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Ryanair to scrap popular routes across Europe including Spain, Italy and Denmark this year

RYANAIR has announced more cancellations to their European flights.

After the news of rising aviation tax, the airline have decided to stop certain flights to Spain, Italy and Denmark as well as Hungary, Morocco and Austria.

Ryanair plane taking off.
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Ryanair has cut multiple flight paths to and from the UK[/caption]

Hungary

Ryanair has stopped flights from Bournemouth to Budapest.

In a post on social media, an airport spokesperson said: “Unfortunately the Budapest flight from Bournemouth will no longer run past April 2025 as per the airline’s decision.”

Austria

Austria will also see less Ryanair traffic after introducing a £9.99 air traffic tax.

Denmark

Ryanair are set to cancel all trips to and from Aalborg, after Denmark announced new aviation taxes.

The new tax has introduced a 50DKK (£5.57) fee for all passengers departing Denmark, which is paid for by airlines.

At the end of January 2025, Ryanair also announced they would be closing their base at Billund airport.

A Ryanair spokesperson said: “We are very disappointed to announce the closure of our 2 aircraft Billund base and our operations at Aalborg from the end of March.

“But we have been left with no other choice following the Danish Govt’s short-sighted decision to introduce a harmful aviation tax from Jan 2025.”

They continued to add: “Ryanair is the only major airline growing in Europe, and cost is the main factor when deciding where to allocate aircraft and growth.

“Unfortunately, this harmful aviation tax makes Denmark (especially regional Denmark) hopelessly uncompetitive compared to other EU countries, like Sweden, Hungary, and Italian regions, who are abolishing aviation taxes to stimulate traffic recovery and growth.

Passengers boarding a Ryanair plane at Bournemouth Airport.
Alamy
Ryanair have stopped flights from Bournemouth Airport to Agadir[/caption]
Billund Airport in Denmark with airplanes and parked cars.
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Ryanair announced last month that they would be closing their base at Billund airport[/caption]

“As a result, Denmark’s connectivity, traffic, jobs, economic recovery, and growth will suffer irreparable damage – particularly in regional airports where they are reliant on efficient, low-cost air travel – as this capacity (1.7m seats, 32 routes, and 2 aircraft) is reallocated to lower cost airports elsewhere in the extensive Ryanair Group.”

Morocco

The airline has confirmed that they would be calling the flight from Bournemouth Airport to Agadir at the beginning of February, just 10 months after they were launched.

Airplane aisle with passengers seated.
Alamy
Ryanair have said the increasing tax has resulted in cancelled flight routes[/caption]

Germany

Ryanair will no longer have a base at German airports, Dortmund, Dresden and Leipzig.

Hamburg flights will also be reduced in the summer reaching a total of 22 routes from the airline’s roster.

Italy

Ryanair plan to remove one of its aircraft from the Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, which is the largest in Italy.

This is due to the government’s decision to a municipal surcharge at major Italian airports starting on 1 April 2025.

Spain

Spain is a hotspot when it comes to bagging a cheap flight because it’s so close to the UK, so the country will be affected by Ryanair’s latest plans.

The airline have announced they will be cutting air traffic over 2025 by 18 per cent. In terms of seats, this equates to 800,000.

A total of 12 routes to the country will be cut with Ryanair completely stopping operations at Jerez and Valladolid airport.

Ryanair’s CEO Eddie Wilson said: “Aena’s excessive airport charges and lack of workable growth incentives continue to undermine Spain’s regional airports, limiting their growth and leaving vast swathes of airport’s capacity underutilised.”

He added: “Aena persists with unjustified charge hikes and refuses to implement effective incentive schemes to support Spain’s regional growth, instead prioritising foreign investments in airports across the Caribbean, UK, and the Americas.”

As a result, Ryanair will “cease its entire Jerez and Valladolid operations” they will also “reduce traffic in Vigo, Santiago, Zaragoza, Asturias, and Santander in 2025”.

France

While there have been no announcements to stop routes to and from France, the country is planning on increasing its aviation tax this year.

According to Metro, the tax on an economy class short-haul flight within France or Europe will rise from €2.63 to €7.40 on flights departing from France.

Michael O’Leary, Ryanair’s chief executive recently said that Ryanair would consider reducing their services if the taxes were to increase.

