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Krispy Kreme launches Vimto doughnut – but you need a secret code to get it

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Vimto doughnuts - with secret code
Vimto doughnuts (Picture: Getty images/ KrispyKreme)

Krispy Kreme have done it again.

After a successful collaboration with Biscoff, this time, they’ve teamed up with Vimto to offer this delicious purple glazed ring.

Costing £1.90, the original glazed doughnut has been upgraded with purple icing that tastes like the grape, raspberry and blackcurrant flavoured soft drink.

But you can only try it if you have the ‘secret code’.

The doughnuts won’t be on the menu and will only be available ‘under the counter’.

Bottles of Vimto, produced by Nichols Plc., are seen on a supermarket shelf in London, U.K., on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012. The U.K. economy shrank in the fourth quarter as companies scaled back investment, underscoring the risks to a recovery that Bank of England Governor Mervyn King says will be "slow and uncertain." Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images
(Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

It won’t appear in supermarkets or on the website.

But if you say ‘I see Vimto in Krispy Kreme’ to the cashier your nearest store between 8 and 14 October, you will be one of the first to taste the new treat.

Be warned though – the doughnuts are only available while stocks last.

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Teen secures job after going door-to-door in richest area of London to ask how people got rich

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Collect of Reggie Nelson, now 22,on the day he graduated from Kingston University in 2017 with a 2:1. Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How?d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
(Picture: SWNS)

When Reggie Nelson, 22, was a teenager he had an innovative idea; he was going to follow people with proven recipes for success.

After growing up on a council estate and being raised by his single mum after his dad died, Reggie, from east London, had been excluded from school.

But the determined youngster wanted to be successful in life. So he googled the richest area in the capital – which was Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea – and made his way there.

He decided to go door to door and ask the residents in the borough how they had made money and how they could afford to live there.

And his tenacity paid off as Reggie secured a job by talking to one of the residents.

East Londoner Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How???d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
When he was a teen, Reggie got an internship with investment firm BlackRock and was then encouraged to go to university(Picture: SWNS)

The then-18-year-old had the same speech ready for everyone who opened the door; ‘My name is Reggie from East London. I came to Kensington and Chelsea because I researched this was the wealthiest area in the UK and I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself.’

After hours of knocking, he was invited in for a cup of tea by Elizabeth, the wife of Quintin Price, who is head of alpha strategies at global investment management firm BlackRock.

He invited Reggie to the office for the day – eventually getting him work experience and a mentor.

Quintin also encouraged Reggie to get a place at university, where he later studied Economics and Mandarin.

Four internships and a degree later, Reggie now has a job in investment management in the heart of the city.

East Londoner Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How???d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
(Picture: SWNS)
Collect of Reggie Nelson, now 22, with his mother, on the day he graduated from Kingston University in 2017 with a 2:1. Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How?d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
He went to Kingston University to study Economics with Mandarin (Picture: SWNS)

Reggie, who mentors young teens at Victory Youth Group in London, said: ‘I was still in college at the time thinking “how can I do something different?”.’

‘I had the idea for a few weeks but it took me a while to muscle up the courage to get out and do it.

‘When I got off the tube at Gloucester Road, I just saw all these expensive cars – Aston Martins and Mercedes lining the streets. Everywhere you looked just looked like money.

‘I rehearsed this pitch ready for when the door opened. And it worked.’

Collect family photos of Reggie Nelson, now 22. Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How?d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
Reggie grew up in a council estate in single parent household (Picture: SWNS)
Collect of Reggie Nelson,now 22, from his youth growing up on a council estate in East London. Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How?d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
(Picture: SWNS)

Though most people gave him generic advice about how to be successful, Reggie appreciated them taking the time to talk to him.

It was Quintin who offered an internship at his firm and convinced Reggie to go to university in order to have a career in the industry.

Reggie said at the time – when he was networking with people from top-notch unis – he didn’t realise you could even get A*s for A Levels.

East Londoner Reggie Nelson the determined teenager who door-knocked his way to a top job in the City - by Googling "richest area in London" and then asking residents how they did it. See SWNS story SWOCreggie. Teenager Reggie Nelson dreamed of a university education, top job and the wealth to go with it - but had no idea how to achieve it. He was born and raised on a council estate, raised by his single-mum after his dad died, had been excluded from school and was already having run-ins with the law. But after watching an episode of 'How???d You Get So Rich'- a US TV show where the late Joan Rivers meets a selection of wealthy Americans - he came up with a brazen plan. He Googled "richest area in London" and found Gloucester Road in Kensington and Chelsea - so went there armed with a smile and a pre-prepared speech. He knocked on doors and asked: "I just wanted to know what skills and qualities you had that allowed you to live in a wealthy area like this so I can extrapolate that and use it for myself." Impressed residents bestowed advice on the then 18-year-old about work experience and working hard at college.
He is now starting a top city job (Picture: SWNS)

‘I’m keen on encouraging young black people to enter the financial services,’ he said. ‘Even on my internship 9,000 applied, 115 got it and three of those were black.

‘I just want to keep going and see where my determination takes me. Hopefully, it will be me with one of those houses in Gloucester Road.

‘For anyone in a similar position to mine I would say embrace the rejection for it could be the making of you. And knock on the right doors and work hard.’

Sound advice.

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Boohoo is offering a ‘meal deal’ sale- that’s a whole outfit, with shoes and a bag for £30

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(Picture: Boohoo)

Fashion retailler Boohoo proved to be champion of the people when they delivered on requests for brands to have meal deal type offers.

The lunchtime option that us Brits are used to – whereby you can buy a main meal with sides and a drink for a discounted price – has been transferred to the wardrobe.

After Twitter users made the request for clothing companies to offer three things for a fixed price, Boohoo wanted to be the first to make it happen.

They are now offering a whole outfit; a dress/jumpsuit/playsuit, shoes, and a bag, all for a tidy price of £30.

The concept is simple – the customer selects a starter (shoes), main (dress, playsuit or jumpsuits) and dessert (bag) from the meal deal page and enters the code Mealdeal at checkout to redeem the discount, bagging themselves a full outfit for a bargain price.

If you’re about to rush to the website right away then, you’ll have to hold your horses, because unfortunately, the offer is only available to students.

They also can get a further 10% off the deal with their usual student discount and next day Premier delivery if they’ve authorised their academic emails with Boohoo.com.

If, like us, you’re not a student then it might just be time for you to buddy up with a younger sibling, niece/nephew or cousin.

Why should they have all the nice things?

Now that you’ve got a discounted offer for your buys, you could get the latest Paris Hilton line available at Boohoo.

Earlier we reported that the socialite is offering the most Paris Hilton style clothing on the online retail website.

She showed everyone that fashion is cyclical as she bought back hoops, bejewelled trackies, and lots of pink.

That’s hot.

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The best bar in the world is in London – but you better be quick it you want to try it as it’s already set to close

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World's best bar is in London - but it's about to close METRO GRAB taken from: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DandelyanBar/photos/?ref=page_internal Credit: Dandelyan/Facebook
(Picture: Niall Clutton Copyright: Dandelyan/Facebook)

Dandelyan, at the Mondrian Hotel in London, is officially the best bar in the world.

But the award came just days after an announcement that it would close next year.

‘It was one of 10 London venues to be named in the top 50 list. It feels fitting on our 4th birthday to kill off our now-eldest venue,’ bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana wrote on a post on Instagram.

‘It would be a disservice to these amazing people, and to what we have created together to continue when we think the landscape, and the conversation, has shifted.

‘There’s so much I think we can do, and so much we want to challenge, discuss and create in this industry that, like with White Lyan, it makes sense to burn it down, start afresh, and rise again as something brighter, shinier and more fitting of where we’re (all) now at.’

World's best bar is in London - but it's about to close Credit: Connaught Bar
(Picture: Connaught Bar)

Speaking about what is next, he added, ‘I really think we’re just hitting our stride, and now it’s time to pull out the real weird stuff. Here’s to keeping it weird. Don’t ask what’s next (although we are keeping the space), please sit tight, and help us usher out the bar we know so many of you love as much as us.’

Although you won’t be able to try their drinks for much longer, there are nine other London bars in the top 50.

At number two, is the American Bar at the Savoy, in Covent Garden, which is famous for its legendary head barmen and its ’24-strong cocktail book’.

The Connaught bar in Mayfair comes in at number five, while Bar Termini in Soho was awarded sixth place on the list.

World's best bar is in London - but it's about to close METRO GRAB taken from: https://www.facebook.com/happinessforgets/photos/a.185466964834055/1878360848877983/?type=3&theater Credit: Happiness Forgets/Facebook
(Picture: Happiness Forgets/Facebook)

 

Oriole, in Spitafields, was number 17 with Bethnal Green’s Coupette just behind at number 18.

Three sheets was placed at number 29 and the last two London bars on the list there Happiness Forgets at number 35 and Swift at number 46.

London bars in the top 50

1. Dandelyan

2. American Bar

5. Connaught Bar

6. Bar Termini

17. Oriole

18. Coupette

28. Scout

29. Three Sheets

35. Happiness Forgets

46. Swift

#MeToo has slowly changed how men think about sexual harassment, study shows

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(Picture: Getty)

#MeToo has become the revolution that is usurping old attitudes to sexual assault and harassment in everyday life.

The phrase, surfacing all over the world, bought to attention the abundance of sexual abuse and how it is brushed under the carpet.

Though anecdotally and statistically the problem seems dire and unrelenting, good has come out of the movement as a whole.

Research by gender equality organisation the Fawcett Society has found that there’s been a ‘significant shift in attitudes to sexual harassment’, especially by men.

(Picture: Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Things that may have gone undetected before are less likely to fall under the radar, especially if young people are involved, the study found.

