Author: bang2

Meghan Markle has been estranged from the Royal Family since she and Prince Harry stepped down as senior royals in 2020, but one expert believes there was a moment when they could have bonded.

The Duchess of Sussex on walkabout to meet members of the public at Windsor Castle in Berkshire following the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday. Picture date: Saturday September 10, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story DEATH Queen. Photo credit should read: Kirsty O’Connor/PA Wire (Image: PA)

Meghan Markle, despite having the “potential” to bond with King Charles, was unable to bridge the gap before a bitter feud came into the picture. Although Meghan is no longer on good terms with the Royal Family, one specialist believes there could have been an opportunity to foster a “strong” kinship within the family.

Marrying into The Firm in 2018 when she wed Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex became a focal point for royal observers around the globe. However, the couple sent shockwaves worldwide with their decision to step down as senior royals just two years later.

The Royal Family has since found themselves at odds with Harry and Meghan as the pair continue to make damning allegations about The Firm. According to relationship guru Louella Alderson, although it seems improbable that harmony will be restored, she points out there was a stage when Meghan could have built a “deeper level” connection with her in-laws.

In an exclusive sit-down with the Mirror, Louella highlighted how King Charles’ offer to accompany Meghan at her wedding signified a peace gesture by the sovereign.

 

(FILES) In this file photo taken on May 19, 2018 Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (2nd L), looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by the Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales in St George’s Chapel during the wedding ceremony of Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor. – Trained from childhood to be king, Charles III has endured the longest wait for the throne in British history. He has spent virtually his entire life waiting to succeed his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, even as he took on more of her duties and responsibilities as she aged. But the late monarch’s eldest son, 73, made the most of his record-breaking time as the longest-serving heir to the throne by forging his own path. (Photo by Jonathan Brady / POOL / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN BRADY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

She said: “It’s unlikely that Meghan ever had a close relationship with members of the Royal Family since she started dating Prince Harry.

“Developing a close bond with family members takes time, effort and a genuine connection. Without this investment in a relationship, it’s hard to build a strong and positive bond. If there were early signs of both parties not connecting on a deeper level, it’s possible that their relationship would never be a close one.

“Despite this, there were some moments that showed the potential for a close family relationship between Meghan and the Royals. One such moment was when Charles offered to walk Meghan down the aisle on her wedding day instead of her father, who wasn’t invited.”

 

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 10: (EMBARGOED FOR PUBLICATION IN UK NEWSPAPERS UNTIL 24 HOURS AFTER CREATE DATE AND TIME) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch a flypast to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force from the balcony of Buckingham Palace on July 10, 2018 in London, England. The 100th birthday of the RAF, which was founded on on 1 April 1918, was marked with a centenary parade with the presentation of a new Queen’s Colour and flypast of 100 aircraft over Buckingham Palace. (Photo by Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)

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Thomas Markle had been scheduled to give his daughter away at her wedding to Harry, but things changed when Thomas became the centre of a scandal when he was caught staging paparazzi snaps of himself preparing for the wedding in exchange for payment. Thomas then confirmed he would not attend the wedding after the fallout from the scandal left him looking “stupid and hammy”.

The Palace, however, went on to confirm that the real reason behind Thomas not attending his daughter’s wedding was due to health issues. Charles then stepped in to give Meghan away.

Louella stated: “It’s unlikely that this gesture was for show but more a genuine attempt from King Charles to be supportive and welcoming of his new daughter-in-law. There has been so much that has happened between Prince Harry, Meghan and the Royal Family since the wedding that has strained their relationship. This is most likely where any potential for a close family relationship came to an end.”

Harry and Meghan have kick-started their ‘faux royal tour’ in Nigeria

PRINCE Harry’s “grievances” seem “utterly trivial and pathetic” when put into context to Kate Middleton’s illness, claims a former BBC royal correspondent.

The Duke of Sussex has been criticised for slamming the royal family in recent years, particularly with his bombshell Spare memoir and his Netflix show, Harry & Meghan.

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Prince Harry’s issues seem ‘trivial’ compared to the health issues his family are battling, claims a former BBC royal correspondentCredit: AP

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Kate is currently undergoing preventative cancer treatmentCredit: BBC STUDIOS
Royal expert Jennie Bond claims that the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William is now “terminally damaged”.

