Latest news with #AlbertII
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Princess Charlene's style transformation turns heads at Prince Albert's 20-year jubilee
Princess Charlene of Monaco dazzled in a vibrant pink lace gown by Oscar de la Rentaat Prince Albert II's 20-year jubilee. Image: Instagram Princess Charlene of Monaco embraced a more romantic and daring side of her style recently, stepping out in a vivid pink lace gown by Oscar de la Renta to mark Prince Albert II's 20 years on the throne. Her fashion-forward look stood out during the high-profile celebration at the Place du Palais, where Monaco's royals mingled with the public in a rare, emotive family gathering. While the House of Grimaldi showed up in full force, it was Charlene who dominated the style conversation. Her Barbie pink outfit, with its soft belt and asymmetrical floral lace hem, offered a masterclass in royal elegance. A far cry from the power suits she has often favoured, this look was a clear nod to her recent fashion evolution, and a bold embrace of femininity. The celebration came just days after Charlene surprised the principality with an emotional tribute to her husband, earning public praise for her renewed visibility and grace in royal duties. In a touching moment during the event, Prince Albert, known for his formal demeanour, showed rare public affection by embracing their son, Prince Jacques, and kissing Charlene after delivering a heartfelt speech. He thanked his family for their 'wonderful' contributions over the past two decades. While comparisons to Princess Grace are inevitable, Charlene has steadily carved out a modern identity of her own. Speaking to Tatler, she acknowledged that adapting to royal life, and its wardrobe, didn't happen overnight. 'As I spend more time in Monaco, I have developed an understanding of fashion. 'But coming into myself has taken time. Because I've got broad shoulders, clean, simple, elegant lines suit me best,' she said. Over the years, Charlene has balanced formality with individuality, evolving from streamlined silhouettes into more experimental, often softer pieces. This latest appearance not only reaffirms her growing comfort in the royal spotlight but also signals her increasing influence as a fashion figure within the European aristocracy. In true Monégasque style, the day was also filled with heartfelt public interactions. The Princess was seen cooing over a newborn baby in the crowd, sharing a gentle and very human moment that echoed her softer fashion choice. Charlene's style shift reflects a broader change in her royal role, from the reserved, sometimes distant figure of past years to a more confident, approachable presence at the heart of Monaco's royal family. IOL Lifestyle Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
News18
17-07-2025
- Science
- News18
These Animals Reached Space Before Humans Did
When we think of space travel, names like Neil Armstrong or Yuri Gagarin often come to mind. But did you know that animals ventured into space long before humans? Scientists first sent animals to explore the dangers of space so human lives wouldn't be at risk in early missions. (News18 Hindi) Laika the Dog: In 1957, the Soviet Union sent a stray dog named Laika into Earth's orbit aboard Sputnik-2. She became the first living creature to enter orbit. Sadly, Laika didn't survive, but she proved that life could exist beyond Earth. Her sacrifice laid the foundation for future human missions. (News18 Hindi) 3/8 Albert II the Monkey: In 1949, the United States sent a rhesus monkey named Albert II beyond Earth's atmosphere. He reached a height of 134 km, becoming the first monkey to cross into space. Unfortunately, he died due to parachute failure during his return. Despite this, Albert II's mission provided critical data on radiation and the biological impact of space travel. (News18 Hindi) 5/8 Turtles: In 1968, the Soviet Zond 5 mission sent turtles around the Moon. They became the first living beings to orbit the Moon and return safely to Earth. This mission was a key milestone that supported future manned lunar missions. (News18 Hindi)
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Animals that went into the space before humans did
Scientists were worried about the effects of prolonged weightlessness on the human body. Some experts questioned whether humans could survive extended periods without gravity. To address these concerns, American and Russian scientists turned to animal testing. The story of animals in space is a fascinating one, filled with bravery, sacrifice, and scientific discovery. According to NASA's history of animals in space, the first animals were launched into space in the 1940s and 1950s. Scientists also sent monkeys, chimps, and dogs into space to assess the feasibility of travel and ensure their safe return. These early missions provided critical data on biological responses to spaceflight, paving the way for human exploration. Over time, the variety of animals expanded to include mice, turtles, and even insects, each helping to answer new scientific questions. From dogs to worms: Animals that traveled to space 1. Dogs by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Laika: A small stray dog from Moscow became the first animal to orbit the Earth in 1957. Laika's mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration . Although Laika did not survive the flight, her sacrifice contributed significantly to our understanding of space travel. Source: Wikipedia Belka and Strelka: In 1960, Belka and Strelka, two Soviet space dogs, became the first animals to orbit the Earth and return safely. Their successful mission marked a significant breakthrough in space exploration. 