It found that the majority of people (53%) say that since #MeToo, what is seen as acceptable has changed.

The biggest change has taken place in the 18-34 age group with over half of young people saying they are now more likely to speak up against sexual harassment, including 58% of young men.

Older people are significantly less likely to call out inappropriate behaviour or have a conversation about sexual harassment – but they do think the boundaries have changed.

56% of men aged 55 and over say that what other people think ‘is and isn’t acceptable’ has shifted in the last year.

And the findings were as a direct result of #MeToo for some, said authors as knowledge of the movement has an impact – people who were aware of #MeToo were one and a half times more likely to say that the boundaries of acceptable behaviour have changed with 69% of those who were aware of #MeToo agreeing, compared to 46% who were unaware.

‘This survey confirms that we have had a year of disruptive attitudinal and behavioural change and that was long overdue,’ said Sam Smethers, chief executive of the Fawcett Society.

‘Other evidence shows we are also still seeing significant numbers of women being sexually harassed at work. Now it is time for tougher legislation and real, lasting culture change.

‘We need to bring back section 40 of the Equality Act which would outlaw harassment from customers and clients. But we also need to go further and place a new duty on large employers to prevent discrimination and harassment. Employers have to take responsibility for their own workplace culture.

‘Older men have to be part of the change because they often hold positions of power. But their attitudes are lagging behind.  They don’t seem to realise the #MeToo movement is also about them,’ she added.

(Picture: Getty)

The authors of the report have called on the government to introduce third-party harassment laws so that employers have a duty to protect people from clients, contractors, or patients who harass.

They also want sex education to include guidance on gender-based violence as well as make misogyny a hate crime.

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My odd job: I look after the ravens at the Tower of London so the Kingdom doesn’t fall

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If you’ve ever been to the Tower of London, chances are, you’ve heard me or one of my colleagues giving a guided tour.

I am a Yeoman Warder and the current appointed Ravenmaster at Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress, the Tower of London.

We Yeoman Warders live and work right here at the Tower.

They say every man’s home is his castle, well, in my case, that is absolutely right.

All of us Yeoman Warders are former servicemen and women with at least 22 years of unblemished service and an exemplary military record.

After leaving the military, I had a real love for history and applied to become one of the Tower’s famous Beefeaters.

My primary role at the Tower is security, but as a Yeoman Warder, I am also a storyteller and keeper of the Tower’s long and ancient history.

Tower of London Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife
Chris is currently looking after 7 ravens (Picture: Matthew Chattle for Metro.co.uk)

As the Ravenmaster, I have the added responsibility of looking after our ravens.

The current stock of ravens is seven – six by Royal Decree and a spare! Just in case. I don’t actually have one allocated as the spare as I don’t want to upset any of them.

Legend reminds us that if the ravens should ever leave the Tower, it will crumble into dust and the Kingdom will fall.

I’ll tell you a little secret: the truth is that the raven myth probably isn’t that old. But we Yeoman Warders at the Tower take good care of the ravens nevertheless, protecting them like they were our own.

I am only the sixth Ravenmaster to have served at the Tower.

Alongside my team of raven assistants, it’s my job to take care of the ravens – Merlina, Erin, Rocky, Gripp, Jubilee, Harris and our newest addition, Poppy – who I have also had the privilege to name.

I get up before dawn each day and check the ravens are all present and in good health.

Tower of London Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife
Chris checking one of the ravens (Picture: Matthew Chattle for Metro.co.uk)

I then go about my daily duties of preparing the ravens’ food, feeding them such delights as mice, rats, day-old chicks, quail and, as a treat, biscuits soaked in blood.

Some of the meat I get from Smithfield Market, but much of it is specialist meat from recognised providers.

Once my morning duties of cleaning, feeding and checking for any health issues are done, I then release the ravens from their enclosure for the day.

The ravens are free to roam the Tower grounds during the day and spend their time doing raven things.

Our ravens all wear coloured leg bands that distinguish them for our visitors.

They enjoy posing for selfies, stealing sandwiches, plundering your bag on the endless hunt for pringles, or in the peculiar case of Merlina, playing dead on Tower Green much to the shock and horror of our visitors.

Tower of London Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife
One of the ravens taking flight (Picture: Matthew Chattle for Metro.co.uk)

As I’m a Yeoman Warder, I also have other responsibilities and duties to do throughout the day, but my eye is always on the ravens and what they are getting up to.

Over the many years that I have been the Ravenmaster, I have found myself in some pretty awkward situations – all for the preservation of the ravens and the safety of the Kingdom.

Like the time I found myself stuck in a stagnant water-filled hole, full of rubbish and floating pigeon carcasses, while on the hunt for a miscreant raven.

Or the time I climbed to the very top of the White Tower while on the hunt for a raven that had decided to fly up and sit on the golden crown.

But that doesn’t happen every day, thank goodness!

And once, raven Merlina went on a little holiday from the Tower to Greenwich for seven days, and it made me feel very nervous as it had never happened to me before.

I was sad to lose one of my family of ravens. We acted upon many sightings but to no avail, and I thought she would never be found.

Tower of London Ravenmaster, Christopher Skaife
The ravens all wear coloured bands (Picture: Matthew Chattle for Metro.co.uk)

But one day, I received a call from a vigilant member of the public who had spied her in his garden – she was identified by her bright pink band.

Merlina was returned to her home and the Kingdom survived.

Generally my job is pretty straightforward, though – meeting the visitors and ensuring their time at the Tower is a wonderful experience. But I must say, I have been asked some pretty strange questions by the visitors over the years.

Like, have I ever seen a raven ghost? Can you talk to the ravens? And are the ravens real? Really!

I am often asked how I manage to get seven ravens back into bed at night.

Well, don’t tell anyone but I have a secret whistle!

And if you want to know what I get paid as a Yeoman Warder, it’s obvious – I get paid in beef!

The Ravenmaster: My Life with the Ravens at the Tower of London by Christopher Skaife is published by 4th Estate, price £14.99.

How to get involved with My odd job:

My odd job is a new weekly series from Metro.co.uk, published every Monday.

If you have an unusual job and want to get involved, email qin.xie@metro.co.uk.

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Modern Etiquette: I liked an Instagram photo from 2014 – what do I do?

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Modern etiquette period girls balance pillow sex education school Mmuffin for Metro.co.uk
(Picture: Monica Muffin for Metro.co.uk)

Welcome to Modern Etiquette, a brand new series where we ask the pressing questions of 2018.

This week we’re tackling something that many, many of us will have experienced. The catastrophic moment when you like someone’s Instagram post from 2015.

In case you’re the kind of mature adult who doesn’t obsessively stalk people online, here is how this happens. You’re on someone’s Instagram, having a lovely scroll (probably wrapped in your duvet and wearing clothing made entirely of stretch jersey) and before you know it, you’re intimately aware of how they spent their 2015 family holiday to France.

But, all it takes is one tiny slip and BAM. You’ve liked the picture. It’s just as easy to do on Facebook as it is on Instagram, and universally mortifying regardless of the platform. Even if you immediately unlike it, they’re still getting a notification. There’s literally nothing you can do. So, according to Modern Etiquette, what’s the plan?

Firstly, put your phone on aeroplane mode there are no guarantees, but there’s a tiny chance that if you kill the signal fast enough, it won’t go through.

If that doesn’t work, you’re going to have to be a mature grown up about it.

Logic dictates that if this is someone you know well, you might as well just admit what you were doing and laugh about it. After all, we all do it. Even if you don’t know them that well, you your best bet is probably to send a message saying ‘I was having a good old stalk and my fat thumbs betrayed me – sorry!’

Modern etiquette
(Picture: Monica Muffin)

If you’re stalking your partner’s ex or or an ex’s partner, there’s a chance that they might find your ancient ‘like’ a bit scary, so you’ll want to offset that.

Instagrammer and influencer Stina Sanders who has 98,000 followers, told Metro.co.uk: ‘The very few times I have accidentally liked someone’s pic on Insta has either been an ex or an ex’s new girlfriend. The few times it’s happened I’ve had to then follow that person, almost like me waving a white flag to say I mean no harm in that ‘like’.’

Once you’ve recovered from the initial shame, it’s time to take active steps to make sure that this never happens again. Which, for lots of us, means having a duplicate social media account used exclusively for stalking. Stina Sanders told Metro.co.uk: ‘If I’m stalking someone’s Insta on my own profile I should have known better to log into my fake one. So my theory is, if I’m that interested in looking at someone’s life, I should either just follow them or look via my finsta.’

There’s quite a lot of logic behind having a fake Instagram (otherwise known as a ‘finsta’). It means that you can scroll without fear of retribution. It also creates a divide between your personal social media, and forces you to make an active choice to go stalking. By logging out and then logging back in, you’re delineating ‘normal’ social media usage, where you interact with people you know and like, from ‘stalking’ where you indulge in researching the lives of people you have no real connection with.

Dr Emma Short, from the National Centre for Cyberstalking Research at the University of Bedfordshire warns that online stalking might end up hurting you, even if you don’t accidentally hit the like button, saying: ‘…even if you’re not actually contacting a person, looking for details of their lives obsessively can be harmful to you. If you’re making no contact with them and they are unaware of it, it’s still quite predatory behaviour.’

Like anything, if online stalking becomes compulsive, it can be a problem. A little bit of curiosity isn’t dangerous, if if you’re spending excessive time doing so, of it’s taking a toll on your quality of life, then it’s time to stop.

What are the rules about fake accounts?

It’s not illegal to have a fake online account, depending on how you use it.

If you use the account to target people or for hate speech, that’s illegal and something which police are actively cracking down on. Similarly, if you are posting defamatory comments, you’re going to end up in trouble.

