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Luke Davies' final act of kindness for nervous flyer

<p>The colleagues of slain Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies have shared the 29-year-old's final act of kindness for an elderly couple travelling overseas. </p> <p>In one of the last flights before his untimely death, Davies was on a flight from Sydney to Singapore as an elderly woman boarded the plane with her dying husband who was dealing with dementia. </p> <p>The senior couple were travelling to Switzerland so the man could pay one final visit to his son before succumbing to his illness. </p> <p>The caring flight attendant spent the entire eight-and-a-half hour journey, including his break, with the man and his wife as they flew first-class. </p> <p>"The wife had told him [her husband] had severe dementia, and she was really saddened by it because she kept saying he was the most beautiful husband and kindest man, and she was losing him to this cruel disease," Qantas colleague Brooke Walters told the <em><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/luke-davies-act-of-kindness-on-one-of-his-last-flights-20240227-p5f84n.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>.</p> <p>"She was getting exhausted because every 30 seconds he was losing his memory, like a goldfish, and Luke took it upon himself to care for them constantly."</p> <p>Walters shared how her friend and colleague went above and beyond to care for the elderly man, recalling how he tucked the man into his bed, reassured him amid his confusion and consoled his wife, who was at times upset. </p> <p>"Luke had been told they booked the flight a year and a half ago, but the husband had deteriorated in the last three months really badly, so it was going to be their last trip to see their son, and Luke wanted it to be as comfortable as possible," she said.</p> <p>Ms Walters added that Mr Davies had a love of travelling and was a joy to be around.</p> <p>Luke and his partner Jesse Davies' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bodies were found</a> in southern New South Wales on Tuesday, after Constable Beaumont Lamarre-Condon turned himself in over the disappearance of the two men, and has since been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/police-officer-arrested-amid-search-for-missing-men" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged</a> with two counts of murder. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

International Travel

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Pilot shares why nervous flyers should always book the first flight of the day

<p dir="ltr">A pilot has shared her ultimate travel hack for nervous flyers, revealing why anxious travellers should aim to get the first early morning flight. </p> <p dir="ltr">Morgan Smith, a Boeing 737 pilot, claims that flying in the morning can greatly reduce the amount of turbulence you feel in the air. </p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with the New York Times, Ms Smith said that morning flights are less likely to be turbulent because of the effects of rising heat.</p> <p dir="ltr">She said, “As the day warms into the afternoon, heat rising off the land increases the chance for turbulence near the ground and turbulence caused by storms.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Morgan also had a couple of other suggestions for those worried about shaky plane journeys, offering some reassurance on the minimal danger of turbulence. </p> <p dir="ltr">She added, “The only thing people should fear from turbulence is possibly spilling their drink on a flight.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“Most injuries from turbulence come from people being out of their seats or not having their seatbelts on when it gets bumpy. So keep your seatbelt fastened, and don’t set your drink on your laptop.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Others have also shared that sitting towards the front of the plane can reduce the effects of turbulence, no matter what time of day you fly. </p> <p dir="ltr">A flight attendant told Sun Online Travel, “For anyone who is really scared of turbulence, my advice would be to sit as close to the front of the plane as possible because it acts like a wave.</p> <p dir="ltr">“What starts as a slight bump at the front of the aircraft can feel much worse by the time it reaches the rear.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Sometimes passengers at the front won’t even be aware of anything, while those at the back get really badly shaken up.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Tips

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Nervous Ash Barty making comeback this weekend

<p>On the opposite side of the planet to her former tennis compatriots and competitors, Ash Barty is preparing to suit up for triumphant return to international sport.</p> <p>The former tennis world number one is getting ready to compete in the Icons Series golf tournament in New Jersey at Liberty National golf club – and it will mark her official return to international competition since hanging up the racquet earlier this year at just 25 years of age.</p> <p>Barty has shown how serious she is about exploring golfing as a career by signing up for the Icons Series where she will be watched on by a global TV audience.</p> <p>During competition she will be going head to head with some of the biggest names in sport, including 23-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Phelps, NFL quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, boxing megastar Canelo Alvarez, English footballer Harry Kane and Aussie cricket legend Ricky Ponting.</p> <p>Barty is playing for “Team World” in a Ryder Cup-like format against Team USA in a nine-hole team matchplay exhibition event.</p> <p>The second day of the competition will be broadcast around the world, including on Fox Sports and Kayo from 4 am (AEST) on the morning of Sunday the 3rd of July.</p> <p>Barty won the ladies competition at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club in Brisbane’s outskirts in April and she plays off a handicap of 4. However, playing on the global stage is another level of pressure. “I’m going to absolutely be struggling,” she said in a recent interview.</p> <p>“My heart was beating so fast playing the club championships in our final with nothing on the line, so this is going to be a lot of fun.</p> <p>“I will just soak it all in, if it (my first tee shot) goes badly it’s all right, it is what it is, just go out and enjoy it with a smile.”</p> <p>Barty has always been a talented golfer and it was just over two years ago that she stunned American golfing great Tiger Woods.</p> <p>Barty also impressed English golfer Ian Poulter at the US Open, Icons Series chief executive Thomas Brookes revealed recently.</p> <p>“She’s got those skill sets within her locker. With a bit of practice she can get lower than a three or four handicap. I know she’s really, really excited to be playing in New York and she’s also really keen to bring the concept to Australia.”</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

