Author: bang7

Meghan Markle has recently shared a string of unseen photos on social media featuring her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as well as a loved-up snap with Prince Harry for their wedding anniversary – and one royal expert believes it’s part of a plan

Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, has been on something of a charm offensive, sharing a slew of never-before-seen photos and videos of her family living their best lives in California.

But her wedding anniversary celebration album, which she posted on Instagram last week, became the subject of online chatter, especially because she posted one loved-up snap of herself and Prince Harry from the Instagram account of her new lifestyle brand, As Ever.

According to a royal expert, Meghan has a plan. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told new she believes the duchess, 43, is no doubt aware of the ongoing rumours that her husband is unhappy and is keen to silence them. “I think Meghan is a fighter,” said Jennie.

Meghan has been on a charm offensive sharing more personal photos than ever before(Image: Getty Images)

“She will be aware that some people, particularly in the UK, believe rumours that Harry is unhappy, and she’s determined to show that they have a strong marriage and a happy family life.

“I hope that’s true, and there’s no reason to disbelieve her. I think she’s also determined to show that she is a strong character and, from relatively humble beginnings, she has become a successful actress, and now an influencer and entrepreneur. I think she’s anxious to be seen as a successful businesswoman in her own right – and not just because she has lived briefly inside the palace walls and has a royal title.”

The subject of the pair’s royal titles has created controversy, and there is growing speculation about whether Prince William might strip them from the couple once he becomes king. While the former working royals are no longer supposed to use their HRH titles for commercial reasons, they still very much present themselves as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, titles which were gifted to them by Queen Elizabeth II on their wedding day in 2018.

Meghan’s post on Instagram to mark seven years of marriage

There have been repeated calls from the anti-Sussex camp to strip them of the title, but no indication that King Charles has any intention of doing so. Yet with William, 42, next in line to the throne, rumours have circulated that he might take a different stance, especially since he and Harry, 40, are no longer on speaking terms and, according to Jennie, could be estranged forever.

“Granted, there seems to be a public appetite for stripping them of their titles, but I think it’s unlikely that William would choose to do this,” she said. “It would seem, and in fact would be, quite vindictive.” If William remains permanently estranged from his younger brother, it would be “a sad state of affairs”, she added.

Harry and Meghan’s children – Archie, six, and Lilibet, who turns four next week – were not automatically prince and princess at birth because they were not the grandchildren of Queen Elizabeth II, the monarch at the time.

Harry and Meghan still use their Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles (Image: Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)

But they earned the right in September 2022, when Charles acceded to the throne, and they’re now officially Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, sixth and seventh in the line of succession.

Following a backlash from those questioning the decision, given the couple’s earlier move to distance themselves from the royal family, the Sussex camp released a statement which said, “The children’s titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.”

Meghan stirred up another title debate last month, when a podcast video revealed she had sent a gift basket with an accompanying card to a friend which read, “With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.” Sources from the Sussex camp insisted it wasn’t a breach of the agreement, as they are still entitled to use HRH in private.

When they stepped back from royal duties in 2020, a statement from Buckingham Palace said, “The Sussexes will not use their HRH titles as they are no longer working members of the royal family.”

Prince William and Prince Harry with their wives Meghan and Kate(Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Jennie suspects, given the evidence that Meghan still uses the HRH title, that the couple would be “hurt and angry” if William were to remove them completely. “For Harry and Meghan, it would, of course, be a very public insult,” she said.

“Curiously, even though they have turned their backs on rejoining the working royals, they seem very wedded to the idea that their children should use their royal titles. And Meghan is clearly not averse to using her HRH, even though she was expressly told not to.

“So I’m sure they would be hurt and angry if theirs were taken from them. It would, inevitably, reduce their standing, particularly, perhaps, in the eyes of the American public, who seem to adore royalty. But I simply do not think this is going to happen.”

