Kate Middleton wows in navy as she smashes whisky against ship in naming ceremony

The Prince and Princess of Wales have travelled to BAE Systems in Scostoun, Glasgow to attend the official naming ceremony of the Royal Navy warship HMS Glasgow

Kate in Scotland today ofor the naming ceremony for HMS Glasgow (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

A glamorous Princess of Wales officially named a warship by smashing a bottle of whisky against its hull in huge military procession. Both Kate and Prince William attended the naming of the warship HMS Glasgow at BAE Systems in Scotstoun, with the princess the sponsor of the vessesl.

In her role as sponsor, it is her job to formally name the ship in an act that is intended to bring good luck and fortune to it and its crew. The ship, which is still under construction, is a Type 26 frigate built for the Royal Navy and is a first in class anti-submarine warfare ship.

Prince William joined Kate for the ceremony today
Prince William joined Kate for the ceremony today (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

The princess, who wore a navy and white Suzannah London coat dress in the colours of the Scottish flag and a thistle brooch, became sponsor of the ship in 2022.

On arriving, William and Kate were greeted with a royal salute and were treated to a flypast. The princess also named the ship by saying: “I name this Ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her.” She then pressed a button which released a bottle of whisky that smashed against the ship’s hull.

The whisky is made by the Clydeside Distillery and is an exclusive single malt whisky made just a short distance from the HMS Glasgow site. Each bottle includes a contribution to HMS Glasgow’s chosen charity, Place2Be, supporting children’s mental health in the City of Glasgow, and a charity of which the Princess is Patron of.

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Watching the moment were dozens of BAE Systems staff and their families, and senior Royal Navy officers who applauded as the whisky bottle broke. The ceremony began with a royal salute from the ship’s company for William and Kate, also known by their Scottish titles, the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell thanked the royal couple for their support and all those involved in the Type 26 endeavour. He said: “From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th century, to the ship we see here in the 21st century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day.

“Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war. The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow’s pedigree is awe-inspiring.”

Kate is the sponsor of the warship HMS Glasgow
Kate is the sponsor of the warship HMS Glasgow (Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)

He also hailed the latest ship as “a pure-bred anti-submarine warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare”, ready to “meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today”.

The Second Sea Lord added: “HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK’s interests and contributing to national prosperity.”

After the ceremony, the royal couple went onboard the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems and the Royal Navy who will discuss the construction of the ship and its capabilities. Later, the prince and princess will go to the BAE Systems Shipbuilding academy where they will partake in a STEM activity with apprentices.

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Before leaving, they will also meet with BAE Systems employees who have been involved in the construction of the ship and members of HMS Glasgow Ship’s Company and their families, to acknowledge the immense efforts of the local workforce, the commitment of the crew and the sacrifices made by the families of serving personnel.

X Factor fans ‘fancy’ Wagner as he unveils bulging muscles in unrecognisable makeover

X Factor contestant Wagner, who took part in the seventh season, has resurfaced with a surprising new image and lifestyle after relocating to the UK after growing weary of Brazil

X Factor star Wagner looks unrecognisable(Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features)

Unforgettable X Factor finalist Wagner Carrilho, who made waves back in 2010, has emerged with a striking new look at age 69 – and fans can’t quite believe their eyes.

The Brazilian-born former PE teacher, who became a fan favourite during the show’s seventh season alongside stars like One Direction, Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson, was instantly recognisable for his flowing dark hair and signature black moustache.

Despite finishing in the quarter-finals, he made a lasting impression as the show’s oldest finalist that year. Fast-forward to 2025, and Wagner is back in the spotlight – but this time with a makeover that’s turning heads.

After spending time abroad, the eccentric performer has returned to the UK and appeared in a recent video interview with FUBAR Radio host Andrew White, where he revealed his revamped appearance.

Wagner has emerged with a striking new look at age 69
Wagner has emerged with a striking new look at age 69

Gone is the jet-black colour of his famous mane – in its place, a head of platinum blonde hair that still hangs past his shoulders. His moustache remains, now silver and accompanied by a full, bushy beard.

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However, it was Wagner’s unexpected physical transformation that caught fans most off guard. The former X Factor star is now incredibly toned and has tattoos covering his muscular arms.

Wagner further showed off his new gym-honed physique by performing a bicep curl during the segment – which naturally, had fans in disbelief.

Wagner looks very different from his X Factor days
Wagner looks very different from his X Factor days(Image: @wagner_xfactor)

The X Factor favourite shared that he had returned to the UK in December, having grown weary of life in Brazil. “I couldn’t stand living in Brazil,” he told the host, explaining that he sold his hair transplant clinic, which he had previously launched under the Da Vinci business name.

When he originally announced the move back in 2022, Wagner explained: “I love it here but I am going to Brazil to start a hair transplant business. I’m living proof that hair transplants work.

“I had mine eight years ago and I haven’t lost anything. I lose more from the beard than my head. I’m going to be making so much money I’ll be coming back to the UK. I’m only a flight away.”

