Author: bang5

EXCLUSIVE: Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay was left in no doubt that the Oasis Cardiff comeback show was epic, with the broadcaster revealing how the big reunion tour could lift the country’s mood

Vernon is here with wife Tess Daly at Bafta, but he took his daughter Amber and brother to the Oasis gig(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)

Radio and TV host Vernon Kay said he thought the Oasis tour could have the ability to “elevate the mood of the nation” if the gigs continue to be epic events on sunny weekends.

Vernon was one of the famous faces who headed to Cardiff for the comeback gig in Cardiff on Friday night, the first Oasis show in almost 16 years which saw Liam and Noel Gallagher hold hands on stage.

Speaking a little croakily on the phone, Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay told the Mirror: “As you can probably tell by my voice, Oasis was epic.

“It was everything that you expected it to be. No, I’ll rephrase that, It was everything that you wanted it to be.

Oasis are back! (Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

“We expected greatness, and we got fantastic. It was a gig of a lifetime, especially I think for all those people who have just got into Oasis.

“There were a lot of young people there. There were a couple of lads next to us who hadn’t been drinking because they wanted to savour every moment, and they had their first pint at the end because it was this big a moment they wanted to savour for every second. And rightly so.

“It was superb. They played all the tunes that you wanted them to play, 23 in total, I think it was. And it just makes you realise that Oasis are as good as everyone talks up Oasis to be. They were brilliant.”

He added: “Liam’s voice was probably the best it’s been in a long, long time. Whatever he’s been doing, whatever training, whatever warm ups, whatever vocal coaching he’s been taking is absolutely working, so good. Noah was fab as always.

“It was just a great gig, hit after hit after hit. The atmosphere was really positive. And I’ve been saying on the radio that if the weather is great, this Oasis tour is really going to elevate the mood of the nation and the majority, I think all of the reviews have been fantastic, and rightly so. Oasis are back and long may continue.”

Vernon, who will celebrate his Radio 2 show from Heaton this Friday to celebrate Oasis playing there this weekend, was not the only celebrity to sing the praises of the Oasis tour opening night in Cardiff

Noel Gallagher’s daughter Anais posted a photo of Noel and Liam and wrote: “Best night of my life,” next to it.

She also showed a photo off herself in one of the new Oasis Adidas football shirts and quoting Oasis lyrics said: “It’s good to be back.” She had been seen hugging her dad just minutes before he went on stage.

Noel’s ex-wife Meg Matthews, mother of Anais, was also there. She wrote on instagram: “Five stars loved every minute thank you Oasis. Great to see all the old faces. It was worth the countdown. What a night.”

The annual royal accounts have revealed the Firm cost the taxpayer £86.3 million last year, as King Charles derails the Royal Train in a bid to save cash – and we asked Mirror readers to share their thoughts

We asked readers if the royal family costs the taxpayer too much(Image: Getty Images)

The royal family spent a staggering £2.7 million on travel last year, including journeys by private jet, helicopter, and train, the newly released royal accounts have revealed – and we asked Mirror readers if the Firm is costing the taxpayer too much.

Last year’s accounts show that the royals cost the taxpayer £86.3 million for the fourth consecutive year, while the King and Queen’s trip to Australia and Samoa in October came with a hefty £400,000 price tag. Following the publication of the annual accounts, it was announced that King Charles plans to derail the Royal Train after nearly 125 years of service in a bid to save cash.

The nine-carriage locomotive, which was once Queen Elizabeth II’s preferred mode of travel, was only in action twice in the last year but cost £78,000. It comes as the King attempts to “modernise” the Royal Family, as Keeper of the Privy Purse James Chalmers said: “The time has come to bid the fondest of farewells as we seek to be disciplined and forward-looking in our allocation of funding.”

The Sovereign Grant, which pays for the royal family’s official duties and the upkeep of royal palaces, is met from public funds in exchange for the King’s surrender of the revenue from the Crown Estate. The royals then in return get 12 per cent of this revenue back to run their affairs including travel, engagements at home and abroad and welcoming tens of thousands of people to the royal palaces.

Record offshore wind farm profits have seen the Crown Estate net profits for the last financial year and hit £1.1 billion – meaning a record breaking Sovereign Grant of £132million will be handed out next year and the year after. Palace aides say the extra cash will go towards paying for the £369million refit of Buckingham Palace and the upkeep of other royal residences.

However, former Minister of State for Home Affairs Norman Baker slammed Buckingham Palace ‘pretending to be prudent’ as ‘utter hogwash’. He wrote in the Mirror: “Reality check: the Crown Estate has in effect been a public body since 1760, and until 2011, 100% of its profits went to the Treasury to pay for schools, hospitals, defence and, yes, disability benefits. This 12% is a new royal tax on the public purse.”

We asked Mirror readers if they think the royal family is costing the taxpayer too much, and 62 percent said ‘No’. Around 3,169 people took part in our poll, and 1,955 selected the option ‘No – I don’t think so’.

Voicing their thoughts in the comments section, one user said: “The RF are the head of the UK and I love what we have, I am a royalist and I’m very proud to say so. I think the RF bring a lot of tourists to our country. King Charles has scaled down the working royals and has been scaling down on some ceremonies and Prince William has plans to scale back even more and wants to modernise the RF and make it less austere, it seems William and Catherine are doing that already.”

