Water Cooler Chat: From Amber Rudd's resignation to Meghan Markle's New York visit

Here's the news you missed over the weekend...

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Here's the news you missed over the weekend...

Missed the news this weekend? Don’t sweat it – we’ve got you covered.

Here are some news stories you probably should have heard about to help you survive the dreaded Monday morning ‘water cooler chat’ at the office.

In this Monday’s Water Cooler Chat, we cover everything from Amber Rudd’s resignation to Meghan Markle’s trip to New York – it’s been an eventful weekend.

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Amber Rudd has announced her resignation

Amber Rudd has resigned from Boris Johnson’s government, leaving her post as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions and Minister for Women and Equalities this weekend.

Issuing her resignation to the current Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Amber voiced her thoughts on the government’s approach to Brexit and cited it as her reasons for leaving her post.

‘I joined your cabinet in good faith: accepting that “No Deal” had to be on the table, because it was the means by which we would have the best chance of achieving a new deal to leave on 31 October,’ Amber Rudd wrote in her letter. ‘However I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government's main objective.

‘I must also address the assault on decency and democracy that took place last week when you sacked 21 talented, loyal One Nation Conservatives,’ she later continued. ‘This short-sighted culling of my colleagues has stripped the party of broad-minded and dedicated Conservative MPs I cannot support this act of political vandalism. Therefore, it is with regret that I am also surrendering the Conservative whip.

‘Britain's body politic is under attack from both sides of the ideological debate. I will now play whatever role I can to help return it to a better place.’

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Meghan Markle flies to New York for a weekend visit

Meghan Markle made headlines once again this weekend as she went on a personal trip to New York to cheer on her close friend Serena Williams at the US Open final. Taking to Serena's box at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Meghan sat among some very faces, as her close friend unfortunately was defeated.

The trip, according to sources, was spur of the moment, with an insider confirming to The Times, 'It is a last-minute trip,' explaining how Meghan was simply 'excited to support her friend, and then come back.'

Prince Harry reportedly stayed at home in Windsor with baby Archie during Meghan's trip, which also saw her surprise her make up artist on his birthday and attend a yoga class low-key.

A photo posted by on

Zooey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik announce their divorce

Zooey Deschanel and her husband Jacob Pechenik have broken up after four years of marriage.

The couple who tied the knot in 2015 and share two children, Elsie Otter and Charlie Wolf, announced their split this weekend, releasing a joint statement to E! News.

'After much discussion and a long period of contemplation we have decided we are better off as friends, business partners and co-parents rather than life partners,' the statement read. 'We remain committed to our business, our values and most of all our children. Thank you for respecting our privacy at this time.'

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Scientists warn of the coldest winter in years

Weather news went viral this weekend as scientists warn of another ‘Beast from the East’ this winter - and it’s going to be worse than last time.

According to scientists, the UK will be hit by one of the coldest winters in 30 years in less than four months.

Climate experts from University College London told The Sunday Times: ‘This would rank the 2020 January-February central England temperature as the coldest winter since 2013.

‘It would also rank January-February 2020 as the seventh coldest winter in the past 30 years.’

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.