Author: bang2

  • Prince Harry slammed for inspecting troops despite being stripped of military titles

    Prince Harry slammed for inspecting troops despite being stripped of military titles

    It comes after the Sussexes were also criticised for using their ‘Duke’ and ‘Duchess’ titles during the trip.

    Prince Harry walks past troops

    Prince Harry walks past troops (Image: GETTY)

    Prince Harry has been slammed by a royal commentator for inspecting troops during his trip to Nigeria with Meghan Markle.

    The couple are currently in Nigeria for three days to promote their work with the Invictus Games.

    But Harry was seen inspecting troops at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in the country’s capital of Abuja.

    Video footage showed Harry being personally greeted by a ceremonial performance before carrying out the inspection.

    Royal commentator Kinsey Schofield described the moment as “odd” adding it was “something he would have done 10 years ago” before he was stripped of his military titles.

    She told GB News: “Despite being stripped of his military titles by the late Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Harry in Nigeria was seen inspecting the troops. This is odd.

    “He’s not a working member of the Royal Family. That’s something he would have done 10 years ago.

    “And I think that that is exactly what we see with Harry and Meghan. And the objective, again, is to monetise off of those connections.”

    Harry and Meghan tried to move away from their titles in 2020, after stepping down as senior working royals and relocating to the US to carve out careers away from the monarchy.

    And Kinsey was not alone in her claims that Harry and Meghan are now “cashing in” on their links to the Royal Family.

    During a reception at the same event, the couple’s chairs were labeled with “Duke” and “Duchess” as opposed to their first names.

    Duke and Duchess

    The couple have also come under fire for using their titles (Image: GETTY)

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    Royal expert Robert Jobson told the Daily Express: “They seem to be clinging on to the very same thing they have been trashing. Why can’t they just be themselves?

    “This is about currency and not credibility.

    “It should be Meghan and Harry, not Duke and Duchess – which smacks of colonial days as well.

    “It’s a shame that Harry cannot be himself. After all, his mother was always simply Diana.

    “It was good enough for her, why isn’t it for him?”

  • Prince William shares army throwback snaps moments before awkward Prince Harry snub

    Prince William shares army throwback snaps moments before awkward Prince Harry snub

    It’s a big day for Prince William as he unites with his father the King to receive a special honour – but it’s also been seen as a major snub to Prince Harry

    Prince William smiling as he greets crowds

    Prince William will receive the major honour from his father 

    Prince William has shared some never-before-seen photos moments before accepting a new role from King Charles.

    On Monday, Prince William is being made Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, in what has been seen as a major snub to Prince Harry.

    Charles, 75, shook hands with his eldest son William, 41, in front of an Apache chopper as he officially made him the head of Harry’s former helicopter unit.

    According to reports, the honour would have likely been given to Harry had he not chosen to step down as a working member of the royal family in 2020.

    Both brothers are trained military pilots, however, Harry personally served in the Army Air Corps during his second tour of Afghanistan up until 2014.

    To celebrate his new role, William shared two side-by-side images on social media. In the first, he can be seen dressed in camouflage and leaning against a helicopter with his arms folded, a big smile on his face. The second snapshot shows the heir inside the cockpit, looking back at the camera and grinning.

    The caption reads: “Time flies! Looking back at the last two visits to @ArmyAirCorps in 1999 and 2008 ahead of today’s handover at Middle Wallop.”

    Wiliam served in the Army as a Platoon Commander in the Blues and Royals, before undertaking flying training in the Royal Air Force. He then worked as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot and spent three years at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales.

    The military honour comes after the King’s schedule meant he was ‘too busy’ to see Prince Harry during his brief visit to the UK last week. Similarly, William chose not to reunite with his younger brother.

    The King handed William the honour today 

    Image:

    Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

    It comes as King Charles was ‘too busy’ to see Prince Harry last week 

    Image:

    PA)

    Royal author tom Quinn told The Mirror: “Harry’s visit to the UK has done nothing to repair royal relations – Harry has been very publicly snubbed by his father and brother.

