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NewsBeat

Harry’s ‘Wasp’ steps down: The King’s aide who prince blamed for being a roadblock in attempts to reconcile with his father steps down after 20 years

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Sir Clive Alderton (top right) is pictured at the late Queen Elizabeth II's funeral as Her Majesty's coffin is carried by gun carriage to Wellington Arch from Westminster Abbey -- September, 2022

He’s the man who delivered a King – and, for that matter, a Queen – masterminded the banishment of one particularly problematic relative, while cunningly corralling another.

In short Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty King Charles III, is arguably the most formidable and consequential courtier of the modern era.

But to many readers of the Daily Mail, he will be simply known as ‘The Wasp’.

That was the ostentatiously offensive nickname given to him by the Duke of Sussex (or perhaps, more appropriately, his ghostwriter) in his vengeance-laden memoir, Spare – although one that, in the circumstances, must now surely be worn as a badge of honour?

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And while there are bound to be cheers from Montecito today when they learn that Sir Clive is sensationally set to retire after 20 years working as King Charles’ gatekeeper, the news will sadly leave Buckingham Palace without one of its ‘big beasts’.

For it can be confirmed that after two decades of the most loyal of service, leonine Sir Clive has announced that he will leave the royal household next May, a move that coincides with his 60th birthday (a revelation that has prompted some fans to enquire whether he has a Dorian Gray-style portrait in the attic).

The feeling is that now is as good a time as any for him take a well-earned break: to start with he has helped to deliver a relatively problem-free accession (leaky pens aside) and a successful coronation.

The King has also just completed the ‘last of his firsts’ (starting with his first public engagements and home nations visits as monarch, to the big test so far of his reign, this year’s State Visit to the US, and his first to a British Overseas, Territory, Bermuda).

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Sir Clive Alderton (top right) is pictured at the late Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral as Her Majesty’s coffin is carried by gun carriage to Wellington Arch from Westminster Abbey — September, 2022

Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty King Charles III, is arguably the most formidable and consequential courtier of the modern era

Sir Clive Alderton, Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty King Charles III, is arguably the most formidable and consequential courtier of the modern era

He has also steered the King – and indeed the nation – through the dark days of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis in 2024. Charles himself, I am told, is in a ‘good place’ health-wise, as it stands.

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In all (and safely assuming that as a long-term diplomat Sir Clive’s pensionable age is 60), next year is a natural moment to move on.

While those outside of royal circles may ask why the departure of a courtier is so significant, it is worth casting your mind back.

When life-long diplomat Mr Alderton, as he was then, joined the then Prince of Wales’ Household in 2006 as Deputy Private Secretary, Charles’ public standing was in a very different place.

With a household dubbed ‘Wolf Hall’ for its interpersonal rivalries and the prince suffering from a perennially poor public image, there was much to work on.

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While no-one, not even his most ardent admirers, would claim Sir Clive and his team have always got it right, there is no doubt that he was absolutely instrumental in turning the tanker round.

In 2009 he was promoted to Private Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the prince and the Duchess of Cornwall (and made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order, a sign of royal favour, in 2013).

His rise in the royal household was only briefly halted when he necessarily left in 2012 to become Ambassador to Morocco, before being lured back in 2015 when he was appointed the couple’s Principal Private Secretary – a title created especially for him.

Sir Clive shakes Andy Burnham's hand as he arrives at Buckingham Palace for an audience with King Charles III where he was invited to become Prime Minister -- July 20, 2026

Sir Clive shakes Andy Burnham’s hand as he arrives at Buckingham Palace for an audience with King Charles III where he was invited to become Prime Minister — July 20, 2026

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Keir Starmer, Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles, and Idris Elba during a Youth Opportunity Summit at St James's Palace in London -- July, 2025

Keir Starmer, Sir Clive Alderton, King Charles, and Idris Elba during a Youth Opportunity Summit at St James’s Palace in London — July, 2025

He served in that position until the prince’s accession to the throne on September 8 2022, following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, when he became Principal Private Secretary to His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen.

He is also a member of the Privy Council and a Trustee of the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund.

Outsiders would say that one of his greatest successes was to ‘de-politicise’ the notoriously interventionist heir to the throne – ‘no more ‘black spider memos for you, Sir!’ – in time for him to accede to the throne, while ensuring a proud legacy of national and international change as Prince of Wales.

