In a world seemingly obsessed with celebrity, it is heartening to know that celebrities don’t cut it with children.
Celebrities aren’t that important to children after all according to research out today, despite the panic over the burgeoning celebrity culture.
When school children were asked to pick the most important people in Britain, celebrities ranked significantly lower than royals and politicians, with showbiz mogul Simon Cowell getting less than half as many votes as David Cameron (20 per cent versus 45 per cent).
The research among 650 UK school children, conducted for Galt Toys by leading child research experts ChildWise, showed Ant and Dec were important to only 21 percent of children and chart topper Harry Styles just 13 per cent. Daniel Radcliffe has lost his magic, only receiving 8 per cent of votes.
It isn’t great news for David Beckham either who ranked lower than Boris Johnson with 13 per cent of the votes versus 14 per cent. Cheryl Cole was important to just 11 per cent of children.
Brit winner Adele gets just 6 per cent of votes and Victoria Beckham trails in last with only 4 per cent.
John McDonnell, Managing Director of Galt Toys commented: “Children aren’t as frivolous as adults fear them to be. Our findings show it’s good news for the Royals in Jubilee year with the Queen topping the importance poll by a significant margin (91 per cent) and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in second and third place.”
The Royal family can’t rest on its laurels though as second in line to the throne Prince Charles lagged behind Prince William and the Prime Minister, coming in fifth place. Prince William got more than double the number of votes as his father (53 per cent versus 25 per cent).
Which of these British people do you think is most important?
Royalist or not this weekend marks a four day weekend. If that is not something to celebrate, I don’t know what is. Here are our Jubilee picks.
With the Diamond Jubilee imminent, a national group of country pubs has launched a cake to celebrate Her Majesty’s milestone – with the help of celeb baker Paul Hollywood.
Chefs for Vintage Inns have created the Vintage Summer Cake, a triple-decker sponge cake with raspberries and blackcurrants, summer fruit syrup, cream and blueberry fruit, to celebrate Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
The patriotic puddings will feature exclusively on the Vintage Inns menu until the end of August and for every £3.95 slice Vintage Inns will donate 15p to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
Paul, a judge on smash hit BBC TV show The Great British Bake-off, helped Vintage Inns launch the cake
He said: “As a nation of food lovers, we always rise to the challenge of producing something delicious for a momentous occasion.
“The Victoria Sponge was created in honour of Queen Victoria’s reign so it’s only right we commemorate Elizabeth II with something special and traditionally British.”
BEN FOGLE REVEALS HIS INSIDE KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO HOST A JUBILEE TEA PARTY FIT FOR THE QUEEN
JANE TROZZO GETS SET FOR THE ‘MOTHER OF ALL PARTIES!”…WITH AN UNSUAL TWIST!
New range of exclusive indoor/outdoor table decor prove just the tonic for a season of summer shindigs
Designer Jane Trozzo of quirky home and garden accessories website JaneTrozzo.com (http://www.janetrozzo.com/) has released an exclusive range of personally-designed table dining sets as Brits get set for the “Mother of All Parties”.
COOL BRITANNIA
The stunning New Infinite Rose Cube by OnlyRoses
Show your patriotism this year with OnlyRoses stunning red, white and blue Infinite Rose ‘Cool Britannia’ Cube. The Cool Britannia Infinite Rose Cube is priced at £150
Event: ‘What The Butler Saw…Queens, Kings and all Inbetweens’
· Date: 3rd of June 2012 only – Time: 21:00- 03:00 (last admission at 1:00)
· Place: 66 West Smithfield, London, EC1N 9DY
· Artists: Frank and Nancy Sanazi, Beau Rocks, The Tootsie Rollers, Marnie Scarlett, Jonny Anglais, Living Cake Doll, Nikkita Sablier, Ghoulias Peculiars
DJs: Neoblade (C & D), The Secretary (TG)
· Full details: www.corsetanddiamonds.com and www.whatthebutlersaw.info
· Price: £25 in advance, £35 on the door
Philip Mould & Co’s upcoming exhibition entitled – “From the House of Tudor to British Regency” – a celebration of Royal Portraiture to coincide with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Highlights include a painting of Henry VIII by Hans Holbein the Younger, as well as a selection of intimate portrait miniatures, which were often secretly exchanged or presented as diplomatic gifts and tell the story of a monarch from a new perspective.
