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Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom, No 229 Great Portland Street, London (2024)

20/08/2024

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and iconic landmarks. Key attractions include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and the London Eye. The city is also famous for its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class shopping and dining.

As for viral hashtags on Facebook, they often depend on current trends and events. Here are a few that might be popular for London-related content:

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Ardo : London Trained Journalist From West Africa

Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

20/08/2024

First £1 coins to feature King enter circulation

The first £1 coins featuring the King have entered circulation, with collectors encouraged to look out for the historic addition to the nation’s change.

Nearly three million of the new designs will be making their way into people’s pockets and tills across the country this week, via Post Offices and banks throughout the UK.

The £1 coin depicts a pair of British bees on the “tails” side, in honour of the King’s passion for conservation and the natural world, and Charles’ official coin effigy on the obverse or “heads”.

Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The Royal Mint has made the circulating coinage of each of Britain’s monarchs since Alfred the Great and it is an honour to reveal that King Charles III’s £1 coin is now in circulation.

“We know there’ll be a buzz of excitement amongst collectors and the public to get this special piece of history in their change.

“We hope the designs across all denominations spark important conversations about the conservation of these important species.”

A total of 2.975 million £1 coins are being issued to banks and Post Offices, and they will co-circulate alongside ones displaying the effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn.

The £1 coin is one of eight designs ranging from the 1p to the £2, inspired by flora and fauna to reflect the King’s commitment to the environment, which were created as new definitives – standardised designs seen on the majority of official currency.

Following commemorative coins bearing the King’s portrait, the first Charles III definitive – the 50p depicting an Atlantic salmon – was released in November 2023.

The other designs, which will be introduced in line with demand, are the 1p showing a hazel dormouse, the 2p red squirrel, the 5p oak tree leaf, 10p capercaillie grouse, 20p puffin, and the £2 with the national flowers – rose, daffodil, thistle and shamrock.

A public poll by the Royal Mint found that the £1 bee coin was the favourite, closely followed by the 2p red squirrel.

They also have a repeating pattern of three interlocking Cs, which gives a nod to history through the cypher of Charles II.

The number indicating the value of the coin has also been enlarged to help children with their counting skills.

Banknotes with the King’s portrait went into circulation in June, marking the first time that the sovereign has been changed on the Bank of England’s notes.

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20/08/2024

London City Airport loses bid to overturn Saturday flight restrictions - but passenger cap raised

London City Airport (LCA) has lost its bid to overturn a ban on Saturday afternoon flights - but has been granted permission to increase its annual number of passengers.

Bosses at the site in Newham, east London, had wanted its current 12.30pm Saturday curfew to be pushed back to 6.30pm.

However, the government has now ruled the restrictions should continue following opposition from residents and campaigners.

A bid by the airport to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million by 2031 was approved, although the maximum number of flights allowed - up to 111,000 per year - remains unchanged.

LCA said new "cleaner and quieter" planes with more seats would allow for an increase in passenger numbers.

Campaign group HACAN East described the government's ruling as a "big win for residents", while the mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz said it was a "victory" for people living in the area.

However, the airport was also successful in securing approval for a shake-up of flight times, with the number of early-morning flights increasing from six to nine, which Ms Faiz said was "deeply" concerning.

She added: "We will be studying the decision notice carefully and considering all options as we remain concerned about the detrimental impacts on the health and quality of life of our residents."

It comes after the airport's initial application to ease flight restrictions - which ban take-offs and landings from 12.30pm on Saturdays to 12.30pm on Sundays - was rejected by Newham Council last year following concerns over the impact on climate change, pollution and noise.

The decision was then referred to the government after the airport appealed.

LCA said it was "disappointed" by the rejection of part of its appeal and said a later closing time on a Saturday "would have enabled more choice and flexibility for passengers".

Chief executive Alison FitzGerald added: "As the government has recognised in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft to the airport."

Meanwhile, some environmental groups hit out at the decision to allow an increase in passenger numbers, with Greenpeace UK describing it as a "surprising misstep undermining [the] UK's climate leadership".

The campaign organisation added: "It will also mostly benefit an elite of wealthy frequent fliers while dumping the environmental costs on some of London's poorest neighbourhoods.

"Over half of the destinations served by the airport can be reached by train in under six hours, with Amsterdam and Edinburgh among the most popular routes.

"Instead of airport expansions, we need better and cheaper train travel."

It comes after a public inquiry heard that people living in the area were suffering from sleep problems and anxiety due to noise from the airport's planes, and feared Saturday afternoon flights would make the issues worse.

A government report noted that some complained of having to keep doors and windows closed in warm weather, while also being forced to pause conversations while aircraft took off.

