Sew La Ti Embroidery:
News Update

The government agency, known by its Portuguese acronym Funai, estimates 68 isolated populations live in the Amazon.
The most recently identified tribe live in four large, straw-roofed buildings and grow corn, bananas, peanuts and other crops.
Untouched by civilisation: The unknown indian tribe are thought to belong to the group sharing the Pano language
According to Funai, preliminary observation indicates the population likely belongs to the pano language group, which extends from the Brazilian Amazon into the Peruvian and Bolivian jungle.
The community is near the border with Peru in the massive Vale do Javari reservation, which is nearly the size of Portugal and is home to at least 14 uncontacted tribes.
The community is near the border with Peru in the massive Vale do Javari reservation, which is nearly the size of Portugal and is home to at least 14 uncontacted tribes
Funai coordinator for Vale do Javari, Fabricio Amorim, said: 'The work of identifying and protecting isolated groups is part of Brazilian public policy.
'To confirm something like this takes years of methodical work.'
The region has a constellation of uncontacted peoples considered the largest in the world, said Amorim.
In addition to the 14 known groups, Funai has identified through satellite images or land excursions up to eight more tribes.
The group are thought to live on bananas, corn, peanuts and other crops which they grow themselves
That adds up to a population of about 2,000 individuals in the reservation, Amorim said.
Their culture, and even their survival, is threatened by illegal fishing, hunting, logging and mining in the area, along with deforestation by farmers, missionary activity and drug trafficking along Brazil's borders, Amorim said.
Oil exploration in the Peruvian Amazon could also destabilise the region, he said.
'Lost': The isolated tribe, believed to share the Pano language, have plantations of corn and bananas near their homes
Discovery: The roofs of 'malocas' - huts - are visible above the canopy of the jungle along the Javari River in Brazil
In spite of the threats, most of Brazil's indigenous groups maintain their languages and traditions.
Many have long fought for control of land in which they've traditionally lived on.
They won legal rights to reclaim that territory in Brazil's 1988 constitution, which declared that all indigenous ancestral lands be demarcated and turned over to tribes within five years.
So far, 11 per cent of Brazilian territory and nearly 22 per cent of the Amazon has been turned over to such groups.
'Uncontacted' tribe found in Brazil's Amazon

source: dailymail

VIA Lost tribe of 200 found in Amazon spotted by satellite

Eugenie teamed the dress with a pair of gold earrings, a nude-coloured clutch bag and matching nude peep-toe heels.
However, she had some competition to be the centre of attention from her older sister Princess Beatrice.
Beatrice, 22, also looked incredible in a nude Elie Saab net and flower gown, pulled in at the waist to highlight the extent of her dramatic weight loss.
Family night out: Eugenie attended the annual fundraising event with her sister Princess Beatrice and mother Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York
The royal is almost unrecognisable in a red Vi after shedding an astonishing amount of weight over the past year.
She was spurred into losing her puppy fat by pictures which showed her wearing a tight blue bikini in the Caribbean in 2008.
However, Beatrice said she was not ready for the barrage of criticism she received following the shots.
Lady in red: Eugenie won rave reviews from fashion's fiercest critics for her McQueen dress at Ascot
Svelte: The dress highlighted Eugenie's slim figure and drew attention to her feminine curves
She told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.
'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory. The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting. I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it is the kick I need.'
Beatrice, who has faced a battle with her weight similar to that of her mother Sarah Ferguson, has previously put her transformation down to trainer Nadya Fairweather, whose help she enlisted in the lead-up to the London Marathon.
source: dailymail

VIA Well, if it suits you...! Princess Eugenie recreates Ascot success with red gown at Elton John's White Tie and Tiara Ball

Desperate measures: Site workers try to suck mud from the market areas close to the Pyramid Stage in an attempt to dry them before the main event begins tomorrow
In for a penny... Tom Wilder, 17, from Kent, gets into the festival spirit and performs a dramatic slide in the Glastonbury Festival mud
Diving face down through Britain's biggest mudbath, teenage reveller Tom Wilder ensured the Glastonbury cheers started early.
Egged on by his mates, 17-year-old student Tom, from Kent, performed headlong dives on demand to cheer up arrivals trudging through the sodden 900-acre site.
Countless efforts left him caked in mud from head to toe, with dairy farm sludge stuck in the braces on his teeth.
But he declared with a grin: 'If I run out of clothes, I'll just do it naked.'
His dives received roars of approval from hundreds of onlookers along with the group of friends he was camping with.
Best friend Callum Burgess, also 17, said: 'I'm supposed to share a tent with him but he can sleep outside. Look at the state of him.'
Clouds cleared over the Pilton hills last night, but the rain returned this morning and is due for a reprise later today - the best weather is not expected until Sunday.
Tent city: Aerial view of the Glastonbury Festival taken today. Over the course of a few days Glastonbury becomes the home to thousands of party goers creating a temporary town twice the size of the city of Bath
More than half the ticket-holders for the sold out event will have squelched their way to the site by tonight.
This year's event sees U2, Coldplay and Beyonce headline.
Treacherous conditions: Festival goers traipse through the mud around an ice cream van at the Glastonbury Festival
But early arrivals' efforts to secure prize camping spots were confounded by yesterday's monsoon-like conditions.
Hundreds of tents were flooded withing a few hours as torrential downpours began shortly after gates opened and fans began streaming in.
Campers hauling their bags and beers along the slippery thoroughfares were even told to pitch tents on hills to escape the worst of the wet conditions.
Marc Saunders, 31, from Bath, pitched his tent in driving rain with his five-year-old daughter Sam and wife Sarah.
He said: 'We say it's "go hard or go home". We're thrilled to be here, the place is magical - even in the mud.'
Go hard or go home: Muddy revellers chill out at the stone circle during the evening celebrations at Glastonbury last night
Another early arrival, 19-year-old James Street, from Belfast, was caked in mud from head to toe after slipping in a puddle.
He said: 'I'm drenched, obviously. But it's great just to be here with my pals. Legendary place, legendary line-up.
'We're not interested in the headliners - there's so much more to see.'
The first of the main acts take to the Pyramid Stage tomorrow, when the wet weather is expected to return.
Among a host of theatrical events at the site will be Glastonbury's own version of La Tomatina.
Other new elements for this year include The Spirit of 71 stage, with acts that played at the festival 40 years ago.
Beyonce, who fell in love with the Somerset festival after watching husband Jay-Z perform three years ago, is believed to have cleared her diary to party in Pilton over three days.
Rapper Jay-Z is even money with bookmakers Ladbrokes to join his wife on stage this Sunday.
NOW WATCH THE MET OFFICE'S GLASTONBURY WEATHER FORECAST

source : dailymail

VIA Glaston-buried: Fans drown in sea of mud and the music hasn't even started yet

