Author: bang1

Frankie Bridge wore a gorgeous Arket co-ord on Loose Women and fans ‘need’ to know where it’s from

We can always rely on Frankie Bridge to wow us with an outfit that both exudes glamour, class and bit of festive magic at this time of year – and the ensemble she stepped out in on Loose Women this week was no exception. The mother-of-two had fans falling head over heels for the brown sequin co-ord from Arket styled by Joolie Collier that she paired with a pair of crocodile skin brown boots that look similar to these on H&M.

Sharing the look on Instagram, the former The Saturdays singer looked stunning as she posed outside the ITV studio in the brown ensemble which complimented her gorgeous balayaged blonde bob. She captioned the picture: “Officially sparkle season.”

And it wasn’t long before Frankie received a flurry of comments from fans complimenting her and begging to learn where it was from.

“Lovely dress and boots combo,” said one, while another added: “Unreal beauty & style!”

A third and fourth stated: “Gorge and sparkly!!,” and “You look stunning. Very beautiful as always. Can I ask where the suit is from? Absolutely love it. Need it for my Christmas.”

“Love this outfit on you,” said another.

The sequin covered blouse from Arket comes in a semi-sheer delicate finish that looks to fall so elegantly. Made from 100% cotton, its slim fit is flattering and can be buttoned up to the top or, like Frankie, left open. The shirt, £77, is available in sizes XS to L – although currently the L is sold out. Frankie paired the shirt with its matching skirt that is, like many skirts at the moment, of a mid-length and has a ‘straight’ fit. The skirt, which costs£67, comes complete with an elasticated waistband – for maximum comfort – and it’s got a jersey lining.

We’re loving the amount of sparkles, sequins and skirts on the high street at the moment and if the cost of these gorgeous items are a tad too pricey, we’ve looked at a few alternatives that might inspire your next out out outfit.

For something a little more form fitting, this black sequin co-ord from H&M features a high neck cropped top and gorgeous flared black trousers. After more of a blazer and trousers kind of suit, Marks & Spencer have a tailored sequin single breasted blazer in blue with a matching pair of trousers and top – this trio also comes in black and silver.

If you’re keen on the brown, this sequin belted jacket from Mango is £99.99 and its matching trousers are £49.99

If Frankie’s gorgeous shirt and skirt combo has taken your fancy, get the shirt here and skirt here.

ITV Loose Women star, Brenda Edwards, has defended Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams, hitting back at the ‘distressing’ backlash he received for his past dance experience

Brenda Edwards has defended Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams’ past dance experience after he finished as a runner-up on Saturday’s finale.

Talking about Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola winning the Glitterball trophy over the weekend, the panellists shared their thoughts. Brenda, 54, who has known Layton, 29, for ten years, was quick to defend the star after he received backlash while taking part on the series.

During his time on the hit BBC One series, Layton, who defended his past dance experience before joining the show, often opened up about the trolling he received with his pro partner, Nikita Kuzmin, even hitting back at the trolls, calling it ‘sad and unnecessary’.

Layton Williams finished as a runner-up on Saturday’s finale, which was won by Ellie Leach ( 
Image:
BBC/Guy Levy)
Talking on Monday’s Loose Women, Brenda said: “Literally from the first week, he was brilliant and as everybody said, he was brilliant. But he still had critique of: ‘You’re not doing this right, you’re not doing that right.’ There was still that critique there for him.

“What upsets me is when you’ve got social media going crazy because something’s been leaked that he’s done this dancing here, he’s done that dancing there and he was in this production there. As a musical theatre performer, as a performer, if you go to an art school you’ve got drama, you’ve got dance, you’ve got singing. You can choose to do any one of those.

“He’s not the first person who’s gone onto Strictly that has had some dancing or even won awards for dancing and nothing has been said. But all of a sudden, everyone’s up in arms. He is brilliant, he is fantastic at his craft, he’s worked hard. I’ve known him for over ten years and that young man is so dedicated, he just puts his all, his heart and soul into everything.

