Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 1921 i Woman's Day Magazine NZ

The arrival of any royal baby is a thrill, but for me the greatest joy about little Archie’s birth was watching Prince Harry positively fizzing with excitement. He’s a changed man! Grinning from ear to ear and running on adrenalin after two hours of sleep, the Duke of Sussex could barely contain himself on May 6, as he proudly announced to the world that he and the Duchess of Sussex had welcomed a baby boy at 5.26am. “It’s been the most amazing experience I can ever have possibly imagined,” he gushed. “This little thing is absolutely to die for. I’m just over the moon.” Two days later, Harry and Meghan bucked tradition and it was the besotted prince who carried his son, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, to his first official…

Welcome to the world, beautiful baby! With the Taurus sun casting a bright light over his horoscope (he was born at the moment of sunrise), this little man will shine from day one. Known for their incredible strength – both physically and mentally – and their sense of style, children born under this sign may be a tad stubborn, but their big hearts are legendary. Even while young, they appreciate the finer things in life – soft blankets, quality clothes and beautiful music, along with plenty of cuddles from Mum and Dad. Being an earth sign, some Taureans can be thrown by change, but with his gregarious Gemini moon and a full-throttle Mars, this little guy will embrace the royal lifestyle with gusto. The fastest cars, prettiest girls, highest mountains…

‘He yearned to know more about life outside his cosseted royal existence’ From the moment his mum Princess Diana stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing, proudly showing her new baby boy to the world, Prince Harry has been in the public eye. The ginger-haired prince, who royal watchers referred to as the “spare heir”, was officially christened Henry Charles Albert David on December 21, 1984 and it didn’t take long for the wee tot to reveal his cheeky personality. Once, at a staff barbecue at Highgrove House, the family’s estate in Gloucestershire, Harry and his big brother William took their toy bows up into their tree house and rained arrows down on the guests! Harry grew up behind the walls of Kensington Palace and Diana described her beloved…

1 When she’s not horsing around with her kids, she’s busy being a champion equestrienne. 2 He spent some time in New Zealand during his gap year in 1982. 3 The animal-loving royal became the world’s longest reigning monarch in 2015. 4 Once known as the palace bad boy, the cheeky prince has finally settled down. 5 As second in line to the throne, he has always been popular with royal fans. 6 With her fiery mane of hair, she bares a strong resemblance to her mother. 7 This strong-willed beauty is pushing boundaries as she makes her mark on the royal family. 8 Dubbed the People’s Princess, she won hearts with her sweet, charitable nature. 9 Her fairytale dream came true in 2011 when she married her Prince Charming.…

They’ve been forced to keep their relationship on the down-low for five years, but now Hollywood power couple Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx are free to show what we all suspected – they’re madly in love! Just days after reportedly becoming unshackled from a draconian divorce contract signed with ex-hubby Tom Cruise – which stopped the Batman Begins beauty, 40, from being seen with another man until they’d been together five years – the pair chose The Met Gala in New York to officially step out as a couple. “Katie was forced to tell lawyers when she and Jamie became official, which was in May 2014, and they’ve been living an undercover romance ever since,” explains our source. “It’s put a huge amount of stress and pressure on them both,…

Her body is aching in places she never knew existed, she’s averaging just a couple of hours sleep a night and the terror of performing is as real as ever. But ask celebrity chef Nadia Lim if she’s having second thoughts about her decision to compete in this year’s Dancing with the Stars, and the answer is an emphatic “no!” “It’s the biggest challenge I’ve ever taken on,” she tells. “I’m not a dancer, I’m not a performer and I’m definitely not a natural athlete, so I couldn’t be further out of my comfort zone. But I’m loving learning a new skill and even though it’s hard, I am having fun. And that’s the most important thing. There’s no point doing anything if it’s not fun!” But it’s an exhausted…

