There are scary and exciting things to do on Halloween, but there are also kind things you can do. Salena Webb, a mother of four from South Carolina, did a great job of showing this. Her fancy Halloween display with a graveyard scene got a lot of attention, but what really moved people was how she responded to a neighbor’s request.

When Salena’s neighbour asked her to take the box down from her display because his father had just been diagnosed with lung cancer, she agreed right away. The neighbour told him that his elderly father was scared by the decorations because he spent time in his shed looking out at Salena’s yard.

Salena knew what was being said and took down the coffin, replacing it with badminton rackets for the skeletons. She put the scary decorations in her backyard because she cared more about others than herself.

Salesna said, “I didn’t want to bring up his cancer battle.” People praised her for showing empathy in the TikTok video that went popular.

People who followed her said nice things about her, like “Kindness doesn’t cost anything.” “Thanks!” Also, “The world needs more people like you!” Even though they didn’t speak the same language, Salena’s neighbour thanked them by saying, “You’re good people.”

This touching conversation tells us that small acts of kindness can have big effects on other people. Salena’s story makes us want to show kindness all year, not just during the Halloween season.

Princess Charlotte has taken after her mother Kate Middleton with her newfound musical hobby – learning how to play the piano.

The Princess of Wales, 41, proudly discussed her daughter’s musical prowess while attending the Royal Variety Performance at Prince Albert Hall in London on Thursday.

She told pianist Lang Lang – who had just performed with a 13-year-old blind girl named Lucy – that her eight-year-old daughter has recently taken up the instrument.

Lang Lang told Hello! Magazine: ‘We talked about Charlotte. Her Royal Highness talked about Charlotte’s piano playing, I’m sure she’s good.

Her Royal Highness said to me that she said to Princess Charlotte “Hey, look, if you practice a lot you can be like him”.’

The Princess of Wales, 41, proudly discussed her daughter’s musical prowess while attending the Royal Variety Performance at Prince Albert Hall in London on Thursday

The pianist added: ‘I was like, wow, I’m sure she will do well at the piano. I think she is practicing.’

Charlotte’s newfound piano hobby was likely music to Kate Middleton’s ears, as the mother-of-three is also a keen pianist.

Kate’s interest in music dates back to her childhood, when she was learning piano, flute and attended the school choir, reportedly reaching Grade Three in piano.

She has recently demonstrated her musical prowess publicly, performing at the first Together at Christmas concert with Tom Walker in 2021.

‘Without doubt, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,’ Mr Walker said at the time.

‘I thought she absolutely smashed the performance; it’s not easy to just jump behind a piano with a bunch of musicians you’ve never played with before and record live takes to camera, but she completely nailed it.’

Kate’s former piano teacher has also shared his experience teaching the future Queen of England when she was around 10 years old.

‘She was absolutely lovely, a really delightful person to teach the piano,’ Daniel Nicholls told the Evening Standard in 2012.

Kate told pianist Lang Lang – who had just performed with a 13-year-old blind girl named Lucy – that her eight-year-old daughter has recently taken up the instrument

 

Charlotte’s new-found piano hobby was likely music to Kate Middleton’s ears, as the mother-of-three is also a keen pianist

 

Kate’s interest in music dates back to her childhood, when she was learning piano, flute and attended the school choir, reportedly reaching Grade Three in piano

‘I don’t think anyone would say she was going to be a concert pianist, but she was good at it, she always did everything she was told.’

But Charlotte isn’t the only royal youngster to take on a new hobby.

Her older brother Prince George, nine, has recently taken an interest in sports.

Former British triathlon competitor Non Stanford said: ‘[Prince William] was telling me how George has been doing triathlon at school.

‘There is also a gentleman who now works for William, who has done a bit of triathlon and has been giving George advice about putting talcum powder in his shoes.

‘George has been sharing his talc with his classmates, and they are all excited about these tips.’

