Latest news with #Panorama
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Panorama runners conquer the ultimate race
Several runners from the Panorama Running Club took part in this year's Comrades Marathon which took place on Sunday, June 8, and whether it was their first or fifth time on the course, each participant had a unique reason for running and a story to tell. For Ofentse Lebethe, this was not a new challenge. 'I wanted to see if I could do it again,' he said. Having completed multiple Comrades before, Lebethe used his experience and training to push through difficult moments, particularly when his feet began to ache around the 70 km mark. First-time runner Sibusiso Ngcobo said he was drawn by the prestige of the event. 'The stature of the race is what inspired me,' he said. Though he found this year's down run particularly tough, he was motivated by the strong support along the route and from fellow runners. Portia Alexander said watching the race on TV as a child sparked her interest. 'I always knew I would do it,' she said. After struggling with fitness in the lead-up, she relied on long weekend runs with her club to build the endurance needed for race day. Also read: Comrades countdown begins for Panorama runners Training with the local club helped all five runners prepare both physically and mentally. Gangatha Mkele, chairman of the club, highlighted the importance of structured sessions, including track training at Ruimsig Stadium. 'It helped me stay focused and build the speed I needed,' he says. For Gangatha, the moments that stood out were from encouraging cheers from the crowd to spotting loved ones along the route. 'Seeing my wife and hearing her say, 'Do something special,' really lifted my spirits,' he says. 'My club took away all the anxiety,' said Alexander highlighting that club support played a big role. Others mentioned the value of sharing the journey with teammates and knowing there were others behind them, both literally and figuratively. When asked if they would return, responses varied. Some are already planning for next year, while others are taking a break or looking for new goals. Still, most agree that the race is worth the effort. Their advice to newcomers is to start early, train consistently, and don't do it alone. 'Join a club and train with others,' said Alexander. 'It helps more than you think.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Edinburgh Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry axe four key staff members after 'disaster move'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to reports, have dismissed four major employees following a sequence of public relations missteps. It's claimed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have separated from LA-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK press officer Charlie Gipson, both of whom joined their team in April 2024. Recent weeks have also seen two other members of Harry and Meghan's personal staff reportedly depart. These shifts follow Harry and Meghan's appointment of a new communications team earlier this year, overseen by chief communication officer Meredith Maines, who has confirmed her squad comprises eight people spread across five different time zones. READ MORE - Royal fans spot 'major change' for Prince Louis at Trooping the Colour READ MORE - Kate Middleton's 'firm' command to Prince Louis on palace balcony exposed Adding to their revamped communications armoury, Harry and Meghan have brought on Emily Robinson, the ex-publicity manager for The Crown during its controversial seasons three through six, as their director of communications. The sixth season of the acclaimed Netflix series included contentious representations, like Prince Harry in Nazi garb, Princess Diana's impactful Panorama interview, and even portrayed Diana in ghostly conversations with Queen Elizabeth II. An insider speaking to Hello! Magazine hinted at further potential upheavals, saying: "Something tells me there will be another change in the future. Meghan and Harry have hired some of the most incredible people at the top of their fields, yet somehow none of them ever work out.", reports the Mirror. The couple, who renounced senior Royal duties in 2020 and relocated to California with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, seem to be navigating choppy staffing waters. Following alterations within the Sussexes' team, their Chief Communications Officer Meredith shared a statement with The Mirror: "As the Duke and Duchess's business and philanthropic interests grow, I have made the strategic decision to move toward a more traditional communications structure of specialist agency support, as previously reported in Forbes and PR Week several weeks ago. Transitioning from a team of two to an agency support staff of eight, operating across five different time zones, will give international media and stakeholders better access, and critically, faster response times to inquiries." The Sussexes have recently caused a stir with some of their media appearances, including a controversial BBC interview given by Harry after his appeal against the downgrade of his UK security was rejected. In the interview, Harry alleged that his father, King Charles, is no longer speaking to him due to disagreements over his security arrangements while in the UK. (Image: Anadolu via Getty Images) (Image: Getty) He also brought up the King's cancer treatment and expressed uncertainty about "how much longer my father has left," which drew criticism for fuelling speculation about the monarch's health. Meghan Markle delighted fans by sharing a playful video where she's seen twerking with Prince Harry as part of her efforts to induce labour while she was pregnant with Lilibet. In the light-hearted Instagram clip, sprightly Meghan narrates over the minute-long footage saying: "Four years ago today, this also happened. Both of our children were a week past their due dates... so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn't work – there was only one thing left to do!". Moreover, the Duchess has enjoyed success with her Netflix series, 'With Love, Meghan,' which, despite receiving a mix of critiques, proved popular enough to bag a second season on the streaming site. Adding to her ventures, Meghan has introduced her own brand, As Ever, offering a selection of homemade products such as raspberry jam, wildflower honey, herbal teas, flower sprinkles, crepe mix, and shortbread cookie mix. It was earlier mentioned that Meghan was poised to attend a charity gala in Los Angeles; however, the event is no longer going forward due to the unrest in the city. She was to be the guest of honour at the Museum of Natural History in LA, where she planned to speak about her extensive charitable activities. Amidst the ongoing protests in LA, with demonstrators clashing with ICE officers, the prestigious Night of Wonder event has been put on hold. Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, commented: "As an institution 'of, for, and with Los Angeles,' our responsibility during challenging times is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration. "Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbours and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong," she added. The museum's Board of Trustees, leadership, and event partners collectively decided to indefinitely postpone the event, agreeing that it was "the appropriate response to current community circumstances." Paul Bessire, the museum's Chief Advancement Officer, remarked: "We will find a future moment to celebrate our work. Until then, we will channel our energy towards being welcoming spaces for learning and discovery for everyone who walks through our doors." The museum plans to reschedule the Night of Wonder for a future date and will maintain its regular operations and educational activities in the meantime.
