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Queen and Posh powerful, Kate not

Queen and Victoria Beckham powerful, Kate not

The Duchess of Cambridge, Victoria Beckham and Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Elizabeth has topped a list of Britain’s most powerful women while her granddaughter-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge failed to make the top 100.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, given her position as head of state, the Queen came in at number one on “power list” but Kate, who can sell out whole collections of clothing in seconds, didn’t even rate a mention.

Judges decided Kate was “influential” but not “powerful”, but found room on the list for Victoria Beckham, Adele, JK Rowling, Dawn French and Joanna Lumley.

“Inevitably, not everyone will agree with the 100 we have chosen,” head judge Eve Pollard said. “There are some omissions. For example, we had long debates about the Duchess of Cambridge. Is she influential? Hugely. Is she powerful? Not yet.”

The list, compiled by Radio 4’s Women’s Hour, was judged by two former MPs, a TV presenter, a novelist and a journalist.

The top 10 most powerful women in Britain:

    1. Queen Elizabeth II
    1. Theresa May, Home Secretary
    1. Ann Botin, CEO of Santander Bank
    1. Baroness Hale of Richmond, Supreme Court Judge
    1. Elisabeth Murdoch, Chairman Shine Group
    1. Professor Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer
    1. Justine Roberts and Carrie Longton, co-founders of Mumsnet
    1. Lady Justice Hallet, Appeal Court judge
    1. Angela Ahrendts, CEO of Burberry
    1. Dame Gail Rebuck, CEO Random House Group

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Alec Baldwin to become a father again at 54

Alec Baldwin, 54, and his 28-year-old wife, Hilaria Thomas, have announced they are expecting their first child together.
Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Thomas

Alec Baldwin, 54, and his 28-year-old wife, Hilaria Thomas, have announced they are expecting their first child together.

The actor and his yoga instructor wife, who married last June, said the pregnancy was not planned, but they were thrilled when they found out.

“We’re having a baby. (It) was a surprise, a wonderful surprise,” Hilaria told Extra TV, where she works as a presenter.

Alec revealed he didn’t even know Hilaria was taking a pregnancy test and only realised when he heard her screaming in the bathroom.

“There’s a scream I heard, which is a scream normally reserved [for] if there’s a spider in the house,” he said. “It really is the most amazing thing. I’m lucky.”

Hilaria said she had trouble believing she was pregnant at first, but her growing baby bump had forced her to start seriously planning for the new arrival.

“It’s getting to be much more, like OMG this is actually going to happen, now we can start the nursery, the everything, the dreaming,” she said.

Alec is already a father to 17-year-old Ireland, with his ex-wife Kim Basinger, but has always wanted to have more children. However, Fatherhood hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Alec.

In 2007 Alec left an angry and abusive voicemail on his daughter’s phone after she did not answer at their scheduled call time.

The voicemail recorded Alec telling the then 11-year-old Ireland: “You are a rude, thoughtless little pig. You don’t have the brains or the decency as a human being.”

He later blamed his outburst on stress from the custody battle with Kim.

His decision to expand his family at 54 is bound to raise a few eyebrows, something Alec is aware of.

“You must always remember that you make sure (the children) attend a college where the commencement ceremonies are held in a facility with a wheelchair accessible ramp,” he has previously joked with CNN’s Piers Morgan.

The baby is due in July, meaning Alec and Hilaria will be welcoming their new arrival around the same time as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Kim Kardashian and Kayne West. Maybe there was something in the water?

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‘Breach of privacy’: Kate’s baby bump on cover of Italian magazine

Woman's Day to publish Kate's baby bump

Kate and the cover of Chi (we have pixelated the baby bump images to protect Kate's privacy).

St James’s Palace has blasted an Italian gossip magazine for publishing private pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge’s baby bump.

A clearly-pregnant Kate appears on the cover of the new issue of Chi magazine, wearing a bikini and frolicking in the surf with her husband Prince William.

The images were taken by an unscrupulous paparazzo during William and Kate’s current holiday on the Caribbean island of Mustique.

“These pictures are a clear breach of privacy,” a St James’s Palace spokesperson said. “We are disappointed that photographs of the Duke and Duchess on a private holiday have been published overseas.”

Chi ran alongside the headline “Kate and William in Mustique — the belly grows”.

Inside, the publication branded the holiday a “honeymoon for three”.

“The mother-to-be, who is in her fourth month of pregnancy, wears a skimpy bikini that shows off her increasingly prominent tummy,” the magazine said.

The spread inside also features pictures of Kate’s sister Pippa, and her parents Michael and Carole, who are holidaying with the royal couple.

It’s not the first time Chi has chosen to ignore William and Kate’s request for privacy.

They ran a 26-page spread featuring topless photos of Kate relaxing by the pool of in a private French chateau last year, sparking widespread condemnation.

More shockingly, Chi published pictures of William’s dying mother Diana as she was pulled out of the Paris car crash that claimed her life.