Simpson is currently serving a nine-year sentence at Nevada’s Lovelock Correctional Centre, after he was convicted of robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas in October 2008 after a botched heist to retrieve his memorabilia he said was stolen by dealers.
Coup: Will Oprah finally get the confession from O.J. Simpson that she is said to have been pining for?
He was famously acquitted in October 1995 of the murders of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman despite huge amounts of evidence against him.
According to the National Enquirer, the interview is set to be filmed after Simpson confessed he killed the pair in self-defence to a producer from inside prison.
'Oprah has been in touch with O.J. for the past year,' a source told the magazine.
She contacted him in prison to explore the possibility that he might give her an interview.
Confession? O.J. Simpson and his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, when they were a couple in 1993
'He has always been a big fan of hers, but for a long time he was reluctant to say he did the crime or give the details of how it happened.'
According to the insider, Simpson recently decided to go through with the confession after he was contacted again by one of Oprah's producers.
'He told the producer: "Tell Oprah that yes, I did it. I killed Nicole, but it was in self-defence. She pulled a knife on me and I had to defend myself",' the insider was quoted as saying.
He reportedly then went on to give a full account of what happened on the night of the murders on June 12 1994.
Murdered: Ronald Goldman was an American waiter and an aspiring model
The former couple had got into an argument after Nicole was said to have snubber Simpson when he interrupted a meal she was having at a restaurant with their children.
'O.J. said he went home and kept getting angrier and angrier and worked himself into an absolute rage,' the source told the Enquirer.
Family: Simpson, pictured with Nicole and their children, Sydney Brook and Justin
Simpson allegedly told the producer he 'didn't like the way she treated me in front of the kids at the restaurant. I didn't like that she was routinely having guys have sex with her at her condo with the kids there.
'I went over there to give her a piece of my mind,' he was quoted as saying.
When he arrived and no one answered at the house, he started pounding the door and shouting, according to the report.
The door allegedly then swung open and Nicole was standing there with a kitchen knife in her hand.
Evidence: A glove that was found at Simpson's home - originally said to have been the pair to another which was bloodied from the violent murders
'O.J. told the producer, "she was yelling go away! Go away! And waving the knife around at me. At one point she was lunging at me with the knife and I was just trying to talk to her. Nicole stepped out of the apartment - slashing the knife in the air.
'"I was in such a rage that something just snapped. I couldn't take her constant taunting of me with other men or her using drugs and drinking while my kids were living with her. I went beserk.
'"Before I knew what I was doing I took the knife away from Nicole and started slashing at her. I cut her over and over again until she was lifeless. I was shocked at my own anger - I had killed the woman I had loved for so long.."'
Weapon: A German-made 15-inch knife similar to one originally said to have been sold to Simpson five weeks before the murders
He allegedly went on to tell the producer he also knifed Ron Goldman in self-defence as he tried to attack Simpson when he turned up at the home soon after and spotted Nicole's body on the floor.
The shamed former sportsman was acquitted on October 3, 1995 of stabbing to death his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman after perhaps the most famous trial in modern history.
After the bodies were found in a pool of blood on her driveway in Los Angeles driveway, Simpson, who has until now maintained he did not commit the murders, began a bizarre slowspeed car chase with police.

Custody: Simpson's original mugshot
Almost 100million people are thought to have watched the events live on television as the sports star held a gun to his head while being driven by a friend.
He was allegedly headed for the Mexican border with $5,000 dollars and his passport when he was tracked by authorities.
Eventually, 27 police cars trailed him until he surrendered on his mansion's driveway an hour and a half later.
Despite huge amounts of evidence against Simpson, including bloodstains in his car, a glove holding DNA from the three, a sock engrained with traces of his victims'
blood on his bedroom carpet and tapes of a terrified Nicole begging police for help as Simpson hit her - he was acquitted of the murders.
If the confession is made to Oprah on television, Simpson will not, however, suffer legal consequences.
Under the law of double jeopardy, a second trial is forbidden following an acquittal.
source: dailymail

VIA Has O.J. Simpson confessed murder to Oprah? Huge TV interview planned in which convict 'will admit he killed Nicole in self-defence

Planking is a craze for taking photos of people lying down in unusual places and then posting them on the web.
Game on: Planking during a game of golf
A spokesman for the fan page - which was only set up in the past fortnight and which we cannot name for legal reasons - defended the past time.
'For most people, it's just a bit of harmless fun,' he told the York Press, declining to give his name.
He said the group did not condone people planking in dangerous spots, but added they could not be held responsible for anyone who chose to do so.
'However, we have decided to regulate the site now and remove some of the pictures,' he said.
'We have blocked access [to the Facebook profile] to about 800 people under 18, as they might be easily influenced and put themselves in danger.'
Risky: Participants taking part in the craze lie face down in a tree
The page has already attracted nearly 3,500 'likes' on Facebook.
Fans have posted pictures of themselves on the page planking in locations including on top of nightclub soundsystems, on cars and on bales of hay.
The youngster allegedly pictured planking on the rail tracks was arrested after police received calls from members of the public identifying him.
A spokesman for the British Transport police said: 'After the pictures were brought to our attention, we launched an investigation to identify the male involved.
'We would like to thank members of the public who came forward to identify the boy pictured, who was extremely lucky he wasnt killed or badly injured as a result of his behaviour.
What a plank: Gordon Ramsay posted up a picture on his Twitter of himself trying out the latest internet craze of planking
'This was very dangerous behaviour. With high speed trains and electric currents, the railway should never be treated as somewhere to play or hang about. When people are spotted on the railway trains are alerted, which causes disruption and delays.
'People who trespass on the railway are not just risking a court appearance, they are taking a gamble with their lives.
'The last thing our officers want is to have to tell a mother, father or another family member that their loved one has died after trespassing on the railway.'
She confirmed that this was only the second incident of 'planking' on the railways in the UK and the first arrest.
In recent months, planking has become a worldwide craze - even celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has posted pictures of himself doing it online.
Tragedy: Simon Hallam was left fighting for his life after a planking stunt gone wrong
But the phenomenon has already led to tragedies.
Last month 20-year-old Australian Acton Beale died after he fell seven storeys from the balcony railing of a block of flats.
Days later, also in Australia, plasterer Simon Hallam was left fighting for his life after falling and hitting his head while planking on the boot of a fast moving car.
source : dailymail

VIA Teenager charged with trespassing on railway - after planking photo ends up on Facebook

