Latest news with #BritishSummer
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Meghan's Royal Wimbledon moment that changed everything
Ahhh, Wimbledon. The quintessence of British summer - strawberries and Pimms and Little Britain's David Walliams inexplicably being invited to the Royal box. But it was right there in the SW19 that a particularly disastrous chapter in the short and definitely not sweet story of Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, jobbing HRH and trooper paid to rep the crown, played out. Only six months after it happened, Meghan's royal career and that of her husband Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex - would come a cropper. It was, ironically, US Independence Day, July 4 in 2019 and if ever there was someone who needed a day out at that time, it was new mother Meghan. Barely a year after the Sussexes' wedding the dizzying high of public adoration had plunged to a certain sour tenor with the fault lines between them and William and Kate, then the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, coming into view. So, on the day, Meghan arrived at the tournament with her university friends Genevieve Hillis and Lindsay Roth to watch Serena Williams play. It should have just been a nice bit of sunshine with maybe a sneaky G&T squeezed in - instead it would be a PR debacle exhaustively dissected in the UK press. What played out was this. Arriving at court one (not centre court where the royal box is) for a reason that has never been explained, the duchess, her friends and a few staffers were not just given good spots but watched the match from the middle of about 30 empty seats. It was a conspicuous difference to when Kate, The Princess of Wales, had attended Wimbledon only a couple of days beforehand, happily sitting in the back row of court 14 surrounded by tennis fans all hopefully wearing enough Rexona to handle the heat. The contrast between the two royal WAGS could not have come at a worse time. Then, things got more controversial during the match when Meghan's security were seen to approach people nearby who raised their phones in her vicinity, 'ordering them,' according to the Telegraph, to not take photos as she was there in a 'private capacity'. The catch - Buckingham Palace itself had reportedly earlier sent out an operational note confirming the Duchess of Susex was going and how much privacy, the press would later argue, could Meghan expect, when she had chosen to sit in a stadium with 12,000 other spectators and live BBC cameras? It all looked heavy-handed, especially when some of the people spoken to by royal bodyguards then started popping up in the papers. Grandfather Hasan Hasanov was 'warned off' by the duchess' protection officers, The Sun reported at the time, only for it to turn out Hasanove had 'no idea' the duchess was theremand had actually been taking a selfie. Also in the crowd was Sally Jones, a former sports presenter for the BBC, who was left 'utterly confused,' per The Daily Mail. 'I felt this tap on my shoulder and was asked not to take pictures of the Duchess – but I had no idea she was there until then,' Jones has said. 'There were around 200 photographers snapping away at her but security were sent to warn an old biddy like me.' Let's be clear. As far as royal disasters go, we aren't exactly talking about Tampongate here or Squidgygate or Nazi uniform-gate or naked billiards in Las Vegas-gate or any time a certain young HRH managed to make a bit of a tit of themselves exiting a nightclub. But the thing about the Wimbledon mess was that it added fuel to the already crackling fire around the Sussexes and for months the press had reported the Duchess of Sussex was 'demanding'. We now know that behind the scenes, in 2019, Meghan was privately going through the most extreme mental suffering, later telling Oprah Winfrey that royal life had left her suicidal and that she 'didn't want to be alive anymore'. During one royal engagement earlier in January 2019, the duchess told Winfrey, 'every time that those lights went down in that Royal Box, I was just weeping, and he was gripping my hand.' At one stage the Duchess of Sussex said she had only ' left the house twice in four months' and 'I could not [have felt] lonelier'. She told Winfrey of royal life, 'It's nothing like what it looks like.' But no one knew any of this back in 2019, only that the public love-in with the Sussexes had gone off the rails as they were buffeted by a series of public relations messes. There had been months of stories about things being not so very merry between Meghan and Kate; a media circus after Meghan flew to New York to be feted by friends with an A-list baby shower; and the ongoing drama of her estrangement with her father Thomas Markle. In April the Sussexes moved away from Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage, with a stream of stories about the $4 million plus of taxpayer money used to renovate their new home. (Side note- years before, William and Kate spent $9 million of public cash to do up their apartment at Kensington Palace.) In May came the clumsy handling of son Archie (now Prince Archie's) birth, the Palace announcing that the duchess had gone into labour - only for it turn out that the bub had actually already been born hours earlier. In June, Harry and Meghan formally split from the charity foundation he had set up with brother Prince William a decade earlier. Less than two weeks after that came Wimbledon and then a day after that, the Palace would announce that, contrary to usual royal form, the Sussexes would not reveal their son's godparents. In August they would take four private jet flights in ten days despite Harry publicly banging the drum about the climate crisis. However, the benefit of hindsight and six hours of the Sussexes' talking to camera and the 400 pages of Harry's book, is that we now know that actually in 2019, they were having a horrible time of it. They were struggling to strike some sort of bargain between the competing forces of their mental health, the public demands of royalty, living in the captivity of the monarchy and struggling with a deeply hierarchical Firm that believed in only the stiffest of upper lips at all times. It is now clear, the centre could not hold. The crescendo came months later when 'Megxit' would become a noun and a verb. If you really want some heavy-handed symbolism, six years later, on July 4 2025, the Duchess of Sussex proudly marked what is American Independence Day.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Inside Henley Royal Regatta: Blazers, boats and the best sparkling wine, writes REBEKAH ABSALOM
