Author: bang1

Music PR Alan Edwards was welcomed on Loose Women this Friday as he spoke about his close bond with David Bowie and revealed the star had performed some good deeds.

His work is considered a monument in music history but according to Alan Edwards, David Bowie also had a string of kind acts he could have been proud of.

The music mogul chatted to the Loose Women panel this Friday, June 7, as he promoted his new book I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll, a memoir in which he recalls his biggest career moments.

Although some ITV viewers took to X to point they had “no idea” who Alan was his stellar list of clients includes names fans have definitely encountered in the past as he has worked for the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Spice Girls, Blondie, Prince, Britney Spears, Robbie Williams, David Beckham, Naomi Campbell and even Amy Winehouse.

But by cosying up to some of the world’s biggest stars, Alan was able to notice moments admirers had no way of knowing about as he told Kaye Adams all about his last moments with David Bowie.

Alan Edwards shared years of friendship with David Bowie, catching him in unguarded moments, miles away from his eccentric public persona ( 
Image:
ITV)

Alan, the founder and CEO of public relations firm The Outside Organisation, recalled how he and the Starman hitmaker shared an outing before eventually parting ways.

“In the street, he gave me a hug”, Alan remembered, “and it was really nice but I didn’t realise how he really was.” The devastating news of David Bowie’s death, which took place on January 10 (two days after his 61st birthday) 2016, was shared a month after the pals last saw one another.

Looking back on their last encounter, Alan admitted he realised what the embrace really mean: “he was consciously saying goodbye to me.”

After claiming his famous friend was “very self-effacing, very modest”, Alan recalled how David Bowie had an obliging streak as he remembered a time the late hitmaker had taken care of him and his co-workers.

David would casually make his way to Alan’s office on Tottenham Court Road, with Alan remembering: “he’d sometimes just rock up, no body guards.” Once on location, “he’d come up in the office some days and he’d make tea and coffee for everyone. That’s what kind of a man he was.”

The star’s guitarist made similar revelations, relayed by The Daily Mirror. Earl Slick exposed David Bowie’s sweet tooth and penchant for espresso coffee in his later years, after fighting off his addictions. Earl and David worked together for the singer’s 25th studio album, The Next Day.

The Chase star Mark Labbett, also known as The Beast, recently split from his girlfriend Hayley Palmer just a few weeks after they marked their one-year anniversary

The Chase’s brainbox Mark Labbett, also known as The Beast, recently parted ways with his girlfriend Hayley Palmer after a year together.

The 58-year-old quiz master reportedly ended the relationship shortly after celebrating their first anniversary with a simple Beefeater pub meal and a romantic beach stroll.

A representative for the ITV star confirmed the split, stating: “I can confirm that Mark and Hayley have split. He won’t be making any further comment at this time.”

Hayley herself took to Instagram late last month to share the sad update, writing: “It is with regret I announce that myself and Mark have gone our separate ways. We had the best year together, and I truly wish him all the very best for the future.” With a broken heart emoji, she concluded: “Off I go to listen to Taylor Swift.”

The Chase’s brainbox Mark Labbett, also known as The Beast, recently parted ways with his girlfriend Hayley Palmer after a year together ( 
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(Image: Getty))

Mark Labbett and his ex-wife Katie tied the knot in 2014 ( 
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(Image: Getty))

Meanwhile, an insider spilled to The Sun: “Mark had a lovely time with Hayley and has a lot of respect for her but they wanted different things. She loves getting dressed up and going out to parties and showbiz events, whereas he prefers to stay at home.”

They added, according to the Express: “Mark felt there was too much of an age gap between them for long-term success. They are still friendly. When he’s not on the telly or filming, Mark enjoys a quiet life and cherishes time with his son. He remains optimistic about finding someone to settle down with in the future.”

Mark’s most recent breakup comes three years after his marriage to his ex-wife Katie ended; she was 17 years younger than him. They first crossed paths on Facebook in 2010. However, it wasn’t until 2012 when sparks started to fly after Mark invited her to a celebrity special of the show.