Kate’s interest in music dates back to her childhood, when she was learning piano, flute and attended the school choir, reportedly reaching Grade Three in piano

Few artists have reached the cult status that Dolly Parton has. The Tennessee native has become nothing short of a legend and, despite performing and singing pretty much for her entire life, she still loves entertaining her legions of fans. 

Now, Dolly Parton has always been known for her amazing outfits on stage, as well as her extensive makeup. She has also gone on record before as to the reason why she’s never actually seen in public without her public.

Fortunately, we’ve done a little digging, and found some pictures of her with less makeup on. And boy do they show that she is a true, natural beauty …

Here’s all you need to know about the magnificent country star, Dolly Parton!

Dolly Parton was born in Locust Ridge, Tennessee, on January 19, 1946. She grew up somewhat poor in Locust Ridge, near the Great Smoky Mountains, as one of 12 children. As one can imagine, money was an issue.

Dolly Parton – early life

However, music became something that bonded her family. Her mother sang and played guitar, and when Parton learned more about music by performing in church at a young age.

“Music was such a large part of our whole family,” Parton recalled. “All of my mama’s people were musical. They all played some musical instrument. Of course, I took my music real serious, and I was always plucking along on somebody’s instrument — whatever they would leave lying around or whenever my family would come. But I always loved the guitar.”

Eventually, Dolly got a guitar from her uncle. Before long, she had started to write songs of her own.

By age 10, she had performed on several local television and radio stations in Knoxville, Tennessee. Then, at age 13, she made her debut on the national country radio station, Grand Ole Opry, earning about $20 a week.

Family and music walked hand in hand for the Partons. In fact, it was her uncles that helped her take the next step in her musical journey.

“I had two uncles who played — Uncle Bill, who helped me get into the business, and Uncle Lewis, who was also a great guitar player,” she said. “He had this little Martin guitar that I loved, so when he saw how serious I was about my music, he gave me his little Martin guitar. It was my treasure.”

Moved to Nashville

Parton went to high school and graduated, becoming the first in her family to do so. But in 1964, at 18, she decided to focus entirely on her music career. So Dolly left home and headed to the Mecca of the country music scene, Nashville.

“I had a dream,” she said. “And I had a talent, I thought. And I really believed it was going to happen.”

In Nashville, Dolly quickly became a star. She worked with Porter Wagoner on The Porter Wagoner Show, and the duo became very popular. Parton and Wagoner released several country hits together, and she soon got a contract with RCA Records. In 1971, Parton landed her first No. 1 country hit, Joshua, and several more hits followed. One of them was, of course, Jolene.

Parton got the idea in the late 1960s when she usually signed autographs for the audience after whatever television show she was on.

“One night, I was on stage, and there was this beautiful little girl — she was probably 8 years old at the time,” Parton recalled.

“And she had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me, holding, you know, for an autograph. I said, ‘Well, you’re the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So what is your name?’ And she said, ‘Jolene.’ And I said, ‘Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene. ‘That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I’m going to write a song about that.’”

Dolly Parton – ‘Jolene’

The inspiration for the song’s lyrics, meanwhile, came from a bank teller showing Parton’s new husband some interest.

“She got this terrible crush on my husband,” Parton said. “And he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention. It was kinda like a running joke between us — when I was saying, ‘Hell, you’re spending a lot of time at the bank. I don’t believe we’ve got that kind of money.’ So it’s really an innocent song all around, but sounds like a dreadful one.”

The song Jolene only has 200 words in it. However, it became one of the biggest hits of the 20th century. Dolly Parton reached No. 1 on the charts, and the song was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (both studio and live versions).

Also, Jolene was ranked No. 217 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, released in 2004.

With songs like I, Will Always Love You – which was a tribute to Wagoner and their professional relationship – The Seeker, Love Is Like a Butterfly, and All I Can Do, Dolly stacked up award upon award, becoming a worldwide superstar in the process.

Hits and awards

She won her first Grammy in 1977 with Here You Come Again, and more hits followed.

In the 1980s, Dolly broadened her audience by heading into the film industry.

