Royal Family LIVE: Princess Diana’s last wish for Harry and William ‘no longer happening’
A royal expert says it is “so sad” Princess Diana’s desire isn’t happening but he expresses desire Prince Harry’s return to the UK for the 10 years of the Invictus Games may offer the brothers hope

Prince Archie’s biggest year of his life as he turns 5
2024 is setting up to be a monumental year for the young royal, Prince Archie, as he hits his first major milestone – turning five, and will potentially be making more habitual public appearances with his parents.

The son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, since their controversial step back from Royal duties back in 2020, has had a relatively secluded upbringing, with his notoriously private parents only sporadically sharing snippets of their lives with their firstborn child, Archie (4), and his younger sister Lilibet (2).

In a rare and surprising disclosure about Archie’s life on James Corden’s The Late Late Show in 2021, the doting dad, Harry, delighted Royal fans all over by revealing that his son’s inaugural word was a complicated one – ‘crocodile’, gifted to him by none other than his great grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.

As Harry divulged whilst on a tour of LA atop a double-decker bus: “My son is now over a year and a half, he is hysterical, he’s got the most amazing personality, he’s already putting two, three words together, he’s already singing songs. His first word was ‘crocodile’, three syllables.”

Meghan, ever the model mother, revealed during a chat with The Cut in 2022 how she takes teaching Archie etiquette very seriously. She shared: “We always tell him, ‘Manners make the man. Manners, manners, manners, manners, manners’.”

Another glimpse into their family life was offered when they launched their Netflix docu-series in 2022, opening up their Montecito home in California to the cameras. Now, with Prince Archie on the cusp of his fifth birthday, this year could be a game-changer for the young Royal, as per OK!

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex tend to Archie, pictured at just four months old (
Image:
Getty Images)
06:40KEY EVENT
Princess Diana’s last wish for William and Harry ‘no longer happening’ and it’s ‘so sad’
The late Princess Diana would be disappointed to see that her sons Prince William and Prince Harry were no longer “as close as possible” like she’d hoped, claimed a royal expert.

The two brothers have been distant in recent years, and largely since Prince Harry stepped back from the Royal Family in 2020 alongside wife Meghan Markle. Their relationship has also been rocked by comments made by Prince Harry since his exit including during his Netflix series, an interview with Oprah Winfrey and his 2023 autobiography Spare.

The brothers have been described by a royal commentator who recalled how they were “really close” and that their mother had always wished them to stay that way. The pair were once inseparable, and especially after their mother’s death when they were just 15 and 12.

Royal expert Charles Rae explained whilst on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show : “They [Prince William and Prince Harry] were really, really close. And this is what makes it so sad that they’re now so far apart.” He added: “That’s what Diana always wanted, the boys to remain as close as possible, they had each other, and it was them against the rest of the world but of course now it’s not happening.”

Princess Diana’s last wish for William and Harry ‘no longer happening’ and it’s ‘so sad’

Prince Harry and Prince William are pictured at the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana, in 2021 (
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
06:11Joshua Taylor
Meghan ‘done with’ UK despite Harry getting ready for royal reunion
It looks like Meghan Markle might not be joining Prince Harry when he reunites with the Royal Family as one expert has suggested she is “done” with the UK.

The Duke of Sussex has been open about his desire to return to the UK and reunite with his estranged family after both King Charles and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer. And it looks like the royal reunion could happen as early as next month.

Harry is set to return to the UK at the beginning of May to attend a celebration of the Invictus Games. However, royal historian Marlene Koenig doesn’t believe Meghan will be joining her husband.

“I don’t think Meghan will be visiting the UK anytime soon. I think she’s done with that. Unless there’s something major like a funeral. But Harry and Meghan’s life is in the US,” Marlene told GB News.

06:08Joshua Taylor
Camilla’s son has ‘out of body experience’ at Krispy Kreme drive-thru
Queen Camilla’s son, Tom Parker Bowles, recently had a hilarious experience at a Krispy Kreme drive-thru in London. The British food writer and critic, known for his reviews of Michelin-starred restaurants, decided to try out the American doughnut chain, which first opened in North Carolina in 1937 and has since become a household name in Britain.

