2014年12月28日 星期日

Mansion featured in Christmas classic Home Alone looks radically different after stunning remodeling

The house featured in the classic Christmas movie Home Alone will be looking radically different this holiday season after a dramatic makeover.

The stunning 1920s mansion, which is located on Chicago's North Shore, provided an important component of the 1990 family comedy blockbuster which catapulted child actor Macaulay Culkin briefly to mega-stardom.

Many scenes in the movie were filmed in the three-storey house including those featuring the kitchen, the main staircase, basement and most of the first floor landing.

The house featured in the classic Christmas movie Home Alone will be looking radically different this holiday season after a dramatic makeover

The house featured in the classic Christmas movie Home Alone will be looking radically different this holiday season after a dramatic makeover



The house was built in 1921 and features five bedrooms, a fully converted attic, a detached double garage and a greenhouse.

In 2012 the property changed hands with the buyers getting something of a bargain after the sellers agreed to take $1.58 million – nearly $1 million less than their original asking price.

Despite its Hollywood pedigree and status as a tourist attraction, the property sat on the market for ten months from when it was first listed in May 2011 priced at $2.4 million.


Many will remember the colonial-style building in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka as the home of the McCallisters, and of course, the battlefield where Culkin's character Kevin took on those bumbling burglars.

The film - now 25 years old - stars Macaulay Culkin as young Kevin McCallister, left behind by his family when they fly to Paris for their Christmas vacation. Kevin initially relishes being home alone, but soon has to contend with two would-be burglars.

In the years since its cinematic release, Home Alone has become a beloved Yuletide staple full of heartwarming moments, slapstick comedy and a family-as-the-greatest-holiday-gift message.

Despite its Hollywood pedigree and status as a tourist attraction, the property sat on the market for ten months from when it was first listed in May 2011 priced at $2.4 million

Despite its Hollywood pedigree and status as a tourist attraction, the property sat on the market for ten months from when it was first listed in May 2011 priced at $2.4 million

Many will remember the colonial-style building in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka as the home of the McCallisters, and of course, the battlefield where Culkin's character Kevin took on those bumbling burglars

Many will remember the colonial-style building in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka as the home of the McCallisters, and of course, the battlefield where Culkin's character Kevin took on those bumbling burglars

The McCallister family home now looks very different from when it appeared in the 1990 movie. It might not be decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, but it remains instantly recognizable on the exterior

The McCallister family home now looks very different from when it appeared in the 1990 movie. It might not be decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, but it remains instantly recognizable on the exterior

The property has a four-room master suite, a stunning forest-inspired dining area and the notorious attic bedroom where Kevin had to spend the night with his bed-wetting cousin in the film

The property has a four-room master suite, a stunning forest-inspired dining area and the notorious attic bedroom where Kevin had to spend the night with his bed-wetting cousin in the film

The property's sellers, John and Cynthia Abendshien, had only lived in the house for 18 months when Christopher Columbus, the director of the first two Home Alone films, asking to film the movie there

The property's sellers, John and Cynthia Abendshien, had only lived in the house for 18 months when Christopher Columbus, the director of the first two Home Alone films, asking to film the movie there

'Very few homes have a leading role in a movie, in a sense becoming an additional character,' said listing agent Marissa Hopkins

'Very few homes have a leading role in a movie, in a sense becoming an additional character,' said listing agent Marissa Hopkins

The McCallister family home now looks very different from when it appeared in the 1990 movie. It might not be decked out in Christmas lights and decorations, but it remains instantly recognizable on the exterior.

Estate agents have described it as: 'Classic residence offers timeless and inspired family living.'
'Very few homes have a leading role in a movie, in a sense becoming an additional character,' said listing agent Marissa Hopkins.

The property has a four-room master suite, a stunning forest-inspired dining area and the notorious attic bedroom where Kevin had to spend the night with his bed-wetting cousin in the film.

The home also has plenty of nooks and crannies in which to hide, one of the features which made it perfect for the Home Alone movies.

