“To every survivor of every kind of violence, many of whom have not been able to tell their stories or who have not been believed, please know that you are not alone,” the Queen told a reception at St James’s Palace, in a speech seen as a thinly-veiled reference to Epstein’s victims.

Only one other hotel has achieved a 5-star rating in the past eight years

A Northern Irish resort has been named the best hotel in the UK by Which? Travel for 2026.

Which?, the UK’s ‘independent consumer champion’, is known for its expert reviews, advice and investigations and has rated a Co Fermanagh hotel a rare 5-star rating.

Lough Erne Resort has been named the “best-rated hotel over the past year”, praised for its exceptional quality, value and guest experience.

READ MORE: Full list of NI spots shortlisted for the final of the Irish Restaurant Awards 2026READ MORE: Co Fermanagh golf resort named one of the best in the world

The distinction places it among a very select group, as only one other hotel has achieved the top score from Which? Travel in the past eight years.

On their review criteria, Which? Travel said: “We do something a little differently when it comes to hotel reviews. Unlike most other UK travel magazines and newspaper travel sections, Which? Travel does not accept freebies.

“Regardless of the hotel we’re visiting, we book a standard double room online — just as you might — and never let on that we’re from Which? Magazine, even when we arrive for an undercover inspection. It’s all completely anonymous — no upgrades, sweet talk or special treatment.”

Set within the Fermanagh Lakelands, Lough Erne Resort was praised for delivering five-star luxury at outstanding value, with room rates noted at around £200 per night.

Which? Travel described it as “the best-value stay in the country”, highlighting the Resort’s spacious lakeview rooms, elegant interiors, spa facilities, locally sourced dining and its spectacular setting overlooking Erne Lough and the Nick Faldo Championship Golf Course.

Gareth Byrne, General Manager at Lough Erne Resort, said: “This is an incredible honour for everyone at Lough Erne Resort.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that Which? Travel’s reviews are conducted anonymously and independently, reflecting the real experience our guests have when they stay with us.

“To be only the second hotel in eight years to receive a five-star rating from such a trusted consumer authority is truly special, and a wonderful testament to the dedication of our entire team.”

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More eyes are on women’s rugby than ever before.

Following a highly successful Rugby World Cup last year, supporter numbers in the UK climbed from 7.94m pre-existing fans of women’s rugby to 13.21m, according to research commissioned by BBC Sport.

England’s victory over Canada in September’s final took place in front of 81,885 fans at Allianz Stadium – a record for a women’s rugby match and the second-highest attendance for a men’s or women’s World Cup final.

It was the most-watched women’s rugby match on UK television, with a record-breaking peak audience of 5.8m viewers. It also beat both the Six Nations and the British and Irish Lions’ winning tour of Australia to become the most-watched rugby match of last year.

Rugby union was the second most-watched women’s sport in 2025, so with momentum at an all-time high, this year’s Women’s Six Nations is set to be comfortably the biggest yet in terms of crowd numbers.

Pre-tournament demand has already broken records, with all four home nations staging fixtures at their national stadiums.

The record crowd for a Women’s Six Nations game is 58,498 for the Grand Slam decider between England and France in 2023.

That record is set to fall, with more than 75,000 tickets sold for England’s opener against Ireland at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

“There is probably a line of thinking that audiences will just keep growing, but they are actually hard to maintain,” Rugby Football Union director of women’s rugby Alex Teasdale told BBC Sport.

“The role of the Red Roses as ambassadors has helped sustain some of that strong buy-in, and the fans have had a brilliant time.

“It has been really pleasing to see, but anyone involved in women’s sport knows it is not a given.

“You have to work hard to give fans a brilliant experience so they want to keep coming back.”

Scotland will play their first Women’s Six Nations match in front of fans at Murrayfield when they host England next weekend.

Scotland women’s record home attendance of 7,774 was set at Hive Stadium in 2024, but more than 25,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture.

The expected record crowd will be the biggest for a standalone women’s sporting event in Scotland.

Ireland’s game against Scotland on the final weekend will be their first at the 51,711-capacity Aviva Stadium and their record home attendance of 7,754 is set to be smashed, with more than 16,000 tickets already reported to have been sold.

Wales, who play Scotland at Principality Stadium on the opening weekend, are aiming to better last year’s record crowd of 21,186 for a Wales women’s team event on home soil.

Meanwhile, France will host England at the 42,115-capacity Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux in the final round, where they will hope to have a full house for a possible Grand Slam decider.

But will the entertainment on the pitch match the clamour for tickets?

You’ve just run 26.2 miles – your muscles deserve better than a hot bath. The Theragun PRO Plus combines six science-backed therapies in one device – percussive massage, near-infrared LED, vibration, heat, guided breathwork, and optional cold therapy (sold separately) – to target deep muscle soreness, ease stiffness in joints, and accelerate repair at a cellular level.

