Barbara Bush, the 'enforcer' of a political dynasty, is dead

Former first lady Barbara Bush, one of only two women in American history to have been both the wife and the mother of a U.S. president, died in her home in Houston on Tuesday at the age of 92.

She had been in declining health for some time and recently decided not to seek further treatment.

Known for her shock of white hair and trademark pearls, Barbara Bush was quickly branded the nation’s “grandmother in chief” when her husband, President George H.W. Bush, ascended to the White House in 1988. But her matronly appearance and polite disposition concealed a sharp tongue and devilish wit that she later became known for, as she increasingly stepped forward as her husband’s defender during his presidency and a rough-and-tumble reelection campaign that he ultimately lost to Bill Clinton.

While her husband was the linchpin of a multigenerational political dynasty, Bush provided much of the steel in the family. Forgoing a career of her own to take care of her kids and support her spouse’s political ambitions, she once said, “My career was my family.” She was of a generation where women were largely defined by their fathers and whom they married, but as the times changed, so did she, gradually showing more of the strong personality that led her kids to lovingly describe her as “the enforcer.”

Born Barbara Pierce, she was raised in the tony New York City suburb of Rye, the third of four daughters born to Pauline and Marvin Pierce, a prominent magazine publisher whose titles included McCall’s, one of the first publications aimed at women.

Barbara Pierce, the future Barbara Bush, is shown in her graduation photo from Ashley Hall, a finishing school in Charleston, S.C., in 1943. (Photo: AP)

Barbara was 16 and home on vacation from Ashley Hall, a posh South Carolina boarding school, when “the handsomest man I ever saw” approached her at a Christmas dance. George H.W. Bush, who introduced himself as Poppy, was a 17-year-old senior at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., and lived in nearby Connecticut. He couldn’t waltz, so the two sat and talked and “haven’t stopped talking since,” she later said. A year and a half later, as George prepared to head off to World War II, they became engaged, and in 1945, when he was on leave from his assignment flying bombing missions over the Pacific, they wed. “I married the first boy I ever kissed,” she said.

Just 19, Barbara dropped out of Smith College and followed her husband on what would become a storied career taking him from the East Coast to West Texas and overseas. She was an eager partner in her husband’s career, which took her to environments far removed from her prim upbringing, like Midland, Texas — an oil town that would become as important in Bush family lore as Kennebunkport, Maine, home of the family’s seaside retreat. Along the way, the couple would raise four sons — George W., Jeb, Neil and Marvin — and a daughter, Dorothy.

But the Bushes also suffered terrible loss. In 1953, just a few months after their son Jeb was born, their second child, Robin, was diagnosed with leukemia — a disease for which there were few treatments at the time. The girl died two months before her fourth birthday, an ordeal that sent 28-year-old Barbara into depression and caused her reddish-brown hair to turn white, something she concealed for years using hair dye.

Struggling to overcome her grief, Barbara relied heavily on her husband and eldest son, George W., until one day when she heard her son tell a friend he couldn’t play because his mother needed him. “That started my cure,” she told her husband’s biographer Jon Meacham. “I realized I was too much of a burden for a little 7-year-old boy to carry.”

Future presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush pose with Barbara Bush in Rye, N.Y., summer 1955. (Photo: Newsmakers/Getty Images)

As her husband began his political ascent, which included a stint in Congress, time as head of the Republican Party, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, ambassador to the United Nations and the U.S. envoy to China, Barbara followed, but stayed mostly behind the scenes, taking care of the family. But she edged more into the spotlight when her husband decided to run for president in 1980, joining him on the road as a trusted companion and his most enthusiastic cheerleader in ways that often conflicted with her image as a docile housewife.

According to the Boston Globe, Barbara once barged into the paper’s New Hampshire bureau ahead of the 1980 primary demanding to know why reporters weren’t covering a press conference her husband was holding downstairs. Like a stern mother, she eventually marched a reporter and editor down to her husband’s event, which they covered.

During the 1984 campaign, she made waves when she slapped back at Geraldine Ferraro, the Democratic vice presidential nominee, for attacking her husband. Asked about her opinion of Ferraro, Bush told reporters, “I can’t say it, but it rhymes with rich.” (Afterward, she called and apologized to Ferraro, saying, “The poet laureate has retired.”)

