Royal news live: Friend says Harry and Meghan are in ‘extraordinary situation’ as duke prepares to return to UK
Prince Harry’s friend and fellow mental health advocate Bryony Gordon has said that he and Meghan Markle are an “ordinary couple” in an “extraordinary” situation.
The writer opened up about her almost decade-long friendship with the Duke of Sussex for his 40th birthday, telling the Daily Mail that people are often “disappointed” by the truth when they ask about the couple.
She said: “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people.
“A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”
This comes as Harry is set to return to the UK at the end of September for the WellChild Awards without Meghan Markle.
The Times reports the Duke of Sussex is believed to be making the brief visit to his home country without his wife and children.
He recently told ITV that he will not bring Meghan to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid attack”.
Harry will attend the London-based event in his capacity as patron for the charity, which provides support to seriously ill British children and young people.
Key Points
Friend says Harry and Meghan are in an ‘extraordinary’ situation
Prince Harry to return to UK later this month
Harry ‘unlikely’ to see King Charles on UK visit
Harry and Meghan launch new campaign ahead of US election
Princess of Wales returns to work after cancer treatment
Friend says Harry and Meghan are in an ‘extraordinary’ situation
14:46 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry’s friend and fellow mental health advocate Bryony Gordon has opened up about the Sussex’s “extraordinary” situation.
Writing to mark the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday, she explained that they are an “ordinary” couple and described Harry as “pretty damn normal” after an almost decade-long friendship.
She told the Daily Mail: “There are no airs or graces with them, no desire to do anything other than protect their children from an increasingly digital world that likes nothing more than seeing the worst in people. A world that forgets that no matter how high profile a person is, they’re just doing their best, like everyone else.”
Ms Gordon added: “This is not what people want to hear, but it is what I’ve found, time and time again.”
Friend claims Prince Harry is ‘pretty damn normal’
14:06 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry’s friend has claimed that people are always disappointed when she tells them that the Duke of Sussex is “pretty damn normal”.
Writer and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon explained that the pair struck up a friendship around eight years ago, and she has received many questions about the duke’s character ever since.
She told the MailOnline: “When I tell them my honest opinion, that he is kind, funny and pretty damn normal, all things considered, I often see a flash of disappointment cloud their faces, followed quickly by words to the effect of ‘well, you would say that, you know him,’ as if knowing someone should disqualify you from having a trusted opinion about them.
“I’ve heard a lot of fairly negative things said about him, character assassinations that bear no resemblance to the man I’ve come to count as a friend, the one who cares passionately about injured veterans, and who’s done more than most to change perceptions of mental health in [the UK].”
Prince Harry ‘banned’ from having large birthday celebration
13:30 , Emma Guinness
A British aristocrat has claimed that Prince Harry was “banned” by his wife Meghan Markle from having a large 40th birthday celebration.
The Duke of Sussex, 40, is said to have had a low-key celebration with his family on the day itself before he heads off on a weekend getaway in California with friends.
Lady Victoria Hervey claimed to GB News: “He wanted to do a big party and she did not want that.
“I think she’s so worried about him straying and seeing his old friends and spending time with them and remembering his old life, that she’s got him in this cage where all he knows is this life that he has with her.”
Harry turned 40 on Sunday, 15 September.
Prince William to visit Aberdeen to raise awareness of homelessness
12:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince William is set to visit the Scottish city of Aberdeen to raise awareness of the homelessness sector.
The heir to the throne, 42, is promoting the cause through his Homewards project, which operates in the city.
As part of the visit, he will meet with staff at the city’s Shelter Scotland offices to learn more about how homeless people and those at risk of homelessness are being supported.
King Charles issues statement on floods in Central Europe
11:13 , Emma Guinness
King Charles has issued a statement this morning on the devastating floods sweeping through Central Europe.
It read: “My wife and I are profoundly saddened to see the destruction and devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding in Central Europe.
“Many people in the United Kingdom have strong, enduring ties to the region and, together with them, my wife and I send our deepest condolences.”
