Anne is said to have split from Andrew Parker Bowles after around four years of datingCredit: GC ImagesThe retired brigadier, 86, has never been photographed with Anne or spoken publicly about their relationshipCredit: Getty Images
Now the Daily Mail have alleged the TV presenter has called time on her relationship with Andrew, 86 – who still lives in the Cotswolds – after around four years of dating.
The publication reports that, when asked if she’d been going out with the retired brigadier, Anne replied: “I might have done.
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“It’s very difficult to talk about a relationship where part of it is owned by somebody else, so out of politeness I don’t talk about it.”
Anne and Andrew have never been photographed together and he’s never confirmed their relationship.
OUR Spotlight On column gives you the lowdown on what to see and do in some of the best holiday destinations abroad as well as some lesser-known spots in the UK.
Learn about the town’s history in wool at Witney Blanket Hall, which dates back to 1721 and is free to visit (make sure to pick up a blanket at the gift shop too).
And kids will love Cogges Manor Farm with 17 acres to explore which includes an adventure playground and animals they can feed and pet.
Tickets start from £12 for adults, see cogges.org.uk.
Otherwise a short drive away is Blenheim Palace as well as Jeremy Clarkson’s The Farmer’s Dog.
HIDDEN GEM
Only known by locals, head straight to Sandwich de Witney for one of the heartiest baguettes you’ll have ever seen.
Just don’t be too late – most of them sell out shortly after lunch.
For evening entertainment, catch some comedy or some live tribute acts at the very tiny Fat Lils music venue.
Previous comedians have included Greg Davies and Milton Jones. Tickets from £5. See fatlils.co.uk.
Did you know the town was known for its blanket making?Credit: Alamy
BEST VIEW
Grab a coffee and head down to the banks of the River Windrush which runs through the town.
The peaceful break from the bustling town is the ideal escape, where you’ll be mainly joined by joggers and a few cows in the distance.
It even used to host the World Pooh Sticks Championships, so grab a stick and get racing.
RATED RESTAURANT
If there is one thing Witney has an abundance of, its pubs.
And one of the finest in town for a meal out is The Fleece, a gastropub and hotel.
You’ll be licking the crumbs off the plate of the Devon crab cakes, and I’d go back just for Aubrey’s Cheeseburger, complete with the crispiest chips and pickles.
There’s a fantastic list of desserts, but my sweet tooth was satisfied by the bizarre, yet strangely delicious Banana Brulee Old Fashioned.
BEST BAR
If you love a beer, head to the Crafty Pint Bar.
It was recently named Oxford Pub of the Year by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), with a number of independent beers both on tap and by the bottle.
Try the Little Ox which is brewed just down the road.
Otherwise for the best vibes on a Friday night, head over to the Como Lounge in the centre of town where you can get two cocktails for £13.25.
HOTEL PICK
The Blue Boar ticks all the boxes – central location, cosy-yet-modern bedrooms and a fantastic restaurant downstairs.
Originally a 17th century coaching inn, there’s just 20 rooms to choose from, each with four poster beds, DAB radios and Nespresso machines.
Some rooms have views over the town centre, and easy has lush bathrooms kitted out with fluffy towels and luxe toiletries.
After recent renovations to the bar and restaurant, it reopened last week. Rooms start from £81. See acornpubs.co.uk/blueboar.
THE HOLIDAY inspired hotel rooms? Check. Free fudge after check in? Check.
If both of those have you tempted, here’s everything you need to know about a stay at The Feathered Inn.
The Feathered Nest Inn overlooks Evenlode Valley in Nether WestcoteCredit: HandoutThe rooms are just as stunning as the village itselfCredit: supplied
What is The Feathered Nest like?
This 350 year-old former malthouseturned-inn with a fine dining restaurant is a cosy bolthole in a chocolate box village overlooking the rolling hills of the Evenlode Valley.
What are the rooms like?
The inn has four tastefully decorated rooms where homemade cookies and fudge will await you.
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For those wanting a Kate Winslet moment, inspired by movie, The Holiday, the inn features a gorgeous honey-coloured cottage that sleeps four guests.
It features flagstone flooring, an open fireplace and a huge freestanding bath.
Rooms start from £235 per night, including breakfast. Stays at the cottage are from £350 per night. See thefeatherednestinn.co.uk.
Dogs are allowed at the cottage for an additional £25.
What is there to eat and drink at the hotel?
The inn’s award winning 3-AA Rosette restaurant sources the best seasonal ingredients, such as Welsh lamb and Yorkshire rhubarb and is where head chef James Erasmus works his magic.