She starred alongside Jane Fonda in the 1980 hit comedy 9 to 5, for which she also contributed with the soundtrack. More film appearances followed, and in 1986, she even opened her amusement park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Dolly claims to have written more than 3,000 songs in her career. Meanwhile, she sold over 100 million albums, topped the country chart 25 times, and won a staggering eight Grammy Awards. And she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“Almost every day I come up with a few song titles or a sweet melody,” Parton told BBC in 2016.

“I’m 16 in some ways. I’m still a hopeless romantic. But I’m 35 in my spirit and in my mind. When I was 35, it was a pinnacle, a great time in my life – success and happiness and all that. And so I just decided ‘I’m gonna claim that number and always be that in my state of mind.’”

While Dolly has conquered the world with her legendary music, songwriting, and outstanding live performances, she found the love of her life more than 55 years ago.

Dolly Parton – husband Carl Dean

In 1964, Dolly met Carl Dean outside the Wishy Washy Laundromat in Nashville, Tennessee. At the time, Dolly was 18 years of age, and Carl was 21. Straight away, Carl realized something exceptional about the young lady.

“My first thought was, ‘I’m gonna marry that girl,’” Dean said in a statement of the moment they met, as quoted by Entertainment Tonight.

“My second thought was, ‘Lord she’s good lookin’.’ And that was the day my life began. I wouldn’t trade the last 50 years for nothing on this earth.”

Dean was sitting in his pickup truck as he saw Dolly and “hollered” at her, as she recalled in an interview with the NY Times in 1976.  However, she declined a date with him. Instead, she invited him over when she babysat her nephew just days after. It was the start of a love story that never ended.

In May 1966, Dolly and Carl married in a private ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia. Her record label wanted them to wait to get married since she had a career to think about. But Dean and Dolly didn’t want to wait, so they decided to tie the knot in Georgia so that the local press in Tennessee wouldn’t write about it. The only ones in attendance were Dolly, Carl, and her mother.

Ever since then, Dolly and Carl have been deeply in love. In 2016, the couple celebrated their 50th anniversary. To celebrate, they decided to renew their vows.

Why Carl never joins Dolly Parton on the red carpet

However, Carl Dean never walks the red carpet with his wife at award shows or charity events.

He did it once, back when his wife received her first songwriting award at 20. But that was it.

“After the dinner, we walked back out, and they brought us our car — I don’t even remember what we were driving then — and we got in it and headed for home,” Parton recalled, as quoted by The Boot.

“Carl turned to me and said, ‘Dolly, I want you to have everything you want, and I’m happy for you, but don’t you ever ask me to go to another one of them dang things again!’”

Dolly has been in show business all her life, so it’s helped her to have the support of her one true love throughout her entire life. These days, they can do whatever they want, and we genuinely think they deserve it all.

But there’s one thing that Carl and Dolly decided not to have: children. Why? Well, it simply wasn’t a good fit.

Over the years, rumors surrounding Dolly and plastic surgery have been discussed. But the 76-year-old herself is not afraid of talking honestly about it. Parton has never dodged questions about plastic surgery. Instead, she’s been open and honest about what she’s done regarding procedures, no matter what people think.

When people ask about her cosmetic procedures, Dolly says she will always be truthful.

Dolly Parton – plastic surgery, makeup

Speaking to Larry King, Dolly revealed that she underwent a facelift, breast implants, liposuction, eye surgery, excess skin removal, lip injections, and botox, among other procedures.

“I don’t want to lie about it, so I’ve got to — I think sometimes it might help. You know, it’s not like — I mean, I look so totally artificial, you know, but I hopefully am totally real,” Parton said.

“I try to pick the best doctor, and I don’t do it that often,” she added about her plastic surgery.

“I just — I actually do it in little bits and pieces, because I don’t want to do a whole big drastic thing. I’ve never had, like, just the whole big thing done, because I don’t want to look like, you know, tighter than a banjo head.”

Whether you see Dolly playing a gig, walking down the red carpet, or just shopping, she is always dressed like an absolute superstar. So you can always be sure that you’ll see the legendary country singer in fabulous outfits.

