Iconic 80s star dies just before her 80th birthday

<p>Loni Anderson, the iconic blonde bombshell who lit up television screens in the late 1970s and 1980s, has died just days before what would have been her 80th birthday. The former <em>WKRP in Cincinnati</em> star passed away at a hospital in Los Angeles following a “prolonged” illness, her longtime publicist Cheryl J Kagan confirmed.</p> <p>“We are heartbroken to announce the passing of our dear wife, mother and grandmother,” her family said in a statement.</p> <p>Anderson, best known for her role as the smart and stylish receptionist Jennifer Marlowe on <em>WKRP in Cincinnati</em>, became a trailblazing figure on television. The series, which ran from 1978 to 1982, portrayed a struggling Ohio radio station trying to reinvent itself with rock music. Though the show suffered in the ratings, it gained a devoted fan base and Anderson’s performance earned her two Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nods.</p> <p>Her character – blonde, glamorous but never a punchline – was widely credited for flipping the stereotype of the “dumb blonde” on its head. Behind the desk in heels and silk blouses, Jennifer kept the station running, fielding calls and egos with quiet brilliance and impeccable comedic timing.</p> <p>Born on August 5, 1945, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anderson was the daughter of a model and an environmental chemist. Her screen career began modestly with a role in <em>Nevada Smith</em> (1966) opposite Steve McQueen, but her big break came more than a decade later when she was cast on <em>WKRP</em>.</p> <p>She later starred in <em>The Jayne Mansfield Story</em> (1980), opposite a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, a film which became infamous as one of the “100 most enjoyable bad movies ever made”, and found cult status with its inclusion in The Official Razzie Movie Guide.</p> <p>Off-screen, Anderson’s personal life drew almost as much attention as her work. Her marriage to movie star Burt Reynolds made the pair tabloid fixtures in the 1980s. They co-starred in the 1983 comedy <em>Stroker Ace</em> and wed the following year. Though their relationship was tumultuous and ended in divorce in 1994, Anderson always spoke of their adopted son, Quinton Reynolds, as their greatest shared legacy.</p> <p>“The best decision that we ever made in our entire relationship,” she said at the 2021 unveiling of Reynolds' bronze bust in Hollywood.</p> <p>She opened up about the ups and downs of her life in her 1995 memoir <em>My Life in High Heels</em>, which she described as “the growth of a woman, a woman who survives”.</p> <p>Anderson remained active into her later years, most recently co-starring in <em>Lifetime’s Ladies Of The 80s: A Divas Christmas</em> in 2023 alongside Linda Gray, Donna Mills, Morgan Fairchild and Nicollette Sheridan.</p> <p>Fairchild was among the first to pay tribute, writing on X: “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of the wonderful Loni Anderson! The sweetest, most gracious lady! I’m just devastated to hear this.”</p> <p>Anderson was married four times, most recently to musician Bob Flick in 2008. She is survived by Flick, her daughter Deidra, son-in-law Charlie Hoffman, son Quinton Anderson Reynolds, grandchildren McKenzie and Megan Hoffman, stepson Adam Flick and his wife Helene, and step-grandchildren Felix and Maximilian.</p> <p>A private service will be held at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, according to her publicist.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Double Olympic champion dies at 31

<p>Double Olympic gold medallist and beloved German biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has died in a climbing accident at the age of 31.</p> <p>The retired athlete was fatally struck by falling rocks while ascending Laila Peak in Pakistan’s remote Karakoram mountain range on Monday. Her death was confirmed by her management team and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), who expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of one of Germany’s most admired sportswomen.</p> <p>“The DOSB and the whole of German sport mourn the loss of Laura Dahlmeier,” said DOSB President Thomas Weikert in a statement to CNN Sports. “We are deeply shocked by the sudden and much too early death of this wonderful person. Our thoughts are with her family and friends and we will offer our support wherever we can.”</p> <p>Dahlmeier was climbing with her partner, Marina Eva, who managed to send a distress signal after the accident. However, treacherous weather conditions and poor visibility delayed the rescue mission. According to local authorities, helicopters were unable to reach the scene until Tuesday morning due to the remoteness of the area.</p> <p>Dahlmeier rose to prominence as a force in biathlon, making history at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang where she became the first female biathlete to win gold in both the sprint and pursuit events at a single Games. Her Olympic triumph followed a stellar season in 2017, when she became the first biathlete to win five gold medals at one world championship.</p> <p>She retired from professional sport in 2019 at just 25, choosing to step away while at the top of her game. After her retirement, Dahlmeier remained an active and passionate advocate for nature, adventure and social causes.</p> <p>“Laura was a role model and inspiration to so many of us in and out of sport,” Weikert continued. “She always had clear goals in mind and pursued her dreams.”</p> <p>Her Instagram page, now filled with tributes and messages of mourning, carried a poignant farewell:</p> <p>“Farewell to a wonderful person! Laura enriched the lives of many, including our own, with her warm and straightforward manner… We are deeply grateful, dear Laura, that we were allowed to share our lives with you. Our shared moments and memories give us the strength and courage to continue on our path.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMu9pcooS76/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMu9pcooS76/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮_𝗗𝗮𝗵𝗹𝗺𝗲𝗶𝗲𝗿 (@laura_dahlmeier)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Thomas Weikert concluded: “Laura Dahlmeier leaves behind a legacy that goes far beyond medals: her dedication to sport, her passion for nature and her commitment to society make her an inspiring personality. Her story remains. As a daughter, sister, friend, Olympian and biathlon legend. Laura will forever remain an integral part of Team Germany. We will miss her.”</p> <p>Dahlmeier is remembered not only as a record-breaking athlete, but as a bright, kind and driven woman who lived with purpose and heart.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Jewellery icon Sir Michael Hill dies aged 86