    “[William] says nothing. It is as if Harry no longer exists. There’s been no obvious criticism from either side, but the silence from William is deafening.”

    Should Charles have made William chief of Harry’s old regiment? Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

    Following Monday’s ceremony, King Charles and Prince William will together have an opportunity to meet serving aircrew in front of the Apache. After the monarch has departed, Prince William will embark on his first engagement with the Army Air Corps as Colonel-in-Chief.

    The Prince will first receive a briefing on the Army Air Corps’ current work from the Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Borton. He will then view training and operational aircraft used by the Army Air Corps and meet the aircrew and the supporting ground staff.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘ghosts’ in Montecito neighbourhood as locals reveal all

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle ‘ghosts’ in Montecito neighbourhood as locals reveal all

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are virtually ‘ghosts’ in their Montecito neighbourhood, according to locals, which comes as they build their brand in Hollywood

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are virtually 'ghosts' in their Montecito neighbourhood

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are virtually ‘ghosts’ in their Montecito neighbourhood (
    Image: Splash/Getty Images)

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s neighbours in Montecito have opened up about what it’s like to live near one of the most famous couples in the world.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have resided in Montecito, California since 2020. The couple moved to America almost four years ago, with their relocation coming shortly after they announced that they were stepping down as senior working royals.

    Harry and Meghan live in a nine-bedroom, 16-bathroom mansion with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The sprawling home has been valued at around $14.7 million (£11.6m), but it seems that Sussexes don’t make too much of an impact in their neighbourhood, with them keeping themselves to themselves.

    Montecito
    The Sussexes have resided in Montecito since 2020 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    The Express US has reported that the couples are “ghosts” in their own neighbourhood after they chatted to those who reside and work within the community. Chatting to a lady who works at a boutique in Montecito, she revealed: “Day to day people don’t see them. I don’t think it’s too much of an impact here.”

    Another resident, who is the co-owner of Tresor Montecito, then told the paper: “It’s kind of the way Montecito is anyway, everyone just does their own thing.”

    Zach Rosen, the managing editor of the local Montecito Journal newspaper, then told the outlet: “We probably feel the media presence more than their presence.” Mr Rosen added: “We’re usually taking the stance that these are our community members and we do want to respect their privacy.”

    Harry
    Harry and Meghan live in a sprawling mansion with their two children 
    Image:
    Anadolu via Getty Images)
    While the owner of the Tecolote bookshop said: “I have seen black SUVs on my road. Other than that, it has no impact at all.”

    One reason that the Sussexes might not venture out much in the neighbourhood is down to the fact that they are busy with their various pending projects. Meghan is in the midst of launching her new lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, with her also working on two Netflix shows with her husband.

    This comes as the Sussexes left Montecito for a short trip. Harry flew from America to England last Tuesday after the family celebrated Prince Archie’s fifth birthday.

    The Duke of Sussex was back in London for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. He then reunited with his wife at the airport before they jetted to Nigeria together for a tour of the West African country.

  • King Charles ‘is not in a forgiving mood and Harry is in no mood to apologise’

    Royal expert and author Tom Quinn claims King Charles is ‘filled with horror’ at the potential idea of new revelations made by the Sussexes if Meghan Markle decides to write a book

    Prince Harry departs The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul's Cathedral on May 8

    Prince Harry departs The Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8 (
    Image: GC Images)

    By
    Jessica GibbDeputy Showbiz Editor
    Chiara FiorilloNews Reporter

    12:31, 13 May 2024

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    BOOKMARK

    King Charles is “not in a forgiving mood” and his younger son Prince Harry is “in no mood to apologise”, a royal expert claims.

    According to author Tom Quinn, the monarch is “filled with horror” at the idea that Meghan Markle could write a personal memoir and Harry could contribute to it. Following the publication of his book, Spare, in January 2023, the Duke of Sussex said he had to cut many parts out and added he had enough material for two books.

