Former Archbishop Sparks Controversy at Travellers Club
Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, encounters significant opposition in his effort to rejoin the exclusive Travellers Club in London’s St James’s. Membership costs £1,700 annually. Welby resigned from the gentlemen-only club in 2014, shortly after becoming Archbishop, when members voted against admitting women—just days after the Church of England approved female bishops.
Now 70, Welby submitted his candidacy last year following his resignation amid challenging circumstances. A club insider notes that Welby appears willing to overlook previous diversity concerns about the male-only policy. However, his bid draws sharp criticism, including scribbled objections in the candidates’ book and letters to club chairman Adrian Stones, a former MI6 officer.
Opposition intensifies due to the Makin Review, which examined abuse at Christian camps and concluded it unlikely Welby remained unaware of concerns about abuser John Smyth. Critics in the book write ‘NO’ repeatedly, with one comparing him to ‘Jimmy Savile’ and altering his listed occupation from ‘company director’ to ‘Clerk in Holy Orders.’ Club officials emailed members urging them to stop such actions.
Gemma Atkinson Rejects Botox for Wellness Brand
Actress Gemma Atkinson, 41, prioritizes a natural look for her skincare and wellness brand, Gem & Tonic. Mother of two with Strictly Come Dancing star Gorka Marquez, she once planned Botox at 40 but now embraces pro-aging. ‘I feel a responsibility to promote a healthy lifestyle,’ Atkinson states.
Endurance Runner Highlights River Pollution
John Mildmay-White, 40, an Old Etonian, completes a grueling 370-mile super marathon over ten days, culminating at Westminster Bridge. The challenge raises awareness about pollution in Devon’s River Erme. ‘It’s tougher than imagined, but the cause is worth it,’ he says. His great-uncle, jockey Anthony Mildmay, 2nd Lord Mildmay of Flete, influenced the Queen Mother’s interest in National Hunt racing.
Alan Titchmarsh’s Unusual Growth Story
TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh, 76, reveals a quirky teenage tale. Leaving school at 15 at 4 ft 10 in with an art O-level, he grew to 5 ft 8 in within a year in a greenhouse. Previously noting school bullying for his height, he jokes, ‘Put a small child in a greenhouse—they grow.’
Poppy Delevingne’s Ex Becomes Father
Model Poppy Delevingne, 39, sister of Cara Delevingne, welcomed a daughter last May with boyfriend Archie Keswick, 44. Her ex-husband James Cook, 47, matches the milestone, fathering a son with fiancée Lauren Brown, a photographer’s agent resembling Poppy. Brown shared a pram photo online. A friend says, ‘James always wanted fatherhood—this is a dream come true.’ Cook, from a family aerospace firm, proposed in Bhutan last April after separating from Poppy in 2022 following eight years of marriage.
Royal Estate Seeks Mini Golf Groundskeeper
Sandringham in Norfolk advertises customer-facing roles, including a ‘Mini Golf & Groundskeeper’ position ideal for golf enthusiast Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. King Charles could assign his brother this task instead of idleness.
Tasha Ghouri Mentors Youth via King’s Trust
Strictly Come Dancing 2024 finalist Tasha Ghouri, 27, born deaf and using a cochlear implant, mentors disadvantaged youth in the King’s Trust Emerging Talent Programme. Inspired by Charles’s love of dance, participants perform at London Cabaret Club next week. CEO Evelina Girling comments, ‘The King likely supports us for his dance moves. We hope for royal attendance.’
Jade Holland Cooper Unveils Vast Shoe Collection
Fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper, 39, a Princess of Wales favorite, reveals around 100 pairs of luxury shoes in a Cheltenham Festival prep video. Half are Christian Louboutins with red soles, up to £1,300 each. Living in the Cotswolds with husband Julian Dunkerton of Superdry and two children, her £60 million brand reflects her passion for killer heels.
Grace Murdoch’s New Romance
Rupert Murdoch’s 25-year-old daughter Grace, from his marriage to Wendi Deng, 57, dates US finance analyst Daniel Siegel, 23. Yale classmates since three years ago, they attended Murdoch’s 95th birthday in New York. Grace posted a photo captioned with a heart: ‘You make me the happiest.’
Richard E Grant’s Joyful Family News
Richard E Grant shares happiness after wife Joan’s 2021 death from lung cancer. Daughter Olivia, 37, expects a baby in June with husband Florian Herbst, 36. The couple lives with Grant in Richmond.
Christopher Eccleston Skips Doctor Who Event
Christopher Eccleston, ninth Doctor Who, withdraws from a Birmingham convention at Hilton Metropole organized by Starfury. ‘I’ve not been paid per contract, no explanation given,’ he states. Fans seeking refunds should contact organizers; Eccleston received no response to his inquiries.