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Insiders would probably add to that the transformation of his wife, Camilla, from Duchess of Cornwall to Queen, something that was simply unthinkable when he joined royal service.

While there will always be those who have strong opinions on the matter, few can argue that she hasn’t carried out her duties with enthusiasm, diligence and good humour and carved a space for herself in public life, tackling some truly thorny issue such as domestic abuse.

Needless to say, the King is a much, much happier man with his wife standing by his side.

That’s not to say, of course, backs haven’t been put up or hackles raised along the way.

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There’s no doubt that Sir Clive relishes the game of diplomacy – ‘he puts the ‘M’ into Machiavellian,’ says one wag.

Best-selling crime thriller writer Peter James’ recent detective novel, set in the royal household, described the King’s fictional long-standing aide, Sir Peregrine Greaves, as an aide so silky-smooth it appears he is ‘gliding on wheels’ and, to be fair, he didn’t have far to look for inspiration.

King Charles III and his private secretary Sir Clive arriving for the King's Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in December 2024

King Charles III and his private secretary Sir Clive arriving for the King’s Christmas lunch at Buckingham Palace in December 2024

King Charles III and Donald Trump meet Sir Clive Alderton at Windsor Castle during the US President's state visit in September, 2025

King Charles III and Donald Trump meet Sir Clive Alderton at Windsor Castle during the US President’s state visit in September, 2025

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To say that Prince Harry hates his father’s gatekeeper is an understatement, and he didn’t hold back in his memoir, as he described the then triumvirate of powerful royal aides at the heads of each of the three royal households (Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Kensington Palace) as ‘the bee, the fly and the wasp’.

Sir Clive, it seems, was the worst of the three in his book, being ‘arrogant’ and ‘great at pretending to be polite, even servile’, but would ‘put you on his list’ and ‘give you such a stab with his outsized stinger that you’d cry out in confusion’.

Harry firmly blamed the courtier for being a roadblock in attempts to reconcile with his father.

While that may in part be true, friends of the diplomat pour scorn on this claim, suggesting no aide would be so arrogant to stand in the way of father and son on a personal basis.

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But, of course, if the prince behaved in such a way that would place his father in potentially constitutionally tricky waters, he would not be doing his job if he didn’t protect the monarch, they add.

Whether his departure changes relations in the future will be interesting to see.

The same, it might be said, went for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, another family member who might not mourn Sir Clive’s departure. For there is no doubt that the courtier was instrumental in finding a way to banish the former Duke of York from royal life, strip him of his titles and effectively evict him from Royal Lodge.

While that problem is far from solved yet, the foundations to do so are now laid.

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Spares aside, though, Sir Clive is a delightful companion (albeit one whose political antennae are never on pause) and it’s fair to say that having handled some of the most delicate constitutional issues since the abdication of 1936, his fingerprints are most definitely all over the high points of this reign.

He is genuinely passionate about both king and country and if he has enjoyed pulling the levers of power along the way, the best interests of both have always been foremost in his mind.

The search for his successor will take place both internally and externally will start soon, with a replacement hopefully in place by spring of next year.

It is understood that Sir Clive elected to share this news now so that an ‘open and rigorous recruitment process’ for his successor can begin, with the aim of identifying the ‘highest calibre external and internal candidates’.

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The timeframe additionally allows for an appropriate period of handover to his eventual successor in spring/ summer next year, once an appointment is made.

Fellow aides have paid tribute to the ‘immense and critical’ role he has played in supporting Their Majesties over his time in service, in particular through the meticulous planning for Accession over many years, his chairing of the Coronation Committee, and managing the significant first years of the new reign with all their highlights and complexities, nationally, internationally – and closer to home.

In a message to staff today he said: ‘It has been the greatest imaginable honour to serve The King and Queen in my present role through such historic times and with unforgettable humour along the way. That support will continue, in a less formal capacity, for all of my life.’

The King and Queen are said to be ‘deeply grateful’ to Sir Clive for his ‘tireless support and wise counsel’ over the years, and for the enduring loyalty that will ensure a smooth transition to his successor.

