NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

‘Hunger Games’ leads again

LOS ANGELES

Film fans are still forking over for “The Hunger Games,” which took in $33.5 million to lead the box office for a third-straight weekend.

It easily out-earned two returning favorites, Universal’s “American Pie” sequel “American Reunion” and a 3-D version of the blockbuster “Titanic,” released domestically by Paramount and overseas by 20th Century Fox.

Both newcomers opened solidly, though. “American Reunion” pulled in $21.5 million, the lowest haul since the 1999 original but still a decent return for a comedy franchise whose last big-screen chapter came nine years ago.

“Titanic” in 3-D reeled in $17.4 million over the weekend.

Rounding out the top five were “Wrath of the Titans” with $15 million, fourth place; and “Mirror Mirror” in fifth place with $11 million.

Queen Elizabeth II grants new honor to Camilla

LONDON

Queen Elizabeth II has appointed the Duchess of Cornwall to the highest female rank in the Royal Victorian Order, Buckingham Palace said today.

The announcement that Camilla has been made a Dame Grand Cross comes on the day of her seventh wedding anniversary with Prince Charles, the queen’s son.

Awards under the Royal Victorian Order, which was founded in 1896 by Queen Victoria, are given by the queen to people who have served her or the monarchy in a personal way. They are bestowed independently of the prime minister’s office.

Once vilified as the old flame who poisoned Charles’ first marriage to Diana, Princess of Wales, Camilla has become an integral member of the royal family since she married the prince April 9, 2005, — eight years after Diana’s death.

Since the couple’s civil ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor, the British public has warmed to Camilla, and the 64-year-old has carried out hundreds of royal engagements and taken on a wide range of patronages.

Associated Press