<p>The world of jewellery and business is in mourning following the death of Sir Michael Hill, the visionary founder of Michael Hill Jeweller. He was 86.</p> <p>Hill’s passing was confirmed in a heartfelt statement issued by Michael Hill International Limited to the New Zealand Stock Exchange on Monday, where he served as a non-executive director up until his death.</p> <p>“Sir Michael was a celebrated jeweller, entrepreneur and philanthropist,” the statement read. “His influence stretched far beyond retail, and his legacy will live on through the brand he built and the lives he touched.”</p> <p>Born in New Zealand, Hill’s path to global success began not with gemstones, but with music. He dreamed of becoming a concert violinist, but was told at 17 that he had taken up the instrument too late to pursue it professionally. That disappointment led him to join his uncle’s jewellery store in Whangārei – a move that would quietly change the course of his life and the retail industry in Australasia.</p> <p>“What began as a job soon became a passion,” the company said. “Sir Michael had a natural gift for storytelling, a keen eye for visual merchandising, an instinct for attracting customers and a gift for selling.”</p> <p>In 1979, alongside his wife Christine, Hill launched the first Michael Hill store in Whangārei. From its humble beginnings, the brand grew into an international success, with stores across New Zealand, Australia and Canada.</p> <p>Hill was not only the face of the company but its creative heart. He was known for his distinctive television advertisements, his flair for design, and his commitment to reinvention, in both business and life.</p> <p>The couple married in 1965 and shared a bond shaped by creativity and craftsmanship. They had two children, Mark and Emma, and together built a brand that reflected their shared values.</p> <p>In April, the company announced that Sir Michael had taken a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment. He died surrounded by family.</p> <p>A private memorial will be held in Arrowtown, where the Hills had long made their home.</p> <p>Sir Michael Hill’s name may be etched into thousands of shopfronts across the world, but his legacy runs deeper: a testament to strength, reinvention and the enduring power of personal vision.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Former Liberal MP dies suddenly in Thailand

<p>According to reports from <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/former-nsw-mp-dies-suddenly-in-thailand-20250723-p5mh9e.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sydney Morning Herald</em></a>, Former New South Wales MP Jeremy Kinross has died suddenly while on holiday in Thailand, in what local authorities believe was a tragic choking accident.</p> <p>The 65-year-old, who served as the Liberal Party member for the Sydney seat of Gordon in the 1990s, was found unconscious outside a supermarket near his accommodation in Cape Panwa, Phuket, on Saturday night. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.</p> <p>Thai police have not yet released a formal statement but said medical staff believed Kinross had choked on corn kernels. His exact cause of death remains unclear.</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMattCrossMP%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02qnUDWQxKFfCYskgJCFWKoZ95GVcyqUFLG5sBUByX1ZLLf5dmduxQTfVrxg1ZC4qtl&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="486" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>The circumstances surrounding his final moments remain uncertain, with police saying he was found alone and unresponsive by a passerby outside the store, about 10 kilometres south of Phuket City. It is not yet known how long he had been in Thailand.</p> <p>Kinross entered public life after a successful career as a chartered accountant and barrister. He joined the Liberal Party in 1986 and was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly in 1992, where he represented Gordon for more than six years. When his seat was abolished in a 1999 redistribution, Kinross chose not to contest preselection in a neighbouring electorate.</p> <p>In later years, he turned his professional focus to consultancy work, specialising in strategic relationships and change. Known for his energetic style and colourful personality, he once described himself as “forthright, outgoing and dynamic”, a sentiment echoed by those who knew him.</p> <p>News of his death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former colleagues and friends.</p> <p>NSW Liberal leader Mark Speakman said he was deeply saddened by the news. “He was a very larger-than-life character, someone who was a bon vivant at the dining table, someone who was amusing company,” Speakman said. “Those who knew him will miss him very much.”</p> <p>Davidson MP Matt Cross also paid tribute, recalling Kinross’s support during his own campaign in 2023.</p> <p>“On a personal note, when Jeremy learned I was the new Liberal Party candidate, he joined the campaign trail,” Cross said. “His advice to me was simple but powerful: ‘Make every day count’. Jeremy will be missed by his family and friends. The public service of Jeremy will always be a part of our history.”</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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"Devastated": Police officer dies suddenly while on holiday

<p>A family holiday has ended in heartbreak after a beloved NSW police officer died suddenly while enjoying time on the beach with his loved ones.</p> <p>Paul Matts, 37, from Orange in the NSW Central Tablelands, suffered a fatal medical episode on July 8 while laughing and playing on the sand with his wife and four children. Despite desperate efforts to revive him, he tragically could not be saved.</p> <p>Matts leaves behind his wife, Danni, and their children – daughter Harlow, son Xavier and stepchildren Archer and Jasmine. The youngest, Xavier, is just eight months old.</p> <p>“Danni and her three children – ages 8, 7, and 8 months – are now facing life without their loving dad and stepdad,” friends Jenna McAtamney and Sarah Wilkinson shared in a heartfelt message on a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-a-loving-family-after-the-sudden-loss-of-their-dad" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a> set up to support the grieving family.</p> <p>A NSW Police sergeant with more than 16 years of service, Matts had also lived in Coffs Harbour, where he remained a cherished member of the community. The Coffs Harbour Beaches Hockey Club paid tribute to their former teammate in an emotional social media post.</p> <p>“Mattsy was a much-loved member of our club and the Coffs hockey community,” the club wrote. “He had a passion for horse racing and was never far from the track, even training a horse owned by several of our members. We pass on our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. So sad.”</p> <p><iframe style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbeacheshockey%2Fposts%2Fpfbid033RAkAnnfCYTZeR4sbCUnwS8QZDKJco2LpApwGNgGq8L52fPjGQgNTTHRhjy6D2X9l&show_text=true&width=500" width="500" height="644" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>McAtamney and Wilkinson described Matts as a devoted father whose absence would be deeply felt. “This loss has left the family devastated and in need of support as they begin to navigate this new reality,” they wrote. “Danni is doing everything she can to stay strong for her kids, but she cannot do it alone.”</p> <p>Paul Matts’ funeral will be held on Thursday in Coffs Harbour.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

