Category: Life Style

  • McDonald’s releases Christmas 2024 advert featuring unexpected clubbing soundtrack

    McDonald’s releases Christmas 2024 advert featuring unexpected clubbing soundtrack

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    McDonald’s has released its Christmas 2024 advert, and it features an unexpected club soundtrack.

    Directed by the award-winning, Nicolai Fuglsig, the 60-second spot follows a couple sitting in their car after a busy day buying Christmas presents for their family. The Golden Arches is glowing in the distance which entices the couple to spontaneously visit McDonald’s via a larger-than-life light display.

    Cue the couple driving through a suburban neighbourhood complete with festive lights flashing to the beat of Benny Benassi’s Satisfaction.

    The advert will make its TV debut on Sunday (17 November) to coincide with ITV’s launch of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.

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  • Swedish minister says meeting rooms should be made ‘banana free’

    Swedish minister says meeting rooms should be made ‘banana free’

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    The combination of images reflects a picture of Swedish Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg (left) and a bunch of bananas, compiled in the context of her allergy with bananas. — AFP/File
    The combination of images reflects a picture of Swedish Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg (left) and a bunch of bananas, compiled in the context of her allergy with bananas. — AFP/File

    Bananaphobic Swedish Gender Equality Minister Paulina Brandberg directed her officials to ensure that meeting rooms should be fruit-free, reported Sky News.

    The leaked emails published by a Swedish tabloid Expressen, revealed the details regarding Paulina Brandberg’s instructions on the matter.

    “[Paulina Brandberg] has a strong allergy to bananas, so it would be appreciated that there are no bananas in the areas where she will be staying,” revealed one of the leaked messages sent to Norwegian Judicial Agency prior to a VIP lunch.

    Another email reportedly sent to County Administrative Board contained: “No bananas are allowed on the premises either.”

    Emphasising on the gravity of her allergy, Brandberg told Expressen that “it’s something that I get professional help with.”

    In 2020, she is rumored to have posted on X about her unique banana-sensitivity saying she has “world’s weirdest phobia of bananas.”

    But no such post is currently there and is suspected to have been deleted.

    Notably any allergy no matter how odd, may have medical implications on the allergic person’s health and wellbeing.

    The rare bananaphobia may cause problems like anxiety, nausea and fatigue which can be triggered by simply looking at or catching the scent of banana. 



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  • World’s largest drawing: Nigerian artist creates artwork spanning nearly 4 tennis courts

    World’s largest drawing: Nigerian artist creates artwork spanning nearly 4 tennis courts

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    An undated image shows the record-breaking drawing by Fola David-Tolaram, named The Unity of Diversity, displayed at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria. — Guinness World Records
    An undated image shows the record-breaking drawing by Fola David-Tolaram, named “The Unity of Diversity”, displayed at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Nigeria. — Guinness World Records

    Fola David-Tolaram, a Nigerian doctor and artist, has broken the record for the world’s largest drawing with his own massive drawing, titled “The Unity of Diversity”.

    According to the Guinness World Records, the colossal piece, measuring 1,0814.5 ft² — equivalent to 3.8 tennis courts — was crafted on the pitch at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in the Nigerian capital of Lagos.

    The gigantic piece of art is a love letter to his home country, depicting its diverse culture.

    David-Tolaram, 31, said: “The drawing is a map of Nigeria showing the various cultures. The Nigerian country is a multi-cultural nation. I wanted to create something that speaks to and gives people an avenue to celebrate their cultures.

    “Before embarking on this record drawing, I took a trip around my country to experience these different cultures personally and it was this experience that I brought to the stadium to create this drawing.

    “The food, the clothing, the way of life, the festivals, the things that are used to create music in each of these cultures, are things that I brought together to create the largest drawing in the world by an individual.”

    David-Tolaram, who has been a professional artist for 10 years, dedicated several days of intense effort to create his giant masterpiece, using waterproof markers.

    It took two days just to join all the canvases together to make one big enough for him to draw on.