Another chapter of the Windsor-Sussex divide played out last week, when the Prince and Princess of Wales were included in the Time 100 Philanthropy 2025 list, but Harry and Meghan were not. Kate and William were included in the magazine’s Innovators category for “modernising royal philanthropy” and praised for being “less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues”.

Jennie said the couple thoroughly deserves their place on the list, and not getting a mention themselves would have been a blow to the Sussexes.

“I’m sure Harry and Meghan will be disappointed that they haven’t made the list, especially as they have emphasised their focus on philanthropy on their website,” Jennie added. “I wish them well with the work they do, but now, firmly outside the royal family, they simply do not pack the same punch as the prince and princess.”

ITV Daytime has been rocked by reports in the past week of major changes – with crew fearing for their jobs after some shows were revealed to be set for major cuts

Lorraine Kelly is tipped to walk away from her ITV daytime show at the end of 2026(Image: ITV)

Lorraine Kelly is tipped to quit her morning ITV show at the end of next year following a major shakeup to the daytime schedule. Reports over the past week have announced that major changes are on the way at ITV after decades of a fixed schedule.

Fans of TV have watched Good Morning Britain from 6am every week day before the show seamlessly moves into the Lorraine show at 9am. This Morning follows at 10am – with Loose Women taking over at 12:30pm.

But now the schedule is set for a major shake-up – and there are suggestions there is furore behind the scenes as Lorraine’s show is set to endure some of the most brutal changes. Instead of airing every week, the show is to be stripped back to just half the year.

And the long-runing show will be reduced to just half an hour. Now a report has suggested Lorraine will walk away from the show altogether by the end of next year.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Lorraine was asked if she wanted to retire, having just celebrated her 40 years on breakfast TV, but she instead chose to see out her contract.

Loose Women is also due for major changes(Image: ITV)

“Bosses thought it would be an ideal opportunity for her to spend more time with family, especially given how little she was on her own show last year. Many think it is unlikely she will stay on after her current contract and that is further proven by the fact that the boss of her show will be part-time and on a one-year contract.

“She is a hugely valued member of the ITV history and is likely to do other shows at the channel, with some thinking she may explore documentaries, travelogues and passion projects.” The Mirror has contacted a representative of Lorraine for comment.

The Sun’s claims come days after The Mirror first reported rumours Lorraine could quit her show. The presenter is said to have been left devastated by the scale of job losses set to hit the programme which is set to be slashed from an hour to 30minutes. It will also now only air for 30 weeks out of 52.

A source said: “There are genuine fears among staff that Lorraine may decide to walk if the quality of the show they are putting out declines. It’s hard to see how standards won’t fall….and there are questions over whether Lorraine will want to be associated with that. Lorraine and her team are perfectionists – it’s why the show is loved by so many.”

The source said the move was a “kick in the teeth” especially given ITV was crowing this week about the show amassing its highest ratings for four years.

A second insider added: “This is a presenter who has just come back from having an operation, has won a BAFTA, is enjoying record ratings….and then ITV show their appreciation by yanking her off air half the year. Staff are beside themselves, and have been in tears constantly. It doesn’t make any sense given the trajectory the show is on.”

The extreme cuts and changes at ITV are said to be planned in an effort to cut costs at the broadcaster. Other shows to face radical changes in recent months include the iconic soap Coronation Street – which has also seen high profile cast members leave and reports of episode numbers getting cut.

Tensions within the Beckham family have reportedly reached a boiling point, with insiders claiming Nicola Peltz, played a key role in straining the relationship between Brooklyn and his younger brother, Romeo

Nicola Peltz behind Beckham brothers’ bitter feud after ‘appalling’ family snub

Allegations have surfaced that Nicola Peltz, who is the wife of Brooklyn Beckham, behaved poorly towards Romeo Beckham’s former girlfriend – a situation insiders say ignited a long-standing tension between the brothers.

 

Nicola, 30, and Brooklyn, 26, have reportedly been at odds with the Beckham clan after notably skipping David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebrations earlier this month – a move that only intensified speculation of a family fallout.