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Harry and Meghan 'axe four key staff members' as 'another change' looms
Earlier this year, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hired Meredith Maines as their new chief communication officer, and over the past few months their team has undergone some changes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly axed four key staff members while revamping their team. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have parted ways with their LA-based deputy press secretary Kyle Boulia and UK press officer Charlie Gipson. Both of them were hired in April 2024. Two other members of the couple's private team have reportedly also left in recent weeks. The changes come after Harry and Meghan appointed a new team, headed by chief communication officer (CCO) Meredith Maines, earlier this year. Meredith confirmed her team is now made up of eight people working across five different time zones. Harry and Meghan also recently hired Emily Robinson, who previously oversaw global publicity for The Crown from seasons three to six, as their new director of communications. Season six of the hit Netflix drama programme aired controversial storylines which included Prince Harry wearing Nazi fancy dress, Princess Diana's Panorama interview, and scenes depicting Diana as a ghost speaking to Queen Elizabeth II. A source has now claimed more changes could be in the works for the couple, who stepped down as senior royals in 2020 and now live in California with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The source told Hello! Magazine: "Something tells me there will be another change in the future. Meghan and Harry have hired some of the most incredible people at the top of their fields, yet somehow none of them ever work out." Following reports of changes within the Sussexes' team, their CCO Meredith said in a statement shared with The Mirror: "As the Duke and Duchess's business and philanthropic interests grow, I have made the strategic decision to move toward a more traditional communications structure of specialist agency support, as previously reported in Forbes and PR Week several weeks ago. Transitioning from a team of two to an agency support staff of eight, operating across five different time zones, will give international media and stakeholders better access, and critically, faster response times to inquiries." Earlier this week we reported that Meghan was due to attend a charity event in Los Angeles tomorrow, but t he bash has been cancelled due to ongoing unrest in the city. The Duchess was scheduled to be the guest of honour at the Museum of Natural History in LA, where she was expected to give a speech about her extensive charity work. However, as the streets of LA continue to be occupied by protestors facing off against ICE officers, organisers postponed the black-tie Night of Wonder event. Dr. Lori Bettison-Varga, President and Director of the Natural History Museum in LA, said in a statement: "As an institution 'of, for, and with Los Angeles,' our responsibility during challenging times is clear: to serve as a community resource focused on healing and unity, not celebration." "Los Angeles needs us to channel our energy toward supporting our neighbours and demonstrating the values that make our city and county strong," her statement continued. The statement went on to clarify that the decision to indefinitely postpone the event was made by the museum's Board of Trustees, leadership and event partners, who "unanimously agreed" that pausing the event was "the appropriate response to current community circumstances." Chief Advancement Officer Paul Bessire added: "We will find a future moment to celebrate our work. Until then, we will channel our energy towards being welcoming spaces for learning and discovery for everyone who walks through our doors." The museum is expected to reschedule the event for a later date, and will continue with their daily operations and educational programs until the event is back in the calendar.