Advice for flying with Ryanair

  • All Ryanair passengers can bring a small personal bag on board but this must fit under the seat in front of you, but it must be no bigger than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
  • Any over-sized cabin bags will be refused at the boarding gate and put in the hold for a fee
  • Ryanair also charges passengers up to £55 check-in at the airport
  • Anyone who loses their card at the airport will have to pay a £20 reissue fee
  • Book to sit in the front five rows if you want to head off the plane first
  • Extra legroom seats can be found in rows 1 A, B, C or 2 D, E, F as well as row 16 and 17 near the emergency exit
  • The worst seat on Ryanair’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft is also 11A because of its lack of window.

Here are tips from Sun Travel on how to keep a trip with Ryanair just as cheap as the ticket price.

And the news that customers will no longer get caught out with the £55 charge thanks to new rules.

Ryanair Boeing airplane landing over palm trees.
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Ryanair will concentrate its efforts on other European markets like Italy, Sweden, Croatia, Hungary, and Morocco[/caption]

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Hamas claims youngest Israeli hostages aged just 2 & 5 and their mum are all dead leaving Bibas family in ‘turmoil’

THE FAMILY of a mum and her two sons held captive by Hamas in Gaza are in “turmoil” as the terror group claimed they are dead and their bodies will be sent back to Israel.

Ariel Bibas, five, and his baby brother Kfir, two, were snatched with their mother Shiri, 33, during the terrorist group’s bloody rampage on October 7.

A woman holding two young children, crying.
Ian Whittaker
Mum Shiri Bibas was seen desperately clutching to Kfir and his brother Ariel as they were kidnapped on October 7[/caption]
Family in Batman pajamas.
Supplied
Yarden and Shiri Bibas with their two young boys before the family became hostages[/caption]
The Bibas family: father Yarden, mother Shiri, and their two children.
Ofri Levy
The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel were taken captive by Hamas terrorists[/caption]
The Bibas family: father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir, and four-year-old Ariel.
Handout
The Bibas family, father Yarden, mother Shiri, baby Kfir and four-year-old Ariel[/caption]

Their father Yarden, 35, was also taken after Hamas brutes smashed him over the head with a hammer.

Shiri’s despairing face as she was kidnapped clutching her two children became a symbol for the horror of Oct 7.

And meanwhile Kfir’s adorable smile gave hope as the whole world pleaded for their safe return.

But now Hamas appear to have confirmed the worst – saying the trio’s dead bodies will be released along with six living hostages on Thursday.

Israel have yet to confirm the identities of those to be released.

The Bibas family released a statement shortly after Hamas’ claim saying they are “in turmoil”.

“Until we receive definitive confirmation, our journey is not over,” the family said.

Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband and the boys’ father, was freed earlier on February 1.

He spent 484 days in Gaza’s terror tunnels on his own, as he was quickly separated from his family.

Relatives had not had proof of life for months even for Shiri and the boys.

And they had been fearing the worst when the terror group claimed that she and the children had been killed in an Israeli air strike and all other child hostages were released.

But there was no proof that they were dead so the family clung to the slim hope that they were alive as they campaigned for their freedom.

That hope was extinguished with confirmation that the mother and boys – who had been on the list for release in the first six-week phase of the ceasefire – were dead.

The family sheltered inside their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas fiends rampaged through southern Israel on October 7.

They kept anxious relatives elsewhere in Israel updated by text message as gunmen stormed through neighbours’ homes.

At 9.43am accountant Yarden messaged his sister, occupational therapist Ofri Bibas Levy, 38, to say: “They’re coming in.”

She never heard from him again.

Hamas fighters hand over an Israeli hostage.
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The moment Yarden, 34, was finally freed earlier this month after 484 days in captivity[/caption]
Smiling baby holding a pink stuffed animal.
Baby Kfir was the youngest hostage taken by Hamas
Young boy playing with a toy.
Ariel Bibas pictured before the was kidnapped by Hamas

A short time later a horrific video emerged of Shiri looking utterly terrified and crying as she clung to her two sons while Hamas gunmen led them away from the family home.

Moments later Yarden was smashed over the head with a hammer and with blood streaming down his face was hauled to Gaza, also captured on camera and posted online.

