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Prince William jokes about breaking world record as he’s mobbed by schoolkids

Prince William joked he had “broken the record for the most amount of high fives in 10 minutes” after being mobbed by school kids.

The Prince of Wales headed to the West Midlands today to have a go at refereeing at a training course at Sporting Khalsa FC in Willenhall. The course, which has been running since July 2023 and combines practical and theory training, is part of the Football Association’s Reflective and Representative campaign – which aims to recruit 1, 000 people from black, Asian and mixed heritage backgrounds into refereeing roles.

But before making it inside the football ground, William was welcomed by hundreds of schoolchildren and locals who had gathered to meet him.

William high fives pupils from Fibbersley Park Primary Academy
William high fives pupils from Fibbersley Park Primary Academy (PA)

He said: “Hello, it’s nice to see you all”, as he posed for selfies, gave hugs and high fives and chatted with pupils from the nearby Fibbersley Park Academy who had made posters and flags and chanted his name. Aston Villa supporter William seemed particularly impressed by a poster made by a pupil which referenced his team, which read: “Aston Villa is the best” and gave a thumbs up, while another read: “Hello Prince William, I hope you are a good ref, good luck”.

Inside the grounds, the prince joined a refereeing theory lesson, spoke to course trainers and learned about fouls, whistle tones and flag signalling. He also met professional referee and lieutenant in the British Army, Levi Gray, to hear about her career journey.

Speaking after meeting the prince, she said: “It was brilliant, I am so pleased I could be here and that he could come down and support an event like this.

William took part in a refereeing course
William took part in a refereeing course (PA)
Wills blows the whistle as he refs a mini football game
Wills blows the whistle as he refs a mini football game (PA)

” We spoke about women in football, which I think is definitely growing, and how different the women’s game is to the men’s in terms of it being a bit more of a family event and a bit more supportive, and spoke about diversity events like this and how important it is that you can see it and believe it.

“We want to be able to see people who are watching football at home or on the sidelines and think ‘ that could be me’. Without events like this where you build representation, that won’t happen”.

Lt Gray said she got into refereeing because there were not many football teams for girls when she was growing up. She added: “I refereed before I joined the Army, I am in the Infantry and there aren’t many women in the Infantry either. With football, I was used to dealing with 22 men on a pitch, so in the Army, I thought I could deal with a team of 30, so I think it has helped me with my own career.

” I got into it because I love football and when I was growing up, girl’s teams weren’t as big where I lived so I couldn’t play, so instead I thought I would do refereeing and I’ve never stopped since. “

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Man City captain Greenwood shocked Taylor was sacked

Getty Images

Manchester City captain Alex Greenwood was “shocked” by the decision to sack head coach Gareth Taylor five days before the Women’s League Cup final.

City are fourth in the Women’s Super League, 12 points adrift of defending champions Chelsea, but are still competing in three cup competitions.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Greenwood said: “I had to digest it – I was obviously quite shocked when I was first told as it wasn’t something I expected.

” Ultimately the decision was made and we have to respect the decision and trust the decision. “

Taylor succeeded Nick Cushing in May 2020 and led City to two major honours – but Cushing has now returned as interim boss.

The club said in a statement when announcing Taylor’s departure that it” prides itself “in competing at the top of the WSL and qualifying for European competition but” unfortunately, results this season have so far not reached this high standard”.

Greenwood said she was not told any more about why the club made the decision but” for positive reasons, they want to move forward with Nick so we have to come together and trust that decision”.

She added:” My role as captain is to bring the team together and make sure the focus remains the same – which is on the final on Saturday and the run of games we’ve got coming up. I was shocked by the news, of course.

City face Chelsea in Saturday’s League Cup final (12: 15 GMT kick-off), which is live on BBC One, in a run of four back-to-back games against the Blues.

They will then play Sonia Bompastor’s side twice in their two-legged Champions League quarter-final, with a WSL meeting in between.

Taylor had been a controversial figure at City, with several players speaking out publicly about their experiences during his time in charge, including England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck describing her relationship with him as “fractured”.

