Norway’s Queen Mette-Marit missed her husband’s swearing-in ceremony today as she suffered ‘complications’ from her lung transplant.

The new King Haakon VIII, who became king when his father King Harald V died on Friday morning aged 89, swore an oath of allegiance to the country’s constitution on Tuesday.

However, his wife, who is under scrutiny for her ties to late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, missed the historic day as she is under medical observation due to the ‘complications’ from her surgery in June.

The queen, whose son from a previous relationship was found guilty of rape and domestic abuse earlier this year, was also unable to attend her late father-in-law’s church memorial service over the weekend. 

Images from today’s ceremony showed King Haakon VIII standing without his wife, as their daughter took Mette-Marit’s place. 

The Norwegian Royal Family shared a statement this morning from pulmonologist Dr Are Holm from Norway’s National Hospital confirming the 53-year-old’s absence.

He said: ‘It is not uncommon for complications to occur after a lung transplant. The Queen has had complications on some occasions since the operation, including today. 

‘As a result, the Queen must be observed throughout the day. The Queen will therefore unfortunately not be able to attend the swearing-in ceremony in the Storting today.

‘Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra will accompany His Majesty the King. Queen Sonja and Prince Sverre Magnus will attend the swearing-in from the Storting Hall.’

The 53-year-old was also removed from the event programme available on the Royal House’s website, and the new king will instead be joined by his children Princess Ingrid and Prince Sverre, alongside his mother Queen Sonja.

Norway’s Queen Metter-Marit has suffered ‘complications’ from her lung transport, forcing her to miss her husband’s swearing-in ceremony

King Haakon VIII addressed the Norwegian people for the first time in his new role following the death of his father King Harald V on August 29

In June, Mette-Marit’s son, Marius Borg Høiby (pictured), was convicted on two counts of rape and jailed for four years 

The new queen has suffered for several years from chronic pulmonary fibrosis. Her condition deteriorating significantly over the past six months and she was placed on a waiting list for a lung transplant earlier this summer. 

Doctors said the procedure was a last resort when a patient is believed to have less than two years to live without new lungs. 

After the surgery, the Royal House of Norway confirmed the transplant had been successful and that ‘everything has progressed well so far’. 

In July the future queen suspended her official duties, and Norway’s royal court said ‘there will be a longer period of rehabilitation and training’ during which ‘there will initially be no updates’. 

Haakon confirmed at the time he would cut back his public engagements to spend time with his wife, however this may change now that he is Norway’s new king. 

The 53-year-old is scheduled to swear the oath in the parliament’s main chamber, Storting, today at 1pm (11am GMT), which has been decadently prepped and searched by sniffer dogs for bombs.

The swearing-in comes days after thousands of mourners descended on Oslo to pay their respects to the late king, placing flowers, flags and condolence cards outside the royal Palace.

Harald, who is a cousin of King Charles III, died following a hospital admission in Oslo where he was being treated for haemolytic anaemia, a disorder causing red blood cells to be destroyed at an abnormally fast rate.

Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway Olav Fykse Tveit was pictured laying flowers at the Palace Square, 29 August 2026

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On Saturday evening the new king paid tribute to his late father in his first official speech as monarch, in which he thanked Harald ‘for everything he was and everything he did’.

The late king enjoyed massive support despite the slew of scandals that dogged his family in the final stretch of his 35-year reign.

On Tuesday, a poll published by public broadcaster Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation showed that support for the monarchy has clearly increased following Harald’s death.

Nearly three out of four Norwegians (72 per cent) said they supported the monarchy, a rise of eight points compared with a previous survey in May, according to the poll carried out over the weekend.

The past year has been a turbulent one for the Norwegian royals.

Mette-Marit faced intense scrutiny following the release of the Epstein Files, which revealed she stayed at paedophile Epstein’s Palm Beach residence in 2013 – after he was convicted for soliciting sex from girls as young as 14.

The new queen claimed this year she had been misled by Epstein as she sought to contain the fallout. 

