Author: bang1

The Duke of Sussex Prince Harry has been given the green light to appeal against a High Court ruling dismissing his challenge over a decision to change the level of his personal security when he visits the UK by a Court of Appeal judge.

The Court of Appeal has now said it will listen to his challenge following a direct application from Harry’s lawyers, who said the prince had been granted permission to appeal. Harry first began the action after the Home Office, the ministry responsible for policing, in February 2020 cut off his right to automatic personal police security while in the UK.

Harry, in addition to other senior royals, had received full publicly-funded security protection until he chose to step back from his royal duties and moved to California with Meghan Markle back in March 2020. It was after this that the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (Ravec) decided In April not to allow Harry the same amount of protection as he previously had been given after he stopped being a “full-time working member of the royal family”.

Ravec was entitled to come to this conclusion, according to judge Sir Peter Lane, who then also ordered that Harry should pay 90% of the Home Office’s “reasonable costs” in defending the case. The government’s total outlay was not stated, however.

Judge David Bean, when granting permission for an appeal, said he was persuaded “not without hesitation”, that Harry’s challenge on the grounds that Ravec had not followed its own stated policy had a real prospect of success. The court also found that Sir Peter may have been mistaken in concluding that Harry was not in a position comparable to those in an “Other VIP Category”, who do receive state security.

At a previous hearing of the case in a written statement, Harry described the UK as his “home” and a place “central” to his children’s heritage. “It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020. The UK is my home.

“The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home, as much as where they live at the moment in the United States. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil. I cannot put my wife in danger like that and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too,” he said.

A spokesman for Harry at the time of the earlier ruling indicated that he intended to appeal, noting: “The duke is not asking for preferential treatment, but for a fair and lawful application of Ravec’s own rules, ensuring that he receives the same consideration as others in accordance with Ravec’s own written policy.

“In February 2020, Ravec failed to apply its written policy to the Duke of Sussex and excluded him from a particular risk analysis. The Duke of Sussex hopes he will obtain justice from the Court of Appeal, and makes no further comment while the case is ongoing. The duke’s case is that the so-called ‘bespoke process’ that applies to him is no substitute for that risk analysis.”

Prince Harry’s sweet gesture to wife Meghan Markle during their trip to Nigeria has been noted by fans of the couple.

Whilst in Nigeria on behalf of the Invictus Games, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with veterans, public figures and many members of the public. On one occasion at an evening reception in the capital city of Abuja, a touching moment between Prince Harry and his wife was briefly caught on camera and fans have not missed it.

As Harry took to the stage at the event, he reached out for Meghan’s hand and guided her on stage next to him. The fleeting moment has already been widely shared on social media and online, as many praise the moment between the couple.

The moment fans spotted the sweet gesture was as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended an evening reception during their Nigeria trip ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
The clip was shared to tikTok with one user captioning the clip: “I NEED HIM.” Comments from others who are equally gushing over the moment include one person commenting: “He helps her up and she stops at the top to wait for him to continue leading.” Another added: “Notice the way he reached for her, then she reached back for him. Love is a union.” A third shared: “H&M choose each other and we love that for them.” Another put: “They were destined for each other.” “You can tell they are so caring with each other behind the scenes. It’s like even their bodies are in sync. Natural with each other,” added another.

The successful three-day trip to Nigeria last month for Harry and Meghan has been likened by many to a royal tour for Harry and Meghan. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have also hinted that there could be future trips for the couple, as in a message thanking the people of Nigeria following their return home, they described it as “the first of many trips”.

Harry was seen helping Meghan to join him on stage ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)

Meghan has vowed to return to Nigeria after she visited the West African country with her husband. According to reports, the Duchess of Sussex penned a letter to a Nigerian King, with the former Suits star thanking him for his country’s hospitality during her recent trip where she was grateful to get the opportunity to understand her heritage after she discovered through a DNA test that she has 43% Nigerian ancestry.

Meghan wrote to the Oluwu of Iso, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, saying: “Your Imperial Majesty, Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria… Our visit to Nigeria was important for many reasons, but not least because it gave us an opportunity to explore and understand my heritage, which extends to our children. We look forward to coming back home one day.”

MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are said to have an “in-house marriage counsellor” who they can trust if they need advice.

Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland has reportedly moved into the guesthouse of their £11.4million mansion in California and is proving to be a big hit.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have a live-in ‘marriage counsellor’Credit: Mega

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Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland is said to have moved into the guesthouse of their Californian mansionCredit: AFP
A source told Closer: “Harry always jokes that Doria’s their ‘in-house guru’ but it’s not far off.

“Any time they’re having trouble making a decision or arguing about something, she’s the first person they turn to.”

Yoga instructor Doria was the only member of Meghan’s family to attend her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Meghan is currently estranged from her lighting director dad, Thomas Markle.

While it was initially announced that Thomas would walk his daughter down the aisle when she married Prince Harry, he pulled out after he had a heart attack and had to undergo surgery..

After the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from royal duties in 2020 and relocated to Santa Barbara, they were closer to LA-based Doria – but she was still a couple of hours away.

It’s recently been claimed that she has now taken up residence in their guesthouse to be closer to the couple, and their kids, Archie, four, and Lilibet, two.

The source added: “Doria is so much more than a mother-in-law. Harry looks to her for advice and support whenever he’s struggling.

“If he’s had a disagreement with Meghan, instead of wading in head-on, he’ll ask Doria for her take on it first.”

Doria is said to be good at being “neutral” and a “mediator” and while most people would be hesitant about living with their mum-in-law, she is proving to be a “marriage counsellor and loving granny all rolled into one.”