While some have pointed fingers at Romeo’s current partner Kim Turnbull, 24 – who once briefly dated Brooklyn in 2016 – as the source of friction, those close to the situation claim the seeds of discord were actually sown much earlier.

Sources say the trouble dates back to preparations for Brooklyn and Nicola’s extravagant wedding in Florida in 2022. During the lead-up, and even at the wedding itself, Nicola is said to have completely ignored Romeo’s then-girlfriend, Mia Regan – despite her and Romeo having been together for three years at that point.

Nicola reportedly behaved poorly towards Romeo Beckham’s former girlfriend (Image: Getty Images)

Guests were reportedly left perplexed by the bride’s attitude, describing it as “absolutely baffling.” Adding to the awkwardness, Romeo served as one of Brooklyn’s best men alongside their younger brother Cruz, now 20.

“Brooklyn and Romeo have been fighting for a significant amount of time,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They do not get on. It has been so difficult for David and Victoria.”

The brothers, once extremely close and known for doting on their younger siblings Cruz and Harper, 13, have grown apart, the insider added. “Things have been terrible for a long time. It has upset their mum and dad so much. All they ever wanted was a big, happy family.”

Nicola is said to have completely ignored Romeo’s former girlfriend Mia Regan (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for Natasha Poonawalla)

According to those familiar with the situation, Brooklyn’s wedding marked a breaking point. Romeo reportedly saw the escalating tension as unnecessary and avoidable.

Though Brooklyn and Nicola have consistently denied any estrangement from the Beckhams, claims continue to swirl that communication has largely broken down between the couple and Brooklyn’s family.

One contributing factor, according to past reports, is Brooklyn’s skepticism about Kim Turnbull’s “motives” in dating his younger brother. This tension is said to have led Brooklyn to feel sidelined – as though the family is favoring Romeo over him. David, sources say, has been “devastated” by the turn of events.

Nicola and Brooklyn are said to have fallen out with Victoria and David(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

At one point, Brooklyn allegedly requested a private meeting with his parents during the birthday celebrations – specifically to avoid crossing paths with Kim. However, David and Victoria are said to have turned down the proposal. Complicating matters further is the history between Brooklyn and Kim, who dated his close friend Rocco Ritchie, Madonna’s son, back in 2016.

Speaking to the Mirror, a source close to Brooklyn and Nicola revealed the emotional toll the rift is taking on the couple. “Nicola encourages Brooklyn to see his family and is usually the reason Brooklyn does see his family.

“They are both devastated. They cannot believe that Victoria and David refused to see them privately after they travelled all the way to London specifically to try to repair the relationship.”

Nicola and Brooklyn are said to not see eye to eye with the Beckhams(Image: Victoria Beckham/Instagram)

The source continued: “As parents, it’s shocking that Victoria and David are behaving this way… instead of privately discussing the issue. Victoria and David (appear to) have no interest in finding a solution that works for everyone.”

A separate insider previously told the Mirror: “Brooklyn not turning up was a real blow to David. Brooklyn was close with his dad growing up, but he is married now. His wife Nicola is older and confident in her own right, and so there is distance between Brooklyn and his parents.

“It has become a problem and not something they can keep private because of the way the family uses social media. Things have escalated in recent months, and there is a very obvious rift that David and Victoria would love to heal.”

The Mirror has approached Nicola and Brooklyn’s representatives for comment on this story.

 

After Prince Harry appeared ‘distressed’ and ‘broken’ in his latest bombshell BBC interview, a new documentary delves into whether he can ever be forgiven and what he needs to do to win back hearts

Royal expert says Prince Harry has lost his identity and is a stay-at-home dad

Prince Harry has made it clear that despite his differences with his family, he would like to end the drama, especially because of his father’s ill health.

In a bombshell interview with the BBC earlier this month, the Duke of Sussex revealed he would love to make it up with his father as life’s too short. “Life is precious,” he reflected.