2. Monkeys Albert II: In 1948, Albert II, a rhesus macaque, became the first primate in space. Launched by the United States, Albert II's flight reached an altitude of 83 miles. The V-2 rocket carrying Albert II was a significant milestone in the exploration of space and the study of the effects of space travel on living organisms. Unfortunately, Albert II did not survive the flight, dying on impact due to the failure of the parachute system. Ham the Chimp: In 1961, Ham, a chimpanzee, became the first of his kind in space. Launched on a Mercury-Redstone rocket, Ham's suborbital flight lasted 16.5 minutes, including 6.6 minutes of weightlessness. Despite technical issues, Ham performed well and came down safely. Source: Wikipedia Enos: Enos, a chimpanzee, became the first primate to orbit the Earth in 1962. Launched as part of the Mercury program, Enos's mission demonstrated the feasibility of orbital spaceflight. Gordo: In 1958, Gordo, a squirrel monkey, embarked on a groundbreaking journey aboard a Jupiter rocket. Reaching an altitude of 600 miles, Gordo's flight marked a significant milestone in space exploration. He tragically lost his life due to a malfunctioning flotation device, but his mission provided crucial insights. Navy doctors analysed signals from Gordo's respiration and heartbeat monitors, concluding that humans could potentially withstand similar space travel conditions. 3. Spiders Spiders: In 1973, the effects of zero gravity on web spinning behavior were studied by sending two European garden spiders into space. Studying the spider's ability to adapt to microgravity environments provided valuable insights into the consequences of space travel on living organisms. 4. Reptiles and amphibians Tortoises: In 1968, two Russian tortoises orbited the moon with wine flies and mealworms and were the first animals to orbit the moon. The tortoises survived the journey, and the study provided valuable insight into the consequences of space travel on living organisms. Source: Wikipedia Frogs: Frogs were sent to the moon in 1970 to study motion sickness and adaptability in microgravity environments 5. Worms Source: Wikipedia Nematode Worms: Nematode worms have been the subject of space research, on which many conclusions have been drawn regarding the effect of microgravity on the development and behavior of this species. These little creatures have made a significant contribution to the consequences of space travel on living organisms. 6. Mice In 1959, four black mice were launched on Discoverer 3, a US spy satellite mission. Unfortunately, the mice died when the Agena upper stage malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to crash into the Pacific Ocean. This mission was notable for being the only Discoverer flight with an animal payload. Also read | Scientists discover oldest rocks on Earth, over 4.16 billion years old
Daily Mail
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
King Albert of Belgium, 91, undergoes cancer treatment for sixth time in 11 years
King Albert II of Belgium, the former monarch, is once more receiving preventative treatment for skin cancer. The recent surgery means that Albert, 91, has undergone cancer treatment at least six times in 11 years, the Belgium Palace confirmed to Dutch outlet Het Laatste Nieuws. The news outlet published pictures of the former King of the Belgians with a scar running from his nose to his upper lip. The royal palace confirmed that Albert had the procedure - but did not say when the surgery was performed, the outlet reported. The photos were taken when Albert, father of King Philippe of Belgium, 65, attended a reception in Brussels last week. It was the first time he had attended a public engagement in five months. Albert has previously been treated for cancer, with some medical professionals believing it is the result of sun exposure from the royal's regular trips abroad. In 2013, Albert was hospitalised with signs of dehydration. The ex-king, then 89, 'was admitted to hospital as a precautionary measure,' the spokesman, Xavier Vaert, told AFP at the time, confirming reports by state broadcasters VRT and RTBF. 'Examinations are being done. He is conscious,' Vaert said. Albert II, the father of Belgium's current King Philippe, was the third and youngest child of King Leopold III. He became monarch on August 9, 1993 at the age of 59, taking over after his brother Baudouin died without children. Albert II reigned until his abdication on July 21, 2013, handing the crown to Philippe, who today is aged 65. The former king and his wife, Queen Paola, 85, have spaced out their public appearances in recent years. King Philippe cancelled his planned engagement at the University of Ghent in order to visit his father in the hospital, according to People. Other relatives including Prince Laurent, King Albert's younger son, and Prince Emmanuel were reportedly spotted arriving at the Saint-Luc hospital in Brussels to be by his side. Speaking to the BBC at the time of his abdication, King