That said, not many people have seen her without her makeup.

So why is that? Well, Dolly has a good explanation for that.

“I have to always stay ready”

In a 2020 interview with RuPaul for Marie Claire, Parton explained that she likes to stay “street ready.” That means having her hair and makeup done in case of an emergency.

“I have to always stay ready – street-ready, I always say,’ the country queen said. “I have to keep my makeup on and keep my hair done.”

Parton added: ‘If it’s going to earthquake, if we get an earthquake, I’m not running out in the street looking like you look now. I have to be ambulance-ready at all times if I get sick or something.’

Although Dolly Parton always wants to be ready with her hair and makeup, she stated that she has no problem embracing her natural side.

“I’m comfortable in my own skin. I’m comfortable with my image, I dress for myself more than I do for somebody else,” Parton said.

Dolly Parton is a real beauty, and we love seeing these pictures of her without her thick layer of makeup.

When my wife recently went to the salon, I expected her to come back with her gray hair dyed, as she usually did. Throughout the years, more and more silver strands had appeared, and I’ll admit, it troubled me. I wanted her to look “young” and vibrant, but she had different plans. When she shared a selfie after her appointment, I was taken aback—her gray hair was still there. At first, I was disappointed and didn’t understand why she would want to keep the gray. However, since that moment, I’ve had a change of heart. It’s not merely about hair; it’s about self-love, acceptance, and a much larger cultural movement.

For decades, women felt the pressure to conceal their gray hair. Dyeing it was the norm, driven by societal messages equating youth with beauty. But times are changing. Women worldwide are proudly embracing their natural gray hair, and it’s more than just a fashion statement—it’s a powerful movement. The #GreyHairDontCare trend is shaking up long-held beauty standards and encouraging women to embrace their authentic selves.

Celebrities have played a significant role in this transformation. Actresses like Andie MacDowell, Helen Mirren, and Jodie Foster have confidently sported their gray locks on the red carpet, signaling that it’s not only acceptable but amazing to let your gray hair shine. Social media has also given voice to this movement. Instagram accounts like @agingwith_style_and_grays and @grey_so_what have amassed huge followings, with women celebrating their gray strands as symbols of confidence and beauty. On TikTok, the hashtag #greyhair has garnered over 470 million views. This movement is not just a passing trend; it’s a revolution in how society views beauty.

Interestingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has played a significant role in catalyzing this change. With salons closed during lockdowns, many women were unable to maintain their regular dye routines. Some tried DIY hair dye kits, while others simply let their natural gray shine through. What initially started as a temporary situation evolved into a liberating experience for many.

Without the usual pressure of social gatherings or the workplace, women discovered the freedom to embrace their natural gray hair. For many, it became an empowering journey of self-acceptance. They realized that they didn’t need to uphold a certain appearance to feel beautiful. This pandemic-driven shift has led to a broader reevaluation of beauty standards, where natural aging is celebrated instead of being concealed.

For countless women, embracing gray hair goes beyond style—it’s an act of defiance against societal pressures. Women are often told they must stay “young” to retain their value. By embracing their gray hair, they are rejecting that notion, celebrating their worth at every age.

When my wife decided to keep her gray hair, I initially viewed it as purely aesthetic. But now, I understand that it represents so much more. It’s a statement about her value and self-confidence, a rejection of the idea that beauty diminishes with age. This movement toward embracing gray hair reflects broader cultural trends surrounding self-esteem, confidence, and mental health. By accepting their gray hair, women are embracing their true selves and experiencing incredible empowerment.

Social media has been instrumental in driving the gray hair movement. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become spaces where women can share their gray hair journeys, offering tips, inspiration, and support for others on the same path. These gray-haired influencers are creating communities that challenge stereotypes surrounding aging and beauty.

Accounts like @agingwith_style_and_grays help women feel confident about their gray hair, offering styling advice and celebrating the beauty of natural aging. By sharing their stories, these influencers are normalizing gray hair in ways that were previously unimaginable, breaking down beauty barriers that have existed for decades.