“It just really distresses me that he was asked to come on a show and he’s being penalised for saying yes to going on that show. There’s no need for that [nasty remarks], he’s a talented young man at the end of the day.

The Loose Women panellists shared their thoughts on the Strictly Come Dancing final
“He did get high scores, so really, if people want to say something… maybe it should just go to the judges and then he would have won because he had all the [scores]. But it’s more a popularity thing or what people read that they don’t like, so let me get behind that person.”

It comes as Bad Education star Layton, who has previously defended his past dance experience, spoke about representing the LGBTIQA+ community and said on the trolling he has received: “It’s just one of those things I had in my mind maybe it would happen but then I don’t know, it’s like: ‘Really, are we still there?’”

Layton added: “I like to wear this, I do whatever I want and the team are really behind us.” Talking about some of the trolling he receives, he added: “It’s like: ‘Can you not just dress like a man, please please please put a suit on!’ and I’m like: ‘Girl, relax!’”

Nikita was quick to jump in as he said: “We get a bit defensive of our partners and just to see sometimes people speaking things or saying things they shouldn’t be saying. Sometimes things also get to him, and that’s a personal side, I find it sad and unnecessary [the trolling]. At the end of the day, we just want to make people happy, we just want to put on a show…”

It comes as fans claimed Layton and Nikita were ‘robbed’ on Saturday night and should have won due to topping the leaderboard with 119 points. However, the Strictly winner is determined by a public vote.

Carol McGiffin, 63, appeared on Loose Women from 2000 until 2013, returning five years later in 2018 before quitting earlier this year

Loose Women has become embroiled in fresh new feud allegations over claims a former star felt she “wasn’t welcomed” and “doesn’t miss” the show after her sudden exit.

Carol McGiffin, 63, appeared on the ITV programme from 2000 until 2013, returning five years later in 2018 before quitting earlier this year. However, since leaving, she has frequenly expressed her unhappiness at her time on the show, claiming it had changed.

Opening up to Women’s Own magazine this week, she declared: “No, I don’t miss Loose Women at all. My pronouns are P and Off. It’s just very woke and I can’t deal with the wokeness. I know I wasn’t really welcomed.” But she added: “That’s not why I am not there. I am not there because of other stuff.”

While she said that she does miss her co-stars, she said that she “doesn’t miss being on TV”. Carol hadn’t appeared on the show for months before she finally broke her silence and confirmed that she wouldn’t be returning, explaining that she had been forced to “step away” from the show after allegedly being asked to sign a contract which was “totally unjust and unworkable for me”.

In an interview with TNT talk radio, Carol said: “I always look back at when I started working in television and radio as the good old days because they were much less policed, I suppose. Much less restricted and it was a freer place to be.

Carol McGiffin has said that she ‘doesn’t miss’ Loose Women
“When I look back at the old Loose Womens I used to do from 2000 all the way until I left in 2013, they’re completely different. There is so much offence. People take so much offence at so much and they never used to.”

Tensions grew between Carol and ITV over comments she made to suggest that news organisations had been “brainwashing” the public over the risks of Covid in order to spark widespread mental health breakdowns.

Amid Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ongoing feud with the royal family, King Charles is reportedly extending an olive branch. Despite no significant changes in their strained relationship–the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly weren’t invited to the Trooping the Colour this year, and Harry didn’t see his father during his most recent visit to the U.K.–the British monarch is apparently considering visiting his youngest son in California for a sweet reason: To spend some time with his grandchildren. According to a royal expert, King Charles is “desperate” to see Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, although Prince William and Queen Camilla are reportedly less than supportive of the decision.

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As King Charles continues to undergo treatment for cancer, he is more keen than ever to reconnect with his grandkids. “He is desperate to see them and hates the idea that Archie and Lilibet will not remember him as the warm, friendly grandfather he wants to be,” royal author and commentator Tom Quinn reportedly told The Mirror. Because Prince Harry is “hesitant” to bring his kids across the pond, the king is reportedly having “discussions” with him and Meghan about doing a “discreet, private visit” to the couple’s home in Montecito, per the publication.

