Kate’s secret message to Camilla, Charles’ kind gesture and ‘diplomatic’ jokes about jollof rice: All the moments you missed from the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years During the recent state visit, the royal family’s interactions highlighted a blend of tradition and warmth. The King took the lead in welcoming guests at Windsor, culminating in a dazzling banquet where he delivered a heartfelt toast. Mindful of cultural sensitivities, the event featured arrangements for Muslim attendees observing Ramadan, including a designated prayer space and Iftar setup. A heartfelt exchange and royal camaraderie The visit captured several touching scenes, such as the King’s lighthearted remark on jollof rice while the Princess of Wales performed a graceful curtsy. William and Kate, meanwhile, exchanged quiet laughter over a private joke, with the Prince receiving a warm greeting from his stepmother. One observer noted a sweet moment between Kate and Camilla, with Kate offering a compliment on the First Lady’s attire. According to a lip-reader, the exchange began with a greeting like ‘Good morning, how are you?’ followed by ‘you look beautiful!’ Camilla wore a pink wool crepe dress by Fiona Clare and a pink beret by Philip Treacy, alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Cartier flower clip brooches. A unique royal gesture Following the ceremonial welcome in the Quadrangle, royal analysts remarked on a rare moment involving the King. He extended his hand to President Tinubu as they walked together, a gesture that may have reflected the President’s attentiveness or Charles’s cultural awareness. “The King’s downward glance suggests he was steadying himself on the uneven gravel. It’s possible Tinubu offered his hand to assist, highlighting a positive intent,” explained Inbaal Honigman of HELLO!. In Nigerian culture, men often walk closely and hold hands, a contrast to typical British norms. This subtle moment underscored the King’s diplomatic approach and appreciation for diverse customs. Words of recognition and unity The King’s speech included a memorable phrase, ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’ – a Nigerian expression celebrating resilience and excellence. He also noted Nigeria’s status as the UK’s largest African export market since January, praising the diaspora as a ‘living bridge’ connecting nations. “The diaspora strengthens our cultures, enhances security, and boosts economic ties,” he stated, emphasizing shared growth and hope. Reflecting on history, the monarch acknowledged past challenges but framed them as lessons for progress. “History is not just a record of what was done to us – it’s a guide for how we move forward together,” he said, honoring those who endured hardship. As the festivities unfolded, the blend of British hospitality and Nigerian warmth created a memorable blend of tradition and camaraderie, offering a glimpse into the personal side of the royal family amidst grandeur.

Algerian thief sentenced to deportation after stealing £37,000 watch from Chinese professor Mohamed Sellaoui, a 19-year-old Algerian, has been sentenced to deportation following his conviction for robbing a Chinese chemistry professor of a £37,000 timepiece during an incident at a Mayfair restaurant. The young offender, who was aided by an Arabic interpreter, denied the charges but was found guilty after a three-day trial at Southwark Crown Court. The Heist in Mayfair Jiangfeng Ni, a professor at Soochow University in China, recounted the attack to jurors during the trial. He described how two men approached him from behind as he exited Langan’s Brasserie on Stratton Street. According to his testimony, one of the thieves attempted to remove his Patek Philippe watch from his left wrist, while the other pushed him into a corner. “The person with my watch fell over… the watch was still in his hand,” Ni said, emphasizing the clarity of the event through a Chinese interpreter. He added that the second suspect swung a punch at him as he tried to chase the thieves, shouting “woo woo” sounds before fleeing toward Green Park station. Legal Challenges and Testimony During the proceedings, defense lawyer Joshua Clements questioned the professor’s account. He argued that Ni had confused the suspects during the identity parade, adding unnecessary details not present in his initial police statement. Clements noted that the victim had spent nearly an hour examining different images, making certainty about the perpetrator questionable. “You asked to see different images 15 times. After that, you could not have been sure who the suspect was,” Clements claimed, challenging the reliability of Ni’s testimony. However, the professor countered that his strong eyesight allowed him to distinguish the individuals clearly, despite the nervousness he felt during the identification process. Deportation and Sentencing Judge Gregory Perrins confirmed Sellaoui’s deportation after sentencing him to jail time. The judge stated that while the teenager’s age would be considered, the illegal status of the defendant made deportation a certainty. The ruling follows a pre-sentence report, with the judge stressing that the outcome was not a surprise. Despite the defense’s plea for a suspended sentence, the judge ruled that Sellaoui’s unlawful presence in the UK meant a deferred penalty was not feasible. The teenager is now set for sentencing on April 9. Detective Constable Kira Halson, leading the Met Police investigation, praised the swift identification of Sellaoui via CCTV footage and a local officer’s recognition during a patrol. She highlighted the success of the New Met for London initiative in tackling violent crimes like this one.

Savannah Guthrie Returns to ‘TODAY’ Studio Amid Ongoing Search for Missing Mother On Thursday, Savannah Guthrie made a visit to the set of the NBC morning show, as the search for her missing mother entered its 32nd day. A TODAY representative stated that Savannah had come to the studio to express gratitude to her colleagues and spend time with them. Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Feb. 1, after failing to appear at a friend’s residence in Tucson, Arizona, for an online church service. She was last spotted the night before around 9:45 p.m. following a dinner at her daughter Annie’s home. Law enforcement has indicated the case could involve a kidnapping or abduction, though evidence remains limited. “Though she intends to eventually resume her on-air duties, Savannah is currently prioritizing family support and aiding in the effort to locate Nancy,” the spokesperson added. The visit was not broadcast, with Savannah having been absent from the show since her mother’s disappearance, focusing on time with her family in the Tucson region. Jenna Bush Hager, a TODAY co-anchor, appeared emotional during a segment, stating that Savannah’s return to the air “feels like the hardest thing to do, but it’s also her home and where she feels so loved.” “Sheinelle Jones, who co-hosted the third hour of TODAY, added that ‘we’re not out of the storm, but there’s a light somewhere even in the midst of the storm.’ She also told Savannah, ‘Whenever you are ready, we are here.’” Photographs captured by an Associated Press journalist outside the TODAY studio show Savannah, visibly emotional, wiping tears and hugging her team members. The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to their mother’s recovery. On Feb. 24, Savannah announced the reward, noting that while her family believes Nancy “can come home,” they also acknowledge the possibility that she “may be lost” or “already be gone.” The FBI obtained doorbell camera footage of an armed, masked individual outside the Guthrie home on the morning of Nancy’s disappearance. Investigators have since identified this person as a suspect, though their identity has not been disclosed publicly. The suspect is described as a male between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, and was seen wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack in the footage. Daniel Arkin, a senior reporter at NBC News, provided additional details on the case.