This exhibition runs from 29th June to 6th July, at Philip Mould & Co, 29 Dover Street, London, W1S 4NA.
– Brits to celebrate Jubilee with 200,000 cups of tea, 30,000 scones and enough picnic rugs to cover six football pitches –
As the Union Jack begins to line our streets, the National Trust is busy preparing for the Diamond Jubilee Weekend in the most British of ways – with almost 200,000 cups of tea.
Based on previous Bank Holiday figures the National Trust is making provisions for its Summer of Celebration with over 70 tea parties planned across the country where they expect almost 40,000 litres of tea to be drunk, and over 30,000 scones to be scoffed. The nation is also likely to put away around 85,000 cream teas and more than 11,000 sandwiches as the country celebrates in true British style.
The National Trust – the perfect location for Brits to come together and celebrate all that Great Britain has to offer – will be proudly displaying 7.3km of bunting (more than 4.5 miles) across the Jubilee weekend – enough to wrap around Buckingham Palace 16 times.
More than 23,000* picnic rugs are expected to be sold over the weekend of celebrations – which would cover an area of 41,812 square meters, the equivalent of six Wembley football pitches.
To mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Britain’s first budget hotel chain, Travelodge is offering a free UK weekend break to all couples who are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary this year.
Couples who got married in 1952, the year the Queen came to the throne can enjoy a complementary two night break including a traditional English breakfast* at any one of Travelodge’s 491 UK based hotels.
To qualify for the free diamond anniversary room offer couples need to register their details at: diamondoffer@travelodge.co.uk. They will be asked to send proof that they have been married for 60 years. Upon receipt of the requested information a free weekend break will be booked for the couple at a Travelodge hotel of their choice.
Inspired by the Queen’s enduring trimness, and in preparation for the demands of the Jubilee weekend, Harpers Fitness has put together a few tips on how people across the land can get one’s leg, arms and buttocks into Buckingham palace shape.
* Harpers Fitness, which runs over 70 gyms and leisure centre facilities across the country, has used its industry expertise to come up with three specific exercises that would ensure the Queen is in tip-top shape for the exertions of a very special weekend
* With the excitement of the nation building, who knows – she might already be doing them
* The recommended exercises are:
* The Wave: Hold one’s arm to the side of one’s body and raise, so that the arm is held out in front of the body and the elbow is bent at a right angle. With fingers loosely together and a slightly cupped palm, slowly rotate one’s wrist. Repeat with other arm. Aim to do three sets of 20 repetitions
* The Royal Squat: Stand up straight, then lower one’s posterior (crown jewels?) into a sitting position and maintaining a straight back, before slowly returning to the standing position. Repeat in sets of five – remembering to keep the expression on your face regal at all times. To ensure your back remains in the perfect ‘neutral’ position you should consider balancing a crown on one’s head and ensure it doesn’t fall off
* The Downward Corgi: Get on to one’s hands and knees. Pressing one’s hands into the floor/mat, slowly raise one’s hips, while learning back until one’s head, shoulders and spine are all aligned. This should lift one’s knees and make your body form a triangle with the floor/mat. Legs can be straight, although beginners may want to bend their legs slightly for a slightly less intense core workout
For an alternative to Pimms try Stone’s Ginger Lemonade Cup. This alternative cocktail from Stone’s Ginger Wine will put a fresh spin on any street party and is featured exclusively on the back of the limited edition label. Simply pour one measure (50ml) of Stone’s Ginger Wine, per person, into a jug, top with lemonade and add lots of ice. Pop in a few slices of cucumber and your favourite ripe fruits, add mint to garnish and you’ll have the perfect refreshing summer treat.
Graham Norton invites the nation to Party for Parkinson’s for The Queen’s Jubilee
Popular BBC TV Presenter and arguably the nation’s favourite party host, Graham Norton, has issued a rallying cry – urging everyone to Party for Parkinson’s this summer.
