LONDON — A new account from a longtime royal biographer is rewriting a key chapter of Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales’s origin story, revealing the couple had already been on a private date together months before the 2002 charity fashion show long credited with sparking William’s romantic interest in his university friend.

For years, royal lore has held that William first became romantically attracted to Kate after watching her walk the runway at a student charity fashion show called “Don’t Walk” in March 2002, sponsored by Yves Saint Laurent. Seated in the front row, William reportedly turned to a friend after seeing Kate appear in a see-through tunic made of gold and black fabric, trimmed with blue ribbon and worn over a black bandeau bra and bikini bottoms, and remarked, “She’s hot!”

But royal biographer Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, says that account leaves out a crucial earlier moment. Writing for The Daily Mail, Seward revealed new details about the couple’s relationship timeline. “What no one knew back then — but I can exclusively reveal now — is that the couple had already been on a date,” Seward wrote.

William and Kate first met in the fall of 2001 as first-year students at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where both were initially studying art history. William would later switch to geography, while Kate went on to graduate with her art history degree. According to Seward, the pivotal early date took place during the Christmas holidays that year, when William made a lengthy drive to see Kate. “William had driven for more than an hour to pick up Catherine from her parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, then take her for a drink at a nearby pub, the Old Boot Inn at Stanford Dingley,” Seward wrote. “In the snug surroundings of a country pub with dark wood furnishings and a fire going, there was a crucial shift in their fledgling relationship.”

That evening, according to Seward’s account, Kate helped William work through a personal dilemma. William had grown bored with the art history coursework but felt trapped by his own reluctance to quit. “But he felt he couldn’t quit, for fear of being branded a loser,” Seward wrote, adding that it was during this date that Kate suggested he consider switching majors, and the two worked through the possible alternatives together.

Seward suggested the moment carried significance beyond simple academic advice, offering William something he rarely encountered in his social circle. “Surrounded as he was by people who almost always said ‘yes,’ it was difficult for William in those days to form concrete opinions, but here was someone genuinely interested in his dilemma, coming up with a solution,” Seward wrote. “She might be a good-looking young woman, but Catherine Middleton was also someone with a wise head whom he could consult on an equal footing.”

William returned to St. Andrews in January and formally switched his course of study from art history to geography. Two months later came the now-famous fashion show, where Kate’s runway appearance would go on to become one of the most widely circulated images of the decade. Seward argued the fashion show’s cultural impact has somewhat overshadowed what had already developed between the couple by that point. “But while she might have looked stunning, she already had more than a lovelorn William’s admiration — she also had his trust,” Seward wrote.

By the fall of 2002, Queen Elizabeth II made what Seward described as a striking decision at the time, permitting William and Kate to live together as roommates even though the pair were already romantically involved, alongside two additional roommates, Fergus Boyd and Olivia Bleasdale, whose presence helped keep the developing relationship out of public view. That arrangement played a significant role in allowing William and Kate to keep their relationship private until it was first publicly confirmed in April 2004, more than two years after it began.

Seward drew a direct contrast between William’s approach to courtship and that of his parents, Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who married in July 1981 after having spent time together on only about 13 occasions before their wedding. “Catherine and William were seeing each other that many times in a week” during their college years, Seward wrote. She also noted how dramatically social expectations had shifted in the decades between the two royal courtships, writing that three decades earlier, an unmarried couple living together “would have killed Catherine’s chances of marrying William stone dead.” According to Seward, Queen Elizabeth’s willingness to depart from that earlier tradition gave William room “to develop a profound and lasting relationship at his own pace.”

The now-iconic fashion show garment itself has its own story. The outfit was designed by Kate’s St. Andrews classmate Charlotte Todd, who said the assignment behind the look carried an unintentionally fitting theme. “It was called ‘The Art of Seduction,’ which is quite apt, really,” Todd told People. “I didn’t know who Kate Middleton was and I didn’t put her in it. It was just pure chance!” Todd said the garment, originally conceived as a skirt rather than a dress, cost less than $50 to produce. It later sold at auction in 2011, the same year William and Kate married, for $125,000.

Reflecting on her unexpected role in royal history, Todd told People she remains struck by the moment’s significance. “A small part of me will always be part of royal history,” she said. “It’s madness!”

