Latest news with #Eton
New York Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A British Summer Dessert That Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Culinary legend has it that Eton mess — a mixture of whipped cream, broken meringues and fresh berries — was invented in the 1920s, when an overexcited dog crushed a meringue confection at the British boarding school that shares its name with the dessert. In reality, the recipe dates back at least to the 19th century, when it appeared on a menu served to Queen Victoria as Eton Mess aux Fraises. Either way, the sweet is quintessentially British and, for the fashion designer turned ceramics artist Henry Holland, 42, a delicious reminder of his childhood in Ramsbottom, a small town near Manchester where he often made Eton mess with his mother using berries from their garden. 'You can help with it when you're really young because the whole point is making a mess,' he says. On a warm day in June, Holland was preparing his own version — which features vanilla and orange blossom-flavored whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped mint — for the other ceramists working at his studio in Hackney, in East London. The serving vessel, a blue-and-white platter, was from his latest collection of gingham-patterned pottery, which also includes vases named for his favorite desserts: Battenberg, Pavlova and, of course, Eton. Holland first started working with clay when — after closing his 13-year-old fashion label, House of Holland, in 2020 — he took a class on a whim and quickly found himself 'addicted to the medium,' he says. He began posting pieces for sale on his Instagram page, and the London department store Liberty placed an order, prompting him to launch his own studio in 2021. With bold silhouettes and a bright color palette, the line is inspired by Holland's love for the Memphis Group and Art Deco design. He uses the Japanese technique of nerikomi — which involves layering and rolling together pieces of clay in various colors — to create swirling patterns. Over the past four years, Holland has expanded his offerings to include lighting, glassware, wallpaper and fabric, and he has plans to debut furniture in the near future. Still, his schedule remains less frantic than it once was: he aims to release one new collection every eighteen months, as opposed to the four per year expected by the fashion industry. The happy result: more time to host friends at his home in London's Victoria Park neighborhood, which he shares with his husband and business partner, David Hodgson, 43. In the summer, a simple garden salad and barbecued meats are often followed by heaps of Eton mess. 'It's always well received,' he says. 'Who doesn't love a bit of cream and sugar?' Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Eton's begging letter to William and Harry - and how Downton's last series ended in tears: EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE
Old Etonians William and Harry will have received a begging letter from the college provost Sir Nicholas Coleridge asking them to help pay for a new sports complex. The royals, along with other former classmates, parents and friends of Eton, are being asked to make a financial gift to the college. Fingers crossed the boys are more receptive than one Old Etonian who wails: 'We are getting increasingly irritated by Nicholas's quests for money - not least because Eton is not giving any concessions re the VAT but passing it all on to parents.' Zut alors! A diplomatic spat has broken out over the decision to ask French president Emmanuel Macron to speak from Parliament's Royal Gallery during next month's State Visit - not the more historic Westminster Hall. My mole whispers the French wanted the latter as that's where Charles de Gaulle addressed both Houses in 1960. That and the fact that the Royal Gallery is famous for two giant frescoes battles of Waterloo and Trafalgar. 'Tant pis', Emmanuel! Downton Abbey star Phyllis Logan, pictured, recalls weeping with fellow cast members Lesley Nicol (Mrs Patmore) and Sophie McShera (Daisy) after the end of the final series of the soap. 'I remember standing by the make-up truck to get my wig on and we three were stood sobbing into each other's necks for about 20 minutes. And then Jim Carter (butler Carson) made a speech and started breaking up - and that's not Jim at all - and so that set everybody off.' Creator Julian Fellowes was no doubt blubbing all the way to the bank. John Cleese, revealing the hit Hollywood role that got away, says: 'I really am sad about [1988's] Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. I was offered the role... but my second marriage [to late US model Barbara Trentham] was in a mess. I thought, I can't go off and make a movie, I've got to go back and decide whether I'm married or not.' Thrice-divorced Cleese, who later split from Trentham in 1990, ruefully adds: 'It took me about a week... and by that time Michael Caine had got it!' Grayson Perry, mourning Alan Yentob in The Spectator, remembers his 'endearing/infuriating' habit of incessant name-dropping and hanging out with celebrities: 'I once arrived early at some big arts event and immediately encountered Alan. We chatted and then he wandered off only to return ten minutes later. "Couldn't you find anyone more famous to hang out with?" I asked. "No," he said.' Ireland football manager Jack Charlton wangled an audience with Pope John Paul when the team were in Rome for Italia 90. 'Jack wasn't a Catholic,' recalls team player Ray Houghton. 'He fell asleep. When he woke up, the Pope was giving a blessing to everyone in general - and Jack thought it was for him and started waving back!'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Glastonbury - a field of dreams? More like nightmares!