But as she became more visible in her husband’s career, she became a target for jokes about her appearance. She had stopped dying her hair — joking that she just couldn’t get it that “perfect brown.” That prompted some to say she looked more like her husband’s mother than his wife — an insult friends say she found particularly wounding, though she didn’t let on in public.

On the campaign trail and later as first lady, she made light of the comments about her appearance, once dryly recalling how she saw a photographer frantically waving to “get that lady out the way” because he was trying to take a “beautiful picture” of Bush and his family, only to realize he was talking about her.

At the White House, Barbara Bush initially forged a more traditional role as first lady, embracing pet projects like promoting literacy and downplaying her political profile.

George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush pose with family as he accepts the Republican nomination for reelection in August 1992. (Photo: Ralf-Finn Hestoft/Corbis via Getty Images)

While she pointedly said she did not see herself as a “co-president” and often tried to steer clear of policy matters, Bush made clear that she had a mind of her own and was willing to express it to her husband. “I tell George what I think and no one else,” she told the Associated Press in 1988.  Her husband, in turn, branded his wife with the nickname “Miss Frank.”

During the 1992 campaign, Bush emerged as one of her husband’s fiercest defenders on the campaign trail. She took on commentators who assailed her husband as a “wimp” and “out of touch” and presented him as a good and decent public servant who had been unfairly maligned by Clinton and other opponents.

For the first time, she also broke with her husband politically. She weighed in on issues like abortion, which she said should be a “personal choice” for women, and gun control, admitting that she was for it, while her husband was not. That year she delivered a primetime speech at the Republican National Convention — a first for any first lady in history in what has since become tradition for both parties.

Though her husband lost, Barbara Bush continued her role as a blunt grandma right into private life and in her kids’ political campaigns, as they tapped her as a greater asset than their father. When her oldest son, George W. Bush, began his ascent up the political ladder, first as governor of Texas and then as the nation’s 43rd president, he often told reporters that he had inherited his “daddy’s eyes” and his “mama’s mouth.”

Bush’s passing brings an end to one of the most epic romances in politics. The couple celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in early January. She leaves behind five kids, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

President George W. Bush, first lady Laura Bush, former first lady Barbara Bush and former President George H.W. Bush sit surrounded by family in the Red Room of the White House, Jan. 6, 2005. (Photo: Eric Draper/White House via Getty Images)

Here’s Why Princess Eugenie’s Wedding Is Going to Be Seriously Uncomfortable for Meghan Markle

It’s an exciting time to be a part of the royal family. With several upcoming weddings, the princes, princesses, and soon-to-be royals are hard at work preparing for their big days. And more recently, Princess Eugenie’s engagement is what everyone can’t stop talking about.

Meghan Markle will get a wedding invite, of course. But there’s one other person in attendance at Eugenie’s wedding who could make it quite uncomfortable for Meghan (page 4). Here are the details. Eugenie reportedly thinks Meghan and Harry are perfect together When Meghan and Harry first started getting romantic, they certainly had Princess Eugenie’s approval. The Daily Express reports back in 2016, Harry and Meghan attended ...

When Meghan and Harry first started getting romantic, they certainly had Princess Eugenie’s approval. The Daily Express reports back in 2016, Harry and Meghan attended a Halloween party with Eugenie and her now-fiancé, Jack Brooksbank. At the time, Harry and Meghan had only been dating for a few months — but Eugenie considered the couple to be “the perfect match.” As one insider says, “Eugenie loves Meghan to bits.”

Now that both of their weddings are on the horizon, however, things may already be starting to get dicey.

It turns out Eugenie’s wedding plans are already changing due to Meghan and Harry. Metro.co.uk says Eugenie wanted to tie the knot in September, but Harry and Meghan have to complete duties abroad during that month. For this reason, Eugenie pushed her wedding date to October 12, 2018.

Will this cause tensions between the couples? So far, there hasn’t been any noticeable change in attitudes between them, but other upcoming details may alter this.

Meghan and Harry are walking down the aisle at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. And oddly enough, that’s also where Eugenie and Jack are saying their vows, People reports. So will using the same venue so close to each other’s weddings spark any controversy or competition?

Sources close to the couples say there’s absolutely no competition between them. And many royal weddings have actually taken place at this particular chapel. Still, tabloids will certainly compare their weddings, which may cause discomfort among the royals after all is said and done.