The support is no doubt welcome with Prince Harry, who lost his own mother, Princess Diana, in 1997.

He’s since had strained relationships with his dad King Charles, and brother Prince William, which he detailed in his bombshell Spare memoir.

Last month, relations between Charles and Harry were said to be fractured beyond repair amid the fallout of the royal race row, where a family member was said to have raised “concerns” about their baby Archie’s skin colour.

Hopes of a reconciliation had been raised after Harry called Charles to wish him a happy 75th birthday in November 2023 and sent a video of the King’s US-based grandkids.

But the family rift, years in the making now, appears not to be easing with time.

King Charles is said to have been left deeply hurt by Harry’s actions, according to royal expert Robert Hardman’s new biography: ‘Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story’.

While the King reportedly feels “exasperated” by Harry, he is too preoccupied with Royal duties to dwell on it, according to a friend.

Of Harry’s relationship with his father, Hardman claims a pal said: “Of course the King is extremely sad about Harry and Meghan but there is a sense of exasperation, that he has done what he can and now he is King, there are many more things to think about.”

The new book, serialised in the Daily Mail – offers a number of illuminating insights into the thoughts and feelings of senior members of the Royal family.

The book claimed The King needed to have “discreet discussions” with William before being expected to “console the whole country”.

Author Hardman claims one of the new monarch’s first decisions was to sit down with his eldest son hours after Queen Elizabeth passed away.

He wrote that in previous years, Harry would have also been involved with tensions high, so it was decided it was for the best he sat out the conversation.

It claims neither King Charles or William have read Prince Harry’s explosive autobiography Spare, but they’ve been briefed on key points.

Prince William is understood to be “mortified” by Harry’s “casual betrayal” of shared secrets in the explosive memoir.

Harry wrote that William “attacked” him and ripped his necklace after calling Meghan “difficult”.

And in Harry and Meghan’s Netflix documentary series Harry claimed Royal men marry look to marry someone who “would fit the mould”.

Prince William, interpreting him as referring to his wife Kate, slammed the statement as the “lowest of the low”, according to Hardman’s book.

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Doria is said to be a good ‘mediator’ for the coupleCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Doria is said to help with their kids, Archie and LilibetCredit: Alexi Lubomirski

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Harry currently has a strained relationship with his own family, including King Charles and Prince WilliamCredit: AFP

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle were all smiles when they danced with schoolchildren today as they kicked off their ‘faux-Royal tour’ in Nigeria.

The Sussexes beamed as they waved to locals, chatted to leaders and snapped selfies with teens – after having a secret rendezvous in London.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle danced with school children after they arrived in Nigeria todayCredit: Instagram/sperrypeoplemag

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The pair then visited army wives at the Defence headquarters in AbujaCredit: AP

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The Sussexes chatted away with children in a classroom at Lights AcademyCredit: AFP

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Harry and Meghan are in the West African country for a three-day quickfire trip – and were this morning warmly greeted by locals.

The pair seemed smitten as they danced with youngsters before Meghan praised her “smart” husband who she said “always says the truth”.

The Sussexes were greeted with a ‘Welcome’ banner fringed with flowers heralding their arrival which read: “We Are Honored To Have You!”

They were snapped walking hand-in-hand at the Lights Academy just hours after arriving in Abuja.

Harry and Meghan were snapped dancing with a crowd of school children, with grins ear-to-ear as they jumped and twirled around.

The duke was encouraging the duchess to spin, as she’s seen laughing before placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder.

Later, in a sweet speech, Harry told crowds of schoolchildren there’s “no shame” in feeling off.

He told the youngsters: “There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, OK?

“That you woke up this morning feeling sad; that you were at school, feeling stressed; that you’ve lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who to turn to or who to speak to.

“All of these things you may even be led to believe are not for conversation.”

Harry continued: “Every single one of those things is completely normal, it is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is.

“It comes from an experience that you have had – you can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day.

“So if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person.”

The prince reminded the youngsters: “The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people.

Meghan & Harry’s links to Africa

Harry has had a long relationship with Africa, even taking his now-wife Meghan to Botswana for a camping trip as one of their early dates.

Meghan is said to want to “explore her ancestry and lineage” while thereafter revealing she was “43% Nigerian”.

In 2019 the couple embarked on a tour of southern Africa.

The Duchess of Sussex flew with baby Archie to Johannesburg where they were later joined by Harry after he visited Malawi.

During the time apart Meghan told journalists she was struggling to cope with them being apart.

The Duke has also established a charity to help African orphans, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso from Lesotho.

“So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health. If you are unsure, then ask. Ask your teachers. Ask your friends. Be there for one another.

“If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you gonna do? You gonna check in with them? Are you gonna ask him if they’re okay? ‘Cause it’s okay not to be okay.”

The more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people

Prince Harry

Meghan looked up at Harry sweetly the entire time he spoke to the youngsters.

She then grabbed the mic and said: “You see why I’m married to him?

“He’s so smart. And so inspiring because he speaks the truth.”

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Megha looked sweetly at Harry as he today gave a speech on mental healthCredit: BBC

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Schoolchildren snapped selfies with MeghanCredit: AFP

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During their speech, they reminded youngsters that it’s OK to have bad days

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They beamed today as they were welcomed into NigeriaCredit: Reuters
The duchess then spoke to mental health as well, saying: “We believe in you. We believe in your futures. We believe in your ability to continue to tell your stories and to just be honest with each other. There is no need to suffer in silence.

“Just make sure that you are taking care of yourselves and that begins with your mental health by really talking about whatever’s coming up for you.”

When the Sussexes first arrived at the school they were given strings of wooden beads and serenaded by dancers and singers.

