Princess Anne favours an unusual breakfast choice that is not for the faint-hearted.

Princess Anne relies on an unusual breakfast choice – not for the faint hearted (Image: Getty)

When you think of breakfast, images of cereal, pancakes, omelettes, or toast likely come to mind – but for Princess Anne, her breakfast choices are not for the faint-hearted.

The UK’s hardest-working royal relies on a good breakfast to fuel her day, but has a peculiar request, as revealed by Palace staff.

Palace insiders have claimed although the late Queen Elizabeth’s daughter likes healthy, vitamin-dense foods, she prefers to start her day with a bowl of overripe or even mouldy fruit.

As reported by the Mirror, Darren McGrady, a former chef to the royals, previously told TODAY: “Princess Anne almost always preferred the bananas almost black – overripe – because they’re digested easier.”

As royals prefer to traditionally eat with cutlery, there is a specific way Princess Anne, 73, needs her bananas prepared.

 

Princess Anne enjoys overripe bananas for breakfast (Image: Getty)

Darren explained: “First, the ends of the banana are cut off. Then the banana peel is sliced down the middle from end to end so the unpeeled fruit can be opened. The fruit is sliced into circles and eaten with a fork.”

Lunch is a meal often skipped by the royal, possibly because of her busy schedule, but she does carry snacks with her in her handbag. Her daughter, Zara Tindall, once revealed she often carries kiwi fruit in her purse.

Also a fan of fish, Anne is also known to enjoy kippers and once sent a letter full of praise to Fortune Kippers, an old smokehouse based in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The company’s website reveals: “Members of the Royal Family have also been known to enjoy our kippers and HRH Princess Anne has written to Barry and Derek telling them how much she enjoys their kippers.”

 

Princess Anne is said to enjoy eating kippers (Image: Getty)

There is also one food the Princess Royal is very keen on during flights and it is a very common and simple delicacy.

King Charles’s former pilot, Graham Laurie, has revealed that Princess Anne would enjoy Fray Bentos pies whilst on the plane during the Royal Family’s summer holidays.

He said: “He said: “I think it was such a pleasant change from all the poncey first class food. She enjoyed it.”

Throughout the years, Princess Anne has built a reliable name for herself as one of the most hardworking royals, and that status was solidified with official data in 2023.

Analysis of royal meetings and engagements from the Sunday Telegraph found Princess Anne carried out 457 engagements in 2023, providing steadfast and reliable support for her brother King Charles.

 

 

In the midst of her battle with cancer, the news of Kate Middleton’s diagnosis shocked the world. But despite the challenges she has faced, there is hope on the horizon as she prepares to resume her royal duties.

Commitment and Devotion

Even while recovering from surgery at the London Clinic, Kate remained dedicated to her royal duties. Reports reveal that she continued to work from her hospital bed, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her role. Her devotion is truly commendable.

A Heartfelt Act of Kindness

Amid her own health struggles, Kate took the time to write a touching condolence letter to Kate Garraway, who tragically lost her husband earlier this year. This act of support showcased Kate’s empathetic nature and generous spirit. She truly understands the power of compassion.

Gratitude towards her Royal Fans

One lucky royal fan received a special thank you from Kate herself. After sending love and well wishes following the Princess of Wales’ operation, the fan received a heartfelt note from Kensington Palace. It’s moments like these that demonstrate Kate’s genuine appreciation for her supporters.

The Strength of the Royal Family

Throughout this challenging time, Queen Camilla has been a source of support for both Kate and King Charles. During a recent visit, Queen Camilla expressed Kate’s gratitude for the overwhelming well wishes and encouragement she has received. The royal family stands firmly behind Kate, providing strength and solidarity.

 

Family as the Foundation

While the royal family has offered their assistance, it is Kate’s parents and siblings who have been her pillars of support throughout her journey. Their unwavering love and encouragement have provided Kate with the resilience needed to face her struggles. She is immensely grateful for the unwavering support of the Middleton family.

