Archive July 1, 2025

King Charles travels by helicopter for ancient ceremony after axing Royal Train

By in Entertainment News, News

King Charles has taken part in the ancient Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh today as he begins the traditional Royal Week in Scotland based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

The King was greeted with pipes, drums and bows and arrows as he kicked off his annual week in Scotland. Charles, 76, was given a Royal Salute and Guard of Honour as he inspected The Royal Company of Archers, The King’s Bodyguard for Scotland, at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

He arrived at the palace in a helicopter after Buckingham Palace announce plans to axe the Royal Train. Yeterday, James Chalmers, Keeper of the Privy Purse, described the move as an example of the royal household applying “fiscal discipline” in its drive to deliver “value for money”.

On the visit, Charles took part in the Ceremony of the Keys – an official welcome to the Scottish capital. The Lord Provost Robert Aldridge presented the Keys to King who returned them for ‘safe keeping’.

The Lord Provost said to the King: “We, the Lord Provost and the members of the City of Edinburgh Council, welcome Your Majesty to the Capital City of your Ancient and Hereditary Kingdom of Scotland and offer for your gracious acceptance the Keys of Your Majesty’s good City of Edinburgh. “

King Charles inspects the Guard of Honour from the Royal Company of Archers during the Ceremony of the Keys in Edinburgh(Image: Getty Images)

The King replied: “I return these keys, being perfectly convinced that they cannot be placed in better hands than those of the Lord Provost and Councillors of my good City of Edinburgh. “

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The King, wearing a suit with Company of Archers tie, was also given a Guard of Honour by The King’s Bodyguard Scotland (Royal Company of Archers).

The King takes the royal salute
The King takes the royal salute (Image: PA)

Music at the official welcome in Scotland was provided by The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and Pipes and Drums of 2nd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland.

Renditions included ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 miles)’ by the Scottish duo Proclaimers and ‘Counting Stars’ by One Republic. Also on Parade was the Balaklava Company, 5 SCOTS and the High Constables of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Around 250 people were invited as a thank you for their work in the local community watched the ceremony from the palace garden. Later today, the King will also preside over an investiture ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge presents the King with the keys to the City of Edinburgh
Lord Provost of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge presents the King with the keys to the City of Edinburgh(Image: Getty Images)

Those receiving honours will include artist Barbara Rae, who was awarded a damehood for services to art in the New Year Honours, and Scotland’s most decorated Olympian, Duncan Scott, who becomes an OBE for services to swimming.

Swimmer Stephen Clegg, who won two gold medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris and becomes an MBE for services to swimming, will also attend.

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The monarch traditionally spends a week based at the Palace of Holyroodhouse each year in what is known as Holyrood Week or Royal Week in Scotland.

Later, the King and Queen will host guests at a garden party at the palace, alongside Princess Anne and her husband Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence.

Famous rapper orders food in Nando’s and no one realises who he is

By in Entertainment News, News

A British rapper was having a meal in Nando’s when he overheard a group of men say they would love to meet him, so he decided to have a laugh at their expense

Imagine being a celeb and craving the anonymity to enjoy a cheeky Nando’s without the flash of cameras or eager fans clamouring for a selfie. That’s just what rapper Tinchy Stryder experienced, but with a twist. He had a bit of fun when some unsuspecting fans failed to recognise him.

The 38-year-old artist, born Kwasi Danquah III, couldn’t help but overhear a group of lads expressing their wish to meet him. Seated behind them, Tinchy leaned over to enquire who they thought they’d spotted, curious to see if they’d twig that they were actually talking to the man himself. But the prank didn’t quite go as planned, as the blokes remained clueless that they were in the presence of the noughties hitmaker.

Tinchy Stryder looked at the camera in shock(Image: Jam Press/@tinchystryder)

In a video clip, Tinchy, known for bangers like ‘Number 1’ and ‘Take Me Back’, quizzed: “Who did you say you just saw? “

One of the diners replied simply: “Tinchy Stryder,” oblivious to the fact that he was indeed conversing with the star.

Tinchy couldn’t resist playing along, jesting: “Tinchy Stryder? Where’s he gone? I want to meet him”.

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The encounter wrapped up with Tinchy pulling a surprised expression for the camera, having a giggle at the fan’s expense.

Social media users were left gobsmacked when a group of men eagerly met Tinchy Stryder but then failed to recognise him during their conversation.

Tinchy Stryder
He spoke to the men who had no clue who he was (Image: Jam Press/@tinchystryder)

One fan nostalgically referenced his work, commenting: “Tinch, don’t worry, you’re still our star in the hood”.