Duke of Sussex to travel to UK without Meghan Markle
10:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is reported to be travelling to the UK at the end of the month without his wife Meghan Markle.
Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday, recently told ITV that he will not bring the duchess to the UK because he fears “a knife or acid” attack.
The Times said that he is therefore thought to be travelling alone to the WellChild Awards on 30 September.
In his capacity as patron, he is scheduled to present an award and give a speech.
Prince Harry ‘unlikely’ to see King Charles on UK visit
09:18 , Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex is unlikely to see his father King Charles when he travels to the UK at the end of the month for the WellChild Awards.
The monarch has a prior engagement in Scotland marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish parliament on 28 September and is believed to be spending an additional few days in the country.
Harry’s event, which he is attending in his capacity as patron, is taking place on 30 September.
The father and son have not seen each other since February, when Harry flew to the UK following the announcement of the monarch’s cancer diagnosis. They met for a reported 45 minutes.
Prince William writes foreword for new book
08:24 , Emma Guinness
Prince William has paid tribute to the “legend of rugby league” Rob Burrow in a foreword to a new memoir penned by his wife Lindsey.
The sporting star, 41, passed away from motor neurone disease (MND) in June after spending the past two years raising awareness of the devastating illness.
A promotional statement about the book read: “Take Care: A Memoir of Love, Family & Never Giving Up explores the deepest reserves of resilience, personal sacrifice and hope that Lindsey Burrow exhibited on a daily basis when her family’s life was upended by the terminal MND diagnosis.
“Juggling her day job for the NHS as a physiotherapist, with round-the-clock care for Rob, who couldn’t move or talk, and could only eat with Lindsey’s assistance, she simultaneously raised her brilliant young family and helped to raise awareness for MND.”
Royal family thanks well-wishers for 100,000 letters
06:00 , Emma Guinness
The royal family have thanked well-wishers who have sent them over 100,000 letters to Buckingham Palace alone in the past year.
In a post shared to Twitter/X, it was revealed that the messages came from all over the world.
“Thank you to everyone who has written to the Royal Family in the past year,” the post read. “To find out more about our Correspondence Team, visit http://Royal.uk.”
Prince Harry ‘honoured’ to attend UK event this month
03:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex has said he is honoured to attend the 2024 Wellchild Awards in London later this month.
Harry, who turned 40 on Sunday (15 September), will attend in his capacity as a patron of the charity, which supports seriously ill British children and young people.
He said in a statement: “I am once again honoured to attend this year’s WellChild Awards celebrating the remarkable courage and achievements of children living with complex medical needs.
“These incredible young people, along with the dedicated caregivers, nurses, and professionals who tirelessly support them, inspire us all. It is a true privilege to recognise such extraordinary individuals.”
The MailOnline reports that Harry will give a speech at the event and present the Award for Inspirational Child (aged four to six).
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle encourage people to vote in the US election
Thursday 19 September 2024 00:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have encouraged people to vote in the upcoming American election.
Making yesterday’s National Voter Registration Day, they released a joint statement on the Archewell Foundation’s website, explaining that they had written letters to unregistered votes encouraging them to make their voices heard.
It read: “In honour of National Voter Registration Day, The Archewell Foundation team came together for a meaningful volunteer activity to support and empower our communities.
“Using Vote Forward’s impactful letter-writing tool, our team wrote personalised letters encouraging unregistered voters to take a crucial step: registering to vote.”
The former working royals added: “Voting is not just a right; it’s a fundamental way to influence the fate of our communities.
“At The Archewell Foundation, we recognise that civic engagement, no matter one’s political party, is at the heart of a more just and equitable world. By participating in initiatives like this, we aim to amplify the message that every voice matters.
“Together, let’s make sure every eligible voter is informed and empowered to participate in shaping America’s future.”
The couple moved to California in 2020 after stepping down from their previous roles in the British royal family.
