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King and Queen of Spain attacked during royal visit

<p>The king and queen of Spain have been attacked by furious locals during a tour of the flood-ravaged area of Valencia. </p> <p id="story-headline">King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were met by an angry mob who have been dealing with the fallout of deadly flooding that has killed 217 people, with another 1,900 missing. </p> <p>Accompanied by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the royal couple arrived in Paiporta on Sunday, when a crowd of hundreds descended.</p> <p>The crowd began to throw mud, rocks, sticks and rubbish at the group while screaming “murderer” and “shame”, with much of the vitriol seeming to be directed as the Spanish leader.</p> <p>The royals were struck with some of the debris, with vision showing the couple’s faces and clothing dirtied with mud.</p> <p>“It’s been four days, where have you been?” one onlooker yelled at the king. “You’ve just come here to pose for pictures. You have no shame.”</p> <p>Another screamed at a visibly frightened Queen Letizia, “You lack for nothing while we here don’t even have water to drink.”</p> <p>According to reports, security tried to whisk the royals away to safety but King Felipe insisted they stay and continue speaking with those who wanted to, with the couple later seen consoling survivors, with one man crying on the king’s shoulder. </p> <p>As they eventually got into their car to leave, a policeman shouted “long live the king”, which was met with howls of “guillotine” by some of the protesters.</p> <p>In a statement issued by the palace hours after the melee, it was announced a second visit by the king to nearby Chiva, another flood-affected town, had been called off.</p> <p>Juan Bordera, a local politician in Valencia, told the BBC that the king and queen’s tour was a “very bad decision”.</p> <p>“It’s logical that the people are angry, it’s logical that the people didn’t understand why this visit is so urgent,” Mr Bordera told the <em>BBC</em>.</p> <p><em>Image credits: GTres/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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New details about Queen Elizabeth's final hours revealed

<p>The final hours of Queen Elizabeth's life have been shared in a tell-all new book about the royals, detailing how Her Majesty was forced to pull out of an important meeting before she died. </p> <p>In his book, <em>Charles III: New King, New Court</em>, author Robert Hardman shared that the day before her death, Queen Elizabeth had met the departing British prime minister, Boris Johnson, and his replacement, Liz Truss, at Balmoral and attended a drinks party that same evening. </p> <p>Hardman wrote that the Queen felt "buzzy" at the event, but her health quickly took a turn for the worst. </p> <p>“She was quite buzzy over pre-dinner drinks,” one guest at the party told Hardman. </p> <p>“But then she said she was going upstairs to have dinner alone.”</p> <p>The monarch then spent the next day in bed, but reportedly arranged with the Privy Council to dial in via video link for an important meeting. </p> <p>As her health deteriorated throughout the day, that was changed to allow for her to call from her bedroom in an audio-only capacity, according to Hardman.</p> <p>But just moments before the meeting was set to get underway, the Queen reportedly made the difficult decision to cancel entirely on “medical advice”.</p> <p>It was that evening that then-Prince Charles was advised by Princess Anne and his private secretary to make his way urgently to his mother’s bedside, with fears that the end was near.</p> <p>Hardman writes that the following day, Charles was told his mother had died over the phone, having briefly left her bedside to have a moment to himself outside.</p> <p>Sadly, most of the royal family didn't make it to Balmoral in time to see the Queen before she passed, with Prince William, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward and his wife Sophie all landing 40 minutes later.</p> <p>Prince Harry shared in his own memoir <em>Spare</em> that he learned of his grandmother’s death by reading it in a BBC breaking news alert, moments after his own flight landed.</p> <p>The Queen died at 3:10pm on September 8th 2022, after more than 70 years on the throne.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

Caring

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"Psycho": Biographer reveals truth about Queen Elizabeth's corgis

<p>The late Queen Elizabeth's love for her corgis was well known throughout her reign, but a new book suggests the pups weren't as sweet as they seemed. </p> <p>The late monarch was a fan of corgis and dorgis – a mix breed between a corgi and dachshund, and she bred them from a young age, owning a total of 83 over 14 generations. </p> <p>In his new biography, <em>A Voyage Around the Queen</em>, Journalist Craig Brown has revealed that the Queen's dogs were actually "psycho" and known for their unpredictable temperament. </p> <p>While it was a common trait for their breed, Brown claims that the lineage bred by the Queen was particularly nightmarish, especially her first Corgi, Dookie. </p> <p>"Dookie did not restrict his aggression to humans: he would happily attack the dining room chairs at Royal Lodge, the family home in Windsor Great Park," he shared.</p> <p>He claimed that Dookie even once bit a politician who came to visit. According to Brown, the corgi's disposition for violence was passed down from generation to generation, even recalling what the Queen's first dorgi, Honey, was like. </p> <p>"In 1984, Piper, the great-great-great-grand dorgi of Honey sank his teeth in several victims, including the Queen Mother and Prince Edward," explained Brown.</p> <p>The journalist added that Piper was then handed over to Princess Anne, who allegedly has a "soft spot for nippers and biters."</p> <p>The late Queen did eventually figure out how to keep the violence at bay, although the method itself is a little strange. </p> <p>"Coincidentally, the way to scare off a belligerent corgi is the same as for a belligerent human being: a blast from the bagpipes," Brown wrote.</p> <p>"Happily, the Queen always kept a set of bagpipes at hand."</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram/ thequeenscorgis</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Lidia Thorpe's "pledge" to Queen Elizabeth raises questions

