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Mary hosts the Opera House 40th bash

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Mary hosts the Opera House 40th bash

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday.

There were cheers and applause for Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik when they arrived at the Sydney Opera House tonight but this night truly belonged to architect Jorn Utzon.

A host of dignitaries and a democratic audience of hundreds of members of the public who were lucky enough to secure the free tickets to the concert on the 40-year-old’s forecourt, gathered to celebrate the Sydney Opera House’s birthday and every time the Utzon family — many of whom were in attendance — were mentioned, a roar of spontaneous applause could be heard.

This was Sydney offering its thanks to the architect the city had controversially parted company with way back then and who never got to see his iconic work of art, now one of the world’s most famous buildings.

As joint patrons of the 40th birthday celebrations Danish royal couple Mary and Frederik seemed an ingenious choice by Opera House CEO Louise Herron who hosted tonight’s event.

Certainly the glamorous couple — Mary in a white opera coat over a sequined cocktail dress and Valentino heels — looked supremely at home sitting together with Sydney’s public watching an incredibly eclectic concert of aboriginal, contemporary and classical works representing the various art forms that regularly take place at today’s Opera House.

“The Sydney Opera House is a graceful urban sculpture….A symbol of national pride for both our countries,” said the Crown Princess in her opening speech.

Back in 1973 it was HRH Queen Elizabeth II who was the special guest at the Opera House’s opening, so it seems fitting that tonight we also had royal patrons headlining the event.

The program MC’d by actress Deborah Mailman included great moments from Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf Revue who performed a very funny and irreverent history of the Opera House in five minutes, and haunting songs from Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan performing with Bangarra Dance Theatre, Megan Washington, and Sarah Blasko.

But the crowing moment came as it had 40 years ago with a powerful and rousing rendition of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony as the Sydney Philharmonic Choirs sang Ode to Joy.

The icing on the cake was Teddy Tahu Rhodes serenading “Happy Birthday” before the sky lit up with fireworks. A truly fitting anniversary celebration for Danes and Aussies alike.

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How to declutter your home and live the life you want!

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How to declutter your home and live the life you want

If you’re one of those people who dread the big spring clean, listen up! Aussie-born organisational guru Peter Walsh has some refreshing tips for cleaning out and decluttering your home.

Peter, who is Oprah Winfrey’s trusted organisation expert, says families have close to one tonne of things in their house that they don’t use or need.

“Everyone struggles with some form of clutter – it’s just a matter of degrees,” Peter says.

“In some way we all like to keep hold of something, whether it is our first school report card, a photo with someone famous or the clothes we wore when we met the love of our lives.

“Having more possessions can easily be more suffocating than liberating – for many of us, the stuff we own ends up owning us.”

But Peter’s style of decluttering doesn’t focus on the ‘stuff’ you have in your home, it concentrates on the life you want to live.

“The single biggest problem with organisation is that people think it’s all about ‘the stuff’ when, in fact, it’s almost never about ‘the stuff’,” Peter says.

“If you focus on the stuff you will never get organised – weird but true!

“The very first step in getting organised is to ask yourself, ‘What is the life I want to be living?’. And from this question there are others: ‘What does that life look like?’, ‘What do I want from my home – what mood, what experience?’

“It’s only after you’ve answered these questions that you can start looking at your stuff and get organised.”

Another key to keeping your home clutter-free is to accept the space you have. As soon as you accept this, the easier it will be to create the space you want.

Peter recommends holding onto just two types of objects in your home: things that are useful and things that you consider to be beautiful.

“If the things in your home don’t help you create the life you want, they have no place in your home,” he says.

“It’s important to constantly take stock of what you own (and be careful of what you bring into your living space) and remove those things you no longer need or use.”

So what’s his first tip to eliminating excess ‘stuff’? The 10-minute trash-bag tango!

“Set aside 10 minutes and have everyone in your home grab two garbage bags. Wander around your home, filling the first bag with garbage – old newspapers, unwearable clothing, discarded food containers – anything that belongs in the trash,” he says.

“In the other, you put things that you no longer need or use or want – these are items to donate to charity.

“If two of you do this for just 10 minutes a day, in one week you’ll have 14 bags of trash and 14 bags of items for donation – that’s pretty impressive!”

Declutter your home, one room at a time, with Peter’s top tips:

The living room

Say goodbye to the movies you don’t use or watch with the ‘ratio reduction rule’. Peter says for every four or five DVDs you have, remove one from you collection and donate it to charity.

