LONDON — Mike Tindall, husband of Zara Tindall and a member of the extended British royal family, has offered a rare glimpse into the lighter side of Princess Kate, revealing that the Princess of Wales continues to participate in a popular drinking game with relatives. Tindall described Kate as “uber competitive” during family gatherings, where the group often plays a refined version of beer pong using prosecco.

In a recent interview with Woman & Home magazine, the former England rugby player highlighted the competitive spirit that runs through the royal family. “I knew that the Princess of Wales was uber competitive because I’d seen her play a drinking game called beer pong, but normally we play prosecco pong! She still plays it with us,” Tindall said.

The comments shed light on a more relaxed aspect of royal family life, far from the formal duties and public appearances that define the institution. Tindall, married to Princess Anne’s daughter since 2011, has previously spoken about the family’s shared passion for sports and competition. He noted that “sport is rife throughout the royal family — everyone is competitive.”

This latest revelation builds on a 2023 podcast episode of “The Good, The Bad & The Rugby,” which Tindall co-hosts. During that recording at Windsor Castle with Prince William, Kate and Princess Anne, Tindall teased Kate about her competitive nature. When she playfully responded, “I’m not competitive at all,” he replied by referencing her prowess at the game.

Kate and William have long been associated with an active lifestyle, from sports days with their children to patronages involving athletics and wellness. The couple, who reside primarily at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, often emphasize family time and outdoor activities. The prosecco pong anecdote humanizes the Princess of Wales, portraying her as someone who engages fully in casual family moments.

However, Kate’s approach to alcohol has evolved in recent years. In March 2026, during a visit to the Southwark Brewing Company in London with William, she openly discussed reducing her consumption following her 2024 cancer diagnosis. “Since my diagnosis, I haven’t had much alcohol. It’s something I have to be a lot more conscious of now,” she said at the time.

She has been in remission since early 2025 and has focused on recovery while gradually resuming public duties. The Princess continues to prioritize health and family, appearing composed and active in recent engagements. Tindall’s comments about the game do not specify frequency or context but suggest it remains part of occasional family fun.

The royal family has a well-documented affinity for sports. William and Kate regularly attend athletic events, support various teams and encourage physical activity among young people through initiatives like the Heads Together mental health campaign. Tindall’s rugby background and his podcast have provided additional platforms to discuss these interests.

Public reaction to Tindall’s interview has been largely positive, with many appreciating the relatable portrayal of a senior royal enjoying simple pleasures. Social media users noted the contrast between Kate’s polished public image and her competitive edge in private settings. Some drew parallels to how other public figures balance formality with personal enjoyment.

Royal commentators view such disclosures as strategic in showing the family’s human side without compromising dignity. Tindall, known for his straightforward style, has occasionally offered candid insights into royal dynamics while maintaining respect for boundaries. His marriage to Zara has integrated him deeply into the family circle, where informal gatherings at estates like Windsor provide opportunities for such activities.

The game itself, often called prosecco pong in royal circles, adapts the classic American party game by substituting beer with sparkling wine. It involves teams aiming to land balls into opponents’ cups, with the losing side typically drinking the contents. Its mention underscores a casual, lighthearted tradition among the younger generation of royals and their spouses.

Kate’s competitive streak extends beyond games. She has spoken previously about intense tennis matches with William that sometimes go unfinished due to their mutual drive to win. This trait appears shared across the family, from Prince William’s love of polo to Princess Anne’s equestrian achievements and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s known enthusiasm for horseracing.

As Kate continues her recovery and public role, such stories contribute to a narrative of resilience and normalcy. She has increased her workload in 2026, focusing on early childhood development, mental health and sports initiatives. Her presence at events remains graceful, even as she navigates post-treatment life with greater health awareness.

Buckingham Palace has not commented on Tindall’s remarks, consistent with its policy on private family matters. The anecdote arrives amid broader interest in royal personal lives, especially following health challenges faced by senior members in recent years. It also coincides with ongoing discussions about modernization and relatability within the monarchy.

For many observers, the story reinforces that even those at the pinnacle of British society enjoy moments of fun and friendly rivalry. Mike Tindall’s willingness to share these details adds warmth to the public perception of the Wales family, balancing their official responsibilities with glimpses of everyday joys.

As summer approaches, the royals are expected to participate in traditional events like Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour, where public and private worlds intersect. Whether prosecco pong features in any post-event gatherings remains a private matter, but Tindall’s comments ensure the competitive spirit of the family stays in the spotlight for the moment.

Small details can sink large tax deductions for charitable donations. 