<p>Senator Lidia Thorpe has revealed she twisted her words during her pledge of allegiance while being sworn in to Parliament, leaving other senators calling for action. </p> <p>While explaining her <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/you-are-not-my-king-lidia-thorpe-interrupts-charles-parliament-house-visit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">stunt</a> in Canberra during King Charles' visit to Australia, Thorpe said she did not regret her protest against the monarch. </p> <p>She said King Charles III, who she called “Charlie” was “not the King of this country” and suggested the royal family, from a historical perspective, were “murdering thieves”.</p> <p>“The colonial system is all about shutting Blak women down in this country. They have got a very good track record of that,” she said on ABC. </p> <p>“I can tell you now there are Elders, grassroots Aboriginal people across this country and Torres Strait Islander people who are just so proud (of her protest),” Senator Thorpe said.</p> <p>“They say that it has lit a fire back in their belly and they want to join the resistance. I have been contacted by Elders who have said, particularly a Ngunnawal Elder who said, ‘I wished you had told me you were going to do that because I would have walked right beside you’”.</p> <p>Following Thorpe's outburst, Victorian Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie has raised concerns this week that her outburst may have involved renouncing her sworn parliamentary affirmation to be faithful and bear true allegiance to the monarch.</p> <p>ABC host Greg Bennett posed the question to Thorpe, “Did you renounce that in the comments you delivered in the Great Hall?,” to which the Senator said she never did in the first place. </p> <p>“And I swore allegiance to the Queen’s hairs, if you listen close enough,” she said. “It was her hairs, not her heirs that I was giving my allegiance to and now that they are no longer here, I don’t know where that stands."</p> <p>“I’m not giving up my job, I’m not resigning. I am not an expert on colonial laws. The only experience I have had with colonial laws is the violence of them and the violence of pledging allegiance to the oppressor is absolutely out of date and absolutely a disgusting thing to make someone do."</p> <p>“This country wants to swear allegiance to a king from another country whose ancestors have been responsible for massacres, so many massacres in this country, killing our children and women. Why would I, with my hand on my heart, kneel to an oppressor?"</p> <p>National Senator Bridget McKenzie said that Senator Thorpe had questions to answer, saying on ABC radio, “Senator Thorpe, I think, is the only parliamentarian that I’ve ever known to disavow their oath of allegiance to our sovereign and their heirs and successors according to law.”</p> <p>“So if it was happening in a court of law where you breached your oath, that’s contempt, that’s perjury, that’s a criminal offence, and so I think there are some legitimate questions to be asked about this and what is the consequence of Senator Thorpe’s action from a constitutional perspective.”</p> <p>But Monash University constitutional law professor Luke Beck disagreed, saying, “Engaging in protest activity is not grounds for disqualification. Advocating for a republic is not a ground for disqualification.“</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock/LUKAS COCH/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

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Surprising cost of King Charles' Aussie dinner item

<p>While royal fans have expressed their excitement over King Charles and Queen Camilla's trip to Australia, others weren't as happy with how much <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/money-banking/king-charles-97k-arrival-gift-slammed-as-waste-of-money" target="_blank" rel="noopener">taxpayer money</a> is being splashed out on the visit. </p> <p>The royals touched down in Sydney on Friday, and with members of the public questioning the cost of the monarch's visit, the cost of the wine selection for their dinner with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon on Monday have been revealed - and it's surprisingly affordable. </p> <p>All five wines on the menu were under $40. </p> <p>The royal selection included:</p> <ul> <li>Josef Chromy Sparkling NV (RRP $32.99)</li> <li>Hentley Farm Eden Valley Riesling (RRP $28)</li> <li>Hentley Farm Barossa Shiraz (RRP $36.50)</li> <li>Castelli Silver Series Chardonnay (RRP $25)</li> <li>Cape Mentelle Marmaduke Cabernet Sauvignon (RRP $21.99)</li> </ul> <p>David Moulton, Chief Winemaker at Margaret River winery Cape Mentelle, told <em>Yahoo Lifestyle </em>that it was "really exciting" to have their wine on the list. </p> <p>“We received a picture message of the menu, and it worked its way across the entire business - it brought such a positive energy to the team,” he told the publication. </p> <p>“The door is always open to the King next time he wants to venture out of NSW and visit us here in Margaret River, so long as the door is open to Cape Mentelle to serve our wines in the palace!”</p> <p>However, the beer selection at the Federal government’s Parliamentary Reception was slammed online, with the selections being: Great Northern, Great Northern zero alcohol, and Furphy.</p> <p>“Good to see a couple of WA wineries in the wine selection. But those beer selections are horrendous,” one said. </p> <p>Another quipped: “LOL Great Northern… may as well gone all out and had VB and Carlton Draft." </p> <p>“As well as crap beer, the wine list is very much on the budget side. Probably not a bad thing seeing how much they cost the taxpayer usually,” another added. </p> <p><em>Images: X/ Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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King Charles' $97k arrival gift slammed as "waste of money"

