The latest Meghan Markle news has seen reports the Duchess of Sussex wants to make things up with the Princess of Wales.
The ladies have been embroiled in a feud for years, but it seems Kate’s cancer diagnosis has made Meghan soften towards her. And, as a result, she’s willing to now let sleeping dogs lie, it’s claimed, and “end this feud”.
Meghan Markle is said to be keen to be in her sister-in-law’s life again (Credit: Splash News)
Latest Meghan Markle news: Hopes of ‘triggering a truce’
Ahead of her return to the spotlight at Trooping the Colour, it was claimed that Meghan and Harry reached out to Kate. However, given the current state of their relationship, they didn’t get “much of a response”.
One insider alleged to Closer: “Both Harry and Meghan have been following Kate’s recovery with huge interest. They’ve jointly reached out to send well wishes, but they’re still not really in a place with Kate to warrant much of a response. That hasn’t stopped them from trying to connect and do what they see as the right thing. When Kate gets back into action, their hope is that it might take some of the heat off them and possibly trigger a truce with her and William, and with the King, too.”
The Princess of Wales returned to her duties at Trooping the Colour over the weekend (Credit: Splash News)
‘Bigger person’
It’s claimed Meghan wants to be the “bigger person” when it comes to ending the feud. However, could she have ulterior motives?
The insider continued to claim: “Meghan’s desperate to come across as the bigger person and end this feud between them. Appearing like some sort of royal saviour could only do her image good. And, despite all their bad blood, her heart does go out to Kate. She can only imagine how hard this situation must be for her. Meghan has made it clear she’d love nothing more than to move past all the nonsense and find a way towards healing for everyone’s sake. She’s ready and willing to let the anger and bitterness go.”
Meghan Markle wants to be ‘accepted by British public’
However, the source said that it’s “not really up to her and Harry” to end the feud. They said that all the couple can do is “continue to reach out and offer olive branches”.
“There’s no doubt making peace with William and Kate would be a huge relief for Meghan on many levels. Not least because it would also improve her reputation and, in turn, the new brand she’s cultivating. Meghan would love to be accepted by the British public again. And getting the seal of approval from Kate and William would go a long way towards that.”
ED! has contacted reps for Meghan Markle for comment.
Princess of Wales returns to spotlight
Over the weekend, the Princess of Wales attended the Trooping the Colour parade in London.
She rode in a carriage with kids Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She then headed to the Buckingham Palace balcony to watch the flypast.
It’s the first time Kate has been seen in public since Christmas Day.
Kate was photographed arriving with her family at Buckingham Palace on Saturday morning. She then took her place in a carriage alongside her three children to attend the pageant, an annual event to mark the monarch’s official birthday. King Charles was on horseback for his first occasion as sovereign last year, but this year watched from a carriage alongside his wife Camilla. Like Kate, Charles has been undertaking chemotherapy treatment over the last few months, although he has begun to reappear in public in recent weeks.
Prince William was separate from the rest of his family, mounted on horseback to participate in proceedings in Horseguard’s Parade, central London. The family were set to stand together on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to observe the RAF flypast overhead.
Thousands of fans were gathered along The Mall, the long road leading up to the palace, with extra security including hundreds of Metropolitan Police officers deployed.
On Friday, Kate released a message explaining that, like many other people going through chemotherapy, she has “good days and bad days” and that she is “not out of the woods yet” but is preparing to undertake a few public events over the summer.
Notes featuring the Queen’s portrait already made will still be put into circulation.
New notes will only be printed to replace worn banknotes and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes.
This is to reduce the environmental impact and save on costs.
On all current coins the Queen’s portrait faces the right, but Charles looks to the left because of a tradition that means the way the monarch faces must change with each new successor.
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The most recent image of the Queen on coins is the fifth portrait, designed by Jody Clark.
It was issued in 2015 and shows a side profile of the Queen wearing a crown and drop earrings.
Meanwhile, on British notes, a similar image of the Queen has been in place since the 90s.
New coins and notes were made when the Queen’s father George VI, the former King of England, passed too.
When will coins and notes with the Queen’s face on end?
The current circulating designs will be discontinued and a new design that represents the new head of state will replace them.
But it won’t all happen straight away.
Any coins or notes you have on you now will still be legal tender for a while yet.
We don’t know exactly when each design will be removed from circulation.
There are around 27 billion coins currently circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of the Queen.
These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn, and to meet demand for additional coins.
When the Queen came to power though, coins with her father’s image stayed in circulation for almost 20 years after his death.
But they were removed when decimalisation was introduced in 1971.
Production of coins won’t abruptly stop either.
The Royal Mint manufactures between three million and four million coins a day, and it’s likely to continue with the production of the current portrait and design until the end of the year at least.
That means we won’t see any new styles crop up in change until 2024. The same goes for notes.
Notes went through a major style change when they changed from paper to plastic – and the slow process means some paper copies are still legal tender even now.
But bank notes are updated approximately every 15 years anyway, so it won’t be long before current designs disappear altogether.
What kind of value will current coins and notes hold?
As the currency with the Queen on will eventually cease to be produced altogether, they’ll be harder to come across.
That means collectors will be more desperate to snap up copies as they become rarer over time, with the new designs taking the lead in popularity and production.
Rarer coins and notes are often more valuable, and can sometimes sell for hundreds of pounds more than face value at auction – if the right bidder is interested.
What are the most rare and valuable coins?
Does it affect anyone outside the UK?
During her reign, the Queen was head of the Commonwealth, so that meant her portrait was used on plenty of other countries’ currency too.
The Queen appears on the Canadian $20 bill for example, as well as on the Australian dollar coin.
Now that Charles has taken over, these designs will also have to change just like coins and notes on our side of the pond.
According to The Coin Expert this will take longer than it will in this country though.
That’s because it is easier to enforce a new design in the country it originates from rather than elsewhere, where other rules may get in the way.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
King Charles stepping back from royal duties in the run up to the general election will do wonders for his health and cancer recovery, one royal expert has claimed.
The monarch revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with cancer. He hasn’t revealed the type of cancer he has. However, he recently returned to public-facing duties – something Queen Camilla shared her fears over.
Now, however, with the general election looming, the royals have said they will postpone all engagements that could distract from campaigning.
And, as a result, royal expert Jennie Bond reckons six weeks off will do Charles the world of good.
Jennie Bond has shared her fears over King Charles’ health (Credit: Splash News)
King Charles health woes: ‘Trying to do too much’
Speaking to OK!, Jennie said that the timing of the election will be a good thing for Charles. It comes as he continues his cancer recovery.
After the election was called, Buckingham Palace released a statement. It said the family were postponing any royal engagements that might detract from campaigning.
As a result, Charles will enjoy something of a rest in the coming weeks.
And this is something that Jennie Bond thinks is well needed. She cited the “danger” the King has put himself in by trying to do too much too soon.
