Author: bang7

Their whirlwind romance began last April

Ben Ofoedu tied the knot thi week with his new wife, 29-year-old Vanessa Brown, whom he calls “Vanessa 2.0”.

From famous guests and a stunning drone show to his age-gap bride’s message to Ben’s ex, Vanessa Feltz, here’s an inside look at their £100k wedding in Cumbria.

Who did Ben Ofoedu marry?

Ben, 52, first met Vanessa, who is 23 years his junior, last year, whilst he was still with his old girlfriend, Precious. They met at an awards ceremony in April of last year. However, their romance didn’t begin until a few months later.

After the singer split from Precious, he moved on with Vanessa, an aesthetics expert who grew up in Cumbria.

In February, after a month of dating, Ben and Vanessa got engaged in New York City.

“Vanessa was completely surprised. They were walking through the park, reminiscing about Elf, when Ben suddenly proposed,” a source told The Sun at the time.

“It was so heartfelt — happy tears, laughter, and, of course, an immediate yes!”

Yesterday (Wednesday, July 16), six months after getting engaged, they tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Rose Castle, Cumbria.

Inside Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Brown’s wedding

The ceremony is estimated to have cost £100k, featured famous guests and a drone show depicting the couple’s love story that cost thousands.

In pictures obtained by the Daily Mail, Vanessa dazzled in a Berta Privee strapless lace gown, whilst Ben donned a cream suit and black shirt for the nuptials.

The big day began on a smaller scale, with a blessing taking place in a tiny church. The wedding then moved onto the lawns of the castle for the celebration afterwards.

Among the 72 guests were a few famous faces, including Boyzone’s Keith Duffy, S Club 7’s Bradley McIntosh, and 911’s Lee Brennan.

Ben’s best man was another famous face, none other than Boyzone’s Shane Lynch.

Ben’s former Phats & Small bandmate, Rodney Williams, also gave a speech during the evening.

Ben and Vanessa tied the knot this week (Credit: SplashNews.com)

First dance, expensive champagne and stunning drone show

The Boyzone connection didn’t stop there, with Ben and Vanessa’s first dance being to the band’s hit song, Every Day I Love You. There was also a wild singalong on the dancefloor, led by the couple’s VIP Boyzone star guests.

Guests toasted the happy couple with glasses of £33-per-bottle Jean-Noel Heritage Champagne, before being treated to a stunning £7,500 drone show.

The show told Ben and Vanessa’s love story, which began in April 2024 after a chance meeting backstage at a gala dinner celebrating businessmen and women in Carlisle. Ben was performing at the dinner.

Their chance meeting was described extensively in their order of service, presumably for anyone not able to follow the drone show…

“We met on the 19th April 2024 at the Elite Awards in Carlisle – a night we will never forget. It just so happened that Ben was performing [at the event] with Boyz on Block as a last-minute addition after Boyzlife [comprising Boyzone’s Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden] had to cancel. If Brian and Keith had not stepped back, Ben wouldn’t have been on that stage, and we might never have met,” it read.

“After the show, we ended up chatting – nothing planned or forced. That conversation sparked something real, and everything changed from there. Since that night, we’ve packed a lifetime into a year. Then, in February 2025, during the most unforgettable trip to New York, Ben proposed. Now standing here on our wedding day with all of you, it’s surreal and beautiful to think how it all began.”

The dinner afterwards consisted of lobster ravioli, roast chicken, salmon and cheese soufflé.

Vanessa and Ben were together between 2006 and 2023 (Credit: SplashNews.com)

What happened between Ben Ofoedu and Vanessa Feltz?

In an interview with the Mail after the ceremony, Ben took a dig at his ex-fiancée, Vanessa Feltz.

“I almost gave up on marriage, thinking there wasn’t a lady that would walk down the aisle for me. I can’t believe the day has come, it is a dream come true. It feels like I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life. This is the finale of the chapter that was 17 years of my life,” he said.

Enjoy your retirement, your family and just chill. Stop talking about it, it’s so tragic!

Ben was, of course, referring to his relationship with Vanessa, who he split from in 2023 after she discovered he’d cheated. He also added that he’d “wasted” 17 years of his life with his long engagement to Vanessa.

Ben’s dig at Vanessa

Not content to stop there Ben also hit out at the fact that Vanessa would talk about their sex life on TV, something which affected him.

“But I know she [Vanessa Feltz] will look at these pictures today and see that everyone here knows the truth about our relationship and the narrative she spun. This love with Vanessa [Brown] has made me realise that the other one didn’t love me as much as she made out, we had two different definitions of love,” he said.

New bride Vanessa, meanwhile, added that she couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life with anyone else.

She also took a pop at Vanessa, saying: “To be honest I don’t care whatsoever. I couldn’t care less about her. She is his ex – I have exes – and they’re in the past. Why would you care? Enjoy your retirement, your family and just chill. Stop talking about it. It’s so tragic! Part of me feels sorry for her. But it’s my life and I don’t care.”