Pretending to be someone else online is impersonation and is illegal. So you should keep the fake account anonymous and must not appropriate other people’s images.

If in doubt, remember: if it’s a crime off-line, it will almost certainly be a crime online.

You can read more about the legality of online anonymity here. 

Modern Etiquette is a weekly series. Rather than telling you what to do with a salad crescent or which shoes are most appropriate for Ascot, we’ll be working out how to navigate shared houses, drugs, ex-boyfriends and that moment when you send the screenshot of the person you’re bitching about to them. 

Next week, we’ll be asking how you tell someone that you have an STI. 

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Feeling brave? Then it’s time to head on up to Inverness for a monster marathon around Loch Ness

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If you watched the London Marathon this year and thought ‘oh, I’d be fine doing that if it wasn’t, like, a million degrees right now’, then I’ve found the perfect race for you.

The Loch Ness Marathon sends the brave of heart and sturdy of quads over the bracing Scottish Highlands and around the monster-filled loch, before homecoming stretch into Inverness.

Is it cold? Of course! Is it picturesque? Undoubtedly!

If the full course sounds a little too hellish (it’s definitely more challenging than some flatter marathons), then the 10K is well worth venturing up north to compete in.

We came up to Inverness a couple of days before our races to get a feel of the area and what we could expect come the big day.

Explore the loch before you run around it

You can do this race one of two ways: either you come up, acclimatise and scope the place out, or you just rock up and run.

For my own peace of mind (and aching feet/legs), I’d rather do the former – but if you do decide to fly up the day before then make sure you stay on so you can see a bit of the glorious countryside before you leave.

I mean…you couldn’t schlep up here to run the Loch Ness Marathon without actually going on the loch, could you?

Go around the Loch ahead of the race (Picture: Miranda Larbi)
And visit the little towns on your way back into Inverness (Picture: Miranda Larbi)
But not before you’ve visited the Nessie Hunter – a bloke who won the Guinness World Record for the longest time spent searching for the monster (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

Brave the monster by taking a cruise on Loch Ness towards Urquhart Castle, a fort dating back to St Colomba around 562AD and subsequently burnt and demolished by the petty Grant clan who decided that if they weren’t staying, no one else was going to either. It boasts brilliant views over the loch and gives you a little historical flavour of Inverness and the surrounding environs.

Head to Urquhart Castle for a bit of Scottish history (Picture: Miranda Larbi)
Oh, and it offers great views across the Loch (Picture: Miranda Larbi|)

There are also ‘living history’ presentations around four times a day, and who hasn’t wanted to see a pair of kilted Scots pretend to meat cleaver each other to death?

Have a night out before or after the race

You can’t go to Inverness and not experience some of the live music the city has to offer (although it’s probably not a great idea to do so on the night before your race).

Hootenanny’s claims to have the best live music in Scotland and while we can neither confirm or deny, it did have a bloody good set when we visited. The place was packed with people singing along to traditional ditties and The Proclaimers. It’s got a menu of locally made whiskeys, ales and vodkas which are definitely worth a sample or two (what better way to break a drinking ban?).
Nearer the race finish is Jonny Foxes, an Irish bar that really gets going much later on but has bands playing from around half 10.

Where to get the perfect carb-load lunch and pre-race dinner

Everyone has their traditions before a race. You want to have a good breakfast a couple of hours before, a light but filling supper the night before and a good old carby lunch that day.

While most hotels in Inverness will offer an early breakfast on the day (although we actually bought cereal bars to avoid having to get out of bed too early), we found the perfect places for both.

Instagram Photo

Cameron’s is a wonderful tea room situated in the middle of the marathon route and it serves a host of paninis, sandwiches, vegan platters (hummus, crackers, salad) and large slabs of incredible-looking cakes. Situated on a little farm complete with two very friendly deer who enjoy being fed grapes, this is lunch with a spectacular view. There’s a fab farmshop in-house for local treats and stopping here gives you a good opportunity to check out the route ahead of kick off.

We dined at Riverside – an intimate restaurant on the river near the Cathedral. Although it mainly seems to specialise in freshly caught fish and seafood, our table had juicy hunks of steaks and bowls of veg-loaded penne pasta and puy lentil stews.

Embrace the chill on race day

Ahh, Scotland (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

My one overwhelming piece of advice would be to make sure that you bring your bin liners to put on once you’ve shed your outer clothing because it was nip city waiting for kick off and when you’re that cold, it can take a while to break into your stride.

Anyway, it starts out by the Inverness Academy (you can take a cab or walk up there, while the marathon course takes runners up to the start line by shuttle bus), and then takes you through the back road up through the woods, where you get glimpses of the highland hills through the trees.

5K of the route is woodland and once you’re up and going, it’s actually the perfect temperature. And just when you start thinking ‘hmmm could probably do with finishing soon’, you’re on the road coming back into Inverness, with all the cheering supporters out in force to guide you home.

Instagram Photo

In fact, I got my 10K PB here and I reckon that it was down largely to the facts that a. Much of the route is flat, if not actually downhill; b. The scenery is so stunning that it’s hard not to smile the whole way round and; c. the ‘refreshing’ atmosphere forces you to maintain a decent speed. Great training for next month’s Royal Parks Half which is notoriously flat.

By comparison, the marathon route starts near the tip of the loch and follows the river into town down a stunning road which takes you over heathland, through forest and opposite mountain ranges. While it may start with a nice downhill patch however, there’s a nasty little uphill before you join the 10K path for the final push.

We watched finishers from the warm comfort of the press tent and it was really quite remarkable the speeds at which people were finishing – way more sub-4 times than you’d expect. And people looked refreshed. Maybe it was all that fresh, unpolluted air.

Instagram Photo

Once you’ve finished – whatever the length – there’s hot Baxters soup given out to all runners, and the athlete’s village has massage tents, live music, a bar and everything else you’d want to relax with.

It really has to be the most beautiful running festival in the UK. There aren’t many marathons that I’ve actually felt envy watching…so maybe next year I’ll have to go back for the full 26.2 mile course.

You’ll struggle to find a quite as picturesque race in the UK (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

OK so full disclosure: I ran the 10K while my partner ran 5K (which to be fair was the furthest he’d run in about a year).

A couple we were staying with ran the full marathon and they looked like they’d really seen something when we spotted them coming over the 26-mile mark at around 4:50 – impressive considering that this was their first marathon and that it had absolutely piddled it down umpteen times over the course of the day.

But the 10K was absolutely perfect.

Across heathland, along loch, and through city – it’s a unique racecourse (Picture: Miranda Larbi)

To sign up to next year’s Loch Ness Marathon, click here

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What does Pret a Manger mean?

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File photo dated 27/02/15 of a Pret A Manger sign, as the sandwich chain has said that it wants to trial its own return scheme that would add 10p to all Pret plastic bottles and return 10p for each one given back to its shops to recycle. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday February 27, 2018. The chain has asked customers for feedback and it hopes that the trial will go ahead in Brighton in April. See PA story CONSUMER Pret. Photo credit should read: Nick Ansell/PA Wire
(Nick Ansell/PA Wire)

Pret a Manger has been around for over 30 years and has a particularly big presence in London.

The fresh-food chain on to open several stores around the UK and internationally and it has even launched a vegetarian-only chain.

EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Jon Super/REX (9915255bj) Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus centre speaks to teammate Riyad Mahrez before the Mahrez misses a penalty Liverpool v Manchester City, Premier League, Football, Anfield, Liverpool, UK - 07 Oct 2018Gabriel Jesus speaks out on being blocked from taking penalty vs Liverpool

Two victims are now thought to have died after having an allergic reaction to products bought from Pret a Manger.

Sandwich chain Pret said it was missold a guaranteed dairy-free yoghurt, as it contained dairy protein.

But the company who sold Pret the yoghurt denied that it is to blame and said the ‘true cause’ is unknown.

Pret announced last week that it will include full ingredient labelling on all of its products.

(FILES) In this file photo taken on November 17, 2017 customers sit inside a branch of Pret A Manger in London. Pret A Manger, the British sandwich shop chain is being sold to investment group JAB on May 29, 2018 announced its actual owner Bridgepoint, a UK based equity group in a deal worth more than 1.5 billion pounds sterling. / AFP PHOTO / Justin TALLISJUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty Images
(AFP PHOTO / Justin TALLISAFP/Getty Images)

What does Pret a Manger mean and who owns it?

Pret a Manger is French for ‘ready to eat’, although it was based on the phrase pret-a-porter which means ‘read to wear’.

Many people now often shorten the name of the shop to ‘Pret’ which is something that the company has done itself too, including with its website www.pret.co.uk and when launching its first Veggie Pret in 2016.

Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic EnglandBlack and Asian heritage is being celebrated in a Human Stories exhibition

The Soho store attracted a lot of vegetarian and vegan customers and made it the first major food chain to open a vegetarian-only shop.

Originally the first restaurant was owned by Jeffrey Hyman but the name was soon bought by Julian Metcalfe and Sinclair Beecham after the previous company faced liquidation.

The first Pret a Manger as we know it now was opened in 1986 in Victoria Street, London and it focused on providing handmade natural food that was freshly prepared.

It has since gone on to open shops in various countries including France, The Netherlands, Hong Kong and United States.

McDonald’s bought a miniority share in the company in 2001 but later sold their shares to equity firm Bridgepoint Capital in 2008.

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Top 10 destinations for Christmas breaks

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(Picture: Getty)

AirHelp have put together an official list of the most popular destinations for Christmas breaks.

Topping the list is Amsterdam, a perfect short break from the UK because of the speedy flight times. Plus, if the prospect of having your in-laws to stay for Christmas is taking its toll, the good people of Amsterdam will be able to help you relax.