    The author believes this could make a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the royals is more difficult as Charles expects his son to apologise, while Harry and Meghan think the Royal Family should be the one apologising to them. Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Mr Quinn said: “For all her efforts to make a success of her new online business, America Riviera Orchard, Meghan knows that a personal memoir of her time in the UK as a working royal would sell millions of copies and make her the sort of money she craves.

    READ MORE: Prince William and King Charles want key thing ‘made clear’ about Meghan and Harry Nigeria trip

    King Charles
    King Charles is ‘not in a forgiving mood’, according to Tom Quinn 
    Image:
    POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

    Prince Harry
    Prince Harry travelled to the UK for the ceremony but his family did not attend it 
    Image:
    Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)

    “She is also acutely aware that such a book would only boost traffic to her new online business. All this fills King Charles with horror because Harry is bound to be a major contributor to the book.

    “And we know there is a lot more material. After the publication of Spare, Harry himself said he had enough material for two books. With all this hanging over his head, Charles is not in a forgiving mood.

    “If Harry were to say to his father and brother, ‘Look I’ve gone too far. I’ll stay quiet now and there will be no more embarrassing revelations,’ it might be different. But Harry is in no mood to apologise – like his wife, he still believes that all the apologies need to come from his family.”

    Harry and Meghan at the State Governor House in Lagos, Nigeria
    Harry and Meghan at the State Governor House in Lagos, Nigeria 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    The royal author’s comments come just days after Harry travelled to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games but did not meet his father or his brother, Prince William. At the Invictus Games service, held at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Harry was seen hugging Princess Diana’s siblings, Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes, but no senior royals attended the ceremony.

    Just a few miles away, Harry’s father met guests at the first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year. Initially, it was believed Harry and Charles would meet, but this did not happen to the King’s “full programme”, said the Duke’s spokesman in a statement which read: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.”

    However, the statement added that a future meet-up could be on the cards very soon. It added: “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    Following Harry’s short trip to England, the Sussexes travelled to Nigeria together for talks about the Invictus Games. They visited local charities, attended a fundraiser for Nigeria’s soldiers wounded in the country’s fight against Islamic extremists and other armed groups, and were also hosted at the Lagos State Government House.

  • Prince Harry’s ‘awkward’ moment as he tries to ‘steer’ Meghan Markle in Nigeria

    Prince Harry’s ‘awkward’ moment as he tries to ‘steer’ Meghan Markle in Nigeria

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared to develop ‘a new gesture of togetherness’ as they held each other’s wrists during their visit to Nigeria, a body language expert says

    The Sussexes visit the Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria (
    Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle developed “a new gesture of togetherness” on their visit to Nigeria as they were seen holding each other’s wrists on two separate occasions, a body language expert has said.

    Meghan used the gesture “like a fond mum steering her child”, but the Duke of Sussex appeared to be using it “a little awkwardly” as though he was “presenting his beautiful wife to the people of Nigeria”, said Judi James. During their visit, the couple showed “a need for flexibility” in their body language which was far from “all the usual royal entourage”, the expert added.

    Judi said the Duchess of Sussex sported “a gracious smile” and had a “very regal” posture, while Harry stepped in to greet people at the prestigious Lagos Polo Club where the couple watched a polo match. Meghan looked radiant in a beige maxi dress with floral patterns, featuring a plunging neckline, ruched waistline, and matching scarf.

    Harry holding Meghan's wrist
    The gesture looked ‘awkward’, said Judi James 
    Image:
    Sussex5525/Twitter)

    Harry and Meghan at the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria
    Harry and Meghan at the Armed Forces Complex in Abuja, Nigeria 
    Image:
    Anadolu via Getty Images)

    Harry matched his wife’s elegant look by wearing an all-black suit with a grey button-down shirt. They both wore sunglasses for the outdoor event. Analysing the Sussexes’ body language, Ms James said Harry appeared to be “steering” his wife “to take and enjoy the spotlight” which shows how “precious” Meghan is to him.

