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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in 2018, with their relationship playing out in the public eye – from their first date to their upcoming Nigerian trip

Prince Harry is attending an Invictus Games event alone in the UK today (Wednesday, May 8) after Meghan Markle opted to stay stateside with their children, Archie and Lilibet.

The Duke returned to his home country on Tuesday ahead of the Invictus Games event at St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s speculated the former Suits star steered clear of any UK return in order to avoid stealing the limelight from the occasion.

PR expert Lynn Carratt previously told us: “Meghan likely didn’t want to take the spotlight away from Harry on this important occasion, and she knew that her presence could attract all the attention and she knows there is some hostility towards her in the UK.”

Here, we look at how Meghan and Harry’s relationship has changed – from their initial public outing, to her no-show this time around.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could have bombshells exposed in upcoming documentary

Meghan watches Harry play polo

In 2017, Prince Harry was cheered on by Meghan Markle at the Audi Polo Challenge at Coworth Park Polo Club in Ascot, England. The former Suits actress cut a proud figure as their relationship continued to blossom.

She was seen smiling on the sidelines as Harry got involved in the action. The appearance marked the first time the pair had attended a public event together.

Harry and Meghan tie the knot

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle married in 2018 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Just a year later, the pair were reciting their vows in what was one of the world’s most anticipated weddings. In May 2018, the joyful couple said I Do at Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Chapel. Just months later the news broke they were expecting a baby in Spring of 2019. The couple are currently parents to Archie, five, and Lilibet, two.

The timing of the Archie announcement came as Harry and Meghan arrived in Australia for their first royal tour. At the time, Harry gushed over his wife in a sweet speech in which they announced their baby news.

Harry and Meghan are no longer ‘openly affectionate’ in public

Earlier this year, it was claimed the couple’s relationship had evolved as they stopped being so publicly intimate together. Body language expert Darren Stanton claimed there had been a visible decrease in physical intimacy from The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex compared to years gone by, explaining that they are “not being as tactile with one another” as their “relationship has evolved.”

Talking to Hello! in January for Betfair Bingo Darren said: “Harry and Megan’s relationship has evolved. When looking at their body language, their public displays of affection have changed drastically over the years.

“When they started dating and became more established as an official couple, they were very affectionate in public, almost more affectionate than William and Kate.” The expert confirmed that while Harry and Meghan still give fans a glimpse of their intimacy they have become far more private about their personal lives.”

Harry and Meghan’s renewed strong ties

The pair share a kiss as Meghan presents Harry with the trophy ( 
Image:
PA)
Despite a perceived lack of passionate public displays, it’s thought the couple are as strong as ever. In April, Darren said the couple had went back to old ways and were showing they are in a “strong place”.

Speaking on behalf of Betfair Slots, he spoke of five change that he has spotted in the couple’s relationship. He said: “From a non verbal perspective, Harry and Meghan have appeared a lot stronger in recent months. There used to be some distance between them during previous events, there weren’t many PDA moments between them or touches of affection.

“However, that has totally changed.” Speaking about images after they had attended the Royal Salute Polo Challenge benefitting Sentebale at Grand Champions Polo Club on April 12, he said: “I noticed in one of the pictures, he had his hand on her back and neck, which is quite an intimate gesture to make in front of the public.”

Harry was also seen kissing his wife as she handed over the winners’ trophy.

Harry’s solo UK trips

Prince Harry was in the UK alone ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Invictus Ga)DON’T MISS

Despite Harry having to make a number of solo trips to the UK in 2024, the couple have continued to showcase their strong bonds in other public shows. Earlier this year they beamed for the camera as they headed to Canada for an Invictus Games event. They also were keen to show their togetherness at another Polo event last month. It’s thought Netflix cameras were at the ceremony filming Harry as he took part in a charity game once again, bringing their relationship timeline full circle.

Next up for the duo is a trip to Nigeria. It’s believed the Sussexes will be travelling with a team of people from the Archewell company and it’s thought they’ll be residing in a lavish hotel during their visit.

King Charles did not see Prince Harry when his youngest son visited the UK this week, something experts described as a “snub” which is said to have deepened their rift

King Charles will meet Prince William on Monday at a special ceremony to hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to the Prince of Wales.

The engagement has been confirmed today in what is expected to be another huge blow to Prince Harry, following his father’s “snub” this week as the pair did not meet despite Harry’s visit to the UK.

