Author: bang2

Princess Beatrice is expected to play a more prominent public role for the Royal Family this summer as King Charles seeks to add some glamour in the Princess of Wales’s continuing absence.

Buckingham Palace is still considering how best to deploy Beatrice, but she is expected to accompany the King to one key event, possibly the Japanese state visit next month.

The 35-year-old is a non-working royal and, while Charles does not want to change that, he needs help to deal with what insiders acknowledge is an exceptional year.

The King has only just returned to light working duties as he continues his cancer treatment, while Kate is recovering at home after her cancer diagnosis.

The royal calendar is bursting this summer, with events including Trooping the Colour, a state banquet, Garter Day, the 80th D-Day anniversary and several Buckingham Palace garden parties.

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Princess Beatrice of York pictured greeting King Charles as they attend the Royal Ascot in 2022

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Princess Beatrice (pictured) is expected to play a more prominent public role for the Royal Family this summer

But working members of the Royal Family are in short supply.

Last night, a source said the King wants the cast list for such events to include Beatrice as well as occasionally her sister, Princess Eugenie, also a non-working royal.

Prince Andrew’s elder daughter is said to be looking forward to helping out.

She enjoyed assisting her grandmother, the late Queen, to hand out coins for the 2012 Maundy Thursday service, and that event is the likely template for her participation this summer.

Beatrice attended ‘by invitation of the Queen’ – meaning she was there in a royal capacity while remaining a non-working royal.

The King and Queen will host Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at Buckingham Palace next month.

A source close to the Yorks said: ‘They’ve got a busy diary coming up and they need to widen the family at social events. You’ve got a whole week of Ascot. You have four garden parties. You’ve got Trooping the Colour, and you’ve got a state visit before you even start on other things.

‘I think Beatrice and Eugenie are adding support where they can. They’ve always been clear they’re non-royal, but they’re always there to help fulfil any duties required.’

Another source said: ‘Charles is very aware that his slimmed-down monarchy is getting positively skeletal. He is heavily reliant on Anne and the Edinburghs.

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The Princess of Wales (pictured) announced her cancer diagnosis in April

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Last night, a source said the King wants the cast list for such events to include Beatrice as well as occasionally her sister, Princess Eugenie (right), also a non-working royal

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Prince Andrew’s elder daughter (pictured back in 2014) is said to be looking forward to helping out

‘He is looking to bring in some fresh blood and he’s looking to Beatrice and Eugenie. He thinks that they’ve grown into very sensible, lovely women who he thinks could be a real asset. Charles is listening to his public.

‘They have been crying out for that royal glamour that has been missing during a time when his slimmed-down monarchy is in desperate need of bulking up.

‘Beatrice in particular has been desperate for her chance to shine. She was once shy and her style was a little frumpy. But these days she’s ambitious, confident and fashionable. She looks great in photos.’

Beatrice, who is married to property developer Edo Mapelli-Mozzi, divides her time between New York, where she works for a start-up firm, and her Cotswolds home on the edge of the Blenheim Palace estate.

Meghan Markle has thanked Nigerians for welcoming her to ‘my country’ as she 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.’

The Duchess of Sussex walks alongside Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, right, Director-General of the World Trade Organization

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Meghan was speaking at a meeting with Nigerian female industry leaders at an event

Meghan 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’

Meghan went on: ‘Being African-American, part of it is really not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically.

‘And it was exciting for both of us to discover more and understand what that really means. Never in a million years would I have understood it as much as I do now.

‘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.’

Defining Nigerian women as ‘brave, resilient, courageous, powerful, beautiful’, Meghan said: ‘It is the most flattering thing to be in that company, to be in your company.’

She also added: ‘I often find that whatever travels I’ve done, regardless if it’s Nigeria or another country around the world, oftentimes when women reach the peak of success, they leave.

‘But you need to come back home. You need to at least be a familiar face for the next generation to say: “Oh, she looks like me – and I can be that.”

‘And I think that is a really key piece in all of it… It’s defined by, and you still always want to come back home, because that’s how you’re going to help shift any sort of generational pattern that might be stifling, especially for young girls who need to see someone who looks like them in that same position.’

After being told by a moderator that she had ‘come home’, Meghan replied: ‘I hope that I could do justice to the role model that I think so many young women deserve to have.

‘Obviously in the face of all of you here, I know that they, they see that. But being able to be a small part of that means a lot.’

Meghan Markle wowed crowds in Nigeria as she wore a shoulder less St Agni full length white dress to a lunch with the Nigerian defence minister

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Meghan seemed engaged in a delightful conversation with one of the party guests as she attended the reception with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa

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Meghan is pictured next to five other female dinner guests as she attended a lunch with Minister of Defence in Abuja Nigeria

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Harry was also pictured at the event wearing a cream linen suit and at one point was heard joking with a guest who was wearing a black tuxedo: ‘Love your jacket. I want it.’