However, Greenwood said she had a “really positive” relationship with the 52-year-old.

“I was his captain and we had a really healthy relationship”, she added.

“I don’t expect everyone to have the same relationship with the manager, that’s football. Ultimately he has to make decisions and he’s never going to please everyone”.

Cushing will be in charge for the remainder of the season, having previously helped City win the WSL and the FA Cup, plus the League Cup twice, before leaving in January 2020 to join MLS side New York City.

“We were excited by that appointment because he knows the club really well, he’s been here before, he comes with a huge history of winning and his mentality to win is second to none”, said Greenwood, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

“I had a really, really good chat with him on Tuesday morning.

Timing of sacking ‘ absolutely wild ‘

Former Manchester City players Ellen White and Jen Beattie, who both played under Taylor, have questioned the timing of the sacking.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Women’s Football Weekly podcast, White said:” Very odd timing I would say – it’s super strange.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because]he has] a lot of injuries. But you’ve got to throw it back to the club at the same time to be like – are you invested into this team, where do you want this team to go?

” He could have gone months ago, last year potentially. I don’t think they’re in that bad a position at the moment. It’s just the weirdest timing ever. “

Beattie said it was the players she felt for most and the impact it has on their cup final preparation.

” It’s the timing for me, absolutely wild, five days before a cup final.

“I understand the decision making, but I do think the timing was really, really unfair on the players”.

Both White and Beattie worked under Cushing in his previous spell at City and believe he is the right choice to take the club forward.

“He understands what Man City is about, he understands the club, the expectations and he is a figure that a lot of people will know”, said White.

“I think he’s got some great ideas. He’s very diligent, he’s very tactical, he’s good at communication and he loves being on the grass. He’s a very, very good coach”.

Beattie played under Cushing for four seasons at City and was part of the WSL-winning side in 2016 and won two FA Cups and two League Cups under him.

“In my experience under Nick, Nick had this unbelievable ability to make you focus on the task in hand and to be able to shut out the noise”, she said.

Related topics

  • Football
  • Women’s Football

Billy Joel cancels multiple tour dates as he issues worrying health update after stage fall

Billy Joel has cancelled a string of concerts as he revealed he had to undergo surgery.

Joel, 75, had a date booked at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool for June 21, 2025 this year – and the gig was one of just two in Europe in 2025. Unfortunately for his fans they’ll have to wait a bit longer to see the star live, after he announced that he’s undergone surgery and will still be in recovery on that date.

Liverpool FC – whose home is Anfield – confirmed the news in a statement, sharing that ticketholders wouldn’t have to wait too long for a rescheduled concert.

“Liverpool FC can confirm the postponement of this summer’s Billy Joel concert at Anfield, due to a medical condition and to allow him to recover from recent surgery”, they shared on their website.

Liverpool FC said that Billy Joel was ‘ expected to make a full recovery ‘ following his recent surgery (Getty Images)

“That date has been rescheduled, and Billy Joel will now appear at Anfield on June 20, 2026 instead. He is expected to make a full recovery and the tour will resume at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on July 5, 2025”.

Billy Joel also shared a statement, explaining that he’d be back and better than ever after his surgery. The Piano Man shared: “While I regret postponing any shows, my health must come first.

” I look forward to getting back on stage and sharing the joy of live music with our amazing fans. Thank you for your understanding. “

Joel’s surgery comes after he worried fans following a fall on stage during his gig at Mohegan Sun resort in Stamford, Connecticut on February 22. Footage from the concert shows the artist – who was described as” frail “at the event – twirl a microphone stand before throwing it across the stage, before suddenly falling over.

The New York native was performing his hit It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me during the worrying moment, which saw him fall directly on his back. Attendees said the star was helped up by his band and managed to sing his final song to end the gig, but was” visibly thrown off “by the fall”. He just didn’t look well hobbling across the stage, “one concerned fan shared.

Photos from the troubling fall seem to show Billy – dressed for the concert in an all-black suit and dress shoes – seeming to stumble before falling hard on his side, and rolling over onto his back before taking a moment to pause once he got back to his feet again.