‘Beneficial Charles has been brought to a halt’
She said: “We know that he’s annoyed that his own reign has been obstructed by his prostate and cancer problems. Now he has been stopped again by the general election campaign. Personally, though, I think it will be beneficial in the long run that Charles – and indeed William – have been brought to a halt by the protocol of an election campaign.
“As Camilla herself said, the King has been constantly in danger of trying to do too much too early in his recovery. And these six weeks of enforced rest will give him the time he surely needs to gather his strength and make a full recovery before getting back to full-time duties.”
The general election has forced King Charles to slow down (Credit: Splash News)
‘Royal family back to full fighting strength’
As well as the time off in the run up to the election, King Charles will also soon be off on his summer break.
Jennie added: “Of course the summer break is also coming up. I think that’s a good thing too. Hopefully, by the end of the year we shall have a Royal Family back to full fighting strength.”
The Princess of Wales is also having cancer treatment.
Speaking about the monarch’s health recently, a Buckingham Palace representative said: “His Majesty’s medical team are very encouraged by the progress made so far. They remain positive about the King’s continued recovery.
“Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery. The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”
A striking photograph of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry taken just three days before the death of Queen Elizabeth II will be included in the permanent collection of Britain’s National Portrait Gallery, the photographer, Misan Harriman, shared on his Instagram page Thursday.
The black-and-white image of the couple holding hands on September 5, 2022, while attending the One Young World Summit in Manchester is all the more meaningful with context. When the Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to attend the event, it was not only the beginning of an unexpected stayover so they could attend the queen’s funeral, but it was also the couple’s first working trip to the United Kingdom since their 2020 exit from their roles as working royals. A few months prior, Meghan and Harry visited the country with their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, in a non-official capacity to attend some of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Harriman encouraged his followers to “dare to dream” in the posts where he shared his news.
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In February, Harriman spoke with People about his relationship with the Sussexes, saying that Meghan in particular “is really as a sister to me.”
“I’ve been very lucky to photograph many special moments with her and her husband and her family,” he said. “My images of them do all the talking. Portraiture for me, whether it is royalty or whether I’m in the tip of the spear in any of the civil rights movements that I care deeply about, is looking for truth. That’s fundamentally what my lens is there [for], to capture the human condition in full fidelity.”
Of the Sussexes he added, “my lens is always at their disposal, always will be.”
According to People, the photo will not be displayed in the gallery for some time, but will first be cataloged.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been the royal patron to the National Portrait Gallery since 2011.
Prince Harry, the younger son of the late Princess Diana, has been vocal about keeping his mother’s memory and legacy alive. One way he includes the former Princess of Wales in his daily life is by sharing some of her treasured jewelry with his wife, Meghan Markle.
Meghan was spotted Saturday during the couple’s trip to Nigeria wearing a delicate diamond cross pendant on a gold chain, a necklace that once belonged to Princess Diana. According to People, the sweet jewelry was a recent gift from Harry to Meghan.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are spending a handful of days abroad without their two children, appearing at engagements around the Invictus Games and their other efforts. Harry, for instance, played volleyball against wounded veterans. He lost.
Meghan doesn’t just dust off her late mother-in-law’s jewels for special occasions: Two of the diamonds in her tri-stone engagement ring also belonged to Diana, and Harry had them set into the special piece of jewelry for his 2017 proposal so his mother would part of the occasion.
PRINCESS Charlotte has won the hearts of royal fans around the globe thanks to her adorable personality and stylish looks.
The sassy and lovable youngster – now aged nine – may be the Prince and Princess of Wales’ only daughter, but she certainly holds her own around brothers.
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Princess Charlotte has captured the nation with her sweet appearancesCredit: Reuters
From nailing her own little royal wave to delighting fans with her funny sayings, Princess Charlotte often steals the show.
Both Charlotte and the Princess of Wales opted for ivory silk crepe Alexander McQueen dresses for the celebration that had a subtle nod to the United Kingdom in the embroidery.
Their stylish dresses included rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock motifs to symbolise the four nations; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Royal watchers loved for this adorable snapCredit: Getty
Fans of the Royal Family were sent into swoon overdrive with Princess Charlotte’s adorable gesture towards her older brother Prince George on their first royal engagement in Cardiff.
The regal children were accompanied by their parents Prince William and Kate as they met with performers in a Platinum Jubilee concert at Cardiff Castle.
The royal family released a sweet photo of Princess Charlotte gently cradling a brightly-coloured butterfly, as she took part in the Big Butterfly Count in Norfolk.
Mum Kate shared the photos to encourage other families to take part too.
It was announced that after much speculation that Meghan would not have a maid of honour at her wedding, and just had her little bridesmaids and page boys.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson said at the time: “She has a very close-knit group of friends and did not want to choose one over the other.”
May 2, 2018
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Charlotte’s third birthday was marked with this sweet snapCredit: Handout – Getty
On Princess Charlotte’s third birthday, Kate snapped this adorable shot of her with younger brother Prince Louis.
The sweet tradition of introducing the latest member of the Royal Family started back in 1948 when the Queen and her husband Prince Philip presented a then-Prince Charles to the world.
How old is Princess Charlotte and when is her birthday?
According to reports, the Royal couple chose to settle in the residency so that the Princes and Princess can attend school there together, and aim to give their children the most normal upbringing they can.
At the time, it was a gift from the Queen, who had sole decision over who resided there.
Where is Adelaide Cottage in Windsor?
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Adelaide Cottage in 1892
The cottage is nestled in Home Park in Windsor, just a 10-minute walk from Windsor Castle.
Built in 1831, it featured parts of the Prince Regent’s Royal Lodge at the time, which was partly demolished and re-used for Princess Adelaide’s cottage.
It is part of the Crown Estate’s private 655-acre royal park.
The Grade II listed property underwent major renovations in 2015 and has been a grace-and-favour property since 1945.
A grace-and-favour property is a residence belonging to the monarch due to their position and can be gifted to others as part of an employment package or out of gratitude.
The outside of the property is picturesque, the master bedroom boasts a coved ceiling with gilded dolphins and rope ornament reused from the yacht Royal George.
It also has a slate roof, a marble Graeco-Egyptian fireplace and the south entrance is flanked by two diagonally set chimneys.
Prince William returns to public engagements for the first time since the Princess of Wales revealed she was being treated for cancer
How big is Adelaide Cottage?
The picturesque cottage has been described as perfect for a family of five.
That’s because it has four bedrooms – one for each of the children and the Royal couple.
The property also features two parts – the main Adelaide Cottage but also Adelaide Lodge.
Many Royal experts have described it as one of the most “aesthetically pleasing” residences that make up the royal estate.
The New York post reported that the property’s original porch is still untouched today.
The same can be said for the surrounding gardens.
However, naturally over the years, it’s acquired more modern features from a gravel driveway to a gatehouse.
Did Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live at Adelaide Cottage?
The Mail On Sunday reported that Harry and Meghan had been for a viewing to Adelaide Cottage and fallen head over heels with it.
However, this was never confirmed and they moved into Frogmore Cottage after their wedding.
He started building it in 1070 and it took 16 years to complete.