News

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"Nervous" response from Prince Charles to royal interview

<p><span>Prince Charles has responded to the explosive Meghan and Harry interview after appearing in public for the first time since it dropped.</span><br /><br /><span>The Prince of Wales visited a pop-up vaccine clinic at Jesus House church in London.</span><br /><br /><span>He appeared cheerful and thanked people involved in the rollout.</span><br /><br /><span>However, reporters had other interests and one couldn’t help but ask “Sir, what did you think of the interview.”</span><br /><br /><span>The royal simply gave a nervous c</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNg88XHVlM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CMNg88XHVlM/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Royal House Of Windsor (@royalsofgreatbritain)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>huckle but said nothing.</span><br /><br /><span>Charles is reportedly in a “state of despair” over the interview, in which his youngest son revealed that his father had stopped taking his calls when he and Meghan decided to leave as working royals.</span><br /><br /><span>The Duke of Sussex said he felt “let down” by his father after he was cut off financially, but said he hoped to “heal” the relationship.</span><br /><br /><span>Prince Harry also said he thought his dad had “made his peace” with the “toxic environment” of royal life.</span><br /><br /><span>Meghan and Harry sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired in the US on CBS over the weekend.</span></p>

Relationships

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"Freaking out": Karl Stefanovic nervous over Lisa Wilkinson memoir

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text "> <p>Respected Australian journalist Lisa Wilkinson enjoyed a lengthy career alongside Karl Stefanovic on the <em>Today</em> show as the pair worked together for 10 years.</p> <p>Things quickly broke down in 2017 after negotiations over pay failed and she quit Channel Nine and the <em>Today</em> show as a result.</p> <p>Wilkinson is excited to share her side in an explosive tell-all book that will reveal what the public are dying to know about her fall out with Channel Nine.</p> <p>Stefanovic is reportedly "freaking out" over what her new book could reveal about his personal life.</p> <p>"Karl is freaking out – the timing couldn't be worse," reveals the insider to <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.nowtolove.com.au/celebrity/celeb-news/lisa-wilkinson-karl-stefanovic-book-65012" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink"><em>Woman's Day</em></a>.</p> <p>"He's in the middle of the toughest contract negotiations of his career, he's feeling very fragile about whether he has a future and he's terrified Lisa's scandalous reveal will derail it all," the insider explains, who says the father-of-four is anticipating he'll be "thrown under the bus".</p> <p>Wilkinson is reportedly excited to blow the cover of the Channel Nine "boys' club" as she has been sitting on a "gold mine worth of dirt" for years.</p> <p>Stefanovic is also worried about his former co-host revealing details about his personal life, including his marriage breakdown with ex-wife Cassandra Thorburn.</p> <p>"He is, with good reason, a tad worried that Lisa knows a lot of what went down in his personal life. What was supposed to go on tour and stay there, now may not – the word is Lisa is about to air that dirty laundry," the insider explained.</p> <p>"There's the back story around the sudden breakdown of Karl's marriage... Lisa would've been privy to the details of Karl's marriage split with Cassandra, who, by the way, Lisa has a great deal of respect for."</p> <p><em>The Project </em>fans are also eager to see what the book says about her rumoured feud with beloved Carrie Bickmore.</p> <p>"It's no secret Lisa and Carrie aren't exactly the best of mates," explains the insider.</p> <p>"The word is Lisa is keeping a number of key chapters light in content, in case she is punted from Ten or if Carrie or one or more of her current team are pushed out," the insider added.</p> </div> </div> </div>

Books

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“I was nervous”: Jessica Rowe opens up about Today show appearance