<p>King Charles and Queen Camilla are set for a lavish welcome to commemorate their first visit since 2018, but taxpayers are not impressed with the massive cost. </p> <p>The sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated from 8pm on Friday for four minutes with images from previous royal visits intended to show the "diverse ways in which Their Majesties have engaged with and celebrated NSW and Australia over the years."</p> <p>“We are lighting up the Sydney Opera House to warmly welcome The King and Queen to our beautiful harbour city," Premier Chris Minns said in a statement.</p> <p>"The photo projection on the Opera House sails celebrates a historic moment - The King’s first visit to NSW as Sovereign - and is a fitting tribute."</p> <p>The gesture does not come cheap, costing taxpayers an estimated $97,030, and many were unhappy about it. </p> <p>"Cannot support wasting our taxes on people who wouldn’t be here if we didn’t pay," one person wrote on Facebook. </p> <p>"At a time when rents are sky high ...more and more homeless.. Hospitals are overcrowded...Food and petrol prices are ridiculous...Do you really think it excites battling Aussies...having money spent this way?" another person asked.</p> <p>"How many homeless could be housed with the money spent on a visit by millionaires, paid by us?" another wrote. </p> <p>"Waste of money! Channel the funds to the needy. King who with the horse?!," another remarked.</p> <p>However, there were a few others who expressed their excitement about the royal visit. </p> <p>"I will definitely head in with the kids to see this," one wrote. </p> <p>"As a monarchist, yes I'm going there to warmly welcome them," another commented. </p> <p>"Can’t wait for their majesties arrival," a third added. </p> <p>Royal fans will have a chance to meet or see the monarchs, as they plant to engage with members of the public on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt on October 22nd at 4.20pm. </p> <p>Their appearance will be followed by a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour, featuring an Australian Defence Force fly past.</p> <p>Members of the public can see the ships and fly past from various vantage points including  Farm Cove, Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair at approximately 4.50pm.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Fresh claims about Queen Elizabeth's health in her final days

<p>Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has shared a sad claim about Queen Elizabeth and her secret health battle that she was going through before her death in 2022. </p> <p>Johnson reflected on his relationship with the former monarch in his upcoming memoir, <em>Unleashed</em>, detailing his final meeting with the Queen at Balmoral Castle just days before she died.</p> <p>In the book, he explained that the Queen had been battling bone cancer and was worried about the deterioration of her condition.</p> <p>“I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline,” Johnson wrote in an excerpt obtained by the <em><a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13901877/BORIS-JOHNSON-meeting-Queen-inspirational-words-wisdom.html">Daily Mail</a></em>.</p> <p>Before their meeting, Johnson claimed the Queen’s private secretary, Edward Young, warned him that her health had “gone down quite a bit over the summer.”</p> <p>“She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark ­bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections,” Johnson wrote.</p> <p>He continued, “But her mind – as Edward had also said – was completely ­unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our ­conversation she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty.”</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth died just two days after their final meeting. </p> <p>According to Johnson, the Queen “had known all ­summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty” by overseeing the “peaceful and orderly transition” of power from him to his successor Liz Truss.</p> <p>Johnson isn’t the first person to have claimed the late monarch was diagnosed with cancer during her final years, as royal author Gyles Brandreth wrote about rumours Her Majesty had a rare form of myeloma, a bone marrow cancer, in his book, <em>Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait</em>.</p> <p>He explained that the diagnosis “would explain her tiredness and weight loss and those ‘mobility issues’ we were often told about during the last year or so of her life.”</p> <p>However, the Queen’s official cause of death was listed as “old age” and the palace has never disclosed any other medical records.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Andrew Parsons/No 10 Downing Street/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Caring

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How you can get the official Australian portraits of The King and Queen

<p>Royal fans nationwide can now request a special keepsake online for free. </p> <p>All Australians are entitled to their very own free portrait of King Charles and Queen Camilla. The way one can obtain the monarchy keepsake is through sending an email to their local federal MP requesting one. </p> <p>The initiative comes under the constituents' request program, which allows registered Australian voters to receive their own printed portrait of the royals. </p> <p>Official portraits of the King and Queen were provided to the Australian Government by Buckingham Palace in July and are available for public access. </p> <p>Photos available include a photo of the royal couple standing together, and seperate ones of the monarch and her majesty posing alone. </p> <p>In the photos the King and Queen both donned royal blue outfits and their Commonwealth Insignia, with the King wearing The Sovereign's Badge of the Order of Australia and the Queen wearing the Wattle Brooch.</p> <p>The portraits were taken by royal photographer Millie Pilkington in Buckingham Palace's White Drawing Room in June.</p> <p>The digital images can be downloaded for free from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet <a href="https://www.pmc.gov.au/government/official-australian-portraits-king-and-queen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a> for private use. Those who want a physical copy can request printed versions through  their Federal Member of the House of Representatives or Senator in their state or territory via email.</p> <p>The government-funded program, introduced in the Parliamentary Entitles Act 1990, is available for Australian citizens only.</p> <p><em>Image: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet/ </span>Millie Pilkington</em></p>

Art

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"This is horrific": Queen icon calls out convincing scam

