Latest news with #Channel5
Daily Mirror
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Meghan Markle's awkward Prince Andrew blunder that left Prince Harry perplexed
Meghan Markle had several memorable first meetings with members of the Royal Family when she first started dating Prince Harry - but her first encounter with Prince Andrew left her confused Meghan Markle made an awkward blunder after meeting Prince Andrew - with Prince Harry admitting she asked a perplexing question about him. In the early days of their romance, Harry had to introduce Meghan to all of his royal relatives, including the now King Charles, Prince William and his wife Kate. But Meghan's biggest meeting came when she was introduced to her now husband's late grandmother the Queen - but it seems the meeting left her confused. In the Channel 5 documentary, The Battle For Royal Lodge - Andrew vs Charles, experts recount the story that was revealed in Harry's controversial memoir. In it, Harry recalls Meghan's first meeting with his late grandmother, which came at his Uncle Andrew's home Royal Lodge that he shares with ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, who had to teach Meghan how to curtsy at the last minute. However at the end of the get together, Harry revealed that Meghan asked a telling question about his uncle, - and even thought he might not be a relative. Explaining how the Queen got up to leave after her chat with Meghan, Harry wrote: "My uncle Andrew, seated beside her, holding her handbag, began to escort her out. "After a moment Meg asked me something about the Queen's assistant. I asked who she was talking about." When she replied "the man who walked her to the door," the penny dropped for the prince who realised she had meant the Queen's second son. Andrew no longer takes part in public life following a car crash interview on BBC Newsnight about his connections to paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. He was also later stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages with the approval of his mother, the late Queen. Andrew is now locked in a bitter dispute with his brother, King Charles, over him continuing to live at the 30 room mansion Royal Lodge in the shadow of Windsor Castle, despite major repairs being needed on the property. The King even offered Andrew, who was forced to step back from all royal duties, the chance to move into the four bedroom Frogmore Cottage, previously owned by Prince Harry and his wife Meghan that would be more manageable. But the disgraced Duke has insisted on staying put, claiming he will be able to pay the estimated £2million renovation fees desperately needed. Royal sources suggest the so-called 'Siege of Royal Lodge' has led to a drastic state of relations between the King and Andrew. Andrew has told close friends he is 'going nowhere' and told the King and the Crown Estate who own Royal Lodge, that he has a 'cast iron lease' that he signed for 75 years in 2002.
Daily Mirror
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Inside King Charles' 'hidden and secret' home royals use for romantic getaways
The Royal Family has one 'hidden and secret' residence that has a long history of love stories, experts have revealed in a new documentary, and it has often been used for romantic getaways by the Windsors Many of the Royal Family's homes are some of the most famous buildings in the UK - with millions of tourists flooding to visit them each and every year. Buckingham Palace is the very centrepiece of London itself, and Windsor Castle - rich with history - dates back nearly 1000 years. The Windsors also have some high-profile properties that they own privately, like the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk - where they spend Christmas every year - and the imposing Balmoral Estate in the Scottish Highlands, where they spend a few weeks in every summer enjoying quality time as a family, far away from the spotlight that is usually trained upon them. But there is a little-known other royal residence that is the subject of a new documentary for Channel 5 and has long been the place where some of the House of Windsor's love stories have played out: Birkhall. A relatively modest - by royal standards anyway - lodge house very near to Balmoral, Birkhall is one of King Charles's retreats - and it's one of his favourite places in the world to spend time, the experts revealed. In Birkhall: The King's Secret Sanctuary, experts explained that it isn't just Charles who has many special memories at the Scottish residence, but in fact, everyone from Prince William to the late Queen has had a significant moment in their love stories play out in this stunning property, and it's even been dubbed the "Honeymoon home" of the Royal Family. Historian Professor Chandrika Kaul revealed that "William apparently spoke to Kate's father and asked his permission to marry Kate on a weekend visit in Birkhall," adding, "And