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  • Britain’s Got Talent’s Jonathan Antoine’s life after show from weight loss to diagnosis

    Britain’s Got Talent’s Jonathan Antoine’s life after show from weight loss to diagnosis

    Jonathan Antoine impressed the judges and viewers when he appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2012 with his singing partner Charlotte Jaconelli, but what has he been up to since then?

    Jonathan Antoine’s rise to fame on Britain’s Got Talent is well-remembered, but he has faced away from the show.

    The talent competition, a staple of ITV’s entertainment lineup, is back tonight for its astonishing 18th season. Judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli are all set to scour the UK for fresh talent destined for the Royal Variety stage. Twelve years ago, during the sixth season of Britain’s Got Talent, a then 17-year-old Jonathan wowed everyone with a stunning audition.

    He performed The Prayer alongside Charlotte Jaconelli with his classically trained voice. His vocal prowess drew high praise from judge Simon Cowell, who likened him to the opera legend Luciano Pavarotti. Jonathan’s journey on the show was packed with memorable performances that took him all the way to the final, but he ultimately lost out to the charming dog act Ashleigh and Pudsey.

    Echoing Cowell’s sentiments, many were spellbound by Jonathan’s voice, evocative of the great Pavarotti. Opening up about his Britain’s Got Talent experience with the Mirror, the singer admitted the sting of defeat was far from superficial: “I remember the feeling of the organs sinking. I didn’t cry on stage.”

    Charlotte Jaconelli and Jonathan Antoine
    Jonathan and Charlotte were runners up on their series 
    Image:
    Redferns via Getty Images)

    Reflecting on his journey since Britain’s Got Talent, Jonathan shared some profound thoughts about the nature of success and competition. “You have to then think, with Ashleigh and Pudsey, their mission with animals, they’ll probably do more responsible things with that than I ever would. Wonderful people as well. Just remembering everyone that comes above or below you is made of the same stuff. We’re all flesh and blood and electricity coursing through them. That’s how you stay not depressed.”

    Despite not clinching the top spot, coming second was a springboard for Jonathan and Charlotte, who quickly signed a £1m record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco. They released their first album Together in September 2012 and followed up with Perhaps Love in August 2013. However, by February 2014, they parted ways after both were offered solo deals by Sony Classical.

    Simon had nudged Jonathan towards a solo career during his time on BGT, an ambition Jonathan always harbored. He explained: “Charlotte raised up my confidence to the level I could go on BGT and we made something beautiful. Neither of us had been ensemble artists, we loved solo performances, so it was the natural evolution of the thing. There’s only so much a crossover classical duo can actually do without starting to reinvent the whole thing. At the point I had the necessary confidence and understood myself a bit more I felt it was time to make the leap.”

    Jonathan’s solo career has taken off, with his debut album, Tenore, topping the Classical Artist Album chart and tours in the UK and US. Now, he keeps his fans in the loop via regular updates on Instagram. Last year, to mark Autism Awareness Day, he shared his autism diagnosis from two years prior.

    He confessed: “I got my diagnosis in 2022, not long after my 27th birthday, and for a short while fell into it like a daydream. The recontextualisation of a life already lived is a scary thing to reckon with, but those things done are already set – there is no going back from here! I still don’t know what exactly I have to contribute to the broader discussion, I’m in the process of finding out what it all means to me in the first place, but perhaps the naiveties of that process are novel enough to write down, so I try regardless.

    Jonathan Antoine
    He has detailed his weight loss journey 
    Image:
    jonantoine/Instagram)

    Charlotte Jaconelli and Jonathan Antoine
    The singer revealed his autism diagnosis with fans 
    Image:
    Ken McKay)
    “Much as in our ideological tendencies I would wager that the vast majority of people lie somewhere away from the most extreme ends of a given spectrum, and indeed that those ‘ends’ really blur together in strange and interesting ways and loop back around through hidden channels -though I only have anecdotal evidence backing my opinion. I have met many people who are ‘normal’, but I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone totally ‘neurotypical’.”