She told OK!: “As regards to William, that does appear to be a terminally damaged relationship. In a way, it seems the boot is now very much on the other foot.

“Previously it was Harry who was the ‘victim’ looking for an apology for all his perceived grievances.

“Now those grievances must seem utterly trivial, even to Harry, in the face of a very real problem: cancer. Catherine and William are involved in a frightening fight and I don’t think they have the will or the strength to confront someone, even a brother, who picked a fight over issues that seem pathetic by comparison.

“William is doing everything he possibly can to protect his wife and I very much doubt that they want to deal with ‘the Harry problem’ right now, if ever.”

Both Kate and Charles underwent surgery earlier this year, and were later diagnosed with cancer.

Prince Harry did a whistlestop three-day trip to the UK this week, arriving on Tuesday and leaving on Thursday evening, but didn’t see his family during the visit.

A spokesperson for Harry explained: “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.”

Harry and Charles last reunited at Clarence House in February for their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months.

Charles, 75, resumed public duties last week for the first time since beginning cancer treatment.

And he attended the year’s first Buckingham Palace garden party on Wednesday.

Last night the Duke of Sussex, 39, jetted out of Britain as he and Meghan Markle headed to Nigeria.

The couple are currently spending three days in the West African country and will take part in “cultural activities”.

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Before he boarded the flight out of the UK, Harry opened up about what it has been like to be home as he was the surprise guest at a party hosted by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers – which supports the bereaved children of military personnel.

He told the BBC: “It’s great.”

He and Meghan were said to have reunited at Heathrow after the duke was snapped there last night.

Harry was seen heading into the Windsor Suite in the early evening and was said to have met up with his wife inside.

Prince Harry’s statement about not seeing King Charles during his UK visit this week

A spokesperson for Harry explained: “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.”

Just hours earlier his dad King Charles had been snapped beaming in Surrey, while Prince William visited a site where houses are being built for the homeless.

The couple were said to have then boarded a British Airways flight to Abuja – and were seen walking onto the tarmac.

This morning they began their 72-hour ‘faux-Royal tour’ of Nigeria by visiting a school supported by their Archewell Foundation.

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

It is the pair’s first trip to Nigeria as a couple.

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

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

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Prince Harry visited the UK this week but didn’t see his father or brotherCredit: Getty

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Royal expert Jennie Bond claims that the relationship between Prince Harry and Prince William is now ‘terminally damaged’Credit: AP

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Both Kate and Charles underwent surgery earlier this year, and were later diagnosed with cancerCredit: AFP – Getty

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Prince Harry attending the Invictus Games Foundation 10th Anniversary Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday during his UK visitCredit: Getty

Mike Tindall details boozy night out with Zara before the Coronation

Mike and Zara Tindall’s reported move to Australia may not be a permanent one, a source has claimed, which will be a huge relief to King Charles.

The couple are known to be huge fans of travelling Down Under, the country where they met back in 2003, and there has been speculation for some time that they could move there.

However an insider told Express.co.uk that the Tindalls would instead split their time between Australia and the UK rather than making a full-on move to the Southern Hemisphere.

They said: “Mike and Zara had both been toying with the idea of moving to Australia for a while but have finally reached the decision that it wouldn’t be right to uproot their family at this time.

“However, there are plans for the family to spend more time in Australia over the coming years which includes both winter and summer holidays abroad with the children.”

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The Tindalls may split their time between Australia and the UK (Image: Getty)

This news has been a source of “extreme joy” for the King as he expresssed a desire to keep his family together in the wake of the ongoing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle feud.

Mike and Zara’s dedication to the Royal Family have led them to rethink their decision, as they wish to remain closer to Zara’s mother Princess Anne and her uncle.

The Tindalls currently live on the Princess Royal’s Gatcombe Park estate in Gloucestershire with their three children Mia, Lena and Lucas.

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Zara is reportedly the King’s favourite niece (Image: Getty)

The souce continued: “When the idea was discussed seriously during a sit-down, it drew blank faces and teary eyes from several members of the family.

“It became instantly clear that it wasn’t a move that could ever become permanent. Longer periods of time will be spent in Australia instead.”

