Kate Lally

Jet2 has advised passengers travelling abroad this summer to carry a paper copy of their travel insurance policy, including the policy number and emergency contact details, in case they lose access to their phone. The guidance highlights the risks of travelling without suitable cover and urges holidaymakers to disclose medical conditions, account for planned activities and destinations, and check protection for cancellations and delays rather than choosing the cheapest policy.

Travellers have been warned about rising cases of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever and severe joint pain. UK cases recorded in 2025 involved people who had travelled abroad, particularly to Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh. Outbreaks and elevated exposure risks have also been reported across parts of the Americas, Asia and Africa. Most people recover within two weeks, but prolonged pain, serious complications and rare deaths can occur. Health authorities advise using DEET or picaridin repellent and wearing loose, light-coloured clothing that covers the limbs, noting that the mosquitoes transmit the virus during daylight hours.

Hosepipe bans have been introduced or announced in parts of England as prolonged heat and low rainfall increase pressure on water supplies. Anglian Water has restricted hosepipe use for more than five million customers across the East of England, while Cambridge Water, South East Water and Southern Water have imposed or planned restrictions in additional areas. During a ban, people are prohibited from using hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean patios or boats, or fill swimming and paddling pools.

Catherine, Princess of Wales is reported to be a fan of CrossFit, a high-intensity training program combining strength and conditioning exercises. Her broader fitness routine reportedly includes yoga, cycling, running and trampolining, while she also played hockey and tennis at university. Her enthusiasm for sport is reflected in her royal patronages of the Rugby Football Union, Rugby Football League and All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Catherine, Princess of Wales is reported to regularly prepare roast chicken for Prince William, who regards it as his favourite meal. The article notes the Wales family's broader enjoyment of pasta, pizza and steak, while describing William as an inexperienced cook who can grill steak to his preferred medium-rare finish. It also highlights Catherine's enjoyment of cooking with her children.

Jet2 is advising passengers to check its website for the latest flight information at least 12 hours before departure, arrive at the airport two hours early, and remember that check-in desks close 40 minutes before departure. The airline operates from around 14 UK airports and serves more than 75 destinations. Its free Twilight Check-in service may allow eligible passengers to drop off hold luggage the evening before travel and proceed directly to security on the day of departure.

Princess Kate is reportedly a fan of porridge and antioxidant-rich smoothies for breakfast. Nutrition experts say oats provide sustained energy, fibre and other nutrients and may support weight management, while a smoothie containing leafy greens, spirulina, matcha and blueberries is presented as another healthy option. The article also describes Kate's reported fitness routine, including running, tennis, strength training, cycling, rowing and yoga, and notes her tennis activities with her children at Anmer Hall.

Millions of Nationwide members may receive a £100 Fairer Share payment in 2026, although the building society has not yet confirmed the payment or its eligibility criteria. Based on announcements and payment dates from 2023 to 2025, Nationwide is likely to make an announcement in May, with eligible members potentially receiving the money in June. The payment depends on Nationwide’s financial performance and may be changed or withdrawn.

Nationwide attracted 41,450 current-account switchers between July and September, helped by its £175 switching bonus, and has reportedly won 404,207 customers from rival banks over two years. The building society also continues its annual £100 Fairer Share Payment for eligible members. More than 1.05 million current-account switches were recorded in 2025, while Monzo and NatWest gained customers and Santander lost nearly 20,000 accounts. Pay.UK and personal-finance expert Andrew Hagger described the strong switching figures as evidence of a competitive market, with several major banks now offering incentives of at least £175.

Small businesses in England with between one and 249 employees are being urged to register by March 31 for the Department for Work and Pensions' free Support with Occupational Health training course. The 60- to 90-minute online programme is intended to help managers manage sickness absence and support employees with disabilities or long-term health conditions. The warning follows estimates that replacing an employee who leaves because of ill health can cost more than £11,000, while nearly 2,000 managers have already enrolled.

NHS guidance warns that ibuprofen may be unsuitable for people with certain allergies, heart, kidney, liver or gastrointestinal conditions, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, chickenpox, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or pregnancy. People over 65 face an increased risk of stomach ulcers when taking ibuprofen, and doctors may prescribe additional medicine to protect the stomach during long-term treatment. Patients are advised to consult their GP if they have relevant medical conditions or previous adverse reactions to NSAIDs.

Nationwide attracted 41,450 new customers between July and September 2025 with its £175 current-account switching incentive, making it the strongest performer in the latest Current Account Switch Service figures. UK customers made 1,054,521 recorded account switches during 2025, the third consecutive year above one million, although activity was lower than in 2023 and 2024 as interest rates declined. Monzo and NatWest also gained customers, while Santander, Halifax and Chase recorded significant losses. Experts said the figures showed a competitive banking market and predicted continued switching as several banks offer incentives of at least £175.

Buckingham Palace is recruiting a full-time live-in kitchen porter for a fixed-term contract beginning in June 2026. No previous experience is required because on-site training will be provided, though applicants should be willing to work collaboratively and develop their skills. The role offers competitive pay and benefits, involves up to 45 hours across five days per week, and includes work at Buckingham Palace and other Royal residences. Applications close on March 21, 2026.