They sat in specially marked chairs during the assembly at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters

Earlier today, Meghan wowed crowds again as she attended a lunch with the Nigerian defence minister.

Wearing a shoulderless St Agni full length white dress Meghan drew gasps from onlookers as she walked into the officers mess for the reception with the Nigerian chief of defence staff Christopher Musa.

Harry had a cream linen suit and was heard joking with one guest who was wearing a black tuxedo: ‘Love your jacket. I want it.’

After being seated the British and Nigerian national anthems were played with the couple facing a stage decorated with red, white and blue balloons.

The lunch event came shortly after Harry and Meghan attended a sitting volleyball match and were mobbed by fans as they carried on their Nigeria visit – which has become a royal tour in all but name.

Guests at the lunch were able to choose from five different menus including special fried rice, fish fillet sauce and jollof rice.

There was cow offal with ofada sauce or if you they were reluctant to try the traditional Nigerian menu they could opt for spaghetti bolognese or grilled chicken.

A dance troupe entertained guests with music and rhythmic drumming with Harry and Meghan tapping and swaying to the beat.

A giant poster on the stage was perhaps not the best choice as it featured a rather stern looking Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

During the lunch Abike Dabiri-Erewa of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission gave a warm tribute to Meghan and her west African heritage – although she got her title wrong.

She said: ‘Princess Meghan, we want to thank you for coming home and Prince Harry thank you for bringing her home.

‘You have married a sister of ours and we hope that you come home again, again and again.’

Meghan is a Princess of the royal family, but she is not entitled to call herself Princess Meghan.

She was given the title after marrying Prince Harry -e Duchess of Sussex by the late Queen Elizabeth and the title Princess as she wasn’t born into the royal family.

Noticeably the Duke and Duchess appeared not to eat anything on offer and at times the lunch descended into chaos with a disco beat thumping in the background.

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Harry is lead into the into the officers mess hall where he dined with the Nigerian defence minister earlier today

Harry and his wife Meghan at a lunch with Minister of Defence in Abuja Nigeria

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Meghan looked blown away as she watched the entertainment during a lunch with the Nigerian defence minister

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Harry and Meghan couldn’t contain their delight as the watched dancers perform during their lunch in Nigeria today

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Harry and Meghan can be seen watching in awe of a group of dancers as they dined with the Nigerian defence minister on Saturday

 

In an amazing feat of strength the dancers were able to scramble on top of each other’s shoulders and form a human pyramid, wowing crowds who watched on in awe

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Prince Harry holds aloft a uniquely designed green shirt as he attends a lunch with the Minister of Defence in Abuja, Nigeria

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Meghan unveils an stylish orange necklace during a reception with the Nigerian defence minister

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Harry and his wife Meghan at a lunch with the Minister of Defence in Abuja, Nigeria

The couple listened to stories from several amputees and among them was lance corporal Peacemaker Azuegbulam, 27, who lost his left leg while fighting.

He told MailOnline: ‘I am excited that Harry and Meghan are here and I have been inspired by their vision in the Invictus Games.

‘Like him I have given selfless service and am now in a military hospital, but I hope to take part in the Invictus Games and encourage my e fellow wounded comrades there is ability in our disability.’

The event which ran over by almost an hour had the couple’s entourage frantic as Meghan was due to take part in a Women in Leadership event at 3pm – but they were still at the lunch with ten minutes to go.

Meghan was due to speak at the private event with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of the World Trade Organisation – but as she was due to take the stage they were being presented with an array of brightly coloured shirts and dresses.

Earlier in a five minute speech Harry had thanked his hosts and said it was an ‘immense honour’ to be in Nigeria where the ‘reception and energy have been remarkable’.

He also paid tribute to 16 men from the 181 Amphibious Battalion who were killed in a peace mission in Nigeria’s Delta region in March.

He said: ‘Their sacrifice showed the true cost of service and the profound impact of conflict on children and nations alike.’

Harry also praised Nigeria for its commitment to the Invictus Games and said that he had ‘goosebumps’ from hearing the ‘efforts being made’ by the country to build facilities for wounded soldiers.

He added: ‘Uniting our efforts we can make remarkable progress in acknowledging sacrifices made by our military personnel.’

Harry then joked: ‘We know move onwards to Lagos where they may be some dancing and I thank you for your hospitality.’

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Security has been tight for the visit by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

A Nigerian soldier sits in a turret position outside the headquarters of the Nigerian defence forces

Earlier in the day Meghan sparked mayhem as she turned up to the exhibition volleyball match in an embroidered £2,275 Joanna Ortiz Tropicana Nights dress, patterned with black and white palm leaves as she tried to beat the 35c heat.