“I don’t know how much longer my father has… but it would be nice to reconcile. I would love reconciliation with my family, there’s no point in continuing to fight anymore.”

But the prince, who was once one of our favourite Royals, must first find his new identity according to experts.

In the new Channel 5 documentary Harry: Can He Ever Be Forgiven?, commentators asserted that Prince Harry has found himself in a difficult position because he has no role in the Royal family and no defined role in the USA either.

“How is he spending his life?” Politician and author Ann Widdecombe asks. “What is the aim? I’ve heard people say that he’s a stay-at-home dad without much to do… possibly? Even Harry must occasionally ask himself, ‘Where is all this going?’”

Harry opened up about his hopes of reconciliation in a recent BBC interview(Image: BBC)

And the British politician isn’t the only one who believes the Duke of Sussex is struggling with his identity after leaving the Royal family and the UK.

Psychotherapist and author Emma Reed Turrell said, “I think Harry is up against a universal challenge, which is one of identity. Who am I? Who was I? Who am I becoming? Who am I allowed to be? What will be acceptable?

“We can all relate to that – when people leave any kind of institution, there is a huge transition that happens for someone as they re-enter the atmosphere and look for purpose again and look for identity.”

The comments come after Prince Harry received a backlash of criticism after his bombshell BBC interview, in which he clearly expressed distress after losing his legal battle over taxpayer-funded security.

The Duke stepped back from his duties as a senior working royal family member in favour of a new life in the US(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

During the interview, dad-of-two Harry insisted he couldn’t bring his family to the UK because it wasn’t safe after losing his legal battle. And he also made a startling claim in relation to the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana.

Referring to losing his legal challenge for taxpayer-funded security, he said: “I don’t want history to repeat itself – from the disclosure process I’ve discovered that some people want history to repeat itself, which is pretty dark.”

He may not have named names, but there’s little doubt that Harry was talking about the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris in 1997 after being chased by paparazzi.

After an online backlash to an emotional video she made following her BAFTA snub, a source claims TV’s sweetheart Stacey Solomon is ‘worried it could all end’

Stacey Solomon has battled with imposter syndrome before(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

Just weeks ago, Stacey Solomon was on top of the world. With her hit BBC show Sort Your Life Out renewed for a sixth season and viewers lapping up her new reality series with husband Joe Swash, the mum-of-five seemed to be unstoppable. But in the space of a few days, the tide seems to have turned – and fans were left wondering if the cracks in her idyllic life are starting to show, as reports OK!.

It all began after the normally smiley Stacey, 35, took to Instagram the morning after the recent Bafta TV Awards to admit she was “devastated” that Sort Your Life Out didn’t win. Filming in her garden, Stacey got emotional while talking about missing out on a gong. “I’ll be honest, I’m devastated. I’m not handling it very well, not taking it very gracefully,” she confessed in a now controversial video. “I’m so gutted for our team.”

Stacey Solomon laid her feelings bare in an emotional video after missing out on a Bafta – but it divided fans.(Image: Instagram)

The Loose Women presenter added, “It’s not an easy show to make… the team works so hard to make it happen, and they so deserve a Bafta.” She explained, “People think making TV is really easy, and it’s not… We all pack up a house, and within seven days, that house is packed into vans, over to a warehouse, laid out on the floor. We go through it meticulously… We donate, we recycle, we resell, put it all back and try and put in systems to help families move forward.”

Some fans applauded her for being “refreshingly honest” and maintained she was simply just “disappointed for her team” and it was “hardly a rant”. Others, however, were left less than impressed, telling her to “get a grip” and to stop being a “bad loser”. Some claimed that Stacey is “showing her true colours” compared to her usual “wholesome” demeanour and said that she has “got too big for her boots”.

