Tag: News

• Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona, offer luxury travel experiences. 
• The vast majority of hotel rooms in both Phoenix suburbs are upscale. 
• I stayed in the area's top-rated hotels, the Phoenician and the Hermosa Inn. They epitomized luxury.

Secret exits, private outdoor spaces, high-tech golf carts, dramatic chandeliers, award-winning restaurants, and cowboy artifacts — I saw them all during my trip to Scottsdale without leaving my hotel.

Tourists travel to Arizona for luxury resorts, spas, and golf clubs, Condé Nast Traveler reported in 2023.

Scottsdale, in particular, draws affluent travelers with its health and wellness scene, upscale dining experiences, and top-tier golf courses. So, it's no wonder the area caters to high-end travel.

Scottsdale has more luxurious hotel rooms than standard ones — 80% of the city's 12,500 rooms are classified as luxury level or higher (upscale and upper upscale), according to a Scottsdale tourism report published in 2022 in partnership with Experience Scottsdale, a travel company that has helped establish the city's luxe tourism reputation.

The only place in the area with a higher concentration of luxury accommodations than Scottsdale — 90% of rooms — is Paradise Valley, the wealthier suburb between Phoenix and Scottsdale.

But tourists see Paradise Valley as a part of Scottsdale, according to the report — probably because the towns are close together and offer comparable pampering experiences and jaw-dropping views.

I recently spent two nights in Arizona and booked one night in each suburb's top luxury hotel.

I spent my first night at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, a luxury Marriott Hotel dubbed "Arizona's leading resort" in the 2023 World Travel Awards.

On day two, I headed to Paradise Valley to stay at the boutique Hermosa Inn, which Travel + Leisure called the best hotel in Arizona in 2023.

These similar superlatives made me think the Phoenician and the Hermosa Inn would provide comparable luxury experiences. In reality, the two hotels were completely different.

Still, both showed me why these Phoenix suburbs are hot spots for wealthy travelers.

In Scottsdale, I stayed at the Phoenician — an upscale mega-resort.

The multimillion-dollar luxury Marriott Hotel opened in 1988 and has been renovated several times to amp up its upscale offerings — most recently in 2018.

The Phoenician has 645 rooms on its 600-acre property at the base of Camelback Mountain. The gated hotel grounds are full of activities ranging from sports to relaxation. It's the kind of hotel with so much to do that guests could spend their whole vacation on the property.

In Paradise Valley, I stayed at the Hermosa Inn, a boutique hotel with a completely different vibe.

The vast majority of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley hotels have more than 50 rooms, making the wealthier suburb's 43-room Hermosa Inn a unique option for those seeking seclusion.

The Hermosa Inn isn't luxurious in a glitzy sense. Instead, it marvels guests by making them feel like they traveled to the 20th-century Western era.

Its roots as a 1930s cowboy's home and studio are evident upon arrival with adobe bricks, beehive fireplaces, historic artwork from paintings to silk, and artifacts like worn saddles and Stetson hats.

I thought the Hermosa Inn was ideal for travelers craving privacy and a personal touch.

The Hermosa Inn's 43 stand-alone casitas are secluded accommodations situated next to discrete exits. Guest service agent Tami Norton told Business Insider that the hotel often hosts celebrities and executives in the public eye, and its small size allows it to accommodate special, personalized requests.

For example, Norton noted a recent guest in town to perform.

"The hours they keep are quite different; they arrive back on the property late at night and need to sleep in during the day," she said of performers. "So that particular guest needed the room totally blacked out before they came. We blacked out everything from the skylight down to the glow of the thermostat."

AZ Central reported that Clark Gable, Whitney Houston, David Spade, and Tyrese Gibson have dined and stayed at the Hermosa Inn.

Norton told BI that actors often have strict dietary restrictions that the kitchen accommodates by ordering special ingredients and portioning them out with a scale. She added that guests can also request small appliances in their rooms for protein shakes and other quick meals.

Both hotels had upscale rooms with king-sized beds, large bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces.

My deluxe room at the Phoenician was filled with modern furniture with Southwestern accents. From the comfy bed and oversized tub to the balcony, the room epitomized 21st-century luxury.