The outdoor volleyball match at the Officers Mess was their first official engagement on Saturday and once again the couple were the centre of attention.

Meghan was happy to pose for selfies – at one point being lost amongst the crowd – and some were even reduced to tears after meeting her.

Meanwhile Harry also delighted onlookers when he took part in a game. However unfortunately his Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel.

The Sussex Squad – a group of Harry and Meghan fans – were out in force as they cheered the Duke and Duchess on their arrival just before midday.

Aptly named Royalty Ojeh, six, was chosen to present a stem of roses to Meghan who pulled one out of the bunch and handed it back to the awe-struck little girl.

As they arrived there were loud cheers from a group of fans holding up placards reading ’43 per cent Nigerian’ in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage.

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Harry delighted fans as he took part in the sitting volleyball exhibition match – even if he wasn’t able to fend off his opponents’ victory

Meghan appeared in close conversation with her hosts as she watched Harry play, wearing a huge grin

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In one adorable moment, Meghan exchanged a red rose with one young fan, who shyly met the Duches

Harry and Meghan are seen greeting doting fans as they arrived for the seated volleyball exhibition match in Nigeria

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The outdoor volleyball match at the Officers Mess was their first official engagement on Saturday and once again the couple were the centre of attention

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Harry was seen getting stuck into the sitting volleyball game although in the end his team suffered a narrow defeat

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Harry pictured with his Nigeria Unconquered team who ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad

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Prince Harry was in awe of the skills on show at the volleyball match in Nigeria today

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Harry and Meghan can be seen watching a volley ball game on the sidelines as they were surrounded by adoring fans

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Prince Harry is seen taking part in one of the seated volleyball matches with other players

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Harry was seen in suspense as he waited for a member of his team to serve the ball from behind him

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Sitting on the ground he joined the Nigeria Unconquered team for a huddle and motivational high five before getting stuck in

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Harry appears to shout with another member of the Nigerian volleyball teams as he poses for a picture with some of the players and fans

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Harry and Meghan smile for the camera as they take a photo with a group of volleyball players and charmed fans

Others jokingly said ‘Harry you owe us dowry’ with London based Michela Rituc explaining: ‘ It’s traditional for dowry and Meghan is Nigerian so he owes us.

‘When she announced her heritage, I already knew it you can just tell from the mother’s face and the grandmother’s face, definitely eastern Nigerian.

‘The features say it all and the whole country melted when she said it, she is our daughter, our daughter and we couldn’t be happier.

‘We have always loved Meghan, ever since we saw her in Suits and we are so happy she has come home to visit us.’

As he took to the pitch to join in with Invictus game board member David Wisey, Harry took off a green and white Nigerian scarf he had been given before enthusiastically joining in.

Sitting on the ground he joined the Nigeria Unconquered team for a huddle and motivational high five before getting stuck in.

Many of the players – who included men and women – were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team.

But it was the Nigerian Chief of Defence staff team who took the match and there were smiles and hugs all round at the end as Harry and Meghan met the players.

As with the defence headquarters meeting on Friday at times there were chaotic scenes as Meghan was engulfed by excited fans in pop star style scenes.

Harry – who at times appeared concerned – continually cast a vigilant eye towards his wife as their US and American security team tried to keep control.

A source close to the couple told MailOnline: ‘They are so happy to be in Nigeria and having a great time. Everyone has been so welcoming towards them and they are really feeling the warmth of the people.

‘As far as they are concerned it’s been a fantastic trip and they couldn’t be happier.’

On Sunday the couple will travel to Lagos where they will watch a basketball match and also attend a fundraising event at the city’s polo ground before returning to Britain on Monday and onwards to California.

The spectacle comes as the couple enjoy the second day of their 72-hour tour of the African nation, the day after Harry and Meghan delighted schoolchildren when they visited the Wuse Lightway Academy.

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Prince Harry and his wife Meghan at a sitting volleyball exhibition match today in Abuja, Nigeria

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Harry hears as he urges on the Invictus athletes – as Meghan looks delighted beside him

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Harry’s Nigeria Unconquered team ended up losing 21-25 to the Chief of Defence staff squad with all the players being wounded military personnel

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Meghan was left thrilled as she was presented with a painting by her adoring young fans

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The Duchess joyfully posed with onlookers – including one young girl, dressed up smartly in a white dress and matching bow

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The Duke was all smiles as he got stuck in and battled hard in front of a delighted audience

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Members of the Nigeria Unconquered team can be seen here on the left, dressed in yellow, while players on the Chief of Defence staff squad are seen wearing black

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It was Meghan who really sparked mayhem as she turned up in a strip Joanna Ortiz shoulder less dress to beat the 35c heat and humidity