A case in point: Two recent Tax Court decisions involving first cousins who donated 13.3 acres of land to Highland City, Utah, in 2018. The judge ruled that Stephen Martin and Clint Martin, who were close growing up and later did business together, can’t deduct $665,000 for the land donation. A limited liability company owned by the cousins acquired the land for $22,000 at a delinquent-tax auction in 2014.

Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Middle East conflict and rising oil prices could weaken the Thai baht to 33 per dollar. Thailand’s reliance on oil imports makes it vulnerable to increased costs, potentially impacting its trade balance and currency value.

---

Key Points

• The Thai baht could weaken beyond 33 per US dollar due to rising Middle East war-driven oil prices.
• Thailand’s status as a net oil importer means higher import costs, potentially shifting its trade surplus into a deficit and increasing baht volatility.
• In a prolonged conflict, oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel would likely push the baht to near 33 against the dollar.

Escalating Middle East Conflict’s Impact on the Baht

The ongoing escalation of conflict in the Middle East poses a significant threat to the Thai baht, with K-Research predicting a potential weakening to 33 baht per US dollar. This projection is primarily driven by the anticipated surge in global oil prices. As a net oil importer, Thailand faces a substantial increase in its import bill, which directly impacts its trade balance. The baht has already experienced a decline, reaching a three-month low, reflecting capital flight towards the US dollar as a safe-haven asset. This trend is further bolstered by expectations that the US Federal Reserve may adopt a more cautious approach to interest rate cuts due to rising inflation.

Economic Ramifications of Sustained High Oil Prices

Should the conflict in the Middle East persist, leading to a prolonged period of high oil prices, the economic consequences for Thailand could be severe. K-Research estimates that if oil prices consistently exceed $100 per barrel, the baht is highly likely to depreciate towards the 33 mark. This scenario would drastically erode Thailand’s trade surplus, potentially pushing it into a deficit. The country’s significant reliance on oil imports, accounting for approximately 5-6% of its GDP, makes it particularly vulnerable compared to neighboring Southeast Asian nations. This heightened economic vulnerability contributes to increased volatility in the baht.

Increased Baht Volatility and Market Outlook

Beyond the direct impact on oil prices, the geopolitical tensions are contributing to increased volatility in the baht. Year-to-date, baht volatility has risen to 7.7%, surpassing the median for regional currencies. This elevated volatility, coupled with other domestic economic pressures, creates an uncertain trading environment. In the near term, SCB Financial Markets anticipates the baht to trade within a range of 31.6 to 31.9 against the US dollar. This outlook is influenced by the strengthening of the dollar index, driven by the intensifying fighting in the Middle East and the consequent demand for the greenback as a secure investment.

Source : Bangkok Post – Baht faces pressure from oil upswing

Other People are Reading

Triveni Engineering & Industries Ltd reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 167.4 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, compared with Rs187.1 crore in the same period last year. Revenue for the quarter stood at Rs 1,833.7 crore, against Rs 1,925.3 crore a year earlier.

For the full financial year 2025-26, revenue from operations rose 11.9% to Rs 7,620.9 crore from Rs 6,807.9 crore in FY25. Net profit for the year increased 12.8% to Rs 268.7 crore, compared with Rs 238.3 crore in the previous financial year.

The company said its results include the financial impact of the amalgamation of Sir Shadi Lal Enterprises Ltd, effective April 1, 2025. The figures have been restated to reflect the acquisition date of June 20, 2024.

Triveni Engineering said the National Company Law Tribunal-approved Composite Scheme of Arrangement became effective on May 19, 2026, completing the merger and demerger process. Under the scheme, Sir Shadi Lal Enterprises has been amalgamated with Triveni, while the Power Transmission Business will be demerged into Triveni Power Transmission Ltd with effect from April 1, 2026.

The accounting impact of the demerger will be reflected in FY27. FY26 will be the last year in which the Power Transmission Business forms part of Triveni Engineering’s consolidated results. The business, which operates in the gears and defence segments, will be pursued independently under Triveni Power Transmission Ltd from FY27.

NEW YORK — Seagate Technology Holdings plc (NASDAQ: STX), a leading provider of data storage solutions, has seen its shares climb sharply in 2026 amid surging demand for high-capacity hard disk drives fueled by artificial intelligence infrastructure needs. Trading near $880 in late May, the stock carries a consensus Moderate Buy to Strong Buy rating from analysts, though elevated valuations prompt questions about whether to buy or sell ahead of further AI-driven growth.