One man said he had spent more than £17,000 on soundproofing his home.

A letter on behalf of Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Transport Secretary Louise Haigh confirmed on Monday: "They have decided to grant planning permission [to LCA], subject to revised conditions that maintain the existing Saturday curfew period."

A government spokesperson added: "We are committed to securing the long-term future of the aviation sector in the UK while protecting our environmental obligations."

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20/08/2024

Princess Diana is so stunning 🥰 ❤😘😍
Beautiful cabin crew 🌹
Scarlett Johansson💋💋

18/08/2024

Nigel Farage has denied being paid nearly £98,000 a month for appearing on GB News.

The Reform UK leader was responding to reports about his secondary income.

The register of members' financial interests, published on Friday, listed Mr Farage as receiving £97,928 per month from the channel.

However, writing on X, he said: "To be clear... the GB News sum paid to me and declared includes VAT, and was for several months of work. It was paid to my company, which has significant expenses."

Mr Farage told the BBC he gets a varying amount from GB News as a contractor and does not get a fixed monthly sum.

The Clacton MP is back on the channel after cancelling his show during the general election.

Mr Farage also declared on the MPs' register £4,000 per month from The Daily Telegraph and a £16,597 payment for recording private video messages on the Cameo app.

The app allows people to pay celebrities for things such as bespoke birthday greetings.

MPs already get paid £91,000 per year plus expenses.

His entry also recorded a donation of £32,836 from businessman Christopher Harborne to pay for a visit to the US following the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.

The Reform UK leader stated the purpose of the visit was to "support a friend who was almost killed and to represent Clacton on the world stage".

Mr Farage, 60, became an MP at the eighth attempt when he won the Essex constituency with a majority of more than 8,000.

Other notable entries on the MPs' register include Lee Anderson, another Reform MP, declaring £100,000 a year for also working on GB News.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy was paid £49,245 by radio station LBC from August 2023 to May 2024, but he quit the role before the election was called.

Rishi Sunak - who along with his wife is a multimillionaire - recorded five helicopter trips worth over £47,000 paid for by donors.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer received tickets for 12 football games and tickets to a Taylor Swift concert in June.

Follow Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

17/08/2024

London United Kingdom 💕😘

17/08/2024

Prince Harry and Meghan speak Spanish as they visit schoolchildren in Colombia

Prince Harry and Meghan have spoken to schoolchildren in Spanish as their four-day tour of Colombia continues.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex took part in an art session and planted trees during a visit to a school in the capital Bogota.

The couple's arrival at the Colegio La Giralda was celebrated with performances from students who wore traditional Colombian dress and performed cumbia songs with live percussion.

While visiting a nursery class, Meghan told a student in Spanish: "You're the same age as my son Archie."

Harry also practised his Spanish, asking students their names and ages.

The children performed a song for the couple before presenting them with gifts and handwritten letters.

Harry and Meghan were accompanied by Colombia's vice president Francia Marquez as they went to the school's garden where three trees were planted.

The couple have a full security detail during their visit, alongside Ms Marquez, who invited them to Colombia for what has been dubbed a "DIY royal tour".

It comes as Harry said it would be "dangerous" for his wife Meghan to return to the UK due to the attention they both attract.

In February, the duke lost a legal challenge against the government's decision to take away his right to automatic high-level police protection when he is in the UK.

Harry and Meghan have been living in California since they stepped back as senior members of the Royal Family in 2020. They therefore do not travel at the request of the UK government on official overseas royal visits.

During their Colombia visit, the couple visited the school's "social and emotional gym" which teaches students mental and physical exercises to balance their mental health and personal wellbeing.

The students demonstrated for the couple their own personal meditation techniques.

Ahead of the visit, Ms Marquez described how watching Harry and Meghan's Netflix documentary about leaving the Royal Family had inspired her to send the invitation.

She said: "[The documentary] moved me and made me say that this is a woman who deserves to come to our country to tell her story. This exchange will undoubtedly empower so many women in the world."

Follow African Journalist Mr Ardo -Worldwide

17/08/2024

London, UK

16/08/2024

You're going to love this beautiful part of central London: https://bit.ly/2W4o59R ✨

15/08/2024

Beautiful photo of the Princess and her Handsome Prince William 🌹💖😍🇬🇧👑

14/08/2024

Wonderful London City. ENGLAND 🇬🇧

14/08/2024

An important visit to Al Manaar, the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre in west London to speak with mosque leaders and reiterate City Hall’s support for London’s communities following the appalling disorder we saw across the country recently.