But why anyone would wish to go there is as much as mystery as Stonehenge. Or Coldplay. Worthy Farm is a field of discombobulated dreams, one gigantic, 1100 acre-sized earache-inducing, invariably sodden slob fest, where you can feed your face from 300 international food stalls and pay three quid for a half pint of Coke - yet the fact no website can quote the number of bars of soap/Lynx body spray sold over the weekend suggests far too few. Read More: So why would we sign up be part of a webbed-toed world in which your tent (your home for the weekend) is likely to be peed upon, as part of some strange middle-class male ritual, no doubt developed in the halls of Eton or Harrow? Let's consider the possible reasons why. Glastonbury emerged in 1970 as a homage to Woodstock, (1969) but without the sunshine, free love and Janis Joplin and CSN&Y. However, this wurzel Woodstock had T-Rex and sold itself on the hippy commune concept, which immediately conferred some new-agey credence amongst those who loved the idea of wearing a tie-dyed t-shirt and love beads and becoming an eco-warrior for the weekend, before returning to their 20k a year public school while awaiting a top job in the City/government/BBC. Yes, Glastonbury is 3000 miles away from Yasgur's Farm, but it was also founded on the principle of 'environmental and spiritual focuses', which is why the first Pyramid Stage was a replica of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. (Shame its construction involved so much plastic sheeting.) All in all, the event sold itself as the musical equivalent of backpacking in Thailand, reading Jack Kerouac or having your left hand henna tattooed. So how could you not embark upon a love affair with a world of suggested peace and love, where the spirit of King Arthur and Avalon flowers as if fed with John Innes Multi-Purpose? Neil Young at Glastonbury (Image: PA) But aside from being sold spiritual happiness at £348.50 a pop (plus booking fee), Glasto lends itself perfectly to those who love to perch on their friend's shoulders and show off their new top/zany sunglasses/ face make-up. It doesn't matter if this obscures the view of the woman directly behind who's saved her tips at Nandos for months to pay for entry. What matters is the percher may be seen on the telly. Which brings us to the BBC, who have an exclusive contract to show the event live, broadcast 40 hours on TV and 85 hours on live radio, whether we want it or not. Indeed, the Beeb's coverage is as saturated as the underwear worn by those attending (except the likes of Kate Moss and the glampers). With this comes presenters such as Jo Wiley who are perfectly fluent in the language of hyperbole, continually telling us how brilliant it all is. Which brings us to an important reason for the success of Glasto. The myth. We're constantly being told, (perhaps not in so many words, yet a thought possibly perpetuated by umbrella and sleeping bag makers, or anyone who has shares in the likes of Tiso or the makers of the morning after pill) that attending the festival will result in result in transference to a higher spiritual plain or even the loss of virginity. Thus, we're sold a weekend escape to a place where everyone can claim to be having the greatest of times, (see 'delulu' in current teen lexicography) ignoring the reality that your girlfriend/boyfriend is currently being snogged by the bloke who borrowed the toilet roll and looks like Shaggy out of Scooby Doo. There is also little doubt that the ageing Old Farts have kept the field blooming. There are more than 1,200 compost toilets scattered across the site, transforming human waste into horticultural compost, and you sense the organisers agree it's a shame the same can't be done with some of the performer's musical content. (eg, the auto-tuned bonkers act reminiscent of an overly dressed TV evangelist that is Kanye). The organisers know however the likes of Elton, Macca and Rod can still produce, (this year the star oldie is Neil Young). Whether at the age where they play with train sets or not, the family who run this show must know that very few who attend could hum one of Charlie XCX's hits. And while some may argue the appearance of 80-year-old Rod Stewart is reason enough for cancelling the entire event, you have to consider several points; Maggie May is still one of the greatest songs of all time, his hair still occupies the same position on his head where it first grew, and he really, really can't stand Michelle Mone. What the Glasto committee also do very well is enhance the feeling of desirousness around the site by often placing two relatively decent acts on at the same time, forcing a choice - and a subliminal thought about returning the following year in the hope of catching the missed performance. And of course, the Arthurian-level mysticism is indeed aided by its legacy labelling, being billed as a rock festival. Yes, this labelling is questioned when the likes of Kylie is signed to appear, but Glasto PR people do their very best to suggest that the little Antipodean's gold hot pants indeed suggest a symbolism that suggests of wondrous mythical times. Even if they were created in at the Millennium days. (Sure, Keith Moon will have been doing cymbal crashes in his large coffin when he heard her perform The Locomotion.) Rock star status is also conferred on this year's act, Nile Rogers. And Chic. If you've ever wondered why Rogers has become acclaimed there is a real chance you will still be clueless at the end of his set. But the hype works. Doesn't it? So, we believe Glastonbury is to offer music from the gods, a spiritual awakening that is entirely life-enhancing, with a beautiful mind-blowing aesthetic - because we are told it is. And perhaps it is, if you love to see Passchendaele reimagined, with metal helmets replaced by KFC buckets. And I can say all this of course with total, unrelenting conviction, given I've never actually been.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kate Middleton and Prince William's surprising plan for Princess Charlotte's future revealed
Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly considering a different educational path for their daughter Princess Charlotte as she approaches high school age, according to a Daily Mail report. While Prince George is set to follow in his father's and uncle's footsteps to Eton College, Charlotte is said to be eyeing Marlborough College, where her mother, the Princess of Wales, studied. File photo of Princess Charlotte and Kate, the Princess of Wales(AP) Marlborough College, located in Wiltshire, has a history of educating members of the royal family, including Princess Eugenie and Pippa Middleton. The decision marks a departure from tradition, as Prince George will be enrolling at Eton, a school long associated with British royalty. Sources told the Daily Mail that the family had been leaning toward Marlborough for all three children-Charlotte, George and Prince Louis-but that George's future at Eton has now been finalised. George, who turns 12 in July, is expected to join Eton College in September. The school, which charges around $82,000 per year, is located a short walk from the family's home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park, reports The New York Post. An insider told the outlet, 'All roads lead to Eton,' noting that George had been registered at the school years ago. William and Kate had previously visited the campus, and their presence reportedly confirmed the family's direction, according to those close to the situation. Despite no official confirmation from Kensington Palace, sources claim the school is already preparing for George's arrival. One insider even remarked on a noticeable 'smugness' among Eton staffers in anticipation of the royal admission. Harry's Eton experience casts a different light While Prince William enjoyed his time at Eton, Prince Harry had a markedly different experience. In his 2023 memoir Spare, Harry described the school as a challenge, writing that Eton 'was heaven for brilliant boys,' and 'purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy.' Harry struggled with grades and opted out of university, instead enrolling in the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Duke of Sussex, who now lives in California with Meghan Markle and their two children, reflected that his time at Eton did not align with his strengths. Charlotte, currently attending Lambrook School along with her brothers, may follow her mother's academic path if the reports about Marlborough College are confirmed. The prestigious school is known for its focus on arts, sciences and well-rounded student development. ALSO READ: Prince William's big plan to shake up the monarchy revealed FAQs Is Princess Charlotte going to Eton College? No. Reports suggest she may attend Marlborough College, where Kate Middleton studied. Where is Prince George going to school next? He is expected to begin at Eton College in September 2025. What school do the royal children currently attend? George, Charlotte, and Louis all currently attend Lambrook School in Berkshire.
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Prince William and Kate Middleton make surprising decision on Princess Charlotte's future: report
Prince William and Kate Middleton have decided to have Princess Charlotte be educated at a different school from Prince George once they reach high school age, according to insiders. Charlotte is said to be following in her mother's footsteps by eyeing up Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England, the Daily Mail reports. The Princess of Wales, 43, studied at the school before meeting William at St. Andrews University years later. 6 Prince William and Kate Middleton have made decision to have Princess Charlotte be educated at a different school from Prince George once they reach high school age, according to insiders. Shutterstock Marlborough College, also attended by Princess Eugenie and Pippa Middleton, was always a strong frontrunner for both children, as well as Prince Louis, 7. For his part, the future king, 11, is set to enroll at the prestigious Eton College — William and his estranged brother Prince Harry's former school, which has long been a popular choice among royals, politicians and aristocrats. Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are all currently enrolled at Lambrook School in Berkshire, England, which sits nearby their Adelaide Cottage home. Once George turns 12 in July, however, he will be moving to the $82,000-per-year college in September. 6 Charlotte is said to be following her mother's footsteps by eyeing up Marlborough College in Wiltshire, England. Getty Images 6 The Princess of Wales, 43, had studied at Marlborough College before meeting William at St. Andrews University years later. Marlborough College / Facebook According to sources, the decision to send George to Eton has already been finalized and the school's staffers have displayed a certain 'smugness' about the impending announcement. 'I know something and the people at Eton know something, but I'm not going to tell you,' an insider told the outlet. 'That was after William and Kate visited Eton.' The outlet previously reported that George was registered to enroll at Eton 'several years ago,' with one insider saying, 'All roads lead to Eton.' The Post has reached out to Kensington Palace for comment. 6 Marlborough College had long been a frontrunner for Charlotte, according to insiders. WireImage 6 Prince George, 11, is reportedly set to enroll at the prestigious Eton College. Chris Lofty – William, the heir to the throne, had a great experience at the school, but Harry, 40, detailed a completely different experience in his bombshell 2023 memoir, 'Spare.' The former working royal, who now lives in Montecito, Calif., with his wife, Meghan Markle, and their two children, admitted he struggled with poor grades when he attended. His disappointing academic experience prompted him to skip university and head straight to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The Duke of Sussex wrote that Eton was 'heaven for brilliant boys, it could thus only be purgatory for one very unbrilliant boy.' Eton College is located a short stroll away from William, 42, and Kate's family home at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor Home Park. 6 Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis are all currently enrolled at Lambrook School in Berkshire, England. Getty Images Prior to committing to Eton, the young royal had toured two other schools in North London, including Highgate School. Despite the report, Kensington Palace has yet to formally announce the future of George, Charlotte and Louis' education.