The Fremont, California-based company reported strong fiscal third-quarter 2026 results in late April, with revenue reaching $3.11 billion, up 44% year-over-year and beating estimates. Non-GAAP earnings per share hit $4.10, exceeding forecasts, while gross margins expanded to record levels around 47%. CEO Dave Mosley highlighted robust cloud customer demand for the tenth consecutive quarter.

For the fiscal fourth quarter, Seagate guided revenue to $3.45 billion, plus or minus $100 million, and non-GAAP EPS of $5.00, plus or minus $0.20, signaling continued momentum. Management raised its long-term annual revenue growth target to a minimum of 20% over the next several years, citing structural shifts from AI.

Analyst coverage remains predominantly bullish. Across 20-25 firms, the consensus stands at Moderate Buy or Strong Buy, with roughly 20 Buy ratings, a handful of Holds and minimal Sells. Average 12-month price targets range from approximately $746 to $834, implying potential downside from current levels for some models, though high targets reach $1,140 and optimistic calls hit $1,000 or more.

Recent adjustments include Barclays raising its target to $1,000, BofA to $900, and Evercore ISI to $1,000, reflecting confidence in sustained hyperscaler spending. Rosenblatt set a $1,000 target post-earnings, while others maintain Buy ratings citing margin expansion and product leadership.

Seagate’s positioning benefits from the AI data explosion. Hard disk drives remain critical for cost-effective mass storage in data centers, where AI training and inference generate unprecedented volumes of data. The company’s Mozaic platform with Heat-Assisted Magnetic Recording (HAMR) technology enables higher capacities, such as 40TB+ drives, supporting cloud providers’ needs.

Exabyte shipments reached 199 in the March quarter, up 39% year-over-year. Management noted strong visibility from customer agreements and expects sequential growth and margin gains into fiscal 2027.

For investors leaning buy, the thesis centers on a multi-year AI storage supercycle. Seagate’s near-monopoly in high-capacity HDDs for enterprise, combined with improving margins and free cash flow nearing $1 billion per quarter, supports potential re-rating. Some models project fiscal 2026 revenue around $10-11 billion with continued EPS growth.

Valuation has expanded significantly from prior years, with shares up over 600% from 2025 lows. Forward multiples sit above historical averages, raising concerns for bears about execution risks or potential slowdown in AI capex. Competition from solid-state drives could pressure the HDD market longer-term, though cost advantages favor disks for bulk storage.

Financial health appears solid. The company has generated strong cash flow, enabling debt management and returns to shareholders. Recent note exchanges adjusted capital structure without major dilution concerns. However, cyclical exposure to tech spending remains inherent.

Broader industry trends reinforce the opportunity. Hyperscalers continue building out AI clusters, requiring vast storage layers. Seagate’s innovations in energy-assisted recording position it to capture share as capacities scale. CEO Mosley emphasized that agentic AI will further accelerate data creation and retention needs.

Risks include supply chain constraints for advanced components, potential moderation in AI investment if economic conditions shift, and high customer concentration. Insider selling has occurred at elevated prices, though often tied to compensation plans.

Portfolio considerations suggest Seagate fits growth-oriented technology or thematic AI allocations. Position sizing should reflect volatility, as the stock has experienced sharp swings despite the uptrend. Near-term catalysts include fiscal fourth-quarter results in late July and updates on Mozaic 4+ ramp.

Longer-term projections vary. Optimistic scenarios tied to 20%+ annual growth and margin targets see substantial upside if AI adoption accelerates. Conservative views factor in potential saturation or technology transitions, tempering expectations. Discounted cash flow models have at times suggested undervaluation relative to growth.

In the current environment, Seagate exemplifies how legacy hardware players can thrive in the AI era by addressing foundational infrastructure needs. While not immune to broader market corrections or sector-specific headwinds, its execution on financial metrics and roadmap has sustained analyst enthusiasm.

Investors evaluating a position should weigh their horizon and risk appetite. Those convinced of prolonged AI data center buildouts may see current levels as reasonable entry despite the run-up, particularly on pullbacks. Others may monitor for clearer signals on margin sustainability or competitive dynamics before committing.

As with technology hardware stocks, thorough analysis of quarterly trends and industry developments is advised. Seagate’s performance will depend on maintaining leadership in high-capacity storage amid rapid evolution in data center architectures. The ongoing AI investment cycle is expected to provide further clarity on the company’s ability to deliver sustained shareholder value through 2026 and beyond.