For far too long, the beauty industry has promoted youth as the epitome of attractiveness. Gray hair was once considered a symbol of aging, frailty, or irrelevance. However, today, gray hair is celebrated for its strength, wisdom, and authenticity.

Research by the Centre for Appearance Research reveals that perceptions of gray hair are changing. Women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond are now viewed as dynamic and stylish, with gray hair amplifying their confidence. This shift aligns with a broader societal trend toward inclusivity and diversity in beauty standards.

With the rise of the gray hair movement, one might wonder what the future holds for the hair dye industry. After all, the global market for hair dye is currently valued at over $21 billion. Although the demand for hair dye is unlikely to disappear, the focus may shift. Companies may begin to market products that enhance natural gray hair rather than conceal it. Dove, for example, has already launched its #KeepTheGrey campaign, encouraging women to embrace their natural color.

At the start of this journey, I wanted my wife to dye her hair. However, I now have nothing but admiration for her decision to keep her gray. It’s more than just a choice about hair color—it’s a statement of confidence and authenticity. Her silver strands represent her life, her experiences, and her resilience.

For anyone considering going gray, remember that beauty is not about conforming to society’s standards. It’s about embracing who you are. Gray hair is not something to hide; it’s something to celebrate.

In 2015, Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion, two of the most recognizable voices in music, performed a stunning live version of “The Prayer” together on stage. Originally featured in the 1998 film “Quest for Camelot,” this song is well-known for its depth of passion. Dion recorded the English version, while Bocelli recorded the Italian.

After the movie came out, the two worked together to create a duet of “The Prayer,” which was included on their studio albums that followed. Their amazing vocal harmony was highlighted by this collaboration, which also helped the song win several important accolades.

See the breathtaking rendition of “The Prayer” by Andrea Bocelli and Céline Dion in the video below. It’s a wonderful fusion of two incredible talents.

Molly, a disabled 17-year-old, faced life without a prom date and the fresh grief of losing her mother. Her estranged father, Danny, arrived at the funeral, much to her surprise. Molly had only known Danny through child support payments and negative remarks from her mother, Daisy.

After the funeral, Danny insisted Molly move in with him, despite her reluctance to leave the home she shared with her mother. Adjusting to life with Danny was challenging but also comforting as he made efforts to care for her, even learning to braid her hair through online tutorials.

One day, Molly came home upset, discovering her dad’s note saying he was out. Convinced he was at the pub, as her mother often said, she cried about her prom situation. No boys wanted to take her, making her feel isolated due to her disability.

Danny, determined to lift her spirits, surprised Molly by taking her to prom himself. He arrived in his truck, drawing attention as he wheeled her in. They danced, and Danny’s efforts touched everyone. Molly felt immense pride and love for her father, who became a local hero.

Danny had secretly been working two jobs to save for Molly’s surgery. Her mother’s misconceptions led to their divorce, but Danny focused on providing for his daughter’s future. After the prom, Danny found a surprise package containing a $10,000 check from the parents he met at the event, recognizing his dedication.

With the combined savings and the gift, Molly’s surgery was successful. Danny, now able to spend more time with her, taught her life skills and cherished their moments together. Molly eventually earned a scholarship and prepared to move for her studies, leaving behind the hardships of her past.

Danny’s love and sacrifices transformed their lives, allowing Molly to walk confidently into her future.

The Unassuming Star

Susan Boyle’s iconic audition on “Britain’s Got Talent” over a decade ago left the world in awe. Her shy and unassuming demeanor completely transformed when she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables, captivating the hearts of millions with her incredible voice[^1^]. Since then, she has gained fame and earned millions of dollars through her album sales. However, her journey hasn’t always been easy, with her love life becoming the subject of rumors and speculation[^2^]. So, did Susan Boyle ever marry? Does she have a partner? And where is she living now? Let’s find out!

A Life Well-Lived

As Susan Boyle grows older, she takes a moment to reflect on her remarkable life. In 2008, the unemployed charity worker decided to pursue her dream of making it in show business. Little did she know that her audition on “Britain’s Got Talent” would change her life forever. Able to captivate the judges and audience alike, Susan became an overnight sensation at the age of 47[^3^].