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The Mirror adds that a visit could happen as early as next month, per New Idea magazine, as there’s a gap in the king’s schedule. While Harry is reportedly open to the meeting, a source told the publication that the other senior royals are against the idea, although for different reasons.

“William can’t understand why Charles would go out on a limb like this,” the source said, adding that Queen Camilla is against the trip for health reasons. “The Australia tour in October is going to be a lot for a man of his age with cancer, let alone an emotional transatlantic journey to visit his estranged son.”

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Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole previously opened up about the king’s desire to nurture a closer relationship with Archie and Lilibet, telling the Daily Mail  that the royal feels the “lack of closeness with his California grandchildren acutely.” The royal expert said that the king had made small steps to bridge that divide, including sending a “heartfelt gift and card” to the princess for her third birthday.

Tom Bower’s harsh assessment of Meghan Markle revealed

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry’s wife and Duchess of Sussex.LAPRESSE

In a shocking claim, royal expert Tom Bower has labeled Meghan Markle as “an agent of poison” and “remorseless in her hatred.” During an interview with Sun Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson on the Royal Exclusive Show, Bower did not hold back in expressing his scathing criticism of the Duchess of Sussex.

Bower‘s comments centered around Meghan‘s alleged ability to destroy relationships for her own benefit. He stated: “Meghan is an agent of poison, she’s able to destroy relationships and when she cultivates them it’s always for her own good, her own purpose.” According to Bower, Meghan lacks generosity of spirit and has caused great sadness by driving a wedge between Prince Harry and his family, as well as estranging herself from her own father and half-sister.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle delight fans with heartwarming gesture

The strained relationship between Meghan and her father, Thomas, has been widely publicized. Thomas has been estranged from his daughter since suffering two heart attacks on the eve of her wedding to Prince Harry. The 80-year-old was unable to fulfill the traditional role of walking Meghan down the aisle, and their communication has since ceased.

Bower commented on this, saying: “It is really one of the great sadnesses of this saga, that Meghan has destroyed the relationship between Harry and his family, just as she has destroyed the relationship, with not only her father but also her half-sister.”

Bower slams Markle for strained family ties

The situation worsened when Thomas posed for paparazzi pictures ahead of the royal wedding, leading to further turmoil between them. Bower claimed: “She’s not actually someone who’s got any generosity of spirit.”

Despite the rift, Thomas has made efforts to reconcile with Meghan. He has publicly admitted that the paparazzi photos were a mistake and has sincerely apologized for his actions. However, the reconciliation attempts have not been successful, and the estrangement continues.

The ongoing rift between Meghan and her family serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with navigating personal relationships in the public eye. As the situation continues to unfold, it’s crucial to approach it with sensitivity and compassion for all parties involved.

The Duke of Sussex is saying goodbye to his longtime Invictus Games CEO Dominic Reid

Dominic Reid, left, with Prince Harry at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany in September 2023. PHOTO: CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Prince Harry is praising a faithful leader of his groundbreaking mission for veterans and armed forces members.

Dominic Reid, the CEO who led the Invictus Games from its inception, says he will stand down as it “is the time for someone new to take this vital movement forward into its second vigorous decade.”

The Duke of Sussex, 39, paid tribute to Reid for what he had done to help take the Invictus Games from its first iteration in London in 2014 to the world stage.

“Ten years on from the inception of the Invictus Games, we proudly stand as a community of 23 nations spanning every continent, fulfilling our mission of saving and changing lives,” Harry said in a statement. “I am immensely grateful to my friend Dominic, whose dedication and leadership transformed the Invictus Games from an ambitious idea to an internationally recognized movement.”