While the Phoenician room was modern, the Hermosa Inn casita had a more traditional luxury brand.

At the Hermosa Inn, I slept in what was essentially a small house. It was easily the biggest hotel room I've stayed in.

Unlike the Phoenician, the Hermosa Inn's room didn't feel modern at all. The Southwestern vibe was all-encompassing, from the furniture to the decor. It felt more unique than the room at the Phoenician while boasting the same amenities, including a large tub and bed.

The Hermosa Inn room also had a beehive fireplace and a skylight. Rather than a balcony, the one-story accommodation had a private patio.

Both hotels housed renowned dining hot spots.

The high-quality dining at each hotel attracts more than just hotel guests with buzzy, award-winning restaurants.

Three of the Phoenician's eight dining venues and bars — Mowry & Cotton, J&G Steakhouse, and Thirsty Camel — have received kudos from Forbes Travel Guide, Open Table, and Trip Advisor, according to the hotel's website.

LON's, the Hermosa Inn's only restaurant and bar, is known by Food & Wine for its romantic vibe. It offers outdoor seating surrounded by vibrant gardens and beehive fireplaces. Open Table has included LON's in its roundup of the best brunch menus in the country for four years running.

The Hermosa Inn's restaurant added a wine cellar 20 years ago for ultra-VIP dining.

In its 2003 renovations, LON's upgraded its VIP offerings, adding a small dining room in an underground wine cellar and an exclusive tasting menu.

The Phoenician has also gotten several upgrades, including an award-winning, three-story spa with two pools.

With the most spas per capita in the US, according to Go Banking Rates, Scottsdale is a hot spot for health and wellness tourism.

The Phoenician is ideal for a rejuvenating trip thanks to its award-winning, three-story spa renovated in 2018.

The dramatic entryway greets patrons with an artistic chandelier and golden details throughout the spa. In addition to massage and facial treatment rooms, a sauna, and a meditation room, the facility has two pools — one on the rooftop — a nail salon, and a dry bar for hair styling.

There's also a fitness room where guests can work with a personal trainer.

The same hotel has five more outdoor pools, including one made of pearl tiles imported from Italy.

The massive Phoenician pool complex includes a splash pad and an adults-only pool.

But the most luxurious of the five is the serenity pool made of Italian Mother-of-Pearl tiles that cost $1 million, according to the company's website. The hand-placed tiles give the pool an iridescent shine similar to the inside of a sea shell.

The Phoenician Golf Club takes the upscale sport to another level.

I'm no golfer, but it's easy to see why those who play would stay at the Phoenician.

The 18-hole course and club, renovated in 2018, wowed me with views and high-tech features. Players rode around the pristine course lined with gardens and fountains against a mountain backdrop in golf carts with GPS screens that stream news and entertainment.

Whether you're looking for a private vacation or one where you don't have to leave the hotel, Scottsdale has it all.

After staying at both resorts, there was undoubtedly more to do at the Phoenician. I could see why travelers craving a mega-resort vacation where they don't have to navigate the city to have a good time would pick the Phoenician for their luxury vacation.

But the Hermosa Inn is a better choice for those desiring a unique and exclusive stay with large, private accommodations and plenty of personal attention.

If you stay at both, as I did, luxury travelers can have it all in Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. That's why I think so many wealthy vacationers choose the Arizona hot spot for their getaways.

• More people under 50 are developing cancer.
• Dr. Daniel Landau, an oncologist, shared what he does to lower his risk of developing cancer.
• These include eating a Mediterranean-ish diet, exercising regularly, and not smoking.

An oncologist shared for things he does to lower his risk of developing cancer, amid rising rates in young adults.

The vast majority (88%) of people who develop cancer are over 50, and survival rates have improved in recent decades, according to the American Cancer Society. But the number of cancer cases in people under the age of 50 rose by nearly 80% between 1990 and 2019, according to a 2023 study published in BMJ Oncology, up from 1.82 million to 3.26 million globally.