Harry’s ex is slated to be a bridesmaid at the royal wedding

ressida Bonas is likely to be a guest at the wedding. | Chris Jackson/Getty Images

There’s one person on Eugenie’s guest list who Meghan might not be too excited to see. The Daily Mirror speculates Cressida Bonas, Harry’s ex, is absolutely getting an invite. She’s a close friend of Eugenie’s — and the royal may even ask Cressida to be one of her bridesmaids.

Cressida and Harry dated for two years before calling it quits in 2014. Though Cressida did accompany the royal on many official engagements, it seems life in the spotlight became too much for her, thus they split.

Cressida posted a strange message on social media after the news of Harry’s engagement

Did this message have any special meaning? |
Cressida Bonas via Instagram

Cressida and Harry’s split was supposedly amicable. But the royal’s former flame was busily posting some eye-catching photos and quotes on social media more recently. Fox News reports Cressida, who’s also a model, posted a “jaw-dropping” photo of herself on her Instagram. Not only that, but she also uploaded a message just a day after the news of the engagement broke.

“No matter how educated, talented, rich or cool you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells it all,” the image on her Instagram read. Perhaps the relationship ended on a more sour note than originally thought.

Prince Harry was seen at an event with Cressida in December

In December 2017, all eyes were on Prince Harry while he was in attendance at a caroling fundraiser event at St. Luke’s Church in London. E! News reports Cressida was at the same event as well to sing a few holiday tunes. And Meghan Markle was nowhere to be found at the time.

Cressida and Harry arrived separately, of course. And the source doesn’t mention whether they had much interaction, though skeptics wondered why Harry would go without his newly engaged fiancé.

Will Cressida attend Harry and Meghan’s wedding?

Meghan Markle isn’t the type to be jealous of ex-girlfriends.

Since Cressida and Harry are seemingly on good terms, is there any chance she’ll be invited to the royal wedding? The Daily Express reports Emily Andrews, a royal expert, says two of Harry’s exes are getting an invite. Andrews says, “Meghan’s a very modern woman, ex-girlfriends are not going to phase her.” She also claims Harry’s still in touch with Cressida and ex Chelsy Davy, and Meghan may have actually encouraged the invites to both women.

A decades-long feud still going strong

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Philip don’t exactly get along. |
Jonathan Leibson/Stringer

After over 60 years in the public eye, Prince Philip officially retired from the public eye in August 2017. After thousands of public appearances, the Duke of Edinburgh is ready for a nice long rest, but apparently, his grandchildren won’t let him be great.

Prince Philip’s apprehension surrounding Princess Eugenie’s wedding has way more to do with the guest list than his retirement. Rumor has it that Prince Philip absolutely loathes Princess Eugenie’s mother, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson, Duchess of York.

In fact, his hatred runs so deep that he cannot bear to even have her in his sight. We doubt family photos at this wedding will be stress-free.

Look no further than the tale of ’92

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew, seen with daughter Princess Beatrice, have reconciled post-divorce. |
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Obviously, Prince Philip doesn’t just abhor Fergie for no reason. In fact, his reasons for wanting her out of his sight might be kind of valid. It all stems back to 1992. Fergie married Prince Andrew, the queen and duke’s third child in 1986. But by 1991, their marriage was in shambles.

Divorce isn’t a huge thing for the royals anymore, but before the Duchess and Duke of York announced their separation, Fergie was photographed topless with oil tycoon John Bryan. Bryan was also sucking Fergie’s toes in the pictures. Apparently, no one had the foresight to warn the royal family that the photos were going to be published, so the Windsors found out about them over breakfast while reading the morning newspapers.

Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York separated soon after that, and their divorce was finalized in 1996.

A forbidden royal reunion


Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, seen at their daughter’s graduation, are reportedly forbidden from getting remarried. | Ian Nicholson/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Though Prince Andrew and Fergie have been divorced for over 20 years, they still live together at the Royal Lodge and are very much a couple. However, when there were talks of the couple officially walking down the aisle again in 2000, the queen and the Duke of Edinburgh explicitly forbade it.

Prince Philip even described Fergie as, “having no point.”

