Princess of Wales wowed the crowds at the Trooping of the Colour event at the weekend – and needs an energy-packed diet to stay healthyKate Middleton has lots of fuel for events such as Trooping The Colour due to her favourite breakfasts(Image: Getty Images)The Princess of Wales is renowned for immersing herself wholeheartedly in a wide variety of activities during her royal engagements. Whenever Kate attends an event involving children or sport, she is well known for joining in — whether that be sprinting, gardening, playing hockey or practising taekwondo.She consistently makes a striking impression at public appearances as well. At the Trooping of the Colour, Kate wore a light blue tailored coat dress with white piping around the lapel, and she completed the look with a matching Philip Treacy hat. She accessorized with Cassandra Goad pearl earrings and an Irish Guards brooch. The princess holds the title of Colonel of the Irish GuardsNaturally, maintaining such an active lifestyle while remaining impeccably dressed means Kate must ensure her diet provides ample energy. She is well known for following a Mediterranean diet, which places emphasis on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes.It also incorporates moderate portions of lean protein from fish and poultry, low-fat dairy, and healthy fats such as olive oil, while limiting red meat and sweet treats.She is also said to “love” preparing a roast chicken for her family and has a fondness for spicy vegetable curries. Kate is understood to favour high-intensity weight training sessions, exercises daily without a personal trainer, and requires adequate protein intake for optimal results.Nikkita Hope-Brown, a qualified PT and owner of Found, a women-only strength training studio in London, told HELLO!: “You cannot build muscle without the building blocks, which is protein.”To give a metaphor, proteins are the bricks that make up the wall, and strength training is the actual bricklaying. You cannot build a house without the actual bricks or someone doing the work of laying the bricks – you need to have both. How much protein we need depends on our goals and body, for muscle growth, typically 1.5 – 2g of protein for every kilogram we weigh.”Kate Rowe-Ham, fitness coach and founder of Owning Your Menopause, echoes this perspective: “You can’t out-train a poor diet. Muscles are built in the gym but need to recover and transform in the kitchen. To support muscle growth and recovery, it is essential to consume a high-protein diet, especially after a workout.”Kate said: “Include whole foods rich in fibre, healthy fats, and complex carbs to fuel your workouts and stabilise hormones.”The royal is believed to favour a green smoothie to kick-start her morning, much like her sister-in-law, Meghan Markle, made with spinach, kale, blueberries and matcha. She is also understood to regularly begin her day with a bowl of slow-burning energy oats, also known as rolled oats, which she frequently prepares with milk or yoghurt and tops with fruits, nuts, cinnamon, and nut butter.Lunchtime typically features salads and fruit bowls, with an emphasis on foods that encourage glowing skin, such as watermelon salads and gazpacho. She also likes berries mixed with almond milk as an afternoon treat and tends to prefer lighter meals throughout the day.According to the Daily Mail, Kate also has a penchant for raw dishes like watermelon salads, gazpacho, goji berries, tabbouleh and ceviche for their skin-enhancing properties. She also has an appreciation for heartier, traditional English evening meals such as substantial roasts and curries.Kate’s day in food.Breakfast: A green smoothie is a regular choice, combining kale, spinach, spirulina, matcha, romaine lettuce, coriander, and blueberries. Alternatively a bowl of slow-burn energy oats.Lunch: Salads and fruit bowls are preferred options, with particular focus on foods that support skin health, like watermelon salads, gazpacho, and tabbouleh. She also likes ceviche.Dinner: While she prefers lighter meals during daytime hours, Kate enjoys traditional English dishes or carbohydrate-rich choices for tea like roast dinners and curries.Snacks: Olives and popcorn are reported to be her preferred snacks. Drinks: She enjoys smoothies, and is also known to drink ginger tea.What Foods Does Kate Middleton Avoid?While Middleton hasn’t revealed any particular dietary preferences, sources suggest that she steers clear of:DairyCarbohydrates (or at least reduces her intake of them)Seafood when travelling (as per royal protocol)