We know certain risk factors for some cancers, such as smoking which increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

But for many other cancers, researchers aren't exactly sure why rates have gone up in young people, Dr. Daniel Landau, an oncologist specializing in genitourinary cancers and a medical reviewer for Asbestos.com, a resource on mesothelioma, told Business Insider.

Landau said that one of the most prominent theories is that modern lifestyle factors, specifically people leading more sedentary lives and eating more saturated fats, may have contributed to the rise in cancer rates.

Here's how Landau tries to lower his own risk.

Eats a Mediterranean-ish diet

Landau doesn't follow a strict diet, maintaining an "everything in moderation approach."

But he does try to stick to the principles of the Mediterranean diet, which includes lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and low-fat protein such as fish. It also features limited amounts of red meat, alcohol, and processed foods.

Landau said that the Mediterranean diet is heart-healthy, and research has linked following it to reduced risks of heart attacks and strokes.

Dietitian Tejal Parekh previously told BI that a healthy diet can help to prevent cancer.

Exercises every day

Because of the "known association" between being sedentary and an increased risk of developing certain cancers, Landau tries to exercise for at least 30-60 minutes every day.

He does both weight training and cardiovascular exercise because he believes that both are beneficial for cancer prevention "as long as we raise our resting heart rates."

Just 30 minutes of muscle-strengthening weight training exercises can reduce the risk of dying from cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, a 2022 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found.

Meanwhile, researchers at the University of Gothenburg suggested in a 2023 study that having a good level of cardio fitness when young could lower the risk of developing certain cancers later in life by up to 42%.

Doesn't rely on supplements

A few studies have suggested that turmeric, green teas, and vitamin D may be beneficial for cancer prevention, Landau said, but more research needs to be done to definitely prove that any supplements can prevent cancer.

Taking supplements can also come with side effects. That was shown in a study where women who took vitamin D and calcium supplements were suggested to have a 7% lower risk of dying from breast cancer — but a 6% increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, potentially because of a build-up of calcium in the coronary arteries.

Landau doesn't take supplements apart from protein powder after a "tough workout."

"I do believe that the best source of nutrition remains to be the food we eat rather than the supplements we take," Landau said.

Doesn't smoke

"There is a strong link between smoking and developing lung or bladder cancer," Landau said.

Nine out of 10 deaths from lung cancer are caused by smoking cigarettes or secondhand smoke exposure, and smoking can also prevent the body from killing cancer cells, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Gen Z is still figuring out what to wear for in-person work in an office.
• Dressing inappropriately at work can have career consequences.
• Fashion designer Christian Siriano advises saving your best outfits for occasions outside of work.

As corporate offices become more populated with in-person workers, a new generation of employees is figuring out what to wear. Gen Z employees are even turning to TikTok for workwear inspiration.

Corporate stylist Maree Ellard previously told Business Insider that exposing too much skin is one of the biggest professional style mistakes she sees Gen Z make. Dressing inappropriately for work is more than just a fashion faux pas — it can also have career consequences when it comes to performance evaluations and promotions.

Christian Siriano, whose designs are beloved by A-list celebrities and first ladies alike, believes it's possible to balance fashion and function when it comes to dressing for the office.

"The young generation, obviously, always will push forward cool trends that are interesting," he told Business Insider while promoting his partnership with Persil laundry detergent. "They follow their favorite music artist and she's wearing that cool crop top and a big baggy pant or whatever it is. But I do think for work and certain things, there are ways to be in the moment but also feel respectful."

When it comes to dressing for success, Siriano's workwear advice is practical — at the end of the day, work is work. Play it safe and save the daring looks you love for more meaningful settings.

"Don't waste your best outfit in the office," Siriano said. "What, you want to impress your colleagues every day? I think it's more fun to save your best looks for the people that you love being with and hanging out with. If you're going out to dinner, going on a date — that's, for me, where you really save the moment."

• I traveled to Lisbon for the first time and was surprised by many things. 
• The capital city felt smaller and more affordable than the other European destinations I've visited.
• I wish I had spent four days rather than a week in Lisbon and explored more of Portugal.

As someone who's spent their entire life in the tristate area, I'm always interested in comparing other metropolitan areas to New York City. 