Cash for royal access

Sarah Ferguson was caught feeding information to journalists. |
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images for BGC Partners

If the toe-sucking scandal wasn’t enough to boil the Duke of Edinburgh’s blood, Fergie’s more recent scandal surely made him wash his hands of her completely.

In 2010, the Duchess of York was caught by an undercover journalist who offered her $500,000 for access to the royal family. Fergie was caught on tape pocketing $40,000 in cash as a down payment. How appalling.

A tyrannical duke

The duchess has accused Prince Philip of being “tyrannical.” |
Hannah McKay/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Hatred and ire apparently go both ways. The Duchess of York is apparently no fan of Prince Philip’s either.

A source told The Daily Beast, “She always likes to say how he rules the Royal family with a rod of iron. They loathe each other, to put it frankly.”

Starting off on a bad note

If Fergie wants her daughter’s wedding to go smoothly, she may want to keep her distance from Prince Philip. |
Chris Jackson/Getty Images

If Fergie wants Princess Eugenie’s wedding to go off without a hitch, she’s already starting off on the wrong foot. As soon as the princess announced her engagement, her mom went on a social media bender, tweeting out a string of cringeworthy tweets that included photos of her daughter and future son-in-law.

One tweet said, “They float with laughter and love .. although a boat helps! #engagement #eugieandjack @TheDukeOfYork @yorkiebea”

A planned BBC interview with the couple was quickly canned when the royals got wind that Fergie was going off the rails, and Princess Eugenie’s father, Prince Andrew, had to step in to effectively muzzle his ex-wife.

The End of an Era: Queen Elizabeth Names Her Successor

This just in: The longest-standing British monarch is preparing to take her final curtsy.

Queen Elizabeth, who turns 92 years old tomorrow, issued a formal request for the Commonwealth Heads of Government to appoint her son, Prince Charles, as her successor during an official meeting at Buckingham Palace yesterday.

She said, “It is my sincere wish that the Commonwealth will continue to offer stability and continuity for future generations and will decide that one day the Prince of Wales should carry on the important work started by my father in 1949.”

The monarch went on to say that she hopes Prince Charles will carry on her legacy, adding, “By continuing to treasure and reinvigorate our associations and activities, I believe we will secure a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world for those who follow us: a world where the Commonwealth’s generosity of spirit can bring its gentle touch of healing and hope to all.”

Prince Charles is the first in a long list of heirs to the throne, so the announcement was a long time coming. Nevertheless, Queen Elizabeth hadn’t publicly backed her son as the next Commonwealth leader…until now.

May the odds be ever in your favor, Prince Charles.

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'An icon of the Commonwealth’ The Queen to WIND DOWN duties as Charles is set to take over

The Queen hosted a dinner at Buckingham Palace for representatives and Heads of Government

Tonight the Queen hosted a dinner at Buckingham Palace for representatives and Heads of Government to celebrate the Commonwealth during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo suggested the Queen is “winding down” her duties as head of the Commonwealth as he paid tribute to the monarch.

He said: “We’re led to to understand that she’ll be winding down her duties as Head of the Commonwealth. This toast thus takes on an added significance, for it falls upon me to express the depth of our collective regret that she will no longer automatically be present at proceedings.

“The organisation will undoubtedly be all the poorer for it. We will miss her inspiring presence, her calm, her steadiness and, above all, her great love and belief in the higher purpose of this Commonwealth of nations in its capacity to be a force for Good.”

Akufo-Addo praised the Queen’s “legendary ability to put you at ease” and her “lightness, her style and the sheer joy with which she carries out her duties” to a packed room of Commonwealth leaders and members of the Royal Family, including her son Prince Charles.

Akufo-Addo said: “It is my fervent hope that the deep love she has shown for this association will continue to light the way for all of us,’ he continued.

“She will always be an icon of the Commonwealth.”

The Queen was joined tonight by also joined tonight by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry, the Duke of York, and the Earl and Countess of Wessex in what was seen by many as the beginning of a change in power.

Queen Elizabeth II greets Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife Michelle

The Queen will always remain an icon to the Commonwealth

Prince William was also in attendace

The Commonwealth is expected to decide on who will lead the organisation after the Queen tomorrow with Prince Charles receiving the backing of his mother, Theresa May and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Mr Trudeau said he would support a bid by Prince Charles to become the new leader of the Commonwealth, endorsing a view set out by Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen said earlier on Thursday that she hoped her son and heir would take on leadership of the Commonwealth, answering some who argue the position should be rotated around member states.