<p>Brian May has spoken out after becoming the target of a dangerous scam, urging people to be careful online. </p> <p>The guitarist of iconic rock band Queen was made aware of the scam by a fan, who sent him the TikTok of what seems to be May himself offering concert tickets at a discount. </p> <p>The video, which is actually AI-generated and has nothing to do with May or with Queen, shows the rockstar offering music fans the chance to see a concert from backstage. </p> <p>“I hope you’re all well out there,” says the fake Brian May in the video. “Some good news. Backstage tickets for my next show in your cities are now going for only $800, which were previously $2000. I’m only selecting 10 people in the comments, so if you’re ready to make payment, comment, ‘ready’.”</p> <p>May responded to the post publicly, sharing his horror and anger with fans over the “creepy” video, saying, “My God. This is horrific.”</p> <p>“I suppose this is now so easy to do – and there are always people who will sink to any depths to try to make a quick buck. Disgusting.”</p> <p>He continued, “Thanks for the alert dear (TikTok username) stereojazz. I’ve alerted our team and hopefully we can squash this.”</p> <p>Fans were quick to comment that they had almost been fooled by the convincing video. </p> <p>“That they abuse your beautiful personality for this scam hurts even more and is really scary. I hate it,” commented one. </p> <p>“It is insanely terrifying what AI can do these days,” wrote another.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Legal

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"Laughably bad": New sculpture of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip divides opinion

<p>A newly unveiled bronze sculpture of the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip has received somewhat mixed reviews from the public, with many criticising the piece for looking "nothing like" them. </p> <p>The artwork was unveiled at Antrim Castle Gardens in Northern Ireland on Friday, and was commissioned by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, which said the piece  “captures Her Majesty in a dignified pose, reflecting her grace, steadfastness and lifelong dedication to public service”.</p> <p>It also depicts two of her famous corgis at her feet and her husband, Philip standing behind her with his hands behind his back. </p> <p>While the local council told CNN that the bronze statue of the Queen "has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person," many have ridiculed the statue for looking nothing like them. </p> <p>One user wrote on X that it was "laughably bad", adding: "It doesn't even look an iota like her, does it? Am I blind, or is that just nothing like the Queen? Surely they pay a fortune for these commissioned pieces - is there no requirement that there actually be a likeness?"</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">It doesn't even look an iota like her, does it? Am I blind, or is that just nothing like the Queen? Surely they pay a fortune for these commissioned pieces - is there no requirement that there actually be a likeness?</p> <p>Why is everything so shit, now?</p> <p>— Dr Dani Sulikowski (@DrDaniS) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrDaniS/status/1832347891433927015?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Another user on X wrote: “It is awful...It looks nothing like the Queen or the Prince.. Terrible..Dreadful..Melt it down and start again”. </p> <p>One person commented on the council's announcement of the artwork that while it was "beautiful" the statue didn't "look like our late queen or represent how she always dressed".</p> <p>"Even the corgi is confused," another user wrote.</p> <p>“Would you know this was the late Queen if I didn't tell you?" another wrote on X. </p> <p>Following the wave of criticism, the council acknowledged that at "art can sometimes spark diverse opinions" but said that it "was particularly pleased with how the (Elizabeth) sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis."</p> <p><em>Images: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council</em></p>

Art

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New details revealed on King Charles and Queen Camilla's Australia tour

<p>King Charles and Queen Camilla are visiting Australia next month for the first time in five years, and now their itinerary for the trip has finally been revealed. </p> <p>First on the line up the King has scheduled a meeting with Australians of the Year, Professor Georgina Long AO and Professor Richard Scolyer AO in Sydney to learn about their ground-breaking research into cancer. </p> <p>The five-day tour will kick off on October 18 to October 23 and will take place in Canberra and Sydney. </p> <p>During their time in the ACT, the royal couple have been invited to  Parliament House by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and there they will attend a reception for political and community leaders, as well as Australians who have excelled within health, arts and culture. </p> <p>They will then pay their respects at the Australian War Memorial, before visiting the Australian National Botanic Gardens to discuss the global impacts of climate change with staff and volunteers. </p> <p>While in the ACT the couple will also branch off for separate engagements with Charles heading to  the CSIRO headquarters to discuss the toll of bushfires with scientists, and Camilla participating in a discussion on family and domestic violence.</p> <p>In Sydney, while the King meets with the cancer research team, the Queen will visit a library and meet with children participating in  a Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition workshop.</p> <p>The royal couple will also conduct a Fleet Review of the Royal Australian Navy, and attend a community BBQ celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity.  </p> <p>After their Australian visit, the royals will then head to Samoa to attend the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). </p> <p>This trip will mark their first visit Down Under since the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast in 2018, and the first time a reigning monarch has visited the country since Queen Elizabeth in 2011. </p> <p>The Palace first confirmed the Australia tour in July, but they did not add New Zealand to the itinerary on the advice of the King's doctor as he continues to recover. </p> <p>In a statement following the news, Prime Minister Albanese said he was looking forward to welcoming the King and Queen back.</p> <p>“I welcome Buckingham Palace’s statement announcing the visit,” Albanese said at the time. </p> <p>“The Royal Visit is an opportunity to showcase the best of Australia – our rich culture, our sense of community, and contributions to science, research and global progress.</p> <p>“His Majesty first visited Australia in 1966, and has a strong personal affection for our nation. We are delighted that His Majesty is recovering well and has made visiting Australia once again a priority.</p> <p>“Australians look forward to welcoming The King and Queen back to Australia in October, and highlighting the best of the Australian spirit.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert at 30: more important, enjoyable and vital than ever