Another chimed in with disbelief: “I would never not recognise Tinch”.

A nostalgic admirer wrote: “Bro where you at, I loved your music back in the day,”.

Curious fans also quizzed about his youthful appearance, wondering how he doesn’t look a day over 20 despite approaching 40.

Tinchy Stryder
They didn’t realise they were speaking to the man himself (Image: Jam Press/@tinchystryder)

Tinchy Stryder burst onto the scene in the early noughties, quickly becoming a pivotal figure in the UK grime movement alongside names like Dizzee Rascal and Wiley.

Originally part of the grime crew Roll Deep, Stryder made waves in the underground music circuit before going solo.

His first album ‘Star in the Hood’ dropped in 2007, highlighting his unique flow and sharp lyrics.

But it was his sophomore effort, ‘Catch 22,’ that catapulted him into the limelight in 2009, featuring his chart-topping hit Number 1 with N Dubz.

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Turkiye detains four over cartoon allegedly depicting Abrahamic prophets

By in News, World News

Police in Turkiye have detained four people over a cartoon published by the satirical magazine LeMan, which critics say appeared to depict Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Moses shaking hands in the sky as missiles fell below in a war-like scene – a claim the magazine denies.

The cartoon, published last week, triggered a backlash from government officials and religious groups in Turkiye. On Tuesday, the Istanbul chief public prosecutor’s office announced a formal investigation under charges of “openly insulting religious values”.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the magazine, describing it as “a vile provocation”.

“It is a clear provocation disguised as humour, a vile provocation,” he said, also denouncing it as a “hate crime”, confirming authorities had taken over LeMan magazine and were taking legal action against it.

Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya posted a video on X showing the arrest of cartoonist Dogan Pehlevan on Monday.

“I strongly condemn the shameless caricaturing of our Prophet,” Yerlikaya said. “This is not press freedom. This is not freedom of expression. These provocative acts, which insult our sacred values and deeply hurt Muslim consciences, will not go unpunished. ”

He added that a total of six detention orders had been issued. Two people who were overseas have yet to be arrested.

Yerlikaya also said the magazine’s graphic designer and two other senior staffers were detained, along with the cartoonist.

Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc said the investigation is proceeding under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code, which criminalises “incitement to hatred and enmity”.

In a statement posted on X, LeMan apologised to readers who were offended but insisted the cartoon had been misinterpreted. The magazine said Pehlevan aimed to highlight “the suffering of a Muslim man killed in Israeli attacks” and denied any attempt to mock Islam.

“The name Muhammad is among the most common in the Muslim world in honour of the Prophet. The cartoon does not portray him, nor was it intended to disrespect religious beliefs,” the magazine said, accusing critics of wilfully distorting its message.

LeMan urged authorities to investigate what it described as a targeted smear campaign and called for stronger protection of press freedom.

Later in the evening, videos surfaced online of crowds of protesters marching to LeMan’s office in Istanbul, kicking the building’s doors and chanting slogans.

UK government faces key test in welfare reform bill vote

By in News, World News

The United Kingdom’s Labour government hopes to limit a rebellion over welfare reform from its own politicians in a key vote in Parliament, just days after attempting to win them over with concessions.

Almost a year after his party won a landslide election victory, Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces one of the toughest tests of his premiership on Tuesday, when MPs vote on his government’s welfare plans.

Angered by proposals to change the eligibility criteria of the country’s main disability benefit and to reduce health-related support received by those on low incomes, more than 120 Labour politicians signalled last week that they would be voting against the bill.

In a bid to appease them, Downing Street announced a set of concessions on Friday, including a pledge that current claimants of the disability benefit, which is known as the personal independence payment (Pip), would not be affected by the cuts.

The government also promised to launch a review into Pip, led by Disability Minister Stephen Timms.

Speaking on Friday, senior Labour backbencher Meg Hillier, one of the rebels, described the U-turn as a “workable compromise”.

However, shortly ahead of Tuesday’s vote, it appeared that dozens of Labour politicians still opposed the bill, with British media reporting that at least 35 were planning to go against the government.

The vote comes after 86 disability and human rights groups issued a joint statement on Monday urging politicians to vote against the welfare reform bill.

Rachael Maskell, a Labour MP and critic of the proposal, wrote on X on Monday evening that disabled people “have yet to have agency in this process”.

“It is time their voices were heard,” she added.

People take part in a protest against disability welfare cuts on June 30, 2025, in London, England [Carl Court/Getty Images]

The disputes around the government’s welfare reform bill have led to questions being asked once more about Starmer, who has a working majority of 165 in the House of Commons.

