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Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have been the nation’s sweethearts for years, but fans were left concerned when the couple were seen having a row in the street

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash, the much-loved celebrity couple, tugged at heartstrings with their enchanting wedding in 2022 at the picturesque Pickle Cottage. Yet, they had fans fretting over potential discord in paradise, as images surfaced showing what seemed to be an intense public ‘row’—with Stacey in obvious distress.

In the aftermath, Stacey took off for a self-proclaimed ‘much needed’ girl’s trip to Vegas, leaning on her friends for comfort as she shared on Instagram feeling ‘supported’, amidst speculation about the spat with Joe, famed ex-EastEnders actor. The tearful telly fave was captured apart from Joe, who was spotted strolling down the street solo with his vape, as OK! reports.

There has been ‘tension’ at home, claims the source ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

She appeared consoled by a crew member — the pair are currently being followed by a documentary team. An eyewitness reported to a tabloid: “About 15 minutes later Joe was having an animated talk with the man. Eventually Stacey walked towards Joe in the car and shouted something. They ended up leaving separately. It all looked very tense.”

Inside sources now claim that the public dispute wasn’t just for show—it was the real deal and might stem from pressures of their upcoming reality series. “Their recent argument was a real one and both are wondering what they signed up for. It seemed a great idea at the time but they’re worried about exposing themselves even more, which is what this row showed.”

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s fans are all a-buzz on social media as the much-loved couple regularly entertain with snaps of their quirky married life, which includes crafting mischievous pranks and sharing moments that range from heartwarming to hilariously annoying. But the latest scoop promises to put the pair under a different kind of spotlight.

Escape To Pickle Cottage, the rumoured name of their brand-new BBC reality show, promises to be a no-holds-barred series poised to delve deep into the bustling household of Stacey, Joe, and their six kids at their plush Essex home. From Stacey’s knack for interior design, to the energetic youngsters and their pets – including their adored ducks Daisy and Delilah Solomon-Swash – fans are eagerly anticipating this candid look into their favourite stars’ daily antics. While the power couple’s massive online following can’t wait, there’s word from our insider that the filming experience isn’t quite what Stacey bargained for.

Stacey and Joe have been married since 2022 ( 
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apolloniallewellyn/Instagram)

Filming for the new BBC series means cameras following the family around regularly ( 
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Instagram/@staceysolomon)
It seems the pressures of having cameras around the clock might be taking its toll. “It’s really starting to show the strain between her and Joe – she wanted this more than him and he’s not as comfortable being filmed 24/7,” the source revealed. “When Stacey signed up for the reality show she had no idea how much pressure she would be under.”

Reality TV doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty, as seen on Netflix’s ‘At Home With the Furys’ and America’s guilty pleasure ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’, where family feuds are just part of the script. It appears though that Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have felt the sting of too much reality in their own lives.

A source claimed: “Despite people telling her that it’s not as easy as it looks, she just thought it would be like putting up posts and stories on her Instagram. But producers want drama and storylines so it won’t just be her playing happy families,” adding that, “Stacey is quite open about their arguments but this was a big one – and there has been a lot of tension.”

During her trip to Sin City, where Stacey witnessed Adele live and had a personal shout-out, she couldn’t help but gush over her pals for being a rock-solid support system, stating: “they literally lift me up, have my back, keep me going, make me feel so supported and I just couldn’t do life without them.”

The pair regularly banter each other on social media ( 
Image:
Instagram / staceysolomon)

Joe and the kids had a banner ready to great Stacey on her return from Vegas ( 
Image:
Instagram)Back in Britain, any whispers of discord were quashed when Stacey was welcomed home by her jubilant husband Joe and kids Rex, Rose, and Belle, who brandished a touching ‘Love you mum’ banner at the airport. Joe couldn’t hide his joy as he shared heartwarming pics of their lovely reunion, imagining warming up fans’ hearts when he captioned the shots: “The kids were super excited to show mummy the welcome home board they made. We all missed her so much. Just ain’t the same without you Stacey,” while Stacey herself added: “My babies came to the airport for me.”

According to the source, Stacey’s brief jaunt to the US has seemingly worked wonders for everyone involved. “Stacey went away for a few days and in that time Joe realised how much he missed her, needs her – and that they do really love each other.” All eyes are on the couple, hoping that the natural pressures that come with living life in front of cameras won’t spark further disputes. Despite occasional friction, it’s evident these two have a lot of love for one another.

Loose Women’s Coleen Nolan shared exciting baby news on Thursday’s episode as she revealed her son, Jake Roche, had welcomed a baby boy with his partner

Loose Women shared some exciting baby news for one of their panellists on Thursday’s show.

During the latest instalment, presenter Coleen Nolan revealed her son, Jake Roche, had welcomed a baby boy with his partner.

Coleen couldn’t help but gush about her new grandson, revealing she was emotional over the incredible milestone.

The presenter said: “I’ve got some good news to announce on my baby boy Jake and his gorgeous fiancée Georgia had a baby boy. So I’ve got a little grandson now, I’ve not even seen him yet apart from pictures and videos.”

To which co-star Kaye Adams replied: “You’ve not seen him?” with Coleen explaining: “Not yet, no! He was 5lbs7, he’s tiny! Nanny! Really surreal, so emotional and just a bit… surreal as in, when one of your kids has a baby. Jake to me is still my baby and there he is now a dad!

Coleen Nolan revealed her son, Jake Roche, had welcomed a baby boy with his partner
“The fact that he was so emotional, already he’s like: ‘Mum, I’m so so obsessed with him and so in love with him.’ The two of them together. She’s only just got home with him and they just want to have this week quiet getting to know him as a couple then they have no excuses, I’m going to hound them, then they’re getting married next July so he’ll be about seven months.”