Wagner looked very different when he was on the X Factor back in 2010
Wagner looked very different when he was on the X Factor back in 2010(Image: Ken McKay/Rex Features/Talkback Thames)

His return to the UK appears to have been more than just a relocation and instead seems to be a full blown reinvention. Alongside his physical transformation, Wagner has also been connecting with fans in a new way, offering personalised video messages for £10. “I don’t want to price anybody out,” he said.

He also briefly touched on his personal life, referencing his much-younger wife Lydia. In a previous interview with The Mirror, he mused: “Once I die, Lydia will communicate with the manager and I can die in peace now.”

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Norway Film Starring Elle Fanning Gets 19-Minute Cannes Ovation

As Joachim Trier, the director of Sentimental Value, a moving new story about a secretly broken family, received an extraordinary standing ovation on Thursday at the Cannes film festival’s end of its premiere, Trier found himself crying behind the camera.

Despite their alleged sophistication, he said, “It sounds cheesy,” but I wept a lot watching the actors who played members of an arty family in Oslo, who are unable to communicate with one another.

My friends are the actors, I say. I am aware that they were acting both self-assured and halfway between. And that they were also working on some things, according to the creator of “The Worst Person in the World,” which received two Oscar nominations from Norway and won the 2021 Cannes actress award from newcomer Renate Reinsve.

On May 22, 2025, at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, Norwegian screenwriter Eskil Vogt, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, US actress Elle Fanning, Norwegian actor Anders Danielsen Lie, Norwegian producer Maria Ekerhovd, Norwegian producer Andrea Berentsen Ottmar, attend a press conference for the movie “Affeksjonsverdi” (Sentimental Value). (Photo by Anna KURTH/AFP)

It should have won the Palme d’Or top prize, according to many critics from that year.

Trier, who is also a character in the movie, rehearsed his script while sitting at the kitchen table of the stunning old wooden house in Oslo where the movie was shot.

The absent father, a long-forgotten arthouse filmmaker played by Swedish legend Stellan Skarsgard, and his stage daughter (Reinsve), who are both actors, are the heads that keep squabbling in Trier’s on-screen family.

Trier said, “I believe many families carry grief and wounds.”

And talking frequently doesn’t help. It becomes argumentative. We are unconsciously constrained by our roles and our positions. ”

On May 22, 2025, US actress Elle Fanning poses during a photo call for the movie “Affeksjonsverdi” (Sentimental Value) at Cannes’ 78th edition. (Photo by Miguel Medina/AFP)

A ‘mensch’ is Elle Fanning.

The arrival of a Hollywood star, who is a fan of the father, who has a lot of Netflix dollars to revive one of his long-stripped scripts, alters the bad old dynamics. Elle Fanning plays someone who is only millimeters away from her real self.

Trier made up jokes about how not many Hollywood actors wanted to appear in small Norwegian-language movies.

Fanning, who also plays the role of the film’s character, flew to Oslo to shoot the Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” and the new “Predator” in New Zealand, just like she did in the movie.

She told AFP in Cannes, where the movie is up for Palme&nbsp, that she was a “she is a huge fan” of Trier. d’Or.

One of the best movies of the past ten years or longer, in my opinion, is “The Worst Person in the World.” It is flawless. ”

By the end of the page, I was just crying and crying when Joachim sent me the script. It is very emotional, Fanning continued.

You can just feel the rawness in it because it was written by Joachim. ”

Trier, who is raised in a family that is heavily influenced by Scandinavian film, acknowledged that everything is very “meta.” You and your filmmaking family are creating a movie about a family. Additionally, you have a Hollywood megastar. ”

However, his biological family doesn’t often have many parallels.

It doesn’t seem like I’m kicking anyone in the bud. He said, “My entire family is very supportive after seeing the movie.”

He argued that the filmmaker’s father was a mash-up of famous authors like John Cassavetes, Ingmar Bergman, and Krzysztof Kieslowski.

Trier, 51, is renowned for the close relationships he and his actors form with Fanning.

He described her as a genuine gentleman who was very kind and cooperative.

On May 22, 2025, at the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, Stellan Skarsgard poses during a photo call for the movie “Affeksjonsverdi” (Sentimental Value). (Photo by Bertrand GUAY/AFP)
At the 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France, on May 22, 2025, Norwegian actress Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas poses during a photo call for the movie “Affeksjonsverdi” (Sentimental Value). (Photo by Bertrand GUAY/AFP)

Trier’s “magic”

Fanning claimed that Trier creates the “magic” on set by slowing down the action and adding a humorous, light touch to the big themes.

Anyone who has gone through therapy, and I have, will understand that it’s all about letting things in and stop. Trier claimed that this is very frequently the case with actors.

In the movie, there were actually quite a few instances of that. I would look at her and ask her, “What was that?” That was intriguing. And we don’t even talk about it any more.