Alongside her associations with the paedophile, Mette-Marit’s son Marius Borg Hoiby is currently under house arrest pending his appeal against a four-year sentence for two rape convictions.

In June, an Oslo court found him guilty of assaulting his former girlfriend, Nora Haukland, issuing threats and committing traffic offences, although he was acquitted of two other rape charges. 

The 29-year-old had been charged with sexually assaulting four women who were asleep or otherwise unable to resist between 2018 and 2024. 

Although he does not hold a royal title or carry out official duties, he has long been closely associated with the Norwegian royal family.

On Monday, he was among those who moved the late king’s casket to the chapel of Oslo’s royal palace, and he was also been granted permission to attend Harald’s funeral on September 9.

A detective said that the victim could have died if members of the public hadn’t stepped in to help him

A man has been sent to prison for a stabbing outside a kebab shop in Peterborough city centre – after another customer rang the bell on his e-scooter. Kris Stimson, 44, was at the takeaway in Fitzwilliam Street at about 2.30am on June 20, 2025, when he became enraged after hearing the bell.

Mistakenly believing it was the victim who had rung the bell, an argument ensued outside. He produced a knife and stabbed the man in the abdomen, before leaving the scene and discarding the weapon behind locked gates in Geneva Street.

Armed police found Stimson nearby and used incapacitant spray to arrest him. Members of the public tried to stem the victim’s bleeding, before paramedics arrived and he was taken to hospital, according to Cambridgeshire Police.

A cordon was put in place and officers recovered the weapon. While in custody, Stimson asked whether the man had died.

The victim underwent surgery and was placed in an induced coma. Hr required further treatment for several weeks before being discharged.

Stimson, of Greenham, Bretton, Peterborough, admitted assault causing grievous bodily harm without intent and possession of a knife in public. On Friday, August 28, at Cambridge Crown Court, Stimson was jailed for 16 months.

DC John Pentney said: “Stimson’s shocking actions were completely disproportionate for something as trivial as the bell being used on his scooter. Stabbing someone like this is extremely reckless and we could easily have been dealing with a murder investigation.

“I would like to commend the members of the public who stemmed the victim’s bleeding while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Their actions could well have contributed to him surviving.”

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Aston Villa have completed the signing of 18-year-old Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris St-Germain for a fee of 55m euros (£47m).

Mbaye scored three goals and provided two assists in 31 games in all competitions last season as PSG successfully defended their Ligue 1 and Champions League titles.

The teenager appeared in all four of Senegal’s matches at the 2026 World Cup. He scored in a 3-1 defeat by France, becoming the youngest African player to score at a men’s World Cup.

Mbaye is the latest attacker to join Unai Emery’s side following Alejandro Garnacho, Johan Manzambi and Nicolas Jackson.

More to follow.

Today’s top Gousto discount code and deals

If you want to shake up mealtimes without the stress of meal planning, a Gousto recipe box could be just the thing. In fact, Gousto was rated best for families in our guide to the best recipe boxes, thanks to the meals being “super easy to prepare, nutritious and, frankly, a lifesaver after a busy day”, according to our reviewer. To get you started for less, we’ve pulled together the best Gousto discount codes, including an exclusive 50 per cent off your first box, plus additional savings.

Save 50 per cent with our exclusive Gousto voucher code

We work closely with Gousto to bring you exclusive codes that help you save even more on your meal boxes.

If you fancy giving it a try, our exclusive discount code above will give you 50 per cent off your first box, 40 per cent off your second and 20 per cent off all remaining boxes for two months.

Gousto new customer discount

If you’ve never ordered a meal box from Gousto before, you may be eligible for even more savings on your first order. The exact discount for new customers changes from week to week, but it’s normally 50 or 60 per cent off your first box, 40 per cent off your second box and then 20 per cent off for another two months.

Although the new customer discount covers you for months of savings, you don’t have to commit to a subscription for that long. In fact, it’s completely flexible and you can skip or cancel a box at any time.

