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The Independent
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Oti Mabuse ‘delighted' as she receives Freedom of the City of London
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has received the Freedom of the City of London. The 34-year-old South African has been recognised for her 'significant achievements in contemporary dance and her charitable work'. She has had a successful dancing career, winning the South African Latin American championships eight times and is one of the most successful professionals to have appeared on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, having won the show two years in a row. To be following in the footsteps of legends of the arts and entertainment industry, including Sir Matthew Bourne, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Giles Terera, and Strictly's very own Len Goodman, feels quite remarkable Mabuse, who attended a ceremony at Guildhall with family and friends on Wednesday, said: 'I am delighted to have received the Freedom of the City of London for my dance and charitable work, and I am very grateful to Chris Hayward and Keith Bottomley for nominating me. 'To be following in the footsteps of legends of the arts and entertainment industry, including Sir Matthew Bourne, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Giles Terera, and Strictly's very own Len Goodman, feels quite remarkable.' Mr Hayward is the policy chairman of the City of London Corporation, while Mr Bottomley is the sheriff-elect of the City of London. Former Strictly head judge Goodman died in 2023 aged 78. Mabuse won Strictly in 2019 and 2020 and has also appeared on The Greatest Dancer as a dance captain and as a judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice. Mr Hayward said: 'Having won a clutch of dance titles during her career and a place in our hearts, mostly, down to her appearances on the hugely popular 'Strictly', I am sure that Oti's Freedom will be welcomed warmly by her many admirers. 'Away from the dance world, her work with Unicef to raise awareness of the support needed by premature babies and their mothers, is highly commendable, and I am very happy to join my colleague, Keith Bottomley, in nominating Oti for the Freedom.' Mr Bottomley said: 'As well as impressing us on the dance floor, Oti Mabuse's charitable work with women and young people in communities across London, and overseas with Unicef, deserves our admiration and respect. 'It has been a pleasure to nominate Oti to be admitted into the Freedom, and I am sure that she will have very happy memories of today for many years to come.' The tradition of the freedom of the city is believed to date back to 1237. Past recipients include comedian, actor and writer Sir Lenny Henry and Lady Mary Peters, who won an Olympic gold medal in the athletics pentathlon in 1972, as well as Sir Chris Hoy and his wife, Lady Sarra Hoy.
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Women's rights group sue Hampstead Heath Ladies' Pond for £50,000 for still allowing transgender bathers in, despite Supreme Court ruling
A women's rights group is planning to sue the corporation who run Hampstead Heath Ladies' Pond for £50,000 because they allow transgender bathers in. Sex Matters, who advertise themselves as a 'human-rights charity', are gearing up to take legal action against the City of London Corporation over their stance that transgender women can use the ponds in north of the city. It has been the view of the corporation that anyone who identifies as a woman can swim in the Ladies' Pond under its formal guidance since 2019. But critics in the women's rights group say this goes against the Supreme Court ruling, which earlier this year ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on their sex at birth under the Equality Act. After the ruling, the organisation said that its policy of trans women using the pond would 'remain in place' as it looked to gather legal advice, prompting the threat of courtroom action from the women's rights group. The City of London Corporation has said that it did not need to comply with the requirement for single-sex spaces in the Equality Act, arguing: 'The Ladies' Pond is not a single sex facility … precisely because trans women are permitted to access the swimming facilities.' Chief Executive of Sex Matters, Maya Forstater, told The Times they were 'amazed' that the corporation held this view, saying it was 'nothing more than linguistic trickery'. She added: 'The corporation claims that, because it chooses to define "women" and "men" according not to biological sex but to who wants to be referred to as "she" or "he", the Supreme Court judgment doesn't apply. In recent years women's rights protesters have held several protests at the ponds including storming the men's pond wearing false beards and moustaches (as seen above) 'Neither Hampstead Heath nor the City of London Corporation are sovereign entities that get to make their own laws. 'We will be taking our next steps in August and think this case will be very significant in testing what can only be described as creative interpretations of equality law following the Supreme Court judgment.' The Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association (KLPA), who represent people using the pond, said after the Supreme Court ruling that the Ladies' Pond is open to 'all women and girls over the age of eight'. They added: 'According to the lifeguards, trans women have been swimming there for many years without incident. 'The Ladies' Pond is well staffed by lifeguards and stewards who are there to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all users.' Members of the KLPA last year also voted to reject a motion that 'only those born female in sex can use the pond'. Close to one million visits are made to the 30 bathing ponds across Hampstead Heath each year for swimming. In recent years women's rights protesters have held several protests at the ponds including storming the men's pond wearing false beards and moustaches.