he asked him before he asked Charles!" William getting permission from Michael Middleton to marry his long time girlfriend is by no means the only romantic moment that has occurred at Birkhall. The lodge house was also the setting of Charles's proposal to Camilla who said afterward to the press "I'm just coming down to earth," as she beamed and showed off her engagement ring back in 2005. She is said to have replied, "Of course!" when Charles finally popped the question - and the experts all agreed that Birkhall holds a very special place in the King and Queen's hearts. "I think when they land at Birkhall," said former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond, "It's a case of really 'phew, here we are. We're going to enjoy one another's company, and we're going to walk, and we're going to sit, and we're going to read, we're going to have a little drink, and we're going to just be together.' "I think it is one of their very favourite place to be," she explained. Another expert said that it was the closest thing to a "marital home" the King and Queen actually has. Charles and Camilla also spent their honeymoon there - which the experts revealed is something of a family tradition. The late Queen and Prince Philip also spent their honeymoon up at Birkhall, far away from the spotlight getting to enjoy their first weeks as newlyweds in the seclusion of the stunning Scottish countryside. Jennie Bond explained, "Quite a few newlyweds have chosen to spend their time at Birkhall," with expert Ken Wharfe adding the Duke and Duchess of Kent did the same, and Afua Hagan noting Sophie and Edward also selected it for their honeymoon. "It became known as the sort of honeymoon home," explained Ingrid Seward - editor in chief of Majesty magazine. The "hidden and secret" Birkhall was first purchased by Prince Albert when he took over the lease of Balmoral. He intended his eldest son to use the property, but Prince Edward didn't much enjoy spending time there and the lodge house became something of a "Victorian Airbnb" the documentary revealed. In the 1950s the Queen Mother took over the house, and added an extensive wing to it, elevating it and making it more suitable to host multiple guests. After her death in 2002, it passed to Charles who has further put his own stamp on it, whilst leaving some heartbreaking tributes to his beloved grandmother in place, with whom he was always very close. Birkhall: The King's Secret Sanctuary, is on available to stream on 5! Get the inside scoop on the monarchy with Mirror Royal
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Carol Vorderman stumped by 'easy' showbiz question on new quiz show Celebrity Puzzling - but can YOU solve it?
Carol Vorderman was stumped by a showbiz question on Celebrity Puzzling - but can you solve it? Hosted by Jeremy Vine, the new Channel 5 quiz show sees stars take on mind-bending puzzles with Sally Lindsay and Carol as team captains. During Wednesday's instalment, Carol was teamed up with Ore Oduba and found herself stuck during the Cinema Cipher round. The segment had the stars figure out the title of the film from a code consisting of symbols. Carol and Ore were presented with animal pictures that could be deciphered into the title of a Jack Black film. Ore asked the TV star: 'Do you know any Jack Black movies?' 'No,' she replied. After deliberating for some time, they were given a clue that butterflies symbolised the letter O. Ore exclaimed: 'Oh, I was just listening to it this morning!' He then gave the correct answer, School Of Rock. It was revealed earlier this year that Celebrity Puzzling would be hitting screens. Puzzling first launched last year and was hosted by Lucy Worsley before being shelved. Since then, Jeremy has fronted the new series with Carol and Sally. Carol commented on her new TV role and revealed she 'loves' brainteasers. 'I'm so excited to be a team captain on Celebrity Puzzling,' she said. 'Finally, all those years of loving numbers, words and brainteasers are about to pay off! Well, I hope that they are.' The broadcaster added: 'Joining forces with my brilliant and really good mate Sally Lindsay, and with the ever-clever Jeremy Vine keeping us all in line, it's going to be a battle of brains… and I'm going to be fighting all the way, of course!' Host Jeremy said: 'It's amazing to do a quiz that's so simple and yet feels so fresh in every way. 'Celebrity Puzzling is one of those shows where, from the very first edition, everything fell into place with our amazing 5 team, with Carol and with Sally, and we just had the greatest fun in the studio. 'Not to mention burning through quite a few brain cells as we all tried to solve those beastly puzzles!' While Sally admitted she was apprehensive at first and shared: 'I was honestly a bit nervous about this challenge as I'm more your general knowledge type but even though it was really competitive at times I surprised myself on some rounds!