Beef & Porcini Mushroom Stew with Parmesan Mash SERVES 4 PREPARATION & COOKING 1 HOUR, 40 MINUTES 20g dried porcini mushrooms (or use shiitake) 4 cups beef stock 2 tablespoons olive oil 1.5kg beef rump steak, trimmed, cut into 4cm pieces 1 large onion, coarsely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 tablespoons tomato paste 400g can cherry tomatoes 1 bay leaf 250g button mushrooms, halved 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley PARMESAN MASH 1kg floury potatoes, peeled, cut into large pieces ¾ cup cream 75g butter, chopped 1 cup finely grated parmesan 1. Place porcini mushrooms and 1 cup of the stock in a bowl, soaking for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve stock. Finely chop mushrooms. 2. Heat oil in a large, flameproof casserole or heavy-based saucepan over medium-high heat.…

While there’s no denying pregnancy is a miracle, the journey sure has an impact on your body. Like a lottery of nature, some women glow, while others are plagued with acne, pigmentation and skin dehydration. It can be a minefield ascertaining what is safe to use, and while it’s always best to check with your midwife, we’ve rounded up some great guidelines and complementary products. Avoid! Vitamin A is used in skincare because it’s an anti-ageing powerhouse, but when you’re pregnant, it’s an important ingredient to stay away from. Some of the stronger forms of vitamin A, such as Retin-A and Accutane, are prescription drugs and have been linked to birth defects. Pigmentation Hyperpigmentation forms when melanin (which gives you a tan and freckles) is overactive and darkens in abstract,…

The classic got2b Fresh it Up Citrus-infused Extra Fresh is a must for all lifestyles, while the got2b Fresh it Up Volume adds just that — and a tropical aroma — all while absorbing unwanted grease. Looking for a temporary root touch-up and dry shampoo-in-one, try the sweet chocolate smelling got2b Fresh it Up Dark Brown. Unlike some dry shampoos, the got2b range doesn’t leave any white residue after brushing, which means you can spray, style and get back to the people and activities you care about.…

Know what your first word was? There’s a good chance it was written in your Plunket book. For nearly a century, these treasures have been part of Kiwi kids’ lives. First printed in 1920 and now known as Well Child/Tamariki Ora books, they’re a record of babies’ weights, first words and other milestones. But these tomes are more than souvenirs. They’re part of the Well Child/Tamariki Ora programme to keep young children and their families healthy. Well Child checks are done by a range of professionals, including lead maternity carers (LMCs), midwives, obstetricians, GPs, Plunket nurses, community health workers and hearing screeners. Every family in Aotearoa is entitled to free Well Child/Tamariki Ora visits at set ages in their child’s life. If your family needs more support, the Plunket nurse…

Heading away with little ones can be stressful. But these hacks from Lifestyle Director Penny Lewis and four other parents will help make it less so! 1 Sophie Neville Woman’s Day Editor-at-Large Sophie is only just getting brave enough to attempt long-distance car journeys with her brood of three – Tom, eight, Hugo, six, and Theodora, four. She was put off them after the arrival of baby number two, who couldn’t stand his carseat. “After flying on my own to London and back twice with my eldest as a baby, I thought I could handle anything. But car trips with Hugo were hell. He would scream no matter how far the distance, so from then on we stuck with holiday destinations we could fly to. Expensive but…

I’m a huge sucker for babies. And not just my own. Anyone’s baby is an adorable baby as far as I’m concerned. I haven’t always been this way. As a child, when my mum bought me the obligatory doll to be “my own” baby after the birth of my younger sister, I quickly cut its hair off, attempted to amputate her legs and left her for dead, basically. Babies and dolls were for other people. I preferred collections of rubbers and toy elephants. Don’t ask me why, I have no idea. I was obviously a strange child. It wasn’t until I had my first baby that I became obsessed with them – the baby smell, the tiny nappies, the wee clothes, socks and tiny shoes. The little fingers that curled…

