Archive May 16, 2025

Kate Middleton often wears her espadrille wedges on repeat during the spring and summer months, and we managed to track down a lookalike pair that are almost £100 less

Although she’s no stranger to outfit repeating, there’s one thing we’ve seen Kate Middleton wear on repeat more than almost anything else over the years; her espadrille wedges. The Princess of Wales has been spotted on countless occasions in a pair of Castaner Carina Suede Espadrilles, wearing them with everything from wide leg jeans to flowing midi dresses for all kinds of occasions.

Although the Castaner wedges aren’t breaking the bank by royal standards, the £155 price tag may be a little out of reach for some. However, we managed to track down an almost identical pair at Crew Clothing which will save you some pennies, with the Faith Classic Heeled Espadrille priced at a much for budget-friendly £60.

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The Faith sandals mirror Princess Kate’s thanks to their espadrille style, with a jute wedge heel and suede closed toes. The suede is made from real leather which is wipe clean, and comes in a range of three colours; beige, pale pink and black.

They fasten with an ankle strap which is finished in the same suede, with adjustable buckle fastenings. The heel is also enclosed in a flexible raffia with a subtle check pattern to get a secure fit.

The wedge heel and small platform sole is low enough to be comfortable and wearable all day, but is still high enough to be suitable for more formal occasions like weddings. Of course there’s several other brands who offer a similar style, like these Pink Forever Comfort® Round Toe Espadrille Stud Detail Wedges from Next, which are super affordable at £42 and come in both pale pink and black with the brand’s signature comfort soles.

If you’re worried about how the suede upkeep would be there’s also the Canvas Espadrille Wedge Sandals from Tommy Hilfiger. They’re £90 with a cotton canvas toe and heel sections which are easier to clean up, and come in a choice of white, pink, navy and black. We also love this very similar pair of Rosina Leather Espadrilles from Jones Bootmaker, which are on sale down from £89 to £59.

However shoppers have been praising the comfort and style of the Faith Classic Heeled Espadrilles, with one saying: “Bought these today in the neutral colour and plan to buy the navy as well. Wish they had a blush pink. I have wide feet size 6. These are so comfortable and I just love them. The right height to make you feel you’ve dressed up.”

Another agreed: “Fit perfectly. Not too high, very comfortable.”

In fact, there was only one review which wasn’t five stars, which said: “These were pretty shoes but didn’t fit my wide feet. The toe box could have done with being a bit deeper. Fine for those with the right shaped feet. Sadly not for me.”

The Eurovision Song Contest is as political as it is musical, and has had its fair shares of controversies over the years – ranging from sneaky fake acts to full censorship

If there’s one thing the Eurovision Song Contest is guaranteed to do, it’s put on a show. The music competition has been running since 1956, and in the decades since has built up a reputation as being one of the most outlandish, bizarre, entertaining events out there – whether you think the singing’s actually any good or not.

Alongside the spectacle of heavy metal Vikings and banana-obsessed wolves on stage, Eurovision also makes headlines for its more dividing moments. From national feuds and law-breaking moments to stage blunders and eyebrow-raising behavior, Eurovision has it all.

The 69th final of the Eurovision Song Contest is just moments away, taking place at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday, May 17. Before we’re given even more shocking antics to debate over in the coming weeks, let’s take a look back at some of the most controversial moments leading up to this year’s event.

Francisco Franco vs Cliff Richard

You would have thought that world leaders would have bigger things to worry about than Eurovision, but that might not be the case. While it’s often more unknown singers who enter the competition, back in 1968 the legendary Cliff Richard represented the UK.

He was obviously expected to win, but was beaten by Spanish entrant Massiel by just one point. While it might be down to the musical tastes of voters, a modern Spanish documentary claimed that there was something more menacing going on. Apparently, the dictator Francisco Franco strongly felt that winning Eurovision was essential in showing the strength of his fascist regime, and so rigged the vote to make sure they came out on top.

The song contest made it clear that they weren’t going to investigate the matter, with director Bjørn Erichsen stating: “No! Just to make Cliff Richard a little happier and the Spanish winner a bit more unhappy? I don’t think you should dig up old bodies to prove he was or wasn’t the father. It’s history.”

