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The real reason Cat Deeley missed her mother-in-law’s funeral has been revealed as her grief-stricken husband Patrick Kielty carried his beloved mother’s coffin

Cat Deeley didn’t attend her mother-in-law’s funeral as her husband Patrick Kielty bravely went without her.

The This Morning host, 48, was notably absent from the service on Monday in County Down, Northern Ireland and now the heartbreaking reason why has been revealed. Greif-stricken Patrick, 54, bid his beloved mother, Mary Kielty, a final farewell as he carried her coffin to her funeral.

Hundreds turned out to line the streets as those close to Mary and her family came together for a ceremony at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dundrum. Patrick wore a grey suit and joined other pallbearers as he carried his mother’s coffin into the church. Mary was reportedly in her 80s at the time of her death – and a notice about her passing described her as a “loving mother” and “devoted grandmother”.

The notice added that she “will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her entire family circle, neighbours and friends”. Mary was the proud mother of Patrick along with his brothers John and Cahal. Patrick’s wife Cat missed the emotional send off at 1pm yesterday. The couple wed in 2012 and share two children – sons Milo, nine, and James, six.

Cat Deeley missed her mother-in-law’s funeral on Monday

Cat remained at home to care for their young sons as the family processed their grief. A spokesperson told The Mirror: “Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.” Patrick’s father, Jack Keilty, had died in 1988 amid the Troubles in Northern Ireland – leaving Mary to raise Patrick and his two brothers.

While Patrick and Cat have high-profile careers as TV presenters, Mary was happy to be out of the spotlight. In 2012 she joined Patrick to help him run with the Olympic torch ahead of the the London Games that year. Patrick has helmed shows for ITV, the BBC, Channel 4 and America’s ABC, but it wasn’t until 2023 that he landed a high-profile job in Ireland when he was announced as the host of the Late Late show.

Patrick has been left heartbroken by the death of his mother, Mary ( 
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PA

Upon taking on the role, Patrick quipped: “Mary Kielty is secretly delighted but not making any real public statements.” Proving he has always been a mother’s boy, Patrick also shared during a recent appearance at the Amgen Irish Open, that Mary still offered to do his laundry for him. He said: “I think Irish mummies never really understand what age their youngsters actually are. So you do get a lot of offers like ‘Do you have any washing’ and I would be like ‘Well no, no that’s done, I’m 53 mum.”

Cat has been hosting This Morning since last year following the departures of both Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. However, Cat said she would not hesitate to quit working on the long-running daytime ITV show if it began to have an impact on her health. Speaking to Grazia magazine, she said: “I don’t feel particularly vulnerable [taking over from Holly and Phil]. And I’d always think about my own mental health. If something was affecting me, or I hated going into work, I’d walk away. It’s more important that I enjoy what I do.”

Irish comedian, Patrick Kielty, paid tribute to his beloved mother, Mary, on the RTE flagship programme, The Late Late Show, following her funeral this week

Patrick Kielty has dedicated the latest episode of The Late Late Show to his beloved mum, Mary, following her funeral this week.

The Irish comedian, 54, who fronts RTE’s flagship TV programme, addressed the audience on Friday night in an emotional tribute. Referencing St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, he said: “When you’re called Patrick, St Patrick’s Day is always special, and the person I have to thank for that and so much more is my mum

“Sadly, we lost her last week and I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who took care of her and took care of our family this week.”

Patrick Kielty carried the coffin of his mother Mary Kielty, following her funeral at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dundrum
He added that his mother, Mary Kielty, whose funeral was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dundrum this week, “watched this show religiously”.

Patrick, who is married to This Morning presenter, Cat Deeley, continued: “She loved it so much she still kept watching even after I got the gig. In over 50 years, Mary never missed a Late Late Show and there was no way she’d want me to miss this one for her tonight. So, I couldn’t be prouder to stand here and say ‘this one’s for you, Mary’. Welcome to The Late Late Show.”