It delivers the equivalent of a 15-minute massage in two minutes. Your calves, quads, hips and hamstrings will be asking why you didn’t buy this sooner.

The Duke of Sussex co-founded the charity in 2006 with Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.

Prince Harry is being sued for defamation by the Sentebale charity, according to High Court records. Online court filings show the Duke of Sussex is a defendant in a libel or slander claim alongside Mark Dy

The claim originally filed on March 24 but no documents are available at this stage. Harry co-founded the charity in 2006 alongside Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to support vulnerable children and young people affected by HIV/AIDS and poverty in Lesotho and Botswana.

However, he stepped down from his role as patron last year after a governance dispute. In a scathing joint statement, both princes said: “Nearly 20 years ago, we founded Sentebale in honour of our mothers.

“Sentebale means ‘forget-me-not’ in Sesotho, the local language of Lesotho, and it’s what we’ve always promised for the young people we’ve served through this charity. Today is no different.

“With heavy hearts, we have resigned from our roles as patrons of the organisation until further notice, in support of and solidarity with the board of trustees who have had to do the same. It is devastating that the relationship between the charity’s trustees and the chair of the board broke down beyond repair, creating an untenable situation.”

The Duke supports a number of children’s charities and recently donated £1.1 million to Children In Need.

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Osteoarthritis affects around 600 million people globally. It causes pain, stiffness and reduced joint function – most commonly in the knees, hands and hips.

There’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Many people manage the condition through exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, using walking aids and medications.

Commonly used medications include anti-inflammatories and opioids. While these help some, they also carry downsides – including significant side-effects, particularly in over-60s, and risk of addiction from long-term opioid use.

Joint replacement surgery can be very effective for relieving pain and improving mobility, but waiting lists in the last two years hit an all time high, due to increasing demands and reduced capacity since the COVID pandemic.

Surgery also carries risks such as infection, blood clots and nerve damage. Joint replacement surgery is typically suitable for those with advanced stage osteoarthritis.

So how else can osteoarthritis be treated?

Corticosteroid injections, commonly known as steroid injections or cortisone, have been used for joint pain for more than 70 years. They offer a rapid, effective way of reducing pain.

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs able to reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. Injecting corticosteroid directly into the joint means it has maximum effect where needed, while minimising effects on the rest of the body.

The effects of steroid injections can last for months, reducing the need for surgery and reliance on prescription drugs. Those most likely to benefit from steroid injections have persistent pain which disrupts sleep and function, and who find other medications unsuitable or ineffective.

But as effective as steroid injections can be, their effects will vary from person to person. They may not be as effective in severe cases of osteoarthritis, as they only reduce inflammation and cannot repair damaged or lost cartilage.

Steroid injections may also risk accelerating arthritis or causing bone problems in some people, particularly if used in high doses or too often. Routine use in early stages of osteoarthritis is therefore generally avoided. This is because steroid injections can damage cartilage and bone cells which may further weaken and damage the joint.

Steroid injections may also not be suitable for people already taking high doses of steroids for other health problems (such as rheumatoid arthritis or asthma), and those who have a weakened immune system or are otherwise unwell. Taking too much artificial steroid affects the body’s production of natural steroid, which is essential for our metabolism.

Steroid injections may increase risk of infection following surgery if an injection has been given beforehand. For this reason, the majority of surgeons a minimum of three months between your last injection before surgery.

Although side-effects from steroid injections are fortunately rare, people need to be aware of these to make an informed decision about treatment. These can include: infection, allergic reaction, bleeding, bruising, skin colour changes, temporary flare in pain, bone and joint changes and increased blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.

It’s advised that injections aren’t performed more than every three to four months to reduce risk of side-effects and accelerating the arthritis. With hip injections there is need to be more cautious due to risks of cartilage and bone damage from even just one injection .

Managing joint health

Depending on the country, you may be able to have a steroid injection done by your GP, a nurse or a physiotherapist.

Within the UK, first contact physiotherapists working in primary care are accessible in the same way the GP is, many are trained and can offer early access to steroid injections. Injections may be provided within a GP surgery, however hip and spine injections are usually guided by ultrasound or X-ray imaging, which may only be available within a hospital.

Since injections can temporarily reduce osteoarthritis pain, this provides a window of opportunity within which to start exercising. Exercise is important for managing osteoarthritis, as it can strengthen joint-supporting muscles and reduce pain. Physical activity can even be beneficial for those planning to undergo joint replacement surgery as it can improve pain, function and length of hospital stay after surgery.

After injection, it’s recommended people initially rest for a few days, but then gradually increase the amount of exercise they undertake. A physiotherapist can advise on the best types of exercise you can do to help manage your osteoarthritis.