The Australian Women’s Weekly never publishes pictures of royals in private situations, and as such, we will not publish the latest images of the Duchess of Cambridge, just as we declined to run pictures of Kate topless, Prince Harry naked in Las Vegas and Kate and William on their honeymoon.

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Vivienne Jolie Pitt gets $3000 per week for film

Vivienne Jolie Pitt gets $3000 per week for film

Vivienne Jolie Pitt on set with her mum Angelina Jolie.

Vivienne Jolie Pitt is the highest paid four-year-old in Hollywood and is raking in the big bucks from just one role.

The youngest daughter of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie was paid an impressive $3000 per week, with a $60 expense allowance a day for her role alongside her mum in the new Disney film Maleficent, TMZ reported.

Maleficent, which tells the back story of the evil witch in Sleeping Beauty, sees Vivienne play a young Princess Aurora, India Eisley’s character, who grows up to be the nemesis of Maleficent.

Vivienne’s siblings Pax and Zahara also appear in the film, but have much smaller roles.

“They have smaller parts,” a source revealed to US Magazine.

“Shiloh was supposed to be in it, too, but she was bored and not in the mood during the day her part was supposed to happen, so she ended up not being in the film.”

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Penelope Cruz expecting second child with Javier Bardem

Penelope Cruz has confirmed she is expecting her second child with husband Javier Bardem.
Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem

Penelope Cruz has confirmed she is expecting her second child with husband Javier Bardem.

The news came to light after the actress announced she would not attend the Goya Awards in Spain later this month, despite being nominated for best actress for her role in Volver a Nacer.

Explaining her apparent snub of the ceremony, Penelope’s agent confirmed the actress was expecting, and would therefore be unable to safely make the long flight back to her home country at this time.

A source told E! the star was about three months pregnant, though the couple’s publicist has refused any details on when the baby is due.

Despite their time-consuming acting careers, Penelope, 38, and Javier, 43, haven’t wasted any time starting a family.

They met in 2008 on the set of Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona, for which Cruz won an Oscar.

They secretly married in 2010 and welcomed their first son, Leo, the following year.

Cruz has previously spoken of how motherhood has affected her life.

“Nature is very wise and gives you nine months to prepare, but in that moment — when you see that face, you are transformed forever,” she said.

Cruz has also said her children will be kept well away from the spotlight, saying: “The fact that his father and I have chosen to do the work we do doesn’t give anybody the right to invade our privacy.”

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Penelope Cruz confirms pregnancy

Penelope Cruz confirms pregnancy

Penelope Cruz has confirmed that she is indeed expecting baby number two with husband Javier Bardem.

Following speculation last week, 38-year-old Penelope confirmed the happy news herself to Spanish TV station TVE! while her representative also shared the news with Us magazine.

The Oscar winning actress said she and her husband are “tremendously happy and excited” to be expecting.

Back in 2011, not long after the birth of her first child, Leo, Penelope told Vogue that motherhood was a “revolutionary experience”.

“That’s the best way I can describe it … when you see that face, you are transformed forever.”

This time around, Penelope will share the emotions of pregnancy with her younger sister Monica Cruz who announced in January that she is expecting her first child, via an anonymous sperm donor, later this year.

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Airlines introducing child-free zones on planes

Hellish flights next to screaming babies could soon be a thing of the past, with an increasing number of airlines introducing 'child-free zones'.
The horrors and delights of travelling with kids

It’s something every air traveller fears with every fibre of their being — the prospect of 24 hours trapped next to the screaming baby that is being carried down the aisle towards you.

But that all-consuming terror could soon be a thing of the past, with an increasing number of airlines introducing ‘child-free zones’.

AirAsia X is the latest carrier to embrace “quiet zones”, banning children under the age of 12 from the forward section of its economy seating this month.

Those coveted silent seats come at a cost, however — if you want a kid-free flight, you will have to pay a $15 surcharge, a trifling sum considering the sweet relief of a kid-free flight.

“The airline is not banning kids from travelling, but instead, is enhancing the array of product offerings on board to suit its guests individual needs and preferences,” AirAsia X chief executive Azran Osman-Rani said.

“This product enhancement allows our guests to have a more pleasant and peaceful journey with minimal noise and less disturbance. A heavenly package for those who want peace of mind.”

Malaysia Airlines was the first carrier to introduce a child-free policy in 2011 when it banned kids from first class.

The new rules went down so well the airline extended them in 2012, banning kids from business class and all economy seats on the upper deck of its A380 superjumbos.

Your say: Would you pay extra to sit in a child-free zone, or do you think it’s discrimination?

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The look of love: Celebrity couples’ HOT body language

Rihanna and Chris Brown

Body language can speak a thousand words – as these pictures prove! Check out the star couples who are clearly 100 per cent besotted…

We couldn’t believe she’d take him back, but all rumours have now been put to bed as popstars Rihanna and Chris Brown showed the world they’re back together. Whether we like it or not.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Even when the whole world is watching, this royal couple can’t help but show they’re clearly devoted to one another.