Hi voice audibly breaking, the host appeared to break down before being rallied with a rousing round of applause from his supportive audience members.

Patrick was a pallbearer at his mum’s funeral in Northern Ireland and bravely made his way inside the church for her funeral in County Down on Monday.

Heartbreakingly, his wife, Cat, who shares two young sons with Patrick, was unable to join him for the service as she was looking after the couple’s children. A spokesperson told The Mirror: “Cat remained at home to be there for her two young children before and after school on this very sad day.”

Hundreds turned out to line the streets as those close to Mary and her family came together for a ceremony at the Church. Mary was reportedly in her 80s at the time of her death – and a notice about her passing described her as a “loving mother” and “devoted grandmother”.

Ben Cohen’s ex-wife Abby has spoken out following the news that he and his Strictly Come Dancing star fiancée Kristina Rihanoff called it a day on their romance

Ben Cohen’s ex-wife has issued a blistering remark after his split from Kristina Rihanoff.

Abby Cohen was left heartbroken when Ben revealed that their marriage was over in 2014. He later struck up a romance with Rihanoff, who he met on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. However, their engagement came to an end earlier this year after getting engaged in November 2022.

It was revealed earlier this month that Ben, 46, and Kristina, 47, had been suffering from financial problems before the breakdown of their relationship. Their split has been dubbed the “curse in reverse,” a twist on the Strictly curse which has seen celebrities leave their real life partners and strike up a romance with their professional dancers.

In a new interview, Abby said: “I’m sad for Ben. Our marriage broke down and it’s happening all over again to him, and he’s got another child. He’s got to start again from nothing, in his late forties. He’s going from being so successful as a rugby player to [people] now reading of his business failures.” Abby went on to say she ‘doesn’t want to make Ben look more stupid than he already does.

Abby’s life came crashing to a halt when Ben walked out of their marriage ( 
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Internet Unknown)

The mum said news of his latest break-up brought back the wounds of old, and is left bereft that their daughters will also have to ‘relive the pain’ – along with the sister they share after Kristina welcomed a child with their dad.

Abby says she still has PTSD when she hears the Strictly soundtrack. But while she and Kristina live in the same town, it appears that she has no plans to reconcile or even reach out to her. “We are total opposites. I’m a homemaker. I’m a family girl. I make stews and Sunday dinners,” she went on to tell The Mail on Sunday.

Now, Ben and his Strictly star fiancée Kristina have split ( 
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Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Abby continued: “I don’t know if Kristina does that, but I don’t think so. Me and Kristina are completely different. We look completely different. We like different things. She doesn’t have any wellies, put it that way. She doesn’t pick dog mess off the floor like I have to do every day.”

She once labelled Kristina “that f*****g Russian,” but the pair have never bumped into one another, not even when Ben and Abby’s children have been going between their homes. She believes that the universe has purposely kept the two apart in order to protect her emotions

Abby argued that Ben and Kristina met through ‘lust’ and didn’t have grounds for a solid relationship ( 
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PA)

Following the breakdown of their marriage, Abby said she no longer wanted to be here ( 
Image:
Getty ImagesA source claimed that following their financial woes, they realised that they couldn’t stay together. Speaking to The Sun, a source said that the “past six months has been hell” for the couple which has “torn the love they had apart”. The source went on to comment: “For the sake of their family, they have chosen to go forward as separate individuals. Those close to them who know them as a couple had hoped they would be able to work things out but for now it’s over and it looks like there’s no going back.”

In an interview with The Sun, Abby argued that Ben and Kristina’s relationship was far from strong due to how they met. She told the publication: “How they met is not, in my opinion, a solid enough foundation because it was all about lust and was a physical thing. It wasn’t an organic way to meet.”Reflecting on the breakdown of her marriage, Abby heartbreakingly said: “I was in a mess, I didn’t want to be here any more. I was really poorly. I sought help and support. I was really sad for a long time.” Speaking in 2015, she fumed: “My husband, who I was with for 23 years, unconditionally loved and was completely loyal to in every respect, has left me for a f**king Russian dancer. The last two years have been the most traumatic thing to ever happen to me. He’s done the dirty on me. I want people to know.”