This comes as claims that Mike had been offered a new role as patron of the Invictus Games in the UK were rubbished by the insider, with the tournament celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

Mike and Zara first met in Australia (Image: Getty)

They said: “It’s utter rubbish. Mike hasn’t been appointed a patron of the Invictus Games. He attended a few events with Harry very early on when the foundation first launched, but it’s not something he will take an active role in moving forward.”

When asked aboout living Down Under, former rugby professional Mike confessed: “If we weren’t so deeply rooted in England, Australia would be our top pick for a home.

“Australians have a great sense of humour, they like a bit of banter, they don’t mind having a go at each other, they don’t take each other too seriously… and I’m all about that.”

Prince Harry’s rift with the Royal Family has been described as ‘deep and extremely public’ with the real reason for it now revealed by a royal expert

Prince Harry’s rift with the Royal Family has been described as ‘deep and extremely public’ (
Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry ‘s ongoing rift with the Royal Family has been described as “obviously both deep and extremely public”, with the possible reason behind it now revealed.

The Duke of Sussex has seemingly been estranged from the British Royal Family in recent years, which comes after he and his wife, Meghan Markle, decided to step down from their senior working roles in 2020. Since deciding to become financially independent, the couple also moved across the pond to the United States.

For the last four years, the Sussexes have resided in Montecito, California, with them raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The couple have also worked on various projects with companies such as Netflix, Spotify and Penguin Random House.

The Sussexes stepped down as senior working royals in 2020 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Releasing documentaries, a memoir and sitting down with Oprah Winfrey for a tell-all interview in 2021, the couple have raised eyebrows after sharing insights about their time in the Royal Family. And because of this, things have been rocky between the Sussexes and the Windsors.

Speaking exclusively to The Mirror, royal correspondent and expert Richard Fitzwilliams opened up about the ongoing royal rift and what he thinks could be the reason behind it. He noted how the ongoing rift with the Royal Family is now “obviously both deep and extremely public”.

Mr Fitzwilliams said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s “attacks on it in recent years is the main reason”. Revealing a potential solution for the rift, he added: “If, instead of knocking it, as talking heads they chose did in the ‘Harry and Meghan’ documentary for Netflix, they praised the Commonwealth whilst in Nigeria which is a member, it could help to heal relations,” which touched on the couple’s current trip to Nigeria.

He added: “It is, after all, Queen Elizabeth’s most significant legacy. It is also probable the King did not appreciate Harry’s interview on Good Morning America, after they met in February, when he learnt of his father’s diagnosis and when he talked of family unity.”

 

Meghan Markle says she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a parent as she opened up about her ‘very chatty, sweet children’ Archie, five and Lilibet, two, during the second day of her Nigerian tour with Prince Harry.

 

The Duchess of Sussex was speaking at a Women in Leadership event she was co-hosting with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organization. Meghan told the audience how much she loves being a mother but admitted that balancing her family and her career posed its own set of challenges. During the talk, Meghan was asked how she juggled being a mother with her career and she replied: ‘I love being a mum.’

Despite being told more than ten years ago by her friend and mentor that she would never be able to balance the demands of motherhood and her work, the 42-year-old duchess said she enjoys being a mother and her priorities are constantly changing. During the panel discussion, Meghan said that ‘balance’ in her life has changed over the years and looks different to ten years ago before she was married and had Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

She said: ‘What I think that to mean now is that that balance will always change for you. That balance, what seems balanced ten years ago is going to shift.’ according to Hello.

 

During the Q&A session, Meghan also thanked Nigerians for welcoming her to ‘my country’ and she saidshe hopes she can ‘do justice’ to being a ‘role model’. The Duchess of Sussex, who recently discovered she is ’43 per cent Nigerian’, wowed crowds today as she and Prince Harry continue their whirlwind ‘royal’ tour to the African nation.

Meghan arrived almost an hour late to the women in leadership summit in a spaghetti strapped red dress without her husband Prince Harry. She told the audience: ‘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.’

She also added: ‘I am just flattered and honored and inspired. 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 and your incredible fashion.’ When asked how she felt after discovering she was 43% Nigerian through a genealogy test, Meghan said the first thing she did was ‘call my mom, because I wanted to know if she had any awareness of it.’