Author: admin
Kate Middleton has 2 favourite breakfasts she eats ‘every day’
Staffordshire council planners in special measures due to ‘poor performance’
Developers in the Staffordshire Moorlands will be able to bypass council planners – after they blocked too many applications. The government has issued a designation notice to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) – effectively putting its planning department into special measures – due to its ‘under-performance’.Designation means that developers will be able to submit applications for major schemes directly to the planning inspector, instead of going through the council. Planning authorities are at risk of designation if more than 10 per cent of decisions on major applications are overturned at appeal.Over a two year period between 2023 and 2025, SMDC’s rate was 13.6 per cent – the fifth highest in the country. The government says that the notices of designation issued to SMDC and eight other councils will allow developers to ‘bypass local bottlenecks’ and help speed up housebuilding.SMDC’s designation came into force on Monday and will remain in place until it can show the government it can make ‘quality planning decisions’.A source close to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “A minority of councils have repeatedly failed to take the decisions needed to build the homes their communities are crying out for. Our message is clear: if you drag your feet to get on with the job, we will take away your right to make those decisions. Where councils aren’t delivering, ministers will – because getting Britain building faster is non-negotiable.”On a number of occasions, planning committee members at SMDC have refused controversial applications that were recommended for approval, only to see their decision overturned at appeal. Committee members refused an application for 48 homes off Oakamoor Road in Cheadle, against their officer’s recommendation, in October 2023.They said the development would have a detrimental impact on the setting of the Grade II* listed Hales Hall, and would also negatively impact a gateway into Cheadle. But the planning inspector overturned the decision, ruling that the adverse impacts would not significantly outweigh the benefits of the scheme, specifically the provision of market and affordable homes.And in March 2024, the planning committee refused an application for a 49.9MW solar farm at Lower Tean Leys Farm, near Lower Tean, despite officers recommending it for approval. Committee members said the scheme would have a negative impact on the landscape and residential amenity, and would be contrary to local planning policy. The cross-boundary application was also refused by East Staffordshire Borough Council.But a year later the planning inspector overturned both refusals, following an appeal by applicant Lightrock Power.A total of six major applications were allowed on appeal between April 2023 and March 2025. SMDC says its planning performance improved over this period, and has continued to improve since then.A spokesperson for the council said: “The council notes the Government’s decision and has been aware of performance against the number of appeals allowed for some time. We have already taken steps to improve that performance including working with the Planning Advisory Service and other specialist advisors.”This decision relates to major applications only. The council receives a small number of major applications each year so a small number of decisions allowed on appeal over a 12 month period can result in the council exceeding the 10 per cent threshold. Between April 2023 and March 2025, six major applications were allowed on appeal taking us just over the threshold.”Over that period, the council’s performance has markedly improved. Between April 2024 and March 2025 only two appeals were allowed and the decisions overturned at appeal was 5 per cent – well within the 10 per cent threshold. No major applications have been allowed on appeal between April 2025 and March 2026.”SMDC says it will work with the government and the Planning Advisory Service on a service improvement plan, with the aim of bringing designation to an end ‘as soon as possible’.