Second on the list is Dublin in Ireland, another short flight. Other popular choices include Geneva (presumably in part because of its proximity to various ski resorts), Frankfurt, which does a great line in Christmas markets, and Barcelona which is a balmy 14 degrees on average in December.

Most popular Christmas breaks

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands – 3,800 flights from the UK to Schiphol Airport

2. Dublin, Ireland – 3,400 flights from the UK to Dublin Airport

3. Paris, France – 1,600 flights from the UK to Charles de Gaulle Airport

4. Geneva, Switzerland – 1,500 flights from the UK to Geneva International

5. Frankfurt, Germany – 1,100 flights from the UK to Frankfurt Airport

6. Barcelona, Spain – 1,000 flights from the UK to Barcelona-El Prat

7. Madrid, Spain – 900 flights from the UK to Madrid Adolfo Suarez-Barajas Apt

8. Munich, Germany – 900 flights from the UK to Munich International Airport

9. Copenhagen, Denmark – 800 flights from the UK to Copenhagen Kastrup Airport

10. Alicante, Spain – 850 flights from the UK to Alicante Airport

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Black and Asian heritage is being celebrated in a Human Stories exhibition

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Theo White Another England at NOW Gallery Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
(Picture: Theo White/Historic England)

When it comes to celebrating the history of England, we don’t often see the involvement of people of black and Asian heritage.

To change that, the NOW Gallery in east London’s Greenwich Peninsula has reopened its photographic exhibition looking at historical and contemporary narratives from minority backgrounds.

The exhibition – called Human Stories – is now in its third year after being launched by Historic England to map the past 100 years of the nation’s history from a black and Asian perspective.

Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
(Picture: Theo White/Historic England)

Created by Kaia Charles, Human Stories; Another England, is a series of annual photographic displays that encourage conversations on contemporary issues and key historical moments like the Windrush generation.

Artists, photographers, historians, filmmakers, and writers have come together to curate the display to give an insight into the origins of diasporic migration, religion, home, and working life.

Other points of exploration include intersectionality, multiculturalism and a sense of place as well as unpicking embedded racism that many were exposed to in the last century.

Some of the images on display show black and Asian youngsters chatting to each other outside a church, people working in the service industry, shopping in Tower Hamlets, and listening to a talk at Speaker’s Corner, Hyde Park from the 60s.

It encapsulates the lives of people growing up in England.

‘The provocation, “Another England”, signifies stories and images underrepresented in England’s collective history,’ said Kaia Charles, cultural projects manager of NOW Gallery.

‘Whilst celebrating multiculturalism, we aspire to provoke open and honest dialogue about the portrayal of black and Asian heritage in this country over the last century.’

Here are some images you can see at the NOW Gallery:

general view of a crowd at speakers corner in hyde park, with a young black man on the platform with arm outstretched 'london observed' negatives hyde park speakers corner greater london city of westminster paddington bayswater and knightsbridge Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
Crowd at Speaker’s Corner in hyde park, with a young black man on the platform with arm outstretched (Picture: John/GayHistoric England)
Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
Shoppers in Tower Hamlets (Picture: Historic England)
The kitchens at Wheelers Sovereign Restaurant, Mayfair Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
The kitchens at Wheelers Sovereign Restaurant, Mayfair (Picture: Historic England)
Theo White Another England at NOW Gallery. Greenwich Peninsula Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
(Picture: Theo White/Historic England)
Boys at Paddington Train Station, Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
Boys at Paddington train station (Picture: Historic England)
Woman working in chemistry lab, King's College, University of London Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
Woman working at a lab in King’s College London (Picture: Historic England)
1961, Kik Hong Ong, the first female civil engineer for John Laing & Son Ltd Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
Kik Hong Ong, the first female civil engineer for John Laing and Son Limited  (Picture: Historic England)
Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England London Market
London Market (Picture: Historic England)
Three young black girls chatting outside a Methodist chapel, 1950-59, -? Human Stories: a photographic journey of England's Black and Asian heritage Picture: Courtesy of Historic England
(Picture: Historic England)

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Student says he’s terrified of kissing someone because of his severe nut allergy

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Oliver Weatherall 22 who has such a severe peanut allergy that is does does not even kiss anyone. Farnham, Surrey. See NATIONAL story NNKISS. A handsome young man said he is terrified about kissing people because of his severe peanut allergy. Oliver Weatherall has had to be meticulous about what he eats and who he comes into contact with for more than a decade and will not even think about kissing someone without checking first what they have eaten. The scrupulous 22-year-old said the thought of such romantic gestures triggers his anxiety and could put him in hospital.
(Picture: SWNS)

Oliver Weatherall, who is severely allergic to nuts, has been careful with who he interacts with on a daily basis.

The 22-year-old student, from Farnham, Surrey, has to make sure cutlery is meticulously cleaned as not to leave traces of nuts which could trigger an anaphylactic shock.

And the condition has made his romantic life somewhat difficult.

If a person Oliver kisses has consumed even a handful of peanuts that day, it could cause a severe reaction for him.

Oliver Weatherall 22 who has such a severe peanut allergy that is does does not even kiss anyone. Farnham, Surrey. See NATIONAL story NNKISS. A handsome young man said he is terrified about kissing people because of his severe peanut allergy. Oliver Weatherall has had to be meticulous about what he eats and who he comes into contact with for more than a decade and will not even think about kissing someone without checking first what they have eaten. The scrupulous 22-year-old said the thought of such romantic gestures triggers his anxiety and could put him in hospital.
Oliver has had 15 allergic reactions and now prefers not to go out (Picture: SWNS)

Oliver and his family discovered the allergy when he was 13 after he tucked into a slice of buttered toast and his entire body broke out in hives – because the knife had been used to spread peanut butter before being cleaned.

The business student has walked out of restaurants where he felt unsafe and hasn’t eaten out for more than a year because he finds it too stressful.

‘At meal times, you are at real risk of dying just from food,’ he said. ‘If the staff aren’t knowledgeable, I am not willing to put my life in their hands.

‘At restaurants, you can tell quite quickly if people are clued up about allergens or not – often people think nuts and peanuts are the same for example, but they are not.

‘And if there is a language barrier, things can get lost in translation.

‘Also if I think a product might be unsafe, I will check if the company sells any products that contain peanuts and if they do, I won’t buy it. I have learned to trust my intuition.’

Oliver Weatherall 22 who has such a severe peanut allergy that is does does not even kiss anyone. Farnham, Surrey. See NATIONAL story NNKISS. A handsome young man said he is terrified about kissing people because of his severe peanut allergy. Oliver Weatherall has had to be meticulous about what he eats and who he comes into contact with for more than a decade and will not even think about kissing someone without checking first what they have eaten. The scrupulous 22-year-old said the thought of such romantic gestures triggers his anxiety and could put him in hospital.
He fears kissing someone who’s eaten nuts that day (Picture: SWNS)

During the World Cup, England fans celebrating a goal had poured beer and other things all over the pub which landed Oliver in hospital.

He said: ‘I didn’t feel right and I felt tingling in my lips.

‘I walked home – which you shouldn’t do because exercise can worsen the reaction.

‘You have to be as calm as possible which is obviously so hard because when you are in that scenario you are panicking.

‘When your breathing is compromised, you have to act fast.

‘You have to take action in a small window of time and decipher if you are panicking or your reaction is getting worse and make that call.’

He injected his epipen into the upper part of his outer thigh while his dad phoned an ambulance and he was taken to the hospital’s resuscitation ward where doctors monitored his heart rate.

Oliver is also allergic to sesame, sulphites, and coconut and has to steer clear of hummus, cider, wine and Asian foods fried in peanut oil.

He has had more than 15 allergic reactions, some so severe he has had to monitor himself for days after being rushed into A&E in case he has a repeat episode.

At the first sign of a reaction, when his lips feel tingly, he takes antihistamine and steroids and keeps an eye on his symptoms.

Oliver is now vegan and launched his own Instagram page – Free From Fourteen Vegan – full of useful recipes which avoid all of the EU’s 14 major food allergens and animal products.

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Royal wedding dresses compared – from Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle’s to Diana and Sarah Ferguson’s

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Take a look at royal wedding dresses through the years – including Sarah Ferguson’s, Kate Middleton’s, Diana, Princess of Wales’ and Princess Margaret’s (Picture: Getty)

Royal wedding dresses will always capture the nation’s imagination and attention, having been something of a public obsession for decades.

With Princess Eugenie’s wedding just days away, here we take a look back at the most iconic royal wedding dresses of recent time.

Starting with the Queen Mother, cast your eyes over the most iconic bridal gowns from Princess Margaret’s to Diana, Princess of Wales’, to Kate Midleton’s, Zara Tindall’s and Meghan Markle’s.

The question is: how will Eugenie’s compare?

Here is our rundown of all of the royal wedding dresses since the Queen Mother’s wedding…

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Wedding: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Date: Thursday 26 April 1923

26th April 1923: The wedding of the Duke of York (1895 – 1952), later George VI, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon (1900 – 2002). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

When Prince Albert, Duke of York, soon to be King George VI, and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, tied the knot, they broke from tradition and ensured their wedding was a public affair, marrying in Westminster Abbey instead of a private, royal chapel.

Their public celebration-style wedding, which is what we are now accustomed to with royal weddings, was a means of lifting the public’s spirits following the First World War. It was also widely believed that Prince Albert would never take to the throne, given his brother Edward was older than him.

Why King George and not King Albert?

King George VI’s first name was Albert – his full name was Albert Frederick Arthur George.

He opted to use his middle name George to rule with as, following his brother Edwards VIII’s abdication in 1936, he wanted to offer the British public a sense of continuity so, given his father was King George V, he went with George as well.

Elizabeth’s 1920s wedding gown was created by Madame Handley Seymouor, the dressmaker to Queen Mary, the sister of King George VI.

