Charities have suffered hugely during the pandemic, but Sarah, Duchess of York thinks she has found the secret to swelling the coffers of her new Trust — by flogging some tea and biscuits.
The author, filmmaker, former Weight Watchers ambassador and now gift designer has launched a range of products to support charities in her new Sarah’s Trust.
Her ‘Brew For The Crew’ — 80 English teabags and four packets of salted caramel and chocolate chip biscuits branded ‘Duchess’ — costs an eye-popping £35, or £20 for just the teabags.
Sarah Ferguson has launched a range of products to support charities in her new Sarah’s Trust
Fergie has also designed a commemorative brooch inspired by the loss of one of her oldest friends, who died of cancer aged 59 in April. She won’t disclose her name, but is asking for donations of £10 for the brooch.
‘The forget-me-not flower and the York Rose symbolise new life while honouring those who have died,’ says Fergie (pictured).
Of her friend, she says: ‘Her positive energy and wicked sense of humour, even through her darkest times during her illness, will forever inspire me and all those that knew her.
‘She was a superb friend, mother, grandmother and, thankfully, being godmother to her eldest daughter means we will forever be connected.’
Her items — which also include a cotton children’s face mask featuring her Budgie the Helicopter children’s book character costing £12 — are being sold on a website called Duchess Collection, which was still under construction yesterday.
Her ‘Brew For The Crew’ includes 80 English teabags and four packets of salted caramel and chocolate chip biscuits branded ‘Duchess’
Her items also include a cotton children’s face mask featuring her Budgie the Helicopter children’s book character
The intention is for profits to provide support to frontline workers and local heroes working to keep others safe during the pandemic.
I am told that as well as connecting donors with health organisations, Sarah and her daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie have personally funded and donated hundreds of items.
‘Proceeds raised from sales will go back into projects supporting the heroes of this crisis,’ says Fergie.
‘I really hope people will get behind the idea and buy tea and biscuit sets to support the project.’
Netflix hit show The Crown is giving actors the chance to live like kings…
I can reveal that Tobias Menzies, who plays Prince Philip in the latest series, has seen his fortune hit almost £1 million.
The actor, 46, channels his money through T-Man Productions, in which profits have risen from £400,000, when he took on the role two years ago, to more than £900,000, newly released figures disclose.
Menzies was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal of the Duke of Edinburgh. ‘It’s such a strange role that Philip has,’ he said. ‘It’s highly ceremonial and doesn’t really have very much actual power.’
Hickses relive their royal wedding days
Lady Pamela Hicks (right) places the bridesmaid dress she wore to the Queen’s wedding in 1947 alongside the one her daughter, India (left), wore as bridesmaid to Princess Diana’s wedding in 1981
Lady Pamela Hicks has dug out the bridesmaid dress she wore to the Queen’s wedding in 1947 to place it alongside the one her daughter, India, wore as bridesmaid to Princess Diana in 1981.
Designer and author India, 53, posted a picture of the dresses laid out before the pair of them to address the many questions she is asked about whether her mother still has the famous gown.
‘Both dresses have travelled the world in exhibitions and been on display in museums before coming home to chill for a bit,’ she says.
Imelda tells her older fans: Just Potter off!
Harry Potter star Imelda Staunton, who plays the callous Professor Umbridge in the children’s wizard film franchise, admits that she can be just as scary as her alter-ego off the screen when adult fans approach her.
‘Little children still come up to me on the street — sometimes they get a little frightened, obviously,’ she says.
‘But yes, it just goes on, because people keep rediscovering it. I don’t mind children being frightened, but when someone who is 35 is saying, ‘Ooh, can I have a picture,’ I say, ‘You’re a grown-up, get over it!’
Caroline and new love’s enlightening day out
Caroline Stanbury and former footballer Sergio Carrallo, 26, are ready to embark on a spiritual path
Prince Andrew’s vivacious friend Caroline Stanbury has described dating a much younger man post-divorce as an ‘amazing new chapter’ in her life.
Now she and former footballer Sergio Carrallo, 26, are ready to embark on a spiritual path.
The Ladies Of London star, 44 — who has three children with her ex-husband, businessman Cem Habib — is on holiday with Sergio in Nepal where they visited the Shyalpa monastery.
Wearing a grey tracksuit, white satin scarf and face mask, she says: ‘It was such a blessing to be able to visit the monks.
We were so welcomed and they blessed us all and taught us about Buddhism . . . the art of individualism and not holding on to ego.’
Pop singer Marc Almond is the latest to take a pop at teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg.
‘I admire her, but I find her incredibly irritating as a person because she’s so shouty,’ he says of the Swede, who was accused by Donald Trump of having an anger management problem.
‘She’s a force for good, but I don’t warm to her. Maybe that’s the idea.’ Talk about Tainted Love . . .
She’s the make-up artist for Kate Moss and Amal Clooney, but Charlotte Tilbury’s success in the world of beauty hasn’t transferred to her cooking.
‘I am not a domestic goddess. I look like one, but I’m not one. Nigella Lawson doesn’t have to worry,’ says the mother of two.
‘My husband [film producer George Waud] once Instagrammed his dinner it was that bad. It was a rice cake with a wedge of onion and some hummus.
He photographed it and sent it to everybody. ‘Look at this — like a dog’s dinner.’
She recalls saying to him on their first date: ‘Can I cook you some toast?’ And he replied: ‘This isn’t going to go very well in the kitchen department.’ ‘
Birthday boy Becker works on his slice…
Boris Becker was determined not to be downhearted as he celebrated his 53rd birthday
Wimbledon champion Boris Becker knows how to bounce back.
Amid allegations that he hid more than £1 million along with Wimbledon trophies and an Olympic gold medal during his bankruptcy proceedings, he was determined not to be downhearted as he celebrated his 53rd birthday.
Sharing a video of himself with a white chocolate cake decorated with his name in gold, he told absent friends: ‘I am overwhelmed and speechless for all my birthday wishes.
‘It’s good to know in these trying times that there are friends out there and that you feel loved and respected. I’m going to eat this all for you.’ Advantage Becker!
Former Oasis singer and guitarist Noel Gallagher doesn’t need to worry about his daughter getting in on his act. ‘I can sing but only in the shower or in the car,’ admits 20-year-old model Anais, whose mother is Meg Mathews.
‘I don’t mind an audience, but they are forbidden to tell the truth afterwards — and have to applaud.’