Metro
a day ago
- Metro
I grew up in Yorkshire — here's my insider's guide to a weekend in the Dales
Growing up in Yorkshire, I was never far from wide open space. My childhood was filled with spontaneous camping trips, bunk barns with family and friends, and a huge focus on the outdoors. And while Yorkshire is the UK's biggest county, meaning seaside spots like Whitby and ancient cities like York were essentially on my doorstep, it was always the Dales that had my heart. It still does. There's nothing better than a hike through the countryside, crossing limestone ravines and waterfalls, before stopping at a country pub for some well-earned grub. So, while the UK enjoys a spell of sunny weather – and as new research reveals 8 in 10 Brits are opting for a staycation in 2025 – there's never been a better time to explore one of Britain's most beautiful National Parks. Your first stop should be Skipton, also known as the 'Gateway to the Dales.' Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. Located just south of the National Park, it's the closest and largest market town to most of the Dales. This makes it a convenient starting point for exploring the scenery and attractions that await. Back in 2008, Skipton was named the best high street in Britain by the Academy of Urbanism. Thanks to its community spirit, quiet charm, independent retailers and lack of modern development, its cobbled high street scored higher than London's Portobello Road. Perhaps Skipton's biggest attraction is its castle that sits at the top of the high street. It's one of the best preserved medieval castles in England, built in 1090. During the Civil War, it even withstood a three-year siege. For £12.40 (or cheaper if you book online), step back in time and explore almost every inch of the estate. From the banqueting hall, kitchen, bedchamber and privy, you can also climb from the depths of the dungeon to the watch tower. Finally, before heading deeper into the Yorkshire Dales, grab a bite to eat at the Cock & Bottle, a traditional pub with a stone fireplace and wood-beamed ceiling. Everything on their menu is made in-house from locally sourced suppliers. Seriously, even the crisps are made in Yorkshire. As Skipton is the 'Gateway to the Dales,' it only makes sense that I direct you this way to begin with. If you're driving from London, the journey will take just under 5 hours. For those taking the train, the journey time is a little less, averaging between 3 hours and 3 hours and 45 minutes. Prices also vary depending on how far in advance you book. But roughly, for a one-way ticket with a change at Leeds, expect to pay between £36 and £55. Whether you're planning on wild camping or staying in a local pub, I've selected my six favourite spots in the Yorkshire Dales. All offer the most magnificent views and epic hiking trails, not to mention a slew of natural hidden gems. First up is Grassington. TV lovers may recognise it as the fictional market town of Darrowby in the Channel 5 show, All Creatures Great and Small. Offering a taste of rural England and a charming village feel, there's scenic countryside from every angle. The village is home to a bustling market square, where you'll find cafes, pubs, and independent shops. Cobbled streets and stone cottages make up the architecture, while regular events like antique and vintage fairs, plus the Dickensian Festival, liven up the sleepy town. The latter celebrates the Victorian era, particularly as depicted in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. It takes place on the first three Saturdays in December, and the village transforms into a Victorian marketplace complete with traditional food and drink, crafts, era reenactors, Christmas carolers, and brass bands. During spring and summer, make the most of the warmer weather by walking or cycling through the surrounding landscape. Popular trails include the Dales Way along the River Wharfe, Grass Wood, and the lead mining remains on Grassington Moor. Next up is Bolton Abbey, a scenic old ruin on the banks of the River Wharfe. Owned and run by the Cavendish family, aka the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, Bolton Abbey dates back to 1154, when it was founded by Augustinian canons. The abbey took around a century to complete, and at the time, it was one of the largest monasteries in England. Now, it's open to the public, where you can marvel at the ruins, cross the famous stepping stones on the river, and explore the 33,000 acres of countryside. Entry to Bolton Abbey, the Priory Ruins, and the wider estate is free. But, parking costs £15. Don't fancy paying a parking fee? Don't worry, as street parking outside the estate is completely free. However, most locals are aware of this, so it's worth getting down there early to secure a spot. If not, you could be driving around for ages, or potentially end up parking a lot further away than you'd like. Once you've done the rounds, grab a bite to eat at the Devonshire Arms Hotel located on the estate. Or, immerse yourself in nature with a picnic hamper. For £39.50, enjoy an afternoon tea courtesy of the Abbey's garden kitchen. For £49.50, upgrade to a champagne version. Choose one sandwich, a salad, and a dessert from their menu. Granted, it is a little pricey. So if you still fancy lunch with a view – without being as boujie – I'd recommend packing your own picnic. On a bend on the River Wharfe, surrounded by a breathtaking circle of fells, you'll find Burnsall. Just two miles southeast of Grassington, many people hike between each village. It's considered a moderate to challenging route, and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete. Looking for something less expensive? Head to the iconic village of Appletreewick, where camping is the go-to accommodation style. Masons campsite on the banks of the River Wharfe is open between March and early November, and offers pitches suitable for caravans, tents, campervans and motorhomes. The main field has electric hook-up available on every pitch. Camping starts from £34 per night. The campsite has its own on-site rustic kitchen, serving barista coffee from Huddersfield-based roasters, Dark Woods. Fresh sourdough pizzas, croissants, baguettes and homemade cakes are also up for grabs. If you're looking for a wholesome experience, the Appletreewick Village Hall is home to a yearly comedy festival hosted by local