 

Meghan Markle is opening up life as a mom to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. During a candid panel discussion attended by PEOPLE about women in leadership on Saturday, May 11, Meghan discussed balancing motherhood with building a career.

 

The Duchess of Sussex, who shares son Archie, 5, and daughter Lilibet, who turns 3 in June, with husband Prince Harry, recalled asking the same question to her mentor Bonnie Hammer, who runs NBCUniversal, years ago when she was filming Suits.

“I remember having the good fortune at the time that she invited me to have breakfast, and I thought this was just the biggest deal in the world,” Meghan shared. “And I asked her that exact question. I said, ‘How do you find the balance?’ And she said, ‘You don’t, you’ll never find the balance.’ “And this was before I was married, this was before I had children, this is before all the things in my life have certainly had a plot twist,” the Duchess of Sussex said with a smile, referencing her marriage to Prince Harry.

“And it struck me and it stayed with me for a long time because you say, ‘well how can you be so successful? And she’s a mother as well and she’s married and say that you’ll never find the balance? What does life feel like if it’s imbalanced?’

 

“What I think that means now is that that balance will always change for you. That balance, what seems balanced 10 years ago is going to shift,” she said “And so 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, I love being a mom,” Meghan said. On the first day of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s trip to Nigeria, Meghan opened up about her children while visiting a school in Abuja. While speaking with a group of students, she detailed an emotional exchange that she recently had with her daughter Lilibet.

“Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three. And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], ‘Mama, I see me in you,’ ” Meghan told a class full of young children. “Oh, now she was talking really literally. But I hung onto those words in a very different way,” she said. “And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you.” Meghan then said, “As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well.”

 

King Charles and Prince Harry did not see each other despite Harry’s visit to the U.K. for the Invictus Games. A source claimed that the reason the monarch did not meet his son was Queen Camilla.

 

Prince Harry’s visit to the U.K. for the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games made the public speculate that the Duke of Sussex and King Charles would have a visit amid the monarch’s health conditions. However, the palace sources had claimed that due to the King’s schedule being “full,” he would not be able to meet his son.

Now, a friend of the monarch’s has revealed that the real reason behind the head of state refraining from meeting the former royal is because of Queen Camilla. The source reveals that the King is not happy with Camilla’s description in Harry’s memoir, Spare.

What did the source say about Prince Harry not being invited to see King Charles?
According to reports in the Daily Beast, a friend close to King Charles shared that the Duke of Sussex expressed disapproval of his stepmother in his book while mentioning her as the third person in the marriage.

 

The source claimed, “Harry has made things very difficult for himself by saying such cruel and hurtful things about Camilla. Charles loves his sons, but he also loves his wife. The last few months have made it very clear how important she is; she has been the one propping up the whole edifice.”

The friend continued on the same lines by saying, “Harry has made it very clear, very publicly, that he despises her. He has forced Charles to choose, which was a very silly thing to do because Camilla and he both chose each other a long time ago.”

On the other hand, the source said that Prince William had his differences with his father, but at the end of the day, he accepted the King’s choice and has been living with it.

Another source and a friend of Prince William’s shared, “It is hardly surprising that Charles didn’t invite Harry round for tea and a scone. He did, after all, portray his wife as an evil, calculating bitch in the biggest selling book since the Bible.”

Watch Arthur Edwards speak to Prince Harry’s visit in the above video

THERE’S a way Prince Harry can guarantee a meeting with his dad on his next visit to the UK, a Royal photographer says.

The duke, 39, yesterday revealed he would not be meeting King Charles on his fleeting trip home as the Monarch has a “full programme”.

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There is one way Prince Harry can guarantee a meeting with King Charles, The Sun’s Royal photographer saysCredit: PA

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Arthur Edwards was speaking after Harry touched down in the UK yesterdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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The duke was out and about in London but revealed he would not be seeing his dadCredit: Getty

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Arthur said the royals could have seen each other if the King wanted toCredit: Getty
A spokesperson for Harry said: “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.”

In the wake of the announcement, The Sun’s Arthur Edwards claimed the King could have found time – but he didn’t want to.

The Royal Photographer has now said there is a way he could lock in a meeting next time he’s back on home soil – and that’s by bringing Archie, five, and Lilibet, two.