On the one year anniversary of the massacre – when relatives were still praying for the family’s safe return – Ofri told The Sun: “The last year has been a nightmare.

“I could never imagine something like that would happen to me and my family.

“We live every day with a constant feeling of fear – and uncertainty.

“It’s the not knowing which is the worst – are they alive? Are they dead? Are they being tortured?

“Did they get to eat today, something to drink? When was the last time they even saw sunlight?”

After the terror group claimed that Shiri and the boys were dead, she said: “It was a real shock to hear that but after a few days we thought okay, they say that, but we don’t know for sure.

“And even if there is a 1% chance of that not being true, we decided as a family that we’re going to keep fighting and keep demanding and keep shouting for them.

Older child in a Batman costume holding a baby in a Batman costume.
Supplied
The family sheltered inside their home on Kibbutz Nir Oz when Hamas fiends rampaged through southern Israel[/caption]
A woman holds her baby son, who is wearing a car-themed onesie.  The background shows other people.
Ian Whittaker
Mum Shiri was kidnapped with her two sons Ariel (not pictured) and Kfir[/caption]

“That keeps us able to still hope in some way.”

Photos from brighter times before October 7 show a typical, happy family, the young boys laughing and smiling as they play with each other and their parents.

In one cute snap, the parents and their sons cuddle up on a sofa all wearing Batman outfits.

Before they received the tragic news, Ofri said: “Ariel is a fully energetic boy who loves tractors and vehicles and superheroes and playing with any kind of water.

“His red head gets a lot of attention everywhere he goes. But he’s also very shy.

“Kfir was a sweet baby, very cuddly and he loved to be tickled. He was very cute.

“Yarden and Shiri are the most amazing parents.”

Heartbreakingly, two-year-old Kfir never celebrated a birthday outside of Gaza.

The family had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for months to strike a ceasefire deal which would see the hostages return home.

They were delighted when it was finally signed but had mixed emotions because they still had no idea if the family was alive.

Israel announced it will receive the bodies of four hostages from Hamas on 20 February.

They did not release their names but said the families had been informed.

Tragically for the Bibas family, it was later confirmed that Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were among the dead.

What happened on October 7?

ON OCTOBER 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on Israel, marking one of the darkest days in the nation’s history.

Terrorists stormed across the border from Gaza, killing over 1,200 people — most of them civilians — and kidnapping 250 others, including women, children, and the elderly.

The coordinated assault saw heavily armed fighters infiltrate Israeli towns, kibbutzim, and military bases, unleashing indiscriminate violence.

Innocent families were slaughtered in their homes, and graphic footage of the atrocities spread across social media, leaving the world in shock.

And as well as attacking people in their homes, they stormed the Nova music peace festival – killing at least 364 people there alone.

The massacre triggered a swift and massive retaliatory response from Israel, escalating into a full-scale war.

The attack not only reignited long-standing tensions in the region but also left deep scars on both sides of the conflict, setting the stage for the 15 months of devastation that followed.

Person holding photos of a couple and their two children.
AP
Yifat Zailer shows photos of her cousin, Shiri Bibas, center, her husband Yarden, left, and their sons Ariel, top right, and Kfir, who were held hostage by Hamas militants[/caption]
Protestors holding signs demanding the release of hostages Shiri and Yarden Bibas and their children.
Reuters
Protesters hold signs as they call for the immediate release of hostages[/caption]

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Little-known iPhone hack instantly frees up storage – I’d never seen it before and saved 90GB of space in seconds

DIVING into your iPhone settings might sound a bit dull way to spend an afternoon – but it could help you to free up loads of storage space.

There’s an easy-to-miss iPhone menu that does the job perfectly (I tried it out and saved loads of space), and it’s nowhere near the iPhone Storage settings.

iPhone lock screen displaying "hello" and "Swipe up to open".
Apple
It’s February, which means that it’s time for an iPhone spring clean[/caption]
Screenshot of iPhone settings menu.
Sean Keach / The Sun
You’ll want to head down into your iCloud settings[/caption]

That’s because the storage you’re saving isn’t physically on your iPhone, but in the cloud.

Your iCloud storage is where all of your backed-up content is held, including those precious photos, videos, and texts.