When his father Charles became King, Prince William took over the running of the huge Duchy of Cornwall estate – and previous comments about running the estate from the heir to the throne prompted an emotional reaction from the monarch

King Charles and Prince William have seen much upheaval in recent years since the death of the late Queen.

Both have had their royal roles change dramatically with Charles ascending to the throne and William becoming the Prince of Wales. When William was bestowed with his new title, it also came with the title of Duke of Cornwall and responsibility for overseeing the vast Duchy of Cornwall estate. It was previously run by Charles for more than 50 years when he was Prince of Wales and he took great interest in its success.

And during an ITV documentary, Prince Charles: Inside the Duchy of Cornwall, viewers saw Charles open up like never before – where he revealed how a comment by his eldest son about the estate reduced him to tears.

William took over the running of the Duchy of Cornwall from his father ( 
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Getty Images)
In a clip, viewers saw William talking to a second-generational farmer, Mervyn Keeling, about his private estate. William, thinking about the future at the time, said: “I’ve started to think about how I will inherit the Duchy one day and what I do with it. I think it’s really important, the family angle, I really do.

Viewers were then shown a clip of Charles, who reflected on the conversation between his son and the farmer. He revealed: “When I saw it, I couldn’t believe it. I was deeply touched and moved by what he said. Frankly, it reduced me to tears. It did, really. Because, I suddenly thought, well, just hearing that from him has made the last 50 years worthwhile.”

Now, since becoming the Duke of Cornwall, William has taken full responsibility for the Duchy of Cornwall – and beginning to make his own mark on it

He previously announced plans to build houses on Duchy land to tackle homelessness, with 24 homes in Nansledan, Newquay, alongside “wrap-around support” for local people to create a path to a permanent home.

Tackling homelessness is a major long-term focus for William, who has told how visiting shelters with his late mother Diana, Princess of Wales as a child left a deep and lasting impression and inspired his work. His campaign Homewards aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, “making it rare, brief and unrepeated”.

Six Homewards locations were chosen – Newport, Lambeth, Belfast, Aberdeen, Sheffield and three neighbouring Dorset towns, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch – with the aim of delivering bespoke solutions to issues in each area.

Meghan Markle has faced a string of scathing reviews after the release of her Netflix show With Love, Meghan – but one royal expert has some advice for the duchess after it was revealed the show will be returning

The reviews are in for Meghan Markle’s Netflix show – and some would have been tough reading for the Duchess.

With Love, Meghan, which sees her share cooking and hosting tips and tricks, was seen as a make-or-break for the Sussexes’ multi-million dollar with Netflix, which they signed in 2020 when they dramatically quit their royal roles. But it has been savaged by critics both in the UK and the US – and only just scraped into Netflix’s global to 10 next week, with 12.6million hours watched. This compares to 97.9million hours watched in the first week the controversial Harry & Meghan docuseries was released

With Love, Meghan shows the Duchess cooking with friends and influencers ( 
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COURTESY OF NETFLIX)

And royal expert Jennie Bond has advice for Meghan as she tries to move on from the criticism. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “As regards the negative reviews, I hope she hasn’t wasted her time reading them. The pile-on of utter mockery about her show has, in my opinion, been completely out of order. Even cruel.”

But despite the savage reviews, it was revealed that the show will be returning to the platform later this year, as it has been revealed a second series of the programme is on the way. Meghan posted on her Instagram stories with a video of her wearing a hat with the writing “lettuce romaine calm” on it and grinning, then turning and putting her hands in the air.

The caption on the Instagram story said: “Lettuce romaine calm… or not (!) because I’m thrilled to share that Season 2 of ‘With Love, Meghan’ is coming!”