Addressing other contributing factors is essential for managing osteoarthritis, as well. There’s strong evidence linking various metabolic factors to osteoarthritis – such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These factors increase inflammation within the body, which affects cartilage in joints. Losing weight where needed is also hugely beneficial in reducing strain on joints.

For those who may not want to use steroid injections, there are other options.

Hyaluronic acid injections, for instance. These help our natural joint lubrication, called synovial fluid. In osteoarthritis, synovial fluid has less viscosity and levels are reduced. Hyaluronic acid is also believed to work as an anti-inflammatory.

Similar to steroid injections, they can reduce pain and increase movement and function. They may be more beneficial to people with earlier stage osteoarthritis and may theoretically have fewer negative effects to cartilage. There may also be value in combining the two types of injection.

Hyaluronic acid has a similar safety profile to corticosteroid, with few reported side-effects. It may, however, take up to 12 weeks for effects to show – though the benefits can last up to six months.

Accessibility is limited in the UK, hyaluronic acid is not currently recommended within NICE guidelines, primarily due to cost effectiveness, so may only be available to those privately funding their care.

Joint injections are not a cure for osteoarthritis. They can have variable effects, and work best combined with other management approaches (such as weight loss and exercise). But with long wait times for surgery, they may offer a valuable way to reduce pain and manage the condition.

The creators behind 1000xResist have revealed new game Prove You’re Human, which turns one of the internet’s most annoying features into gameplay.

If you’ve navigated the internet at any point over the past decade, you’ve probably been asked to prove you’re a human being via a Captcha test.

These tests are designed to counter bots when making purchases online or logging into personal accounts, and usually ask you to select tiles with certain objects on them on a 3×3 grid, whether bridges or traffic cones, in order to prove you’re not dead behind the eyes.

If the idea of doing that consistently over a full game sounds like fun to you, a new title from Sunset Visitor, creators of the excellent 1000xResist, and the publisher behind Slay The Princess, is promising exactly that.

Prove You’re Human follows a character who has been split into two – a human and a digital copy. The digital copy has been paid to test a corporate product called Mesa and is convinced it’s just as human as their other self.

As shown in the trailer, the game oscillates between life in the virtual world and live action footage of your human self. In the virtual realm, you roam around and use Captcha on parts of the environment, including trees which suddenly set ablaze, and other more abstract items.

The trailer’s increasingly psychedelic closing half suggests there’s more going on than meets the eye, but according to the Steam description, the end of the game will see you ‘decide if you’d like to re-merge your two selves or discard your work self’. So it’s all very Severance.

There is no release date yet for Prove You’re Human, so it will likely be a while off yet, and it’s only confirmed to come out on PC via Steam. But given the developer’s track record it should be worth waiting for.

Prove You’re Human was revealed as part of the Triple-i Initiative Showcase on Thursday evening, but there were several other standout games, including Graveyard Keeper 2, Don’t Starve Elsewhere, and rhythm beat ’em up Dead As Disco, which hits early access on May 5, 2026.

For fans of indie tabletop horror game Buckshot Roulette, developer Mike Klubnika also revealed his next game called Machine Party, which basically looks like a crossover between Mario Party and Saw. It’s slated to be released this summer on PC.

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For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.

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The Old Rectory house in Powys sleeps up to 16 people and is highly praised for its “incredible amenities.”

If you are searching for a getaway with a large group of friends or extended family, Sykes Cottages has many beautiful accommodation options that would serve has a peaceful base for exploring Welsh countryside.

One standout holiday home is the Old Rectory House located in Powys. This spacious house is tucked away in the village of Aberhafesp in mid Wales and is surrounded by rolling greenery and peaceful landscapes that reviewers have consistently praised.

The Old Rectory House is an eight bedroom and eight bathroom accommodation that can sleep 16 guests. The property is spread across three floors making it perfectly suited for large groups like a multi-generational family trip or a getaway with friends.

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The layout provides both privacy and plenty of room to socialise in the well furnished living rooms or the large outdoor spaces. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here

For those looking to indulge, the Old Rectory House goes far beyond your average holiday place. Standout amenities include a private indoor swimming pool and hot tub, offering the perfect way to unwind whatever the weather.

Downstairs, the basement has been transformed into a dedicated entertainment hub, complete with a games room and cinema room.

One guest who loved their time in the Old Rectory has said: “This is a rare example of a house that massively exceeded expectations. Not only was the setting beautiful and the rooms and living spaces nicely designed, the amenities are incredible, its easy to find and because of the pool and the games room the many kids we were with were entertained all weekend. We are already planning on returning!”

Another stayer said: “We travelled as a group of 15 to the old rectory. We have stayed at lots of places together over the years and this is our favourite. It’s now our third stay and we have just booked our fourth in 2027.”

Stayers of the Old Rectory House is largely very positive, one downside of the property however is that it does not accept pets.

