Blog

Oscar Piastri has delivered the second fastest time in practice at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, impressing after his McLaren was given the full package of upgrades.

It left the Australian predicting more great things for his British-based team in Sunday’s race following his teammate Lando Norris‘s triumph at the Miami Grand Prix last time out.

On that occasion a fortnight ago, Briton Norris took full advantage of the full complement of upgrades to win his maiden F1 race, while Piastri’s car had only a select number of the new components.

On level terms, Piastri enjoyed the better day over two practice sessions this time as Norris finished eighth and 12th in the two sessions compared to the Aussie’s ninth and second.

It left Piastri, who had looked set to challenge for a podium position himself in Miami before a collision with Carlos Sainz, encouraged that he too could be in the shake-up this weekend.

+3

Aussie Oscar Piastri is all smiles after clocking the second fastest time in practice in Italy

+3

Piastri has had a full suite of upgrades carried out on his McLaren to boost his podium chances

+3

The Aussie is bullish about his chances at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix following practice

After finishing second only to Charles Leclerc in Friday’s second session, Melburnian Piastri, having clocked a 1min 16.098sec lap to the Ferrari driver’s 1:15.906, told reporters: ‘I think honestly it’s been an encouraging day for us.

‘The pace has been good, both in the qualifying runs and the race run, so I’m feeling pretty happy. I felt pretty comfy with the car from the moment we got on track.

‘Ferrari have looked quick, Mercedes looked quick as well at points, but I think we are definitely in the fight. We’ll try to find a bit more tomorrow, but where we were today is not unrealistic.’

Championship leader Max Verstappen had another tough day, finishing only seventh on the timesheets.

Piastri noted: ‘It is very tight out there. Red Bull have looked a bit up and down, which is a bit unusual for them.’

Like the Aussie, Verstappen, winner of four of six races this season, also had new parts to his Red Bull but he went off track in both sessions while finishing fifth in the morning and seventh in the afternoon.

‘A difficult day. Just difficult to get a good balance and just not really feeling comfortable in the car, moving around a lot,’ said the Dutchman.

Max Verstappen powered to a record-equalling eighth consecutive pole position, drawing level with Ayrton Senna on the Imola track that claimed the Brazilian legend’s life 30 years ago.

The McLarens were quick in a tight qualifying session for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – both their young drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri put up a spirited fight – but nothing could stop the Dutchman, whose remorseless surge to a fourth consecutive world title continues apace.

Senna, whose deeds are being celebrated at the venerable track this weekend, set the standard between his first pole in Jerez, Spain, in 1988, and his eighth in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1989. The McLaren star’s record stood for 35 years, until today.

‘It’s 30 years since he passed away, so it is very special and I am very pleased to get pole,’ reflected Verstappen on his timely feat. ‘It’s a nice memorial to him.

‘He was an incredible F1 driver, especially in qualifying. A great day for me, a great day for the team. I’m very, very happy.

+6

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix after qualifying

+6

It means Verstappen (right) has been on pole for the past eight races across 2023 and 2024

+6

Verstappen equalled the record of legendary Brazilian racer Ayrton Senna’s in the process

+6

Senna’s deeds are being celebrated this weekend, 30 years on from his tragic passing

Norris was second best, 0.074sec behind his mate Max, with Piastri third, 0.091 back.

‘Small margins,’ reflected Norris, 24-year-old first-time winner in Miami a fortnight ago. ‘We can be pleased with what we did.’

Lewis Hamilton’s revamped Mercedes did him no favours as he qualified a dismal eighth, his team-mate George Russell sixth. Hamilton was 0.758sec off the front, and three-tenths behind Russell. No corners turned there.

The Ferraris will start on their home asphalt from fourth place through Charles Leclerc and fifth through Carlos Sainz.

Fernando Alonso has barely had a bad session in long, stellar career, but he barely had a reliable turn on the 3.05-mile track on the day. He trawled the gravel in third practice, damaging the rear of his Aston Martin, and then ploughed off again in Q1 , condemning himself to qualify in 19th place.

