PRINCE Harry and Meghan have been named Humanitarians of the Year at a glitzy gala in New York.
The Duke and Duchess jetted to the city to accept the gong which recognised their efforts in mental health advocacy.
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Prince Harry and Meghan have been named Humanitarians of the YearCredit: Reuters
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They attended a glam gala in New York to accept the gongCredit: Getty
The couple were announced as Project Healthy Minds’ Humanitarians of the Year award on Thursday at a glam awards bash.
The nonprofit’s World Mental Health Day Gala saw the couple feted in a flashy ceremony held at Spring Studios.
Prince Harry and Meghan have close ties to the charity and have collaborated extensively with them in the past.
They were awarded the accolade for their work in building a safer digital world for families and young people as well as their global mental health work.
Alongside Meghan, Prince Harry co-founded The Archewell Foundation in 2020 with a mission to “show up, do good”.
Through the foundation, they established The Parent’s Network in 2023 – a support network for parents and families who have been impacted by “social media harms”.
That year, Harry and Meghan said their two children, Prince Archie, 6 and Princess Lillibet, 4, were the inspiration behind their charity work.
On Saturday, they will also attend the Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival where they previously launched The Parent’s Network.
The Sussexes released a statement ahead of the gala which said: “Working with families and young people to prioritise safety online has been some of the most meaningful work of our lives.
“As parents ourselves, we have been moved to action by the power of their stories and are honoured to support them.
Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance at Balenciaga show during Paris Fashion Week in solo trip to Europe
“We’re proud to be long-time partners of Project Healthy Minds as we work together to shine a light on what remains one of the most pressing issues of our time.”
But the award comes at an awkward time for Prince Harry after an African country cut ties with a “disrespectful” charity associated with the Duke.
Harry is a board member for African Parks and was the former president of the organisation.
The Sun reported on Tuesday that Chad announced it has axed a mandate held by a non-profit conservation group associated with the Duke of Sussex to manage its wildlife reserves.
They alleged the charity was not active enough in trying to stop poaching, as reported by The Times.
It marks the termination of a 15-year partnership between the charity and government.
His move came after a damning report accused him of “harming” its reputation.
The Duke of Sussex was slammed by a watchdog for letting a bullying row damage his African youth charity.
But he continues to work tirelessly for his Invictus Games Foundation, and the UK charity WellChild and is working with Halo Trust, 28 years after his mother did the same.
Sept. 11 (UPI) — The relationship between King Charles III and Prince Harry may be on the mend as the two met and spent a short time together in London on Wednesday.
Buckingham Palace has confirmed that both father and son were at Clarence House in London together for tea for about 50 minutes, their first such gathering since February of 2024.
Charles made a trip into London Wednesday from Scotland, while Harry, who has lived in the United States since 2020, was already in Britain to attend charity events.
The last time they were together was shortly after the king was diagnosed with cancer last year, at which time the prince met with his father briefly.
Harry had spoken with the BBC in May and said he wanted reconciliation with his family.
After the meeting concluded, the palace said that no more information regarding the meeting would be provided.
The relationship between Harry and Charles has been tense since Harry and his wife Meghan Markle ceased to take part in key royal duties in 2020 and moved to California.
Harry has said we wouldn’t bring either his wife or their two children on the trip without guaranteed security. Once he stopped having royal responsibilities, his protection by the palace in Britain was reduced from full-time to a case-by-case situation.
When he met Declan Bitmead – the 17-year-old winner of the inspirational young person 15-28 years award – Harry asked the youngster about his brother.
The Prince asked: “Does he drive you mad?
Could Prince Harry be ready to finally talk to King? Wayward Royal is set to return to UK
When Declan replied “no, we get on fine” Harry replied “you know what – siblings”.
And when told his brother went to the same school, Harry said: “You’re at the same school, that sometimes makes it more challenging.”
Hugo says that the strained relationship between the Prince and his brother, as well as with his father, can’t be repaired until he makes a big admission.
The expert says that, in order to get back in with the Royals, Harry will need to “apologise”.
Hugo said: “It would be in his, and everybody else’s, interests if somehow he could form some sort of personal reconciliation with his father.
“Because, we know even from Prince Harry’s book that his father said: ‘Don’t make my last years miserable.’
“And if something happens to the King and Prince Harry has not reconciled with him, then he’s going to be bearing more sort of guilt and remorse and things.
“And he’s got enough on his plate already with the death of his mother and the things that he feels about all that.
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Prince Harry has previously expressed a wish to return to the UK moreCredit: AFP
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However, Hugo thinks he needs to apologise to William and Charles firstCredit: Getty
“So in order for that to happen, he is the one who has to apologise. He is the one who has to give assurances.”
Harry’s current visit – set to last for four days – will be his longest since Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022.
The Prince previously lost his battle with the Home Office over the level of security he will be granted during visits to the UK.
That court battle reportedly cost Harry a staggering £1 million.
During the Prince’s current visit, King Charles III jetted back to London from his Scottish break.
The King had been in Balmoral for a month, with his return fuelling speculation that the pair could reunite after not seeing each other for 19 months.
However, Hugo says that there will always be “suspicion” over Harry’s return trips to the UK.
He said: “I suppose the suspicion is that, if he comes over here, he is sort of almost reestablishing himself as a member of the royal family.”
Hugo added: “But in the days when he was right in the middle of it and doing things, he was a very hardworking and successful member of the family.
“You know, putting in his bit for the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and all the things that he does.
“And, he was wearing fine uniforms and he looked like a prince.
“Latterly, of course, he’s just a guy in jeans with a backpack on his back.”
Now, Hugo says Harry can be seen “loitering in the background of one of Meghan Markle’s cooking sprees”.
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He marked the third anniversary of his grandmother’s, the late Queen Elizabeth II, death just eight miles away from where his brother was commemorating herCredit: AFP
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Yesterday, Harry attended an award ceremony for inspirational young peopleCredit: PA
Channel 5 documentary Harry & Meghan: The Wedding That Split Two Families included discussion about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials seven years ago and the build-up
23:05, 23 Aug 2025Updated 23:05, 23 Aug 2025
There’s said to have been a confrontation between Prince William and Prince Harry over Meghan Markle in the lead-up to the couple’s wedding. The eldest brother reportedly brought up claims that his future sister-in-law was ‘difficult’ to staff.
Meghan, now 44, married Prince Harry, now 40, in St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle in 2018, with his family among the guests in attendance. The couple, who later stepped back from their royal duties, are said to have been involved in tension behind-the-scenes amid preparations for their nuptials.
They have faced rumours of a rift with his brother Prince William, 43, and sister-in-law Princess Kate, 43, in recent years. It’s also been claimed that former actor Meghan was considered “difficult” to work with by aides at the time.
The apparent tension around their nuptials was the subject of the Channel 5 documentary Harry & Meghan: The Wedding That Split Two Families, which aired tonight. It included ‘reenactments’ and interviews with commentators.
Meghan Markle (left) and Prince Harry (right) got married seven years ago(Image: Getty Images)
At one point, claims that Meghan was deemed ‘difficult’ were discussed. Prince Harry and Meghan are said to have shared a team with Prince William and Princess Kate, which reportedly added to tensions ahead of the wedding. It was suggested that a “number” of staff ended up leaving.