    Jonathan expressed his thoughts on the intricacies of human perception, stating: “Our inner and outer worlds are so vastly different, and by ‘our’ here I mean people in general. We cultivate inner spaces that twist our outer material world and then expect that outer world to conform to our personal interpretations of it. The filter of our perception generates necessary atypicalities, divergences from ‘base reality’. We all get our own little ‘Matrix’ hidden just behind our eyes, and we each see a different tint over the real world. It’s good practice to try and imagine just what kind of lens someone else is viewing the world through. Something to bring yourself closer to others, a little way to love yourself.”

    He continued, “So be kind, look a while through someone else’s glasses, and revel in how beautifully different we each are to one another. All my love, as sincerely as it could be given.” Jonathan also discussed his recent efforts to adopt a healthier lifestyle and shed some weight. He revealed: “I’ve still got a lot to lose but I’m making my way. I feel stronger and healthier than I have in 10 years, which is a lot. This year I’ve made an active choice. I’ve felt I’ve lacked the discipline a lot.”

    “When I was out in America it’s fast food everywhere. I was in a terrible state in the start of the year and I’ve been able to claw my way back doing light exercise. I’m a very big fella so heavy exercise would just tear me up. I’m working my way up, thinking about what I eat because that is important.” Having adopted a daily routine of walking 10,000 steps – even if it means pacing around a room – Jonathan has found a renewed sense of engagement with life. He confessed: “For a long time I was just experiencing life, letting life live me, trying to find the next pleasure. Taking control of your own life, seizing your world with your hands, is very gratifying.”

  • Prince Harry and Meghan Markle planning to pass on key duty to Archie and Lilibet

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle planning to pass on key duty to Archie and Lilibet

    A new report has claimed that there is one aspect of their charitable work above all else that Meghan and Harry want their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to continue when they are grown up

    There is one major project that Prince Harry, 40, has been working on for years that he reportedly hopes his children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, will take over one day.

    He and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 43, both share the desire that their children will pick up this important part of their legacy when the time comes the new report claimed.

    The project is none other than the Invictus Games, which Harry launched back in 2014. The Invictus Games see injured service-people compete at an elite level in a variety of sporting activities and Harry has continued to work on the charitable endeavour since stepping back as a working royal in 2020.

    The games were also the subject of a documentary Harry and Meghan produced as part of their multi-year deal with streaming giant Netflix, and the series Heart of Invictus followed competitors readying themselves to take part in the games.

    The report in The Express saw an insider source claim that Meghan will be joining Harry at the upcoming winter Invictus Games in Vancouver – where the couple spent time before deciding to leave life as full-time working royals behind for good – from 8 February to 16 February.

    “It was important for the Sussexes to appear together at such a worthwhile event,” the source told the outlet, adding that one day Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will one day continue their parent’s work with injured veterans. “The Invictus Games is a Sussex initiative and something they want their children to continue once they get older.”

    Harry meghan archie lilibet
    Harry and Meghan want Archie and Lilibet to continue their work with Invictus 
    Image:
    ARCHWELL)
    In his memoir Spare, Harry explained that the idea for the Invictus Games was inspired after a visit to the US had taken him to the Warrior Games – a similar initiative for wounded former service-people when he witnessed the healing power sport had for the veterans to deal with the wounds they had suffered during their service.

    On the way home he considered making something of a bigger scale that could draw a lot of attention to the cause and began working on the project – although it was a long road to making it a reality.

    “I realised how badly I wanted this,” Harry wrote when he described the day he pitched it to the Royal Foundation’s Board, “For the soldiers and their families, and if I’m being honest: for myself.”

    Once Harry had secured the funding for the project, he enlisted the help of Sir Keith Mills who had helped organise the London 2012 Olympics.

    Together they pulled together the first Invictus Games in London in 2014, in line with the 100-year anniversary of the First World War and it was a total “hit”.

    “I knew Invictus would do some good in the world,” Harry wrote of the first games.

    “I always knew, but I was caught off guard by [the] wave of appreciation and gratitude. And Joy,” that he witnessed from the participants and their families about what a difference the games had made in their lives.

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  • Prince Harry makes heartfelt plea in new appearance as Meghan faces another setback

    Prince Harry makes heartfelt plea in new appearance as Meghan faces another setback

    Prince Harry has broken his cover in making a surprise appearance to support a cause close to his heart in a video filmed at the Montecito home he shares with Meghan Markle

    Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle have had a difficult start to 2025. But he put all that aside and stepped back into the spotlight this week in order to champion a cause close to his heart.