“Bravo” Meghan clapped after one backflip carried out in front of them.

After spending much of the morning with the school children, the Sussexes visited army wives at the Defence headquarters.

He’s so smart. And so inspiring because he speaks the truth

Meghan Markle

They had jetted in together at 5am on a British Airways flight after a reunion at London Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Suite yesterday.

Harry, 39, had flown into Britain on Tuesday, with Meghan, 42, arriving from LA.

Just hours before they boarded the flight, King Charles had been snapped beaming in Surrey, while Prince William visited a site where houses were being built for the homeless.

Harry also opened up about how he felt about his time in the UK.

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He arrived in the UK on Tuesday to celebrate 10 years of the Invictus Games FoundationCredit: Getty

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He was all smiles on Wednesday at the Invictus bashCredit: AFP

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Harry was snapped leaving the UK last night – before meeting Meghan for a secret rendezvousCredit: Louis Wood

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The duke, pictured on Tuesday, left the UK yesterdayCredit: Getty
The Sussexes are set to take part in “cultural activities” during their 72-hour trip after they were invited by the West African country’s chief of defence staff.

The getaway has been labelled a “faux-royal tour”.

Harry and Meghan, who is of Nigerian descent, will meet service members and their families, and participate in traditional cultural activities, according to local media.

This is their first trip to Nigeria as a couple.

They’re expected to visit three cities while there in their efforts to get the country to host the Invictus Games in 2029.

Harry has had a long relationship with Africa, even taking his now-wife Meghan to Botswana for a camping trip as one of their early dates.

Air Vce Mshl Abidemi Marquis, director of sports at the Nigerian Defence Ministry, said Meghan wants to “explore her ancestry and lineage” while there.

Meghan Markle reveals ‘Lili’s favourite class’

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

MEGHAN Markle has revealed Lilibet’s favourite class while chatting to children in Nigeria.

She and Harry walked along a green carpet to the 200-student Lightway Academy smiling and waving at youngsters.

Inside, their first stop was in a kindergarten class where children aged two to five danced and sang songs for them.

One little two-year-old girl stepped forward and tentatively shook hands with Meghan.

The tot then decided it was too much of a step forward to shake Harry’s hand.

Meghan said: “We all get shy sometimes.”

When they were introduced to the eldest child in the class who’s five Meghan said: “Our son Archie’s five. He turned five last week.”

Within a few minutes, the couple were on their feet taking part in a riotous version of “jump up, turn around”.

Meghan then said: “That was great.

“Do you love your teacher?”

Harry added: “Is singing and dancing your favourite class?”

Meghan then sweetly said: “That’s Lili’s favourite class.

“Maybe it’s all the jumping around.”

Mr Marquis said the Sussexes were first taken to a hotel, before heading to the Light Academy.

They are then set to meet defence leaders and visit injured soldiers.

Tomorrow Harry’s set to field his own team during a seated volleyball match played by Nigeria’s Invictus team, before he and Meghan meet with more soldiers and their families.

That afternoon Meghan will host a Women in Leadership event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist who is director general of the World Trade Organisation.

Then, on Sunday, the Sussexes will head along to a basketball clinic that promotes youth getting into the sport, enjoy a cultural reception and visit a polo fundraiser.

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A massive welcome sign greeted the coupleCredit: AFP

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The Sussexes walked hand-in-hand as they greeted peopleCredit: AFP

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Harry has been chatting away with youngsters all morningCredit: AFP

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The Sussexes touched down in Nigeria at 6amCredit: AFP
Mr Marquis said there were several reasons the country was looking forward to hosting Harry and Meghan.

The Telegraph reported he said: “One because Nigeria is now a member of the Invictus community, and his coming will lay credence to the fact that you know, being part of the community, you need to be accepted.

“Number two, that Nigeria is also looking forward to hosting an Invictus Games and three, the need to build a state-of-the-art structure for the management of the wounded and injured soldiers, particularly those with post-traumatic stress syndrome.

“And finally, you know, his wife recently did a DNA genealogy test and it was confirmed that she’s 43 per cent Nigerian, so she also is looking forward to coming to Nigeria to explore her ancestry and lineage.”

Inside Sussexes’ trip to Nigeria

The Duke and Duchess are spending three days in Nigeria to promote the Invictus Games.

The Sussexes will be taken to a hotel when they first touch down today, then visit the Light Academy, a school in nearby Wuse, before meeting defence leaders and visiting injured soldiers.

Tomorrow Harry’s set to field a team during a seated volleyball match played by Nigeria’s Invictus team, before he and Meghan meet with more soldiers and their families.

That afternoon Meghan will host a Women in Leadership event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian-American economist who is director general of the World Trade Organisation.

Then, on Sunday, the Sussexes will head along to a basketball clinic that promotes youth getting into the sport, enjoy a cultural reception and visit a polo fundraiser.

The trip comes after Harry didn’t meet with his “busy” dad while he was in the UK but said he “hopes to see his him soon”.

The Monarch was spotted on Tuesday leaving Windsor Castle around 11am, just hours before Harry touched down.

His son was then spotted in London before he headed to an Invictus event.

Harry released a statement around 2pm saying he would not be seeing Charles, due to his “father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities”.

Charles then snubbed his son for a second time – announcing William would take charge of Harry’s former helicopter regiment next week.

On Wednesday afternoon King Charles hosted the palace’s first garden party of the year as one of his first events back in the public eye.

Around the same time, Harry was backed by Princess Diana’s siblings at his Invictus bash.

The King was just two miles away.

