The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, who are marking their 27th wedding anniversary today, had a unique dress code rule for their royal wedding, but not everyone followed their request

The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh are marking a landmark occasion today — their 27th wedding anniversary. Prince Edward and Sophie exchanged vows at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on June 19 1999, in what was widely regarded as an “informal” royal wedding. Guests turned out in their droves, among them the late Queen and Prince Philip, King Charles and his sons Princes William and Harry.

Sophie looked breathtaking in a wedding gown by Samantha Shaw and was granted permission to wear a tiara from the late Queen’s private collection. The relaxed atmosphere of the occasion saw the couple opt for a less rigid dress code — requesting that guests arrive in evening wear and leave their hats at home.

Yet it appears some royals chose to bend these rules — with one family member seemingly disregarding them altogether. Photos from the occasion show the groom’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth, sporting a delicate lilac fascinator, while the groom’s sister Princess Anne chose a small green hair accessory.

When it came to Edward’s grandmother, the late Queen Mother, she still arrived wearing a hat — though the couple may well have been perfectly content with this, given she was rarely spotted in public without one. Following their ceremony at St George’s Chapel, the newlyweds enjoyed a carriage ride through Windsor before heading to their reception in St George’s Hall.

When Sophie joined the Royal Family over two decades ago, a few eyebrows were raised at the news that she would not receive a duchess title. Unlike her sister-in-law Camilla and her nephew’s wife Kate, Sophie was bestowed the title of Countess of Wessex upon her marriage to Edward in 1999.

However, in 2023 King Charles granted both Edward and Sophie new titles – finally elevating them to Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. It had long been the wish of Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh, and the former monarch to pass the Dukedom to Edward and Sophie following their deaths.

In a previous interview, Sophie revealed how she and Edward sat “stunned” when Philip informed them of his wishes regarding his title – in just 11 words. Recounting the moment she and her husband learnt of Philip’s intentions, she told the Telegraph: “We sat there slightly stunned. He literally came straight in and said, ‘Right. I’d like it very much if you would consider that’.”

Philip’s wish for Edward to inherit the title was a nod to his son’s decades of dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the youth programme widely regarded as one of Philip’s most cherished legacies.

The couple, who are parents to Lady Louise Windsor and James, the Earl of Wessex, have often regarded as some of the Royal Family’s safest pairs of hands, quietly keeping up with duty and being an invaluable support for the King.

The pair have enjoyed a bigger public profile in recent years, especially since the likes of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from royal duties, allowing the Edinburgh’s to take more of the spotlight.

Away from their royal roles, Edward and Sophie appear to prefer life away from publicity, living under the radar, away from the cameras at their Bagshot Park estate in Surrey.

Sophie Calderley, Nicha Miller and mother and daughter Siobhan Mitchell and Lily Morris all work for Funding Futures which created the Leap For Her Future campaign.

The courageous foursome are aiming to raise £3,000 to support the CIC’s (Community Interest Company) work with women across Greater Manchester.

Sophie is an educator, mentor and project coordinator, Nicha is an educator and content creator, Siobhan is an educator, mentor and project coordinator and Lily is an educator.

Funding Futures helps women who are not currently in employment, education or training to achieve qualifications, develop new skills, gain confidence and take positive steps towards employment, further education and greater independence.

Many of them have faced significant challenges and barriers in their lives. Now, through accredited courses, tailored support and opportunities for personal development, they are helped to unlock their potential and create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The Leap For Her Future campaign was created to both raise funds and awareness of the organisation’s work and also to inspire others to support the cause and help Funding Futures reach more women.

Commented Sophie: “This year is about letting go of fear and comfort. So all I’m going to think of is letting go of that plane on the day.

“The reason we are doing this is to raise money and offer more wraparound support for more women Funding Futures gives every woman an opportunity to pursue the future they want.

“The money raised will be going towards a brighter future for so many women in the local area.”

The jump takes place at the Black Knights Skydiving Centre in Lancaster on Friday, June 19.