Over the years it has been the official residence of 40 monarchs and their families.
William the Conqueror chose to build the castle in that location because of its view of the Thames, as well as its closeness to the Saxton hunting ground.
Read more on Windsor Castle
Henry I was the first monarch to use Windsor Castle as his home in 1110.
His grandson Henry II liked the castle so much that he renovated it to make it sturdier.
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Thanks to his brother King Charles, Prince Edward’s title just got an upgrade. The Duke of Edinburgh has been stepping up in the wake of the monarch’s cancer battle, and it appears those efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning him a special new distinction handed down by the king himself.
Prince Edward has received a new title as a member of the prestigious Order of the Thistle. He showcased his regalia for the title for the first time during a public appearance on April 12, 2024, while attending the dedication for a new vessel in Leith, Scotland, per Us Weekly. The 60-year-old royal, who also serves as the Commodore in Chief of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, donned his ceremonial military uniform adorned with a silver medal featuring a gold emblem, symbolizing his new membership in the Order of the Thistle.
He was appointed to the order in March 2024 by his older brother King Charles, in celebration of his 60th birthday. “On the occasion of The Duke of Edinburgh’s 60th birthday tomorrow, His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to appoint His Royal Highness to the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle,” the royal family shared in a statement via X on March 9, 2024.
The Order of the Thistle is an ancient and prestigious order of chivalry in Scotland. The order, which was established in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) is considered one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon someone in Scotland. The order consists of the sovereign and 16 knights and ladies, who are appointed by the sovereign to honor outstanding contributions to Scotland or to the monarch personally. Members of the Order of the Thistle are known for their service to the nation and the monarch.
The news of Prince Edward’s title comes amid not only Charles’ battle with cancer but also as his nephew, Prince William, has taken a step back from royal duties while his wife, Kate Middleton, undergoes cancer treatment of her own. The Telegraph previously reported that Prince Edward is shaping up to be the royal family’s new “leading man” amidst these struggles. Ever since the king was diagnosed with cancer, Edward has reportedly taken up 297 royal engagements in 2023, the most taken by a royal family member right behind his brother Charles and sister, Princess Anne, per The Independent. Evidently, all of his hard work is being recognized.
Endgame , the explosive book from longtime royal journalist Omid Scobie and author of the international blockbuster Finding Freedom, is a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy—an unpopular king, a power-hungry heir to the throne, a queen willing to go to dangerous lengths to preserve her image, and a prince forced to start a new life after being betrayed by his own family.”
Queen Elizabeth II’s death ruptured the already-fractured foundations of the House of Windsor—and dismantled the protective shield around it. With an institution long plagued by antiquated ideas around race, class and money, the monarchy and those who prop it up are now exposed and at odds with a rapidly modernizing world. Relying on his vast experience as a royal reporter and over a decade of conversations and interviews with current and former Palace staff, trusted friends of the royals and even the family members themselves, Scobie pulls back the curtain on an institution in turmoil to show what the monarchy must change in order to survive.
The palace released a statement at the time saying the Queen and her family were “delighted” by her arrival.
Read More on Royal Family
The statement read: “Isla Elizabeth is the second child for Peter and Autumn, the second grandchild for the Princess Royal and the second great-grandchild for the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.”
Although it has been speculated that Isla’s middle name is in honour of the Queen, it has never been officially confirmed.
As Isla has mostly grown up out of the public eye, information regarding her education has remained private.
A statement issued on their behalf at the time said: “After informing HM The Queen and members of both families last year, Peter and Autumn jointly agreed to separate.
Peter Phillips’ £500k wedding gift revealed – while sister Zara turned down similar £1m offer
“They had reached the conclusion that this was the best course of action for their two children and ongoing friendship.
“The decision to divorce and share custody came about after many months of discussions and although sad, is an amicable one.
“The couple’s first priority will remain the continued well being and upbringing of their wonderful daughters Savannah and Isla.
“Both families were naturally sad at the announcement, but fully supportive of Peter and Autumn in the joint decision to co-parent their children.
“Both Peter and Autumn have remained in Gloucestershire to bring up their two children where they have been settled for a number of years.”
How is Isla Phillips related to King Charles?
Isla is the daughter of Peter Phillips, Princess Anne‘s son.
Anne is the sister of King Charles, therefore Peter is his nephew.
Balmoral Castle was mostly used by the Queen to gather her family together
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King Charles has opened up the castle to the publicCredit: Getty
Where is Balmoral Castle?
Balmoral Castle is a large estate house in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, near the village of Crathie.
The vast property is situated 6.2 miles west of Ballater and 6.8 miles east of Braemar.
The estate and castle are privately owned by the Royal Family and are not the property of the Crown.
The existing house on site was found to be too small, so the royals purchased the estate in 1852.
Read More on The Royal Family
In its place, the construction of the current Balmoral Castle was commissioned.
William Smith of Aberdeen was the architect, although his designs were amended by Prince Albert.
Historic Scotland classified the castle as a category A listed building.
The new castle was completed in 1856, with the old castle demolished shortly thereafter.
Successive Royal Family members added to the Balmoral Estate, and it now covers an area of approximately 50,000 acres.
As well as the main castle, there are 150 other buildings on the estate, including Birkhall, the estate of King Charles, Craigowan Lodge, and several other cottages.
Balmoral is a working estate, including grouse moors, forestry, and farmland, as well as managed herds of deer, Highland cattle, and ponies.
Since 1987, an illustration of the castle has been featured on the reverse side of £100 notes issued by the Royal Bank of Scotland.
The crimson-coloured notes are the largest denomination of banknotes issued by The Royal Bank of Scotland and are still in production.
Locals hoping for King to return to Balmoral as they will him on in battle with cancer
Can the public visit Balmoral?
Yes, they can.
The castle gardens were first opened to the public in 1931.
Balmoral Castle is open to the public every day from April to July, while no members of the Royal Family are there.
Opening times are from 10am till 5pm, with the last recommended admissions at 4pm.
The ballroom is the only room within the castle that may be viewed by the public, the rest are the Queen’s private rooms.
It is also possible to book a short stay at several of the guest cottages on the grounds.
On April 10, 2024, it was announced that King Charles had broken royal tradition by offering tours of Balmoral Castle for the first time in history.
The tours will take place from July 1 to August 4, 2024.
They are expected to take visitors “on a historical journey through several of the beautiful rooms within Balmoral Castle,” according to the tour’s ticketing page.
Are the castle tour and afternoon tea tickets still available?
Tickets for guided tours are available to purchase via the official Balmoral Castle website.
It’s important to note that the tours are for adults only and are restricted to groups of 10 people.
The guided interior tours will only run between the 1st of July and the 4th of August.
There is also limited availability for tickets so be sure to get your tickets if you want a spot.
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The late Queen used the place of residence frequentlyCredit: PA:Press Association
How much does it cost to get into Balmoral Castle?
Guided tour tickets start from £100 per person and £150 if you want to add an afternoon tea.