The house sprawls over 4,250 square foot and is blocks away from Lake Michigan and the affluent suburb's village centerThe house sprawls over 4,250 square foot and is blocks away from Lake Michigan and the affluent suburb's village center
The bedroom retains a four poster bed, but otherwise the decor is substantially more minimalist than it used to be

The bedroom retains a four poster bed, but otherwise the decor is substantially more minimalist than it used to be


In Home Alone Kevin initially relishes being home alone, but soon has to contend with two would-be burglars
In Home Alone Kevin initially relishes being home alone, but soon has to contend with two would-be burglars
The bedroom retains a four poster bed, but otherwise the decor is substantially more minimalist than it used to be the house sprawls over 4,250 square foot and is blocks away from Lake Michigan and the affluent suburb's village center

Source: the Mail

2014年12月27日 星期六

Best places to live in the UK for your property to increase in value - and the worst


Home owners in London are benefiting from the largest increases in property values, with Greenwich and Ealing showing the strongest returns with an almost 25 per cent price hike.

Across the UK, the average price of a house is £209,428, an annual increase of 8.5 per cent. 

But householders across many areas of the north and the midlands are watching their investments plummet, with property in Bury tumbling by almost 5 per cent

Buying into the Olympic dream will cost more than £328,000.  
Nine out of ten areas which have seen the strongest price growth over the last year are dotted across London. They included Ealing, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Brent, Southwark and Hackney.

PROPERTY PRICE WINNERS AND LOSERS ACROSS THE UK.... 
TOP TEN WINNERSAVERAGE TOP TEN LOSERS AVERAGE
GREENWICH£328,04424.60BURY£140,376-4.80
EALING£455,54324.50KEIGHLEY£131,403-4.40
CRAWLEY£267,92522.40NUNEATON£146,487-3.20
TOWER HAMLETS£424,16322.00NEWPORT£129,692-2.90
KINGSTON UPON THAMES£460,85321.40STOKE-ON-TRENT£124,232-2.60
SUTTON£326,56520.70ST HELENS£119,851-2.60
WALTHAM FOREST£331,08020.40LIVINGSTON£142,732-2.40
BRENT£443,90220.10PRESTON£151,071-2.00
SOUTHWARK£450,27719.80ROCHDALE£115,560-0.90
HACKNEY£467,94519.60DURHAM£137,188-0.60

It might look picturesque, but investing in Bury, pictured, is risky as  property prices tumbled by five per cent
It might look picturesque, but investing in Bury is risky as property prices tumbled by five per cent

According to the survey, house prices across the capital are booming with increases of up to 25 per cent
According to the survey, house prices across the capital are booming with increases of up to 25 per cent

The worst ten places to buy property in the UK according to a new survey by Halifax
The worst ten places to buy property in the UK according to a new survey by Halifax

Crawley in West Sussex was the only place outside London to make the top 10, with prices there rising by 22.4 per cent over the last year. 

Looking across the UK, Cambridge was another strong house price performer this year, with property values there lifting by 17.3 per cent to reach £328,081 typically.
Outside southern England, property values in Sheffield have seen the strongest annual uplift, with a 13.7 per cent increase pushing the average price to £148,372.
Halifax said house prices in Sheffield are likely to have been boosted by the fact that over the past five years, the South Yorkshire city has seen a significant increase in employment, particularly in managerial, professional and technical skilled occupations.

In Wales, Wrexham was the top price performer, with values there increasing by 8.9 per cent compared with 2013 to reach £155,232 typically in 2014.

Dundee was Scotland's strongest performer. House prices in Dundee have risen by 10.9 per cent year on year to reach £146,306 on average.

Looking at Northern Ireland, Halifax said prices in Craigavon have increased by 3.8 per cent annually to reach £104,789 typically.

Newport in South Wales, pictured, has seen a fall of almost three per cent on 2013
Newport in South Wales, pictured, has seen a fall of almost three per cent on 2013

Even Durham, with its prestigious university, pictured, has missed out on the mini property boom
Even Durham, with its prestigious university, pictured, has missed out on the mini property boom

Meanwhile, Swindon was the South West region of England's strongest price performer. Property values there have increased by 9.5 per cent annually to reach £178,826 typically.

Chester gave the strongest performance in the North West, with values there lifting by 8 per cent year on year to reach £189,640 on average. In the North region of England, Gateshead had the highest house price surge. Values in Gateshead have increased by 7.7 per cent year on year to reach £130,827 typically.