The Mail on Sunday’s Charlotte Griffiths said: “It’s really important to the Royal Family not to act like you’re some lofty Hollywood celebrity and to be very kind to your staff. Y’know these are the people that you trust around you.”
The documentary alleged that Prince William ended up confronting his younger brother over the situation. The narrator told viewers: “With disgruntled employees becoming more vocal, William confronts his brother.”
Charlotte suggested that he wasn’t a “peacemaker” amid the apparent tensions at the time. She said: “William didn’t play peacemaker, actually. William pointed this out to Harry and said you’ve got to get this girl in line.”
There’s long been rumours of tension behind the scenes between the couple and Prince William (left) and Princess Kate (right)(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
As reported at the time, ahead of their interview with Oprah Winfrey, a spokesperson for Meghan and Prince Harry told news outlets: “Let’s just call this what it is – a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet.
“It’s no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.”
Elsewhere in the statement, the spokesperson said: “The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma. She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.”
Harry & Meghan: The Wedding That Split Two Families is available through Channel 5 on demand.
At the time, a source toldPage Six: “Harry’s loving Montecito, Meghan bought him surfing lessons for his birthday and he’s having the best time.”
Princess Diana documentary on long list of shows Netflix could produce with Harry and Meghan as part of new deal
The Prince showed off his skills in 2024, when he was videoed at Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch in Leemore.
The latest surfing video comes after the couple announced a new deal with Netflix, which gives the streaming giant first refusal over their suggestions for new programmes.
Their original deal was worth £100 million and ran out this year.
The show would mark the 30th anniversary of Diana’s death, after she tragically died in Paris on August 31, 1997.
An industry source said: “If Harry wants to do it then Netflix will bite his hand off.”
The Prince has spoken candidly about losing his mother in the press, as well as in his autobiography Spare.
In the book, Harry also revealed he had visited a medium, who told him that “your mother is with you”.
The psychic said: “Your mother says, ‘You’re living the life she couldn’t.
“You’re living the life she wanted for you’.”
Harry gave his daughter Lilibet – named after the late Queen Elizabeth II – the middle name Diana in a reference to his mother.
Meghan Markle’s ventures after stepping down as a working royal
THE Duchess of Sussex has kept busy since stepping down as a senior working royal in 2020 and relocating to California. Here are some of her business ventures…
Archewell Foundation – A nonprofit supporting charitable initiatives.
Netflix Deal – Producing content like Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan.
Archetypes Podcast – Former Spotify show on female stereotypes.
Clevr Blends – Investment in a women-owned wellness latte brand.
Cesta Collective – Minority stake in a handbag brand supporting Rwandan artisans.
As Ever – Previously known as American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand selling jam.
ShopMy Page – Online store featuring her curated fashion and beauty items.
New Podcast – Confessions of a Female Founder focusing on entrepreneurship.
MEGHAN Markle’s heavily criticised Netflix show has been renewed for a second season as a new trailer dropped.
Footage showed the Duchess of Sussex alongside a host of famous guests ahead of the release of the second series of With Love, Meghan on August 26.
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Meghan Markle in the trailer for the second season of her show With Love, MeghanCredit: Instagram
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A number of stars are due to join the Duchess of Sussex in the new series
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The first season aired on Netflix in March, with the new series set to land on August 26Credit: Netflix
The first season of Meghan’s eight-part Netflix show saw her bee-keeping, making homemade candles and cooking with celeb pals, including Mindy Kaling and make-up artist Daniel Martin.
Now, the show’s second series promises to be “fun and heartwarming” as a plethora of celebrity guests are due to make their appearance.
This includes stars Chrissy Teigen, Christina Tosi, Jamie Kern Lima, and Tan France.
Describing the new season, Netflix said: “Meghan returns with a fun and heartwarming new season, welcoming celebrity chefs, talented artists, and beloved friends for hands-on adventures filled with laughter and discovery.
“From playful cooking challenges to DIY projects, Meghan and her guests explore bold flavors, experiment with new techniques, and discover simple ways to add beauty to everyday life.
“It’s all about embracing playfulness over perfection and finding joy in creating together.”
Meghan can be seen laughing alongside guests at her Montecito home in the trailer, even joking at the end about Prince Harry’s lack of love for lobster.
Speaking to Chef Andrés, she says: “You know who doesn’t like lobster? My husband.”
In response, the chef light-heartedly retorts: “And you married him anyway?”
They had secured a lucrative five-year contract – thought to be worth more than $100 million (£74 million) – with Netflix after quitting as senior working royals in 2020.
However, this new deal has been signed for “much less”, an insider told Page Six.
Meghan and Harry’s Netflix deal is extended as ‘special’ Christmas episode of cooking show & new documentary announced
Meghan said in a statement: “We’re proud to extend our partnership with Netflix and expand our work together to include the As Ever brand.
“My husband and I feel inspired by our partners who work closely with us and our Archewell Productions team to create thoughtful content across genres that resonates globally, and celebrates our shared vision.”
Netflix will only pay for projects they want to screen, rather than pay in a single multi-million pound agreement like the one signed in 2020, The Sun understands.
The Sun can also reveal, however, that the streaming giants will cover Archewell Productions’s overheads, including all costs for its offices and staff.
The new deal was also described as a “downgrade” by PR expert Mark Borkowski.
He told the Mail: “I think Netflix has done a very neat job of pivoting away from two very expensive people who didn’t deliver, and they’ve taken that deal off the table, and they’ve given them a modest one.
“It’s not like they’re gradually uncoupling – it’s a downgrade. Netflix are not going to expose themselves to those budgets again. It’s Netflix saying, ‘Let’s have a look at your content, but we’ll pick and choose, mate’.”
‘Meghan & Harry need to come up with a hit soon’
By Matt Wilkinson
JUST when you thought it was safe to turn the telly on again… Harry and Meghan are back. And their multi-year renewal with Netflix means they are not going away anytime soon.
There have been tense negotiations in recent weeks but Netflix is so deeply involved with Meghan’s As Ever brand it was always likely that the streaming giants would want them back.
Make no mistake, Harry and Meghan would have been desperate for the deal to be renewed. They will likely be opening a bottle or two of As Ever Rose in Montecito.
Because they have invested heavily in Archewell Productions and getting on board with Netflix is central not only to their post-Royal endeavours but more importantly crucial to their bank accounts.
If they lost their Netflix money then how could they afford their life in the US?
While the length of the deal or how much the couple are getting paid is vague we do know that Meghan will appear in a ‘holiday special’ in December that will likely clash with the Princess of Wales’s annual Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
And finally, two years after I revealed in The Sun the couple had bought the rights to the book Meet Me At The Lake, production is in active development.
Sources close to the couple are coy about whether Harry or Meghan will appear on screen for the production of Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within which will air later this year.
But perhaps the best piece of news from the announcement is no repeat of the six-part documentary which dumped on the Royal Family.
However, ‘Harry & Meghan’ was a ratings dream and none of their projects since have been anywhere as successful. They need to come up with a hit soon.
And this ‘first look’ deal means Netflix has the first option on new projects from the couple without any guaranteed commitment.
But remember the Sussexes are not the only Royals to be in bed with Netflix.
