1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on King Charles’ Land Rover with Royal HRH number plate and luxury heated seats goes up for auction
NOW you can drive like a royal with King Charles’ former motor set to go on sale.
A lucky collector can snap up the Land Rover Defender 90 when it goes under the hammer next month.
SWNSA Land Rover owned from new by King Charles is set to go under the hammer[/caption]
SWNSThe 2010 Land Rover Defender 90 was delivered to the Royal Garage at Highgrove House in November 2010[/caption]
SWNSIconic Auctioneers say the vehicle was supplied ‘for the sole use of King Charles III’[/caption]
The eye-catching vehicle was supplied in 2010 for the monarch and his wife Queen Camilla’s use.
The Royal couple, who were the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall at the time, parked the 4×4 at their private residence in Gloucestershire.
Finished in Keswick green, the Defender boasts a classic charcoal grey interior.
Better yet, it has a measly 24,595 miles on the clock.
The driver’s seat has only minor wear, indicating it was not chauffeur driven.
Heated seats and heated front and rear screens were added for the VIP.
A private collector is set to flog the motor in partnership with Iconic Auctioneers.
It was supplied by JLR Special Vehicles and delivered to Highgrove House in November 2010 with a confirmation letter addressed to Tim Williams, the then Prince of Wales’ head chauffeur.
There are many documents confirming the car belonged to the King but no images of him with it.
The car will be sold at Birmingham’s NEC in Iconic’s sale on March 22.
ROYAL SELL
It comes after Charles’ late mother Queen Elizabeth’s customised Land Rover which has a special ‘traffic light system’ has sold for a huge sum last year.
The green open-top 1978 Series III model was part of the ‘Royal Review’ convoy of cars which were used for her public engagements.
A special Plexiglass screen and chrome handrail were installed for her to hold on to while standing up and waving to the public.
Another special feature was a red, amber and green control dashboard discreetly tucked away in the side of the back seat.
There are ‘stop’, ‘slow down’ and ‘start’ buttons, so the Queen or her staff could instantly instruct the driver if she wished to move on.
The ‘military-style’ vehicle was originally built for the Central Army Vehicle Depot in Ashchurch, Gloucestershire, before being modified to Royal specifications.
It sold for a hammer price of £32,000 to an internet bidder, rising to £36,800 with fees.
An RM Sotheby spokesperson said: “A full-width Plexiglass screen and chromed handrail were added to provide royal passengers with some level of protection and stability while standing in the rear.
“And a discreet ‘traffic light’ system allowed the Queen or her representatives to communicate instructions to the driver.
“This is an extremely unique opportunity to acquire a Land Rover with a true Royal connection.
“It has now been fully restored, meaning it presents immaculately and is now ready to join its next home.”
The Mega AgencyKing Charles III leaves the Centre For Injury Studies at Imperial College London last week[/caption]
SWNSA photo of the motor’s engine[/caption]
SWNSThe vehicle will go on sale on March 22[/caption]
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on GAA club leads tributes to ‘beloved friend’ and brother of Wicklow star who brought ‘joy to us all’ after tragic death
BARNDARRIG GAA Club has paid tribute to “beloved friend and teammate” Brendan Stone following his tragic death.
Brendan – who is brother of Wicklow senior football star Malachy Stone – passed away at the weekend.
Brendan Stone, right, has diedBen McShane/SportsfileHe is the brother of Wicklow senior footballer Malachy StoneStephen Marken/Sportsfile
A passionate GAA and rugby star, his passing yielded a deluge of tributes from across the sporting spectrum in the Garden County.
The two brothers were cornerstones of Barndarrig’s first senior football championship side, with the club paying tribute on social media.
It read: “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of our beloved teammate and friend, Brendan Stone, who left us far too soon.
“Brendan was a cherished member of our club, a dedicated athlete, and an integral part of our community.
“His talent, spirit, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.
“Brendan had an infectious passion for the sport and was known for his bravery, physicality and determination.
“Whether on or off the field, Brendan brought joy, laughter, and inspiration to us all.
“Brendan was part of the latest generation of the Stone family donning the blue & white of Barndarrig, and still proudly displayed by his brothers and sisters who are the cornerstone of teams they feature on.