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Star of The Cosby Show dies aged 54

<p>Malcolm-Jamal Warner, the actor who became a household name playing Theo Huxtable on <em>The Cosby Show</em>, has died at age 54 in an accidental drowning in Costa Rica.</p> <p>Warner drowned on Sunday afternoon while swimming at Playa Cocles, a beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, according to the country’s Judicial Investigation Department. Authorities said he was caught in a current and pulled out to sea. Though beachgoers managed to bring him to shore, Costa Rica’s Red Cross responders found him unresponsive. He was later taken to the local morgue.</p> <p>Warner’s death marks the tragic end of a career that spanned four decades and helped shape American television in the 1980s and beyond. Cast at age 13 after a wide talent search, Warner’s portrayal of Theo – the only son in the Huxtable household – earned him an Emmy nomination in 1986 and made him a relatable and iconic figure for a generation of viewers.</p> <p>Among the show’s most memorable moments was Theo’s heartfelt debate with his father about responsibility in the pilot episode, and his comic misadventures with a homemade designer shirt gifted by his sister Denise, a scene many fans still recall with fondness.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYaVaqSR14/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMYaVaqSR14/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Born on August 18, 1970, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Warner was named after Malcolm X and jazz legend Ahmad Jamal. He was raised by his mother, Pamela, who became his manager and guided his early interest in the arts. He later attended The Professional Children's School in New York to pursue acting seriously.</p> <p>Though forever linked to his role on <em>The Cosby Show</em>, Warner successfully carved out a diverse career in the decades that followed. He starred in <em>Malcolm &amp; Eddie</em>, the BET sitcom <em>Read Between the Lines</em>, played a popular returning character in <em>Community</em>, and more recently appeared in acclaimed dramas such as <em>American Crime Story</em> and <em>The Resident</em>. He also earned a Grammy Award for best traditional R&amp;B performance and received a spoken word nomination for his poetry album Hiding in Plain View.</p> <p>In a 2015 interview with the Associated Press, Warner expressed both pride in the cultural significance of <em>The Cosby Show</em> and sadness over its legacy being overshadowed by the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby.</p> <p>"My biggest concern is when it comes to images of people of colour on television and film," Warner said. "We've always had <em>The Cosby Show</em> to hold up against that. And the fact that we no longer have that, that's the thing that saddens me the most – because in a few generations the Huxtables will have been just a fairytale."</p> <p>He also shared his deep commitment to his craft and his drive to evolve as an artist: “I grew up with a maniacal obsession with not wanting to be one of those 'where are they now kids.’ I feel very blessed… to be where I am now and finally at a place where I can let go of that worry about having a life after <em>Cosby</em>.”</p> <p>Warner was married and had a daughter, though he kept their identities private. His representatives and those of Bill Cosby declined to comment following news of his death.</p> <p>Malcolm-Jamal Warner leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking work, creative versatility, and a deeply personal connection with millions of viewers who watched him grow up on screen.</p> <p><em>Images: NBC / Supplied</em></p>

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Princess Anne honoured for the first time on new royal coin

<p>As Princess Anne approaches her 75th birthday on August 15, the UK is marking the milestone in a truly special way, with her first-ever appearance on an official British coin.</p> <p>The Royal Mint has announced a beautifully crafted commemorative coin to celebrate the occasion, paying tribute to The Princess Royal’s lifetime of duty, devotion, and public service. It marks an historic moment in British numismatic history, as it’s the first time Princess Anne has been featured on UK currency.</p> <p>The coin’s design, created by renowned artist Thomas T. Docherty, captures Her Royal Highness wearing the elegant Aquamarine Pineflower Tiara, set against a portrait based on an official photograph by celebrated photographer John Swannell. Around the edge is the inscription: “The Princess Royal – Celebrating 75 Years – Duty and Devotion”, with her official Coat of Arms positioned beside the image.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMSXKEFRKRX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMSXKEFRKRX/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Mint (@royalmintuk)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“It was an honour to create this commemorative coin,” Docherty said. “I wanted to reflect Her Royal Highness’s remarkable legacy and strength of character – her unwavering dedication to public service.”</p> <p>Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said the tribute was well deserved. “Her Royal Highness’s lifelong commitment to charity, the monarchy, and the armed forces makes her truly worthy of this celebration” she said. “This graceful design perfectly captures both her dignified presence and extraordinary legacy.”</p> <p>With admirers around the world preparing to celebrate her birthday, this elegant coin offers a lasting tribute to one of the Royal Family’s most hardworking and respected members.</p> <p><em>Images: The Royal Mint</em></p>