However, if you’d rather go with general admission to the grounds, gardens and exhibitions, tickets cost £17.50 for adults and £9 for children, under 5s go free.
Who lives at Balmoral Castle?
Balmoral Castle, of all the royals’ properties, was referred to as the Queen’s favourite home where in summer, members of the Royal Family would meet and enjoy various activities together.
They range from fishing, hunting, picnicking and barbecuing while getting together with some of the royals which they might haven’t seen in a long time.
The late Queen had often been seen riding horses or driving her beloved Range Rover over the estate’s rugged terrain.
In 2022, Her Majesty arrived at Balmoral in July, after the Platinum Jubilee celebrations held in London.
For any first-time visitor to London, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, a military maneuver that has been in place for hundreds of years, is a must-see. The ritual is meant to show the precision and discipline of the royal guard, and the bright red uniforms and towering bearskin caps its participants wear have become synonymous with the palace. On Monday, this long-standing tradition took on a historically unique twist, as Prince Edward and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, oversaw the ceremony, and watched French troops join their British comrades in the routine.
Monday marked the 120th anniversary of a diplomatic agreement between the United Kingdom and France, called the “entente cordiale.” It was not a formal alliance, but the agreements laid the groundwork for a long diplomatic relationship between the two territories, the longevity of which is being celebrated by the governments throughout 2024. Typically, King Charles III would oversee the special commemoration of the date and inspection of the troops, but due to his recent cancer diagnosis and treatment, the monarch has limited his public-facing engagements.
When 32 members of the Gendarmerie’s Garde Républicaine joined 40 guardsmen from the Scots Guards F Company for the ceremony at Buckingham Palace, it was the first time in history that members of the military from a non-Commonwealth country had participated in the ceremony. Sophie, Edward, and Hélène Duchêne, the French ambassador to the U.K., inspected the troops in front of the palace, taking in a parade honoring the occasion. The Band of the Grenadier Guards played the national anthems of both countries to underscore the importance of the relationship between the two countries, and of the diplomatic agreements.
Britain’s Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh and Britain’s Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, react as members of France’s Gendarmerie Garde Republicaine take part in a special Changing of the Guard ceremony stand on duty at Buckingham Palace in London on April 8, 2024.VICTORIA JONES/Getty Images
In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron likewise took part in an inspection at the French presidential residence at the Elysée Palace, where 16 members of the U.K.’s Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards, as well as two military musicians, joined members of France’s 1st Régiment de la Garde Républicaine in a counterpart ceremony Monday. This is the first time that British troops have joined the French presidential guard, making the day all the more notable.
French Squadron Chief Guillaume Dewilde, who oversaw the French detachment at Buckingham Monday, told the Telegraph, “I am extremely proud to have been asked to share this moment with our British friends. We are like siblings, and to celebrate this moment together is a symbol of the strength of the relationship between our two countries.”
Ahead of the ceremony, British Lt Col James Shaw, who helped plan the event, told the outlet that the occasion not only honored the past, but looked forward to the future of the continuing relationship.
“This is a sign of the strength of our relations. The French are some of our closest friends,” he said. “And who knows when we might need each other?”
Prince William and his wife are doing everything they can to protect their children, even waiting until George, Charlotte and Louis would be on vacation before going public with the news.
“We hope that you will understand that, as a family, we now need some time, space and privacy while I complete my treatment,” Kate said while announcement the news.
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, formerly Kate Middleton, was diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy, she said in a video on Friday.
The children knew their grandfather had cancer and have now found out their mother does, too.
“As I have said to them; I am well and getting stronger every day,” she emphasized in her public message.
The king and the princess are said to be supporting each other through their treatment. King Charles even visited Kate in Windsor the day before this announcement.
Jobson: they are both going through this. They are both stars of the royal family. Very important central figures. And they’re sharing this. I think when she came back, i think he spoke about her courage which a lot of us agree. It left a lump in our throats when she delivered that message.
Buckingham Palace said the king is “so proud of Catherine for her courage in speaking as she did,” adding that his majesty has remained in the closest of contact with her.
Prince William is also stepping up supporting his wife and his father through these tough times and keeping up with his royal responsibilities.
After months of speculation about her health and whereabouts, Kate Middleton revealed on Friday that she has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy to treat it.
Olivia Munn knows something herself about putting on a business-as-usual facade while facing an ongoing private health battle. Last week, Munn revealed her own ongoing journey with breast cancer, and was among the high-profile names who immediately shared their sympathy after Kate’s announcement.
“Thank you for showing what it’s like to fight with grace and determination for yourself and for your family. Wishing you all the best. 🤍🤍🤍,” Munn commented on the Instagram post announcing Kate’s diagnosis.
In her message, Kate asked for “time, space, and privacy” for herself and her family, explaining that “William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family. As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment. But, most importantly, it has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte, and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be okay.”
In an Instagram post earlier this month, Munn said that she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and that she has since undergone a double mastectomy.
“I went from feeling completely fine one day, to waking up in a hospital bed after a 10-hour surgery the next,” she wrote.
“I’ve tended to let people see me when I have energy, when I can get dressed and get out of the house, when I can take my baby boy to the park,” Munn explained. “I’ve kept the diagnosis and the worry and the recovery and the pain medicine and the paper gowns private. I needed to catch my breath and get through some of the hardest parts before sharing.”
PRINCE William and Kate Middleton’s love story has captivated the world, and the couple have been by each other’s side through both happiness and heartache.
The Princess of Wales revealed on March 22, 2024, she was undergoing treatement for cancer in a heartfelt video, saying it was a huge shock for her and her young family.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William tied the knot in April 2011Credit: AP:Associated Press
How old are Prince William and Kate Middleton?
Prince William was born on June 21, 1982, at St Mary’s Hospital in London and will celebrate his 42nd birthday in 2024.
He is two years older than his brother Prince Harry,
Following the Queen’s death became first in line to the throne.
While Kate and William were born in the same year, the Princess of Wales is five months and two days older than her husband.
The couple are based at Adelaide Cottage in Windsor having relocated there in the summer of 2022.
However, they also have a country home in Norfolk called Anmer Hall.
Kate is particularly fond of the rural getaway and as well as spending most of the school holidays there, she chooses to celebrate her birthday at the house every year.
The royal couple’s love story started when they first crossed paths in 2001, when they went to university together at St. Andrews.
The pair went on to become friends and it was more than a year before things turned romantic between them.
In October 2010, it was announced that Kate and William were engaged after a proposal in Kendal.
The loved-up Prince said at the time: “We had a little private time away together with some friends, and I just decided it was the right time, really.
“We’d been talking about marriage for a while, so it wasn’t a massively big surprise, but I took her up somewhere nice in Kenya.”
The official statement said: “official statement reading: “The Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton.
“The wedding will take place in the Spring or Summer of 2011, in London. Further details about the wedding day will be announced in due course.”
When were Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children born?
Wills and Kate announced in December 2012 that they were expecting their first child together.