The King will feature in a documentary on The King’s Foundation with Idris Elba.
“Join Meghan in Montecito for a magical holiday celebration,” the announcement read.
“Together, friends and family deck the halls, create holiday feasts, craft heartfelt gifts, and share lots of laughs – with simple how-tos to follow at home. It’s a holiday wonder with warmth, tradition, and a generous dose of joy.”
The couple will also release a short film called “Masaka Kids, A Rhythm Within” which will look at Uganda’s Masaka region and the HIV/AIDS crisis there.
She famously shook the hand of a man suffering with the illness without gloves, publicly challenging the idea that HIV/Aids was passed from person to person by touch.
There is also “active development” on other projects with Netflix which “span a variety of content genres”, including a feature adaptation of the bestselling romantic novel by Carley Fortune, Meet Me At The Lake.
Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Harry and Meghan are influential voices whose stories resonate with audiences everywhere.
“The response to their work speaks for itself — Harry & Meghan gave viewers an intimate look into their lives and quickly became one of our most-watched documentary series.
“More recently, fans have been inspired by With Love, Meghan, with products from the new As Ever line consistently selling out in record time.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Archewell Productions and to entertain our members together.”
But it was also understood that bosses were mildly infuriated by Meghan making her As Ever brand a priority.
The With Love, Meghan viewing figures have reportedly been “dismal”.
Lifestyle and cookery show With Love, Meghan only ranked at number 383 in Netflix’s six-monthly engagement report this year, with just 5.3million viewers across the globe.
Described by one critic as an “exercise in narcissism”, it was beaten by reruns of the first four seasons of legal drama Suits, which also starred the Duchess in her pre-royal days.
Once judged by some as Britain’s greatest soft power asset since Princess Diana, Meghan was filmed for her show making ladybird-shaped canapes from cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
In truth, the show is a smash hit compared to her husband’s vanity docuseries Polo, blasted as “a dull indulgence about a rich person’s pursuit”.
In the first six months of the year the programme attracted a disastrous 500,000 views globally, ranking it at number 3,442 out of around 7,000 shows.
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The Duchess of Sussex’s show previously featured husband Prince Harry and some celeb pals, including Mindy KalingCredit: Netflix
The tiny chocolate box village of Great Tew in Oxfordshire has just 156 residents and is served by one pub and a small cafe – but A-listers are moving in in their droves
12:13, 09 Aug 2025Updated 12:35, 09 Aug 2025
Welcome to Britain’s Beverly Hills – where the hum of private jets fills the air and a single sausage roll will set you back £8.
The tiny chocolate box village of Great Tew in Oxfordshire has just 156 residents and is served by one pub and a small cafe. But in recent years, famous names have arrived in their droves, with everyone from the Beckhams and Simon Cowell to US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres calling it home.
And hundreds descended on the local church last month to watch the late tech billionaire Steve Jobs’ daughter Eve, 27, wed Olympic showjumper Harry Charles, 26. The newfound popularity of Great Tew – which has more thatched cottages per square mile than anywhere else in the country – has sent house prices skyrocketing, with a simple three-bed in the OX7 postcode now fetching at least £2.5million.
Great Tew has just one cafe and one pub(Image: w8media)
Villagers reckon celebrities are drawn to the peace and quiet, but fear the parish will buckle under the strain. One says: “We’re overrun. People come here to celebrity spot. We’ve gone from being a place virtually nobody’s heard of to one of the UK’s most sought after. It’s pretty unbelievable when you think about it.”
Sausage rolls at Quince and Clover cafe cost £8(Image: w8media)
It hasn’t always been this way. In the 1970s, many of the cottages lay derelict. One historian described it as “one of the most depressing sites in the country” and coachloads of people would visit to get a glimpse of the abandoned village that time had forgotten.
But things changed in 2015, when exclusive private members’ club Soho Farmhouse pitched up on the outskirts. The venue hosted Meghan Markle’s hen do in 2018. The £2,500-a-year club, which offers everything from surfboard yoga sessions to a Japanese grill house serving seared fish salads, quickly became the go-to weekend escape for the well-to-do.
Soho Farmhouse is on the outskirts of Great Tew(Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
A year later, David Beckham, 50, and wife Victoria, 51, nabbed the neighbouring barn conversion, which boasts a pool, football pitch and outdoor kitchen, for £6.15m. They were quickly followed by Simon Cowell, 65, and his fiancée Lauren Silverman, 48, who, locals say, have got stuck into village life.
One resident reveals: “Simon rides an electric bicycle. He’s a creature of habit and rides around the village each day on his set route before picking up a latte and smoothie from Quince and Clover.”
Great Tew in Oxfordshire has just 156 residents(Image: w8media)
A small coffee at that cafe-cum-delicatessen costs £4, while ice creams start at £6.50 and smoothies at £7.95. Eggs and avocado on toast is priced at £17.50, a salt-beef bap is £16.95, and a sausage roll – albeit one adorned with fennel and sunflower seeds – comes in at £8.
Prices at the Falkland Arms pub next door – the go-to watering hole for the Soho Farmhouse set – are more modest, with cocktails starting at £8.45. Many of the rich and famous arrive in helicopters and private jets, landing at nearby Enstone Airfield before being ferried to the pub in one of the club’s electric Porsches.
The Falkland Arms is popular with Soho Farmhouse guests(Image: w8media)
Ellen DeGeneres is another local – and the 43-acre pad she bought there is on the market for £22.5m. The US TV host, 67, and her wife Portia de Rossi, 52, paid £15m in 2019 and, according to the estate agent, have transformed the converted barn into “an enchanting and secluded rural retreat”. There is a gym and pool, and the potential to turn the helicopter hangar into a tennis or padel court.
There wasn’t, however, enough room for Portia’s beloved horses, so they moved nearby. Great Tew is smack bang in the middle of the so-called Cotswolds’ golden triangle, sandwiched between the affluent market towns of Chipping Norton and Burford. Former PM Boris Johnson, 61, and his wife Carrie, 37, live in the nearby village of Brightwell-cum-Sotwell and 65-year-old Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm is a 15-minute drive away. And US Vice President JD Vance, 41, is reportedly spending his summer in a sprawling manor house a stone’s throw away.
A source close to Harry blasted the report and said the prince was ‘devastated the chair had been allowed to succeed with a hostile takeover’Credit: PA
The Charity Commission said chances were missed to settle differences at Sentebale, set up by Harry and Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso in 2006 for young people and kids living with HIV and Aids.
It launched a probe when they stood down as patrons in support of trustees who quit in a dispute with Dr Sophie Chandauka over a fundraising strategy.
Board of trustees chair Dr Chandauka said the “toxicity” of Harry’s brand since his move to live in the US had seen a drop in donors.
Last night, she said the “adverse media campaign” launched by those who resigned “caused incalculable damage” to the charity.
The Times reported a source close to Harry blasted the report and said the prince was “devastated the chair had been allowed to succeed with a hostile takeover”.
His spokesman said those who rely on Sentebale would bear the “consequences of her actions”.
The Charity Commission said the public airing of the row harmed Sentebale’s reputation and risked overshadowing its achievements.
The regulator, which cannot investigate individual allegations of bullying, found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir at the charity but acknowledged “the strong perception of ill treatment” felt by some involved.