Another echoed: “Westminster Abbey, one of the most popular attractions for oversees tourists, a symbol of British history & the final resting place of revered monarchs, including Queen Elizabeth I & her half sister Queen Mary & famed British icons (Charles Dickens). An unprecedented symbol of hierarchical succession & constitutional monarchy with every coronation conducted there & all monarchs anointed. Tourists want to see symbols of monarchist power, influence & status.”

“Many presidents of other countries are costing a lot more. If you don’t take my word, do your research. On top of that tourists don’t go visiting countries wanting to see any president, but they may do to see a king. Also The cost isn’t only about the king head of state, but other working royals doing complimentary work for the king,” wrote a third.

Another added: “If the Royals bring in more from tourism than is spent on them, that has got to be a win.” However, 38 percent said the Firm is costing the taxpayer too much, as one reader fumed: “All of the information out there and people still believe we aren’t giving these over privileged people too much money, throwing millions at them each year doesn’t make them any better.”

A second wrote: “It is absolutely ridiculous to believe anyone is coming to the UK to catch a glimpse of the King! or the Royal Family! They aren’t in a zoo and they aren’t magical beings from Fairyland. How absurd. No matter how you feel about elected Heads of State, at least they aren’t automatically put in office just for coming out of the womb, and getting oiled up while pals hold up the sheets. Nobody’s spending money and wasting time coming to Britain for that.”

Another voiced: “The monarchy supporters distort the figures. Vastly over estimate any money they bring in (if any), under estimate what they cost. If they were abolished the country would benefit from the companies they own and the taxes they don’t pay.”

Do you think the royal family is costing the taxpayer too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and you can still vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

When Prince Harry called his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, once during the Covid pandemic, there was reportedly a “stony silence,” said to be a direct result of tensions in the Royal Family

Prince Harry was said to have been very close with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II(Image: Getty Images)

Details of a particularly memorable phone call between Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II have emerged today – and the chat is said to highlight tensions between the then monarch and Meghan Markle.

Harry is understood to have followed procedure, by calling Queen Elizabeth II’s private line and telling the telephonist who was on the line. The operator was then tasked with informing the Queen who was calling and then leaving them to their conversation. Yet when Harry rang from the US during the pandemic, the then Buckingham Palace telephonist informed the monarch – and was left with “a stony silence,” a moment which became particularly “uncomfortable”.

“When I announced to the Queen that Harry was her caller there was just a stony silence,” she said. “In fact, it was so uncomfortable that I filled the silence myself by saying ‘Thank you, your Majesty’ and then connected them.”

The operator recalled the conversation and, today, the Daily Mail published new details of this, in the wake of fresh memoirs which appear to lay bare the Queen’s opinion of Meghan. The newly released memoirs also highlight how the Queen became “very worried” for her grandson ahead of his wedding.

Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth II are pictured weeks after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s wedding(Image: Getty Images)

This particular telephone call happened some years after the wedding, and after Meghan and Harry ditched royal duties for a new life in the US. The fallout from this move was, according to royal experts, still on Queen Elizabeth II’s mind, as was the declining health of her husband Prince Philip. The Duke of Edinburgh died aged 99 at Windsor Castle in April 2021.

Richard Kay, royal columnist with the Daily Mail, writes in today’s piece: “The telephonist has never forgotten the moment, telling me: ‘It was memorable because the Queen would never not acknowledge you.’

“To this longstanding and loyal servant, the absence of the usual courtesy was a direct result of the tensions and discord sewn by the prince and his wife.

“I was reminded of this highly unusual behaviour of a monarch who was rarely – if ever – abrupt with her staff by an extraordinary insight into the Queen’s attitude towards her grandson and the former Meghan Markle, which emerged this week from an American historian who befriended one of the Queen’s close confidantes.”

And it is this new insight – by Lady Elizabeth Anson, party-planner extraordinaire and a cousin to the Queen – which has caused controversy in the past week. She said the Queen Elizabeth II “was not at all content” with the “Megxit” debacle, and she alleges Prince Harry was “rude to her [the Queen] for ten minutes”.

But others point out Harry had a very close relationship with his grandmother, who died aged 86 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland in September 2022. The Duke of Sussex, one of her eight grandchildren, was frequently pictured smiling alongside the Queen at royal functions during the latter part of her reign.

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018 and became part of the Firm, it is claimed the late Queen appointed one key royal to show her the ropes – but it seems the union did not go to plan

Meghan Markle with the Duchess of Edinburgh(Image: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

When Meghan Markle married Prince Harry in 2018 and became part of the Firm, she opened herself up to learning all about royal life. And it was the late Queen who took Meghan on her first solo royal engagement after her wedding, with the pair taking a trip to Cheshire.

While much of the royal outing became a masterclass from the late Queen for Meghan Markle on how to carry oneself when on such official occasions, one book claimed that Her Majesty soon decided Meghan would be better suited to be mentored by another senior royal family member as she found her footing in the demands on royal life.

The late Queen Elizabeth reportedly hoped that Duchess Sophie would be a mentor to Meghan Markle when she married into the Firm(Image: SplashNews.com)

It was reported that it was decided that Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, would be the perfect person to take on the role of mentor to Meghan. And royal expert Gyles Brandreth told the Daily Mail: “The Queen wanted Meghan to make a success of the marriage and of her new role, and indeed did everything that she could to encourage that.