A Glimpse of Hope

There is optimism that Kate may make a comeback to public life sooner than anticipated. Despite undergoing prophylactic chemotherapy, a royal specialist suggests that she might attend some events if she feels well enough. While a full-scale return to royal duties may still be down the road, the possibility of seeing Kate this summer fills us all with hope.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed for positive news in the upcoming months as we send our warmest regards to King Charles and Kate Middleton. The world is inspired by her courage and determination, eagerly awaiting the day she resumes her important role as a working royal.

If you enjoyed this piece about the royal family, perhaps you would be interested in reading more about Kate Middleton’s remarkable journey.

 

 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may have to scale back on their lavish lifestyle.

After King Charles III decided to take away their last remaining U.K. residence and cut the Duke and Duchess of Sussex off from the royal family payroll, insiders told Radar Harry and Meghan fear they could struggle to keep up with their outlandish spending habits.

“They never imagined they would be totally cut off,” a source close to the married couple spilled, adding they have been “bleeding money” since their move to the U.S.

“When Harry was a royal, he’d go on huge shopping sprees, glamorous vacations, and buy everyone drinks and dinner at expensive London restaurants,” the insider claimed. “Charles funded everything, so Harry didn’t have to think about money.”

harry meghan
SOURCE: MEGA
According to the outlet, Harry and Meghan reportedly took out a $10 million mortgage on their $14.6 million six-bedroom Montecito estate, which has required a pretty penny to keep up. “Then there are the staffing and security bills,” the source explained.

The financial anxiety has not been for lack of trying. The parents-of-two signed multiyear deals with Netflix and Spotify, which rang in at a reported $100 million and $25 million, respectively. Most infamously, Harry reportedly signed a $35 million four-book deal with Penguin Random House, which launched his New York Times bestseller, Spare. However, people close to the power couple fear the profits “may not be enough to carry” their lifestyle.

 

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The former Suits actress also recently cameoed in an Instagram ad for the coffee brand Clevr Blend, which she alleged she invested in back in 2020.

“Meghan wants to support women entrepreneurs like herself,” the insider explained of the move, adding, “but don’t think she’s doing it for nothing.”

Queen Camilla delighted schoolchildren at the Chelsea Flower Show with a very special bouquet of flowers last week.

Camilla’s choice of flowers sent a hidden message to the Princess of Wales (Image: Getty)

Queen Camilla posed a hidden show of support to the Princess of Wales last week at the Chelsea Flower Show in London.

During her appearance on May 20, Camilla opted for a bouquet of camellias to give to the delighted pupils at Sulivan Primary School.

The school, which is based in Fulham, had contributed to the design of a garden inspired by Penelope Featherington from Netflix’s Bridgerton.

Speaking about Camilla’s choice of flower, Elise Harlock – who is the brand manager at Prestige Flowers – said: “Camellias traditionally symbolise admiration, affection, and gratitude.

“By selecting camellias, Queen Camilla likely aimed to express profound appreciation for the children’s creativity and dedication.”

Speaking how her choice could link to King Charles and the Princess of Wales – who were both diagnosed with cancer earlier this year – she added: “In the language of flowers, camellias can symbolise resilience and strength.

“This choice may reflect a message of solidarity and support for her husband and daughter-in-law during their challenging journeys.”

Further explaining, Ms Harlock added: “Queen Camilla’s gesture with the camellias, coupled with her candid interactions and admissions, painted a portrait of a royal family navigating personal hardships with grace and compassion.

“The choice of camellias was a poignant way to convey gratitude, strength and unity during trying times.”

Queen Camilla pictured at the Chelsea Flower Show last Monday (Image: GETTY)

The flower expert also described the Queen’s gesture as a “meaningful exchange”.

Expanding, she said: “It signifies recognition and respect for the children’s efforts, indicating that their contribution has elevated the garden to a level deserving of royal acknowledgement.

Until recently, Camilla has been representing the royals single-handedly at events due to the two major health issues in the family.