Charles won’t want to be PR tool to boost Harry’s image on UK visit, expert says

The Duke of Sussex jetted in from California yesterday for a service marking the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games St Paul’s Cathedral.

Arthur told The Sun: “It’s a great triumph that the King is back at work now and back to the grindstone.

“Obviously his time is packed and there’s so many things to catch up on.

“But I’m sure if he wanted to he could have found time to see Harry, but obviously doesn’t want to and Harry seems to have accepted it.”

The photographer added that the King would love to see his grandchildren, and bringing them home to the UK would guarantee a meeting.

He continued: “They’ve got two children that are a prince and a princess, and they don’t come and see their cousins – and I find that strange.

“So Harry gets short shrift from the King – I’m sure the children wouldn’t if they came.

“I’m sure he’d be grateful to see his grandchildren. But it hasn’t happened, and that’s a shame.”

Arthur was before the King snubbed Harry for a second time – revealing Prince William will take charge of his brother’s former helicopter regiment.

The prince flew to the UK alone without Meghan or their children Archie and Lilibet.

Arthur continued: “Harry seems to have accepted the fact and he respects the King’s diary and that he’s full, fair enough.

King Charles delivers SECOND snub to Prince Harry

KING Charles ruled out a face-to-face meeting with Harry — saying he was too busy.

Hours later, in a second snub, the King revealed eldest son William will take charge of Harry’s former helicopter regiment next week.

Harry, 39, was keen to see his dad after jetting from California but his spokesman said: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.”

Harry flew in for events marking ten years of his Invictus Games, while the King greeted Fiji’s Prime Minister at Buckingham Palace.

Two hours later, the King revealed that next Monday he will be at a ceremony to confirm William, 41, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps — Harry’s former regiment.

The event will take place in front of an Apache — the type of helicopter Harry flew when serving in Afghanistan.

William, who flew with the Air Ambulance, will also take to the skies in the chopper.

A source told The Sun: “Timing is everything.”

Sources claim Harry made multiple attempts to arrange a meeting with his dad before flying 5,000 miles for three days in the UK.

“I had a lot of time for Harry. I thought he was one of the most fabulous people to work with.

“But sadly he’s turned his back on all that and now it’s just a question of popping in and out when it suits him.

“Well it probably suits him but it doesn’t suit the King, so maybe it’s a case of: ‘I’m sorry Harry, not this time, maybe next time’.”

Harry and Charles last reunited at Clarence House in February for their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months.

It’s understood Harry will not see his brother Prince William – but had been “keen” to see his dad while visiting.

Charles, 75, resumed public duties last week for the first time since beginning cancer treatment.

He is now expected to attend the year’s first Buckingham Palace garden party.

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Arthur said Harry should bring Archie and Lilibet to the UKCredit: Alexi Lubomirski

Prince William has suspended his bid to find a chief executive to overhaul his Kensington Palace office.

The search was announced last September amid suggestions that the Prince wanted a ‘revolutionary’ restructure to make his and Kate’s household more corporate.

Headhunters Odgers Berndtson had been charged with finding dynamic candidates who were ’emotionally intelligent, with ‘low ego’ [and] strong self-awareness’.

But eight months on, the ambition has fallen flat and the search has been called off, despite a source saying that the lack of a strong leader and ‘all-seeing eye’ has left the couple’s office ‘rudderless’ at a time when the Princess is also dealing with her cancer diagnosis.

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Prince William has halted his search to find a new chief executive for his Kensington Palace office

Traditionally, Royal households have been led by a ferocious private secretary, often an ex-Army officer.

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Prince William shares Kate Middleton cancer update as he talks about family during visit to the Isles of Scilly

In the late Queen’s early reign, this role was filled by the legendary Alan ‘Tommy’ Lascelles, portrayed as a curmudgeonly enforcer in Netflix‘s The Crown, and known as ‘the snake who saved the monarchy’.

A source tells me: ‘The Waleses need their Tommy Lascelles. The CEO appointment was meant to have been finished by now. They are rudderless without one.’

William and Kate have two new private secretaries – Lieutenant-Colonel Tom White and former diplomat Ian Patrick – but they are still learning the ropes and were intended to report to the new CEO.