In the West Midlands, values in Coventry have typically increased by 8.9 per cent to reach £158,931, while in the East Midlands, prices in Kettering recorded a 10.1 per cent uplift, taking them to £167,980.

Craig McKinlay, mortgage director at Halifax, said: 'Continuing improvements in the economy, rising employment and low mortgage rates will no doubt have supported housing demand and, combined with a shortage of homes coming on to the market, will have contributed to rising property values.

'At the other end of the spectrum, several of the towns experiencing price falls in the past year are still suffering from relatively weak employment conditions, which may have had an adverse impact on their local housing markets.'

The towns with the biggest average falls in house prices between 2013 and 2014 were all outside southern England and four out of the 10 weakest-performing towns were in north west England.

The places which have seen the biggest price falls over the last year include Bury, Keighley, Nuneaton and Newport.

Source: 



http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2887155/42-day-cost-home-shot-2014-Prices-rose-6-meaning-average-property-worth-15-000-year-ago.html


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2885879/Not-festive-makeover-Mansion-featured-Christmas-classic-Home-looks-radically-different-stunning-remodeling.html

荷李活電影巨人賣身家 為柬埔寨童建家



一個有錢的西方人到柬埔寨扶貧,也許不算新鮮事,但願意傾盡家財,放棄浮華的確實不多。55歲的Scott Neeson曾經是20th Century Fox(二十世紀霍士)主席,發行過逾百部全球賣座的電影,《鐵達尼號》、《X-men》、《冰河世紀》等,他擁有大屋、名車,與巨星們過着奢華...生活,在美國荷李活是舉足輕重的人物。


10年前的一次柬埔寨之旅,朋友帶他去了一趟垃圾山,他見到因為家中負債、疾病、父親離家,小孩提着大帆布袋和鐵勾,在垃圾山上「尋寶」變賣,希望找到兩三美元收入,能買點食物已算好,有時候可能只夠還利息,垃圾山就是他們的「靠山」。

柬埔寨的小孩讓Scott一直無法釋懷,回美國後,他上任Sony Pictures的新工作,同時間著手成立慈善機構Cambodian Children’s Fund(CCF)。一年過後,他辭去工作,賣光家財,隻身去到柬埔寨,「第一日我去垃圾山找到兩個小孩,求他們的媽媽給小孩上學,幫他們租屋,解決基本開支需要,就是這麼簡單便做到改變,站在垃圾山上,我看到錢確實用在哪,你選擇負起責任還是轉身離去?我只知道自己不可能離去。」


他在當地成立學校、孤兒院、醫療中心等,為家庭提供租金、醫療、食物支援,例如是白米計劃,小孩一個月不缺課,可獲10公斤白米;最近又跟加拿大的地產公司合作,每賣出一間房屋,便資助在柬埔寨興建一間新屋,小孩連續6個月不缺課,不受虐打,不需要工作,小孩的家庭便可獲得新屋,至今已有180間新屋建成。


Scott深信教育是一個國家的重要支柱,他希望小孩能投入學校生活,有機會改變命運,從而改變國家,機構成立至今10年,即將要誕生首批大學生,Scott形容是首見的長遠成果。CCF在本港辦事處成立3年,有80個柬埔寨小孩由港人助養,機構亦積極與機構建立合作關係,包括瑞銀、香港寬頻、科技大學等。

A family that dresses together to celebrate Christmas

Maria Shriver has always prided herself on raising a united family, but the journalist and her children took things to a new level on Christmas Day.

On Thursday, her model and actor son Patrick Schwarzenegger, 21, uploaded a shot on Instagram, showing him posing with his siblings and their 59-year-old mother in matching green pyjamas.

Patrick's brother Christopher, 17, and sisters Katherine, 25, and Christina, 23, beamed as they stood in front of their glittering Christmas tree, under which sat a vast collection of gifts.


Perfect match: Patrick Schwarzenegger shared a shot of himself with his mother Maria Shriver, brother Christopher and sisters Katherine and Christina wearing identical pyjamas on Christmas Day
Perfect match: Patrick Schwarzenegger shared a shot of himself with his mother Maria Shriver, brother Christopher and sisters Katherine and Christina wearing identical pyjamas on Christmas Day

With three family members embracing a pet dog each, the boys wore plain green sweaters with Yuletide-themed bottoms while the girls went for full suits.



