As Thomas Markle celebrates his 80th birthday, it’s a milestone coloured with mixed emotions.

The retired lighting director has not spoken to his youngest daughter, Meghan Markle, since 2018, despite allegedly making multiple attempts to reach out.

Their relationship became strained when he posed for paparazzi photos before her wedding to Prince Harry.

Markle also suffered two heart attacks just before the ceremony, preventing him from walking his daughter down the aisle.

Since then, Meghan and Harry have not communicated with Thomas, and he has never had the opportunity to meet his son-in-law – or grandchildren Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

‘I’ve had a good life and I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, but everything has been overshadowed by what has happened in the last six years,’ he told Mail Online earlier this year.

‘I’ve never been one for birthdays, but I know the one person I most want to hear from, Meghan, won’t be in touch.’

Thomas has a cliffside home in Rosarito, Mexico, 250 miles from the Sussexes’ 16-bathroom mansion in Montecito.

His living room is proudly brimming with memories of Meghan, including her graduation photos from the Little Red Schoolhouse kindergarten and Immaculate Heart High School.

There is also a photograph of the father and daughter attending the Emmy Awards when Meghan was around 10-years-old.

The award-winning lighting director grew up in Pennsylvania with his parents and two siblings.

His mother Doris worked behind the sweet counter at a local ‘five-and-dime’ store, while his father Gordon was a printer at Olmsted Air Force Base outside the family’s hometown of Newport.

Thomas Markle’s career began in high school, working on theatre productions before landing a position at WTTW public television in Chicago.

He spent a decade on the live music programme Soundstage, rubbing shoulders with icons like Aretha Franklin and Billy Joel.

Despite her nonattendance, the Duchess of Cambridge remained at the forefront of thoughts and well-wishes during the event.

Prince William, making a solo appearance at the wedding, mingled with guests, his demeanor reflecting both grace and resilience amidst the challenging circumstances.

While the Duke and Duchess of Westminster emerged from the church to greet well-wishers, William engaged in conversation with a lady beside him, his smile offering a glimpse of camaraderie amidst the celebration.

Amidst the joyous atmosphere, William received words of support from a member of the public, who shouted their best wishes to Kate as the future King left the cathedral.

This public display of affection serves as a testament to the enduring love and support for the Princess during her health battle.

Just days prior, during a special appearance in Portsmouth for a D-Day event, William provided an update on Kate’s wellbeing in response to a veteran’s inquiry.

Though absent in person, Kate Middleton’s presence remains palpable, her strength and resilience serving as a source of inspiration to all.

As she continues her journey towards recovery, the Duchess’s unwavering spirit continues to resonate deeply with admirers around the world.

Prince William has chosen to fully support King Charles in making a significant decision

During King Charles’ reign, he has prioritized a streamlined monarchy, aiming to prevent Buckingham Palace’s balcony from becoming overcrowded with non-working royals and their families as seen in the past.

However, with both the Princess of Wales and the Princess Royal currently unavailable, there is observation on how thinly stretched the remaining members of the Royal Family are as they uphold their engagements and charitable endeavours

Despite this, there is no inclination to introduce additional royals to lighten the load, and this strategy is expected to continue in the future—a direction that former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond views as a positive step.

“I still hold to the idea that the slimmed down Royal Family IS indeed the right model for the future,” Jennie told OK! “It’s in line with most European monarchies and is sensitive to the constant criticism that the royal family cost taxpayers too much.”

“Adding new working royals to the payroll will only exacerbate that criticism. I think the model William has experimented with is the answer: drafting in his cousins here and there (e.g. garden parties) to spice things up a bit.”

“It makes such occasions even more special and allows those cousins to get on with their lives as they wish, without the strictures of the royal diary.”

“So I think the King and William are entirely right to be determined to keep the core of working royals a small, tight unit that can be accountable to the public purse.”

Jennie’s insights follow the revelation that Prince William is set to continue his father’s vision of a pared-down monarchy.

Daily Mail’s Richard Eden highlighted the Prince’s intentions, revealing a source close to William said: “He told me: ‘When the older members of the family retire, His Royal Highness won’t be inviting anyone else to become working royals.”

Eden further shared: “It remains to be seen if he will even want his two younger children to be working royals,”.

With Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, being the only other Royal under 60, speculation suggests that by the time William takes the throne and Kate is crowned Queen, they might be the sole full-time royals.

“That is what William wants,” the insider asserted. “He sees the small European monarchies as the model for the future.”

Princess Anne also weighed in on the debate about a more streamlined monarchy during an interview with CBC News, expressing her skepticism about its viability.

The Princess remarked: “Well, I think the ‘slimmed down’ was said in a day when there were a few more people around. It doesn’t sound like a good idea from where I’m standing, I would say. I’m not quite sure what else we can do.”

“Well, you know what you’re getting because he’s been practising for a bit, and I don’t think he’ll change,” she stated. “You know, he is committed to his own level of service, and that will remain true.”

King Charles’ stance has been clarified in the wake of buzzing speculations about his business rivalry with Meghan Markle.

The 75-year-old monarch sparked rumours of competition with his estranged daughter-in-law over similarities between the products from his Highgrove home and the duchess’ new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard.

However, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond shut down “suggestions of petty rivalry” pointing out the King’s year-old business as compared to the former actress’ fresh venture.

“I absolutely refuse to buy into suggestions of a petty rivalry between Meghan’s products and the release of new products from the Highgrove estate,” the royal expert told OK! magazine. “Highgrove has been coming up with new products for years now.

“The marketing might have become more sophisticated over time, but there has always been publicity about the organic produce from the farm and gardens,” Jennie continued.

“I really don’t think that Charles or his marketing people would sink so low as to try to deliberately compete with or scupper Meghan and her team.

Why would Charles want to make things worse than they already are? So I think it’s a load of old nonsense and would be beneath him,” she affirmed.

It comes after reports surfaced regarding Meghan’s product launch and her desire to tap Prince Harry’s father as well as Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice to promote it.

She made a spectacular comeback to public duties last month when she attended Trooping the Colour with the rest of the British Royal Family.

Now, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has once again reassured the nation as she stepped out at Wimbledon in another triumphant return to the spotlight.

Being one of her favourite events of the year, it’s perhaps no wonder Kate, patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, decided that her first solo appearance sine her diagnosis would be at the final day of SW19.

She made a spectacular comeback to public duties last month when she attended Trooping the Colour with the rest of the British Royal Family.

Now, the Princess of Wales, 42, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has once again reassured the nation as she stepped out at Wimbledon in another triumphant return to the spotlight.

Being one of her favourite events of the year, it’s perhaps no wonder Kate, patron of the All England Lawn and Tennis Club, decided that her first solo appearance sine her diagnosis would be at the final day of SW19.

Dressed in a £1,295 bespoke purple frock from Safiyaa, Kate beamed as she was welcomed by an eruption of cheers and applause from the more than 15,000 fans as she took her seat to watch the men’s finals.

Kate revealed in March that she has an unspecified form of cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy.

Her lone public appearance since then had been attending last month’s birthday parade for King Charles.

Before that event, she released a statement saying that she hoped to attend the occasional engagement over the summer but urged the public to bear with her as, like many cancer patients, she has ‘good and bad days’.

But it was said Wimbledon officials had remained ‘hopeful’ that Kate may feel well enough to hand out trophies over the weekend.

Thankfully, their hope proved to be right and in her role as patron of the All England Club, which hosts the annual tournament, the royal handed Alcaraz the champion’s trophy after the Wimbledon men’s final.

After leaving the court following the trophy ceremony, the princess and Alcaraz had a conversation in a room inside the tournament’s main stadium. ‘You played so well,’ Kate told him. ‘Enjoy the win.’

Earlier, Kate went from the stands down to the playing surface to present the trophies, and shook hands with some of the ball kids who worked at the tournament.

Breaking News: Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to make a very bold move to move away Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis from the royal residence…

Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to make a very bold move by relocating Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis away from the royal residence.

Kate Middleton and Prince William are set to make a very bold move by relocating Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis away from the royal residence.

The decision marks a significant shift in their approach to raising their younger children, aiming to provide them with a more private and grounded upbringing.

Sources close to the royal couple indicate that they are seeking a quieter environment, away from the intense public and media scrutiny that comes with life at the palace.

This bold move is intended to ensure a more normal childhood for Charlotte and Louis, similar to the one enjoyed by their older brother, Prince George.

The announcement has sparked widespread interest and speculation about the future of the young royals and the potential impact on their roles within the royal family.

The British Royal Family’s jewelry collection is a legendary assemblage of precious gems, exquisite craftsmanship, and centuries-old history. At the heart of this unparalleled treasure trove lies the personal collection of Queen Elizabeth II, a lifetime’s worth of stunning adornments that have graced the necks, wrists, and fingers of one of the most iconic figures of our time.

The British Royal Family’s jewelry collection is a legendary assemblage of precious gems, exquisite craftsmanship, and centuries-old history. At the heart of this unparalleled treasure trove lies the personal collection of Queen Elizabeth II, a lifetime’s worth of stunning adornments that have graced the necks, wrists, and fingers of one of the most iconic figures of our time.

As the world bids farewell to the queen and ushers in a new era under the reign of King Charles III, all eyes are on the question of who will inherit these priceless heirlooms.

Among the Queen’s most famous and beloved pieces are the breathtaking Japanese Pearl and Diamond choker necklace and the weighty responsibility of ensuring these regal treasures are passed down with the care and reverence they deserve.

The Japanese Pearl Choker: A Timeless Treasure
Among the Queen’s most coveted jewels is the stunning Japanese Pearl and Diamond choker necklace, gifted to the Queen by the Japanese government in the 1970s. This exquisite piece features a central cluster of large lustrous pearls surrounded by a sparkling diamond frame.

Elegant and timeless, the choker has been a fixture in the Queen’s wardrobe, worn on countless formal occasions over the decades. It’s no surprise then that this prized necklace is widely expected to be inherited by Catherine, the Princess of Wales, rather than Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.