“I think she suggested to her that Sophie Wessex, who certainly was a favourite with her, and had been through it because she had married into the Royal Family, and married Prince Edward, might help her, be a sort of mentor.”

Sophie and Meghan seemed to be a perfect match, with both women marrying into the Firm from upper-middle class families, and their husbands both being third in line to the throne when they were born.

Meghan is said to have insisted she didn’t need a royal mentor, and would instead rely on Prince Harry for support(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

However, despite the late Queen being eager to see their mentorship flourish, Meghan “”made it clear” she didn’t need Sophie’s help when it came to learning the rules of royal life and would instead rely on her new husband Harry, as Mr Brandreth wrote in his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait.

Mr Brandreth, who is a friend of the royals, wrote: “The Queen (who, of course, had seen it all before) understood that Harry’s girl might find adjusting to Royal life ‘challenging to begin with’ (as she put it). ‘It is very jolty, but you soon get used to it’. That was Her Majesty’s experience going back many years.

Duchess Sophie admitted it “took a while to find her feet” after marrying into the royal family in 1999(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)

“To help Meghan, the Queen suggested that her daughter-in-law, Sophie Wessex, would be an ideal mentor. ‘Sophie can help show you the ropes,’ said the Queen. ” Meghan made it clear that she did not feel she needed Sophie’s help. She had Harry.”

Sophie has long acted as a mentor for new members of the royal family, as she is also said to have stepped in to help Princess Kate find her royal footing after her 2011 wedding to Prince William, with the pair becoming great friends and confidants at the same time.

Sophie has previously been honest about how it “took a while to find her feet” when she married Prince Edward in 1999, becoming a full-time working member of the monarchy and leaving behind a successful career in PR.

Sophie is believed to have tried to maintain a close relationship with Harry and Meghan, as according to The Times, Sophie was the first member of the royal family to visit the Sussexes following the birth of Archie in 2019, going to the couple’s Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

Speaking about the Sussexes’ exit from the firm, Sophie candidly said: “I just hope they will be happy.” But possibly more pointedly, she said that the royal family does all they can to assist new members in adjusting to royal life, adding: “We all try to help any new members of the family.”

For years, royal watchers wondered what Queen Elizabeth II truly thought about Meghan Markle. Publicly, she offered warmth and grace. Privately, no one knew. Until now.

In an astonishing new revelation, drawn from a series of confidential interviews conducted before her death in 2020, Lady Elizabeth Anson—cousin, confidante, and daily phone companion to the late Queen—told biographer Sally Bedell Smith that Her Majesty’s opinion of Meghan changed dramatically behind closed doors.

And now, the truth is out. The Queen was reportedly left stunned, frustrated, and deeply disappointed by Meghan’s attitude and treatment of royal tradition—and it all began with a wedding dress.

A Chilly Encounter That Changed Everything

The conversation, according to Anson, happened in 2018, just before Harry and Meghan’s royal wedding. When the Queen gently inquired about the details of Meghan’s dress, the American duchess-to-be declined to share—even with the sovereign herself.

“She was rude for 10 minutes,” the Queen reportedly confided. “She wouldn’t tell me anything.”

Ten minutes. Ten minutes that shattered a fragile royal trust built on centuries of protocol and deference. The Queen had welcomed Meghan with open arms, seeing her as a breath of fresh air. But this interaction, Anson revealed, changed everything.

“He Was Too in Love”: The Queen’s Painful Reflection

Lady Anson told Bedell Smith that the Queen’s disappointment was made worse by her concern for Harry.

“She said Harry was perhaps too much in love. Besotted. Maybe even weak,” recalled royal biographer Phil Dampier. “She feared he was being manipulated.”

For a grandmother known for her stoicism and restraint, this was a brutally honest assessment—and a glimpse into how deep her hurt truly ran. Her bond with Harry had once been close. According to insiders, it was unlike any other royal relationship. But Meghan’s arrival began to erode that bond, leaving Her Majesty feeling helpless and estranged.

From Enthusiasm to Mistrust

At first, the Queen had been Meghan’s greatest supporter. She welcomed her into the family, even inviting her on solo engagements—a rare honor. She believed Meghan could modernize the monarchy.

But over time, as reports of staff mistreatment, tantrums over tiaras, and feuds with Kate Middleton surfaced, even the Queen began to question Meghan’s intentions.

“She saw a different side to her,” Dampier explained. “And she didn’t like what she saw.”

Lady Anson’s interviews confirm what royal aides had long whispered: that Meghan wasn’t just misunderstood—she may never have intended to stay in the family at all.

A Stepping Stone to Global Fame?

According to Anson, and echoed by biographer Bedell Smith, the Queen began to suspect that Meghan viewed her marriage not as a lifelong commitment to duty—but as a platform to global celebrity.

“She saw it as a stepping stone,” Dampier said. “A launchpad to new fame and fortune.”

That suspicion wasn’t limited to the Queen. Prince William reportedly voiced similar concerns early on—and it was this doubt that sparked the infamous “rift” between the brothers.

William was protective of the monarchy. Harry was protective of Meghan. The result? A fracture still felt today.

The Firm’s Quiet Struggle

The royal family, often referred to as “The Firm,” has a long history of swallowing scandal behind palace walls. But Lady Anson’s conversations reveal a silent struggle within the institution—a family constantly trying to “save Harry from himself.”