    The Duke, 40, has appeared in a new video message in support of WellChild, one of his long-standing patronages. Speaking from his home in Montecito, California, Harry said it is a “true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community”

    Harry, who has been a patron of the charity since 2007, said: “The WellChild Awards recognise and celebrate the growing number of young people with complex medical conditions from across the United Kingdom, as well as those who go the extra mile to care for them.

    “They allow us to shine a spotlight on the remarkable stories of strength, resilience and courage that they demonstrate every single day. And this year is especially significant as we celebrate the 20th WellChild Awards.

    “It is a true privilege to honour the bravery and compassion of this incredible community. And to make this happen, we need your help to nominate the exceptional people who inspire you every single day.

    “Your support can make all the difference. Please join us in recognising the amazing individuals who will be honored at the 2025 WellChild Awards!” It follows the news that Meghan has reportedly suffered another setback after her Netflix series was postponed, and she and Harry were hauled over the coals in a brutal Vanity Fair article.

    Earlier this month, it was announced that With Love, Meghan, was being postponed due to the devastating wildfires that had been sweeping across Los Angeles, and a short time later, both Meghan and Harry were branded “disaster tourists” after helping out at a food distribution centre for victims of the fires.

    The couple then also had to contend with a savage article in Vanity Fair magazine, which made claims about what it is like to work for the couple and even featured complaints from the neighbours in their town of Montecito.

    Now, it seems Meghan has had to face another challenge—a delay to a new podcast series of episodes. According to HELLO!, the episodes have been pushed back in the same manner as With Love, Meghan after the Duchess said she wanted to focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires” in her home state of California.

    Meghan signed a deal with Lemonada Media around a year ago to produce new podcasts. Last February, Meghan said she was “proud” to share that she’s joined Lemonada to continue her “love of podcasting”.

    Harry and Meghan initially teamed up with Spotify in 2020 when they signed a lucrative $25million (£19million) deal with the giant streaming service. However, the partnership came to an abrupt and sudden end in 2023 after the couple produced just 12 episodes of one standalone podcast, Archetypes, which was hosted by Meghan.

    Spotify and Archewell Audio released a joint statement in June 2023 saying they had “mutually agreed to part ways and are proud of the series we made together”. But sources close to Spotify said the royal couple did not meet the productivity benchmark required to receive the full headline payout from the deal, having only produced one 12-episode series, the Wall Street Journal reported.

  • Prince Harry’s blunt response when asked if he’d return to royal duties with Meghan

    Prince Harry’s blunt response when asked if he’d return to royal duties with Meghan

    The Duke of Sussex was questioned on whether he could ever see himself officially returning to royal life – and he had a frank 11-word answer for TV’s Good Morning America host Michael Strahan

    It’s been six years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the shock announcement that they were quitting royal life.

    In that time, the couple have established a new life for themselves in California – but after a series of public attacks on the royal family, they are now all but estranged from The Firm. And it was while he was promoting his bombshell tell-all memoir Spare that Harry was asked if he would ever return to royal duties with Meghan.

    He had an abrupt 11-word response. “No, I don’t think it is ever going to be possible,” he stated.

    “Even if there is an agreement or an arrangement between me and my family, there is that third party that is going to do everything they can to make sure that isn’t possible. Not stopping us going back, but making it unsurvivable.”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walking to church with Prince William, Kate Middleton and King Charles in 2018
    Harry and Meghan quit royal life in January 2020 
    Image:
    UK Press via Getty Images)

    It seems the feeling is mutual; Prince William is said to have made it very clear that his younger brother is not welcome back in the royal fold. Harry and Meghan have lashed out on a number of occasions against his family, beginning with their Oprah Winfrey interview in 2021, followed by the Netflix 2022 docuseries Harry and Meghan.

    Then came Spare – said to be the final nail in the coffin for William and Harry’s once close relationship. The future king was said to have been especially angered by Harry’s remarks about Princess Kate.

    Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine, noted: “Harry’s decision to drag Kate into this narrative was both unnecessary and hurtful. She’s always been the epitome of grace under pressure, and this incident paints a distorted picture of who she really is.”

    Royal expert Katie Nicholl said: “I do know that William was very angry that Harry had drawn Kate into it when he felt Kate was blameless throughout. She acted very much as the peacekeeper, she tried to get the brothers back on an even keel, and for Kate to be dragged into this mucky saga was upsetting for her and certainly did infuriate William.”

    Former royal correspondent Charles Rae, meanwhile, said that the pain Harry has caused may mean that William and Kate, who are protective over their family and committed to their royal duties, may never forgive the Duke. Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Charles said: “Well, I think it is down to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to make the first move.

    “Whether or not it would be accepted by William and Catherine, I doubt very much it would be. There’s too much water which has gone under that bridge. After everything Harry and Meghan have done with the Oprah Winfrey interview, that Netflix show… Spare.

    “The flamboyant curtsey by Meghan on the show as well. There’s too much gone under the bridge now. If they’re going to make the move, I am not so sure William and Catherine would respond favourably.”

  • Exclusive: Expert shares Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s UK return plans after new royal baby

    Exclusive: Expert shares Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s UK return plans after new royal baby

    Princess Beatrice and her sister are believed to have remained close to Harry and Meghan following their royal exit – but will the Sussexes head back to the UK to meet Beatrice’s new baby?

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are largely estranged from the royal family – but there are two members said to still be in touch with the couple, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.

    The sisters are believed to have remained close to their cousin and his wife following their exit from royal life and relocation to the States. And it’s prompted royal fans to question whether the Sussexes will secretly head back to the UK in order to meet Beatrice’s newborn daughter.

    Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi welcomed their second daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. They shared the happy news one week later, on 29 January, sharing that the premature baby was born weighing four pounds and five ounces.

    According to royal expert Jennie Bond, the proud new parents will have wanted to share their joy with all members of the family – including Harry and Meghan. Jennie told the Mirror: “I imagine that Beatrice has already pinged a picture or two [or Athena] to Harry and Meghan.”

    As to whether the Sussexes will travel to meet the new arrival, she continued: “I don’t think it will hasten a visit by them to the UK, but perhaps if charity work or business brings Harry this way he’ll be keen to meet his new cousin.”

    Jennie also reflected on the impact Athena’s arrival will have on the royals. “This was lovely news,” she said. “After the brutality of last year for so many of the Royal Family, 2025 is looking altogether brighter. It must have been rather alarming to have such a premature and tiny baby. I think the hospital has to be commended for keeping the birth completely confidential for a week. But all, it seems, is well and the family are obviously delighted.

    “I think family has become ever more important for the beleaguered Prince Andrew , and perhaps one of his main roles in life these days is to be a doting grandad. And I’m sure that Fergie will be just as besotted as little Athena’s parents clearly are. I think it’s a rather lovely name and it’s about time that the Royal family moved away from strictly traditional names. These days everyone seems to be coming up with unusual names – though I’m sure in a month or two there will be Athenas popping up everywhere.”

    Beatrice and Edoardo are also parents to three-year-old Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, while Edoardo is a proud dad to eight-year-old son Wolfie from a previous relationship.Buckingham Palace announced the happy news of Athena’s arrival in a statement that read: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter, Athena Elizabeth Rose Mapelli Mozzi, born on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 12.57pm, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London. The baby was born weighing four pounds and five ounces. Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the royal family have all been informed and are delighted with the news.”

  • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to ‘make major pivot and hand over reigns of brand’

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to ‘make major pivot and hand over reigns of brand’

    After a scathing Vanity Fair article, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are reportedly set to make a major pivot from their previous PR strategy and ‘hand over the reigns of their brand’ a report has claimed

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry are poised to make a major pivot in their PR strategy, a new report has claimed.

    The change in approach comes after new allegations emerged that some of Meghan’s employees found her a challenging boss to work with, allegations that the couple were said to have found “distressing”.

    One employee was reported by Vanity Fair to have undertaken “long-term therapy” after their time working with the Duchess, with others taking “extended breaks” after the experience.

    These claims came only months after other allegations about Meghan “bullying” staff were published in the Hollywood Reporter, which included allegations that she had made “grown men” cry and acted like a “dictator”.

