Archive May 11, 2025

Prince Harry’s incredible £8,000 Disney-themed gift he gave Prince Louis

By in Entertainment News, News

Prince Harry chose a very special gift in honour of Prince Louis’s christening – and it was inspired by his own childhood memories with his late mother, Princess Diana

Prince Harry(Image: Getty Images)

Prior to his estrangement from the royal family, Prince Harry delighted in being an uncle to Prince William and Princess Kate’s three young children. The royal couple welcomed their first child Prince George in July 2013, followed by sister Princess Charlotte in May 2015. Their family was complete when Prince Louis was born in April 2018.

Writing in Spare about George’s birth, Harry said: “I was an uncle. Willy and Kate had welcomed their first child, George, and he was beautiful. I couldn’t wait to teach him about rugby and Rorke’s Drift, flying and corridor cricket — and maybe give him a few pointers about how to survive life in the fishbowl.”

Prince Louis, who turned seven last month
Prince Louis, who turned seven last month (Image: Josh Shinner)

Similarly, Harry said he was “thrilled to bits” by the news of Charlotte’s birth, stating that he “couldn’t be happier for Willy and Kate”. And he was equally smitten with little Prince Louis.

The Sun previously reported that for Prince Louis’s christening, Harry gifted the youngest Wales child a first edition of A.A Milne’s classic Winnie-The-Pooh – a gesture that apparently set him back £8,000.

“One of Harry’s happiest childhood memories was being read a bedtime story by his mother,” an insider told the newspaper. “She loved all the old classics and Harry had the brilliant idea of starting a little library of first editions for Louis, Charlotte, and George to enjoy as they get older.”

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The Royal Family at Prince Louis' christening in 2018
The Royal Family at Prince Louis’ christening in 2018 (Image: REX/Shutterstock)

Prior to Louis’s arrival, Harry told the Mirror that he wanted George and Charlotte to share in a very specific part of his upbringing. “I would definitely encourage George, and Charlotte if she wants to, to have some sort of involvement in the Armed Forces, guaranteed. It’s done no harm, just good, for me, and I know it’s the same for William,” he said.

“As an uncle, you know, I would say enjoy the [royal] role, because at first it’s just pressure, pressure, pressure. If you’re going to be doing it and you’re having an effect on so many people then, if you smile, they’re smiling – and what’s the point of doing such a unique job without enjoying it?”

Of course, Harry is now a father himself – he and his wife Meghan Markle welcomed son Archie in May 2019 and daughter Lilibet in June 2021. But the family, who live together in Montecito, California, now have very little contact with their royal relatives.

Harry and Meghan are now all but estranged from his family having levelled a number of accusations at the Firm. As such, a huge gulf has developed, and the Sussexes are said to have been ‘cut off’ by prominent royals, including Prince William. Archie, six, and Lilibet, three, have not visited the UK since 2022, with the youngest of the two Sussex children having only met King Charles once.

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As royal expert Jennie Bond previously noted: “At the moment, the children don’t know any difference, but as they grow up Harry and Meghan will have some delicate manoeuvring to negotiate to explain the situation. It must be something that troubles Harry as a dad.”

Jennie continued: “Imagine Archie, aged 15, telling his friends, ‘My grandpa is/was King! And my uncle is/will be King too.’ But he hardly knew or met them. How sad… and Meghan would have to bear the brunt of the responsibility for that.”

Strictly’s Saffron Barker rushed to hospital for emergency surgery as she reveals nightmare

By in Entertainment News, News

Strictly Come Dancing star Saffron Barker has revealed she was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.

The TV and YouTube star, 24, revealed her latest health woes as she posted a photo of herself looking tearful as she was seen sat in a dentist chair while cuddling a soft toy. Sharing the image to her Instagram story, Saffron shared her nightmare week.

She wrote: “In the last week, iv been in hospital, had emergency surgery, got my rental car completely smashed up and every single thing i own stolen including my passport so cat get home”. [sic]

In a later post, she shared a thought-provoking quote which read: “You’ve made it through things you once thought would break you. Don’t forget to give yourself credit for that. You’re stronger than you know, and there’s more softness, more joy, and more magic ahead. Keep going.”






Saffron revealed her nightmare week


Saffron revealed her nightmare week
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Mike Marsland/WireImage)

Saffron is yet to reveal why she was rushed to hospital or what the surgery was for. But, she has recently shared photos of herself in Palm Springs, California in the United States of America on her social media channels.

Last week, she posted a video of herself and her friends’ travels in the US as she showed off her hotel room and laughed and joked with pals. As she posted the video on her Instagram, Saffron wrote: “Come travel with us! PLEASE stick around for her penguin impression cry of laughter every time ..”

Meanwhile, Saffron later posted snaps of herself in gym wear while posing on the streets of Palm Springs.