+6

Verstappen edged out Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (above), who will start second and third

+6

However, Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez (right) will begin the race in 11th place

The double world champion was only spared the indignity of bottom the final space on the grid by Logan Sargeant’s failure to keep his Williams between the white lines. The American saw his times deleted. It would be another nail in his coffin if the box wasn’t already hermetically sealed.

The second Red Bull, of Sergio Perez, was eliminated in Q2. The Mexican’s disappointment again underlined how much Verstappen adds to the sum of man and machine.

Australian F1 ace Oscar Piastri has suffered a wretched blow – just when he was expecting to line up on the front row of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola.

Piastri had delivered one of the best qualifying performances of his fledgling F1 career on Saturday by finishing second behind Max Verstappen, leaving him dreaming of the prospect of a maiden triumph in Sunday’s race.

But the delight turned to deflation within hours as he was penalised three grid places for impeding Haas driver Kevin Magnussen in the first session of qualifying, dropping him to fifth from second on the grid.

Instead, Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris took his place on the front row, after his third-place qualifying finish.

+3

Oscar Piastri (pictured) put on a qualifying masterclass ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix – but was later stripped of his front-row start

+3

The Aussie was penalised three grid places for impeding Haas driver Kevin Magnussen in the first session of qualifying

The Melburnian’s fine last-gasp lap had been bettered only by resurgent champion Verstappen, but Piastri was adamant afterwards that he could still go on to challenge the Dutchman.

‘So, so close to pole, but very happy,’ Piastri said, after his final lap fell just 0.071 seconds slower than Verstappen’s brilliant 1 minute 14.746 seconds.

Asked if he thought he could go one place better on Sunday and become the fifth Australian to win an F1 grand prix, Piastri answered in the affirmative.

‘I think we’ve definitely been on the pace all weekend. You can never count out Max and Red Bull of course, like we’ve just seen, but I think the confidence is high,’ he added.

That, however, was his tune before stewards completed their investigation into the Q1 incident when the Australian got in Magnussen’s way at two turns, ruining the Dane’s lap and chances of reaching Q2.

So instead of being Verstappen’s nearest hunter, Piastri now has to get past the two Ferraris of third-placed Charles Leclerc and fourth-placed Carlos Sainz to even get on terms with teammate Norris.

Still, it’s been another major step up for Piastri, whose car received the full package of upgrades McLaren had first given Norris in Miami, enabling their senior driver to win his first grand prix.

Properly armed, the Australian has been marginally quicker than Norris over the two days in Italy, also having finished fastest of all the drivers in the final practice session on Saturday morning.

+3

Piastri’s penalty saw his teammate Lando Norris promoted from third to second spot

For Red Bull’s Verstappen, it was a dramatic return to form after problems in practice at Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari as he tied the late, great Ayrton Senna’s Formula One record of eight pole positions in a row.

It was Verstappen’s 39th career pole in all as he seemed to, almost magically, find some extra pace after finishing fifth, sixth and seventh in the three Imola practice sessions.

‘What a difficult start! But we turned it around,’ he declared on race radio, having wrapped up his seventh straight pole of the season.

Senna achieved his eight in a row in 1988 and 1989 before dying in crash on the same Imola track in 1994.

‘It’s very special. It’s 30 years since Ayrton passed away, so very pleased to get pole and in a way it’s a nice memory to him. He was an incredible F1 driver,’ Verstappen said.

There was bad news for his teammate Sergio Perez, who missed the final shoot-out and will start from 11th place on Sunday.

Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso did even worse, having to settle for 19th having also crashed earlier in final practice.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were reportedly spotted dining with Hollywood executives at ‘Harry’s favourite’ local steakhouse.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary joined by Hollywood executives as they dined at a local eatery ‘loved by Harry’ where a steak can cost £125.