£20 refer a friend voucher

If you’re already a Gousto customer, you can still save on your recipe boxes. One of the easiest ways is to invite your friends and family to try it for themselves. They’ll get 65 per cent off their first order, and you get £20 in credit to use on future boxes. Just head to Gousto’s referral page, grab your unique link and start sharing.

Up to 55 per cent off with the Gousto student discount

If you’re a student, you can enjoy 55 per cent off your first Gousto box and 30 per cent off the next three boxes. But it doesn’t stop there – Gousto offers 10 per cent off for the rest of the year through Student Beans and Totum. So whether you’re meal-prepping for a busy week of studying or just want to try some new flavours, this is a handy way to save.

How do Gousto boxes work?

For the uninitiated, it’s a fairly simple principle. Gousto is a subscription-based service that enables you to receive two, three or four meals per week, chosen from a list of more than 75 recipes that change weekly. Spanning a range of different cuisines and options for most dietary requirements, including vegan-friendly and gluten-free meal kits, there’s something for everyone.

One of the many perks of the recipe box subscription service is fresh, pre-portioned ingredients straight to your door, minimising food waste (and saving you from digging out the measuring scales). Many of the recipes take as little as 10 minutes to prepare, so even if you’re short on time, you can still enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal.

How much does Gousto cost?

The price of a Gousto meal box varies, depending on how many meals and how many people you’re feeding. Prices start from £18.99 and can reach as high as £60, plus a £3.99 delivery fee.

The cost is worked out on a per-portion basis. Generally, the bigger the box, the cheaper the price per portion. For a better idea of how much a box might cost, you can use the box price calculator from Gousto.

How does value for money compare with other recipe boxes?

This depends on whether there are any offers currently available, as well as exactly what you value in a recipe box. For instance, are organic or seasonal ingredients important to you? Prices per portion may also vary slightly depending on how many portions and recipes you’re adding, so keep this in mind when comparing prices.

You’ll want to factor in whether you’ll need to buy any extra ingredients for your meals, too. Take, for example, SimplyCook. While it may be cheaper for your first box, containing four recipes for two people, priced at just £3 (and £9.99 thereafter), you will need to buy some extra ingredients yourself.

What can I expect from the Gousto menu?

With Gousto, you get to pick from a new list of recipes each week, covering everything from classic comfort food to adventurous global dishes.

If you’re after a quick yet flavoursome meal, the king prawn, garlic and chilli linguine is a must-try. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines juicy king prawns with a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and a kick of chilli. It’s one of Gousto’s many speedy recipes, proving that midweek meals don’t have to be boring (or time-consuming).

For a plant-based meal that doesn’t skimp on flavour, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. The hoisin mushroom wraps sound like a winner. Ready in just 30 minutes, the dish promises to be rich in flavour. With supermarkets low on plant-based meal inspiration, you can build up your recipe collection for a fraction of the price – just use the discount code above to save 50 per cent and enjoy ongoing savings.

The Independent’s team of deal hunters is dedicated to carefully selecting the best food and drink offers and promo codes. We look out for deals on tried-and-tested brands, Gousto included, and we’d never recommend a deal that we wouldn’t use ourselves. To find the best voucher codes, we track prices year-round and keep an eye on trusted retailers’ websites to see if there are current offers that will benefit you.

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Two Scottish bars appear on the new European Bar Guide for 2026.

Two pubs in Scotland have been named among the best in Europe, with one bar in both Edinburgh and Glasgow featured on the roundup. One was described as a “genuine destination pub”, while the other was praised as “luxuriously cosy, clandestine, and intimate”.

On Monday, August 31, The European Bar Guide unveiled its list of the top 100 bars in Europe for 2026. The annual list highlights the best drinking venues of any style all across Europe, based on factors such as atmosphere, local culture, and the quality and variety of drinks on offer.

The two pubs in Scotland that are featured on The European Bar Guide’s list of the top 100 bars in Europe for 2026 are The Laurieston in Glasgow and Kay’s Bar in Edinburgh. The former appears at number 29 on the roundup, while Kay’s Bar was named the 78th best pub in Europe.

