in a parade.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince Harry and Prince Archie, four, were also in attendance but in the short clip shared on social media, they are obscured by other members of the crowd watching the event.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video of the royal sighting was posted by a local hotel, which shows an Independence Day parade featuring a display of vintage and modern cars, along with local ambulances and fire trucks, making its way from the San Ysidro Road towards East Valley.</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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CuSz3y2g1Ok/?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/reel/CuSz3y2g1Ok/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rosewood Miramar Beach (@rosewoodmiramarbeach)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Meghan can be seen crouching on the ground with her arms around Lilibet, who is waving an American flag pinwheel, as they both wave to the people in the parade.</p> <p dir="ltr">Prince Harry was also spotted, dressed in casual wear, carrying Lilibet through the crowd.</p> <p dir="ltr">The rare sighting comes just days after the Sussexes continue to sit out official royal events, as King Charles celebrated his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/not-my-king-second-coronation-marred-by-protestors" target="_blank" rel="noopener">second coronation</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">King Charles celebrated his coronation a second time during a ceremony in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, just two months after being crowned King in London.</p> <p dir="ltr">The monarch was joined by Queen Camilla, and Prince and Princess of Wales, who are known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, for a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication held in his honour.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the grand and emotional service, the ceremony was slightly marred by anti-monarch protestors outside.</p> <p dir="ltr">The protestors stood chanting "not my King" for hours on end so loudly, that the voices could be heard from inside the church during the quieter moments of the ceremony.</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Prince Harry’s "dangerous paparazzi pursuit" called into question

<p>Photo agency Backgrid has spoken out against claims the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland were involved in a “near catastrophic car chase” with paparazzi after attending an awards ceremony in New York.</p> <p>"At BACKGRID USA Inc., we value transparency and ethics in journalism, which include providing fair and factual responses to claims," Backgrid's statement reads.</p> <p>"We are aware of Prince Harry's statement regarding an alleged 'near catastrophic car chase' involving himself, Meghan Markle, and her mother, in New York City on Tuesday night.”</p> <p>"We want to clarify that we have received photos and videos of last night's events from four freelance photographers, three of whom were in cars and one of whom was riding a bicycle,” the statement continues.</p> <p>"It is important to note that these photographers have a professional responsibility to cover newsworthy events and personalities, including public figures such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.”</p> <p>Backgrid went on to say that according to the accounts given to them by the freelance photographers, they were covering Harry and Meghan’s time in New York City, which included a potential dinner following the awards ceremony.</p> <p>"They had no intention of causing any distress or harm, as their only tool was their cameras. A few of the photos even show Meghan Markle smiling inside a cab," the statement says.</p> <p>"The photographers report that one of the four SUVs from Prince Harry's security escort was driving in a manner that could be perceived as reckless,” it says.</p> <p>"The vehicle was seen blocking off streets, and in one video, it is shown being pulled over by the police," Backgrid reports in the statement.</p> <p>"We understand that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's security detail had a job to do, and we respect their work," it continues.</p> <p>"We do, however, want to point out that according to the photographers present, there were no near-collisions or near crashes during this incident. The photographers have reported feeling that the couple was not in immediate danger at any point.”</p> <p>The alleged car chase occurred on May 17 after the trio attended the Women in Vision Awards, hosted at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.</p> <p>"Last night, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Ms Ragland were involved in a near catastrophic car chase at the hands of a ring of highly aggressive paparazzi," a spokesperson for the couple said in a statement.</p> <p>"This relentless pursuit, lasting over two hours, resulted in multiple near collisions involving other drivers on the road, pedestrians and two NYPD officers.</p> <p>"While being a public figure comes with a level of interest from the public, it should never come at the cost of anyone's safety.