Stacey has not commented publicly since her Bafta post, but a source claims the star is worried “it could all be over”. “The negative comments really upset her, she takes them to heart. She never wants to be seen as ungrateful, because she’s not. She had a really humble upbringing and everything she does, she does to give her kids the best opportunities possible. They are what drives her.”

Stacey’s BBC show Sort Your Life Out missed out on a Bafta award, to which Stacey responded: “People think making TV is really easy, and it’s not”(Image: BBC/Optomen Television)

“She has a sort of inferiority complex, like imposter syndrome, partly because of where she’s come from. Don’t forget, she became famous on The X Factor and she’s seen so many other people from shows like that just disappear over the years. So the fear of ‘Could I lose it all too? Could it all be over?’’ is always there to some extent.”

“She’s a really hard worker and gives her all to everything, so it’s devastating when it doesn’t pay off, and it understandably makes her worry. But she’s one of telly’s biggest success stories who always wants to keep the wheel turning, so she won’t stop doing what she does best.”

Indeed, she has talked about battling imposter syndrome in the past. In January 2023, the star revealed her constant fear of “losing it all” amid the cost-of-living crisis, as she reflected on having “nothing”. She revealed at the time, “My dad is from a background where he had nothing, like literally nothing, so we could have nothing again. Even to this day I think, ‘Well, we’re comfortable now but something’s going to go wrong at some point, it won’t stay like this forever.’ It’s inherent,” explained Stacey.

Insiders say Stacey, pictured at the Baftas, now fears “it could all be over” after the online backlash – but with another series of Sort Your Life Out in the works, Stacey’s still one of TV’s biggest stars(Image: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty I)

She added, “You’re constantly thinking, ‘I’d better hold on to that’ and ‘I’d better not waste that’ because in a few months’ time, I could be on the street.” To make matters worse, Stacey’s sister, Jemma, chimed in with an Instagram post slamming the Bafta judges, which many fans felt fanned the flames.

Jemma, 36, said, “If only it was a public vote, I think things would have been a little different.” And as if the backlash over her Bafta reaction wasn’t enough, Sort Your Life Out has come under fire, too. After a recent episode, some criticised the show for failing to acknowledge the emotional toll of hoarding, while others felt the team was “too harsh”. But Stacey insisted it’s about empowering families – not judging them. “It’s so hard to let someone into your house when you’re going through a difficult time,” she said.

And there are rumbles behind the scenes. In one episode of Stacey & Joe, Joe, 43, is shown in therapy, tearfully admitting he feels like a “huge problem” in their relationship. While the couple have long been known for their relatable – if sometimes chaotic – dynamic, some viewers worry they might be struggling with the demands of work, fame and family. With two toddlers and four older children between them, plus multiple businesses and TV commitments, it’s no surprise things might feel tense.

But with another series of Sort Your Life Out on the way, a happy home life and legions of fans still cheering her on, Stacey’s future remains bright. Sure, it’s been a tricky time of late, but if anyone knows how to tidy up a mess with a smile, it’s Stacey.

Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz friends have claimed that David and Victoria Beckham are making it “impossible” for the married couple who just want to be “loved” and “supported”

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz want “nothing more” than to be “supported” by family amid claims that Nicola is “isolating” Brooklyn from his parents.

A source close to Nicola Peltz has claimed that both Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola want “nothing more than to be loved and supported”, but that his parents, Victoria and David, have made it “virtually impossible”.

The pals’ statement comes amid a long-standing family feud, which is showing no signs of dying down. Sources close to the Beckhams have branded Brooklyn and Nicola’s relationship “unhealthy” and have claimed that Nicola is “isolating” Brooklyn from his family and friends.

Brooklyn Beckham and his wife Nicola Peltz want “nothing more” than to be “supported” by family(Image: Getty Images for Airbnb)

Victoria and David Beckham’s oldest son appeared to slap back at claims and showed support for his wife, saying he would “always” choose her.