New Prince Andrew drama to air tomorrow
Wednesday 18 September 2024 21:00 , Emma Guinness
A new drama series based on the scandal surrounding Prince Andrew’s 2019 Newsnight interview will be released on Amazon Prime tomorrow (19 September).
The three-part series, A Royal Scandal, will bring to life the events leading up to the interview that ultimately forced the Duke of York to step down as a working member of the royal family.
Watch the trailer below:
King Charles ‘relieved’ that new edition of Spare is not updated
Wednesday 18 September 2024 18:00 , Emma Guinness
King Charles is reportedly “relieved” that Prince Harry made the decision not to update Spare in light of its impending paperback release.
The bombshell memoir, which was first released last January, featured several shocking revelations about the royal family, including the claim that Prince William attacked Harry during an argument about Meghan Markle.
Vanity Fair reported the insider claim, adding: “They do speak on the phone. Charles wants to know what’s going on in Harry’s life and hear about the children, but he’s guarded because Harry has breached the trust between them on a number of occasions. Charles needs to know their private conversations remain just that. Private.”
Meghan Markle ‘genuinely happy’ after Kate’s positive health update
Wednesday 18 September 2024 15:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex is said to be “genuinely relieved” that the Princess of Wales has completed her cancer treatment.
Speaking to Closer magazine, an insider said that the Sussexes have “complicated” feelings about the Wales family video released to announce the happy news last week.
“There’s still an element of guilt that she and Harry are grappling with. They both have regrets over going so public with their complaints about the family and Kate in particular,” the source said.
“When they spoke out, Meghan felt they had no other choice, but now that time has passed and those heightened feelings have cooled off, she realises things could have been handled more discreetly. It’s not something she likes to dwell on, but of course, watching Kate’s video brought it all to the surface.”
King Charles ‘will have spoken to Prince Harry on his birthday'
Wednesday 18 September 2024 12:00 , Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that King Charles will have spoken to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday, despite ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family.
The revelation comes after the royals posted an unexpected birthday message for the duke on Sunday, which was shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
As reported by Vanity Fair, a source said: “It was always the king’s intention to publicly acknowledge his son’s 40th, and I am sure that the king will have spoken to Harry on his birthday.
“After all, it is his son, and whatever has happened, Charles loves Harry unconditionally as any parent does, and Sunday was an important day.”
Harry is reported to have marked the occasion in a low-key manner with his family in California and is set to further celebrate on a weekend getaway with friends.
Prince Harry to return to UK later this month
Wednesday 18 September 2024 08:29 , Emma Guinness
The Duke of Sussex will return to the UK at the end of September in his capacity as patron of the charity WellChild.
Harry, 40, will attend the charity’s awards in London on 30 September. WellChild provides support to seriously ill children and young people in the UK.
It is not known whether the duke will be accompanied by his wife Meghan Markle.
Princess of Wales returns to work after cancer treatment
Wednesday 18 September 2024 08:12 , Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales has appeared on the royal rota for the first time since completing chemotherapy for an undisclosed form of cancer.
Kate, 42, attended a meeting at Windsor Castle yesterday (17 September) with her task force that supports early childhood development.
Yesterday’s Court Circular read: “The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.”
The meeting likely concerned the Shaping Us campaign that aims to raise the profile of the importance of early childhood development and the impact it can have later in life.
This marks the princess’s third royal engagement of the year and her first work engagement.
King Charles has ‘ambition’ to reconcile with Prince Harry
Wednesday 18 September 2024 04:00 , Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to have an “ambition” to welcome Prince Harry back into the royal fold and reconcile.
The monarch last saw his youngest son for a reported 45 minutes in February following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis.
A family friend told The Daily Beast: “The King has made it very clear that he loves Harry and wants to be part of his and his family’s life.
“Publicly wishing him a happy 40th birthday is completely of a piece with that ambition.”
Kate and William’s birthday message to Harry ‘not sent personally'
Wednesday 18 September 2024 00:00 , Emma Guinness
An insider has claimed that the Prince and Princess of Wales’s birthday message to Prince Harry was not sent personally by the couple.