According to the unsubstantiated claims from the alleged victim, the attack happened in the early hours of April 10, when Mr Walsh is said to have visited Russell Court Hotel in Dublin.
Earlier in the evening, Mr Walsh had attended a concert by Westlife, the Irish boyband he created.
The man allegedly told police he chatted with Mr Walsh in the hotel’s private Global Bar, before the pair moved on to its well-known Krystle nightclub.
His statement to officers claims the TV star then indecently assaulted him in the nightclub’s toilets.
The venue: The alleged assault is said to have taken place at the Krystle nightclub, inside Dublin's Russell Court Hotel
According to The Sun, a police source said the investigation was ‘ongoing’ and that officers have taken CCTV footage from the nightclub and will also study film from cameras in the hotel.
A spokesman for Mr Walsh said: ‘He vigorously denies all of the allegations. If contacted by the police he will willingly co-operate with any investigation. Louis categorically denies any wrongdoing and will fight to clear his name.’
Famous: The nightclub is one of the most popular and exclusive in Dublin
Last night, the alleged victim refused to comment.
Mr Walsh is on the judging panel for this year’s X Factor, alongside Gary Barlow from Take That, Kelly Rowland from Destiny’s Child and N-Dubz singer Tulisa Contostavlos. The Irishman first appeared on the programme in 2004 alongside Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne.
Mr Walsh became well-known in the 1990s for creating the group Boyzone after deciding to create an Irish version of Take That.
Under his management, they achieved international success, selling more than 12million copies worldwide

Back to work: Louis Walsh arrives at the London Studios for X Factor yesterday
He later used the same formula to produce Westlife, co-managed by Boyzone member Ronan Keating. Mr Walsh launched his television career as a judge on the Irish edition of reality music show Popstars.
After finding a band on that show he was brought across to London to star in Popstars: The Rivals on ITV. It was on this show that he found UK fame, as mentor of the winning group, Girls Aloud.
During his time on the X Factor, Mr Walsh had success with classical-style boyband G4, who went on to have a chart-topping album and completed two tours of the UK.
source: dailymail

VIA Louis Walsh denies that he indecently assaulted man in nightclub toilet

All white? The white fringed jacket was created by Lady Gaga's own fashion designers
The outfit complemented an armful of colourful tattoos, socks pulled up to the knees and the face paint. The 26-year-old claimed that was actually a couple of anti-glare patches.
Miss Mattek-Sands had already turned heads with an equally bizarre tennis ball outfit at a pre-Wimbledon party last week, which was designed by one of Lady Gaga's own dressers.
Ball-girl: Mattek-Sands arrives for her match against Japan's Misaki Doi
British designer Alex Noble had again been commissioned for yesterday's outfit.
Unfortunately for Miss Mattek-Sands, it failed to inspire her to victory.
Despite going into the match as the firm favourite and 30th seed, she lost in three sets to Japan's Misaki Doi. And her decorum appeared to desert her as she refused to shake the umpire's hand at the end.
The tongue-in-cheek number is just another example of how players are working around the rules to make fashion more prominent on court.
Skin art: The tennis player shows off her tattoos in a one-shouldered top
On Monday, Venus Williams wore a Greek-inspired romper suit by her own brand Eleven. And high-end label Ralph Lauren have designed new uniforms for the ball-boys.
Mattek-Sands said last month: 'I don't think I can really challenge the colour rule right now. You know, I got to figure something out. Obviously the white, you got to work with a lot of the cuts.
'Obviously I'll be wearing my high socks. But yeah, it's always challenging to think of new things for Wimbledon.
When fashion meets function: Serena, left, and Venus Williams are trendy sisters at the tournament
source: dailymail

VIA What the deuce is she wearing? Bethanie Mattek-Sands plays at Wimbledon in another Lady Gaga-inspired outfit

It's a fleece off: A nervous Ci tries to stand his ground as the flock approaches him
Now Ci’s reaction to the flock borders on the ridiculous. When faced with the woolly bullies, he simply turns tail and flees.
Owner Jane Lippington, 54, has become so exasperated she has given up using him as a working dog.
‘I have tried to use Ci to herd the sheep and get them in the right place lots of times but they are just too scary for him,’ she said at the 200-acre farm she runs at Langridge, near Bath with husband Donald, 62.
Can't we talk about this chaps? The sheep surge forward and Ci prepares to make his move
'Collies are very instinctive and they want to work the sheep and Ci wants to do it but he is terrified of them.
‘If they run away from him he will go after them and act like a proper sheepdog.
‘But the moment they turn and face him he runs away. Sheep can be quite aggressive if they think they have the upper hand – they stamp their feet and gang up and act like an army.
‘Now they’ve worked out that he can’t push them around because he is too soft.
‘He might be the worst sheepdog in Britain but there’s no way we would be without Ci, he’s part of the family.’
I'm out of here: Ci runs away from the flock as they claim victory
'Sheep can be quite aggressive if they think they have the upper hand - they stamp their feet and gang up in numbers and act like an army.
'When that happens Ci gets intimidated and runs off.
'The only way to make it work is for me to get behind them first and shoo them so they run away from you and then Ci joins in. It just means a lot more work for us to do.
Jane Lippington says she needs to give up trying to use Ci as a working dog
'He might be the worst sheepdog in Britain but there's no way we would be without Ci, he's part of the family.'
She added: 'I took some footage of it simply because I thought it was funny.
'But somebody told me I should put it on YouTube because it is quite unusual.
'I don't think he would get very far on One Man and His Dog, he's more suited to You've Been Framed.'
Sheep dog terrified of sheep

source: dailymail

VIA Sheepdog that gets the collywobbles every time he goes near... sheep

Even at £200 for a couple, and on top of the cost of a new ball gown and tails, revellers at the Trinity May Ball were far from reserved - perhaps savouring their final carefree days of student life.
Bleary-eyed after a night of partying, as the sun rose the youngsters carried on the celebration with drunken punt rides on the River Cam or breakfast in college gardens.
Relaxed: As the sun rose, students who had paced themselves continued to drink bubbly as the sun rose
The ball is a tradition dating back 145 years that is among the largest events in the Cambridge student social calendar and is as famous for the morning after events as the big night itself.
After dinner and dancing the night of official events was brought to a close with a spectacular fireworks display, but for some it was a sign that the night was still young.
The morning after the night before: These students look like they're up for continuing for some time with two bottles of Pimms
One guest said: 'The champagne was flowing, but if you want to be among the survivors the next day, you learn to pace yourself.'
The Trinity May Ball is normally held on the first Monday of May Week - the traditional end of term at Cambridge University.
This year, however, it took place in June and is one of a series of balls taking place across the campus.
The ball has continued every year since 1866 and has only had two breaks. Once in 1910 when King Edward VII died and again during the Second World War from 1939 to 1945.
Class, style and some high jinx: One couple looks like they've stepped out of a Dickens novel as they make their way home while another share a laugh with friends
The only trouble that was reported in the town was three calls from residents who complained to Cambridge City Council over excess noise.
Robert Osbourn, the council's environmental protection team leader, told the Cambridge News that some complaints were inevitable.
He said: 'You are never going to be able to guarantee that nobody hears anything.'
The students also do their bit for charity. With 17 balls and major events being held in Cambridge this academic year, the total funds from all college May Balls is likely to reach tens of thousands of pounds.
Having a punt: These party goers decide to have a more leisurely ride along the River Cam with cups of coffee
Home time: Students file out of the Trinity May Ball in an orderly manner
Friendships made: Students lie on the lawns in front of King's College as the sun rises over the spires of Cambridge
Glamour: A group of women look as splendid as they did the night before as they set off home in their ball gowns
It's a busy day for punters in Cambridge with hundreds of students to transport along the Cam
source :dailymail