Richard was working for the MasterChef production company at the time of the allegations…

Earlier this week, John Torode was axed by bosses at BBC series MasterChef after being accused of using racist language in an incident in 2018/19.

Now, Richard Osman, who was creative director of Endemol Shine – part of MasterChef production company Banijay – at the time, has claimed that John was given a lifeline after the allegation made against him was upheld.

John’s time on MasterChef has come to an end (Credit: BBC)

John Torode sacked from MasterChef

Earlier this week, a report into Gregg Wallace’s behaviour revealed that an allegation of racism against an unnamed MasterChef star had been upheld. John then revealed in a statement that he was the star accused of making a racist remark. However, he maintained that he had no recollection of the incident and wasn’t sure it even happened.

In a statement on Tuesday (July 15), the BBC announced that John’s contract at MasterChef wouldn’t be renewed.

“John Torode has identified himself as having an upheld allegation of using racist language against him. This allegation – which involves an extremely offensive racist term being used in the workplace – was investigated and substantiated by the independent investigation led by the law firm, Lewis Silkin,” they said.

“John Torode denies the allegation. He has stated he has no recollection of the alleged incident and does not believe that it happened. He also says that any racial language is wholly unacceptable in any environment.”

The statement then continued. “The BBC takes this upheld finding extremely seriously. We will not tolerate racist language of any kind. And, as we have already said, we told Banijay UK, the makers of MasterChef, that action must be taken. John Torode’s contract on MasterChef will not be renewed.”

John later claimed: “Although I haven’t heard from anyone at the BBC or Banijay – I am seeing and reading that I’ve been ‘sacked’ from MasterChef and I repeat that I have no recollection of what I’m accused of.”

It was initially reported that the BBC and Banijay asked John to resign over the weekend. They also allegedly told him to pretend he had mental health issues after being accused of racism. However, he refused.

Richard Osman reveals BBC offered John Torode a lifeline after racial ‘slur’

Now, Richard Osman, who was the creative director of Banijay’s Endemol Shine from the early 2000s until 2020, has alleged that John was offered a lifeline by the company.

Speaking on his The Rest is Entertainment podcast, he claimed: “They took John Torode aside, this was my understanding of the whole situation, and said: ‘We believe that this happened. We believe that you used this language.’ He denied it.

“They said to him – whether this was the BBC or Banijay – they said to him: ‘We will accept if you want to take a year off, you have to do a mandatory training course to understand and accept that this is not something we particularly want in our workplace,” he then alleged.

Richard claims John Torode used the ‘worst racial slur’ there is (Credit: The Rest is Entertainment / YouTube)

‘I didn’t do it in the first place’

The star then continued. “That was denied. He said: ‘Of course I’m not going to do that. I didn’t do this in the first place anyway so why would I ever do this?’

“John Torode said: ‘The first I knew about it was I read it in the papers.’ And my understanding is that’s not true – the first thing he knew about it was when he was told it,” he then claimed.

Richard also hit back at claims that John was asked to quit and pretend he had mental health issues.

He used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is. And they found that to be substantively true.

“The only conversation was: ‘We believe this happened. We will give you a second chance, a lifeline, which is you take a year, you take a series off, you go and do something, talk to people who maybe persuade you that this is not the way to act in a certain workplace.’ And he said that he was not prepared to do that,” he alleged.

“And by the way, there’s all sorts of things that weren’t upheld because they couldn’t say for certain they believed it happened. But, you know, on this particular occasion, it’s not woke gone mad,” he then claimed.

Richard also said show bosses wanted him to go on a training course about his use of language. John is said said to have turned that down too.

‘Worst racial slur there is’

Richard then alleged: “You know, he used, I think, probably the worst racial slur there is. And they found that to be substantively true. They found evidence that they were happy with — that that was true.

“He is saying: ‘I definitely didn’t do it. I certainly can’t remember it,’ but that one was upheld.”

There are now claims online that John used the N-word. He denies the allegations.

Queen Camilla has turned 78!

You might be wondering what Queen Camilla does to stay looking young – is it her skincare regime? Or her diet? Or perhaps a strict workout schedule?

These questions may be on everyone’s lips as the queen turns 78, whilst still looking youthful and radiant.

Camilla looks great for her age, but how does she stay in shape and keep her skin in check?

The queen’s secrets have been mused upon…
Queen Consort Camilla reportedly enjoys dancing to keep fit (Credit: Cover Images)

How Queen Camilla ‘keeps fit’

Personal trainer and founder of holistic wellness platform LDN MUMS FITNESS, Sarah Campus, has shared her opinion on what Queen Camilla’s exercise could involve – if she has one!