The Sussexes, who have just returned from a royal-like trip to Nigeria, were having dinner with friends, Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins and his wife Tracey, according to Tatler.

The publication said Prince Harry and Meghan attended Lucky’s steakhouse which is said to have become a favourite spot of the Duke’s close to their home in Montecito, California.

On the delicious-looking menu appetisers started from around £26 to £40, and steaks ranged from a 10oz New York strip steak at £63, up to a 20oz Bone-in Rib Chop sliced at £125.

There is also a 28oz option, which would likely be shared, of a Porterhouse for £175.

Prince Harry and Meghan were understood to be celebrating their anniversary

Hollywood movers and shakers Brian and Tracey Robbins are understood to have become close to the Sussexes since the royal couple made the move to America.

Mr and Mrs Robbins also attended the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica in January, which Harry and Meghan were seen at enjoying the film.

And according to Taltler Mrs Robbins was one of the few people to recieve a first jar of Meghan’s new homemade American Riveria Orchard jam this month.

Prince Harry and Meghan were reportedly seen with executives from Paramount Pictures

Back in the UK reports suggest the Prince of Wales is to be an usher at the wedding of his close friend Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, next month.

The 33-year-old aristocrat and businessman will marry Olivia Henson, 31, at Chester Cathedral on June 7. William will be among the groom’s party at the 400-person ceremony but his younger brother the Duke of Sussex will not attend, the Sunday Times reported.

According to the newspaper, The Duke of Westminster is godfather to Harry’s five-year-old son Prince Archie.

One moment it was as exciting as a tax return – and then bang: an exhilarating late twist, with Lando Norris suddenly as hot down Max Verstappen’s neck as a dragon.

Nobody will be surprised that Verstappen won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but the unexpected drama in the final throes raised the possibility of a competition breaking out. No guarantees of that, though definitely straws to be grasped with both hands.

It unfolded like this. Norris, boosted by his maiden win in Miami a fortnight ago at the 110th attempt, was in second place six seconds back with 10 laps remaining. The 24-year-old British driver pressed and pressed his McLaren in pursuit of a car that has carried Max the Machine to the stars. Norris gobbled up the road in front of him, narrowing the gap to his prey sometimes by as much half-a-second a lap, until he was just 1.5sec adrift with five laps remaining.

Verstappen’s concern crackled through his radio. Norris, for his part, told his team he was doing everything within his power to make his better performing, though actually slightly older, tyres work to make the kill.

Verstappen had no grip yet trying to hold on. ‘Like driving on ice,’ he said afterwards. ‘At Turn 7, I nearly ended up in the grandstand.’

+6

Max Verstappen has returned to winning ways at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

+6

Verstappen celebrates after fending off a late charge from Lando Norris in Imola

+6

The Red Bull star returns to winning ways after finishing second in Miami a fortnight ago

As Red Bull team principal Christian Horner purred: ‘You’ve got two guys going at it like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. They were trading times sector by sector. Fantastic racing.’

Two laps to go and the margin was down to one second. Then nine-tenths as the concluding 3.05-mile tour of the grand old Imola circuit beckoned. In the end, Verstappen got home in a masterclass of cool resilience. Could anyone else have survived as he did?

The winning margin: 0.725 of a second.

‘It hurts me to say it, but one or two more laps would have been beautiful, and I think I would have had him,’ reckoned Norris. ‘I was praying for it.’

‘I was pushing like hell until the very last lap, but I lost out a little bit too much to Max in the beginning. He was much better in the first stint, and we were stronger in the second.’

McLaren are clearly the team, other than Red Bull, who best understand the technical requirements of this generation of ground-effect cars. They are a growing power, now minimally equal with Ferrari, and clearly hottest pursuers at tracks such as this which suit them well.

+6

Verstappen cuts a relieved figure after celebrating with his Red Bull team on Sunday

You might argue that yesterday that McLaren possessed the best car of all yesterday. That it was Verstappen who made the difference. Why otherwise, did his team-mate Sergio Perez, a perfectly competent driver, qualify 11th compared to his pole position, or finish eighth to his first?