Back in February, it was revealed that King Charles had been diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer.

Princess Kate revealed she had cancer earlier this year (Image: PA)

Just a few weeks later, news of the Princess of Wales’s own cancer diagnosis was revealed.

The King, however, was medically given the all-clear to resume public-facing royal duties last month – and has appeared at a few since the end of April.

But Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton also has a jaw-dropping sparkler – although it comes with some “challenges.”

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Pippa Middleton got engaged to hedge fund manager James Matthews in 2016Credit: Peter Jordan – The Sun

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James proposed with a £250k three-carat Asscher-cut diamond engagement ringCredit: GC Images – Getty

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Pippa and James got married in 2017 and the wedding was held at the £6million Middleton family homeCredit: Getty – Contributor
The younger sister of Princess Kate was proposed to by wealthy hedge fund manager James Matthews in 2016, after less than a year of dating.

To seal the deal, James – brother of Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews – popped the question with a three-carat diamond engagement ring.

Pippa’s ring has some royal ties too, it turns out, as the sparkler features an “Asscher-cut”, which was invented in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, founder of what is now known as the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.

The prestigious diamond brand has provided jewellery for Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.

The ring had a price tag to rival Kate’s, with the octagonal diamond ring reportedly costing around £250,000 – and will keep Pippa busy.

Caring for a royal ring can be tricky according to Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau – the brand responsible for the Welsh gold that the royals have used to create their wedding rings since 1923 (when Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who became The Queen Mother, married the Duke of York, later King George VI).

Speaking about Kate’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring, he told Hello! magazine: “Even without any alterations, caring for an heirloom of such value comes with its own challenges.

“Kate and her team will need to employ careful maintenance, with regular inspections and in-depth evaluations, gentle cleaning to restore sheen, and, if necessary, expert repairs to ensure its longevity.

“That way, she can continue to wear it every day and maintain a constant connection to the past while grounding her in the present as a beloved senior member of the Royal Family.”

Pippa and James married on 20 May, 2017, with a £250,000 budget for the big day.

The pair shunned a lavish ceremony in favour of a more intimate, family affair in Pippa’s home village.

She wore a spectacular dress by designer Giles Deacon, that featured cap sleeves and an elegant high neckline and is said to have cost upward of £40,000.

 

The couple wed at St Mark’s Church in Englefield in Berkshire and resident priest the Reverand Nick Wynee-Jones officiated.

The church dates back to the 12th century and was extensively restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1857.

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Pippa and dad Michael Middleton, on her wedding dayCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Pippa is said to be very close to older sister Kate MiddletonCredit: Peter Jordan – The Sun

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Kate Middleton wearing late Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ringCredit: Getty

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The ring is estimated to worth an eye-watering amount, given its royal connectionsCredit: Getty
The £6million Middleton family home in nearby Bucklebury hosted the wedding reception.

A £100,000 glass marquee was built at the family home and it had space for more than 350 guests.

The guests also enjoyed a fly-by from aircraft including a World War Two Spitfire.

Designer Giles Deacon designed the lace gown Pippa wore to marry James Matthews. He was spotted visiting Pippa and her mother Carole just before Christmas, holding a garment bag.

Special role Pippa Middleton could get when Kate is Queen

KATE Middleton is extremely close to her family, including mum Carole and sister Pippa.

And when Prince William’s wife becomes Queen one day, her beloved family members could be in line for some special honours.

Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous that Pippa Middleton could be given a similar role to Queen Camilla’s younger sister, Annabel Elliott, who is one of her six “companions”.

He said: “I certainly think there could be a role for Pippa as a lady-in-waiting or companion type role.

“This needs to be someone the then Queen can trust and rely on, and who better than her sister?

“Pippa has some commercial interests but I’m sure by the time Kate becomes Queen she would be happy to fulfil that role if required.

“It’s not necessarily a full time job so she would be available.

“We all know what a sensation she was at their wedding in 2011 and since then she has kept a relatively low profile and of course is happily married.”