Katie confessed: “I had never heard of Mark, or watched The Chase, but my gran mentioned him so I was intrigued.” The pair went on to say ‘I do’ in 2014 and eventually had their son together. They’ve both firmly maintained that they had no idea about their second cousin relationship with Mark and Katie’s father being first cousins.

During a chat on Loose Women, Mark revealed: “It wasn’t something we were aware of at the time it was one of those things that happened.” Approximately a year and a half prior to their separation in 2020, Mark and Katie decided on an open marriage.

In conversation with The Sun, Mark previously discussed the circumstances leading up to this arrangement: “When Katie first came clean to me about her boyfriend, I’d had an inkling. But right from the start, my attitude was quite pragmatic – this was spilt milk, what could we do about the situation to make it OK? We had a family. We couldn’t just throw that away lightly. There were other considerations.”Their relationship officially came to an end in August 2020. Despite their split, Mark reassured there was “never any deceit” and has since maintained that they have a positive relationship and co-parent “really well”

National treasure Dame Kelly, who is Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Training Corps, tore into Rishi Sunak for quitting the sombre commemorations early

Military veteran Dame Kelly Holmes has slammed Rishi Sunak for “disrespecting” D-Day heroes after he left the 80th anniversary commemorations in Normandy early.

The Olympian, who is Honorary Colonel of the Royal Armoured Training Corps, said following the Prime Minister’s latest blunder: “We need change now.”

National treasure Dame Kelly, who became the first British woman to win double gold at the Olympics 20 years ago, also slammed Mr Sunak’s National Service plan and accused him of “vilifying” marginalised communities like trans people for political gain.

She said: “What I hate is all the bullsh*t that comes out of the Conservatives mouths about what they’re going to do now if they get in at the next election, but why didn’t they do them all this time while they’ve been in power? Veterans have been suffering for years with homelessness, housing, mental health issues and now all of a sudden their care and support for them is important and in the agenda because of the D-Day celebrations, why wasn’t it a priority over the past 14 years?

Dame Kelly Homes said it was time for ‘change’ ( 
Image:
Press Association)

“The fact is, it’s 80 years of D-Day and we know that at the next celebration, in five or 10 years, it’s very very unlikely that we will have many or any veterans left from Great Britain and it’s up to us to keep that memory alive. Some of them drowned before they even got to the beach, but it was clearly not that important to our Prime Minister when he didn’t even stay.

“That, at that point yesterday was so emotional. You look at it and you think, we were part of any allyship that gave certain countries their freedom. The sacrifice is that we were sending kids, 16, 17 year old kids. Give people respect where it was due. Other people stayed on. I don’t know what he was coming home for and I don’t really care.

“If he was coming home for a media interview that could have waited until tomorrow. It’s disrespectful. It is.”

The Loose Women presenter, 54, who served for 10 years in the Army and has long been an active campaigner on veterans’ rights, dubbed the proposed National service scheme as “crazy”. “Again, why are they starting to talk about that now?

Dame Kelly Holmes, who served for 10 years in the army, has been staunch campaigner on veterans’ rights ( 
Image:
Handout)

Dame Kelly Homes said Rishi Sunak’s National Service plan is ‘crazy’ ( 
Image:
Press Association)
“We already have in the Army Foundation College up in Harrogate which serves 16-18 year olds who can go there, have a full education, get paid to be there and learn life skills and then at the end decide whether or not they want to join the army. There is already a system in place. This whole national service thing is just to try to get votes, it’s crazy.

“You can’t have a blanket approach but also there are kids in schools who would benefit from being in training between 16 and 18 if they are not academic but this isn’t the way. Our Army is getting smaller and smaller, they don’t put the money into it, they don’t look after the veterans after they leave service. They need to think about that first.”

Dame Kelly, who chose to come out at the age of 52 in an interview with the Sunday Mirror also spoke about Sunak’s record on trans rights. “It’s a difficult topic but my main thing I would say to him is: ‘stop vilifying people for your political gain’

“Just get on with the causes, stop targeting minority groups that you think are getting the headlines to help you win an election when actually there are thousands and thousands and thousands of people who have been suffering from some of the things that you have not been sorting out for so many years.