Made with deep ivory chiffon moire, it was embroidered with pearls and a silver thread.

Queen Mary provided the Flanders lace used for the train and the dress also featured a strip of Brussels lace, which was Elizabeth’s Strathmore family heirloom.

26th April 1923: Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900 – 2002) leaves her home for her wedding to the Duke of York, the future King George VI. (Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)
26th April 1923: The marriage of the Duke and Duchess of York at Westminster Abbey, London. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
26th April 1923: The Duke and Duchess of York on their marriage day, later becoming King George VI (1895 – 1952) and Queen Elizabeth (1900 – 2002). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
26th April 1923: King George V of Great Britain (right) and Queen Mary on the wedding day of their son George, later King George VI, to Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (1900 – 2002). With them are the Earl and Countess of Stramore (left). Original Artist: By Elliott & Fry. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Attached to Queen Elizabeth’s girdle was a trail of spring green tulle. A news article at the time wrote: ‘In the trimming the bride has defied all old superstitions about the unluckiness of green.’

The details of the Queen Mother’s dress were revealed ahead of her wedding, unlike the tradition nowadays of keeping the details top secret.

King George VI, meanwhile, wore RAF full dress in his senior service rank of captain.

 

Queen Elizabeth II

Wedding: Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II

Date: 20 November 1947

Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II, and Prince Philip leave Westminster Abbey, London after their wedding on 20th November 1947. (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images)

Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, Duke Of Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in 1947.

Her dress was designed by court designer Norman Hartnell, who was famous for his embroidery. He took his inspiration from flowers, such as jasmine, for the pattern on her dress.

20th November 1947: Queen Elizabeth II (as Princess Elizabeth) with Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on their wedding day in Westminster Abbey, London. Original Publication: Picture Post – 4438 – Royal Wedding – pub. 1947 (Photo by Bert Hardy/Picture Post/Getty Images)
20th November 1947: Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh at Buckingham Palace, London, after their wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Although she was the heir apparent at the time, she still had to buy her wedding dress with ration coupons. In fact, hundreds of members of the public sent Elizabeth their coupons to help her buy the gown, however it was not legal for her to use them so they were sent back. The government donated 200 coupons to help her.

Elizabeth’s dress was made of soft Damascus Prokar. It featured a high neckline, tailored bodice and, at 13 feet long, a short trail.

Much speculation surrounded her dress at the time and it’s understood she was worried that if the details leaked, fashion houses would copy it and she would therefore find it difficult to make last-minute alterations.

Princess Elizabeth, now Queen Elizabeth II, arrives with her father, King George VI for her wedding to Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey, London on 20th November 1947. (Photo by Popperfoto/Getty Images).
2nd June 1953: Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh wave at the crowds from the balcony at Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Queen Elizabeth’s tiara famously snapped on the morning of her wedding as she got ready at Buckingham Palace.

However, the court jeweler was on standby in case of an emergency so he was rushed to his work room by police escort and it was fixed in time for the ceremony.

 

Princess Margaret

Wedding: Antony Armstrong-Jones and Princess Margaret

Date: Friday 6 May 1960

Princess Margaret married Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminster Abbey (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Princess Margaret married photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in May 1960.

It was watched by 300 million people worldwide, having become the first royal wedding ever broadcast on TV.

Just like her sister’s gown, her wedding dress was designed by Normal Hartnell, made from silk organza.

British Royalty, London, England, 6th May 1960, H,R,H,Princess Margaret leaves for Westminster Abbey, accompanied by her father The Duke of Edinburgh, to be married to Anthony Armstrong-Jones (Photo by Bob Thomas/Popperfoto/Getty Images)
Princess Margaret is accompanied by her brother-in-law Prince Philip during her wedding to Antony Armstrong-Jones at Westminister Abbey.
6th May 1960: Princess Margaret (1930 – 2002) and Antony Armstrong-Jones on their wedding day at Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Princess Margaret and her new husband Antony Armstrong Jones pose for a picture with their bridesmaids at Buckingham Palace, 6th May 1960. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The newly-wed Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, the photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones wave 06 May 1960 (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

A total of thirty metres of fabric was used for the skirt alone and the dress won critical approval thanks to its elegant simplicity.

It was described as ‘stunningly tailored’ by Vogue and Life magazine said it was ‘the simplest royal wedding gown in history’.

Some fashion critics even go as far to say it is Hartnell’s finest piece of work.

 

Anne, Princess Royal

Wedding: Mark Phillips and Princess Anne

Date: Wednesday 14 November 1973.

Princess Anne on her wedding day with her husband Mark Phillips, her younger brother Prince Edward, and cousin Lady Sarah Armstrong-Jones. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Princess Anne married Mark Phillips in November 1973 at Westminster Abbey.

He gown was designed by Maureen Baker, who created designs for the Susan Small label and had previously designed pieces for Anne.

The dress had a high neckline with ‘medieval sleeves’ and was embroidered in what has been described as ‘Tudor-style’, with the train embroidered by Lock’s Embroiderers.

(Original Caption) London, England: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Michael Ramsey blesses Prince Anne and Captain Mark Phillips during their wedding ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
Princess Anne and Mark Phillips walk down the aisle together after being married at Westminster Cathedral. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
The wedding of Anne, Princess Royal to Mark Phillips, London, UK, 14th November 1973. Also pictured are Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, Viscount Linley, Katharine, Duchess of Kent, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, King Constantine II of Greece, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, and King Harald V of Norway and Queen Sonja of Norway. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
(Original Caption) London, England: Princes Anne and Capt. Mark Phillips share a laugh on the balcony of Buckingham Palace after their wedding.

It was reflective of 1970s fashion and widely regarded as a simple design, which Anne helped create herself.

 

Diana, Princess Of Wales

Wedding: Prince Charles and Diana, Princess Of Wales

Date: Wednesday 29 July 1981

The wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, 29th July 1981. The couple leave the cathedral after the ceremony. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Diana, Princess Of Wales’ wedding dress is possibly one of the most famous gowns in the world.

It was kept top secret in the run up to her and Prince Charles’ wedding day, with a back-up dress even in place in case the original dress’ details leaked.

The ivory silk taffeta and antique lace gown was designed by David and Elizabeth Emanuel.

They consulted Stephen Walters of Suffolk to help with the taffeta and Maureen Baker to help with the construction.of the dress, which featured 10,000 pearls and sequins alone.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 29: Lady Diana Spencer Arriving With Her Father, Earl Spencer, At St Paul’s Cathedral For Her Wedding To Prince Charles. Lady Diana (princess Of Wales) Is Making Her Way Up The Stairs Whilst Her Bridesmaids Straighten Her Long Train (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
29th July 1981: Charles, Prince of Wales, with his wife, Princess Diana (1961 – 1997), at St Paul’s Cathedral, London, during their marriage ceremony. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 29: Princess Diana And Prince Charles Walking Down The Aisle Of St Paul’s In London On Their Wedding Day With Their Bridesmaids And Pageboys (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
The Prince and Princess of Wales leave St Paul’s Cathedral on their wedding day, 29th July 1981. (Photo by Jayne Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
The Prince and Princess of Wales return to Buckingham Palace by carriage after their wedding, 29th July 1981. She wears a wedding dress by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel and the Spencer family tiara. (Photo by Terry Fincher/Princess Diana Archive/Getty Images)
GREAT BRITAIN – JULY 29: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales whispering to Diana, Princess of Wales on their wedding day as they appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images)
LONDON – JULY 29: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Princess Diana, Princess of Wales, kiss on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following their wedding on July 29, 1981 in London, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage)

Diana’s dress caused much concern for her dressmakers and seamstress as she developed the eating disorder bulimia in the run up to her wedding, dropping from a size 14 to 10.

Her train was also practically double the length of Queen Elizabeth’s at 25 feet long, a detail that hadn’t been considered when it came to Diana making her way into the glass coach that would take her to St Paul’s Cathedral. The train ended up being crushed and creases could be seen when she emerged.

 

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess Of York

Wedding: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess Of York

Date: Wednesday 23 July 1986

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and Sarah Ferguson wave outside of Buckingham Palace on their wedding day, London, England, July 23, 1986. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew married in July 1986 in Westminster Abbey.

Her dress was designed by Lindka Cierach, her gown was created from duchesse satin and featured heavy beading. 17 feet.

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 23: Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and wave at their wedding on July 23, 1986 in London, England. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/Getty Images)

Wedding dress fever had swept the nation so much by this point that copies of Sarah’s dress were being sold in stores hours after her wedding.

 

Sophie, Countess Of Wessex

Wedding: Prince Edward, Earl Of Wessex and Sophie, Countess Of Wessex

Date: Saturday 19 June 1999

Edward and Saphie, the new Earl and Countess of Wessex on their wedding day in Windsor on June 19, 1999. at the Windsor in Windsor, United Kingdom. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage)

Sophie Rhys-Jones married Prince Edward at St George’s Chapel in June 1999.

Her dress was designed by Samantha Shaw and was made of hand-dyed silk organza and hand-dyed silk crepe.

The gown featured long sleeves and a V-neckline with 325,000 pearls and crystals sewn onto the dress.

Edward and Saphie, the new Earl and Countess of Wessex on their wedding day in Windsor on June 19, 1999. (Photo by Anwar Hussein/WireImage)
Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones wave to wellwishers 19 June 1999 as they leave St. George’s Chapel after their marriage at Windsor Castle. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) (Photo credit should read GERRY PENNY/AFP/Getty Images)

 

The Duchess Of Cambridge

Wedding: Prince William, Duke Of Cambridge and Kate Middleton, Duchess Of Cambridge

Date: Friday 29 April 2011

Catherine Middleton shows her Alexander McQueen dress in full for the first time outside Westminster Abbey (Picture: Samir Hussein/WireImage)

Alexander McQueen’s creative director Sarah Burton was the brains behind Kate’s elegant – and stunning – lace bridal gown for her wedding to Prince William.

