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Inside Prince William and Kate Middleton’s luxury New Zealand hideaway

They're about to embark on a gruelling three weeks of royal touring so it's not surprising William, Kate and baby George chose to spend last night relaxing in a luxury resort.
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They’re about to embark on a gruelling three weeks of royal touring so it’s not surprising William, Kate and baby George chose to spend last night relaxing in a luxury resort.

The family reportedly spent their day off yesterday kicking back at the Wharekauhau country estate – a 2023-hectare farm located on the southern tip of New Zealand’s north island.

According to sources, the $24 million resort hideaway has long been a favourite retreat with the rich and famous with past guests including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan, the Rolling Stones and Bill Gates.

The sprawling luxury resort has 15 guest cottages, plus two additional guest homes on the private grounds so there will be plenty of privacy for the royals to enjoy.

William, Kate and baby George have enjoyed a day and night at one of the New Zealand’s most luxurious guest houses.

The lodge’s impressively decorated lounge.

The resort’s grand lodge, where guests mingle and relax.

The area, on the outskirts of Wellington, is famous for its outstanding natural beauty.

All of the suites feature fireplaces and private sitting rooms.

The living area in one of the resort’s luxe cottages.

A view from the verandah of one of the guest cottages.

The resort’s pool.

The lodge is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious guest houses.

One of the resort’s suites, all of which are decorated in local New Zealand products.

The rural retreat is set on 2023 hectares of unspoiled wilderness.

The lodge’s dining area, where guests are encouraged to enjoy meals together.

The lodge is frequently visited by celebrities including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan and The Rolling Stones.

A billiards room.

The lodge cost $24 million to bring up to its current luxury standard.

The lodge encourages guests to get out and enjoy nature as much as possible.

The area is popular for its excellent hiking trails.

The heavy wind and rain means the royal trio are unlikely to be enjoying the property’s stunning views.

A bathroom in one of the suites.

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Ian Thorpe battling serious infection

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Australian swimming legend Ian Thorpe may never swim again after contracting two potentially deadly infections.

The 31-year-old five-time Olympic god medallist is receiving treatment at a Sydney hospital after contracting the bugs, following a series of surgeries on his shoulder at a hospital near his home in the Swiss town of Ronco sopra Ascona.

Ian’s agent James Erskine confirmed the swimming great was receiving treatment and that he was ‘quite sick’.

“It’s serious but it’s not life-threatening,” he told AAP. “He’s contracted two forms of bugs in hospital.

“He’s undergone two or three operations over the last two months so … I mean bad luck. He’s quite sick but that’s the situation.”

Ian is said to be in good spirits and has received numerous visitors while in hospital.

While the infection was serious, Ian’s agent rubbished earlier reports that he would lose use of his left arm, but confirmed Ian would not swim competitively again.

“From a competitive point of view – he will not be swimming competitively again I don’t think,” he said.

This is the latest upset in Ian’s life. In February, his father revealed he was battling depression following an ill-fated attempt to compete at the 2012 London Olympics.

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Prince William and Kate Middleton’s luxury New Zealand retreat

Where are the royals staying in New Zealand? Here's a look at Prince William and Kate Middleton's luxury retreat.
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Prince William and Kate Middleton New Zealand house

The royal family are said to be staying at the Wharekauhau country estate – a 2023-hectare farm located on the southern tip of New Zealand’s north island.

According to sources, the resort hideaway has long been a favourite retreat with the rich and famous with past guests including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Meg Ryan, the Rolling Stones and Bill Gates.

Inside one of the luxe cottages fit for a future king.

The $24 million dollar estate provides more than enough room for the royal trio to unwind.

The sprawling luxury resort has 15 guest cottages, plus two additional guest homes on the private grounds so there will be plenty of privacy for the royals to enjoy.

The Duchess and Prince William are known for their love of getting back to nature and enjoying the great outdoors. In April 2011, the then newlyweds trekked to one of Canada’s remote corners for some quality time together post-nuptials. The pair found themselves at the rural Skoki lodge which is located off the grid in the Western wilderness of Alberta.

The rustic Canadian lodging was bereft of running water, electricity and flushing toilets. The down-to-earth royals reportedly loved the lodge and sources said they were fond of taking treks outdoors in the cool mountain air.

The estate enjoys sweeping views of some of New Zealand’s most amazing countryside.