Living up to her newfound fame, Susan Boyle’s success soared with the release of her second studio album, making her the third artist to top the UK and US charts in the same year. Despite her global success and immense wealth, Susan has remained true to her roots and continues to live in her modest childhood home in Blackburn, Scotland[^4^].

Embracing Her Roots

Susan Boyle recognizes the importance of staying grounded and connected to her roots. She believes that being in touch with her humble beginnings helps her maintain her values and prevents her from saying things she shouldn’t[^5^]. Born on April 1, 1961, to immigrant parents, Susan grew up as the youngest of ten siblings in a council house in West Lothian, Scotland. Her parents, Patrick Boyle and Bridget, were both from County Donegal, Ireland[^6^]. To this day, Susan continues to reside in the house she grew up in, a reminder of where it all began.

A True Inspiration

Susan Boyle’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to achieve one’s dreams regardless of age or circumstances. Her story resonates with millions around the world and serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and make a difference. Through all her success, Susan Boyle remains honest, down-to-earth, and genuinely caring, making her an inspiration to people of all ages[^7^].

Kevin had already made his Halloween costume with his mom and helped his dad decorate their house. He was excited about how much candy he would collect. But one house on his street didn’t have any decorations, and that kept bothering him. He didn’t understand why someone wouldn’t celebrate Halloween, so he thought maybe they needed help.

Halloween was almost here, and the entire neighborhood was buzzing with excitement. Every yard seemed to be trying to be the scariest one around.

There were pumpkins with big, jagged smiles all along the sidewalks. Plastic skeletons hung from tree branches, and fake cobwebs covered porches.

The air smelled like dry leaves and candy, and eleven-year-old Kevin could feel his heart racing with excitement.

Halloween was Kevin’s favorite day of the year, a time when anyone could be whatever they wanted. He loved how everything changed for that one magical night.

As he walked down the street, he smiled, looking at the glowing jack-o’-lanterns and spooky ghosts decorating the houses. Some homes even played creepy sounds like witches’ laughter and creaking doors.

But something different caught his eye as he went farther down the street. One house was dark and plain, with no decorations at all. It was Mrs. Kimbly’s house.

Mrs. Kimbly was an older woman who lived alone. Kevin had helped her before, mowing her lawn in summer and shoveling snow in winter, but she rarely said much. Her undecorated house seemed out of place in the festive neighborhood.

Kevin felt bad that her house had no Halloween spirit. He thought maybe she needed help with the decorations. Determined, he crossed the street and knocked on her door.

When Mrs. Kimbly answered, her face showed annoyance. “What do you want, Kevin?” she asked in a gruff voice.

“I noticed you don’t have any Halloween decorations. I could help you put some up, if you’d like,” Kevin offered.

Mrs. Kimbly frowned. “I don’t need decorations, and I don’t need help,” she said sharply before slamming the door.

Kevin was surprised. How could anyone hate Halloween so much? He didn’t want her house to be a target for pranks, like kids throwing toilet paper, so he came up with a plan.

At home, Kevin told his mom, Sarah, about Mrs. Kimbly’s undecorated house and how she had slammed the door in his face. His mom suggested leaving her alone, explaining that people might have reasons for not celebrating.

But Kevin didn’t think Mrs. Kimbly hated Halloween—she seemed lonely. So, he decided to help anyway.

He gathered all the Halloween decorations he could find, including his favorite pumpkin, and hurried back to Mrs. Kimbly’s house. He carefully hung lights and placed pumpkins on her porch. As he finished, the front door opened, and Mrs. Kimbly stormed out, furious.

“I told you not to decorate my house!” she yelled. She grabbed Kevin’s carved pumpkin and smashed it on the ground. Kevin was shocked and hurt, but he whispered, “I just wanted to help,” before running home.