He’s been a badmouthed assassin, a glowing green superhero, a hapless assistant and a successful record executive – now Ryan Reynolds is set to play the iconic yellow Pokémon, Pikachu. The new live-action film Pokémon Detective Pikachu sees the wisecracking creature help find his new friend’s missing father. “The movie is made for Pokémon fans and also people who have no experience in the Pokémon world,” tells Ryan. “It’s made by people who care and love the Pokémon culture, but really it’s a story about family, love, loss, hope and all these wonderful things, which, particularly in our world right now, is so refreshing and nice to see.” As an added bonus, it’s a flick Ryan can finally bring his own kids to, after his racy R-rated Deadpool movies. “It’s…

In Peter Swanson’s Before She Knew Him (Allen & Unwin, rrp $32.99), Hen and Lloyd move into their new house and are relieved to meet the only other seemingly childless couple in the neighbourhood, Matthew and Mira. When they’re invited over for dinner, however, things take a sinister turn as Hen thinks she sees something suspicious in Matthew’s study. Could this charming, mild-mannered college professor really be the person Hen thinks he is? Even if she is right, who would believe her? As Hen’s suspicions grow, she and Matthew are drawn closer together. But who, if anyone, is really in danger? This dark and twisting psychological thriller will keep you reading late into the night.…

After nine months of frenzied anticipation and excitement, the world finally got its first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s beautiful baby boy – Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Lovingly swaddled in a cream-coloured shawl and wearing a matching knitted bonnet, the newest member of the royal family slept soundly in his besotted father’s arms throughout his first public appearance. With glowing new mum Meghan looking on tenderly, little Archie was blissfully unaware of the enormity of this historic moment – not only is he seventh in line to the throne, but he is the first biracial baby born to a senior British royal and likely to be the first to hold dual-citizenship too. With Harry and Meghan deciding against an official title for their wee heir, Archie’s birth has…

‘By the age of 10, she was already speaking up about racial issues’ While her husband’s royal future was written in the stars before he was even born, the Duchess of Sussex began her life as far removed from the palace as can be imagined. It was in California in the 1970s that her parents met – her African-American mum Doria Ragland was training to be a Hollywood make-up artist on the set of daytime soap General Hospital, when in walked the show’s longtime lighting director Thomas Markle. He was 12 years Doria’s senior and had two children, Samantha and Thomas, from a previous relationship, but the pair fell in love, tying the knot in 1979 at the temple of a Hindu yoga guru. Rachel Meghan Markle was born on…

After almost three years of feuding, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have taken a surprise turn in their brutal break-up. The warring couple have hired a mediator and a divorce coach to see them through the final days of their official separation – and Angelina has decided she now wants to walk in the footsteps of the consciously uncoupled Gwyneth Paltrow! Endless wrangling, leaks of custody battles over their six children and a plethora of bitter accusations have marked the A-list couple’s split as one of the most acrimonious in Hollywood history. But since a judge declared Brad and Angelina “legally single” last month, and set down a shared custody schedule for their five youngest kids – Pax, 15, Zahara, 14, Shiloh, 12, and 10-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox –…

As David Beckham celebrated his 44th birthday last week, all seemed blissful for the footballing legend and his wife Victoria. The couple shared a series of intimate photos on social media taken during a dinner out with their four kids – Brooklyn, 20, Romeo, 16, Cruz, 14, and seven-year-old Harper – and a cute shot of the sausage sandwich Harper made the footballing legend for breakfast that morning. But an insider within the Beckham fold tells Woman’s Day that behind the scenes, the A-listers are weathering yet another storm in their turbulent marriage. The bone of contention, our source alleges, is that David is forging ahead with his plans to separate his business affairs from those of his famous wife, essentially spelling the end of the Brand Beckham fairytale. David…

They tied the knot in a tacky Las Vegas chapel presided over by an Elvis impersonator – but once is simply not enough for Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas. The stellar couple are now planning a much more lavish wedding in the South of France, surrounded by vineyards, friends and family. A source close to the newlyweds claims their wacky post-Billboard Music Awards vows were just the precursor to the main event for Sophie, 23, and Joe, 29, who fell head over heels in love soon after meeting in 2016. “They needed to marry legally in the States before their big summer wedding in France,” dishes the source. “So they decided to go all out and have a fun Sin City wedding.” And fun it was! The Game of Thrones…