They told The Daily Beast that if the message had been sent by the future king and queen, it would have been signed “W & C” as many of their other posts are.
“It was just a company thing,” the insider said. “Happy birthday blah blah blah.”
The source added: “It makes sense for Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace to align themselves on a little bit of essentially routine messaging around Harry.
“It shows William is willing to respect his father’s seniority and do what is asked of him.”
Prince William has ‘no interest’ in reaching out to Harry
Tuesday 17 September 2024 21:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince William is said to have “no interest” in reconnecting with Prince Harry, despite wishing him a happy 40th birthday on the official Kensington Palace channel.
A friend told The Daily Beast: “The honest truth is that William has no interest right now in reaching out to Harry and Meghan.
“He regards what Harry said in his book [Spare] as unforgivable and, understandably given Catherine’s cancer diagnosis, just wants to focus on his wife and family first and his job second. There isn’t space for a complicated reconciliation process with Harry. It’s not a priority.”
Harry and William ‘weren’t close’ before Diana’s death
Tuesday 17 September 2024 18:00 , Emma Guinness
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry and Prince William were not close prior to their mother Princess Diana’s untimely death in 1997.
Biographer Ingrid Seward told The Sun: “I remember after William went on his gap year, way back on operation Raleigh, Harry said ‘he’s much nicer now’, so this myth that Harry and William were very close, is a myth.
“They were only really close after their mother died. Of course, they unified and they were the only two people that knew what it felt like. But they weren’t very close as youngsters.”
But while the brothers are said to have once been close, their relationship now appears to be worse than ever and they are reported to have kept their distance when they recently attended their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’s funeral.
Harry and Meghan’s California neighbours ‘fed up’ with couple
Tuesday 17 September 2024 15:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s neighbours in Montecito have said that they are “fed up” with the couple and “can’t wait” for them to leave.
An anonymous neighbour said they “cannot wait for her [Meghan Markle] to go”, in particular, The Express reports.
Meanwhile, Frank McGinity, a veteran, said that he was “turned away” from the gates of their mansion when he tried to help the couple settle into the area by sharing some local history films.
He told the Montecito Journal: “We don’t see them very much around here.”
King Charles ‘ordered’ Kate and William to make appearance with Prince Andrew
Tuesday 17 September 2024 13:32 , Emma Guinness
King Charles is said to have ordered the Prince and Princess of Wales to make a public appearance with Prince Andrew.
The couple appeared with the disgraced Duke of York while attending a church service in Scotland during the royal family’s summer holiday to Balmoral in Aberdeenshire.
This came following Andrew’s almost complete banishment from public life after he was forced to step down as a working royal because of his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
A source told The Mirror: “The King feels he has an awful lot on his in-tray and this is one issue he wants to draw a line under.”
Prince William reportedly had “absolutely no desire” to be seen with his uncle according to an insider, but “[it] appears he may have had his wings clipped somewhat.”
William and Kate ‘quietly’ help troubled London foodbank
Tuesday 17 September 2024 09:21 , Emma Guinness
The Princess and Princess of Wales have made a generous donation to a London foodbank that was recently the victim of a robbery.
News of the gesture was shared by the charity Pecan on Twitter/X, who explained that thousands of pounds worth of goods and a laptop had been stolen from Southwark Food Bank’s warehouse on 8 September.
“A huge thank you to @Kensingtonroyal who have donated to the recovery effort following the theft of £3k of food supplies from @southwarkfoodbk,” the Christian charity wrote.
“All at @Pecan121a have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from across society. Food stocks are being replenished now.”
Prince Philip could have met ‘an alien called Janus in a Chelsea flat'
Tuesday 17 September 2024 04:00 , Emma Guinness
The maker of a new documentary that explores the royal family’s alleged interest in extraterrestrial life has claimed that Prince Philip could have met “an alien called Janusy in a Chelsea flat”.