In an article for the Daily Mail, Mr Parker Bowles, 49, described how he visited the drive-thru in Enfield at noon, only to find it deserted – a stark contrast to the bustling McDonalds across the car park. Despite this, the store was doing good business, with customers leaving clutching boxes of the famous doughnuts.

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01:16Joshua Taylor
Prince Harry left ‘infuriated’ by King Charles’ ‘paying for Meghan’ comment
Tensions within the Royal family have been at an all-time high following Prince Harry and Meghan’s barrage of bombshell revelations in interviews, including their sit-down with Oprah Winfrey, their six-part Netflix series, and the release of Harry’s explosive memoir, ‘Spare’.

The rift between Harry, Meghan, and the rest of The Firm was apparent even before the couple decided to step back from Royal duties, as we’ve covered before. This was echoed in a book published last year which claimed that King Charles once ‘infuriated’ Harry by suggesting he might not financially support Meghan in the future.

In ‘Our King’, author Robert Jobson delves into the fraying ties between Harry and other key members of the Royal family. The book exposes a deepening divide between Harry and his brother William, with the level of animosity reportedly taking Charles by surprise.

22:48Tim Hanlon
Meghan Markle given warning as Prince Harry prepares for UK visit
Meghan Markle has been warned ahead of husband Prince Harry’s return to the UK next month by a royal expert.

The Duchess of Sussex could be set to stay in the US instead of joining Harry on the trip, but she has been rumoured to be planning to join the Duke for his visit. Now Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams has given a stark warning over what would be her first visit to the UK since 2022.

He explained: “If she comes there will be a huge amount of adverse publicity because of the way she has acted for the past four years.” While he added that security “wouldn’t be an issue” should she visit, Richard also claimed that Meghan has the “perfect excuse” not to.

He told The Sun: “The security would be decided on a case by case basis, they would make sure the trip was secure from the point of view of the UK. I think security could be used as an excuse not to come though. Meghan has every right to come but they have been thrown out of Frogmore and for a good reason.

“Spare and the interviews around it were horrible frankly. She has the perfect excuse not to come over because Harry has lost his security case.” It comes after the couple appeared to be working as a “like-minded double act” as they made their latest public appearance.

Meghan Markle has been warned over a possible visit to the UK (
Image:
Getty Images)
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22:18Tim Hanlon
Princess Diana had hoped brothers Harry and William would remain ‘as close as possible’
The late Princess Diana would be disappointed to see that her sons Prince William and Prince Harry were no longer “as close as possible” like she’d hoped, claimed a royal expert.

The two brothers have been distant in recent years, and largely since Prince Harry stepped back from the Royal Family in 2020 alongside wife Meghan Markle. Their relationship has also been rocked by comments made by Prince Harry since his exit including during his Netflix series, an interview with Oprah Winfrey and his 2023 autobiography Spare.

The brothers have been described by a royal commentator who recalled how they were “really close” and that their mother had always wished them to stay that way. The pair were once inseparable, and especially after their mother’s death when they were just 15 and 12.

Royal expert Charles Rae explained whilst on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show : “They [Prince William and Prince Harry] were really, really close. And this is what makes it so sad that they’re now so far apart.” He added: “That’s what Diana always wanted, the boys to remain as close as possible, they had each other, and it was them against the rest of the world but of course now it’s not happening.”

21:40Tim Hanlon
Harry and William’s best chance at resolving feud next month revealed
Prince Harry and Prince William have been urged to reunite in private if they have any hopes of mending their broken relationship.

The pair were very close growing up, but they’ve become estranged in recent years after Harry and his wife Meghan Markle stepped down from the Royal Family. The Sussexes have since opened up about life behind palace walls and Harry didn’t hold back when it came to attacking his brother in his debut memoir Spare.

The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK next month to attend a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes this will be the perfect time for him to reunite with William but said they should do it away from the public.

“The best way of resolving the rift, if it is to be resolved, is to do it privately,” he told The Sun. Richard believes the recent illnesses within the Royal Family will have played a role in Harry’s desire to return to the UK.

He said: “With Catherine and the King’s illness – that is an enormous game changer even when there are deep family rifts.” However, the royal expert insisted Harry won’t do anything “without Meghan’s consent”.