Mum-of-two Hera Te Kurapa is a queen of the kitchen – and TV bosses are tipping she’ll soon be our very own “Maori Nigella Lawson”! Hera, 36, is flattered to be compared to the famous English chef, but she says she has more of an appetite for two local culinary celebrities – MasterChef 2014 winners Kasey and Karena Bird. “They opened up the doors for other Maori women to come out on top in this area,” explains the budding culinary host. “They pulled down barriers and made it easier for me to step into this realm.” Like Kasey and Karena, Hera got her big break on a reality TV cooking contest, when she paired up with her mate Tash Whitewood on My Kitchen Rules in 2017. And just like the…

When weather presenter Renee Wright agreed to build a fort in her Auckland home in time for our shoot, the mum-of-three figured it’d be easy fun for the kids, while supporting a good cause. She pegged sheets together, put up poles and filled it with decorative toys. The kids even made signs. But the Ronald McDonald House Charities ambassador quickly learnt that blanket huts and Tonkinese cats don’t go hand-in-hand – especially if the half-Siamese, half-Burmese feline is nicknamed Violent Violet! “The kids and I spent two hours building a fort and they got really into it,” recalls the mum of Leo, seven, Gigi, five, and three-year-old Arabella. “In the morning, I found it destroyed. Violet must have snuck in overnight and leapt on it. I’m assuming she got caught…

These golden earthy hues will keep your royal baby in fashionable step with you. Natural fibres like cotton help with easy washing and keeping everything clean. A functional and forever-fashionable pair of dungarees will work a treat for a boy or a girl while making it easy for a quick nappy change wherever you are. Keep things timeless with checks and stripes for your little one. These are forever pieces that are perfect for handing down to a sibling or grandchild.…

While your body undergoes enormous changes during pregnancy, it can also have a significant effect on your hair. Here are a few mane changes you may experience as your hormones go wild. Research shows that a very small amount of hair dye is absorbed into our bodies. But if you really want to be on the safe side, wait until the second trimester and opt for services such as highlights, lowlights and balayage that aren t applied directly to the scalp. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS Although everyone experiences vast and varied physical changes – often also between different pregnancies – taking supplements before, during and after pregnancy ensures essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas are delivered to Mum and baby to help meet nutritional needs. VOLUME INCREASE One of the most…

CHARLOTTE’S BONNET Level: Intermediate For babies 0-6 months (35-45cm head circumference) Tension: 27 sts and 54 rows to 10cm over garter st, using 3.25mm needles. Special abbreviation: Cable = Slip next 2 sts onto cable needle and leave at back of work, K2, then K2 from cable needle. SIDE PANEL Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 43 sts. Beg Patt – 1st row (RS) – P3, (K4, P2) twice knit to end. 2nd row – Knit to last 13 sts, P4, K2, P4, K2, yft, sl 1 purlways. 3rd row – P3, (cable, P2) twice, knit to end. 4th row – Knit to last 13 sts, P4, K2, P4, K3. Rep 1st and 2nd rows once. 7th row – As 1st row. 8th row – As 4th row. 9th row –…

Each Well Child check offers support and guidance with babies’ growth and development assessments, breastfeeding, sleep, vision and hearing tests, plus advice on family wellbeing. Health professionals also offer information regarding childhood illnesses, parenting for age and stage, as well as safety and injury prevention. 4-6 weeks and 8-10 weeks The first appointments cover breastfeeding, mum and baby nutrition, immunisations and preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI). If necessary, interventions include postnatal depression screening (PND), smoking cessation and family violence screening. 3-4 months and 5-7 months These two visits continue the previous checks, but also include a simple questionnaire about your baby’s development – a parents’ evaluation of developmental status (PEDS). The five to seven-month check also involves lift the lid (LTL), an assessment to check for early signs…