Ahead of the release of The King of UFOs, which is set to air on Amazon on 20 September, director Mark Christopher Lee said the late Duke of Edinburgh was invited to the meeting because he was “a man of great vision”.
The 1954 meeting is reported to have been organised by the late royal’s aide Sir Peter Horsley.
Mr Lee told the Metro: “Horsley wanted Phillip to meet with this Janus as Janus had a message to give him that the world needed saving as Philip was a man of great vision.
“Philip didn’t go to the meeting – and it’s most likely that Janus could have been a Russian spy – but Horsley stuck to his belief that Janus was not of this world.’
The director admitted in the documentary: “It could have happened. It’s a very, very strange encounter.”
James Middleton reveals when he knew William was ‘just right’ for Kate
Tuesday 17 September 2024 00:00 , Emma Guinness
The Princess of Wales’s brother James Middleton has revealed the moment he knew Prince William was “just right” for his sister.
Writing in his upcoming memoir Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, the 37-year-old reflected on discovering that the pair were engaged a day before the news was publicly announced in 2010.
“William has been in our lives for so long, and we’ve grown very fond of him. He feels like our older brother, and he and Catherine are so clearly a good fit, just right for each other,” Mr Middleton wrote.
“As we digest the news, I know I haven’t yet experienced the love they feel for each other myself. But I’m hoping one day I will.”
He praised the Prince of Wales for several qualities in the book, including his willingness to lose at games of cards to the “fiercely competitive” Middleton family.
Prince Harry ‘driven and committed’ to making the world 'a better place’
Monday 16 September 2024 21:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry has stressed his commitment to philanthropic causes in a statement released ahead of his 40th birthday.
The Duke of Sussex, who celebrated the milestone yesterday (15 September), is said to have privately marked the occasion with his family in California.
Harry said in a statement to the BBC: “Whatever the age, my mission is to continue showing up and doing good in the world.”
He added: “Becoming a father of two incredibly kind and funny kids has given me a fresh perspective on life, as well as sharpening my focus in all my work.
“Being a dad is one of life’s greatest joys and has only made me more driven and more committed to making this world a better place.”
Duchess of Edinburgh begins official visit to Tanzania
Monday 16 September 2024 18:00 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Edinburgh has today begun an official visit to Tanzania.
Sophie, 59, will spend five days in the country for the first royal visit since 2018. The visit is intended to highlight the UK and Tanzania’s work in the fields of female empowerment, health, and agriculture.
Harry and William’s ‘lives are now seperate'
Monday 16 September 2024 16:00 , Emma Guinness
It has been claimed that there is no “fix” to Prince Harry and Prince William’s strained relationship, despite the Prince of Wales’s decision to wish his younger brother a happy birthday yesterday.
An insider told the BBC: “I just can’t see a fix. It’s been a long time now and they haven’t found a peace. Their lives are now very separate. It’s sad.”
The two brothers last saw each other at their uncle Lord Robert Fellowes’s funeral this summer, but they are reported to have kept their distance at the ceremony.
Their relationship has grown increasingly strained since Harry stepped down as a working royal in 2020 and gave several tell-all interviews with further bombshell revelations made in his 2023 memoir Spare.
Harry’s relationship with royal family ‘not defrosting'
Monday 16 September 2024 15:00 , Emma Guinness
A royal expert has claimed that Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family is “not defrosting” following their seemingly unexpected decision to wish him a happy birthday.
The Duke of Sussex, who celebrated the milestone yesterday, had the occasion marked by both King Charles and Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales on social media.
Royal expert Tom Bower told the MailOnline: “William and Kate’s surprise birthday wishes to Harry do not signal a step towards reconciliation. Rather it shows that the Waleses don’t want to be criticised as churlish.
“Being diplomatic costs them nothing and avoids criticism. The King understandably has congratulated his son but there’s no evidence of defrosting their relationship.”