As someone who had never attended Henley Royal Regatta before, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I'd heard whispers of blazers, boat shoes and sparkling wine, but nothing quite prepared me for the full spectacle of Finals Day. Set along the River Thames in the picturesque town of Henley-on-Thames, the regatta is a rich blend of high society, sporting and buzzing crowds. On the final day of racing, the energy is palpable - from the roar of supporters cheering on the crews to the clinking of glasses in the enclosures. Whether you're there for the elite-level sport, the social scene or simply the people-watching, Henley delivers a quintessentially British summer experience like no other. Attracting more than 300,000 visitors across six days, the event hosts over 400 races - and carries a long-standing royal seal of approval. It was granted its 'Royal' title in 1851 when Prince Albert became its first royal patron, a tradition upheld by every reigning monarch since. Style is a big part of the spectacle, with two main enclosures offering different dress codes. The exclusive Stewards' Enclosure - which runs along the main stretch of river -requires formal attire: dresses or skirts below the knee for women, or tailored trouser suits. The Regatta Enclosure, meanwhile, is more relaxed, where summer tailoring, nautical stripes and smart-casual dresses are the order of the day. Embracing the theme, I wore the Kami dress by Ghost, a navy and white midi with a contrast collar and tie-front detail. I teamed it with M&S ballerinas and the Mosaic bag by Strathberry - a brand worn by a host of royals, including Catherine, Princess of Wales, Sophie, Duchess of Wessex, Princess Beatrice and Zara Tindall. The official website mentioned that hats were customary, so I added a straw boater from John Lewis. I overheard someone say, 'People used to dress up with heels and hats - now it's a lot more relaxed.' And they weren't wrong. Many guests were mixing club blazers with floaty dresses and trainers, striking the perfect balance between tradition and comfort. In fact, blazers were everywhere. Bright, striped, colour-blocked or piped, they were impossible to miss. At Henley Royal Regatta, these jackets do more than make a fashion statement - they represent rowing clubs, history and crew pride. The Lady Margaret Boat Club of St John's College, Cambridge, is credited with pioneering the look in 1825, donning 'blazing red' jackets - hence the term 'blazer'. Made from thick wool flannel, they were designed to keep rowers warm during early morning outings on the river. That said, there's also an earlier tale - one that traces the term back to the crew of the HMS Blazer, who famously wore navy and white striped jackets. Either way, the blazer evolved into the now-iconic style we associate with rowing today. We were lucky to access the Stewards' Enclosure, reserved for members and guests, with front-row views of the racing and the riverbank's historic buildings. Rows of branded deckchairs lined the lawn, and shaded seating came in handy during a couple of sudden downpours. With a relaxed buzz and prime viewing, it was the perfect spot to soak up the day. Just outside the enclosures, a range of food stalls served everything from dumplings to wood-fired pizza, while a mint green vintage double-decker bus - run by Nyetimber - offered glasses of its signature English sparkling wine. Its flagship Classic Cuvée (available at Majestic and Sainsbury's) is produced in the traditional Champagne method and delivers flavours of golden apple, honey, sweet spice and toasted brioche. It's as delicious as it sounds. There are plenty of shopping opportunities too - from Crew Clothing's regatta-themed pieces (the blazers and polka-dot dresses were everywhere), to gifts and homeware. This year also marked a special collaboration: a limited-edition Merrythought bear dressed in a miniature Crew blazer and wearing a replica of the Stewards' Member's Badge, released in honour of the Regatta's new royal patron, King Charles. Only 150 bears have been made, all handcrafted and available exclusively on site and online. Elsewhere, a nearby bandstand played cheerful live music, adding to the celebratory spirit of the day. There's no doubt that Henley Royal Regatta is the most prestigious rowing event in the world - the crown jewel of both the summer sporting calendar and the British social season. Conveniently located just outside London, it's a brilliant day out, offering a unique blend of sport, style and tradition. Shop my outfit Ghost Kami Puff Sleeve Tea Dress £109 Shop
France 24
06-07-2025
- Sport
- France 24
Norris wins home British Grand Prix
Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg took third for the veteran German's first ever podium in 239 races. Briton Norris returned to a rapturous reception from his home fans as he moved to within eight points of Piastri in the drivers' standings. "It's beautiful, everything I ever dreamed of, this is everything I wanted to achieve, aside from winning the championship this is as good as it gets," beamed Norris. Piastri, who finished less than seven seconds behind Norris, threw away the win after the Australian was hit with a 10-second penalty for a safety car infringement. As last week's heatwave gave way to a more typical British summer's day -- spells of blue sky mixed with torrential showers -- drivers had to keep their wits about them with puddles forming on the track. And Norris emerged from the chaos all smiles as he added to his wins already this season in Austria, Monaco and Australia.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