The source added: ‘There’s the sense the King’s team feels quite solid – his private secretary Clive Alderton has an iron grip on things – whereas it doesn’t seem as clear at Kensington Palace. Their household seems less sure-footed.’

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William and Kate have two new private secretaries – Lieutenant-Colonel Tom White and former diplomat Ian Patrick. Both will report to the new chief executive

William’s former private secretary, Jean-Christophe Gray, announced his resignation after it was first revealed that a CEO was to be appointed, although he insisted the two facts were not linked. It is understood he has now left his office.

There is also said to be a highly charged atmosphere at Kensington Palace’s communications department, which is still reeling from the debacle of Kate’s Photoshopped Mother’s Day photograph.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said last night: ‘With everything going on, the Royal Household’s focus is on the Princess’s recovery, so no appointment has been made.’

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Biographer Tom Bower told The Sun that David and Victoria showed kindness towards Meghan ever since she moved into Harry’s cottage in Kensington Palace in 2017

David and Victoria showed kindness towards Meghan ever since she moved into Harry’s cottage in Kensington Palace in 2017, the biographer Tom Bower told The Sun. 

According to the Mail on Sunday, the couples bonded because Izzy May, David Beckham’s communications director, was friends with Markus Anderson, chief membership officer for private social club Soho House, who helped arrange Meghan’s secret dates with Harry.

Victoria, in what Mr Bower describes as an attempt to ‘build their relationship’, offered Meghan make-up advice.

A member of the designer’s staff is also understood to have helped Meghan with facials and hairdressing.

But the royal couple allegedly had a suspicion that the Beckhams leaked stories about Meghan’s help from Victoria to the press – a claim the former Spice Girl denied and left David reportedly feeling ‘absolutely bloody furious’.

The Beckhams also hosted Meghan in their six-bedroom house in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles before her marriage to Harry.

The couple’s staff tended to Meghan’s needs at no cost during her private visit to California, Mr Bower claimed.

Victoria at the time was reported to have been a kindly and constant influence, growing ever closer to Meghan.

By the time that Meghan and Prince Harry became engaged, she and Victoria were said to have ‘grown close’ and would ‘regularly text’.

Meghan also gave the designer her seal of approval by selecting a cashmere knit for one of her engagement portraits with Harry.

2018 – ROYAL SNUBS BEGIN? 

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Harry and Meghan then decided not to invite the Beckhams to their wedding dinner , despite the fact that they were asked to attend the marriage ceremony at St George’s Chapel

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David still accepted Harry’s invitation to attend the Invictus Games . He travelled to Sydney in October 2018 but then never even had face time with the Duke

In 2018, it was being reported that their friendship had grown and that Meghan was in the habit of consulting Victoria about style.

Vanity Fair reported: ‘They get along well and have been in touch recently. Meghan really likes Victoria’s style and was keen to pick her brains about pulling together a working wardrobe.’

However Harry and Meghan then decided not to invite the Beckhams to their wedding dinner, despite the fact that they were asked to attend the marriage ceremony at St George’s Chapel.

Mr Bower claims the move was a ‘near-unforgivable insult’, citing that many Hollywood stars who attended the dinner ‘were not friends’.

But regardless of the alleged slight, David still accepted Harry’s invitation to attend the Invictus Games. He travelled to Sydney in October 2018 but then never even had face time with the Duke.

Mr Bower alleges that during this time Harry and Meghan had been regularly searching themselves on the internet to look for hateful comments about themselves.

He claims at that point Meghan was ‘not prepared to tolerate anything flattering regarding the Beckhams and the Games to appear in the media’.

David found the apparent move to keep him separated from Harry as ‘a bit strange’ but decided not to call the Prince about it, the biographer wrote, adding that he and Victoria ‘barely mentioned’ the slight during their stay at a rented house in North Shore, Sydney.

Regardless, the Beckhams seemingly tried to maintain a relationship with Harry and Meghan.

The couples were neighbours in Oxfordshire after the Beckhams built a home and Harry was renting a converted barn.

The biographer claims that while the men ‘occasionally meet at weekends’, Meghan had already ‘put on airs’.

2018 – 2020 – TENSION OVER FREE CLOTHES? 