“They were always cleaning up his messes,” one source said. “But this time, he didn’t want saving.”

Meghan’s departure from royal life, along with Harry’s, was framed by them as liberation. But for the Queen, it was heartbreak.

She didn’t just lose a grandson to a new life in California—she lost a relationship, a confidant, and a sense of royal continuity she’d hoped to protect.

Why This Disclosure Matters

Until now, Meghan and Harry’s version of events has dominated headlines. From Oprah interviews to Netflix documentaries, the Sussexes painted a picture of rejection and cruelty. But these new disclosures flip the script.

This wasn’t a family that shunned Meghan. It was a monarch who opened her arms—and slowly had to close them again when trust was broken.

“This adds real color to the sketch,” noted a commentator. “It’s not a faceless institution. It’s a family with heartbreak, confusion, and disappointment.”

Lady Anson’s conversations offer a rare, human view of the Queen. Not as a figurehead—but as a grandmother who watched her family unravel in slow motion.

Meghan’s Miscalculation?

One of the most stunning insights from this revelation is how Meghan may have misread the monarchy entirely.

“She thought she could just trot into a millennium-old institution and expect to have her way,” said one insider. “But that’s not how it works.”

There are rules. There is rank. And there is sacrifice.

And for all her Hollywood training, Meghan didn’t seem prepared for any of it.

“She underestimated the weight of history,” said a palace aide. “And overestimated her own influence.”

The Queen’s Final Days

Even during the COVID lockdown, Lady Anson said the Queen continued to speak with her daily. Despite her advancing age and global chaos, the monarch remained sharp, reflective, and aware.

“She knew exactly what was happening with Harry and Meghan,” Dampier said. “And it saddened her deeply.”

These were not the ramblings of an out-of-touch elder. These were the observations of a sovereign still watching her legacy play out—sometimes with joy, and sometimes with grief.

A Legacy Rewritten?

As the world reflects on Queen Elizabeth II’s life and reign, these revelations may reshape how we remember her.

She wasn’t just the symbol of duty. She was a woman who tried to bridge generations, who welcomed a new daughter-in-law with optimism, and who—when that trust was broken—faced the fallout with quiet dignity.

“She never wanted this war,” said one courtier. “But she wasn’t blind to what was happening.”

Now, with Lady Anson’s testimony published, the Queen’s silence has finally spoken.

When it comes to royal privilege, most Britons are willing to give a little leeway—so long as they feel they’re getting something back. But a fresh wave of public anger is boiling over after explosive debates raised serious questions about Prince William’s vast wealth, tax secrecy, and the seemingly unending stream of public money flowing into royal coffers.

At the center of the storm? A staggering £369 million reportedly drawn from Crown Estate profits to fund the long-overdue refurbishment of Buckingham Palace—plus an annual personal income of more than £20 million from the Duchy of Cornwall, inherited from King Charles. But despite palace sources insisting Prince William pays the “full income tax,” they’ve refused to say exactly how much. Now critics are demanding answers—and some are even questioning the future shape of the monarchy itself.

The Gravy Train Rolls On?

“The royal family is now a gravy train,” declared one panelist during a scathing talk show segment that lit up social media this week. “They’re sitting on a mountain of homes, lands, trains, and helicopters. And yet we don’t even know how much tax William pays?”

The fiery debate touched a nerve. While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been the usual targets of royal scrutiny—accused of profiting from titles without performing duties—many now argue it’s Prince William who deserves a harder look.

“Why is it acceptable to attack Harry for benefiting from inheritance, but not William?” one guest asked. “He inherited the Duchy of Cornwall, he’s pulling in tens of millions, and yet we’re told it’s ‘distasteful’ to ask questions? That double standard is maddening.”

Public Money, Private Privilege

The conversation turned particularly tense over the recent Crown Estate boost, which gave the royal family over £100 million this year alone to complete palace repairs delayed by COVID and construction backlogs. The money is earmarked for ten-year renovations to plumbing, wiring, and other ancient infrastructure inside Buckingham Palace.

Supporters say it’s a fair investment in Britain’s heritage. “Tourists pay £60 a head to tour Buckingham Palace. That money comes back into the economy,” said one commentator. “And state visits need a place to happen.”

But others weren’t convinced.

“Why are we spending hundreds of millions in taxpayer money on refurbishing palaces when families can’t afford their energy bills?” asked one journalist. “The monarchy is meant to symbolize unity, not excess.”

Too Many Homes, Too Little Humility?

Another flashpoint was the sheer scale of royal real estate. When King Charles eventually passes, Prince William will inherit access to Windsor Castle, Balmoral, Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, and more. “It’s absurd,” said one guest. “No one needs seven or eight homes. Turn Windsor into a museum. Turn Sandringham into a public park. Why should the taxpayer fund heating for empty castles?”

Calls for streamlining aren’t new. King Charles has long expressed interest in a “slimmed-down monarchy” in line with European models. Prince William reportedly shares that vision. But so far, there’s been little action—and even less transparency.

“If they really want to modernize, start by telling us how much tax you’re paying,” said one host. “Stop hiding behind vague statements about ‘full income tax rates’ when you refuse to disclose actual figures.”