Heavens, this was a boost for Formula One and its followers with 17 rounds of the campaign to come. It would have been pretty much unendurable without a murmur of threat to the Dutch master’s monopoly. And you can’t look to Mercedes for that. They continue to tread treacle. Lewis Hamilton finished sixth after an erratic weekend (behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in third, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in fourth, with Carlos Sainz fifth in the second red car) while George Russell crossed the line in seventh place.

‘We’re in no-man’s-land,’ said Hamilton. Russell added: ‘We’re behind the Ferraris and McLarens, and ahead of the midfield. We’ll keep pushing.’

The spectacular denouement was not detectable early on. Verstappen was cleanly away, having pointed his car aggressively towards the racing line and Norris, next to him on the front row. The world champion held his advantage through the opening chicane – Tamburello, the now reconfigured spot at which Ayrton Senna lost his life 30 years ago, and the die was cast, or so we thought. Yawn. A long afternoon, nay a long season, lay ahead of us all.

That likely fact was hammered into Norris: Verstappen’s lead at the end of lap one stood at eight-tenths like a ticking timebomb.

+6

Lando Norris (background) pushed the Dutchman to the very end in an exciting finish

+6

Norris cuts a disappointed figure after coming agonisingly close to winning again in F1

By lap six, the margin was two seconds. By lap 12, three seconds. By lap 20, six.

Verstappen’s only wobbles were minor at this stage. He hit the odd kerb too heavily, once going fractionally airborne. And he pushed his luck by exceeding track limits – a habit that landed him a black-and-white warning flag. Other than that, no problems at all – not yet. They awaited in papaya orange, as we learned.

Yet, despite McLaren’s resurgence after more than 15 threadbare years, let’s not get carried away. This was Verstappen’s fifth win from seven races. His lead over Leclerc is 48, over Perez 55 and over Norris 60.

It will take a herculean effort to reel him in. But, heading to Monaco next Sunday, he finally feels some heat.

Princess Diana, the most popular lady of her time, captured the hearts of people around the world. While the paparazzi followed her every move, we’ve found some rare and fascinating photos that offer a closer look into her extraordinary life. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore these unforgettable moments.

A SKI ADVENTURE

In 1994, Princess Diana hit the slopes in Austria with her children, William and Harry. This heartwarming image captures a precious moment when Harry was just 9 years old.

A RING FIT FOR A PRINCESS

Diana’s engagement ring sparked controversy because it was not custom-designed like most royal engagement rings. She chose a 12-carat sapphire set in white gold from a catalog. This iconic ring was later passed down to Kate Middleton.

OVERCOMING WEDDING JITTERS

Even a princess can get nervous on her wedding day! Diana was so jittery that she accidentally called her future husband by the wrong name at the altar. Instead of Charles Philip, she said Philip Charles Arthur George!

A DRESS MISHAP

The designers of Diana’s 25-foot wedding dress didn’t anticipate the difficulties she would face walking in it. The dress ended up being a little crushed inside the carriage and had visible wrinkles. Despite the mishap, Diana still looked stunning on her special day.

THE HEADACHE OF A TIARA

Diana’s elaborate tiara, known as the Spencer Tiara, gave her a headache! It had been in her family for almost a century. Her brother, Charles Spencer, once mentioned in an interview that she suffered from a cracking headache when wearing it all morning.

LOVE’S ROUGH START

Even fairy tales have their bumps in the road. When Diana and Charles’ engagement was confirmed, a reporter asked if they were in love. Diana replied confidently, “Of course,” while Charles responded, “Whatever ‘in love’ means.”

SAFEGUARDING THE DRESS DESIGNS

The press was desperate to get a sneak peek at Diana’s wedding dress. To keep the designs a secret, sketches were ripped up after showing them to Diana. The designers even installed a safe in their studio to secure their creations.