READ MORE: Dumfries and Galloway inn crowned ‘Scotland’s best pub’ as it vies for UK crown

READ MORE: This Dundee ‘secret supper club’ was just named the best restaurant in Scotland

The Laurieston is a historic bar situated on Bridge Street in the heart of Scotland’s largest city. Dating back to the 1830s, the pub is known for its vintage interiors. It features Formica-topped tables, a horseshoe-shaped bar, and a retro McGee’s hot pie heater that is still used to this day.

The European Bar Guide praised the pub for its friendly atmosphere and throwback décor, singling out its comfortable cushioned lounge and curtains. The bar was also noted for its historical significance, being described as a “living, breathing democratic social space”.

The experts wrote: “The legend of the Laurieston has grown over the years to the extent it can be considered a genuine destination pub. Certainly its exterior and interior are time warps, worth a look as curios alone. The harsh 1960s flat roof exterior and the ‘murder pub’ connotations those have earned over the decades makes you double take in its bracing hideousness.

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“Perhaps the fact it’s Glasgow, with a reputation for tough boozers (admittedly much outdated) adds an extra sense of threat. This could not be dispelled anymore firmly by walking inside. Warm, cosy, social and friendly, every spot in the pub looks worth sitting in, from the upholstered corners in the bar, to the cushioned lounge, to the bar stools around a stylish horseshoe shaped bar, that can be viewed through at either side.

“Formica tables screwed into the floor, matching curtains, reinforced glass and a pie heater add further to the sense of throwback, but the customers—those you can see, hear and sense around you lend it a vibrancy and relevance to match and beat any of the most cutting edge destinations in Scotland—this is no museum but a living, breathing democratic social space.”

Elsewhere, Kay’s Bar placed at number 78 on The European Bar Guide’s roundup. The traditional Victorian pub, which is tucked away on Jamaica Street in the Scottish capital, began its life as a wine merchants in the 19th century before becoming a public house in the 1970s.

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Kay’s Bar has a comfortable interior with features such as wooden barrels, cast-iron pillars, and a fireplace that keeps patrons warm on chilly evenings. It serves up a selection of guest ales and various spirits, while its food offerings include baked potatoes, steak pies, and a range of snacks.

The European Bar Guide states: “A small, cosy venue which fills up to standing room only within an hour of opening on busy match days, but that is luxuriously cosy, clandestine and intimate at quieter times among fire light, old wood and rich red hues. Attracting a range of ages, but there is an affluence on show due to its location in one of the wealthier parts of town, and that accents the vibe and atmosphere just a touch, without making it feel particularly discriminating.

“Whether you’re sat opposite the bar by the barrels or in the reading room (snug) at the back, grab a newspaper or a dusty old book and settle in for the day, where you’ll be seduced by its timeless charm. Or, if you prefer things a little livelier, join the throng in the build up to a Scottish rugby game.”

The full list of the top pubs and bars in Europe can be found on The European Bar Guide website.

Motorists in England, Scotland and Wales will see the new number plates on the road when they are released today.

They must make sure their own number plates adhere to specifications in order to be road legal, with a warning that those that do not comply with rules could be hit with a £1,000 fine.

DVLA number plate warning

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is reminding drivers to check their own plates meet the required specifications.

Plates that do not comply can lead to a fine and an MOT failure.

The DVLA said: “Number plates (also known as licence plates) must show your registration number correctly. You cannot rearrange letters or numbers, or alter them so that they’re hard to read.

“You could be fined up to £1,000 and your vehicle will fail its MOT test if you drive with incorrectly displayed number plates.”

Is your number plate legal?

These are the rules you should be aware of around licence plates from the DVLA.

The number plates on your vehicle must:

• be made from a reflective material
• display black characters on a white background (front plate)
• display black characters on a yellow background (rear plate)
• not have a background pattern
• be marked to show who supplied the number plate
• be marked with a British Standard number – this is ‘BS AU 145e’ for plates fitted after 1 September 2021

The characters must not be removable or reflective. If your number plates were fitted after 1 September 2021, they must also be a single shade of black.