On July 22, 2013, Kate was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, where William himself was born, and emerged with a son – Prince George.
In September 2014, the royal couple announced that Kate was pregnant again, which resulted in the birth of Princess Charlotte at the same hospital on May 2, 2015.
On September 4, 2017, Kate and William revealed that they were expecting their third child.
On the morning of April 23, 2018, Kensington Palace tweeted that the Duchess was in labour and it was announced that she had delivered a baby boy at 11.01 am.
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been at the centre of an international media frenzy after taking time away from the public eye to recover from abdominal surgery. Conspiracy theories, each more unhinged than the last, abound. But who is defending the Princess of Wales from this relentless scrutiny? Many have speculated that the royal family is skirting its responsibility to Kate, who has long been praised for her tireless dedication to ‘The Firm’.
Here, journalist Ella Alexander explores the royal family’s complicated and often torrid history with women who marry into the institution, from Wallis Simpson to Diana Spencer and Meghan Markle.
Two years ago, the award-winning author Maggie O’Farrell reimagined a grim Renaissance story about a princess who pays a high price to marry a wealthy Duke. Loosely inspired by the real-life story of the ill-fated Italian Lucrezia de’ Medici, A Marriage Story sees a young woman forced into a marriage where she is stripped of her autonomy, kept under heavy surveillance and blamed for her older husband’s infertility. As fantastical and dramatic as aspects of the story are, like all good yarns, there’s a timeless resonance – the idea that princesses might live in nice houses and wear beautiful clothes, but there’s always a pay-off. Everything comes with a cost.
Since the dawn of time, high-profile women have been held up and brought down. The examples are endless, from Marie Antoinette to Courtney Love, Yoko Ono, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse. Women have routinely been blamed or scapegoated for poor male behaviour.
It started with Adam and his shameful Eve, who is, of course, responsible for the fall of mankind. She handed him the forbidden fruit and led him astray with her sinister feminine wiles. Adam – seemingly incapable of making his own decisions – ate that terrible apple, and henceforth, original sexism was born.
It’s a persistent trope: if a man does the wrong thing, it’s because he’s been led astray by a woman. From male violence to affairs, women are often used as decoys for the bad stuff men do. Look back over the past 20 years of popular culture. Justin Timberlake might have been the one who ripped off part of Janet Jackson’s bra mid-Super Bowl performance, but who was shamed for it? When Brad Pitt cheated on his then-wife Jennifer Aniston with Angelina Jolie, the latter was branded the ‘homewrecker’, not him, and more recently, Carrie Johnson was blamed for the amoral behaviour of her husband, the former Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson. It’s about shifting or deflecting attention from where it should be.
In no part of culture is this idea more pervasive than the royal family. Time after time, the Windsor women were cast as the villains, or at least they used to take the rap when events demanded it. The latest case stars the beloved and dutiful Princess of Wales. You’d be hard-pushed to remain unaware of the retouched photograph of Catherine with her three children, George, Charlotte and Louis. The picture was released on Mother’s Day, only for the Associated Press to reveal soon after that it had been digitally altered.
It’s been months since Princess Kate of Wales has made a public appearance, and rumors continue to swirl about her wellbeing.Video above: Why the Princess of Wales is on guard over health issuesMost recently, Kate has reportedly been dealing with “intense stress.”Among the issues Kate is facing, per the outlet: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped back from the royal family, she’s undergone abdominal surgery, and chaos ensued when Kensington Palace released a Photoshopped picture of the princess and her kids. In addition to errors in the photo, royal watchers pointed out that Kate wasn’t wearing her wedding ring. The official word from the palace is that the 42-year-old is “doing well” after having planned abdominal surgery.”Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates,” a spokesperson said in February. “That guidance stands.”But the story has only gotten bigger ever since Kate shared that her U.K. Mother’s Day photo had been edited.Here’s everything we know about Kate’s abdominal surgery and the diagnosis behind it, plus all of the health updates we’ve heard so far. What is abdominal surgery?Abdominal surgery is a broad term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdominal cavity, according to The University of Tennessee Medical Center. It usually involves treating diseases, conditions, or injuries to the stomach and bowels, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, or surrounding soft tissues, the organization says.The way the surgery is completed depends on the procedure someone is having done. Some medical conditions require more intensive surgeries, while others can be done via laparoscopic surgery, which is a surgical technique where short, narrow tubes are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions, per Medline Plus.Recovery time can vary for abdominal surgery, depending on the type of surgery someone has and why it was done. With laparoscopic surgery, you can usually go back to work after three days, Cleveland Clinic says. However, recovery from more invasive surgeries may take longer.What is Kate’s diagnosis?Kensington Palace have not specified a diagnosis or reason behind Kate’s surgery. Palace officials noted that she wants to keep this information private, so the public will likely never know.However, PEOPLE noted that the issue is “non-cancerous,” and according to Kensington Palace’s official statement, the surgery was “planned” and “successful.”That said, the Princess of Wales “situation came as a surprise even to those who work closely with the royal family” and that “within their broader circle of family friends, there had been no indication that anything was wrong,” PEOPLE reported.What are common reasons for abdominal surgery?There are a lot of potential reasons someone might undergo abdominal surgery, including the repair or removal of different tissues and organs in the abdominal area, per The University of Tennessee Medical Center.Common reasons for abdominal surgeries include:Removal of the appendix (aka an appendectomy)Gall bladder removal surgeryHernia repairRemoval of malignant tumors and lesion (and non-cancerous growths like lipomas)Where did Kate undergo abdominal surgery?Kate received abdominal surgery at The London Clinic, the largest independent, private hospital in the U.K., according to PEOPLE. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II’s parents – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother – in 1932. The hospital is currently equipped to treat 155 different conditions and has over 1,000 nursing, clinical, and support staff.Kate isn’t the first member of the royal family to receive care at the hospital. Like the Princess of Wales, the late Prince Philip also had abdominal surgery there in 2013, per PEOPLE. The late Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth’s sister) had skin lesions removed there in 1980, and in 1960, the Duke of Windsor (Queen Elizabeth’s uncle) underwent an eye operation, the publication reported.Here’s a timeline of her surgery, recovery, and every health update so far.Jan. 17, 2024: The news of Kate’s abdominal surgery was first announced. Kensington Palace shared an official statement on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account that read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.””The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” the statement continued. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.” Kensington Palace also noted that it “will only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”Jan. 29: Princess Kate is released from the hospital.On Jan. 29, Kensington Palace announced that Kate was back home and “making good progress” in her surgery recovery after a two-week hospital stay.”The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,” Kensington Palace shared on Instagram. The Prince and Princess of Wales also wished “a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff” in the statement. The Wales family also said they were “grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”After the news of Kate’s health situation was initially shared on social media back in January, the comments section of the post were flooded with well-wishes, as well as questions about what “abdominal surgery” means. March 4: Kate is photographed riding in a car with her mother.Kate was seen in public for the first time since Christmas, riding in the passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, per People. However, that picture has been questioned on social media, with people claiming that it’s been edited, or that the person in the car is actually Kate’s sister.March 10: Kensington Palace releases a photo of Kate and her children for Mother’s Day.Kensington Palace released an IG photo the day before of Kate and her three children, which was taken last week at Windsor, per People. In her first public post since undergoing surgery earlier this year, Kate thanked fans for their “kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.””Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” she added. Kate’s husband, Prince William, is listed as the photographer on the image.The snap set the internet ablaze, with commenters pointing out what appeared to be editing fails on Princess Charlotte’s left hand and Prince Louis’ shoulders, along with other inconsistencies. The picture was distributed internationally, before agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters removed it from their websites on claims that the photo was edited, according to Business Insider. March 11: Kate apologizes for editing that family photo.Kate issued an apology on March 11 to address “confusion” over the photo of herself with her kids.”Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she said in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter). “I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”The post was signed “C” for Catherine, which is Kate’s first name.Releasing the apology has reportedly infuriated Kate, with friends telling The Daily Beast that she and William plan to fire staffers responsible for the photo mess-up once the public has moved on. March 11: Kate is photographed riding in a car with Prince William.On the same day she apologized, Kate was photographed riding in a car with Prince William while leaving Windsor, although her face was obscured. Goff Photos, the agency that took the picture, said in a statement to Today on March 12 that the snap was “cropped and lightened” but that “nothing has been doctored.”Photographer Jim Bennett, who took the picture, shared that car shots are “unpredictable at the best of times… and with some reflection on the glass it can be difficult,” per People.Bennett said he was expecting to snap a picture of William, but it wasn’t until he looked at the frame that he realized Kate was in the car, too. March 14: William mentions Kate during an event honoring Princess DianaA few days later, William spoke at the Diana Legacy Awards in London and casually slipped Kate’s name into his speech. ” legacy is something that both Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years,” he said. The future king didn’t say anything else about Kate. She is not expected to make a public appearance until after Easter, per Kensington Palace.