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Princess Kate 'icing on the cake' in King Charles plan as hidden royals step up
The royals were out in full force for this week's French state visit, and royal expert Jennie Bond has revealed how Princess Kate will be instrumental for similar events going forward While King Charles and Emmanuel Macron were the stars of the recent French state visit, the work of three major royals also played an important role in representing the Firm. Princess Kate, Princess Anne, and Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester all stepped up during the three-day affair, with the hard-working royal women all playing a key part of two major events. While Princess Kate made headlines for her stunning red ensemble, Princess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester also received their own recognition for their glamorous looks at both Tuesday night's state banquet, and Wednesday night's banquet on the second day of the President's visit. Many were quick to comment on Princess Anne's new hairstyle, as royal commentators pointed out that she had been sporting the same up-do for decades, while the Duchess of Gloucester was named the best dressed during a banquet at Guildhall on Wednesday evening, which was hosted by the Lord Mayor and City of London Corporation. With another major state visit just around the corner, with plans for US president Donald Trump to visit the UK in September, royal expert Jennie Bond has outlined how all three women, particularly Kate, will be instrumental for the upcoming visit. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror that the Princess of Wales will have an important role when Trump arrives on UK shores, explaining: "Catherine will be the icing on the cake for a man as vain as Donald Trump. To be seen with her will be gold dust in his eyes. And I'm sure she will be there to massage his ego in the most diplomatic, subtle and regal way." Jennie also said that Birgitte, Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Anne will play key roles during the US state visit, saying: "I'm sure that Birgitte will be on hand again when President Trump comes to the UK. After so many years in the Royal Family, she is well versed in the niceties of a State Visit." "And the Princess Royal will also have a key role, as always. She really is the King's right hand woman; his confidante, his wingwoman." When asked how Princess Anne and the Duchess of Gloucester would feel about the numerous headlines about their looks during the French state visit, Jennie Bond shared that both are "hard working, no-glory seeking women of the Royal Family", who would be more dedicated to their royal work than fixating on their appearances. Bond said: "Neither, I think, would care one fig about what anyone said about their looks. They dress appropriately for the business of the occasion. Neither seeks to be the centre of the attention, even though they often are. They want the focus to be on the business or cause or campaign in hand. And both have one aim: to support the institution of monarchy." "Anne and Birgitte are stalwarts on the royal treadmill. They work hard, ask for no recognition, almost shun publicity…and just get on with the job. The Royal Family has slimmed down drastically through a combination of circumstances— and so these two more than pull their weight each week. Quietly and in a business-like way. And that is a huge help for the King."