If you ever lost your iPhone, it’d be these iCloud back-ups that would save you from the despair of saying goodbye to those beloved files.

Sadly that iCloud storage can fill up pretty quickly – and getting more will cost you money.

You only get 5GB of iCloud storage for free, and updating to 50GB comes with a £0.99 / $0.99 fee.

This upgrades your account to iCloud+, which has some bonus perks (including a way to hide your email adress to limit spam).

And the top level of iCloud+ for £54.99 / $59.99 gets you a mammoth 12TB of storage.

But before you go forking out on extra storage, head into your settings to see if you can free up space.

EASY TRICK TO FREE ICLOUD STORAGE SPACE

One of the big reasons why your iCloud storage might be running low is old back-ups you don’t need anymore.

This will be linked to you having used a different iPhone previously.

Your iCloud might still be holding on to one of those back-ups, in addition to the back-up for your current iPhone.

And if you go into your iCloud settings, you can check for this.

I did just that, and managed to free up just under 90GB (gigabytes) of storage space.

Netflix says that a single gigabyte of downloaded content is equivalent to six hours of telly.

Screenshot
First, take a look at your iCloud storage recommendations
Sean Keach / The Sun

So I saved the equivalent of nearly 540 hours of TV – or just over 22 days’ worth.

To find these back-ups, you’ve got two easy options.

One is to go into Settings > iCloud > Recommended For You and then look for Delete Inactive Backups.

This will only appear if you actually have any inactive back-ups available to delete.

iCloud inactive backup review screen showing an iPhone 15 Pro Max backup using 87.2 GB of storage.
Sean Keach / The Sun
You can review inactive back-ups and delete them in an instant[/caption]

Another option is to go into Settings > iCloud > Backup > All Device Backups.

That’s where you’ll be able to see a list of all of the back-ups that you’ve got saving to iCloud.

And if you find that you have any redundant ones that aren’t in use any more, feel free to remove them.

Just make sure that you’re not getting rid of your main back-ups where all of your current files are being saved.

ICLOUD+ PRICING – HOW MUCH WILL IT COST YOU?

Here's the official list of prices for the UK and US, accurate as of February 18, 2025..

You get 5GB of free iCloud storage as standard. This free plan doesn’t come with any of the iCloud+ perks. If you want iCloud+ perks and bonus storage, you’ll need to pay the following monthly fees:

UK iCloud+ prices

  • 50GB – £0.99
  • 200GB – £2.99
  • 2TB – £8.99
  • 6TB – £26.99
  • 12TB – £54.99

US iCloud+ prices

  • 50GB – $0.99
  • 200GB – $2.99
  • 2TB – $9.99
  • 6TB – $29.99
  • 12TB – $59.99

Picture Credit: Apple

If you do that and you still don’t have enough storage, you could always upgrade your iCloud to one of the more premium iCloud+ plans.

As well as bonus storage, Apple says that you get the following perks:

  • Automatic Syncing – Sync and access your data across all your devices.
  • iCloud Private Relay – Keep your Safari browsing private.
  • Hide My Email – Keep your personal email address private.
  • Custom Email Domain – Personalize your iCloud email address with a custom domain.
  • HomeKit Secure Video – Store, analyze, and view encrypted video from your home security cameras.
  • Family Sharing – Share an iCloud+ plan with up to five family members.
  • Apple Invites – Create unique invitations and manage events.

The Apple Invites app was only released this month – and we’ve already tested it out.

iCloud backups for Sean's iPhone 16 Pro Max (96.8 GB) and iPhone 15 Pro Max (87.2 GB).
Sean Keach / The Sun
Make sure you only delete unwanted back-ups – and not your current ones[/caption]

But if you want to stick to the free iCloud tier, you won’t get those perks – and will have your storage capped at 5GB.

Read More »

Kanye West ‘sabotages’ ex Kim Kardashian’s big business announcement with new post ripping Nike sneakers

KANYE West has been accused of sabotaging his ex-wife after sharing an obscure post on social media.

Kim Kardashian, 44, made a big business announcement today, and it seems that Kanye, 47, has once again rained on her parade, fans say.

