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Victoria Beckham Won’t Thank Melanie C For Sharing This Hilarious Drunken Spice Girls Tale

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Many of us have done stuff after one too many drinks that we’d rather forget about, so Victoria Beckham might want to look away now.

Melanie C has shared one particularly boozy memory from the Spice Girls’ early days that is the very definition of The Fear, for Victoria at least.

In her new autobiography, Who I Am, Mel recalls celebrating the day the girl group signed their record deal in the mid-90s when Victoria had one too many and ended up throwing her underwear out of a taxi window on the way to a posh London restaurant.

Melanie C
Melanie C

Karwai Tang via Getty Images

“By the time we arrived, the taxi was a wreck; there was lipstick, champagne and flowers all over it. Somehow, Victoria’s knickers ended up being chucked out of the window…” Mel writes.

Sporty Spice adds that their manager Simon Fuller had to pay the London cabbie £50 to cover the mess and the girls’ “terrible behaviour”.

Mel continued: “We steamed into this incredibly posh restaurant, stinking of booze and ciggies, and crashed onto the table. The other diners were not amused.

“By this point, Victoria was so drunk she pretty much fell asleep face down in her dinner. She was still knickerless!”

Victoria Beckham and Melanie C in the Spice Girls days.
Victoria Beckham and Melanie C in the Spice Girls days.

Rune Hellestad – Corbis via Getty Images

Mel, who was in the group alongside Victoria, Geri Horner, Emma Bunton and Mel B, also shared how Robbie Williams broke her heart after he “led” her on..

“Robbie did behave badly — he led me on and then abruptly dropped me at a time when I was incredibly vulnerable,” Mel revealed.

“I don’t have any bad feelings towards him now, but he did break my heart a bit. I was hurt and I was humiliated.

“It was somebody I had admired, and he pursued me and then treated me badly.”

Who I Am is out now.

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Eddie Butler, ‘Iconic’ Voice Of Rugby, Dies Aged 65

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Tributes have poured in to former Wales captain and “iconic” rugby commentator Eddie Butler, who has died aged 65.

The 16-cap Wales number eight died in his sleep on a charity trek on the Inca Trail in Peru.

Former England hooker and Butler’s BBC colleague Brian Moore offered a touching social media farewell.

“I am devastated by this news,” Moore tweeted.

“Ed, I’m sorry I never told you how much I admired you as a broadcaster and as a man. Well, it wasn’t like that between us, was it.

“Condolences to Sue and your family. Sport has lost an iconic voice.

“I have lost a very dear friend. Goodbye Edward.”

Butler rose to prominence with Pontypool in the 1970s, representing Wales between 1980 and 1984.

He toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 1983, before forging a highly respected career as a commentator and broadcaster.

His coverage of the Olympics – specifically his distinct voiceovers of montages of the games – developed cult status.

“The Prostate Cymru charity is devastated by the passing of its much loved ambassador Eddie Butler,” read a statement announcing the news.

“Eddie was the voice of Wales and we were honoured to have him as part of our charity. We will cherish the many memories we have of him.

“Over the last week Eddie once again showed his generosity and steadfast commitment to good causes by joining 25 Prostate Cymru fundraisers, including his daughter Nell, on the Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu.

“In the early hours of Thursday, September 15, Ed passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ecoinka base camp in the Peruvian Andes.

“He leaves behind his wife Susan and six children, who are very much in our thoughts.”

Butler represented Cambridge University from 1976 to 1978 while studying French and Spanish at Fitzwilliam College.

The imposing back-row forward made his Wales debut in the 18-9 win over France in January 1980.

After rugby Butler enjoyed a short stint as a teacher, then worked for a property development company – before finding another niche in broadcasting.

Butler moved on from stints with national newspapers to excel for the BBC in commentary on rugby, but also adding colour to major sporting events.

Former Wales international Sam Warburton said: “Stunned at the news and passing of Eddie Butler. Thoughts with his family.

“What an amazing contribution to rugby and broadcasting. A privilege to have played and co-commentated with his voice. RIP Eddie.”

Welsh Rugby Union chairman Rob Butcher insisted his country owed Butler a sizeable debt for his contribution to the sport.

“For many Eddie was the voice of Welsh rugby and he will be sorely missed by supporters around the globe as well as his friends throughout the game and here at the WRU,” said Butcher.

“He proudly represented his country as a player, was a mainstay in press boxes around the world long after he retired from the game and has been prolific in the way in which he has served Welsh rugby in both the written and spoken word over decades.

“Our thoughts and prayers go to his family, who we also know well and cherish, and his close friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time.

“He was a unique individual on the game in Wales owes him a debt of gratitude for his contributions both on and off the pitch.”

The BBC director general Tim Davie also paid tribute to a “wonderful wordsmith” who voiced some of rugby’s most vital moments.

“Everyone at BBC Sport is shocked and saddened by this very sad news,” said Davie.

“Eddie was a brilliantly gifted commentator, writer and reporter whose passion for the game of rugby union shone through every broadcast.