That night, Kevin put on his vampire costume, but he couldn’t enjoy Halloween. He was worried about Mrs. Kimbly’s house being pranked. So, he returned to her house and sat on her porch, handing out candy from his own bag to trick-or-treaters, explaining that Mrs. Kimbly wasn’t home.

As he sat alone, the door creaked open. Mrs. Kimbly stepped out, her expression softer this time.

“What are you doing here, Kevin?” she asked quietly.

“I didn’t want anyone to mess with your house,” Kevin explained. “I thought I could help.”

Mrs. Kimbly sighed and sat beside him. She admitted that Halloween was hard for her because it reminded her of how alone she was. She had no family to share it with.

Kevin understood now. “You don’t have to be alone,” he said. “You can celebrate with the rest of us.”

Mrs. Kimbly smiled sadly and thanked Kevin for his kindness. She even apologized for smashing his pumpkin. Kevin promised to bring another one so they could carve it together.

For the first time in years, Mrs. Kimbly felt the warmth of Halloween again, thanks to the caring heart of one determined boy.

It was the royal romance many only dream of when Queen Elizabeth’s youngest son Prince Edward fell in love with commoner Sophie Rhys-Jones.

Over the years, the husband-wife duo have spoken frequently about their enduring love for one another, the former Earl of Wessex referring to his wife of almost 25 years as his “rock”.

“[Sophie] is critical, absolutely critical,” the 60-year-old shared with British broadcaster ITV in March, 2024.

“She’s been an absolutely brilliant rock and I’m incredibly lucky that I found Sophie and that she found me. We’ve been a really brilliant partnership. We’re very lucky, we’ve got two, of what we would think are particularly brilliant children, who are forging such different paths for themselves. I think that’s also equally fascinating.”

Scroll on to take a look back at the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s relationship over the years…

How did Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie meet?

Unlike other members of the royal family, it wasn’t love at first sight for the now Duke and Duchess.

In fact, when they first crossed paths in 1987 at Capitol Radio, where Sophie was working at the time in public relations, Edward was actually dating Sophie’s friend!

Fast forward to 1993 and the pair reunited when Sophie was managing the publicity for the single prince’s Real Tennis Challenge Event. Here, they bonded over their shared love of sports, the outdoors, and the arts. – the rest, as they say, is history!

But the early stages of their relationship weren’t without their difficulties as the media became aware of this royal romance. Prince Edward even released a rare statement pleading with the press to respect his and Sophie’s privacy at the tail end of their first year together.

“I am taking this unusual step of writing to you directly in the hopes of stopping your reporters and photographers from destroying that part of my life that I am entitled to regard as private and more importantly, Sophie’s life.”

While this heartfelt plea did fall on sympathetic ears, the media frenzy only grew as Edward and Sophie were spotted together at more royal engagements, a sure sign of how serious their relationship was.

When did Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie marry?

On 6 January 1999, the prince announced his engagement to his commoner fiancée Sophie, after proposing to his future wife with a two-carat oval diamond flanked by two heart-shaped gemstones that were set in 18 white carat gold.

The ring itself was made by Asprey and Garrard (now known as Garrard & Co) and was purchased for an estimated £105,000.

The engagement itself took place in the Bahamas, with Edward telling reporters at the time that it was a surprise to even himself that it had taken him so long to propose.

“It’s impossible to understand why it has taken me this long, but I don’t think it would have been right before, and I don’t think she would have said yes.’”

Unlike his three older siblings, there was significantly less fanfare when it came to the wedding of Prince Edward and Sophie – with no ceremonial state, or even military, involvement.

This decision was made purposely by the lovebirds who chose to celebrate with their nearest and dearest rather than turn their wedding into a state occasion.

That being said, despite being ‘relatively’ lowkey, 200 million viewers were glued to their television screen to watch the nuptials unfold at St George’s Chapel in Windsor on 19 June 1999.

For the occasion, Sophie wore a stunning silk organza dress designed by Samantha Keswick that was decorated with a jaw-dropping 325,000 crystals and pearls. She was also gifted the stunning Anthemion tiara by the Queen from her own private jewellery collection.