David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: “Passion for a cause is the bedrock of volunteering and charity, delivering positive impact for millions of people here at home and abroad every day.
Harry QUITTING his own charity is utterly humiliating – misogyny row will hurt him deeply
“However, in the rare cases when things go wrong, it is often because that very passion has become a weakness rather than a strength.
“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve.”
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Dr Sophie Chandauka, with Harry, blames Prince Harry’s ‘toxic’ brand for donor drop and accuses him of involvement in a ‘cover-up’ of a probe into bullying and harassmentCredit: PA
The Duke of Sussex cut a lonely figure at a huge family event without his wife Meghan Markle, and now a lip reader has uncovered the tense conversation he had with his royal ally
Prince Harry opened up to Princess Eugenie in a tense moment, according to a lip reader(Image: Andy Rain/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)
Prince Harry has made it clear just how desperate he is to heal his fractured bond with King Charles and the rest of The Firm, but a hidden whisper to a royal ally might come back to haunt him.
A secret peace summit between senior aides representing both Charles and his estranged son caused shockwaves last week as the pair seemingly edged closer to reconcilliation.
The meeting came a mere few months after a BBC bombshell interview where the Duke claimed that his father “won’t speak to him” due to his bitter legal battle over the level of security he is entitled to while in the UK.
Addressing the years-long fall-out with his family, Harry said: “There is no point in continuing to fight anymore, life is precious.” In a move that likely shocked the Palace, the Duke said “I don’t know how much longer my father has,” in reference to Charles’ cancer diagnosis.
Prince Harry wants to reconcile with his father King Charles
The prince said that “some members of my family will never forgive me” for writing his explosive memoir Spare, but then added: “It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now. If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”
While Harry says he is “ready to forgive,” he anger seemed palpabale at his father’s Coronation, according to a lip reader who has uncovered a painful exchange between Harry and his cousin and longtime royal ally, Princess Eugenie.
A new Channel 5 show, Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations, which airs tonight, has decoded numerous royal conversations at major events, and the prince wasn’t spared.
Prince Harry attended his father’s Coronation alone(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Harry cut a lonely figure on the steps of Westminster Abbey at his father’s Coronation ceremony in 2023, as he returned to home soil without his wife Meghan and children. As his relatives all gathered together in the congregation at the end of the event, it was clear tensions remained high.
The Duke then walked over to Eugenie, one of the few royals he’s remained close to, and according to a lip reader, complained: “I’ve spent five hours with my dad in his office and not a friendly text from either”.
Harry seemingly confided in Eugenie at the event(Image: Toby Melville – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
It’s not clear who hasn’t texted Harry – whether it’s Charles and Camilla, or William and Kate – but the Duke seemingly hasn’t spoken to his brother in years.
The lip reader claims that he then asks “Why hasn’t anybody contacted me?” and Eugenie responds with a sympathetic but cautious smile.
The couple was joined in the Abbey by the entire royal family, including the late Queen Elizabeth to honour fallen servicemen and women, and to mark the Centenary of the Armistice.
Prince Harry reportedly hasn’t spoken to his brother Prince William in years(Image: Getty Images)
Lip reading expert Nicola Hickling decoded the conversation for the programme, as she claimed Meghan instructed Harry to “take advantage of the situation”, before she turned to look around at the sea of royals that surrounded them.
She says Harry responded to her comment by asking: “Today?”, as Meghan added: “Do it tonight.” Then, Harry poses a question to Meghan, asking: “You do realise that this is the end?” as Meghan responds: “Yeah, I do know”.
It is then suggested by royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop that the seemingly private comments between the Sussexes could mean that the couple had been plotting their dramatic exit from the royal family years before they actually decided to call it quits.
Lip-Reading The Royals: The Secret Conversations airs on Saturday at 7pm on Channel 5.
Meghan Markle is pressing ahead with build her business empire with her lifestyle brand As Ever – but one royal expert has questioned Prince Harry new career path
Meghan Markle continues to build her business empire with her As Ever lifestyle brand and a vast investment portfolio. But while the Duchess of Sussex pursues her entrepreneurial aspirations, it seems to be a different story for Prince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex is said to be concentrating more on his charity and philanthropic works rather than chasing commercial ventures. It is a marked difference from several years ago, when the Sussexes’ careers appeared intertwined with Meghan declaring that she and Harry were like “salt and pepper” as they always “move together”.
And with a change in their working lives, a new Channel 5 show called Meghan and Harry: Where Did The Money Go? shines a light on their finances; revealing Harry’s surprising inheritances, Meghan’s millions and their staggering Montecito mortgage.
Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Image: Getty Images for W+P)
The documentary counts the multi-million pound deals the pair have cut to sell their story since leaving The Firm – but it also details their astronomical outgoings.
It also sees one royal journalist pose a question about Harry’s contribution – especially given Meghan’s revelations about how much of a hands-on parent she is to their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Royal commentator Emily Andrews reckons Harry doesn’t contribute much else to his household – and she tells the documentary: “Meghan gets up at half six, half an hour before the children, then the children gets up and she gets them dressed, gets their breakfast, and then she makes their packed lunch and takes them to kindy (nursery), then at 9 o’clock she sits down and is a girl boss… Where is Harry in all of this? He’s not making money, he’s not looking after the kids, what is Harry doing?”
Meghan with her children Archie and Lilibet (Image: meghan/Instagram)
Royal expert Norman Baker tells the show: “There’s no doubt in my mind that Meghan and Harry’s income is going to decline in the future. It’s declining now. They’ve done the big hits that they could do. They’ve done the big Spotify event, they’ve done the big book, there is nothing else to come, nothing else to sell apart from themselves.”
Upon moving to America, the pair splashed out on a family home costing $14.65 million (£11m). However, they also took out a mortgage of $9.5m (£7m), with repayments in the region of $50,000-100,000 (£73,000 – £37,000) a month. Until now, it’s been unheard of for a senior royal to require a mortgage.
On top of that, Prince Harry has been forced to fund his own security, and he rarely travels anywhere public without a four-car convoy.
Former royal protection officer Simon Morgan explains the costs of specialist protection, saying: “It’s always very difficult to identify the cost in relation to specialist protection, purely because there’s a lot of other factors that go into it. You are looking at somewhere in the region of about £3 million a year to protect somebody who stays at home.
The entrance to the Sussexes’ Montecito home (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“As soon as they leave the residence, even if they go down to the shops, that could see that cost double or triple and go from £3m to £6m or £9m or £10m, conservatively. Security is not a fashion accessory, it’s a need. You’ve got to address your needs versus your wants.”
To pay for it, the pair famously signed a £100 million five year deal with Netflix in 2020 and a £15 million deal with Spotify. The Spotify deal has already ended with a top exec at the firm dubbing the pair “grifters”, while the Netflix deal is due to end this year, with no renewal in sight.
Before Megxit, the Sussexes were earning £2.3m a year as working royals, receiving money from the then Prince Charles’s Duchy of Cornwall. But when the pair left The Firm that all stopped, leaving Harry forced to live on the inheritance his mum Diana, Princess of Wales left him in her will.
