This Man Has a 36-Year-Old Piece of Cake from Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ Wedding

Talk about a memorable wedding keepsake! A resident in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, John Hoatson revealed to the Tampa Bay Times that he has a piece of Princess Diana’s actual wedding cake from her 1981 nuptials to Prince Charles.

While Hoatson wasn’t a guest at the wedding, he did see the affair on TV as an eight-year-old boy. “I fell in love with [Diana] right then. She was the prettiest person in the world.”

Now, her cake has a special place among his other Royal memorabilia, which includes a bar of soap Princess Diana brought back from a trip to K Club in Barbuda, a Christmas card photo of her and Prince Charles signed by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, and a photo of the late Royal dancing with John Travolta. Altogether, the lot has been valued by a museum at $500,000 in total.

Hoatson says his favorite, however, is the piece of the multi-tiered masterpiece that was reportedly created over 14 weeks by the head baker of the Royal Naval cooking school, David Avery. “It’s fruitcake,” Hoatson shared. “It will never get old. It’s preserved by the air.”

It’s unclear if the cake in question is the same piece that was sold back in 2015 at a Nate D. Sanders auction for $1,375 — a much lower price than the $4,000 it was estimated to fetch. Either way, Hoatson’s cake is likely worth quite a bit more now, as its box has since by signed by two of Lady Di’s own bridesmaids, India Hicks, who wrote, “Dear John, What a wonderful memory this box holds for you and for me,” as well as Clemmie Hambro.

What’s more, as auctioneer Sam Heller said back in 2015, it’s still edible! “Alcohol has preserved the cake, making it still edible, although collectors would rather it remain intact.”

Hoatson himself hasn’t tried it: “It’s 36 years old and it looks really bad,” he said by way of explanation. Fair enough!

Instead, he says he simply holds onto her things “to preserve history and Diana’s story so that we can learn from it.”

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever collected? Tell us over @BritandCo.

(Photos via Express Newspapers, Oil Scarff, + Princess Diana Archive/Getty)

Chris Evans is one celebrity heartthrob that just about the entire internet loves. He's kind, he's romantic, and he has one of the greatest laughs ever. If you haven't read up on how much of a romantic the actor and director is, let me tell you, it's swoon-worthy. He told ET Online he considers himself “a very romantic guy" and that he's "romantic with [his] love of music or art or nature," and told ELLE that "if you're ever fortunate enough to love someone and have them love you back, it's worth protecting that." Again I say: swoon!

Chris is a pretty private person, but over the years, he's admitted just how much he wanted to settle down. Well, a little over a month ago, he finally tied the knot with fiancée Alba Baptista! 🎉 Here's everything you need to know about the wedding and the star-studded guest list.

The latest news on Chris Evans & Alba Baptista's relationship.

  • Chris Evans is known for being "a very romantic guy."
  • He tied the knot with Alba Baptista in September 2023.
  • The couple reportedly had two "wonderful and beautiful" weddings, one in Massachusetts and one in Portugal.

Does Chris Evans have kids?

Theo Wargo/Getty Images

No Chris Evans and Alba Baptista don't have any children — yet. But Chris is more than open to the idea of starting a family in the future. When Access Hollywood asked him if he thinks he'll be a "superhero" dad one day, he responds with "Yeah, I hope so. Yeah, absolutely. The title of dad is an exciting one."

This is one celebrity who would make an amazing dad!

Was Chris Evans at the Oscars 2024?

Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

While Chris Evans and Alba Baptista might not have been at the Oscars, they did make headlines for getting cozy after the pre-Oscars party — and then made their red carpet debut at the Vanity Fair Oscars after-party! The couple looked amazing in black, white, and red (very Oscar-appropriate), and simple silhouettes & minimalist accessories gave them an overall romantic, relaxed look.

After a video speculating Alba and Chris might have separated after the actress was seen without her wedding ring, the couple showed up to the premiere of Chris Evans' new movie Red One and shared a hug on the carpet. And at the November 11 NYC premiere of the film, the couple showed up in complementary outfits and had their arms around each other. Don't worry, romantics — this couple doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Where did Chris Evans and Alba Baptista get married?

Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Chris Evans and Alba Baptista had a small ceremony on September 9 at their home near Boston, Massachusetts. According to Page Six (who first broke the nuptial news), guests had to sign NDAs and give up their phones throughout the course of the wedding to keep everything private.

Who was at Chris Evans and Alba Baptista's wedding?

Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Miu Miu

Guests included family and close friends of the couple. When I saw that list included Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner, who all costarred with Chris Evans in the MCU, I genuinely had to fight the tears. See a photo here!

It also appears that Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenburg, as well as John Krasinki and Emily Blunt, attended the wedding as well.

What has Chris Evans said about his marriage to Alba Baptista?