Source: the Mail

George H.W. Bush will spend Christmas in the hospital for shortness of breath

Patriarch: George H.W. Bush's son George W. Bush served two terms as president. His son Jeb is currently considering a run for the White House

Patriarch: George H.W. Bush's son George W. Bush served two terms as president. His son Jeb is currently considering a run for the White House


George H.W. Bush must spend at least some of Christmas in the hospital after doctors ordered him to remain under observation for a second night following his admission for shortness of breath. 


The 90-year-old former president will stay at Houston's Methodist Hospital on Wednesday night 'as a precaution until doctors can evaluate whether he is healthy enough to return home. 


He was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday night with shortness of breath as wife Barbara read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to children with NFL star JJ Watt at a public event.  


Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Bush - who is the oldest living president - had a 'good day' and his prognosis 'remains positive.' 


Mrs Bush and Watt were the special guests for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Houston
Mrs Bush and Watt were the special guests for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in Houston


Methodist Hospital in Houston is the top-rated hospital in Texas and is nationally ranked, as well
Methodist Hospital in Houston is the top-rated hospital in Texas and is nationally ranked, as well


Bush served two terms as Ronald Reagan's vice president before being elected the nation's 41st president in 1988. After one term, highlighted by the success of the 1991 Gulf War in Kuwait, he lost to Democrat Bill Clinton amid voters' concerns about the economy.


The elder Bush has skydived on at least three of his birthdays since leaving the White House. In June, he celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. During the winter, Bush and his wife, Barbara, live in Houston.


Bush, also a former U.S. ambassador to China and CIA director, suffers from a form of Parkinson's disease that has forced him in recent years to use a motorized scooter or wheelchair for mobility. 

Bush's wife, Barbara Bush, made a surprise visit with Houston Texans' JJ Watt at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in Houston on Tuesday evening to perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.'


It's not clear whether she was with the 41st U.S. president when he experienced his shortness of breath 


Methodist Hospital is rated as the top hospital in Texas by US News & World Report. It is ranked nationally, as well. 

Source: the Mail



Billionaire grocery heiress Andrea Catsimatidis filed for divorce from Christopher Nixon Cox



  • Andrea Catsimatidis filed for divorce from Christopher Nixon Cox
  • She is the daughter of John Catsimatidis, the billionaire owner of Gristedes grocery chain
  • He is the only son of Richard Nixon's daughter, Tricia Nixon
  • Divorce is not contested, meaning it will likely be wrapped up quickly 


  • The oddball political marriage of Richard Nixon's grandson to a much-younger billionaire grocery heiress is ending after three years. 

    Andrea Catsimatidis filed for divorce on Wednesday from Christopher Nixon Cox in Manhattan family court.

    It's unknown what caused the break up, which began with a lavish 2011 ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. Some of New York's biggest political names - including Hillary Clinton and Henry Kissinger - were in attendance.

    Nixon Cox is the only son of Richard Nixon's daughter Tricia Nixon and Edward Cox, the longtime New York Republican State Committee. 

    Nixon Cox met Catsimatidis at her exclusive all-girls New York high school when he was campaigning for John McCain in 2008. She was just 17 at the time. 

    Taking china by storm: The couple toured Beijing last year to retrace the steps of Cox Nixon's grandfather during his famous 1972 visit to China
    Taking china by storm: The couple toured Beijing last year to retrace the steps of Cox Nixon's grandfather during his famous 1972 visit to China

    Their lavish 2011 marriage at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel included many of New York's biggest political heavy hitters
    Their lavish 2011 marriage at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel included many of New York's biggest political heavy hitters

    The divorce is uncontested so the case is likely to be resolved quickly. There is no word on what sort of financial settlement is involved, according to the New York Post.

    Catsimatidis is the daughter of John Catsimatidis, the owner of the Gristedes grocery chain and a former New York City Republican mayoral candidate. His fortunate is estimated at $3.1billion.