“He will have been proud to have featured on the first ever Senior football championship side alongside his brother Malachy, bringing a level of physicality and bravery synonymous with the Stone name.
“To the Stone family Peter, Patsy, Roisin, Aoibhin, Malachy, Fainche, Máire and Diarmuid we offer our deepest condolences, know that we are with you through life’s highs and lows, as you have been for us.”
Oisin McConville’s Wicklow side’s Division 4 league game against Wexford was postponed at the weekend.
And the county said it was “heartbroken” by his untimely passing.
Wicklow GAA said: “Brendan was known to many for his incredible sporting ability, but above all else, he was a beloved son and brother.
“Today, our deepest thoughts and sympathies are with his family—Peter, Patsy, Roisin, Aoibhin, Malachy, Fainche, Máire, and Diarmuid—along with his teammates, friends, and all who were privileged to know him.
“This is a profound loss, and it will take time for us all to come to terms with it.
“For now, our focus is on respecting the privacy of his family and supporting those who played, worked, and shared treasured memories with Brendan, especially the community of Barndarrig GAA Club, where his presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
“We are truly grateful for the kindness and support shown by our colleagues in Croke Park and the wider GAA family during this difficult time.”
‘PROFOUND SHOCK’
Along with being a skilled footballer, Brendan was a prodigious talent on the rugby field, having played for Wicklow RFC.
He played for the club since he was six, and was part of its first-ever under-20s team.
He was the 2024 Players’ Player of the Year having led the U18s to a Leinster treble.
Stone also inspired Colaiste Chill Mhantain schools’ team to a historic McMullen Cup final win in Energia Park.
He had followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Malachy, who played for Wicklow RFC in the early 1960s, while his father Peter and brother Malachy also played.
The club said: “It is with profound shock and sadness that we inform you of the tragic passing of our beloved teammate and dear friend Brendan Stone.
“Brendan was a brilliant young rugby player and a fearless competitor.
“He played the game of rugby with skill, balance, speed and ferocity but always with a smile on his face.
“He was a lovely, kind and friendly young man with a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious smile.
“To Brendan’s heartbroken parents, Peter and Patsy, his brothers Malachy and Diarmuid, sisters Aoibhinn, Roisin, Moira and Fainche and extended family and friends, we offer our sincere sympathies on your great loss.
“In this time of unimaginable grief, we will stand together as a club and as a community, offering whatever support we can to Brendan’s family, teammates, and friends.
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on Vegeta and Bulma Shippers Need to Take a Step Back to Acknowledge the Best Couple of ‘Dragon Ball’
Dragon Ball series has had a lot of elements blended into it, and seeing how expansive the franchise is, it is not surprising to say that even sweet romance has joined the list of elements in the series. When it comes to relationships in Dragon Ball, fans always envision Vegeta and Bulma’s relationship. There is […]
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on Why the ‘war on inflation’ is over — even though the ‘experts’ don’t get it
The war is over: not the war in Ukraine or Gaza – I mean the war on inflation. Shoppers, understandably, are still freaking out in the grocery aisles, most recently over egg prices....
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on Zelensky ‘screamed at Trump’s war envoy’ in furious row & refused US demands to sign Don’s deal ‘right there & then’
VOLODYMYR Zelensky reportedly shouted at Donald Trump’s envoy leaving the official trembling and shaken amid a furious row.
The US President is pushing for a quick peace and wants Ukraine to sign over resource rights to pay for military support.
APUkrainian soldiers fire a US-supplied Javelin missile system[/caption]
APThe US has approved F-16 transfers to Ukraine[/caption]
Volodymyr Zelensky met Scott Bessent in Kyiv on February 13 and reportedly shouted at him
But Trump had asked for a staggering amount in payback from Ukraine – demanding £400bn in the original offer.
In a closed-door meeting in Kyiv on February 12, an “angry” Zelensky blasted Bessent for the offer which the envoy demanded he sign then and there, the Financial Times reports.
That left Bessent, a former hedge fund boss, visibly flustered with his hands trembling as he spoke to reporters following the meeting.
Since then, the two sides have continued to negotiate the deal – but Zelensky is not yet ready to agree.
Kyiv is standing firm, reports Sky News, with some sources saying US and Ukrainian officials had spent “all night” negotiating on Thursday into the early hours of Friday.
