LONDON: A burgundy leather tote flaunted by British royal Prince Harry’s fiancee Meghan Markle was sold out hours after the former “Suits” actress was spotted with it in Nottingham, England.
It was a bag from Strathberry. A spokesperson for the Scottish brand, which was launched in 2013 by Leeanne Hundleby and her husband Guy, told The Telegraph: “It’s just amazing for us, it really is the greatest.”
At the time Hundleby decided to send Markle a selection of purses, it had not yet been announced that she was engaged to Prince Harry, reported people.com.
“It was a fantastic surprise and we are really excited. We’re suddenly incredibly busy,” the spokesperson added.
Before this, Markle’s engagement dress also became an instant hit soon after she made her appearance in the outfit. Her white “engagement” coat sold out just minutes after she was photographed wearing the £450 ($600) garment last week.
Prince Harry and Markle visited Nottingham on Friday in their first set of engagements together since announcing their engagement. During their first engagement of the day at a Terrence Higgins Trust World AIDS Day charity fair, the prince and Markle met representatives from a number of institutes and charities that do specific work around HIV/AIDS.
Meghan effect: $675 handbag carried by Harry’s fiancee sold out
Meghan effect: $675 handbag carried by Harry’s fiancee sold out
Thai coffee chains cut default sugar content in coffee and tea drinks in a new health push
- The Health Department says Thais consume 21 teaspoons of sugar daily, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended six teaspoons
- Officials warn this increases obesity and diabetes risks. A survey found iced coffee and bubble tea contain high sugar levels
BANGKOK: For many Thais, a meal doesn’t feel complete without an iced coffee or tea so sugary it could pass for dessert. The government, concerned about the health consequences, wants them to dial it back.
Starting Wednesday, nine major coffee chains across the country have pledged to cut the default sugar content in some of their drinks by half in a government initiative aimed at tackling excessive sugar consumption.
According to the Health Department, Thais consume an average of 21 teaspoons of sugar per day, more than three times the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of six teaspoons. Health officials warn that such high intake increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
The initiative is the first significant step to change consumers’ sugar consumption behavior, said Amporn Benjaponpitak, the director general of the department.
Pakorn Tungkasereerak, the department’s deputy, said 2025 data show that about 45 percent of Thais aged 15 and older are obese, while 10 percent of the population has diabetes.
A survey by the Bureau of Nutrition found that a 22-ounce (650-milliliter) iced coffee contains an average of nine teaspoons of sugar, while a 10-ounce (300-milliliter) serving of bubble milk tea — an iced milk tea with tapioca pearls known as boba — can contain as much as 12 teaspoons.
Sirinya Kuiklang, an office worker, said she approves of the changes. She already orders her drinks at just 25 percent of the standard sugar level, but she is aware that many others consume too much sugar.
“It’s good for Thai people,” she said.
Another office worker, Porwares Tantikanpanit, said he has enjoyed his non-coffee beverages at their current sugar levels but is willing to adjust if shops reduce the sweetness.
However, putting the policy into practice may prove challenging. Officials have said each brand can apply the initiative as they see fit.
Some customers have expressed confusion in response to social media posts promoting the initiative, asking how to order drinks with the level of sweetness that they prefer. Several brands said that the reduction applies only to certain menu items.