When she died in 1997 Diana left £6.5m to the boys each, which had grown to around £10m when Harry received it upon turning 30. Talking to Oprah, Harry said “Without that, we wouldn’t have been able to do this,” referring to the family’s move to California. Meghan, meanwhile, was thought to be worth around £5million when she met Harry – money built up from her time as an actress on Suits and from her lifestyle brand.
His tell all book Spare earned Harry a $20m (£15m) advance and sold an incredible 3.2 million copies in its first week. And he’s expected to have received a further £7m from the hardback sales.
PR expert Nick Ede is backing Meghan to become the family’s highest earner. He says: “Meghan is the best way of making money for the two of them. She is the breadwinner.” Nick believes that having to build her own fortune before she met Harry means she’s more savvy with deals than her royal husband.
Harry and Meghan with King Charles (Image: Getty Images)
Nick continues: “Megan from an early age knew it was very important to be secure. If you’re a jobbing actress that means you don’t know literally where the next pay cheque will come from and I think that will have added to her drive.”
Broadcaster and critic Bidisha Mamat agrees with Nick and admits she fears that Harry has a lot to prove. She says: “They are going to run out of ideas before they run out of money. Meghan is going to do fine, Meghan is going to make her money, Harry has the bigger financial, personal and emotional challenge. Harry has to prove he really can have a career.”
Following the collapse of the Spotify deal, Meghan did indeed land another podcast deal. This time, however, her deal was with smaller company Lemonada and expected to be worth just $40,000 (£30,000).
Meghan is also still coining it in from Suits, from which repeats are thought to have recently added another $200,000 (£148,800) to the Sussex bottom line.
Indeed, Meghan might be more savvy with money but Harry has just come into another inheritance – this time from his great-grandmother, Elizabeth, Queen Mother. In 1994 the Queen Mother set up a Trust Fund to benefit her great-grand children and this is expected to have paid out £8m to Harry.
Since they left the royal family, the pair have become more famous than ever and commentator Afua Hagan believes the pair will go on to achieve more and more.
She says: “What is clear about Harry and Meghan is that they are very savvy with their money. America is a good spot for them at the moment because it definitely fits in with their idea of entrepreneurship.
“Harry and Meghan have proven time and time again that they can stand on their own two feet that they can provide for themselves and their family. Definitely we can never count them out.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been contacted for comment.
Meghan & Harry: Where Did The Money Go? is streaming on 5
Love Island 2025 kicks off tonight, with Megan Forte Clarke and Dejon Noel Williams already tipped to win – but a bombshell arrival has already thrown a spanner in the works
23:36, 09 Jun 2025Updated 23:46, 09 Jun 2025
Maya Jama tasks the girls with deciding who to couple up with based solely on their dating profiles.(Image: ITV)
Love Island 2025 is set to kick off tonight, and anticipation for this year’s villa hopefuls is already at fever pitch, with Megan Forte Clarke and Dejon Noel Williams tipped as early favourites to secure the much-coveted top spots.
The latest odds from betting gurus at OLBG suggest that Megan and Dejon are leading the pack as favourites for Top Female and Top Male of the season.
But with unexpected arrivals and last-minute line-up alterations, the villa is already brimming with surprises.
Megan Forte Clarke currently leads the board at 7/2, boasting a 22.2% chance of emerging as this year’s queen bee. However, her reign could be brief.
A significant twist has already hit before the first coupling, with 24 year old American Toni Laites unveiled as the season’s first bombshell. Her entrance could potentially shake up the market, reports the Express.
Dejon Noel Williams and Harry Cooksley are now neck and neck for the top male spot, both standing at 4/1 odds. Meanwhile, rugby player Conor Phillips has unexpectedly joined the competition following a dramatic reshuffle.
Maya Jama tasks the girls with deciding who to couple up with based solely on their dating profiles.(Image: Love Island)
Love Island 2025: Top Male Odds
Just hours ahead of the season’s launch, ITV confirmed that original contestant Kyle Ashman had been dropped after revelations surfaced about his previous arrest on suspicion of a machete attack.
He has now been replaced by Phillips, whose late entry could upset the balance.
Jake Ashton, Entertainment Betting Editor at OLBG, remarked:
“Every year we see bombshells disrupt the odds, and Toni could do just that. Once she’s in the villa and viewers see her impact, expect her price to shorten quickly.”
The Love Island villa is gearing up for excitement with bombshells already making waves – the betting odds are alive and kicking off.
After a brief flirtation with being a member of the Royal Family, Meghan Markle/Sussex/Mountbatten- Windsor/Spencer is flying solo.
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Meghan Markle is seeking to trademark future ventures in the hospitality sector for her As Ever brandCredit: Instagram/Meghan
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Marrying Prince Harry fired her into global fame and now she wants to capitalise on itCredit: Getty
The reports that Meghan is now seeking to trademark future ventures in the hospitality sector for her As Ever brand suggest she is now fully invested in life as an influencer and entrepreneur.
And there’s nothing wrong with that.
But it has absolutely nothing to do with being royal.
Marrying Prince Harry fired her into global fame and now she wants to capitalise on it.
Somebody has to fund their Californian lifestyle, and Harry claims he has been financially cut off by his family.
After almost obsessive secrecy about their children and their home life, Meghan is now bombarding her growing band of social media fans with updates of what she, Harry and the kids have been up to.
To add some mystery, the children’s faces are obscured.
It’s a telling contrast to the pictures we see of William and Catherine’s young brood as they grow up.
Everything Meghan posts — from twerking videos on the labour ward to a family trip to Disney — multiplies the clicks and the potential revenue.
She’s turning out to be a shrewd operator — which perhaps she always was.
Meghan Markle Expands As Ever: From Lifestyle Brand to Hospitality Empire
Again, I have no problem with that.
But to try to cling to the vestiges of her blink-of-an-eye time as a working royal is disingenuous.
So, Meghan, how about dropping the Duchess nonsense and the HRH which you are no longer entitled to use?
Be independent and successful.
Make your As Ever brand bigger than ever on your own.
You are an independent woman with a husband who adores you.
Just because he’s a prince doesn’t mean you have to hang on to the idea of being a princess.
You tried being part of the Royal Family and hated it.
Time to move on, which, I think, is what this is all about.
Meghan Markle is ‘difficult to work with’ and ditches her friends when things don’t go her way, an expert has claimedCredit: Splash
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The Duchess of Sussex ‘dumped’ the royal family in a similar way to her friends, the expert addedCredit: Splash
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The real reason Edward Enninful and the Duchess fell out has been revealed, sources claimCredit: Getty
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Enninful was said to be ‘furious’ after the Duchess backed out of an issue in 2022Credit: Sussexroyal/Instagram
It comes after reports claimed Meghan dropped her former best pal Edward Enninful after a row over the cover of Vogue.
The Duchess of Sussex, 43, and the former magazine editor were once thick as thieves who bonded over mint tea and “philosophising”.
The ex-Suits actress said the duo were “like-minded thinkers” after she helped edit an edition in 2019.
But insiders told the Mail on Sunday that the pair cut contact over Enninful’s plans to cover Meghan and Harry’s charity work in a feature.
Royal expert Hugo Vickers told The Sun: “None of this surprises me at all, because we see it the whole time when things don’t go her way. She just overreacts.