Whether it’s a barbecue, street or house party, Parkinson’s UK delete alongside Graham, hopes to encourage people to turn their gatherings into a real cause for celebration by helping to raise funds for the charity.
Though you can turn any event any event into a Party for Parkinson’s, with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee just weeks away, there is no better time to get the party started.
Graham, whose father lived with Parkinson’s for many years, explains: “Don’t be a party pooper. Get into the party spirit and invite family, friends and neighbours to your very own Party for Parkinson’s for a day to remember.
“Make it happen by hosting your own party, and you will be helping Parkinson’s UK to raise vital funds to improve the lives of the 127,000 in the UK living with the condition.
“Together and with your help, we can find a cure for Parkinson’s,” he added.
To help your party go with a bang, Parkinson’s UK have created some special additions for their free party pack. People really wanting to paint the town blue can also order special downloadable decorations in the charity’s trademark colour.
To find out more or to order your own Party for Parkinson’s pack, please visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call 0207 963 9319.
Celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in style with the help of luxurious British lifestyle brand Scarlet & Argent.
The brand has created a stunning limited edition Jubilee Throw made from beautifully soft 100% Lambswool and inspired by the colours of the Union Flag and the Thames River Pageant. It is available online at www.johnlewis.com and in John Lewis’ Oxford Street store from next week (w/c 14th May).
The Jubilee Throws are reversible and are ideal for throwing over a comfy sofa to watch the Jubilee celebrations on television, adorning a bed or as a patriotic travel rug. Price £160, size 195x120cm, weight 1.1kg.
Each throw is created exclusively by Yorkshire-based Hainsworth which is one of Britain’s most prestigious textile mills and a luxury fabric supplier to the Queen. Its iconic scarlet cloth is worn exclusively by the Queen’s Guards and Prince William even wore it on his wedding day.
The company was awarded the Royal Warrant for supplying Her Majesty the Queen with interior fabrics following the fire at Windsor Castle in 1992.
Only the finest natural materials are used in every Jubilee Throw and every piece is impeccably finished. It is this attention to detail that gives the beautiful woollen lifestyle accessories their exceptional quality, their indulgent textures and a special place in any home.
There are plenty of reasons to celebrate this summer, including the launch of three fabulous new Jubilee Edition versions of ROBERTS’ bestselling Revival DAB/FM radio, in high gloss red, white and blue.
The “Royal Kew Family Package” gives visitors to London the opportunity to enjoy the stylish accommodation and friendly service of the four-star, deluxe, Chiswick Moran Hotel, whilst experiencing the world’s most famous gardens and exploring their royal connections.
In the run up to, and during, Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Kew Gardens has launched a fascinating “Royal Kew” walking tour. Kew guides will introduce families to the history and importance of Kew and unveil the gardens’ wealth of Royal heritage and connections.
Prices for the “Royal Kew Family Package”, which is available from now until 8 June 2012, start from £280 for a family of four (terms & conditions apply). The price includes a two-night stay in an Executive Family Room on a bed and breakfast basis, a two-course dinner in the hotel’s stylish Napa restaurant on one of the evenings and entry to Kew Gardens.1 The hour-long “Royal Kew” guided tour is available daily at Kew Gardens and is free of charge on entry to the gardens. There is a limit of 15 people per tour and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The tour starts at midday and visitors are asked to register with the guide 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Oxford Street launched a Great British Fashion Flag Showcase with 147 union flags – including 10 dedicated fashion flags to celebrate Great British Fashion – ahead of the HM Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
MOËT & CHANDON CELEBRATES THE QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE WITH EXCLUSIVE COMMEMORATIVE LABEL
Established in 1743, Moët & Chandon has become the definitive champagne of celebration. The most renowned champagne house in the world has held the Royal Warrant since Queen Victoria recognised the quality of the Champagnes in 1893. This recognition was reaffirmed in 1955 when Moët & Chandon was granted the Royal Warrant by HM Queen Elizabeth II, which has been maintained over the last fifty seven years. Now in 2012, Moët & Chandon toasts this relationship by producing an exclusive Diamond Jubilee Cuvee.