Another person he thought could be in line for a “companion” position is Kate’s stylist and close friend Natasha Archer, as she is “someone else she trusts and would be ideal for a supportive post.”

Meanwhile, Kate and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, with the royal proposing with his mother’s ring in Kenya.

At the time of its creation, the ring was worth £28,000, according to Marie Claire.

Vintage ring expert Sam Mee estimates that these days its value is more like £390,000.

However, given the historical significance it now holds, some believe it is actually priceless.

For his proposal, Prince Harry used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create a ring for Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry popped the question in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamonds, although Meghan later upgraded the ring to feature a diamond-studded band, valued at £150,000.

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Prince Harry popped the question to Meghan Markle using stones from Princess Diana’s collectionCredit: AFP

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Prince Harry proposed in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamondsCredit: Getty – Contributor

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Queen Camilla was given a five-carat ring by King Charles when he popped the question in 2005Credit: Getty – Contributor

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Queen Camilla’s five-carat ring has a baguette cut-diamonds on each sideCredit: Rota

A royal commentator believes the Duchess of Sussex wanted to distance herself from her husband’s homeland so stayed away from his last visit.

Meghan Markle might have felt her ratings were low in the UK, a commentator said (Image: Getty )

Meghan Markle made the decision to cut ties with Britain due to a “huge rift” between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, a royal commentator believes.

The Duchess of Sussex, 42, did not travel with her husband Prince Harry when he visited the UK earlier this month to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.

The youngest son of the King made a speech at St Paul’s Cathedral to hail the achievements of the competition he started for wounded servicemen and women when he was a working royal in 2014.

But none of the Royal Family attended the event, with relations reportedly strained between Prince Harry and King Charles and Prince William following the publication of his tell-all memoirs and appearance in a Netflix documentary.

Meghan Markle also did not fly to the UK with her husband, and royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told GB News that the mum-of-two chose to stay away due to her poor approval rating in the country and the “rift” between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.

 

Meghan Markle may have felt the ‘huge rift’ in the Royal Family was not worth encountering in the UK (Image: Getty )

He said: “It was not a question of supporting him [Harry], she [Meghan] was not coming here because her ratings in the polls are terrible.

“The Royal Family has this huge rift, so there are all sorts of reasons why she chose to stay away.

“It made total sense not to accompany Harry to St Paul’s Cathedral, it would have been unthinkable a few years ago that this would happen but it has.”

Despite not making an appearance with Harry, his wife did fly to Heathrow to make a transfer onto a jet bound for the Nigeria where the couple enjoyed a successful royal-like tour.

Prince Harry is reportedly desperate to reconcile with his family

Prince Harry ‘reaches out’ to royal family behind Meghan Markle’s back

Prince Harry is reportedly willing to push his grievances aside to reunite with estranged family.

The Duke of Sussex is set to return to the UK for celebration of 10 years of Invictus Games next week, and it is expected he will be paying a brief visit to his cancer-stricken father King Charles.

However, there’s still uncertainty around his potential reaching out to Prince William, as a source revealed the warring brothers “haven’t had a real conversation in years”.

Speaking to Us Weekly, a second insider affirmed, “The brothers haven’t spoken [but] there is potential for that. [Harry] would be more than happy [to].”

They also claimed the Spare author attempted to contact the royal family in a bid to invite them for a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Tensions have been at an all time high between Harry and William after the former decided to call time on his position in the royal family alongside wife Meghan Markle in 2020.

The couple went on to disparage the Firm on several occasions since then, leading to brewing animosity between the two parties.

The Princess of Wales was without a private secretary for over a year

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Kate Middleton at the Evelina London’s new children’s day surgery unit on December 5, 2023 in London; Lieutenant Colonel Tom White at the Royal Windsor Horse Show on July 2, 2021 in Windsor, England.
Does Kate Middleton’s new right-hand man look familiar?