Community leaders heard from experts in mosque security who have been providing practical advice on how to keep their congregations and premises safe, thanks to the funding from City Hall.

I’m proud that last week Londoners sent a clear message that we are united against all forms of hate, but we must never stop being vigilant.

~ Mayor of London

14/08/2024

Wonderful London City.📍 ENGLAND 🇬🇧 🇬🇧

14/08/2024

Future king 👑🇬🇧🇬🇧❤🥰😍🇬🇧🇬🇧
Just enjoy beautiful snaps about the Royal's
Beautiful cabin crew
Scarlett Johansson

13/08/2024

A collection of some of the earliest King Charles III banknotes have been sold at auction for more than £900,000.

Over four separate auctions at Spink & Son, lots containing some of the earliest King Charles £5, £10, £20 and £50 banknotes went up for auction, raising £914,127 in total.

The notes had a face value of around £78,000, meaning they raised more than 11 times of their monetary worth.

They were among the earliest notes featuring the King's face that were released with low serial numbers and went into circulation in June.

It's these serial numbers that collectors look for, trying to get as close to 00001 as they can find.

The proceeds of the auctions were split between ten separate charities, with each receiving £91,400.

When a £50 sheet sold for £26,000 it broke the record for the highest lot sold in a Bank of England auction.

A single £10 note sold for £17,000 with the serial number HBO1 00002.

Although the Bank of England started to produce banknotes in the 17th century, the King's mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, was the first British sovereign to be given the honour in 1960 on a £1 paper note.

THE TEN CHARITIES BENEFITTING ARE:
The Childhood Trust
The Trussell Trust
Shout
Carers UK
Demelza
WWF UK
The Brain Tumour Charity
London's Air Ambulance Charity
Child Bereavement UK
Samaritans

Sarah John, chief cashier and executive director of banking at the Bank of England, said: "I am thrilled that the auctions and public ballot of low numbered King Charles III banknotes have raised a remarkable £914,127 that will be donated to ten charities chosen by Bank of England staff."

She added: "Each charity does incredible work and the monies raised will have a positive impact on people across the UK."

Follow Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

13/08/2024

Harry and Meghan's Chief of Staff quits just months into the job

He has only been in the job for a few months, but it’s been confirmed that Harry and Meghan’s top aide has left his job, leaving the couple without their most senior member of staff just days before a high profile international visit.

Josh Kettler was Chief of Staff to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex but has quit the role after both sides concluded he was not the right fit.

ITV News has been told the departure was a mutual decision, agreed by both sides, but now Harry and Meghan will travel to Columbia later this week, without Mr Kettler.

He had previously worked for the ethical outdoor clothing company Patagonia and the medical assisted reality company, Cognixion, before joining the Sussex’s operation in Montecito, California.

On his LinkedIn profile, Mr Kettler describes himself as a “Chief of Staff” and an “Executive Accelerator and Strategist”.

His departure will reinforce the view among Harry and Meghan’s critics that the couple are unable to retain senior members of staff.

Departures among the top ranks were a feature of their time in the Royal Household and the pattern has continued in their new set-up in California, where they have lived since leaving the UK.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are about to embark on a four-day visit to Colombia after being invited by the south American country’s Vice President, Francia Marquez.

They will travel from the capital, Bogota, to Cartagena and Cali despite the security warning tourists are often given when travelling to Colombia.

Harry's readiness to travel to Colombia contrasts with his view of UK security. He told ITV recently that the resulting damage caused by phone hacking and unlawful information gathering by Britain’s tabloid newspapers means that he no longer feels his country of birth – and where his father is King - is a safe place for his wife to visit.

When Harry came to London earlier this year, he did so alone and met Meghan at Heathrow airport from where she flew straight out to Nigeria for the couple’s first international tour since leaving the Royal Family.

Colombia’s Vice President Marquez is the first black woman to hold the position and she leads on equality and equity, which is an issue very close to the Duchess’ heart.

During the Colombia tour, Harry and Meghan will also focus on their recently launched campaign on a safer digital environment.

But they will do it all without the man who had helped set up and plan the trip: Mr Kettler.

The Duke and Duchess will now start the search for a replacement Chief of Staff.

Follow Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

13/08/2024

Royal Albert Hall, London ❤️

13/08/2024

London City 💕✈ ENGLAND 🇬🇧

13/08/2024

Here are 7 cool places in London you'll want to see: https://bit.ly/3ISNdKM ✨

13/08/2024

Jobs for the Boys

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, is being sounded out about an executive role with The Daily Telegraph in a move which could reunite him with one of his former cabinet colleagues.