Money & Banking

Sports hero dies after rescuing family of five from riptide

<p>A former Major League Baseball prospect has died a hero after leaping into treacherous waters in South Carolina to save a family of five – a final act of selflessness that unfolded in front of his own wife and children.</p> <p>Anderson “Chase” Childers, 39, was on holiday with his wife, Nataley, and their three young children when he was swept away by a powerful rip current on Sunday afternoon. The family had been vacationing at Pawleys Island, just south of Myrtle Beach.</p> <p>Childers, a former minor league baseball player and police officer, jumped into action when a woman asked for help rescuing swimmers caught in the current. According to his family, he did not hesitate.</p> <p>“His first responder instincts kicked in and he went to the water to save people,” said Pawleys Island Police Chief Michael Fanning.</p> <p>Together with another good Samaritan, Childers successfully helped the stranded swimmers – a family of five – back to shore. But moments later, he vanished beneath the waves, pulled under by the same current he had bravely entered.</p> <p>The US Coast Guard recovered his body approximately 90 minutes later.</p> <p>Born in Nashville and raised in Georgia, Childers had played baseball for North Cobb Christian High School and Georgia State University. In 2009, he joined the Baltimore Orioles’ minor league system as a second baseman and shortstop, before leaving the sport to pursue a career in law enforcement. He was later honoured with a Life Saving Award from the Cobb County Police Department in 2013.</p> <p>“We are saddened to learn of Chase’s passing, and send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” a Baltimore Orioles spokesperson said in a statement.</p> <p>Childers’ death marks the fifth drowning at Pawleys Island since June 2023, and the second in the past month, according to local station WCBD-TV.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/blessings-for-nataley-and-children-memory-of-chase" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe page</a> launched to support the Childers family has raised more than $225,000 AUD as of Friday morning.</p> <p>“As a devoted husband and father, he displayed extraordinary courage and selflessness,” the fundraiser stated. “In a heroic act, he saved a family of five in a moment of crisis… putting their lives above his own. His bravery, kindness and love will always be remembered.”</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

Princess Beatrice celebrates 5th wedding anniversary with rare holiday snap

<p>Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are celebrating five years of marriage, and have shared their joy with fans and followers worldwide.</p> <p>The usually private couple marked their milestone with a rare and joy-filled photo shared to social media on Thursday (Friday morning AEST), showing the pair beaming barefoot on a beach in Scotland. The relaxed, sunlit snap captured a makeup-free Beatrice and a smiling Edoardo wrapped in each other’s arms, radiating happiness.</p> <p>"Happy 5th Anniversary to my incredible partner, the most beautiful and amazing wife," Edoardo wrote in a heartfelt caption. "I cherish every moment we've spent together and am deeply grateful for our journey. Here's to countless more years filled with laughter and tons of love!"</p> <p>It’s unclear whether the photo is from a current getaway or a cherished memory from a previous trip, but the sentiment is timeless.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMNVgEPOo09/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DMNVgEPOo09/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Edo Mapelli Mozzi (@edomapellimozzi)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple were married on July 17, 2020, in an intimate ceremony at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor. Held during the tail end of COVID-19 lockdowns, the wedding included only close family, among them the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.</p> <p>Since tying the knot, the pair have quietly grown into a loving family of five. Princess Beatrice became the first British royal to take on the role of stepmother, helping raise Edoardo’s son, Christopher “Woolfie” Woolf, from a previous relationship. They’ve since welcomed two daughters: Sienna, born in September 2021, and baby Athena, born prematurely earlier this year.</p> <p>While the royal couple have chosen to keep their young daughters out of the public eye, their anniversary moment has given fans a rare glimpse into the warmth and joy of their private life.</p> <p>Here's to many more happy years ahead for the modern royal family.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

Beloved pop icon dies at 87 after a life of hits and heartbreak

<p>Connie Francis, the beloved pop singer whose soaring voice defined the innocence of the 1950s and early '60s but whose personal life was marked by tragedy and loss, has died at the age of 87.</p> <p>Her death was announced on Thursday by longtime friend and publicist Ron Roberts, who did not share further details.</p> <p>Francis rose to stardom with the 1958 hit Who’s Sorry Now, a song that would ironically echo throughout her life. A chart-topping powerhouse during the pre-Beatles era, she captivated audiences with classics like Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You, Stupid Cupid, and The Heart Has a Mind of Its Own. Her sweet, melodic voice crossed borders, as she recorded in multiple languages and became a global star.</p> <p>Behind the fame, however, lay a deeply painful personal story, one that Francis later summed up as “a regret from A to Z”.</p> <p>Born Concetta Rosemarie Franconero on December 12, 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, she was a musical prodigy from a young age, pushed into the spotlight by her father, George. By four, she was playing the accordion; by nine, she was appearing on national television.</p> <p>At 17, Francis signed with MGM Records and found little early success, until Dick Clark played Who’s Sorry Now on American Bandstand, propelling her into the mainstream. Francis credited Clark’s support with saving her career.</p> <p>She followed with a string of hit singles and starred in films such as Where the Boys Are, becoming a symbol of wholesome Americana. But while the public saw glamour and charm, her private life was unraveling.</p> <p>A promising romance with fellow teen idol Bobby Darin was cut short when her father allegedly confronted Darin with a gun, forbidding the relationship. It would be the first of many heartbreaks.</p> <p>In 1974, Francis survived a brutal sexual assault at knifepoint in a hotel room in New York. Her attacker was never caught. The trauma, she said, destroyed her marriage and sent her into years of emotional distress. She later won a lawsuit against the hotel for inadequate security.</p> <p>The suffering continued: in 1981, her beloved brother George was shot and killed outside his New Jersey home. Not long after, Francis was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital by her father, where she was diagnosed as manic-depressive. She later attempted suicide but survived.</p> <p>Francis married four times, with only her third husband, Joseph Garzilli, remembered fondly. The others, she said, "weren’t worth the trouble". None of her marriages lasted more than a year.</p> <p>Still, she persevered, returning to performing, publishing a memoir and speaking openly about her struggles with mental health.</p> <p>“I realised I had allowed my father to exert too much influence over me,” she said in 1984, the year her autobiography <em>Who’s Sorry Now?</em> was released.</p> <p>Though her fame dimmed in later decades, Connie Francis remained an enduring symbol of a bygone musical era – one of strength as much as romance, of triumph through trauma, and of a voice that carried both joy and sorrow in equal measure.</p> <p>She is survived by a legacy that will long outlive the pain that so often defined her life.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Music