"I very much agree with the wishes of Her Majesty that the Prince of Wales be the next head of the Commonwealth," Trudeau said at an event in London.

Meghan Markle could look to Princess Sofia for royal tips as they share THESE similarities

MEGHAN Markle could look to Princess Sofia of Sweden for inspiration ahead her royal wedding to Prince Harry as the pair share several similarities.

Meghan Markle could look to Princess Sofia of Sweden for royal inspiration

While Meghan has often been compared to her future sister-in-law the Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry’s fiancee may have more in common with Sofia.

The Swedish princess like Meghan had no any royal connections when she met her prince and had to leave her showbiz life behind.

Sofia, who married Sweden’s Prince Carl Philip in 2015, starred in the Swedish reality show Paradise Hotel and posed for a few glamour photos before she met her prince.

The future royal Sofia made it through to the final of the Love Island meets Survivor-type show, and made headlines with the now infamous scene where she was seen kissing 41-year-old American adult star Jenna Jameson.

While Meghan’s past is not quite as racy, the former US actress did quit her starring role in hit drama Suits to become a working royal and Harry's wife.

Previously, Meghan also starred in the daytime soap General Hospital and spent a year on the US version of Deal Or No Deal as one of its popular 'suitcase girls', the minidress-clad models who are responsible for carrying and opening the metal briefcases in the game show.

The royal wedding is not until next month but Meghan is already embracing the royal work life, attending several engagements alongside future husband Harry.

Meghan has kept her royal engagements fashion simple and classic so far, opting for tailored trousers and a neutral colour scheme – very different to the prim dresses and court shoes loved by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Princess Sofia like Meghan had to leave her showbiz life behind before marrying her prince

While Meghan’s past is not quite as racy, the former US actress did quit her starring role in hit drama Suits to become a working royal and Harry's wife.

Previously, Meghan also starred in the daytime soap General Hospital and spent a year on the US version of Deal Or No Deal as one of its popular 'suitcase girls', the minidress-clad models who are responsible for carrying and opening the metal briefcases in the game show.

The royal wedding is not until next month but Meghan is already embracing the royal work life, attending several engagements alongside future husband Harry.

Meghan has kept her royal engagements fashion simple and classic so far, opting for tailored trousers and a neutral colour scheme – very different to the prim dresses and court shoes loved by the Duchess of Cambridge.

Meghan Markle and Princess Sofia have similar fashion styles

Sofia is also more laid-back in her style, opting for classic pieces and wide-legged trousers.

And last week the Swedish princess wore a textured maxi skirt and top that bore a striking resemblance to Meghan's Ralph & Russo engagement gown.

Sofia and Meghan also both share a love of yoga.

Meghan’s mother is a yoga instructor and Prince Harry’s fiancee previously described the practice as in her blood.

Meghan has kept her royal engagements fashion simple and classic so far

She told Canada's Women's Health Magazine in 2015: “There are so many benefits that come with the practice of yoga…increased flexibility and muscle strength, greater happiness, increased mental focus, a greater ability to relax, decreased anxiety and better sleep.”

And her healthy life choices appear to have rubbed off on her husband to be.

“Harry went through a bit of a health overhaul after meeting Meghan,” friend of the couple told author and royal expert Katie Nicholl for her new book, Harry: Life, Loss and Love.

The famous Buckingham Palace kiss

Their wedding kiss was clearly magical. |
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

It all started with the couple’s first kiss as a married couple on the balcony of Buckingham Palace for the world to see. The couple excitedly took in the crowd and gave each other a bashful smooch (even in the beginning, the royal couple wasn’t particularly keen on big displays of affection).

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Sophia Loren, 83, turns heads in a low-cut floral dress
Lifestyle News

She was flanked by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
[Photo: Getty]

Iconic film star Sophia Loren is 83 years old, and she’s never looked better. The Italian actress turned heads as she walked the red carpet at the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show on Thursday. Loren was the epitome of glamour at the runway show, arriving in a floral print and lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with a fur stole draped around her shoulders.

The actress with fashion designer Domenico Dolce attend the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show [Photo: Getty]
Iconic 1950s film star Sophia Loren is reportedly 83-years-old, but we’re not entirely convinced.