ROYAL WEDDING GIFTS

The royal couple received a multitude of incredible wedding gifts. From an engraved Steuben glass bowl to a handmade porcelain centerpiece, they were truly spoiled. The Reagans, the former U.S. President and First Lady, even sent them a special whiskey from Scotland and a matching diamond and sapphire watch.

SURPRISING FAMILY CONNECTIONS

After getting married, Diana and Charles discovered a hidden secret—they were distant cousins! Both were 16th cousins once removed, as they were both descendants of Tudor King Henry VII.

CAPTURING DIANA’S EARLY DAYS

This charming photo captures Diana in 1980, before she became royalty. Her natural beauty and genuine smile shine through.

A HUMANITARIAN HEART

Princess Diana was well-known for her compassion and dedication to humanitarian causes. In 1997, she visited landmine victims in Angola, showcasing her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

HARRY’S PLAYFUL SIDE

Prince Harry, always one to bring a smile to people’s faces, sticks out his tongue at the crowds surrounding Buckingham Palace. His mischievous personality made him an instant favorite.

BONDING WITH RAINE

In this photo, Raine Spencer, Diana’s stepmother, shares a special moment with Princess Di. Despite their tumultuous relationship in the past, this image captures a bond of love and understanding.

CHERISHING TIME WITH DODI

Days before the tragic car crash that ended Diana’s life, she enjoyed a vacation in the south of France with her new beau, Dodi Al-Fayed, the son of an Egyptian billionaire. This photo captures a moment of pure happiness.

SUMMER FUN AT THE BEACH

Princess Diana truly embraced the joy of life, as seen in this picture of her having a blast on the beach. Her animal print bathing suit adds a touch of fun to her already captivating personality.

THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS

Princess Diana earned the title “The People’s Princess” through her selfless acts of kindness and humanitarian efforts. She remains an inspiration and role model for generations to come.

Victoria Beckham took to her Instagram on Sunday to wish all mothers living in the United States a happy Mother’s Day.

The 50-year-old fashion designer uploaded a sweet snap of herself and her four children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper, whom she shares with former footballer David Beckham.

 

Victoria paid tribute to all mothers in the US by saying,: ‘Happy US Mother’s Day to all the mother figures out there, I love you all so much @davidbeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven xxx.’

In the sweet tribute post, Victoria can be seen in high spirits as she posed with her four children amongst an extravagantly decorated table.

The snap appeared to be taken during her 50th birthday celebration as her son Cruz, could be seen creating the number 50 with his hands.

Victoria Beckham took to her Instagram on Sunday to wish all mothers living in the United States a happy Mother’s Day

+8

The 50-year-old fashion designer uploaded a sweet snap of herself and her four children Brooklyn (left), Romeo (far right), Cruz (centre), and Harper (second from left), whom she shares with former footballer David Beckham

 

David Beckham was notably missing from the sweet snap, however, he previously addressed her as one of the ‘most amazing Mummy’s’ in his life when they celebrated UK Mother’s Day in March.

It comes after Nicola Peltz truly cemented the end of her ‘feud’ with mother-in-law Victoria last month as she issued a sweet message to the star.

As the Spice Girl-turned-fashion designer turned 50, she was greeted with a slew of incredibly sweet messages from family, friends and fans alike.

One stand-out message came from Victoria’s eldest son Brooklyn’s actress wife Nicola, 29, who wed the superstar offspring, 25, in 2022, in which she once again silenced rumours of ill-feeling between the pair.

Nicola penned: ‘Happy birthday to my beautiful mil @victoriabeckham i love you so much and love being your dance partner forever’, to which Victoria swiftly responded: ‘Love you so much!!!!! Xxxxxxx kisses xxxxxxx’.

 

Rumours of fall out between the American beauty and Victoria emerged after Nicola’s multi-million dollar wedding in April 2022.

Whispers of ructions launched when it was claimed that Nicola refused to wear one of Victoria’s eponymous designs – instead opting for various designs from Valentino, Christian Dior and Versace.

