Prince William has shared a sweet message to Princess Catherine as the royal celebrates her 43rd birthday.
Known for keeping her birthday celebrations low-key, the beloved royal is set to spend the day surrounded by close family, according to the New York Post.
While Princess Catherine enjoyed the festive season at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, England, she returned to Adelaide Cottage to celebrate her special day.
Prince William marked the special day with a touching tribute and a new photograph.
In a post shared on X, the future king wrote: “To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength you’ve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis, and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W.”
The message was accompanied by a striking black-and-white photograph of the princess. Dressed in a gingham scarf, Catherine is captured smiling warmly with her hands tucked into the pockets of her jeans.
The royal family’s official social media accounts also celebrated the occasion, sharing a cheerful post that read: “Happy Birthday to The Princess of Wales!”
The message was paired with a photograph of Catherine smiling and accepting bouquets of flowers during the Christmas Day church service at Sandringham.
The heartfelt messages come after a particularly challenging year for the Princess of Wales. Over the past 12 months, Catherine has faced a series of health challenges, including abdominal surgery, a cancer diagnosis, and chemotherapy treatment.
The princess spent nearly two weeks in the London Clinic following an operation on January 16, 2023. While recovering at home, she was informed of her cancer diagnosis and began chemotherapy shortly thereafter.
In September, after completing her treatment, the Princess shared a candid reflection on her health journey:
“Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus. Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”
Princess Catherine is expected to gradually resume her public duties this year as she continues her recovery.
The princess’s determination and resilience have drawn admiration from many, including her husband, who described 2024 as “brutal” and “probably the hardest year” of his life.
The family has faced additional challenges, with King Charles also undergoing cancer treatment, which is expected to continue into this year.
Featured image credit: Karwai Tang/Getty
Liam Payne’s cause of death is confirmed, per inquest
By Michelle H
Former One Direction star Liam Payne’s cause of death has been confirmed.
The 31-year-old singer died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Police were alerted to the scene following reports of “an aggressive man who could be under the effects of drugs and alcohol.” Upon arrival, officers were informed by the hotel manager of a loud noise in the inner courtyard. Investigators found that Payne had fallen from his room’s balcony.
Audio obtained from the Buenos Aires security ministry reveals a hotel worker calling for help, stating: “When he is conscious, he is destroying the entire room, and we need you to send someone.” The worker also expressed concern about the balcony, noting, “The guest’s life was at risk.”
In Argentina, five individuals have been charged in connection with Payne’s death. The hotel’s manager, a receptionist, and a friend of Payne face manslaughter charges, while two others, including a hotel employee and a waiter, have been charged with supplying cocaine.
During a hearing on December 17 at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court, Senior Coroner Crispin Butler had stated that determining the exact circumstances of Payne’s death “may take some time” due to ongoing investigations in Argentina.
Now, according to a UK inquest, Payne’s death has been officially attributed to “polytrauma,” reports The Mirror US.
Payne’s funeral took place in November in Buckinghamshire, attended by his former partner Cheryl Tweedy, their son Bear, and fellow One Direction members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson.
The singer, who rose to fame with One Direction, had pursued a successful solo career following the band’s hiatus, releasing his debut album LP1 in December 2019.
Last month, a friend who was with Payne an hour before he died opened up about how the singer was prior to the incident.
Payne’s close friend, Roger Nores, has since shared new insights into the One Direction star’s tragic death.
Nores, a businessman from Argentina who befriended Payne in 2020 at a Vogue event in London, was with the singer on the day he died.
In a recent interview featured in the new documentary TMZ Investigates: Liam Payne: Who’s to Blame?, Nores pushed back against reports that Payne had been in a frenzied state before his death, instead describing him as “in good spirits”.
Nores revealed details of their final interaction, describing Payne as relaxed and cheerful.
“I’m a very good friend of Liam, and I was with him the day that he passed away,” Nores said in the documentary.
“He was in good spirits. He was like talking to 10 or 15 Americans that were here for a wedding. And so he was talking to them, and he was joking around.”
Featured image credit: Jeff Schear / Getty
Woman who vanished 52 years ago found alive and well
By Asiya Ali
A woman who mysteriously disappeared 52 years ago has finally been found alive.
Sheila Fox disappeared from Coventry, UK, in 1972 when she was just 16 years old, The Guardian reported.
West Midlands police reported that the missing teenager had been living with her parents at the time of her disappearance and may have been in a relationship with a man.