And Jennie added that Meghan should not make any wholesale changes when it comes to the new series, despite the reviews. She added: “It is a lifestyle show. It is not a political debate or an analysis of global affairs. It’s not meant to have any great substance.

Meghan in the show with Mindy Kaling ( 
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JUSTIN COIT/NETFLIX)
“It is a show about making things pretty or tasty or comfortable. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else. So I don’t think Meghan should change anything about it for her next series, which has already apparently been shot.

“The crew who worked on it have spoken about how charming and hospitable she was. That’s refreshing to hear. The show has quite a few handy little tips if you’re interested. And if you’re not, then the answer is blindingly obvious: don’t watch it. But leave the poor woman alone and stop the bitchy comments.”

The prince makes just one appearance at the end of the first season’s final episode when he joins Meghan, her mother Doria Ragland and friends for an outdoor celebratory brunch.

In what is likely to be seen as a nod to the restrictions she felt within the royal family, Meghan raises a toast, saying: “This feels like a new chapter that I’m so excited that I get to share and I’ve been able to learn from all of you. So I just thank you for all the love and support. And here we go, there’s a business. All of that is just part of that creativity that I’ve missed so much, so thank you for loving me so much and celebrating with me.”

And Jennie said: “Harry has made it clear that he regards this as Meghan‘s moment to shine: it is her project and her show. He knows perfectly well that whatever he says or does on camera would take attention away from his wife

Coleen Rooney knows how Danny Jones’ wife must be feeling after his Maura Higgins kiss, a source tells us as the star reaches out to her former jungle campmate amid the scandal

It’s fair to say that Danny Jones and his wife Georgia Horsley have had a hellish time since the McFly singer was seen sharing a kiss with Maura Higgins during a Brits afterparty earlier this month. The couple, although yet to publicly address the scandal, are rumoured to be trying to work things out. And one person who knows what it’s like to have their relationship thrust under the microscope is Danny’s I’m A Celeb co-star Coleen Rooney.

The WAG, who has been with former Manchester United legend Wayne since she was 16, has battled her share of public trials and tribulations with the footballer amid numerous cheating scandals. And a source claims that this offers her a real insight into the kind of turmoil Georgia must be currently experiencing. “Coleen knows how it feels to be in Georgia’s position. She’s been there with Wayne when it comes to public scandals, so she can imagine what she will be going through. She does really feel for Georgia and feels like she’s been there and got the T-shirt,” says the source

Coleen and Wayne have experienced their own issues ( 
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Getty Images

But Coleen, 38, showed she was rooting for both of them last Wednesday – less than two weeks after the scandal broke – when she became one of the stars to comment on Danny’s birthday on social media. Alongside a photo of the musician coaching one of her sons on playing the guitar, she wrote on her Instagram Story, “Have a great day.” Coleen had also put a sticker reading “happy birthday” above her caption on the photo.

She’s not the only former campmate to do so, with Corrie star Alan Halsall, 42, also posting a message for Danny. He uploaded a photo of them together from their time in the Australian jungle and wrote “Happy birthday” next to it. Coleen and Danny, 39, appeared in I’m A Celebrity in November, alongside Maura, 34. Striking up a close friendship, Coleen only narrowly missed out on winning the show to Danny, who went on to be crowned King Of The Jungle.

Coleen was runner-up to Danny in the jungle ( 
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James Gourley/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Viewers were also treated to a sweet moment when Georgia, 38, and the son she shares with Danny, seven-year-old Cooper, had an emotional reunion with the singer in the jungle. But fast forward to this month and fans were left shocked when a video circulated online of Danny seemingly sharing a drunken kiss with Maura while they partied at the Universal Music Brits afterparty.

After attending the annual awards ceremony separately, the co-stars headed to the bash together alongside fellow campmate Oti Mabuse. But seemingly getting closer throughout the evening, they were later seen sharing the smooch in the early hours, before heading to another afterparty together at London’s Nobu Hotel.