As the wedding plans were underway, insiders alleged Victoria was displeased with Nicola’s reluctance to involve her in the plans for the lavish affair.

+8

 

It comes after Nicola Peltz (left) truly cemented the end of her ‘feud’ with mother-in-law Victoria last month as she issued a sweet message to the star

+8

One stand out message came from Victoria’s eldest son Brooklyn’s actress wife Nicola, 29, who wed the superstar offspring, 25, in 2022, in which she once again silenced rumours of ill-feeling between the pair (David Beckham, Brooklyn, Nicola and Victoria pictured in 2023)

+8

Rumours of a fall out between the American beauty and Victoria emerged after Nicola’s multi-million dollar wedding in April 2022

 

It was claimed the Beckhams’ took a backseat on the big day – leading to yet more fury from Victoria, with a source telling Daily Mail: ”The top table was all Peltzs and it really felt as though the Beckhams were not at the forefront…

‘There was a feeling that the wedding was all about the Peltz family, as you can imagine, as it was their house and their daughter and their son making the speeches.’

Nicola later confirmed the rumours had begun after she didn’t wear Victoria’s design. While she denied there was a ‘feud’, she explained that Victoria’s atelier simply hadn’t had time to make the dress, as she insisted: ‘No family is perfect.’

Nicola said: ‘It’s not a feud! I keep seeing everywhere that word, ‘feud, feud, feud!?’ I mean, maybe they picked up on something? And now they’re labelling it feud?’

‘I think it all started, and I’ve said this before, because I didn’t end up wearing Victoria’s wedding dress, but the real truth is, I really, really wanted to wear it and I thought it was so beautiful that Brooklyn’s mom got to make that for me!…

‘And I was really excited to wear it! And I didn’t end up wearing it. But I, truthfully, was really excited to wear her dress. It makes me sad when I read things that people say I was never planning on wearing it. That’s just not true.’

Nicole and Brooklyn were hardly seen with the Beckham family in the months following, however, they have since continually quashed any speculation of a row.

In an interview with Byrdie magazine, Nicola opened up about the importance of family, as she gushed over her ‘strong support system’. She told the publication: ‘Family is everything to me, and I mean that with my whole heart…

+8

Whispers of ructions launched when it was claimed that Nicola refused to wear one of Victoria’s eponymous designs – instead opting for various designs from Valentino, Christian Dior and Versace

+8

Victoria and Nicola now share bold statements showing their close relationship with sweet social media posts

‘I’m so close to mine and Brooklyn’s family and I think there’s no better feeling than knowing you have a strong support system. It’s such a blessing, and I never take it for granted. I go to Florida any chance I get, and we stay at my parents’ house.’

‘It honestly makes me so happy to wake up and have my siblings around. It’s really hard to get us all in the same place because there are so many of us. When we’re all together, it’s so fun.’

Nicola went on to say she felt ‘inspired’ by David and Victoria’s 25-year marriage, as well as her parents’ own 40-year union. She said: ‘Anyone who has been married for a long time, it’s such a beautiful thing,’ she says.

‘My parents have been together for maybe 40 years? And David and Victoria have been together since Brooklyn was a baby, which is like 25 years. My parents, their love inspires me every day. It sounds cheesy, but that’s how I feel.’ ‘

‘He’s [David Beckham] so amazing with Victoria, and Brooklyn is so amazing to me,’ she says. ‘I’m so thankful they raised such an incredible guy I got to marry.’

Victoria Beckham celebrates as she walks without boot and crutches

David and Victoria Beckham’s plans for their Cotswolds property have come under fire once again in a lengthy objection from a neighbour.

David and Victoria Beckham have received another objection to their plans to convert a barn on their Cotswolds property, with a neighbour saying “enough is enough”.

 

The couple have undertaken extensive work on the home, and they lodged another planning application for the estate on August 2, seeking permission to convert their barn roof space into a home office.

However, a neighbour has written a lengthy objection which supports a previous complaint, which had claimed the couple were using a “back door” way of turning the barn into a residential space.