“Clearly in this case with Edward Enninful, she has made something of an enemy, because he then dropped her from something she would have liked to be a part of, and it seems to happen the whole time.
“She’s very demanding. She’s difficult to work with. She has her ideas of what she wants to do, and she doesn’t seem to want to listen to anybody else, and that’s when you get into a trouble.”
Mr Vickers also highlighted how many people are now removed from Meghan’s life, from ex-husbands to close pals.
Her shocking claims surrounding the Royal Family since quitting the UK in 2020, from her Oprah interview to Netflix documentary, have also seen her alienated from her in-laws.
Meghan’s got it all WRONG – She’s shown us the real her but we HATE it
And countless staff members have joined a long list of people who no longer wish to associate with the mum-of-two.
“There is a theme which runs through all this is that she’s always rejecting people, or indeed, falls out with,” said Mr Vickers.
“Her father for one, who was very good to her when she was growing up, her first husband just gets dumped, her Canadian chef lover in Canada, dumped as well.
“Jessica Mulroney, her great friend in Canada, dumped, the entire British Royal family, and apart from her mother, all her own family.”
He dubbed the reported fall out with Enninful a “normal theme” and added “everything she does seems to go wrong”.
Mr Vickers continued: “She should listen to somebody like Edward Enninful, he’s a very highly qualified editor, and he knows what he’s doing, running a very important magazine.
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Prince Harry has been feuding with his family since quitting the UK with Meg in 2020Credit: Getty
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Thomas Markle is now estranged from his daughterCredit: Channel 5 / Thomas Markle: My Story
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Trevor Engelson was Meghan Markle’s first husbandCredit: Getty – Contributor
“I would have thought it would have been well in her interest to keep in with him, instead of upsetting him.
“She doesn’t know better. Unfortunately, as has been proved time and time again.”
He added: “She is just so incredibly difficult, and that is the theme, and that is the narrative now, and I suspect that that will go on and probably get worse.”
Mr Vickers suggested part of the trouble stems from the fact everything “is always focused on her”.
He spotlighted the Duchess’ Mother’s Day post in which she praised herself and failed to mention her own mum.
“I really feel sorry for those children, and I wonder what sort of what they’re going to think when they grow up and realise how they’re being used in these things as well,” he added.
This comes after Meghan reportedly cut her plans to work with Enninful on a feature in 2022.
The former editor allegedly wanted to showcase the Duchess’ keynote speech at the One Young World Summit in Manchester in 2022.
However, he didn’t want to give them a front cover.
Conde Nast insiders claimed Meghan axed their arrangement.
A Conde Nast insider claimed: “The duchess and her team had high expectations and were expecting she might get a print cover or at least a digital cover out of it, but Enninful was not able to meet those expectations.
“He already had a magazine cover in the bag for that month.”
“The whole process became very difficult. Edward could only promise her a big showy feature inside the magazine and online – but she turned it down.”
After being told they wouldn’t make the cover, sources claim Meghan asked to be on the special digital cover which would be available with the print edition.
Her request was refused, by Enninful, because he didn’t think it would be “appropriate”.
The Duchess was so offended she walked away from the offer completely, leaving the former editor “furious”.
It is understood this was his breaking point and their friendship was fractured beyond repair.
Insiders also claim it hasn’t gone unnoticed in the Sussex household how much more involvement Enninful has with the Royal Family.
Enninful is now a trustee for The King’s Fund, King Charles‘s charity.
And, he hosted a glitzy New York event for The King’s Trust earlier this month – and Meghan was definitely not on the list sources claim.
Enniful was in “constant contact” with Meghan using WhatsApp as he watched the duchess’s chat with Oprah, the Daily Mail reported.
A source close told the paper: “There were around 15 people on the Zoom, all top Conde Nast people.
“They felt it was important from an editorial perspective that they got together to watch it.”
However, royal biographer Tom Bower previously claimed in his book Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War between the Windsors, that Meghan and Enninful feuded during the creation of Vogue’s September 2019 issue.
Staff were described as being left in “silent exasperation” at Meghan and her demands.
It claimed the duchess proposed poor ideas, and accused her of being difficult to approach with opposing suggestions.
Bower also wrote that Enninful and Meghan had a difference of opinion on how to market the edition – as the former actress wished to leak snippets online before its release, while the editor thought secrecy was best.
Meghan even asked if the magazine could hit the shelves in the US before the UK, according to the book, which ruffled feathers with head of communications, Sara Latham.
THERE have been some massive fall outs among famous siblings.
From Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham spat to the Gallagher brothers’ bitter feud, there are several famous faces who are at war, or have been in the past, with their family,
And British stars aren’t the only ones, because there are several high-profile Hollywood stars who have been at war with their loved ones.
But the blame is being levelled at Nicola, which has upset Brooklyn, according to a source.
Kim Turnbull puts on brave face as she returns to work while Romeo jets to Paris with his mates amid family feud
They said: “She has never told him what to do and has been nothing but supportive — she’s a loyal wife.”
Brooklyn and Nicola also missed an intimate evening last Wednesday at the family’s £10million Cotswolds mansion.
The dinner was attended by Victoria, Romeo, Cruz, and his girlfriend Jackie.
Kim was absent, as were Brooklyn and Nicola.
Liam and Noel Gallagher
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Liam and Noel fell out when they were youngerCredit: PA
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The two brothers recently made up and will head on tour later this yearCredit: Getty
The two Manchester-born stars became famous together when they were in the band Oasis.
Clashing personalities saw Noel briefly quit the band after Liam threw a tambourine at him during a performance.
Later, Noel hit Liam on the head with a cricket bat when Liam annoyed him while he was working.
Liam’s last-minute pull-out and heckling from the audience during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1996 added to the feud.
The last straw was when a backstage argument in Paris in 2009, reportedly over Liam’s clothing firm, Pretty Green, led to Noel’s decision to leave the band.
But last month, Liam and Noel performed together for the first time in 16 years as they took to the stage of a members’ club in north London.
And now, the pair are preparing for the Oasis reunion tour which will take place later this year.
Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Farrar
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Leonardo DiCaprio and his step-brother Adam Ferrar in 1978Credit: Getty
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Leonardo and Adam are not close anymoreCredit: Getty
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In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.Credit: Getty
Although Leo and his step-brother Adam were close as kids, as they grew up, they grew apart.
In the 00s and 10s, Adam accused Leo of putting fame before his family.
In 2016, Adam spoke out about his relationship with Leo.
“We were once so close. I loved him and I still do,” he told MailOnline.
He added: “But we’ve not spoken in a couple of years. The last time I saw Leo was at his birthday party a couple of years ago.
“I’d been invited by another friend. Leo was pleased to see me and gave me a hug.
“But when I try to call him, my messages go unanswered. He has a whole team around him now and it’s impossible to penetrate that wall of hangers-on.”
He also told the paper: “Leo wants to save the world but he seems more concerned about the environment and climate change than he does about his own brother. It hurts.”
While Leo got famous, Adam developed a marijuana and cocaine habit, as well as a serious heroin addiction, with this coming to a head in 2008.
“I was arrested five or six times for petty theft, shoplifting from supermarkets, trying to support an opiate addiction of half a gram to a gram a day,” Adam told the outlet.