Foo Fighters Liverpool Anfield show tickets, setlist and members
Foo Fighters will perform at Anfield Stadium on June 25 and June 27 2026 as their Take Cover Tour comes to LiverpoolDave Grohl on stage at Glastonbury in 2023(Image: Getty Images)One of the world’s biggest bands will soon perform at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium. Foo Fighters are set to play two shows at the home of Liverpool FC on Thursday, June 25 and Saturday, June 27. Anfield Stadium is now a leading destination for global artists, with Bruce Springsteen, Dua Lipa, and Lana Del Rey headlining last year’s event.Foo Fighters was initially created as a one-man project for Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the band’s frontman Kurt Cobain died in 1994. He recruited members and the band made their live debut in 1995. From there, they have gone onto global success, with huge rock anthems such as ‘All My Life,’ ‘Best of You,’ and ‘My Hero.’The ECHO has rounded up everything you need to know if you’re heading to either of the Foo Fighters’ concerts at Anfield Stadium.Foo Fighters at Liverpool Anfield Stadium seating mapTicketmaster has shared the seating map for Foo Fighters’ two shows at Anfield Stadium. The seating map allows fans to see where their seat is, compared to the stage’s location. Take a look at the map below.The seating map for Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium(Image: Ticketmaster)Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium setlistAlthough Foo Fighters have not confirmed their setlist for the two Anfield Stadium shows, their Take Cover Tour has tended to follow a similar setlist. Below is the setlist from their recent performance at the Strawberry Arena in Sweden on June 12.All My LifeThe PretenderRopeLearn to FlyRescuedStacked ActorsThese DaysWalkMy HeroThis Is a CallNo Son of MineWheelsMarigoldBig MeUnder YouTimes Like TheseGeneratorSpit ShineInvincible/Seven/One Headlight/Manimal/Tap Dancing in a MinefieldMonkey WrenchNothing at AllI’ll Stick AroundCaught in the EchoBest of YouThe TeacherExhaustedEverlongFoo Fighters at Anfield Stadium ticketsAccording to the Liverpool FC websiter, general admission tickets for June 25 and June 27 are sold out. Fans can visit the Liverpool FC website where hospitality packages are available.Supporters could purchase up to a maximum of six tickets, per supporter ID, subject to availability. All children under 16 attending the concert must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The general admission pitch standing area is not permitted for children under 14 years of age. Children under the age of 5 are not permitted to the show.Foo Fighters support acts at Anfield StadiumThere will be a different headliner at each of the Foo Fighters Anfield shows:Thursday, June 25 – Otoboke Beaver and InhalerSaturday, June 27- Die Spitz and Royel OtisFoo Fighters band membersFoo Fighters’ line-up has changed through the years, but Dave Grohl has always remained their frontman. The current line-up is Dave Grohl (frontman), Nate Mendel (bass), Pat Smear (guitar), Chris Shiflett (guitar), Rami Jaffee (keyboards) and Ilan Rubin (drums). Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear had to sit out early 2026 tour dates after breaking his foot.Foo Fighters at Anfield Stadium parkingTicket holders should note that there is no car parking available at the stadium. Attendees travelling by car please use city centre car parks. The full list can be found on the Liverpool City Council website.An express shuttle bus service (the 917) will be in operation from Commutation Row to the Stadium and will operate three and half hours prior to the concert start time. Limited disabled car parking at Stanley Car Park is now sold out, according to the Liverpool FC website.However, attendees can access disabled drop off and pick up areas on Gilman Street and at the top of Stanley Car Park. They are available to use on presentation of a blue badge.Travelling to Anfield Stadium for Foo Fighters concertsThe 917 express shuttle bus service operates from Commutation Row in the city centre. Prices are from £5 for single journey and £6 for a return journey. Please visit the Stagecoach website for further booking information.If you’re travelling by bus, there are several services in place:26 – from Liverpool ONE bus station17 – from Queen Square Bus Station68/168 – from Bootle and Aigburth14 and 19 – from Queen Square (short walk)Big Green Coach is also offering coach returns from various locations across the country for all shows. Visit their website for further information.If you’re travelling by train, Merseyrail passengers should use the Northern Line and travel to Sandhills or Kirkdale. Liverpool Lime Street Station has links with cities outside of Liverpool. Please use the relevant service journey planner ahead of time. Both Sandhills and Kirkdale stations on Merseyrail’s Northern line are less than a 30-minute walk from Anfield.