If you still don’t have room to fit everything comfortably into your shelves or cupboards, do it again until you have room for new additions.

Bathroom

Can’t part with your favourite lipstick(s)? It’s time to read the labels! All cosmetics have an expiry date and this is the best way to determine what to ditch if you can’t bear to part with anything. Most make-up expires after six months, but the closer to the eyes, the shorter the lifespan. Mascara is the product most likely to turn first whereas body creams can last up to 12 months. So, start cleaning out your cupboards!

Kitchen

Can’t keep track of your appliances? A good way to determine what you use and what you don’t is to empty the contents of your kitchen utensil drawer into a cardboard box. For the next month, only put a utensil back in the drawer when you use it. At the end of the month, seriously consider whether you need what’s left in the box and donate it to charity.

Bedroom

There should be only three types of clothing in your closet: things that fit you now, things that you love and things that make you feel great. Everything else should go.

You should especially get rid of ‘wish’ clothes – those items you hope to fit into again. Open your wardrobe space by discarding everything you don’t wear or haven’t worn. If you don’t know where to start, try turning all the clothes on hangers in your wardrobe back to front. For the next six months, every time you wear something, return that item to the rack with the hanger facing the opposite way. At the end of six months, you should seriously consider discarding whatever is still hanging back to front.

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Mary mixes with TV royalty at Sydney bash

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Mary mixes with TV royalty at Sydney bash

Crown Princess Mary speaking at the event.

Throngs of people were queuing outside Randwick’s Mary Martin Library as the news hit the shopping centre in Sydney’s eastern suburbs that Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik were just two of a clutch of distinguished visitors expected.

The Weekly was lucky enough to be invited along to The Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s private launch of a unique and powerful initiative to keep our children safe in their own homes.

eSmart Homes is the latest program from this innovative and impressive foundation set up in the memory of sisters Alannah and Madeline Mikac who along with their mother and 32 others were murdered in Tasmania’s Port Arthur massacre in 1996.

Father Walter Mikac would have just celebrated Alannah ‘s 21st birthday had she still been alive, instead he is pouring his love and energies into protecting other people’s children through his Foundation of which Crown Princess Mary is the International Patron.

TV host Melissa Doyle was the MC looking stunning in a Scanlan and Theodore navy dress she’d bought specifically to meet Mary. Also in attendance was Samantha Armytage who recently replaced Mel in the anchor’s chair on Sunrise, and Michael Pell the show’s dynamic producer.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott was a surprise addition to the party and in a passionate speech displayed his strong belief in the monarchy when he honored “the devotion to their people and ideals of duty and service … this is the magic of modern monarchy.”

Speaking before him was his cabinet minister Malcolm Turnbull who as the new Communications Minister pledged $7.5 million in funding for a government esafety program which would concentrate on cyberbullying.

The political speeches segued perfectly into Mary’s speech as she declared: “Home is no longer a sanctuary,” and as a mother expressed her primal urge to protect her kids and her fears in this rather scary brave new world of digital revolution.

“Children in particular face significant risks in the online world, including cyberbullying , identity theft and the threat to expose sexual predators,” she declared.

Mary hopes that The Foundation’s eSmart Homes program will provide the framework for parents to really understand how they can protect their children and with her support Chairman John Bertrand hopes they may be able to take this initiative all the way to the United Nations.

In a pretty pale blue and cream lace sheath dress and sparkly dusky gold lurex cardi, the Crown Princess was elegant as ever, but it didn’t stop her sitting down with some of the kids present to see the initiative in action.

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Giggling George smiles at Kate in new portrait

He's just three months old, but Prince George has already posed for his second official set of portraits.
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He’s just three months old, but Prince George has already posed for his second official set of portraits.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge released four formal photographs taken at their little prince’s christening on Wednesday and saved the best til last.

The fifth portrait shows the Prince giggling and looking up at his beaming mother with a doting Prince William looking over him.

The images, snapped by photographer Jason Bell, show the proud parents and their families in St James’s Palace shortly after the ceremony concluded.

The new portrait shows a giggling George and his beaming parents. Jason Bell/Camera Press.

William, Kate and baby George. Jason Bell/Camera Press.

William and Kate’s family with baby George. Jason Bell/Camera Press.