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One court jester joked that he would take a while to consider the ‘longer term opportunities and possibilities – for which spending a little less time supporting the Royal Family and a little more focussing on his own family is an understandable ambition. He will be sorely missed.’

Royal writer Valentine Low, author of ‘Power and the Palace’ and ‘Courtiers’ described Sir Clive as the ‘quintessential courtier’ – smooth, charming and urbane – and says: ‘Alderton is one of the significant and successful courtiers of recent years, up there with the late Queen’s private secretary Christopher Geidt.

‘He played a vital role in helping Charles transition from Prince of Wales to King, moulding a once-meddlesome prince who would fire off letters to ministers into a monarch who was scrupulous about keeping within the constitutional guidelines. The fact that Charles has been largely free of political controversy since ascending the throne is without a doubt down to Alderton.

‘As such [he] was adept in handling Charles, whose private secretaries did not always last the course. He used humour skillfully to defuse tricky situations, but was not afraid to have difficult conversations.

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He was not without his critics, however, who saw him as Machiavellian. One insider said Alderton was like a figure from Wolf Hall, ‘a schemer, a chess player’.

‘And that was one of his friends.’

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Woman found dead alongside husband at remote cottage was murdered

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Daily Record

The bodies of a woman and a man were found in the Corsliehill Road area of Houston, Renfrewshire.

The death of woman found dead alongside her husband at a remote cottage in Renfrewshire was murder, say cops.

They confirmed this evening that the death of 35-year-old Stacy Mair is being treated as murder, following a post-mortem.

The death of her husband, Jim Mair, 43, is still being treated as unexplained. Police say there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved.

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Around 7.50am on Monday, 27 July, 2026, police received a report of concern for a person in the Corsliehill Road area of Houston

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Emergency services attended, and the bodies of a woman and a man were found nearby.

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A post-mortem examination on Jim, will take place in due course.

Detectives from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, as well as officers from the local policing division, continue to carry out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.

At this time, there is nothing to suggest any risk to the public.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Young, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of those affected by this incident.

“They are understandably devastated, and we are providing them with support through specialist officers at this incredibly difficult time.

Chief Inspector Iain Farmer said: “This is a deeply upsetting incident for the families involved, and the impact is felt right across the local community.

“I am grateful for the support we have received as we complete our essential enquires to ensure the families and local residents get the answers they need.”

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Anyone with concerns or information can contact Police Scotland via 101.

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North Belfast stabbing victim raises concerns as investigation still ongoing after attack

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Belfast Live

Thomas Littles suffered face and shoulder injuries after allegedly being attacked with a knife during an altercation in North Belfast in March

A man who suffered multiple injuries after he was allegedly attacked with a knife during an altercation in North Belfast has raised concerns as nobody is yet to be charged following the incident.

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Thomas Littles suffered injuries to his face and shoulder after he was attacked with a knife during an altercation in the early hours of Saturday, March 21, in the Cambrai Street area of the city. He and another man were arrested following the incident and bailed, but he says nothing further seems to have happened with the investigation.

Speaking to Belfast Live, Thomas said that he was attacked by a man who came to his home and during the altercation he defended himself with a baseball bat. However, he says suffered stab wounds to his shoulder and was sliced across his face with a knife.

He said: “I would just like to know what is going on with this case. I was attacked by someone who came to my home and ended up getting stabbed while I was trying to defend myself.

“Both of us were arrested after it all but I have heard nothing more about it. I just don’t want to see this person get away without any charges after what they did to me, which seems to be the case months after the attack.”

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A PSNI spokesperson said: “Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, arrested by police in relation to a report of an altercation in the Cambrai Street area of north Belfast in the early hours of Saturday 21st March, have been released and a report will be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in due course.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

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the Spielberg film that feels more unsettling than ever

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the Spielberg film that feels more unsettling than ever

A quarter of a century ago, Steven Spielberg released one of the most unusual films of his career: A.I. Artificial Intelligence, a futuristic fairytale about a robot boy programmed to love.

Yet the movie’s origins lay not with Spielberg but another giant of cinema. For more than two decades, Stanley Kubrick had wrestled with the project, convinced it contained questions about technology, humanity and what it means to be loved. He never managed to bring it to the screen, though.

