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King Charles III releases poignant statement following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II

'A moment of the greatest sadness'

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 8th September 2022

King Charles III has released a statement paying tribute to his mother, HM Queen Elizabeth II, who died today aged 96.

His Majesty described The Queen as ‘cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother’.

The former Prince of Wales has automatically become King at the age of 73 following the death of Queen Elizabeth, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch.

His statement, shared by Buckingham Palace, said: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

Queen Elizabeth II with the former Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. Credit: Rawpixel

“We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished sovereign and a much-loved mother.

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“I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms and the Commonwealth and by countless people around the world.

“During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which the Queen was so widely held.”

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Queen Elizabeth died at Balmoral today, it was announced this evening.

King Charles III has paid tribute to his mother. Credit: Royal Family

Members of the Royal Family rushed to be with her after doctors said they were ‘concerned’ for her health.

A statement issued today confirmed the news, saying: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.

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“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

Prime Minister Liz Truss confirmed that Charles would take the title of King Charles III in a statement delivered on the steps of Downing Street.

Camilla will become Queen Consort.

Featured image: Wikimedia Commons

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Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time

Danny Jones Danny Jones

More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.

As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.

The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.

Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…

rare african ducklings hatched at chester zoo
‘It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die‘ (Credit: Chester Zoo)

If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.

As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”

These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.

As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.

However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.

Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.

rare african ducks chester zoo
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.
maccao ducks chester zoo
Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.
As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)

The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,

“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.

“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”

Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.

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Featured Images — Chester Zoo (supplied)

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Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.

Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.

The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.

This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.

As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.

‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.

You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.

Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.

This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.

Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone's calendar year in and year out.
The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.
First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)

Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”

“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”

You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.

Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.

Manchester United tease new collaboration with Manc streetwear brand Drama Call

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Featured Images — CHANEL Spri-Sum 2015 Haute Couture Show/Pexels/Goodfon/WikiCommons

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