    The expert told The Mirror : “Both Harry and Meghan unveiled a new gesture of togetherness on this visit to Nigeria with this wrist-hold ritual. Meghan used it on Harry like a fond mom steering her child the day before and here Harry is using it a little awkwardly as though presenting his beautiful wife to the people of Nigeria.

    ‌”Otherwise, the couple are still using their clasped hands, as their walk from the car proved, but without all the usual royal entourage to ensure everything goes smoothly, there seems to be a need for flexibility and some fluctuating or more spontaneous choreography. Meghan’s response seems to be to sport a gracious smile and a very regal, upright back while Harry steps in first with the greeting rituals before introducing her.

    Harry and Meghan at the State Governor House in Lagos
    Harry and Meghan at the State Governor House in Lagos 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    “But then Meghan seems to be left standing as he chats and there appears to be a small touch on the arm as a result. She is standing in front of Harry at the function though and his gesture makes it look almost as though he is steering her to take and enjoy the spotlight, using a wrist-touch ritual to suggest she is very precious to him.”

    During the visit, Meghan said ” it was a complete blessing ” to visit Nigeria after finding out about her link to the West African country. The Sussexes completed their three-day tour of the country, after visiting schools and taking part in events to promote Harry’s Invictus Games.

    As they exited one public appearance, they were stopped by a journalist who asked them about their visit as they prepared to head home to California. “A complete blessing. Thank you!” Meghan said, smiling, as Harry chimed in: “We had a wonderful time. Thank you very much… the hospitality has been fantastic, thank you.”

    During their private visit, which many fans have compared to an unofficial royal tour, Meghan spoke at length about discovering she had an important link to the West African country. Back in 2022, the Duchess revealed during an episode of her short-lived Archetypes podcast that DNA tests had revealed she was 43% Nigerian, and while speaking at an event in the country’s capital of Abuja, Meghan said it was “humbling” to learn about her heritage.

  • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria, with the couple attending charity events and meeting with Nigerian soldiers and key figures

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria, with the couple attending charity events and meeting with Nigerian soldiers and key figures

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have finished their tour of Nigeria, which saw the couple attend a variety of events while flanked by their dedicated aides and armed police officers.

    The couple are expected to return to America later today following a whirlwind 72 hours in the African country. During the trip, the pair attended charity events, met with key figures and delivered a number of speeches.

    They took precautions to mitigate any security risks by travelling with their own security team, having been given warnings about Nigeria. Here, we’ve taken a look at what went on behind-the-scenes during the trip.

    16-car convoy

    Britain's Meghan (L), Duchess of Sussex, and Britain's Prince Harry (R), Duke of Sussex arrive at the State Governor House in Lagos
    Harry and Meghan travelled as part of a 16-car convoy 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    Meghan and Harry attended a hotel lunch with some key Nigerian figures on Sunday. When the event was over, Meghan and Harry quickly left hand-in-hand.

    “Go, go, go,” one aide screamed to a driver, according to the Daily Mail, as Meghan and Harry made their getaway. The publication reported Meghan and Harry travelling as part of a 16-car convoy as they left the lunch, with the windows of each vehicle blacked out.

    Joined by aides

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Polo Club on May 12, 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria
    The Sussexes were joined by aides on the trip 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
    Meghan and Harry were joined by a much smaller team than fans were used to when they travelled to Nigeria. However, they still made sure their trusted aides joined them for the trip.

    As the couple made their way to Lagos, they were joined by a group of female aides. Harry and Meghan’s employees opted for casual outfits, wearing shift dresses and Adidas trainers. The aides didn’t walk next to the couple and were instead seen trailing the Sussexes.

    Security detail

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry travelled with a big team 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell F)
    When Harry and Meghan arrived in Lagos on Sunday for the final day of their tour, they were joined by armed police officers and secret servicemen who were seen talking into earpieces. They were also followed by special forces soldiers.