<p>Jessica Rowe has opened up about going on to the <em>Today </em>Show this morning, over a decade since she co-hosted the program with Karl Stefnovic.</p> <p>The author of<span> </span><em>Diary of a Crap Housewife</em><span> </span>revealed she hadn’t set foot onto the<span> </span><em>Today </em>set since she last appeared on the show in 2007.</p> <p>However, this morning she appeared on the program and was interviewed by Deborah Knight and Georgie Gardner about her latest book in the works.</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsciKIHRbS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BvsciKIHRbS/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Georgie Gardner (@georgiegardner9)</a> on Mar 31, 2019 at 6:27pm PDT</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>After the interview took place, Rowe made an appearance on her most recent co-hosting gig<span> </span><em>Studio 10</em><span> </span>where she was asked by old co-workers what it was like to appear on the Channel 9 show she once hosted.</p> <p>“I did have to do a nervous poo before I went on,” she told the <em>Studio 10</em> hosts.</p> <p>“It’s so different … totally different circumstance, different people, and my beautiful Gorgie, (Georgie Gardner) my lovely friend, was so welcoming and made me feel very at ease and they were divine.</p> <p>“But yes, I was nervous.”</p> <p>While on the morning program throughout 2006 and 2007, the bubbly Rowe clashed with Eddie McGuire who was then the network’s CEO.</p> <p>McGuire was accused of wanting to fire Rowe less than a year into her hosting role, saying: “What are we gonna do about Jessica? When should we bone her? I reckon it should be next week.”</p> <p>While he denied ever saying those words, his former colleague Mark Llewellyn signed an affidavit to say he did.</p> <p>Kerri-Anne Kennerley referenced the public remark of McGuire on<span> </span><em>Studio 10</em><span> </span>while Rowe appeared on the show this morning.</p> <p>Jess made it clear she and the<span> </span><em>Hot Seat </em>host still seem to have bad blood, explaining she and her two children mute his running program that appears moments before Channel 9’s<span> </span>Nine News<span> </span>begins – a program hosted by her husband, Peter Overton.</p> <p>“We mute him, Kerri-Anne, before the news comes on,” Rowe said.</p> <p>“That’s what my girls say, ‘Let’s mute him, mummy’.”</p> <p>After Lisa Wilkinson left the Channel 9 morning program suddenly near the end of 2017, rumours spread that Rowe might reclaim her old spot on the show. She was however quick to debunk the rumours, telling KIIS FM’s<span> </span>Kyle and Jackie O<span> </span>she would never consider returning to<span> </span><em>Today</em>,<span> </span>saying “hell would freeze over first, really.”</p> <p>“I could think of nothing worse, myself,” Rowe told the radio hosts at the time.</p>

News

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Lip reader reveals Meghan Markle was "nervous" during Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

<p>On the weekend, Meghan had her first appearance at the annual Trooping the Colour while standing on Buckingham Palace’s iconic balcony with the royal family.</p> <p>Looking elegant in a dusty pink Carolina Herrera dress, the Duchess of Sussex looked the part to mark the Queen’s official birthday parade.</p> <p>However, a lip reader has revealed that despite appearances, Meghan revealed to her husband just how nervous she was, while they were up on the balcony for the event.</p> <p>Standing behind Duchess Catherine on the balcony, Prince Harry and Meghan had a private conversation as the display was unfolding.</p> <p>According to a lip-reading expert, Harry asked Meghan if she was okay, to which she replied “yeah”, reported the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/us-news/what-caring-prince-harry-said-12674026" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Mirror Online</strong></em></span></a>.</p> <p>Shortly after, the newlyweds looked at each other and Meghan admitted she was “nervous”, with a smile.</p> <p>Allegedly, Harry responded with a reassuring “yes” and then added: “When you get into it, I’ll tell you more later.”</p> <p>He also added: “Then there's the flypast and then we all look up to the sky."</p> <p>Meghan’s sister-in-law Kate, stood in front of the new Duchess, a decision which is believed to have been made to offer Meghan some inspiration and advice as the event unfolded.</p> <p>Prince Harry and Meghan rode in together for the event in a carriage.</p> <p>Trooping the Colour, the Queen’s birthday parade, is the only guaranteed annual appearance of the royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.</p> <p> </p>

Body

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“I’m nervous”: Prince Harry’s hilarious interview with Barack Obama

<p>They’re two of the most famous faces in the world, but when Prince Harry and Barack Obama sat down for a chat a couple of months ago, they were just like every other pair of mates catching up after a long time.</p> <p>During the Invictus Games in September, the 33-year-old prince met with the former US President to record a special Christmas radio broadcast for the BBC, and we’ve just gotten our first glimpse at their chat, which will be released in full on December 27.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-video"> <p dir="ltr">Here is a sneak preview of when <a href="https://twitter.com/BarackObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BarackObama</a> met Prince Harry for the interview. Listen to the full interview on 27th December on <a href="https://twitter.com/BBCr4today?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BBCr4today</a>. <a href="https://t.co/p5I1dUdyhx">pic.twitter.com/p5I1dUdyhx</a></p> — Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/942353717101318144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote> <p>“Do I have to put on a British accent?” Obama joked, with Harry replying, “No, but if you start using long pauses between answers you’re going to get ‘the face,’” and proceeding to scowl.</p> <p>“You’re excited about this,” Harry tells Obama before launching into his questions. “I’m nervous about this. That’s what’s quite funny.”</p> <p>In response, Obama offered a compromise: “I’ll interview you if you want.”</p> <p>The pair, who have met several times both during and after Obama’s time in the White House, discussed the former President’s memories of his last day in office, his plans for the future, and how he hopes to shape the lives of the next generation of leaders with his Obama Foundation.</p> <p>The full broadcast will be available on BBC radio and as a podcast. Tell us in the comments below, will you be tuning in?</p>