In his thanks, Harry added praise for Reid’s “decade of relentless service to the Invictus Games Foundation.” “What a journey it has been, and how fortunate we are to work with such an incredible community of people. We pray we don’t need the Games for another ten years, but thanks to you, the team and our future CEO, we will be ready.”

From left: Dominic Reid, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Germany in September 2023.CHRIS JACKSON/GETTY

Reid outlined in his statement that they initially thought the Paralympic-style competition for veterans and service personnel might be a one-off event. “But the unstable geopolitical landscape we now inhabit makes it vital that our work continues well into the future, as more and more service personnel are wounded every day,” he said.

“Our global community continues to demonstrate the impact of Invictus across the world,” he continued. “We have established legacy programs with Invictus Australia and Invictus Germany.”

It has continued with projects such as the Netflix documentary Heart of Invictus, while last month Germany introduced a veterans’ day for the first time, partially due to Dusseldorf hosting the contest in 2023.

Reid added that he is “pleased to have set the [Invictus Games] Foundation on a solid footing and to have built an outstanding team which is drawn in part from the community we serve.”

Dominic Reid, CEO of the Invictus Games Foundation in Germany in September 2023.SASCHA SCHUERMANN/GETTY

Prince Harry Addresses Pat Tillman’s Mom in Powerful ESPYs Speech After Controversy

“It has been a privilege to work closely with Prince Harry to deliver his vision of an international sporting event for those who have served, and for their families and friends. His concept, passion, and drive have been instrumental in our success, in particular by focussing attention on mental health in sports rehabilitation,” Reid said.

He added, “It has been an honor to build and work with an incredible, dedicated and high-functioning team whom I count as friends and not just colleagues. And to establish and develop this global movement which now has 23 member nations and a presence on every continent.”

Dominic Reid attends a press conference during the Invictus Games in Germany in September 2023.JOSHUA SAMMER/GETTY

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The next Invictus Games are taking place in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada in February 2025. The event will be the first winter hybrid to unite traditional core sports with the addition of some winter sports.

Reid leaves as the organization prepares to name the next venue for the Invictus Games to be held, with Birmingham, England, and Washington, D.C., in contention.

Prince Harry Got ‘Goosebumps’ Over Project Supporting for Veterans and Service Personnel in Nigeria (Exclusive)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Nigeria in March 2024.KOLA SULAIMON/AFP VIA GETTY

On July 12, Prince Harry accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2024 ESPY Awards in recognition of the Invictus Games. The Duke of Sussex used the occasion to pay tribute to Tillman’s mother, Mary Tillman, who previously criticized ESPN’s choice to award him as this year’s recipient.

Prince Harry said in his acceptance, “The truth is, I stand here not as Prince Harry, Pat Tillman Award recipient, but rather a voice on behalf of the Invictus Games Foundation and the thousands of veterans and service personnel from over 20 nations who have made the Invictus Games a reality. This award belongs to them, not to me. That said, it is of great importance to me to highlight these allies, athletes and their amazing families for their achievements, their spirit, and their courage at every opportunity, especially on nights like this, in front of people like you.”

The 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games was celebrated with a service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London in March.

After the anniversary event, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, headed to Nigeria where they celebrated the newest, and first African, country to join the Invictus Games. While they were there, a new Invictus Games center was unveiled to help wounded, sick and injured servicemen and women.

Meghan Markle shared sweet sentiments about daughter Princess Lilibet during her and Prince Harry’s Nigeria trip.

The Duchess of Sussex gave rare insight into the 2-year-old’s personality while visiting Lightway Academy with her husband on Friday.

Markle, 42, told kindergarten students that dance is her toddler’s “favorite class” because of “all the jumping around.”

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Meghan Markle spoke about daughter Princess Lilibet during her Nigeria trip.Alexi Lubomirski / Duke and Duch

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The Duchess of Sussex said dancing is the 2-year-old’s “favorite.”via REUTERS

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She also detailed a sweet moment they shared recently.Misan Harriman/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
While speaking at the school about mental health later that same day, the “Suits” alum described a recent conversation with Lilibet.