    The pair also took their own security team to Nigeria following fears over how safe the country is. The US State Department has given Nigeria a Level 3 advisory. This is the second highest risk level and is given out over concerns about crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and armed gangs.

    The US State Department has advised Americans to “reconsider travel” to Nigeria. Harry and Meghan’s security detail was seen in action on Saturday as the Duke of Sussex flew to visit a hospital in Kaduna.

    The UK foreign office has guidance online which reads: “FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State”. The UK Government’s site also states: “Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you’re travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”

    Harry is said to have had a four-strong security detail in tow as he visited the hospital. Here, he met with injured Nigerian soldiers.

    Wardrobe changes

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at a Women in Leadership event
    The Duchess of Sussex packed plenty of outfits 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
    Meghan looked incredible during the Nigerian tour as she packed plenty of bold outfits. During an event discussing women in leadership, Meghan joked about how she had changed her style in a desperate bid to “fit in”.

    She explained: “It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”

    And the Duchess of Sussex didn’t disappoint. At the Women In Leadership panel event, Meghan wore a red maxi dress which was “ethically” created by Nigerian designer Orire and priced less than £230.

    Then, on the couple’s last day in Nigeria, Meghan had three wardrobe changes. Fans were especially loving her canary yellow ankle-length dress, which she wore back in 2021 when she announced her pregnancy with Princess Lilibet. Meghan also wore the gown for Prince Archie’s first birthday party.

  • Prince Harry caught being ‘needy’ and ‘clinging’ to Meghan Markle after snub from Royal Family

    Prince Harry caught being ‘needy’ and ‘clinging’ to Meghan Markle after snub from Royal Family

    Prince Harry seemed eager to show his affection for Meghan Markle as they attended a gala fundraising dinner.

    The event was hosted by Nigeria Unconquered and saw Meghan and Harry meet with the kings of four different states in Nigeria. The kings showed their support for the couple and heaped praise on the Duchess of Sussex.

    During a speech, Harry was also keen to show off his love for his wife as he kissed her on the head. However, body language expert Judi James believes he came off as “rather needy”.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
    Prince Harry gently kissed his wife 
    Image:
    anna_itsonlyme/Twitter)
    Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, Judi said: “Harry was looking rather needy on this particular outing, clinging to Meghan’s hand until she had to lift it from the clasp get him to move ahead, then re-clasping his hand in her other hand straight away and here he is still seeming to want to register his affection for her as she is flattered and feted by their hosts.”

    Meghan and Harry met with the Olu Of Warri, HRM Eberechukwu Oji, the Obi of Onitsha, and the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi of Osun State, who presented Harry and Meghan with Aso Oke – a hand-woven cloth created by the Yoruba people – and the coral beads they were wearing. A clip shared on social media showed the king complimenting Meghan, with Harry then rubbing her arm and kissing her.

    Judi said: “Meghan touches the host in gratitude at this moment then turns to Harry, turning to the front again before him. He offers some reassurance and affection by rubbing her right arm but then he seems to want to accelerate to PDA, kissing her on the side of her head.

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry
    Meghan Markle was showered with praise 
    Image:
    anna_itsonlyme/Twitter)
    “This bestowed but rather sweet kiss suggests he wants to pile in on the flattery, praise and glory that his wife is getting here, agreeing with the hosts as they refer to her beauty etc.”

    A clip of Meghan and Harry’s sweet interaction was shared on X, formerly known as Twitter. In it, the king could be heard telling Meghan: “You’re so beautiful.”

    Fans were loving the video, with one person writing: “The kiss Harry gives Meghan and the way he looks at her!!!! I’m screaming!” Another said: “That is the proudest little kiss! Awwww, I love them,” while a third fan added: “In the end, love wins!”