    Initially, he began from the centre and planned to work his way out in a circular motion. However, he changed up his technique afterwards, sometimes taking a break from difficult areas to work on something he found easier, before going back to it later.



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  • How to get a free Starbucks reusable red cup today

    How to get a free Starbucks reusable red cup today

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    Your support helps us to tell the story

    From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

    At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

    The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

    Your support makes all the difference.

    The highly-anticipated red cup promotion at Starbucks is back.

    Every year, the coffee conglomerate celebrates the cold-weather season with a special deal offered to customers who place certain holiday-themed orders.

    Now until supplies last, Starbucks patrons will be able to get their hands on this year’s festive beverage holder that’s made with 95 percent recycled materials. This year’s cup is decorated in candy cane-printed ornaments and a white sippy cup top.

    To get a red cup today, patrons must purchase one of the coffee chain’s holiday beverages in any size. This can be done in-store, at a drive-thru, or on the Starbucks app for pick-up or delivery.

    The list of participating holiday beverages include: Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Tea Latte, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Caramel Brulée Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte, Cran-Merry Orange Refresher, Cran-Merry Drink, Cran-Merry Lemonade Refresher, Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai, Hot Chocolate, White Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint White Hot Chocolate, Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte, Peppermint Mocha, Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew, and Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte.

    Customers ordering through the Starbucks app can get their reusable red cup delivered free of charge. What’s more, the $1.99 delivery fee will be waived now until November 17.

    If customers bring their cups or any other reusable cup for their local barista to fill with their drink order, they will get a 10-cent discount.

    Earlier this month (November), Starbucks announced the return of a nostalgic component of their coffee service. Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks, said baristas would once again be hand-writing customer names in Sharpie on coffee cups in an effort to regain and grow its customer base by incorporating the “human touch.”

    Previously, customers would receive their orders with a printed ticket pasted on the outside of cups and bags. However, before the company moved to the sticker system, Starbucks baristas were known for writing names in black block letters.

    While the Starbucks reusable red cup day continues, Niccol confessed the company would be cutting back on promotional deals and discounts offered to rewards customers because the 2023 “financial results were very disappointing.”

    “It is clear we need to fundamentally change our strategy to win back customers and return to growth,” he continued.

    Still, Starbucks is no longer charging customers extra for non-dairy milk. Anyone who would like their drink made with soy, almond, oat, or coconut milk will pay the same price as they would with dairy options.



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  • World’s largest coral discovered by scientists in Pacific Ocean

    World’s largest coral discovered by scientists in Pacific Ocean

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    A representational image showing a coral reef. — Reuters/File
    A representational image showing a coral reef. — Reuters/File

    Scientists have discovered the largest coral ever recorded in the south west Pacific Ocean and described it to be bigger than a blue whale.

    The mega coral, a combination of several connected tiny creatures that together form one organism rather than a reef, is likely to be over 300 years old, according to BBC.

    A videographer working on a National Geographic ship visiting remote parts of the Pacific found it. The person wanted to see how it has been impacted by climate change.

    “I went diving in a place where the map said there was a shipwreck and then I saw something,” said Manu San Felix.

    Moreover, he called over his diving buddy, who is also his son Inigo, and they dived further down to inspect it.

    Seeing the coral, which is in the Solomon Islands, was like seeing a “cathedral underwater”, he said.

    “It’s very emotional. I felt this huge respect for something that’s stayed in one place and survived for hundreds of years,” he said.

    By using a type of tape measure under water, scientists on the expedition measured the coral. It was found to be 34m wide, 32m long and 5.5m high.

    As oceans warm with climate change, corals are facing severe pressures globally.

    Corals, often described as an “architect” of the seas, can join together to form vast reefs where fish and other species live.

    Additionally, according to the World Economic Forum, coral reefs also underpin the livelihoods of one billion people including by supporting tourism or fishing.



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  • Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler sparks concern with for his well-being with worrying videos

    Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler sparks concern with for his well-being with worrying videos

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    Your support helps us to tell the story

    From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

    At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

    The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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    Former Duke University basketball star Kyle Singler has drawn concern from fans and other NBA players after posting a series of cryptic videos on Instagram on Tuesday (November 12).