Sky News has learnt that Mr Johnson has held preliminary, informal talks with Nadhim Zahawi about a possible job with the right-leaning newspaper publisher if an offer being assembled by the former chancellor is successful.

A source close to Mr Johnson insisted on Monday that no agreement was in place and no formal talks were taking place, although they acknowledged that the idea was "floating around".

However, people involved in the Telegraph bidding process said that Mr Zahawi had raised the idea of Mr Johnson becoming the Telegraph's global editor-in-chief with prospective investors in his bid.

Mr Johnson, who now writes a column for The Daily Mail, previously worked for the Telegraph, both as a correspondent in Brussels and more recently as a highly paid columnist.

"He still holds the Telegraph in high affection," said a person close to the former PM.

Sky News revealed last month that Mr Zahawi had approached a string of billionaires about backing an offer for the newspaper and The Spectator, both of which are on the market after an Abu Dhabi state-backed takeover was blocked by the last Conservative administration.

The former chancellor is negotiating directly with Gulf-based IMI - which owns the majority of RedBird IMI, the vehicle now overseeing the formal auction process.

One person close to him said his offer was now "fully financed" although further details of his backers or the chances of him lodging a successful bid were unclear.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson declined to comment, while Mr Zahawi could not be reached for comment.

The emergence of Mr Johnson's possible involvement in the future of the Telegraph comes as RedBird IMI reduces the number of parties participating in the auction.

Last week, Sky News revealed that Lord Saatchi, the former advertising mogul, had accused RedBird IMI of overpaying for the right to own the title after his £350m offer for it was rejected.

Lord Saatchi and his bidding partner, Lady Lynn Forester de Rothschild, were informed of the decision not to proceed with their offer by Raine Group and Robey Warshaw, the bankers handling the Telegraph auction.

Mediahuis, the Belgian publisher, has also not made it through.

RedBird IMI's attempt to take ownership of the Telegraph titles and The Spectator was thwarted by the last Conservative government's decision to change media law to prevent foreign states exerting influence over national newspapers.

Sir Paul Marshall, the hedge fund tycoon, is now the frontrunner to acquire The Spectator, one of Britain's most influential political magazines.

National World, the London-listed vehicle headed by industry veteran David Montgomery, remains involved in the process, while the Telegraph itself reported at the weekend that Sir Paul was still in contention to buy the newspapers after weeks of doubt about whether he would bid for them on a standalone basis.

Lord Rothermere, the Daily Mail proprietor, pulled out of the bidding earlier in the summer amid concerns that he would be blocked on competition grounds.

The fate of the Telegraph, historically a staunch Conservative Party backer, has now been up in the air for more than a year.

Lloyds Banking Group, the UK's biggest high street lender, seized control of its parent companies after the Barclay family fell behind on debt repayments.

The family had owned the Telegraph for nearly 20 years, but has seen a number of its assets fall into financial trouble.

The Barclays continue to control Very Group, the online retailer, with IMI also having extended financing to that business.

Mr Zahawi was recently appointed as chair of Very Group.

IMI is controlled by the UAE's deputy prime minister and ultimate owner of Manchester City Football Club, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The Lloyds debt, which totalled more than £1.15bn, was repaid by RedBird IMI on behalf of the family.

People close to the process insisted that there remained "robust" interest in the Telegraph at significantly higher prices than that tabled by Lord Saatchi and Lady de Rothschild.

Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

12/08/2024

Kate Middleton reappears, in video, with Prince William

Since she was diagnosed with cancer last January, the appearances of the Princess of Wales have been extremely rare. The last time she was seen publicly was on July 14, the day Kate Middleton was in charge of presiding over the Wimbledon final. Since then, the princess has disappeared, and although everyone expected to see her again during the celebration of the Paris Olympic Games, this has not been the case, with Princess Anne being in charge of carrying the royal Olympic baton in Paris.

Now, almost a month after her last public appearance, the Princess of Wales has been seen again, although this time in video format. The royal couple did not want to ignore the participation of British athletes in these Olympic Games, so they have appeared in a video dedicating some sincere words of support and gratitude to the British Olympic team.

“From all of us watching from home, congratulations to the Great Britain team,” are the words that the princess pronounces in this video. Some images in which the members of the royal family do not appear alone, as there have been many British personalities who have wanted to honor the athletes, including the footballer David Beckham.

According to the English press, the video is filmed in the gardens of Anmer Hall, a property in Norfolk, given to the couple by Queen Elizabeth II after the wedding and where they are enjoying a vacation.