“You are literally ruining lives for your own political gain. It’s ridiculous. We used to be number one in the world for diversity and inclusion and we’re number 16 now. It’s wrong. Stop trying to hurt peoples’ lives by bringing up something that is irrelevant to what else is going on in this country at the moment with the cost of living crisis, pouring sewage into our waters, energy bills and everything else.”

There was a reshuffle on BBC Breakfast this week after the sad death of Rob Burrow

BBC Breakfast experienced a significant presenter reshuffle when an emotional Sally Nugent was replaced following a tragic loss.

Devoted viewers of the popular morning programme tuned in for the first episode of the week on Monday expecting to see Jon Kay, 54, and his 52-year-old co-host. The dynamic pair typically present the show together from Monday to Wednesday each week.

Then Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty take the reins from Thursday to Saturday, with stand-in hosts stepping in for the Sunday episode. However, at the start of the week, BBC chiefs were compelled to make a last-minute call to another broadcaster to fill in for the star.

Later in the show, the star sat down on the iconic red sofa as her colleagues interviewed her about her bond with Rob Burrow ( 
Image:
BBC)
Weekend host Sarah Campbell stepped in for the mother-of-one alongside her colleague Jon. Despite her absence, the regular presenter shared a heart-wrenching post on Instagram dedicated to the late rugby league legend Rob Burrow.

The sportsman tragically passed away at the age of 41 after his four-and-a-half year fight with motor neuron disease on Sunday. Sally worked closely with the rugby player and his family as he chronicled his health shortly after his diagnosis back in 2019, reports the Daily Star.

BBC Breakfast extensively covered Burrow’s story, with Sally becoming a close friend of the family. Sharing a series of images showing him enjoying time with his family, the broadcaster shared a moving tribute to the late star.

The message read: “Shoot for the moon. Land in the stars @rob7lindsey”, signed off with three kisses. This heartfelt post soon had her followers pouring in supportive comments for her and Rob’s family. Honestly, you were one of my first thoughts! Thank you for helping the family highlight this cruel disease. Love to all the family and Rest in Peace Rob.”

The sportsman tragically passed away at the age of 41 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Another expressed: “Thought of you when I heard the sad news. You brought so much awareness to mnd and worked so amazingly with Rob and his family.”

While a third penned: “Heartbreaking, your work and friendship you developed with him and his family has been incredible. Thoughts with you all.”

Later in the show, the beloved TV personality sat down on the iconic red sofa as her colleagues interviewed her about her bond with the sports star. Sally found it difficult to hold back tears as she reminisced about Rob’s love for his young family and his determined courage to battle the terminal illness for as long as possible.

Viewers took to X – once known as Twitter – to appreciate the star for her heartrending segment online. One viewer wrote: “Have to say, I think Sally has spoken so well about Rob, God bless him and his family and friends #bbcbreakfast.”

Another fan expressed their sorrow: “So sad to hear of the passing of the legend that is Rob Burrow. I have followed his fight with #MND via #BBCBreakfast and Sally Nugent. Thoughts, love and strength with his family, friends and the rugby community at this sad time. #riprobburrow [blue heart emoji, yellow heart emoji].”

Loose Women star Sophie Morgan has announced that she’s quitting the ITV daytime show after two and a half years on the panel, as she gears up for a huge move to the USA

Sophie Morgan, the inspirational TV presenter and paraplegic, is waving goodbye to Loose Women after gracing the ITV show for over two years.

She’s been a firm favourite with viewers, sharing the screen with stars like Coleen Nolan and Katie Piper. However, Sophie’s chasing her American Dream, as she excitedly announced on Instagram. “Firstly, as some of you know, it has been a dream of mine to live and work in the US for some time now, and it has finally become a reality,” she wrote, expressing her delight at the move.

The ITV star is loving life stateside, saying: “I find life here [in the US] so accessible; I feel like a different person, more free and less disabled.” Sophie credits the ADA, sunny weather, and positive vibes for her newfound freedom.

She teased her followers about her future plans, hinting that she’ll still have a foot in London: “I will be based between LA and London and am excited to continue sharing my adventures with you all.”

Sophie is staying in the USA and has quit her role on ITV’s Loose Women ( 
Image:
Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Sophie has also bagged what she calls “the biggest broadcast gig” of her career, promising to spill the beans soon. With a strong following on Instagram, Sophie reassured her UK fans that she isn’t abandoning them, despite her exciting new chapter across the pond.