While the Kiwi climate may not yet be as chilli as a Canadian winter, the rolling grounds and sweeping views of Palliser Bay mean the historical sheep station resort will provide plenty of nature for the royal trio to embrace.

Wharekauhau lodge – thought to be worth in excess of $24 million – is run by Kristy De Lange who oversaw Richard Branson’s Caribbean resort Necker Island before managing the Kiwi getaway.

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“Hey Dad!” star found guilty

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Robert Hughes outside court.

The emotional 65-year-old has been convicted of 10 out of 11 counts of attacks on girls while he was a household name for his role in the Australian TV show.

Hughes screamed “I am innocent” and mouthed, “no, no, no” in an unexpected outburst as the jury revealed nine guilty verdicts at Downing Centre District Court in Sydney yesterday.

Today, he arrived at court with puffy eyes to learn he has been convicted on one further charge relating to a young woman who told how the actor had exposed himself to her and groped her at a TV studio in 1990.

Overall, his convictions comprise eight counts of indecently assaulting a person under 16 and two counts of sexual intercourse with a child.

The jury, which appeared taken aback at Hughes’ reaction yesterday, today returned one final verdict and was discharged from determining another charge that they couldn’t agree on.

Hughes’ portrayal in court has been in stark contrast to the innocence of the G-rated show that propelled him to fame in the late 80s.

The court heard how he forced one girl to lie on his lap and feel his “hard penis” while he administered ear drops for an infection. In another case, he was alleged to have made a young girl masturbate him before pulling a doona over her and handing over her teddy.

Hughes’ celebrity agent wife Robyn Gardiner, whose clients include Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, attended court yesterday but reportedly stormed out afterwards.

Today, she whispered to him on the dock before kissing his face.

His daughter Jessica, 36, has also stood by him and provided evidence in his defense.

Hughes is due to be sentenced at a later date.

Running from 1987 to 1994, Hey Dad! was a high-rating family program broadcast on Channel 7.

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Ladies in Red: Kate Middleton and Princess Diana

The scarlet coat worn by the Duchess of Cambridge gave royal spectators a serious case of deja vu yesterday when she stepped off the plane.
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Princess Diana and Kate Middleton

As Kate stepped off the plane in New Zealand yesterday sporting a scarlet Catherine Walker coat, a matching Gina Foster pillbox hat and black pumps, royalists couldn’t help but draw parallels between the ensemble and Diana’s outfit worn in 1984 while disembarking an aircraft in Birmingham, England.

A stylish Diana donned her strikingly similar coat three decades ago with black heels, matching hat and military-esque buttons.

Princess Diana was a big fan of Catherine Walker and wore her designs often.

And the common threads don’t end there. Catherine Walker was a close friend and fashion favourite of the Princess of Wales and according to the UK’s Telegraph the French born designer created more than 1000 understated, yet elegant looks for Diana that helped put her on the fashion map for nearly two decades.

This wasn’t the only time Kate has imitated Diana’s style. When presenting Prince George to the world last year, some said the new mother paid tribute to the fallen royal when she sported a blue-and-white polka dress by Jenny Packham. Princess Diana wore a similar light blue dress when she left the very same hospital after giving birth to William in June 1982.

The Duchess’s affectionate mimicry of Di’s fashion choices helps cement the late Princess’s eternal style legacy.

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Peaches Geldof’s life in pictures

As more details emerge about the unexpected death of Peaches Geldof, police have revealed there were "no drugs and no suicide note" and are treating her death as "unexplained and sudden", but not suspicious.
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As more details emerge about the unexpected death of Peaches Geldof, police have revealed there were “no drugs and no suicide note” and are treating her death as “unexplained and sudden”, but not suspicious.

As more details emerge about the unexpected death of Peaches Geldof, police have revealed there were “no drugs and no suicide note” and are treating her death as “unexplained and sudden”, but not suspicious.

The 25-year-old model and TV presenter was found dead at her Kent home in England on Monday afternoon.

Daughter of the late Paula Yates and musician Sir Bob Geldof, Peaches leaves behind her two young sons, one-year-old Astala and Phaedra, 23-months, as well as her rock-star husband of two years, Thomas Cohen.

The tragic news comes a day after the socialite posted an Instagram photo of her with her mother, who died of a heroin overdose in 2000 when peaches was just 11-years-old. Despite her own drug battles as a teenager, Peaches had turned her life around after becoming a mum.

