The Australian Women's Weekly February 2022

As we continue to face challenging new developments in a pandemic that never seems to end, it can be easy to forget that life – in all its complicated, heartbreaking and joyful glory – keeps delivering its own milestones. This issue reflects just that. We celebrate big birthdays – Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge at 40 (page 8) and cover star Crown Princess Mary at 50 (page 24). Both have been beacons of hope and stability during these strange times. We pay tribute to the passing of legendary figures Sidney Poitier and Desmond Tutu (page 16), who were both instrumental in the fight against racism. And we bid a fond farewell to the one and only Betty White (page 11) who, at 99, had lost little of her lust for life.…

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” – OPRAH WINFREY Better late than never! I know I am nine months late, however I am catching up on my Weekly reading over this Christmas/New Year break. The Last of the Flying Nightingales (AWW, April 2021) is a remarkable story. I can’t begin to imagine the sheer determination, dedication and selflessness of those 200 or so Nightingales. I commend them for the role they played. Thank you Marge, Edith, Margaret and the other Nightingales. L. Mellifont, via email. Congratulations My sincere congratulations to this incredible young woman, Dami Im, on her pregnancy (In brief, AWW, January). I have followed this young lady’s career since the beginning and watched her performing to packed audiences…

Royal twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine turned 11 on January 8 and in their celebration photos are seen cuddling the latest “lively” additions to the Danish royal family – two puppies. Crown Prince Family pooch Grace gave birth just before Christmas. Hang hen! Chickens may not be great flyers, but there’s one in Victoria who loves to surf. Elaine Janes’ beloved hen, Mrs Chook, is known to locals as the featheriest surfer chick in town. “She just loves it,” Elaine says.…

She dazzled us as Princess Margaret in The Crown, now Vanessa Kirby (above, right) is taking on a mightier role, signing up to play Empress Josephine Bonaparte in the Sir Ridley Scott adaptation of Napoleon’s life. Meanwhile, Rooney Mara (left) will play Audrey Hepburn in a new biopic. Audrey’s son, Sean Ferrer, has given his blessing to the casting, saying “Rooney is a delight”. The Full House cast have revealed their pain at the loss of Bob Saget (left), aged 65. “Thirty-five years ago we came together as a TV family, but became a real family. Now we grieve as a family.”…

Book tickets to Mary Poppins The acclaimed stage show is coming Down Under. The cast is yet to be announced, but tickets will go fast. Opening May 15 at the Sydney Lyric Theatre, visit marypoppinsmusical.com.au for details. Listen to The Thing About Helen & Olga Ten years ago, Dateline’s Keith Morrison reported on two benevolent elderly women who spent their time – and money – bettering the lives of homeless men. However, Helen and Olga were not what they seemed, as this true crime podcast uncovers. Tune in to Hotel Portofino This British drama takes place in the 1920s at a hotel run by heiress Bella Ainsworth (Natascha McElhone). Set against the rise of Fascism and new social mores, it also stars Mark Umbers and Anna Chancellor. Debuts February 8, 8.30pm…

“Facebook just sounds like a drag. In my day, seeing pictures of people’s vacations was considered a punishment.” “You don’t fall off the planet once you pass a given age ... You don’t lose any of your sense of humour. You don’t lose any of your zest for life, or your lust for life, if you will.” “My answer to anything under the sun, like ‘What have you not done in the business that you’ve always wanted to do?’ is ‘Robert Redford’.” “I received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SAG. I’m very happy about that … although at my age SAG is a dangerous word.” We all recognise Betty White as a funny and warm actress and comedian who played grandmothers and women in their “golden” years, but to fully…