Drugs bust

More recently, viewers were certain that they spotted a competitor sneakily taking drugs live on air. Damiano David won Eurovision in 2021 as the lead singer of his band Måneskin, but prior to the win was seen lowering his head behind a bucket of drinks while the presenters interviewed the contestants, before quickly raising his head when his bandmate nudged him.

The band was quick to respond on X, formerly known as Twitter, when the allegations spread, writing: “We really are AGAINST drugs and we never used cocaine. We are ready to get [tested], cause we have nothing to hide. We are here to play our music and we are so happy about our Eurovision win and we wanna thank everyone for supporting us. Rock’n Roll never dies. We love you.”

Damiano stayed true to his word and underwent voluntary testing, which gave him the all-clear. Eurovision also released a statement firmly denying the allegations, writing in part: “No drug use took place in the Green Room and we consider the matter closed. We are alarmed that inaccurate speculation leading to fake news has overshadowed the spirit and the outcome of the event and unfairly affected the band.”

Undercover journalists

In one wild turn, it was discovered that some singers in a band weren’t singers at all. In 2000, the band PingPong beat out all of Israel’s other entries to represent the country at the final stage. They ended up placing a low 24th, but that wasn’t the only controversy.

In their song, ‘Be Happy’, the lyrics mentioned a boy from Damascus dating an Israeli girl. If that weren’t enough in the tense political climate, they then unfurled Syrian flags at the end of their performance – a country with whom Israel has incredibly tense relations.

PingPong was then officially ‘disowned’ by Israel, and damned for their political message and wild routine. However, it turned out that they weren’t exactly a real band anyway. They initially entered the song contest as a joke, and two of the band were actually journalists writing for the newspaper Ma’ariv.

Same-sex scandal

Considering the values Eurovision is supposed to represent and the sexual overtures of many performances, it’s shocking to think that some things are still considered to cross the line. Unfortunately, this happened in 2013, when Finland included a same-sex kiss in its performance at the final.

Krista Siegfrieds performed the song ‘Marry Me’, taking to the stage in a wedding dress and singing about nuptials. Basic enough, until she proudly kissed one of her female backing dancers.

This was a classic case of performers not revealing their plans until live on air, and caused a furore in some countries. Krista was protesting Finland’s anti-same-sex marriage stance, but some nations refused to get the message. China censored the moment, while Turkey decided not to air the show at all. Gladly, however, same-sex marriage in Finland was legalised just a few years later in 2017, and Eurovision is no longer so shocked by the occasional same-sex kiss.

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Everything you need to know about F&F clothing’s big spring sale, as the Tesco brand shares exciting news for shoppers

Tesco shoppers, get ready because we’ve had a heads up that the next highly-anticipated 25% off F&F clothing sale is officially happening in stores from Monday May 20th, and it’s set to serve you some big bargains. Whether you’re topping up your summer wardrobe, hunting down affordable kids’ bits (it’s never too early to think about back to school!) or eyeing up a couple of smart pieces for work, now’s the time to plan a trolley dash.

The sale covers all F&F fashion with just a few exceptions– underwear, hosiery, and socks are excluded, but everything else is fair game. That means deals on dresses, denim, loungewear, kids’ school uniforms and more. With savings like this, sizes tend to go fast, so if you’ve had your eye on something in-store, don’t hang around.

But that’s not all– F&F is finally shoppable online

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In what might be even bigger news for fans of Tesco fashion, the supermarket has just launched F&F Online for the first time ever. That’s right– you can now shop an expansive range of F&F clothing on Tesco.com and through the Grocery and Clubcard app. Until now, F&F clothing has only been available in selected Tesco stores, and many shoppers have been calling for online access for years.

Now, Tesco is delivering (quite literally). The new online shop, which is up and running now, features a curated selection of women’s, men’s, and kids’ fashion, including seasonal staples (like school uniforms), popular basics, accessories and even exclusive collaborations from the likes of Kate Ferdinand and Abbey Clancy.

When you shop F&F online, you’ll also earn Clubcard points on your purchases– another win if you’re already racking up rewards through Tesco. There’s a £3.99 delivery fee, or you can upgrade to express delivery for £5.50 if you need your items quickly. Need to return something? You’ve got 30 days to send items back either by courier (£2.50) or for free in larger Tesco stores.