Buckingham Palace announced today: “At the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, His Majesty The King will officially hand over the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

“In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, The King was pleased to announce military appointments including that The Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty The King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years.”

The engagement in Hampshire is now scheduled for Monday, weeks after the monarch returned to royal duties following treatment for cancer.

Prince Harry’s rift with the Royal Family has widened, experts say ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Speaking after Charles did not see Harry this week, royal expert Michael Cole said: “It is quite a snub. For the King to not see his younger son, Prince Harry, although the two men will be only two miles apart tomorrow afternoon, gives an indication of the depth of the divide.

“The Prodigal Son is not welcome – not for the present, anyway. In royal terms, this is big medicine. Prince Harry is bound to see it for what it is, the clearest possible indication of the hurt that has been caused.”

Harry’s Invictus Games event was just three miles away from where Charles was, at Clarence House for a garden party. Harry’s spokesman had said the pair were unable to meet due to Charles’ “full schedule”.

He added: “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.”

Instead, as the Duke’s foundation Archewell confirmed, Harry met city financier Guy Monson. Monson, chief investment officer of Sarasin and Partners, a London-based £18billion investment fund, was alongside the warring brothers when they unveiled a statue of their mother Princess Diana in 2021 at Kensington Palace. It was Harry and William’s last solo engagement together.

The new German documentary about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will likely ‘give an insight into their lives in Montecito’, it has been claimed by a public relations guru

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to have new bombshells unveiled about them in a new German documentary, with an expert now speculating about what we might learn from the new show.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to be the focus of a new documentary after they stepped down from their roles as senior royals in 2020. The show, which could reveal “fresh secrets” about them, was unveiled by a German TV production company in the week.

Journalist and royal expert, Ulrike Grunewald, is reported to head up the documentary, with the show produced for Germany’s ZDF network. According to reports, Ulrike is said to have travelled to California with a team of five people to investigate Montecito and gather insights from the neighbourhood where the couple resides with their two children.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to be the subject of a new German documentary ( 
Image:
Getty Images,)
Public relations guru Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR has spoken exclusively to The Mirror to give her thoughts on what the documentary might contain, and how the Sussexes will react. “The new documentary will be water off of a duck’s back, while they value their privacy and won’t enjoy having no control over what is said, they know they will be subject to these documentaries at times and biographers will always publish books about their lives,” Ms Carratt said this week.

She went on to add: “From my understanding of the new TV documentary, Harry and Meghan are not part of it. [Instead], it’s interviews with people who live near them who’ve perhaps worked with them previously. Not Harry and Meghan, giving their insight into their own lives or own opinions.”

Speculating what the documentary might contain, Ms Carratt concluded: “Viewers will likely get an insight into the couple’s life now and what it is like to live close to them, but I don’t believe it will have any impact on their upcoming projects.”

This comes as the Sussexes enjoy an “unofficial royal tour” of Nigeria after touching down in West Africa in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, are said to ‘want to generate positive stories on their Nigeria trip’ after the Duke gave a moving mental health speech

According to a public relations guru, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “want to generate some positive stories on their Nigeria trip”.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Abuja, Nigeria in the early hours of Friday morning. Soon after touching down in West Africa, the couple headed to a school to greet children. While at the Lights Academy in Abuja, the Duke of Sussex even gave a moving speech about mental health, with Meghan then also giving a speech to the pupils in attendance.

Ahead of the couple’s trip, a public relations guru told us that the couple would likely want to generate some positive stories with their trip to Nigeria, and it seems they were correct.

For all the latest on news, politics, sports, and showbiz from the USA, go to The Mirror US.

READ MORE: Prince Harry ‘in tears’ when King Charles announced new honour for Prince William

( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror ahead of the couple’s trip to Nigeria, Lynn Carratt from Press Box PR said that the couple would likely want to “generate some positive stories”, with their security at the forefront of their minds.

Ms Carratt explained how the couple were invited by the head of Defence, Christopher Musa, who Harry built up a close friendship with at the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf last year. She added how Meghan recently discovered that she has Nigerian heritage, adding that “it’s possible that they might take Archie and Lilibet” on a visit at some point. If they do decide to take Archie, “it wouldn’t be Archie’s first official overseas visit, he made his debut as a baby on the Couple’s Royal Tour in South Africa,” Ms Carratt noted.