“Camilla will undertake light cardio sessions 3-5 times a week and will last approximately 30-40 minutes, which would consist of brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, all of which she enjoys,” she told Hello!. “Camilla will also do some light strength training using light weights or resistance bands, and she will aim to do this two to three times a week. Exercises here will include basic functional exercises such as sit-to-stand and wall push-ups.”

She also explained that Camilla probably incorporates light stretching and yoga several times a week for her flexibility and mindfulness.
Queen Camilla often looks fresh and glowing (Credit: Cover Images)
Previously, Camilla was seen smiling in a ballet pose among fellow Silver Swan classmates in a post shared to X ahead of the king’s 2023 coronation.

The official royal family X page wrote: “Did you know the Queen Consort keeps fit by taking Silver Swan ballet classes?”

The Royal Academy of Dance developed Silver Swan ballet classes for older people who want to learn the art form. Her love of dance is part of a list of 100 “fun facts” about herself, the king and previous coronations published.

How Queen Camilla reportedly stays in shape

Along with ballet dancing, Camilla is a fan ballroom dance and BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. The page added: “On two occasions [she] has had the opportunity to dance with judge Craig Revel Horwood and former judge Len Goodman.”

Meanwhile, other hobbies include enjoying “playing Scrabble and Wordle”.

The coronation fact list also highlighted how Camilla is patron or president of over 100 charities. All contributing factors to her mental fitness and likely how she preserves her memory, through word games and socialising.

Number 24 on the fact list described Camilla’s love of the outdoors, which also keeps her active: “Her Majesty is a keen gardener and also produces her own honey at home in Wiltshire. This honey is sold at Fortnum & Mason to raise money for charity.”
Camilla turned 78 on July 17 (Credit: Cover Images)

Queen Camilla’s alleged diet

Queen Camilla’s diet is also said to be a key component in her fresh appearance.

“When women are in their 70s, it’s important to have a very balanced diet to keep on being radiant. Proteins are pivotal to keep muscle mass, which tends to be the main depletion alongside dropping levels of oestrogen in post menopausal women,” registered nutritional therapist, Lucia Stansbie, also told Hello!.

What skincare regimen does Queen Camilla ‘follow’?

Camilla’s skin regimen also likely adds to her glowing look, claims Juan Lopez, Founder and Medical Director at SkinMedico.

“One of the most likely pillars of the Queen’s skincare routine is disciplined sun protection,” he explained. “An effective broad-spectrum SPF, worn daily, would be essential for anyone with a life spent in the open air. Not only does this protect against sunburn and pigmentation, but it also plays a crucial role in preserving collagen and preventing premature ageing – a cornerstone for maintaining skin health into one’s seventies and beyond.”

Meanwhile, in January, Camilla’s beautician of 18 years revealed the facial Her Majesty often has.

Deborah Mitchell said Camilla is a fan of a sting facial. She explained on ITV show Lorraine of the treatment: “This is a nettle venom treatment. What it does is it’s applied to the skin and it makes the skin think it’s been stung. So basically all the toxins soften all the muscles, like injectables, but they soften it so lines disappear and the skin looks really fresh.”

‘There’s so much misinformation out there’

Things got heated during Loose Women today (Thursday, July 17) as Charlene White and Kelly Brook went head-to-head in a fierce debate.

The Loose Women panelists were discussing the news that 16 and 17 year olds will be now be able to vote.

And things quickly got fiery…

Kelly doesn’t think 16 year olds should vote (Credit: ITV)

Charlene and Kelly clash over voting on Loose Women today

After discussing the news, Kelly weighed in with her opinion.

Kelly thinks 16 and 17 year olds shouldn’t be allowed to vote. She argued that they don’t have the “life experience” to know the importance of what their vote is going to mean.

“Who I am now and who I am at 16 are two very different people,” she said.

Charlene argued that people’s voting changes based on their age and experiences. She pointed out that someone in their twenties won’t be voting for something that affects someone of a pensionable age, for example, as it won’t affect them directly.

“But what makes me nervous is where they’re going to get the information from. There’s so much misinformation out there,” Kelly said.

She then said it made her nervous that teens would vote the same as their mates just because their friends are doing it.

“But that’s what we do as kids!” Charlene replied.

Charlene hit back (Credit ITV)

Charlene and Kelly argue

Kelly then went on to argue: “But as an adult you’re not doing that! You’re doing it based on the fact that you’re running a business, or maybe you’ve worked really hard to put your kids in private school, maybe you’ve had a brush with the care system…”

However, Charlene was keen to interrupt, and repeatedly said: “Kel, no, no, what I’m saying is, no, no, what I’m saying is,” before Kelly eventually stopped to listen.

Charlene then said that voting needs will change as someone gets older, to which Kelly – keen to have the last word – replied: “So that’s why 16 year olds shouldn’t be voting.”

Kelly then tried to ask if the move was “so important” why it hasn’t come about before. But Charlene interrupted her again to bring fellow panellist Linda Robson into the conversation.