Kanye West at a fashion show.
Getty
Kanye West has been accused of sabotaging his ex-wife after sharing an obscure post on social media[/caption]
Kim Kardashian at the SNL 50th Anniversary Special.
Getty
Kim Kardashian made a big business announcement today[/caption]
Orange Nike shoe.
Not known, clear with picture desk
Kanye shared a snap of a new Nike sneaker today with a cryptic caption[/caption]
Nike and Skims logos embossed on a dark surface.
INSTAGRAM/KIMKARDASHIAN
He shared his post amid his ex-wife’s Nike announcement[/caption]
Adidas Yeezy Foam Runners advertisement.
AP
Kanye’s brand YEEZY is known for its collaborations with Adidas[/caption]

Today it was announced that sportswear and sneaker label Nike will soon launch a new collection in collaboration with Kim’s iconic SKIMS brand.

Soon after Kim’s big business news was unveiled, her ex Kanye took to social media to share a post about Nike – with fans confused as to whether or not it was positive or negative.

“Looks like Kanye is accusing Nike of copying his shoes – hours after Kim’s collab with Nike was leaked,” penned one person on Reddit.

The original poster added: “Trying to sabotage her moment per usual.”

The Redditor also shared Ye’s post, which saw him share a snap of a new Nike sneaker alongside a caption.

“The new Nike design really moved us / really inspired us at YEEZY,” Kanye said in the caption, which was written in all caps.

The controversial rapper went on: “We appreciate you guys work to the team behind these. Thank you for making something new and special, love Ye.”

This comes after it was today revealed that Nike will soon launch a new collection in collaboration with Kim’s SKIMS brand.

Nike will merge with SKIMS for a unique collaboration made specifically for the female form.

KIM’S NEW BUSINESS MOVE

Reports claim that the collection will include pieces such as “training apparel, footwear, and accessories designed specifically for women”.

The collection is due to debut in the US this spring at select retail locations, with other locations around the globe set to stock it from 2026.

After years of altering her clothes, Kim decided to launch her own brand SKIMS back in 2019.

The reality star and Jens Grede co-founded the shapewear brand in June 2019.

The brand then launched its first collection in September 2019. 

A Quick Look at Kim's Business Empire

SKIMS is just one part of Kim Kardashian's multi-million dollar business empire. The reality TV star makes money from a multitude of jobs.

The Kardashians on Hulu – 2022 to present

SKIMS – an underwear, loungewear and shapewear brand founded in June 2019

SKKN – skincare and makeup line

Kim has also acted on American Horror Story, received endorsements from numerous companies, and more making her net worth a little above $1 billion

Kim’s brand was launched when she was still married to her ex-husband Kanye.

FORMER POWER COUPLE

The former power couple tied the knot in 2014 at Forte di Belvedere in Florence, Italy, and the remained married for seven years.

They then split in 2021, with Kim filing for divorce on the grounds of “irreconcilable differences.”

Their divorce was finalized in November 2022. 

During their marriage, the former couple welcomed four children together: North, 11, Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and Psalm, five.

This comes after we reported that Kim, along with family matriarch Kris Jenner, will do anything to protect the children after disgraced Kanye‘s unhinged social media rampage.

Kim Kardashian at the 2022 Baby2Baby Gala.
Getty Images - Getty
Kim’s Nike X SKIMS collab is set to hit stores this spring[/caption]
Kim Kardashian with her four children.
KIM KARDASHIAN/INSTAGRAM
The fashion mogul shares four kids with ex-husband Kanye[/caption]
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West with their four children.
Instagram
Kim and Kanye split in 2021 and their divorce was finalized in 2022[/caption]

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How Man Utd could line up in the CHAMPIONSHIP with top stars sold as Rio Ferdinand fears they won’t win another game

MANCHESTER UNITED may have to oversee a huge clearout and start afresh if they are relegated this season.

The Red Devils have suffered their worst campaign since 1973-74 – the last time they were relegated.

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United manager, coaching during a match.
Getty
There could be big changes at Old Trafford if Man Utd are relegated[/caption]
Jack Fletcher of Manchester United during a soccer match.
Academy stars like Jack Fletcher could be given a chance to impress
Getty
Rasmus Hojlund of Manchester United during a soccer match.
Reuters
Young players signed for big bucks like Rasmus Hojlund could stick around[/caption]
Ayden Heaven, new Manchester United signing, holding his jersey.
Getty
New signing Ayden Heaven could get a chance to shine[/caption]

And Rio Ferdinand thinks the drop is a real possibility as he can only see his former side getting a result in one of the 13 Prem fixtures they have left – against bottom three side Leicester.