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Meghan has earned the love of her hosts – with one group of fans holding up placards reading ’43 % Nigerian’ in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage

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Harry is seen giving a slight smirk, while sitting next to Meghan who appears to have a huge grin on her face

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One adoring fan holds a sign reading 43% Nigerian in a nod to Meghan’s recent admission of her west African heritage

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Many of the players – who included men and women – were amputees and Meghan looked on clapping and cheering as Harry and his team. Pictured: Harry and Meghan pose up with their hosts

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One adoring fan holds a copy of Harry’s memoir spare – maybe she was lucky enough to get it signed by the Prince himself

Harry spoke to a group of pupils at the school – which is supported by the couple’s Archewell Foundation – about mental health, and referenced when someone has ‘lost a loved one in your family and you don’t know who to turn to or who to speak to’.

The Duke – who was 12 and his brother William 15 when Diana died in Paris in 1997 – added that there was ‘no shame to be able to acknowledge that today is a bad day’,

He also told the children: ‘You can have it, she (Meghan) can have it, I can have it. They can have it. Every single one of us is likely to have it on any given day.’

The couple flew in together just before 5am following a secret reunion at London Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Suite on Thursday after the Duchess arrived from Los Angeles.

It comes after Harry said it was ‘great’ to be back in the UK this week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games. The Duke had been in London since Tuesday to attend events relating to the competition including a thanksgiving service.

The Sussexes, visiting Nigeria together for the first time, were seated in the first class section of the Boeing 777 and were kept apart from other passengers by a curtain.

Scroll on to read King’s second snub to Harry

PRINCE Harry may not see his dad while in the UK but meeting his brother is not off the table, a royal expert says.

King Charles yesterday ruled out a face-to-face meeting with his youngest son while he’s in the UK, saying he was too busy.

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An expert says Princes William and Harry meeting isn’t off the tableCredit: Getty

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It comes after it was revealed Harry and King Charles would not meet while he’s in the UKCredit: Getty

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Royal expert Ingrid Seward said there’s a ‘niggling feeling’ the duke could meet his brotherCredit: Getty

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Harry made efforts to meet his father, but he had a ‘full schedule’Credit: Getty
The duke then said he “hoped to see his dad soon”, before the Monarch snubbed him a second time.

And while the father-son duo have revealed they won’t meet, an expert claimed Harry and Prince William could meet for reconciliation.

Yesterday 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.”

Harry CAN guarantee meeting with Charles if he makes key move, Royal expert says

The King then announced William would next week be taking charge of Harry’s former helicopter regiment.

Charles said that on Monday he will be at a ceremony to confirm the 41-year-old as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

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

Despite this, royal commentator Ingrid Seward said the brothers could meet.

She told The Sun: “There’s always that niggling feeling that you know perhaps Harry has seen William without any of us knowing, but simply because of the situation that Kate’s in.

“But we will never know unless they choose to tell us.”

Ingrid said Charles likely snubbed his son because he didn’t want to be used.

The expert said: “He’s the father of Harry. It would look nice if they met.

“He probably doesn’t want it to be used as a PR opportunity.

“Or maybe Harry’s being the one being difficult and we we just don’t know.

“Or maybe they’ve just said, look, it’s not gonna work this time, but you would think Harry would be very, very keen to see his father.

“We don’t know when he’s gonna be over here again. But you know, maybe he’ll get a bit of praise from his father, for you know, for at least having done something successfully.”

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

It comes as another expert claimed Charles “deliberately timed” his second snub on his son.

Richard Fitzwilliams said it came after Harry lobbed bombs at him for years.

Expert: Harry can guarantee meeting with dad

By Jane Matthews

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”.

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.

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.”

He told The Sun: “This timing is deliberate. It’s to send a deliberate message to Harry that the Royal Family has not forgotten what has been happening over the last four years.”

The expert said it tracks back to when Prince Philip was in hospital – and the Sussexes’ explosive Oprah interview was broadcast to the world.

Richard continued: “Prince Philip was King Charles’s father – he hasn’t forgotten that.

“That is just one very, very significant episode, because Oprah did enormous damage to the Royal Family and the Sussexes, as I say, knew exactly what they were doing.”

The expert said the King’s decision to announce his plan with Wills just hours after snubbing Harry was an extra dig.

Richard continued: “The facts are that he has an important link with the regiment, and the facts are also that there’s a ceremony next Monday which the King and the the royals do nothing by accident.

“There’s no question that it was meant to be a message to Harry. It’s been timed for now, quite deliberately.

“This rift is river deep and very, very public now.”

The expert said going forward, Harry should keep his plans – and meetings with the King – private, rather than announcing them to the world – as he did on Good Morning America.