    Singler, 36, helped lead Duke to a national title in 2010 and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

    “I have been mistreated and abused, neglected, made into a mental example,” Singler said, appearing shirtless in his video from a bare room. “And I fear for my life every day. And people in my community make me look out as if I’m going to be someone that’s going to be a problem and make things difficult for people when I’m only trying to be helpful.

    “I feel like I have a certain way about myself and strength and purpose that does not get valued or get treated properly.”

    The video cut off abruptly after about 90 seconds. It was shared more than 1,200 times in the 12 hours after it was posted.

    Several NBA players responded. Miami Heat star Kevin Love wrote, “I love you Kyle. Hit me whenever. Please.” Isaiah Thomas said: “Here for you bro! Always and forever.” Andre Drummond added, “You aren’t alone brother! I’m here for you.”

    Many of those who responded included Duke men’s basketball and the NBA in their comments, hoping to get their attention.

    Singler later posted another video on Tuesday afternoon. He appeared to be less agitated, while repeating grievances from the first post.

    Singler was the 33rd overall pick in the 2011 draft and started his career overseas before playing in the NBA. He played three seasons for the Detroit Pistons, who drafted him, and was on the All-Rookie second team in 2013. He played parts of four seasons for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He retired in 2019 after a stint in Europe.

    Duke Basketball, the Thunder and the National Basketball Players Association did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press.

    If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you

    Additional reporting by The Associated Press



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  • Comb jellyfish that reverses ageing may hold key to timeless quest for immortality

    Comb jellyfish that reverses ageing may hold key to timeless quest for immortality

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    A representational image shows a bioluminescent comb jellyfish. — X/@maximaxoo
    A representational image shows a bioluminescent comb jellyfish. — X/@maximaxoo

    In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway have identified the comb jellyfish (Mnemiopsis leidyi), a ctenophore species, as a potential candidate for biological immortality.

    According to the New York Post, the comb jellyfish has now joined the ranks of its cousin, the renowned immortal jellyfish  (Turritopsis dohrnii), thanks to its newly discovered biological trait.

    While studying these creatures, the scientists at the university encountered a larval ctenophore in a tank that was expected to contain a mature jellyfish.

    This unexpected finding, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, raises intriguing questions about the capabilities of other animals to reverse the ageing process.

    “The work challenges our understanding of early animal development and body plans, opening new avenues for the study of life cycle plasticity and rejuvenation,” said Joan J Soto-Angel, study co-author, in a statement per Phys.org.

    “The fact that we have found a new species that uses this peculiar ‘time-travel machine’ raises fascinating questions about how spread this capacity is across the animal tree of life.”

    Soto-Angel and her team ran experiments in an attempt to recreate the circumstances that led the comb jellyfish to revert to its infancy, identifying extreme stress as the trigger.

    Previous research suggests that comb jellyfish may have been the first animal species to appear on Earth 700 million years ago, and may indeed owe its longevity to their ability to reverse growth and development.

    “This is a very exciting time for us,” said Paul Burkhardt, who co-wrote the study. “This fascinating finding will open the door for many important discoveries. It will be interesting to reveal the molecular mechanism driving reverse development, and what happens to the animal’s nerve net during this process.”

    In the future, similar findings could lead scientists to understand how humans, too, might harness the ageing process.



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  • Megan Fox announces she is pregnant with Machine Gun Kelly’s child

    Megan Fox announces she is pregnant with Machine Gun Kelly’s child

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    Your support helps us to tell the story

    From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

    At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

    The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

    Your support makes all the difference.

    Megan Fox announced she is expecting a child with fiancé Machine Gun Kelly.

    On Monday (November 11), the Transformers star, 38, revealed on Instagram that she and the 34-year-old musician are expecting. In a photo carousel accompanying the announcement, the mother-of-three, soon to be four, held a positive pregnancy test for the camera in one snap and cradled her baby bump covered in black liquid in another.