Concluding her analysis, Ms Carrat said: “Nigeria is a country where Meghan and Harry are celebrated, and they’ll want to generate some positive stories for the visit.

“I’m sure as they are with any overseas trip to any country, security will be [at] the forefront of their mind and will be meticulously planned.”

This comes after Harry gave a moving speech while the couple attended a school on Friday. Speaking to the children and addressing the room, Harry said: “In some places around the world, more than you would believe, there is a stigma against mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it because it’s invisible, it’s in your mind and we can’t see it.”

Elsewhere in his speech, the Duke of Sussex continued: “There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day. Okay? If you woke up this morning feeling sad, if you left school feeling stressed, if you’ve lost a loved one in your family who you usually turn to or 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 experiences you have had.”

Prince Harry hugged Diana’s brother Earl Spencer and her sister Lady Jane Fellowes, who supported him during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games this week

Prince Harry was seen hugging Princess Diana’s siblings at St Paul’s Cathedral earlier this week during a ceremony marking the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games which was not attended by the Royal Family.

The Duke of Sussex smiled when he embraced his mother’s side of the family at the service. A viral clip shows the moment he hugged Diana’s younger brother Earl Spencer, as well as her elder sister, Lady Jane Fellowes.

The event was attended by dignitaries, politicians and close friends of Harry, but his father King Charles and brother Prince William were not in attendance. The ceremony to recognise the Paralympic-style competition Harry founded in 2014 began as a few miles away Charles met guests at the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year.

Prince Harry hugged his mother’s siblings, Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes
The monarch and his son didn’t meet during the Duke’s brief UK visit due to the King’s “full programme”, said Harry’s spokesman in a statement. Among the guests for the service were Diana’s siblings 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 the princess’s death.

Crowds had gathered around crash barriers to see the duke’s car pull up, and there was a large number of journalists, photographers, and camera operators covering his every move. Harry acknowledged them with a wave as he strode up St Paul’s steps and was warmly greeted by the Dean of St Paul’s, the Very Reverend Andrew Tremlett.

Princess Diana’s family supported Harry on the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games
Harry was inspired to found the global tournament after attending the Warrior Games in Colorado in 2013 and seeing how injured American military personnel thrived on the challenge of taking part in competitive sports that aided their recovery. He went on to stage the inaugural games in London’s Olympic Park in 2014 and the tournament has been held across the globe from Orlando and Sydney to Dusseldorf in 2023, with the 2025 event being hosted in Vancouver and Whistler.

The St Paul’s congregation of just over 1,000 people gave a standing ovation after ex-RAF servicewoman Michelle Turner, husband John and daughter Maya each read verses of a poem that described their experiences following Mrs Turner’s medical discharge, after a tropical disease she caught while on deployment affected her heart. Mrs Turner, Team UK captain for the 2018 Games, told the guests: “Wounded, injured, sick, and now with no career: consumed by insecurities, the pain and the fear.

“Our lives were upside down, how could it be, that the little girl I was meant to protect, was now looking after me.” At the end, after her voice broke with emotion as she said “Thank you Invictus for giving my life back”, the congregation stood and applauded.

The Dean of St Paul’s echoed her words in his sermon when he said the Invictus Games Foundation, which organises the competition, was ” … not only changing lives through sport but quite literally by saving lives.” Harry later made a surprise visit to a charity event, spending the afternoon with 50 children and young people, aged between six and 22, who had experienced the death of a military parent.

Earl Spencer attended the service at St Paul’s Cathedral ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Invictus Games)

Harry departs the ceremony in London ( 
Image:
GC Images)
DON’T MISSHe took part in games – including one which saw the duke use a straw to transport Smarties as quickly as possible – and spoke to the youngsters as part of the fun-filled event hosted in London by Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Harry also spent time talking to nine members from Scotty’s Council, a group of young people who represent the charity’s other members, who discussed their experiences of growing up without a parent.

The duke, 39, completed two tours of Afghanistan between 2007 and 2013 as a forward air controller and an Apache helicopter pilot, having flown countless training missions in the UK, US and Australia. He said: “It was an honour to meet so many of the wonderful families Scotty’s Little Soldiers supports.

