Latest news with #William
The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
William and Cate Blanchett hit sustainable fashion lab
The Prince of Wales and Cate Blanchett have donned lab coats as they witnessed the high-tech work of an environmentally friendly clothes dye company. William and the Australian Oscar winner visited labs in Norwich on Thursday where Colorifix, a biotechnology firm, creates its textile dyes. Colorifix, which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize in 2023, has developed a biological process that replaces the use of harmful chemicals in textile dyes. Since it was founded in 2016, the brand has partnered with fashion brands including H&M and Pangaia. As William and Blanchett were taken through each step of the process to make the eco-friendly dyes, the Prince of Wales asked Sophie Vaud, the head of microbial engineering, to provide a "layman's version" of the science. After identifying a colour created naturally by an animal or plant, Colorifix's scientists sequence the DNA of that organism to find out where the colour is coded in its genetics. That DNA code is then translated into a safe microbe that is then fermented to grow, creating a dye that can be used on natural and synthetic fabrics. Dyes made chemically have a negative impact on the environment as they seep into rivers, harming wildlife. The process also uses a large amount of water. The Prince of Wales and Blanchett, a council member of the Earthshot Prize, were invited to observe DNA gel under a microscope and were shown diagrams analysing the effectiveness of the pigments. "What if it explodes?" Blanchett joked before looking at the sample. "I'm not going to pretend I know what that drawing means," William told the experts when being shown diagrams. The pair were then taken through the fermentation process, which is where the dye is produced in a small version that can be scaled up. David Clarke, head of fermentation at Colorifix, which is based in Norwich Research Park on the edge of the city, said their fermentation to produce the dyes was "just like brewing". "We use a genetically engineered bacteria to produce the substance - in this case colourants. "Traditional dyeing is very, very polluting. This is completely innocuous." The Prince of Wales is founder and president of the global environmental award and Blanchett helps pick the winners. "It's going really well, and it's really exciting," he said, while Blanchett told them their work was "really inspiring". The Prince of Wales and Cate Blanchett have donned lab coats as they witnessed the high-tech work of an environmentally friendly clothes dye company. William and the Australian Oscar winner visited labs in Norwich on Thursday where Colorifix, a biotechnology firm, creates its textile dyes. Colorifix, which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize in 2023, has developed a biological process that replaces the use of harmful chemicals in textile dyes. Since it was founded in 2016, the brand has partnered with fashion brands including H&M and Pangaia. As William and Blanchett were taken through each step of the process to make the eco-friendly dyes, the Prince of Wales asked Sophie Vaud, the head of microbial engineering, to provide a "layman's version" of the science. After identifying a colour created naturally by an animal or plant, Colorifix's scientists sequence the DNA of that organism to find out where the colour is coded in its genetics. That DNA code is then translated into a safe microbe that is then fermented to grow, creating a dye that can be used on natural and synthetic fabrics. Dyes made chemically have a negative impact on the environment as they seep into rivers, harming wildlife. The process also uses a large amount of water. The Prince of Wales and Blanchett, a council member of the Earthshot Prize, were invited to observe DNA gel under a microscope and were shown diagrams analysing the effectiveness of the pigments. "What if it explodes?" Blanchett joked before looking at the sample. "I'm not going to pretend I know what that drawing means," William told the experts when being shown diagrams. The pair were then taken through the fermentation process, which is where the dye is produced in a small version that can be scaled up. David Clarke, head of fermentation at Colorifix, which is based in Norwich Research Park on the edge of the city, said their fermentation to produce the dyes was "just like brewing". "We use a genetically engineered bacteria to produce the substance - in this case colourants. "Traditional dyeing is very, very polluting. This is completely innocuous." The Prince of Wales is founder and president of the global environmental award and Blanchett helps pick the winners. "It's going really well, and it's really exciting," he said, while Blanchett told them their work was "really inspiring". The Prince of Wales and Cate Blanchett have donned lab coats as they witnessed the high-tech work of an environmentally friendly clothes dye company. William and the Australian Oscar winner visited labs in Norwich on Thursday where Colorifix, a biotechnology firm, creates its textile dyes. Colorifix, which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize in 2023, has developed a biological process that replaces the use of harmful chemicals in textile dyes. Since it was founded in 2016, the brand has partnered with fashion brands including H&M and Pangaia. As William and Blanchett were taken through each step of the process to make the eco-friendly dyes, the Prince of Wales asked Sophie Vaud, the head of microbial engineering, to provide a "layman's version" of the science. After identifying a colour created naturally by an animal or plant, Colorifix's scientists sequence the DNA of that organism to find out where the colour is coded in its genetics. That DNA code is then translated into a safe microbe that is then fermented to grow, creating a dye that can be used on natural and synthetic fabrics. Dyes made chemically have a negative impact on the environment as they seep into rivers, harming wildlife. The process also uses a large amount of water. The Prince of Wales and Blanchett, a council member of