“A wonderful wordsmith with a rich, iconic voice, he provided the definitive soundtrack to some of the greatest moments in rugby’s history.

“He will be much missed by all of us, our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

TV presenter Monty Don also paid tribute to Butler.

“Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of Eddie Butler,” he said. “I have known Eddie since he was a gangly 18 year old star player at University.

“A wonderful rugby player, became a superb commentator and a fine man.”

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Liz Truss And Keir Starmer Queuing At The Queen’s Lying In State Sends Twitter Abuzz

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Shortly after the Queen’s coffin arrived on Wednesday at Westminster Hall, where as many as 400,000 people are expected to witness the lying in state, politicians joined the royals in a service remembering the late monarch.

But an image of prime minister Liz Truss and Labour leader Keir Starmer was quickly seized upon on social media. It’s not the first time the new Conservative leader has been mocked since the Queen’s death, with many commenting on her unusual curtsey when meeting King Charles.

A constant procession of mourners is continuing to make its way through Westminster Hall to pay their respects, with members of the public having queued for hours along the Thames.

The Queen’s state funeral on Monday will see 2,000 people including world leaders and foreign royals gather inside Westminster Abbey in London on for the final farewell to the nation’s longest reigning monarch.

Some 800 people, including members of the Queen’s Household and Windsor estate staff, will attend the committal service afterwards at 4pm in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle.

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Royal Makeover: All The Everyday Items That Will Be Rebranded For King Charles III

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The end of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign does not just mean a changeover for the UK’s head of state.

The Queen’s face or name have been put on many British (and overseas) items over the many decades of her reign, from state-owned objects – like currency – to brands you might not have realised, like Twinings, and Heinz.

Over 800 brands have lost their right to use the royal coat of arms on their packaging, and they now have to prove the royal family use their products before they can put it back.

Here’s what you need to know.

What is the royal warrant?

This is when the royal coat of arms – with the English lion on the left and the Scottish unicorn on the right of a shield, featuring different UK emblems on it – can be printed on a product’s packaging. And it doesn’t cost the brand a thing.

There is usually a statement underneath explaining which royal appointed the warrant, too. Most products previously had: “By Appointment to Her Majesty the Queen.”

The monarch can decide who is to be a “grantor” (aside from themselves), meaning the person who officially decides what products can receive the royal warrant.

Officially known as a Royal Warrant of Appointment, it allows brands to use the coat of arms if they supply goods or services to the royals “on a regular and ongoing basis to the Royal Households of Grantor/s for not less than five years of the past seven”.

Brands also have to prove they have policies and plans in place which show they prioritise sustainability and the environment.

Companies which sell items to souvenirs shops in various royal estate do not qualify.

Which brands use it?

Among the hundreds of brands, both British and international, which hold the royal warrant, here are just a handful of household names which received the official royal seal of approval:

Bacardi-Martini

Cadbury UK Ltd

Carluccio’s

Kellogg’s

Boots Opticians

Molten Brown

Penhaligon’s

How long can brands use it?

Warrants are granted for up to five years at a time, but can be reviewed for renewed the year before it runs out.

These warrants will now be reviewed and granted by the Queen’s successor, King Charles III – although it’s worth noting that he actually approved many of the previous royal warrant holders anyway.

An estimated 875 brands have the royal coat of arms on their packaging – but now the Queen has died, it no longer means anything, according to the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

But, the brands are allowed to use the symbol for an additional two years as they adapt to life under the new monarch, as long as there is not a significant change within the company concerned.

Between 20 and 40 new warrants are granted and old ones cancelled each year – even if it’s cancelled, they can have a year to alter packaging.

How can the warrant be cancelled?

There are a lot of different reasons – if the quality of the product is not “up to standard” anymore, it’s “no longer manufactured or available”, order numbers have fallen or the goods or services are no longer required, the royal warrant could be withdrawn.

If a company goes under, it loses the royal seal of approval too.

A coat of arms for the appointment of the brewery is seen at the tap bar at Windsor & Eton Brewery
A coat of arms for the appointment of the brewery is seen at the tap bar at Windsor & Eton Brewery

DANIEL LEAL via Getty Images

Will anything else need to be changed now we have a new monarch?

Yes – the most obvious thing being the UK currency. The Queen’s face is on all of British coins and bank notes right now.

The Bank of England says it costs around 7p or 8p to make a banknote, and there are around 4.7 billion in use in the UK at the moment – meaning it could turn out to be pretty expensive to replace them all.

But, like with the royal warrant, this change is not usually quick.

For instance, the Queen’s face did not begin to appear on coins until the year after her accession (1953), and she was not on banknotes for years – although that was because she was the first monarch to appear on such currency.

King George VI’s face was also only removed from coins 20 years after his death, during the change to the decimal system.

According to German news outlet DW, the Bank of England has clarified that notes with the Queen’s face are still legal tender, and the Bank is set to release an update after the national mourning period is closed.

What about the post?

Unused stamps will stay valid for use until at least the end of next year.