The Birds of a Feather actress noted that she had “never been interested”. Nadia Sawalha, meanwhile, claimed that the move may help the country “inch towards a democracy”.

Viewers seemed entertained by the debate (Credit: ITV)

‘Let her finish Charlene!’

Some viewers found the clash entertaining, while others picked sides.

Taking to social media, one wrote: “It’s all kicking off on #loosewomen I’m sure all its 5 viewers are enjoying Kelly Brook’s rant.”

“Go on Kelly Brook, let her finish Charlene!” another wrote.

However, some argued that Kelly was “out of her depth” with the debate. “Kelly wildly out of her depth there!!” one viewer tweeted.

Others took umbrage with the fact that Charlene kept interrupting. “Shut up Charlene with your patronising voice,” one viewer fumed.

So which side of the debate do you fall on?

Whitstable Pearl series 3 gets its free-to-air premiere on U and U&Drama in July, and cosy crime fans have every reason to be pleased. After all, it’s one of the best of its kind.

Kerry Godliman returns as the ridiculously likeable Pearl Nolan, who continues her sleuthing on the beautiful Kent coast. Fans of the show will know that the local restaurant owner set up a local detective agency after undergoing police training in an earlier career…

And she soon became embroiled in some seriously baffling cases. But what exactly is she investigating this time around? Here’s everything you need to know about Whitstable Pearl series 3, coming to U and U&Drama in July.

Howard Charles as DCI Mike McGuire in Whitstable Pearl [Credit: U&Drama]

Is there a series 3 of Whitstable Pearl?

There is indeed a third series of Whitstable Pearl. It landed on Acorn TV in October 2024. However, it is now available to watch on free-to-air channel U and U&Drama.

In the latest episodes, Kerry Godliman reprises her role as restaurant owner Pearl Nolan. Series 3 finds Pearl fully immersed in her private investigating, leaving most of the running of the restaurant to her mother Dolly and Ruby.

Meanwhile, DCI Mike McGuire returns to Whitstable having been away for a few months… He arrives back a changed man – leaner, fitter and more Zen. But will this last? It doesn’t take a private investigator to take a damn good guess!

A synopsis tells us: “There is still clearly a deep connection between Pearl and Mike… But Pearl’s concern is more about Mike’s state of mind throughout the series.

“As their paths continually cross, solving Whitstable crimes, it becomes clear to Pearl that Mike is far from resolved with his wife’s death and is determined to help him find closure.”

Series 1 first aired on Acorn in 2021, followed by series 2 in 2022. Fans had to wait a bit longer for series 3, which came two years after series 2 in 2024.

How and when can I watch Whitstable Pearl series 3?

Whitstable Pearl series 3 arrives on U&Drama on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 9pm.

It will stream as a box set from launch.

Howard Charles and Kerry Godliman reunite in series 3 of Whitstable Pearl [Credit: U&Drama]

Who’s in the cast?

Kerry Godliman returns as Pearl Nolan, restaurant owner-turned-private investigator. Kerry is perhaps best known for appearing in Ricky Gervais’ TV shows, including Derek, Extras, and After Life. She led the cast of Jack Dee’s sitcom Bad Move between 2017 and 2018, before going on to play Teens in the gritty drama Save Me.

Trigger Point fans will know her as Sonya Reeves in the first two series.

Howard Charles reprises his role as DCI Mike McGuire. He previously played horribly menacing Curtis in Top Boy, and Porthos in The Musketeers alongside Strike‘s Tom Burke.

Frances Barber stars as Dolly, Pearl’s mum. The veteran actress is known for her multiple film roles, as well as significant roles in Rhodes, Real Women II, Silk, Funland, and Doctor Who. More recently, Frances starred as Cheryl in Dreamland, and Olivia Arnold in The Chelsea Detective.

Isobelle Molloy plays Ruby. The young actress previously portrayed Bella Young in EastEnders.

Comedian and actor Robert Webb returns as Pearl’s boyfriend Tom. Of course, TV audiences know him best for being one half of Mitchell and Webb comedy duo with Ludwig‘s David Mitchell. Together they created and starred in Peep Show, and Back.

Frances Barber as Pearl’s mum Dolly in the Whitstable-based drama [Credit: Channel 4]

Who guest stars in Whitstable Pearl series 3?

Robert Webb guest stars in episodes 1 to 3. Don’t ask us what happens to him after that, we don’t want to blurt out any spoilers!

Downton Abbey star Penny Downey portrays local photographer in the first episode of the series.

EastEnders and Grantchester star Kacey Ainsworth portrays Cassie in episode 2.

Jaye Jacobs plays Tanya Thomas in episode 2. She’s best known for playing Donna Jackson in Holby City between 2004 and 2022.

The always funny W1A star Rufus Jones plays Theo in episode 3.

‘Allo ‘Allo legend Vicki Michelle – aka Yvette ‘Oooooh, René’ Carte-Blanche – will also guest star in the series. She’ll play Patti in episode 4.