Following the release of the clips, Maura and Danny have remained silent and are still yet to speak out on the incident. However, Maura jetted off to LA last week to continue with planned work while Danny was seen heading out for a coffee with Georgia – apparently signalling that the couple are working through the incident.

While Coleen wasn’t at the Brits with her former campmates, she did strike up a close friendship with the group in the jungle – and our source claims the mum-of-four is there for Georgia. They said, “Coleen got close with Danny in the jungle and met Georgia afterwards, but she didn’t stay particularly close with her and isn’t one to insert herself into drama – Coleen keeps herself to herself. But she has made it clear she’s there for Georgia if she needs it because it’s not an easy thing to go through.”

Danny and Georgia attended the NTAs together last year ( 
Image:
Getty Images for the NTA’s)

But Danny was joined by Tom Fletcher at the BRITs ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)Coleen’s relationship has come under scrutiny over the years with Wayne being linked to cheating scandals. Admitting that she stuck by him because there was “still love” between them, Coleen said last year, “You could draw a line under it but, with me and Wayne, I’ve always said, there was always love still there. So why throw it away when you can work at it?

If you work at it, and it doesn’t work, then forget about it and go your own separate ways. But, there’s always been love… we never wanted to part.”

Now, as it’s reported Danny and Georgia are in “crisis talks” over their relationship, the source claims Coleen and Wayne are an inspiring example for the couple of how a marriage can survive what, at the time, can sometimes seem unsurvivable. The source said, “Coleen knows things can look worse from the outside than they really are and that couples can get through it, like she and Wayne have, and be strong again. So that’s her stance on it.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales have appeared to many as noticeably more loved-up on their recent public outings – and one royal expert believes it comes after the couple faced a turning point after a make-or-break crisis

From holding hands to exchanging tender touches, the Prince and Princess of Wales seem more loved up than ever in public.

The pair were captured in a sweet moment at the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, beaming at each other as they enjoyed musical performances. It comes just after they were caught clutching each other’s hands as they went to catch their train after a day of engagements in Wales.

For some, the PDAs marked changed from earlier in their marriage when on public engagements, where they appeared more formal. And for royal expert Jennie Bond, the marked change comes down to one clear reason.

The pair share a sweet exchange on Commonwealth Day ( 
Image:
PA)
The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror : “I think a turning point in how William and Catherine behave towards one another in public was the hugely emotional and very beautiful video she released announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment

“It was more personal and intimate than any film I’ve ever seen of the Royal Family. So, now that we all appreciate just how much they love one another and have seen how tender and tactile they are together, there’s no reason to be quite so formal when they are out in public these days.

“There’s also no doubt that something as shocking as a cancer diagnosis in your early 40s is a wake-up call to appreciate and show your love for the people who mean most to you. William has been Catherine’s absolute rock through the past brutal 15 months, and Catherine’s courage in facing up to her cancer has left him full of pride and admiration for the wife he adores.

Kate in a tender moment with husband Prince William announcing the end of her chemotherapy treatment
“A crisis like this can make or break, and it seems certain to me that all they’ve been through in the past year or so has made what was already a happy marriage even more solid.” Kate’s appearance at the Commonwealth Day service came after she was forced to miss the event last year following her cancer diagnosis. Now in remission, the princess has a busy few days ahead.

Later today she will be in Cardiff to cheer on England in her royal as rugby patron as they take on Wales in the Six Nations. Then on Monday, she will join the Irish Guards for their annual St Patrick’s Day parade in her role as the colonel of the regiment

And Jennie noted: “Even though the Palace is still advising that the Princess is by no means returning to full-time Royal duties yet, we have seen a surprising amount of her so far this year. And she is looking radiant and delighted to be back in the public arena. She is most certainly the star of the royal show.