VIA The passing-out ball: End-of-year celebrations prove a little TOO much for some Cambridge students

Emergency supplies: A box full of cans of beer stands in the mud this morning
You've got to laugh: Hayley Davenport manages to keep a smile on her face as she carries her guitar through the mud. Left, another festival fan is more than prepared for the expected wet weather
More than 177,000 people are expected to attend the festival in Pilton to see the likes of U2, Beyonce and Coldplay perform.
Unlike last year's sun-drenched festival, music fans have packed woolly jumpers, waterproofs and wellies as they brace themselves for autumnal temperatures and regular downpours.
Barefoot bravery: Katie Featherstone and Lucy Loretto arrive in the mud clutching their festival gear
Nearly all donned their wet weather gear as as the damp conditions threatened to cause a repeat of the 2007 mudfest.
Weather experts even warned revellers making their way to the annual bash that they may need to brace themselves - for hail.
Met Office forecaster George Goodfellow said: 'The weather for the period of Glastonbury Festival is looking very unsettled but we could see the most intense showers on Thursday.
'When we get these intense showers at this time of the year we can see hail, which is a possibility for Glastonbury.'

Carefree: A festival goer laughs as he arrives at the Glastonbury Festival site with a dirty face - and the fun hasn't even begun
The Met Office has also warned night temperatures will drop to as low as six degrees - while heavy rain is already turning the 1,100 acre site into a mud bath.
A spokesman said: 'It's not going to be a typically wet Glastonbury but it won't be like last year's either.
'We're expecting some heavy showers for the first two days but it will gradually improve and while Sunday won't be that bright it could be quite warm.'
Determined: Two festival goers have a steely look on their faces as they battle through the wind and mud
But the weather is unlikely to put off excited festival-goers who will turn Worthy Farm into the south-west's third largest city after Bristol and Plymouth.
James Beal, 25, from Bristol, is making his fourth trip to Glastonbury and spent last year's festival basking in the heat wave.
He said: 'This year's event will be brilliant, regardless of whether it's wet and windy or sunny and bright.
'I think it's impossible for the weather to put me off, I'm here for the music and the atmosphere.
'I can't wait to see Beyonce; I hope Jay-Z makes a guest appearance - that would be amazing.'
Some revellers will be enjoying the festival fun in rather more luxurious surroundings than others, however.
Popping up next to the Glastonbury Festival is the latest venture in posh camping - deluxe tents which cost up to £1500 for the weekend.
Festival-goers with fat enough wallets can spend the weekend in safari-style bell tents with double beds, valet parking, wooden deck flooring and hot showers in an upmarket encampment just outside the festival.
And for those who need a pick me up after a hard night's raving, the so-called pop-up hotel offers full English breakfasts to guests.
Missing the point? The luxury on offer at the Pop-Up Hotel just outside the festival site
Event organisers are employing around 1,600 staff to look after the event, which is now in its 40th year.
Thousands of acts from local unsigned bands to the world's biggest rock stars will be appearing on stage over the five-day festival.
Taking centre stage on the famous Pyramid this year are U2, Coldplay and Beyonce while Morrissey, Primal Scream and Tinie Tempah are also expected to draw huge crowds.
Lesser known acts will perform on the 100 other stages and performance areas.
Wet weather gear: In scenes that could be repeated this year, a discarded pair of wellies lie at the exit of Glasto' 2009
Compare and contrast: Brollies provided a different kind of protection for last year's festival as sunshine beat down on gig-goers
Festival organisers are dedicating six per cent of the event's revenue this year to keeping the place clean and tidy.
The site will have 20,000 rubbish bins colour-coded for recycling, enabling the festival to recycle more 400 tonnes of waste.
This is being co-ordinated by 160 'green police' who patrol the vast site ensuring people don't drop litter or urinate in the stream.
A team of 950 people will clean up rubbish every morning and ensure the 4,600 toilets are acceptable to use.
How to walk onto the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival 2011

A drive around Glastonbury Festival Site 18/06/11

source : dailymail

VIA Wellies and winter coats will be order of the day as weather looks grim for Glastonbury

Kate, whose brother James suffers from dyslexia, is a former pupil at Marlborough College, whose current boarding fees are £29,000 a year, and went on to study at St Andrews University.
This is a rare example of her handwriting before she joined the Royal Family and had flunkeys to check, or even write, letters for her.
Oops: One of Kate Middleton's errors
In a two-page letter displayed in a glass cabinet, she wrote in looping script: ‘Dear Sir. Thank you for your kind hospitality at Wimbledon last week. My friend and I had such a fantastic time and it was great to be able to enjoy the day knowing that we could have a little peace and quite if things got a little too hectic.
‘It was a wonderfully relaxed day and we even spent part of it on the “Henman/Murray Hill”, which was great fun. I really was not expecting to be looked after with such hospitality and I certainly wasn’t expecting to see any of the Centre Court games.
‘I do hope the end of the tournament runs smoothly and this fantastic weather lasts ’till the end of the week.
Rumours: Kate Middleton may attend this year's tournament before going to Canada and the U.S. with Prince William
‘Thank you again for making it such a fun and easy visit.’
The note, whose address is covered by a strategically placed Union Jack flag, is signed off: ‘Best wishes, Catherine Middleton.’
It is believed the duchess was consulted and gave her permission for it to be revealed to the public – perhaps unaware of her errors.
Speculation is rife at SW19 that she will visit with her sister Pippa before leaving for her first official royal tour of Canada and the U.S. with Prince William.
source :dailymail

VIA Grateful Kate and the handwritten Wimbledon thank you letter... with a spelling mistake

All too much: Miss Williams was upset because she has been out of the game for year following a severe foot injury and suffering from blood clots on her lungs
But as the 29-year-old explained later, emotion overwhelmed her because yesterday was a day she feared she would never see after a year in which her life – let alone her sporting career – almost came to an end.
The American has been absent from tennis for 49 weeks after suffering serious foot injuries in an accident, then life-threatening blood clots on her lungs. ‘It definitely hit me at the end of the match,’ she said. ‘I’m not a crier, so I don’t know.
‘It definitely was so emotional for me because throughout the last 12 months, I’ve been through a lot of things that’s not normal. So it’s just been a long, arduous road. To stand up still is pretty awesome.
Watching on: The large crowd sees Serena rifle down another serve during the match
‘So this was probably the most emotional I’ve gotten after a match, after a win.’ By the standards of some of her previous outfits, Miss Williams was dressed relatively soberly in a white tennis dress with navy piping, matched by a classic cable-knit cardigan – although her hot pants were black.
She added: ‘It wasn’t about winning the match. It was about being out there. Everyone that has had some troubles, whether it be health, whether it be something else, to realise that you can do it. But it just really goes to show if you don’t give up, you still have a chance.’
Hand raised in victory: Serena forces a smile seconds after confirming her win and before the emotion got too much
Within days of claiming her 13th Grand Slam title at the All England Club last summer, Miss Williams’s feet were cut by glass as she left a restaurant in Munich, wearing sandals.
Then in March she had trouble breathing and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.
She revealed: ‘I was on my death bed at one point – quite literally. It got to the stage where it felt like I could hardly breathe. Some days I didn’t get out of bed at all. I just laid on a couch thinking, why has this happened to me?
‘At first people said it would be fine, it would be all right but it turned out to be a lot more serious. If it had been left two days later it could have been career-ending – or even worse. They told me I had several blood clots in both lungs. A lot of people die from that.’
In action: Serena Williams plays a forehand during her two sets to one victory over French player Aravane Rezai