For months speculation was rife on who would be the designer and Sarah had kept a stealthy silence on the matter.

So it was only natural that everyone was clamoring for the first glimpse of Kate in her dress – even it it was shielded in part by the screens at The Goring.

As Kate finally emerged outside Westminster Abbey – with the entire world seeing her dress on TV screens before her husband-to-be had – it was confirmed that Burton was in fact the designer.

The stunning dress featured delicate lace (Picture: Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
Pippa carried Kate’s train as they leave Westminster Abbey (Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

She was even on hand to neaten the train – which was 9ft long – on the day and ensure every inch of the dress looked perfect as Kate made her way down the aisle.

It later emerged that Kate and Sarah had been having secret meetings at Hampton Court Palace to discuss the dress – the location chosen due to its proximity to The Royal School Of Needlework, who created the lace for the gown.

It was so hush-hush that staff there were told that the lace they were creating was actually for a period drama.

Sarah Burton arranges Kate’s dress just before she walked down the aisle (Picture: Jon Bond – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The dress designer also created Pippa’s gown (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Prince William and Kate Middleton emerge from Westminster Abbey after their wedding ceremony (Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

 

Zara Phillips

Wedding: Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

Date: Saturday 30 July 2011

Zara Phillips departs for her wedding to Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk on July 30, 2011 (Picture: Getty)

Zara Phillips’ wedding dress was designed by Stewart Parvin, who was a favourite among the Royal Family.

The dress featured sheer cap sleeves, and the silk fabric gave her a flattering shape as it opened out into the skirt.

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall after their wedding at Canongate Kirk (Picture: Getty)
Zara’s wedding gown (Picture: Philip Ide – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Britain’s Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, is pictured after her wedding to England rugby player Mike Tindall at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 30, 2011. AFP PHOTO / BEN STANSALL (Photo credit should read BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images)
England rugby player Mike Tindall (L) and his new bride Britain’s Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, leave after their wedding ceremony at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, Scotland, on July 30, 2011. AFP PHOTO / DYLAN MARTINEZ/POOL (Photo credit should read DYLAN MARTINEZ/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall

Wedding: Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall

Date: Saturday 9 April 2005

Prince Charles and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)

When Camilla Parker Bowles married Prince Charles in June 2005, she had not one but two wedding dresses.

The first she wore to their civil ceremony service at Guildhall, Windsor.

The second, she wore for the blessing at St George’s Chapel, which directly followed the ceremony.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: TRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, depart the Civil Ceremony where they were legally married, at The Guildhall, Windsor on April 9, 2005 in Berkshire, England. (Photo by Georges De Keerle/Getty Images)
Prince Charles and Camilla Parker-Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall (Photo by Anwar Hussein Collection/ROTA/WireImage)

Both dresses were created by Antonia Robinson and Anna Valentine, who were working under the name Robinson Valentine at the time. They are now known as Anna Valentine.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND - APRIL 9: Clarence House official handout photo of the Prince of Wales and his new bride Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall in the White Drawing Room at Windsor Castle April 9 2005, after their wedding ceremony. (Photo by Hugo Burnand/Pool/Getty Images)
(Picture: Getty Images)

 

Meghan Markle

Wedding: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

Date: Saturday 19 May 2018

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM - MAY 19: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex leave St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle after their wedding ceremony on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle (Picture: PA)

After months of speculation over who the designer of Meghan Markle’s wedding dress is, it was finally revealed on her wedding day.

Not Ralph & Russo, Erdem or Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the designer of Meghan’s dress is Clare Waight Keller at Givenchy.

Opting for a 1960s-style, off the shoulder gown by the first female artistic director of the French fashion house, Meghan looked stunning in her white gown.

‘Meghan’s chosen a clean classic high bateau neckline, which is beautifully demure.’ Bridebook.co.uk told Metro.co.uk.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9685436en) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ceremony, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK - 19 May 2018
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry emerge after their wedding (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave after their wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (Owen Humphreys/pool photo via AP)
Harry takes Meghan’s hand as they walk back down the aisle (Picture: WPA Rota)
Mandatory Credit: Photo by REX/Shutterstock (9685436gl) Prince Harry and Meghan Markle The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Ceremony, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, Berkshire, UK - 19 May 2018
Meghan Markle’s dress was designed by Givenchy (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)

‘Meghan’s dress is incredibly theatrical and exquisitely cut with an embroidered cathedral length handmade tulle veil. It is A-line with a relatively short train of about 70 inches from the waist, resulting in lovely movement as the bride walks.

‘There are no seams in the bodice. Incredibly clean and plain dresses such as this are VERY time consuming and complicated to make, because unlike a lace dress, there is no room for any errors and you can’t hide any wrinkles as the fabric has to sit perfectly.

Around 250 members of the Armed Forces are making their final preparations in Windsor today ahead of the ceremonies at the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince Henry of Wales and Ms Meghan Markle. The Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force are all providing ceremonial support to mark the occasion. Units that hold a special relationship with Prince Harry were chosen at the request of Kensington Palace. Some of the troops performing ceremonial duties today served alongside Prince Harry during his ten years in the Army. From 9.30am this morning, the Band of the Irish Guards entertained crowds as they gathered to watch events unfold around Windsor. The State Trumpeters of the Band of the Household Cavalry will play fanfares in St George?s Chapel to mark the arrival of HM The Queen and Ms Meghan Markle ahead of the wedding service.
(Picture: PA)

‘When you have a clean dress like that the bride really shines. You have to be very beautiful to wear a plain dress. Meghan’s face really pops out, and she looks stunning. It is possibly zibeline silk or micado fabric.’

Meghan’s dress featured a cathedral train and she wore Queen Mary’s filigree tiara, which was last worn in the 1800s.

Will Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall ever be Queen?

There's much talk over what Camilla, Duchess Of Cornwall's name will be when Charles ascends the throne.

On their wedding day, Clarence House revealed that when Charles becomes King, presuming he will not abdicate, Camilla will become known as Princess Consort.

Traditionally, as dictated by English common law, the wife of the ruling monarch is called Queen Consort: Kate Middleton will be known as when William ascends the throne.

A Queen Consort shares her husband's social rank and status, although not his military or political powers.

There is no historical or legal reason why Camilla would be known as Princess Consort and this year, Clarence House removed the statement dictating this, suggesting she will, after all, be known as Queen Consort.

A Queen Consort can take the title of Queen, so Camilla would become known as Queen Camilla.

For inspiration on mother of the bride outfits – or to see what the royals have previously chosen for the important role, click right here.

If you are more into your jewellery, however, check out our comparison of all of the royal engagement and wedding rings here.

Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank will tie the knot at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle on Friday 12 October.

MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle prepare to move into renovated Apartment 1 at Kensington Palace

MORE: Who is Jack Brooksbank – age, parents, job and his dream of owning a chain of pubs with Princess Eugenie

A burger van has launched a fry-up inside a whole loaf of bread

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A burger van has launched a full Welsh breakfast served INSIDE a huge loaf of bread. Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales, serves up a butty containing sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and beans - all smothered within a giant loaf. Caption: Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales, which serves a huge fry-up served inside a loaf of bread
(Picture: Media Wales)

A burger van in Wales has created a giant fry up – which comes in an entire load of bread.

Rolling Rolls has devised the morning meal, which features a loaf of bread filled with sausages, eggs, toast and beans, after a customer recommended it as a challenge.

The company, which usually sells burgers, hot dogs and breakfasts, says the fried breakfast loaf has been a total success.

It contains four sausages, four rashers of bacon, four eggs, four hash browns and beans for £10 – and it’s meant to be shared by two people.

A burger van has launched a full Welsh breakfast served INSIDE a huge loaf of bread. Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales, serves up a butty containing sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and beans - all smothered within a giant loaf. Caption: Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales, which serves a huge fry-up served inside a loaf of bread
(Picture: Media Wales)

However if you’re wanting a little more, you can upgrade by £2 to get two pieces of black pudding added, too.

All of these fried breakfast items come squished in a hollow out loaf of bread.

It’s an amazing idea – but it looks impossible to eat.

A burger van has launched a full Welsh breakfast served INSIDE a huge loaf of bread. Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales, serves up a butty containing sausage, bacon, eggs, hash browns and beans - all smothered within a giant loaf. Caption (l-r): Daniel Preston, Michelle Preston, and daughter Becky Hamdley-Lloyd at Rolling Rolls in Bridgend, south Wales
(Picture: Media Wales)

52-year-old Michelle Preston, who owns Rolling Rolls, told Wales Online: ‘Someone asked us to start it as a challenge and we thought why not?

‘It has proved really popular with customers and so many people have been trying to finish it.

‘It’s quite a large breakfast and really it’s for two people but most people seem to eat the whole thing by themselves.’

MORE: Is this cheese covered artwork dreamy or disgusting?

MORE: What does Pret a Manger mean?

M&M’s launches new chocolate bars that come in five flavours

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M&M’s chocolate bars now exist – and they're here to change the chocolate game forever
(Picture: M&M’s)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice: M&M’s is launching its own line of chocolate bars, and it’ll feature five flavours.

The chocolate bars will come in peanut, almond, crispy, mint and the classic milk chocolate flavour, and they each come in their usual colourful packaging.

Picture: M&Ms M&M???s chocolate bars now exist ??? and they're here to change the chocolate game forever
(Picture: M&M’s)

The chocolate bars are made using milk chocolate and come filled with mini M&M’s.