Wolves transfer news: Mateus Mane ‘attracting interest’ from three major European clubs ahead of Cesar Peixoto appointment – Sports Mole
Wolverhampton Wanderers starlet Mateus Mane is reportedly attracting interest from at least three clubs, including Newcastle United.The relegated Premier League club are currently focused on finalising the appointment of Gil Vicente’s Cesar Peixoto as their new head coach.Previous boss Rob Edwards, who was sacked on Thursday, had previously stressed that the 18-year-old would be remaining at Molineux.According to the Express & Star, there is confidence behind the scenes that Mane will remain with the Championship team for 2026-27.Nevertheless, the same report claims that there are at least a trio of clubs who are monitoring the situation.© Imago / Every Second MediaWhich clubs are interested in Mateus Mane?Newcastle are now said to be interested in trying to negotiate a deal for the Portugal Under-21 international.Despite the disappointment of Wolves’ relegation, Mane enjoyed a breakthrough 2025-26 where he made 27 appearances in the Premier League.Three goals and two assists came from 1,790 minutes of top-flight football, while the level of his performances only served to put himself on the radar of bigger clubs.
The latest report alleges that Bundesliga duo Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are also keen on the playmaker.Dortmund, who are known for handing regular opportunities to young players with potential, finished in second place in last season’s Bundesliga.Manchester United and Liverpool were also credited as admirers of Mane earlier this year.© Imago / Action PlusWhat is Mateus Mane’s asking price?At this point in time, it remains unclear what it would take for Wolves to change their stance on Mane.Although they are about to miss out on Premier League revenue for the first time in nine years, there is scope to generate funds through other routes.With Mane on a long-term contract, it is unrealistic to expect Wolves to consider any proposals that are worth £30m or lower.
Pothole machine ‘not economical’, Leicestershire council says
Nottinghamshire County Council unveiled a number of the £66,000 machines in May when it started a 12-month trial.Reform Council leader Mick Barton said the Pothole Pro machines could fill “between 200m and 250m a day”.”These are the best bet on the market,” he said.”We have done our homework and been to see them in action.”I know they will work in Nottinghamshire.”Sam Smith, Conservative leader of the opposition on the county council, previously said the authority carried out a “formal trial” of the Pothole Pro machines in 2021, and officers reported back that it was not worthwhile.Lincolnshire County Council conducted a nine-week pilot of the Pothole Pro in 2021, before turning it down because engineers “found better tools”.However, its current Reform leader Sean Matthews authorised another trial in 2025 and in April the council confirmed the equipment would be maintained having “demonstrated clear benefits in efficiency, safety and service across the county’s road network”. A spokesperson for JCB said: “The JCB Pothole Pro has proven its worth in other council areas where it has been evaluated more fully, such as Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which has repaired seven years’ worth of potholes in 12 months, a statistic that unequivocally underlines the machine’s efficiency. “We hope Leicestershire County Council – in light of the recent surge in potholes across the county – will now think differently and undertake a proper, long-term trial and evaluation of the Pothole Pro across its road network. “Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in Leicestershire deserve nothing less.”
Cambridgeshire landlord faces Rogue Database listing
A landlord who failed to tackle serious safety hazards and operated rental properties without the required licences is set to be added to the Rogue Landlord Database following a successful prosecution by Peterborough City Council.
Zahid Hussain was ordered to pay £13,936 after being convicted of housing offences involving a number of properties in Peterborough.
The prosecution followed inspections at a property in Stone Lane, where council officers found damp and mould, electrical and fire safety hazards, and a home that was excessively cold.
They were also unable to find any evidence that the property’s gas appliances, boiler or electrical installations met current safety requirements.
Improvement notice
Despite being served with improvement notices requiring the defects to be addressed, Hussain failed to carry out the work.
In addition, the council found Hussain was managing properties in St Paul’s Road that required licences under Peterborough’s Selective Licensing scheme but had not obtained them.
Hussain did not attend a hearing at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court and was convicted in his absence. He was fined £2,000 for failing to comply with improvement notices and £3,000 for each licensing offence, along with a £3,200 victim surcharge and costs.
I hope that this successful prosecution serves as a warning.”
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, Peterborough
Councillor Christian Hogg, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, says: “I hope that this successful prosecution serves as a warning to the small minority of landlords who put their tenants at risk.
“We are fully committed to maintaining safe and well managed housing for residents and will take appropriate enforcement action under the range of powers available to us if we discover landlords or companies who flagrantly disregard the law.”