Joel has recently spoken about his continued love of making music, and made it clear he had no plans to retire from the industry regardless of any health issues. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror in 2023, he shared:” I still write music, “later adding:” I have this image of ‘ I’m the least glamorous popstar there is’. I just sit at the piano.

“I’m in my 70s, I am not a matinee idol, so why are you coming to see me in the first place? But you know, it all has to do with the music, it’s all about music”.

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Eamonn Holmes’ girlfriend ‘desperate to tie the knot’ after Ruth Langsford split

Eamonn Holmes ‘ new girlfriend is reportedly desperate to get married to the presenter but he’s still in the midst of a divorce from Ruth Langsford.

The GB News presenter and Ruth had been married for 14 years, having dated since 1996. However, in May, the former golden TV couple announced their split. Since then, he moved on with Katie Alexander – who was a huge support for him as he navigated single life after decades.

Katie and Eamonn have been spotted enjoying many holidays, but it looks like she wants to move the relationship to the next level. According to sources, she is “desperate to get married” but Eamonn’s finances when it comes to his split from Ruth have yet to be sorted.

The insider explained: “Katie is desperate to get married – she wants to move in with Eamonn and for his divorce to get going, but finances have still not been sorted between him and Ruth and how they’re going to be split”.

Eamonn Holmes
Eamonn’s girlfriend reportedly wants to get married (@eamonnholmes/instagram)
Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford
However, his finances with Ruth have yet to be sorted (Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“It’s very tricky. They have to get this sorted before Katie can be with Eamonn full time. She’s in it for the long haul and wants to be with him and put a ring on it as quickly as possible”, they added to Closer. The Mirror have reached out to Eamonn’s representatives for comment.

Eamonn has been able to turn to Katie for support and companionship – with reports revealing the pair knew each other for nine years before the broadcaster and his fellow TV star split. It has been five months since the pair went public with their relationship – as the anniversary of Eamonn’s shock divorce announcement nears.

While Eamonn has remained reasonably silent about his split, soon-to-be ex-wife Ruth has shared some insight into her feelings at the end of her relationship with him. She told Women and Home recently: “I’m not delighted my marriage is over, but I’ve accepted it. I’m trying to now embrace the fact I’m single and can make choices that are just about me.

” Divorce is very painful. Most don’t do it in the public eye, with everybody having an opinion. But that’s the nature of my job. I’ve always had that and if you can’t cope, you shouldn’t be doing this job. “

Fans were gobsmacked when the once rock-solid pair announced their plans to divorce in May last year. They announced in a statement via a representative:” Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing. “

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Israeli forces kill several people in the occupied West Bank

Israeli forces have killed at least four Palestinians, including a 60-year-old woman, in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority (PA) says.

Police special forces fought a gun battle on Tuesday with armed Palestinians barricaded in a house in Jenin, killing two and wounding another man, the Israeli military said in a statement.

In another incident on Tuesday, a man who opened fire on Israeli soldiers was killed, it said.

The PA said soldiers firing from a checkpoint also killed a 60-year-old woman. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.

The previous evening, a Palestinian man was killed when his motorcycle was hit by an Israeli army vehicle, the PA said.

Another man who was wanted over previous incidents was killed by Palestinian security forces, the PA said in a separate statement.

It said the man was accused of opening fire on the headquarters of the security forces in Jenin.

The latest incidents bring the number of Palestinians killed since January when Israeli forces launched a major operation involving thousands of soldiers in cities and refugee camps in the northern West Bank to more than 30 people.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes since the operation began at the start of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli troops have swept through refugee camps in Jenin and nearby cities, demolishing houses and infrastructure, including roads and water pipes.

Countries including France and Germany and international groups including the United Nations have expressed alarm at the scale of Israel’s operation in the West Bank and called for restraint.

Israel has repeatedly said the operation is aimed at hitting armed groups, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which have created strongholds in the crowded refugee camps built to house Palestinians displaced when Israel was created and their descendants.