“I have long believed in the mission of this charity, and I truly believe the work they do to foster community and create space for young people to connect, grieve, but also have fun together is life-changing. I am a huge supporter of their work, and very proud to be their first global ambassador.”

The charity – for which the duke became a global ambassador in November – was one of seven which had been nominated by Harry and Meghan to benefit from donations marking the couple’s wedding ceremony in 2018. Harry has been involved with the charity since 2017 and recorded a special video message in 2022 dressed as Spider-Man for its children’s Christmas party.

Meghan Markle showed off her incredible sense of style as she stepped out in a stunning summer dress to stay cool during her trip to Nigeria with husband Prince Harry

Meghan Markle splashed the cash on a stylish sundress in a bid to keep cool on her tour of Nigeria with Prince Harry.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, was seen stepping out in the searing 95F heat in the stunning dress with a black and cream leaf print and cut-out details to the bust, as well as a thigh-high leg split in the design. Johanna Ortiz’s Tropicana Nights dress also features thick black and cream embellished straps to add to the chic and modern look.

Meghan forked out a whopping £2,275 for the dress, which she wore with confidence as she strolled hand in hand with Harry for the visit. The Duchess added an array of gold jewellery to her look including domed earrings and several bracelets, with her long dark hair styled in a simple ponytail.

Meghan and Harry have received a warm welcome in Nigeria ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)
The pair headed to a sitting volleyball game that saw Harry join in the action as Meghan cheered him on from the sidelines. However, his Nigeria Unconquered team lost on the day 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad.

The pair were praised for their “authenticity” as they stepped out at the event for Nigeria Unconquered, a local charity organisation that supports wounded, injured, or sick servicemembers, in Abuja. This comes as part of their visit to Nigeria, amid celebrations of the 10th Invictus Games anniversary.

Body language expert Judi James says the couple’s unified display showed genuine feelings and encouraged others to feel the same. She said: “The couple’s body language displays do hit exactly the right note here as they drop some of the performance signals of royals on tour and opt instead for some rituals that convey authentic and contagious enthusiasm and excitement.

The stunning design showcased her toned figure ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)

Harry and Meghan attended the volleyball event ( 
Image:
Anadolu via Getty Images)
“Meghan’s smile is so intense it creates a dimpling on her upper cheeks and eye-wrinkling. She uses face gazing and leading techniques on the rather shy-looking children she meets and crouches to their height to make communications more effective.”

Judi then explained how Harry’s enthusiasm showed signs of him wanting to join in the action. She continued; “Harry is a welter of enthusiasm, walking with a wide stride and watching the sports with all the active rituals of someone enjoying a cup final. He looks as though he would like to be out there joining in.”

Judi also noted how while Meghan and Harry put on a loving display for bystanders, they made an effort to keep a steady level of affection to not overshadow the event. She said: “The couple have also tempered their loving and bonding rituals to perhaps not upstage the event. Their hand clasp registers their togetherness but the fingers aren’t meshed making it more of a relaxed gesture that can easily be broken when they want to mingle.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry found themselves being addressed by their Royal titles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they attended an event during their current trip to Nigeria

Meghan Markle was left delighted when her and husband Prince Harry were addressed with their Royal titles in Nigeria, an expert has claimed.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were seen attending a Sit Out at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11, as part of their visit to the country to help celebrate the Invictus Games anniversary. Dressed in a simple figure-hugging white bandeau dress, Meghan appeared delighted as she soaked up the culture of the event.

She wore her hair in a sleek updo and accessorised with an array of jewellery including a sparkling cross pendant worn around her neck. Harry meanwhile complimented her look in a cream linen suit worn with a white shirt and dark-coloured tie as they greeted guests

Harry and Meghan sat in chairs labelled with their titles ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
As the pair headed to their seats inside the bash, they were marked with labels which very clearly referred to them as their official titles of “Duke” and “Duchess.” Body language expert Judi James believes the gesture was well received by Meghan who appeared “delighted,” but that Harry was a little less comfortable appearing somewhat “surprised” at the titles being used.

Judi also pointed out that the Duke was displaying a certain degree of discomfort as they took up their place in the venue. She said: “Meghan looks relaxed and delighted here to be given their royal titles but Harry’s body language suggests a degree of awkwardness.”