At the time of her death, her main focus and love in life was her children.

“His (Astala) birth was like a rebirth for me,” Peaches said during an interview. “I honestly never thought anything in my life would ever be good. I’m obsessed with getting it right.”

Daughter of musician Sir Bob Geldof and the late Paula Yates, Peaches Geldof, has died at age 25.

Before she died, Peaches Geldof posted a series of pictures showing herself as a child with her late mother, Paula Yates, on instagram.

Peaches Geldof was a well-known socialite and model. She also worked as a TV presenter.

Peaches and her sister Pixie Geldof attend the Barbie Doll Fashion Show in 2004.

A young Peaches Geldof was often spotted at different events and on the red carpet.

Peaches Geldof with her sister Pixie.

Known as the wild-child, Peaches Geldof was the second daughter of Irish singer Bob Geldof.

Peaches was close to her family, especially her sister, Pixie.

‘Me, Parp and Bogglechop stealing a kiss,’ posted Peaches on instagram.

Peaches with her 23-month-old son, Phaedra.

Peaches husband, Thomas Cohen, has said he will bring up the couples two children with their mother in their hearts everyday.

Peaches would often post photos of her with her young family on social media.

Peaches married Thomas Cohen, the lead singer of S.C.U.M, in September 2012.

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Meet Prince George’s nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo

Spanish Nanny Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo joins the Cambridges on tour to look after little Prince George while his parents keep busy with their duties.
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Prince George's Nanny

In a smart blazer, crisp white shirt, black ballet pumps and a black and white check skirt, her hair scraped back in a pony tail to reveal neat pearl earrings, Maria Theresa Borrallo was photographed at work for the first time and you could almost have missed her.

But Nanny Maria is a crucial part of team Cambridge and she starts her tenure with probably the most testing of royal tasks – a three week tour in two realms on the other side of the world staying as hosts of the respective Governor-Generals on unfamiliar territory.

Joining an elite coterie of royal nannies before her, Nanny Maria will shape the childhood of a future king. It’s an incredibly important role, responsible for the physical, emotional and educational well-being of the third in line to the throne and if Prince George’s chirpy demeanour yesterday is anything to go by, she’s already doing a good job.

The 43-year-old Spaniard was hired by Kensington Palace a few months ago and personally vetted by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. She is the replacement for 71-year-old nanny Jessie Webb, Prince William’s nanny who came out of retirement to help out with baby George. Ms Borrallo has been hired full-time with live-in rooms at Kensington Palace.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in New Zealand with Prince George yesterday.

While much was made of the couple breaking with tradition to hire a European nanny, actually Ms Borrallo comes from the finest of royal traditions being a graduate from Norland College, training ground for the nurseries of the British aristocracy. 

Norland is the most prestigious nanny college in the world and Maria Theresa Borrallo’s training included special Martial Arts self-defence and “skid pan” stunt driving training to get away from paparazzi at high speed.

It also included incredibly detailed courses and exams in child development, psychology and education. There’s no question this nanny is well trained.

Ms Borrallo is reportedly single and “married to the job” and a recent lame tabloid newspaper story about her not paying her council tax in homeland Spain has received a dignified no comment for Kensington Palace.

For the Cambridges who at first tried to escape hiring a full-time nanny feeling they could do everything themselves, Maria  is likely to become one of their most important members of staff, someone who really becomes a member of their family. For Prince George, she will be the touchstone in his increasingly unusual childhood, someone who can keep the cherubic lad grounded.

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Corby family refutes Lawrence claims

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Renae Lawrence.

The claims were made by convicted heroin smuggler Renae Lawrence and broadcast on the Ten Network yesterday.

“She said that she knew the marijuana was in the boogie bag, but the person who was supposed to be at the airport at the same time didn’t turn up,” Lawrence said.

“She told me and the other prisoner that she’d done it more than this time. She said she’d brought the drugs before three times.”

Corby’s 20 year sentence was reduced by five years in 2012 by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudihono and she is now on parole.

Lawrence also alleged that Schapelle Corby faked a mental breakdown by “acting crazy” while in Bali’s infamous Kerobokan Prison to get a shorter sentence, a claim that may work against the troubled former inmate  who has already been warned by Indonesian authorities that her parole can be revoked .