Senior royals with the man of the day, George. Jason Bell/Camera Press.

The Queen with three generations of her successors. Jason Bell/Camera Press.

Prince George wore a replica of the gown that has been in the family for 168 years.

Kate wore Alexander McQueen with a hat by milliner Jane Taylor.

Kate and William show off their son to great-grandmother the Queen.

It was only the second time Prince George has been seen in public.

George’s first family portrait, taken by Michael Middleton.

William says George is a “rascal” who never sleeps.

Kate left William to babysit last night while she attending a glittering gala.

Kate chose a floor-length ink blue Jenny Packham gown.

Kate attended a Women in Hedge Funds event.

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Mary dazzles in daisy-dotted dress in Sydney

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Mary dazzles in daisy-dotted dress in Sydney

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik at the Sydney Opera House.

In a stunning silver grey dress dotted with sequinned daisies and teamed with spike-heeled studded stilettoes Crown Princess Mary walked the red carpet with her Crown Prince by her side in to the reception for the launch of a rather unique exhibition in the Western Foyer of Sydney Opera House tonight.

Outside crowds of locals and tourists gathered to catch a glimpse of our Aussie Princess and they weren’t disappointed.

“Danish Design at the House” celebrates a design tradition in conjunction with 25 high end Danish companies. This is all about the democracy of Danish design creating art that is practical and beautiful and supporting Danish business at the same time. It’s also something the Danish royals shine at!

The exhibition results are displayed in the six window casements of the Western foyer and the Crown Prince Couple took a tour of each display walking inside many of the exhibits as the party of invitees watched on, drinks in hand, from the forecourt outside.

Aussie Home Loans founder John Symond, who is also the chairman of the Sydney Opera House Trust, was one of the VIP guests and had his very elegant girlfriend Amber Keating on his arm. He was warmly greeted by the Crown Prince Couple.

NSW Governor Marie Bashir was also in attendance along with Jan and Lin Utzon, the children of Sydney Opera House architect Jorn Utzon, and a throng of Danish dignitaries.

Opera House CEO Louise Herron was in her element hosting the event and looked thrilled to see the fruit of her hard work with the Crown Prince Couple Patrons as her very special guests.

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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom announce divorce

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have split after six years together.
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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom in September.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have split after six years together.

A representative for Orlando confirmed the break-up to E! Online this evening.

The spokesperson said the couple had been living apart for several months and had finally decided to formalise the split.

“In a joint statement, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr have announced that they have been amicably separated for the past few months,” the rep said in a statement.

“After six years together, they have recently decided to formalise their separation.

“Despite this being the end of their marriage, they love, support and respect each other as both parents of their son and as family.”

The couple was last photographed together earlier this month. Rumours of a split have dogged them for months, but they have always vehemently denied their marriage was on the rocks.

Orlando, 36, and Miranda, 30, began dating in 2007 and married in July 2010. They have one son, Flynn, who is two years old.

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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom split

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Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom split

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom have reportedly split after six years together.

In a joint statement, the pair’s representative told E Online that the couple had decided to amicably end their relationship.

“In a joint statement, Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr have announced that they have been amicably separated for the past few months,” the rep said in a statement.

“After six years together, they have recently decided to formalise their separation.

“Despite this being the end of their marriage, they love, support and respect each other as both parents of their son and as family.”

The pair, who married in 2010, are parents to two-year-old Flynn.

The 36-year-old English actor and the 30-year-old Victoria’s Secret model began their relationship in 2007.

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Frederik in the limelight

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Frederik in the limelight

Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik at attend the launch of MADE at the Sydney Opera House

“The Crown Princess and I are delighted to be back in Australia and particularly in Sydney,” announced Crown Prince Frederik as the dashing Prince took centre stage this morning at a special function hosted by Opera House CEO Louise Herron, to announce the five winners of an exciting student exchange program between Denmark and Australia.

In the past Danes have been critical of the Crown Prince’s public speaking prowess but today he was impressive, mixing gravitas with a few well-nuanced quips and creamy Danish charm.

He paid tribute to compatriot Jorn Utzon , the genius architect, who he explained was inspired by the Kronberg fortress in Denmark, aka “Hamlet’s Castle” when he came to create the Sydney Opera House and “unite two cultures in one design”.

“It is a timeless piece of architecture,” Frederik said.

Dressed in a timeless black ensemble, Mary stayed in the audience, a proud onlooker.