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-gaunson-265553">Stephen Gaunson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>The lavender painted bus named “Priscilla” continues to pick up new fans while never going out of favour with its legion of original devotees, 30 years after its release.</p> <p>The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was shot on location in and around Sydney, Broken Hill, Coober Pedy, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs over six weeks in 1993.</p> <p>Directed by Stephan Elliott, the film screened in the <em>Un Certain Regard</em> section of the May 1994 Cannes Film Festival, winning <a href="https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-885750952/view?sectionId=nla.obj-888737519&amp;searchTerm=priscilla+queen+of+the+desert&amp;partId=nla.obj-885806856#page/n13/mode/1up">critical and popular acclaim</a> for its positive portrayal of LGBTQI+ characters.</p> <p>Awards came, most notably for costume designers Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner who won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design for their sparkly, sequin-filled costumes.</p> <p>The film’s cultural brilliance lies in juxtaposing the extreme flamboyance of the costumes and props against the equally extreme rural natural desert landscape. The unexpected revelation for audiences was how perfectly these contrasting elements harmonised.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wGWWeourHUg?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>A smash hit</h2> <p>Less than 12 months since its release, the Film Finance Corporation (FFC) of Australia had the rare success of <a href="https://if.com.au/why-the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-turned-the-government-a-profit-in-just-12-months/">fully recouping</a> its A$1.67 million investment.</p> <p>Initially hesitant due to Elliott’s disappointing box office return on his debut feature, Frauds (1993), the FFC was convinced after the screenplay gained attention at Cannes. The film exceeded predictions, grossing more than $16 million in Australia.</p> <p>The film was socially and critically embraced as an instant classic.</p> <p>Ask cinema employees from this time and they will all share similar memories of lines of people outside the cinema doors eager to watch and rewatch (and rewatch again) the musical road movie about a pair of drag queens (Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce) and a transgender woman (Terence Stamp) as they set out from Sydney on a bus journey across the Australian outback.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tex3dw3RjGk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The casting today seems like more of a sure bet than it did in 1994. Stamp was a British actor of <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/12/terence-stamp-i-was-in-my-prime-but-when-the-60s-ended-i-ended-with-it">legendary status</a>, having gained critical accolades in the 1960s in films such as Billy Budd, The Collector and Far from the Madding Crowd. However Stamp was equally a <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/event/article-4869258/Terence-Stamp-79-bids-farewell-active-sex-life.html">regular tabloid subject</a> for his high-profile romances with film star Julie Christie and supermodel Jean Shrimpton.</p> <p>Would audiences be willing to go with the idea of this playboy as the trandsgender woman, Bernadette?</p> <p>It is now impossible to consider any actor better able to deliver Terrance Stamps’s deadpan sardonic lines so perfectly: “Don’t ‘Darling’, me, Darling. Look at you. You’ve got a face like a cat’s arse.”</p> <p>Pearce and Weaving also were a risk. Neither were box office marquee stars at the time. Pearce was known as a lovable Mike from the popular television soap opera, Neighbours. Weaving was a critically respected actor known more for his quirky small parts than as a star in his own right.</p> <p>Both were perfect casting, launching them onto Hollywood careers. Pearce as Adam was a remarkable revelation.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p2QiCFAQ-qQ?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The chemistry and connection between the three lead actors makes the film truly succeed.</p> <p>Never do their performances seem showboating or forced. Each has their own arc, personality and journey. And when they climb Kings Canyon in full drag regalia at the film’s end there is something moving about what they have been able to accomplish together.</p> <p>A film that begins to be a slight and joyful comedy about drag performers becomes a deeper essay on the importance of lived experience and friendship (or, dare I say, mateship).</p> <h2>More vital than ever</h2> <p>Drag has a <a href="https://www.remindmagazine.com/article/3894/drag-through-decades-film-tv/">long history</a> in mainstream cinema with its own codes and references.</p> <p>The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert is crucially different by it not being about “straight” men masquerading as women to mask their actual identity. Instead, Elliot’s film rather positively celebrates these characters in drag as their true and authentic selves.</p> <p>This film stood with others as a wave of Australian cinema in the 1990s unashamedly wanting to celebrate an Australia juxtaposing the blokey masculine stereotype.</p> <p>Ocker characters (men and women) appear in this film, but ultimately they are publicly humiliated for their homophobia. Bernadette kneeing in the groin the vicious and vulgar Frank (Kenneth Radley) often receives a big cheer from cinema audiences: “Stop flexing your muscles, you big pile of budgie turd,” Bernadette scorns.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9nc12yOA4jM?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Perhaps the true star of the film were not the actors as much as the iconic 1976 Japanese model Hino Freighter Priscilla bus that became the set for several scenes in the film. Because the bus interior was such a small set, there was no room for the crew with many actually in shot, hiding under clothes and other props.</p> <p>The bus, long thought to be lost, was <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-12/bid-to-restore-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-bus/103699136">rediscovered</a> on a farm in New South Wales in 2019. The bus is currently being restored, with an aim to have it on display at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, Adelaide Hills, in 2026. Perhaps it will be good timing for shooting the recently announced <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/04/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-movie-sequel-original-cast-1235890358/">potential sequel</a>.</p> <p>30 years after its original release The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert seems more important, enjoyable and vital than ever. All aboard, Priscilla. Long may she run.</p> <hr /> <p><em>RMIT Capitol will be hosting a <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/thecapitol/events/2024/september/the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert">screening and introductory panel discussion</a> on September 11 with the film’s costume designer Tim Chappel, executive producer Rebel Penfold-Russell, Melbourne Queer Film Festival program director Cerise Howard, historian Kristy Kokegei and Stephen Gaunson.</em><!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/235424/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-gaunson-265553"><em>Stephen Gaunson</em></a><em>, Associate Professor in Cinema Studies, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Metro Goldwyn Mayer</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-adventures-of-priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-at-30-more-important-enjoyable-and-vital-than-ever-235424">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Movies