Taking to Instagram, Brooklyn shared a video where he is seen riding a red motorbike with Nicola on the back, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him. Brooklyn can be seen stroking her hand as he drives them down a road. Making his feelings about his wife crystal clear, he wrote: “My whole world x I will love you forever x I always choose you baby x you’re the most amazing person i know xx me and you forever baby.”

Sources close to the Beckhams have branded Brooklyn and Nicola’s relationship “unhealthy” (Image: Instagram)

Responding to the bombshell statement from Brooklyn, pals of his parents said it was “disappointing but unsurprising” if Brooklyn meant this as a dig at his family. The source added: “They feel Nicola is creating conflict that isn’t there – or at the very least ramping it up – in order to isolate Brooklyn from his family. Yes, Brooklyn is his own man…but Nicola is the one pulling the strings. It feels like she wants him to pick sides – and that’s what’s clearly happening.”

Sources say friends of the Beckhams are particularly concerned by the fact Brooklyn has more than 70 tattoos dedicated to Nicola dotted around his body.

(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

A source claimed: “I think anyone can see that’s problematic to say the least, and it’s another facet of an unhealthy relationship. But he is totally besotted.”

Among the many tats, Brooklyn has a love letter from Nicola inked on his neck, with the note reading: “My forever boy. Read this anytime you feel anxious… I want you to know how deeply loved you are. You have the kindest heart I’ve ever met and I hope I never go a day without your love.”

The Duchess of Sussex has shared a sweet video on Instagram as she spent time with her daughter beekeeping – giving fans a glimpse into family life in California

Meghan Markle has given fans a rare glimpse into her family life as she shared a sweet moment with her daughter Lilibet.

The Duchess of Sussex took to Instagram last night to share a new video with her three-year-old, where they both can be seen wearing matching beekeeping suits.

In the clip, the mother daughter duo hold hands as they walk towards a beehive, which also featured in her Netflix show With Love, Meghan. Lilibet turns to looked to her mum – giving royal fans a rare look at her face – and she even wore a pair of rainbow wellies to complete her look. Meghan, 43, then bent down and rubbed her daughter’s back as they approached the hive on their Californian estate.

The video gave a rare glimpse into Lilbet’s face

Beekeeping is a firm royal favourite, with Princess Kate also enjoying the hobby. Meghan has followed suit, diving into the past time alongside her daughter. The Princess of Wales has previously shared photos of herself with bees, while Queen Camilla is the president of Bees for Development, a charity that trains beekeepers and protects habitats in over 50 countries. Camilla is also known to be an avid beekeeper when at her country estate, Ray Mill House, in Wiltshire.

Meanwhile, Meghan shared her passion for beekeeping in the first episode of her cooking and lifestyle Netlix show, which released in March. Speaking to a beekeeper at her hives in the series, the Duchess became emotional and said “it’s beautiful to be this connected”.

Meghan Markle in her beekeeping get-up(Image: Netflix)

It’s not the first time the couple have shared snaps inside their home, previously sharing moments from their Mediterranean-style £2m pad that sits on a 7.4-acres of land. Prince Harry and Meghan have proudly shared their vegetable and fruit garden, rose garden, chicken coop, and fruit orchards as part of their broader mission of leading a mindful, sustainable lifestyle.

But sharing snaps of Archie and Lilibet is a new move for Meghan, as she’s been sharing more photos – usually without their faces shown. The Duchess’ personal family posts have become a hot topic with royal experts, especially after she posted her wedding anniversary celebration montage on Instagram last week. Rumours have swirled about the state of Meghan and Harry’s marriage since they appeared to be separate themselves professionally last year. But the couple have swiftly shut down any speculation.

Meghan’s post to mark seven years of marriage

According to one royal expert, the gushing posts are all strategic and Meghan has a plan. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told new she believes the duchess, 43, is no doubt aware of the ongoing rumours that her husband is unhappy and is keen to silence them. “I think Meghan is a fighter,” said Jennie.