</p> <p>"Dissemination of these images, given the ways in which they were obtained, encourages a highly intrusive practice that is dangerous to all in involved.”</p> <p>It was alleged the incident involved a half-dozen vehicles with blacked out windows and included some individuals driving the footpath, running red lights and reversing down a one-way street.</p> <p>The New York Police Department (NYPD) released a short statement, dubbing it a “transport challenge”.</p> <p>"The NYPD assisted the private security team protecting the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," they said.</p> <p>"There were numerous photographers that made their transport challenging.</p> <p>"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrived at their destination and there were no reported collisions, summonses, injuries, or arrests in regard.”</p> <p>New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he was yet to receive a full briefing but labelled the pursuit as “reckless and irresponsible”, comparing it to Princess Diana’s 1997 death in a Paris car crash after being chased by paparazzi.</p> <p>"You shouldn't be speeding anywhere, but this is a densely populated city, and I think all of us, I don't think there's many of us who don't recall how his mum died," Adams told reporters when asked about the incident.</p> <p>"It's clear that the paparazzi want to get the right shot, they want to get the right story, but public safety must always be at the forefront," Adams said.</p> <p>A member of the Sussexes’ security team, Chris Sanchez, referred to the incident as “chaotic” in an interview with <em>CNN’s</em> Max Foster.</p> <p>"I have never seen, experienced anything like this," he said. "What we were dealing with was very chaotic. There were about a dozen vehicles: cars, scooters and bicycles.”</p> <p>He also said the couple were scared but relieved when they returned to the apartment where they were staying, which is believed to be a friend’s private residence.</p> <p>"The public were in jeopardy at several points. It could have been fatal," Sachez said.</p> <p>A local law enforcement source also corroborated some of the Sussexes’ reports to<em> CNN</em>.</p> <p>They said a group of paparazzi in cars, motorcycles and scooters followed the trio as they left the ceremony, where Meghan had accepted an award from the Ms Foundation, alongside Black Voters Matter co-founder LaTosha Brown.</p> <p>Footage on social media showed Harry, Meghan and Ragland all leaving the Manhattan venue through the public exit, with lights flashing intensely as they got into a waiting SUV with cheering crowds behind barriers waving them off.</p> <p>Another video posted by <em>TMZ</em> saw the couple in a yellow New York City cab, stuck in traffic several blocks away from the venue, as photographers recorded them through the windows. The taxi was being escorted by NYPD vehicles with flashing lights.</p> <p>However, the taxi driver Sukhcharn Singh seemingly refutes the claims of a “near catastrophic car chase”.</p> <p>Singh told <em>The Washington Post</em> he drove "Harry, Meghan, an older Black woman and one security guard" for a brief period, believed to be about 10 minutes.</p> <p>“I don’t think I would call it a chase,” Singh said. “I never felt like I was in danger. It wasn’t like a car chase in a movie.</p> <p>“They were quiet and seemed scared but it’s New York – it’s safe.”</p> <p>Singh did confirm the trio were being followed.</p> <p>“They kept following us and were coming next to the car. They took pictures as we stopped and were filming us.”</p> <p>When asked by the <em>BBC</em> if there was a “near-catastrophic chase”, he said, “I don’t think that’s true. I think that’s all exaggerated.”</p> <p>Singh later spoke on Piers Morgan’s <em>Sky News Australia</em> program <em>Uncensored</em> and gave more insight into what happened when the royals and Ms Ragland got into his cab.</p> <p>He said they were about to inform him of their destination address before paparazzi surrounded his vehicle, which was being followed by a police escort.</p> <p>“Prince Harry and his wife and another lady jumped into my cab. And they seemed very nervous,” he said.</p> <p>“We went a block, we were blocked by a [garbage] truck and then all of a sudden paparazzi just came out of nowhere and flashes just went off.</p> <p>“They were just about to say the location where they were going to go but then the paparazzis came and the security guard said, ‘Hey listen – just circle back to the precinct’.”</p> <p>Singh said he spent about 15 minutes with the royals who paid him a $US50 tip on top of the $US17 fare.</p> <p>“I’ve had other celebrities in my cab as well but this one, they completely surrounded the car and just went crazy with the camera,” he said.</p> <p>“We just went around the block and two cars were tailing us, behind us, with the camera and that was it.</p> <p>“I don’t know what they went through, right, because I only had interaction with them for 15 minutes and they seemed very nervous when they were in my cab.”</p> <p>When asked whether it was a two-hour car chase, Singh responded, “That must have happened before me.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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