My mom and I have had the Portuguese capital on our travel bucket lists for a while and wanted to see everything it had to offer. We flew seven hours from New York to Madrid before hopping on a short hour-and-a-half flight to Lisbon. 

We explored different neighborhoods, like Bairro Alto and Chiado, and visited sites such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. 

These were some of the biggest surprises during my first trip to Lisbon.

Editor's Note: The writer took this trip in February 2022. 

The first thing I noticed was how much smaller Lisbon felt compared to the other European cities I've visited.

When I visited other European cities, it sometimes took me a while to find my bearings and figure out how to get around. However, Lisbon felt much smaller and easier to navigate.

For reference, Lisbon is around 33 square miles, which is smaller than Paris (around 41 square miles), Rome (around 500 square miles), and London (around 600 square miles). 

Even though Lisbon is almost as big as Paris, it felt smaller since everything was so close together.

Almost all of the destinations on our itinerary were within walking distance from where we stayed or just a short ride away from our hotel. The furthest spot we visited in Lisbon was a 25-minute drive away.

Each neighborhood had a distinct feel, and I couldn't believe how easy it was to tell them apart.

Lisbon is divided into several different neighborhoods, and I had no trouble telling each one apart. 

Baixa is a central neighborhood that's home to popular attractions like Restauradores Square, Praça do Comércio, and Rossio; Bairro Alto has some of the city's best nightlife spots; and Chiado is the go-to area for great shopping and beautiful public squares. All of them were worth a visit. 

In addition to the above neighborhoods, my other favorites were Alfama and Belém. Tourists should visit each area to take in its unique beauty and ambiance. I found it super interesting to compare their similarities and differences.

Overall, Lisbon didn't feel like New York in the slightest, especially without all the honking and other noises. But I adored the European city's colorful buildings and the way its neighborhoods all intertwined.

I could walk almost everywhere I wanted to go in the city — but it was very hilly.

Before you decide where to stay in Lisbon, it's important to research the city's different neighborhoods, especially if you plan on walking everywhere. 

I chose the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz in the Marquês de Pombal neighborhood because it was within walking distance of Baixa and Chiado. Plus, my room had a gorgeous view of the city.

Places were even closer than they seemed on the map. On our first day in Lisbon, the hotel concierge told us to take a taxi to Chiado and Rossio. However, we decided to walk and ended up arriving in less than 30 minutes. 

As someone who's always on their feet in New York, this journey was a breeze compared to the daily walks I take with my dog. However, the city is hilly, and walking for too long can be brutal. There's no shame in taking a car back. 

Also, Lisbon has a prominent nightlife scene. So if you don't plan on going out or don't want to hear music blasting all night long, you might want to stay in a quieter area.

I'm so glad I visited during the off-season. The temperature was mild, and there were fewer crowds.

We visited in February, which is considered Lisbon's winter and offseason. It was the perfect time to go.

The city was less crowded than it would've been during the summer season, but the weather was still warm enough on several days of our trip that we could wear light jackets or short-sleeve shirts.

 

The food, transportation, and souvenirs were more affordable in Lisbon than I expected.

My trip to Lisbon was more affordable than my vacations in other European cities — including London, Paris, Rome, and Milan. 

To be fair, prices may have dipped since I visited during the offseason, but I budgeted a lot more for the trip than I ended up spending. 

When my mom and I went out to dinner, I spent between $25 and $35 on both meals, which included appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Our most expensive meal in Lisbon was around $45, and we ordered a lot of food. 

Prices vary depending on the restaurant. I didn't go to any Michelin-starred eateries during my trip, but I did go to upscale restaurants. 

Additionally, the priciest Uber I took in Lisbon was $15, and it went all the way to the other side of the city. 

In some other European cities, I spent a lot more money on transportation and dining (many restaurants charged over $50 for an appetizer, two main courses, and a dessert), so the prices in Lisbon were a pleasant surprise.

The famous Pastéis de Bélem were worth all of the hype.

Lisbon is famous for its Pastéis de Bélem, a sweet pastry with custard filling, and they were worth the hype.

Pastéis de Bélem originated at a shop in Bélem with the same name. The rest of the country calls the sweets "Pastéis de Nata," but Pastéis de Bélem come from this specific shop in Lisbon, which has used the same secret recipe to make them since 1837.