Allison Miazga-Bedrick, M&M’s senior brand director said: ‘We’re excited to debut M&M’s Chocolate Bars and know that our M&M’s fans and chocolate bar lovers alike will appreciate the delicious taste that comes from our rich and creamy chocolate.’

Yes, they sound amazing and yes, we want to get our hands on them, but currently they’ve only been spotted in Walmart in America. Because apparently we never get the good stuff.

Picture: M&Ms M&M???s chocolate bars now exist ??? and they're here to change the chocolate game forever
(Picture: M&M’s)

This isn’t the only recent M&M’s US release.

A new packet of hazelnut spread-filled M&M’s are going to be released in America in April 2019.

M&Ms are launching Hazelnut Spread M&Ms and OMG M&Ms
(Picture: M&M’s)

Apparently, the M&M’s will still have the same classic sugary coating, but they’ll be filled with a chocolate hazelnut cream, a bit like Nutella. Yum.

Sure, it’s sad news that they won’t be available in the UK – but here’s to hoping we’re blessed with something similar.

MORE: Is this cheese covered artwork dreamy or disgusting?

MORE: Tesco is selling strawberry flavoured Jaffa Cakes for 50p


Can you really tell a baby’s gender at 12 weeks, just from a scan picture?

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Fertility Series
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

For some pregnant women, finding out the gender of their future child is a big deal.

If you get a private scan, it’s possible to find out what gender your baby is from 10-12 weeks of gestation. However, this service costs around £200 so isn’t an option for everyone.

Those who only have NHS scans are able to find out the gender of their baby at their 20 week scan, assuming that the baby isn’t crossing its legs. If at your scan the baby isn’t playing ball, you won’t be able to know.

The limited (or expensive) chances for expectant parents to find out their future offspring’s gender has led to something called ‘nub theory’.

The ‘nub’ method of gendering works from 12 weeks, when a woman has a dating scan to work out how pregnant she is and when she’s due. The fetus’s genitals haven’t fully developed at this point, so you can’t tell the gender by looking between their legs, but some people believe you can tell by looking at a ‘nub’.

Ultrasound image of new baby in mother's belly
(Picture: Getty)

The ‘nub’ is the part of the fetus which is going to develop into genitals. The theory is that if the nub is at a 30 degree angle or more, it’s going to be a boy, and if it’s at less than 30 degrees, it’s going to be a girl.

Guessing gender by looking at the nub is a popular pass time on online forums such as Mumsnet where parents will post pictures of their scans and ask other users to judge from the baby’s ‘nub’ what gender the baby will be.

Mumsnet users are very clear that it’s just an educated guess and in no way an exact science, which is why the person who does your scan will not commit to a gender at 12 weeks (and many may decline to do so at 20 weeks).

If there’s any reason (like genetic conditions) that you need to know your baby’s gender, your GP will work with you. Otherwise, the only full proof option is to pay for a private gender scan, or to wait and see what comes out at the end.

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Underwear addict buys almost £3000 worth of bras, lingerie and knickers a year

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(Picture: Getty)

Most of us feel pretty fantastic if we manage to match our bra with our underwear.

Blogger Ellie Hatfull, however, has over 150 pairs of bras and knickers to choose from and she always makes the effort to pair them properly.

The self-described lingerie addict from Sydney, Australia, has spent £2,600 on underwear this year.

The 27-year-old noticed she was building an impressive collection of fancy garments and decided to showcase it all on her Instagram page, Lace and Haze.

And her 41,000-strong followers love to see the new bralettes, suspender belts, and undies that Ellie regularly tries on.

Instagram Photo

Instagram Photo

But Ellie admits that sometimes her underwear has got her in trouble – particularly at work.

‘Management comes by and comments on how my outfit is not work appropriate. Something along the lines of “underwear is not meant to be on show” and “I can see your bra”,’ she wrote on her blog.

Her interest in underwear began when she was a girl and became fascinated by the world of fashion. As well as becoming more body positive as a result of her addiction, she said she also enjoys the taboo aspect of it.

‘Because of these restrictions, I started channeling my personal style through my lingerie,’ she told Daily Mail.

‘No one would see it, but it would make me feel good to wear something that I knew was true to myself.’

Instagram Photo

‘You don’t wake up one day and just decide to be positive about your body – it’s a slow process unlearning all the lessons and expectations you’ve been told before.

‘Your body constantly changes and so your mindset has to grow and expand as well.

‘For me personally, I became body positive when I started to wear lingerie. It made me feel good, like a form of self-care.

Instagram Photo

‘I know when I’m wearing beautiful lingerie I am a better version of myself; if you feel good on the inside, it carries onto other aspects of your life.’

Ellie told her followers that she quit her day job so she could focus on maintaining her Instagram page and what she is passionate about.

MORE: 49-year-old woman says she makes thousands by posting photos of her feet on Instagram

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Mum kept her pregnancy a secret for nine months before announcing her new baby on WhatsApp

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Amy announced Elfine's arrival via WhatsApp (Collect/PA Real Life)
Amy announced Elfine’s arrival via WhatsApp (Picture: PA Real Life)

After two devastating stillbirths and one miscarriage, a woman kept the news of her most recent pregnancy secret – announcing it via WhatsApp when the baby was born, with a photo message saying, ‘We can’t believe she’s here.’

After suffering three tragedies in as many years, in their bid to become parents, duck farmers Amy and Oliver Everatt, both 33, kept quiet about their news, as they could not face telling people again if they lost another baby.

Only sharing the news when their ‘little miracle,’ Elfine, was born and declared fit, the couple’s jubilant announcement said: ‘Elfine Stella Everatt born 25/10/17 weighing 3lb 13oz, mum and baby doing well. We can’t believe she’s here.’

Founder of Help Us Grieve (HUG), an app and website to support grieving parents, Amy, from Langford, Nottinghamshire, said: ‘We kept quiet to protect ourselves, because we had already lost three children and we couldn’t face telling people we had lost another one.

‘We didn’t want people feeling sorry for us, looking at my bump thinking I would probably lose it. So, we decided if someone asked, then we wouldn’t lie, but we wouldn’t actively tell people.’

A couple for 14 years, Amy and Oliver first met at pre-school and always wanted a family.

When Amy had a straight-forward pregnancy with their eldest daughter Lilia, seven, in 2011, they imagined everything would be easy when they began trying for a brother or sister for her.

But, after discovering she was pregnant in 2013, Amy’s joy quickly turned to heartbreak, when, at 18 weeks, she noticed her baby had stopped moving inside her.

She said: ‘I noticed the baby had stopped moving, but because we were still quite early in the pregnancy doctors thought it was ok.

‘Deep down, though, call it a mother’s instinct, I knew something wasn’t right.’

Tragically, at 19 weeks, visiting the hospital, she was told the baby girl she and Oliver had called Meridon had died.

Refusing to lose hope, they tried again and were thrilled when they discovered they were expecting the following June.

Then, in October 2014, after being involved in a small car crash, Amy had a precautionary check-up, discovering that the baby girl, who they named Addie, had died.

Amy pregnant with Elfine (PA Real Life/Tiny Feet Photography)
Amy pregnant with Elfine (Picture: PA Real Life/Tiny Feet Photography)

Then, just after Christmas 2015, Amy discovered she was pregnant again, but at just 12 weeks she had a miscarriage.

‘Nothing was coming up on my test results, explaining why I could get pregnant but couldn’t seem to hold on to the babies,’ she said.

‘We saw a specialist at the recurrent miscarriage unit at Hertford County Hospital, two hours from our home, and were told if we did want to try again, we would need to take medication as soon as I fell pregnant.’

Then, in March 2017, the magic blue lines appeared on Amy’s pregnancy test once more.

‘I was so filled with anxiety that I called our specialist before I told Oliver,’ Amy said.

‘When I did ring my husband, he was so positive and said, “We can do this!”‘

As a precaution, however, the couple decided not to tell anyone about the pregnancy.

Given twice-daily injections of the blood thinner Clexane, thought to help prevent blood clots from forming in the embryo and placenta, as well as an aspirin once a day and steroids, only Amy, Oliver and their medical team knew about the pregnancy.

At 16 weeks they shared the news only with Amy’s mum, retired nurse Wendy Crowe, 64, so she could help with looking after their eldest child when they went to hospital appointments.

‘Some people could obviously tell I was pregnant, but they would just offer to take my bags, for example, and respect we were keeping it private,’ Amy said.

Having weekly check-ups at Hertford General Hospital, medics warned they may need to deliver the baby, who they discovered at 20 weeks was a girl, early because Amy was prone to miscarrying.

Then, at 35 weeks, medics decided it was time to deliver the baby – and she was born at Stevenage’s Lister Hospital by elected C-section, on October 25, 2017.

‘When she arrived they put her in an incubator straight away as she was so tiny. I only got to hold her at four days old, and I was terrified again,’ Amy said.

‘She was small like the girls we had lost, weighing just 3lb 13oz, and I was desperate for her to be ok.

‘I felt like I’d been holding my breath for 35 weeks, petrified at every scan that we were going to have lost her.’

Kept in hospital for two weeks, Amy and Oliver then shocked friends and family with their news.

Amy, Oliver, Lilia and Elfine (PA Real Life/Tiny Feet Photography)
Amy, Oliver, Lilia and Elfine (Picture: PA Real Life/Tiny Feet Photography)

‘We sent a picture to our nearest and dearest, announcing little Elfine’s arrival,’ Amy smiled.

‘It was a big surprise for everyone, as nobody knew I had been pregnant.’

Now almost one year old, Amy says you would never know her girl was born premature, and the family have never been happier.

‘It was only a few days ago, looking at a school photo Lilia had done, where we took Elfine in for the sibling shot, that it really hit home that Lilia had a sister and that Elfine had made it,” she said.