“A few weeks ago, she looked at me and she could just see the reflection in my eyes,” she recalled. “And she was [like], ‘Mama, I see me in you.’”

Markle and Harry, 39, are also the parents of 5-year-old son Prince Archie and mentioned his recent birthday during their visit.

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Markle and Prince Harry are also the parents of son Prince Archie.Netflix

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She revealed on Friday that he loves “construction.”Netflix
The former actress also revealed that their son is interested in “construction.”

The couple welcomed Archie and Lilibet in May 2019 and June 2021, respectively, and their family of four lives in Montecito, Calif.

Markle and Harry appear to have left their children at home during their trip to Africa.

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The couple are in Nigeria seemingly without their little ones.AFP via Getty Images

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They visited a school.Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
The Nigeria jaunt comes on the heels of Harry spending two days solo in London — and seemingly being snubbed by his father, King Charles III, on multiple occasions.

Not only did the monarch, 75, not have time in his busy schedule to see his younger son, but he reportedly also ordered all working family members to attend his garden party — at the same time as Harry’s Invictus Games service.

Charles’ Buckingham Palace soirée on Wednesday took place only miles from the prince’s ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

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Markle wore a backless dress.AFP via Getty Images

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She and the Duke of Sussex will be in the country for three days.Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation
Harry has had a strained relationship with his dad and brother, Prince William, since he and Markle left the country — and stepped back from their duties — in 2020.

The duo, who officially resigned in 2021, have been vocal about their issues with the royal family in a viral Oprah Winfrey interview, a Netflix docuseries and Harry’s “Spare” memoir.

Charles is battling cancer, as is William’s wife, Kate Middleton.

The Windsor genes run strong!

Royal fans couldn’t help but notice the resemblance between Princess Eugenie’s son, August, and Prince Harry’s daughter Lilibet in a recent post shared to Instagram.

In honor of her son’s second birthday Thursday, Eugenie shared a video of the toddler dancing to “Jive Talkin’” by the Bee Gees.

“Happy 2nd Birthday to our boy Augie.. you are our worlds greatest joy,” she captioned the sweet clip. “Keep dancing and smiling my angel. Xx”

While many followers rushed to wish August a happy birthday, others pointed out the striking similarities to her cousin’s two children — Archie, 3, and Lilibet, 1.

Princess Eugenie posted a video of her 2-year-old son to celebrate his birthday.Instagram/Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie posted a video of her 2-year-old son to celebrate his birthday.Instagram/Princess Eugenie

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“Omg he resembles Lilibeth 😍,” one person commented, as another added, “He could be lilibets twin.”

While third fan chimed in saying, “At first I thought he was Archie.. lol.”
Fans pointed out August’s resemblance to Harry’s daughter, Lilibet.Misan Harriman/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
Eugenie — who is pregnant with her second child — welcomed August just a few months before Harry and Meghan Markle expanded their brood.

Not only do the distant cousins look alike, but sources told Us Weekly they’ve grown close despite living thousands of miles apart.

“Eugenie and Harry and Meghan have an unbreakable bond,” the insider revealed. “They’re in regular communication and FaceTime at least once every couple of months with the children.”
Princess Eugenie with her husband, Jack Brooksbank, are expecting their second child.Instagram/Princess Eugenie
Eugenie was of the few royals the Duke of Sussex spoke highly of in his bombshell memoir, “Spare.”

According to the book, Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, were the first family members Harry introduced to Markle back in 2017.

“I remember Euge hugging Meg as if they were sisters,”‘ he recalled.

Harry and Meghan’s children regularly FaceTime with Eugenie’s son.Netflix

Harry and Meghan’s children regularly FaceTime with Eugenie’s son.Misan Harriman/The Duke and Duchess of Sussex

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The foursome is so close that Eugenie and Brooksbank are reportedly thinking about following in Harry and Markle’s footsteps by moving to California.