In the latest offer, the US is demanding access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, oil, and critical infrastructure like ports.
Despite Trump demanding £400bn for “equalisation”, the US Congress thinks the US has only backed Ukraine with up to £137bn.
The dispute over the deal has led to a feud between the leaders with Trump slamming Zelensky as a “dictator” and sidelined him by starting peace discussions with Russia.
Trump also said the leader of Ukraine was “not very important” to be in meetings about peace – despite Ukraine having been invaded.
The President told governors at the White House: “I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine.
“They don’t have any cards, but they play it tough.”
The Ukrainian president said on Sunday: “If it’s about peace in Ukraine and you really want me to leave my position, I am ready to do that [in exchange for peace].
Zelensky met Bessent in KyivA Ukrainian soldier fires a mortar at Russian positions in Bakhmut
“Secondly I can exchange it for Nato [membership].
“If there is such an opportunity I’ll do it immediately without a long conversation about it.”
He emphasised that Ukraine’s security was his priority, not staying in office, adding that it was not his “dream” to remain president for a decade.
European leaders have been left reeling by being cut out of peace talks that Trump has started with Russia.
The new American administration has shifted position and started unilateral talks with Moscow as it demands a quick end to the war.
That’s left European capitals fuming – who have collectively backed Ukraine more than the US against the Russian invasion.
EPALeaders in Kyiv lay flowers Monday in remembrance of Ukrainians killed[/caption]
AFPDozens of world leaders are in Ukraine to support the country[/caption]
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has said there is no ground to talk to Europe about peace and wants Washington to “fully analyse the root causes of the Ukrainian conflict”.
World leaders are marking the third anniversary in a call that will pledge support for Ukraine and continue to call out Russia.
Some 30 have even gone to Kyiv, like EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and even Boris Johnson.
The massive show of support for Kyiv came as Germany’s new leader said Europe must stand alone from the US.
X/@ZelenskyyUaZelensky released a clip touting Ukrainians after three years of war[/caption]
X/@ZelenskyyUaThe clip shows the Ukrainian Motherland Monument lit up in blue[/caption]
Zelensky said: “Nobody in the world believes the Russian lies about our country and our people, even those who became Russia’s ally.
“Russia’s strategic target is Europe, the European way of life and the future of Europe.
“And the future of Europe cannot be decided without Europe.”
The valiant leader has shared a patriotic clip of courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the sad occasion.
The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.
Who could replace Zelensky?
Names have begun to emerge as to who could replace Zelensky if he were to resign.
Valery Zaluzhny – The Iron General
Zaluzhny led the defence of Kyiv at the start of the war when Russia sent its special forces to their death at Hostomel Airport. Russia then tried to take Kyiv from the north by sending an Army from Belarus.
But the Iron General Zeluzhny is known for thinking outside of the box and has built a cult status in Ukraine.
He is currently the country’s ambassador to London.
Vitali Klitschko – The Champion Boxer
Klitschko is currently mayor of Kyiv and, standing at 6ft 7in, the former world boxing champion would be a heavyweight contender.
The boxer has led the city through daily bombardments by Russian drones and has become a powerful symbol of the city’s defence joining the territorial defence forces.
Like Zelensky, Klitschko would be a strong pro-European leader that Vladimir Putin would hate.
Viktor Medvedchuk – Putin’s Man
Ukrainian oligarch Medvedchuk is the godfather to Putin’s youngest daughter.
He was an important interlocutor between Moscow and Kyiv and backs a pro-Russian political party with several television stations he owns.
In 2021, he was arrested on suspicion of supporting Russian separatists – with the oligarch denying any wrongdoing.
The move is said to have infuriated Putin and was seen as one of the possible reasons he launched his invasion.
Incoming Chancellor Friederich Merz said his absolute priority was “to strengthen Europe as quickly as possible so that we can achieve real independence from the USA.”
Merz said: “More than ever, we must put Ukraine in a position of strength.
“For a fair peace, the country that is under attack must be part of peace negotiations.”
In Kyiv Monday, Trudeau addressed President Zelensky, praising his remarkable personal bravery, resilience and resolve.
He said: “You continue to inspire me and tens of millions of my fellow citizens back home in Canada.”