Irish Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Prince Harry and Meghan's new hire has 'almost beyond belief' link to The Crown
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have caused a stir by appointing Emily Robinson, a former The Crown publicist, as their Director of Communications. Robinson, who played a significant role in managing global publicity for the hit Netflix series from season three through six, has been brought into the Sussex fold. Her involvement in The Crown, particularly during contentious story arcs – including Prince Harry's Nazi costume incident, Princess Diana's explosive Panorama interview, and paranormal portrayals of Diana conversing with Queen Elizabeth II—has certainly set tongues wagging. An insider spilled to The Mail on this eyebrow-raising hire: "In the circumstances, it's almost beyond belief that Harry and Meghan would hire someone straight from The Crown." Interestingly, Prince Harry himself has shown leniency towards The Crown's portrayal of Royal life. In a candid chat with James Corden back in 2021, he remarked: "They don't pretend to be news. It's fiction. But it's loosely based on the truth. Of course, it's not strictly accurate." Delving deeper, he said: "It gives you a rough idea about what that lifestyle, what the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else, what can come from that," reports the Mirror. During his 2023 appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', Prince Harry opened up about his actual thoughts on the dramatisation of his family in 'The Crown'. Harry admitted to host Stephen Colbert: "Yes, I have actually watched The Crown. The older stuff and the more recent stuff." Colbert's enquiry about whether Harry fact-checks the series while watching was met by the Duke with playful miming, implying note-taking, and an amusing eyebrow raise - a move that had the audience in stitches. Harry then added with a smirk, "Umm... yes I do actually," prompting another round of laughter. In conversation with Royal biographer Robert Hardman for his latest book, 'The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy', an insider shared that "The Prince... rolls his eyes when people say that 'it's just drama'. Yet he will not give it any greater publicity by complaining. He doesn't like the idea of being seen as a complainer all the time." However, he maintains a quiet stance to avoid giving it undue attention, with the insider adding he doesn't want to seem constantly complaining. King Charles himself reportedly stopped tuning into 'The Crown' as it began portraying his immediate family. A close source explained that the monarch couldn't find enjoyment in the show as it felt "too close to the bone" for comfort. Ms Robinson parted ways with The Crown in April 2024, following the release of the contentious season. An insider revealed to the Mail: "She was always very charming and supportive to [creator of The Crown] Peter Morgan and all the actors in The Crown. She is one of the breed of publicists who think that the talent can do no wrong."
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make surprise move dubbed 'almost beyond belief'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hired a new PR executive who has a complicated history with the royal family due to her previous high-powered role Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have hired a new public relations executive who has a complicated history with the royal family, it has emerged. The Sussexes are said to have hired Emily Robinson as their new Director of Communications, who previously oversaw global publicity for The Crown from seasons three to six. Season six of the hit Netflix drama programme aired controversial storylines that included Prince Harry wearing Nazi fancy dress, Princess Diana's Panorama interview, and scenes depicting Diana as a ghost speaking to Queen Elizabeth II. And it seems that due to Ms Robinson's involvement with the dramatised show, her new employment with the Sussexes has raised eyebrows. A source told The Mail: "In the circumstances, it's almost beyond belief that Harry and Meghan would hire someone straight from The Crown." Prince Harry has previously expressed support for The Crown, despite its contentious depictions of his family, as he said in a 2021 interview with James Corden: "They don't pretend to be news. It's fiction. But it's loosely based on the truth. Of course, it's not strictly accurate." "It gives you a rough idea about what that lifestyle, what the pressures of putting duty and service above family and everything else, what can come from that." He added: "I'm way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing the stories written about my family, or my wife, or myself." During a 2023 appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Harry spoke candidly about how he feels about the show and its fictionalisation of his family. When asked by the TV host if he had ever watched the programme, Harry candidly said: "Yes, I have actually watched The Crown. The older stuff and the more recent stuff." Colbert then asked Harry whether he 'fact-checked' the show while watching. The Duke jokingly mimed as though he were taking notes, raising an eyebrow in jest – much to the delight of the audience, who erupted into laughter. He then paused before responding: "Umm... yes I do actually," which received more fits of giggles.. Speaking to royal author Robert Hardman for his book, The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy, a source said: 'The Prince… rolls his eyes when people say that 'it's just drama'. Yet he will not give it any greater publicity by complaining. He doesn't like the idea of being seen as a complainer all the time." King Charles is also thought to have stopped watching the series as began to follow his immediate family members, with a source saying the monarch found the series "too close to the bone" to be enjoyable. Ms Robinson left her role with The Crown in April 2024, several months after the controversial season aired. A source told the Mail: "She was always very charming and supportive to [creator of The Crown] Peter Morgan and all the actors in The Crown. She is one of the breed of publicists who think that the talent can do no wrong."