Kate Robbins also pops up in Whitstable Pearl episode 4 as Janet.

Gavin & Stacey and The Feud actor Larry Lamb plays Dickie Masters in episode 4.

Merseybeat and The Archers’ David Hargreaves stars as Jacob Cranage in episode 5.

Nick Moran, of Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrels fame, stars as Anthony Corella in episode 6, aka the series 3 finale.

How many episodes is it?

Whitstable Beach series 3 is six episodes in total. That follows the same pattern as the previous two series. Each episode is roughly an hour long.

In episode 1, a local photographer called Izzy asks Pearl to investigate a cold case. Her plea comes after she’s knocked unconscious on the beach while taking photos of a young woman she believes to be Gemma, the missing daughter of her friend Val.

Val is convinced that Gemma’s husband Luke had something to do with her disappearance seven years ago. Having visited Luke, Pearl immediately becomes suspicious when she finds parcels with handwritten labels in Luke’s bin. She subsequently enlists Mike’s help to forensically test the evidence and discover if Gemma has returned.

Pearl and Mike investigate the disappearance of a missing girl in Whitstable Pearl series 3 [Credit: U&Drama]

Is the cosy crime series based on a book?

Like Murder Most Puzzling, and The Marlow Murder Club, Whitstable Pearl is based on a series of books.

The series is based on the novels by Julie Wassmer. There are now 10 books in the series, with an 11th on its way. The first, The Whitstable Pearl Mystery, was published in 2015.

The books in order go as follows:

1. The Whitstable Pearl Mystery (2015)

2. Murder-On-Sea (2015)

3. May Day Murder (2016)

4. Murder on the Pilgrims Way (2017)

5. Disappearance at Oare (2018)

6. Murder Fest (2019)

7. Murder on the Downs (2020)

8. Strictly Murder (2021)

9. Murder at Mount Ephraim (2022)

10. Murder At The Allotment (2024)

11. Murder at St Alfred’s (2026)

Where is it filmed?

As the name suggests, the majority of the filming took place in the seaside town of Whitstable in Kent.

Filming locations include the harbour, the yacht club, and the beach. Various scenes have also been shot in neighbouring Margate, the Port of Ramsgate, Dover, and Hernhill.

Celebrity MasterChef star Vicky Pattison has shown her support for Gregg Wallace on Instagram after the 60-year-old furiously slammed the BBC over his firing from the show

Vicky Pattison appeared to show support for Gregg Wallace on Instagram(Image: BBC/Shine TV)

Former Celebrity MasterChef star Vicky Pattison has shown support for Gregg Wallace after the fired host criticised the BBC for failing to “protect” him from a “dangerous environment”. Earlier today, it was reported that the 60-year-old had been fired by MasterChef after a year-long investigation into allegations of misconduct.

The presenter posted a furious statement on Instagram, claiming that he can’t sit in silence while his “reputation is further damaged to protect others”. He claimed that Lewis Silkin’s report into the alleged misconduct “exonerates him of all the serious allegations which made headlines last year” and that BBC News intends to platform “legally unsafe accusations” which “are not upheld by the BBC”.

Vicky Pattison appeared to show support for Gregg Wallace by liking his statement on Instagram(Image: Gregg Wallace/Instagram)

“The BBC is no longer providing balanced and impartial public service journalism,” he said. “It is peddling baseless and sensationalised gossip masquerading as properly corroborated stories.”

Vicky Pattison appeared to show her support for Gregg’s statement by liking the Instagram post – being one of the few celebrities to do so.

Vicky took part in Celebrity MasterChef’s 2019 series, coming in second place. She was a runner-up to Olympic athlete Greg Rutherford.

In his statement, Gregg added that the Silkin report finds him “primarily guilty of inappropriate language between 2005 and 2018”.

However, it has been claimed that Banijay – the production company which makes MasterChef – over the allegations.

“I was hired by the BBC and MasterChef as the cheeky greengrocer,” he said. “A real person with warmth, character, rough edges and all. For over two decades, that authenticity was part of the brand. Now, in a sanitised world, that same personality is seen as a problem.”

Gregg Wallace has slammed the BBC after claims that he was ‘fired’ from MasterChef (Image: BBC)

He ended his statement by claiming that the full report into the allegations “will never be seen” and that the BBC will publish a short Executive Summary.

“What really concerns me about the short summary is others who have been found guilty of serious allegations have been erased from the published version of events. I, and I’m sure the public, would like to know why?” he added.

The BBC said in a statement: “Banijay UK instructed the law firm Lewis Silkin to run an investigation into allegations against Gregg Wallace. We are not going to comment until the investigation is complete and the findings are published.”

The Mirror understands that Banijay will be releasing the report and that the BBC did not fire Gregg Wallace as the corporation does not employ him – he was employed by Banijay.