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King Charles spoke to guests at a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on WednesdayCredit: PA

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King Charles was snapped beaming just moments afterCredit: PA

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Prince William played his hand at volleyball in Cornwall last nightCredit: Reuters
The party wrapped up at 6pm – just as Harry finished a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Charles donned a grey suit and light blue waistcoat and beamed as he appeared alongside other Royal family members.

The monarch removed his top hat for the National Anthem performance and could be seen smiling to the crowds.

His Majesty was joined by the Queen, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

One touching video shows Charles greeting and shaking the hands of well-wishers.

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The couple were beamingCredit: AFP

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Crowds turned up to catch a glimpse of the pairCredit: Reuters

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The Sussexes are on a quickfire three-day ‘faux-Royal tour’Credit: AP
Charles stops to speak to tens of people as Camilla tries to Usher her husband along.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex was in the same city – hugging his late mum’s brother and sister Earl Spencer, 59, and Lady Jane Fellowes, 67, outside St Paul’s Cathedral ahead of a service.

Three cousins — George McCorquodale, 39, Louis Spencer, 30, and Lara Spencer, 18 — sat in a row behind Harry.

A decade ago Charles, Camilla and Prince William had joined Harry at the first Invictus Games in London.

On Wednesday, Earl Spencer and Baroness Fellowes supported him at the hour-long service followed by a drinks reception in the St Paul’s crypt.

Harry arrived at 5pm and greeted his aunt and uncle before taking his seat.

He gave a reading, as did actor Damian Lewis. Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine and friend of Diana, said the Spencers’ presence was significant.

Harry’s mental health speech in full

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

“Hi everybody,” Harry said, before asking for a show of hands, from teacher and kids, “if I say mental health do you know what it means?”

He went on: “In some cases around the world, in more than you would believe, there is a stigma when it comes to mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it ’cause it’s invisible. It’s something in our mind that we can’t see. It’s not like a broken leg, it’s not like a broken wrist.”

“It’s something that we are still relatively unsure of. But guess what? Every single person in this room, the youngest, the oldest, every single person has mental health. So therefore, you have to look after yourself to be able to look after other people. And other people have to be able to look after themselves, to look after you. That’s the way it works. And there is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day, okay?”

He added: “And you woke up this morning feeling sad and you left school feeling stressed and you’ve lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who you talk to or who to speak to. All of these things you may be led to believe are not for conversation. We are here today to tell you that that is not the case.

“Every single one of those things is completely normal. It is a human reaction, whether it’s grief, stress, whatever the feeling is, it comes from an experience that you have had. You can have it. She can have it. I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have that on any given day. So if, if you take anything away from today, just know that mental health affects every single person in the entire world.”

And then, motioning as if to kick a football, Harry added: “And the more you talk about it, the more you can kick stigma away, fall far away into long grass, and then everybody will have the opportunity to be able to share how they’re feeling, how they’re coping, and then you can help other people.

“So will you promise to us that after today, no more being scared, no more being unsure of mental health. If you are unsure, then ask. Ask your teachers. Ask your friends. Be there for one another. If you see your friend in your class not smiling, what are you gonna do? You gonna check in with them? Are you gonna ask him if they’re okay? ’cause it’s okay not to be okay.”

She said: “They are very supportive of Harry and always have been.

“It sends a clear signal to the Royal Family and to Harry that Diana’s family are there for him.

“At his address at Diana’s funeral, Charles Spencer said he would look out for William and Harry in her place.

“He said: ‘We your blood family will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering theses two exceptional young men so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing openly as you had planned’.

“Charles Spencer wanted the Spencer family to be prominent above all others, but the boys were sucked up by the Royal Family.

“Now that Harry has left the Royal Family, the Spencers have laid claim to him again.”

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Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes joined him at the St Paul’s Cathedral ceremony on WednesdayCredit: Goff
In 2019 the couple embarked on a tour of southern Africa.

The Duchess of Sussex flew with baby Archie to Johannesburg where they were later joined by Harry after he visited Malawi.

During the time apart Meghan told journalists she was struggling to cope with them being apart.

The Duke has also established a charity to help African orphans, Sentebale, with Prince Seeiso from Lesotho.

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They touched down after meeting in London for a secret rendezvousCredit: AFP

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Harry was seen heading into the Windsor Suite at Heathrow airportCredit: Louis Wood

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The Sussexes walked hand-in-hand as they greeted peopleCredit: AFP

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The couple were given strings of wooden beads on arrivalCredit: AP

GOOD old Harry and Meghan, continuing to deliver the goods as another batch of “their truth” turns out to be complete b*****ks.

Mugging off the Queen by pretending she’d given the royal thumbs-up to pinching her nickname takes some next-level chutzpah.

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Prince Harry and wife Meghan are living in their own world of total delusionCredit: Getty

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Harry and Meghan pretended the Queen had given the royal thumbs-up to pinching her nicknameCredit: Getty
I’ve lost count of the cobblers they’ve spewed about themselves and all those beastly people who have made their gilded lives so miserable.

The story of their struggle is so full of holes, it makes The Crown look like a documentary.

We must all now be at the point where we no longer believe a word they say.

Yet, somehow, we’re still entertained.

The halfwit prince and his rictus-grinning mumwife are endlessly fascinating – like two stupid but adorable pets who get trapped in the tumble dryer.

We know they’re idiots. But still we want more.

So, guys, if you’re reading this – and I know you are Harry, My First Dictionary in hand – don’t take this as criticism.

Oh no! We’re actually enjoying your dedication to delusion.

Free from the strictures of the Royal Family, this is your role now.

God save the pair of you.

King’s honesty over royal seat will help to save men’s lives

HAVING only just scoffed my lunch on Wednesday, I was not expecting to then be thinking about King Charles’ backside.