the Earthshot Prize, were invited to observe DNA gel under a microscope and were shown diagrams analysing the effectiveness of the pigments. "What if it explodes?" Blanchett joked before looking at the sample. "I'm not going to pretend I know what that drawing means," William told the experts when being shown diagrams. The pair were then taken through the fermentation process, which is where the dye is produced in a small version that can be scaled up. David Clarke, head of fermentation at Colorifix, which is based in Norwich Research Park on the edge of the city, said their fermentation to produce the dyes was "just like brewing". "We use a genetically engineered bacteria to produce the substance - in this case colourants. "Traditional dyeing is very, very polluting. This is completely innocuous." The Prince of Wales is founder and president of the global environmental award and Blanchett helps pick the winners. "It's going really well, and it's really exciting," he said, while Blanchett told them their work was "really inspiring". The Prince of Wales and Cate Blanchett have donned lab coats as they witnessed the high-tech work of an environmentally friendly clothes dye company. William and the Australian Oscar winner visited labs in Norwich on Thursday where Colorifix, a biotechnology firm, creates its textile dyes. Colorifix, which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize in 2023, has developed a biological process that replaces the use of harmful chemicals in textile dyes. Since it was founded in 2016, the brand has partnered with fashion brands including H&M and Pangaia. As William and Blanchett were taken through each step of the process to make the eco-friendly dyes, the Prince of Wales asked Sophie Vaud, the head of microbial engineering, to provide a "layman's version" of the science. After identifying a colour created naturally by an animal or plant, Colorifix's scientists sequence the DNA of that organism to find out where the colour is coded in its genetics. That DNA code is then translated into a safe microbe that is then fermented to grow, creating a dye that can be used on natural and synthetic fabrics. Dyes made chemically have a negative impact on the environment as they seep into rivers, harming wildlife. The process also uses a large amount of water. The Prince of Wales and Blanchett, a council member of the Earthshot Prize, were invited to observe DNA gel under a microscope and were shown diagrams analysing the effectiveness of the pigments. "What if it explodes?" Blanchett joked before looking at the sample. "I'm not going to pretend I know what that drawing means," William told the experts when being shown diagrams. The pair were then taken through the fermentation process, which is where the dye is produced in a small version that can be scaled up. David Clarke, head of fermentation at Colorifix, which is based in Norwich Research Park on the edge of the city, said their fermentation to produce the dyes was "just like brewing". "We use a genetically engineered bacteria to produce the substance - in this case colourants. "Traditional dyeing is very, very polluting. This is completely innocuous." The Prince of Wales is founder and president of the global environmental award and Blanchett helps pick the winners. "It's going really well, and it's really exciting," he said, while Blanchett told them their work was "really inspiring".
Edinburgh Live
4 hours ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Reason behind Kate Middleton's last-minute pull out from Royal Ascot procession
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 Royal fans were left worried this week when Princess Kate unexpectedly withdrew from the Royal Procession at Ascot on its second day. It was revealed by Buckingham Palace insiders that an administrative error was the reason for her last-minute pullout. The Duchess of Cambridge had previously shared her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, following abdominal surgery earlier that year. After a period away from the spotlight for preventative chemotherapy, Kate announced at the beginning of the year that she was in remission and focusing on her recovery. Kate has been seen at high-profile events such as Trooping the Colour and the Order of the Garter service, and there was anticipation she would join Prince William for the traditional carriage procession from Windsor Castle to the Berkshire racecourse. However, Palace sources have stated that while Kate was "disappointed" to miss Ascot, maintaining a balanced schedule is essential for her ongoing recovery. Prince William has shown a commitment to balancing his Royal duties with supporting his wife's health. During a visit to Surplus to Supper, a food redistribution charity in Surrey, last year, he assured a staff member that he would "look after" Kate, responding "I will do, I will," as he comforted Rachel Candappa with a hand on her shoulder. William, Kate, and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis retreated to Anmer Hall in Norfolk when she shared her cancer news in a heartfelt video. The family celebrated Father's Day with two snaps on social media, captioned: "Happy Father's Day, Papa (before and after! ) We love you! G, C and L" alongside a heart emoji, reports the Mirror. While Kate, now in remission, has been concentrating on her recovery, she's also been dedicated to her Early Years Initiative. The mother-of-three has delved into research aimed at enhancing the lives of infants, with The Princess's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood backing a four-month trial of an observational tool for health visitors to better detect early signs of social and emotional development in tots. At Royal Ascot's second day, William attended solo, joining King Charles, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid Al-Saud in the lead carriage. In his traditional morning suit, he presented jockey Billy Lee, aboard Ombudsman, with the trophy for winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes. The five-day Berkshire spectacle is set to draw around 250,000 attendees, with today's Ladies Day showcasing some flamboyant fashion statements.