The Tax That Won’t Be Named

At the core of the outrage is this simple fact: no one knows how much Prince William pays in tax on his Duchy income. Palace sources say he pays the “maximum income tax,” but refuse to disclose the amount or percentage—citing privacy.

That justification is wearing thin.

“If William is paying the top rate, just say it. Why the secrecy?” asked one expert. “In the U.S., presidents release their tax returns. Why not the future King of England?”

Others argue that transparency is essential in a constitutional monarchy funded by public money.

“You want the perks of royalty? Fine. But you don’t get to opt out of accountability,” one panelist fired back. “This isn’t feudal England.”

A Fishbowl Life—But Not Without Perks

Defenders of Prince William pushed back, saying the royal life isn’t as glamorous as it seems.

“They can’t live like celebrities,” said one royal commentator. “They can’t flaunt Rolexes or jets like Instagram influencers. They’re in a fishbowl. Yes, they’re wealthy—but their lives aren’t really theirs.”

But critics weren’t buying it.

“Don’t insult our intelligence,” snapped one journalist. “He may not be partying in Saint-Tropez, but he’s not exactly living paycheck to paycheck.”

Environmental Hypocrisy?

The debate also touched on the recent decision to scrap the Royal Train—a luxury carriage once beloved by Queen Elizabeth. Some saw it as symbolic of a new, frugal monarchy. Others said it was a distraction from deeper problems.

“They got rid of the train,” one guest scoffed, “but they still fly helicopters everywhere. So much for the King’s green agenda.”

Indeed, royal travel continues to raise eyebrows. While the public is urged to take the train and reduce carbon footprints, senior royals are often seen commuting by chopper or private car.

“It’s one rule for them, another for the rest of us,” came the refrain.

The Bigger Picture

As the UK continues to grapple with inflation, housing shortages, and a rising cost of living, public patience with royal extravagance is wearing thin. Support for the monarchy remains—but it’s increasingly conditional.

“If they want to survive into the next generation,” said one guest, “they need to be leaner, more open, and less entitled. That starts with showing us the numbers.”

The monarchy, in short, is on notice.

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Stay tuned for our follow-up: Inside the Secret Inheritance of the Queen Mother—What Prince Harry Got, and Why the Palace Hopes You’ll Forget.

The Sussex Gamble: Is the Fairy Tale Already Fading for Harry and Meghan?

Once hailed as the modern face of the monarchy, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle now find themselves in unfamiliar territory—caught between the glory of their past and the uncertainty of their future. Their departure from royal life in 2020 sent shockwaves through Buckingham Palace and across the globe. It wasn’t just a resignation from royal duties—it was a seismic rejection of a thousand-year-old institution. But four years later, as the media buzz dies down and public support cools, one question hangs in the air: Did Harry and Meghan win their freedom—only to lose their influence?

Megxit: A Revolution in Royal Time

In January 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stunned the world with a simple yet explosive statement: they were stepping down as senior royals. What followed was a storm of opinion. Some applauded their bravery, others called it betrayal. Regardless, they had made a clean break—one that would ultimately lead them to Montecito, California, and away from the crown that once defined them.

Dubbed “Megxit,” the move wasn’t just a family feud—it was a rebranding. With deals from Netflix, Spotify, Penguin Random House, and more, the couple seemed poised to build an empire. But as the honeymoon faded, reality crept in.

Fame vs. Function: The Sussex Media Struggle

The early days of their post-royal journey were golden. Meghan’s Archetypes podcast generated buzz, and their six-part Netflix documentary Harry & Meghan broke viewing records. Harry’s memoir Spare sold millions in days. The world listened—at first.

But as time passed, the content began to raise eyebrows. Was it storytelling or score-settling? Were they promoting causes or prolonging personal drama?

Spotify famously dropped their multi-million-dollar deal in 2023 after just one season of Meghan’s podcast, with one executive calling them “grifters” behind closed doors. Netflix, too, appears to be rethinking its investment. Ratings have dipped. Interest has cooled. And most worryingly—so has public trust.

The Hollywood Hustle: A Difficult Transition

Meghan was once a TV actress on the rise. Harry was the “People’s Prince.” Together, they seemed unstoppable. But breaking into Hollywood is no fairy tale. Competing against seasoned entertainers and hyper-curated influencers is cutthroat—and the Sussexes are learning that royal cachet doesn’t always translate to screen success.

Meghan’s return to the red carpet has been measured. Harry’s charitable appearances, while sincere, have struggled to outshine the glossier distractions of American celebrity culture.

The question is no longer whether they’re interesting—it’s whether they’re relevant.

Royals Without a Crown: Can the Brand Survive?

Harry and Meghan still hold the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but their active use—and the reverence they once commanded—has faded. Without formal royal duties, they are left navigating the spotlight on their own terms.

Their philanthropic work continues, but often competes with public skepticism. Are their causes genuine? Or are they brand strategies in disguise?

Their recent Africa trip brought positive headlines, but lacked the symbolic power of a royal tour. Without official royal backing, their global presence risks looking more like curated publicity than meaningful diplomacy.

Family Fallout: An Unhealed Wound

If fame has brought them power, family has brought them pain. Their relationship with the royal family remains fractured—possibly beyond repair.

The Oprah interview, which included bombshell allegations of racism and neglect, marked a point of no return. Since then, Harry has confirmed his father, King Charles, often avoids his calls. His brother, Prince William, remains distant.