Knocked out: Aravane Rezai reaches for a shot during the defeat to Williams on Wimbledon's Centre Court
Floored Serena Williams makes winning lob

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VIA Tears of 'back from the dead, Serena': Williams breaks down after opening victory at Wimbledon

Prayers for peace: A druid welcomes the sun, left, while another strums in the summer on her guitar. Despite the gloom, the sunrise was greeted with cheers and songs
Waiting for the sun: Crowds gather in darkness at Stonehenge. There were around 18,000 revellers there to greet the dawn
However the number of people who camped out overnight or arrived early to witness the dawn was down on previous years because of the poor weather and the solstice falling on a weekday.
There was no beautiful sunrise into clear blue skies - heavy overnight rain gave way to overcast but dry skies as the sun rose, greeted by cheering and applause.
The self-styled King Arthur Pendragon, the veteran druid who led the event, said it had passed off smoothly.
Here comes the sun: Revellers cheer as the sun finally breaks through the clouds, more than a couple of hours after daybreak
'It is great to see the stones being used in this way, as opposed to the usual manner with tourists being herded around.'
Stonehenge, which is between 4,000 and 5,000 years old, has in past years been the site of confrontations between revellers and police.
But Superintendent Gavin Williams, of Wiltshire Police, said the majority of the crowd this year were well-behaved and 'came to see the sunrise in the spirit of the event', which was policed in the same way as night spots in the county. However, two men were photographed fighting at the event.
Of the 20 arrests, 11 were for drugs offences and five for public order offences. In addition, 47 drug seizures were made.
Light in the East: Revellers surround the ancient stones as dawn breaks. Celebrations centre on the Heelstone, which is aligned with the midsummer sunrise
Leading the ceremony: Chief druid King Arthur Pendragon leads incantations during the summer solstice ceremony
Through the ages: Brightly dressed druids greet the solstice, left, and a very young initiate touches the ancient stones. The stone circle is usually roped off to visitors
Mr Williams said: 'Although it was disappointing that some individuals chose to bring drugs with them, they were dealt with robustly.'
English Heritage, which manages the Stonehenge site on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, said the atmosphere had been 'peaceful and good natured'.
The annual event is a modern take on solstice celebrations which were once a highlight of the pre-Christian calendar. Celebrations focus on the Heelstone, which sits just outside the main circle, and is aligned with the midsummer sunrise.
The solstice is one of the few times access is granted inside the stone circle, which has been roped off since 1978 following years of erosion and vandalism.
Stonehenge's origins remain a mystery, but one theory is that it is a huge astronomical calendar. Others say an ancient sun-worshipping culture aligned the structure with the midsummer sunrise and the midwinter sunset.
The World Heritage site was used as a cremation cemetery since its inception, archaeologists say, but it is unclear if that was its principal function.
It was build in three phases, with stones brought from up to 150 miles away, between 3000 BC and 1600 BC .

High point: A man wedges himself at the top of one of the pillars. English Heritage said the event was 'peaceful and good-natured'
Summer Solstice celebrations at Stonehenge

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VIA Can anyone tell us when the sun is coming up? 18,000 gather at a cloudy Stonehenge for all-night summer solstice party

After losing a set to little-known Spaniard Daniel Gimeno-Traver, to the consternation of his mother Judy and girlfriend Kim, the Scot recovered to win by three sets to one beneath the Centre Court roof, in use for the first time.

Sign of the times: Hardy fans on Murray Mount sit around a bench in the dying hope that there might be some more tennis for them to enjoy
Rain stops play? Not for these boy who slide down Murray Mount enjoying the slippery surface
Spectators cover up to try and keep dry on one of the courts in the vain hope that play will eventually be resumed
Sitting it out: A couple shelter from the rain in Centre Court before the retractable roof kicks into action while others huddle under an umbrella and waterproof
Andy Murray's girlfriend, Kim Sears reacts as she sits alongside his mother Judy while he takes Centre Court against Spain's Gimeno-Traver

Ball boys tied and swept water from the covers last night to stop the grass from getting wet in the hope that play can resume today
Making a dash: These spectators cover up as they leave the stadiums after heavy rain stopped play
Furious tennis lovers deprived of the chance to cheer him on from Murray Mount said they would have been happy to take their chances with the slippery conditions and accused tournament organisers of bowing to the modern culture of inflating potential risks beyond likely reality. Others showed how it was possible to slide down the hill, even head-first, without injury.
This is the first time in the tournament history the screen has been deliberately blanked out since it was installed. Countless throngs have enjoyed second-best views from this spot, which can accommodate up to 4,000. When the roof is open, you can easily hear the roar of the Centre Court crowd while watching the action on screen.
I've got it covered: Andy Murray returns a shot in his match against Spain's Daniel Gimeno-Traver of Spain on Centre Court
Among the disappointed fans was Katie O’Brien, the British hopeful who was knocked out yesterday after losing her first-round match and took her family to the hill to ‘drown my sorrows with a Pimm’s’, as she phrased it on Twitter. Shortly afterwards, the screen went blank.
Wimbledon spokesman Johnny Perkins said: ‘This is the first time we have had to shut off the big screen as this is the first time the roof has been used in these conditions. Previous to the roof, of course there would have been no play to watch on Centre anyway if it was rained off.
‘The hill has been closed because of the slippery nature of the grass while it is so wet. It is a health and safety issue. We just can’t have people slipping and sliding and falling off the thing and breaking their ankles.
‘It’s different on the courts if there is a drizzle as they can sit on seats. We could have large numbers of people slipping and sliding all over the place.’
'Even if the rain stops we won't turn the big screen back on - that's it I'm afraid. It's regrettable but wise in view of the circumstances. We always anticipated that we would have to turn off the match for those on the hill if it rained.'
Those who were lucky enough to get onto the show courts were treated to a mesmerising display from Venus Williams - in the form of a strange white playsuit.
It was so wet on Murray Mount that fans took the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere and slide their way to the bottom of the hill, but it has now been shut over health and safety fears.
Lovely weather for ducks... and flowers: This young spectator was totally absorbed by the tennis action - while it lasted
Full of anticipation: Crowds begin to assemble on 'Murray Mound' ahead of the British number one's first round match against Daniel Gimeno-Traver yesterday afternoon