Q Some of the mothers in my ante-natal class coffee group are ridiculously competitive – real yummy mummy types who pose up a storm on Instagram. How do I find more down-to-earth new mum friends? • Parent Trap, Hamilton A Oh, I totally understand. It’s weird, huh? I think they are either trying to hide the truth – “It’s hard and we want to cry!” – or they are vicariously living their lives through those poor, wee poppets. You may find fun mums at baby swimming, partner’s friends, the gym or going to baby group activities. My mothers’ group was quite bizarre. A couple of nice chicks, but a couple of women who appeared to think it was a contest. We are not friends today! QI have loved a particular…

For The Sapphires actress Miranda Tapsell, co-writing as well as starring in the new flick Top End Wedding was a dream come true. It’s given the Indigenous Australian beauty the chance to put her personal stamp on the rom-com genre. “It just blows my mind that I was a 13-year-old girl growing up in Kakadu, just dreaming that this would one day happen to me,” tells Miranda. “It’s so fulfilling to be an actor and speaking so authentically and honestly as an artist about the society I see. It’s what I’ve been wanting to do for so long.” In the film, she showcases her native roots – Australia’s Northern Territory and Tiwi Islands – and shares a different sort of love story. “I feel like a lot of male protagonists…

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR Now on Neon  Rating: ★★★★★ Not quite ready forEndgame? Revisit the previous Avengers flick and get up to speed on where the beloved heroes left off. GOOD SAM Friday on Netflix  Rating: ★★★ Get a dose of this heartwarming show about the life of a young autistic doctor, with two full seasons now available to stream. CATCH-22 Saturday on TVNZ OnDemand  Rating: ★★★★ George Clooney returns to TV in this highly anticipated series. Based on Joseph Heller’s satirical 1961 novel, it follows the life of US Air Force Captain John Tossarin.…

Taurus APR 21 – MAY 21 As Venus spins onto centre stage, your social diary should fill up fast. A series of reunions and milestone events could turn your emotional dial up high, so keep the tissues handy. An old beau might even appear, while for couples, a trip away looks to rekindle the romance. Gemini MAY 22 – JUN 21 You give so much to others, but what about you? As the sun illuminates your deepest recesses, your inner world will need nurturing: think bushwalks, workshops or yoga classes. As you slow down, exciting ideas and strategies could crystallise – and they might prove lucrative too. Cancer JUN 22 – JUL 23 As Cyndi Lauper sings, “Girls just wanna have fun!” A busy patch might be winding down, but…

When Harry and Meghan introduced their tot to the world, their choice of name took everyone by surprise – and gave us the strongest indication yet that they plan to raise their son as “the least royal” blue blood yet. Blindsiding bookmakers and royal watchers alike, the couple opted for Archie Harrison, two names that have no connection to British royal lineage. Archie, which means “genuine”, “bold” or “brave”, hails from Germanic origins and is more popular in Britain than the US. It was originally a shortened form of Archibald. His only middle name, Harrison, is also a fresh choice for The Firm and is of Aboriginal origin, meaning son of Henry or son of Harry, and, in this case, seen as a nod to his royal dad. Neither name…

‘There are family bonds to be made and fun to be had’ Now that Archie is finally here, there are introductions to be made! Harry and Meghan’s wee bub has a ready-made gaggle of seven cousins to hang out with as he grows up. He is the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild and as our photos show, the current crew – the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s trio Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, four, and one-year-old Prince Louis; Peter Phillips’ two free spirits Savannah, eight, and Isla, seven; plus Zara Tindall’s cheeky Mia, five, and little Lena, 10 months – are great buddies. While Prince William and Kate’s children are destined for a more regimented life in the public spotlight, chances are Harry and Meghan’s wee one will have a less reined-in…

MADDOX Maddox is extremely quiet, which many say is due to being home-schooled and not having many friends. He can reportedly get very angry and struggles to open up about his emotions. He’s also incredibly intelligent, speaking several languages including Russian, French and German, and he loves to play guitar. He’s a keen film-maker, serving as a production assistant on many of his parents’ movies. PAX Pax is the outgoing, mischievous sibling with a love of practical jokes and hanging out with friends. He’s into rock music and photography – already getting a very impressive amateur collection together – and wants to do a photography course at college. ZAHARA Zahara is an incredibly doting and sweet big sister to her younger siblings. She’s extremely close to Shiloh and loves horse…