  • Meghan Markle’s ‘deeply symbolic’ meaning behind Mother’s Day dress – ‘high-rank royalty’

    Meghan Markle’s ‘deeply symbolic’ meaning behind Mother’s Day dress – ‘high-rank royalty’

    Meghan Markle celebrated Mother’s Day in Nigeria, wearing her recycled yellow dress worn in her and Prince Harry’s Netflix documentary.

    Meghan Markle

    The Duchess of Sussex once wore the striking gown back in 2021 when she announced her pregnancy with daughter Princess Lilibet. She also opted for the Carolina Herrera Yellow Silk Overlay Column dress again during son Prince Archie’s first birthday party.

    It was thought by wearing the dress during her unofficial royal tour in Africa she was paying tribute to her kids for Mothering Sunday in the US, but experts now tell the Mirror that the former working royal’s wardrobe decision actually had a much deeper meaning.

    Meghan Markle
    Meghan wore the dress previously for Archie’s birthday 
    Image:
    Instagram)
    “Choosing to wear the same yellow dress on Mother’s Day was deeply symbolic,” celebrity PR expert Brenda Christensen explained. “Especially since she previously wore it for other meaningful family milestones.” She cited Archie’s first birthday and the announcement of her pregnancy with Lillibet. “It’s a celebration of motherhood.”

    Brenda, the CEO of Stellar Public Relations, added: “Raised in LA by a yoga instructor mother, her connection to spirituality runs deep.” She added: “The colour yellow, representing happiness and joy, holds profound spiritual significance.”

    “In many African cultures, including Nigeria, yellow is reserved for those of high rank due to its resemblance to gold, symbolizing wealth, quality, success, and royalty,” Christensen concluded, explaining what Meghan may have attempted to reference.

    Meghan Markle
    She wore it for the third time on Mother’s Day in Nigeria 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    Meghan recently discovered she was 43 percent Nigerian, according to a genealogy test. After she made the discovery, she called her mum and said that it was “exciting” for them both. She previously noted that being African-American means “really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically”.

    “It’s been really eye-opening and humbling to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know this is just the beginning of that discovery,” she said previously.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Abuja, Nigeria in the early hours of Friday morning. After they arrived, the couple went to a school to greet children and give speeches about mental health. Meghan even took selfies with some of the pupils at the Lights Academy while the Duke of Sussex photobombed his wife in a sweet way.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spending time in Nigeria on what has been dubbed a “mini royal tour”, but some parts of the trip have raised eyebrows.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been spending time in Nigeria on what has been dubbed a “mini royal tour”, but some parts of the trip have raised eyebrows.

    The couple are said to have annoyed Prince William and King Charles with the trip, with royal expert Jennie Bond explaining how they are “of the belief that you are either in or out of the working royals”. Meghan also snubbed the Royal Family as she returned to the UK before flying to Nigeria, but chose not to reunite with The Firm.

    The Sussexes are expected to return to America later today following a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria. Ahead of their return home, we’ve taken a look at some of the biggest bombshells from their trip.

    Prince William, Prince of Wales and King Charles III walk behind Queen Elizabeth II's coffin
    Prince William and King Charles aren’t happy
    With Harry and Meghan’s Nigeria trip being referred to as an unofficial royal tour, one expert has suggested the term would not have “pleased” King Charles or Prince William. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK! : “The King and Prince William are firmly of the belief that you are either in or out of the working Royals.

    “This seems to be a rather strange halfway house. I think both the King and the Prince, and indeed the Government, will want it to be made clear that Harry is not representing either the Royal Family or Britain on this trip.”

    Indeed, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria Richard Montgomery confirmed the couple were not representing the UK in Nigeria. He said: “It’s great that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are visiting Nigeria, which I understand is at the invitation of Defence Headquarters. But they are visiting in a private capacity, not an official one.”

    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria, Richard added: “So, the British High Commission is not involved in arranging or facilitating their programme. They are not representing the work of His Majesty’s Government on this visit.”