“It’s a failure of leadership for a prime minister with such a big majority to not be able to get their agenda through,” said Rob Ford, a politics professor at the University of Manchester.

“I can’t think of many examples of a prime minister in post-war politics suffering such a big setback when presiding over such a strong position in the Commons,” Ford noted.

Friday’s concessions were not the only time Starmer had made a U-turn in recent weeks. On June 9, his government announced that it was reversing a policy to scrap a winter heating benefit for millions of pensioners.

Abraham set to join Besiktas from Roma

By in News, Sports News
Getty Images
Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

England forward Tammy Abraham is set to join Besiktas from Roma.

The Turkish club are in talks to sign Abraham, and have posted a video on social media of the 27-year-old on his way to complete the move.

“Hello Black Eagles, I’m coming for you. See you at the airport today,” said Abraham in the post.

Abraham spent last season on loan at AC Milan – scoring 10 goals as they finished eighth in Serie A – but they did not turn his move into a permanent switch.

“Double digits for goals and full effort every minute! Thanks, Tammy,” said Milan when announcing his departure.

Abraham, who has three goals in 11 England outings, started his career at Chelsea and had spells on loan at Bristol City, Swansea and Aston Villa before joining Roma for £34m in 2021.

Related topics

  • European Football
  • Football

Inside AJ Odudu’s jaw-dropping engagement ring as expert reveals real value

By in Entertainment News, News

AJ Odudu left fans stunned after sharing loved up snaps with mystery man – but now it’s her 1. 5-carat diamond ring that has people obsessed and experts revealing the value

An expert reveals the details about AJ’s dazzling ring(Image: instagram.com/ajodudu)

AJ Odudu’s huge diamond ring has wowed fans ever since she announced her engagement to her fiancé last week.

The Celebrity Big Brother host, 37, stunned followers last month when she shared a series of flirty black-and-white photo booth snaps with her previously unknown partner. Captioning the post “Hiya love” alongside a heart, ring and puppy-eyes emoji, it marked the first time AJ had made her relationship Instagram official.

In one of the shots, AJ proudly flashes a giant diamond ring while wearing a sheer feathered gown, as her fiancé dressed in a sharp cream suit over a black tank wraps his arms around her.

A couple appearing in love hugging in photobooth snaps
AJ’s mystery fiancé didn’t hold back when it came to the ring(Image: instagram.com/ajodudu)

READ MORE: AJ Odudu announces engagement to mystery man as she keeps identity hidden

Fans were left shocked, as the presenter hadn’t given any clues she was even dating, with many assuming she was single.

While she’s yet to reveal his name, the couple look totally smitten and AJ seems happy keeping the mystery alive for now.

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But one thing that’s no mystery is the ring.

Jewellery expert Zack Stone, from UK retailer Steven Stone said “AJ’s engagement ring is a stunning piece that speaks volumes – both in design and sentiment. ”

The ring appears to be worth $20,000
The ring appears to be worth $20,000(Image: instagram.com/ajodudu)

“The centre stone is set in a cluster setting, where smaller diamonds delicately encircle the main gem, enhancing its brilliance and symbolizing the strength and support of a close-knit bond. ”

“The entire setting appears to be crafted in classic yellow gold, a timeless choice that represents warmth, tradition, and enduring love. ”

“Altogether, it’s a ring that blends elegance with meaningful symbolism – a truly fitting piece for such a joyful announcement. I’d estimate it to be worth $20,000. “

READ MORE: Big Brother’s AJ Odudu is engaged to secret boyfriend as she shows off huge ring

A picture of a woman posing
People thought AJ was single(Image: AJ ODUDU INSTAGRAM)

Until now, AJ was thought to be single.

Back in 2021, romance rumours swirled when she was paired with Kai Widdrington on Strictly Come Dancing, but the duo laughed off speculation during an appearance on It Takes Two.

Kai said: “If people react like this, then it means we’re doing something right because that’s how the dance is meant to be danced. ”

But AJ’s love life hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

AJ with Strictly partner Kai Widdrington
AJ with Strictly partner Kai Widdrington(Image: Instagram)

She previously revealed: “All my past relationships have gone wrong. Dating apps have failed to deliver. Sometimes I’m just too much for them – other times, they’re not enough for me.”

She also heartbreakingly shared that three of her exes cheated – one of them with someone very close to her.

“One of them was sleeping with my best friend,” she said, “to walk in on that, I was stunned. ”

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“I wasn’t hysterical. I didn’t burst into tears or anything like that – however, I proceeded to have years of tears and years of trauma away from him. ” she added

But after everything she’s been through, it finally looks like AJ has found her forever love.