Seward’s account adds new texture to a relationship that has been extensively chronicled since William and Kate’s engagement in 2010 and their 2011 wedding, offering a more grounded counterpoint to the widely repeated fashion-show origin story: not a sudden spark on a runway, but a quiet drive to a country pub months earlier, where a friendship first began shifting into something more.

With competition at an all-time high, crafting a standout campaign can feel like navigating a maze without a map.

This is where marketing specialists come into play. These professionals bring both creativity and strategy to the table, helping brands connect with their audience in meaningful ways. If you want your campaigns to shine and resonate, tapping into the expertise of experienced marketing specialists could be your secret weapon. Let’s explore how they can elevate your marketing efforts and drive impactful results for your brand.

Importance of hiring experienced marketing specialists

Hiring experienced marketing specialists can be a game-changer for your business. A Sydney based Shout marketing agency can provide specialized knowledge and strategic support to help businesses elevate their campaigns.

With industry experience, these professionals understand market trends and consumer behavior deeply. Their expertise allows them to craft targeted messages that resonate with your audience.

An experienced specialist also knows how to navigate challenges effectively. They have dealt with various scenarios and can quickly adapt their approach when needed. This adaptability is crucial in today’s fast-paced environment.

Additionally, seasoned marketers possess an extensive network of contacts within the industry. This network can open doors to collaborations or partnerships that may benefit your brand significantly.

Investing in skilled marketing talent not only enhances creativity but also improves overall campaign efficiency. Their guidance ensures you’re making informed decisions rather than guessing what might work best for your target market.

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When searching for a marketing specialist, certain skills stand out. Look for creativity; it’s the backbone of any compelling campaign. A creative mind can generate fresh ideas that capture audience attention.

Analytical abilities are also vital. Specialists should interpret data effectively to measure success and adjust strategies accordingly. Understanding metrics is key in today’s digital landscape.

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Furthermore, familiarity with various tools and platforms is important. Being proficient in social media management software, SEO techniques, and email marketing systems enhances their effectiveness.

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The role of a marketing specialist in building strong campaigns

A marketing specialist plays a pivotal role in crafting campaigns that resonate. They understand the nuances of target audiences and can tailor strategies to meet their specific needs.

These professionals analyze data, identify trends, and leverage insights to create compelling narratives. Their expertise helps brands communicate effectively across multiple channels, ensuring consistency and impact.

Creativity is another vital aspect of their contribution. A marketing specialist combines innovative ideas with strategic thinking to design memorable campaigns that capture attention.

Collaboration also defines their role; they work closely with different teams—designers, content creators, and sales—to ensure every element aligns perfectly. This synergy amplifies the effectiveness of each campaign component.

By navigating market dynamics and consumer behavior, these specialists position brands for success in competitive landscapes. Their adaptability lets them pivot strategies quickly based on feedback or shifting trends, keeping campaigns fresh and relevant.

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Finding the right marketing specialist can feel overwhelming, but a structured approach makes it easier. Start by defining your campaign goals clearly. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s brand awareness or lead generation, knowing your objectives will guide your search.

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Conduct interviews that focus on problem-solving abilities and creative thinking. Ask about past experiences and how they adapted strategies based on performance data or market changes. This will help you gauge their adaptability—an essential trait in today’s fast-paced digital world.

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By taking these steps thoughtfully, you’ll increase the likelihood of hiring an experienced marketing specialist who aligns perfectly with your vision for stronger campaigns ahead.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand has updated listing criteria to allow new economy companies in 10 industries to raise funds, including those promoted by BOI and EEC, and international companies

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has amended listing criteria to better align with the new economic landscape and international practices. The revision opens up opportunities for New Economy companies, both domestic and foreign, across 10 target industry groups, such as Medical and Healthcare Advances, Next-Generation Automotive, and Smart Electronics, as well as companies promoted by the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EEC), and leading foreign companies, to raise funds in the Thai capital market, while maintaining the same standards of quality, financial standing, and information disclosure.