Judi elaborated further as she explained how Harry’s facial expression and positioning are a giveaway about his hidden feelings. She continued: “He is sat upright and with a bemused facial expression as though not quite sure how to enjoy the praise being lavished on them. His legs are splayed but his back is straight and his brows are raised in an expression of surprise while his wife’s wreathed smile looks excited and authentically relaxed and cheerful.”

The Sussexes were invited to Nigeria by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who met Harry last September at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany. Their invite came after Meghan found out about her Nigerian heritage.

Harry and Meghan were guests of honour at the event ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
The outing comes after Harry gave a moving speech about mental health while the couple visited a school on Friday. Speaking to the children and addressing the room, the Duke said: “In some places around the world, more than you would believe, there is a stigma against mental health. Too many people don’t want to talk about it because it’s invisible, it’s in your mind and we can’t see it.”

He added: “There is no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day. Okay? If you woke up this morning feeling sad, if you left school feeling stressed, if you’ve lost a loved one in your family who you usually turn to or 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 experiences you have had.”

New Look’s curve collection is a treasure trove for plus-size shoppers on the hunt for wallet-friendly occasionwear, with Judi Love stepping out in a zesty green wrap dress from the range

Judi Love’s gorgeous New Look dress is under £40 (
Image: ITV)

Birds of a Feather made Pauline Quirke, Lesley Joseph and Linda Robson household stars when it launched in the late 1980s – but a tame swear word provoked a furious backlash from viewers

Lesley Joseph has opened up about an early scandal that rocked Birds of a Feather back in the 1980s (
Image: ITV)

 

 

Loose Women star Coleen Nolan admits the fear of seeing her mother deteriorate with dementia left her fearing the worst when hormonal changes left her with ‘brain fog’

Coleen Nolan says she feared she was suffering with symptoms of ‘some form of dementia’ as she struggled to process the effects of the menopause on her body and mind.

The 59-year-old Loose Women star has explained that she feared the worst when she found herself becoming more forgetful and suffering from brain fog as her hormone levels naturally changed due to older age. But Coleen was alarmed by her forgetful spells – and admits she lives in fear of suffering from dementia as her mother battled the cruel disease.

Coleen’s mother, Maureen, passed away in 2012 after a long battle against Alzheimer’s, leaving the TV star and her sisters devastated. The memory of watching her mother’s health deteriorate has haunted Coleen, and she said she has been ‘panicking’ after noticing herself forgetting simple things like shoes and keys.

Taking to Instagram this week, Coleen candidly opened up about her experience of menopause. She said: “Just when I think the menopause symptoms might be lessening. I’ve been suffering with what I thought was the start of some form of dementia, I have to say. And because my mum had it I’ve been panicking.

Coleen Nolan has shared her dementia fears as her body has been adjusting to the menopause ( 
Image:
Instagram/ @coleen_nolan)

The Loose Women did manage to joke about her forgetfulness, however ( 
Image:
instagram/@coleen_nolan)

“But I’ve since been told the old fog brain of menopause is a real thing and although it’s quite scary, it’s also helped me calm down a bit and think ‘oh, it’s menopause’. So many things with menopause, isn’t there?”

Coleen added: “I thought I was over most of it but here I am, can’t remember anything. Honestly, can’t remember names when I’ve just said hello to someone. Can’t remember my phone, my shoes, my car keys, dogs. I’m surprised I manage to find the house when I go home. It has been a bit scary but I’m kind of okay now because I know what it is.” Taking a humours approach to her changes, she joked: “Anyway you might not be interested, but I won’t remember if you are or not, so.”

Coleen’s menopause experience reflects a similar reaction that iconic TV host Ulrika Johnson went through a decade ago. Opening up about her own menopause journey, the 56-year-old explained last year that she initially mistook her menopause at the age of 46 as early onset dementia. She told The Mirror: “The memory loss was the most terrifying symptom.

“We all have that thing of walking into a room and not remembering why we’ve gone in. You could put that down to being busy and having so many things to think about. But it was that thing of being in a conversation with somebody and not finding the next word.”

She also warned of unexpected changes in mood, confiding: “Whilst I’ve had the experience of depression and probably will do all my life, this was different. This didn’t feel like depression, it’s very hard to describe, I just felt very, very down and anxious.”

The star opted to speak out about her own experience in order to offer insight and support to other women. She said: “Like I think a lot of women do, I kept it to myself, because it’s women and we just soldier on.”