Star turn: Dakota Fanning, left, was among the visitors to SW19 on the opening day of Wimbledon, while Kirsten Dunst was enjoying the day with fashion editor Leith Clark (in the black boots)
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VIA Elf 'n' safety shuts Murray Mount: Fans might slip on the grass, warn officials

Short shorts: The back of the playsuit was featured an on-tend cutaway, but one that is much more suited to black tie evening wear than to a sporting event
It also had a curiously baggy, and very unflattering top-half, which made her chest look saggy as she ran around the court.
But far from being something a sponsor forced the player to wear, this was an outfit from Venus' own clothing line, EleVen.
The back of the playsuit featured an on-tend cutaway, albeit one that is much more suited to black tie evening wear than to a sporting event.
In action: Venus' outfit showed off her enviable figure - and the gold hot pants she was wearing underneath
Venus did not get everything wrong though - the cotton material had a pretty leafy design woven into it which could have made a lovely sun dress.
The short cut also showed off the tennis star's enviably long legs as she took huge strides towards the net. And the strange outfit clearly did not hold the 31-year-old back, she won her sets 6-3, 6-1.
Cut above: Another view of the outfit from the rear
Yesterday, Venus' little sister, Serena, made her return to Wimbledon following a serious foot injury and blood clots in her lungs that almost ruled her out of tennis for life.
She made sure to stand out in fit form during warm ups by wearing some skin-tight pink and white tie-dye leggings.
And by the looks of the fiery stare in her eye, the US player about to give it her all during her comeback.
Serena, who is a fan of flamboyant on-court ensembles, combined her Nike leggings with a white long-sleeved T-shirt and a Nike black cap.
On-court ensemble: Serena brightened up the court during her warm ups by wearing the tie-dye leggings
She is currently ranked World No. 25 in women’s singles, but has admitted that her and her sister Venus haven’t been able to train as much for the competition as they would have liked.
Serena said: ‘We spent a lot more time together because we were both off.
‘We both haven’t played pretty much at all. It’s been good because, sometimes I hate to say it, but, when you’re down, it’s always good to see someone down with you.’
Letting her hair down: Serena of the USA was talking to the media at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club yesterday ahead of the Wimbledon Championships
Last year Serena won her fourth Wimbledon championship but afterwards suffered a serious foot injury from stepping on broken glass at a restaurant – preventing her from playing for the remainder of 2010.
In March this year she then suffered a hematoma and a pulmonary embolism but has still returned as the defending champion at Wimbledon this year.
While her sister Venus suffered from a hip muscle injury this year.
On top of Serena's medical complications, she may also have to face a showery start to Wimbledon.
Sisters in white: Serena and Venus both wore all-white tennis outfits while training over the weekend
Weather forecasters have predicted torrential rain for the first three days .
But tennis fans still braved the weather to camp outside the All England Lawn Tennis Club in south London last night.
Luckily for the players, officials are preparing to shut the £100million retractable roof on Centre Court, to prevent the rain interfering with the match.
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal, 25, of Spain will open this year’s 125th Wimbledon Championship on Centre Court.
Off-court glamour: Serena looked elegant in a green silk dress at the WTA Pre-Wimbledon Party at the Kensington Roof Gardens in London last week

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VIA No Venus! Another Williams sister fashion disaster as tennis player wears ghastly playsuit at Wimbledon

Last picture: Just hours before his death, Ryan (left) tweeted this photograph of him enjoying a night out with friends
Police said they found the burning wreckage of his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3, which was capable of reaching 190mph, in the woods off the road fully engulfed in flames.
His body was so badly burnt that he had to be identified by his tattoos, NBC Philadelphia reported.
Just hours before the accident, Dunn tweeted a picture of himself with two male friends, all of whom were holding alcoholic drinks.
Sources told TMZ that Dunn drank at least three light beers and three shots between 10.30pm and 2.10am at Barnaby's of America bar before the accident.
Wreckage: The charred remains of the Porsche 911 GT3 are towed away as police survey the scene
Where the night started: Dunn spent the evening at Barnaby's bar in West Chester before the accident
Investigation: Police are still trying to determine the cause of the accident
Crash scene: Black marks on the road show where Dunn's car skidded out of control
Damage: Dunn's vehicle drove through a guardrail and into the woods
Crowd: News crews and onlookers arrived at the the site today following Ryan Dunn's horrific accident
Fellow Jackass co-stars also paid tribute to Dunn today.
Stephen 'Steve-O' Glover was too distraught to speak but later tweeted: 'I don't know what to say, except I love Ryan Dunn and I'm really going to miss him.'
Dunn's name began trending on Twitter soon after the news of the crash broke, with fans and celebrities quickly expressing their condolences.
It was Margera's mother, April, who first confirmed Dunn's death by calling into Jackass members Preston Lacy and Steve-O's radio show on WMMR 93.3.
She described him as being like a son to her and said he had even called her on Mother's Day.
A tearful April said: 'We just found out a few hours ago - it is the worst possible news.
'I have not been able to talk with Bam as he is in Arizona but I cannot believe that his friend is dead – I felt like I lost one of my own sons when I heard that Ryan Dunn had died.
'Ryan was a wonderful person he really was the sweetest and nicest guy - he was like my extra son, everybody loved him.'
Tributes: Flower were laid by the side of the road in memory of the reality star who died in the crash
President of MTV Networks Music/Films Group Van Toffler said in a statement: 'We are devastated by the tragic loss of Ryan Dunn – a beloved member of the MTV family for more than a decade.
'He made us all laugh and had the tireless enthusiastic approach to life of your favourite middle school friend,' the statement continued.
'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Ryan’s family and friends. The Jackass brotherhood will never be the same.'
'He had a longterm girlfriend and she will be absolutely devastated - she has turned off her phone just now.
'It’s just so sad we cannot believe Ryan has gone - I’m too upset to say anything else just now.'
April said she is 'worried' about her son, adding that he is 'devastated' by the death of his firmed.
Dunn was born in Ohio and moved at age 15 to Pennsylvania, where he met Margera on his first day of high school.
Sports car: Dunn pictured in his Porsche 911 GT3 with a female companion on June 12

The crew: Dunn (far right) was part of the cast for MTV show Jackass
Jackass 3D | trailer #1 (2010)

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VIA Jackass star Ryan Dunn dies in horror crash