Released in 2001, A.I. arrived years before smartphones, social media and the boom in artificial intelligence. Yet today, as AI systems become woven into everyday life, the film feels newly relevant – not because it accurately predicted ChatGPT or generative AI, but because it explored the emotional and ethical questions that emerge when people form relationships with machines.

The story began with a 2,000-word short story, Supertoys Last All Summer Long, written by British author Brian Aldiss in 1969 for a special issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

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It was set in a dystopian future where, because of overpopulation, reproduction was strictly controlled by the government and childbirth was granted through a lottery scheme. As they wait for their number to come up, Henry Swinton brings home a synthetic robotic child called David and a robotic teddy bear to keep his wife, Monica, company.

Although David is supposed to behave like a real child, there is a failure in communication between the robots and the couple. “Nobody knows what ‘real’ really means,” the teddy tells David. Despite the bear’s coaching, David is unable to please the childless couple.

A.I. Artificial Intelligence’s official trailer (2001).

Kubrick was attracted to the lyrical fairytale, mythic and cosmic qualities of Supertoys. He saw in it a modern version of Pinocchio, the story of a child who longs to become real.

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The director began working on it in 1976 and, over the next two decades, kept returning to the story, engaging many writers to adapt it into a workable film. But rarely were they able to supply the necessary fuel to feed his imagination.

Technology presented another obstacle. Kubrick imagined David as an artificial child who would be indistinguishable from a real boy. But visual effects in the 1980s and early ’90s were not advanced enough to create such a character convincingly.

Using a child actor posed a different problem: Kubrick’s famously lengthy productions meant David might visibly age during filming. “The way we worked, the boy would be a teenager,” Kubrick’s brother-in-law, Jan Harlan, quipped.




À lire aussi :
2001: A Space Odyssey still leaves an indelible mark on our culture 55 years on

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Faced with an impasse, Kubrick approached his friend Spielberg with an unexpected suggestion: perhaps he should direct the film instead. Spielberg initially resisted – but Kubrick continued to champion the idea, believing Spielberg’s emotional sensibility was better suited to the material.

By then, the project had been renamed A.I. Artificial Intelligence. Kubrick intended it to follow his film Eyes Wide Shut, but he died in 1999 before that film’s release. Only afterwards did his family and longtime collaborators ask Spielberg to take the project forward.

The finished film was a fascinating mix of Kubrickian irony and Spielbergian sentimentality. The odyssey of a robot boy who longs for the love of his human mother across aeons of time ends in a symphony of yearning and sadness. Robots of the future bring the boy’s mother back to life for a brief time, which no other Kubrick film had attempted. Spielberg insists he was faithful to Kubrick’s intent.

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The dinner malfunction scene in A.I.: Artificial Intelligence.

What was A.I. really about?

Don’t be fooled by the title. The film isn’t exactly a prediction of the rise of generative and agentic AI (for that, you should watch Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey).

In fact, today’s AI systems are very different from David. ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini can generate convincing text and images, but they don’t experience loneliness, desire or love. David, by contrast, is imagined as a conscious being capable of suffering.

But this is precisely why the film feels so contemporary. As people increasingly interact with AI assistants, companion chatbots and emotionally responsive technology, questions once confined to science fiction are becoming part of everyday life. How easily do we form attachments to machines? What responsibilities do creators have towards intelligent technology? And what happens when a machine appears to need us as much as we need it?




À lire aussi :
Stanley Kubrick redefined: recent research challenges myths to reveal the man behind the legend

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The film also reflects on the disastrous effects of man-made climate change, responding to the rapidly intensifying public debate about global warming in the late 1980s and early ’90s.

The most unsettling part of the film is the role of sex robots designed to pleasure lonely adults. Kubrick’s vision of the future blended suggestive pornographic imagery with technology. It was a futuristic Sodom and Gomorrah too hardcore for a family movie, even if Spielberg softened this when the film became his.

Rather than predicting the types of technology we use today, A.I. anticipated something more fundamental: the human desire to find companionship, meaning and connection through machines.

Twenty-five years after its release, the film remains unsettling not because its future arrived exactly as Kubrick and Spielberg imagined, but because many of its deepest questions remain unanswered.