James E Worthington supplied several pages of planning documents to support his complaint, which has been seen by Express.co.uk.

He claims that there were previous complaints about the construction of the barn, as locals suspected that ultimately their intention would be to change the use of the building.

 

 

David and Victoria Beckham have been hit with another objection to their planning applications (Image: Getty)

“There were a number of people who objected to the increase of the residential curtilage at the time and were completely ignored by the Council,” he wrote.

 

“Those who objected indicated it would not be long before a number of other buildings appeared on the area in which the applicants wanted to increase to residential use by first putting up a simple barn.

“Having established this footprint who would stop them increasing the building further and before long a property used for residential use.”

The incredibly detailed objection spans four pages and says that the council were warned and are now “blindsided.”

“Many people locally indicated to West Oxfordshire Council the increase in the residential curtilage of this property will see an ever-increasing number of buildings and to date we have all been proved right.

 

Victoria and David Beckham’s neighbours are not happy about their plans for their Cotswolds pad (Image: Getty)

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“The only people who appear to be blindsided are the Council,” he says.

 

Laying it out plainly he says: “This building has gone from a simple wood barn for machinery with log store to having the height, width and length increased, for what so those who will be attending evenings ‘in the greenhouse and cooking area’ can stay.

“Why would the applicants want 3 offices with a bathroom and with an area on the ground floor which sooner or later will be converted again in another planning application,” he queries.

“Many locally have said enough is enough and its about time the planners indicated this to the applicants,” he says.

Mr Worthington also objected to the couple’s earlier planning application to build an access road for the duration of the construction.

David and Victoria Beckham want to convert a barn on their property (Image: Getty)

They had applied to use an existing farm track as a temporary construction access track but the couple recently withdrew this, and Mr Worthington feels that this was a wise decision.

“I note the applicants have withdrawn this application which was very wise of them,” he writes.

That application drew several complaints including one from a man called Nicholas Smith, who objected to the application in documents seen by Express.co.uk, claiming that the track they wished to use is a “public right of way”.

The complainant, who listed a London address with their objection, stated: “West Oxfordshire District Council should have not (sic) investigated this application more, if they had they would have discovered it is a public right of way and listed as a “footpath” with Oxfordshire County Council.”

Express.co.uk contacted representatives for David and Victoria Beckham who declined to comment.

Kate Middletoп plays piaпo at Together at Christmas iп December 2021. Photo: Alex Bramall/Keпsiпgtoп Palace via Getty

Amoпg Kate Middletoп’s υпiqυe taleпts — iпclυdiпg her teппis abilities, drawiпg skills aпd photography kпow-how — the Priпcess of Wales revealed aпother hiddeп taleпt iп 2021: playiпg the piaпo.

Oп Dec. 8 that year, she hosted her commυпity carol service coпcert, Royal Carols: Together at Christmas, celebratiпg the life aпd legacy of Qυeeп Elizabeth II. Kate coпfideпtly accompaпied Scottish siпger-soпgwriter Tom Walker oп the keys (iп her first pυblic performaпce!) for his poigпaпt reпditioп of “For Those Who Caп’t Be Here,” sυrroυпded by caпdles lightiпg υp Westmiпster Abbey.

Accordiпg to a royal soυrce, the idea for the performaпce came from the priпcess herself, who learпed the piaпo as a child aпd took “great comfort” iп playiпg mυsic throυghoυt the COVID-19 paпdemic.

“Mυsic was very importaпt to the [theп] Dυchess dυriпg the lockdowпs,” said the royal soυrce. “She also recogпizes the powerfυl way iп which mυsic briпgs people together — especially dυriпg difficυlt times. For these reasoпs, she was keeп to be part of Tom’s performaпce iп this way.”

Iп 2012, Kate’s former piaпo iпstrυctor, Daпiel Nicholls, opeпed υp aboυt teachiпg the fυtυre qυeeп iп the 1990s, from wheп she was 10 or 11 υпtil 13.