At the end of February, the Princess of Wales, 42, brought on Lt. Col. Tom White to lead her staff as private secretary, and the news had social media users noting his resemblance to tennis star Roger Federer. While Princess Kate has not been seen in public for months amid her private recovery following abdominal surgery on Jan. 16, photos of White have sparked online chatter around the resemblance.

“Oh my, he looks like Roger Federer,” one commenter wrote on X with a heart-eyed emoji, and multiple users agreed that the similarity was uncanny.

Last summer, Princess Kate hit the court with Federer, 42, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Ball Boys and Girls at Wimbledon program, and the two sat courtside together on the second day of the tennis championship. The Princess of Wales is patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, and Federer told The New York Times he enjoyed watching Wimbledon with her.

“It was so fun sitting next to Princess Catherine. I know her quite well,” said the tennis legend, who retired from the sport in 2022. “She is an avid tennis fan, and she plays herself.”

Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images

Kate Middleton and Roger Federer attend Wimbledon on July 04, 2023.
Although White is new to Princess Kate’s team, he is very familiar with working for the royal family, most recently serving as the late Queen Elizabeth’s equerry.

Though the Queen scaled back her public appearances in her later years amid the COVID-19 pandemic, White was spotted alongside her at the modified Trooping the Colour celebration in the summer of 2021 and again at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

 

Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty

Queen Elizabeth attends the Royal Windsor Horse Show with Lieutenant Colonel Tom White (2nd L) in July 2021.
The aide was also on hand to greet former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at Balmoral Castle on Sept. 6, 2022, where he resigned from the position to pass the role to Liz Truss. The meetings were Queen Elizabeth’s final audiences before her death two days later at age 96.

According to The Telegraph, White joined the Buckingham Palace team in 2020 after serving with the Royal Marines. While serving in Afghanistan in 2009, the soldier, then 22, helped stop a school bombing by the Taliban after wires were spotted under a classroom door before detonation.

The Telegraph reported that White went to Princess Kate’s inaugural Shaping Us National Symposium in London in November and was poised to fill a vacancy open for over a year. The Princess of Wales previously leaned on Hannah Cockburn-Logie as private secretary from 2020 to 2022, before she reportedly departed for personal reasons. Cockburn-Logie replaced Catherine Quinn in the royal role, who was Kate’s private secretary from 2017 to 2019. At the time, the Daily Mail reported that the two left things on the “best of terms.”

Andrew Milligan – WPA Pool/Getty

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is greeted by Lieutenant Colonel Tom White at Balmoral Castle on September 6, 2022
 

 

The Telegraph described the idea of Princess Kate appointing White as “something of a return to tradition for the household, reflecting the royal family’s close ties to the military and a link with her late grandmother-in-law.”

Princess Kate isn’t the only royal to tap a new leader for her team. At the end of February, her husband, Prince William, brought in Ian Patrick to run his office. A former diplomat, Patrick worked at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in international peacekeeping in Bosnia and Herzegovnia. He is also a trustee of the charity Crohns and Colitis U.K.

 

On the heels of those appointments will be a CEO-type appointment to head up the couple’s joint teams. The hire has yet to be announced.

While Kate Middleton is thankful for the time she has been granted so far, she is determined to attend an important Royal event.

As Kate Middleton continues to undergo preventative chemotherapy following her cancer diagnosis, speculations are rife when the Princess of Wales returns to Royal duties. According to the source, Kate Middleton is eager to make a balcony appearance for Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, even if William rejects her plan.(Reuters)

However, Prince William, the heir to the throne, has been putting all his efforts to ensure that Catherine makes a smooth recovery. He has directed the Kensington Palace to not share any further updates about Kate’s health, considering her privacy.
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Speaking to New Idea, a palace source said that the Prince of Wales’ top priority is the Princess’ health. “He has been the driving force behind the decision to maintain the strictest privacy protocols around Kate.”

Kate, 42, has sought shelter at the family home Adelaide Cottage, with her husband William and their three children.

While she is thankful for the time she has been granted so far, Catherine is determined to attend an important Royal event.