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Welsh weightlifter Laura Hughes answers your questions

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Welsh weightlifter Laura Hughes answers your questions

Laura Hughes first discovered weightlifting while training at her local Crossfit gym, making the transition from amateur gym-goer to competitive lifting.

Now a member of the Welsh national weightlifting squad, the 33-year-old holds the Welsh record for both the snatch and the clean and jerk (the two official competitive lifts in weightlifting) and is currently third overall in the women’s Welsh rankings. Hughes won bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia and was selected again for this summer’s Games in Glasgow.

We caught up with her for our Readers Ask series, where industry specialists answer questions from our Telegraph Recommended Reader Panel.

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Who inspired you to get into weightlifting?

Olamilekan, South East

Originally, it was lots of different people, particularly general gym goers who were doing weightlifting at my gym. As I’ve grown as an athlete and become more competitive, I’ve had other inspirations.

Most notably, coming into [the Commonwealth Games], it has to be Gareth [Evans], our coach. Looking back at his performance in 2018 when he won his gold medal is so inspiring. [English lifter] Emily Godley was another competitor in 2018. She won the gold medal in my category and I just remember thinking that she was on fire that day.

What are the best exercises for you to build muscle mass?

Norman, Wales

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We spend a lot of time doing our main lifts, so snatches, clean and jerks, but we also do lots of pulls and squats. I spend a lot of time doing accessory work to make sure that my body stays healthy, especially being an older athlete. I’ve put on quite a lot of muscle in this last block just from going heavier and pushing my limits with my main lifts.

What advice would you give to people who want to improve their strength?

David, North West

The most important thing is consistency. As long as you’re doing something, do it regularly, even if it’s twice a week. Don’t be afraid of picking up some dumbbells. If you’ve got somebody that can teach you how to lift weights properly, that’s going to be the best option. Do it safely, do it consistently, and don’t be afraid to try new strength exercises.

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Wildfire warning issued as more than 200 incidents recorded in last fortnight

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Wales Online

The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year

Fire chiefs have issued a stark warning that the threat posed by wildfires “remains elevated across the UK”, following more than 200 incidents in just the past fortnight.

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The alert comes as Britain prepares for yet another bout of scorching weather during the fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach as high as 35C across south-east England on Wednesday. A Met Office assessment has indicated that blazes could become exceptionally serious by Wednesday should they ignite across parts of London, the South East and eastern England, due to the hot, arid conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, the East, South East and London.

The alert runs from Tuesday to Thursday, with the agency warning that rising temperatures may present heightened health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

Fire and rescue services throughout England and Wales have responded to 706 wildfires so far in 2026, with 208 incidents occurring between July 16 and 28 alone, according to the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

The NFCC added that the latest figures, which do not include wildfires elsewhere in the UK such as a major wildfire in the Cairngorms in Scotland, demonstrate “how quickly wildfire activity can increase during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather”. Fire chiefs have additionally warned that wildfire risk “remains elevated across the UK”, with the NFCC confirming there were “currently eight live wildfire incidents being monitored through national reporting systems”.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that firefighters were continuing to “make progress at the major wildfire incident at Tintwistle Moor” following the deployment of 60 personnel on Tuesday.

While wildfire numbers in England and Wales remain below the 788 recorded at the same point last year, fire chiefs have warned that “continued dry conditions, combined with warmer temperatures and harvesting activity in many rural areas”, are creating conditions in which fires can ignite and spread with alarming speed.

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Images have shown extensive brown grass across Blackheath in London, with parched, dried-out grass evident in many parks throughout the capital following the recent period of hot weather.

This development comes as Royal Parks staff have been instructed not to leave deckchairs beneath trees, due to concerns that branches could fall during the hot weather.

Large-scale wildfires sweeping across Europe, including areas of Spain, France and Greece, have prompted evacuations, caused substantial environmental damage and placed enormous strain on emergency services. The NFCC acknowledged that wildfires in the UK are generally smaller in scale and differ in character from those seen across southern Europe, but cautioned that the “long-term effects of climate change are increasing the likelihood of larger, more complex and more resource-intensive wildfire incidents occurring”.

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Phil Garrigan, chairman of the NFCC, said: “More than 200 wildfires in just 12 days shows how quickly the risk can escalate when hot, dry conditions take hold.