“In the meantime (I have been dying to shout about this), for the past 18 months, I’ve been working on a new Channel 4 documentary, and it will be out very soon,” she teased. This doc is set to be a trailblazing piece of television which combines my two foremost passions, authentic representation in TV and disability rights.”

The TV star revealed that it will be co-produced by US actress Reese Witherspoon’s “game-changing” production company, and added that filming it has been “a real labour of love”.

It comes after Sophie revealed that she has been focusing on her own wellbeing, both mentally and physically. Writing her memoir Driving Forwards proved to be hugely cathartic, she revealed, and led her to begin a course of trauma therapy.

“I have post traumatic stress disorder from all the things that have happened to me,” said the Loose Women presenter. “And as much as I have coped very well, there are a huge number of issues that I need to work through since my car crash.”

Sophie was involved in a car accident which left her unable to walk again ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The TV star has been a huge advocate for the disability community ( 
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)That accident was in 2003, when Sophie was just 18 and had picked up her A-level results from her boarding school, Gordonstoun, in Scotland. Driving four friends home in her car, she veered off the road and ended up trapped beneath it, suffering severe injuries that left her paralysed from the chest down.

Her friends escaped with minor injuries while Sophie spent months in hospital. She has been a wheelchair user for almost 20 years. “The process of writing the book and dredging everything up encouraged me to reflect a lot,” she said. “I have fantastic coping mechanisms and have never really had therapy since my injury, but I’ve recently started EMDR [Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing] therapy and I’ve been really benefiting from it.”

Loose Women’s, Judi Love, has spoken out about the awful video, which appears to show music mogul, P Diddy, abusing his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in a hotel

Loose Women star, Judi Love, has warned anyone thinking of sharing the vile P Diddy video, which appears to show the Bad Boy mogul abusing his ex-girlfriend.

In sickening scenes, the clip, which has now gone viral, allegedly shows Diddy, 54, dragging and kicking Cassie Ventura, 37, in a hotel. On Sunday, the multi-millionaire took to social media and apologised, saying he hit “rock bottom” and was “truly sorry”.

However, Judi, 43, thinks the video could be ‘triggering’ for anyone who has suffered domestic abuse. Taking to Instagram with the hashtag #standagainstdomesticviolence, she said: “We’ve all seen the video and it’s so distressing, more importantly, so distressing for Cassie. People should be mindful of what they’re sharing because it can be triggers to many. If you do want to share something, share where people can get help from and share the love to keep women safe – and men, but particularly women.”

Loose Women’s, Judi Love has spoken out about the distressing video, which appears to show music mogul, P Diddy, abusing his ex-girlfriend ( 
Image:
1judilove/Instagram)

Diddy has apologised after the video purporting to show him abusing his ex Cassie Ventura was leaked, but fans aren’t buying it ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
In a full clip to camera, an exhausted looking Diddy told fans after the video leaked: “So difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life, sometimes you got to do that. I was f***ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom, but I make no excuses, my behaviour in that video is inexcusable. I take full responsibility for my actions in that video, disgusting.

“I was disgusted then when I did it, I am disgusted now. I went and I sought out professional help, I got into going to therapy, going to rehab. Asked God for his mercy and grace. I’m so sorry. But I am committed to be a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness, I’m truly sorry.”

However, his apology has not gone down well with many, as some have slammed the star for not apologising to Cassie, calling the out the artist formerly known as Puffy on the fact that he only seems contrite after the shocking video was leaked.

Commenting on the plight of Cassie and other black women, Judi said: “Particularly black women are less likely to come forward in situations of domestic violence and are, also, less likely to be believed.” She continued: “For those who say: ‘Why does race have to come into it?’ This is why, because of the areas of discrimination. Not just financially, in child birth, but in the court room where black women are fighting for justice.”
Stressing we need to create a “sage space” for women, the presenter concluded: “Can we really try and enable safe spaces for women to speak. Speaking from what I know and personal experiences, one of the factors stopping women from speaking out about what they’ve gone trough is the shame factor that’s placed upon them. Let’s have conversations that are less judgemental.”