Princess Anne to attend prestigious horse event after hospitalisation
Monday 16 September 2024 13:24 , Emma Guinness
Princess Anne will attend a prestigious horse event after a recent accident left her hospitalised.
The Princess Royal, 73, suffered a concussion and minor injuries as a result of the June incident on her estate, which is believed to have been caused by a kick from a horse.
But on 18 October, she will join the audience at the Spanish Riding School’s opening show at OVO Arena Wembley, marking their first tour of the UK in eight years, according to a press release.
The release added: “Arriving in the UK adorned with dazzling white deerskin saddles, gold bridles, luxurious velvet saddle pads, and iconic uniforms, eight riders and up to 26 horses will present performances on the tour, showcasing perfectly synchronised routines to the sound of classical Viennese music.”
Anne herself is an experienced horsewoman and previously rode the school’s horses alongside her mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, in 1969.
King Charles ‘will never completely close the door’ on Prince Harry
Monday 16 September 2024 13:00 , Emma Guinness
Following the royal family’s seemingly surprise decision to acknowledge Prince Harry’s 40th birthday, it has been claimed that King Charles “will never completely close the door” on his youngest son.
Harry, who turned 40 yesterday, has had an increasingly strained relationship with the firm since stepping down as a working royal in 2020.
Royal expert Rebecca English told the MailOnline: “While angry and determined not to engage with some of Harry’s more egregious accusations, Charles will never completely close the door on his youngest son.”
The Duke of Sussex last saw the monarch following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis in February.
How late Queen Elizabeth II influenced Harry’s unexpected birthday message
Monday 16 September 2024 12:00 , Emma Guinness
The late Queen Elizabeth II is reported to have influenced the royal family’s seemingly unexpected decision to acknowledge Prince Harry’s 40th birthday.
According to several claims, the former monarch set a precedent for acknowledging the birthdays of non-working royals on birthdays ending with 0 on official channels.
Meghan Markle was NOT cropped out of Harry’s birthday image by royal family
Monday 16 September 2024 11:21 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex was not cropped out of Prince Harry’s birthday message from the royal family, The Independent can reveal, despite reports to the contrary.
While Meghan, now 43, was included in the original image alongside the duke, the cropped version simultaneously appeared on Getty Images alongside the full photograph in 2018.
This means that the decision to zoom in on Harry and edit the picture was made long before the couple’s relationship with the royal family appeared to sour.
Meghan Markle has ‘reduced grown men to tears'
Monday 16 September 2024 11:00 , Emma Guinness
A bombshell report has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex has “reduced grown men to tears”.
The news comes amid the recent revelation that the Sussex’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, left the role after three months on what was described as a “mutual” decision.
A source told The Hollywood Reporter: “Everyone’s terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesn’t take advice.
“They’re both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. Harry is a very, very charming person – no airs at all – but he’s very much an enabler. And she’s just terrible.”
Another source added to the publication: “She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders.
“I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears.”
‘No doubt’ Prince Harry will accept multi-million birthday inheritance
Monday 16 September 2024 10:00 , Emma Guinness
Prince Harry is set to receive an estimated £8m from the late Queen Mother for his 40th birthday, and an insider has said there is “no doubt” he will accept the money.
The Duke of Sussex, who turned 40 yesterday, is said to have received a larger portion of the wealth set aside by the late royal because he was never destined to be king.
Former royal butler Grant Harrold told The New York Post: “I’ve no doubt that Harry will accept it... It’s money that’s owed to him, money that’s coming to him.
“I don’t think he will decline the money – it’s inheritance, so it’s his right.”
The Queen Mother passed away in 2002 at the age of 101. She is reported to have placed an estimated £71m in a trust fund for her grandchildren, to be distributed at milestone birthdays.
Meghan Markle cropped out of Prince Harry’s 40th birthday greeting
Monday 16 September 2024 08:35 , Emma Guinness
The Duchess of Sussex was cropped out of the picture used by the Royal Family to wish Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday yesterday (15 September).