While it’s a more curated selection than what’s on offer in larger stores, the new F&F Online range covers a bit of everything, from summer-ready pieces and comfortable basics to affordable occasionwear and wardrobe essentials. The digital shelves will continue to grow over the coming months, so we’ll keep our eyes peeled on bargains for you.

For now, here’s what to add to your virtual cart from F&F Online

F&F Striped Tie Waist Shorts with Linen in Blue

Pair with the matching button-up shirt for a classic and coordinated outfit on warm days and on holiday.

F&F Striped Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers with Linen in Cream

Featuring an elasticated drawstring waistband for adjustable comfort and side pockets for small essentials, shop these linen trousers as part of a co-ord or on their own to pair with a casual t-shirt or blouse.

F&F Floral Print V-Neck Midi Dress in Multi Blue

Both Prince William and King Charles attended the Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey this morning, where William was installed as a Great Master of the Order

Prince William was today installed as a Great Master of the Order of the Bath today after processing through Westminster Abbey with his father in lavish crimson robes. The Prince of Wales attended the historic service for the first time, having been appointed to the ancient order last year by the King.

Meanwhile, the King took part for the first time as sovereign of the order, which is awarded to members of the military or civil service for exemplary work and this year celebrates its 300th anniversary. Father and son, both dressed in the order’s billowing satin robes, arrived at the Abbey’s Great West Door separately, shortly after 11am to be greeted by the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle.

Inside, the King greeted his son warmly, with an affectionate pat on his shoulder; before they enjoyed a brief, jovial conversation with the dean in the Chapel of Saint George. They then processed through the church with officers, knights and the Dame Grand Cross of the order before taking their seats in the Quire.

The King was accompanied by his young page Guy Tryon, ten, the son of his godson, Lord Charles Tryon, and the grandson of the late Lady Dale Tryon, an Australian socialite who enjoyed a close relationship with the King in his younger years.

The service was conducted by the Dean, who read the lesson from St Paul’s epistle to the Philippians chapter 4, verses 4 – 8 and gave the address.

During the service, the King and Prince William processed to the Henry VII Lady Chapel for the installation ceremony, which took place below the banners of living knights hanging above the stalls and was relayed to the congregation on television screens.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier and Admiral Sir Philip Jones took the oath as Knights Grand Cross of the Order and were installed, while General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith and Lord Young of Old Windsor – Elizabeth II’s former private secretary – and Sir Tom Scholar, took the oath but will not be installed until spaces arise.

In the chapel, the Bath King of Arms bowed to those being installed before they stepped up to their stalls. The King then presented the Book of Statutes to his son before the Prince and the Dean read the oath simultaneously. Each Knight then took the oath before bowing to the Grand Master.

After both the King and the Prince had made an offering of gold and silver at the altar, each Knight who had taken the oath turned towards the altar, behind Prince William, who drew his sword.

The Knights followed suit, holding their swords forward before the Prince’s sword was briefly laid upon the altar. They then processed back to the Quire to Elgar’s Nimrod.

The outing today comes just weeks after Prince Harry talked about his strained relationship with his father and brother in a bombshell interview with the BBC. The service for the Order of the Bath takes place every four years, with the monarch traditionally attending on only every other occasion and the Prince of Wales, as Great Master, attending every service.

The King, as Prince of Wales, last attended in May 2022. This year’s service was brought forward by one year to coincide with the 300th anniversary, meaning that the next one will not take place until 2030. The congregation comprised only members of the order and their guests.

The order consists of up to 120 Knights and Dames Grand Cross, 295 Knights and Dames Commander, and 1455 Companions, in addition to the Sovereign and the Great Master. It is the fourth most senior order of merit, after the Orders of the Garter, the Thistle, and of St. Patrick.

The late Queen last attended the service in 2014, when, due to her frailty, the then Prince Charles stepped in to perform her duties by making the offering, a task that involved climbing steep wooden steps in full regalia.

The order was established by George I on May 18, 1725, taking its name from the symbolic bathing which was often part of the preparation of a candidate for knighthood. The honour was only conferred on a knight after he had performed a number of rituals designed to purify the inner soul – fasting, vigils and prayer.