When I tried my first Pastel de Bélem, it was heavenly. I completely understood why people raved about them. Not only was the treat delicious, but it was affordable too. Each one cost around $1.34.

Our tour guide said Pastéis de Bélem has crazy lines during Lisbon's busy summer season from June to August, and the shop sells thousands of its pastries each day.

Thankfully, I visited during off-hours in the winter, so I only had to wait a few minutes. But I talked about the pastry for the rest of our trip.

I felt like I only needed a few days to explore the city and regretted not seeing more of Portugal.

The biggest mistake I made when planning this trip was budgeting an entire week for Lisbon. I didn't expect the city to be as small as it was.

I saw the bulk of the city in four days and then spent the rest of the time relaxing. It was nice, but I wouldn't follow the same itinerary if I visit again.

Portugal is a beautiful country, and I would've liked to see more of it. I wish I'd spent three or four days in Lisbon before exploring another area, like Porto. 

 

 

Pictures didn't do Lisbon justice, so I recommend seeing the city with your own eyes.

After arriving in Lisbon, I was surprised by the city's beauty. Though I wouldn't put the Portuguese capital in the same category as Paris or Rome, I was still very impressed by its pastel-colored buildings, ornate tilework, and picturesque scenery.

I'd seen plenty of photos before I visited, but it was still surreal to see Lisbon in real life. 

The miradouros, or viewpoints, were the best places to see the city. I visited as many as possible and was amazed by the incredible view at each one of them.

Overall, I'd recommend a visit to Lisbon. From its beauty to its charming neighborhoods, the city is like a real-life watercolor painting.

This story was originally published on August 31, 2022, and most recently updated on June 24, 2024.

Gamtae is one of South Korea's rarest seaweeds. For centuries, this earthy, sweet seaweed was mainly harvested and eaten raw by locals in the Seosan region. Today, thanks to the efforts of Ju-hyeon Song and her family business, Badasoop, it's become a hit among Michelin-starred chefs in South Korea and abroad. But because of gamtae's unpredictable harvests and rising prices, turning this small industry into a thriving business presented a challenge. So how did Ju-Hyeon take gamtae from a local delicacy to a worldwide sensation? And why is it so expensive?

• Rihab Lajmi left her role at Google and launched FAANG, an AI hiring platform.
• Lajmi has gone through dozens of interviews herself and interviewed 35 recruiters to learn what they're looking for.
• These are the five interview tips she recommends to job seekers.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rihab Lajmi, a 26-year-old living in Germany. Her employment history has been verified by BI. It's been edited for length and clarity.

You may have heard of FAANG being used as an acronym for Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google — and that's exactly what inspired the name of my company.

FAANG jobs are highly coveted and represent success in tech. So about six months ago, I quit my job as a Cloud space architect at Google to create an AI recruiting platform to help people land their dream jobs.

Our conversational AI recruiter "Buddy" conducts custom simulated video interviews for job applicants based on the company's preferences, culture, and technical needs. Our vision is to scale "Buddy" to become every job seeker's companion to prepare for job interviews.

By adopting this name, we aim to empower individuals to achieve their career aspirations, whether at FAANG or elsewhere. So far, we've interviewed over 35 recruiters to learn more about what they're looking for.

Before Google, I worked at Microsoft and went through dozens of interviews at other companies like Amazon. Through my own experience and from speaking with recruiters directly, these are my biggest takeaways on how to excel in an interview.

1. Request a champion call with the hiring manager

In many interview processes, the hiring manager won't show up until the final round of interviews. That person often has the final say so it's good practice to increase your visibility early on.

If you don't have a call scheduled with the hiring manager prior to the first interview, request it. This breaks the ice and helps them remember you later.

The call should be casual and you should start by introducing yourself. Then, you can ask about them and what they're looking for. This will also help you get more information as you go through the interview process.

2. Begin the interview with small talk

Starting with small talk may help the interviewer remember you later on. You can start by asking the interviewer questions about the company or you can try a less formal approach if they seem open.