The council says it will now seek to have him included on the Rogue Landlord Database, which is used to record landlords and property agents who have committed serious housing offences.Weston Park in Staffordshire to hold UK’s first hobbits festival
The first Brandywine Festival was held in Harrodsburg, Kentucky last year. It will take place there again in October.Speaking about the new sister-event in Staffordshire, Markus Böhm, CEO of Burgschneider, said: “We are incredibly honoured to bring The Brandywine Festival back to the land where the story took flight.”He said the festival would be “stepping into a landscape that echoes the very soul of Tolkien’s work”.The event promises various themed-workshops, plus music, dancing and themed meals.A big part of it will also be the Four Farthing Games, which Burgschneider described as “a series of traditional Hobbit folk games contested across the full festival by players representing their Farthing”.Alexander said the event encouraged people to “leave behind the modern world in exchange for a simple, slow-paced hobbit-existence”.She also said she believed Weston Park’s 1,000 acres of parkland provided “the perfect backdrop for bringing the author’s fictional Middle Earth and his land of the small people – The Shire – to life”.
Woman abandons £372 Liverpool Airbnb over ‘filthy’ conditions
Carol Stanfield was visiting the city as part of her 60th birthday celebrationsCarol (middle) and her cousin Simone (left) during their stay in Liverpool(Image: UGC)A woman who travelled to Liverpool to celebrate her 60th birthday claims she was forced to abandon an Airbnb after discovering “filthy” conditions on arrival. Carol Stanfield, 60, travelled from Cardiff with her husband to attend the Fields of Eire Irish community festival on June 5 and 6.She was joined by her cousin and her cousin’s husband, who had travelled from Ireland for the celebrations. The group paid £372 for a two-night stay at an apartment in King’s Dock Mill on Tabley Street, which was advertised on Booking.com.However, Carol claims they left the property shortly after arriving due to concerns about its cleanliness and have since spent weeks trying to secure a refund. After being approached by the ECHO for comment, Booking.com said it would refund Carol as a “gesture of goodwill”.Carol, who has coeliac disease, said finding accommodation with cooking facilities was particularly important after she suffered a severe reaction to gluten while on holiday in Italy.She said she was “petrified” of eating out following the incident, which left her seriously unwell. As a result, she brought her own food to Liverpool and planned to cook during her stay.(Image: Submitted)But Carol claimed she was confronted with a number of problems as soon as they entered the apartment.She said: “We walked in and straight away, it was filthy. We went into the kitchen and I went to put my stuff in the freezer, but the door wouldn’t shut – it was broken.”When we saw the dish sponge we thought, ‘you’re having a laugh.’ I opened the oven and there was no way I could cook in there. It was absolutely filthy and thick with grease.”The mattresses were stained and dirty. The toilet seat was filthy, I couldn’t use it.”The apartment currently holds an overall rating of 4.3 out of 10 from 46 reviews on Booking.com. Some guests praised its central location and quiet surroundings, while negative reviews referenced issues including cleanliness, stained furnishings and missing blinds.(Image: Submitted)She said: “We’d seen the reviews and thought we could cope if it was just a bit messy. The pictures online looked okay. But it wasn’t just a little bit dirty. The whole place was a health hazard.”According to Carol, the group immediately contacted the property owner and asked him to visit the apartment to inspect the issues.She said: “We phoned the owner and asked him to come and see it for himself. He said he’d speak to the cleaner and call us back within 10 minutes.”After that, whenever we tried to get hold of him, he just kept putting the phone down.”(Image: Submitted)Carol alleged the owner later informed Booking.com that cleaners would be sent to address the concerns, but claimed no one arrived.She said: “He told Booking.com he was sending cleaners to resolve the issue, but nobody came. We waited for two hours.”The group eventually decided to leave and booked alternative accommodation at an additional cost of £272.She said: “I was fuming. I was crying and I just wanted to go home. My cousin felt terrible because she was the one who booked the apartment.”Booking.com should be fighting this on our behalf. We booked through them and paid through them.”We’re just banging our heads against a brick wall.”According to Carol, she later received a message indicating a refund process had been started and advising her to make contact if she had not received an update within 48 hours.(Image: Submitted)However, she says she was subsequently informed a refund would not be issued because the property owner had declined to authorise it. Instead, she claims she was offered travel credits worth around £33 – roughly 10% of the original booking cost.A Booking.com spokesperson said: “We offer stays for every budget, and to help customers find the right place we provide guest reviews and property scores based on real feedback. This property currently has a score of 4.2 out of 10 from nearly 50 reviews.”While the property is responsible for ensuring the stay meets expectations, we’re sorry for this customer’s experience and will be processing a refund for the original stay as a gesture of goodwill.”As the second property was a lower cost than the original, there is no price difference to refund.”The customer’s review, including imagery, remains visible on the listing.”The property owner declined to comment when approached by the ECHO.