The reasoning behind this prediction lies in the shifting dynamics within the royal family. As the wife of Prince William, the heir to the throne, Catherine’s position within the royal hierarchy has become increasingly prominent in the wake of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing. With William now the second in line to the British throne, Catherine’s role as the future Queen Consort has taken on added significance.

The Significance of Succession
The inheritance of the Queen’s jewelry collection is not merely a matter of personal preference or sentiment. It is a reflection of the complex web of tradition, hierarchy, and symbolism that underpins the British monarchy. These regal adornments are not just beautiful accessories but tangible representations of the lineage, power, and legitimacy of the crown.

By bestowing her most iconic pieces upon Catherine, the Queen is effectively passing the torch to the next generation of royal women. It is a gesture that not only honors Catherine’s position as the future Queen Consort but also reinforces the continuity of the monarchy itself.

Queen Camilla reportedly plans to introduce Prince William’s alleged mistress Rose Hanbury into the royal circle while Kate Middleton undergoes cancer treatment.

Queen Camilla reportedly plans to introduce Prince William’s alleged mistress Rose Hanbury into the royal circle while Kate Middleton undergoes cancer treatment.

Murad Merali, a YouTuber who regularly analyzed the latest happenings of the royal family, claimed that the Queen Consort seems to be taking advantage of Catherine’s absence

He claimed that King Charles’s wife had set a rule that prohibited any member of the royal family from wearing a blue dress at the event if she had already chosen to wear one.

However, she once made an exception for Rose, as they were both spotted wearing the same colour outfit at an event.

The royal expert shared that wearing the same colour or shade dress symbolises that you are inviting the person in the royal family.

Murad said, “Camilla tightening her grip on Kate but loosening it on Rose speaks volumes of an alliance. She prefers Rose over Kate.”

He believes Camilla has been kind to Rose because of her aristocratic background, while Princess Kate comes from a common family.

“There are frail issues going on between Camilla and Kate,” said Murad.

The Queen and the Duchess of Edinburgh have stepped out looking supremely elegant in matching blue ensembles.

Both Camilla, 76, and Sophie, 59, selected stylish pastel dresses for a garden party at King Charles’s official Scottish residence, the Palace of Holyroodhouse today. Also joining them at the event was the Duke of Edinburgh, 60.

The wife of Prince Edward has stepped up her royal duties since the King’s coronation, a year ago – particularly recently, after she took on engagements on behalf of the cancer-stricken monarch amid his treatment.

While Her Majesty opted for a stunning long sleeve frock with a lengthy floral pattern at its centre and white leather gloves, the Duchess donned a similar, yet simpler dress decorated only by a large bow placed at the shoulder.

The colours may be a stylish coincidence, or may also signal a possible nod to the nation’s flag colours.

Camilla’s Fiona Clare dress was adorned with intricate trim detailing, and accessorised with a glimmering brooch.

But Sophie wore more understated maxi-dress, featuring additional fabric at the left shoulder, which cinched at the waist.

Both royals also sported similar hats, however the Queen’s Philip Treacy number featured a large blue rose while Sophie’s fascinator was beautified with three feathers.

The pair even opted for the same coloured heels – a pair of nude pumps, Camilla’s shoes differing slightly due to a black pattern at the toe.

While Camilla wore her hair down, Sophie gathered her blonde tresses back – but both went for glamorous, summer evening make-up looks.

The women appeared in high spirits and were photographed greeting various guests in attendance.

King Charles was also on fine form at the garden party today and even asked to stay later than planned order to meet as many people as possible.

His Majesty, accompanied by the Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, greeted hundreds of the 8,000 guests gathered at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, his official Scottish residence.

An official King Charles III portrait that made waves with its bright red color has been targeted by animal rights activists, who stuck pictures on top of it.

Animal Rising said the posters were stuck on with water and would be easily removable as it sought to pressure the king to distance himself from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Members of the group stuck the face of a famous animated character, Wallace from hit comedy franchise Wallace and Gromit, over Charles’ face.

The painting, by Jonathan Yeo, was unveiled in May and immediately turned heads with its striking background color.

Daniel Juniper, involved in Tuesday’s protest at the Philip Mould gallery in London, said in a statement released by Animal Rising: “Even though we hope this is amusing to His Majesty, we also call on him to seriously reconsider if he wants to be associated with the awful suffering across farms being endorsed by the RSPCA.

“Charles has made it clear he is sensitive to the suffering of animals in U.K. farms; now is the perfect time for him to step up and call on the RSPCA to drop the Assured Scheme and tell the truth about animal farming.”

The RSPCA charity, which as of last month counts King Charles as a patron, provides stamps of approval to farm produce considered to meet animal welfare standards.

However, Animal Rising say they investigated 45 assured farms and found a litany of problems. A press release read: “The farms were randomly selected, with investigators finding cruelty and suffering at every single one. The scenes include dead and dying baby chickens, dead pigs left in farm walkways, and salmon being eaten alive by sea lice.

“The report details an alleged 280 legal breaches and 94 breaches of DEFRA regulations, with Animal Rising calling on the RSPCA to drop the scheme.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “We are shocked by this vandalism of His Majesty King, our Patron’s, portrait. We welcome scrutiny of our work, but we cannot condone illegal activity of any kind.