Your number plates can also:

• have 3D (raised) characters
• display certain flags, symbols and identifiers
• display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing , said: “Characters must not be removable or reflective, however, your number plates can have 3D (raised) characters, display certain flags, symbols and identifiers and display a green flash, if you have a zero-emission vehicle.

“It’s important to drivers to understand the nuances of what’s required for their licence plates as even the smallest modifications could make it illegal. For example, 3D characters are allowed on licence plates, but if the raised letters are not black or have a reflective coating on them, this could make them illegal.

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“It’s also important for drivers to understand that any modifications around their licence plate, that could make it unreadable, are also considered illegal.

“For example, licence plate lights must be white – not tinted blue or any other colour – and need to illuminate the plate evenly without causing any shadows. The bulbs themselves must not be visible.

“Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to £1,000, as well as an MOT failure for the vehicle.

“Motorists looking to replace or customise their plates should only buy from DVLA-registered suppliers who follow the legal guidelines. Plates that feature illegal fonts, incorrect spacing, tinted backgrounds, or missing supplier information can all lead to penalties.

“For those unsure whether their plates comply, checking with a reputable supplier or consulting DVLA guidelines is the safest way to avoid unnecessary fines or complications.”

The weatherproof Keter Store It Out Max can hold garden equipment, furniture and two wheelie bins, helping to keep everything protected from the elements while making the garden look tidier

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Garden sheds can occupy considerable space, but one homeowner has discovered an ingenious solution by replacing theirs with a storage box. The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed is presently on offer at Argos for £146.

This weather-resistant storage option has capacity for garden tools, furniture and two wheelie bins, ensuring everything remains shielded from the weather while creating a neater outdoor space. Constructed from fade-resistant plastic, the container requires minimal upkeep, eliminating the need for routine painting or material treatment.

Its waterproof design makes it ideal for storing items outdoors all year round. Unlike certain garden storage alternatives, this box features broad front doors and a piston-supported lid, providing users with flexible access to their possessions from either the top or front, depending on requirements.

The sloped entry point offers another handy benefit, enabling wheelie bins and bicycles to be rolled straight in without having to hoist them over a raised barrier. Internally, ventilation is incorporated to help stop condensation accumulating, while the robust base can accommodate heavier objects such as bins and lawnmowers.

For added security, the doors and lid feature padlock compatibility, while lid-lifter chains ensure the lid stays propped open when you need both hands free for manoeuvring bulkier items. With dimensions of 125cm x 145.5cm x 82cm, there’s ample space for outdoor gear while keeping a reasonably compact size, reports the Daily Star.

Over on Amazon, you’ll find the Aoxun Garden Storage Box priced at £99.99. Boasting a 600-litre capacity, it’s described as ideal for patios, balconies and snug garden spaces.

There’s also the Storaway 842L box available at The Range for £99.99, reduced from £124.99. This model offers double-door access combined with a lift-up lid and includes lock fastening for extra peace of mind.

The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed has received excellent feedback on Argos, with one customer commenting: “Great storage, we bought this to replace a shed and this takes up a lot less room and works really well in the garden.”

Another reviewer noted: “Had this for a few months and no complaints. It’s a good size and easy to open. Hasn’t seen us through winter yet, so can’t comment on true weatherproofing, but (it) has seen plenty of rain and everything inside is OK. Looks quite nice, large capacity. We store a lawnmower, hose, pressure washer etc. in there. Might get another one.”

A third customer remarked: “This storage box was so easy to assemble despite no text in the assembly manual. I assembled it with my wife and yes, we are still married!” Not everyone was entirely convinced, however, as one reviewer noted: “Does feel less sturdy than (my) last purchase. Easy to erect. Looks OK.”

A further customer commented: “Didn’t find the build instructions very clear, feels a bit flimsy when opened up with not having a central front upright. Plenty of space inside and clever locking mechanism, too early to comment on waterproofing.”

The Keter Store It Out Max Garden Storage Shed can be purchased from Argos.