farmers. Residents and guests bring picnics and drinks, and providing the weather's nice, the festivities expand into the fields on either side. Once you reach Burnsall, make a pit stop at the Red Lion Hotel on the picture-postcard bridge overlooking the river. The bar serves award-winning ale, while the restaurant showcases local producers. Or, if you fancy, book into a room overnight. There's a choice between cosy Pub Rooms, spacious Holiday Cottages, and even boutique Manor House Rooms. When you sign up for the pub's newsletter, you get 10% off your first stay. The Pub Rooms cost around £125 per night. Pateley Bridge is next. Since 1994, it's been an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. And the best way to enjoy the landscape? By hiking. The village is the start and finish point on the Nidderdale Way, a 53-mile circular route that loops around the picturesque Nidd Valley. Other popular routes that take you through woodland and moorland include the Pateley Bridge Circular via Brimham Rocks and the Pateley Bridge Heritage Trails. Don't fancy such a huge trek? There are plenty of short riverside strolls to enjoy, too. Last but not least, and my favourite Yorkshire Dales location of all, is the chocolate-box village of Malham. The walk around Malham Cove, a 70-metre-high white limestone cliff, is a natural wonder. The landscape is so dramatic that the Cove was featured in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Gordale Scar is also a standout location: two waterfalls with overhanging limestone cliffs sit at over 330 feet high. More Trending Many thrill seekers take on the rocky scramble to the top of the cliff beside the waterfall. But be careful, it's a challenging route that's only suitable for experienced climbers. Finally, Janet's Foss is the perfect hidden gem spot for a wild summer swim. The waterfall is concealed in a secluded wooden dell that glows green in the sunshine, while the turquoise waters of the plunge pool beneath are still and inviting. Legend has it, Janet's Foss was the home of Janet, the Queen of the Fairies. Old Norse folklore says she resided in a cave behind the waterfall. You can actually camp right next to Gordale Scar on the adjacent farmland. The Gordale Scar Campsite is run by two old farmers and has space for 60 pitches. Prices start from as little as £4 per night. Of course, this affordability means the amenities are basic: there's only one toilet, and you have to collect and boil your water from the nearby stream, or stock up from the local village pubs. But, if the simple life appeals to you, you won't find a better place to wake up. MORE: 'Jealous' husband guilty of murdering wife while she pushed their baby in a pram MORE: New £40 train spanning 745 miles across five European countries launches today MORE: 'Delightful' fishing village voted one of the UK's best spots for a seaside holiday
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Sky sells German pay-TV business to RTL for €150m
Sky has sold its German pay-TV business to RTL, the former owner of Channel 5, in a deal that could ultimately value the business at almost £500m. Germany's biggest broadcaster, which is owned by the media conglomerate Bertelsmann, has agreed to buy Sky Deutschland for €150m (£128m), and a further up to €377m depending on the future performance of RTL Group. Comcast, the parent company of Sky, has been looking to sell its German business for a number of years. The jettisoning of the German operation is part of a wider plan by Comcast to make good on the eye-watering £31bn it paid to secure the Sky group in a bidding war with Disney in 2018. Seven years on and the value of Sky has been written down by almost a quarter, the broadcaster's stranglehold on new prestige TV shows and films has been broken, and bosses continue to deal with an embarrassing £300m advertising scandal in the UK. Sky Deutschland, which operates in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, has never made a profit but after a three-year restructure programme bosses expect the business to break even this year. The German market has proved tough for Sky with fierce competition for prime sports rights and broadband customers making it difficult to emulate the success of its highly profitable UK business. However, in December Sky Deutschland struck a deal securing the lion's share of Bundesliga football matches, with the majority exclusive, through to the end of 2028-29 season. 'Sky Deutschland has made significant progress over the past three years [and] is on track to achieve EBITDA [earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation] break-even,' said Dana Strong, the group chief executive of Sky. 'This deal provides a strong platform for long-term success and ensures Sky continues to share in the growth of the combined business.' Under the terms of the deal, RTL will have the right to use the Sky brand in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tirol. The element of the deal that could lead to further payments can be triggered by Comcast at any time within five years of the deal closing later in 2026, provided that RTL Group's share price exceeds €41. The stock is currently trading at €31.60. The performance-linked payout is capped at €70 a share, or €377m. Sign up to Business Today Get set for the working day – we'll point you to all the business news and analysis you need every morning after newsletter promotion In 2023, operating losses doubled as Sky recorded a pre-tax loss of £773m, fuelled by a £1.2bn writedown in loans to its German and Italian operations, and a £327m impairment charge at the lossmaking streaming service SkyShowtime, a joint venture with the US media behemoth and Channel 5 owner, Paramount. The combination of the two companies is expected to generate €250m in annual cost savings within three years. 'This combination of RTL and Sky is transformational for RTL Group,' said Thomas Rabe, the chief executive of RTL Group. 'It will bring together two of the most powerful entertainment and sports brands in Europe and create a unique video proposition across free TV, pay-TV and streaming.' The combined business will create a sport, news, entertainment and streaming powerhouse with 11.5 million paying subscribers. The combination of RTL and Sky, the biggest deal RTL Group has struck since it was formed in 2000, will create a company with €4.6bn in revenues.