    She captioned the photos with lyrics from Kelly’s song, “last november,” which touched upon the couple’s past miscarriage. She wrote: “Nothing is ever really lost. Welcome back.”

    In November 2023, Megan Fox shared her experience with miscarriage through two poignant poems in her book Pretty Boys Are Poisonous. During an interview with Good Morning America about the collection, Fox reflected on navigating the loss with her fiancé by her side.

    “I’ve never been through anything like that in my life,” she recalled. “I have three kids, so it was very difficult for both of us and it sent us on a very wild journey together and separately…trying to navigate, ‘What does this mean?’ and ‘Why did this happen?’”

    That wasn’t the first time Fox suffered a miscarriage. In another interview with Women’s Wear Daily in 2023, she opened up actor about experiencing an ectopic pregnancy, which “occurs when a fertilised egg implants and grows outside the main cavity of the uterus,” as noted by the Mayo Clinic. This type of pregnancy cannot proceed normally, since the “fertilised egg can’t survive, and the growing tissue may cause life-threatening bleeding.”

    “That experience was so much harder than I would’ve anticipated it being, and I’ve really analysed ‘Why was that? Why was that so difficult for me?’” Fox said. “Because when I was younger, I had an ectopic pregnancy, I’ve had other things that I’m not going to say because God forbid the world will be in an uproar.”

    “But I’ve been through other similar issues, but not with someone who I was so in love with,” she added.

    This will be Fox’s fourth child and Kelly’s second. She shares three sons – Noah, 12, Bodhi, 10, and Journey, 8 – with ex-husband Brian Austin Green. Meanwhile, Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, shares a daughter, Casie, 15, with ex-partner Emma Cannon.

    In March 2020, Fox and Kelly first crossed paths on the set of Midnight in the Switchgrass. Shortly after, they went public with their relationship when Fox starred in Kelly’s “Bloody Valentine” music video in May 2020, just days after Green confirmed their split following nearly a decade of marriage.

    By January 2022, the couple was engaged, with Fox announcing the big news on Instagram. She posted a video of Kelly proposing under a banyan tree, a spot rich with meaning for them both.

    “In July of 2020 we sat under this banyan tree,” Fox wrote in the caption at the time. “We asked for magic. We were oblivious to the pain we would face together in such a short, frenetic period of time. Unaware of the work and sacrifices the relationship would require from us but intoxicated off of the love. And the karma.”

    “Somehow a year and a half later, having walked through hell together, and having laughed more than I ever imagined possible, he asked me to marry him,” she continued. “And just as in every lifetime before this one, and as in every lifetime that will follow it, I said yes.…and then we drank each other’s blood. 1.11.22 ✨.”



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  • Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis

    Kate Middleton: A timeline of the princess’s year so far after cancer diagnosis

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    Your support helps us to tell the story

    From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

    At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

    The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

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    The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.

    In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent “preventative chemotherapy”. She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.

    Her diagnosis came in the same year as the King was also diagnosed with cancer. Her husband Prince William has spoken candidly about the royal family’s major health scares, saying 2024 has “probably been the hardest year in my life” and a “dreadful” experience.

    The princess made appearances at both the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

    Though she has made a small number of appearances this year, the weekend marks the first time she has carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements since the start of the year.

    Here is a full timeline of Kate’s health journey in 2024 so far:

    The Princess of Wales recently announced she had completed her course of chemotherapy
    The Princess of Wales recently announced she had completed her course of chemotherapy (PA Wire)

    16 January, Tuesday

    The Princess’s tough year began in January when she was secretly admitted to The London Clinic for abdominal surgery.

    Kensington Palace revealed the princess had “planned abdominal surgery” and estimated that she would spend the next 10 to 14 days in hospital.

    It was said she would be stepping back from her duties until Easter to recover. The Prince of Wales also stepped back from his work to support his wife and young children.

    The princess was said to be “doing well” in the immediate aftermath of the operation. Specifics about the nature of the operation were, and remain, private.