Ferdinand said: “Do you realise we’re that close? Someone said we need 11 points just to stay up.

“I’ve got the fixture list: Everton away, Ipswich at home, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest away.

“Before hosting Man City, and going to Newcastle away, and then Wolves, Bournemouth, Brentford, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Leicester.

“The only place I see us getting anything — and I’m not even saying a win — is Leicester. I’m not seeing wins. That’s the problem.”

Relegation would likely mean a huge change at the club with high earners shipped out and young players brought in.

Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton will likely leave no matter the season outcome as they are all out of contract in the summer.

United could look to cash in on Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, just as they did in January, as well as the underperforming Andre Onana, which could mean a chance for Altay Bayindir.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Illustration of a Manchester United starting XI.

Other big earners Casemiro, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraouri and Joshua Zirkzee would likely want to leave too, as would Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes.

That would mean an entire rebuild with only a few faces remaining – stalwart Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo.

The Red Devils would be keen to hang onto Leny Yoro having shelled out a big fee as an investment in the youngster last summer.

Amad is also a key asset and only signed a new five-year contract last month, tripling his wages in the process.

Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven are new additions and long-term investments having arrived last month – part of Ineos’ transfer strategy to bring in young players with room for potential.

Amorim had to name a substitutes bench consisting of all but one academy player against Tottenham on the weekend – the likes of Jack Fletcher, Jack Lee Moorhouse, and forgotten summer signing Sekou Kone could be given a chance in the Championship.

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Who was Kate Meyrick? Single mother who inspired Dope Girls drug drama

KATE Meyrick embarked on building a nightclub empire as the Great War came to an end — earning a reputation as “The most dangerous woman in London.”

Here we take a look at the life and crimes of the entrepreneurial trailblazer, which have been dramatised in the BBC’s Dope Girls.

Black and white photo of Mrs. Kate Meyrick.
Kate Meyrick became known as the “Queen of the Night” in 1920s London
Rex

Who was Kate Meyrick?

Kate Meyrick was born Kate Evelyn Nason in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland, on August 7, 1875.

She was an infamous club owner who became known as the “Queen of the Night” in 1920s London.

Her journey from a respectable doctor’s wife to a notorious nightclub proprietor began after her separation from her husband in 1918.

As the single mother of eight children, she found herself struggling financially with a weekly allowance of less than £1.

Determined to support her family, in 1919 she entered the nightclub business, opening her first venue — Dalton’s in Leicester Square.

Rise to prominence

Over the next decade, Kate became a central figure in London’s vibrant nightlife scene.

She operated several clubs, including the famous 43 Club on Gerrard Street, which attracted gangsters, call girls and IRA members.

It also welcomed showbiz stars such as Hollywood bigshots Rudolf Valentino and Tallulah Bankhead.

She scandalised society by creating safe spaces where, behind closed doors, women could also indulge in sex and booze, and gained a reputation as “The most dangerous woman in London”.

Kate’s illicit empire of nightspots were locations where hedonists could also access the booming recreational drugs market.

Prostitution was rife and girls inside her clubs were known as Meyricks Merrye Maids.

Novelist Evelyn Waugh even used Kate as the inspiration for the character of Ma Mayfield — who ran a club called the Old Hundredth — in his 1945 novel Brideshead Revisited.

‘Ma’ Meyrick’s establishment was often infiltrated by police in evening clothes, posing as the tipsy aftermath of regimental dinners or bachelor parties

David NivenThe Moon’s A Balloon

In his autobiography, actor David Niven opened up about losing his virginity at the age of 14 to Nessie — a 17-year-old dancer from the 43 Club.

He wrote in his 1971 memoir, The Moon’s A Balloon: “She had to be on hand in evening dress as a ‘dancing partner’, making a fuss of the rather high-class clientele and persuading them to buy champagne at exorbitant prices.