But the real stars of this morning’s event were five impressive final year uni students who the Crown Prince was thrilled to “welcome to Denmark “.

The three girls and two boys in the fields of architecture, design and engineering scored the trip of a lifetime — a scholarship to study in Denmark and work on a collaborative venture inspired by Utzon.

They will visit in February 2014 when five students from Denmark will also take part in the exchange program and come to Australia and “strengthen the relationship between our countries”.

The innovative initiative was the brainchild of Opera House CEO Louise Herron who used all her powers of persuasion to put together a portfolio of partners to fund the scholarship program which will run for 10 years.

“When the Opera House turns 5O there will be 100 alumni of the project MADE by the Opera House (Multidisciplinary Australian Danish Exchange),” she announced with pride.

Next stop for the Crown Prince Couple was all about supporting Danish business to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Ole Lynggaard flagship store in market Street in Sydney.

The contemporary Danish jewellers make hand-crafted pieces in gold and silver with precious stones and have another famous Dane Helena Christensen as their ambassador.

For the afternoon the royal couple is heading to Five Dock Primary School where no doubt the Crown Princess will be in her element meeting Year 6 students and hearing them read and talking to other students about the school “buddy program”.

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Jackie O: 50 years since her life fell apart

Fifty years ago, Jacqueline Kennedy's life fell apart in the most horrific and public of ways.
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Jackie O

Fifty years ago, Jacqueline Kennedy’s life fell apart in the most horrific and public of ways.

On November 22, 1963, Jackie watched as her husband Jack Kennedy – the most popular president the US had ever seen – was shot three times as they drove through the streets of Dallas, Texas.

Half an hour later, he was pronounced dead and Jackie was widowed at just 34.

To commemorate the anniversary of that tragic day, we’ve put together a collection of pictures celebrating Jackie’s beauty, style and grace.

Jacqueline Kennedy. © Camera Press/ Jacques Lowe/Austral.

Jackie on her wedding day in 1953.

Jackie Kennedy was famous for her great beauty, pictured here in 1961.

John, Jackie and their children Caroline and John Jr at the White House in 1961.

Jackie was a style icon, pictured here in July 1961.

Jackie out for a ride with her children in November 1962.

The swearing in of LBJ just hours after JFK was killed.

Jackie with her children Caroline and John Kennedy Jr at JFK’s funeral.

Jackie with her husband’s brothers Edward and Robert at his funeral.

Jackie in Spain in 1966.

Jackie in September 1970.

Jackie in May 1973.

Jackie attending an art gala in October 1977.

Jackie in 1978.

Jackie watching a tennis tournament in August 1978.

Jackie at a Costume Institute Gala event in 1979.

Jackie in Washington in 1980.

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At home with Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

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At home with Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall. © The Australian Women's Weekly. Not for republication.

Dark skies and regular bouts of driving rain were the challenges faced byThe Weeklyfor our exclusive photo shoot with Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall.

Fortunately photographer Michelle Holden, who had flown in from New York for the shoot, was undaunted and the stunning pictures speak for themselves.

We even managed to persuade Zara’s horse High Kingdom — known to Zara and her crew as “Trevor” — to join his regal rider for our pictures.

But for the daughter of Princess Anne, granddaughter to The Queen, this was also just another day outdoors in her stables on the Gatcombe Park Estate in England’s leafy Cotswolds.

Here with her horses and her team Zara seems most at home. In fact she does also live here in the stone cottage behind the stables and it is into this world that she and husband Mike will be introducing their new addition — baby Tindall — in January next year.

While I have met Zara a couple times before — last year, a couple of weeks after her medal-winning performance in the Olympic Games — and then here in Australia earlier this year at The Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, this is the first time I’ve met her husband rugby player Mike Tindall and it’s interesting to see what a strong, together and … well, unaffectedly happy couple they are.

Mike is a warm, friendly Yorkshireman, full of stories and really excited about becoming a dad. Zara is a little more guarded about her feelings but softens when her husband is around.

When we sit down to talk Zara seems much more at ease when Mike is by her side and he in turn is proud, loving and protective towards her.

Most of all Zara is desperate to get Mike to Australia on one of her upcoming visits and hopes that when she next comes in 2015 as part of her new five-year tenure as patron for The Magic Millions, she will be coming with Mike — and maybe even baby Tindall — in tow.

Read more of this story in the November issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.

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