Hindustan Times
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Where was Kate Middleton at Royal Ascot? Insider spills tea
Kate Middleton's arrival during the Royal Procession has become the scuttling subject of the Royal Enclosure, as Royal Ascot racegoers wonder where she is. Guests were eagerly expecting to see her by Prince William's side, especially since it was such a huge day for the couple. William was set to present the trophy for the Prince of Wales's Stakes, and close friends had been invited to join them in their box for the occasion. Among those present were property developer Thomas van Straubenzee, godfather to Princess Charlotte and his wife Lucy, who teaches at the London school once attended by Charlotte and Prince George. Also in attendance were James Meade, one of William's longtime friends from Eton, and Sam Waley-Cohen, a Grand National-winning jockey and close friend credited with helping reunite William and Kate during their brief split back in 2007. ALSO READ| Prince William makes solo appearance at Royal Ascot after Kate Middleton pulls out last minute | Photos Excitement grew around noon when Ascot officially listed Kate in the second carriage alongside William, golfer Justin Rose, and his wife, Kate. But, just 22 minutes later, an updated list was posted with the Princess of Wales' name missing. Instead, William was bumped to the first carriage alongside King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and Prince Saud bin Khalid al-Saud of Saudi Arabia. Still, William seemed upbeat, and the presence of Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, and her sister-in-law, Alizée Thevenet, reassured many that her absence wasn't cause for alarm. Insiders told Daily Mail that Kate was 'disappointed' to miss the day, adding she's working 'to find the right balance as she fully returns to public-facing engagements.' A palace source explained that 'an inaccurate version of the carriage list was issued in error' after the palace had already informed Ascot that Catherine wouldn't be attending. 'The correct list was then circulated,' they clarified to the Daily Mail. Notably, last year, the Ministry of Defence prematurely announced Catherine's attendance at a Trooping the Colour rehearsal without palace approval. ALSO READ| Kate Middleton shines in cream as she joins William, King and Queen at Garter Day after cancer treatment: Photos 'Catherine knows she should not overdo things. She is grateful that her recovery has gone well, but things have not been plain sailing. She had a busy day at Trooping the Colour at the weekend and, if she's feeling slightly under the weather, it's better that she takes it easy,' one of Kate's friends told the British outlet.