SET President Asadej Kongsiri said that over the past 30 years, the business structure of listed companies in the Thai capital market has hardly changed, while the New Economy industries have been growing exponentially and require truly accessible sources of funding. This revision of the listing criteria marks a significant step in elevating the Thai capital market in line with the 3-year strategic plan (2026-2028) under the vision of ‘The Trusted Gateway to Inclusive Opportunities’. The new criteria will facilitate faster and more convenient fundraising for companies promoted by the BOI and EEC, as well as leading international companies, while maintaining the same quality standards. Notably, it paves the way for opportunities among Thai investors to grow alongside these industries of the future.

These criteria have undergone consultation with related stakeholders and have already received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Board. They will take effect from September 11, 2026 onwards, with the key changes summarized as follows:

For details on the revised criteria, please visit SET website at https://www.set.or.th/en/rules-regulations/circulars under the headings “Rules/Regulations” and “Rules – Circulars Letters Concerning Listed Securities” entitled “Revision of the Listing Criteria to Attract High-Potential Companies to List on the Stock Exchange of Thailand”.

Note: The 10 target industry groups (New Economy) consist of: 1. Advanced Agriculture & Food, 2. Biofuels & Biochemicals, 3. Medical and Health Advances, 4. Creative Tourism, 5. Next-Generation Automotive, 6. Aviation & Logistics, 7. Digital & E-Commerce, 8. Smart Electronics, 9. Robotics, 10. Technology and Innovation Development, such as Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Digital Technology, and Advanced Material Technology.

“SET…The Trusted Gateway to Inclusive Opportunities”

Members of the media, please contact Strategic Content & Media Communication Department tel: +66 (0) 2009 9489.

Source : SET revises listing criteria to attract New Economy and foreign companies, effective September 11, 2026

Costco has raised the price of motor oil sold under its exclusive private-label Kirkland brand and is now limiting how much customers can purchase weekly amid rising oil prices.

A 10-quart case of Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil is now $58, according to Costco’s website, after previously selling for roughly $30 to $35 for much of the past several years.

Customers are limited to two cases per week, the product page reads in bold.

COSTCO SET TO EXPAND WITH 14 NEW WAREHOUSES ACROSS US AND CANADA

A 10-quart case of Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil is now $58. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

Additionally, Costco is limiting purchases of Mobil 1 full-synthetic motor oil’s 1-quart six-pack, which is listed at about $44, to five per membership.

FOX Business reached out to Costco for comment.

The synthetic motor oil relies heavily on Group III base oils, which are produced by refining crude oil. Industry analysts say a significant share of the Group III base oils used in the U.S. is imported from producers in the Persian Gulf, where supply disruptions tied to the conflict have tightened availability.

COSTCO BRINGS BACK FAN-FAVORITE KIRKLAND TREAT AFTER TWO-YEAR ABSENCE

Costco is limiting purchases of Mobil 1 full-synthetic motor oil’s 1-quart six-pack to five per membership. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)

The price of a barrel of Brent Crude exceeded $109 on Monday morning as the conflict in the Middle East keeps disrupting global oil shipments.

Brent has increased from less than $72 in early July amid uncertainty over whether a diplomatic resolution will restore normal oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Rising oil prices have pushed the national average price of regular gasoline to nearly $4.32 per gallon, up from $4.08 a month ago and $3.18 a year ago, according to AAA.

Rising oil prices have pushed the national average price of regular gasoline to nearly $4.32 per gallon. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Diesel prices in the U.S. reached another record on Friday, surpassing $6 a gallon on average. Prices continued to rise on Monday, with diesel at $6.23 a gallon on average after an average of $5.90 a gallon a week ago, according to AAA.

Prices for diesel and regular gasoline generally track crude oil prices.

It remains unclear whether other motor oil retailers such as Walmart, Amazon and AutoZone will raise their prices or set purchase limits.

Oasis have confirmed 38 dates for a global tour in 2027, including a return to Knebworth in Hertfordshire. The announcement was made at 4pm today, the date and time the band had trailed in a drone display over Manchester last week.

“START THE CELEBRATIONS!!!!” the band said, confirming they will be back on the road.

“After a period of reflection ‘the most damaging pop cultural force in recent British history’ has declared itself fit for purpose and will once again return to lift the spirits of the people,” the statement said. “Come witness the fitness. It shall be a sight to behold.”