“She was not allowed to solicit on the premises — a rule that was strictly enforced because ‘Ma’ Meyrick’s establishment was often infiltrated by police in evening clothes, posing as the tipsy aftermath of regimental dinners or bachelor parties.

“But contacts were easily enough made and Nessie soon built up the basis of an enthusiastic clientele.”

Man in tuxedo winking and holding a cocktail glass.
David Niven recalled lost his virginity to a dancer from the 43 Club

Kate is understood to have made as much as £500,000 during her impressive career — equivalent to roughly £17 million today.

Legal troubles

Kate’s career was marked by frequent run-ins with the law.

She served five prison sentences and faced numerous fines for violating licensing regulations and selling alcohol illegally.

Despite these setbacks, she continued to operate her clubs, often reopening them under different names shortly after being shut down.

Black and white photo of Kate Meyrick and two of her daughters walking in Monte Carlo.
Getty
Kate Meyrick pictured with two of her daughters in Monte Carlo[/caption]

She passed away on January 19, 1933, at the age of 57.

Her funeral took place in famed West End church St Martin-in-the-Fields, and theatres and clubs dimmed their lights out of respect.

Dope Girls

The BBC‘s drama series Dope Girls was partly inspired by Kate’s story.

While she herself was not involved in drug trafficking, the series draws on the broader context of female-led criminal enterprises in early 20th century London.

Woman with large feathered wings.
BBC
Dope Girls was partly inspired by Kate Meyrick’s story[/caption]

The show explores the story of a conservative, god-fearing 42-year-old single mother who builds a nightclub empire, mirroring aspects of Kate’s life.

The dark six-part series is based on Marek Kohn’s 1992 book Dope Girls: The Birth of the British Drug Underground, which follows the penniless women as they hit up the underground Soho club scene.

Despite its title, the book is not about drug gangs run by women.

However, in reality, there are no records of female-led drug gangs in London during this period — so there may not have been any at all.

The Forty Elephants was a notorious all-female gang that operated in London from the 1870s through the 1920s and beyond.

Led by Alice Diamond in the 1920s, they specialised in shoplifting luxury goods.

They broke away from the male-led Forty Theives gang, which operated from the London borough of Elephant & Castle.

Read More »

‘Real reason’ Meg renamed brand to ‘As Ever’ is a HUGE faux pas – it’s flopped before she’s even started, PR pro slams

MEGHAN Markle’s sudden company rebrand is a “huge faux pas”, especially when she’s got major backers like Netflix to keep happy, says an expert.

The Duchess of Sussex announced on Instagram her upcoming lifestyle company American Riviera Orchard is changing its name to As Ever weeks before the launch.

Close-up of Meghan Markle smiling.
Instagram
Meghan Markle in the new video[/caption]
Close-up of Meghan Markle wearing a white shirt.
Instagram
Harry can be heard off camera telling her ‘it’s recording’[/caption]
A woman and child walking on a grassy lawn, with palm trees and text overlay reading "As ever".
The As Ever website shows a rare photo of Harry and Meghan’s daughter Lilibet

It comes after a royal expert told The Sun, the name change exemplifies how Meghan is always “jumping in” without enough thought – and said the inclusion of Lilibet is shameless.

The duchess, 43, is due to tie in the brand with her upcoming cookery show With Love, Meghan for the streaming giant.

Some products, including homemade jams, have already been sent to Meghan’s pals with the old branding.

The name hit a stumbling block last year after the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) partially refused a trademark application for its name.

Meghan was told by officials she can’t have exclusive rights to the term “American Riviera” because it is a commonly used place name to describe Santa Barbara, where the duchess grew up. 

Nick Ede, brand and culture expert, told The Sun: “It’s a pretty big issue. If you’re going to be doing a deal with Netflix – making millions for yourself, but also for somebody else… 

“This huge faux pas where you’ve literally [sent out] your jams with the label saying American Riviera Orchard, and you’ve also created an Instagram site and a website.

“That’s a really big business issue, and because it’s being played publicly, obviously so many people are discussing it.

“It really looks like the business has flopped before it’s even [launched].”

Mr Ede also said to be having to change tact in such a huge way so quickly “is crazy for a brand that’s actually not even been released yet”.

“So it just feels like a really bad faulty start that she had and hopefully this new rebrand will do well, but I think time will tell,” he added.