Yippee! Beatrice leaps into the air on the end of this trapeze before plunging into the Mediterranean
As she sunned herself off the coast of Antibes, Beatrice’s black strapless swim suit displayed her slender frame to perfection.
And while the frills across her chest and hips highlighted the curves inherited from her mother the Duchess of York, the Queen’s granddaughter showed that she has kept up the regime developed with her personal fitness instructor in the lead-up to last year’s London Marathon.
Can't take my eyes off you: Dave Clark smiles as his girlfriend Beatrice leaves the water in Antibes, Southern France
Her toned appearance on Sunday was a far cry from pictures of the princess in a tight blue bikini in the Caribbean in 2008, which spurred her into vowing to shed her puppy fat.
Beatrice told the Daily Mail at the time: ‘It was such an unflattering bikini and I've got one that's so much nicer, so I could have kicked myself for wearing it.
Making a splash: Dave Clark leaps into the sea from a jetty where the yacht was moored in the Mediterranean
Slimline: The Princess's one-piece swimsuit perfectly showed off her frame with the frills helping to highlight the curves she has inherited from her mother
Surf's up! Beatrice and Dave also had fun on a pair of jet-skis
'I thought people were a bit mean, although I know it comes with the territory. The trouble is, I don't have much confidence so it can be quite upsetting. I could probably do with losing the odd pound though, so perhaps it is the kick I need.'
But this weekend the royal’s self-assurance was palpable as she changed into a bikini and let down her auburn locks.
Watched by admiring friends on the 195ft German-built Oasis yacht where she and 29-year-old Mr Clark are thought to have stayed as guests, Beatrice leapt into the air on the end of a trapeze before plunging into the Mediterranean.
An equally svelte Mr Clark, a millionaire’s son who works for Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, executed an impressive back-flip from the boat’s second deck.
The six-berth yacht comes with a crew of 15 and a gym that transforms into a private nightclub. According to online advertisements, it can be chartered for between £285,000 and £418,000 a week.
Testing the water: Beatrice dips her toes into the Mediterranean before taking a dip with her boyfriend
That's enough: Following her swim the Princess returns to the boat - which houses a gym that transforms into a private nightclub
Luxury on the waves: The Princess and her boyfriend are staying on a £400,000-a-week yacht
Beatrice, who has faced a similar battle with yo-yoing weight as Sarah Ferguson, has previously put her transformation down to trainer Nadya Fairweather, whose help she enlisted in the lead-up to the London Marathon.
She is also understood to have embarked on a diet that centres on eating fresh fruit and drinking plenty of water.
Beatrice and her boyfriend have been dating for five years since meeting at a birthday party for Sean Brosnan, youngest son of James Bond actor Pierce, in 2006.
The fifth in line to the throne has just finished a three-year course in history and history of ideas at Goldsmiths College in South London.
Rather than becoming a full-time royal, she is expected to get a job once she has graduated, possibly in the field of art, fashion or charity work.
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VIA For Bea, what a difference three years makes as self-conscious teen is transformed into glam princess

The heart-breaking images of families desperately searching for loved ones amid the rubble of their homes sent shockwaves around the world.
Now, three months on, these images show the Japanese people remain undaunted by the havoc nature has wreaked on their homeland as step by step they rebuild their nation.

A Shinto shrine gate and surroundings in the town of Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture three days after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and the same spot on June 3
But despite their progress, stark reminders of the work left to do means the resilience of this Asian country is still being tested.
Headway in the clean-up has been made in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture where the pleasure boat ''Hamayuri'', which was remarkably washed up on the rooftop of an inn, has been removed, along with a building shattered by the the wall of water.
Further down is an image of a Shinto shrine gate in the town three days after the March 11 disaster.
The same spot on June 3 which shows thousands of tonnes of rubbish, which had lay smouldering in an almost post-apolcalyptic landscape, has been cleared, roads re-laid and power lines restored.
Civilisation appears to have returned in Natori in Miyagi prefecture too. The first image shows a towering wall of ocean crashing through trees devastating homes and businesses lining the coast, tearing down power lines and drowning anything in its path.
A residential area being hit by the tsunami in Natori, Miyagi prefecture, top, and the same area, with only one house remaining on June 3, bottom
A parking lot of a shopping centre filled with houses and debris in Otsuchi town, Iwate prefecture two days after the earthquake hit and the same area picture on June 3
Astonishingly just one house survived the wave and a lone digger is pictured having cleared away the once thriving community reduced to rubble. Hundreds of cars parked in the foreground remain abandoned and appear to be the only reminder of the devastation.
Similarly, the striking image of a ship atop tonnes of rubble in the Kesennuma in Miyagi prefecture on March 20 was projected around the world and became a symbol of the disaster.
The photograph shows grey smoke filled skies above a path of destruction, but three months on, much of the debris has been cleared, power lines restored and hope is on the horizon.
A car park in a shopping centre, filled with houses and debris in Otsuchi town in Iwate prefecture is also back on its feet and signs of life are returning. Parking spaces are clearly visible where piles of wood, bricks, and vehicles lay strewn just a few weeks ago.
A view of earthquake and tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture on March 15, top, and the same area pictured on June 3
The final image shows local people walking through debris on a street in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture to get water 48 hours after the disaster. The same image on June 3 shows the massive tank which lay in the road has gone and a damaged house on the left side of the street has been cleared and restored.
The 9.0 magnitude earthquake caused the worst crisis in Japan since the Second World War and left almost 28,000 people dead or missing.
The clean-up bill is expected to top £184 billion and radiation fears from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant are still growing after four of the reactors were damaged leading to radiation leaks.
This week, an earless bunny was born near the reactor in north east Japan raising concerns the radiation could have long-term side effects.
Following the blast and initial leaks Japanese officials told people living near the plant to stay indoors and turn of air conditioning and also to not drink tap water.
High levels of radiation are known to cause cancer and other health problems but scientists are not yet clear if the defect in the rabbit is linked to the blast.
Local residents walking through debris on a street in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, to get water 48 hours after the disaster, top, and the same area on June 3 where a large tank and a damaged house on the left side of the street have been cleared away
Japan's economy slipped into recession following the devastation and new data shows it shrank 0.9 percent in the first quarter of this financial year but experts say a recovery later this year as industry kicks into action.
Industrial output rose one per cent in April from a record decline in March.
Manufacturers are making progress in restoring supply chains and ecnomists are predicting Gross Domestic Project to begin expanding again between July and September.

A view of earthquake and tsunami-hit Kesennuma, Miyagi prefecture on March 20, left, and the same area after the building and debris was removed on June 3
Australian Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Tsunami devastation

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VIA Back from the dead: Astonishing pictures show how Japan is recovering just three months after tsunami