Breakfast can be served in either the pretty garden room or the grounds.
What else is there?
The nearby village of Stow-on-the-Wold is a market town featuring quaint antique shops and traditional tea rooms.
David Beckham‘s favourite sausage roll can be found at The Cotswold Guy in the village of Guiting Power.
Fine dining restaurant with a menu of seasonal ingredientsCredit: Adrian Sherratt – The TimesThe Feathered Nest country inn in the village of Nether Westcote starts from £235 per night
The Feathered Nest has lots of information about circular walks or, if you’re up for it, take on The Cotswold Way – a 102-mile hiking route between Chipping Campden and Bath.
It’s surely one of the best kept secrets in the Cotswolds.
Is it family friendly?
The cottage fits 4 people which families will want to book to make their stay easy.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
The ground floor of the Inn can be uneven and requires the use of short staircases throughout the building.
Guests that need a room with easy access should contact the bookings team to discuss requirements for the stay.
However, there is level access to the dining terrace and the Garden Room, although guests should let the booking team know that easy access is needed.
WITH its cobbled roads, charming streets and historic buildings, Rye is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in England.
And it’s set to make a TV appearance too as the East Sussex town was used as the backdrop in a new period TV series coming to Netflix.
Rye in East Sussex will make an appearance in a new Netflix seriesCredit: AlamyPride and Prejudice starring Emma Corrin will air this autumnCredit: Netflix
Last year, Rye transformed into the fictional town of Meryton for a new television adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
TV crew and cast descended on the town in September to create a time-warp setting for Jane Austen’s novel.
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Actors were spotted wearing period costumes and the streets were dressed to look like the 1800s.
The Netflix series is set to be released this autumn starring Emma Corrin as Elizabeth Bennet, and Jack Lowden as Mr Darcy.
The town is popular with tourists thanks to its traditionally English look and has even been dubbed the ‘new Cotswolds‘ by country lifestyle experts at Welligogs.
The experts described it as having a “storybook atmosphere” filled with “antique shops and independent boutiques”.
For shopping Mermaid Street is the place to be – it was also selected as being one the prettiest streets in Britain by The Telegraph.
While it might be miles away from Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire, Rye shares lots of the same qualities as towns found in the Cotswolds like pretty cottages and independent shops.
The Cotswolds has rivers running through its villages, while Rye offers a beach escape for those who want to check out the seaside instead.
Camber Sandsis just 10-minutes away in the car to get from the town to the dunes.
Mermaid Street in Rye is considered one of the most beautiful streets in BritainCredit: Alamy
Head of Sun Travel (Digital) Caroline McGuire said: “The medieval town of Rye in East Sussex isn’t strictly seaside, but you can see the sea from its cobble streets and it has a harbour where boats sail out to the English Channel.
“Plus, if you go back as far as the 15th century, the sea came much closer to the foot of the hill the town is built on.
“It’s the perfect place to spend a day out – taking an hour and six minutes on the train from Kings Cross St Pancras.”
“If you fancy a morning on the beach, a bus runs from the town to the stunning Camber Sands beach – a three-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes.”
The town of Rye can easily be reached from London – it’s an hour from St PancrasThe town is 10-minutes from the rolling dunes of Camber SandsCredit: Alamy
She continued: “Or you can for a six-mile circular walk from Rye to Winchelsea beach.
“Back in the town after lunch, there are plenty of fantastic pubs to choose from, my favourites being the 12th century Mermaid Inn and the George In Rye, as well as the Globe Inn Marsh on the outskirts of the town.
“Equally, you could book a taxi and check out Tillingham vineyard in nearby Peasmarsh, with its Michelin Green Star wine tours and excellent pizzas.”
“Make sure to save some time to rummage through the many, many antiques shops, as well as Knoops hot chocolate shop and the wonderfully old fashioned Britcher and Rivers sweet shop.”
As it was recently revealed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to move back to England, Social News Reporter Alice Sjoberg shared her top recommendations for places to visit in the Cotswolds
Prince Harry and Meghan are planning on moving back to the UK – with the Cotswolds being a possible new home (file)(Image: PA)
As news on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to to the UK dropped, the question of where quickly led to discussions and predictions. The Cotswolds is believed to be top of the list – and having just moved here myself, I can understand why.
While it would offer them the privacy they’ve been longing for, it’s still an easy commute to London. It’s also ideal for visit to several other members of the royal family’s homes, and good private schools for their little ones, Archie and Lilibet. But it also offers many places I think they should consider visiting.