But so it came to pass as His Maj announced his prostate had become enlarged and he was seeking treatment.

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King Charles’ uncomfortable health scare shines a light on an awkward areaCredit: Getty
The prostate, of course, is not actually part of the rectum but, as someone who has recently had this walnut-shaped gland probed, I can confirm the bottom is very much involved in its examination.

So our candid King was giving us a lot of intimate detail to conjure with.

Some people no doubt screamed, “TMI”.

Not me. I welcomed this self-intrusion into Charles’ medical history.

We are a nation who mostly — and I exclude the narcissistic hypochondriacs — don’t like to discuss our ailments.

“How are you?”, we ask.

“I’m fine”, we reply on cue.

Yet we’re not “fine” really, are we?

If we were fine there wouldn’t be nearly eight million of us waiting — often years — to be seen by NHS medics.

There wouldn’t be a mental health crisis which saw 5,583 people — mainly men — kill themselves in a single year in 2021.

We wouldn’t have the highest recorded average sick day figure in a decade — 7.8 days per worker.

We’re all crocked. Some more than others, granted.

Many of us simply get on with our lives aware that we have a niggling condition that won’t go away.

We just put up with it. Why make a fuss?

I worry about us — the stoic, unflappable, stiff-upper-lip folk.

We wouldn’t dream of discussing our ailments but, if we did, we might find that it helped.

A problem shared is a problem halved, so the saying goes. It could also be a problem solved.

When the King told us of his trouble this week, searches online about enlarged prostate shot up tenfold.

When someone famous talks about their health issues, we take note. We wonder if that’s what is bothering us too.

Like this column’s regular scribe, Jeremy Clarkson, who recently told of his “100-day cough” fears.

I’ve lost count of the number of people who read that and wondered: “That sounds like what I’ve got.”

But it shouldn’t take a famous person to open our eyes. We could help each other.

If someone has experienced the same issue as you, and overcome it, their advice is invaluable.

And, crucially, this wisdom could help avoid the frustration of trying to get a terrifyingly rare doctor’s appointment only to be given the exact same help.

Can’t sit down without piles flaring up

I’m not saying we should broadcast our every minor ailment to all and sundry.

No one needs a running commentary of a stranger’s physical disposition.

“Would you like fries with that?”, should never be responded to with,

“Well, I’m a bit worried I might have gout”.

It also goes without saying that if you feel seriously ill, then the doctor/A&E is where you should be.

But, among friends, we can be a little more open. Especially men.

Pick any group of blokes over 30 in the pub and they won’t be talking about how they go to the bog three times a night or can’t sit down without their piles flaring up.

That’s just disgusting, isn’t it? No. Really, it’s not.

Men will happily discuss what they did with their penis last night during their latest one-night stand, yet wouldn’t dream of asking if anyone else’s nob is a bit itchy.

And while one disclosure might make your life sound exciting, the other might save it.

Footie antics so foul

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Footballer Kyle Walker is a young, athletic, virile manboy with almost unlimited cashCredit: Getty
KYLE WALKER has a Fifa (sorry, FC24) player rating of 85.

But, as we have now learnt, a playa rating of 100.

It’s a wonder the sexually incontinent Man City right back has enough time to defend his goal when he’s busy shagging the various women in his life.

FIVE kids? Good grief, mate. Rather you than me.

But while he’s obviously been a naughty boy, I struggle to feel much pity for the women who get tangled up with the likes of him.

Most footballers, when not thinking about playing the beautiful game, are thinking about bedding beautiful women (or men, but good luck finding out about that!).

They do this because they are mostly young, athletic, virile manboys with almost unlimited cash.

They want to have fun. And the women who get with them want to have fun too. They know the drill. C’mon!

Yes, some footballers hold down lengthy, healthy relationships.

But look at them – Southgate, Kane – they’re all soooo boring, babe!

The influencers don’t want ’em.

So as long as football continues to lavish obscene sums of money on youngsters who learn about relationships from porn sites and think an orgy is just another sex position, history will carry on repeating itself in all its vulgar glory.

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6

Saltburn star Rosamund Pike has superb comic timing in the divisive movieCredit: Getty
IT’S five stars from me for Saltburn – “the world’s most divisive film”.

I chortled along to the deliciously daft Brideshead Revisited/The Talented Mr Ripley mash-up the other night.

Another sparkling script from Killing Eve writer Emerald Fennell, packed with clever quips.

And the beat-perfect Rosamund Pike has the kind of comic timing that would get a round of applause from Tommy Cooper.

Her Common People gag was one of the best lines I’ve heard in a comedy for donkeys.

It soon became clear why it’s so “divisive”.

You either have a sense of humour and therefore like it. Or you don’t . . . and you won’t.

What a rotten state

6

Spending a year on the NHS waiting list can be a painful experienceCredit: Getty
AN exciting anniversary looms for me – an entire year on the NHS dentist waiting list.

Woo-hoo! String up the bunting, dish up the jelly (hold the ice cream – ouch!).

My troublesome root canal can apparently only be done by an NHS specialist, so said my dentist in January 2023.

So here I am in a queue that could last anything up to THREE years, according to Health-watch.

NHS dentists, like absolutely anything with the letters NHS in front of it, are on their knees.

They saw 17.5 per cent fewer patients in the two years to June 2023 than the previous two years.

For some, the only option is to go private  . . . that is until you see what that will cost.

A root canal is £70.70 on the NHS. At somewhere like Bupa, it is “from” £1,204.