Any reconciliation now would be a miracle—and many believe Meghan has no intention of ever returning to the UK, short of a full public apology, which is unlikely to come.

And in the middle of it all: two children, Archie and Lilibet, growing up in America, their ties to royal heritage increasingly symbolic rather than substantive.

The Mental Health Tightrope

Harry and Meghan have been outspoken advocates for mental health—a move many applauded. But their messaging has sometimes clashed with their public behavior. The paradox? Pleading for privacy while launching tell-all documentaries and interviews.

While their honesty about trauma is admirable, some feel the constant public airing of grievances undercuts their credibility as mental health advocates.

Still, their work—particularly Harry’s involvement with veterans and wounded soldiers—continues to hold strong emotional weight. But can they balance healing with media exposure, or will their message be lost in the noise?

Luxury at a Cost: The Financial Reality

Despite the image of independence, Harry and Meghan’s lifestyle—private jets, multimillion-dollar homes, staff, security—requires immense income.

With their most lucrative deals now in question, analysts wonder whether they’ve overextended themselves. Can they maintain this level of luxury without the kind of institutional support the monarchy once offered?

Or will they be forced to pivot—toward more commercial ventures, or perhaps even a return to quieter lives out of the spotlight?

Archetypes and Archetypal Problems

Meghan’s Archetypes podcast was pitched as a bold feminist voice, challenging gender norms and societal expectations. Yet it, too, faced backlash.

Some critics argued that her privileged position undermined the show’s relatability. Others felt the content lacked depth and relied too heavily on celebrity guests rather than everyday voices.

It may have been a step forward—but it also revealed just how hard it is to balance genuine advocacy with celebrity-driven branding.

The Final Question: Fade or Fight?

As Harry and Meghan’s journey continues, they stand at a crossroads.

They could retreat from public life, focus on family, and let time mend what scandal has damaged. Or—they could double down, rebrand once again, and attempt a bold new chapter. A return to traditional media? A push into politics? A pivot into entrepreneurship?

Whatever the path, one thing is certain: their brand must evolve. The royal origin story that once enchanted the world no longer holds the same magic. And in the ruthless ecosystem of fame, nostalgia isn’t enough.

Conclusion: The Crown and the Camera

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shocked the world when they stepped back from the Firm. They sparked conversations on race, trauma, power, and modern monarchy. They were change agents. Controversial. Captivating.

But now, their journey is no longer novel—it’s complicated. And sustaining relevance without the royal mystique is proving harder than anyone imagined.

The spotlight is still on—but for how much longer?

One thing is for sure: the fairy tale is over. What remains to be seen is whether this next act will be a triumph… or a slow fade into history.

Queen Elizabeth’s Final Heartbreak: How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Exit Cast a Shadow Over Her Last Years

For a woman who dined with dictators, comforted war widows, and carried the weight of a nation on her shoulders for over seven decades, it took something truly personal — and deeply painful — to shake Queen Elizabeth II. But according to multiple insiders, that’s exactly what happened in the final years of her reign, as she watched her once-beloved grandson Prince Harry walk away from the family she dedicated her life to preserving — with Meghan Markle at his side.

Now, years after the infamous “Megxit” scandal that saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex step down from royal duties, new revelations are painting a far more emotional, and at times explosive, picture of how Queen Elizabeth truly felt behind palace walls.

From Hope to Heartbreak: Meghan’s Initial Welcome

When Meghan Markle first entered the royal spotlight, she was hailed as a breath of fresh air. A bi-racial, accomplished American actress — eloquent, intelligent, and camera-ready — she symbolized a modern monarchy. Queen Elizabeth, by all accounts, greeted her warmly. There was even a shared train journey to Cheshire where the Queen placed a blanket over Meghan’s knees — a subtle but deeply personal gesture of affection.

“She saw potential in Meghan,” one insider remarked. “She thought Harry and Meghan could be the perfect ambassadors for the Commonwealth — youthful, global, relatable.”

But that optimism was short-lived.

The Cultural Clash That Shattered the Fairy Tale

Sources close to palace courtiers now confirm what many suspected: there was a fundamental cultural clash between Meghan and the institution she married into. According to one royal commentator, Meghan may have expected royal life to resemble celebrity status — luxurious, glamorous, and on her terms.

“She thought she was marrying a billionaire prince with full creative control,” said one source. “Instead, she married a prince with protocol, expectations, and centuries of tradition he couldn’t just rewrite.”

The problem? Meghan wasn’t interested in learning the ropes. Royal duties like opening schools in Wales on a rainy Tuesday? Not quite her brand.

“She wanted to curate her image from day one,” said a palace aide. “But that’s not how the monarchy works. You earn your place. You build goodwill.”

The Queen’s Growing Concern

Behind closed doors, Queen Elizabeth reportedly began to worry. While she had welcomed Meghan, she expected commitment and loyalty in return — not public grievances and televised interviews. Her Majesty, who had endured personal scandal and global scrutiny without ever giving a sit-down tell-all, found Meghan’s openness baffling — and perhaps, unforgivable.

“She was pragmatic. She’d seen it all,” said one royal biographer. “But what hurt her was the feeling that Harry had been isolated — pulled away from his family — and that all of it was happening as she neared the end of her life.”