    Forced wardrobe change

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at a Women in Leadership event
    Meghan Markle explained her wardrobe change 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
    During the Nigerian tour, Meghan co-hosted a panel event focussed on Women in Leadership. Here, she admitted to changing her style in Nigeria in a desperate bid to “fit in”.

    Meghan looked incredible at the event as she wore a red maxi dress which was “ethically” created by Nigerian designer Orire and priced less than £230. She revealed the decision to wear the bold dress was a last-minute choice.

    Meghan explained: “It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived, and I very quickly got the memo that I need to wear more colour so I can fit in with all of you in your incredible fashion.”

    Late arrival

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speaks at a Women in Leadership event
    The Duchess of Sussex was an hour late 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
    Meghan left her husband so she could co-host the Women in Leadership event. She ended up arriving an hour late for the session, but it seems her passionate speech made up for any ill-feeling.

    She said: “I want to start by saying thank you very much for just how gracious you’ve all been in welcoming my husband and I to this country… my country. I am just flattered and honoured and inspired. It has been a whirlwind 24 hours since we arrived.”

    Left in ‘unsafe’ territory

    Britain's Prince Harry (R), Duke of Sussex, and Britain's Meghan (L), Duchess of Sussex, take part in activities as they arrive at the Lightway Academy in Abuja on May 10, 2024 as they visit Nigeria as part of celebrations of Invictus Games anniversary. (Photo by Kola SULAIMON / AFP) (Photo by KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
    The Sussexes spent a whirlwind 72 hours in Nigeria 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)
    Harry is believed to have left Meghan in Abuja, with the Duke of Sussex visiting a hospital in a region dubbed as “unsafe” by the UK government. It’s been reported he flew 120 miles to the hospital in Kaduna on Saturday.

    The UK foreign office has guidance online which reads: “FCDO advises against all travel to Kaduna State”. The UK Government’s site also states: “Banditry and violent attacks are frequent and there is a high threat of kidnap. Incidents of intercommunal violence occur and trains are vulnerable to attack. If you’re travelling in the north-west against FCDO advice, be extremely cautious and monitor local media.”

    Harry, who is said to have had a four-strong security detail in tow, visited the hospital and met with Nigerian soldiers who suffered injuries in fighting against the terrorist group Boko Haram. Many were victims of ambushes or bomb blasts.

    Meghan’s heartbreak

    The first picture of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's daughter Lilibet
    Meghan missed out on spending Mother’s Day with her kids 
    Image:
    Avalon)
    Meghan faced a heartbreaking moment as she missed out on spending Mother’s Day with her two children – Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Although Mother’s Day took place earlier this year in the United Kingdom, in the United States, where Harry and Meghan now live, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May.

    While Harry and Meghan are in Nigeria, it’s believed Archie and Lilibet are staying with Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland. Meghan has been gushing over her children on the trip.

    During a panel discussion on women in leadership, she said: “Being a mom has always been a dream of mine and I’m so fortunate that we have two beautiful, healthy, very chatty, sweet children. I love being a mom.”

    Meghan’s UK return with royal snub

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
    Meghan’s trip to Nigeria involved a stop in London 
    Image:
    Getty Images for The Archewell F)
    Before flying out to Nigeria, Harry made a brief return to the UK to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. Meghan didn’t join her husband for the Invictus engagements, but she did stop off in London before they embarked on their African trip.

    The Duchess of Sussex was in the country as she met up with Prince Harry while they stayed in the VIP Windsor Suite at Heathrow Airport. Meghan had flown in from America before they travelled to Nigeria.

    However, she didn’t reunite with any members of the Royal Family while in the UK. Harry was also snubbed by his family, with The Firm not turning up to support him at a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral.

  • King Charles and Prince William to meet at big joint royal engagement in huge blow to Harry

    King Charles and Prince William to meet at big joint royal engagement in huge blow to Harry

    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

    Charles is pictured with his two sons, William and Harry

    Charles is pictured with his two sons, William and Harry (
    Image: Getty Images)

    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
    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.