William and Harry have been urged to reunite in private by a royal expert (
Image:
Getty Images)
21:25Tim Hanlon
King Charles’ little known role in Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding revealed
King Charles played an instrumental role in the 2011 royal wedding – and offered his expertise when it came to selecting some important music for William and Kate.

The father-of-the-groom threw himself into his role before the nuptials more than a decade ago, taking it upon himself to help out on the big day. The excited pair’s near 2,000 guests arrived to organ music by Johann Sebastian Bach before an incredible orchestral selection by Edward Elgar and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. His Highness leaned on his excellent knowledge of classical music before settling on his choices.

He explained to Alan Titchmarsh on Classic FM why he stepped in to support the couple with a key part of their wedding day, which was watched by 36.7 million in the UK alone. “I love trying to organise some interesting, I hope, pieces of music for certain occasions, particularly for weddings if people want. I know my eldest son was quite understanding and was perfectly happy for me to suggest a few pieces for their wedding,” he told the gardening expert back in 2020.

Moments before William and Kate’s Westminster Abbey wedding vows were made, their guests arrived to organ music by Johann Sebastian Bach and orchestral pieces by Edward Elgar, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and more. Charles previously said his love of music was down to the Queen Mother. “My grandmother used to play quite a bit of music, so I would hear something there,” he recalled when talking about one of his passions. “But I suspect the first time I really became aware of it was being taken by my grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, to Covent Garden aged seven, I think.”

21:00Tim Hanlon
Meghan Markle ‘could never be forced’ to return to the UK and will have ‘final say’ for Harry
Meghan Markle will be the deciding factor in whether Prince Harry makes a return to the UK, but she ‘will not be forced’.

The couple, who stepped back from the Royal Family in 2020, live in Montecito, California, and have had a strained relationship with their royal relatives in the past following comments revealed in interviews and in Harry’s autobiography Spare. Whilst Prince Harry is said to be keen to mend the royal rift and repair his relationship with his family and potentially return to the UK, it’s been revealed that his wife will be the one who makes the decision over whether their family leaves the US.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams has explained that the former Suits actress will ultimately ‘have the final say’ on whether she and Prince Harry make a return to the UK or not.

Speaking to The Sun, the royal biographer explained: “Meghan has the say.” He then explained that Harry wants to “convey he is a very devoted family man and will put them above everything else”. The royal expert continued: “If Meghan didn’t want to come she could never be forced to. It would be extremely unlikely Harry would come over with the kids without Meghan.”

The comments come as it’s been revealed that Prince Harry will visit the UK next month to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games in May, and it’s likely that Meghan will not accompany him. An expert has revealed the former Suits actress is unlikely to visit the UK due to fears over safety and the ‘drama’ that would likely unfold with the Royal Family including between her and The Princess of Wales.

Meghan has made a return to the UK since the pair stepped back from their royal duties in 2020 but only on rare occasions which included Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022. However, she did not return for King Charles III’s coronation last year, which Harry attended alone.

Meghan will have final say in Harry moving back to the UK, said a royal expert (
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WireImage)
20:47Joseph Gamp
Kate Middleton and William feel ‘intense anxiety’ at idea of taking throne, claims royal insider
Prince William and Princess Kate feel “intense anxiety” at becoming the King and Queen amid Charles’ cancer journey, a royal expert says.

The monarch continues to receive treatment for his illness, which was diagnosed in January, and, with Princess of Wales out of action due to her own cancer battle, the Royal Family has been somewhat short-handed of late. But the next monarch will be William, 41, and he’ll receive support in his duties from Kate, 42, who will also attend royal engagements in her new role. The prospect of these positions is said to be causing “intense anxiety” for the couple.

Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown wrote: “News of Charles’s cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne … The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety.”

Kate Middleton and William feel ‘intense anxiety’ at idea of taking throne, claims royal insider

Prince William and Princess Kate attend a pre-campaign launch event last year (
Image:
2023 Getty Images)
18:54Joseph Gamp
Prince William’s life-changing chat with Charles that shaped Kate romance
It’s a challenging time for the entire Royal Family, but Prince William in particular has a lot on his plate – as he works to balance his royal duties alongside those of a parent, all whilst supporting his wife Kate, the Princess of Wales as she undergoes a course of preventative chemotherapy.