And with NHS waiting lists showing little sign of improving much – just this week it was revealed 100,000 kids have been in hospital with rotten gnashers ­– you can bet your eye teeth those fees will just continue to skyrocket.

Soon the only people with healthy teeth will work for Bupa.

No wonder DIY dentistry has risen by a whopping 90 per cent.

The Government has now admitted it must do more to ensure everyone can access an NHS dentist and claims it has “begun laying the foundations of change”.

After suffering a serious chest infection and feeling unwell for some time, agony aunt and Loose Women star Coleen Nolan received a shock diagnosis that forced her to change her diet and habits

Coleen Nolan has revealed she is making urgent diet and lifestyle changes to avoid developing type 2 diabetes following a shock prediabetes diagnosis.

The Loose Women star had blood tests after suffering a serious chest infection and being unwell for a while. And although she was relieved to find out her lungs were healthy, the 58-year-old was told she was at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The condition increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and other serious complications – including kidney failure, nerve damage and blindness. Coleen says: “I was one-and-a-half marks off being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It was a shock but, looking back, I hadn’t been feeling myself for some time. I’d been experiencing terrible, abnormal fatigue, which would strike out of the blue, like in the middle of Tesco, and I’d have to stop what I was doing and go and sleep somewhere. And I kept getting skin infections that would take forever to heal. When I googled the symptoms, I think I had every one of them apart from weight loss.”

Coleen Nolan at home with boyfriend Michael ( 
Image:
LORNA ROACH PHOTOGRAPHY)
Medics say the star can reverse the condition, which is associated with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, and prevent type 2 diabetes by changing her lifestyle. Coleen says: “While the nurse emphasised it’s not a diet, I need to change what I eat. At home, I have a healthy plant-based diet as my daughter Ciara is an amazing vegan cook and makes all my meals. But when I’m in London working I’m a terrible snacker. I have a sweet tooth and I also love a bag of crisps – and I won’t just have one bag, I’ll have two. I had no idea there were six teaspoons of sugar in one bag of my favourites.”

The diagnosis made her determined to be fit for her UK tour, which kicked off last month. Coleen says: “It’s been a wake-up call to say, ‘OK, fatty, you’ve had enough snacks, step away from the fridge!’ My new diet is a work in progress and I’m still getting used to reading labels to check sugar content. But I’ve cut out all unhealthy snacks like chocolate and crisps. I’m having a healthy portion of carbs with breakfast, like sourdough toast, and for lunch, but no carbs in the evening.”

The Nolan Sisters
Coleen also has plans to do more exercise, which can help. She says: “I get out for walks with the dogs when I’m at home and I’m always active around the house and at the stables, but I need to up the exercise. My hotel in London has a gym that I’ve never seen the inside of and I’ve been there five years. Being overweight doesn’t help the situation, especially weight around your middle. But when you get to my age, you assume everything is down to menopause, so I hadn’t really noticed.”

The Nolan sisters in 1978 ( 
Image:
Mirrorpix)
The Mirror agony aunt is due for a check-up in three months to find out if the changes are working. She says: “I was shocked to learn around seven million people in the UK are thought to have prediabetes. In a way, I’m lucky I got a chest infection and had my bloods taken, or I wouldn’t know I have it. When you’re busy and stressed, as I am at the moment – working, rehearsing for my tour and moving house all at the same time – it’s easy to put your diet to the bottom of your list of priorities but you have to make time for your health.”

The star is also coming to terms with Ciara, 22, leaving home to go travelling. Coleen – also mum to Shane, 34, and Jake, 31, says: “Empty nest is real! I feel lost without her and miss her every day.” But the ex-Nolans singer is planning to make healthy meals from recipes Ciara left.

Coleen adds: “Life has given me a chance to turn things around and reverse the prediabetes, and maybe I’ll even get a few extra years. I’m going to do my best.”

‘It’s easy to put your diet at the bottom of your list’ ( 
Image:
LORNA ROACH

What to do if you are at ‘high risk’

Prediabetes means your blood sugars are higher than usual but not high enough for you to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, says: “It means you are at high risk of type 2 diabetes. Being ‘high risk’ doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop it. With the right support, up to 50% of cases of type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.”

Douglas stresses there is a lot of support available, saying: “In England, the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Programme, run in partnership with Diabetes UK, offers tailored support that covers healthy eating, moving more and losing weight.

“Your GP can refer you if you have prediabetes. As a first step, try Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool. It takes just a few minutes and gives you information and support to help you reduce your risk.”

Tickets for Coleen’s tour are on sale now at coleentour.com

Denise Welch appeared on Loose Women today where they discussed the manipulated photo of Kate Middleton and her three children – George, Charlotte and Louis

Loose Women star Denise Welch fumed as she slammed the editing of a photo of the Princess of Wales.

After much speculation, today the Princess of Wales put out a tweet on social media where she said she had edited a photo of her and her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. She wrote on social media: “Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing. I wanted to express my apologies for any confusion the family photograph we shared yesterday caused. I hope everyone celebrating had a very happy Mother’s Day. C.”

The topic was still a big discussion today on Loose Women, where the panellists including Denise Welch and Ruth Langsford discussed the edited photograph amid the furore of public discussion and conspiracy theories.

Speaking on the show today, she said: “Apparently, there are huge rules that the big picture agencies around the world follow that they say they will not use photos that have been doctored or Photoshopped. I talked about Kate Middleton last week and received a barrage of negative messages online about it. I, like everyone else, have nothing against Kate Middleton, I wish her the best of luck in everything she does. I am also supportive of the Sussexes but apparently you have to be one or the other.