The celebrations continued at the Waterloo Chamber and the Grand Reception Room before the newlyweds’ honeymooned at the beloved royal residence Balmoral Castle.

Who are the children of Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie?

After two years of marriage, the couple sadly suffered from an ectopic pregnancy in 2001. After another two years of trying for a baby, Sophie gave birth to their daughter Lady Louise Elizabeth Alice Mountbatten-Windsor on 8 November 2003.

After a placental abruption, little Louise was delivered prematurely via an emergency C-section. Unfortunately, her father was overseas in Mauritius on a royal tour at the time and missed the birth of his firstborn.

In a highly unusual move, Her Majesty rushed to St George’s Hospital in Tooting, Londo,n to offer her support to Sophie and her granddaughter who was receiving neonatal care.

Their second child, James Mountbatten-Windsor, the now Earl of Wessex, was born on 17 December 2007.

Following in the footsteps of Princess Anne, the parents opted not to give their children prince and princess titles to allow them to pave their own way in life without any obligation to the crown.

Both Louise and James can, however, choose to receive the titles if they decide to use the designation His or Her Royal Highness, but their mother believes it will be “highly unlikely” that they will take this path.

“We try to bring them up with the understanding they are very likely to have to work for a living. Hence we made the decision not to use HRH titles,” the duchess shared with the Times of London in 2020.

Where do Prince Edward and Duchess Sophie live?

Alongside their two children Louise and James, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh live in the royal residence Bagshot Park in Surrey, located just 17km away from Windsor Castle.

The 120-room residence, set within 51 acres, has been home to a family of four since July 1999 when they commenced a lease of the land from The Crown Estate for 50 years.

In 2023, Prince Edward reportedly extended this lease by another 150 years for a rumoured £5 million so future generations could continue living at the palatial property.

It’s spooky season—a time for fun, scares, and a bit of darkness. During this time of year, we expect to see creepy decorations everywhere. It’s not yet time for the cheerful holiday season.

However, just because Halloween is near doesn’t mean we can’t show kindness. One Halloween fan shared this message in a TikTok video that has since gone viral.

Salena Webb loves Halloween. She is a mother of four from South Carolina, and like many others, she celebrates by decorating her yard with Halloween items. Salena created a whole graveyard scene in her front yard, complete with ghosts, spiderwebs, pumpkins, a witch, tombstones, and skeletons carrying a casket. It took a lot of time to set up the display. But when her neighbor came to ask her to take it down, she agreed.

Her neighbor asked her to remove some decorations to make things easier for his elderly father.

Salena shared the moment her neighbor visited her to make the request in a TikTok video. In the video, the neighbor explains, “Hey, I know you’re celebrating Halloween. My dad just got diagnosed with lung cancer. He thinks the decorations are a bit scary.” He then points to the graveyard scene and asks, “Would you mind taking just the casket out?”

Salena felt sympathetic right away. Since her neighbor’s dad often spends time in his garage, which faces her yard, she understood why removing the casket was important. “I didn’t want to be a reminder of what could happen if he doesn’t beat cancer,” she told Insider. “I didn’t want to add stress to someone else’s life.”

Salena removed the casket and gave the skeletons badminton rackets instead. She moved the more scary decorations to her backyard. “I was a little sad at first,” Salena wrote in her TikTok caption, “But I realized that taking away the casket wouldn’t hurt me, but it might help my neighbor feel better as he deals with this news. Kindness is free, and compassion goes a long way.”

Many people praised Salena for her kindness. She posted the video and asked her followers what they would have done in her situation. While some said they wouldn’t have taken down their decorations, many praised Salena for her compassion.

“Now this is what being a good neighbor is all about. Kindness doesn’t cost anything. Thank you!” one user commented.

Another person wrote, “This was beautifully handled. The world needs more people like you! God bless you!”

Salena’s neighbor also appreciated her gesture. After she took down the casket, she brought him a card and some balloons. Even though there was a language barrier between them, she could tell he was thankful. He told her, “You’re good people.”