“She will be aware that some people, particularly in the UK, believe rumours that Harry is unhappy, and she’s determined to show that they have a strong marriage and a happy family life.

“I hope that’s true, and there’s no reason to disbelieve her. I think she’s also determined to show that she is a strong character and, from relatively humble beginnings, she has become a successful actress, and now an influencer and entrepreneur.

“I think she’s anxious to be seen as a successful businesswoman in her own right – and not just because she has lived briefly inside the palace walls and has a royal title.”

It emerged that the Prince and Princess of Wales have landed themselves a spot on a prestigious list of the world’s best philanthropists, but there was no sign of Prince Harry and Meghan. Now, one royal expert has explained why this might be the case

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Image: Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will have been disappointed to not take a prestigious honour that was handed to the Prince and Princess of Wales, according to an expert. It emerged that William and Kate have been included in the Time 100 Philanthropy 2025 list, but Harry and Meghan were not.

Kate and William were included in the magazine’s Innovators category for “modernising royal philanthropy” and praised for being “less concerned with cultural preservation and more attuned to social issues”. But it was a different story for Harry and Meghan who were snubbed from this year’s list, despite being included four years ago.

Harry and Meghan at the TIME100 summit last month (Image: Getty Images for TIME)

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who quit their royal roles in 2020 to pursue private ventures in the corporate world, previously secured a spot on Time’s roster of the most influential figures back in 2021, which included a cover feature on the prestigious publication.

However, the couple, who tout themselves as “shaping the future through business and philanthropy” on their website, did not make the cut this year. Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond said the Waleses thoroughly deserve their place on the list, but believes not getting a mention themselves would have come as a blow to the Sussexes.

She told the Mirror: “I’m sure Harry and Meghan will be disappointed that they haven’t made the list, especially as they have emphasised their focus on philanthropy on their website. I wish them well with the work they do, but now, firmly outside the royal family, they simply do not pack the same punch as the prince and princess.”

William and Kate on a recent visit to the Isle of Mull (Image: PA)

William and Kate’s honour comes as the couple begin rolling out an ambitious project to transform community spaces across the UK, using a mixture of grants and donating personal time from their Royal Foundation.

They have identified several locations around the country which will benefit from financial backing and the creation of new task forces which will benefit from expert advice and guidance from their team. The aim is to create a network of businesses to invest in local projects to upgrade local facilities from community hubs to sports centres, which will be announced in the coming months.

And Jennie added: “There’s no denying that William and Catherine carry a lot of clout in whatever field they choose to get involved. And they have each made a significant impact in trying to help solve crucial social issues.

“I think they will be pleased that their efforts have been recognised alongside the likes of David Beckham, Oprah Winfrey, and Melinda French Gates.

“The Prince and Princess have focused their energy on causes like early development, the environment, homelessness and mental health. These are issues that affect large sections of society.

“Their brand of royal patronage is less about elitist cultural preservation and more, as William himself has said, about ‘impact philanthropy, collaboration, convening, and helping people’.

“Time magazine cited William and Catherine as innovators for modernising royal philanthropy. It recognised that their strategy is to get corporate and expert support for the causes they are working to highlight. They want to be more than just figureheads: they want to bang heads together and get action going to help solve some of society’s many problems.”

Staff at ITV are said to be growing angrier as the row over cuts on key shows such as Loose Women and Lorraine continues, with insiders fearing a drop in standards

ITV staff fury grows over 220 job cuts and ‘death of daytime’ as CEO pockets £4million salary(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

ITV staff fury is growing as the row over sweeping cuts to Loose Women and Lorraine continues to rage. Recriminations are becoming increasingly bitter over the channel’s axing of 220 jobs, with insiders insisting viewers will notice a drop in standards.

Many are blaming chief executive Carolyn McCall for the “death of daytime” and have criticised her for pocketing a massive £4million salary, including bonus, last year. There is also widespread anger that the cost-savings, which will radically change ITV ’s daytime schedule from January, were not delivered by Ms McCall to staff gathered in London’s Television Centre, on Tuesday.

