The Daily: May 23

German Chancellor most powerful woman in the world beating Queen by 39 places, says Forbes
Forbes magazine released poll results of the most powerful women in the world. With Angela Merkel taking first place, British entries include Queen in fortieth place and JK Rowling just making the cut at 93rd place. To determine the rank within each category, as well as overall rank on the list of 100, Forbes applied three metrics: money, media presence and impact. Impact included the extent of the candidate's reach across industries, cultures and countries, numbers of spheres of influence and people they affect, and how actively they wield their power. Forbes believes that these female change-agents are shifting their idea of clout and authority and, in the process, transforming the world in fresh and exhilarating ways.

Tate acquires one of Britain's 'great masterpieces' for £23m
'Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows' by John Constable was acquired by the Tate Modern Art Gallery in London from the family of the late Lord Ashton of Hyde for £23.1m. Described as one of the great masterpieces of British art, this 1831 painting shows the cathedral under a dark sky illuminated by a rainbow. Some art critics interpret this painting as a metaphor for the pressure felt by the Church of England over its loss of political power in the period. The painting will go on show in Wales next year before travelling to the other galleries.

Innovative handbag design using tripe
Jocelyn Mather's fashion designer four statement bags made from tripe go on display at Edinburgh Napier University's creative degree show tomorrow until June 2. The collection of hand-stitched bags range from a formal clutch to a dainty handbag, with Highland cow tripe used as a lining or outer material. The fastenings are also made using the animal's horns and bull ring.

Buckingham Palace Garden Party attended by the Duchess of Cambridge
This summer's season first royal garden party on Wednesday afternoon was hosted at Buckingham Palace. With the Duchess of Cambridge in attendance, notable guests making the grand occasion included Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, rower Helen Glover, and shooter Peter Wilson. One of three garden events she will host this summer, the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family receive presentations of guests invited on the recommendation of a variety of national organisations including the government, civil service, armed forces and the Diplomatic Corps as well as charities and local Lord Lieutenants. The party was brought forward this year due to the Jubilee celebrations and are a way of rewarding public service. Attendees are privileged to be able to explore the gardens which are not normally open to the general public.

Carole King awarded first female Gershwin Prize
The Gershwin prize which celebrates a lifetime in achievement in popular music was awarded to US singer- songwriter Carole King by President Obama. Past recipients of the award include Sir Paul McCartney, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder. Carole King expressed gratitude to her parents who she said encouraged her every step of the way. The 71 year old, best known for writing hit songs such as Aretha Franklin's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, was called a 'living legend' by Mr Obama. The four-time Grammy winner co-wrote her first number one hit in 1960 aged 17 with 'Will You Love Me Tomorrow'.