And when Prince Philip passed in 2021, those close to her say the Queen was quietly devastated that Harry and Meghan’s drama was still overshadowing moments of national mourning and unity.

“She Never Intended to Stay”: Was Megxit Always the Plan?

One of the most stunning claims to emerge in recent months is that Meghan Markle never truly intended to stay in the royal family. According to an insider, “She was out the door the moment it wasn’t exactly how she imagined it.”

The whirlwind romance — from first date to global wedding in under two years — raised eyebrows within the family. Prince William, having spent over a decade with Kate Middleton before marriage, reportedly warned Harry to slow down. But Harry, still grieving his mother’s death and desperate for connection, rushed forward with what many now see as blind devotion.

“He couldn’t believe his luck,” one source remarked. “He was desperate to lock it in. He ignored all the warning signs.”

And according to some, Meghan’s exit wasn’t an emotional decision — it was a calculated pivot.

“She wanted global influence,” said a former palace staffer. “And she knew she’d never get full control within the Firm. So she left — and took Harry with her.”

A Queen Betrayed

For Queen Elizabeth II, the departure felt not just like a betrayal of duty, but a betrayal of legacy.

“She spent her whole life preserving the monarchy,” said one close family friend. “And in her final years, she watched it fracture — from Prince Andrew’s scandal to Harry and Meghan’s escape. It broke her heart.”

Those final moments — as she faced the end of her reign alone, her husband gone, her grandsons estranged — are now viewed in a different light. Not just historic, but haunted by emotional wounds that may never heal.

“She was still the Queen,” said one aide. “But she was also a grandmother. And they took that from her.”

Was Prince Harry Wise… or Just Desperate?

Critics of Prince Harry argue that his choices were clouded by emotion — not wisdom. Unlike William, who spent years slowly integrating Kate into royal life, Harry appeared to fall fast and hard — and expected the monarchy to bend.

“He thought love was enough,” said one royal analyst. “But this wasn’t just about feelings. It was about an institution, about history.”

Now, with every passing interview, book release, and Netflix special, Harry’s image within the UK grows more polarizing. Some see a wounded son seeking justice. Others see a reckless prince who burned down his own house.

The Royal Train Stops Here: Another Ending Symbolic of the Queen’s Era

And in a strange parallel to the emotional decay of the royal family, another symbol of tradition quietly came to a halt: the royal train.

After 127 years, Buckingham Palace announced its retirement due to cost and environmental concerns. A favorite of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip — she even had a mobile office on board — the train was a symbol of duty, practicality, and old-world elegance.

“It was never glamorous,” said one observer. “But it was her. It was quiet service. And now, like so much of her era, it’s gone.”

A Legacy Divided

As the monarchy shifts under King Charles and eventually Prince William, the wounds of the past remain raw. Meghan Markle continues to maintain that she got along well with the Queen — even referencing their shared blanket moment in Chester. But insiders say the damage is done.

“She may have liked Meghan at first,” said one royal staffer. “But by the end? The Queen felt betrayed.”

As the royal family forges ahead, one question lingers in the British public’s mind: What could have been, if love had been patient, and loyalty had been stronger than ambition?

Only history will tell whether the Sussexes find redemption — or become the cautionary tale of a monarchy’s most heartbreaking chapter.

In the ever-twisting saga of the British royal family, few developments in recent years have sparked as much public fascination, speculation, and emotional polarization as the ongoing estrangement between Prince Harry and the institution that once defined his life. But the latest chapter—centered around King Charles III’s funeral preparations—may be the most heartbreaking yet.

According to a well-placed former royal staff member, Prince Harry has taken tentative steps toward reconciliation with his father. However, the duchess once celebrated as a modernizing force within the monarchy, Meghan Markle, has made it unequivocally clear: she will not set foot in the United Kingdom unless she receives a full and public apology—and not just from the King, but from the Prince and Princess of Wales as well.

The Shocking Ultimatum

The phrase making the rounds inside palace circles is blunt: “No apology, no Meghan.” The message, reportedly communicated through trusted channels, has reignited furious debate about the couple’s place in the royal narrative and what role—if any—Meghan intends to play in the monarchy’s future.

It all comes at a precarious moment. At 75, King Charles is reportedly navigating health concerns that have prompted senior aides to begin quietly coordinating elements of his eventual funeral. Though the Palace has made no public statements about the King’s health beyond routine transparency, contingency plans are standard protocol for monarchs. What isn’t standard, however, is a fractured royal family facing the loss of its patriarch amid unprecedented public tension.

Harry: Willing, But Alone?

While Meghan remains defiant, Prince Harry—once the fiery rebel of the Firm—has allegedly softened. A source close to royal planning says that Harry has expressed “a desire for reconciliation” and is eager to “be part of whatever lies ahead” for the royal family. This includes events as emotionally fraught as a state funeral, a moment that would reunite senior royals under global scrutiny.

Yet despite his outreach—most notably in past interviews where he acknowledged his father no longer takes his calls—Harry appears to be walking a lonely road. As the insider explained, “Meghan’s made it clear she’s done with Britain. Done with the tabloids. Done with the royal institution. Her return is conditional on an apology she knows she’ll likely never receive.”

And thus, when that somber day comes, it may be Prince Harry, once again, walking behind another coffin—this time without the hand of his brother or the support of his wife.