His father King Charles is also being treated for cancer, and this has left two of the most senior royals unable to undertake public duties for the time being – making it even more important for William to keep going with his official engagements.

When Kate announced she had been diagnosed with cancer to the nation in an emotional video message, King Charles was one of the first to throw his support behind his “beloved daughter in law” and the public saw just how close the pair have become over the years. But, a royal author has claimed, that without a serious heart-to-heart that took place between Charles and his oldest son back in 2001, the couple may never have even got together.

Read more: Prince William’s life-changing chat with Charles that shaped Kate romance

Charles and William had a life changing chat (
Image:
Getty Images For Buckingham Palace)
17:51Joseph Gamp
Queen Camilla’s son Tom defended after Harry accused her of ‘playing game’
Tom Parker Bowles, Queen Camilla’s only son, spoke out to publicly defend his mother in the wake of criticisms from Prince Harry.

Camilla is a mother of two children – as well as food critic Tom, she shares daughter Laura Lopes with her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles. The couple divorced in 1995 and 10 years later, in April 2005, she married the then-Prince Charles.

Her son Tom later spoke out to defend her against cruel allegations she played an “end game” in her relationship with the future king, maintaining she had simply “married the person she loved”. Speaking on The News Agents podcast in April 2023, Tom said: “I think change happens but I don’t care what anyone says – this wasn’t any sort of end game.

Read more: Queen Camilla’s son Tom defended after Harry accused her of ‘playing game

17:10Joseph Gamp
Kate’s ‘quiet revolution signals shift’ in relationship with William – expert
The Prince and Princess of Wales have shown a ‘quiet revolution’ in their relationship through a “powerful shift” in their gestures, a body language expert has claimed.

It was 20 years ago this week that Prince William was first pictured with his then-girlfriend Kate for the first time on a loved-up Swiss skiing holiday. Much has changed over the last two decades, with the couple splitting, getting back together, marrying and having three children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. Today they have the lofty titles of Prince and Princess of Wales with William now taking time to care for his family as Kate undergoes cancer treatment following abdominal surgery earlier this year.

According to body language expert Judi James, over the past 20 years, the couple’s body language dynamic has had a “quiet revolution”. She told the Mirror: “There’s been a powerful shift in their signals of status and control as a loving couple as well as a professional double act. This has been a colluded ‘revolution’ though, not a battle for power. Every step of the way we have also been shown an emotional unfurling as they have been increasingly confident about showing signals of love and affection to the world.”

Read more: Kate’s ‘quiet revolution signals shift’ in relationship with William – expert

16:21Joseph Gamp
Meghan Markle’s Instagram has two major ‘outdated’ mistakes ahead of full launch
Meghan Markle’s latest venture has been picked apart by a PR expert who claims her new brand’s Instagram account has two glaring mistakes.

The Duchess of Sussex recently revealed she was launching her American Riviera Orchard brand which will sell an array of items. However, the Instagram account for the new project has been criticised for including two “outdated” mistakes during its launch.

The social media platform was used to announce Meghan’s new venture and shared the new website and branding. Since its launch on March 14, nothing else has yet been added to the account, despite the followers count now growing to over 500,000 – although it’s speculated that a large portion of these followers could be fake.

Meghan Markle’s Instagram has two major ‘outdated’ mistakes ahead of full launch

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has started a new venture (
Image:
SplashNews.com)
15:38Joseph Gamp
Three words that turned Prince Andrew’s interview into a car crash
Prince Andrew’s car crash Newsnight interview left viewers stunned when it first aired and for reporter Emily Maitlis, three words in particular ‘changed everything’ for her. The Duke of York intended to clear his reputation with the 45-minute sitdown, but instead, it changed the course of his life forever, in what became a historic PR disaster.

It generated much public disdain and debate, so much so that it has been dramatised and turned into a film – Scoop – by Netflix. Starring big names like Gillian Anderson, Rufus Sewell and Billie Piper, the new film explores just how the interview came to be, and why Andrew even agreed to take part in the first place.

According to Maitlis, when the Prince chose three particular words, it led to her realisation of his true motives, after which the interview just flowed.

Read more: Three words that turned Prince Andrew’s interview into a car crash
15:21Joseph Gamp
Prince Harry made awkward ‘ignore’ gesture the last time he faced Prince William – expert
Their bitter feud has seen Princes William and Harry go from seemingly tight brothers to barely on speaking terms.