“As ‘the season’ begins to get underway – with the Chelsea Flower Show, Royal Ascot, the Garter service and Trooping etc– I’m sure Catherine will attend as many of the big events as she feels able. But, behind the scenes, I think she will also be continuing her research and support for the Early Years and Shaping Up campaigns which mean so much to her.

“But she also has quite a big job on her hands bringing up three boisterous children, who have lived through an extraordinarily difficult year. And I think the Easter school holidays will once again be ring-fenced as much as possible for William and Catherine to have fun with their kids.”

This Morning’s presenter Dermot O’Leary was left in shock during today’s show when he was beaten by his colleagues in a list of presenters with the most soothing voices

This Morning’s Dermot O’Leary has claimed that he’ll “never work” with one particular company in mock outrage after being snubbed in their list of presenters with the most soothing voices.

Celebrating World Sleep Day, presenter Alison Hammond read out a list of presenters with the most soothing voices on the show, sharing how Josie Gibson was at number 28.

Reading out the rest of the list, contributor Tom Swarbrick said: “At number 12 on the soothing voice list, This Morning’s very own Cat Deeley. A West Midlands lilt. At number nine, Alison Hammond.”

Alison said: “I didn’t know that I was that soothing.”

Dermot was left disappointed after being snubbed from the list ( 
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Tom added: “Silver spot is reserved for our very own, dearly beloved, Ben Shephard everybody.”

As everyone waited with baited breath for Dermot, Tom revealed that it was actually Ken Bruce at number one – with Dermot not making the list.

“Which bunch of jokers commissioned this?” he said in mock outraged.

“Pukka Herbs! I’ll never been doing any work for Pukka Herbs. Pukka Pies if you’re on the line, give me a call. They’ve put together a list of soothing voices. I do Saturday morning radio!”

Earlier today, Vanessa Feltz announced that she would be quitting This Morning after 33 years on the show. The 63-year-old has regularly appeared as a contributor on the ITV series but will be leaving the show to host her own Channel 5 series.

Vanessa told the Daily Star newspaper: “I’ve been on This Morning since 1992. It’s been a long time . But I’m now doing my own show and I can’t do both.”

She added: “When I told everyone I wouldn’t be able to do the show anymore, they were lovely about it. I heard from Alison Hammond and Holly Willoughby immediately and the bosses were charming. I’ll miss working with them all

She said: “I have learned lots of stuff on This Morning. When I first did it, I had never been on TV before. I didn’t know what was going on. I was bamboozled but they gave me a contract.” And Vanessa “couldn’t be more excited” about her new talk show. She gushed: “This is a fantastic opportunity and I couldn’t be more excited. It feels marvellous.”

Earlier this week, fans of This Morning were left fuming when the show was cut off air for ITV’s Cheltenham Festival coverage. “Wait what happened to this morning? And why is the news on?” one fan said.

Great British Bake Off star Prue Leith has revealed that she “wouldn’t watch” Meghan Markle’s Netflix show during a live appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain

Prue Leith has given her honest opinion on Meghan Markle’s Netflix show, revealing on Good Morning Britain: “I’m not a Meghan Markle fan.”

Prue appeared on the ITV show alongside her husband John Playfair to chat about their new show Cotswold Kitchen when she was asked about Meghan’s series With Love, Meghan.

“The new Meghan Markle series – have you seen it?” Rob asked, with Kate saying: “We love Meghan.”

However, Prue didn’t feel the same. “No – I’ve only read about it but I honestly wouldn’t watch it.”

Bake Off star Prue Leith gave her verdict on With Love, Meghan

Meghan Markle’s Netflix series will be back for a second series ( 
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Netflix)

When pushed on why, Prue said: “I’m not a Meghan Markle fan. All that touchy-feely, endless worrying about what creams you put on your hands.

“I just think there’s more to life than how you look and how your friends think of you. I’ve probably alienated half my fans.”

With Love, Meghan follows the Duchess of Sussex as she invites a number of celebrity pals over to make honey, create bath bombs and take on a number of other DIY projects at home.