While I’m no expert on the area just yet, I spent a lot of time in and around the Cotswolds for several years before I moved, as it’s where most of my friends and my partner’s family live. And not to mention, I just love it here. So here are the places I’ve visited that I think Harry and Meghan would love.
Cirencester Park
Cirencester is the capital of the Cotswolds and offers lots to do – from exploring the independent shops and cafes to the various historic grounds and Roman ruins. However, the one thing that really stood out for me was Cirencester Park.
While a park might not seem like the most exciting place to be, Cirencester Park, a Grade I-listed historic parkland, consists of 3,000 acres of gorgeous nature to explore. I’m not joking when I say the first time I visited, our ‘short morning walk’ ended up taking over four and a half hours, and we could have easily continued for longer.
Because of how big the park is, it offers plenty of opportunities for the family to enjoy the British countryside privately, as it’s easy to wander beyond where most of the crowds go.
The park is privately owned by the Bathurst Estate, which is located close to the entrance gates of the park. The Bathurst Estate also owns the Cirencester Park Polo Club, where the Royal Family sometimes have been spotted playing polo – including King Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry himself.
And who knows, maybe Archie or Lillibet will become the next polo players of the royal family.
The Slaughters
For many people when thinking about the Cotswolds, villages like Burton-on-the-Water and Bibury will most likely spring to mind. These villages are often described to be like the ‘idyllic English villages’, with old cottages made of stone, scenic riverside settings. But due to their popularity, there are often large crowds of tourists.
But there are some equally gorgeous villages around that aren’t as popular among tourists, meaning there are less crowds and the possibility of exploring on your own – and this includes the Slaughters.
The Slaughters consists of two villages, Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter, and is easily connected with a scenic walking trail. The villages offer a quintessentially Cotswolds experience with unspoiled honey-coloured stone architecture, peaceful riverside settings, and a rich history, despite their ominous-sounding name.
Cotswolds Wildlife Park
When they first started dating, Prince Harry famously invited Meghan ontrip to a £1,000-a-night campsite in Botswana, where they enjoyed a safari in the African wilderness. And while it may sound like a lot of hassle to bring their two young children on a safari when they’re still so young, they could head to the Cotswolds Wildlife Park.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is home to more than 1,500 animals from 250 different species, making it one of the largest zoological collections in the United Kingdom. So while it’s not Africa, it still has a lot to offer.
Located in the Oxfordshire countryside, Soho Farmhouse is a private members’ club and luxury rural retreat set across 100 acres. It offers guests a sense of blissful rural isolation in a bucolic setting. It’s part of the exclusive Soho House members’ clubs that have over 28 houses across the world, and is a popular destination for celebs and professionals with a focus on the media, arts and fashion industries.
Cotswolds Lavender Fields
Throughout the years, Meghan has made it known that she has an interest in good quality food and resources, as well as the natural world, I think a visit to the Cotswolds Lavender Fields during the summer is something she, and the rest of her family, would love.
While it offers plenty of photo opportunities for adorable family photos, it also allows visitors to fully emerge themselves in the lavender, with the scent hitting you quickly. They also sell several products that are made from their own lavender.
Jay-Z and Beyonce are back in the Cotswolds ahead of the rapper’s two huge concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next weekCredit: GettyThe site where permission had been granted for a spectacular seven-bed property before the move was called offCredit: SWNS
And while they will be staying in the Cotswolds during their short stay in the UK, my music insiders have told me Jay-Z has locked down a huge music space in East London for his rehearsals.
No expense is being spared, with Jay chartering a helicopter to fly him to and fro every day.
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A source said: “It’s like the circus has come to town now Jay-Z and Beyonce have arrived.
“They’re staying on an estate in the Cotswolds but Jay is rehearsing in London.
“They’ve taken over a whole unit and have blocked off a car park so Jay’s helicopter can land on the site.
“Yesterday morning there were almost 30 box vans with his crew and dancers arriving on the site.
“Loads of precautions have been put in place to make sure he has total privacy.
“The walk from the helicopter landing site to the entrance Jay is using is only about 30 yards, but there is a van on standby to drive him.
“He likes to have his sets totally locked down and this one is no exception.
“The shows at Tottenham are going to be a real spectacle and Jay will be in rehearsals with his team for the next ten days to make sure everything is perfect.”
Jay-Z will take to the stage on September 4 and 5, his only dates in the UK this year.