To donate go to https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leapforherfuture?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

Iran’s involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino visited the Iran team in the dressing room following the game against New Zealand as tensions continue.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after their allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

“The Iranian national football team agreed to these terms,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told the BBC when asked for a response to Ghalenoei’s comments.

Iran, who switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico amid the conflict in the Middle East, have two group games remaining and both are in the US.

They face Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June (20:00 BST) and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Iran said they “needed to arrive in each host city two days before every match and return to its base camp the day after the game in order to achieve optimal technical and physical preparation” but “this request was not approved” for their game against New Zealand.

“The same situation has now been repeated ahead of Iran’s second match against Belgium,” added the FFIRI.

“Given that the game will be played at 12:00pm local time in Los Angeles, the Football Federation of Iran requested that the team be allowed to travel to Los Angeles two days before the match.

“The aim was to provide sufficient time for players to adapt to the match conditions, complete their final training session, and finalise preparations.

“Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied.”

The presidents of the US and Iran have signed an initial peace deal aiming to end the war but Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House Fifa Task Force, said that Iran knew the situation they faced when it came to their matches.

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News.

“They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”

Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in their World Cup 2026 opener on Wednesday, with Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo both enduring frustrating afternoons for the European giants

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro has reacted to Bruno Fernandes’ performance in Portugal’s draw with DR Congo in their World Cup opener. The Manchester United midfielder featured for the entire match alongside Ronaldo but they were forced to settle for a point as their campaign got off to a disappointing start.

Katia ‘liked’ an Instagram post from a Brazilian account commenting on the United skipper’s showing for his nation. Roberto Martinez’s team endured frustration despite Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header as Newcastle United star Yoane Wissa equalised. Despite controlling 75 per cent of possession, only three efforts were directed on target – leaving Ronaldo without any attempts of his own.

Fernandes also endured a lacklustre outing. Featuring a picture of the United star, the post read: “This one here is the Raphinha for Portugal. Too much popcorn for the national team.”

Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE.

You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.

It follows a strange surge of abuse directed towards Portuguese players and those close to them with Neves among those suffering the brunt of an online barrage. The Paris Saint-Germain star’s Instagram comments were hijacked by angry Ronaldo supporters in light of his post-match comments.

He said: “We know what Cristiano (Ronaldo) has done for this national team and for the world of football.

“But right now, he is one of us. He is no different. He is an additional player to help and contribute to Portugal’s performance just like all of us.

“He played very well, the whole team had an excellent match. We are united. And in the long term, that’s what will make the difference. It’s not this draw that should ruin our morale. On the contrary, this result will only strengthen us further to do better in the upcoming matches.”

FOLLOW OUR MAN UNITED FB PAGE! Latest news and analysis via the MEN’s Manchester United Facebook page

Vitinha and Pedro Neto have also seen their comments sections taken over with supporters demanding Ronaldo shown more respect. It has even been suggested that Neves’ partner has also had her social media being bombarded by angry supporters of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Ronaldo also faced criticism for his limited impact during the fixture, recording just 25 touches against Congo. Yet, he remained on the pitch for the duration of the match.

One Portugal supporter wrote on X: “Ronaldo just gets in the way, and only those who don’t want to see it won’t. It’s ridiculous that he has a guaranteed place in the national team.”

Another added: “Ronaldo just sits in the box waiting for a miracle ball that never arrives.”

With seven minutes left on the clock, Martinez chose to introduce Goncalo Ramos, withdrawing Vitinha – a move that drew criticism from former England striker Chris Sutton.

“He [Martinez] is scared to take him off,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live. “He is not the manager. He [Ronaldo] might score the winner, but the game passed him by.

“He is a brilliant player. He was once the playmaker, but now he is the poacher. He is not only the poacher, but he runs the estate. I don’t understand some of his management. Cristiano Ronaldo was on the periphery and Martinez has to be brave enough to be the manager.”

Martinez, meanwhile, defended the substitution by arguing it would have made little sense to remove the goalscorer while Portugal were pushing for a winner.