A lot of the people I've worked with have been international so I often start with questions about where they're from and then mention my favorite dish from that region.

Make sure you read the room and don't let the small talk go on for too long. Some interviewers like to chat more than others so make sure to pay attention to verbal cues.

3. Be concise

People often look at interviews like an exam — don't go into it with that approach. While you should do your homework and prepare for the interview, it's important that you don't get bogged down by the details.

The person who is interviewing you will lose their focus if you talk too much. They also are assessing your ability to communicate so being concise can help you score higher or make a better impression.

4. Weave in your personality when answering questions

The company wants to get to know you as a person. So when it comes to behavioral questions, do your best to weave in stories and examples that highlight parts of your personality.

For example, if someone asks about a time you had to work through a conflict, don't put an emphasis on the problem or the solution. Instead, make sure you focus on how you went about solving the problem and how you communicated.

5. Don't follow up right after the interview

Don't follow up with a recruiter right after the interview and don't contact them more than twice. It could take a while to make the decision, especially if it's a competitive role, and if you appear overly eager you could lose leverage power with salary negotiation.

Do you work at Google? We want to hear from you. Email the reporter from a non-work email at aaltchek@insider.com.

• Business Insider is putting together a power list of the young talent on Wall Street.
• We want to spotlight the standouts in investment banking, investing as well as sales and trading. 
• Please submit your ideas here by August 7th. 

We're seeking nominations for Business Insider's list of rising stars on Wall Street, and we want to hear from you. 

Submit your suggestions below or via this form.

We're looking for the leaders of tomorrow, those making notable contributions or accomplishments and setting themselves apart from their class in investment banking, investing, and sales and trading. 

In the past, we've had people with a variety of roles and experiences from companies including Blackstone, Citadel, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs.

Take a look at our 2023 list here.

Criteria and methodology

Our selection criteria: We ask that nominees be 35 or under as of September 30, 2024, based in the US, work front-office roles, and stand out from their peers. Editors make the final decisions.

Please make your submission below or through this form by August 7th to have your selection considered for the list. Please be as specific as possible in your submission.

Please email Michelle Abrego at mabrego@businessinsider. com with any questions or issues submitting your nominations.

• Without a conventional navy, Ukraine has looked to innovative ways to counter Russia's sea power. 
• Ukraine's sea drones will soon work as squads to mimic a warship's capabilities, a commander said.
• Sea drones have taken out a chunk of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and damaged the Kerch Bridge. 

Ukraine's sea drones are being marshaled into squads that can replicate the abilities of a single warship, a Ukrainian commander said.

Brig Gen Ivan Lukashevych, the mastermind behind Ukraine's fleet of naval drones, described the move in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

He said the squads, each with about 10-20 drones, will work in concert to combine multiple separate functions.

"We do have a fleet, but it's divided into smaller elements," Lukashevych told the outlet.

Lukashevych, who was appointed to lead a special unit for Ukraine's security service, said that previously naval drones were used primarily for surveillance or logistics.

"We are doing many things that no one in the world has done" with the technology, he said.

Ukraine was left without a conventional navy in 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea.

The move stripped Ukraine of the bulk of its ships and any control of the port of Sevastopol, the headquarters of Russia's much-feared Black Sea Fleet.

In response, and under Lukashevych's direction, Ukraine has developed several types of naval drones.

These include the Sea Baby, credited with damaging the crucial Kerch Bridge last fall, and the Magura V5, six of which hunted down the corvette Ivanovets in February.

Ukraine has also mounted a Grad multiple-launch rocket system on the back of a home-developed Sea Baby drone to hit land targets, as the Financial Times' Christopher Miller reported in May, citing an unnamed official.

The idea of a drone squad replicating the tasks of a full warship is just the latest iteration in Ukraine's rapid development of sea drone capabilities.

Under Lukashevych's direction, Ukraine has notched up a series of successful attacks using naval drones, and along with long-range anti-ship missiles they've destroyed or damaged a large portion of Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

In February, the UK said that 25% of Russia's vessels in the Black Sea had been sunk, damaged, or destroyed. Ukraine puts that number even higher.