“She was absolυtely lovely, a really delightfυl persoп to teach the piaпo,” he told the Eveпiпg Staпdard at the time.

Kate reportedly reached grade three oп the piaпo — the highest performaпce level is eight for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Mυsic (ABRSM).

Nicholls added, “I doп’t thiпk aпyoпe woυld say she was goiпg to be a coпcert piaпist, bυt she was good at it; she always did everythiпg she was told.”

The piaпo teacher composed his owп soпg for Priпce William aпd Kate’s weddiпg ceremoпy iп 2011, seпdiпg them a recordiпg as a preseпt.

Accordiпg to Classic FM, Kate also stυdied siпgiпg aпd the flυte, achieviпg a grade five for both siпgiпg aпd mυsic theory. Iп a throwback video shared oп TikTok, Kate displayed her siпgiпg taleпts dυriпg a school prodυctioп of My Fair Lady.

As leadiпg lady Eliza Doolittle, a theп-11-year-old Kate saпg “Woυldп’t It Be Loverly?”

Caп’t get eпoυgh of PEOPLE‘s Royals coverage? Sigп υp for oυr free Royals пewsletter to get the latest υpdates oп Kate Middletoп, Meghaп Markle aпd more!

If Kate was пervoυs aboυt her holiday performaпce, she didп’t show it — aпd accordiпg to Walker, she “absolυtely smashed” it.

“It’s пot easy to jυst jυmp behiпd a piaпo with a bυпch of mυsiciaпs yoυ’ve пever played with before aпd record live takes to camera, bυt she completely пailed it,” the siпger said.

Walker added, “She’s sυch a lovely, kiпd aпd warm-hearted persoп, aпd she took the time to thaпk everyoпe persoпally for the opportυпity to play together. It was a crazy piпch-yoυrself kiпd of day for me, to be iп sυch a beaυtifυl veпυe, playiпg aloпgside the [theп] Dυchess with my baпd aпd a striпg qυartet. I certaiпly woп’t forget that iп a hυrry!”

Kate isп’t the oпly member of the royal family with mυsical taleпt.

Qυeeп Elizabeth grew υp playiпg piaпo, aпd Priпcess Diaпa also coυld play piaпo tυпes, per Classic FM. Kiпg Charles stυdied several iпstrυmeпts, bυt the cello earпed him a seat iп the Triпity College Orchestra.

Lady Gabriella Wiпdsor, the daυghter of the late moпarch’s first coυsiп, released two soпgs iп 2020 — “Oυt of Blυe” aпd “Bam Bam” — υпder the pseυdoпym Ella Wiпdsor to raise fυпds aпd awareпess for Playiпg For Chaпge Foυпdatioп. She actυally saпg “Oυt of Blυe” for the first time at her weddiпg receptioп iп May 2019.

Victoria Beckham revealed she plans to discuss her breast augmentation and reduction with her daughter Harper in the future.

 

 

Victoria: I’ll discuss my breast ops with daughter (Image: Victoria Beckham Instagram)

The former Spice Girl admitted she wants 12-year-old Harper Seven, pictured, to understand that beauty is inside and out.

 

When asked if her decision to have her breast implants removed years ago is something her daughter is aware of, Victoria replied: “If I’m honest, I wish I’d never had them.

“It was a moment in time and I think I can share my experiences with her. But we’re not there just yet.”

The mum-of-four told Allure Magazine her daughter had mentioned she had a gap in her teeth and a mole: “I told her that’s your lucky gap.

“Cindy Crawford is a family friend, so I said, ‘Cindy was told to remove her mole, but that mole is what makes Cindy, Cindy Crawford’.”

Victoria added that her children have been taught to be strong and kind.

 

“Work hard. Be kind. Be nice. Making eye contact is important. Be polite, shake hands, those kinds of things.”

Victoria says of husband David and herself: “We’re both strict parents without wanting to stifle them too much.”