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For decades, investigators explored all possibilities and held onto the hope that Fox had simply moved away from the area. However, no trace of her was found until a renewed appeal led to a breakthrough.
On Sunday (December 29), West Midlands Police released a grainy photograph of Fox from the time of her disappearance on their website and social media platforms.
Within hours of its release, members of the public got in touch with police about crucial information that led to finding the woman, who is now 68.
On Wednesday (January 1), authorities revealed that Fox is alive, and well, and is now living in another part of the country.
The announcement marks the resolution of one of the longest-running missing person cases that the force has investigated.
A police spokesperson spoke about the incredible discovery in a news release, which read: “We are delighted to announce the conclusion of one of West Midlands police’s longest-running missing person investigations.”
“A single photo of Sheila from around the time of her disappearance was found by officers investigating and published on our website and social media. Within hours of the appeal, members of the public got in touch with information which led the team to her,” they added.
DS Jenna Shaw, from the cold case investigation team, also shared a statement: “We searched through every piece of evidence we could find and managed to locate a photo of Sheila.
“We are a small team of officers and I’d like to recognize the work of DC Shaun Reeve, who managed to resolve this case with help from the public. Every missing person has a story, and their families and friends deserve to know what happened to them and, hopefully, be reunited with them,” she said.
The force recognized that advancements in forensic technology have greatly enhanced their ability to investigate cold cases, leading to success in identifying and locating missing people.
Featured image credit: West Midlands Police
Princess Catherine makes rare comment about cancer battle after meeting hospital staff
By James Kay
Princess Catherine has offered a rare update regarding her battle with cancer as she greeted hospital workers on Christmas Day.
The 42-year-old Royal had announced her cancer diagnosis in March, a revelation that deeply touched the public.
The royal underwent surgery in January, where the discovery was made, leading her to begin a preventative course of chemotherapy.
She shared news of her diagnosis in a video released on March 22, addressing her absence from public life, which had led to various speculations.
By September 9, Catherine announced that she had completed her chemotherapy and was “cancer-free”.
Reflecting on the experience, she said: “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”
Princess Catherine described the complexity and fear of the cancer journey while highlighting the new perspective it brought her: “The cancer journey is complex, scary, and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything.”
She also expressed hope for the future, writing: “William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time. Everyone’s kindness, empathy, and compassion has been truly humbling.”
Her message concluded with an uplifting note for those facing similar battles: “To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright.”
A couple of days ago, alongside her family, Catherine greeted members of the public as they walked to and from the traditional Christmas morning service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
Among those Kate spoke with was Rachel Anvil, 24, a worker at Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital, part of Britain’s National Health Service (NHS). Rachel, who began her career in a cancer unit, used the opportunity to express her admiration for the Princess.
“I started my career in the Macmillan cancer unit, and I just wanted to say, you’re an inspiration to all the patients,” Rachel said in a video shared by her mother, Karen, on Instagram.
Visibly moved, Princess Kate responded: “Thank you, honestly. The amount of people who have written this year is extraordinary and I think cancer just really does resonate with so many families.”
Rachel praised the Princess for her courage in sharing her story, highlighting how much it meant to cancer patients.
Kate reciprocated the admiration, saying: “People like you are doing all the hard work out there. I’m hugely grateful.”
Rachel’s mother also shared an encouraging message: “We’re all behind you, never forget that.” Kate smiled and thanked the pair for their “kind” words.
Rachel later reflected on the encounter, describing it as a deeply meaningful moment. “I didn’t go expecting to have such a lovely opportunity,” she told The New York Post.
“Especially after the year she had, I just wanted to say how much she means to cancer sufferers.”
Rachel’s connection to cancer extends beyond her professional work. She shared that her great-grandmother passed away from lung cancer, and her NHS experience allowed her to provide final care. “My heart belongs to the NHS and health care,” she said.
Rachel also praised Kate for addressing one of cancer’s often-overlooked effects: loneliness.
“The thing that it gives to people is it makes them feel less alone,” she said. “The general consensus is she is really brave and has done an incredible thing.”
She added: “She’s so humble. I really did want to take the opportunity to say you’re so brave. But she still took the opportunity to say, ‘You know what? I’m so grateful that I got care from people like you.’”
Reflecting on the experience, Rachel said: “Getting that opportunity — I shook hands with the future queen of England and got to tell her what a wonderful job she’s doing. How many people get to do that? I will never forget it. It was such a buzz.”
Featured image credit: Mark Cuthbert/Getty
UK’s ‘most dangerous prisoner’ who will spend Christmas in underground glass cell once asked for a chilling gift
By James Kay
The “most dangerous prisoner” in the UK is set to spend his 51st Christmas in an underground cell.