The pair had once appeared inseperable during their younger years but as they grew older, the cracks in their relationship began to appear, with Harry ultimately choosing a life away from royal duties with wife Meghan Markle four years ago. The brothers’ relationship seemingly hit a flashpoint early last year when Harry’s memoir was released, which included claims William physically attacked him.

After the release of the book, the pair have only been at the same public event once, their father King Charles’ Coronation almost one year ago – and according to a body language expert Harry made an awkward “ignore” gesture as he got first glimpse of William at the event.

Read more: Prince Harry made awkward ‘ignore’ gesture the last time he faced Prince William – expert

15:01Jessica Gibb
Prince Harry could ‘spring surprise’ on William during visit that would end rift – expert
Prince Harry could be about to make peace with his brother Prince William with a “surprise” gesture, according to a royal expert.

The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK at the beginning of May as he attends a celebration of ten years of the Invictus Games. His visit is set to include a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8 but Meghan Markle’s attendance at the event is still ‘to be confirmed’.

After Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis it was thought the visit could be very awkward for Harry if he doesn’t visit his sick sister-in-law. But now a royal expert claims the Duke might have something up his sleeve. “The Sussexes do spring surprises. This has happened before, and you never know what might happen in the coming weeks or months. But I don’t think Harry would do anything without Megan’s consent,” says royal expert and biographer Richard Fitzwilliams.

Prince Harry could ‘spring surprise’ on William during visit that would end rift – expert

14:07Jessica Gibb
Prince Harry forced to ‘tag along behind’ Meghan Markle in move that ‘would’ve horrified him’
Prince Harry is being forced to “tag along behind” Meghan Markle as she prepares to make a huge splash with her new lifestyle brand, a royal expert claims.

The Duchess of Sussex is at the helm of her elegant new brand named American Riviera Orchard that’s set to rival Gwyneth Paltrow’s £200million Goop. But a royal expert claims the commercial enterprise – that could see Meghan bank six figures within weeks of launch – “would’ve horrified’ the royal prince a decade ago.

The irony is that when it comes to the new brand Meghan is always going to be the front runner and Harry will tag along behind – poor Harry is destined always to be the spare, but this time in a commercial enterprise that would’ve horrified him 10 years ago,” Royal expert and author Tom Quinn exclusively tells us.

Prince Harry forced to ‘tag along behind’ Meghan Markle in move that ‘would’ve horrified him’

William and Harry have a difficult relationship (
Image:
UK Press via Getty Images)
12:44Jennifer Newton
Prince Harry made awkward ‘ignore’ gesture the last time he faced Prince William – expert
Their bitter feud has seen Princes William and Harry go from seemingly tight brothers to barely on speaking terms.

The pair had once appeared inseperable during their younger years but as they grew older, the cracks in their relationship began to appear, with Harry ultimately choosing a life away from royal duties with wife Meghan Markle four years ago. The brothers’ relationship seemingly hit a flashpoint early last year when Harry’s memoir was released, which included claims William physically attacked him.

After the release of the book, the pair have only been at the same public event once, their father King Charles’ Coronation almost one year ago – and according to a body language expert Harry made an awkward “ignore” gesture as he got first glimpse of William at the event.

12:02Jessica Gibb
Prince William ‘sad and bewildered’ at brother Harry’s behaviour ahead of UK visit – royal expert
Prince William is feeling “sad and bewildered” about his younger brother Prince Harry’s behaviour ahead of his visit to the UK, a royal expert claims.

The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK at the beginning of May as he attends a celebration of ten years of the Invictus Games. His visit is set to include a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8 but Meghan Markle’s attendance at the event is still ‘to be confirmed’.

A royal expert previously claimed Harry will have “no choice” but to visit his brother after his wife Princess Kate was recently diagnosed with cancer. But the visit could just cause more upset for Wiliam and Kate. “William is sad and bewildered at how bad things have become with his brother, but he is pragmatic about this and believes Harry will always be trouble,” Royal expert and author Tom Quinn exclusively tells us.