Liverpool nears double signing of Everton’s Josh Chigwada, Wolves’ Zach Trinder
Liverpool is closing in on a pair of academy signings that won’t move the needle on any transfer fee tracker but could quietly reshape the club’s talent pipeline for years. The targets: Josh Chigwada from Everton and Zach Trinder from Wolverhampton Wanderers, both 14 years old, both already capped at England youth level.
Who are Chigwada and Trinder?
Josh Chigwada, born September 4, 2011, plays as an attacking midfielder and winger. He’s been on Everton’s books long enough to break into their U18 setup at just 14, making his U18 Premier League debut at an age when most kids are still figuring out algebra. He’s also already pulled on an England shirt at the U15 level.Zach Trinder, also born in 2011, is a goalkeeper from Wolves’ academy. He made his Premier League 2 debut at 14 years and 72 days old. For context, Premier League 2 is the reserve league where clubs field their U21 squads, often supplemented with senior players returning from injury. Like Chigwada, Trinder has represented England at the U15 international level.
Why Liverpool, and why now?
Reports from early June 2026 suggest that Liverpool is on the verge of finalizing a deal for Trinder, with similar rumors surfacing regarding Chigwada.
Poaching from Everton carries its own particular flavor, of course. Cross-city academy raids are not uncommon in English football, but they do tend to generate friction. Liverpool swooping in for one of Everton’s most promising teenagers is the kind of move that gets mentioned in derby week press conferences for years.
What this means for the broader market
There are no financial details attached to either deal. Academy transfers for players this young rarely involve the kind of fees that show up on balance sheets in meaningful ways. Compensation between clubs for underage players in England is governed by tribunal and training compensation rules rather than open-market bidding wars.
For Everton and Wolves, the losses are harder to quantify but still meaningful. Academy development is a long game, and clubs invest years of coaching, resources, and attention into players before they reach an age where they can sign professional contracts. Losing a prospect at 14, before any of that investment can be recouped through first-team contributions or a sale, is the worst-case scenario for any development program.Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
Students identify heavily eroded gravestone in Loddington
The imaging also showed two faint lines of text at the base of the stone, which read “Affliction sore with patience bore, Physicians w{h}ere in vain.”The university said this was a variant of a popular 18th Century verse often found on the tombstones of those who had died after long illness.It added that the inscription appeared to omit a “he” in the first line and included a stray “h” in “were,” which it said reflected challenges faced by craftsmen before modern text-editing tools.The team, the university said, also identified a third, partially visible inscription on a shield above the main text, which is currently under further analysis.Masséglia said: “Spending your day in a graveyard might sound a bit morbid, but really it’s about putting the people back into the landscape that we’re excavating. “The Reeves were a well-known local family who, we can see from the parish records, were living in Loddington from at least the early 1600s.”Last year, we deciphered the neighbouring stone to Henry’s, and now we realise that it was his mother’s. “She died 20 years after her son and was buried right next to him, their headstones so close that they are touching. “We wouldn’t have understood what we were looking at without RTI. We’re combining traditional fieldwork with digital techniques so we can recover voices that would otherwise remain lost.”