Saira Khan has opened up about her time on Loose Women and the real reason she decided to quit the ITV chat show after five years on the panel back in 2020

Saira Khan, the former Loose Women panellist, has opened up about her time on the show, why she decided to leave, and the friendships she maintains post-exit in a candid chat. In an exclusive with Woman’s Own magazine, the one-time Apprentice star who shot to fame as the runner-up in the inaugural 2005 series reflected on her stint from 2015 to 2020 on the panel of the hit daytime TV show.

She explained her departure from Loose Women, saying: “It was more about me growing up and saying, ‘Look, this is what I like, and this is what I don’t like,’ and some of the things that go on, I was just not comfortable with it, and I think you have to be honest with it.”

“It doesn’t mean you’re falling out, it just means it’s not enough for me.”

Khan also dished on her current ties with her ex-co-stars. “I recently went out with Ruth [Langsford] to go and see Coleen [Nolan] on her solo tour in Blackpool,” she revealed.

“I keep in touch with Andrea [McLean] and Denise [Welch]. I know people think I fell out with them all, but it wasn’t about the girls, it was more about me to be honest with you.”, reports OK!.

Saira and Denise Welch still keep in touch after Loose Women ( 
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Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Post-Loose Women, Saira took on the gruelling SAS: Who Dares Wins, joining celebs like Kerry Katona, James Cracknell, Alexandra Burke, and Wes Nelson. She’s also been seen on the Jeremy Vine on 5 morning show, which she admits to preferring over her Loose Women gig.

“I wouldn’t go back to Loose Women I’ve done that and I think I’ve come out of it realising I want to move forward, and I want to do things that I really enjoy,” she shared. “Also, Jeremy Vine gives me space to talk about politics as well as just talking about my private life and who I am. I think people can get a bit bored of that, and the same subjects.”

“I also like the diversity of it, and that it’s not just all females there’s men and women, and I quite like that. It’s a bit more real life, and you can have a bit more laughter.”

When she joined Jeremy’s show earlier this year, she told The Mirror : “After taking a few years off the telly, it was nice to be back and I didn’t realise how much I missed it. It was Jeremy [Vine] who persuaded me to come back.”

She added: “I think it’s good to have a break and I feel more confident now about who I am and what I want to say.”

Loose Women was full of surprises on Wednesday’s episode as it celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cilla Black’s hit show, Surprise Surprise, which first aired in May 1984

Loose Women descended into chaos on Wednesday as the show was full of surprises.

During the latest instalment, the hit ITV chat show celebrated the 40th anniversary of Cilla Black’s hit show, Surprise Surprise, which first aired in May 1984. As such, the hour-long show had plenty of surprises in store for the panellists, audience and viewers at home. Throughout the episode, host Christine Lampard revealed that a former Loose Women star would be surprising everyone on air with some news and kept dropping hints – with Andrea McLean eventually revealed.

Prior to this, Christine, 45, had plenty of surprises in store for her co-stars Brenda Edwards, Judi Love and Nadia Sawalha. At first, Brenda, 55, was surprised by her daughter Tanisha live on air, which reduced the presenter to tears over the sweet surprise especially when Tanisha kept praising how “great” and “inspirational” her mum is, adding: “She’s literally like the best mum” before jokingly adding: “Don’t cry!” as Brenda was left sobbing over the reveal.

Loose Women descended into chaos on Wednesday as the show was full of surprises ( 
Image:
ITV)
Next up, Judi, 43, was surprised as her best friend, Francesca, appeared via video as she said: “I’m so proud of you”, adding she always knew even from school she would go far and be famous. Ending the video, she said: “I just want to remind you, your mum and your dad are definitely looking over you, beaming with joy and pride, especially over how much of an amazing mother you are. I love you, see you soon and take care.” Judi broke down in tears over the sweet message, wiping away tears, with her co-stars also visibly emotional.

Last up, it was Nadia’s, 59, turn for a surprise as she spoke about her friendship group before they appeared live in the studio. Nadia was left in tears over the surprise before dropping a hilarious swear word, where she had to apologise for the blunder. Recalling how they met and their friendship, Nadia then revealed her nickname for one of her friends as she said: “It’s so weird the way you keep calling her Helen because we only call her t**s!”