Dazzling: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arriving at the Ark Gala Dinner at Kensington Palace
Kate's style has been scrutinised since officially becoming a member of the Royal family following her wedding to Prince William in April.
With her recent appearances meeting the Obamas at Buckingham Palace - and watching the horse racing at the Epsom Derby at the weekend - she tested the sartorial water with simple but chic pieces.
Star attraction: William and Kate didn't disappoint on their first official public engagement as a married couple
However, the Duchess pulled out all the stops for this evening's glamorous event.
William and Kate are attending the reception with 900 other guests at Perks Field and will later sit down to a private dinner before the prince gives a speech.
Musician Mark Ronson and his band will perform for the royals and guests.
The Duke and Duchess are attending on behalf of the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry - a body which raises sustainable funds for charitable grants.
Glowing: Kate's beautiful gown was teamed with LK Bennett shoes and a clutch bag
The gala dinner was held in an enormous luxury marquee which appeared more like a small building.
As the guests arrived, a troupe of divers entertained them by diving acrobatically into a specially constructed pool.
When the royal couple's Jaguar limousine pulled up, they were greeted by calls from banks of photographers asking them to pose for a picture.
Financier Arpad Busson, co-founder of the organisation, warmly welcomed them before they climbed a few steps to the entrance of the building before posing and smiling for the waiting cameras.
Outside the banquet hall was a covered reception area with two champagne bars and stalls serving sumptuous canapes from the Mediterranean and Far East where guests gathered before dinner was served.
Hot ticket: The couple's presence at the gala will shine a spotlight on work carried out by the charity
The Duke and Duchess mingled with some of the more prominent figures or chatted to associates of their host, Mr Busson, known as Arki to his friends.
William and Kate were the centre of attention with people crowding around them to get a view of the newlyweds or take their picture on camera phones.
Mr Busson has two sons with his former partner, model Elle Macpherson, and in recent years has dated actress Uma Thurman.
The royal couple chatted to his sons, Flynn Busson, 13, and his eight-year-old brother, Cy, laughing and joking with them.
After about 45 minutes, they made their way into the circular banqueting room which was filled with almost 100 oval tables.
Meet and greet: From left to right, financier Arpad Busson, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Ian Wace, also a co-founder of Ark
Among the guests seated on the Duke and Duchess's table were Oscar-winning actor Colin Firth, actress Liz Hurley, socialite Jemima Khan and broadcaster Mariella Frostrup.
Elizabeth Murdoch, the daughter of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, also had a place, as did William's private secretary, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, and Baroness de Rothschild.
Anish Kapoor, the British-based, Indian-born sculptor, who won the Turner Prize in 1991, was another guest with a seat close to the Duke and Duchess.
Kate sat between Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, a distant relative of William, and Mr Busson, while her husband was opposite her with socialite Countess Debonaire von Bismarck on his left and Princess Marie of Greece on his other side.
Wrapped around the edge of the room was a multi-coloured dot-matrix display which would later be used to show the bidding for charity lots that included a stay on the Maltese Falcon - the world's largest sailing yacht - or a Kenyan safari at a luxury lodge.
Captivating: Kate seems to have taken to public life with ease as she chats with Matthew Freud
On the tables were tiny consoles to allow the wealthy guests to place their bids and around the room were swings for performers to use to entertain the guests.
Musician Mark Ronson and his band were due to entertain the diners later and a mystery band - rumoured to be the Kings Of Leon - were also performing.
The £10,000-a-head dinner will also feature auctions to raise donations for Ark, which has projects helping disadvantaged children around the globe.
In the UK it sponsors a number of academy schools and runs other projects like Teaching Leaders and Future Leaders.
Ark was co-founded in 2002 by the financier Arpad Busson, who now acts as a trustee of the organisation.
A spokeswoman for the charity said: 'Over the past 10 years, Ark's programmes in the UK, Southern Africa, eastern Europe and India have transformed the lives of more than 200,000 children.
'In tackling access to healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, improving educational opportunities in the UK, US and India, and giving children the chance to live in a caring and nurturing environment in Eastern Europe, Ark is helping to overcome some of the most severe blights on children's lives.


Star quality: Liz Hurley, Sophie Dahl and Jemima Khan arrive at the gala
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VIA The Duchess dazzles: Kate and William bring a touch of glamour to charity gala

‘Oh dear, they’ll shoot me in the morning,’ the pensioner replied.
‘Yes, put him on a charge Sergeant Major,’ his neighbour quipped.
Sorry sweetheart: The news will undoubtedly come as a blow to Harry's on/off girlfriend Chelsy Davy, pictured here with the Prince last year
Harry has been dating Zimbabwean born law student Chelsy Davy for more than five years although the pair have split up and reunited several times.
And while friends say they are still ‘an item’ and Chelsy attended Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in April as the prince’s date, she was recently spotted holidaying with friends in Spain and is said to have claimed she was single again
Stand up straight lads! Prince Harry inspects the veteran soldiers at London's Royal Hospital
Bachelor pad: Pensioner John Ley shows Harry around his room at the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary at the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The hospital’s Founder’s Day is always held on a day close to May 29th, the birthday of Prince Charles who founded the hospital, and is normally reviewed by a member of the Royal Family.
Harry is understood to have been keen to take the parade for some time.
The average age of the scarlet-clad pensioners on parade this year was 83 with the eldest, Joe Britton, who will celebrate his 100th birthday later this year
Salute: The Prince was at the centre of proceedings at the Founder's Day Parade
Dashing: Harry wore his Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals uniform with his blue Army Air Corps beret
Hats off: The Pensioners raise their hats during today's Parade
The pensioner has been at the institution for 17 years and remained seated while the prince took the salute of fellow residents.
Harry later met him and joked: 'You should have been in the front line,' and the old soldier replied: 'When you reach 99 it's about time you finish.'
Harry, who wore his Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals uniform with his blue Army Air Corps beret, became the first serving officer since the Duke of Kent in 1974 to review the Founder's Day Parade of Chelsea pensioners.
All ears: Harry gave a moving speech, describing his pride at serving as a Junior Captain in the Army Air Corps. Over 1,000 guests were seated in stands
In the grounds of the hospital more than 1,000 guests were seated in stands with the elderly residents lined up in formation in front of them.
The old soldiers, who had an average age of 82, marched past Harry who took their salute as he stood below the gilt statue of Charles II.
All those at the ceremony including Harry wore oak leaf sprigs in memory of the hospital's royal founder who escaped after the battle of Worcester in 1651 by hiding in an oak tree.
Red coats: Harry became the first serving officer since the Duke of Kent in 1974 to review the Founder's Day Parade of Chelsea pensioners
The Royal Hospital was founded in 1682 to care for old and inured soldiers and is currently home to some 300 male and female pensioners.
Veterans are eligible to become a Chelsea Pensioner over the age of 65.
Touring some of the hospital’s facilities, Harry popped in to see one of the residents, John Ley, and asked him: ‘Are you friendly with your neighbours? Do you have pillow fights in the corridors, then?’
He also gave a short but moving speech, describing his pride and nerves as a Junior Captain in the Army Air Corps at being in front of an audience with ‘so many years of extraordinary military service’.
‘It is an honour and a thrill to stand in these surroundings. The Royal Hospital – this world famous place – represents all that is great about our Country: beauty, traditional – and the wisdom that does with that – selflessness and duty,’ he said.
And he couldn’t resist getting in a dig at his RAF Search and Rescue pilot brother – it is something of a dare between the pair to make a joke at each other’s expense when making public speeches.
‘I find it terrifying that your drill is so much better than my brother's, but it doesn’t surprise me,’ he quipped.
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VIA So when are you getting married? Chelsea pensioner, 85, makes Prince Harry blush as Harry replies ‘Not for a long time’