It’s been months since Princess Kate of Wales has made a public appearance, and rumors continue to swirl about her wellbeing.
Video above: Why the Princess of Wales is on guard over health issues
Most recently, Kate has reportedly been dealing with “intense stress.”
Among the issues Kate is facing, per the outlet: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have stepped back from the royal family, she’s undergone abdominal surgery, and chaos ensued when Kensington Palace released a Photoshopped picture of the princess and her kids. In addition to errors in the photo, royal watchers pointed out that Kate wasn’t wearing her wedding ring.
“Kensington Palace made it clear in January the timelines of the Princess’ recovery and we’d only be providing significant updates,” a spokesperson said in February. “That guidance stands.”
But the story has only gotten bigger ever since Kate shared that her U.K. Mother’s Day photo had been edited.
Here’s everything we know about Kate’s abdominal surgery and the diagnosis behind it, plus all of the health updates we’ve heard so far.
What is abdominal surgery?
Abdominal surgery is a broad term used to describe a surgical procedure that involves opening the abdominal cavity, according to The University of Tennessee Medical Center. It usually involves treating diseases, conditions, or injuries to the stomach and bowels, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, or surrounding soft tissues, the organization says.
The way the surgery is completed depends on the procedure someone is having done. Some medical conditions require more intensive surgeries, while others can be done via laparoscopic surgery, which is a surgical technique where short, narrow tubes are inserted into the abdomen through small incisions, per Medline Plus.
Recovery time can vary for abdominal surgery, depending on the type of surgery someone has and why it was done. With laparoscopic surgery, you can usually go back to work after three days, Cleveland Clinic says. However, recovery from more invasive surgeries may take longer.
What is Kate’s diagnosis?
Kensington Palace have not specified a diagnosis or reason behind Kate’s surgery. Palace officials noted that she wants to keep this information private, so the public will likely never know.
However, PEOPLEnoted that the issue is “non-cancerous,” and according to Kensington Palace’s official statement, the surgery was “planned” and “successful.”
That said, the Princess of Wales “situation came as a surprise even to those who work closely with the royal family” and that “within their broader circle of family friends, there had been no indication that anything was wrong,” PEOPLE reported.
What are common reasons for abdominal surgery?
There are a lot of potential reasons someone might undergo abdominal surgery, including the repair or removal of different tissues and organs in the abdominal area, per The University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Common reasons for abdominal surgeries include:
Removal of the appendix (aka an appendectomy)
Gall bladder removal surgery
Hernia repair
Removal of malignant tumors and lesion (and non-cancerous growths like lipomas)
Where did Kate undergo abdominal surgery?
Kate received abdominal surgery at The London Clinic, the largest independent, private hospital in the U.K., according to PEOPLE. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth II’s parents – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother – in 1932. The hospital is currently equipped to treat 155 different conditions and has over 1,000 nursing, clinical, and support staff.
Kate isn’t the first member of the royal family to receive care at the hospital. Like the Princess of Wales, the late Prince Philip also had abdominal surgery there in 2013, per PEOPLE. The late Princess Margaret (Queen Elizabeth’s sister) had skin lesions removed there in 1980, and in 1960, the Duke of Windsor (Queen Elizabeth’s uncle) underwent an eye operation, the publication reported.
Here’s a timeline of her surgery, recovery, and every health update so far.
Jan. 17, 2024: The news of Kate’s abdominal surgery was first announced.
Kensington Palace shared an official statement on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account that read: “Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales was admitted to hospital yesterday for planned abdominal surgery. The surgery was successful and it is expected that she will remain in hospital for ten to fourteen days, before returning home to continue her recovery. Based on the current medical advice, she is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter.”
“The Princess of Wales appreciates the interest this statement will generate,” the statement continued. “She hopes that the public will understand her desire to maintain as much normality for her children as possible; and her wish that her personal medical information remains private.” Kensington Palace also noted that it “will only provide updates on Her Royal Highness’ progress when there is significant new information to share.”
Jan. 29: Princess Kate is released from the hospital.
On Jan. 29, Kensington Palace announced that Kate was back home and “making good progress” in her surgery recovery after a two-week hospital stay.
“The Princess of Wales has returned home to Windsor to continue her recovery from surgery. She is making good progress,” Kensington Palace shared on Instagram. The Prince and Princess of Wales also wished “a huge thank you to the entire team at the London Clinic, especially the dedicated nursing staff” in the statement.
The Wales family also said they were “grateful for the well wishes they have received from around the world.”
After the news of Kate’s health situation was initially shared on social media back in January, the comments section of the post were flooded with well-wishes, as well as questions about what “abdominal surgery” means.
March 4: Kate is photographed riding in a car with her mother.
Kate was seen in public for the first time since Christmas, riding in the passenger seat of a car driven by her mother, Carole Middleton, per People.
However, that picture has been questioned on social media, with people claiming that it’s been edited, or that the person in the car is actually Kate’s sister.
March 10: Kensington Palace releases a photo of Kate and her children for Mother’s Day.