This resulted in loud gasps in the studio as Nadia suddenly realised her error as she covered her mouth in shock while her amused friends added: “You can’t say that, you’re going to be in trouble!” as they all apologised.

The Loose Women panellist Janet Street-Porter told the PM that retirees had come out worse under the Tories after economists warned older people were the biggest losers at the Spring Budget

Rishi Sunak has been asked why he “hates pensioners” as he was grilled on ITV’s Loose Women by Janet Street-Porter.

The Loose Women panellist told the PM that retirees had come out worse under the Tories after economists warned older people were the biggest losers at the Spring Budget.

Ms Street-Porter told the PM that he is a “decent man” with his “heart in the right place”. But to an applause from the audience, she then asked Mr Sunak: “Why do you hate pensioners?” She added: “That is the only conclusion that I can come to as a result of the Spring Budget. So you lowered national insurance by 4p – big deal, pensioners don’t pay NI.”

Ms Street-Porter went on: “So many pensioners are living in poverty – I think about two million. I think most poverty stricken pensioners are living in private accommodation – one in three. There’s an argument that pensioners have come out worse under the Tories or worse under you, your supervision.

The PM was told pensioners have come out worse under the Tories ( 
Image:
ITV)

“I would say as a pensioner that what I see is a lot of pensioners take extra jobs to make ends meet, to buy little treats, to go out once a month… but if they earn any money – more than £1,000 a year – they are going to be paying tax. Does that seem right?”

In response, the PM insisted he cared “deeply” about pensioners and highlighted the Tories’ commitment to keep the triple lock on state pensions. He added: “Lots of people criticise us for that [triple lock]. But we’ve protected it and that means the state pension right now has just gone up by £900.”

In March the Resolution Foundation said that all eight million pensioners would see their taxes increase by an average of £1,000 by 2027/28 due to frozen income tax thresholds.

Janet Street-Porter asked the PM why he ‘hates pensioners’ ( 
Image:
ITV)
Mr Sunak was also asked by panellist Jane Moore whether he would resign as an MP if The Tories lose the general election later this year. But he insisted he would stay on, saying: “Of course I’m staying. I love being an MP. I love my constituents, I love my home in North Yorkshire.” He hinted the election would be in the autumn, telling the panel it could be “good for your holiday”.

Alison McGovern, Labour’s Acting Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: “The Tories have failed pensioners.
“They crashed the economy, broke the Triple Lock during a cost-of-living crisis and put pensioners’ living standards on the line with an unfunded £46 billion black hole.”

Prince Harry has arrived at St Paul’s Cathedral in London for tonight’s special service celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games – and came dressed in a smart suit with his military medals

Prince Harry arrived solo at St Paul’s Cathedral for tonight’s special service celebrating the Invictus Games after failing to reunite with his royal relatives during his UK trip.

The event commemorated the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games, which Harry set up in 2014 to support injured servicemen and women. It featured a reading from the Duke of Sussex and actor Damian Lewis read a poem. Harry arrived at the Cathedral without any members of the Royal Family, following the announcement King Charles is too busy to reunite with his son. Harry also wasn’t joined by his wife Meghan Markle as she decided to remain in America instead of returning to the UK.

Harry waved as wellwishers cheered as he entered the cathedral ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
As he got out of his car wearing a navy suit and his military medals, he smiled and waved as cheers rang out among wellwishers, who had been waiting to catch a glimpse of him.

His arrival came just minutes after King Charles was flanked by a huge contingent of royals in a show of unity at this afternoon’s Buckingham Palace garden party, which took place just two miles away. However, despite his royal relatives not attending the service, family members who did join were his uncle Earl Charles Spencer and his aunt Lady Jane Fellowes, both siblings of the late Princess Diana.

Other notable guests at the service included his cousin Louis Spencer, the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s wife Akshata Murty and his lawyer David Sherbourne. Also there was and former Army officer Mark Dyer, who acted as the duke’s mentor, playing the role of a supportive big brother figure for Harry after Diana’s death.