Over on the star’s TikTok page, Saffron was seen looking loved up with her new boyfriend Josh Miln as the pair were seen getting ready in a hotel room ahead of a date night. Saffron was seen doing her hair and makeup before getting dressed in a red number while Josh helped her tie the back of her dress. As she posted the cute clip, she wrote in the caption: “My forever date @Josh Miln”.

On the post, concerned fans left comments after Saffron’s Instagram share about her hospital dash. One penned: “Just seen ur insta story hope ur okay saffron”. Another added: “I just saw your story, i seriously hope your okay. thinking of you” and a third wrote: “Just seen Instagram, what the hell is going on. Hope you are ok xx”.

The Strictly Come Dancing star, who took part in the 2019 series as she danced with AJ Pritchard, revealed in October she was rushed to hospital after suffering “shooting pains” and having “rashes all over my body”.

Saffron revealed how doctors were concerned she may have caught a disease while on holiday. Speaking of the ordeal at the time, she said: “I had all the symptoms (of a tropical disease) being, rashes all over my body, headache, body aches, shooting pains in my body, temperature, sore throat and ears etc.

“After getting my bloods taken turns out I didn’t have that but my white blood cells were half the number they should be so very low and therefore my whole body was trying to fight the infection.”

Resistance and extractivism: Inside Carrara, Italy’s home of white marble

By in News, World News

Carrara’s connection to anarchism began nearly 150 years ago, when anarchist ideals found fertile ground among the downtrodden workers in the marble quarries. Led by Alberto Meschi, Carrara’s quarrymen became the first in Italy to win a six-and-a-half-hour workday in the early 20th century. Anarchist circles and collectives emerged in nearly every town and neighbourhood across the Carrara region. In Gragnana, a village in the Apuan Alps, Italy’s oldest anarchist circle, “Errico Malatesta”, founded in 1885, still operates to this day.

“I’m one of those who love this town and want it to thrive,” says Rosmunda, who believes the town has been hard-hit by years of austerity policies, introduced by the government following the global financial crisis of 2008, and underinvestment.

Pierre-Alix Nicolet, artist and sculptor, carves a figure from marble in his studio [Alberto Mazzieri/Al Jazeera]

Only a small part of marble-extraction profits now flow back to the municipality, and Carrara and surrounding villages have been left with inadequate social housing, stripped-down health and childcare services and failing public transport.

“It’s hard – there’s no social welfare, public services are falling apart,” Rosmunda says. “The wealth [from marble] stays in very few hands.”

Sculptor Chantal Stropeni adds: “Carrara is a paradox. There’s immense wealth – marble – and yet deep poverty, even among artists. To resist, we’ve formed a collective sculpture studio called Ponte di Ferro. There are 14 of us. We want to approach art differently – collectively. Carrara is a workshop: It’s easy to create here, but incredibly hard to see. The town is falling apart, and maybe that works in its favour: No one pays attention, no one asks questions.”

In the meantime, the mountains are disappearing – at a rate of 4 million to 5 million tonnes per year. The town is growing poorer. Automation has replaced many quarry jobs such as block cutting, drilling, splitting, chiselling and materials removal. Local jobs have dropped from 800 to about 600 in recent years.

Carrara
Artist Rosmunda works in her studio in Carrara [Alberto Mazzieri/Al Jazeera]

But resistance in this region has a long legacy. “We’ve been fighting to reduce the impact of the extractive system – organising events, protests, talks and legal actions – for more than 30 years,” says Paola Antonioli, president of Legambiente Carrara, an Italian environmental nonprofit organisation. “Sure, the road is long. But something is shifting. Collective consciousness is beginning to awaken.”

Ibas Promises To Tackle Security, Development Challenges In Rivers

By in News, Nigeria News

The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has called for strengthened collaboration between security agencies, community stakeholders, and residents to combat criminal activities, including sea piracy, illegal oil bunkering, and theft of fishing equipment in parts of the state.

The Sole Administrator stated the commitment during a town hall security stakeholders’ meeting held in Opobo Town in Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area on Saturday.

Represented by the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, the Sole Administrator emphasized the need for collective efforts to safeguard critical government assets and infrastructure.

“We are here to ensure you work in synergy with the Local Government Administrator to protect government infrastructures and critical assets,” he stated.

READ ALSO: Northern Govs, Traditional Rulers Ask NASS To Expedite Action On State Police

He further assured residents that the government would prioritize healthcare, education, road rehabilitation, and other welfare concerns to enhance living standards in the area.

In his address, the Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro LGA, Frederick Apiafi, highlighted the region’s unique security challenges to include sea piracy, theft of fishing equipment, illegal oil bunkering activities and unauthorized vigilante operations.

A similar meeting was held in Omoku, the Headquarters of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area where the Sole Administrator charged the people to uphold peace as a vital pillar for sustainable development.

Also represented by CP Adepoju alongside a high-level delegation of security chiefs, the Sole Administrator emphasized that “without peace, no meaningful development can thrive.” He assured residents of the state government’s commitment to strategic engagement and inclusive collaboration to enhance security and socio-economic growth across ONELGA.