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The designer also produced a custom-made white coat and dress for Meghan in 2020 which she wore during her last appearance in Westminster Abbey in March that year (pictured). But Meghan, who was pregnant at the time, endorsing Victoria’s label had little impact on sales, Mr Bower alleged

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The royal also wowed in a £950 turquoise figure-hugging dress as she made her first post-Megxit appearance at the Endeavour Awards in London alongside Prince Harry

In his biography, Tom alleged that the Duchess was frustrated that Spice Girl turned fashion designer Victoria was reluctant to supply her with free clothes and accessories from her label, despite the requests being against Palace rules.

Victoria lent Meghan a coat during the Christmas holidays, which the Duchess wore on Christmas day 2018 during a walk with the Royal Family to the church at Sandringham.

The former Spice Girl turned fashion designer later appeared on American talk show Live with Kelly and Ryan and admitted it came as a very pleasant surprise to see pregnant Meghan wearing an entire outfit from her line.

Speaking on the talk show, Victoria described The Duchess of Sussex’s decision to choose her designs at Christmas as an honour.

The mother-of-four said: ‘She looked so beautiful. It was such a lovely surprise to wake up to on Christmas morning.

‘You know, I think she’s such a beautiful, strong and wonderful woman – so it was a huge honour!’

The designer also produced a custom-made white coat and dress for Meghan in 2020 which she wore during her last appearance in Westminster Abbey in March that year.

But Meghan, who was pregnant at the time, endorsing Victoria’s label had little impact on sales, Mr Bower alleged.

He claims the only direct impact it had was that a £1,400 bag used by Meghan ‘sold out’ after being linked in a social media video.

The royal also wowed in a £950 turquoise figure-hugging dress as she made her first post-Megxit appearance at the Endeavour Awards in London alongside Prince Harry.

2020 – RIFT OVER WILLIAM? 

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Their alleged distaste towards the Beckhams friendship with the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was furthered last year when David flew from Qatar to Boston during the World Cup to help William and Kate with their philanthropic efforts. American media highlighted the moment David kissed Kate on the cheek (pictured) as she hosted the Earthshot prize ceremony alongside her husband

In February 2020, the former professional footballer spoke about how ‘he’s proud’ of his ‘amazing’ friend Prince Harry following his marriage to Meghan and the birth of their son, Archie.

David praised Harry for ‘growing up’ amid his decision to step back back as a senior royal and relocate to Canada.

‘I haven’t spoken to Harry about him moving,’ the sporting legend said, speaking to ET Online. ‘We speak as friends and that’s the most important thing for me.’

‘I think he’s enjoying being a young father for the first time and that’s what we always spoke about.’

David went on to say that he and Victoria were proud of the dad that Harry had become.

He said: ‘We love him and he’s an amazing person – and that’s the most important thing – but I’m proud to see him growing up as an individual and being that person that every father wants to be,’ he added.

Meanwhile it emerged later that year that Prince Harry and Meghan hired David and Victoria’s highly-rated former aide to join their Los Angeles team.

Mother-of-two Rebecca Mostow, 70, was brought in by the couple to help run their day-to-day lives in Beverly Hills, reports suggested at the time.

Ms Mostow previously worked for Prince and Seal and was employed by David Beckham after he started playing for LA Galaxy in 2007.

But as Harry and Meghan prepared to make their move to California and step away from royal life, the Beckhams refused to take sides in the alleged row between the Sussexes and Prince William and his wife Kate.

David and William are understood to have had a good relationships since England’s World Cup bid in 2010, which Mr Bower claims ‘annoyed the Sussexes’.

Their alleged distaste towards the Beckhams friendship with the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, was furthered last year when David flew from Qatar to Boston during the World Cup to help William and Kate with their philanthropic efforts.

American media highlighted the moment David kissed Kate on the cheek as she hosted the Earthshot prize ceremony alongside her husband.

The now Prince and Princess of Wales’ ceremony, which was attended by President Joe Biden, seemingly upstaged an event hosted by the Sussexes in New York that same weekend.

2022 – WEDDING INVITE SNUB 

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Reports in July 2020 stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at ‘the top of Victoria and David’s guestlist for their son Brooklyn’s wedding to Nicola Peltz – but it’s unknown if they were ever invited in the end

Reports in July 2020 stated that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at ‘the top of Victoria and David’s guestlist for their son Brooklyn’s wedding to Nicola Peltz.