As a result of the regular strikes, Russia's fleet has been forced to limit operations out of Sevastopol and moved many of its warships to more distant ports, such as Novorossiysk last fall.

Novorossiysk has notably poorer facilities than Sevastapol, and though the ships are still within cruise-missile striking distance of Ukraine, the time lag allows Ukraine's air defenses crucial time to react, as the Journal reported.

• Princess Anne is being treated for a head injury at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, UK. 
• She sustained a concussion from an incident at Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire.
• King Charles has been closely informed about his sister's condition and recovery.

Princess Anne is receiving hospital treatment for a head injury, according to Buckingham Palace.

The king's sister, 73, "sustained minor injuries and concussion following an incident" at her home in Gatcombe Park in Gloucestershire, England, the palace said.

"Her Royal Highness remains in Southmead Hospital, Bristol, as a precautionary measure for observation and is expected to make a full and swift recovery," the statement added.

The spokesperson said King Charles, had been "closely informed" about the incident.

This is a developing story. More to follow…

• Russia entered into a new security pact with rogue state North Korea. 
• It's an alliance likely being viewed with caution in Beijing, say analysts. 
• China is anxious to avoid a flare-up on the Korean peninsula, they say. 

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently signed a defense pact to defend against what they characterized as the malign forces of US imperialism.

But it's not just the US' allies in East Asia who appear alarmed by the new alliance between the authoritarian leaders.

Anxiety appears to be growing in a state that's emerged as both Russia and North Korea's most important international ally: China.

A muted response

China's response to the pact, which saw Putin and Kim pledge to defend each other's countries if attacked, was revealingly muted.

"The cooperation between Russia and the DPRK is a matter between two sovereign states. We do not have information on the relevant matter," a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said.

Analysts say that the alliance is likely being viewed warily by China's leader Xi Jinping, who fears his power will be eroded in the Korean peninsula.

China had emerged as the "biggest loser" from the security pact, Danny Russel, who was the top US diplomat for Asia in the Obama administration, told The Associated Press.

"Apart from irritation over Putin's intrusion into what most Chinese consider their sphere of influence, the real cost to China is that Russia's embrace gives North Korea greater impunity and room to maneuver without consideration to Beijing's interests," he said.

An important ally

China has long been North Korea's most important international ally, providing trade, diplomatic support, and military aid to Kim Jong Un.

It's the only country in the world with which China has a joint defense pact.

But in recent years, the relationship has become strained. North Korea has defied attempts by the international community to compel it to dismantle the nuclear weapons it menaced its neighbors with.

Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has destabilized relations between Beijing and Pyongyang further.

Russia is leaning on North Korea for supplies of badly-needed artillery for its forces in Ukraine, and in exchange, Russia appears to have shared with North Korea the satellite technology Kim has long coveted.

It's a dynamic that's upset the delicate balance of power in the Korean peninsula.

An emboldened Kim Jong Un

Russia's extra military power could embolden Kim to act more erratically and aggressively. While China is willing to prop up North Korea, it's also keen to restrain Kim.

With China's economy experiencing a rare downturn, Xi is anxious to avoid a flare-up in the Korean Peninsula and the Kremlin's new partnership with North Korea has reduced China's leverage.

"The dilution of Chinese leverage means Kim Jong Un can disregard Beijing's calls for restraint," Russell told the AP, "and that is much more likely to create chaos at a time when (Chinese leader) Xi Jinping desperately wants stability."

However, it's not just the impoverished North Korean regime that's reliant on its partnership with China. Russia has grown increasingly dependent on its own relationship with China since it invaded Ukraine.

Amid sanctions and international isolation, China has continued to provide Russia with vital diplomatic support and, according to the US, dual-use goods for Russia's armaments industry.

Like Russia and North Korea, China wants to damage US global power, and though it's stopped short of providing Russia with weapons, its support remains crucial.

This means that China has enough influence over both Russia and North Korea to exert control over their new alliance.

Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, told CNN that Beijing appeared unable to control the pace of Russia's new alliance with North Korea.

However, "they do know that China plays an irreplaceable role for both Russia and North Korea," she said.

China has considerable influence over both countries. It may have to use that influence sooner rather than later.