The drone display showed the band’s logo in lights alongside the date 14/09/26 and the time 4pm BST.

Oasis had also been dropping hints about potential tour venues on their social media channels over the past few weeks, including the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Celtic Park in Glasgow and Knebworth.

Speculation that Noel and Liam Gallagher would appear on stage together again began before the band’s 2025 reunion concerts had concluded, on the back of the commercial performance of that tour.

What the 2025 reunion generated

Tickets to the Oasis Live ’25 shows sold out within minutes of going on sale. Forbes estimated that the tour generated more than $400m (£293m) in revenue, with Noel and Liam Gallagher each taking between $50m and $100m. The pair entered the Sunday Times Rich List this year with a combined net worth of $375m.

That tour ran to 41 dates worldwide and was the first time the brothers had performed together in 16 years. Its commercial reach extended beyond ticketing: six official merchandise stores opened in Manchester, Cardiff, London, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin ahead of the shows.

Research by Novuna Personal Finance, published before the 2025 dates, projected fan spending of £940m across the 17 UK shows, an average of £682.80 for each of the 1.4 million people expected to attend, of which £274.4m was counted as net economic impact.

Figures published in July by the industry body UK Music showed music tourism spending reached a record £11.2bn in 2025, up 11.3 per cent on the £10bn recorded in 2024, with 24.7 million music tourists and 74,000 full-time equivalent jobs supported. Spending in the North West rose 15.6 per cent to £1.4bn, while London spending rose 27.4 per cent to £3.4bn across seven Wembley dates.

Tom Kiehl, chief executive of UK Music, said: “The billions spent are a huge shot in the arm for towns and cities right across the UK and benefit hotels, restaurants, bars and transport firms and thousands of other businesses.”

A House of Lords Library briefing on the economic contribution of live music reported consumer spending of £6.68bn on live music in 2024, a rise of 9.5 per cent, and more than 234,000 jobs, citing figures from the industry body LIVE. It said London accounted for nearly 29 per cent of expenditure, with London, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and Cardiff together making up about 46 per cent of live music spending.

The announcement comes a week after Noel and Liam Gallagher attended the UK premiere of Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, a documentary from Steven Knight and co-directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace, which shows behind-the-scenes footage and concert clips from the 2025 reunion.

About the author

Jamie Young

Jamie Young is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, covering SME finance, employment law and Westminster policy since 2016. He has reported on every Budget and Autumn Statement since 2018, helped make sense of the ‘covid era’ and the bounce-back loan scheme from launch through the fraud investigations, and broke the magazine’s coverage of the 2024 late-payment reforms. He joined Business Matters straight from completing his BA in Administration from Exeter University and is NCTJ-qualified. Reach him at jyoung@cbmeg.co.uk

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Alcohol buyers will be able to use a digital ID app on their phones to prove their age under new rules introduced on Tuesday.

Pubs and shops in England and Wales can use the tech in addition to current physical forms of ID – with the government saying a digital option will make age-checks quicker and more secure for customers and staff.

Customers will be able to choose ID apps from a range of suppliers such as the Post Office, Yoti or Luciditi, provided they are on a government-approved list.

The change means businesses will no longer be required to let people use physical ID, but the government contends most establishments would.

The plan will be technology-agnostic, meaning that the government is not setting out in detail how each app must work.

It argues that under the voluntary digital ID scheme, drinkers would share fewer personal details with a venue or shop – such as tapping their phone on a reader or displaying a scannable QR code rather than handing over an official document.

The apps will also need to guard against customers borrowing devices from older friends and relatives, and ensure the ID app belongs to the person using it.

Yoti’s digital ID app, for example, will only let a user log in if a scan of their face matches that of the person who signed up for the app.

The app then generates a QR code that can be scanned by a business with a free checker app, which tells them the person’s age.

This is time-limited to make duping or sharing the QR code more difficult.

Digital government minister Stephanie Peacock said having the option for digital ID would “mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information” meaning people could “feel safer on a night out’”.

Allen Simpson, chief executive of trade body UKHospitality, said the new rules were a “positive step”.

He added the industry would work with government to make sure the scheme’s roll-out would not be “burdensome” for the hospitality sector.