LONDON — British royal officials are considering plans to reverse extensive renovations made to Frogmore Cottage, the former Windsor home of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, three years after the couple vacated the property at the request of King Charles III. The potential changes could restore elements of the Grade II-listed building to its pre-Sussex configuration, including possibly subdividing it back into separate units.

The property, gifted to the couple by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018, underwent a reported £2.4 million ($3 million) refurbishment before they moved in. The work included structural updates, new utilities and personalized features such as a yoga studio. Harry and Meghan later repaid the costs from their own funds after stepping back as working royals in 2020.

According to reports, the cottage has stood largely empty since the couple’s eviction in 2023. Assessments are now underway to determine future uses, with one option being to undo some of the couple’s modifications to make the residence more suitable for other royal staff or to return it closer to its original layout as two semi-detached homes. No construction work has begun, and Buckingham Palace has declined to comment.

The news, first reported by The Sun on May 27, has renewed public interest in the property’s role within the royal estate. Frogmore Cottage sits on the grounds of Windsor Castle, part of the Crown Estate. Any future renovation costs would likely fall under the Sovereign Grant, funded by taxpayers.

The original renovation drew significant scrutiny at the time due to its expense. Updates reportedly encompassed new heating, wiring, plumbing and interior customizations to transform the historic structure into a family home for the then-newlywed couple and their son Archie. The couple moved in shortly before Archie’s birth in 2019.

Since departing the U.K. for California, Harry and Meghan have maintained a strained relationship with senior royals. The 2023 request for them to vacate Frogmore came amid ongoing tensions, including the publication of Harry’s memoir “Spare.” The property has remained unoccupied, prompting discussions about its efficient use within the royal portfolio.

Royal property management often balances historic preservation with practical needs for staff housing. Sources familiar with the planning process indicated that experts are evaluating the feasibility and cost of reverting modifications. Subdividing the cottage could allow it to accommodate multiple households, potentially increasing its utility on the estate.

The Grade II listing imposes restrictions on alterations to protect the building’s architectural heritage. Any reversal would require careful planning to comply with preservation standards while addressing modern functionality. Insiders described the process as complex and potentially expensive, though exact figures for new work remain undisclosed.

Public reaction has been mixed. Some view the potential changes as a pragmatic step to repurpose a vacant royal asset, closing a chapter associated with the Sussexes’ time as working royals. Others criticize it as wasteful spending on already-renovated property, especially given broader cost-of-living pressures. The story has fueled ongoing tabloid coverage of royal family dynamics.

Harry and Meghan have built new lives in Montecito, California, where they reside with their two children. Their Archewell Foundation continues philanthropic efforts, and the couple has pursued media projects, including Netflix documentaries and Harry’s published writings. They have made occasional visits to the U.K. but maintain a reduced official role.

The Frogmore situation reflects broader adjustments within the royal household under King Charles. The monarch has sought to streamline operations and address multiple vacant or underutilized properties across estates. Similar discussions have involved other residences, including those linked to Prince Andrew.

Property experts note that royal homes often undergo cycles of renovation as occupants change. Frogmore Cottage’s history dates back over two centuries, originally serving as a retreat associated with Queen Charlotte. Its evolution from staff housing to a consolidated family home and potentially back illustrates shifting royal needs.

Buckingham Palace’s longstanding policy of not commenting on private family matters or internal property decisions leaves many details unconfirmed. The Crown Estate manages such assets separately but coordinates with royal needs. Any public expenditure on reversals could face questions in future Sovereign Grant reports.

For now, the cottage stands as a symbol of a transitional period in royal history. The couple’s brief occupancy marked a modern chapter that ended amid high-profile departures and public debates over royal funding and relevance. Whether full reversal proceeds depends on ongoing assessments balancing cost, heritage and utility.

Observers suggest the move, if implemented, would represent another step in reconfiguring royal living arrangements. With no immediate occupants identified, officials appear focused on long-term practicality. The saga continues to captivate audiences interested in the intersection of monarchy, property and family relations.

As evaluations continue, the future of Frogmore Cottage remains fluid. It joins a list of royal properties whose roles adapt with each generation. The potential undoing of the Sussex-era changes underscores how even personal homes within the institution can reflect larger institutional priorities.

The developments arrive as the royal family navigates public scrutiny and operational efficiency. King Charles has emphasized sustainability and modernization in estate management. Any decision on Frogmore will likely prioritize functionality for current royal needs over past associations.

In the meantime, the story serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding royal residences. From initial taxpayer-funded upgrades to repayment and now potential reversal, Frogmore Cottage’s journey highlights the financial and symbolic weight attached to such properties. Further updates may emerge as assessments conclude.