“The scenes we’re seeing across parts of Europe are a stark reminder of what a changing climate means for fire and rescue services. We are not seeing fires of that scale in the UK today, but the science tells us we should expect larger, more frequent and more complex wildfires in the future.

“That’s why we need continued investment in specialist wildfire capabilities, including aerial firefighting support, so we’re prepared for the risks ahead.

“But prevention remains our strongest defence. Most wildfires are avoidable, and we’re asking everyone to take extra care during the hot weather to help keep their communities safe.”

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Senior fire officers warned that a considerable proportion of wildfires are sparked by routine human activity, pointing out that “disposing of cigarettes safely, avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open spaces and taking litter home can significantly reduce the risk of fires starting”. According to provisional Met Office figures, July has been 3C warmer than average across the UK, potentially ranking it among the hottest three or four July months on record.

Fire chiefs have urged members of the public to report any signs of fire without delay by dialling 999 and requesting the fire and rescue service.

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Eminem to auction more than 100 pairs of his signed trainers

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Eminem to auction more than 100 pairs of his signed trainers

Some of the highlights include a pair of Eminem x Nike Air Jordan 3 Slim Shady PE trainers, which are expected to sell for 25,000 to 35,000 US dollars (£18,000-£26,000), a pair of Eminem x Carhartt x Nike Air Jordan 4s and a pair of Eminem x Nike Air Jordan 4 Encores from 2017, which are also both expected to go for up to 25,000 dollars.

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Tom Bateman spotted filming Netflix thriller The Woods in Bolton

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Tom Bateman spotted filming Netflix thriller The Woods in Bolton

As first reported by The Bolton News, filming is currently taking place around Le Mans Crescent, one of Bolton’s most recognisable locations and a favourite backdrop for some of Britain’s biggest television dramas.

Commuters heading home caught glimpses of the cast and crew in action around the iconic arches and on the steps of the Grade II-listed former courthouse, adding to the town’s growing reputation as the “Hollywood of the North”.

Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

The Woods is the latest Harlan adaptation to be filmed in Bolton and features a star-studded cast including Tom Bateman, Michelle Keegan, Mandeep Dhillon and Pearce Quigley. Production is taking place across Greater Manchester.

Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

The gripping mystery thriller centres on Paul Copeland, a county prosecutor haunted by the disappearance of his sister during a summer camp massacre 20 years earlier. When evidence found on a modern-day homicide victim appears to connect to the decades-old case, Paul is forced to confront long-buried family secrets and question whether his sister could still be alive.

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Filming for The Woods in Bolton (Image: NQ)

Bolton has become a regular filming location for Coben adaptations, having previously featured in hit Netflix dramas Fool Me Once and The Stranger.

While Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for The Woods, Harlan Coben’s adaptations have developed a reputation for becoming instant chart-toppers, with several previous series proving hugely popular with viewers worldwide.

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Wales breaking news plus weather and traffic updates (Tuesday, July 28)

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Wales Online

Gwent Police is appealing for information to locate Navaeh, who is reported as missing.

The 14-year-old was last seen at around 4pm on Saturday 25 July in Rogerstone, close to the train station.

Navaeh is described as white, around 5″4 tall, with light brown hair in a bun.

She was last known to be wearing black leggings, a black vest top, a brown cardigan and black slider shoes with a cream handbag.

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Navaeh has links to the Cardiff area.

Anyone with information on Navaeh’s whereabouts should contact Gwent Police via the website, direct messaging the force on Facebook or X social media pages or call 101, quoting log reference 2600240166.

Navaeh is also asked to contact us.

Navaeh is missing(Image: Gwent Police )

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Cardiologist Shares 4 Habits That Could Harm Heart Health

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Cardiologist Shares 4 Habits That Could Harm Heart Health

Millions of people could be unknowingly putting extra strain on their hearts through everyday habits they rarely think twice about.

Dr Francesco Lo Monaco, a cardiologist and author of Heart Saviour, has shared how certain silent risk factors can gradually weaken the heart over many years before symptoms appear.

“Many people assume they would know if something was wrong with their heart, but that’s often not the case,” he said.

Here are some of the most common, yet modifiable, habits he suggested could be contributing to poor heart health – and what you can do about each.