"Devastated": Football star dies at 28, just days after wedding

<p>Liverpool and Portugal football star Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car crash in Spain, just days after celebrating his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso.</p> <p>The 28-year-old forward was killed alongside his younger brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva, in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora in north-western Spain. Authorities confirmed the pair died at the scene after their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and burst into flames.</p> <p>The heartbreaking accident comes less than two weeks after Jota married Rute in Portugal on June 22. The couple, who shared three children, had posted a joyful photo from their wedding day with the caption: “Yes to forever.”</p> <p>Now, that forever has been cruelly cut short.</p> <p>Jota had only recently capped off one of the most successful periods of his career. In May, he helped Liverpool clinch the English Premier League title, contributing six goals across the season. He also featured for Portugal in their dramatic UEFA Nations League final win over Spain last month, coming off the bench in extra time before his team triumphed in a penalty shootout.</p> <p>In a statement, Liverpool FC expressed their devastation:</p> <p>“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” it read. “We will be making no further comment at this time and request privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and club staff as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”</p> <p>Portuguese football is also in mourning. Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, paid tribute to both brothers, describing Jota as “much more than a fantastic player... an extraordinary person, respected by all.”</p> <p>“We have lost two champions,” he added. “The passing of Diogo and Andre Jota represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… <a href="https://t.co/KG4coUHY1P">pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P</a></p> <p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1940707922608054436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Jota made almost 50 appearances for the national team and was known as much for his spirited play as for his humility and positivity off the pitch. A minute’s silence was held ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday, following a request from the federation.</p> <p>Jota’s career began at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016. He was loaned to Porto and then moved to England, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His performances at Wolves were electric, helping the club earn promotion and firmly establish themselves in the Premier League.</p> <p>Wolves, where Jota is still adored by fans, released a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>He joined Liverpool in 2018, quickly becoming a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s side. In the 2021-22 season, he played key roles in Liverpool’s FA Cup and League Cup victories, scoring in both final shootouts against Chelsea.</p> <p>Off the field, Jota was a dedicated family man, sharing a quiet life away from the spotlight with Rute and their three young children.</p> <p>The world of football – and the families of both men – are reeling from the loss. </p> <p>Jota was 28. Andre Silva was 26.</p> <p><em>Images: X (Formerly Twitter)</em></p>

Caring

Shock after true extent of Princess Kate's cancer battle revealed

<p>Shocking new revelations have shed light on the true severity of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ private health battle, with reports now claiming the royal is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery” following an intense and harrowing cancer fight throughout 2024.</p> <p>In June last year, the princess appeared poised and radiant at Trooping the Colour – waving to crowds and smiling with trademark composure. But hidden beneath her Jenny Packham dress was a semi-permanent port embedded in her chest, a small but vital medical device delivering life-saving chemotherapy.</p> <p>At the time, the extent of her illness remained entirely unknown to the public. Kensington Palace has never confirmed what type of cancer Kate was battling, nor offered a timeline beyond a brief video statement in March. But now, a deeply personal report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English has detailed just how critical her condition was – and the lengths the future queen went to maintain a sense of normalcy.</p> <p>English writes that the princess had already been “seriously unwell” before undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Post-operative testing revealed cancer, prompting immediate chemotherapy and the insertion of the port – a direct line for potent treatment into a vein near the heart. “It was a literal lifeline,” English reported, “which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal.”</p> <p>Kate’s courage to appear publicly – even as she endured punishing side effects – was reportedly accompanied by deeply private suffering. Aides have since revealed she endured “months of hell” with multiple hospital visits conducted in secrecy, entering through side doors at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.</p> <p>The new information arrives in the wake of a last-minute cancellation at Royal Ascot earlier this month, where palace insiders reportedly reacted with alarm after the princess withdrew just 30 minutes before her expected arrival. Rumours briefly swirled that she required urgent medical attention, a sign that her recovery remains fragile.</p> <p>Sources say the ordeal has prompted Kate to “recalibrate her entire life”, with royal duties to be dramatically scaled back for the rest of the year. She is still expected to attend Wimbledon and join the French state visit in July, but a broader return to public life appears uncertain. An overseas tour remains unlikely, and Prince William is expected to travel alone to Brazil in November for the Earthshot Prize.</p> <p>As one palace insider put it, the recent upheaval is “a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo… It can take years [to recover].”</p> <p>While Kate is now said to be through treatment, the question of when – or if – she will return to a full royal workload remains unanswered.</p> <p>As English wrote earlier this year: “The Princess of Wales has been to hell and back.” Now, it’s clear just how far she had to travel – and how much strength it took to return.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