But when people see it in editing, they say, “Wow! ’

On May 22, 2025, Norwegian actress Renate Reinsve, US actress Elle Fanning, Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgard, and Swedish actress Stellan Skarsgard pose during a photo call for the movie “Affeksjonsverdi” (Sentimental Value) at Cannes, France’s 78th edition. (Photo by Miguel Medina/AFP)

That is how the majority of Cannes critics responded, with Vanity Fair calling it “gorgeous and gripping” and The Hollywood Reporter calling it “exquisite.” ”

[UPDATED] Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Prices Nationwide

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has made a new reduction in the national premium motor spirit (petrol) pump prices. &nbsp,

Depending on the location, the new rates now range from 875 to 905 per litre.

A breakdown of the revised prices shows, Lagos: ₦875, South-West ₦885, North-East: ₦905, North-West &amp, Central: ₦895, and South-South &amp, South-East: ₦905

All major fuel marketers working with the refinery, including MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy, are quoted at a 15 reduction per litre at all prices and partner retail locations.

Before the new pricing structure, residents of Lagos paid 890 per liter while North East and South-South regions saw increases in prices.

With the new adjustments, Lagos residents will now be paying 875 per litre, while those in the North-East and South-South will be paying 905 per litre.

The company stated in the notice that “our high-quality gasoline and diesel are refined to improve engine performance and are environmentally friendly.

Otedola Hails FG, CBN Reforms As Investment In First HoldCo Hits 320b

The Lekki-based refinery, which reported the naira-for-crude deal on Monday, which reduced the cost of gasoline at the pumps, announced the development.

The company stated in a press release that its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, affirmed that the company’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigerian economy and reducing consumer pressures caused by rising fuel prices by maintaining price stability.

The company stated that gasoline will continue to be reasonably priced.

Britain’s Jones one win from French Open debut

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French Open 2025

Dates: May 25 through June 8th, Location: Roland Garros, Paris

Francesca Jones, a Brit, is one win away from the French Open main draw, but Dan Evans suffered a defeat in Paris’ second qualifying round.

World No. 113 Jones fought back from a set down to defeat Mai Hontama from Japan 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, in the final qualifying round.

The main draw will begin on Sunday when the 24-year-old faces Ukrainian Anastasiia Soboleva, a 230-ranked player.

Clement Tabur, the 311th-ranked Frenchman, defeated Evans 6-1, 6-3, in an effort to make his eighth appearance at Roland Garros.

After a difficult two hours and 17 minutes, Jones clearly enjoyed her second qualifying encounter.

Before Jones took control of the second set, the players exchanged six consecutive serve breaks at the start of the second.

She would win the match if she won it in four games straight, but the tension only grew as the match drew to a close with five more breakups.

Crucially, Jones was the first to dig in on serve in the second set, giving her a springboard to victory as she won her third match point.

Before turning to embrace her supporters in the crowd, the Briton exuded joy.

Former US Open champion Marin Cilic is also qualified for the final round of qualifying for the men’s event.

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O’Mahony, Cane and Murray named in Barbarians squad

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Ireland greats Peter O’Mahony and Conor Murray and former New Zealand captain Sam Cane have been named in the Barbarians squad for next month’s fixture against South Africa.

Flanker O’Mahony and scrum-half Murray retired from international rugby following this year’s Six Nations after decorated careers in green, while Cane ended his time with the All Blacks at the end of 2024.

The Irish duo both won five Six Nations titles and represented the British and Irish Lions during their Test careers.

Cane, also a flanker, earned 104 New Zealand caps and helped his country win the 2015 World Cup.

However, he became the first male player in World Cup history to be sent off in a final during the All Blacks ‘ defeat by South Africa at the 2023 tournament.

Baa-Baas head coach Robbie Deans says his squad will feature a “blend of high-profile global international stars, and other standout performers from European clubs, Super Rugby and the Japanese league”.

“Peter and Conor have been an integral part of the Irish team for nearly 15 years and both have amassed over hundred caps for their country and represented the British &amp, Irish Lions on a number of tours”, said Deans.

“Sam is also a Test centurion, played in the last three Rugby World Cups and captained the All Blacks from 2020-2023.

Old foes O’Mahony and Cane to play together

Peter O'Mahony and Sam Cane in action against each other during Ireland's win over New Zealand in 2022Getty Images

O’Mahony and Cane are poised to line out in the same back row after the pair were involved in a verbal spat during Ireland’s win over the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2022.

It happened as tempers flared after O’Mahony helped hold the ball up over the line to deny the All Blacks a late try and help Ireland secure their first ever win in New Zealand.

Cane later shrugged off the altercation, saying:” No, it’s just good rugby banter, it’s all part of the game.

“I don’t mind it. It’s good stuff”.

Cane went on to inspire New Zealand to a World Cup quarter-final win over Ireland in Paris in 2023, but insisted he did not use his history with O’Mahony as extra motivation.

“We know they’ve got a few players who like to try to get under your skin”, he said.

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  • Northern Ireland is a sport
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