Harry’s twin! Lilibet Diana has red hair just like her father.

Meghan Markle and her daughter Lilibet Diana/ Instagram (@misanharriman)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are giving their fans a glimpse of the backyard picnic they threw for their daughter, Lilibet Diana.

The young royal turned one on Saturday, June 4. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who were in the UK for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, held Lilibet’s party at their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor.

Several royal family members attended, including Mia, Lena, and Lucus – the children of Harry’s cousin Princess Zara and her husband Mike Tindall.

Peter Phillips and Autumn Kelly’s children Savannah and Isla were reportedly also in attendance.

Photographer Misan Harriman, a close friend of the couple, attended the picnic with his wife Camilla Holmstroem and their two children.

Harry and Meghan allowed the photographer to take pictures at the party, which he later shared on his Instagram page.

“It was such a privilege to celebrate the 1st birthday of Lilibet with my family and hers! Joy and face painting all around,” Misan captioned three pictures from the celebrations.

No new pictures of their three-year-old son Archie were shared. But according to Meghan’s hairdresser, George Northwood, he is “the cutest, well mannered little boy”.

Claire Ptak, the baker behind the couple’s wedding cake, reportedly made Lilibet’s first birthday cake.

A spokesperson told Harper’s Bazaar that Harry and Meghan “remain incredibly touched by the countless birthday wishes for their daughter”.

It’s not the first picture the couple has shared of their little girl. They celebrated their first festive season as a family of four by sharing a Christmas card.

The Christmas card featured both Archie and Lilibet. It was taken at their home in California.

Queen Elizabeth met Lilibet for the first time last week.

Harry and Meghan made two appearances at the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. They watched the Trooping the Colour parade from the Major General’s Office.

They were also pictured at the Service of Thanksgiving event at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Princess Lilibet of Sussex turns three on 4 June and here at HELLO!, we’re sending the royal toddler our warmest congratulations.

Lilibet Diana was born on 4 June 2021 in Santa Barbara, California, the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the granddaughter of King Charles.

Seventh in line to the British throne, sweet Lilibet was named after her great-grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was affectionately known as Lilibet. Lilibet is often called ‘Lili’ for short by her parents.

Lilibet’s birth was announced via a statement on Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation website.

It read: “On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili. She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe.”

The Sussex family live in Montecito, California, Lilibet and her big brother Archie, five, are being raised in a sunny, outdoorsy lifestyle.

Thanks to the royal couple’s Netflix docu-series, we’ve seen an array of photos and video clips of Lilibet and Archie enjoying their sun-filled life. The family have a stunning home, with a large garden complete with playground, swimming pool and a chicken coop.

As we celebrate Princess Lilibet’s third birthday, take a look at some adorable photos of the royal tot…

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Sleeping baby Lili

Baby Lilibet was utterly adorable in this rare photo. The Netflix documentary was the first time we had seen a newborn snap of the royal tot.

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Crawling outdoors

Here’s little Lili crawling around in the garden looking so sweet in her white headband.

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© Twitter/Misan Harriman

Birthday girl

This was such a sweet photo of Meghan with Lilibet on her first birthday at the family’s UK home, Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate. The picture was taken by close family friend and guest, Misan Harriman, who attended the casual, intimate backyard picnic.

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Lilibet’s pretty cake

Lilibet looked so cute being held by mum Meghan as she gazed at her beautiful pink birthday cake.

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Daddy time

Dad Harry carried Lilibet on his shoulders at home in Windsor in this precious photo.

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© Misan Harriman

Bonny in blue

The prettiest snap here of Lilibet dressed in a blue summer dress with a white hair bow.

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Learning to walk

Harry and Meghan gave their darling Lili a helping hand as she learnt how to walk in the family’s garden.

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Carry with Meghan

Doting mum Meghan carried both her children as she walked through her Montecito garden – what a lovely moment captured on camera.