 

Richard continued: “I don’t think that the King wanted Harry to go on television and talk even in general terms, about the family coming together.

“This was not only a private meeting, but had Harry kept it completely private and not made any comments, I think that would have been preferable.”

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.

Royal expert Phil Dampier also revealed who has been Kate’s support network during her recovery

SINCE the Princess of Wales announced the “huge shock” of her cancer diagnosis back in March, there has been very little in the form of health updates on her condition.

But according to royal expert Phil Dampier, there are some “tell-tale signs” that Kate Middleton, 42, is recovering well.

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Kate Middleton announced her cancer diagnosis in MarchCredit: PA

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Royal expert Phil Dampier believes there are some ‘tell-tale signs’ that Kate’s recovery is going wellCredit: Getty
Since the beginning of the year, Prince William has cut back his public engagements in a bid to support his wife and their three young children; Prince George, ten, nine-year-old Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, six.

However, Kensington Palace has recently confirmed the 41-year-old will attend two public engagements which will mean he has to leave Windsor for a night.

Speaking exclusively to Fabulous Digital, Phil Dampier suggests this is a positive indication that the mum-of-three’s recovery is on track.

“Kate has wanted to keep her cancer diagnosis and treatment private and everyone respects that,” he says.

“Hopefully no news is good news and like the King, we all hope she is recovering well.”

He claims: “There are some tell-tale signs that she is getting better as Prince William is undertaking more jobs, including going to the Scilly Isles where he will be away for a day or two.

“I don’t think he would be out and about more, unless he was happy she was on the mend.”

OVERNIGHT VISIT

During the first part of his visit to Cornwall on Thursday, Prince William will attend the site where the Duchy of Cornwall’s first homeless housing project will be built, in Nansleden, Newquay.

The royal will then move onto Fistral Beach, where he’ll meet organisations who take care of the project.

Then, on Friday, the dad-of-three will make his first official visit to the Isles of Scilly since becoming Duke of Cornwall in September 2022.

During his time there, he will arrive at St Mary’s Harbour and will meet representatives from local businesses, before paying a visit to St. Mary’s Medical Centre.

Following the announcement, Prince William will reportedly be attending more public engagements before his children break up for summer in July and August.

According to The Times, it’s understood that Prince William plans to “increase his diary of public engagements over the next two months”.

Kate Middleton, who had been recovering from major abdominal surgery in January 2024, first announced her health battle in a touching video on March 22.

Prince William is a pillar of strength for Kate

Expert analysis by author and royal expert, Ingrid Seward:

Steadfast when his family needed him, William has proved himself as a man and future monarch of strength and compassion.

While he might not have been present during Kate’s courageous video address on Friday — make no mistake, he has been by her side every step of the way.

William has stepped up with school-run duties and provided a “great source of comfort and reassurance” to his wife.

But he has also been a comforting and reassuring presence for the public.

From leading members of the Royal Family at the Commonwealth Day Service to enjoying cheerful banter with youngsters on a youth centre visit, he hasn’t put a foot wrong.

Just this week he visited Sheffield to highlight his Homewards project to end homelessness in the UK.

Even then there were few chinks in his facade — but Kate was clearly on his mind.

“She needs to be sat here to hear this,” he smiled when the discussion turned to the challenges of young families.

But ultimately he is only human.

To have your father and your wife diagnosed with cancer in such quick succession is heart-shattering.

It’s a remarkable insight into the character of this young man that he has been so incredibly brave.

Theirs is a very private turmoil which has been brought into the public arena by the nature of their roles as future King and Queen.

William must feel the weight of enormous responsibility, both personally and for the monarchy, of which he is now the public face.

But he knows his most important role is that of dad and husband.

He will make that his priority.

This is a distinct difference from the ways of the past, where your royal role came before the role of spouse and parent.

Think back to when the Queen was young.

William’s priority is his family

It was a man’s world then — and she was forced to abandon her children in a way that William is determined not to.

William and Kate waited until the school term was over and their children were home before making their public announcement.

They needed to be prepared.

In this, they will have had the wholehearted support of Charles — who knows what it feels like to be brought up by nannies.

William was also acutely aware of the lack of his own father’s presence in his life, especially when things went wrong.

In 1991, he was accidentally hit over the head with a golf club when he was at school and Diana was having lunch in her favourite restaurant San Lorenzo.

The call came through that William had been bashed on the head and they thought he might die so it was very serious.

Both Charles and Diana rushed down to Ludgrove.

William was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital and then to Great Ormond Street Hospital and Diana went with him.

But ever a man of duty, Charles prioritised his engagements.

William is determined to do things differently

At the time, she revealed her “huge shock” after post-operation tests revealed she had the disease.