    Source: the Mail

    The Clintons were seen walking on Fifth Avenue with the baby in NY

       The Clinton clan hit the streets of New York City today to take the newest member of the family out for a stroll.

    Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton walked down Fifth Avenue in a pack on Friday, alongside Chelsea's husband Marc Mezvinsky.

    Chelsea pushed the stroller with baby Charlotte, now three months old, while Bill walked alongside the two, with a protective hand on the pushchair.

    Family scene: The five were spotted walking on Fifth Avenue in New York City - not far from Chelsea and Marc's apartment
    Family scene: The five were spotted walking on Fifth Avenue in New York City - not far from Chelsea and Marc's apartment

    Hillary, wearing shades like her daughter, wore a dark blue coat and brighter blue sweater teamed with a purple-colored scarf. The family was pictured crossing 19th Street amid crowds of New Yorkers.

    It is one of baby Charlotte's first outings since she was seen cradled in Chelsea's arms leaving the plush Manhattan hospital where she was born in late September.
    Since the birth, Charlotte has been growing up in the family's $10million apartment in the nearby Flatiron District.

    Three months ago: Charlotte, now three months old, is seen above as a newborn leaving hospital with Chelsea in late September
    Three months ago: Charlotte, now three months old, is seen above as a newborn leaving hospital with Chelsea in late September

    Doting grandparents: Bill and Hillary Clinton had long spoken of their desire to have a grandchild - which came true this year
    Doting grandparents: Bill and Hillary Clinton had long spoken of their desire to have a grandchild - which came true this year

    Svelte: Chelsea rapidly regained her figure after the birth - she is shown here in November at an awards party
    Svelte: Chelsea rapidly regained her figure after the birth - she is shown here in November at an awards party

    The couple bought the home in the beautiful Whitman Building, near Madison Square Park, a year ago - relocating from their last $4million apartment just a block away.

    The $5,000-square-foot apartment occupies an entire floor of the building, and comes with four bedrooms, six and a half bathrooms, a home office and den.
    Its interior is lit with natural light, thanks to the floor to ceiling windows that look over the nearby greenspace.

    The couple also have their own 252-square-foot terrace to baby-proof.
    Friday's family jaunt is another example of the elder Clintons' keen grandparenting.
    While Chelsea was pregnant, the power couple both spoke at length about their excitement at having a grandchild while Chelsea was pregnant, and made many long visits to the hospital after Charlotte was born, before declaring themselves 'over the moon'.

    Home, sweet home: This $10million apartment in the Flatiron District is where Charlotte has been growing up
    Home, sweet home: This $10million apartment in the Flatiron District is where Charlotte has been growing up

    Inside: The Clinton's home consist of an entire floor of the Whitman building, part of which is shown here
    Inside: The Clinton's home consist of an entire floor of the Whitman building, part of which is shown here

    2014年12月25日 星期四

    The Royal Family for annual service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham




  • Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived hand-in-hand for service at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham

  • They were joined by Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Harry and other members of the Royal Family for annual service 

  • Kate's younger siblings, Pippa and James Middleton, and her parents, Carole and Michael, also attended

  • The couple then returned to their ten-bed Norfolk mansion for a slap-up turkey dinner with the Middleton family

  • But 17-month-old Prince George was missing from procession, after speculation that he might be brought along

  • The Duchess told one woman, who was waiting outside church with her daughter, that Prince George was too noisy 
  • Prince Harry made friends with a small terrier and said the family's singing inside the church was 'horrendous'

  • Yesterday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge found an unexpected solution. They attended church with the royal family – then headed back to their Norfolk mansion for a slap-up turkey dinner with the Middletons.

    The decision raised eyebrows as royal watchers had expected the Cambridges to join the Queen and Prince Philip at Sandringham for lunch, as they did last year.

    Carole and Michael Middleton
    Pippa and James Middleton

    Kate's younger siblings, James and Pippa Middleton, left, joined the Royal Family along with their parents, Carole and Michael, right

    Kate, who is around six months pregnant with her second child, appeared tired with dark circles and puffiness under her eyes as she arrived hand-in-hand with William at St Mary Magdalene church on the Queen’s Sandringham estate.