He is celebrating two major milestones with the performances — the 30th anniversary of his debut album Reasonable Doubt and the 25th anniversary of his critically acclaimed sixth record, The Blueprint.
Beyonce will be marking her birthday at the first show next Friday, along with the 20th anniversary of her album B’Day.
So I won’t be surprised if she pops up on stage too.
Adela’s Sombr moment
Sombr and Adela pose for a snap before making their way to the main stage at Belgium’s Pukkelpop FestivalCredit: supplied
Sombr was joined by special guest Adela to make his grand entrance at Belgium’s Pukkelpop Festival.
They posed for this snap before cameras captured them driving backstage and then making their way to the main stage.
It has become a staple of the American singer’s festival shows to be joined by a “walk-up girl”, with Zara Larsson accompanying him earlier this month.
They are both having huge years, with Sombr still riding high on the success of his hits including Homewrecker, 12 To 12 and Back To Friends.
Meanwhile, pink-haired Adela has just scored a Top 40 hit with Ain’t In LA and will release her debut album Prima on September 4.
Kooks warm up Cruz
Cruz Beckham joined The Kooks on stage at Rock N Roll Circus Norwich ahead of his debut at Reading and Leeds with The BreakersCredit: SuppliedCruz surprised fans by joining The Kooks on stage for a rendition of Jackie Big T*tsCredit: Supplied
Cruz Beckham slotted in a cheeky warm-up ahead of his debut at Reading and Leeds, where he will perform with band The Breakers this weekend.
He joined The Kooks at Rock N Roll Circus Norwich on Saturday as the group marked the 20th anniversary of their killer debut album, Inside In/Inside Out.
Cruz, whose new EP Wear & Tear came out on Friday, surprised fans by coming on stage for a rendition of one of my favourite Kooks tracks, Jackie Big T*ts.
Pussyhat Doll
Nicole Scherzinger relaxes in Hawaii ahead of a 16-hour flight to the UK for Pussycat Dolls rehearsalsCredit: instagram/nicolescherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger enjoyed her last days of peace by taking it easy in Hawaii.
She chilled out ahead of a 16-hour flight to the UK this week, where she will get cracking on Pussycat Dolls rehearsals.
Nicole posed in a lei po’o – the traditional term for a flower crown – as she relaxed at a hotel on the island.
She’s about to do a hell of a lot of dancing when the group’s European tour kicks off in Copenhagen in a fortnight.
Confirming preparations, Ashley Roberts, who is in the current line-up with Nicole and Kimberly Wyatt, wrote on Instagram: “Back to rehearsals with my dolls this week.”
Louis a soprano wise guy
Louis Walsh has turned his attention to opera after managing some of the world’s biggest pop actsCredit: Louis Wood
Louis Walsh steered some of the world’s biggest pop acts – but now has his sights set on opera.
The former Boyzone and Westlife manager has jumped on board to guide the career of vocal powerhouse Claudia Boyle.
The Irish soprano was shocked that the one-time X Factor judge came knocking and she said: “I never really watched The X Factor, but of course I knew who Louis was. Who doesn’t? This is a new thing for me.”
With Louis’ showbiz connections, I am sure Claudia will break into the mainstream in no time.
Jordan help for Jade split
Jordan Stephens says he attended a £175 workshop on ‘healing through relationships’ following his split from Jade ThirlwallCredit: Getty
Jordan Stephens is getting a helping hand after splitting from Jade Thirlwall – by doing a one-day workshop on “healing through relationships”.
The Rizzle Kicks singer revealed he went on a £175 course with therapist Donna Lancaster, which is aimed at stopping people “repeating the same old negative cycles”.
A blurb on the website says it helps people “understand why you might struggle with certain relationships and offer resources as to how to heal and connect in new healthier ways”.
And it sounds like it’s done wonders.
In a testimonial on the website, Jordan, who has split with the former Little Mix singer after six years, said: “Within 20 minutes of Donna’s relationship workshop, I was spun into awareness seemingly without a choice.
“I left with a sense of understanding and promise.
“I would recommend it to literally everyone.”
Good for him.
Ozzy gig film for Crimbo
A documentary about Ozzy Osbourne’s final live performance at Villa Park will finally be released in DecemberCredit: Getty
The project centred around the Back To The Beginning show at Villa Park in Birmingham had been slated for release at the beginning of this year.
But the late rocker’s wife Sharon pushed it back as she was finding the editing process difficult.
I am now told the documentary is finished and will be on screens by Christmas.
“It’s going to be a great Christmas gift for fans of Ozzy and Black Sabbath,” my mole explained.