The Italian actress put the topic up for speculation as she walked the red carpet at the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda show on Thursday.

Loren was the epitome of glamour at the runway show arriving in a floral and lace Dolce & Gabbana dress with a fur stole drape across her shoulders.

She wore her brunette hair in bouncy curls and her glittering jewels – drop precious gem earrings with a matching necklace – completed the look.

Arriving at the Mexico City-based show with Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim, the Hollywood veteran appeared to somewhat of a guest of honour: according to Vogue, she was met with a round of applause from Mexico’s First Lady and her three daughters, Sofía, Regina, and Fernanda.

We don’t blame them, tbh.

For her whirl on the red carpet, she was flanked by D&G’s creative directors Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana.

Loren’s Hollywood career has spanned 60 years, having started at the tender age of 15 in 1950. Her notable films include ‘Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow’ (1963), ‘Marriage Italian Style’ is a (1964) and ‘Two Women’ (1960).

Melania Trump poses with former presidents and first ladies at Barbara Bush memorial

George H.W. Bush, seated, with Laura Bush, George W. Bush,
Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Melania Trump.
(Photo: @PaulMorsePhoto – Office of George H. W. Bush)

A major moment occurred at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston on Saturday when former presidents, their wives, and current first lady Melania Trump gathered to say goodbye to the former first lady Barbara Bush. The matriarch of the Bush family passed away at the age of 92 on Tuesday.

Richard Grenell, formerly the U.S. spokesman at the United Nations and the national security spokesman for Mitt Romney, shared a historic photo gathering almost all of the living former presidents — George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and George H.W. Bush — and first ladies Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, and Michelle Obama. Also joining the photo? Current first lady Melania Trump, posing arm in arm with Michelle. The group is smiling and relaxed, likely after the celebration of Barbara Bush’s life

Only Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter are missing from the photo. “President and Mrs. Carter regret that they are unable to attend,” the Carter Center in Atlanta said in a statement. “President Carter will be on a private trip overseas, and although she is recovering, Mrs. Carter is not yet able to travel following her recent intestinal surgery.”

Melania Trump was not joined by her husband, President Trump, who decided not to attend to “avoid disruptions.” Sitting presidents are not normally expected to attend services for former first ladies.
Photos of former presidents and first ladies aren’t that common and are often taken at funerals. Back in 2011 George W. Bush, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, first lady Michelle Obama, former first lady Nancy Reagan, and former first lady Rosalynn Carter gathered for a photo before the funeral of former first lady Betty Ford at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Palm Desert, Calif. They’re pictured with members of the Ford family.

Melania Trump honored former first lady Barbara Bush with several touching posts on her Instagram account. Of the service, she wrote, “What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman.”

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Pippa Middleton Reportedly Pregnant With First Child

The Middleton family has lots to celebrate!

Kate Middleton's younger sister may be expecting her first child with husband James Matthews, according to U.K. newspaper The Sun. Pippa's pregnancy has yet to be confirmed, but The Sun reports that the parents-to-be shared the news with close friends and family after going in for their 12-week scan.

“Pippa and James have always known they wanted children," a friend told The Sun. "They have made the most of their first few months of marriage and felt the time was right to expand their family.”

Pippa Middleton and James Matthews married on May 20, 2017 (almost a year to the day of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's upcoming 2018 nuptials), in what can best be described as the fairytale-esque sequel to Kate Middleton and Prince Williams 2011 royal wedding. The event took place in Berkshire, England, and despite the fact that Pippa isn't quite royal herself (she's more like "royal adjacent") there were still many members of the royal family in the wedding party. Kate was of course there to support to her sis, while Prince George and Princess Charlotte performed the adorable duties of pageboy and flower girl.

With Kate only a few days away from welcoming her third child, this means that the sisters would have children within a year of one another. Kate is reportedly within "days" of giving birth, and was notably absent from the Queen's 92nd birthday party on Saturday night. Thankfully, she has a by-the-minute birth plan in place for when the time comes. As for the news that her sister is expecting, the Duchess "could not have been more delighted" a friend told The Sun. So in addition to their new brother or sister, Prince George and Princess Charlotte now have a new baby cousin to look forward to welcoming into the playroom at Kensington Palace.