Beyonce and Jay-Z

They’ve been dating since 2000 but 13 years on, this power couple are still very much Crazy in Love. It’s all giggles and affection as they watch the New York Knicks.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Australia’s favourite star couple are so in love they’re reportedly trying for baby number three.

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom

Rumours are their marriage is on the rocks, but judging by Orlando’s look of love for his gorgeous wife, Miranda, this hot couple is clearly locked in.

Katy Perry and John Mayer

At this year’s Grammys Katy Perry and John Mayer literally couldn’t keep their hands off each other. The chemistry between this pair is electric.

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

It’s the year they tie the knot, so perhaps it comes as no surprise that Jennifer Aniston and fiance Justin Theroux look like a pair of love-struck teenagers.

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake

The PDAs are out in force for this newly married couple – but as they’re so super cute, no one seems to mind.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Hollywood’s hottest power-couple simply adore each other, and their body language shows it.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness

It’s their 17th wedding anniversary this year, and actor Hugh Jackman and wife Deborra-Lee Furness still can’t take their eyes off each other.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

The body language between hot young actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds says one thing: Besotted.

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True Romance: Hollywood’s long-lasting love

Hollywood may be known for its casual flings, short-lived affairs and rocky romances, but that’s not to say there aren’t some ‘real deal’ relationships out there too! Check out some of the strongest celebrity couples that have stood the test of time.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas: Then

Hollywood may be known for its casual flings, short-lived affairs and rocky romances, but that’s not to say there aren’t some ‘real deal’ relationships out there too! Check out some of the strongest celebrity couples that have stood the test of time.

This loyal couple first found love back in 1995 on the set of movie Two Much, and married a year later.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas: Now

They may have been through some tough times but Banderas has said the ups and downs have only made them stronger.

Sting and Trudie Styler: Then

Sting separated from his first wife in 1982 to be with actress (and later film producer) Trudie Styler and waited a whole 10 years before giving marriage another go.

Sting and Trudie Styler: Now

This famous Brit couple have four children together – their eldest is 28.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas: Then

Welsh beauty Catherine Zeta-Jones met actor Michael Douglas in 1998, after being introduced by Danny DeVito. They began dating in March 1999.

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas: Now

The couple share a birthday, and have a 25 year age gap.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: Then

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson met in 1981 but didn’t marry until 1988.

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson: Now

“I’ve got the greatest wife in the world. We laugh all day long – except when we fight,” Tom once joked of the pair’s 31 year relationship.

Beyonce and Jay-Z: Then

Singer Beyonce was just 18 when she first met Jay-Z, and 19 when the duo started dating.

Beyonce and Jay-Z: Now

This musical power-couple married in April 2008, having been together for over 7 years.

Annette Bening and Warren Beatty: Then

Legendary movie star Warren Beatty married actress Annette Bening back in 1992.

Annette Bening and Warren Beatty: Now

The couple have four children together – Kathlyn, 21, Benjamin, 18, Isabel, 16, and Ella, 12.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith: Then

Married since 1997, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith are the first to admit that their relationship isn’t perfect.

Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith: Now

But it seems nothing can break the bond that these two share, denying rumours last year that they were on the rocks.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker: Then

Despite constant rumours that they are on the rocks, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker have stayed strong.

Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker: Now

Together 15 years, the pair have three children a son and twin girls who were born via a surrogate.

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell: Then

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell are the perfect celebrity power couple.

Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell: Now

Together since 1983, they also prove that you don’t have to be married to make it work.

David and Victoria Beckham: Then

This loved-up couple sparked a media frenzy when they first got together in 1997.

David and Victoria Beckham: Now

And despite all of the media attention and cheating rumours the pair has remained committed to each other, welcoming a baby girl to their brood of boys last year.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale: Then

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale met in 1995 and although they had a rocky relationship to start with, the pair are certainly one of Hollywood’s longer lasting couples.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale: Now

Together for 17 years, the pair have two sons together.

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick: Then

This pair knows how to last in Hollywood and have been doing it for the past 23 years!

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick: Now

Married in 1988, this power pair certainly knows how to make it work.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne: Then

Everyone knows Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne! Their strong bond is partly what makes the pair have such successful Hollywood careers.

Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne: Now

With 30 years together they certainly have an unbreakable bond.

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Glamour couples at the Grammys

From Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban to Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles, the Grammy awards this year were all about glamerous golden couples.

Katy Perry and John Mayer hit the red carpet together for the first time as a couple, while Justin Timberlake, who only recently returned to music, shared the night with his new wife Jessica Biel.

See all of the glamorous celebrity couples here!

Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.

Controversial couple Chris Brown and Rhianna.

Katy Perry and John Mayer posed for the first time at an event together.

Jennifer Lopez walked the carpet with beau Casper Smart.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Ellen Degeneres and Porita de Rossi.

Beyonce cozied up to husband Jay-Z.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz.

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