For those who are looking for a cottage that is pet-friendly, Oernant Farmhouse in West Wales accepts up to three pets and a week long stay this month has been reduced from £865 to £742.

Another pet-friendly cottage is the Firs near Abergavenny. It is a detached 17th-century listed cottage surrounded by green hills.

The Old Rectory House available on Sykes Cottage’s summary:

• Over three floors
• Eight bedrooms
• Ground-floor shower room with walk-in shower, basin, heated towel rail and WC
• First-floor cloakroom with basin and WC
• Utility room
• 2 x sitting room
• Conservatory
• Private hot tub
• Lower-ground-floor cinema room,
• Separate indoor heated swimming pool with changing rooms
• 9 x Smart TV, cinema screen and WiFi
• Minimum stay is three nights

“He has left such a big hole in all of our lives.”

A massive Hibs fan who was diagnosed with incurable brain cancer after smelling candy floss has sadly died as his family pay heartfelt tributes. Steve Turnbull was diagnosed with a glioblastoma in 2024 after he experienced months of sickness, the smell of candy floss and issues with his vision and balance.

The 64-year-old passed away on January 27, leaving behind his loving family and friends. Speaking to Edinburgh Live, his brother Alan said Steve “remained positive” throughout his battle.

He was passionate about raising awareness for brain tumours and even took on the Dundee Kilt Walk to raise money for charity Brain Tumour Research. Steve had extensive radiotherapy and chemotherapy to manage the tumour’s size which extended his life to around 18 months.

Alan said Steve has “left a big hole” and was a man of many talents. He added: “By the time he was diagnosed, he was already stage four. It was just a case of managing it.

“He decided to go on a course of chemo and radiotherapy which extended his life to around 18 months. He always seemed so positive.

“He never really shared much with us. He would tell us the treatment he was going through but he would never really tell us the full story.

“I think he was trying to protect us and he never moaned about any of it.”

While working as an IT project manager in Letham, Steve also had many interests including music, magic and football. He was a dedicated Hibs supporter and would regularly attend matches with his brother.

Alan added: “Football was his main thing. We would always be on the Hibs supporter bus. He also played football at a decent level too. He was also trying to get around all the grounds in Scotland which I don’t think he managed but it was definitely one of his main passions.

“Steve absolutely loved magic too – he would always have a pack of cards with him. My sister-in-law tells a story about when they were in Turkey and their bus broke down. They were at the side of the road and he just got his cards out and started doing magic tricks.

“He was a drummer too and he would always carry a pair of drumsticks in the car. If he was stuck in traffic he would start playing on the steering wheel and tapping along to the music.

“I could go on forever talking about some of the things he loved. He would meet so much people and made a lot of different friends through different things.”

Steve was always telling jokes and was a big “family man”. His brother added: “If he came to birthdays or family events, you would always hear him before you saw him.

“He was always telling jokes and always had a story to tell. He has left such a big hole in all of our lives.”

The dad first started to become unwell just after New Year’s Day in 2024, when he vomited out of the blue after tasting gravy. He would regularly be hit with bizarre smells including candy floss.

His brother first noticed something was wrong at his niece’s wedding. Alan added: “He was kind of slurring his words.

“He doesn’t drink so I knew it wasn’t alcohol. His face was drooping and we thought he was maybe having a stroke.

“It was only a matter of weeks later we found out he had an aggressive brain tumour. He started having these weird smelling sensations and smelled of candy floss.

“He hadn’t been well for a matter of time and it got to the point where he had to go and get tests done.”

Steve’s niece and nephew, Erin and Rhys, are preparing to take on the Edinburgh Marathon in honour of their uncle. Erin, 23, said they are fundraising for Brain Tumour Research.

She added: “We just decided to go big or go home. As the weeks get closer it becomes a bit more daunting but it’s all for a good cause. The aim is just to cross the finish line and know that we’ve raised money for such a good cause in memory of my uncle.”

You can donate to the fundraisers here and here.

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Woks in our home kitchens never get as hot as they do in restaurants, where they have a lot of power under them – so dishes like this won’t be as perfect as they could be. Unless you’ve grown up stir-frying, it’s hard to get it right too.

All those different elements cooked in one pan? You have to think about how much time each one needs. Nevertheless, I have, over the years, managed to do chicken and egg fried rice in a way that works, at least for the family on a weeknight. I cook the dish in stages and do the eggs in a separate pan, otherwise I end up with rice and scrambled eggs.

I don’t even think about making this with freshly cooked rice (it will just get sticky). I use Chinese chilli bean paste in other dishes too, so don’t feel buying it is a waste of money. The alcohol is my own thing (goodness knows what Ken Hom would think) but I love its flavour with ginger. You can leave it out if you don’t fancy it.

Requires 20 minutes for the rice in advance