    Meghan Markle
    Meghan and Harry are set to make a major pivot

    After months of mostly solo appearances and working separately the Sussexes are poised to take a new approach and hand over “the reigns” of their PR strategy to an expert, The Express has reported.

    The couple has reportedly employed PR firm Three Gate Strategies – run by their former Head of Communications, Ashley Henson – who will take care of their public branding.

    “There will be a renewed focus on the Sussexes as a couple, as a brand, and showcasing them as a couple and family,” an insider explained to the outlet.

    “The Sussexes have decided to step back a little and let Ashley take the reins on their PR plan.”

    The extensive damning allegations published in Vanity Fair did not paint an entirely clear picture of Meghan’s management style, however, with some former employees noting that their experience of working with the Duchess had been very positive.

    Ashley Hansen, the couple’s new PR guru, previously spoke on the record about her experiences working with the couple as their Head of Communications to US Weekly.

    When Ashley had to have major surgery, she said Meghan and Harry went above and beyond to support her.

    “When I told them, I was met with the kind of concern and care a parent would express if it were their own child,” she told the magazine, adding: “I was asked what I needed, how and if they could help, and told to take as much time as I needed.”

    The PR expert added that they also sent her thoughtful gifts when she was unwell, “but most profoundly to me, Meghan would personally reach out to my husband daily to make sure that we both were OK and had support…it meant so much to him and even more to me. You don’t realize how much that kind of kindness and thought means until you need it.”

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  • Royal fans all say the same thing as Meghan Markle’s pal accidentally leaks photo of Archie and Lilibet

    Royal fans all say the same thing as Meghan Markle’s pal accidentally leaks photo of Archie and Lilibet

    Eagle-eyed royal fans spotted one of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent Christmas cards and all said the same thing about Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet

    Royals fans have all said the same thing after a friend of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle accidentally shared a photo of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

    Over the festive period, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave a rare peek at Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, as they shared their official Christmas card. The card, which was set through the Archewell Foundation, showed the backs of the siblings as they ran to their doting parents for a hug.

    However, eagle-eyed fans have spotted another card that features the family of four in an interview with Meghan’s friend Gloria Steinem. As part of an article in Architectural Digest, Gloria invited readers into her stunning home in New York.

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
    A Christmas card from the couple appeared to feature in the background of one of the photographs 
    Image:
    Dominic Lipinski – Pool/Getty Images)
    In one snap of her office area, a black and white photo of the Sussexes could be seen in the background. In the wholesome photograph, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet appeared to lie on the ground as they beamed from ear to ear.

    In response to the picture, fans took to X to gush over the family. “Prince Archie and Princess Lili are beyond adorable! Harry and Meghan really did not lie when they said that Archie resembles Meghan a lot (he has her whole face), and that Lili is all Spencer. They are both gorgeous children. I love this beautiful family so much,” wrote one.

    “The pic is lovely, the kids are absolutely beautiful, Lili is Harry’s twin whilst Archie looks like Harry and Meghan,” another added. Meanwhile, a third commented that they believed “Archie takes after Meghan/Thomas.”

    It comes after the Duchess of Sussex looked every inch the proud parent as she sported a jumper which was embroidered with her children’s names. In a recent Instagram video, the mum-of-two shared her excitement after opening a special gift donated by singer Billie Eilish for a family whose home was burned by the LA wildfires.

    As she spoke to the camera, fans noticed that the former Suits actress wore a black crewneck jumper which featured the names of her children along the neckline. “Meghan’s sweater is embroidered with Archie & Lili’s names!,” wrote one social media user.

    “Look at Meghan fresh face and gorgeous. It was pointed out that Meghan’s sweater is embroidered with Archie and Lilibet names,” another added.

    Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex
    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are parents to Archie, five, and Lilibet, three 
    Image:
    Gareth Fuller-Pool/Getty ImagesWhile Harry and Meghan have largely kept their children out of the spotlight, their pair have opened up about family life and parenting over the years. Back in August Prince Harry and Meghan spoke to CBS News about being parents and admitted that all they wanted to do was to be able to “protect” their children in a world of technology and the internet.

