Prince Andrew Spends Christmas About 140 Miles Away From Daughters Beatrice and Eugenie
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was seen leaving Royal Lodge alone on Christmas Day while the wider royal family gathered around 140 miles away at Sandringham. He was reportedly not invited for a second consecutive year amid ongoing controversy over his past links to Jeffrey Epstein. Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie attended the Sandringham church walk with their husbands, as King Charles hosted the traditional festivities.
Campaigners allowed to set up a fundraising holiday let
Campaigners trying to save Bangor’s Garth Pier have been told they can convert the pier master’s house into a short-term holiday let to raise money for repairs, as Gwynedd Council’s Article 4 Direction restricting holiday homes has been quashed by the High Court. However, the council is seeking to appeal, warning that if the decision is overturned, any change of use made in the meantime could be deemed unauthorised and subject to enforcement action.
Former butler explains the religious themes in King Charles’s Christmas message
King Charles’s former butler, Grant Harrold, said the King’s Christmas address was unusually spiritual, reflecting long-held beliefs about faith, compassion, and respect for people of different religions. He suggested the monarch wants to focus less on personal health updates and more on his duties, while using careful symbolic gestures—such as featuring a Ukrainian choir—to show support without entering politics. In the broadcast, the King drew on a recent Vatican visit and the theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” linking it to lessons from the Second World War and urging unity and reconciliation amid global division.
Craig Johnson Releases a New Longmire Christmas Story
Best-selling author Craig Johnson has released a new Sheriff Walt Longmire Christmas story titled “Scents of the Season,” which came out on Thursday.
Italian archbishop faces backlash after saying the Virgin Mary’s obedience is a model for women
Italian archbishop Giuseppe Laterza drew criticism after a sermon in Conversano in which he described the Virgin Mary as “free” because she “knows how to obey,” adding that the point should be told to “some feminists.” Journalists and women’s rights campaigners in Puglia condemned the remarks as promoting female subordination and misrepresenting women’s freedom. Laterza said his comments were about Christian freedom in relation to God, apologised to anyone offended, and said his work in Africa focuses on protecting women’s dignity and supporting girls’ education.
A scruffy robin from Llantwit Major brought joy to thousands of people
During the first COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, Llantwit Major resident Jackie Swift began photographing an unusually fluffy, unkempt robin she nicknamed “Mr Scruffy” as it nested and raised chicks in her garden. She shared thousands of images online, where the bird quickly attracted a large following, including more than 12,000 Instagram followers, and many people said the photos helped them through lockdown. Scruffy stopped visiting in July 2020, but Swift continues to post previously unseen photos and has since expanded her wildlife photography, recently welcoming a new pair of robins nesting in her garden.
Singer Lucia Cook Describes Performing at the GB News Christmas Carol Concert
Singer Lucia Cook described performing a solo at the GB News Christmas Carol concert, calling it a memorable moment she will treasure. She said she was selected quickly after submitting an audition video, and noted that even after singing at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the festive concert felt especially exciting as her family watched her perform.
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