Princess Delphine has expressed her sympathy for Prince Harry amid his rift with the royal family

Prince Harry has received unexpected sympathy from European royalty, specifically from Princess Delphine of Belgium, who said she “feels sorry” for the Duke of Sussex and believes much of his behaviour stems from unresolved trauma.

In a candid conversation on the It’s Reigning Men podcast, the Belgian royal opened up about her empathy for Harry, referencing the tragic loss of his mother, Princess Diana, and the ongoing scrutiny he faces in the public eye.

Princess Delphine has expressed her sympathy for Prince Harry amid his reported rift with the royal family (Credit: Cover Images)

Princess Delphine of Belgium shares thoughts on Prince Harry

“I do follow a little bit of Harry because Lady Diana was just part of my life when I was in England,” Delphine explained. “Then she had these children and everything, and then this death was just horrible. They lost such an important figure. I feel very sorry for Harry because I think that was traumatic for him.”

Delphine, who is the half-sister of King Philippe of Belgium, continued to speak compassionately about the Duke of Sussex’s well-documented struggles. She also touched on his ongoing battle for security for his family after he stepped back from royal duties in 2020.

“I think Harry suffered so much. I think he was traumatised and it’s coming out now,” she said. “This thing about security, I think it’s to do with what happened to his mother. I understand the guy. He’s just traumatised.

“And I understand, so he’s doing these things, and everybody’s bullying him, but not thinking about his trauma. And I just find it terrible because he’s just been kind of left.”

Delphine’s perspective offers a rare note of public empathy from a fellow royal, and her own story may explain why.

I understand the guy. He’s just traumatised.

Born from an alleged 18-year-long affair between Baroness Sybille de Selys Longchamps and the former King Albert II of Belgium, Delphine spent most of her life outside the royal fold.

After a long legal battle, she won the right to use the title of princess in 2020, following a court-ordered DNA test that confirmed Albert II was her biological father.

Although she was eventually granted royal status and the style of “Her Royal Highness,” Delphine has expressed that her acceptance into the family hasn’t been entirely complete.

“It’s still not right,” she said, referring to her exclusion from the official line of succession to the Belgian throne.

Prince Harry recently admitted that he would love to reconcile with his family (Credit: SplashNews)

Prince Harry’s ‘rift’ with the royal family

Meanwhile, Prince Harry’s relationship with the royal family remains tense years after he and Meghan Markle stepped back from their royal roles and moved to the US.

The couple officially exited as working royals in 2020. They have since spoken out in interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s memoir Spare about their struggles within the monarchy.

Despite the reported rift, Harry, 40, has recently expressed a clear desire to reconcile.

In a BBC interview in May, he said: “I would love reconciliation with my family. There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore. Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

His father, King Charles, continues to undergo treatment for cancer.

Harry is also reportedly planning to invite members of the royal family to the 2027 Invictus Games held in the UK.

Recent reports suggest aides for both King Charles and the Sussexes held a quiet “peace summit” in London, sparking hopes that a family reunion might be a possibility.

Oscar Piastri’s Bold Stand: A Formula 1 Championship Leader’s Refusal to Embrace New Car Upgrades

In the high-stakes world of Formula 1, where precision, innovation, and speed dominate, every move a driver makes can have monumental consequences. For those in the limelight, the pressure to adapt to the latest upgrades and push the boundaries of performance is immense. But what happens when the current leader of the Formula 1 World Championship, Oscar Piastri, takes a defiant stance against his team’s latest upgrade?

Piastri, currently at the top of the F1 leaderboard, shocked many when he refused to use McLaren’s revised front suspension system during the Canadian Grand Prix. While his teammate, Lando Norris, eagerly adopted the new parts, which had played a pivotal role in his success at Silverstone, Piastri chose to stick with his original setup. This decision has raised many eyebrows, with critics and fans alike questioning the logic behind the Australian driver’s choice.

The Suspension Dilemma

At the heart of the controversy is the new suspension system introduced by McLaren, designed to address front-end instability in the car. Norris, struggling with the car’s unpredictable handling, had found solace in the upgrade, using it to secure a victory at Silverstone. In contrast, Piastri, who had not experienced the same issues, chose to continue with the setup he had been using all season. Despite the success his teammate had enjoyed with the new suspension, Piastri maintained his stance, saying, “I haven’t struggled with the issue the update targets. My season’s going great so far, and I’d rather focus on getting everything out of what I have than disrupt my rhythm with a change that doesn’t solve a problem I’m experiencing.”

This refusal isn’t rooted in stubbornness or reluctance to innovate. Rather, it reflects Piastri’s calculated decision-making and clear understanding of his racing style. His driving approach, which is known for being smoother and more measured compared to Norris’s aggressive style, aligns perfectly with the original suspension configuration. Piastri has realized that for him, consistency and balance are more beneficial than adopting an upgrade simply because it worked for his teammate.