‘She is the most beautiful and happy little girl. Lilia is so happy to have a sibling and we feel so lucky too.

‘We call Elfine our little miracle.’

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McDonald’s in Malaysia launches salted caramel and chocolate pies

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A new dessert item has been added to McDonald’s menus in Malaysia and we want it to be brought to the UK immediately.

The new addition is a salted caramel and chocolate pie, which looks just like the super popular apple pie.

Instagram Photo

The pie is described as being a ‘warm chocolate and salted caramel filling in a crispy pie shell’.

The McDonald’s website also says it’s ‘truly a delight’. We bet it is.

Instagram Photo

People who have already bought it have been posting photos of it to Instagram. One person said the flavour of the pie isn’t very strong, but comes with hints of coffee.

They added it’s definitely a dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth.

While Malaysia gets the good stuff, at least the UK has the return of the Smarties McFlurry.

Sure, it’s not new but it’s a firm favourite.

A couple of weeks ago we announced the return of the limited edition ice cream, which is made up of vanilla ice cream topped with Smarties and chocolate sauce.

It was relaunched on 26 September – however you’ll have to make the most of it, because it’s only going to be on the menus until 17 November.

MORE: Tesco is selling strawberry flavoured Jaffa Cakes for 50p

MORE: London restaurant now serving bao buns with your selfie printed on the side

Women think about leaving their job and starting something new 17 times a year

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All the damage you're doing by holding in your pee at work
(Picture: Ella Byworth for Metro.co.uk)

Mondays are always a struggle and undoubtedly, you would prefer not to be at work.

But how often do you think seriously about quitting your job?

According to research from the Association of Accounting Technicians, the average woman thinks about leaving her role and trying something new 17 times a year.

Despite the thoughts crossing their minds, the average working female hasn’t changed jobs for the last five years.

More drastic thoughts of starting again in a completely new career, not just a new job, crosses women’s minds a further 10 times a year.

The survey, which was conducted by OnePoll, shows that 34% eventually retrain for a new career, while 22% are considering working in a different sector.

But what is it really like to finally take the plunge and start on a whole new career path?

Kelly Jackson, 30, started working as a carer for adults with learning disabilities in 2009 – but admits that as she moved through the company, she was increasingly unhappy.

‘It was something I fell into and I loved it. I worked abroad a couple of times, and had a couple of office jobs, but I always came back to care. I more or less worked for the same company on and off for seven years, and in 2015, I worked my way up to service co-ordinator, which is like a team leader.

‘To be honest looking back now it wasn’t the smartest move as working with the actual customers was my favourite part of the job,’ she told Metro.co.uk

‘Outside of my normal day job, I have been writing a blog for about six years. Through this, I picked up a lot of freelance work running social media for companies.

‘Because I was becoming more and more unhappy in my service co-ordinator role, I often thought about what it would be like to be able to do advertising full-time.’

But Kelly was concerned that without a degree, she wouldn’t be qualified to work in the sort of roles she wanted to do.

‘I had always had it drummed into me – you need a degree to work in advertising. So that was that. I never ever in a million years thought there would be a way for me to work for an advertising agency without having studied something relevant at uni,’ she says.

Kelly Jackson (Picture: Kelly Jackson)
Kelly Jackson (Picture: Kelly Jackson)

Kelly admits disagreements with other staff members made her decide to finally take the plunge.

‘I was put under investigation for something I absolutely did not do.

‘I walked out on that day – a Tuesday and my 28th birthday – and had a job for a digital marketing start-up after a successful interview on the Friday. I started work there the Monday after,’ she says.

Although she finally secured her dream role, Kelly says retraining wasn’t straight forward.

‘When I first started I didn’t even know what basic things were. There were only around 15 people working for the start-up, so luckily the two CEO’s and the software developer helped me learn everything about the programmatic market.

‘I’d literally sit on the train on my commute and Google all the words I had heard thrown around that day and then come in the next morning with 100s of questions for them. I’ll never be more grateful to anyone in my life than I am to everyone who worked at that start-up. They really went put of their way to teach me an incredibly valuable skill,’ she tells us.

‘After the start-up went bust I moved to a smaller agency and worked there for a few months and I have recently passed my probation period at one of the “big-four” advertising agencies.

‘I literally still pinch myself when I walk through the doors each morning. Not only do I earn  double what I earned at the care company, but I am continuously challenged and learning new things every day.’

Ceri Jones (Picture: Ceri Jones)
Ceri Jones (Picture: Ceri Jones)

Ceri Jones, 36, previously worked in arts administration and until five years ago, was the Projects Director of a London based classical orchestra, helping to organise concerts and tours for the group around the world.

She had trained as a musician and had a degree in music.

But in 2014, she decided to leave her job and become a chef.

‘Once I’d decided I wanted to leave, it was about a year before I actually did. So in that time it was something I thought about daily, which was incredibly draining,’ she tells us.

‘Financial security stopped me leaving, plus the idea of turning my back on my musical training felt all kinds of wrong. I wasn’t because I didn’t want to, but it felt like that was a waste of many years of hard work. I also worried about what my family thought.

But with the sale of her family home after her mum died from cancer, she secured funding to travel to the Bauman College of Holistic Nutrition and Culinary Arts in Berkeley, California to complete a training course.

She says: ‘It was after about the billionth person had told me just to go for it and I’d secured the money to my natural chef training which came from the sale of our family home – very bittersweet.

‘It was like going back to being 21 again, both in terms of salary and experience, which having been at director level is hard to get your head around. Completely changing industries without a contact book or industry peers forced me to just get out there and create them. That was a lot of hard work as well as the job itself!’

After completing the six-month course, Ceri became a cooking teacher, retreat chef and founder of Natural Kitchen Adventures.

‘My new role is completely different to before. Most days pose a different challenge and working with so many people and in different places, especially as a retreat chef, is exciting.

‘I spend a lot more time on my feet and when I’m cooking, time flies which I know is a good sign. I’m no longer clock watching.Feeding and working with people is incredibly fulfilling, and taps into my creative streak too.’

Lauretta Ihonor (Picture: Lauretta Ihonor)
Lauretta Ihonor (Picture: Lauretta Ihonor)

Lauretta Ihonor has switched career six times, working as a doctor, entrepreneur, journalist, TV producer, nutritional consultant and one-time fashion stylist.

Now she is the founder of The Ambition Plan, a site created site created for women who want to change their current career.

She says: ‘My first job was as a doctor. I worked at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. It was my junior doctor year, in which I rotated around three specilaities (gastroenterology, psychiatry and surgery) before selecting a specialism to focus on. I went into it already sure that working as a doctor wasn’t the best fit for me. While I was very academically minded, I also had a huge creative streak and wanted to do work that allowed me to express all parts of my personality.

‘I thought about leaving all the time. I think I wrote my reisgnation about 4 times. However, I didn’t follow through because when I would tell my friends and family that I was about to quit, they would tell me not to do so. Everyone was convinced that because I’d spent so long training for it, I would regret it.

‘Fear stopped me from leaving. I didn’t know any other doctors who had left the profession. And at that point, medicine was all I had ever known. I had spent six years training to be a doctor and couldn’t help but wonder, “what if I’m rubbish at doing something else?”

‘I also have to admit that being a doctor came with a certain status that I was reluctant to let go of. It’s a job that’s well perceived externally. People assume you are intelligent, well-read, altruistic – all admirable qualities in society. It also came with a guaranteed good salary and a long reliable career. Walking away from all of that to try my hand at a creative career seemed like a big risk.’

But despite years of training and the status her job brought, Lauretta realised she was miserable.

‘I looked around me and at the consultants I would be like in 10 years time, I have to admit that they looked pretty miserable and tired. I had to ask myself if that was what I wanted to be like a decade down the line. The answer was a clear no,’ she says.

‘I took a convoluted route after leaving medicine, which saw me try my hand at five other careers. I went into fashion styling/marketing, print journalism, TV news production and nutritional consulting, before entering the world of entrrepreneurism and starting my own business – a career change platform called The Ambition Plan. I retrained three times during this journey, getting a degree in fashion marketing, an MA in international journalism and certification in nutritional medicine. Thsi was on top of a medical degree and BSc in human genetics that I already had.

‘The greatest difficulty was money. When I graduated from medical school, fees were £3000 per year. By the time I retrained, they had shot up to £9000, which was a shock to the system and meant I had to work and study at the same time. Juggling work and study was tricky. I recall a time when I was working a full-time job, studying for my MA and also interning with a TV channel all at the same time.

‘It’s taken me a while, but I feel that I’ve found what I’m meant to be doing. Being an entrepreneur ticks all the boxes for me because I’ve created my own role. I work really hard, but because I enjoy what I do, I can easily work a 16 hour day and not really feel like I’ve been working.

woman sleeping on desk
(Picture: Ella Byworth)

Rachel Kellett, Head of Qualifications and Product Development at AAT, said: ‘The impact our jobs have on our lives spreads far beyond the workplace, taking in days of commuting and thousands of pounds in expense claims, not to mention the impressive number of tea rounds and cheeky office liaisons we might become entangled in.

‘With careers having such a big impact on our lives, it’s important to make sure that we are in the right one. Despite what some people might think, you can make a change at any point in your life – we have people studying finance qualifications while in their 70s.

‘It’s easy to look at these figures and get the impression that working life can become something of a grind, resulting in a carousel of commuting, overtime and cups of tea.

‘It’s important to make sure you are happy with your career. If you’re not, considering retraining for could help make you more content. At AAT we see people of all ages and backgrounds come to retrain in order to start a new career in finance, and this can have a hugely positive effect on their lives.’

MORE: Teen secures job after going door-to-door in richest area of London to ask how people got rich

MORE: What happens when you get your first job after graduating and then the financial crisis hits?

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