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for ReedPop

Over the weekend, Peoplereported that Chris finally opened up about his marriage during New York Comic Con! Not only did the lucky audience get to see his wedding band but they also learned Chis and Alba hadtwo weddings. The second one was in Portugal which makes perfect sense given the fact Alba is from Lisbon, Portugal.

Happily gushing about both ceremonies, Chris said they were "wonderful and beautiful." He also mentioned he and Alba have been focusing on embracing this new season in their lives while gearing up to enjoy all fall has to offer. He truly is a dreamy and romantic man.

How did Chris Evans meet Alba Baptista?

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for European Shooting Stars

Fans have speculated that the actors met in the summer of 2021, when they were both in Europe filming (he was filming Netflix action flick The Gray Man opposite Ana de Armas and she was filming Warrior Nun). After interacting with each other on social media, People reported in November 2022 the couple had been dating "for over a year and it's serious...They are in love and Chris has never been happier. His family and friends all adore her."

Throughout 2022, Chris posted jump-scare videos on Instagram (where he would scare his family members, and then they'd scare him), and at the beginning of 2023, he made his relationship with Alba Instagram official by posting a compilation of videos where the couple scared each other!

Who is Alba Baptista?

Manolo Pavón/Netflix

Alba Baptista is an award-winning actress who we've seen in titles like Warrior Nun and Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris. She won the Berlin Film Festival's European Shooting Star Award and the award for Best Actress at the Festival Iberico de Cine, and on top her awards, she was also named one of IMDb’s Top 10 Breakout Stars of 2020!

We hope we get to see Chris Evans and Alba Baptista together in a movie soon ;).

This post has been updated.

Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

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This post has been updated.

After revealing her cancer diagnosis back in March, Kate Middleton just announced she's finally finished her nine-month long chemotherapy treatment. Instead of releasing a written statement or an Instagram post, Middleton shared an emotional, gorgeous video featuring her entire family. It's a serene celebration of her loving family as they take the next steps in her cancer journey together. Here's what the Princess of Wales said.

  • Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in March 2024 after stepping back from public life.
  • She also says she has "a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life" after completing chemotherapy.
  • And royal author Robert Jobson says she's "doing very well" as we enter the holiday 2024 season!

What's the latest update on Kate Middleton?

Kate Middleton has finished chemotherapy and it appears she's doing "very well," which we're so thankful for! "From what I understand, Catherine is doing very well," royal author Robert Jobson says in an interview withHello!. "She is back training at the gym and doing all the things she wanted to do."

After Kate stepped back from public view, and the internet went crazy over her supposed disappearance, Robert seems to feel confident she's ready to reenter public life. "I do think that we will start to see a lot more of her, and that she will carry out engagements as well as continuing to work behind the scenes," he says.

Prince William also offered a look into Kate's recovery journey before the Earthshot Prize awards on November 6, telling British journalists (via People) that “She's doing really well thanks. And hopefully, she is watching tonight. So cheering me on.”

“She's been amazing this whole this whole year," he continues. "I know she will be really keen to see tonight be a success."

We're sending Kate Middleton and the rest of the Royal Family so much love!

This three minute video packs in a lot of love — and a lot of life – after such a grim circumstance for the beloved royal family. Middleton opens with what a relief it is to announce that she's finished her chemo treatment, and continues by explaining, "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."

The Princess of Wales elaborates that cancer is "complex, scary, and unpredictable," especially for friends and family. She says, ""This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved."

Middleton says that her main goal is to remain cancer-free, and continue on her long healing journey. She plans to "each day as it comes," while also hoping to join some public engagements in the future. She says, "Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."

The Princess wraps up her statement by saying that she and Prince William are "grateful" for everyone's enduring support, noting that the overall graciousness and kindness has been "truly humbling." She says, "To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Throughout her contemplative statement, the video features gorgeous shots of the entire family out in nature, splashing through the beach, walking through a nature trail, and just generally being together. With three grown, yet still young, children, this family vibrancy resonates deeply, reminding us all to hold those we love closely.

We're so thrilled for Princess Kate, and the entire family, on this incredible health milestone, and we continue to wish them well!

When did Kate Middleton get cancer?

Kate Middleton officially announced her cancer diagnosis back in March of 2024. The Princess never explicitly stated what kind of cancer she's battling, only that she was in the midst of a thorough treatment plan.

Back in January of that same year, Middleton underwent abdominal surgery that many assume is associated with the diagnosis at hand. After the described "successful" surgery, Kensington Palace stated that Middleton wished that her "personal medical information" remained "private." They further explained that the public would get updates "when there is significant new information to share."

The next update we received was the March video, explaining Princess Kate's cancer diagnosis, leading us to believe that each incident is tied together.

Regardless, it's great to hear that the Princess of Wales has officially completed her chemotherapy treatment as of today!

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Header image via Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.