    William drives away from The London Clinic where Kate was staying
    William drives away from The London Clinic where Kate was staying (PA Archive)

    29 January, Monday

    The princess was discharged.

    5 February, Monday

    Prince William returned to duty.

    Buckingham Palace announced King Charles had been diagnosed with cancer. The Palace clarified that while undisclosed in its form, the monarch does not have prostate cancer, although the disease was found during his prostate procedure.

    The king stepped back from his public-facing duties as he began his treatment.

    7 February, Wednesday

    The Prince of Wales thanked well-wishers for their support amid the family’s health troubles. At this point, it was believed that the Princess of Wales was merely recovering from her abdominal surgery.

    4 March, Monday

    The princess was photographed by paparazzi for the first time since her operation. She was being driven near Windsor Castle by her mother, Carole Middleton.

    A day later, a claim that the princess would undertake the Colonel’s Review ahead of the Trooping the Colour in June was removed from the army’s website.

    10 March, Sunday

    Kensington Palace shared a picture of the princess with her three children to celebrate Mother’s Day. It was accompanied by the following message: “Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day. C.”

    On the same day, the picture was removed by major photo agencies after it emerged that it had been manipulated.

    The picture was removed by major photo agencies after it emerged that it has been manipulated
    The picture was removed by major photo agencies after it emerged that it has been manipulated (Prince of Wales/Kensington Palace/PA Wire)

    11 March, Monday

    The princess personally apologised for the “confusion” caused by the photograph, and described herself as an “amateur photographer” who does occasionally “experiment” with editing.

    16 March, Tuesday

    A picture of a woman claimed to be the Princess of Wales near a Windsor farm shop was published by The Sun.

    19 March, Tuesday

    A breach report was filed with the UK privacy and data protection watchdog following claims that a staff member at the London Clinic attempted to access Kate’s private medical information.

    22 March, Friday

    Kensington Palace released a video of the princess announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer. She asked the public for privacy as she began a course of preventative chemotherapy.

    Kate said: “It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.”

    Kensington Palace released a video of the princess announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer
    Kensington Palace released a video of the princess announcing she had been diagnosed with cancer (Independent TV)

    18 April, Thursday

    Prince William returned to work again after a brief Easter break, which he spent with his family. His engagements included a visit to a London food waste charity, Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames and a London youth centre.

    10 May, Friday

    The Prince of Wales provided a welcome update on his wife’s health and said she is “doing well”.

    13 June, Friday

    Kate announced her return to public life at Trooping the Colour and said in a statement that while she was progressing, she was “not out of the woods yet”.

    Kate made her first public appearance after announcing her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour
    Kate made her first public appearance after announcing her diagnosis at Trooping the Colour (PA Wire)

    15 June, Saturday

    The Princess of Wales made a welcome return to public life at Trooping the Colour, appearing with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

    14 July, Saturday

    Kate made a second public appearance at Wimbledon and received a standing ovation as she presented the Men’s Final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.

    The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte pictured in the royal box at Wimbledon
    The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte pictured in the royal box at Wimbledon (PA Wire)

    11 August, Sunday

    The Prince and Princess of Wales appeared in a joint video to congratulate Team GB on their performance at the Paris Olympics.

    25 August, Sunday

    The royal family, including the princess, began their summer break at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was believed to be the furthest Kate has travelled since her cancer diagnosis.

    8 September, Sunday

    It was reported the princess could make her next public appearance on Remembrance Sunday and host her annual Christmas carol concert.

    9 September, Monday

    Kensington Palace released a video of the Wales family reflecting on the past nine months, and the princess revealed that she has finally finished her cancer treatment.

    She added to others with cancer: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.”

    Kensington Palace released a video of the Wales family reflecting on the past nine months
    Kensington Palace released a video of the Wales family reflecting on the past nine months (PA Wire)

    17 September, Tuesday

    The princess returned to work at Windsor Castle, turning her focus to her Early Years work.

    The Court Circular read: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”

    The meeting likely concerned the Shaping Us campaign that aims to raise the profile of the importance of early childhood development and the impact it can have later in life.