HOW HAS DATING CHANGED SINCE PRINCESS ELIZABETH FIRST “STEPPED OUT” WITH HER DASHING PHILIP?
Relationship site eHarmony tells Frost Magazine about the similarities and differences between dating in the 1950s and the 2010s
In less than a week’s time Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip will stand side by side as the nation celebrates her sixty year reign. But how did the young Princess know when she first met her dashing Duke that he was to be her life partner? Were the customs of courtship in the 1940s and 1950s more successful in bringing lifelong couples together? To celebrate this Diamond Jubilee, relationship site eHarmony reviews how young couples met and dated sixty years ago and compares the advice given then, to our contemporary words of wisdom. And which makes more sense? You decide.
Dating in the 1950s
Dating in the 2010s
Men did the asking
It was always the man who proposed a date. It was not polite or acceptable for women to suggest an evening out together. With no answer machines or text messages in existence women would have to wait for a knock at the door or a telephone call. Men frequently ask
Whilst it’s still traditional for a man to ask, today women can and often do ask men on dates. For online daters many first dates are organised through email, text and by phone, this allows us all to have a bit more courage to ask .A date was a date
In the 40s and 50s, there was no confusion about what a date meant to either party. It was rare for men and women to be just friends. So if a man called a woman and asked her to dinner, he certainly had romance on his mind. Is this a date?
Men and women are now often friends, and can stay friends without any romantic involvement, even once a relationship comes to an end. So inviting someone to a pub or restaurant or accepting such invitation is no longer a certain hint at romantic intentions. Timing was everything
Notice was absolutely necessary for a date in polite society. At least two or three days’ notice was required for a lady’s diary and times to collect and return your young lady were critical. Competing for time
Modern daters are busy with their lives, and if they’re not around when the phone rings, it is acceptable to call back when convenient or to arrange a second date through a text or email. Respond immediately to your date invitation
If a lady was lucky enough to be asked out, it was her duty to respond immediately and of course with absolute politeness. Appearing too keen
Modern day dating seems to be more like a power battle. If a man asks, a woman cannot appear too keen. And yet, respond late and she risks appearing disinterested, particularly if the dater is communicating with other online matches. Always be on time
There’s no such thing as fashionably late; ladies must be ready when their date arrived. Always be on time
Today it is still considered rude to keep your date waiting for any longer than 5 minutes. Particularly if you are meeting in a public place (see below). Collecting your date
When date night arrived, the man would always organise the transportation. He would come to the door to greet his date before taking her to their venue and he always brought her safely home to her family. Meeting in public is a good idea
Unlike the traditional custom of collecting and being collected, today it is more common to make your own way to the first date and is sensible to meet in a public place. This takes away any fear and ensures safety until you get to know your date a little more. Introducing your date to your parents on a first date
When a man collected his young lady, it was customary for her to introduce him to her parents who would want to approve that he was suitable for their daughter. Introducing your date to family and friends means it’s serious
For many modern day daters, busy with work, life and possibly kids, introducing a partner to parents or family is more likely to happen once the dating phase is close or into the ‘relationship’ phase. Men always ordered
When dining out, the young lady should always tell her male friend what she would like before he orders for her.I know what I want
Today, it is unheard of to expect your date to order for you. Women know what they want and will ask for it.Men always paid
When the bill arrived, the man would always pay. It was unthinkable for a woman to offer any money.The payment dilemma
Many men still feel that they should pick up the bill, but paying is a tricky issue. Sometimes women are insulted at the implication they can’t take care of themselves. For some men, traditional notions are outdated. It is polite to always offer to “Go Dutch” but to accept if the other party then insists that he or she should pay.
Jenni Trent Hughes, Relationship Expert for eHarmony believes the dating process holds a mirror to the society of the time. She says: “In the 40s and 50s, the family unit was strong and often men and women in their twenties were still living at home with their families. Communities were close and approval was of paramount importance. Politeness and reference was a critical part of the dating process. Today our society is more fractured. We move away from home for work or college and both men and women are juggling busy lives and demands on their time. We meet more as equals and must make our own decisions. It’s fast paced and exciting but not without its etiquette protocols entirely.”