“My point was why are they allowing this controversy and conjecture to continue. Also, it was the way we were blindly led to believe that it had been posted post-surgery. It could have been anytime. Do I believe Catherine Middleton, who has said nothing about her illness has suddenly come up to justify Photoshopping a photo, no I don’t.”

She continued: “Do I think that the PR team at Kensington Palace should be fired? Yes I do. I think they’re absolutely making a mockery. I would just like to say quickly – whether Kate did it or the PR did it, the photo has been doctored. Why when there is all this speculation behind the scenes would they put a picture of her without her wedding ring. Why? If you’re gonna Photoshop it, Photoshop your ring on Catherine, because that’s just caused another [furore].”

Lorraine Kelly branded the edit “stupid”. She said earlier today: “What an own goal, this has backfired spectacularly. It was supposed to put to rest all the conspiracy theories and now everyone is talking about the images having been doctored in some way.

“It’s clumsy, you can give them the benefit of the doubt, but it does show you what scrutiny they’re always under. What a stupid thing to do – if they have done that, it’s dumb I think is the word.”

Stacey Solomon has unveiled her kitchen makeover and accepts that it might not be to everyone’s tastes but warned that she doesn’t want to hear negativity

Stacey Solomon has wowed fans with her drastic change to Pickle Cottage as she showed the results of her kitchen makeover.

The Loose Women panellist had shared a sneak preview into what she was looking to achieve in the kitchen when she posted a video of her using black paint on her cupboards, and not she has showed her 5.9 million Instagram followers the results of her latest DIY project.

The 34-year-old Sort Your Life Out presenter has transformed her country home, dubbed Pickle Cottage, over the past four years and she posted a video of her latest transformation, with a warning that it might not be to everyone’s taste but she would rather not hear any negativity about the overhaul.

Pickle Cottage kitchen was white before the transformation ( 
Image:
Instagram)

The kitchen has now been unveiled with its black makeover ( 
Image:
Instagram)
The kitchen has been transformed from white to black all over and the results are impressive, with Stacey loving what she has done to the cooking space. She said: “The Kitchen Is now black. I just went for it! It is the f*** it year after all. So here she is. Let me know what you think! Or don’t if you hate it. I actually didn’t realise how much cosier & just all round prettier painting it black would be. I was worried it might be harsh & dark but it feels so much more homely & actually feels brighter! I loved the white but omg this is special! So glad I just went for it! Happy Saturday Everyone.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/C5_eVYesYNg/

There was plenty of love among her celebrity friends, with Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden giving a one-word response in celebration of Stacey’s work, with the comment: “Stun”. She was joined by Sally Carman, who plays Abi Webster in Coronation Street, in praising the former I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! winner, posting: “Gorgeous.” Strictly Come Dancing star Zara McDermott added: “I looooove it!!!!! Your room is so light that the black works and warms it up”

Stacey Solomon has admitted that the makeover might not be to everyone’s taste ( 
Image:
Instagram)

Stacey Solomon has been loving the results of her transformation ( 
Image:
Instagram)The mum-of-five revealed her latest ideas for her home in Sussex before new show, Stacey Solomon’s Renovation Rescue, aired on Channel 4. Speaking to Channel 4 about her love of crafting and home improvements, she said: “I don’t think I’ll ever be done DIYing… Although don’t tell Joe that. It’s almost therapeutic for me. Growing up, my parents taught us how to do DIY and that was a real privilege, so I want my kids to have the same. I’d love to see some basic DIY skills introduced in school curriculums actually!”

Giving advice about tackling DIY in their own homes, she added: “Don’t give up. I think people assume they’re not good at something, but anyone can learn new building skills with some practice. That’s how tradespeople get good! They’re not born with it, you don’t come out of the womb with a bloomin’ spirit level, do you?”

Loose Women star Linda Robson and ex-husband Mark Dunford ended their ‘sexless’ marriage after more than three decades. Now single, she said she isn’t looking for love

Linda Robson called it quits with her husband of three decades late last year – and she’s not held back on the intimate details of why the marriage ended.

The popular Loose Women host, 65, candidly opened up about her lacklustre union with Mark Dunford over the years and in recent times, shared her disappointment over their activity in the bedroom. Linda, who shot to fame on Birds Of A Feather, is now looking for a new place in Islington for just her and her dog after putting the family home on the market.

She previously revealed that she and Mark, the father of her two children, Louis, 32, and Bobbie, 28, “simply grew apart” and that they never had sex, labelling herself ‘celibate’. She confessed earlier this year that after losing her spark with Mark, she couldn’t be bothered to find love again and isn’t interested in all that ‘jiggy jiggy’.

As she returns to screens this morning for James Martin’s Saturday Kitchen, The Mirror takes a look at her former bumpy marriage and Linda’s first love she never quite got over…

Linda on her wedding day with ex-husband Mark ( 
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)

Linda and Mark got to know each other as teens but didn’t start dating until years later. In 2017, she explained: “I used to babysit for Mark – he was a couple of years younger than me… I was 16 and he was 13 and a half, and he was a bit of a pain, to be honest. And we lived in the street next to each other.”

It wasn’t until they were both in the park one day, Linda with her eldest daughter Lauren, 40, that they crossed paths again. The pair dated and tied the knot in 1990.

However in recent times, Linda made it clear things weren’t as they seemed after more than three decades. While appearing as a panellist on ITV talk show Loose Women, she revealed the ups and downs of her marriage, admitting that things between them ‘weren’t plain-sailing’ and that she even considered herself ‘celibate’.

Linda confessed that she and Mark, whom she previously described as her ‘rock’, hadn’t had sex in two years, but that it didn’t bother her. “Can I just say I’ve been celibate for two years?” she began, “I can’t be a**** with all that [romance stuff]. I’m just happy going out with my mates and my children and my grandchildren.”