Addressing the nation, she commented: “This of course came as a huge shock, and William and I have been doing everything we can to process and manage this privately for the sake of our young family.

“As you can imagine, this has taken time. It has taken me time to recover from major surgery in order to start my treatment.”

Royal expert Phil Dampier adds that getting cancer in her early forties was a “tremendous shock,” but says the princess will be getting the “best treatment and hopefully make a full recovery”.

He adds: “When Kate is back in action the interest in her will be off the scale and she will have to pace herself.

“She will certainly be more popular than ever and I’m sure the public will rally around her.

“Her parents Carole and Michael, as well as her sister Pippa and brother James, have been there for her and that support network is crucial as well.”

Timeline of Royal health woes

HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health worries to have struck the royals this year

JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.

JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.

JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.

JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.

JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.

JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.

JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.

FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.

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Prince William cut back on his public engagements in the last few monthsCredit: PA

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle will never admit blame or apologise for trashing the Royal Family, experts say.

The Sussexes today touched down in Nigeria for their three-day “faux-Royal tour” and were snapped dancing with schoolchildren and chatting to locals with smiles ear-to-ear.

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Royal experts say Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will ‘never apologise’ for the attacks they’ve made on the FirmCredit: EPA

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The couple touched down in Nigeria todayCredit: AFP

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Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston spoke on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show this week

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Harry had been in the UK since Tuesday, but jetted off out of London last night after a secret rendezvous with Meghan in London.

The prince didn’t meet with King Charles on his whistle-stop trip, after being snubbed by his “busy” dad.

And now Royal experts have claimed Harry and Meghan’s “thrashing” of the Firm and hurling of “hand grenades” would have had an impact – but that the Sussexes will never say sorry.

Other commentators this week claimed the Monarch would have had time to see his son.

The Sun’s Arthur Edwards claimed the King didn’t want to see Harry, while royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams said there was “no question” this was a message to Harry.

On The Sun’s Royal Exclusive Show this week, Matt Wilkinson sat down with Royal Correspondent Jack Royston.

Our Royal Editor said Harry had long been throwing “hand grenades and insults”.

Matt said: “I understand why the King is utterly furious with Harry.

“The trashing of the family has been dreadful.”

He said there was room for change – but someone had to act.

The editor continued: “There’s a big piece of middle ground that no one’s venturing into, an apology.

“Harry and Meghan have never ever kind of admitted any blame – they’ve never actually said ‘oh we made a mistake here, we should have done this, we are sorry’.

“Somebody has to step in, surely it should be Prince Harry or Meghan that steps into that space rather than the King.”

Jack, Newsweek’s Chief Royal Correspondent, said Harry rarely admits blame.

He claimed the only time the duke did fess up was if whatever he’d done had been immortalised in pics or videos.

Jack said: “The take-home appears to be he won’t acknowledge he’s done anything wrong unless it’s on camera.

“And he needs to get past that if he wants the public’s forgiveness.

Inside Sussexes’ trip to Nigeria

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

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

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

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

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

“I could tell him what to apologise for.”

Harry and Meghan were all smiles today as kicked off their “faux-Royal tour”.

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

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

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

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

King Charles was spotted on Tuesday leaving Windsor Castle around 11am, just hours before his touched down.

Harry’s mental health speech in full

By Matt Wilkinson, Royal Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The prince was then seen in London before he headed to an Invictus event.

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

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

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

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

The King was just two miles away.

The party wrapped up at 6pm – just as Harry finished a service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Yesterday turned up as a surprise guest at a party hosted by the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers – which supports the bereaved children of military personnel.

King Charles has broke royal tradition with plans to open Balmoral to the public for the first time ever.

King Charles is opening the doors to Balmoral Castle this year (Image: GETTY)

King Charles III breaks tradition with major move that “Queen Elizabeth II would have never done”, claims former royal butler Grant Harrold.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the monarch was set to open the doors of Balmoral Castle to the public – making this the first time in 169 years.

In an experience named ‘The Balmoral Experience’, the royal estate previously announced that the public will be allowed inside the interior rooms of Balmoral Castle for the first time later this summer.

Discussing major changes that the King has incorporated since becoming monarch in 2022, Mr Harrold pointed out the opening of the doors at Balmoral – noting this as one of “a lot of changes”.

Speaking on behalf of Fruity Slots, Mr Harrold said: “There are definitely elements of similarities between Charles and the late Queen.

“While there’s been a lot of changes, for instance Balmoral opening up again – that’s something the late Queen would never have done, that’s definitely very different.

“[King] Charles has taken on a lot of the late Queen’s charities and that’s very much him wanting to focus on his mother’s work.”

He added: “He’s not going to rush into his reign as King like a bull in a china shop, he’s going to take things very slowly and very carefully, making subtle changes as he goes.”