For more information on how to make the most of the dating experience, check out eHarmony’s Dating Advice site at: http://www.eharmony.co.uk/relationship-advice/dating
Boris won. Ken lost. So that’s the Mayoral nonsense out of the way. I popped into my local church and put my cross in the boxes. Curious really, a kind of religious voting experience. But it was probably a futile gesture as nothing much will change. Everything will stay expensive. Nothing will get cheaper. And the weirdo fringe candidates like the BNP and Liberal Democrats attracted hardly any support in the end. So what was the point of them all? It was Boris vs Ken. And think of all the money they both wasted. But hey that’s democracy so I guess I shouldn’t complain. In London we seem to lead the way in fairness and openness. That is unless of course you’re trying to get into the country via Heathrow. Yes London’s premier airport is leading the world now in queues. It’s our Olympic year and London is saying welcome and come on in. You’ve flown for a few hours and now as a welcoming exercise we’d like you to stand in line for three more tedious hours and shuffle along like drugged penguins. Our staff have all been employed only if they are miserable and intolerant. Make any kind of fuss – even slightly raise your voice and miraculously we have loads of staff to escort you to an interrogation room. Hm. And I love our chip and pin type passports with their hi tec machines plus their human components. Last month I flew back from France. Confidently headed for the chipped passport gates but before I got there a very kind lady stopped me and explained how to use them. Hm.
Isn’t the point being that it’s a machine with clear instructions. So I listened to her briefly and her two colleagues who came across to assist her! I didn’t want to seem rude so instead of putting my passport on the reader I politely let them waste five minutes of my time and then I did what I was intending all along. I put my passport on the reader and looked at the camera thing. The gates opened and I ran for the Heathrow Express. Over manning or what? Meanwhile the other queue snaked back out of the corridor. Welcome to London.
My favourite new bit of over hyping Olympic nonsense was the pure London moment when the army went to Bow to put missiles onto the roofs of tower blocks to find many already had them. Just kidding! But seriously the kids are more armed than the army round that way. Pity the terrorist who wanders into Bow, he’s done for. Personally I think it’s a scam by Barratt’s Homes or even the Government. I mean imagine if they do shoot down a plane. Where does it crash exactly? Bow or Canning Town somewhere. It’s a regeneration project essentially dressed up as security. But we lurch closer to the joy of the Olympics with each passing week. My most chilling moment was watching some bland nerk from Transport for London (TFL) colloquially known as Totally ********* London. He stood in front of the front of a station and calmly asserted that there would be 3 million more tube passengers using the system EVERY DAY during the Olympics. What? Have any of them actually been on the tube? It is going to be a nightmare. But then only a London official could make the following statement. He went on to say that today they were launching a poster campaign and get this ‘encouraging Londoner’s to find different ways to get to work’. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh. Different ways? What Hot Air balloons, jet packs, levitation. How about roller skates? It’s like they’ve collectively all dropped some acid. They have abandoned any grasp on reality. But hey ho! This is London and TFL and anything is possible apparently. Come the games it’s essentially going to be the world’s largest and sweatiest mobile game of Twister!
But it’s not all bad news. It’s the Queens Diamond Jubilee celebration soon (god bless her). A procession of golden boats and pageantry and an opportunity for street parties. So here in London it’s a chance for another holiday as remember its bank holiday season. Every other week seems to be a holiday. Which on the one hand is great. On the other the train companies calmly make every weekend a train free zone. And from what I see on some of the weekend jubilee celebrations the train companies will do their level best to stop you getting there. No wonder Londoners get so resigned to their travelling fate. However at my local London Overground station when I head for the platform the staff now excitedly tell me we have trains honestly lots of them look go and see! It’s quite touching in a way.