List of the best supermarket pyjamas to keep cool this summer including ‘super comfy' Tesco set & prices start from £10
THE whole country is currently experiencing soaring temperatures, which is making getting a decent night's sleep more difficult than ever. And if you're anything like me, I never sleep naked so finding a pair of pyjamas that won't leave you waking up in a pool of sweat can be an absolute game changer. Staying cool in the prime British summer can be gruelling at the best of times, but when your fan starts circulating hot air and your bedroom feels as hot as Death Valley (mine certainly has this week) then the chances of a good sleep are pretty slim. And contrary to popular belief, according to sleep experts, sleeping naked doesn't actually help when it comes to beating the heat. Instead, covering up is proven to help you cool-down, so if you're having restless nights, then now is the time to reassess your nightwear. Think breathable, light-weight materials such as cotton, linen and silk. Plus the fit is important too, loose cuts, shorts and sleeveless sets are best for allowing your body to regulate in temperature, rather than trapping the heat in. Luckily, our favourite supermarket brands have got a wide range of budget-friendly pyjama sets that'll help you get your full 8-hours, without compromising on style too. And, you can pick them all up whilst doing the weekly food shop. This pyjama set from F&F at Tesco is made from a lightweight cheesecloth fabric, making it ideal for hotter temperatures. The top is loose and airy, offering a breezier feel, while providing more coverage than a cami, thanks to its cap sleeves. Plus, the matching shorts have a comfortable elastic waistband. They've earned a five-star rating online, one happy customer wrote, 'Absolutely love them, cool and comfy'. At just £20 for the set, they're a great value buy and the classic blue and white stripe is a timeless print that'll be stylish for many seasons to come. And if you don't have a superstore nearby, you can now shop F&F Clothing online too! 9 Cami, £14 - BUY NOW 9 Gingham seems to be everywhere at the moment, and this pink check set from Marks & Spencer instantly stood out to me. With frilled edges and tasselled drawstrings, they're a stylish pair with extra attention to detail. Made from pure cotton, the cami, with adjustable straps and the elasticated shorts are a great option for keeping cool on hotter nights. And warm weather doesn't mean compromising on style, the brand also offers several other pieces in the same check print, including a tie-front top, trousers and a night dress. So if you love the style, why not get the whole set and wear it all year round. Pyjama Set, £22 - BUY NOW If, like me, you're into a graphic print, then TU at Sainsbury's has got you covered. Sainsbury's shoppers have been going wild and the supermarket's graphic printed pj sets have taken social media by storm, with some TikTok videos reaching over 4.1M views. When I saw this set, I gasped. Not only is it perfect for a good night's sleep, with boxy sleeves and oversized shorts but the print is so stylish that I think it could even double up as a holiday co-ord or beach cover-up. Stay cool in more than one way and get more bang for your buck too. One TikTok user commented 'Omg giving Eleanor Bowmer vibes' and I couldn't agree more. And the best part is, this set is also a part of the 'mini-me' range so you can match with your kids too, cute! 9 Satin is also a great material for keeping cool at night, this set from F&F feels more grown up and sophisticated with a delicate floral print and lace detailing. Again, the shorts have an elasticated waist and the cami has adjustable shoulder straps so you can control how loose it is. If you love the print, it's also available in a night-dress, plus there's a matching robe which is not only stylish but practical for if you want to cover up a little before bed or on early mornings. If you want to go sleeveless but like a little more support, then this ditsy-floral set from George at Asda is for you. The round-neck vest shape with wider straps offers more support along with the ribbed material, but it's light enough that you'll still keep cool. Plus, this ditsy floral print is everywhere at the moment, with more expensive versions from the likes of Skims and Lounge, this alternative is much more budget-friendly and shoppers agree, taking to TikTok with "Run, don't walk" comments. And you could even double-up and wear the vest as daywear. It also comes in a blue shade too, but it's not online at the moment so be sure to check your local store. Pyjama Set, £13 - BUY NOW This is the cheapest set of the bunch, at just £13. Graphic t-shirts and stripes are two of summer 2025's biggest trends, and rolled into one for this t-shirt set, which looks far more expensive than its price tag. They've got a 4.3 star review with one customer raving 'Lovely quality, nice lightweight fabric, cool short pyjamas'. I'd recommend sizing up in these for a slightly oversized feel that'll keep you from sweating throughout the night. Cami, £12 - BUY NOW Marks & Spencer have created this set with hotter nights in mind. They're from the brand's Body collection and contain moisture-wicking technology which is designed to keep you cool all night long. The scrunch tie detailing on the back is a lovely touch and like most M&S pyjama sets, there's an alternative top and trouser, made from the same cooling material. The shorts have a drawstring fastening on the inside, but shoppers have recommended sizing down in the top which comes up slightly large.