    This marked the princess’s third royal engagement of the year and her first work engagement.

    24 September, Tuesday

    Kate met aides to begin planning her annual Christmas carol service.

    The Princess was mentioned in the Court Circular after holding a meeting at Windsor Castle about the event, with aides and members of her Royal Foundation.

    The service will be held at Westminster Abbey for the fourth year running and will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.

    2 October, Wednesday

    Kate met and embraced an aspiring photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting the teenager to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.

    The princess made a surprise visit with William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims
    The princess made a surprise visit with William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims (AP)

    10 October, Thursday

    The princess made a surprise visit with William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims.

    The unannounced trip to Merseyside was William and Kate’s first joint official outing since the princess’s course of chemotherapy cancer treatment ended in the summer.

    9 November, Saturday

    Kate attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall alongside the King and her husband, the Prince of Wales.

    During the Festival, William and Kate, both wearing poppies, applauded a performance by Sir Tom Jones – who sang I Won’t Crumble With You If You Fall with the central band of the Royal Air Force – and joined other members of the royal family in standing to clap for Second World War veterans.

    Kate appeared emotional as she listened intently during the remembrance ceremony
    Kate appeared emotional as she listened intently during the remembrance ceremony (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

    10 November, Sunday

    The princess appeared at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

    She watched the ceremony from the Foreign Office balcony alongside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in what was the first time she carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements since the start of the year.

    Kate appeared emotional as she listened intently during the ceremony, wearing a black coat with three poppies pinned to it.

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  • World’s best new building for 2024 unveiled — but it’s not a skyscraper

    World’s best new building for 2024 unveiled — but it’s not a skyscraper

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    An undated image shows students playing at the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@fjcstudio
    An undated image shows students playing at the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@fjcstudio

    A small suburban school in Chippendale, Sydney in Australia beat iconic skyscrapers, museums and airport terminals to be crowned the World Building of the Year 2024 at the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in Singapore.

    Darlington Public School, which opened its doors last fall, triumphed over 220 other shortlisted designs to win the coveted prize, CNN reported.

    The school features an angular brick campus building with a distinctive “sawtooth” roof and landscaped outdoor areas that include a large basketball court and a community garden.

    Softly curved metal screens protect students’ privacy while allowing natural light to filter in through the open air terraces.

    An undated image shows students walking around at the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@worldarchfest
    An undated image shows students walking around at the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@worldarchfest

    The school’s Sydney-based designers, FJC Design & Construction  said that the previous 1970s structure was no longer fit for modern educational needs, leading to a redeisgn.

    The architects said their new design had “radically transformed” the school, offering “new and contemporary learning environments,” while capturing the spirit of the original campus.

    The new building comprises a preschool, kindergarten and primary school and it will be able to accommodate over 500 students, according to the school’s website. 

    The building was constructed in a two-stage building process which allowed classes to continue throughout construction.

    Alessandro Rossi, associate at fjcstudio, said: “It’s very humbling given the modest scale of the building — it’s a little school project, so to have won against all the other big projects at WAF is a testament to the client and the community engagement that helped drive the design process. 

    “The real winners are the children who will spend time in the building — a place of enrichment for many years to come.”

    An undated image shows the top of the the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@worldarchfest
    An undated image shows the top of the the Darlington Public School in Chippendale, Sydney, Australia. — Instagram/@worldarchfest

    The building won the 17th edition of WAF. The festival divides its awards into 18 categories, including sport, transportation, health and housing. 

    Additionally, a panel of 175 festival delegates chooses the winners of each category. Then, one of the winners is crowned as the World Building of the Year.

    Other competitors of the Australian school included the National Star Observatory of Cyprus, a Polish bus station and a solar power plant in Turkey.

    The result, that was announced on Friday, marks the second consecutive year that the WAF judges opted for an educational building, with a serene boarding school in China taking last year’s title. 

    Previously, the title was won by a housing complex for senior citizens in Singapore and a waste-to-energy power plant with a rooftop ski slope in Copenhagen, Denmark.



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