Trudeau pushed back on the Kremlin’s narrative, echoed in recent days by Trump and some members of his administration, that Ukraine bore responsibility for igniting the conflict.
Trudeau said: “This is not a conflict Ukraine wanted, provoked or asked for in any way.
“This is a war started for one reason and one reason only: Russia’s desire to erase Ukrainian history and expand their empire.”
Trump & Zelensky’s personal feud
DONALD Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky’s fiery feud ad turning the world upside down – and the pair have a bitter history.
2016 – Zelensky takes aim
The first time the pair are believed to have referenced one another came on a Ukrainian talk show featuring Zelesnky – then a star comedian – back in 2016.
Speaking about the lead up to that years US election, Zelensky made a comedic dig at the business tycoon turned Republican favourite.
He told TV viewers on the show: “Hillary won a confident victory in the debates, but considering that Donald Trump is the founder of the Miss World beauty contest, defeat in an intellectual competition should not upset him.”
2019 – Trump’s troubles
One of the first times the pair spoke came in 2019 as Trump phoned up Zelensky after he won the Ukrainian election.
Trump congratulated him before adding “you will do a great job”.
But his clear hostility towards Zelensky is also often traced back to the same year.
The Republican landed himself in trouble as he was impeached over allegations he withheld almost $400million in US security assistance to Kyiv unless it complied with Trump’s requests.
2019 – Bizarre panto skit
And in the aftermath of the row in 2019 – Zelensky was treated to a skit featuring Trump playing piano with his genitals on a special New Year’s Eve show.
The team from Kvartal 95 had Zelensky along as a guest to the event where they had a Trump impersonator take to the stage.
The short clip shows Trump on a video call to Zelensky as he passionately says: “I don’t like a lot of words, I like concrete actions.”
2020 – Trump’s X-rated rant
At the end of his first term in office, Trump reportedly ripped into Zelensky and Ukraine.
Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said over five years ago that Trump wasn’t Zelensky’s biggest fan when he first became president.
Bolton quoted Trump as saying: “I don’t want to have any f***ing thing to do with Ukraine.
“They f***ing attacked me. I can’t understand why… They tried to f*** me. They’re corrupt. I’m not f***ing with them.”
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on Jose Mourinho gets huge pre-derby win after Champions League final ref is airlifted in for title clash with rivals
A CHAMPIONS League final referee has been airlifted in for Fenerbahce’s derby clash against Galatasaray.
Jose Mourinho will be thrilled with the decision for Slavko Vincic to be given control of the potential title decider.
ReutersJose Mourinho will be happy with the referee appointment for Fenerbahce’s next game[/caption]
GettySlavko Vincic has been airlifted in for the derby game against Galatasaray[/caption]
The Portuguese manager has made no secret of his disgruntlement with the level of officiating in the Turkish Super Lig.
The arrival of the Slovenian referee should be a relief to Mourinho as he officiated last season’s Champions League final.
The referee is deemed a complete outsider to the context of the match.
It is not the first time a foreign referee has been brought in for a one-off game in Turkey.
Last year, the VAR was often manned by referees from abroad for Super Lig matches.
The match between the fierce rivals is TONIGHT at Galatasaray‘s RAMS Park stadium.
Mourinho will be desperate for his side to win in order to close the gap to their rivals to just three points at the top of the table.
He will also be hoping that there are no controversial decisions called against his team.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
He has addressed the appointment of Vincic ahead of the match.
He said: “He’s a top European referee.
Mourinho put a laptop in front of a TV camera after disagreeing with one decision
“That’s important for the credibility, for the image of this match.
“I’m happy.”
The former Premier League manager has often called out decisions after games in classic theatrical fashion.
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on Ritchie Torres endorses ‘Mr. Tough Guy’ Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor in latest blow to Eric Adams: ‘America loves a comeback’
Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres is backing Andrew Cuomo for mayor, saying the ex-governor will provide the "competence and courage" needed to run New York City.
1 week agoNews 1Comments Off on MTA cancels beloved, feel-good subway announcement program for kids with autism: ‘A real slap in the face’
The MTA has cancelled a popular program that allows students with autism to record public announcements in the subway system, stunning parents and their special needs kids alike.