What a difference a few months make! The Spice Girls’ hyped reunion tour kicks off in Ireland on May 24 – and while Victoria made it clear from the start that she would not be lining up with her old band, she said in January she “couldn’t wait” to take her kids to a concert. Now, it seems, she’s gone off the idea in a big way. Sources say fellow band member Geri Horner, 46 – aka Ginger Spice – personally invited the Beckham clan to one of the gigs, but her generosity has been met with a snub. “Victoria doesn’t want them attending or being pictured at the event,” a source claims. “She just wants a clean break from it all and doesn’t want her name or her family’s…

Sophie’s new sister-in-law Priyanka was one of the many famous guests at the nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan, but word has it their friendship is officially over. At Sophie and Joe’s Vegas wedding, Priyanka let slip that Meghan cut her off shortly after the royal wedding and made it clear she wasn’t in her inner circle. “It appeared to be for no obvious reason,” claims our source. “Apparently, Meghan simply ghosted her completely and also failed to attend Priyanka and Nick’s wedding in India, despite promising they’d try to attend. Priyanka also revealed that Meghan never thanked them for their wedding gift, which left a bitter taste in her mouth.” Adds the insider, “Priyanka wasn’t impressed and slammed Meghan’s decision to have a $600,000 baby shower in New York,…

She proved she hasn’t lost her sense of humour despite a gruelling pregnancy, announcing the birth of her son Gene Attell last week in true witty fashion. Funnygirl Amy Schumer joked “our royal baby was born” following months of comedic pregnancy rivalry with the Duchess of Sussex, whose son Archie was born just hours later. And as the 37-year-old actress posted a heart-warming snap of her newborn – whose middle name appears to be a tribute to her close friend and fellow comedian, Dave Attell – peacefully resting on her husband Chris Fischer’s shoulder, insiders tell Woman’s Day how the new mum is basking in baby joy. A close pal reveals, “Amy’s on cloud nine and is back home in what she’s described as a ‘bubble of happiness’ with Chris…

Hazelnut & Coconut Sponge Squares MAKES 30 PREPARATION 20 MINUTES COOKING 30 MINUTES (PLUS COOLING) 3 eggs ¾ cup caster sugar ¾ cup self-raising flour 1 tablespoon cornflour ½ cup desiccated coconut ¼ cup hazelnut meal 1/3 cup boiling water 10g butter COFFEE ICING 125g butter, at room temperature, chopped 1½ cups icing sugar 1 tablespoon boiling water 1 teaspoon instant coffee ¼ cup flaked coconut, toasted ¼ cup Vienna almonds, chopped 1. Preheat oven to moderate, 180°C. Lightly grease a 20cm x 30cm slice pan. Line base and sides with baking paper. 2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating for about 10 minutes, or until thick and pale. Mixture should hold its shape. 3. Sift flour and cornflour into…

Fast-paced living has opened the door to quick beauty fixes and none better than dry shampoo. An essential haircare staple, it takes tresses from greasy to a freshly washed look within minutes. From multitasking mums and time-poor professionals, to dedicated gym junkies and women who simply want to look great without the fuss, dry shampoo is a winning, carry-everywhere invention that requires no water and next to no time. However, not all brands are created equal. Celebrated haircare stalwart Schwarzkopf has taken dry shampoo to an exciting new level with the release of its got2b Fresh it Up range, a trio of spray-ins that banish bad hair days and leave all hair types looking salon-fresh, while also doing double-duty on locks that require volume or between-colour touch-ups. While not intended…