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Queen Mary's sweet act after Olympic win

<p>Queen Mary has made a surprise appearance at the Olympics and shared a sweet exchange with the Australian swim team after they snatched up a gold medal. </p> <p>The Australian relay team, with Mollie O’Callaghan, Ariarne Titmus, Lani Pallister, and Brianna Throssel  took home the gold and an Olympic record in the women's 4x200m freestyle relay. </p> <p>After they received their gold medals, Ariarne Titmus noticed the Australian-born queen in the stands, and jogged over to her and straight into her arms for a celebratory hug. </p> <p>Queen Mary was beaming with pride as they reveled in the glory. </p> <p>She also pulled out her phone to snap pictures of the moment and even took selfies with the Olympians. </p> <p>“A gold medal in Paris and a royal hug. Does it get any better!” Karl Stefanovic said on the <em>Today Show</em> on Friday morning.</p> <p>“And at the end of the day, it’s two Tasmanians. Look at her taking photos on her phone, I love this, this is such a special moment,” Sarah Abo added.</p> <p>Stefanovic also said “it’s not every day you get a Queen getting a selfie with you”.</p> <p>“That is just stunning. We know Queen Mary’s presence has been felt. She was in the athletes village with Team Australia taking those selfies and hugging the athletes,” Abo added. </p> <p>"And for her to come to this meet knowing how much it would have meant for the people in Australia as well to see her there."</p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p>

International Travel

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Shocking moment Queen Mary is struck by electric scooter

<p>Concerns over the safety of the Danish royal family have been raised after a video surfaced showing Queen Mary being struck by a scooter during a visit to Greenland last month.</p> <p>The footage, released by Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet, depicts the incident in which Queen Mary, wife of King Frederik X, is seen greeting fans before being struck. Onlookers quickly surrounded the scene in shock.</p> <p>The 52-year-old monarch, who has four children, was visibly distressed as she fell but managed to maintain her composure after getting back on her feet. Her security team promptly intervened, halting the scooter's movement. The driver, an elderly man, appeared more shaken than the Queen and stated that he "did not know what happened", explaining that he had intended to extend his arm towards the Queen but accidentally accelerated instead.</p> <p>This incident has prompted widespread debate over the adequacy of security measures for the Danish monarchy. Royal expert Kenth G. Madsen, in an interview with FEMAIL, called for enhanced security protocols during public appearances by royalty and political figures. Madsen cited a recent incident involving Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who was assaulted by a drunk man in Copenhagen.</p> <p>"Threat assessments must be updated regularly to reflect the current security situation," Madsen said. He called for increased surveillance, a larger security presence, the establishment of safe zones around public events, and improved crisis response plans. He also stressed the importance of clear communication between security units.</p> <p>Ekstra Bladet's royal commentator, Kim Bach, criticised Denmark's national security and intelligence service, PET, for allowing a vehicle to get so close to the Queen. "It's strange that they are not more vigilant, just because they are in Greenland," Bach remarked, highlighting the perceived laxity in security measures.</p> <p>Queen Mary was reportedly shaken by the incident, which occurred near her youngest children, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine. King Frederik was also in the vicinity, greeting fans when the accident happened. The palace confirmed that Queen Mary was not injured and continued with her scheduled events.</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/C9LUBJWIGqD/?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/C9LUBJWIGqD/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐲 (@denmarksqueenmary)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Eyewitnesses described the shock of the crowd following the incident. One spectator told <em>The Australian</em>, "I could see how much it hurt her; her eyes watered immediately. It must hurt to be hit at that speed."</p> <p>While both police and palace security concluded that the incident was an innocent mistake, fans and observers have expressed concerns about the Queen's safety. Comments on social media questioned why a motorised scooter – even a mobility one such as this – was allowed so close to the monarch.</p> <p>The incident has sparked a debate about the balance between the royals' accessibility to the public and the need for more robust security measures. Fans and commentators alike have called for a reassessment of the security protocols surrounding the Danish royal family, particularly during public engagements.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

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Royal family celebrates Queen Camilla's 77th birthday