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Prince of Wales and Cate Blanchett don lab coats to see eco brand at work
William and the actress visited labs in Norwich on Thursday where Colorifix, a biotechnology firm, creates its textile dyes. Colorifix, which was a finalist in William's Earthshot Prize in 2023, has developed a biological process that replaces the use of harmful chemicals in textile dyes. Since it was founded in 2016, the brand has partnered with fashion brands including H&M and Pangaia. Willam and Cate Blanchett listen during the visit to Colorifix (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA) As William and Blanchett were taken through each step of the process to make the eco-friendly dyes, the Prince of Wales asked Sophie Vaud, the head of microbial engineering, to provide a 'layman's version' of the science. After identifying a colour created naturally by an animal or plant, Colorifix's scientists sequence the DNA of that organism to find out where the colour is coded in its genetics. That DNA code is then translated into a safe microbe which is then fermented to grow, creating a dye that can be used on natural and synthetic fabrics. Dyes made chemically have a negative impact on the environment as they seep into rivers, harming wildlife. The process also uses a large amount of water. The Prince of Wales and Blanchett, a council member of the Earthshot Prize, were invited to observe DNA gel under a microscope and were shown diagrams analysing the effectiveness of the pigments. 'What if it explodes?' Blanchett, joked before looking at the sample. 'I'm not going to pretend I know what that drawing means,' William told the experts when being shown diagrams. The pair were then taken through the fermentation process which is where the dye is produced in a small version which can be scaled up. William complimented the staff for their 'fantastic' work (Eddie Mulholland/Daily Telegraph/PA) David Clarke, head of fermentation at Colorifix, which is based in Norwich Research Park on the edge of the city, said their fermentation to produce the dyes is 'just like brewing'. 'We use a genetically-engineered bacteria to produce the substance – in this case colourants. In the brewing industry it's ethanol. 'Traditional dyeing is very, very polluting. This is completely innocuous.' William and Blanchett were wowed by the range of colours produced when shown samples in the colouration lab, especially a bright teal. In that lab, the dyes are sampled on a range of fabrics and then washed and tumble dried to test how they work and if there is any run off. Rebecca Hiscock, a colouration technician, showed them some of the samples. 'It's like Blue Peter – here's one I made earlier,' William said. Meeting the rest of the Colorifix team, the Prince of Wales said: 'Sorry for all the stupid questions you'll hear about later.' He complimented the staff for their 'fantastic' work since Colorifix got to the final of the Earthshot Prize two years ago. The Prince of Wales is founder and president of the global environmental award and Blanchett helps pick the winners. 'It's going really well, and it's really exciting,' he said, while Blanchett told them their work was 'really inspiring'.
Irish Independent
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Wexford defends its Norman heritage following comments from Sinn Féin TD – ‘We're well capable of commemorating our ancestry with sensitivity'
Many of those events will take place across Co Wexford as places like New Ross, Carrig-on-Bannow, and Wexford town mark the legacy of the Normans since their arrival to Ireland over 900 years ago. However, Dublin South Central TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh, has criticised the decision to take part in the celebrations, asking if this will be a precursor to 'a Festival of Cromwell or a Famine Queen Jubilee?' 'William was a foreign king who never set foot in Ireland, and had nothing to do with Ireland, and yet his birth will be given a higher honour than bestowed by an Irish Government on any figure from Gaelic Irish history,' said the Sinn Féin TD. 'This is not a commemoration for Ireland. Marking the birth of a future English king is not for us, even if it was 1,000 years ago. 'Of course we should acknowledge, protect, take pride in the rich architectural, cultural, and literary heritage that stands testament to Anglo-Norman Ireland, which lives on today in surnames and songs, and celebrate those brave Irish heroes of Norman descent who rebelled against the imperial yoke of England, as early as the 1360s through to the Desmond Rebellion through to United Irishman Lord Edward Fitzgerald, in whose Leinster House our Dáil now meets, and beyond. 'We should make the most of Ireland's Norman heritage to boost tourism, to create jobs, to support communities, and reinforce links with families tracing their Norman Irish roots and with other places who share a Norman heritage, but celebrating England's William the Conqueror, however, is a step too far.' At the June meeting of Wexford County Council (WCC), following confirmation that the council was in contact with Normandy regarding events for 2027, Deputy Ó Snodaigh's remarks were discussed in the chamber by Councillors Lisa McDonald and John Fleming. 'His comments were unpalatable and unfortunate,' said Cllr McDonald, 'we've proven that we're well capable of commemorating our ancestry with sensitivity.' 'I've never heard such negative, dour comments, I can't understand it,' added Cllr Fleming. 'We're proud of New Ross and its Norman connections, Hook Head, Tintern Abbey, and we have the Norman Visitor Centre coming next year. Now we have some silly comments trying to put a stop to that. ' Director of services Eamonn Hore took time to clarify his feelings on the matter, admitting that it had taken him a while to 'calm down' when he'd first read the deputy's statement. 'If he wants to come down to Wexford we'll show him all that's good about the area and its heritage,' he said. 'And with regards to to Cromwell, Wexford people don't need any history lesson on that. I had a particular problem with him saying this wasn't well-prepared; since 2016 we've had the Norman Way in place and when we invited the president of Normandy to New Ross he was amazed at the influence of the Normans there. "This is a way for the two regions to celebrate their history and culture – I must say I was very disappointed in what he said.' Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