The first few months of parenthood can be the most physically and emotionally demanding. Motherhood is joyous, wonderful and overwhelming, but there are plenty of moments of doubt too. I’ve found that being grateful is the best way to centre myself and shift my perspective during those tough times as a new mum. For example, instead of saying, “I have to do this,” I say, “I get to do this.” We can also draw strength in knowing that many other mums are sharing similar struggles and joys. And remember that there is help available – we just need to be brave enough to ask for it. Oh, and bless all you new mums. You are doing a great job! WALK IT OUT After a hard day or night, head outside…

“It could have been a ‘bad mother moment’ that affected my daughter’s eyesight forever. I was busy with two preschoolers and working part-time. I hadn’t got around to taking my older daughter Nina for her two to three-year check, but she seemed fine – or so I thought. Luckily, I was taking my younger girl for her 15 to 18-month check and Marilyn the Plunket nurse tested Nina’s eyesight, using a shape-matching chart. It turns out Nina’s right eye was shortsighted, but we didn’t know. We saw an ophthalmologist and started her treatment, which involved patching her stronger left eye to exercise her right eye. If it wasn’t for the Plunket check, the neurological pathways between Nina’s eyes and her brain would never have formed as they should have, and…

My heart kind of goes out to all the famous women who have babies. Not because babies hurt when they are born, or they cry a lot, or you don’t get a lot of warning about the difference between having a big tummy and an actual tiny human being to look after. But because of all the above and the fact the world gets to witness it. Of course, our favourite formerly expectant celebrity the Duchess of Sussex seemed to have coped just fine. Those tiny, little ankles appeared to have teetered around in sky-high heels right up to the bitter end and she seemed to barely go up a dress size. I swear I’ve had lunches that have given me more of a belly than her little baby. But…

I walked up to her as she stood by the office printer and said in a quiet voice, “If there is anything you need – and this isn’t just lip service – you can call me and I’ll be there in a flash to help.” A beautiful woman at work is having her first baby. I’m guessing she’s around 30 and highly motivated, fabulously emotional and dynamic. Those things are all great in radio, but when you’re having your first baby, sometimes being a power broker at work doesn’t translate quite so easily to the nursery. I remember when I had my son Tom. I was close to 30 and had been married for four years, and on the radio for about six years. I was getting near the top…

CUSTARD CATASTROPHE Take her into custard-y! A battle ensued in season four when Deborah accidentally used Howard’s custard after the two bakers shared a fridge. “I haven’t used it all,” she said awkwardly. “I’m sure that one custard’s as good as another,” Howard replied. What a good sport! FREEZE FAIL Iain was horrified in season five when he discovered that his frozen dessert had been removed from the freezer by fellow contestant Diana. Much like the dripping creation, Iain went into meltdown and dumped the mess into the bin before storming out. At the end of this challenge, Iain chose to physically present the bin to the judges. This incident sparked more than 500 complaints to the BBC. HOWARD’S END Poor Howard. First he’s subjected to stolen custard, next there’s…

Cancer courage Congratulations to Portia France on winning the Woman’s Day and Vivo Most Inspiring Mum competition (WD, May 6). After reading the brave story, I feel she is really deserving of this award. I had some relatives who suffered from bowel cancer and it’s not a pleasant condition – but to be expecting babies at the same time? My word! The children look delightful and it’s great they are bringing so much joy to the family. I was also inspired by the editor’s letter about Sido’s lovely 16-year-old daughter. It’s not always easy bringing up young people these days, but Cleo seems to be a level-headed, kind young woman. Good luck and happiness to you all in the future. Pat, Papamoa Positively Paula I may not be a fan…

The Countess of Wessex transformed into a royal rainbow on her recent trip to India! Hard-working Sophie – wife of the Queen’s youngest son, Prince Edward – has been in India for the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Her action-packed visit took in New Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai, where she was gifted with a garland of yellow and orange marigolds and had an orange bindi drawn on her forehead. The mum-of-two, 54, looked relaxed as she visited health centres, schools and hospitals, and she also laid a wreath at a memorial for victims of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks, in which 174 people died and 300 were wounded. Sophie’s daughter Lady Louise Windsor, 15, now a keen equestrian, was born prematurely, and the countess looked visibly moved as she was…