Meghan’s Grievance: A Matter of Principle or Pride?

To understand Meghan’s position, we must rewind to her final months as a working royal. Accusations of racism, emotional neglect, and media manipulation defined her dramatic 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, igniting a global firestorm. In Meghan’s view, the monarchy failed to protect her, and in some cases, actively harmed her.

“She believes,” the source said, “that the Palace scapegoated her to shield other royals from criticism. She wants acknowledgment. Public acknowledgment.”

This demand, however, places the Firm in an impossible position. Any apology would not only be a public relations earthquake, it could be seen as an admission of institutional wrongdoing, potentially threatening the monarchy’s carefully maintained image of impartiality and unity.

The Coronation Snub — A Warning Sign Ignored?

Royal watchers were stunned when Meghan skipped King Charles’s coronation in 2023, choosing instead to remain in California with her children. Though publicly explained as a scheduling choice, insiders now say it was the first concrete expression of her “apology-or-nothing” stance.

“If she couldn’t be bothered to attend the coronation of a reigning monarch—her father-in-law, no less—why would she return for a funeral?” one former courtier asked.

Indeed, Meghan’s presence at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 was a matter of circumstance, not intention. She was already in the UK for engagements when the Queen passed away, leaving her little choice but to join Harry. Even then, tensions were evident, with reports of frostiness between Meghan and senior royals dominating headlines.

Gwen and the Ghost of Diana

For Harry, these moments echo the darkest chapters of his life. Friends have privately noted that he fears being isolated the same way he was after Princess Diana’s death. Back then, he was a grieving boy told to maintain stoic composure. Now, he’s a grown man, still seeking emotional validation, but perhaps finding none from the family he left behind—or the woman he now stands beside.

Funeral Plans and Tabloid Fireworks

British tabloids have already begun speculating wildly about how King Charles’s funeral may unfold—and whether Harry and Meghan will attend together, separately, or at all. The very idea of planning for a monarch’s death while he’s alive is uncomfortable, but necessary. What is highly unusual is how intertwined those plans have become with one couple’s unresolved trauma and simmering grievances.

Will Harry walk in solemn procession with Prince William, their feud temporarily suspended for duty’s sake? Or will Meghan’s absence send another pointed message to the world—that reconciliation remains an illusion?

A Fractured Marriage?

Perhaps most distressing of all are the whispers from within Sussex circles that Harry’s willingness to reconcile has created new fault lines in his marriage.

“There’s tension,” one former palace aide said. “He wants peace. He wants to be at his father’s side. But she sees returning without an apology as capitulation. That puts him in an impossible place.”

If Harry attends the King’s funeral alone, it will be seen as both a symbolic fracture in the monarchy and possibly, a very real fracture in his personal life.

Conclusion: A Kingdom Divided, A Family Unraveled

The British monarchy has weathered scandal, war, abdication, and revolution—but the crisis it now faces may be the most deeply personal of all. Behind the grandeur of palaces and processions lies a family too broken to gather at a hospital bed, too proud to offer an olive branch.

Whether or not Meghan Markle ever returns to the UK, her legacy as a royal disrupter is sealed. And as the monarchy ages, and its pillars begin to fall, the question of who shows up in the end—and who doesn’t—may matter more than crowns or titles ever did.

Only one thing is certain: When the final curtain falls on King Charles’s reign, the world will be watching—not just for history, but for humanity.

Meghan Markle was celebrating US Independence Day

Meghan and Harry now live in California (Image: Getty)

The Duchess of Sussex has opened up about a personal July 4 tradition that began during the early days of her relationship with her husband.

In an Instagram post, Meghan said the couple began marking Independence Day in the United States with sweet treats after the duke brought themed cupcakes to celebrate their second date in 2016.

The pair now include children Archie and Lilibet in the tradition, Meghan added. Posting a picture of seven cupcakes on social media, Meghan wrote: “Our second date was the 4th of July 2016 and H brought me cupcakes to celebrate.

“Now, all these years later, our two children are in on the tradition. Happy Independence Day! May your day be as sweet as these cupcakes”.

Harry and Meghan have stepped back from Royal life(Image: Chris Jackson, Getty Images)

The duchess was also seen smiling in the kitchen and preparing fruit platters in a reel posted by her As Ever brand to mark the US holiday. A video on As Ever’s Instagram account, captioned “Happy 4th of July!” showed Meghan preparing boards of fruit and jam.

Earlier this week, the duchess’ new rose wine, which is said to “capture the essence of sun-drenched outdoor moments” and costs more than £20 a bottle, sold out within an hour. Meghan launched her As Ever Napa Valley Rose 2023, described as having “soft notes of stone fruit, gentle minerality, and a lasting finish”, on Tuesday.

The beverage, priced at more than £65 for a minimum three-bottle order, had only appeared to be available for US customers to buy, with shipping addresses limited to America. The duchess made her social media return in early 2025 and regularly shares personal milestones and professional updates through her Instagram account.

Harry and Meghan have been raising their children in Montecito, California, since announcing they were stepping back as working members of the royal family on January 8 2020. The couple have since been at the centre of tensions with other royals, with the duke becoming estranged from his father, the King, and his brother, the Prince of Wales.

In a recent interview, Harry said he “would love a reconciliation” with his family, claiming Charles will not speak to him and expressing concern that he does not know “how much longer my father has”.