“Leo and I never had an argument. But he started surrounding himself with people that didn’t want me around. He’s the biggest star in the world and there’s me, messed up on drugs. I was slowly shut out of his world.
“Finally I got tired of going in and out of jail. I’ve been off heroin since 2013,” he said.
Meghan Markle and her half-sister Samantha Markle
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Meghan Markle says she grew up as an only childCredit: JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX
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She has a half sister – Samantha MarkleCredit: PA:Press Association
Megan and her half sister Samantha Markle have been embroiled in a feud that has been long-running for many years.
According to Samantha, she and Meghan were close when they were growing up, although this is not backed by the Duchess.
The pair are 17 years apart and did not grow up at the same time.
In 2018, Vanity Fair reported that Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle “moved in together a couple of years before Meghan was born, along with Samantha and Thomas junior, who had relocated to L.A. after living with their mum.”
In Meghan’s chat with Oprah in 2021, she declared: “I grew up as an only child, which everyone who grew up around me knows, and I wished I had siblings.”
Samantha is estranged from Meghan, and the pair have not spoken for more than a decade, since her “early twenties”, it has been claimed.
Due to their estrangement, Samantha was not invited to Meghan’s wedding toPrince Harryin 2018. Samantha said at the time: “Out of respect and humanitarianism, the Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are. Our uncle, brother, me, best friend of 30 years, nephews. At issue is not a matter of closeness. Family is family.”
Nick and Aaron Carter
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Nick Carter and Aaron Carter didn’t always get alongCredit: Getty – Contributor
The pair’s bond weakened due to childhood trauma, addiction, and family drama.
In 2019, Nick filed a restraining order against Aaron, saying he had made violent threats.
Aaron denied this also accusing Nick of abuse.
On November 5, 2022, Aaron died at his home in California at the age of 34.
His body was found in his bathtub by a housekeeper.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later ruled that Carter’s death was accidental: drowning after inhaling difluoroethane and taking alprazolam (Xanax).
He was cremated, and his ashes were left in the care of his twin sister Angel.
Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes
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Julia Roberts had a half sisterCredit: Getty – Contributor
Julia Roberts and her half-sister Nancy Motes had a “tortured” bond before she died by suicide.
In 2014, Nancy, who was 37, was found in a bathtub filled with water at a friend’s home in Los Angeles, where she had been dog-sitting.
LA County Coroner spokesman John Kades said prescription drugs had been found at the residence.
She wrote a suicide note blaming Julia for bullying her most of her adult life.
In the three-page note, she said: “My so-called siblings get nothing except the memory that they are the ones that drove me into the deepest depression I’ve been in.”
Louis Tomlinson and his half-sister Georgia
The One Direction star’s biological dad left shortly after he was born and became estranged from him.
His father later had a daughter called Georgia who became a huge One Direction fan when she was 14.
She and Louis’ biological dad, Troy, then saw Louis in a One Direction concert when the band were at the height of fame.
The siblings failed to reconnect.
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Louis shot to fame in boyband One DirectionCredit: Getty
FORGET Game of Thrones, nobody understands the art of forming alliances better than Meghan Markle – but her latest friendship might just be her most fruitful yet.
As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend… and having been blacklisted by David and Victoria Beckham, she and Harry have now made their allegiances very clear, while also bolstering their own “cool” social standing in the process.
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Brooklyn and Nicola are hot property – with a combined Instagram following of over 19million between themCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
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Harry and Meghan have been upping their public appearances – and packing on the PDA – amid her reinvention as a lifestyle queen
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David and Victoria Beckham have reportedly been blindsided by the new Peltz-Beckham and Sussex allianceCredit: David Beckham/Instagram
After all, it’s no secret that Meghan is making every concerted effort right now to re-establish herself as a lifestyle guru and online influencer.
Since launching her lifestyle brand, As Ever, last month, she’s upped her output on social media in a bid to cement herself as the ultimate domestic goddess and yummy mummy.
Having the endorsement of the Beckham-Peltzes – who have a massive social media following between them and are hot property right now, thanks to all the whispers circulating about tensions with Brooklyn’s family – would only help her cause.
What’s more, having seen their friendships with the likes of George and Amal Clooney, Oprah Winfrey and Brooklyn’s parents, David and Victoria Beckham, fall flat, Meghan and Harry can use all the star power they can get right now.
As the Sun exclusively revealed this week, the Sussexes and the Peltz-Beckhams came together last week at a dinner at the Sussexes’ mansion in Montecito, California.
The VIP event, which included 18 other guests, had been planned for weeks – but its timing, just days after Brooklyn and Nicola skipped his dad David’s 50th birthday celebrations amid a very public fall-out, was significant.
According to insiders, the two couples “found a lot of common ground” – as Harry and Meghan lent an empathetic ear, and shared their own tales of battle with Harry’s family.
As far as they are concerned, they’ve both been treated unfairly, prompting their estrangements.
And in the aftermath, the two couples have potentially formed a powerful alliance.
This may be an unlikely quartet, but it might just be a friendship that pays dividends.
Prince Harry & Meghan’s secret mansion summit with Brooklyn Beckham & Nicola Peltz to share trauma of toxic family feuds
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Meghan – pictured starring in her Netflix lifestyle series With Love, Meghan – has relaunched herself as a domestic goddessCredit: Netflix
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Meghan’s been showing more snippets of her home life – including snaps with her and Harry’s kids, Archie, six, and Lilibet, three – in her bid to be the ultimate yummy mummyCredit: Instagram
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Having Gen Z stars Nicola and Brooklyn on side would potentially open her up to an even bigger audienceCredit: Instagram
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, brand and culture expert Nick Ede believes Meghan is well aware of the benefits that come from this new foursome.
“Meghan is a very strategic player,” he tells us. “She knows how to maximise her influence by associating herself with those who have more than her.
“This move is positioning her away from old Hollywood stars who have already established themselves, like Oprah and the Clooneys, and it’s bringing new blood into the Montecito establishment.”
He adds: “No one saw this friendship coming, but Meghan really looks like she’s creating a new ‘Fab Four’ with Harry, Brooklyn and Nicola.”
Fab Four
Let’s not forget, this isn’t the first time the Sussexes have attempted to form a solid quartet.
Since then the Sussexes haven’t held back in airing their grievances against the Waleses, most notably in Harry’s memoir Spare.
In it, the former senior royal alleged that his brother had physically attacked him amid their Megxit negotiations, and claimed that Kate had made Meghan cry before their wedding over a disagreement about Princess Charlotte’s flower girl dress.
These days the warring couples have reportedly cut all communication, and that ‘Fab Four’ alliance is splintered beyond repair.
‘Blacklisted’
Meanwhile, other A-list friendships have also fallen by the wayside.
Take George and Amal Clooney, who were proudly in attendance at Harry and Meghan’s 2018 wedding, and hosted them at their mansion in Lake Como soon after.
The two couples don’t seem to have spoken for years, and the Clooneys have made their indifference to the Sussexes known by snubbing them from several high-profile events they’ve hosted.
Likewise, fellow wedding attendees David and Victoria Beckham have also blacklisted their former friends.