“The film is looking really good and features so many moving moments of Ozzy interacting with his friends and performers.
“It moves around from footage of the gig to artists backstage. It is very powerful because it captures Ozzy’s final moments in the limelight.”
Following the release of the film, Sharon will be looking ahead to Ozzfest next summer.
The rock festival, started by Sharon and Ozzy in 1996, will return to Villa Park.
Charli lake break
Charli XCX gets ready to soak up the sunshine in Lake Como, Italy, during her first holiday in yearsCredit: instagram.com/charli_xcxShe shared pics of the group on a speedboat, with the caption: ‘A girl on a lake with her friends and her husbands!’Credit: instagram.com/charli_xcx
Charli XCX looks ready to soak up the sunshine in this bikini during her first holiday for years.
She’s jetted off to Lake Como in Italy with husband George Daniel, drummer with The 1975.
Also there are pals including filmmaker Aidan Zamiri, who she has jokingly referred to as her second husband after they bonded while making mockumentary film The Moment. Charli said on X: “I feel like I haven’t stopped for three years.”
She shared pics of the group on a speedboat, with the caption: “A girl on a lake with her friends and her husbands!”
Charli is back on stage this weekend at Reading and Leeds festivals, and is then set to announce the UK leg of her Music, Fashion, Film tour.
Gotta get a move Ron
Ronnie Wood was forced to rush through his set after the venue threatened to pull the plug.
The Rolling Stones guitarist spent too long on stage at North London’s Kentish Town Forum on Friday, so organisers warned they’d shut him down if he didn’t hurry up.
Ronnie, who was performing songs from throughout his career with the help of Irish singer Imelda May, moaned: “We’ve got to move on or they’re gonna cut the power.”
He then steamed through a series of tracks, including Faces hit Stay With Me and Stones rarity Country Honk, so he could finish the set in time.
Despite the faff, Ronnie was beaming as he headed off stage. He got a hug from his wife Sally, who was watching from the side of the stage with their ten-year-old twins Gracie and Alice.
Dani ads to workload
Dani Dyer has been filming a new festive campaign after renewing her deal with high street clothing chain PeacocksCredit: GettyShe’s filmed a telly ad alongside former England footballer Michael Owen, above, and singer Louise RedknappCredit: Getty
Dani Dyer is one of the first out of the blocks to film a new festive campaign.
I’m told the Strictly Come Dancing contestant and ex-Love Islander has landed a bumper pay-day for renewing her deal with high street clothing chain Peacocks.
A source said: “The Christmas ads are all being filmed now and Dani’s one for Peacocks is already in the can.
“Louise and Michael are seen getting a bit flirty in a lift, while Dani stays true to form and just snaps loads of selfies.
“It’s the easiest money she’s ever earned.”
I’d say. Peacocks is preparing to roll out the campaign just in time for Strictly, meaning Dani is going to be on the box non-stop this year.
I revealed earlier this year she re-signed for the BBC dancing show after being forced to pull out of last year’s series.
She had been paired with pro dancer Nikita Kuzmin but fractured her ankle during rehearsals, meaning she never got a chance to have a whirl on the dancefloor.
But this time around, I’m told Dani is absolutely nailing her training and is pushing herself to try to lift the Glitterball trophy.
Speaking in June last year to British businesswoman and podcaster Emma Grede, Meghan talked about her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan, and hinted at a return to acting when asked if she missed that side to her life.
“Sometimes,” Meghan replied. “Being back on set with With Love, Meghan was great because I realised how much I miss my crew. I love being around a crew.”
But Variety’s chief correspondent Marlow Stern says when it comes to deliberations over a potential acting role for Meghan, “a lot of it has to do with scheduling, to be honest”.
“They’re maybe also negotiating the size of the role and how many days she’ll shoot, and also compensation for it. Both sides often play the media to try and push things along, and we could be seeing that.”
For Harry, the focus once back in the UK will be on the charity work and patronages he has kept hold of while living thousands of miles away.
He has now completed his final charity engagements in the US before flying back to the UK in the coming days.
In Washington DC, he met military veterans and their families and visited America’s main hospital for injured servicemen and women, Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre.
At Arlington National Cemetery, he visited the final resting place of many service personal killed in Iraq and Afghanistan wars where he himself served on two operational tours.
At the grave of Sergeant Michael Verardo, who died last year from complications related to injuries sustained in Afghanistan in 2010, he met Verardo’s widow Sarah – who now supports other military families – and their nine-year-old daughter, Elizabeth.