Corby’s family reacted with a strong denial in a statement yesterday. It reads: “Schapelle did not confide in Renae Lawrence about any matter relating to her arrest in Indonesia/Bali,” the statement read.

“The claims by Renae Lawrence that Schapelle confessed to her that she had knowingly smuggled the marijuana in her boogie board bag are false.

“Schapelle denies ever making any such confession to Renae Lawrence or to anyone else. The further claims by Renae Lawrence that Schapelle had done so on many occasions are preposterous, maliciously false and a creation of her own fantasy.”

Bryce Corbett, news editor atThe Australian Women’s Weekly, interviewed Lawrence in Kerobokan Prison in 2013 and he says that he wonders about Renae’s motivation for speaking out now.

“The Australian prisoners in Bali are acutely aware they have a currency in the media here at home,” says Corbett. “And they are equally aware that since Schapelle left Kerobokan, that interest has been waning by the day. I can’t know what Schapelle may or may not have said to Renae when they were in prison together, but I do find Renae’s timing interesting.”

Lawrence was arrested in 2005 when authorities discovered 2.6 kilograms of heroin strapped to her body. Originally sentenced to life in prison, Lawrence is now serving a 20 year term following a successful appeal in 2006.

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Kirstie Alley back with Jenny Craig after gaining 13 kilos

She’s never been one to deny her struggles with losing weight, but now Kirstie Alley has plans to beat the bulge for good.
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She’s never been one to deny her struggles with losing weight, but now Kirstie Alley has plans to beat the bulge for good.

She’s never been one to deny her struggles with losing weight, but now Kirstie Alley has plans to beat the bulge for good.

The 63-year-old actress has put on 13 kilos in the past six months following her incredible weight loss in 2011.

Kirstie lost 45 kilos going from a US size 14 to a size four following a stint on US Dancing with the Stars. She’s now turned to Jenny Craig for the second time to help her shed the weight.

In a TV commercial, the star shows off her full-figure in a form-fitting dress and declares: “Jenny, I wanna come home. No, no, no. I’m not like circus fat, I just wanna lose 20 pounds. 30!”

She has been criticised by fans online for her choice of words in the commercial, but Kirstie says she only needs to lose a small amount of weight.

“I was good for a while and then I wasn’t good, and the weight crept up,” she told People about her recent weight gain.

“Like I say in the ad, I’m not circus fat. I didn’t hugely screw up. I didn’t gain 75. I gained 30.”

See her transformation and her new weight loss add for Jenny Craig here!

Kirstie Alley out in New York after announcing her return to Jenny Craig.

Kirstie on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at the end of 2013.

Kirstie as the face f Jenny Craig’s new campaign.

Before and after! Kirstie Alley went from a US size 14 to a size 4 back in 2011.

Kirstie Alley at New York fashion week 2011.

Kirstie Alley walks the catwalk for designer Zang Toi.

Kirstie Alley during her stint on US Dancing with the Stars.

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Oscar Pistorius apologises to family

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Oscar Pistorius outside the Pretoria High Court.

Pistorius, a South African paralympian known as the Bladerunner for his prosthetic legs, fought back a stream of tears to stammer out an apology to Steenkamp’s mother, June, who watched him stern-faced from the public gallery.

“Since this tragedy happened I’ve been having thoughts about your family, I wake up every morning and you’re the first people I think of, the first people I pray for,” the 27-year-old told the packed courtroom.

“I can’t imagine the pain and the sorrow and the emptiness I’ve caused you and your family. I was simply trying to protect Reeva.

“I promise that when she went to bed that night, she felt loved.”

Pistorius also said that he was scared to go to sleep and that when he did his nightmares woke him, the smell of blood still in his nostrils. “I wake up and I can smell blood and I wake up to being terrified,” he said. “I wake up just in a complete state of terror to a point that I would rather not sleep than fall asleep and wake up like that.”

Pistorius admits shooting Steenkamp, who died in a hail of bullets when she was shot through the door of the couple’s bathroom, but says he believed she was an intruder.

In earlier testimony, a forensic pathologist Mr Jannie Botha opened Pistorius’ defence telling the court that the first shot hit Steenkamp’s hip, the second hit her arm, then bullets hit her hand and head. He said she probably bending from the waist and possibly getting up from the toilet when the first shot hit her.

Pistorius was shaken during the testimony, vomiting occasionally into a bucket as he did on a previous occasion when details of Steenkamp’s death were presented to the court.

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