“We were finding it difficult because they were playing in a back six,” Martinez hit back. “And in a situation like that, you can use his qualities.

“It makes no sense to get a player like Cristiano out of the game where you need goals. The straight line is not the quickest way.

“The way he attracts defenders and uses space is valuable. When you need goals, you need a player like Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch.”

Taking to Instagram following the final whistle, the Portugal icon wrote: “This was not the start we wanted but this is far from being over. Heads held high and focus on the next game.”

Portugal will be keen to respond to the disappointing outcome when they take on Uzbekistan on Tuesday (6pm). Colombia, meanwhile, one of Portugal’s group rivals, defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 and currently lead Group K.

When Australia banned under 16-year-olds from using social media in December 2025, it became a test case for a policy now being pursued by governments around the world.

Six months on, the UK has announced plans to introduce its own social media ban in 2027, with France, Malaysia, Indonesia and Greece among other countries pursuing similar bans.

So how’s it going in Australia? Have the teenagers emerged from a phone-lit glow to reengage in the real world? And what kind of difference is it having on their mental health?

In this episode of The Conversation Weekly, we speak to Susan Sawyer, a professor of adolescent mental health at the University of Melbourne, who is running a number of ongoing studies examining the way young people and their parents are reacting to Australia’s ban.

Sawyer says that when the ban was first introduced, she was cynical about the government’s ability to get young people off social media – and it has been difficult. In a compliance report released in March 2026, Australia’s eSafety Commission said many young people were still able to access social media, and it launched investigations into five technology companies it feels haven’t done enough to comply with the ban.

Yet while she used to think of the ban as a blunt instrument, Sawyer says her views are changing. “We’re seeing that conversations are shifting from whether social media negatively affects young people or to what extent or in what ways, to rather thinking about what age might be a more appropriate age for young people to first gain access to social media,” says Sawyer.

And that is born out by some of Sawyer’s research. In a recent poll of more than 2,000 parents of 0- to 17-year-olds, just under 40% said the law had changed their view on when children should first have their social media accounts and “overwhelmingly, that’s now a higher age”, she says.

Listen to Sawyer on The Conversation Weekly podcast, and read an article she’s written about her latest research on the impact of high social media use on mental health.

This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Gemma Ware, Katie Flood and Mend Mariwany. Mixing by Eleanor Brezzi and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

Newsclips in this episode from pmaulinauskasmp, BBC News and 9News Australia.

Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here. A transcript of this episode is available via the Apple Podcasts or Spotify apps.

The “overlooked” town has been named one of the top places to visit in the UK for 2026, crowning the historic Cotswolds town ahead of overrun tourist hotspots like Bibury and Bourton-on-the-Water

The best place to visit in the Cotswolds has been revealed – and it’s not the usual suspects like Chipping Campden, Bibury or Bourton-on-the-Water.

There’s an abundance of stunning beauty spots scattered across the UK, with rugged landscapes, peaceful golden beaches, vibrant and quirky towns, craggy rocks and cliffs, vast woodlands, rolling green hills, and plenty more besides.

For a relatively small country, there’s a rich variety of diverse destinations to pick from – whether you fancy exploring the peaceful glacial lakes and fells of the Lake District, or the seemingly endless dramatic coastlines of Scotland, the history and intrigue of sites like the Mourne Wall in Northern Ireland, or the impressive peaks of Eryri/Snowdonia in Wales; there’s no shortage of choices.

This is equally true when it comes to the varied towns scattered throughout the UK, from sleepy fishing villages and bustling market towns, to picturesque places that offer a glimpse into the past, and much more.

If you’re keen to embark on a “staycation” in the UK and feel overwhelmed at the prospect of deciding where to go, you’re in luck.

Time Out has issued a round-up of “the best places to go in the UK in 2026” – and a Gloucestershire town has made the cut. Widely celebrated as the “Capital of the Cotswolds”, the historic market town of Cirencester has claimed fifth place on a national list.

Time Out said: “When it comes to ‘where to travel in the UK’, you might think the Cotswolds has been done to death. Actually, it hasn’t. In fact, only teeny tiny portions of the region tend to get all the love.”