    “Our kids are young, they are three and five, they’re amazing, but all you want to do as parents is protect them,” explained Meghan. “And so as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we’re just happy to be a part of change for good.”

    Meanwhile Harry added that in the past parents could know what their children were up to if they were home. “And now, they could be in the next door room on a tablet or on a phone, and can be going down these rabbit holes. And before you know it, within 24 hours, they could be taking their life,” he said

  • Meghan Markle and Prince Harry cosy up over champagne in affectionate Invictus display

    Meghan Markle and Prince Harry cosy up over champagne in affectionate Invictus display

    The loved-up Sussexes seem to be sending a clear message to the world during their time in Vancouver – and it’s being seen as their way of hitting back at the US President

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have appeared happier than ever since heading to Canada for the start of the Invictus Games.

    Candid new photos taken in Vancouver show the couple beaming from ear-to-ear with Meghan, dressed all in black, sitting holding her husband’s hand, with a glass of champagne placed in front of her. Harry mirrors her big smile as they watch the on-court action in front of them.

    In another snap, believed to have been taken by a spectator, the Duke and Duchess are seen cheek-to-cheek as Harry has his arm around his wife as they remain seated.

    It comes after Harry showed his very goofy side on Sunday during a half-time interval at the final of a wheelchair basketball event. The Duke took part in ‘Moose Cam’, which encourages spectators to smile at the camera, poke out their tongue, and waggle their hands by the side of their heads.

    As Harry duly obliged, there were big cheers from the crowd as his face appeared on a giant TV screen. Meghan, meanwhile, resisted adopting the moose pose but roared with laughter as she looked at her husband, who was clearly enjoying seeing himself on the giant screen.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle smiling together during Invictus Games in Vancouver
    Harry and Meghan looked happy and carefree 
    Image:
    X/@sa_squaddie)

    Prince Harry taking part in the 'Moose Cam' in Vancouver
    Harry showed off his goofy side on the ‘Moose Cam’ 
    Image:
    Humphrey Nemar)
    According to the Mail , the couple left the match at half time with sources at the games stating they were tired after a full day of events, talking to friends and family of the competitors and posing for dozens of selfies.

    Harry and Meghan’s united front comes after President Donald Trump described Meghan as ‘terrible’ when asked about Harry visa issues. Trump told the New York Post: “I don’t want to [deport Harry]. I’ll leave him alone. He’s got enough problems with his wife. She’s terrible.”

    But Harry appeared to hit back during the Invictus Games opening event at the weekend. Addressing the 40,000-strong audience, he commented: “At this moment, when there is no shortage of crises, no absence of uncertainty, no lack of weak moral character in the world , the values you embody, the way you carry yourselves – not only at the Invictus Games, but each and every day – your courage, your resilience, your humanity, illuminate a path forward for us all.”

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kissing at the Invictus Games
    The couple have been putting on a very loved-up display 
    Image:
    Samir Hussein/WireImage)Certainly Harry seemed carefree during the couple’s time in Vancouver. He was filmed doing some ‘dad dancing’ with members of Canada’s Invictus Games team on Saturday, shaking his hips and moving his feet during a breakfast meeting with competitors from the host nation.

    The funny footage was posted on Instagram by Meghan – much to the delight of the couple’s fans.

    The Sussexes have been putting on a seriously loved up display in Canada, with cameras focused on them as they kissed and cuddled during the opening ceremony to the sporting event in Vancouver on Saturday.

  • Meghan Markle ‘wanted to be a part-time Diana’ before leaving the Firm, book claims

    Meghan Markle ‘wanted to be a part-time Diana’ before leaving the Firm, book claims

    An explosive new royal book has claimed that when Meghan joined the House of Windsor, she ‘wanted to be a part-time Princess Diana’ and finish the work her late mother-in-law had started

    When Meghan Markle first joined the Royal Family, she wanted to use the late Princess Diana as a template for her approach to her duties, but on a part-time basis, a royal author has claimed.