Kensington Palace released an IG photo the day before of Kate and her three children, which was taken last week at Windsor, per People. In her first public post since undergoing surgery earlier this year, Kate thanked fans for their “kind wishes and continued support over the last two months.”
“Wishing everyone a Happy Mother’s Day,” she added. Kate’s husband, Prince William, is listed as the photographer on the image.
The snap set the internet ablaze, with commenters pointing out what appeared to be editing fails on Princess Charlotte’s left hand and Prince Louis’ shoulders, along with other inconsistencies. The picture was distributed internationally, before agencies like the Associated Press and Reuters removed it from their websites on claims that the photo was edited, according to Business Insider.
March 11: Kate apologizes for editing that family photo.
Kate issued an apology on March 11 to address “confusion” over the photo of herself with her kids.
“Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing,” she said in a statement released on X (formerly Twitter). “I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day.”
The post was signed “C” for Catherine, which is Kate’s first name.
Releasing the apology has reportedly infuriated Kate, with friends telling The Daily Beast that she and William plan to fire staffers responsible for the photo mess-up once the public has moved on.
March 11: Kate is photographed riding in a car with Prince William.
On the same day she apologized, Kate was photographed riding in a car with Prince William while leaving Windsor, although her face was obscured.
Goff Photos, the agency that took the picture, said in a statement to Today on March 12 that the snap was “cropped and lightened” but that “nothing has been doctored.”
Photographer Jim Bennett, who took the picture, shared that car shots are “unpredictable at the best of times… and with some reflection on the glass it can be difficult,” per People.
Bennett said he was expecting to snap a picture of William, but it wasn’t until he looked at the frame that he realized Kate was in the car, too.
March 14: William mentions Kate during an event honoring Princess Diana
A few days later, William spoke at the Diana Legacy Awards in London and casually slipped Kate’s name into his speech. “[Princess Diana’s] legacy is something that both Catherine and I have sought to focus on through our work, as have the 50,000 young people who have received a Diana Award over the past 25 years,” he said.
The future king didn’t say anything else about Kate. She is not expected to make a public appearance until after Easter, per Kensington Palace.
THE gulf between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and the rest of the Royal Family seems to widen every week.
And it wasn’t helped yesterday by the Duchess of Sussex unveiling her new home, food, garden and lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard shortly before Prince William was due to speak at his late mother’s Legacy Award event in London.
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Prince William paid tribute to the winners of the Legacy Awards last nightCredit: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Pala
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Meghan’s brand logo appeared online shortly before Wills’ speechCredit: Instgram/americanrivieraorchard
The move was slammed by slammed by royal experts as yet another attempt to steal the limelight, with one branding it “calculated” and another claiming it would have “saddened Diana.”
Meghan’s glitzy Instagram post showing off her new crest surfaced an hour before William delivered an emotional speech at the Diana Awards at London’s Science Museum, where Harry later appeared via video link.
Meghan and Harry also chose yesterday to announce the winner of their $100,000 (£78,500) NAACP – Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award.
Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams slammed the timing, saying there was “nothing accidental” about them, adding: “The announcement of the new brand is totally consistent with the timing of all the Sussexes’ announcements.”
Here we take a look at all the times the couple have shamelessly stolen the royals’ thunder.
Spare bombshell interviews
Ahead of the publication of Prince Harry’s controversial memoir Spare, he sat down for long interviews with ITV’s Tom Bradby and Anderson Cooper, for US channel CBS, in January last year – the day before the Princess of Wales’ 41st birthday.
In a series of shocking accusations against his family, he claimed royals sought to protect their own reputation “to the detriment” of the Sussexes and that they were “complicit” in their “pain and suffering”.
He also detailed the alleged tense relationship between Kate and Meghan in the interviews.
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Prince Harry gave the bombshell interview on the eve of Kate’s birthdayCredit: ITV
Everything we know about Meghan’s new business
MEGHAN Markle has launched a new Instagram brand called American Riviera Orchard.
Industry insiders said the site will focus on home, food, garden and lifestyle goods.
A source told the Mail: “It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.
“The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix.
“Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams. And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.”
As the interviews made global headlines, the official Royal Family’s social media channels posted a simple birthday wish for Kate, writing: “Wishing the Princess of Wales a very happy birthday.”
But the timing didn’t escape the attention of royal fans, with one tweeting: “I can’t believe Harry is doing this to Kate on the eve of her birthday…”
Meghan Markle is using Princess Diana’s legacy to promote her new business – it’s opportunism at its worst
Another wrote: “Prince Harry: I love Kate! Also Harry: I’m releasing this book on your birthday darling.”
Netflix trailer
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Harry and Meghan’s Netflix trailer dropped as William and Kate took on engagements in BostonCredit: Netflix
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William and Kate ignored the issue on their US tripCredit: Splash
Angela Levin told The Sun: “I think that the day seems chosen to ruin Kate and William’s trip – to take away everything from that.
“To pile it on. There was no need to do it that day. It was done deliberately to spoil their visit.”
‘Pregnancy announcement’ at wedding
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Meghan and Harry told family members they were expecting ArchieCredit: AFP
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Eugenie was not impressed by Meghan’s news on her big dayCredit: PA
Princess Eugenie walked down the aisle with Jack Brooksbank in October 2018, just months after Harry and Meghan tied the knot.
But when news of Meghan’s pregnancy broke days later, it was claimed the couple had upstaged the bride by breaking the happy news to the Queen, Prince Charles and the rest of the family at the wedding reception.
Pictures showed Harry speaking to the late Queen, fuelling speculation that this was the moment he broke the news.
A source later claimed the Queen already knew, but had not seen her grandson in person to congratulate him, and that the bride and groom had also been told in advance.
But it is thought that the royal get-together was the first time most of the family learned she was expecting their first child.
And in Finding Freedom, the sympathetic biography of the Sussexes, a source reveals Eugenie was “upset” by the couple going public on her big day.
The Princess “told friends she felt the couple should have waited to share the news”, the books claimed, adding that it “did not go down particularly well”.
Meghan’s career relaunch
MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry have been busy since stepping back as senior working royals.
Meghan has signed with American podcast network Lemonada Media to create new content, and her old 12-episode Archetypes episodes will also be distributed by the firm.
The couple still have their deal with Netflix, where they have created shows like their Harry & Meghan documentary, and the Duke of Sussex’s Heart of Invictus show.
And Meghan has enlisted Beverly Hills talent agency William Morris Endeavour ahead of her long-planned relaunch.
The cameo appearance sees the former Suits star doing multiple roles at coffee company Clevr Blends, including packing, working on the digital team, and on the operations team.
Bombshell Oprah interview
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Meghan and Harry’s bombshell Oprah interview contained sensational claimsCredit: AP
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It was broadcast on the day of the Queen’s Commonwealth addressCredit: Getty
The couple used the platform to make bombshell claims against the Royal Family, including a charge of racist comments made about the colour of son Archie’s skin, allegedly made by a senior royal before his birth.
Meghan also claimed she had been “silenced” by the Royal Family and left depressed, with suicidal thoughts, by her treatment.