The duke was warmly greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett, before being escorted to his seat under the cathedral’s great dome next to Mr Dyer and then chatted happily with his uncle and aunt who sat behind him and watched on with pride.

Prince Harry greets the public after the service at St Paul’s ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Invictus Games)
The service began with the hymn Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven The Dean of St Paul’s told the congregation: “We gather this evening to offer grateful thanksgiving to Almighty God for the work of the Invictus Games Foundation, and in this their 10th anniversary year, we celebrate the tremendous achievements of the numerous competitors across 23 nations. We give thanks for the inspiring vision and compassion that formed the foundation and, chiefly, for the resultant decade of profound and transformational work.

“We lament the pain, cost and indignity of war and terror, and pray for a world where justice shall reign and where the nations will find their longed for unity. We recall, with admiration, the skill and determination of those who seek to repair, rehabilitate, and reclaim the lives of those living with serious illness or injury: changing and saving lives.”

Actor Damian Lewis read the Invictus poem by William Ernest Henley, whose bust resides in the St Paul’s Crypt and then an emotional poem read by former Invictus Games Team UK vice-captain Michelle Turner, her daughter Maya and husband John was felt around the cathedral.

The poem outlined the impact of the Invictus Games on her recovery, and on the lives of her family members. Former RAF sergeant Michelle served for 21 years and has a heart condition that developed while on deployment. While a nasty bug left her with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) which means her heart fires up randomly, causing her to regularly collapse without warning. On one occasion, her four-year-old daughter saved her life by dialling 999 when she collapsed at home.

Through fear of falling and injuring herself in public, she had confined herself to her home, until her husband John encouraged her to join Team UK – and everything changed. The training camps enabled her to reconnect with her military family, and find a new sport in swimming.

The poem recalled how Invictus athletes “fought for our countries on deployments far and wide, devoted our years and served with pride…” She told how after being discharged she was “wounded, injured, sick and with no career, consumed with insecurities, the pain and the fear”, and how her little girl looked after her.

Harry beams as he chats to his aunt and uncle inside St Paul’s ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Invictus Games)
Her daughter’s section of the poem described how she “felt like I was losing my mum, she was in hospital all the time”, while her husband told how he had longed for Michelle’s smile to return, and how it did with Harry’s Invictus, which arrived as a “beacon of trust and hope”.

Harry led a standing ovation as the reading ended with Michelle’s tearful words: “Thank you Invictus, for giving me my life back.”

During the service, Harry, who undertook two tours of Afghanistan during a 10-year military career, provided a reading from Corinthians 12. 4-11 ahead of a Sermon by The Dean of St Paul’s. The Dean acknowledged those who have lost their lives in conflicts past and present, whilst a piper played Flowers of the Forest.

After the service finished and he left the Cathedral, Harry greeted some of the fans who had gathered outside the venue before being whisked away in his car.

The Duke of Sussex landed in the UK on Tuesday. As part of his trip, he has so far taken part in The Invictus Games Foundation Conversation titled “Realising a Global Community” and met up with his millionaire pal Guy Monson.

The Royal Family at a Buckingham Palace garden party today ( 
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PA)DON’T MISS
Harry had been hoping to see his father during his trip, but it has been revealed that won’t be happening. A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said yesterday: “In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not the Duke will meet with his father while in the UK this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

“The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” A source previously told The Mirror : “Harry has kept in regular contact with his father on several occasions and made no secret of his desire to see him when he can.”

Harry is set to join Meghan in Nigeria tomorrow to take part in talks about the Invictus Games. It’s believed Meghan and Harry will visit Camp Wu Bassey, an Army barracks in Abuja, during their trip. Here, they will be treated to a banquet with military officials.

The Sussexes have a large team who will no doubt be accompanying them to Nigeria. Miranda Barbot, a PR expert who previously worked with Barack Obama, has recently been promoted by Meghan and Harry to vice-president of programmes and media operations at Archewell. It’s believed she will be helping to plan the couple’s tour of Nigeria and will likely accompany them on the trip.

Harry and Meghan are also set to meet with servicemen and their families while in Nigeria. The African country joined the Invictus Community of Nations in 2022 and became the first African country to join the Invictus movement.