This would include ensuring there were multiple options for suppliers and that it was cost-efficient, Simpson said.

Tony Buzbee founded The Buzbee Law Firm in Houston in 2000. The firm takes on personal injury claims, workplace accidents, defective products and medical devices, commercial litigation, and gender discrimination cases, and it does so for clients across the country, not only in Texas.

This piece looks at the firm from the other side of the desk: the people who call, why they call, and what the firm tries to give them before a single filing is made.

Who is calling you on a given week?

“It’s rarely one type of person,” Buzbee said. “One week it’s a family whose father died on a job site. The next it’s a small business owner who got squeezed by a bigger company that assumed she wouldn’t fight back. We also get calls from people who feel like the system has already decided against them before they’ve said a word.”

He said the common thread is not the injury or the dispute itself. “It’s that somebody with more resources is on the other side of the table. That’s the pattern I’ve seen for twenty-five years.”

What do most clients actually need in the first meeting?

“They need someone to listen without rushing them,” Buzbee said. “A lot of people who come to us have already been talked over. An insurance adjuster gave them a number in the first phone call. A company’s lawyer sent a letter full of terms they didn’t understand. So the first job isn’t legal, it’s just attention.”

He added that clients often arrive expecting to be told their case is small or unimportant. “That expectation says a lot about what they’ve already been through. Our job is to figure out if the case is real, and if it is, to treat it that way from day one.”

How does the firm decide which cases to take?

“We look hard at whether the harm is real and whether we can prove it,” he said. “That sounds obvious, but a lot of firms take cases they can’t actually win and let the client find that out eighteen months later. We’d rather have a harder conversation up front.”

Buzbee said the firm’s range, from workplace injury to commercial litigation to gender discrimination, means the intake process looks different depending on the matter. “A defective medical device case needs different proof than a wage dispute. What doesn’t change is the standard: can we back it up, and is it worth this person’s time.”

What do clients get wrong about how a case moves?

“They think it moves like it does on television,” Buzbee said. “Fast, dramatic, resolved in an hour. Litigation is mostly slow work. Depositions, records requests, waiting on a court calendar. I tell clients early that patience is part of the job, and that anyone who promises a quick result is probably not being straight with them.”

He said the second misconception is about control. “People assume once they hire a lawyer, they can step back completely. Some can, for a while. But the client’s own account of what happened is often the most important evidence in the case. We need them engaged, not just present.”

What does a small business owner need that’s different from an individual client?

“A business has a reputation to protect while the case is pending, which an individual usually doesn’t have to think about,” he said. “A small business owner is worried about vendors, employees, and customers who are watching how this plays out. So part of representing a business well is understanding that the legal outcome isn’t the only outcome that matters to them.”

He said this is part of why the firm’s commercial litigation work runs alongside its personal injury docket rather than as a separate practice. “The instinct is the same: figure out who has the advantage in resources, and even it out.”

How do you know when the firm has done right by a client, beyond winning?

“Winning matters, obviously,” Buzbee said. “But I ask a simpler question: did this person leave in a better position than when they walked in, and did they understand what happened to them along the way? Some clients get an outcome that isn’t as large as they hoped. If they understood why, and felt heard through the process, that’s still a firm doing its job.”

He pointed to the firm’s work outside the courtroom as part of the same instinct. Buzbee served as Gala Chair for the Houston Children’s Charity in October 2021, an event that raised a record $2.8 million for children in need, and he chaired the Citizens for Animal Protection gala in 2020. He also donated his exotic car collection, valued at $3.5 million, to the Jesse Tree, an organization providing food, clothing, medical assistance, and job training to disadvantaged communities.

“None of that is separate from the client work in my head,” he said. “It’s the same question: who’s being overlooked, and what can actually be done about it, not just said about it.”

What would you tell someone who is nervous about calling a lawyer at all?

“Most people wait too long,” Buzbee said. “They think calling means they’re overreacting, or that it will cost them money just to ask a question. I’d rather have someone call and find out there’s no case than sit on a real injury or a real dispute out of fear of the process.”

He said that hesitation is often the most fixable problem the firm sees. “The legal issue might be complicated. The decision to pick up the phone shouldn’t be.”