According to the source, Kate Middleton is eager to make a balcony appearance for Trooping the Colour in London on June 15, even if William rejects her plan.

“Kate’s told William that with her doctor’s approval, she is determined to appear at that event,” an insider said. While the father of three tried to keep her away “from all the news and crazy speculation” about her ongoing absence from the public eye, the source added that “it’s impossible and Kate’s definitely feeling the pressure to put an end to all the nonsense.”

After Kate’s abdominal surgery in January, Kensington Palace in statement clarified that she “is unlikely to return to public duties until after Easter”.

However, she has crossed that deadline, raising public concerns about her genuine well-being.

Kensington Palace issues fresh statement about her return

Last week, in a revised statement, the Palace stated that Kate would not make a comeback to work until she gets the “green light” by her medical team.

“Her continuing absence is creating a vacuum ready to be filled by wild conspiracy theories on social media,” according to our source.

Despite rising public concern about Kate’s health and whereabouts, “stubborn” William refuses to let her be pressured into making any public appearances, even though she has privately shown a willingness to do so.

“He’s completely against being forced to commit to any kind of deadlines,” according to New Idea insider. “But Kate knows they’ve passed their Easter promise and it’s setting off alarm bells.”

PRINCE HARRY and other royals are seen in the same way as any other celebrity, journalist Sandro Monetti tells Express.co.uk.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are to return to California “without a peace deal”, claims CBS host and friend of the couple, Gayle King. The couple has spent the last two weeks in the UK uniting with the Royal Family to mourn the death of the Queen. Ms King added that while efforts were made on “both sides”, adding that “big families always go through drama, always go through turmoil. It remains to be seen – are they going to be drawn closer together or are they going to be drawn apart? I have no idea, I have no inside information on that, but I will tell you this: It was good to see Harry standing with his family.”

 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have divided opinion in the UK in recent years after their unceremonious departure from the Royal Family in 2020. Journalist Sandro Monetti, who contributes royal analysis for titles such as CNN and MSNBC, tells Express.co.uk that Harry is seen positively by many in the US.

He also explained how Americans see members of the Royal Family like “any other celebrity”.

Mr Monetti said: “I think Harry is seen almost as a man of heart in the US, as someone trying to find his place in the world.

Prince Harry: Harry is seen as a ‘man of heart’ in the US (Image: Getty)

“When members of the Royal Family come here they are just seen as another celebrity, there’s the fascination with wealth and power. Americanis an aspirational country and is interested in wealth and power, so that’s why they are fascinated by the royals.”

OnePoll UK carried out a survey of 2001 adults in the US to ask them about their view of Meghan after a recent interview she did and the release of her podcast episodes on Spotify, and found that many people like her. Of those polled, around 40 per cent said they thought “more favourably of her,” and a further 30 per cent said they thought “much more favourably.”

Only 10 percent said they had a less favourable view of her and around 20 percent said they felt no different.

 

Prince Harry: Harry and Meghan at the Queen’s funeral on Monday (Image: Getty)

Mr Monetti fears, however, that Harry and Meghan’s hopes of mending relations with the Royal Family could be undone by the release of the Duke’s memoir.

The journalist added: “My big worry is the Harry book. You don’t get an advance as big as that unless there’s going to be some negativity in it, that’s just the way publishing and the media works.

“Harry should pulp all those copies of the book and abandon the project. I know it has been delayed but I don’t see how shortly after the death of the Queen and ahead of his father’s coronation it helps.

“But if there’s a particular thing he wants to get off his chest he can do it. It will be fascinating to watch. Those beautiful pictures of Meghan Harry, William and Kate together mourning with the others…I hope we aren’t looking back at them in the future and thinking ‘look how good it was before the book came out.

“All of us come from families that have internal arguments. I am just one of those people who feels it can be better solved through communication.”

It was reported recently that Harry has delayed the release of the book. The Telegraph quoted a source who said the plan to publish the book in late 2022 now won’t happen.