A Good Morning Britain source said: “She could have walked the 400 yards to the studio to explain to folk in person.” But a channel spokeswoman said ITV Studios MD Julian Bellamy personally wanted to deliver the news: “It was really important to him that he shared this news directly in the way he felt appropriate. This is also very much in line with best practice HR given the sensitivity of the situation.”

Loose Women will feel the effect of the changes(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

They said ITV boss Kevin Lygo made the decision to shake-up the schedules. It comes as the channel was rocked by a series of other developments including:

Claims that standards across Lorraine and Loose Women in particular will go into a “death spiral” leaving viewers short-changed.
Outrage over stars on shows such as This Morning keeping their well-paid jobs while hundreds are sacked.
Fears of strikes among heavily unionised GMB studio crew and technicians.

On screen, viewers will see huge changes to the daytime schedule. Lorraine is the worst hit. It will run for 30 weeks, not 50 weeks a year, and will be slashed from an hour to 30 minutes each day.

Loose Women will stay at the same running time but will also be cut to 30 weeks. This Morning will remain the same length and frequency. Meanwhile Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes, to run from 6am to 9.30am. For the 22 weeks of the year Lorraine is not airing, it will go on until 10am.

A source said: “It’s not a case of viewers seeing less of their shows… it’s impossible to see how the high standards will remain the same. Some staff believe Loose Women and Lorraine in particular will enter a death spiral… it’s just so sad. Just a handful of people will be working on each of those two programmes which has huge ramifications for how they are going forward.”

All the shows are now going to be made under one roof. An insider asked: “If that’s the case, will Loose Women really still have a live audience…will there be the capacity for that? Everyone doubts it, not least because of the manpower needed to oversee it. Also, there is a huge amount of background work which goes into securing guests… in the new climate how does that continue with barely any staff?”

ITV sources insist that they want “minimal change” for viewers. The source said: “It’s early days and we are currently consulting but we don’t want to alienate our viewers and it’s hoped there will be minimal change on screen. Daytime is hugely important to our viewers.”

The Loose Women panel, including Coleen Nolan, GK Barry and Frankie Bridge, are also expected to see shifts dwindle, especially those who live outside London and charge for travel and hotels. Glam squads are also expected to be axed with stars expected to use in-house make-up.

An insider said: “To be honest there is very little sympathy for stars having their glam squads cut among the rank and file staff, in fact there is a lot of anger that on the whole the channel’s biggest stars are all keeping their jobs – and their exorbitant salaries – while others suffer.”

They added: “It’s no secret that stars on This Morning such as Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley are on huge salaries. Many believe they should offer to take cuts, or at least when their contracts are next negotiated.”

On the whole, This Morning is unaffected by the sweeping cuts. It will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays although questions remain over whether standards will be maintained.

The current Good Morning Britain team was particularly hard hit – of the 133 staff who currently make the early-bird magazine show, hosted by Susanna Reid, Richard Madeley and Ed Balls, just 38 will make the move to ITN which will now produce the show. The remaining 95 can apply for roles in the proposed new GMB structure.

One source on the show said: “Lots of the studio crew and technicians will be the hardest hit with ITN taking over their roles. A lot of them are unionised and there is a fear among ITV that industrial action could be an option.”

GMB will be re-homed within ITN’s Gray’s Inn Road headquarters in Central London. Staff working on all shows are expected to “carry on as normal” until the plans are formalised

A source said: “It’s a mutinous atmosphere to say the least and far removed from the happy, cheery image that ITV Daytime usually evokes.” The Mirror revealed this week staff on Lorraine were particularly worried their main host could quit.

Contrary to reports she was happy to see her hours cut “to spend more time with her family”, insiders say she is devastated for the team on the show being decimated. “They are a tight bunch on Lorraine and the agony is palpable,” said one.