Although, what has truly surprised the British citizens is the appearance of the couple and a detail of Prince William. In this video, the members of the British royal family appear with a rather informal style, highlighting Prince William's beard, an element with which he had never been seen before.
Source: Diario de Almeria in English using Google Translate

11/08/2024

Emma Finucane becomes first British woman to win three medals in one Games since 1928

Emma Finucane won bronze in the individual sprint to take her third medal of Paris 2024, making her the first British woman to win three medals in a single Games since 1928.

The 21-year-old, the reigning world champion in this event, needed only two races to beat Dutch rider Hetty van de Wouw in a best of three format.

Swimmer Joyce Cooper was the last Team GB woman to win three medals in one Games when she earned a silver and two bronzes at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam.

There were also celebrations in the South Paris Arena on Sunday afternoon.

Emily Campbell took bronze in the women’s +81kg weightlifting event, smashing her personal best in the process.

Campbell clinched silver in Tokyo, earning Team GB’s first ever Olympic women’s weightlifting medal.

The Nottingham 30-year-old set a new combined personal best of 288kg over sn**ch and clean-and-jerk disciplines to finish behind defending champion Li Wenwen of China, and 21-year-old Hyejeong Park of South Korea.

Results in the final afternoon of the Games have taken Team GB past the total of 64 medals won in Tokyo.

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

Meanwhile Jack Carlin crashed out of the men’s keirin final in what turned into a painful competition for Team GB.

Carlin initially struggled to get up after the high speed incident on the final bend of the race but eventually walked off the track without the need of the waiting stretcher.

The Scot had been caught at the back of the group and was fighting to make up ground when Japanese rider Shinji Nakano and Malaysia’s Muhammad Sahrom tangled in front of him and left him with nowhere to go but down.

Earlier Carlin’s team-mate Hamish Turnbull crashed heavily in his semi-final after trying to avoid an incident involving Germany’s Luca Spiegel.

After the crash, Turnbull did not take part in the race to determine the 7th to 12th places.

The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday evening from 8pm.

Follow Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

10/08/2024

Two strong and amazing women regardless of the storm they're facing. God bless you Catherine Princess of Wales!!!
You will never regret Liking this photo ❤️🫡 🫡

10/08/2024

Two Princesses of Wales with their Eldest sons ❤ why don't pictures like this ever trend 🥰 ❤😴😢
Beautiful cabin crew 🌹
Scarlett Johansson💋💋

10/08/2024

26 years without you 💔

10/08/2024

Why don't pictures like this ever trend 🥰 ❤😴😢
🙏🙏🙏
Beautiful cabin crew 🌹
Scarlett Johansson💋💋

10/08/2024

Princes Catherine Prince Diana Look Same in Red Dress. Why don't pictures like this ever trend 🥰 ❤
Beautiful cabin crew 🌹
Scarlett Johansson💋💋

10/08/2024

Happy Beautiful ❤❤Couple
Beautiful cabin crew 🌹
Scarlett Johansson💋💋

10/08/2024

Happy birthday Princess ❤️Catherine 🇬🇧❤️
You will never regret Liking this photo ❤️🫡 🫡 🫡Thank you for your service Mam.

10/08/2024

The King has spoken of how he has been "greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few" - as he reflected on the recent violent disorder seen across the country.

This evening the monarch held a phone audience with the prime minister and leading police chiefs after the palace confirmed earlier in the week that he has been receiving daily updates on the situation.

A Buckingham Palace spokesperson said that the King spoke to Sir Keir Starmer, along with holding a joint call with the chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, and UK Gold Commander Ben Harrington, chief constable of Essex.

This was said to be in addition to private calls he had made throughout the week concerning the events and "in particular" the impacts they had had on affected communities.

"In these calls, His Majesty was updated on the current situation and expressed his heartfelt thanks to the police and emergency services for all they are doing to restore peace in those areas that have been affected by violent disorder," the spokesperson said.

At this time of year, due to summer holidays, there is not a regular weekly audience between the Prime Minister and the monarch, not least because by convention these would always happen in person, so this phone call specifically took place so they could discuss in detail the recent riots and the issues they have raised.

Sharing the King's response to recent events the spokesperson added: "The King shared how he had been greatly encouraged by the many examples of community spirit that had countered the aggression and criminality from a few with the compassion and resilience of the many.

"It remains His Majesty's hope that shared values of mutual respect and understanding will continue to strengthen and unite the nation."

Throughout his time as heir and monarch, a cornerstone of his official work has revolved around community cohesion and celebrating Britain's diverse communities.

Sky News understands that it remains the hope and aspiration that once the circumstances are right the King wants to be able to show his concern and support in a more direct way.

This would likely to be in some form of visit, but the Royal Family are ever conscious of putting additional burden on frontline services with any form of visit.

Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

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