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Everyday habits that could weaken your heart

1. Poorly controlled blood pressure

If your blood pressure remains high for months or even years, your heart will need to pump against greater resistance, the health expert explained.

“Initially the heart muscle adapts by becoming thicker, but over time these changes can affect how efficiently the heart works,” he said.

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“If left untreated, this can contribute to enlargement and weakening of the heart and eventually increase the risk of heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiovascular complications.”

This is one of the reasons high blood pressure is often described as a “silent killer”, he added, because many people have no symptoms until the damage has already begun.

GPs and some pharmacies can check blood pressure. Boots offers a free health MOT for over-40s which includes a blood pressure check. Alternatively you can buy your own blood pressure monitor and check it at home.

Blood pressure can be controlled through a series of lifestyle interventions like eating a balanced diet, regular exercise and, if you’re overweight, weight loss.

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Avoiding salty food, alcohol, caffeine and smoking are also important. Some people might also benefit from taking medicine to treat the issue.

2. Untreated sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a condition that causes repeated pauses in breathing when you’re sleeping. It’s yet another health issue that can slip under the radar.

Dr Lo Monaco warned that repeated drops in oxygen overnight increase stress on the cardiovascular system.

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“Sleep apnoea doesn’t just cause tiredness,” he said. “It is strongly associated with high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms and structural changes within the heart.”

The most common symptoms include: loud snoring, noisy and laboured breathing, periods where breathing is interrupted by gasping or snoring. As a result, it’s usually first spotted by a partner, friend or family member.

People with sleep apnoea might also find they wake up with headaches, still feel tired and find it hard to concentrate.

It’s typically treated with lifestyle interventions like weight loss, stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake, but the NHS notes many people also need a CPAP machine to help supply oxygen over night.

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3. Drinking too much alcohol

Heavy drinking over long periods of time can weaken the heart muscle. “Alcohol-related heart disease often develops gradually, so people may not notice any symptoms until significant damage has occurred,” said Dr Lo Monaco.

The NHS advises cutting back a little each day, and letting others know you’re doing this so they can offer support. Swap strong beers or wines for ones with a lower strength (ABV in %) and aim to have several drink-free days each week.

4. Physical inactivity

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Regular movement helps maintain cardiovascular health. Studies have consistently found physical activity has a protective effect against heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks.

“A sedentary lifestyle doesn’t directly enlarge or weaken the heart on its own, but it contributes to several of the major risk factors that do, including obesity and high blood pressure,” said Dr Lo Monaco.

Cardiac rehab physiotherapist Helen Alexander previously told the British Heart Foundation (BHF) that three types of exercise can help strengthen heart health. These are: aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, cycling and swimming; resistance and strength training, such as lifting weights; and exercise that improves balance and flexibility, such as tai chi and yoga.

Dr Lo Monaco concluded that if you experience breathlessness, swollen ankles, chest pain, palpitations or unexplained fatigue, you should seek medical assessment.

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“The encouraging news is that many of these risk factors are modifiable,” he said. “Keeping your blood pressure under control, treating sleep apnoea, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and limiting alcohol can all reduce the strain placed on the heart over time.”

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Junior Andre admits he ‘used to fancy’ stepmum Emily before marriage with Peter

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Junior Andre admits he 'used to fancy' stepmum Emily before marriage with Peter
(Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty)

Junior Andre has revealed he used to have a crush on his stepmother Emily, before she tied the knot with his dad Peter.

The 21-year-old aspiring singer, son to Mysterious Girl crooner Peter and Katie Price, had his secret initially blabbed by younger sister Princess, 19, during a new episode of her ITV2 reality show The Princess Diaries.

While enjoying a BBQ outside in the garden towards the end of the second episode of season three, Princess asked her dad Pete, 53, when he knew he loved his wife Emily, whom he married in 2015.

Emily, who works as an NHS doctor and shares three children with Peter, is 36 – 15 years older than Junior, and 17 years younger than her husband.

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Peter then told his oldest kids, who recently revealed their matching tattoo, that they were friends for two years before things turned romantic and they started to date in 2012, with Junior and Princess thought to have first met her when they were aged around five and three, respectively.

Princess reflected that she had known Emily ‘literally my whole life’, before turning to Junior and adding: ‘And you used to fancy her when we were younger.’