A Championship Leader’s Mindset

The decision to ignore a promising upgrade in the pursuit of a championship lead may seem counterintuitive. Formula 1 teams spend millions of dollars on research and development to achieve every possible advantage on track, making any refusal to embrace innovation seem almost unheard of. However, Piastri’s logic goes beyond mere technicalities. He is not chasing after an additional advantage that he doesn’t need. Rather, he is playing the long game, making a calculated bet on consistency. After all, consistency in performance, rather than constant tweaking and adjustment, is often the key to success in a season-long championship battle.

Piastri, with 234 points leading the standings, is well aware of the delicate balance required in Formula 1. A single mistake, a poor pit stop, or a mechanical failure could shift the balance of power, and in such a tight race, it’s the little things that matter. Norris, currently just eight points behind Piastri, has been eager to embrace change in his car setup, but Piastri believes that this constant evolution is not necessary for him. His current car, with its more predictable suspension, is performing just fine.

A Team Divided

Piastri’s refusal to use the new parts has created an intriguing dynamic within McLaren. The team now finds itself managing two drivers with different philosophies and setups—essentially running a two-car experiment every weekend. McLaren, typically known for tailoring its car to the preferences of both its drivers, now faces the challenge of keeping both drivers competitive without forcing any decisions that might undermine their unique driving styles.

Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, has acknowledged the tension between the two drivers’ approaches but also recognized the valuable data that the team is gathering from the split. While he did not directly address Piastri’s decision, he hinted that McLaren is exploring whether Norris’s setup could be beneficial to Piastri in the future. However, for now, the most important takeaway is that McLaren’s philosophy on car setup has allowed them to gather two separate sets of performance data, which could prove invaluable in future car developments.

The Spa Francorchamps Test

The next major test of Piastri’s strategy will come at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa Francorchamps. Known for its technical challenges and high-speed corners, Spa is one of the most revered and demanding circuits in Formula 1. The long straights and flowing middle sector reward cars with balanced, confident setups. At the same time, the legendary O Rouge and La Source corners demand that drivers have absolute confidence in their car’s handling and front-end feel.

In a race where every tenth of a second counts, both Piastri and Norris will be hoping their respective setups will give them the edge. Piastri’s belief in the old-spec suspension will be tested in the high-speed corners of Spa, where the ability to extract the maximum from the car will be essential. Norris, meanwhile, will be hoping his new setup, which has already delivered a victory, can continue to provide the performance he needs to close the gap in the championship.

The introduction of the sprint format at Spa will add another layer of complexity. With limited practice time and a compressed schedule, drivers won’t have the luxury of refining their setups. Every decision made during the weekend will have immediate consequences, and the result could be a critical turning point in the championship race.

A Battle of Philosophies

Piastri’s decision is more than just a technical choice; it’s an embodiment of two contrasting approaches to racing. On one hand, Norris represents the drive for constant innovation and adaptation, seeking every possible advantage to extract the maximum performance. On the other hand, Piastri’s approach reflects the value of consistency, the belief that if something is working, there’s no need to change it unless absolutely necessary. This clash of philosophies could not be more apparent within McLaren, where both drivers are trying to find success in their own way.

The wider implications for the sport are profound. McLaren’s flexibility in allowing its drivers to race with different setups raises questions about whether this approach could become a new paradigm for F1 teams. If McLaren continues to perform well despite the disparity in car setups, it could signal a shift in how teams approach development. Alternatively, it could prove that standardization is the key to success.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead

As the Formula 1 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Piastri’s steadfast approach to car setup, as well as Norris’s willingness to embrace change. The battle for the championship is far from over, and the upcoming races, especially in Spa, will test the validity of both drivers’ philosophies. Whether Piastri’s commitment to consistency will see him hold onto the championship lead, or if Norris’s adaptability will edge him ahead, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: in Formula 1, every decision, no matter how small, has the potential to change the course of a season.

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Mercedes have confirmed they will run upgrades on George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s cars at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, and also at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Silver Arrows are utilising the three-week break prior to heading for Spa-Francorchamps on July 25-27 to refine upgrades they hope can address their recent downturn in form. Since Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix a month ago, Mercedes have only registered 11 points.

Mercedes have also fallen from second place in the 2025 F1 constructors’ championship to third. Ferrari now have a 12-point lead over the Brackley bunch in the fight to be runners-up to McLaren after they outscored Mercedes by 28 points over the Austrian GP and British GP.

Antonelli crashing into Max Verstappen in the Austrian GP did not help Mercedes’ situation, while Russell finished 62.396s off the lead after struggling in the hot temperatures. Strategy errors cost Russell and Antonelli in the British GP, too, after pitting for slick tyres in the rain.