<p>Queen Camilla is 77! </p> <p>Senior members of the royal family have wished her a very happy birthday, with the Prince and Princess of Wales sharing a portrait of her, taken by the Princess on Wednesday. </p> <p>The portrait was featured on the cover of a special commemorative edition of <em>Country Life</em> magazine, two years ago, which the queen helped edit for her 75th birthday. </p> <p>"Wishing Her Majesty a very Happy Birthday!" the Prince and Princess wrote on social media. </p> <p>The royal family's official X account also shared an image of her posing on the balcony of author Victor Hugo's former home in Guernsey on Tuesday, with the caption: "Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy Birthday today." </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🎂 Wishing Her Majesty The Queen a very Happy Birthday today! <a href="https://t.co/Wv5fStZdlm">pic.twitter.com/Wv5fStZdlm</a></p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1813462770127392939?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 17, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>The Queen celebrated her birthday early, with private tour of Hugo's former home, the Hauteville House, where he lived for 15 years during his exile from France, which Camilla called a "remarkable treat". </p> <p>She was presented with some  vintage cheddar by Guernsey Dairy as "an early birthday present" and a group of school children from Sark sang Happy Birthday in the island's native language, Sercquiais.</p> <p>The Queen thanked the children and praised them for their singing. </p> <p>However, it was back to work for the Queen on her official birthday on Wednesday, with an appearance at the State Opening of Parliament, where she  joined the King for the traditional carriage procession to the House of Lords. </p> <p>One of the Queen's friends told the <em>Daily Mail </em>that: "It's not the tip-top way she would choose to be spending her birthday, but you won't ever hear a single word of complaint. <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">About anything, really.</span><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">" </span></p> <p>"For someone who wasn't born into the Royal Family, she's got an extraordinarily strong sense of duty and the temperament to cope."</p> <p><em>Image: X</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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King Charles and Queen Camilla's Australia tour confirmed

<p>King Charles and Queen Camilla are officially coming to Australia! </p> <p>Buckingham Palace confirmed on Monday morning that the monarch and his wife will embark on their first royal tour of Australia as King and Queen in October, with stops including New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. </p> <p>They will also visit Samoa, where they will attend the  2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.</p> <p>This marks the first time a reigning monarch has visited since the late Queen Elizabeth's trip in 2011. </p> <p>However, Charles and Camilla will not be visiting New Zealand based on the advice of doctors, according to the Palace. </p> <p>"The King's doctors have advised that such an extended programme should be avoided at this time, to prioritise His Majesty's continued recovery," a Palace spokesperson said. </p> <p>"In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only," the spokesperson continued.</p> <p>"Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding."</p> <p>Charles' programme in both Australia and Samoa will also "be subject to doctors' advice", and his itinerary may also change according to his health. </p> <p>The royals are expected to spend six days in Australia, before heading to Samoa for the meeting. </p> <p>The last time the couple visited Australia was in 2018, when Charles was still a prince. </p> <p><em>Image: The Royal Family Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

International Travel

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Drawings by teen Queen Victoria to go up for auction

<p>A set of 19th century drawings made by a teenage Queen Victoria will be put up for sale at the Old Master, British and European Pictures auction in Roseberys, London next week. </p> <p>A few of the sketches were made when the royal - who reigned from 1837 until her death in 1901 - was still a princess and just 14 years old. </p> <p>Dated July 1833, the drawings depict a knight, a woman, and a veiled woman on a horseback. </p> <p>The fourth drawing was made a year after she ascended the throne, and depicted a woman sitting with a crown and sash, similar to herself, with the inscription: "by Her Majesty." </p> <p>Charlotte Russell, Head of Sales at the auction house, said: "These slightly early drawings show that maybe she was still learning a lot, that she was still honing her craft." </p> <p>"She was very curious and keen as an artist," Russell told <em>CNN</em>.</p> <p>Roseberys set an estimated sale price of £1,500 to £2,500 ($AU2853 to $4755) for the album with the four sketches, as well as works by other artists.  </p> <p>Russel added that the album was likely assembled by Augusta Hayter, daughter-in-law of George Hayter, who was the Queen's court painter and painted her coronation portrait. </p> <p>The album also features royal ephemera, including an invitation to the coronation of King George IV at Westminster Abbey in 1821.</p> <p>"I'm interested to see how it performs," Russell said. </p> <p>Queen Victoria was very passionate about art, receiving her first drawing lesson at just eight years old. </p> <p>She went on to be tutored by renowned artists like Edwin Landseer, William Leighton Leitch and Franz Xaver Winterhalter.</p> <p>"She is known to have experimented quite a lot with different subjects," Russel said, adding that Victoria would make "little sketches of costumes of people in the areas" where she travelled.</p> <p><em>Images: Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers &amp; Valuers via CNN/ Shutterstock</em></p>

Art

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Two young fundraising heroes treated to private party at Buckingham Palace