Finally trend news moment. It’s now the complete rise of the east with the Sushi places I’ve mentioned before. But now I see a blossoming undercurrent of new British themed gastro pubs or ‘eating rooms’ as they trendily call themselves. It’s suddenly organic sausages and Kent potatoes and gravy. And whilst I cautiously welcome this type of place (all very 50’s in decor but British 50’s mind you so coooool) again the prices are very scary. I went to a new one plugged in the Evening Standard and paid eighteen pounds for some chops. Not very recession friendly. Conversely I notice most of them are signed up to that Taste Card company (as am I) Discount food seems the only way they can get people in at the start of the week. Remember folks it’s a double dip recession so watch those pennies. And choose carefully. Although is it stopping us going out to these places? Are people baulking at the prices? No not really. It’s a London thing.
The world definitely needs more trees, so, good news!
DoubleTree by Hilton is proud to announce that they have officially become a Silver Sponsor of the Woodland Trust Jubilee Woods campaign. The celebration of the longstanding relationship between the two prominent tree brands will see 20,000 trees planted in the UK during 2012, as well as additional support of the Visit Woods initiative, an online woodland search solution which encourages nature lovers to explore the tranquillity of woodland sites across the country.
DoubleTree by Hilton, one of the most dynamic, fast-growing brands in the hotel industry, has worked with the Woodland Trust since its UK debut in 2008, by funding the planting of tens of thousands of trees, hosting Woodland Trust awareness events and connecting children with nature through Woodland Discovery Days.
The Jubilee Woods Project, which has Her Majesty The Queen’s support and HRH The Princess Royal as Patron, aims to plant 6 million trees across the UK and involve millions of people in a year of tree planting Jubilee celebrations. The Jubilee Woods project aims to create hundreds of Jubilee Woods and 60 special Diamond Woods, transforming the UK’s landscape in a generation and providing a lasting and meaningful tribute for many years to come. More than one million trees were officially planted across the UK in February during the first month of the Jubilee Woods call-to-action.
Rob Palleschi, Global Head, DoubleTree by Hilton, said, “DoubleTree by Hilton believes that small actions can collectively make a world of difference, both in our hotels and the environment. This has led to the planting of more than 350,000 trees by our brand in a variety of reforestation projects worldwide. We are honored to enter our fifth year of partnership with the Woodland Trust by celebrating such an auspicious occasion as the Queen’s Jubilee, through the planting of 20,000 trees across the UK. Along with support of the Visit Woods programme, DoubleTree by Hilton looks forward to continued work with the Woodland Trust on a series of nature education initiatives that encourage and inspire people across the UK to connect with and appreciate the great outdoors.”
The first of the 20,000 trees to be planted between DoubleTree by Hilton and the Woodland Trust for the Jubilee Woods project included the ceremonial planting of 16 Royal Oak saplings during the first full week of spring, one sapling to represent each of the brand’s 16 UK hotels. Each Royal Oak sapling has been grown from an acorn gathered from a royal estate around the country. Once strong enough, the Royal Oak saplings will be permanently planted in Merry Hill Woods, located between Harrow and Watford on the outskirts of London. The Royal Oak saplings, along with the thousands more trees planted with support from DoubleTree by Hilton, will significantly help the Woodland Trust reach their target of planting 6 million trees in the UK in 2012.
DoubleTree by Hilton first partnered with the Woodland Trust in 2008 to raise awareness of the Visit Woods campaign. As well as funding the planting of thousands of trees, DoubleTree by Hilton has also hosted Woodland Trust awareness events, connected children with nature through Woodland Discovery Days and encouraged nature lovers to explore the tranquillity of woodland sites across the country.
VisitWoods.org.uk maps nearly 14,000 woodlands across the UK giving easy access to information on nearly all publicly accessible woods. Guests at each of the 16 UK DoubleTree by Hilton hotels, whether they are in a city or rural location, can find out more about native and ancient woodlands to create a Woodland Weekend mini-break within easy reach of any DoubleTree by Hilton destination. The hotel brand already has worked with the Woodland Trust to sponsor this spring’s Visit Woods Woodland Photography Competition, currently running through June 30, 2012.
Penny Pulfrey, partnership manager at the Woodland Trust, said: “The UK lags way behind the rest of Europe when it comes to tree cover. Only 13% of the UK is covered by woodland, compared to a European average of 44%. We strive to ensure woodland is high on the environmental agenda and are delighted to continue working with a brand such as DoubleTree by Hilton, which has demonstrated genuine commitment to the environment.”