The series has received mixed reviews since its release earlier this month, with even some former celebrity supporters turning on the show.

Comedian Katherine Ryan recently revealed that while she was “rooting” for the Duchess, she is “very Hollywood”.

She said: “I see now, and maybe it’s just the projects she’s choosing, it does feel like she has lied about whether she knew who Prince Harry was, and these details about her childhood change and don’t add up.

“She said on her new Netflix show that they ate TV dinners growing up. But then in an old interview, she was like, ‘we would eat farm fresh.’ Her whole act just seems very manicured and very forced.”

Last week, Netflix announced that With Love, Meghan had been renewed for a second series, shocking experts across the industry including Jon Roseman.

The pundit said: “This is absurd. There must be desperation involved if Meghan has got something so wrong, and all the critics hate it, and then Netflix announces: ‘We have done another series.’

“I’m guessing a lot of pressure has come to bear. It makes perfect sense, though, when you find out that the second series was already filmed.”

Others pointed out how there may be “subtle digs” about the Royal Family within the series, with branding expert Lynn Carratt of Press Box PR revealing: “There are a few messages Meghan is clearly trying to convey in this documentary. She is trying to show herself as the perfect mum, the perfect and happiest wife, the perfect cook, the perfect host, the perfect friend.

“It’s all very carefully curated and aesthetically pleasing. Her subtle digs to the royal family, and to Kate and William perhaps in particular, seem to be, ‘Look at me, I’m happy thank you very much, living my picture-perfect Californian life, Harry and I made the right decision by quitting the royal family.’

Prince William has opened up in an interview about one of his favourite hobbies and has admitted how it keeps him online for ‘ages’ as he trawls online forums giving his opinions

Prince William has admitted he spends ‘ages’ on internet forums, where he posts using a secret name

The Prince of Wales has opened up in a new interview about his love of football and his favourite team, Aston Villa, explaining his unusual match-day rituals. The heir to the throne has been a long-time fan of the Midlands club and was there to support them earlier this week as they reached the Champions League quarter-finals with victory over Club Brugge

Before the game, he said his interest in the club grew when Villa were relegated to the Championship in 2016, a few years after finishing sixth in the Premier League. “The rise of the smartphone” made him even more invested as it became possible to track and discuss a team’s progress all the time.

Prince William is known to be a huge football fan ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
And he told The Sun: “I’d grown up looking at Ceefax on the television or the back pages of newspapers and if you didn’t have those to hand you were a bit out of the loop.” He added: “I like going on the forums, I can be on there for ages. I listen to what other fans have to say and give them my opinions. I get quite into it, definitely. It’s important to have that debate

Elsewhere in the interview, he also revealed that his children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have Villa shirts, among others, but he is not forcing them to support his team, he said. He explained: “I’m kind of hoping they’ll all find their own teams in time. They don’t all have to be Villa fans.

“I’m trying not to be biased but obviously they see how passionate I am about it and they watch the matches with me. I’m trying to spread the love a little bit. They do have Villa shirts, and ask to come to games with me, but they have other shirts as well. There’s been a bit of courting going on by other managers too.”

William celebrates as Aston Villa score in their Champions League match against Club Brugge ( 
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Getty Images)
William also told the publication he moves his children around the house to bring good luck when games are not going Villa’s way and said: “If we’re not doing very well, I start moving round the house quite quickly and I put the children in different positions hoping that’s going to change our luck

He also said he fell in love with the Premier League club after being taken to matches by family friends when he was younger. During the interview at Villa’s training ground, William, 42, explained: “With the camaraderie among the fans and the chanting and the singing, I just felt like I belonged there.”

The prince also revealed one of his hardest challenges as FA president was consoling players after the Euro 2024 final defeat. “That was the hardest changing room atmosphere I’ve ever had to walk into,” he admitted.

But a World Cup win next year is “definitely possible”, he said, praising new England manager Thomas Tuchel as “exactly the right person” for the job