<p>Two fundraising heroes have been treated to a private tea party, hosted by Queen Camilla herself, after being forced to miss previous royal events.</p> <p>Tony Hudgell, nine, and Lyla O’Donovan, 11, were due to attend a garden party in May, but Hudgell got stuck in a major traffic jam, while Lyla was undergoing treatment for cancer. </p> <p>Tony — whose legs were amputated after horrific child abuse - was devastated to miss the royal event, as his adoptive mother Paula shared on X (formerly Twitter) how they spent two hours stuck behind a fire truck on a major highway. </p> <p>However, a response on the Royal Family indicated all was not lost, as they replied, “Sorry to hear this, Tony! We were looking forward to seeing you too. Fancy trying again another day? Leave it with us.”</p> <p>Two months on, the two youngsters arrived at Buckingham Palace for the rescheduled treat last week and were given a front-row spot to watch the Changing of the Guard.</p> <p>The two children and their families then enjoyed a private tea party with Queen Camilla, 76, in the palace garden’s Summer House.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🫖 🍰 When Tony and Lyla came to tea … <a href="https://t.co/LTfLrPDjT7">pic.twitter.com/LTfLrPDjT7</a></p> <p>— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1807667556120969625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>The Queen then presented Tony with his British Empire Medal after his nomination in the 2024 New Year’s Honours.</p> <p>Tony, who lost his legs as a baby due to his parents’ cruelty, inspired the nation after doing a 10km walk, raising $2.4 million at age five.</p> <p>Paula said, “We were all extremely honoured and grateful to be invited for afternoon tea with the Queen. Everyone was so kind and thoughtful and made us feel comfortable and relaxed."</p> <p>“Tony chatted to the Queen as if they were old friends. She was lovely with him.</p> <p>“An exceptionally proud moment was when the Queen gave Tony his BEM. It was one of the most memorable days we’ll ever have.”</p> <p>Lyla has raised funds to grant wishes to children affected by cancer or lifelong illness. She said of the event, “Everyone made us feel so comfortable and made me feel super-special. We’re so grateful.”</p> <p>Dad Paul said, “It was an amazing moment for us. Lyla was gutted about missing the original Garden Party but she said she’s glad she missed it now as she’s got to meet the Queen."</p> <p>“There’s no one more important than her, apart from the King, of course.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Buckingham Palace/WPA Pool/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

International Travel

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Famous Queen Elizabeth lookalike dies at age 96

<p>Jeanette Charles, a famous lookalike of Queen Elizabeth, has passed away. </p> <p>Charles died at her care home in Great Baddow, Essex on June 6th at the age of 96: the same age the late Queen was when she passed away. </p> <p>The news was confirmed by her daughter Carol Christophi in a statement to UK media.</p> <p>"Mum was a real character and a force of nature. She had an amazing life," Christophi said. "She was always respectful of the queen and adored the royal family."</p> <p>Charles first stepped into the spotlight in the 1970s and became known for her iconic portrayals of Queen Elizabeth in famous film and television roles.</p> <p>The lookalike played the queen in an episode of <em>Saturday Night Live</em> in 1977 before landing one of her most recognisable appearances in the <em>National Lampoon</em> franchise.</p> <p>She played Queen Elizabeth in <em>National Lampoon's European Vacation</em> in 1985, before against stepping into the role of the monarch for a scene in <em>The Naked Gun: From the Files of the Police Squad!</em> in 1988.</p> <p>Charles continued to double for the Queen onscreen into the early noughties with another notable performance in the 2002 film Austin Powers in <em>Goldmember</em>, before she retired from acting in 2004. </p> <p>"Ever since I can remember I have been told I looked like the young Princess Elizabeth and this carried on as we both grew up," she once <a title="said in an interview" href="https://www.sodor-island.com/sts-interview-jeannette-charles" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said in an interview</a>.</p> <p>Writing for <em><a title="The Guardian" href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2022/may/27/experience-lookalike-for-50-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a></em> in 2022, Charles recalled the first time she was recognised as the Queen from someone aside her agent.</p> <p>"On a trip to Greenwich when I was 11 or 12, a photographer asked if he could use me in some shots, saying, 'She looks like Princess Elizabeth'," he star wrote.</p> <p>"Later, I'd draw crowds, especially abroad, and sometimes had to run away."</p> <p>"I don't think anyone else had earned a living by resembling someone famous before – now there's a whole industry," she wrote.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock / New Line Cinema </em></p>

Caring

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Fergie reveals the advice she received from Queen Elizabeth before she died

<p dir="ltr">Sarah Ferguson has revealed the heartfelt advice she received from Queen Elizabeth before she died.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with <a href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty/555582/sarah-ferguson-feeling-better-than-ever-exclusive-interview/"><em>Hello</em>!</a> magazine, the Duchess of York has opened up about her battle with cancer, and how a piece of advice she received from the late Queen helped her through her health journey. </p> <p dir="ltr">Speaking about how her outlook on life has changed after her diagnosis, Fergie reflected on what her ex-mother-in-law said to her before she passed away. </p> <p dir="ltr">"One of the only people who saw me properly was the Queen [the late Elizabeth II]," she told the publication. "And before she died, she said: 'Sarah, being yourself is enough'."</p> <p dir="ltr">The Duchess of York still carries that advice with her to this day, explaining that she's raised her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, to be honest in who they are.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fergie has previously opened up about her relationship with the late Queen, sharing how her words of wisdom have impacted her for years. </p> <p dir="ltr">In September 2023, she shared that the last thing the Queen ever said to her was to “just be yourself”. </p> <p dir="ltr">"And she saw it. She just got so annoyed when I wasn't being myself," she explained on an episode of the podcast Tea Talks with the Duchess and Sarah. "And that's probably when I got into all the pickles. But now I am myself, and I'm just so lucky to be able to be myself."</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier that same year, the Duchess reflected on the calming presence of the Queen, telling <em><a href="https://people.com/sarah-ferguson-reveals-queen-elizabeth-last-words-before-death-7964451">People</a></em> magazine that Queen Elizabeth was "so brilliant at putting you at ease," adding, "She had the most incredible faith of any single person I've ever met."</p> <p dir="ltr">"She just knew what to do," Fergie continued. "She knew how to make people feel good. She never took it onboard as about her."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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