‘Hang on. I don’t think it’s happening just yet. Unless you guys know something that I don’t, it’s not happening just yet’
7 DAYS
A ROUND-UP OF NEWS REPORTS
BEYONCE
Beyoncé has made history as the first black woman to reach No. 1 in the Hot Country Songs chart. She achieved the feat with her new single Texas Hold ’Em, which was downloaded 39,000 times and notched up more than 19 million streamss in the US in the first four days following its release on 11 February.
The track replaced I Remember Everything by Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves, which had topped the charts for 20 weeks.
The singer’s milestone achievement comes after she revealed that she will be releasing a country-inspired album in March, as a sequel to 2022’s Renaissance.. She made the surprise announcement in a Verizon commercial that aired earlier this month during Super Bowl LVIII.
THE DUCHESS OF SUSSEX
The Duchess of Sussex has opened a new wing of a London animal shelter in memory of her late friend Oli Juste, who introduced her to the work of the Mayhew charity in 2019. Meghan appeared via videolink at the Mayhew centre last week to speak about dog trainer Oli, who passed away two years ago.
Speaking as the Oli Juste Wing was officially opened, she said: “A heartfelt thank-you to the wonderful team at Mayhew, who have worked tirelessly to bring this dream to life. It was so important to find a way to celebrate Oli’s memory in a manner that he would have loved. Mayhew is a beacon of hope for those in need and a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together.”
THE KING
The Bank of England has announced that new banknotes featuring the King will enter circulation on 5 June. The monarch’s portrait will appear on £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes, with no other changes to the existing designs. The new notes will be printed to replace any that are unduly worn and to meet any overall increase in demand.
They will circulate alongside banknotes bearing the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which will remain legal tender.
In a statement, the Bank said: “Our approach is in line with guidance from the royal household to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change.” Coins bearing His Majesty’s profile entered circulation in August 2023.
SARAH, DUCHESS OF YORK
Sarah, Duchess of York has issued a plea urging people not to “skip or put off healthcare checks” as part of an anti-cancer charity campaign. On Instagram, she wrote: “To mark #Cancer Prevention ActionWeek, I would like to urge anyone who is able to be diligent with their health check-ups.