The unexpected greeting, shared by King Charles and Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, marked the first public acknowledgement of the Duke of Sussex’s birthday since 2021.
“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” the post read alongside a picture of Harry taken at a Dublin engagement in 2018, when he was still a working royal.
The original picture also featured his wife Meghan Markle, who he married that year, but she was cropped out for the birthday greeting.
Prince Harry ‘obsesses’ over public image in UK
Monday 16 September 2024 07:00 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry wants to be warmly regarded in the UK after stepping down as a working member of the royal family, an expert has claimed.
“Over the years, Prince Harry has studied all the articles written about him,” broadcaster Helena Chard told Fox News Digital.
“He still obsesses over his public image here in the UK. He is on a mission to change public perception, desperate to be seen in glowing lights rather than the constant negative PR whirl that surrounds him.
“Prince Harry… is interested in turning his public image around.”
King Charles and Queen Camilla to visit Australia
Monday 16 September 2024 06:00 , Barney Davis
King Charles and Queen Camilla will travel to Australia next month on an official visit.
“The King and Queen will visit Australia and Samoa, and attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) from 18th v 26th October 2024,” an official statement read.
Monday 16 September 2024 05:00 , Barney Davis
A Northern Irish council has defended a controversial new statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which has been slammed by critics for failing to resemble the former queen.
The bronze statue, which was unveiled on Friday at Antrim Castle Gardens, evoked such strong opinions that some suggested it should be melted down.
A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council told The Independent: “The Council is delighted with the generally positive response to the new Queen Elizabeth II sculpture in Antrim Castle Gardens.
“It acknowledges that art can sometimes spark diverse opinions, but it’s important to emphasise that the sculpture has been warmly received by most who have seen it in person. The statue beautifully captures Her Majesty’s grace and steadfastness, standing as a fitting tribute to her extraordinary life and reign.
“The Council is particularly pleased with how the sculpture complements its surroundings, standing adjacent to the statue of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and accompanied by two lovingly crafted corgis. This thoughtful arrangement has resonated strongly with visitors, who appreciate the personal touch it brings to the memorial, within the Gardens.”
Meghan Markle’s popularity soaring amount UK’s Gen Zs
Monday 16 September 2024 03:00 , Barney Davis
A new YouGov poll has found that the Duchess of Sussex’s popularity in the UK is soaring among Gen Zs.
The poll of 18 to 24-year-olds found that Meghan was seen favourably by 48 percent of respondents, and she has an overall net positivity rating of 18 percent.
To put this into context, Prince William has a net positivity rating of 20 percent amongst this group and the Princess of Wales has a net positivity rating of 23 percent.
Watch back our event: What do the royal family need to do to stay relevant?
Monday 16 September 2024 00:01 , Barney Davis
Can the royal family and King Charles adapt to the modern age and stay relevant? Will Harry be able to rejoin The Firm? And what will the next generation of royalty be like?
These and more questions from our audience were answered in The Independent’s premium event on the future of the royal family.
Hosted by assistant editor Victoria Harper, the panel features bestselling authors Anna Pasternak and Tessa Dunlop, plus royal historian Jonathan Spangler.
Watch the full event here. If you enjoy our virtual events, please consider supporting The Independent with a donation or by subscribing to Independent Premium.
Meghan Markle ‘doesn’t regret anything'
Sunday 15 September 2024 23:00 , Barney Davis
A royal expert has claimed that the Duchess of Sussex “does not regret” upsetting the royal family.
Royal author Ingrid Seward said that the former actress is good at sticking by her decisions, regardless of the consequences.
She told GB News: “I don’t think Meghan regrets anything. She doesn’t seem to regret the fact that she never speaks to her own father, I still find that very strange.”
“She doesn’t seem to regret the fact that her first marriage failed. She doesn’t seem to regret that she’s upset the Royal Family,” Ms Seward added.
“I don’t think she’s a girl that has regrets. I think that she’s very strong and very determined.”