1960s teen idol turned real-life hero dies aged 81

<p>Bobby Sherman, the beloved pop star whose boyish charm, soulful voice and shaggy mop of hair made him a teen idol in the 1960s and ’70s, has died at the age of 81. The singer, actor and later paramedic passed away holding his wife’s hand, after a courageous battle with stage four cancer.</p> <p>Sherman’s wife, Brigitte Poublon, shared the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, with family friend John Stamos posting her tribute on Instagram. “Bobby left this world holding my hand – just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace through all 29 beautiful years of marriage,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I was his Cinderella, and he was my prince charming. Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That’s who Bobby was – brave, gentle, and full of light.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLSmV0HJ8n9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DLSmV0HJ8n9/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by John Stamos (@johnstamos)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>For millions, Sherman was the clean-cut dream of a generation. His smiling face graced the covers of Tiger Beat and Sixteen magazines, his songs filled bedrooms, and his posters adorned the walls of adoring fans. With hits like Little Woman, Julie, Do Ya Love Me, and Easy Come, Easy Go, he secured his place in pop history. At his peak, he landed at eighth in TV Guide’s list of TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols.</p> <p>But beyond the fame and flashing cameras, Sherman chose a quieter, nobler path. In 1988, he turned away from the spotlight to serve his community, becoming a paramedic and trainer with the Los Angeles Police Department. His wife reflected on that choice: “He saved lives. He showed us what real heroism looks like – quiet, selfless, and deeply human.”</p> <p>Sherman’s career began in the mid-1960s on ABC’s <em>Shindig</em>! and soared with roles on <em>Here Come the Brides</em> and <em>Getting Together</em>. He filled arenas, appeared on lunchboxes and cereal boxes, and released six albums that made the Billboard 200 chart. But as he later admitted, the pace of stardom took its toll. “It was so hectic for three years that I didn’t know what home was,” he once said.</p> <p>Sherman is survived by his sons, Tyler and Christopher, and six grandchildren. His family, while grieving, says they feel the warmth of his legacy – his voice, his music, and above all, his kindness.</p> <p>Stamos paid tribute to Sherman with a simple farewell: “From one ex teen idol, to another – rest in peace Bobby Sherman.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

<p>The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year.</p> <p>The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion.</p> <p>His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.”</p> <p>Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many.</p> <p>Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations.</p> <p><em>Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

Caring

Meet the young princess and future queen who's moving to Australia

<p>In a delightful development that has captivated royal watchers and Australians alike, Norway's Princess Ingrid Alexandra is preparing to start an exciting new chapter – right here in Australia. (Sydney, to be more precise!)</p> <p>The 21-year-old royal, who is second in line to the Norwegian throne, will soon trade Oslo’s snowy landscapes for Sydney’s sunny shores as she embarks on full-time university study. The Royal House of Norway confirmed that the princess will begin a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Sydney this August, with a focus on international relations and political economy.</p> <p>Adding a touch of tradition to this modern tale, Princess Ingrid Alexandra will be living on campus at the prestigious St Andrew's College. In a warm message to students, the college principal, Dr Daniel Tyler, encouraged the community to respect the princess’s privacy as she settles into campus life.</p> <p>While the Norwegian royal family may be lesser-known in Australia compared to their British or Danish counterparts, that’s expected to change quickly. Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Ingrid’s mother, also has ties to Australia, having studied at Wangaratta High School in Victoria as a teenager. Now, it’s her daughter’s turn to embrace life Down Under.</p> <p>Born in Oslo in 2004, Princess Ingrid Alexandra is poised to make history as Norway's first queen regnant in over 600 years. Her grandfather, King Harald V, currently holds the throne as Europe’s oldest reigning monarch at 88. Ingrid is the eldest child of Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit and has a younger brother, Prince Sverre Magnus.</p> <p>Far from a traditional royal upbringing, Princess Ingrid has forged a path that blends duty, discipline and adventure. Just this April, she completed 15 months of military service, earning respect as an engineer soldier and rifleman with the Norwegian Army's Brigade North. “You are much stronger together,” she told Norwegian media of the experience. “Without [my team], I would not have enjoyed myself as much here.”</p> <p>Ingrid’s move to Australia will pause her official royal duties for up to three years, though she is expected to return home during breaks. She has only recently begun taking on regular public roles, including a landmark appearance at a state banquet earlier this year and joining her family on the royal palace balcony to celebrate Norway’s National Day.</p> <p>Passionate about the environment and global affairs from a young age, Princess Ingrid’s academic focus aligns with her growing commitment to public service. She began official engagements as a child, attending World Environment Day at just five years old, and by age 11 she had already christened a rescue vessel for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue.</p> <p>And she’s not just a scholar or a soldier – she's also a sports fan. A talented surfer, Ingrid was named Norway’s junior surfing champion in 2020. She’s also an avid skier and kickboxer, embodying a refreshingly modern image of royalty.</p> <p>With a surfboard possibly in one hand and a textbook in the other, Princess Ingrid Alexandra’s time in Sydney promises to be a uniquely royal adventure – and Australia will be watching with warm anticipation.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