Time Out
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time Out
A new skyscraper is coming to the City of London – with a Roman basilica tourist attraction and views of one of London's most famous markets
One of the most fascinating things about London is how seamlessly the city's 2,000-year history blends in with its present. The capital may be constantly evolving for the better, but there's always hints of the past which peek through. 85 Gracechurch Street is a perfect example of this. Back in February, the ruins of the first Londinium basilica were discovered under an unremarkable road in the City. It was a huge find for archeologists, who have been working in the area for years, because the basilica would have been right next to the forum, the heart of Roman London. The site's discovery potentially offers researchers much deeper insights into how the city functioned two millennia ago – and, more than anything, it's just really cool. So cool, in fact, that the discoverers of the basilica are keen not to keep it to themselves. Planning permission was just approved by the City of London Corporation, giving Hertshten Properties the go-ahead to renovate 85 Gracechurch Street, the modern building currently sitting above the ancient ruins. The goal is to create modern office spaces and, of course, to 'uncover and showcase the remains'. The development will see the skyscraper reach 32 stories tall, and it will come complete with a huge public hall with access to the 19th-century Leadenhall Market. The market itself is sort of like a modern day forum, a few feet away from the Roman one. Some things really do never change. Of course, the most unique part of 85 Gracechurch Street will be in its basement. An 'immersive exhibition experience' will be constructed around the uncovered basilica, which will be open to anyone who wants to explore Roman London. As if that wasn't enough history, a public viewing gallery will also open on the building's fifth floor, offering visitors views of the Victorian Leadenhall Market. Basically, there's going to be a lot going on in this new building. Despite having 32 stories, 85 Gracechurch Street isn't even the City's tallest building that was approved this week. A huge, 45 storey tall skyscraper is set to go up on 63 St Mary's Axe, next to the Gherkin, in the coming years. It will also have access to the old Roman walls, and that's no accident. The chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning committee said that 'it has always been our ambition to connect the City's archaeological landmarks into a cohesive and compelling narrative – one that spans over 2,000 years of evolution, ambition, and identity,' adding '85 Gracechurch embodies the enduring spirit of the Square Mile: a place where heritage and progress go hand in hand.' Construction can now begin, but it'll likely be a little while before the building is actually operable, or the basilica is open to the public. Sorry, history lovers, you might just have wait to wait a little bit longer to get a glimpse.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of London Corporation approves two sustainable office towers in Square Mile
The City of London Corporation has granted permission for two new office developments in the Square Mile (London). The 45-storey scheme at 63 St Mary's Axe and the 32-storey project at 85 Gracechurch Street will provide more than 110,000m² of Grade A office space, focusing on sustainability. The developments are stated to be integral to enhancing the Square Mile as a global destination, aligning with the corporation's 'Destination City' growth strategy. The move aims to enhance the area's cultural heritage and hospitality offerings. Both towers have been designed to respect the city's skyline, including views of the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. The 45-storey mixed-use office development at 63 St Mary's Axe will contribute 85,000m² of the city's required floor space to meet future economic and employment growth, accounting for 4.2% of the total need. It is expected to generate more than 4,500 jobs. The scheme also promises new public spaces, including the Camomile Park, and will showcase a section of the historic London Wall. At 85 Gracechurch Street, the amended proposal builds upon an earlier approved plan, offering 34,000m² of office space and accommodating 2,200 jobs. The redesign incorporates the discovery of a first-century Roman forum-basilica, which will be part of a new public exhibition. The project also includes plans to revitalise Leadenhall Market with shops and event areas and reopen a pedestrian route, with access to a public terrace on the fifth floor. City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee chair Tom Sleigh said: 'Every new building must earn its place in the Square Mile, and these are two standout schemes that do just that. Both 85 Gracechurch Street and 63 St Mary's Axe capture the dynamic of our city: ambitious, inclusive, and rooted in our extraordinary heritage. 'At 85 Gracechurch, we're bringing people closer than ever to Roman London, whilst 63 St Mary's Axe, with its elevated walkways and cultural experience, will offer a new way to move through and enjoy the city. Together, these buildings deliver over 100,000m² of top-grade office space and thousands of new jobs, cementing the city's status as the engine room of the UK economy. Their addition to the future skyline will preserve our capital's status as a leading global city.' Earlier this year, the Planning Applications Sub-Committee of the City of London Corporation also approved a 33-storey sustainable office building at 70 Gracechurch Street. "City of London Corporation approves two sustainable office towers in Square Mile" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