'Rift between Harry and William still strong’
Sunday 15 September 2024 22:00 , Barney Davis
BBC royal correspondent Daniela Relph hs claimed the Prince of Wales and Prince Harry no longer talk as the younger sibling turns 40.
She said in an article for Harry’s birthday: “There is anger, frustration and bitterness that shows no sign of easing.
“Harry’s TV interviews, book and public criticism of the Royal Family has been too much for his older brother and several other senior royals.”
A source told her: “I just can’t see a fix.
“It’s been a long time now and they haven’t found a peace. Their lives are now very separate. It’s sad.”
Prince Harry recalls ‘cold-blooded’ gift from relative in Spare
Sunday 15 September 2024 20:59 , Barney Davis
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry recounted a quirky Christmas Eve at Sandringham Estate when Princess Margaret gave him an odd gift of a tiny pen with a rubber fish wrapped around it.
“Standing before my pile, I chose to open the smallest present first. The tag said: ‘From Aunt Margo’. I looked over, called out: ‘Thank you, Aunt Margo!’,” he wrote.
After unwrapping it, Harry was taken aback and expressed his gratitude to Margaret, who emphasised that it wasn’t just any pen but a special one.
Harry reflected on the gift, noting: “It wasn’t just any biro, she pointed out. It had a tiny rubber fish wrapped around it. I said: ‘Oh. A fish biro! OK.’ I told myself: That is cold-blooded.”
Birthday post doesn’t mean Prince William and Prince Harry are reconciled - expert
Sunday 15 September 2024 20:00 , Barney Davis
Royal expert Tom Bower has claimed the Prince and Princess of Wales’ birthday post to Prince Harry are merely about keeping up public appearances.
Speaking to MailOnline, Mr Bower said: “William and Kate’s surprise birthday wishes to Harry do not signal a step towards reconciliation. Rather it shows that the Waleses don’t want to be criticised as churlish.
“Being diplomatic costs them nothing and avoids criticism. The King understandably has congratulated his son but there’s no evidence of defrosting their relationship.”
King and Queen kept to normal routine visiting church in Balmoral
Sunday 15 September 2024 19:00 , Barney Davis
The King and Queen enjoyed their usual Sunday morning routine in Balmoral after wishing Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday on social media
Charles, 75, and Camilla, 77, went to their regular church service at nearby Craithie Kirk.
It came as Harry enters his fifth decade in what has been a rollercoaster year for the royal family, with both the King and the Princess of Wales being diagnosed with cancer.
When the King’s shock health news was announced in February, Harry made a transatlantic dash to see him but his meeting with his father was kept to just 45 minutes.
In comments released to the BBC, the duke said “I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40”, and described how fatherhood had given him a renewed sense of purpose to make “this world a better place”.
Prince Harry has no intention of returning to royal family - friend
Sunday 15 September 2024 17:13 , Barney Davis
In a report by the BBC for the Duke of Sussex’s 40th birthday, senior royal correspondent Daniela Relph said that reports of Harry making a sensational return to the royal family were wide of the mark.
According to the royal correspondent, a friend of Harry’s said that although he would like to come over more for work, he would not relocate to the UK.
“Why would he give up everything he’s achieved there to return here? His life is now in America,” the source said.
Prince Harry will feel ‘delighted’ after surprise birthday greetings from Prince and Princess of Wales
Sunday 15 September 2024 15:38 , Barney Davis
Prince Harry is said to be delighted after William and Kate shared an earlier post from the royal family on X, adding: “Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to The Duke of Sussex!”
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams tolf the Express: “The Palace had a policy of only recognising the birthdays of working royals on social media. This marks a change but it is a special occasion. It is a sensible move that naturally begs the question, are tensions easing?
“It is in everyone’s interest to have reconciliation and that, if it happens, it will almost certainly take a long time. Mutual trust will need to be restored.
“However the obvious first step is to cease all hostilities.”
He added: “It would build on the pleasure Harry must surely feel in having his special day marked unexpectedly on social media by the royal family.”