The publication described Cirencester as “often-overlooked” and championed the town – the largest in the region – for being “much better equipped for tourism” than overcrowded destinations such as Bibury.

Cirencester boasts a seamless fusion of Roman heritage with a vibrant independent shopping scene – particularly within the historic Corn Hall and Arcade – alongside stunning green spaces, including Cirencester Park. Home to the 9th Earl and Countess Bathurst, the park is a haven for deer and horses alike.

History enthusiasts will be in their element at the award-winning Corinium Museum, which houses an impressive Roman collection; “one of the largest collections of Romano-British antiquities extensively from Corinium”.

Featuring mosaics, sculptures, coins and much more, the fully accessible venue also includes a gift shop, café, and the Cirencester Visitor Information Centre.

The town is equally well-stocked with stunning historic buildings and characterful pubs that are well worth exploring.

Of summer visits, Time Out noted: “Heading here in summer? Go for a dip in the Cirencester Open Air Swimming Pool, a beautiful old spot for a swim surrounded by old buildings.

“It’s a slice of history all by itself – around since 1869, making it one of the oldest in the country.”

Labour’s Andy Burnham has claimed a landslide victory in the crucial Makerfield by-election.

He is now set to return to Westminster and is likely to officially challenge Sir Keir Starmer for the party leadership.

Allies of Mr Burnham are calling on Sir Keir to hand over the keys to No 10, but the prime minister has repeatedly insisted that he has no intention of walking away.

Speaking after the results were counted, Mr Burnham hailed his victory as a “turning point” and said that Labour has a “final chance to change”.

Here is Mr Burnham’s victory speech, in full.

“Everyone knows that politics isn’t working.

“Everyone can feel that the country isn’t where it should be. Tonight could, just could, be the turning point.

“From here on I will give everything I have got to make it so. To ensure the name Makerfield is forever synonymous with bringing about the change this country needs, bringing back something we’ve lost – hope – hope for the future.

“I am proud that this place has shone in the world’s spotlight for the last few weeks and the warmth, humour and hospitality of its people has been on show for all to see. It will never be a stepping stone to me, but instead will be my touchstone.

“A Makerfield test at the heart of British politics will make sure that the places Westminster has neglected will now get fairness.

“I spoke in the campaign about the need to change politics. I promised to lead by example, from the front, as your Member of Parliament.

“I know people who traditionally vote for the Conservatives, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, and perhaps more recently for Reform UK, have given me their support in this election. I will always have respect to them for that. And out of respect for them, I will always take a place-first, rather than a party-first, approach and I will focus on problem-solving rather than point-scoring.

“And I will work hard after this by-election to heal the divisions of this campaign. And let it be really understood that I will be your MP, however you voted.

“When this borough went to the polls in May, it made a loud cry for change. In this campaign we have begun to answer that.

“But I do say to my own party: this is a final chance to change. This is what people said directly to me on the hundreds of doorsteps that I stood on. We must hear it, we must act upon it and we must get it right. There will be no second chance.

“But there is a chance now from this result tonight to build a new politics based on unity and hope. Turning away from the path that takes us to a divided, dark politics of the kind we see in the United States.

“We must now take this path and put this country back on the right path, and bring people back together and get things working properly again.

“It is with some sadness that this result brings an end to my wonderful nine years as mayor of Greater Manchester.

“This city region has given so much to me. And it is a wrench to leave the job I love. But I am not leaving the service of Greater Manchester. I’ve always been clear that it can’t achieve everything it should be and we can’t close the north-south divide, and we can’t make all the great English cities be what they should be without big change at the national level.

“I always knew one day I would seek to go back to Westminster to complete that unfinished business so that Makerfield and Greater Manchester, and the north of England, can fulfil their potential.

“This result will bring about a country that works fairly for everywhere and for everybody.

“People here have voted for change. They have voted for more power for the North and everywhere forgotten by Westminster. They have voted for hope. Now, let’s give that back to them.”