However, despite his isolated living situation, that hasn’t stopped him from asking for a grim present.
Robert Maudsley has been incarcerated since the 1970s after being convicted of three murders and one manslaughter, per the Guardian.
Known for targeting pedophiles, rapists, and other sex offenders, Maudsley has spent the last four decades in solitary confinement.
His cell, often compared to Hannibal Lecter’s fictional containment, is a bulletproof glass enclosure designed specifically for him.
According to The Sun, Maudsley spends 23 hours a day in this space, with one hour allowed for exercise.
Even on Christmas, he remains separated from all other prisoners due to his continued insistence that he would kill again if given the opportunity.
“He was told no last month but appealed against the decision and wanted to spend Christmas in the presence of other humans,” Maudsley’s nephew revealed in 2021. “But he’s just been told no for the final time. Being alone for that long does something to you. He isn’t OK, and they cannot take the risk of what he might do.”
Maudsley’s crimes are chilling. His first murder occurred in 1974 when John Farrell, a man who had picked Maudsley up for sex, showed him photographs of children he had abused.
Enraged, Maudsley strangled Farrell to death before surrendering to police, citing his need for psychiatric care.
While imprisoned for that crime, Maudsley killed David Francis, a convicted child molester, torturing him for nine hours before ending his life.
In 1978, he murdered two inmates in a single day: Salney Darwood, who had been jailed for killing his wife, and William Roberts.
After stabbing and strangling them, Maudsley turned himself in, reportedly telling guards: “You’ll be missing two on the roll call.”
Maudsley’s cell is 18ft by 15ft and he reportedly sleeps on a stone slab, unable to see or speak to anyone else.
Despite all of this, back in 2000 he still found time to write a letter to The Times in order to ask for some gifts.
Maudsley asked for a cell so he could “see the world”, but what was more chilling was his plans if he was denied.
He wrote: “[I] ask for a simple cyanide capsule which I shall willingly take and the problem of Robert John Maudsley can easily and swiftly be resolved.”
He also asked for a pet budgie and promised “not to eat it”.
Elsewhere in the harrowing letter he asked for either better conditions or the death penalty.
“What purpose is served by keeping me locked up 23 hours a day?” he asked. “Why even bother to feed me and to give me one hour’s exercise a day? Who actually am I a risk to?”
He said the psychological toll of his confinement, adding: “As a consequence of my current treatment and confinement, I feel that all I have to look forward to is indeed psychological breakdown, mental illness, and probable suicide.”
Featured image credit: Michael Steele/Getty
Boy, 6, dies after ‘banging his head at school’
By Asiya Ali
A six-year-old has tragically died after “banging his head” at school.
Muhammad Yaseen Uddin, known to loved ones as Yaseen, was a student at Marlborough Primary School in Small Heath, Birmingham.
The six-year-old boy was found dead in his bed last Wednesday (December 12), which was a day after the school called his mother, asking for Uddin to be picked up after he fell and hit his head, Metro reported.
The staff reassured his mom that his head injury was “just a bump” and “nothing serious”.
But tragically, after Yaseen ate a slice of his older sister’s birthday cake and was put to bed that evening, his distraught mom could not wake him up for school the following day. He was later pronounced dead.
“He was a bright, joyful spirit and he was a beautiful, kind-hearted little boy who passed away in his sleep,” his grieving father Simriel Uddin told Daily Mail.
“I feel let down [by] the school but I also believe it is written, as a Muslim, that when your time comes, your time comes,” he continued. “They need to have medical staff in school because under Leigh Trust this is the second time a child has had a bump and passed away, just prior to Covid.”
“So they need to be more alert and there needs to be first-aiders in schools to pick up on these signs,” he added.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help Yaseen’s family with funeral costs, as well as raising money to build a mosque in memory of the little boy. As of this writing, £6,122 ($7,774) has been raised.
It reads: “Muhammad Yaseen Uddin, my beautiful, kind-hearted and loving six-year-old son, sadly lost his life in a tragic accident. In remembrance of Yaseen, we would like to raise funds to build a mosque/ madrassa as this will be Sadaqah Jariya for you and me in sha Allah.
Razia Ali, executive headteacher at Yaseen’s school, has issued a tribute statement to Birmingham Live.
The school said it is providing support for its students and staff as they come to terms with the heartbreaking loss.
Our thoughts are with Yaseen’s family and friends at this time.