Albert said: 'I realise that my age and my health are no longer allowing me to carry out my duties as I would like to. Prince Philippe is well prepared to succeed me.' At the time of his abdication his love child Princess Delphine launched a legal bid to be officially recognised as Albert's daughter - which she won in October 2020. After Princess Delphine was born in 1968, the King initially remained in frequent contact with his child and her mother. But when Delphine reached her 16th birthday, the King began to distance himself. Now she has the right to bear the royal name de Saxe-Cobourg and is formally recognised as a member of the Belgian royal family as are her two children Princess Joséphine of Belgium, 19, and Prince Oscar of Belgium, 14, who she shares with partner James O'Hare. Speaking to Tatler in 2022, the princess, who is an artist, revealed her father's rejection when she was young still hurts, but added she doesn't blame him and holds no ill-will towards him. She argued that royal life is 'isolating' and she believed her father had been badly advised at the time. However, she said: 'You don't just have a child and kick it.' Reflecting on her seven-year legal battle, Delphine said the action she brought was not about money or status but 'principles'. Now Delphine has attended royal engagements and says her relationship with her father has healed after years of bitterness. When she launched her legal action in 2013, she told Belgian radio show Matin Premiere: 'I feel like I have a right to exist. Not to exist in the royal family but as me. 'My decision to call for help through the law, I feel today that it was the right thing to do... The judicial system said that I was right and that I had the right to exist.' Since the legal action has been settled, Princess Delphine has slowly become integrated in the Belgian royal family. She met her brother, King Philippe of Belgium - who is one of 20 Belgian royals she is related to - in 2020, where they posted a socially distanced picture to Facebook, describing it as a 'warm meeting.' Her other royal half-siblings are Princess Astrid and Prince Laurent.
Mint
22-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Raymond Realty eyes higher sales, launches in FY26
Bengaluru: Raymond Realty, which is scheduled to list on the stock exchanges on 1 July, is looking at faster growth through higher home sales and several project launches in 2025-26, said a top company executive. The real estate firm was demerged from Raymond Ltd on 1 May and will list as a standalone entity. Mumbai-based Raymond Realty clocked around ₹2,300 crore of sales in FY25, and is targeting at least 20% growth this year. It also expects a 20% return on capital employed. Also read: Gautam Singhania meets European royal Prince Albert II: Here's why they met, what they discussed & more By the end of FY26, it plans to launch six projects - two in suburban Thane, where Raymond owns about 100 acres, and four projects in different locations across Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) - Wadala, Sion, Mahim and Bandra. The developer currently has six projects under execution. Raymond Realty's residential portfolio, combining projects under execution and the ones to be launched, has a gross development value (GDV) of ₹40,000 crore. Of this, projects worth ₹25,000 crore GDV would be in Thane alone. The remaining projects of ₹15,000 crore GDV are in MMR. 'In the next 3-4 years, we will double our sales and portfolio size. As a company, we are trying to solve for two things in the industry - quality of projects and timely delivery. We also want to focus on post delivery service, and have started our own facilities management arm," Raymond Realty chief executive Harmohan Sahni said in an interview. Also read: Centre links part of state capex loans to new reforms in land, and digitization The demerger will consolidate the group's real estate business under a single entity, which, going forward, will further unlock the firm's potential as a pure-play property development vertical. The company will sell at a broad price range of ₹20,000-65,000 per sq ft, and is not looking to sell below that, or in the uber luxury category. 'We can't go lower than ₹20,000-22,000 per sq ft. We will not dilute the brand, and it is not a price-sensitive market," he added. MMR, India's most valuable property market, stands as one of the leading contributors to pan-India launches and sales. Most of the projects Raymond Realty has signed are redevelopment projects. The newly signed projects, in Mahim and Wadala, are a Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) redevelopment and a slum redevelopment project respectively. Also read: Centre weighs easing conditions for interest-free capex loans to states 'We will continue to pursue an asset-light model by signing projects through the joint development route as it is capital efficient. We are a net debt-free company," Sahni said. Beyond Mumbai, the company is exploring project opportunities to enter the Pune property market. 'We are choosy about the deals we want to sign," he added. MMR among all the top cities witnessed the highest sales of around 155,335 units in 2024, almost the same as 2023. Pune followed with around 81,090 units sold. The two western markets together led residential sales last year, said Anarock Property Consultants.