For more information about the Woodland Trust, please visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk. For more information about DoubleTree by Hilton, visit www.doubletree.com, call 00800 2222 8733 or contact your travel agent.
Since the marriage between Kate Middleton and Prince William, Prince Harry has been thrust into the spotlight as the most eligible bachelor in Britain. Third in line to the throne, the remaining handsome Prince has become an object of desire for girls across the globe. A brand new Channel 4 documentary, First Cut: The Harry Hunters is set to follow five girls who are determined in their quest to snag their very own Prince Charming.
The film follows 21-year old American friends Cassie and Whitney who grew up in rural Iowa, watching Disney movies and dreaming they would one day marry Prince Harry. They know that to achieve your dreams you have to be prepared to go the distance. Cassie and Whitney have done their research and have a plan – to hit his favourite haunts – from Polo clubs to exclusive Mayfair nightspots.
However, they have strong competition from the ‘queens’ of the social network in East London. School friends Joy and Jade know Prince Harry’s whereabouts at any time, day or night. Twitter is their medium of choice – whether Harry’s partying in Croatia or flying Apache helicopters, they will know within seconds. 16-year old Joy even has an engagement ring for the Prince when the right moment comes to propose.
And finally 14-year-old Flora who hangs out in Chelsea, London and avidly reads the newspapers to know what Prince Harry is up to each week. However, she is determined to impress her teenage heart-throb by working hard at school in her hopes to become an intelligent Princess.
Channel 4 Commissioning Editor Aysha Rafael says: “The Harry Hunters shares the romantic age-old dreams held by thousands of young girls around the world. They fantasise of fairy tale dresses, extravagant royal weddings and for that special day when they finally meet their Prince Charming.”
First Cut: The Harry Hunters is directed by first time producer and director, Emily Hughes and is executive produced by Emily Renshaw-Smith and Peter Dale.
First Cut is a collection of original and bold documentary films by up and coming first time directors and part of Channel 4’s continuous commitment to nurturing new and diverse talent. It first launched in 2007 and now in its sixth year and is commissioned by Aysha Rafaele.
Lady Gaga takes the cover of Vanity Fair. She tells Vanity Fair: ‘I can’t commit to being an adult- I’m not ready.’
One of the main reasons I subscribe to Vanity Fair is the intelligent articles. I get my monthly dose of politics and economics. This month is no exception, there are brilliant articles to help you understand the economical crisis and a brilliant article on George F. Kennedy.
Vanity Fair take Celine Dion out to lunch and she tells them she has over 3000 pair of shoes.
There is a brilliant article on Rick Perry, can he comeback?
Salman Rushdie on Lewis Carroll’s struggle to write his second book. ‘Follow that syndrome’ and how it helped him. Great piece.
The Japanese workers cleaning up Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Rebecca Eaton, who has put her stamp on Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs amongst others.
Michael Ovitz and his (alleged) failed takeover of IMG from the late Teddy Forstmann.
The wonderful Christopher Hitchens debates whether the phrase ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’ has merit.
The Queen and Prince Phillip in love. 16 pages on the blossoming of their love.
And P.D. James answers the Proust Questionnaire.
Marie Claire has Kelly Rowland on the cover. She talks Beyonce, men, music and admits she has cellulite.
There is a lot of clothes and shoes that will help you plan your wardrobe for next year, and lots of sparkly stuff for Christmas.
There is also a 2011 in review. Most magazines do this in December, watch out for Frosts.
Why famous men cheat, and does it sound like your man? Good article, and Lizzie Cundy tells Marie Claire how it felt when her husband cheated on her. Forgive and forget?
Four style savvy women share the party prepping secrets.
Janine di Giovanni goes in search of the truth about Aisha Gaddafi.
Should you tell your boss if your pregnant?
Matt Smith interview.
Who finds you the perfect date?
Jean Shrimpton’s Life story.
Amy Manson on the things she loves.
Future proof your looks.
Dakota Fanning’s beauty rules.