No one saw this friendship coming, but Meghan really looks like she’s creating a new ‘Fab Four’ with Harry, Brooklyn and Nicola
Nick EdeBrand and culture expert
As we’ve reported, the two couples were historically close, and Meghan even wore a Victoria Beckham dress in her first post-Megxit appearance as a mark of respect to her famous friend.
But – after the couple accused Victoria of selling stories about them to the press – the lines of communication went dead.
The Beckhams duly switched their own allegiances to the royals, and have since been getting closer than ever to Harry’s estranged father and brother.
So, having been declared personae non gratae by the Beckhams, it seems as if all bets are off.
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George and Amal Clooney famously attended the Sussexes’ wedding in 2018Credit: Getty
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David and Victoria were also in attendance at St George’s Chapel in Windsor to watch the nuptialsCredit: Getty
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Shortly before they got married, Harry and Meghan banded together with Prince William and Kate Middleton to launch The Royal Foundation – and were duly dubbed the ‘Fab Four’Credit: PA:Press Association/PA Images
Raft of opportunities
With relations between David and Victoria and their eldest son Brooklyn reportedly at an all-time low, this Montecito dinner has made a very public statement indeed.
Yet this isn’t simply a case of trying to get back at the Beckhams.
For all intents and purposes, Brooklyn and Nicola’s friendship could hold the key to a raft of opportunities for Harry and Meghan at this critical juncture in their own lives.
To that end, she’s been sending out her homemade jams, and other products including shortbread biscuits and herbal teas, to friends including Kris Jenner and Chrissy Teigen, in the hope that they might plug them on their Instagram pages.
But so far, her connections haven’t quite paid off when it comes to promoting her business.
Indeed, one of the biggest complaints when it came to her Netflix series was that, while we know she’s enjoyed friendships with the likes of Priyanka Chopra, Oprah Winfrey and Serena Williams in the past, she didn’t deliver on serving up A-list cameos on camera.
Her biggest signing was Mindy Kaling, but even that interaction seemed awkward and not representative of a genuine friendship.
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Mindy Kaling appeared on the Netflix series With Love, MeghanCredit: Netflix
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Before renaming her brand As Ever, Meghan sent her American Riviera Orchard jam to famous friends, including Kris Jenner, in the hope that they’d plug the product onlineCredit: Instagram
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Serena Williams – pictured with husband Alexis Ohanian – was another famous friend who turned up to the Sussexes’ wedding, but seems to have distanced herself from the couple in recent timesCredit: AP:Associated Press
So, having Brooklyn, 26, and Nicola , 30 – who both have a massive social media standing – on side could be highly advantageous to Meghan’s brand and online popularity.
While Brooklyn, in particular, may be the butt of several jokes when it comes to his career as an online “chef”, there’s no denying that his fans love watching him cook up a storm on his social media.
The nepo baby now has a whopping 16.3million followers on his Instagram account – which eclipses Meghan’s following of 2.9million.
With that kind of popularity, Brooklyn’s endorsement of Meghan’s jam, and her brand in general, would be a big win for As Ever.
It’s time to build on her credibility and build an audience who are authentic and buy into her brand.
Nick Ede
What’s more, Brooklyn and Nicola bring a hip and fresh factor to this new dynamic.
The Clooneys and the Beckhams may be established and dynastic couples, but the Peltz-Beckhams represent the next gen of showbiz influencers.
This potential leverage among younger followers will not have escaped Meghan’s attention.
It’s worth noting that the Duchess of Sussex has already made attempts to broaden her showbiz squad.
Earlier this year, she gave an online shoutout to Billie Eilish, the ultimate Gen Z cool girl, after the latter helped her with a charitable endeavour.
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Harry and Meghan packed on the PDA at a recent Beyonce concert
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Having distanced themselves from the Sussexes, the Beckhams have since been ingratiating themselves with the Royal Family – even attending events at Buckingham PalaceCredit: PA
She and Harry also recently stepped out at Beyonce’s LA concert – packing on the PDA and later thanking the singer online for a very fun “date night”.
This new Meghan is one who wants to be perceived as laid back, personable and fun – countering claims made in the past year that she’s a “bully” and difficult to work with.
Having the endorsement of a young, cool couple like Brooklyn and Nicola at this time could be beneficial – and Meghan knows it.
Meanwhile for Harry, having Brooklyn on side, who – as a Brit abroad – represents a piece of home at a time when he remains largely estranged from his family, might just be the source of comfort he needs.
Building a business should be Meghan’s priority
Nick Ede
But, as Nick tells us, she shouldn’t rely on her A-list friendships to guarantee her brand’s future.
She may be hoping to garner attention, but – ultimately – consumers want high quality products, regardless of who’s endorsing them.
“Whether this is a good move for Meghan is something we will have to wait and see,” Nick says. “The As Ever brand is still in its early days, and so is her TV career as a lifestyle expert.
“It’s time to build on her credibility and build an audience who are authentic and buy into her brand.
“Building a business should be her priority – this relationship may just serve as a distraction, rather than a positive step for both parties.”
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Brooklyn, then 13, last met Prince Harry in 2011 at the Sun Military Awards, alongside his dad DavidCredit: Darren Fletcher – The Sun
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Kate Middleton recently made her own allegiances known in a Victoria Beckham suitCredit: Getty
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While David is close to Prince William, their estranged family members – Brooklyn Beckham and Prince Harry – are hanging out in LACredit: PA
MEGHAN Markle and a beanie-clad Prince Harry have boasted about attending a hugely famous singer-songwriter’s gig – and even left with a signed book.
The pair, which included a beanie-wearing Harry, even took a photograph with the singer.
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended a huge concertCredit: Instagram/@Meghan
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Prince Harry got his own shot with James TaylorCredit: Instagram/@Meghan
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Meghan even received a signed book from the singerCredit: Instagram/@Meghan
The actress was pictured with music icon James Taylor – the hitmaker behind tracks including You’ve Got a Friend and Fire and Rain.
Meghan posted a picture with the singer which she captioned: “in my concert era. Thanks James!”
She included a snap of herself and Harry with James, alongside the singer’s brother Henry Taylor.
Meghan also posted a picture of the Prince and the singer standing together.
Harry wore a simple grey beanie, covering up his famous red hair, and an understated grey jacket.
In another picture, Meghan even revealed that she was given a signed book from the famous songster.
Entitled Sweet Baby James – which is also the title of one of the singer’s hit albums – the book contains illustrated pop-up designs and sells for $25.
James is currently on tour in the United States with his special guest Tiny Habits.
Meghan posted a picture from the crowd at his concert in Santa Barbara, California, on May 14 – one of the earliest dates on the tour.
The Sussexes’ dinner with Brooklyn and his wife took place at their home in Montecito – where they live with Archie and Lilibet.
The home is valued at £12 million and has nine-bedrooms, as well as a whimsical koi fish pond.
Harry and Meghan’s house also has a lavish swimming pool and a tennis court, alongside a private playground for their children.
Home Improvement expert Justin Nielsen, from Wolf River Electric, estimates that the property will need around 10 to 15 staff members to keep it in tip top condition.
He added: “Given the array of features, including a swimming pool, tennis court, koi pond, children’s playhouse, and chicken coop, the annual upkeep costs could easily reach between £150,000 and £250,000.
“This estimate accounts for landscaping, utilities, specialised care for the koi fish, and general maintenance.”