International Travel

Mother accused of murdering daughter dies in hospital

<p>An already deeply tragic case has taken a further heartbreaking turn with the death of a woman charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter.</p> <p><a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/chilling-new-details-emerge-after-qld-mother-s-alleged-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lauren Ingrid Flanigan</a>, 32, was found unresponsive in her cell at the Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre on Friday night. Despite being rushed to hospital, she died from her injuries overnight, Queensland Corrective Services confirmed.</p> <p>Flanigan had been in custody since last Monday, when she was arrested in the front yard of her Bundaberg home. Police were called to the property after reports of a seriously injured child. Her daughter, Sophia Rose, was found with multiple wounds and died at the scene despite desperate efforts to save her.</p> <p>The devastating loss of Sophia had already shocked the community. Now, just days later, Flanigan’s sudden death has left many struggling to make sense of the unfolding tragedy.</p> <p>“Queensland Corrective Services officers provided immediate assistance before paramedics transported the woman to hospital, where she died last night, June 1,” a QCS spokesperson said. “Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues.”</p> <p>Police have confirmed that the Corrective Services Investigation Unit (CSIU) is examining the circumstances of Flanigan’s death, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner.</p> <p>Flanigan had not entered a plea and was scheduled to appear in court in July. Her death now leaves many unanswered questions, while intensifying the sorrow surrounding an already harrowing case.</p> <p>Sophia’s father, Jai Ruane, a FIFO worker at a Central Queensland coal mine, was not home at the time of the incident. He has since returned and is caring for his two other children.</p> <p><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/bundaberg-homicide-investigation-murder-probe-launched-after-threeyearold-girl-found-dead-in-queensland/fd891d0d-9c31-46a9-9668-44cda55655e0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speaking to 9NEWS</a>, Ruane shared memories of his “bubbly” little girl, who he described as the “light” of his life. “She was always smiling, always wanting to help, just so full of life and love. She just had such a huge heart,” he said.</p> <p><em><strong>If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact beyondblue on 1300224636.</strong></em></p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Brave boxer dies at 25 just two weeks after getting married

<p>The boxing world is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that Georgia O’Connor, a rising star and beloved figure in British sport, has passed away at just 25 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.</p> <p>O’Connor, who once stood atop the podium with Commonwealth Youth gold in 2017 and later turned professional with a flawless 3-0 record, revealed her cancer diagnosis earlier this year. She had also been living with ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease, showing extraordinary strength both in and out of the ring.</p> <p>Despite being surrounded by support from fans and fellow fighters alike, the Durham-born athlete died earlier this week, leaving the sporting community reeling with grief.</p> <p>In her final post on Instagram, made just two weeks before her passing, Georgia shared a radiant photo of her wedding ring, announcing that she had married her partner Adriano. “The day I married the love of my life,” she wrote.</p> <p>In February, she penned a heartfelt tribute to her husband, calling him her “superhero” and “real-life prince”. Her words captured the depth of their bond during her illness: “From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer, Adriano didn’t hesitate. He quit his job without a second thought and made it his mission to fight this battle alongside me… I have never known love like this.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjF1RCMnlo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJjF1RCMnlo/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgia Cardinali (@georgiaoconnor_1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Tributes have since poured in from across the sporting world. Boxing promoter BOXXER, who represented O’Connor, said: “We are heartbroken by the passing of Georgia O’Connor. A true warrior inside and outside the ring, the boxing community has lost a talented, courageous and determined young woman far too soon.”</p> <p>Ben Shalom, BOXXER’s founder, added: “It’s hard to make sense of this. Georgia was an inspirational person and one I’ll never forget. My heart goes out to her parents and partner.”</p> <p>Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions shared their condolences, writing: “Everyone at Queensberry Promotions are deeply saddened… Rest in peace, Georgia.”</p> <p>England Boxing also paid tribute, highlighting her decorated amateur career: “A gifted boxer and beloved member of the amateur boxing community, she won medals at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Youth Worlds & European Championships.”</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" 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);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfnk84IZb5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <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> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </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;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DFfnk84IZb5/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Georgia Cardinali (@georgiaoconnor_1)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>O’Connor's talents were not confined to the ring. A three-time national taekwondo champion and undefeated kickboxer, she was also musically gifted, sharing videos of herself singing and playing guitar with fans online. YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul responded simply but powerfully: “F*** cancer. RIP Georgia.”</p> <p>Fellow boxer Joe Laws posted a photo with her, captioning it: “Fighter till the end. Rest easy bro.”</p> <p>Georgia O’Connor's life was short, but her impact was profound. In every arena she entered – whether in gloves or with a guitar – she brought strength, grace and authenticity.  She is survived by her husband Adriano, her family and countless fans who will never forget her spirit.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Oldest member of royal family dies just before 101st birthday

<p>Countess Marianne Bernadotte, the beloved and longest-living member of the Swedish and Danish royal family, has died at the age of 100. Her passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in European royal and cultural life.</p> <p>According to her daughter, who spoke to Swedish news agency TT, the countess passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her closest relatives at a nursing home in Gärdet, Stockholm. "It was calm and peaceful," she said. "She was over 100 years old, with only two months to her 101st birthday."</p> <p>Born Marianne Lindberg, she carved out a name for herself long before becoming royalty. As a talented actress with the Royal Dramatic Theatre, she was known for her compelling performances and collaborations with renowned artists of her time.</p> <p>She first married Gabriel Tchang, son of a Chinese ambassador, in 1947. The couple had three children – Robert Gabriel, Richard Antoine and Marie Gabrielle. Tragically, both sons passed away before her: Richard at just two years old and Robert in 2012.</p> <p>In 1961, she wed Count Sigvard Bernadotte, the second son of King Gustaf VI Adolf of Sweden, becoming the aunt by marriage to the current King Carl XVI Gustaf. She was also the great-aunt of King Frederik X of Denmark through her ties to Queen Margrethe II. She was widowed in 2002.</p> <p>Countess Bernadotte was deeply committed to philanthropic work. After losing her son Richard to complications that led to blindness, she and her husband founded the Sigvard and Marianne Bernadotte Research Foundation for Paediatric Eye Care. Her advocacy extended to dyslexia awareness, inspired by her brother and other royal family members who faced the condition.</p> <p>She had a deep appreciation for the arts and fashion. Recognised as one of the ten best-dressed women in the world, her enduring relationship with the Balmain fashion house and other haute couture designers became a hallmark of her public image. In 2017, a special exhibition honouring her fashion legacy was opened by her grandniece, Crown Princess Victoria.</p> <p>Her passing is mourned not only by her family but by a nation that admired her elegance, strength and unwavering dedication to causes close to her heart. She is survived by her daughter Marie Gabrielle, several grandchildren and a great-grandson.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Shock after Aussie Olympian dies at just 53