There is a very informative article on hormone problems, their symptoms and treatments.
Florence Welch take the cover of British Vogue and is interviewed inside. She tells Vogue: ‘I don’t think I’ll ever be polished. I’m integrally slightly scruffy. You know, you meet those women who are so cool? I’m striving for that so much!”.
In Vogue’s scrapbook there is a guide to flowers and their seasons and lots of floral dresses.
Sarah Lund from The Killing is interviews and asked about THAT jumper.
Women under siege, stories from women in Libya.
The new generation of female drummers.
Designing Duos.
Michael Kors
The Frieze Art; pictures and interviews from the art world’s fashion week.
Nomi Rapace interview.
Steven Spielberg and the cast for Warhorse.
Vogue’s great escapes. A brief history of Vogue shoots in foreign countries.
Three beauty hotshots show you how to par-down your make up bag.
Fast track your workout.
Glamour has X Factor’s Tulisa on the cover. She says ‘I don’t think I am anything like Cheryl, except we can both put a bit of volume in our hair’. She also says that she likes to ‘stick up for other women’. Which makes Frost like her. A lot.
Dermont O’Leary interview.
Don’t fear your fashion ghosts.
Get your dream job in 2012.
How to get blogged about.
The truth about food intolerance.
3 Health problems you can fix yourself.
Can dating pro Matthew Hussey find you a man?
Tamara and Petra Ecclestone.
There is a good article on the rise of those awful pay day loan companies, beware of them at all costs!
Hollywood female stereotypes, a funny article by Mindy Kaling, writer of the US Office.
The truth about Hollywood stars selling their bodies when times get tough.
Give your closet a January detox with Danni Minogue.
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RUGBY WORLD CUP FANS FACE AVERAGE HOTEL PRICE HIKES OF 29%
Impact of major sporting events on room rates revealed in Hotels.com new HPI
British rugby fans travelling to the World Cup in New Zealand are facing steep average price increases of 29% for hotel rooms, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI).
The booking demand for the six-week tournament in the first six months of the year contributed to the sharp rise with the average room rates in the host cities of Wellington up 29% to £73 per night and Auckland up 11% to £68 per night. The overall rate in New Zealand itself also rose 14% to £70.
As well as big rugby showpieces, the Hotels.com report reveals how Formula One Grand Prix racing can affect prices and occupancy rates in venue cities with the sport being one of the factors behind a 22% jump in Melbourne to £96 and a 5% rise in Barcelona to£102.
Sports fans also helped to boost the price of a room in London by 3% to £113 with the city at full occupancy for the Wimbledon tennis tournament.
The latest HPI also charts how prices can fall dramatically after a major sports event such as the football World Cup in South Africa. The country saw its average room rate tumble by 17% in the first six months of the year to £105 with host cities Cape Town down 20% to £100 and Johannesburg down 13% to £111.
The statistics could provide a pointer to what could happen in London before, during and after the 2012 Olympics with some industry insiders already predicting rates could jump as high as 50%.
Alison Couper of Hotels.com, said: “Prestige sporting events are key drivers of hotel prices and can lead to double-digit percentage increases as many rugby fans have found.
“What is happening in New Zealand and what happened in South Africa could provide a foretaste for what might occur in London next year. It is expected that several thousand additional hotel rooms will be available in the city in the run-up to the 2012 Olympics. However, despite the extra capacity, we would urge people thinking of coming to London next summer to book their accommodation as soon as they can as the demand and prices could soar the closer we get to the event.
“London is always popular with both domestic and foreign travellers but the Games are set to take that popularity to a new level.”
The impact of other non-sporting, one-off events on hotel prices could also be seen in the report. Dublin witnessed a 7% increase in the average cost of a room to £73 with the visits of the Queen and Barack Obama in May enhancing the city’s profile and appeal. Dusseldorf also saw an increase by 17% to £100 after the German city hosted the Eurovision Song Contest in May.
The Hotels.com HPI tracks the real prices paid per hotel room (rather than advertised rates) for 125,000 properties around the world. The latest HPI looks at prices in the first half of 2011 compared tothose in the first half of 2010.