At Ngo in Andoni Local Government Area, the Sole Administrator reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling critical development challenges in the area.

Ibas emphasized the need for strengthened collaboration among communities, security agencies, and government officials to enhance welfare, security, and socio-economic growth.

He also addressed concerns over oil companies’ failure to provide adequate employment opportunities for indigenes, promising swift intervention.

In his remarks, the Sole Administrator of Andoni LGA, Surveyor Atajit Francis, commended the Rivers State Government for initiating the engagement, stating that it would “enhance governance, promote peace, and accelerate development in Andoni and across the state.”

It’s Painful I Couldn’t Settle Down With My Wife At Old Age – Bongos Ikwue

By in Entertainment News, News

Eighty-three-year-old legendary songwriter and composer, Bongos Ikwue, speaks about his songs, family, and other sundry issues in this exclusive interview with Channels Television.

Enjoy the excerpts…

You’re going to be 83 next month, on June 6. How are you doing, sir?

I guess I’m doing very well. I’m doing okay. I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be with you, too.

One of the songs we know you for is Still Searching, and after a beautiful journey, your wife passed on, and then you did the song. I know this is one of the most painful experiences of your life, but it has also shaped you in some way or the other. Speak to us about that.

I don’t think any human is a robot. So, the consciousness of feeling and missing somebody is so profound, and it’s difficult to explain to anybody. My dear wife always told me something. She always looked forward to the day when I stop running around the whole country and settle down at an old age so we could have a lot of time together. It’s very painful, it never did happen. When she passed on, I dedicated a song.

I’ll just draw an inference from your song, Still Searching, for the average Nigerian. So, some will say Nigerians are still searching for good governance or the very best of it. What message do you have for the government yet again from the benefit of your wisdom?

It’s a very difficult question for me to answer because I know how little we know as humans. Our knowledge is so infinitesimal. I don’t feel qualified to talk about anything because there’s so much that we don’t know about. Maybe the only reason I think I know is because I don’t know at all. But governance, to me, put very simply, means service. Talking about service, service is the only commodity today for sale.

Service must also transcend into whoever is leading; any country must learn to render service first. It takes a little to understand. Maybe I don’t quite understand what I’m talking about, but I can feel it. Once you’re unable to render service and you are just taking, that’s a problem.

Your life has been one of service. Hasn’t it?

To give is much more beautiful than to take. If you have ever given something to somebody who actually needed it at a particular time, the feeling is unbelievable to express.

Let’s talk about all the things you have given us – timeless hits. What are some of your fondest memories about your journey, your art, and all of that?

There are quite a lot of them, but when I first met my wife, I didn’t think she would say yes, and she did say yes. That’s unbelievable, isn’t it? At that point, she looked so pretty, yeah. And I said to myself, “Is this really going to happen?” and it did happen.

There are still young people, by the way, who love your music. They were not born when you were performing or when you did those songs, but they listened to your song and they fell in love. How do you feel about that?

I really don’t know. There are lots of things I don’t know, but I think it is the hand of the Almighty. What I don’t understand sometimes, I think God is the most complex of all beings. He’s the ultimate mystery, we take him for granted.

I would say everything that happened to me carried the hand of providence along with it. I’m not a religious person, but I’m a total believer in God Almighty. There are two different things, maybe we’ll talk about that later.

I don’t know if you still write music.

I’m working on what I call the Power of Zero, I don’t see how I can condense that into a song. They told us in school that zero is nothing. That’s not true; zero is not nothing. Zero is only zero. The power of zero is the ultimate power. Zero is not greedy, if you divide anything by zero, you get infinity. Zero is ruthless. If you multiply anything by zero, it takes it to a level, leaves it right there. And zero is very humble, you can laugh at zero, but it remains zero, and it does all it has to do.

I believe that God Almighty assumed the humility of zero to be the Almighty God, and if you want to be like God, you have to become as humble as zero and completely do away with arrogance.

Are you going to write an album on this?

Some songs are impossible to write. What I feel is so big, I don’t think I have the energy or the power to subdue it, particularly with the power of zero. I started writing some songs from long time ago. I did a song called Man and Man. I said a man will steal from someone, and the same man will give to another. How a man discovers arms and weapons and things for destruction, the same man struggles to develop medicine to cure. So a man gives, a man takes, a man builds up, a man cuts down, and this has expressed the power of zero from the very beginning.

Negative and positive must coexist for there to be existence; otherwise, there will be no existence. I didn’t do that, the Almighty did it. If there’s no tall, there’s no short, there’s no fat, there’s no limb, there’s no white, there’s no black, there’s no hell, there’s no heaven. There’s no God, there’s no devil. Everything in this world is processed through the coexistence of positivity and negativity.

You also have a legacy, and I wonder what you want your legacy to be. What is that one thing that you want to be remembered for?