<p>Australia’s sporting community is in mourning following the unexpected death of Olympian and former baseball superstar Adam Burton, who passed away on Monday at the age of 53.</p> <p>Known affectionately as “Hollywood” or “Burto”, Burton’s impact on and off the field spanned decades, from representing Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics to shaping the grassroots game across countless local clubs.</p> <p>Burton’s career began with extraordinary promise. A prodigious talent from Melbourne’s southeast, he came through the ranks at Waverley Baseball Club before earning a professional contract with Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles as a teenager – a rare feat for an Australian player at the time. Though injuries and circumstance curtailed his American journey, he would later sign with the Atlanta Braves before returning to dominate the Australian Baseball League (ABL).</p> <p>Waverley Baseball Club, where Burton first made his mark, said they were “shattered” by the loss of “one of the finest players to represent them and Australia”.</p> <p>“Adam carried the moniker ‘Hollywood’ during an 11-year ABL career that few matched,” the club said in a heartfelt tribute. “He was brash, cocky, entertaining – with a ‘can’t take your eyes off him’ talent. He had style. He had charisma. He would light up a room.”</p> <p>Burton’s career in the ABL was marked by highlight-reel moments and consistent excellence. He played over 330 games and compiled a .312 batting average, with multiple All-Star selections. He was instrumental in Waverley’s 1995 championship, and in one of the league’s most remarkable seasons, he led the Melbourne Reds from last place to champions with a league-best .388 average, 21 home runs and 18 stolen bases.</p> <p>“Adam Burton was a guy who could put the team on his shoulders without feeling the burden,” Waverley’s statement continued.</p> <p>While an ankle injury hampered his performance during the 2000 Olympics, his selection and presence on Australia’s national team only cemented his legacy in the sport. He also represented Australia in the Baseball World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup and the World Youth Series.</p> <p>Beyond his professional accolades, Burton remained deeply connected to the local game, coaching and playing with unwavering passion at clubs such as Blackburn, Melbourne, Preston and Watsonia.</p> <p>Baseball Victoria paid tribute to his enduring love for the game: “Adam will always be remembered for his unwavering love of the game and infectious personality. He was a beloved member of the Victorian baseball community and will be truly missed.”</p> <p>Burton’s coaching achievements in later years were as impactful as his playing career. In 2017-18, he led Preston Pirates to a VSBL Division 2 Premiership, and just last year, he played a key role in Watsonia’s A Grade Grand Final campaign.</p> <p>Watsonia Baseball Club described him as a figure who “clearly impacted all he met,” while Blackburn Baseball Club remembered him as both a “genius” and a mentor to the next generation of players.</p> <p>“Behind the cheeky smile, was a baseball genius and gifted teacher of the game,” said Blackburn’s statement. “We consider ourselves incredibly lucky to have had Adam as a member of our club… one of the all-time greats.”</p> <p>As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, the deep shock and sorrow of his passing is shared by teammates, friends, fans and especially the many young players who looked up to him as a hero.</p> <p>Adam Burton is survived by his children, Cienna and Brock.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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“Mum always found the joy”: Beatrice and Eugenie open up on royal divorce

<p>Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie have spoken candidly about the impact of their parents’ divorce and the enduring strength of their mother, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York.</p> <p>Appearing on the "Lessons from our Mothers" podcast, hosted by Isabella Branson and Cressida Bonas – actress and former girlfriend of Prince Harry – the royal sisters shared heartfelt reflections on their upbringing and the lessons imparted by their mother during challenging times.</p> <p>Beatrice recalled the difficult period during their parents' separation, which began in 1992 when she was just eight years old and Eugenie was six. Despite the emotional turmoil, she remembered it as a time still filled with positivity and a sense of adventure, thanks to their mother’s optimistic spirit.</p> <p>“Mum's ability to sort of jump into any situation,” Beatrice said, was something she admired and now emulates. “There was always an adventure to be had. Even during some of the harder times through divorce and through challenging moments… she had an ability to kind of jump into things with two feet.”</p> <p>She added that those early memories are precious and formative: “It's this sort of way with which she just brought that joy to moments.”</p> <p>Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, affectionately known as "Fergie", were married in 1986 and formally divorced in 1996. Long naval deployments and conflicting responsibilities are believed to have contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.</p> <p>In a 2007 interview with <em>Harper’s Bazaar</em>, Fergie explained, “I wanted to work; it's not right for a princess of the royal house to be commercial, so Andrew and I decided to make the divorce official so I could go off and get a job.”</p> <p>Despite the separation, the couple have maintained a close relationship, cohabiting in separate wings of the Royal Lodge since 2008. They often refer to themselves as the "happiest divorced couple", setting a rare example of post-divorce harmony.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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