Speaking of the comparisons between the King and his late mother, he added: “Asides from his health, the biggest challenge Charles has probably faced as King is trying to live up to his mother’s name.

 

The late Queen with Prince Philip and their three eldest children outside Balmoral Castle in 1960 (Image: GETTY)

“Obviously Elizabeth, as I’ve said before, she was a one off. She had many years to do the job and become the Queen that we all knew and loved.

“For Charles to take that on, starting at such an old age and at the very beginning, that’s his biggest challenge – winning people over and getting them to see that he is a good King. I think it’s safe to say that he has done that.”

Taking to social media to announce the tours, Balmoral Castle revealed that they will take place between July 1 and August 4.

Tickets will be priced at £100, or £150 to include afternoon tea, while only 40 are available per day.

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The late Queen pictured at Balmoral two days before her death in 2022 (Image: GETTY)

As well as being given exclusive access inside the residence, visitors will “learn about Balmoral’s history and heritage” as the take a journey through its interiors.

The tour will include a number of rooms that are used today by King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as other members of the Royal Family.

Other highlights of the tour will include a collection of outfits worn by Charles and Camilla, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the late Queen Mother.

King Charles has thrown down ‘the firmest public marker yet’ to his son Prince Harry as he smiled and welcomed invited guests to Buckingham Palace

King Charles at a Buckingham Palace party today (Image: PA)

King Charles has laid down ‘the firmest public marker ever seen’ in his very public snub to his own son Prince Harry.

Nigel Farage told Sky News Australia host Paul Murray how the King’s decision not to meet his son the Duke of Sussex has sent a clear and very public signal over the outspoken Prince’s behaviour.

It was even suggested that Prince Harry might have used the meeting to glean vital information about the King’s current health condition following his battle with cancer.

Prince Harry hid his disappointment as he got out of his Range Rover to attend the Invictus Games’ 10th anniversary event at midday.

There, Harry joined a congregation of around a thousand inside the London landmark where he gave a bible reading, joined by Princess Diana’s siblings Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Spencer.

Meanwhile the King was seen just a few miles away and was all smiles as he hosted a royal garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace, greeting and shaking hands with people who were invited, unlike his son the Duke of Sussex.

It was the event that the Palace said had kept King Charles too busy to meet his son despite Harry having flown over from his home in the US.

The King was seen smiling and laughing with guests as the sun shone on the Palace grounds.

During a Sky News Australia interview, Nigel Farage told host Paul Murray how the King’s snub to Harry represents ‘the firmest public marker’ yet seen from the monarch.

He said: “Prince Harry is at St Paul’s Cathedral today, it’s 10 years of the Invictus games, and the King is opening up Buckingham Palace for thousands of people this afternoon who will be going to one of the royal garden parties which I’ve gotta tell you are wonderful afternoons and the King can’t meet his son because he’s got scheduling issues.

“Well, I’ll tell you what, that’s the King putting down the firmest public marker we’ve ever seen. You are not welcome, you treacherous little brat.”

News host Paul Murray then speculated that Harry could have gleaned information about his dad’s health, adding: “Today there is a window if you want but the dad goes, quite correctly, no, because I know what you’re gonna do with this information, I know what you’re going to do with the ‘is he healthy’, ‘baggy eyes’, all the rest of it. Right. We all know what he will do.”

Previously, The Duke of Sussex confirmed that no meeting will take place due to the King’s “full programme”.

“It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme,” said a spokesman for Prince Harry. The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

Harry is understood to be extremely disappointed by the news.

He told delegates at the Invictus Games event: “Sometimes you… look back and go ‘Look at what we’ve done’.

“But also given the state of the world, there is so much more to do and I think a lot of uncertainty – but what we’ve created is a global community,” in reference to the Invictus Games’ work for wounded and sick veterans.

King Charles has faced a difficult few months as he returned to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.

King Charles has returned to public duties following his cancer diagnosis (Image: Getty)

King Charles has had one secret hobby seeing him through a difficult start to 2024 as he returns to public duties following his shock cancer diagnosis.

The Royal Family has faced a number of setbacks this year, with Princess Kate also announcing she was undergoing treatment for cancer in March.

But despite taking a break from public duties, said to have left Charles “frustrated”, a royal expert revealed how he coped with a challenging few months.

Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told OK!: “We are told he spent the weekend at Highgrove gardening and reflecting. And gardening is a wonderful way to ponder on life and all it brings.

“Obviously the King is annoyed and frustrated by the way his cancer diagnosis has stopped him in his tracks. But this is the time of year when the garden springs into life and colour; there is new growth all around and, with that, comes new hope.