But the decision to air on March 7, 2021, just hours after the Queen’s annual Commonwealth Day Speech aired on the BBC, was criticised in royal circles.
One expert claimed the clash could have been avoided had the Sussexes forewarned the Palace about the interview, calling the decision to grab the headlines on the day of the Queen’s speech “disrespectful”.
Harry’s job announcement
Harry, once extremely close to cousin Princess Eugenie, risked upsetting her again when he chose her birthday to make a job announcement.
Buckingham Palace released two pictures to celebrate Eugenie’s 31st birthday, on March 23 2021.
Just hours later The Wall Street Journal released news that the Duke – keen to show he could stand on his own two feet – had landed a high-paid job in Silicon Valley as “Chief Impact Officer” at health tech company Better Inc.
Prince Harry ‘pain’ podcast
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Kate and William visited various charities for Mental Health Awareness WeekCredit: Splash
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Harry talked about his ‘pain’ with Dax Shepherd on a podcast that same weekCredit: armchairexpertpod.com
In the pre-split days, when the brothers and their wives were known as the Fab Four, they were joint advocates for mental health awareness, appearing together at a Royal Foundation event on the issue.
But in May 2021, as Kate and William attended numerous charity events for Mental Health Awareness Week, Prince Harry dropped a devastating podcast talking about a “cycle of pain and suffering” – suggesting he was treated badly by his father because “that’s the way he was treated”.
“I don’t think we should be pointing the finger or blaming anybody, but certainly when it comes to parenting, if I’ve experienced some form of pain or suffering because of the pain or suffering that perhaps my father or my parents had suffered, I’m going to make sure I break that cycle so that I don’t pass it on,” he said.
At the time, William – whose own tireless work for mental health charities was drowned out by Harry’s complaints – was said to be “very shocked” by his brother’s claims.
Book clash
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Meghan’s book was announced in May 2021Credit: Rex
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Kate’s book came out days laterCredit: PA
In the same month, Meghan was accused of “trying to upstage Kate” by announcing the release of her children’s book days before Kate’s photography album was released.
On May 4, 2021, Meghan announced she would be publishing The Bench, an illustrated story inspired by son Archie and husband Harry.
But some pointed out the announcement came just days before publication of a photography book that Kate had been working on for a year.
The book, Hold Still, captured life in the UK under lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic.
One furious Kate fan tweeted: “So now just as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, has the HOLD STILL book about to be released on May 7, [Meghan] chooses to release a book she wrote in 2019. Connect the dots, people!”
Christmas card row
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This Christmas image revealed Lilibet for the first timeCredit: Alexi Lubomirski
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The Queen’s image was released the same dayCredit: Getty
Last Christmas, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex caused a sensation when they shared the first glimpse of their daughter Lilibet and the first real look at son Archie’s face on their festive card.
But the post on social media came just hours before Buckingham Palace published an image of the Queen from her annual speech, ahead of its Christmas Day airing.
The much-anticipated speech was the first since the late monarch lost her beloved husband, Prince Philip, in April 2021.
The couple were accused of overshadowing the event, with Kate Garraway suggesting they were trying to “usurp” the Queen.
Queen’s birthday row
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Harry talked about the ‘pain’ of being a royal kidCredit: NBC
On the eve of the nation’s celebrations for the Queen’s 96th birthday, in April 2022, Harry once again angered the royal circle by giving a cringeworthy interview in which he claimed he was her protector.
In an interview with US news channel NBC, broadcast the night before her birthday, he said: “I’m just making sure that she’s protected and got the right people around her.”
Members of the royal household were said to be shocked and angered by the comments.
Angela Levin called for him to be banned from the Jubilee celebrations later that year, commenting: “Harry’s comment on US TV about him checking the Queen is protected is a gross insult to Prince Charles and William.”
Upstaging Dad
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The King’s first official family portrait excluded the coupleCredit: AP
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The new portrait was released days laterCredit: AFP
On October 1 2022, Buckingham Palace shared the first official snap of the recently ascended King Charles, the Queen Consort and the Prince and Princess of Wales, as the mourning period for the Queen came to an end.
Harry and Meghan, notably absent from the family scene despite being in the UK at the time it was taken, chose to make their own statement two days later, by releasing two new portraits of themselves at the One Young World conference in Manchester.
New Archie pics
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Meghan and mum Doria Ragland with ArchieCredit: Harris_Duchess/Twitter
In November 2022, a new image of rarely-seen Archie, sitting on Meghan’s knee during a Zoom chat, was released as Kate and William touched down in the US.
The image – which sent fans into frenzy over the unrecognisable toddler – was released by Professor Duchess Harris.
Royal fans suggested the timing was a deliberate attempt to divert from the Wales’ Earthshot mission.
One tweeted: “Notice Rachel Markle [Meghan’s birth name] puts this out to try and distract from Prince William and princesses of Wales!”
Markle sparkle: Duchess’ business ventures from wellness blog The Tig to kids’ book The Bench
ALONG with her well-known acting career Meghan Markle has also carved out something of a career in the business world as well.
Before getting engaged to Prince Harry, the Suits actress had her lifestyle blog The Tig but this was closed down when she got engaged in 2017.
The Tig, named after her favourite wine Tignanello, was seen as something as a rival to Gwyneth Paltrow‘s £200million Goop, which offers similar wellness and “conscious living” content.
She previously described it as a “passion project” which “evolved into an amazing community of inspiration, support, fun and frivolity”.
Since stepping down as senior royals, the couple have produced a podcast, Netflix documentary and memoir, as well as several high-profile interviews between them.
Speaking in docuseries Harry & Meghan, the mum-of-two said of the blog: “It wasn’t just a hobby, it became a really successful business.
“I’ve never really been the type of person to do only one thing. I guess that’s how my website was born.
“There was fashion, tons of food, and travel – all the things that I loved.”
Rumours emerged in March last year that Meghan was going to relaunch the blog.
Meghan also ventured into the world of children’s books with the launch of The Bench in June 2021.
Inside Meghan’s 34-page book The Bench, the illustrations give a fresh glimpse into the Sussexes’ “authentic” life at their LA home – featuring their then newborn daughter.
The publication was a commerical success with it becoming a number one bestseller on Amazon’s chart.
Meghan dedicated her book to the “man and boy who make my heart go pump-pump” in a sweet note for her husband Prince Harry and son Archie.
The mum was “inspired” to write the book after originally creating a poem for Harry’s first Father’s Day.
The royal couple have also been reported to be planning an Oprah-style media empire after registering a series of new entertainment businesses.
They appear to have names which are meaningful to the couple, with one – Cloverdale Inc – bearing the same name as the street that the Duchess lived on with her mother in Los Angeles when she was young.
Both Cloverdale and a second company, Riversoul Productions Inc, are set up explicitly in the “entertainment” industry, and join companies Hampshire LLC, Bridgemont LLC and IPHW LLC.
The couple are already using name Archewell Productions for their Netflix and Spotify deals.