Prince William ‘sad and bewildered’ at brother Harry’s behaviour ahead of UK visit – royal expert

Is a reconciliation on the cards for William and Harry?
11:05Bradley Jolly
Kate Middleton and William feel ‘intense anxiety’ at idea of taking throne, claims royal insider
Prince William and Princess Kate feel “intense anxiety” at becoming the King and Queen amid Charles’ cancer journey, a royal expert says.

The monarch continues to receive treatment for his illness, which was diagnosed in January, and, with Princess of Wales out of action due to her own cancer battle, the Royal Family has been somewhat short-handed of late. But the next monarch will be William, 41, and he’ll receive support in his duties from Kate, 42, who will also attend royal engagements in her new role. The prospect of these positions is said to be causing “intense anxiety” for the couple.

Former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown wrote: “News of Charles’s cancer has put William and Catherine in frightening proximity to ascending the throne … The prospect of it, I am told, is causing them intense anxiety.”

Kate Middleton and William feel ‘intense anxiety’ at idea of taking throne, claims royal insider

Prince William and Princess Kate attend a pre-campaign launch event last year (
Image:
2023 Getty Images)
10:03KEY EVENT
Meghan Markle ‘won’t set foot in the UK ever again’ despite Prince Harry’s hopes for May
Meghan Markle is thought to have already given her verdict on a trip to the UK in May – and it’s not looking good, according to a royal expert.

The Duke of Sussex will return to his homeland at the beginning of May as he attends a celebration of ten years of the Invictus Games. His visit is set to include a special service at St. Paul’s Cathedral on May 8 but Meghan’s attendance at the event is still ‘to be confirmed’.

Meghan is always at Harry’s side for Invictus events, holding his hand, waving to crowds and hugging participants as she brings her brand of friendly American charm to proceedings. But Harry might be forced to ride solo to the next batch of events for the international multi-sport event first held in 2014, for wounded, injured and sick service personnel.

“I’m of the opinion that Megan won’t set foot in the UK ever again,” Charles Rae, former royal correspondent for The Sun said. “I just don’t think she wants her to have anything to do at all with this country.”

Meghan Markle ‘won’t set foot in the UK ever again’ despite Prince Harry’s hopes for May

Meghan Markle put smiles on a lot of faces at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (
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@childrensLA/X)
09:03Bradley Jolly
King Charles embroiled in rural planning row over scheme to build 2,500 homes in ‘urban mess’
Plans proposed by King Charles to build 2,500 homes on farmland near an historic market town have been blasted by locals.

Residents in and near Faversham, Kent, say the schemes “will swallow up historic villages” and turn the town into “an urban mess”. The plans, which were first announced when the King, as the then Duke of Cornwall, managed the Duchy in 2018, seek to build 120 homes each year across a 20-year period.

An application for consent for an initial 261 homes was submitted to the local council in December last year, sparking outrage among locals who argue the town does not have the infrastructure support such a development. Some locals have claimed the proposals will negatively impact the local environment and contradict the monarch’s love for the natural world, while others say it will increase traffic and air pollution.

The houses are earmarked for a plot of land, which was acquired by the Duchy in 1999. The proposals have been put forward to address the housing crisis and will deliver an “ideal town” in line with a similar urban development in Poundbury, Dorset.

King Charles embroiled in rural planning row over scheme to build 2,500 homes in ‘urban mess’

The monarch is pictured in central London (
Image:
Getty Images)
08:42Jackie Annett
Late Queen’s one-word reply to ‘problem child’ Prince Andrew sex assault case
From Prince Charles’ affair to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s step back from the Royal family, the Firm has faced plenty of controversy over the years but arguably none so damning as the Prince Andrew sex assault claims.

When stories resurfaced of Prince Andrew’s friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the royal decided there was only one way to clear up rumours and agreed to an interview with BBC Newsnight journalist Emily Maitlis. He was accused of having sex with Virginia Giuffre, then 17, who claimed she was trafficked by businessman Epstein and passed between his friends for sex. Andrew firmly denied the allegations. However, the sit-down chat was widely dubbed a car crash and led to him retreating from public life.

In 2014, court papers alleged Prince Andrew was one of several prominent figures to have participated in sexual activities with a girl under 18, later identified as Ms Giuffre. Prince Andrew, however, claimed he had no recollection of ever meeting her and insisted a photograph in which he appears to have his arm wrapped around her waist was fake.

