Monday 19 September 2022

Britain says a final farewell to Queen Elizabeth II. Here's the latest.

September 19, 2022 | VIEW IN BROWSER

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Britain and world leaders say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral today as billions are expected to watch worldwide, and Puerto Rico suffers "catastrophic" damage from Hurricane Fiona. Plus, how to keep your brain sharp after your memory begins to decline in your 30s.

THE LATEST

👑 Britain and the world say goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral today.

The longest-reigning monarch in British history is being laid to rest today in a state funeral service attended by more than 2,000 people at London's Westminster Abbey. Her coffin will then being transported to Windsor Castle, where she will be buried at St George's Chapel. Hundreds of world leaders have flown in, including President Biden, and billions around the world have been watching the proceedings. Princess Charlotte and Prince George are also in attendance to say goodbye to their great-grandmother. Here are live updates on the ceremony and how to watch.

💐 Here's the symbolism behind the wreath on the queen's coffin and the music at Westminster Abbey.

The wreath on the queen's coffin at today's funeral has a special connection to her marriage of 73 years to the late Prince Philip. The myrtle, which is a symbol of a happy marriage, was cut from a plant that was grown from a sprig included in the queen's wedding bouquet in 1947. The wreath, which includes flowers cut from the gardens of Buckingham Palace, Clarence House and Highgrove House, also includes rosemary for remembrance, and English oak for the strength of love. The music at the ceremony also has a connection to the past, as "The Sentences" by William Croft was sung by the choir, as it has been for every state funeral since the 18th century. Other hymns were sung at the queen's wedding in 1947. For more on the music, go here.

All of Puerto Rico is without power after Hurricane Fiona makes landfall.

Nearly five years after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, the whole island was without power yesterday after Hurricane Fiona made landfall. The storm brought 85 mph winds and 12 to 18 inches of rain, with some areas getting up to 30 inches, according to the National Hurricane Center. The rains brought "catastrophic" flood potential, Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said. The storm is expected to move to the east of Turks and Caicos by tomorrow, the NHC said.

🧠Memory begins to decline in your 30s: Here's how to keep your brain sharp.

If you're feeling scatter-brained because you forgot where you parked the car or you rushed into a room and can't remember what you were looking for, don't worry; those are just normal instances of forgetting as you age, experts say. However, there are ways to keep your memory sharp after it naturally starts to decline in your 30s. An expert gave us 6 tips, from reading fiction to taking naps, that will help you keep your memory in shape as you get older.

LIVE BETTER TODAY

Achieve your life goals with easy tips.

Adding a leg day to your training regimen has benefits beyond just toned thighs and calves. Strong legs are a foundation of the body that helps with everyday tasks and workouts, and TODAY fitness contributor Stephanie Mansour has 25 leg exercises to strengthen your lower body without any equipment needed. See Stephanie demonstrate each exercise here.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Allow us to do the meal-planning for you.

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the help of chef Ingrid Hoffmann, whose easy shrimp and scallop paella only requires one pot and is perfect for a weeknight dinner. You can swap in chicken or pork for the shrimp and scallops, and complement the spicy meal with some of Ingrid's white kiwi sangria made with green apples, grapes and kiwis.

DAILY DELIGHT

A little pick-me-up before you go.

As the world says goodbye to Queen Elizabeth II today, Prince William has given an update on what will happen to her beloved corgis. While greeting mourners who were waiting to pay their respects to the queen over the weekend, William was asked about the dogs by a woman in line. "I saw them the other day, that got me quite sad," he said. "They are going to be looked after fine. They'll be looked after very well. Spoiled rotten, I'm sure." The queen left behind four dogs at the time of her death, at least two of which are expected to move into the home of the queen's son Prince Andrew.