On Wednesday, January 8 the Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were "stepping back as 'senior' members of the Royal Family".
Naturally the revelations made headlines the world over, and with it came an outpouring of support from their celebrity friends.
Actress and campaigner Jameela Jamil was one of the first to speak out, saying simply: "And that folks, is what power looks like", along with a breaking news notification announcing the couple's decision.
Like Jamil, American writer Roxane Gay spoke out in support of their decision, saying: "Good for Meghan and Harry opting out of the UK tabloids staggering racism and the lack of support from the royal family. They will be fine."
American journalist, and the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver also spoke out in support of the Sussexes, penning a lengthy post on Instagram that said: "What I take away is that they are stepping up in their own lives in a way that works for them. They want to make it their own way.
"Let’s wish them well. Let’s root for them. I’m sure they are trying to carve out their own lives, while also being of service to their larger duty. It’s never easy but possible."
With a similarly sympathetic sentiment, singer Bette Midler compared the pair to Princess Diana in a tweet.
"What a sad story. They hounded and bullied her until it was no longer tenable to stay, just like Diana. They'll never learn until it hits them in the wallet," she said of the decision. Adding: "I hope she bankrupts them all."
Oprah Winfrey is famously a close friend of Markle's and attended their 2017 wedding. She is yet to directly speak out about the royal pair, but her online magazine, O The Oprah Magazine, has penned a story titled, Your Questions About Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's New Royal Status, Answered.
The story says, "Harry and Markle’s decision to step back from royal duties isn't exactly a plot twist – not for those who have been following the couple's movements carefully the last few months. From their decision to celebrate Christmas with Markle's family in California to the inciting battle against the UK tabloids' invasive coverage, the royal couple's efforts to challenge convention have ramped up in the past few months."
This year, Oprah and Prince Harry, are teaming up on an upcoming television project. The pair are set to be working on a mental health documentary series with Apple. They will serve as co-creators and executive producers.
Another friend of Markle's, whose silence has spoken volumes, is stylist Jessica Mulroney. Said to be Markle's best friend, Mulroney, has spoken out about the couple in the past, often rushing to their defence.
On this occasion, however, hours after the couple's statement went public, she posted a Gina Carey quote, which reads: "A strong woman looks a challenge in the eye and gives it a wink." Comments on the Instagram post have been deactivated.
Harry and Meghan x 'The Crown': The funny take
Others have taken a more humorous approach. Comedian Amy Schumer has likened herself and chef husband Chris Fischer to the royal couple, having got engaged, married and welcomed their first borns at similar times.
"Chris and I are formally stepping down from our royal duties. We appreciate your support," she captioned the photograph of herself and Fischer on the beach.
Then there was the question many have been asking, is Meghan going to go back to acting?
Journalist Paul Farhi has a treatment ready, and some casting options, for the show:
Writer Bravo's Andy Cohen, meanwhile, has reached out to Markle, giving her an "open invite" to join the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Piers Morgan brands the couple 'shameless spoiled brats'
Others have been less sympathetic towards the pair and their decision.
Outspoken, conservative broadcaster Piers Morgan labelled them "shameless spoiled brats" in a series of tweets.
"Even Putin wouldn't try to pull a stunt like this. I fear they've both gone nuts," Morgan wrote. Adding: "She’s breaking up our royal family after fleecing the public purse. As a taxpayer, and a Monarchist, I’m entitled to take a rather dim view of this."
"What a disgraceful way to treat The Queen. Shame on Harry and Meghan," he wrote.
Conservative commentator Candace Owens made sure she had her 'I told you so' moment. Writing: "Three months ago I publicly stated that Meghan’s obvious play was to convince Prince Harry to quit his role and to instead step into the A-list Hollywood life that she’s always wanted. Meghan never wanted to be royal. She has always wanted fame. Mission accomplished."
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Read more:
A new peek at baby Archie: How the British royal family started 2020
Princes William and Harry reunite at the Festival of Remembrance – in pictures
The 25 biggest weddings of the decade: from Kim and Kanye to Kate and William
Priyanka Chopra slams racist media coverage of Meghan Markle
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How to help
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RESULTS
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
7.05pm: Meydan Sprint – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (Turf) 1,000m
Winner: Equilateral, Andrea Atzeni, Charles Hills
7.40pm: Curlin Stakes – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (D) 2,200m
Winner: New Trails, Fernando Jara, Ahmad bin Harmash
8.15pm: UAE Oaks – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Mnasek, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
8.50pm: Zabeel Mile – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,600m
Winner: D’bai, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Summer Romance, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby
10pm: Al Shindagha Sprint – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Al Tariq, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
'Manmarziyaan' (Colour Yellow Productions, Phantom Films)
Director: Anurag Kashyap
Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal
Rating: 3.5/5
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ESSENTIALS
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes.
Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
F1 drivers' standings
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56
BORDERLANDS
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis
Director: Eli Roth
Rating: 0/5
Cherry
Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo
Starring: Tom Holland, Ciara Bravo
1/5
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
RESULT
Australia 3 (0) Honduras 1 (0)
Australia: Jedinak (53', 72' pen, 85' pen)
Honduras: Elis (90 4)
heading
Iran has sent five planeloads of food to Qatar, which is suffering shortages amid a regional blockade.
A number of nations, including Iran's major rival Saudi Arabia, last week cut ties with Qatar, accusing it of funding terrorism, charges it denies.
The land border with Saudi Arabia, through which 40% of Qatar's food comes, has been closed.
Meanwhile, mediators Kuwait said that Qatar was ready to listen to the "qualms" of its neighbours.
Is it worth it? We put cheesecake frap to the test.
The verdict from the nutritionists is damning. But does a cheesecake frappuccino taste good enough to merit the indulgence?
My advice is to only go there if you have unusually sweet tooth. I like my puddings, but this was a bit much even for me. The first hit is a winner, but it's downhill, slowly, from there. Each sip is a little less satisfying than the last, and maybe it was just all that sugar, but it isn't long before the rush is replaced by a creeping remorse. And half of the thing is still left.
The caramel version is far superior to the blueberry, too. If someone put a full caramel cheesecake through a liquidiser and scooped out the contents, it would probably taste something like this. Blueberry, on the other hand, has more of an artificial taste. It's like someone has tried to invent this drink in a lab, and while early results were promising, they're still in the testing phase. It isn't terrible, but something isn't quite right either.
So if you want an experience, go for a small, and opt for the caramel. But if you want a cheesecake, it's probably more satisfying, and not quite as unhealthy, to just order the real thing.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
India squad
Virat Kohli (captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey, Rishabh Pant, Shivam Dube, Kedar Jadhav, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Yadav, Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur.
Results
Ashraf Ghani 50.64 per cent
Abdullah Abdullah 39.52 per cent
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar 3.85 per cent
Rahmatullah Nabil 1.8 per cent
How much of your income do you need to save?
The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.
In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)
Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.
Step by step
2070km to run
38 days
273,600 calories consumed
28kg of fruit
40kg of vegetables
45 pairs of running shoes
1 yoga matt
1 oxygen chamber
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SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
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RoboCop%3A%20Rogue%20City
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