Late Queen’s one-word reply to ‘problem child’ Prince Andrew sex assault case

08:10Graeme Murray
Why Princess Eugenie ‘doesn’t want to take on more royal duties’ according to King’s former butler
King Charles’ former butler has revealed why Princess Eugenie “doesn’t want to take on more royal duties” – as she’s keen to carve out her own career.

She is said to be “reluctant” to step up and take on more duties after Charles and Princess Kate retreated from appearing publicly because of their treatments for cancer. But it means the family have been desperately seeking other members to take on public work. Grant Harrold, who was employed by Charles for seven years in his previous role as Prince of Wales, says the young princess is not wanting to pile anything more on to her plate at this time.

Harrold told the New York Post: “Princess Eugenie is probably cautious to step up to royal duties because it does take up your whole life. I’ve seen the schedules, and you can’t switch it on and off.” Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank who welcomed their second son, Ernest, in May 2023 are not ready for the demands which it entails, he said.

He said: “Eugenie is very keen to have her own career, and that’s something she is very passionate about — so yes, she probably is reluctant to take on royal duties.” Princess Eugenie, who recently celebrated her 34th birthday is now a “non working royal”. But Harrold predicts that will change and she will become a senior member of the family Eugenie is also reportedly close to both Prince William and Prince Harry, which could see her taking on a role of “peacemaker” between the two brothers – who are often reported to be at loggerheads.

Why Princess Eugenie ‘doesn’t want to take on more royal duties’ according to King’s former butler

07:49Jennifer Newton
Unanswered questions from Andrew’s car crash BBC interview
It was more than four years ago that Prince Andrew sat down for a historic interview with BBC Newsnight.

No topic was off-limits and interviewer Emily Maitlis grilled the Duke of York on his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his partner Ghislaine Maxwell. But the chat ended up becoming a car crash and is considered the catalyst for the downfall of Andrew, who was forced to step down from royal life and has now been stripped of his military affiliations and patronages.

Now, the interview has come back into the spotlight due to the release of the brand new Netflix drama Scoop, which tells the story of how the BBC managed to persuade Andrew to take part in the interview and the fallout that followed. And here we look back and some of the original interview’s most jaw-dropping moments…

Prince Andrew had ‘a car crash interview’ on Newsnight (
Image:
BBC.com)
07:46KEY EVENT
Prince Andrew hits brakes after nearly running over dog as owner rushes to save pet
Images show Prince Andrew nearly running over a dog at Windsor before laughing with relief.

The Duke of York was heading down the Long Walk on the Windsor estate in a black Range Rover when walkers desperately alerted him to the black dog that had strayed into the road. It appeared as though Andrew had not seen the animal and it was his bodyguard that pointed out the reactions of the people and told him to stop. Luckily the car did brake in time and the owner of the dog looked embarrassed as he went to retrieve his pet, while Andrew took the whole episode in good humour and could be seen waving afterwards.

A witness reportedly said that there were a lot of people out in the park at the time due to a break from the rain. “The Long Walk was crowded with people enjoying the warm weather, they reportedly said. “Andrew’s bodyguard saw the people frantically waving in the nick of time. Everyone was laughing when they saw who was driving the Range Rover.”

Prince Andrew hits brakes after nearly running over dog as owner rushes to save pet

The dog can be seen in front of the Duke’s car (
Image:
© Kelvin Bruce)
07:37KEY EVENT
Meghan Markle’s Instagram has two major ‘outdated’ mistakes ahead of full launch
Meghan Markle’s latest venture has been picked apart by a PR expert who claims her new brand’s Instagram account has two glaring mistakes.

The Duchess of Sussex recently revealed she was launching her American Riviera Orchard brand which will sell an array of items. However, the Instagram account for the new project has been criticised for including two “outdated” mistakes during its launch.

The social media platform was used to announce Meghan’s new venture and shared the new website and branding. Since its launch on March 14, nothing else has yet been added to the account, despite the followers count now growing to over 500,000 – although it’s speculated that a large portion of these followers could be fake.

Meghan Markle’s Instagram has two major ‘outdated’ mistakes ahead of full launch

Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, has started a new venture (
Image:
SplashNews.com)