    But William perhaps gave a clue to the cause of his wife’s weariness when he told a wellwisher that the 17-month-old would have caused havoc if he had joined them.
    Kim Dawson, 43, from nearby Downham Market, asked William, 32, how the toddler was.

    She said: ‘He said Prince George was really, really well and said that they’ve left him at the nursery because it’s a little bit cold, but they were looking forward to going back to see what destruction he’d caused. He wished us a happy Christmas and asked if we were warm enough and he said he was very grateful for all the flowers.

    ‘He said his grandmother would be very happy with them. He was very, very sweet and asked if we’d had a nice day.’

     The Middletons were personally invited by the Queen to join the congregation at Sandringham yesterday, although they tactfully chose to drive themselves directly from Anmer and arrived shortly before the royal party at the main entrance.


    It is understood that William and Kate planned to briefly congregate with the rest of the royals at Sandringham after church before returning to Anmer and George for lunch. ‘The Queen understands that they have other family commitments,’ a source explained.


    Relaxed: The Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are pictured leaving church today
    Relaxed: The Queen, Prince Charles, the Duchess of Cambridge and Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice are pictured leaving church today


    Refined: The Duchess of Cambridge (centre) leaving the church, followed by Prince Harry (right) and Autumn Phillips (left)
    Refined: The Duchess of Cambridge (centre) leaving the church, followed by Prince Harry (right) and Autumn Phillips 

    Having a laugh: Autumn and Peter Phillips share a joke as they walk among the grounds in King's Lynn, Norfolk 
    Having a laugh: Autumn and Peter Phillips share a joke as they walk among the grounds in King's Lynn, Norfolk 

    Charles was without his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, who has been forced to stay at her family home in Wiltshire after suffering a recurrence of a niggling back injury.

    But those who had made the journey included Princess Anne and her son, Peter Phillips. Her daughter, Zara, was believed to be at the Yorkshire home of her husband, Mike Tindall, with their new daughter, Mia.

    Princess Eugenie had flown over from New York, where she is currently based, and was accompanied by her sister, Princess Beatrice.   

    Unlike most people in Britain, the royals follow the German tradition of opening their presents on Christmas Eve. But after today's service the Queen and her family will sit down to a Norfolk turkey with all the trimmings. 

    After they left the church, the royals were greeted with the cheers of well-wishers, many of whom had waited for hours.

    Prince Harry appeared happy to stop and speak to some of those outside the estate, while Kate quickly found that she had her hands full with bouquets of flowers that were given to her. 

    Family photo: Princess Anne's husband Tim Laurence, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Autumn Phillips, Prince Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry
    Family photo: Princess Anne's husband Tim Laurence, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, Autumn Phillips, Prince Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry





    Hat gang: Autumn Phillips dressed in brown and camel colours for the service while the Countess of Wessex looked radiant in cream

    The Duchess of Cambridge looked demure as she stepped out wearing a calf-length brown coat with matching brown hat. She added an elegant touch of colour to her outfit with a silk scarf in warm autumnal colours. 

    Princesses Eugenie added a touch of festive cheer to her striking white ensemble with a cranberry-coloured beret. While her sister, Princess Beatrice chose a feminine coat in black and grey. Their father, the Duke of York, was also among the royal party. 

    The Earl and Countess of Wessex were with their daughter Lady Louise Windsor, and Peter Phillips was joined by his wife Autumn.  
    The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles' wife, did not attend the traditional Royal Family church service in Sandringham on advice from doctors after she 'put her back out', Clarence House said. 

    The Queen, in her speech, said she  was 'deeply touched' by the 'selflessness' of medical staff fighting Ebola in her traditional Christmas message, and also paid tribute to the Tower of London poppies.

    The UK is one of a number of nations that has seen its doctors and nurses volunteer to help countries such as Sierra Leone in West Africa combat the epidemic. In her annual address to the nation, the Queen praised medics fighting the epidemic, as well as those working to provide humanitarian relief in warzones. 
    The theme of this year's speech, which comes after a busy year for the Royal Family, was reconciliation.  


    Wwhile Autumn Phillips was also there with her husband 

    The Queen wrapped up in a brown fur coat, worn over an elegant pink dress








































    The Queen wore a brown fur coat over an elegant pink dress, 

    Source: The Mail