The Department for Work and Pensions says more than 900,000 eligible UK households are missing out on Pension Credit worth around £4,300 a year, or just over £80 a week. The benefit supports people of State Pension age on lower incomes, including some who own their homes, have savings, work or receive occupational pensions. Pensioners can check eligibility through the GOV.UK calculator or claim by telephone, with further guidance available from organisations including Age UK, Independent Age and Citizens Advice.

Most eligible pensioners should receive their Winter Fuel Payment automatically, with payments of £200 generally issued in November or December and higher or lower amounts applying in certain age and care-home circumstances. Those who have not received the payment should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre after January 28. Eligibility was expanded for 2025/26 to pensioners in England and Wales with annual income of £35,000 or less, while HMRC may recover payments from those above the threshold through tax adjustments or Self Assessment.

David Beckham said Victoria Beckham has eaten grilled fish and steamed vegetables almost every evening for about 25 years, with only rare exceptions. Victoria has described her diet as more varied, including fresh fish, vegetables, salads, seeds, nuts, avocados, healthy fats, carbohydrates, red wine and tequila. She says disciplined eating improves her energy and skin, while also noting that she enjoys dining out and is sociable about food.

The UK Government has made the Help to Save scheme permanent, with expanded eligibility from April 2028 expected to allow up to 1.5 million additional families to participate, including some Universal Credit claimants with caring responsibilities. Eligible savers can deposit £1 to £50 per month and receive a 50% bonus, potentially earning up to £1,200 after saving the maximum £2,400 over four years. HMRC says nearly half a million people have already received more than £220 million in bonuses, while withdrawals remain possible but may affect bonus payments.

HM Revenue and Customs is reminding people earning below £80,000 to check whether they qualify for Child Benefit. Eligible families can receive £26.05 a week for their eldest or only child and £17.25 for additional children, while those earning more than £60,000 may face a High Income Child Benefit Charge. Rates are due to rise by 3.8% in April 2026, and claims can be backdated by up to three months.

Flu and common colds are caused by different viruses but can occur simultaneously and spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact and contaminated surfaces. Colds generally develop gradually with milder symptoms, while flu tends to begin suddenly and cause more severe fever, fatigue, aches and weakness. Both illnesses can lead to complications, with flu posing particular risks to vulnerable people. Recommended management includes rest, fluids and symptom relief, while early antivirals may help higher-risk flu patients; antibiotics are not effective unless a bacterial infection develops. Recovery usually takes seven to 10 days for a cold and one to two weeks for flu. Annual vaccination, handwashing, ventilation and staying home when unwell are advised, and the NHS offers free flu vaccines to several eligible groups.

The Department for Work and Pensions says eligible people will receive an automatic, tax-free £10 Christmas Bonus in early December. Recipients must be present or ordinarily resident in the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Gibraltar during the qualifying week and receive at least one qualifying benefit, such as State Pension, Pension Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance or certain disability and carers' benefits. No application is required; people who believe they qualify but have not been paid by 1 January should contact Jobcentre Plus or the Pension Service. Eligible partners in a couple can each receive the payment.

The Department for Work and Pensions is reminding households that the Warm Home Discount provides a one-off £150 reduction on electricity bills. Eligibility has expanded, with an additional 2.7 million people expected to qualify under eased rules. In England and Wales, applicants must receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or meet low-income criteria; Scottish residents must also satisfy their energy supplier’s requirements. The credit is applied automatically, and the DWP warns that phone calls asking people to apply may be scams. Twenty-eight energy suppliers are participating.

HM Passport Office has warned that passport applications may be delayed if applicants submit photographs that fail official requirements. Applicants are advised to use a plain, light background, maintain a neutral expression, avoid shadows and filters, and ensure images meet specified quality, size and file-format standards. Standard adult passports cost £94.50 online or £107 by paper application, and compliant applications are expected to be processed within three weeks.

The Department for Work and Pensions is warning pensioners about scam text messages falsely inviting them to apply for Winter Fuel Payments. Around nine million eligible pensioners in England and Wales will receive payments automatically, worth up to £200 for most recipients and £300 for those aged over 80, between now and the end of December 2025. Recipients are advised not to click links or respond to suspicious messages, but to forward them to 7726. Payments for people with taxable income above £35,000 will be reclaimed through the tax system.

The UK Health Security Agency says norovirus activity remains within expected levels despite varying in recent weeks, while millions of people become ill with the winter vomiting bug annually. Norovirus causes vomiting and diarrhoea, usually resolves within about two days, and can cause dangerous dehydration in vulnerable groups. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, wash hands with soap and warm water, clean contaminated surfaces, avoid preparing food for others, and stay home or away from swimming pools for 48 hours after symptoms end.

The DVLA warns that nearly 500,000 untaxed vehicles may be on Britain’s roads and reminds registered keepers that vehicles must be taxed even when no payment is due. Driving an untaxed vehicle can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Drivers may use an untaxed vehicle on the road only when travelling directly to a pre-booked MOT test, and recent car-tax rule changes mean some vehicles previously exempt from payment may now be liable.