Postboxes always carry the insignia of the monarch reigning at the time it was put up – E (Elizabeth II) and R (for Regina). New boxes now may use the cypher CR – Charles Rex III. But the ones currently in place will not be changed.

Royal Mail has not revealed how much it would cost to do this anyway.

And, the organisation told DW that “in line with the King’s wishes we will minimise any waste and avoidable cost, so we will be using up stocks of postage stamps and not removing the late Queen’s cypher from vehicles and post boxes ”.

What else might need to be changed?

Many of our emergency services will need to be updated at some point, from the fire service ensign, to military medals with the Queen’s effigy, police helmets, and UK passports.

Some Commonwealth currency bears the Queen’s face, too.

Her image is on the currency of at least 33 countries, more than any other living monarch, including Canada, Jamaica, New Zealand, as she was head of the Commonwealth.

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Liz Truss Criticised Over ‘Unconstitutional’ Sacking Of Top Civil Servant

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Liz Truss has been criticised for the “unwise and unconstitutional” sacking of a top civil servant.

Tom Scholar was axed as the permanent secretary at the Treasury on Kwasi Kwarteng’s first day as chancellor.

He said Kwarteng had decided it was time for “new leadership” but that he would be “cheering on from the sidelines” in future.

However, the move has been criticised for former senior members of the civil service.

Sir Simon McDonald, the former permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, said “parliament needs to act”.

He tweeted: “Cabinet ministers sacking permanent secretaries on their 1st day in office is unwise & unconstitutional but the government has discovered it can do what it wants with the civil service, which has no power to resist.

“The retired complain, but so what? Parliament needs to act.”

He was responding to a letter in The Times by Sir David Normington, who was permanent secretary at the Home Office between 2006 and 2010.

He said: “The sad fact is that in sacking Sir Tom Scholar, one of the ablest civil servants of his generation, the prime minister and chancellor have sent a clear message to the civil service that they are not interested in impartial advice and intend to surround themselves with ‘yes’ men and women.

“That is a sure route to bad decision-making and weak government.”

Scholar’s sacking came after Truss made clear during the Tory leadership contest that she wanted to challenge the Treasury “orthodoxy” on how to run the economy.

Kwarteng will next week use a mini-budget to unveil the government’s plan to slash taxes to boost economic growth.

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Fear Not, 500 Portable Toilets Are Along The Route To The Queen’s Lying In State

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Britain is doing little to defy the stereotype that people enjoy nothing more than joining a queue as the wait to pay final respects to the Queen grows.

Officials have laid on around 10 miles of “queuing infrastructure” to allow as much of the public as possible to visit the Her Majesty’s lying in state.

Doors at Westminster Hall – where the Queen’s coffin is on public displayed – opened at 5pm on Wednesday. The historic building on the parliamentary estate will remain open for 24-hours a day until 6.30am on September 19, the morning of the late monarch’s funeral.

Reports suggest that people have already been queuing for 15 hours, with some expectations that waits could reach 30 hours. It prompts questions about what happens if nature calls – but planners have mercifully thought ahead.

Those on the route – 6.9 miles from Victoria Tower Gardens to Southwark Park, with a further three miles within the park itself – will have access to more than 500 portable toilets.

Those joining the line will be given numbered wristbands so they take toilet breaks without losing their place.

With up to 400,000 people expected to queue, more than 1,000 volunteers, stewards, marshals and police officers will be on hand at any one time as people brave the wait on the banks of the Thames.

This includes 779 professional stewards per shift, assisted by 100 civil service volunteer marshals, 40 adult scouts, and 30 members of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry charity, as well as Metropolitan Police officers.

So how long is the queue right now?

Well, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is running a live “queue tracker” to pinpoint the end of the line.

At 4pm, the tracker showed the queue was around 2.2 miles long, stretching past Blackfriars Bridge in Southwark near Tate Modern.

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To help avoid disappointment, it is understood that entry to the back of the queue may be closed early, although it is too early to estimate when that moment might come.

Numbers will be monitored towards the end of the lying in state period, to ensure as near as possible that those already waiting are able complete their visit.

There will be a separate accessible route running from the Tate Britain for people less able to wait for a long period of time, with timed entry slots issued for a line along Millbank to the Palace of Westminster.

<img class="img-sized__img landscape" loading="lazy" alt="Queen’s lying in state: route of queue.” width=”719″ height=”467″ src=”https://www.wellnessmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/fear-not-500-portable-toilets-are-along-the-route-to-the-queens-lying-in-state-3.jpg”>
Queen’s lying in state: route of queue.

PA Graphics via PA Graphics/Press Association Images

No proof of disability will be required to use this route, with marshals on hand to make sure people are in the correct line and two British Sign Language interpreters to help.

It is understood there will be an element of self-policing when it comes to people keeping their places in line.

Those waiting in the queue are being given a coloured and numbered wristband, specific to each person, allowing them to leave for a brief time.

It is thought people will know those around them and be supportive when others need to step out.

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