The Sun
30-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
Homebase is selling premium outdoor lanterns which don't require plugs for under £30 – they're perfect for summer nights
AS summer evenings stretch out before us, there's nothing quite like enjoying a balmy night in your garden or on your patio. And to truly set the mood, the right lighting is essential. 4 4 Forget fiddly wires and the need for outdoor sockets, because Homebase has just unveiled a range of premium outdoor lanterns that are both stylish and incredibly convenient - for under £30. The buzz began with a recent TikTok video from @ homebaseuk, showcasing these elegant additions to any outdoor space. Crafted from durable black metal with a sleek square design, these lanterns exude a sophisticated, contemporary feel that will instantly elevate your home's exterior. Whether you're looking to illuminate your doorway, create a welcoming glow on your porch, or add a touch of ambiance to your garden wall, these lanterns are perfectly suited. What truly sets them apart is their hassle-free nature. They don't require any plugs, making installation a breeze and offering ultimate flexibility in placement. Each lantern includes a warm white LED bulb, ready to cast a soft, inviting glow as soon as it's installed. Plus, with an IP23 rating, you can rest assured they are protected from the elements, ensuring they'll stand up to whatever the British summer throws at them. For those dreaming of enchanting summer nights filled with laughter and al fresco dining, these Homebase lanterns are an absolute game-changer. At under £27, they offer a touch of luxury and practicality that's hard to beat. Gardening fans are also flocking to Home Bargains to get their hands on their Jardin Hanging Glass Bird Bath for £3.99. Perfect for adding a touch of whimsy and wonder to your outdoor space, this isn't just any garden ornament. This eye-catching bird bath features a delightful stained glass-style design, adorned with vibrant flowers and delicate butterflies. It promises to become a captivating focal point, drawing the eye and adding a splash of colour to your green oasis. 4 4 As described on the Home Bargains website, it will "Transform your garden into a wildlife haven." The bird bath invites local birds to "drink and bathe," offering a much-needed spot for them to cool off and rehydrate, especially as the warmer weather arrives. Crafted with care, the bird bath is hand-painted and frost-resistant, ensuring it can withstand the elements and remain a charming feature year-round. Measuring a generous 21x40cm, it provides ample space for a variety of birds to enjoy a refreshing dip. July gardening jobs The Sun's Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to tackle this July in your garden. 1. Prune Wisteria You should only prune back Wisteria twice a year - and July - or mid summer - is one of those times. After flowering cut back long side shoots to around seven or six leaves. 2. Pinch out tomatoes Your tomatoes should be really picking up - so pinch out all the side shoots without flowers - and remove all the leaves that are shading the tomatoes - this will give them maximum light and energy. 3. Keep weeding Hand weeding and hoeing the surface of the soil will keep your weeds under check. 4. Feed Dahlias To keep Dahlias flowering until Autumn, you must keep feeding them weekly with a liquid fertliser high in potassium - which encourages blooms. 5. Keep deadheading plants Keep up with deadheading your bedding plants and perennials - so they keep coming back for the season. With roses make sure you're deadheading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of them flowering again. 6. Check on your pond If you're lucky enough to have a pond - make sure it's clear of algae, which can really bloom when the sun beats down. 7. Feed your lawn Whether that's with a liquid feed or granules. If you've chosen granules try to get them down before the rain comes, so they soak into the soil. 8. Tend to strawberry plants Cut the leaves off strawberry plants after you've picked them - leaving the crown untouched - which should help with next years fruit. 9. Sow extra seeds July weather is a great time to sow seeds as the warm soil and sunshine is great for germination. Try carrots, winter broccoli and other brassicas. 10. Move young plants into soil Get any young plants you've got left in the greenhouse - like courgettes - into the soil.