Speculation ramped up when Spice Girl Mel B revealed Victoria and David were inviting their own friends to the big day.

Appearing on Lorraine in March 2022, Mel B confirmed she would be attending the event as she spoke about receiving her MBE, revealing: ‘I did actually ask her. I’m taking my mum and so I did say, ‘Can you dress me and my mum?’

‘I’m going to see her at her son’s wedding anyway. Yeah Victoria, it would be great!’

However Meghan and Harry were not guests at the wedding in April last year.

It’s unknown if the couple weren’t invited, or whether they were unable to attend the event.

Brooklyn tied-the-knot with actress Nicola on April 9 at her family’s oceanfront mansion in Palm Beach, Florida, which  is just a short flight from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s $14 million Californian home.

2023 – ACCUSATIONS OF LEAKING STORIES EMERGE…  

In July, it emerged there was a suspicion the Beckhams may have leaked stories about the Sussexes, an accusation The Mail on Sunday was told left David ‘absolutely bloody furious’.

A source close to the Beckhams said: ‘David and Victoria went to Meghan and Harry’s wedding and were very supportive when Meghan arrived in the UK.’

But the accusations, which The Mail on Sunday has been told came in a tense phone call, fractured the Beckham friendship.

The source added: ‘Any making up now is so unlikely.’

 …AND TENSION AT THE FOOTBALL 

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A pensive Harry looked concerned as LAFC struggled during the game

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David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, is pictured on Sunday at the LAFC stadium

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Nicola and Brooklyn stared straight ahead, even though others craned their necks to cheer Harry

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Every person on the list of notable attendees had their job title included – except Harry and Meghan

Mr Bower says the spat was again furthered just weeks later when the Beckhams hosted a star-studded celebration after Lionel Messi scored a last-minute for David’s football team in Miami, Florida.

Meghan and Harry were reportedly not invited to the party, which is understood to have carried on for hours.

The biographer alleged that Meghan ‘pushed’ Victoria away over the last few years, adding that she may have done ‘much better’ with the British public if ‘she copied Victoria’ instead.

Meanwhile neither Victoria nor Meghan attended Inter Miami’s game last September – despite the Duchess of Sussexes’ name appearing on the list of expected guests.

Victoria Beckham, who has frequently attended Inter Miami’s games and brought along celebrity friends such as Kim Kardashian, was also not seen on the night.

And while Harry didn’t bump into Victoria at the match last night, the Beckham’s eldest son Brooklyn did have a run in with the Duke.

The Duke of Sussex was filmed being swept to his $9,000-a-night VIP suite by bodyguards before watching Los Angeles Football Club lose 3-1 to Messi’s side Inter Miami at the BMO Stadium.

The prince was cheered by crowds in the lobby as he passed straight by Brooklyn and his wife Nicola Peltz, who did not meet his gaze despite the commotion.

Although it is not clear if the three stars saw one another, the footage has fuelled speculation of an ongoing feud between the Beckhams and the Sussexes.

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The King met David Beckham (above in April 2019) to discuss his charitable foundation while Harry was in the UK, the Mail understands

2023 – DID CHARLES SNUB HARRY FOR BECKHAM MEETING?

In the latest twist in the tale, the Mail understands that King Charles met David to discuss his charitable foundation while Prince Harry was in the country this week.

The Duke of Sussex had said that his father was too busy attending to ‘various other priorities’ to see him while he was in Britain this week.

No pictures were released of the meeting and it is unknown where the pair met.

The revelation that the King met the former England captain, 49, while his son was home and attending an event two miles from Buckingham Palace may widen their rift further.

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Prince Harry and Meghan during in Abuja during a quasi-royal visit to Abuja

It could also add further pressure on the relationship between the Sussexes and the Beckhams, as it is claimed Harry had wanted to see his father.

Prince Harry’s visit was planned months in advance and while the King’s visit this week to a barracks was called a ‘surprise’, his diary is also tightly choreographed.

But the Duke of Sussex had reportedly invited his father to St Paul’s Cathedral for the tenth anniversary of the Invictus Games although courtiers were not aware Harry had made any specific request to see the King.

The Palace has remained tight-lipped as to why the two never met despite virtually crossing each other’s paths.