The couple were left in a ‘rough patch’ after 33 years of marriage ( 
Image:
WireImage)
Before their separation last year, she insisted: “We’re still living together. We both love our kids more than anything else in the world, obviously, you have a few hiccups in every marriage. We’ve been married 33 years so it’s not going to be all plain sailing, but we’re still together at the moment.”

She later revealed their split in an interview with Woman magazine, confirming she was in fact single. She said of her ex-husband: “He’s a really good dad and we had some good years, but enough is enough. I’ve got my family and my kids around me. And I’m going on a cruise with Lesley Joseph in November. I’m keeping busy.”

And in an interview with OK!, she admitted they grew apart, explaining: “People do, sometimes, don’t they? We never had that much in common. I’m very sociable. Mark never enjoyed that side of thing.”

The mum believes they stayed together for more than 30 years for the sake of their children, who are now ‘grown up’ with their own lives. But while she’s officially single again, Linda is not looking for another relationship.

Speaking with OK! she squealed: “I don’t need a man. I’ve got my friends and my family. I’m not interested in dating, I’m too old now. I can’t be bothered with all that ‘jiggy jiggy’.”

Linda had eldest Lauren with her ex Tony Tyler, whom she describes as her ‘first love’. Not much is known about him but the pair were together for 11 years and welcomed their daughter before parting ways.

In 2016, Linda opened up about her heartbreak following her first love cheating on her. Speaking of her regret at how long she let her “serial cheat” ex be unfaithful, she said: “I caught him lots and lots of times, probably my biggest regret is that I didn’t finish it earlier. The strange thing was there was a family do not too long ago, and he actually blamed me for the break-up.”

She revealed how he went on to blame her for always being away for work for his infidelity. However, she furiously said at the time that the excuse was a ‘lie’ anyway, saying she “was always there”. In another segment of Loose Women, where the panel discussed the idea of how quickly they would move on and remarry after splitting up with a long-term partner, Linda was quizzed on her thoughts following her split from the father of her eldest.

“It took me a long time to get over that because that was my first love,” admitted Linda. “But I feel like I don’t really need a partner to love because I’ve got my children, my grandchildren, my sisters and my friends…”

A version of this article was published on February 12.

Dickie Arbiter locked horns with Denise Welch on the set of Loose Women this Monday, May 6, as the panellist took a stand against the harsh criticism targeting Meghan Markle.

Meghan Markle has come under fire more than once throughout her time on Prince Harry ‘s arm and Denise Welch has had enough of the relentless backlash.

The Loose Women panellist was seething this Monday, May 6, when Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the late Queen Elizabeth II and to King Charles III before he was crowned last year, was in the studio to speak about the monarch’s cancer battle.

But while the conversation began smoothly, it inevitably took a turn when Dickie addressed the elephant in the room – can the monarch ever repair his strained relationship with his son, Prince Harry?

Royal fans will recall the latter snubbed life as a senior working royal alongside his wife Meghan for a fresh start across the Atlantic and the Duchess of Sussex has been more criticised than ever before since.

Denise Welch took a firm stand in favour of Meghan Markle and called out Dickie Arbiter on the set of Loose Women ( 
Image:
ITV)

Meghan also faced a wave of criticism when she was first rumoured to be dating Prince Harry in 2016 and the couple have publicly condemned the negative media scrutiny they have both received, personally, as a couple and as parents for their two children, Archie and Lilibet.

For Denise, Meghan and Harry’s decision to leave Windsor and Frogmore Cottage behind was nothing short of logical and tensions emerged at lightning speed as she vehemently defended them – calling Dickie out for his own criticism of Meghan Markle.

“If I may say, do you not think there is a reason why Harry did such a thing?”, the 65-year-old initially asked, referring to the Duke’s decision to leave the UK for the US.

Denise then summarised the heartbreak surrounding King Charles III’s family, wounds first stemming from the monarch’s marriage with Lady Diana “when he was in love with Camilla.”

“It ruined a lot of Diana’s life”, Denise claimed. She then recalled how a young Prince Harry witnessed his mother’s death after a fatal car chase with paparazzi before he was forced to walk publicly behind her coffin and accept Queen Camilla as his stepmother.

“Then he has a wife who is completely and continually trashed by the media, including your good self”, Denise added while turning to Dickie, while some audience members began to applaud her. “I am just sick to death of the bashing that this woman gets (…) we continually berate this woman every day.”

When Dickie argued that the Sussexes have received criticism over their choice to leave the Royal Family, Denise furiously doubled down: “Why would they not walk out? Why would they want to spend their life in a country that hated them?”

Coleen Nolan quickly intervened to stop the situation from escalating, reminding the panellist that she hadn’t expected a “debate” to take place in the studio. But Denise continued to seethe as she added: “don’t have a guest on (…) I can say what I like!”

The segment left many ITV viewers with their jaws dropped as they swarmed over to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts. “Well done Denise, you wiped the floor with Dickie. Thankyou for not being scared to be a voice for H@M”, one of them commented.

Another agreed: “Makes me laugh that people are saying Denise isn’t nice for standing up for Meghan and Harry, yet it’s fine for so many “nice” people to have s****** them off for the past 6+ yrs”, just as a third applauded the panellist for her strong stance: “Well said Denise, you are the voice of fairness and reason.”

However, one TV watcher predicted a reprimand was ahead for Denise due to Coleen’s intervention. “I think Denise is going to be getting a firm talking to when @loosewomen is off air! However if she is passionate about a subject why shut her down? I thought #LooseWomen promotes strong women and opinions?”