TV

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8 warning signs of a nervous breakdown

<p>With the diagnosis rate of mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety at an all-time high, there’s never been a more important time to talk about something many people joke about – nervous breakdowns.</p> <p>This frightening temporary mental disorder occurs when the pressures of life blow up to such a point where the sufferer is no longer able to function, and it’s something we all need to learn how to prevent.</p> <p><a rel="noopener" href="http://www.healthista.com/8-signs-that-you-are-having-a-breakdown/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">According to therapist Sally Brown</span></strong></a>, there are eight major warning signs to look out for if you feel yourself edging closer towards breaking point.</p> <p><strong>1. You dream of running away</strong> – According to Brown, escape fantasies indicate you may be at risk. “If you see your only options as ‘run away’ or ‘put up with this misery’, you have fallen into black-and-white thinking, a classic sign of anxiety and depression,” she explains.</p> <p><strong>2. You never take any “me” time</strong> – Developing a mental illness doesn’t happen overnight, it slowly builds up over time. Taking a moment of calm for yourself each day – even just 20 minutes – can help you relax.</p> <p><strong>3. You have trouble making decisions</strong> – Whether it’s a big decision or something minor like deciding on dinner, feeling overwhelmed by choice could signal declining mental health. “You may also have a sense of being judged on your actions, by loved ones and strangers, and feel an underlying sense of shame at not being able to cope.”</p> <p><strong>4. You’re isolating yourself</strong> – Not feeling as social as usual? Before (and during) a nervous breakdown, your brain feels overloaded, so pushing away any potential pressures or stimulation is a natural defence mechanism, even if it means isolating yourself from your support network.</p> <p><strong>5. You can’t sleep</strong> – Struggling to fall and stay asleep is a classic (and highly damaging) symptom of depression and anxiety. “Moderate (not intense) exercise is your best weapon, both in helping your body process the stress hormones and releasing calming neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.”</p> <p><strong>6. You suffer panic attacks</strong> – Anyone who’s suffered a panic attack before knows just how terrifying they can be. According to Brown, managing your breathing is essential. “Slowing down your breathing, and making the out-breath longer than the in-breath, is the key to resetting.”</p> <p><strong>7. You sabotage yourself</strong> – Eating excess amounts of sugar and drinking too much alcohol to the point of being sick is often an unconscious cry for help, but both can make your anxiety and depression worse.</p> <p><strong>8. You don’t recognise yourself</strong> – If you feel like you’ve lost your sense of self-worth or purpose, this could trigger a nervous breakdown. “Depression also puts a negative filter on your thoughts so you're probably struggling to remember anything you've done well or succeeded it.”</p>

Mind

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This member of the royal family still makes Fergie nervous

<p>You would think after more than 30 years in the royal spotlight, nothing would phase Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, Duchess of York. However, in an interview with Kyle and Jackie O, she revealed she’s still a bit afraid of one royal family member – the Queen!</p> <p>When asked who the last person she got tongue-tied over was, Fergie replied, “I always get really nervous before meeting the boss.”</p> <p>“Oh of course, she’s brilliant,” she clarified, when asked if the Queen makes her feel at ease. “She makes you feel comfortable within the first five seconds.”</p> <p>Fergie also spoke about her close relationship with ex-husband Prince Andrew, with whom she still co-owns a Swiss chalet. “We never really left each other,” she explained.</p> <p>Her ex is in the headlines himself at the moment, after <a href="/news/news/2016/10/brotherly-feud-dividing-the-royal-family/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">multiple reports suggest</span></strong></a> a spat among the royals between Andrew and Prince Charles, after the latter requested his daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, be given more full-time royal duties – something which Charles, an advocate for a more “streamlined” monarchy, is against.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/brotherly-feud-dividing-the-royal-family/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Brotherly feud dividing the royal family</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/10/kate-and-harry-battle-with-camilla/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Kate and Harry’s secret battle with Camilla</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/08/fergie-trim-new-look/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Fergie’s trim new look</strong></em></span></a></p>

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