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 02: (L-R) Emily Andre, Junior Andre, Peter Andre and Princess Andre attend
(Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage)

With her slightly mortified brother laughing along at the on-camera revelation – while his dad cackled – Junior then recalled how distraught he’d felt learning that Emily was Peter’s girlfriend.

Junior responded: ‘Did I cry to you or something? Because you said that Emily is going to be your girlfriend and I cried and said, “No, she’s my girlfriend”.’

Princess then quipped in a to-camera segment: ‘There’s some things that Junior will never let me live down, and there’s some things that I’ll never let Junior live down… and that is one of those things.’

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Returning to the garden scene, Princess – known affectionately by her family as Bista – then added: ‘I remember we were camping outside in the garden, and you were like, “Emily, I want you to sleep in my tent!”’

Junior Andre admits he 'used to fancy' stepmum Emily before Pete marriage
(Picture: ITV)
Junior Andre admits he 'used to fancy' stepmum Emily before Pete marriage
(Picture: ITV)

Peter and Emily became parents to their oldest daughter together Millie, 12, in January 2014.

Following their lavish marriage at in July 2015 at Mamhead House in Devon, they went on to welcome nine-year-old Theo in November 2016 and youngest daughter Arabella Rose, now two, in April 2024.

Elsewhere in their conversation from The Princess Diaries, Peter spoke to Junior about Princess possibly moving into his bigger bedroom at their house now he was living with girlfriend Jasmine.

‘Wait, if I got a boyfriend, would he have to sleep in Junior’s room? The spare room?’ Princess asked, before her protective father revealed his rules for her.

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‘You’re going to hate me, he’d still have to stay downstairs, or you’d have to stay downstairs. Sorry, I know you’re 18.’

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: (L-R) Junior Andre, Peter Andre, Princess Tiaamii Andre and Emily MacDonagh attend the UK premiere of 'Thomas The Tank Engine: Big World! Big Adventures! - The Movie' at Vue West End on July 7, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)
(Picture: Dave J Hogan/Getty)
Junior Andre admits he 'used to fancy' stepmum Emily before Pete marriage
(Picture: Instagram)

Princess also admitted that she struggled to keep up with her mum’s ‘extreme’ love life, following her latest – rather turbulent – marriage to most recent husband, Dubai-based businessman Lee Andrews.

While she doesn’t ‘follow’ the former glamour model’s ‘stories’ about her romances, she shared that she hopes Katie is ‘happy’.

‘Mum’s in Dubai right now to see her husband and to be honest I don’t really know much about it,’ the teenager explained.

‘I’ve never met him but mum’s love life is everywhere at the moment. Mum’s love life stories are quite extreme and honestly I don’t even follow it myself, but as long as my mum’s happy, we’re happy, and that’s all that matters.’

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Katie tied the knot with her fourth husband in January just weeks after they met for the first time, and Princess admits her mother’s life has been a whirlwind, saying: ‘Mum never has time to relax, her life is chaos.’

Junior Andre admits he 'used to fancy' stepmum Emily before Pete marriage
(Picture: Instagram)

However, during the show, Katie was seen dispensing advice to Princess and Junior, warning them about the dangers that come with wealth.

Katie told the pair: ‘It’s good to have money but it doesn’t bring you happiness, it’s the people around you that bring you happiness. When you’ve got money you attract the wrong people.

‘Because you two have been brought up seeing that, you’ve seen so many hangers on use and abuse me for all kinds of different things, hopefully you will have learnt to keep your circle small.’

The third season of The Princess Diaries is the first to feature both of Princess’s parents, Katie and ex-husband Peter.

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 21: Television Personalities Katie Price, Peter Andre, Junior and Princess attend GBK's Oscar Lounge At SLS Hotel Day 2 on February 21, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Graves/WireImage)
(Picture: Amy Graves/WireImage)

Katie was previously blocked from appearing in the first season, but she made a cameo in the second while Peter has made his debut on the show in series three, after signing an agreement in February to never speak ill of each other again.

However a review of Katie’s recent life and times documentary saw her already test the limits of that truce, when she shared a fan review of it which appeared to label one of her exes a ‘narcissist’.

But joking about the situation in a montage shown on her own series, Princess deadpanned: ‘What could possibly go wrong?’

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