Controversy Surrounds Justin Welby’s Return to Travellers Club
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby encounters strong opposition in his effort to rejoin the Travellers Club, a prestigious gentlemen-only venue in London’s St James’s charging £1,700 annually. Welby resigned from the club in 2014, shortly after becoming Archbishop, when members voted against admitting women—coinciding with the Church of England’s approval of female bishops.
Now 70 and free from archiepiscopal duties following his resignation last year, Welby submitted his candidacy, securing some supporter signatures. However, critics have flooded the candidates’ book with objections, including scrawled “NO”s and harsh comparisons to disgraced figures like Jimmy Savile, linked to the Makin Review on abuse at Christian camps run by John Smyth. The review suggested Welby likely knew of concerns about Smyth.
Club chairman Adrian Stones, a former MI6 officer, receives numerous objection letters. One member notes that “Clerk in Holy Orders” replaces Welby’s listed “company director” description. Club officials emailed members urging restraint amid the unrest.
Gemma Atkinson Rejects Botox for Wellness Brand
Actress Gemma Atkinson, 41, embraces a natural approach to promote her skincare and wellness brand, Gem & Tonic. Despite considering Botox at 40, she now prioritizes pro-ageing and healthy living. The mother of two with Strictly Come Dancing’s Gorka Marquez states she feels responsible to embody her brand’s values without injectables.
Endurance Runner Highlights River Pollution
John Mildmay-White, 40, completes a grueling 370-mile super marathon over ten days, culminating at London’s Westminster Bridge. The Old Etonian draws attention to pollution in Devon’s River Erme, inspired by his great-uncle, jockey Anthony Mildmay, 2nd Lord Mildmay of Flete. He describes the challenge as tougher than anticipated but vital for the cause.
Alan Titchmarsh’s Unusual Growth Story
TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, 76, reveals he grew from 4 ft 10 in to 5 ft 8 in within a year after leaving school at 15 with an art O-level. Spending time in a greenhouse accelerated his height spurt, a method he half-jokingly recommends for small children. He previously mentioned facing school bullying over his stature.
Poppy Delevingne’s Ex-Husband Welcomes First Child
James Cook, 47, ex-husband of model Poppy Delevingne, 39, celebrates fatherhood with fiancée Lauren Brown, a photographer’s agent. Their son arrived recently, fulfilling Cook’s long-held dream. The couple, who met after Cook’s 2022 separation from Delevingne following eight years of marriage, bonded at his family’s aerospace firm. Cook proposed in Bhutan last April. Delevingne welcomed a daughter with Archie Keswick eight months prior.
Sandringham Seeks Mini Golf Groundskeeper
The Norfolk estate advertises customer-facing roles, including a Mini Golf & Groundskeeper position ideal for golf enthusiasts. Such opportunities could engage idle royals like Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Tasha Ghouri Mentors Youth via King’s Trust
Strictly Come Dancing finalist Tasha Ghouri, 27, born deaf and a former Love Island star, mentors disadvantaged youth in the King’s Trust Emerging Talent Programme. Inspired by King Charles’s dance passion, participants perform at London Cabaret Club next week. CEO Evelina Girling anticipates royal attendance.
Jade Holland Cooper Showcases Vast Shoe Collection
Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, 39, a Princess of Wales favorite, reveals around 100 pairs of luxury shoes in her Cotswolds dressing room video ahead of Cheltenham Festival. Half feature Christian Louboutin’s signature red soles, priced up to £1,300. Her £60 million label reflects her love for killer heels.
Grace Murdoch’s Romance with Finance Analyst
Rupert Murdoch’s 25-year-old daughter Grace, from his marriage to Wendi Deng, dates 23-year-old US finance analyst Daniel Siegel. Yale alumni, they attended Murdoch’s 95th birthday in New York, with Grace sharing a loving social media photo captioned with a heart emoji: “You make me the happiest.”
Richard E Grant Shares Family Joy
Actor Richard E Grant announces his daughter Olivia, 37, expects a baby in June with husband Florian Herbst, 36. The couple lives with Grant in Richmond after Joan’s 2021 passing from lung cancer.
Christopher Eccleston Pulls Out of Doctor Who Event
Ninth Doctor actor Christopher Eccleston skips a Birmingham Doctor Who convention at Hilton Metropole, citing unpaid contract fees from organizer Starfury. He urges ticket holders to seek refunds, noting his own unsuccessful attempts for explanation.