Photo by Bob Kupbens/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Mercedes’ Belgian Grand Prix upgrade package will not make them McLaren-beaters

McLaren racer Lando Norris won the Austrian GP and British GP in a one-two for the Woking outfit with 2025 F1 drivers’ championship leader Oscar Piastri, who also now leads Russell in fourth by 87 points. Italian rookie Antonelli is only seventh and is 171 points adrift of Piastri.

So, Mercedes have confirmed they will introduce upgrades on the W16 at the Belgian GP on July 25-27 and also at the Hungarian GP on August 1-3. But The Race now notes that ‘all the indications’ suggest that Mercedes’ imminent updates will not make them McLaren-beaters.

While Mercedes should be able to win races on their day when the conditions suit the W16, which was the case when Russell won the Canadian GP from pole position, the Silver Arrows will still be relying on factors outside their control to be a persistent thorn in McLaren’s side.

Russell used Mercedes’ modified rear suspension geometry to win in Canada after the team reintroduced an update they benched for the two previous events after debuting it at Imola. But the cooler conditions and smooth track masked issues that were then evident in Austria.

George Russell will not like the concerns about Mercedes’ Belgian GP updates

Mercedes still relying on cooler temperatures and smooth tracks, despite the upgrades they are due to introduce across the Belgian GP and Hungarian GP, will not be welcome news for Russell or Antonelli. Russell’s win in Canada was a clear outlier in Mercedes’ recent results.

While his 11th place in the Monaco Grand Prix was also brought about after Russell suffered an engine failure during qualifying so he started in P14, the 27-year-old only managed P7 at Imola, P4 in Spain and P5 in Austria before recovering to P10 in Britain owing to his strategy.

Russell also lost 11.359s to Spanish GP winner Piastri after the safety car restart on Lap 61 of 66. He was also trailing the Australian by 26.379s before the safety car to recover Antonelli’s car after the 18-year-old suffered an engine failure, showing why Mercedes require updates.

Chief communications officer Bradley Lord admits Mercedes face a ‘challenge’ validating the upgrades at the Belgian GP, too, as they will only have one practice session owing to it being a Sprint weekend. Yet normal service resumes in Hungary where more updates are also due.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem is fighting Tim Mayer for re-election as the president of the FIA, and the Emirati has clear ideas for how he wants to grow Formula 1 in the future.

Mayer announced before the British Grand Prix that he will run against Ben Sulayem to head up the governing body in this year’s election process. Ben Sulayem took over from Jean Todt back in 2021 after earning 62% of the votes, but his tenure has often been hit with backlash.

Claims have regularly been aimed at Ben Sulayem that the 63-year-old has eyed changes to FIA statutes to enhance his control as its president. Some of the changes that Ben Sulayem has desired are also thought to have made it harder to challenge his pursuit of re-election.

Ben Sulayem has also faced opposition from the Formula 1 paddock over some of his ideas to grow the championship. Mercedes chief Toto Wolff firmly opposed Ben Sulayem’s failed suggestion to return to V10 engines, but he remains eager to consider alternative changes.

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Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes F1 needs ‘more races’ despite protests from the drivers

One of the alternative ideas that Ben Sulayem has for growing the pinnacle of motorsport is to add yet more races to the F1 calendar, which boasts a joint-record 24 Grands Prix in 2025. The schedule also features six F1 Sprint events, with the Belgian Grand Prix staging the next.

Ben Sulayem even believes F1 needs more races, despite some drivers pleading directly with the FIA president not to add any more rounds, and especially sees Africa as a market that F1 should race in. But he does not have a preference to race in Rwanda, as has been claimed.

Ben Sulayem told Formule1.NL: “No! Not for Rwanda, but for Africa. You know, I still believe we need more teams and more races. It’s just that the drivers came to me earlier and said, ‘Please, no more races’. Twenty-four races are too much of a burden for them.

“But Africa, as a continent, has always been somewhat forgotten. I’m proud that last year, for the first time in FIA history, we held the General Assembly in Rwanda.”

Max Verstappen thinks a 24-round F1 calendar is already ‘way over the limit’

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Ben Sulayem lobbying to expand the F1 calendar beyond the current 24 Grands Prix and six Sprint events will not go down well with a host of drivers, including Max Verstappen of Red Bull. The four-time F1 drivers’ championship winner already feels the calendar is too much.

F1 staged its first 24-round calendar in 2024, which tempted Verstappen to state that it was ‘way over the limit’ and ‘not sustainable’. The Dutchman was not alone in suggesting that the calendar had reached a problematic level, either, as Carlos Sainz also outlined his concerns.

“I think we’re already at the limit of the number of races that team personnel, drivers, F1, people in F1 [and] journalists etc can take during the year,” Sainz said, via The Race in 2024.

“If you want to have family back home to go and see, and to keep in touch with your home, it doesn’t matter if it’s family [or] if it’s your dog.

“It’s just on the limit of being too much, and I really hope it just doesn’t go much higher than 24 because, if not, I think it’s going to be very tricky for everyone.”