No products have yet been made available to purchase, and the ‘As Ever’ name was registered in 2022.

Meghan didn’t touch on the specifics of why she’d changed the brand name in her announcement video, instead suggesting it was solely down to avoiding “limiting” what she could sell.

Mr Ede said: “I do think that maybe she should have just been as honest as possible about the trademark issues.”

Meghan also referred to her old lifestyle blog The Tig, which was taken down after she became a working royal in 2018.

Mr Ede said it could prove a difficult sell because the average person probably never knew about the defunct blog until after it was pulled.

“Who remembers The Tig?” he said. “It wasn’t particularly big, it didn’t go across the world…

“Are the fans of Meghan, who used to know her for The Tig still the same fans who used to buy into her? Do they still buy into her? 

“I think it’s a very different world now, and I think maybe she’ll come up against that, because people might not believe or buy into what she’s talking about.”

He went on to say, “one of the biggest hurdles is actually Meghan herself”, referring to how she appears to live in a bubble when it comes to making business decisions.

“She talks about going back to her glory days… like I’m going back to basics guys. 

“Well, actually, they don’t know where your basics are, because one of your basics is you were in the Royal Family. Next is, you’re an actress. 

“Next is that you’re a charity ambassador, and the next is that you’re slagging off a lot of people. So who are you?”

Mr Ede said the success of the upcoming show can’t be understated because its popularity is largely going to decide if As Ever can stay afloat.

“There’s no identity to it yet,” he said.

“There’s a lot that’s relying on this, and yes, you might get eyeballs on a TV show. But does that convert to sales? I’m not too sure whether it does.” 

Mr Ede said “everything is really hinging” on the Netflix show. “It’s so important for her to have this successful,” he explained. 

“It’s so important for Netflix to have people watching it, and you know Netflix are gambling at the moment with creating their own shopping environments, their own standalone stores, etc, which they’re piloting at moment in America. 

“So for them this is really important for Megan to be part of their Netflix universe.”

Mr Ede said another issue is people backing a new brand will be talking about “bragging rights”.

“Your bragging rights is when you say that you’ve got something, and you kind of feel that you’re a little bit elevated because you have it. 

“Do you have bragging rights in having something that Meghan Markle’s put her name to? 

“I don’t think at the moment people do, because she polarises so many people. She’s not this ubiquitously loved person.”

What do we know about Meghan Markle's new cooking show, With Love, Meghan?

MEGHAN Markle's new Netflix documentary trailer shows her cooking with Hollywood pals.

The Duchess of Sussex gave fans an insight into her show, With Love, Meghan, which airs on January 15.

There will be eight 33 minute episodes featuring a host of Meg’s various Hollywood friends trying her simple, yet “elevated”, food.

A montage of various clips in the nearly two minute video showed Meghan walking through vegetable patches and fields.

She was also filmed browsing through florists hand selecting beautiful flowers for table arrangements, showing off her creative side.

The Duchess even tried her hand at beekeeping, fully suited up, as she collected honey.

In the exciting new trailer, Meghan shared: “I’ve always loved taking something pretty ordinary and elevating it.

“Surprising people with moments that let them know I was really thinking of them.

“I’m going to share some little tips and tricks. I see what colour I gravitate to, and everything goes from there. And how you incorporate these practices every day.

“This is about connecting with friends.. I love that we’re doing this together for the first time. Making new friends.. and just learning.

 “We’re not in the pursuit of perfection. We’re in the pursuit of joy. I have to get it totally wrong, to get it totally right.”

The trailer showcased many “candid” moments, from Meghan accidentally squeezing some lemon juice in her eye, to knocking freshly baked goodies off a plate.

Prince Harry featured at the end of the video, embracing his wife in a warm hug.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a wheelchair basketball game.
The Mega Agency
Meghan and Prince Harry during Invictus Games in Vancouver last week[/caption]
Illustration of a logo featuring a palm tree and two birds.
The As Ever logo
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, waving at an event.
Splash
Some people have accused the mum-of-two for making it the ‘Meghan show’[/caption]
Meghan Markle in a kitchen, smiling.
COURTESY OF NETFLIX
The trailer for With Love, Meghan has been released, with the show launching next month[/caption]

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