    Tom Quinn’s upcoming, explosive new book – Yes Ma’am, seen by the Mirror – includes exclusive insight from insiders about how Meghan hoped to approach her position as a working royal before she and Harry decided to call it quits and leave life in the UK behind

    Members of staff for Meghan and Harry revealed to the author that Princess Diana was a big inspiration for Meghan when she entered into royal life and that Meghan said she wanted to “finish” what her late mother-in-law “started”. They also noted that the Duchess of Sussex really would have preferred to undertake their royal duties only on a part-time basis – something that both Harry and Meghan have said themselves.

    “Meghan once said, ‘What Diana started I want to finish,’ and we took that to mean she wanted to become a sort of globetrotting champion of the poor and the marginalised,” the insider claimed.

    “She has managed to do this to some extent, but she really wanted to do it as a princess and with the full backing of the royal family but on a part-time basis,” they added.

    Harry and Meghan have both made it clear that they always wanted to keep representing the crown in some capacity, but it was decided at the Sandringham Summit in 2020 that this wouldn’t be possible.

    When the couple released their shock statement in January 2020 that they wanted to stop being full-time working royals, they said they wanted to “carve out a progressive new role” and gain “financial independence”.

    “After many months of reflection and internal discussions, we have chosen to make a transition this year in starting to carve out a progressive new role within this institution. We intend to step back as ‘senior’ members of the Royal Family and work to become financially independent, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen,” the statement said.

    Harry also made it clear in his memoir Spare that the couple would have preferred a part-time role within the institution, but claimed that for the senior courtiers who were working for his late grandmother at the time would never have been prepared to accept that, and in fact had already prepared a statement announcing a full break before the summit had even concluded.

  • King Charles gives pensioner special gift as he lets those in need stay at his palace

    King Charles gives pensioner special gift as he lets those in need stay at his palace

    King Charles has helped one pensioner celebrate a birthday the man will never forget during his ‘Winter warmer’ sessions at Highgrove House – and the 83-year-old said it was ‘really something special’

    For the third year running, King Charles has opened up his private residence of Highgrove House and Gardens for elderly people from the local area to enjoy some socialisation, a delicious meal, and a warm space – entirely for free.

    The ‘Winter Warmer’ sessions began in 2023 and saw Charles open up Dumfries House and the Castle of Mey, alongside his main private home of Highgrove to local pensioners and vulnerable people. A recent session at Highgrove Gardens saw one man, Eoin Down, celebrate his 83rd birthday in serious style, a day that he said was “really something special”.

    According to ITV, Eoin was presented with a special gift from Highgrove – a handcrafted leather keyring – and all the attendees enjoying the warm session in the cafe sang ‘Happy Birthday’ before he blew out his candle and enjoyed a delicious-looking piece of cake. “It’s something I didn’t expect,” Eoin told Good Morning Britain, “and it’s really something special.”

    As well as a hot meal and a warm space, attendees can take part in activities at Highgrove
    As well as a hot meal and a warm space, attendees can take part in activities at Highgrove 
    Image:
    PA)
    Eoin, who hails originally from the Highlands of Scotland, looked visibly emotional as he talked about the unforgettable birthday treat at the King’s home. But Eoin wasn’t the only elderly person who seemed to enjoy their day at Highgrove, which provided them all warm space to spend time, activities aimed to encourage making friendships and combat loneliness among the elderly, and, of course, food prepared by royal chefs.

    The Director of Highgrove – Constantine Innemee – told Good Morning Britain about the programme run through the King’s Foundation: “This is all about us opening this space here without any questions asked. It’s just a nice comfortable afternoon to come and join us as one of our guests.”

    Highgrove House and Gardens
    Charles has been opening up Highgrove Gardens for ‘Winter Warmers’ for three years 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    He has said previously, according to the King’s Foundation website, “At The King’s Foundation we aim to build sustainable communities and transform lives through education and health and wellbeing programmes, so it’s fantastic that the Winter Warmers initiative is becoming a staple in contributing to that mission.”

    The programme runs every January to March and sees hot soup and drinks provided to attendees, who can try their hand at crafts like knitting, or indulge their competitive streak with a good board game.

    Other attendees told Good Morning Britain how much they appreciated the warm space, which enabled them to minimise their costly heating bills at home. “Unfortunately I was one of the people that lost their heating allowance this year,” said Teresa Mary Triggs, “I’ve had to use all my savings, I also have to have care, that all has to be paid for.”