King Charles is said to have become interested in gardening (Image: Getty)

“His doctors are pleased with his progress and, although he must be so worried about his beloved daughter-in-law, Catherine, he can relax knowing that she is at last getting the peace and privacy she requested.”

Ahead of his Coronation, King Charles faced criticism for his time as the Prince of Wales when he was involved in a number of scandals.

Jennie added: “There had been predictions that the change of reign would bring upset and turmoil. It didn’t happen.

“The King can look back today on a transition smoother than anyone could have hoped, and polling figures that show most people think he’s doing a good job and that the country is better with a monarchy.

 

“I think he will also reflect on how his Queen, who was crowned alongside him a year ago, has done a remarkable job in this difficult year and has won the admiration of many. Now THAT will make Charles the happiest man alive!”

Buckingham Palace confirmed the monarch would be returning to public duties in a statement, saying his medical team are “encouraged by the progress made so far”.

It added: “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery. The pacing of the King’s programme will be carefully calibrated as his recovery continues, in close consultation with his medical team.”

EXCLUSIVE: Something may be holding Harry back from pursuing US citizenship, and it’s not the royal titles, an immigration lawyer has claimed.

If Prince Harry were to successfully pursue a US citizenship he would have to give up more than his royal titles, and it wouldn’t be worth it, with the “cons outweighing the pros,” says one immigration attorney.

Daily Express US spoke to Charlotte Slocombe, a partner at Fragomen, who says: “He may find it difficult to swear an oath of allegiance to the US in order to become a US citizen.”

Ms Slocombe explains why this could be troubling for the Duke: “Because he would need to declare on oath, that he ‘absolutely and entirely renounce [s] and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty, of whom or which [he has] heretofore been a subject or citizen.”

The oath of allegiance would come at the end of the naturalisation process, the first step would be to apply for a green card, and if approved, Harry would wait three years for the next step and during that time-frame his travel would be restricted.

Ms Slocombe believes it would be an “onerous route” for Harry and there would be “more cons than pros.”

He seems to be at his best when it comes to the Games, it’s been said (Image: Getty)

Ms Slocombe goes over some of the cons, saying: “The issue for both the Green Card and US citizenship, is that the concerns brought up by his public disclosures become far more difficult to waive, if applicable.”

She adds: “Also, he would need to renounce his royal title and be subject to worldwide tax filing (regardless of where he lived in the world). It would be an onerous route, with arguably more cons than pros.”

Harry will be heading to Nigeria after his visit to the UK (Image: Getty)

In regards to the pros, Harry would be granted full freedoms of work, residence and ability to vote, according to Ms Slocombe.

Earlier this year, Harry appeared on Good Morning America, where he said he’s considered becoming a US citizen.

It seemed like he was saying it in passing, as part of the conversation with presenter Will Reeve, but more recently, Harry listed the US as his permanent residence in official paperwork, which has given the conversation new life.

German channel ZDF are producing a new documentary focusing on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, helmed by a veteran royal reporter.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be best pleased at a new Germany documentary being produced about them, as they are “unlikely to welcome scrutiny”, acording to an expert.

TV producer Ulrike Grunewald, who has worked on the royal beat for many years, is making the show for the country’s ZDF network, with her team travelling to Montecito in California to film the show.

Amongst her team of five is Mo Davies, a producer from London, aiming to get information on the Sussexes by flying over to their home in the US.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams believes the couple will not welcome this intrusion, as he told The Mirror: “Having largely controlled Oprah, who was reluctant to interrogate them, having control over their six-hour documentary for Netflix, ‘Harry and Meghan’ and obviously over Harry’s memoir Spare, the Sussexes would almost certainly not welcome this.

“They are phobic about their privacy and are unlikely to welcome scrutiny.”

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not welcome a new documentary (Image: Getty)

He added: “To be on the receiving end of a documentary where they have no control over the contents is far from ideal for them, especially as it is being directed by Ulrike Grunewald, a seasoned royal journalist for many years who has a reputation for unravelling concealed facts.”

Some of Ms Grunewald’s previous work includes documentaries Princess Diana’s Dangerous Legacy, The Queen and the Power of Images, and the Secret of the Windsors.

The reporter has been working on Germany’s Heute-Journal (Today-Journal) programme since 1987 and encountered the Sussexes when they were in Düsseldorf last year for the Invictus Games.

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The Sussexes were in Germany last year for the Invictus Games (Image: Getty)

She spoke with Harry at the Games and said of their encounter afterwards: “Now that Meghan is here, he is over the moon. They have been holding hands, cheering competitors on at various matches and games.

“They seem intimate and very close. Either that or they are very good actors. From where I’ve been watching, they seem very in love.”

The Duke initially travelled to the German city alone to open the Games, with Meghan later joining after spending more time at home with their children.