The Israeli army said in a statement on Tuesday that its troops arrested 35 people in the West Bank overnight and added that weapons were confiscated during the operations.

It said one detained suspect led soldiers to an area where he had planted an explosive device, without specifying the location, and said the device has been neutralised.

In the southern West Bank, Israeli settlers stormed the village of Haribat al-Nabi in Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, attacking residents and their property, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Settlers armed with clubs and batons attacked the village under the protection of the Israeli army. Mutab Rashid, a resident, was beaten, while Ali Sabah Rashid and his wife were sprayed with pepper gas, Wafa reported. Israeli soldiers arrested another resident identified by Wafa as Ahmad Abdul Mohsen Rashid.

‘This “Botox in a bottle” serum had me delaying my top-up of in-clinic injectables’

Medik8 makes some of our favourite, most tried-and-trusted, skincare products, and the brand’s newest launch has already caused quite a stir. Medik8’s new Liquid Peptides Advanced MP serum is a smart formula containing a multi-peptide complex and ‘ mini-proteins ‘ that claims to delivery some seriously impressive results: an improvement in deep-set wrinkles in eight weeks, and a noticeable difference in visible wrinkles in just 10 minutes.

It has also accumulated almost exclusively five-star reviews since it launched just a few weeks ago, with customers reporting that it “really works”, and calling it “magic in a bottle”.

Keen to see if it lives up to its claims – and with my twice-a-year Botox appointment overdue – I put it to the test…

READ MORE: Molly-Mae Hague’s go-to skincare brand launches new serum that plumps and firms skin

READ MORE: ‘ This £25 vanilla perfume is my go-to spring scent and gets me so many compliments ‘

Laura has been putting this new Medik8 serum to the test (Laura Mulley)

Pros

  • Face looks instantly fresher overall
  • After repeated use, my skin feels stronger and healthier
  • Fine lines on my forehead appear a little less noticeable
  • Layers well with other skincare products, and sits well under make-up

Cons

  • It’s not the cheapest
  • Not as hydrating as some serums, so you’ll probably need to follow with a moisturiser
  • It can’t replicate effects of Botox (no skincare product can)
before and after using medik8 serum
Delivering results in just 10 minutes (Medik8)

I usually go for top-ups of Botox around the top of my forehead every 4-6 months (I see Dr Sophie Shotter, who’s a real favourite amongst beauty editors) but I’d been noticing the faint lines on my forehead looking more pronounced recently, so I was keen to see if this new Medik8 serum would make a difference until I could book in with Dr Shotter again.

On first impressions it is, like most Medik8 products I’ve ever tried, a really elegant formula. It sinks in quickly, feels luxurious but not greasy, layers up well with my other skincare products, and doesn’t pill or slide under my foundation.

My face looked and felt immediately smoother after applying this, and when I checked back again in 10 minutes time, I did notice a difference, not a huge one, and lines definitely weren’t immediately erased, but I felt that overall my skin looked a little fresher, healthier and stronger.

It won’t replace Botox for me (no topical skincare product can freeze muscles), but it might just keep me feeling a little better about my skin until I get my top-up.

before and after using medik8 serum
It also works on deep-set wrinkles (Medik8)

One thing to be aware of is that it’s not quite as hydrating as, say, a hyaluronic acid or glycerin-based serum, I can sometimes skip moisturiser and go straight from serum to SPF, but with this I do feel the need to use a face cream (my current favourite Medik8 Total Moisture Daily Facial Cream, £45, works brilliantly with it).

I’ve only been using it for a few weeks and don’t have any deep-set wrinkles yet so I can’t comment on that particular claim, but overall if you’re looking for an excellent all-round ‘ anti-ageing ‘ serum that’ll fit easily into your existing skincare routine, this is a brilliant option, I can’t think of anyone it wouldn’t suit (and the more-than-1, 000 customers who have given it five-star reviews clearly agree).

If it’s lightweight hydration rather than advanced anti-wrinkle action you’re after from your serum, you might like Laneige’s new Bouncy &amp, Firm Serum, £39, instead.

And Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum is always a classic – and currently reduced by 15%.