It comes as Jake revealed earlier this month that he was about to become a father – with the bundle of joy due to arrive in just days.

The 32-year-old singer – who is the son of 59-year-old Loose Women star Coleen and EastEnders icon Shane Richie, 60 – has now welcomed his first child with partner Georgia.

Jake is the lead singer of a band called Push Baby – formerly known as Rixton – but has also stretched his creative wings in the world of acting.

Coleen pictured with her son, Jake Roche, as she shared the exciting news
He found critical praise for his stage show Neporrhoids which is a one-man show about his rise and fall in the music world. The show was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was due to transfer to the Pleasance Theatre in London later this month – but he has now cancelled his dates and moved them to January 17 and 18 after he had a sudden change in family matters.

Taking to Instagram earlier this month, he announced in a statement: “Due to an unexpected yet exciting family development, I’ve decided to reschedule my upcoming November shows – 21/22/23. My partner and I are expecting the arrival of our little one around that time (sooner than we thought), and I want to be fully present to support her and our growing family.”

The star continued: “All tickets will be transferred over to the new date in January or refunded. Thank you for your patience and understanding! Here’s to the future of Nepo Babies!” He also added in a further caption to the statement: “New show link is in my bio. Hope to see you there.”

Loose Women continues on weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV and ITV X.

Much loved Loose Women star, Denise Welch has revealed how she risked sobriety as she struggled with health problems last year

Loose Women star and actress Denise Welch has revealed that a recent health issue saw her hit ‘tipping point’.

The former Coronation Street actor opened up to Alex Partridge on the ADHD Chatter podcast, as she admitted that an incident involving her health last year nearly made her turn back to drinking alcohol and smoking. The 66-year-old had stopped drinking after she had initially turned to it after suffering with clinical depression.

Despite originally deciding that she was not going to take medication for ADHD, the mum-of-two was later convinced by her husband, Lincoln, and she first chose to take the tablets last year on the night she was due to see her eldest her son, Matty Healy, perform with his band, the 1975.

Describing the impact she expected the medication to have, the Loose Women icon believed that she would be able to see an instant difference in how she behaved, as she jokingly said that she thought she would have been more ‘focused’ and her head would be less ‘scrambled’.

Denise Welch revealed that she nearly hit ‘tipping point’ after recent health battle ( 
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S Meddle/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

But, as time ticked by, she soon noticed that the reality did not meet her expectations: “So, I thought I’m going to take this tablet and by the time I leave our London apartment, I’m going to have vacuumed everywhere and I’m going to have thought, right, for once I really want to settle down to that bulk of affairs that I’ve ignored since I was 18-years-old.”

Unable to notice any impact from the medication, she joked as she claimed she still didn’t feel the ‘need to do her taxes,’ reports Gloucestershire Live.

But, as more time passed, that would soon change: “An hour later I wanted a drink and a cigarette for the first time in 11 years and it was horrendous how it affected me. Had I not been so many years into (it) and so secure managing my sobriety it would have been a very very dangerous tipping point for me.”

Denise Welch spoke candidly about her health battle ( 
Image:
ITV)Despite not seeing positive results from her own experience, she said: “One of the things I am always glad of the opportunity of being able to tell people is that, ADHD medication changes so many peoples lives for the better, but there are some people it is not good for and I was absolutely one of them.”

According to the NHS Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ‘is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.’

Their website also adds that symptoms of the condition ‘tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.’ And, while diagnoses are also occasionally not made until adulthood, in some circumstances, symptoms can improve with age.

The Chase star Matt Labbett – best known as The Beast – has opened up about his split from Hayley Palmer, who was 17 years his junior

Mark Labbett claims his last relationship ended because of his age – and doesn’t think he’ll be finding love again any time soon.

In May this year, the Chase quizmaster, known as The Beast on the hit ITV daytime show, called things off with TV presenter Hayley Palmer just days before after their one-year anniversary. Opening up about their split, Mark revealed he thought he was too old to continue dating.

“She’s [Hayley’s] a lovely lady and I was very lucky to date her for a year, and as I said…it’s me, I got old,” he told the Sun. “There’s been no one since Hayley, I’m not saying there won’t be another one. But I’m certainly not looking.”

Mark joked he’s a “shed man” and enjoys his own company, but isn’t fussed about being in a relationship. “It’s not that I miss anyone in particular, I was single not coincidentally for a long long time when I was a 29-stone maths teacher, who knew it was quite hard to attract a partner then. So I’m quite comfortable without a partner,” he said.

Hayley Palmer previously said she had ‘a panic attack on the spot’ when Mark Labbett called to end their relationship ( 
Image:
Instagram/Hayley Palmer)

Mark, at 59, was 17 years older than the Sky TV presenter when he broke up with her, and they’d previously discussed their large age gap. But Hayley was still heartbroken when they split earlier this year, saying: “We had the best year together and I truly wish him all the best for the future.”

Prior to Hayley, Mark was married to his own cousin, Katie, who was also 17 years his junior. The pair had never met growing up so weren’t aware they were second cousins when they met on Facebook in 2010. “It wasn’t something we were aware of at the time – it was one of those things that happened,” Mark previously told the Loose Women panel.

Two years after their Facebook connection, Mark invited Katie to a celebrity special filming of The Chase, and the pair hit it off from there.

Katie also didn’t know Mark was a TV star before they got together. “I had never heard of Mark, or watched The Chase, but my gran mentioned him so I was intrigued,” she previously said. The couple wed at Arundel Cathedral in West Sussex in 2014 and went on to welcome son Lawrence.

Mark was previously married to his second cousin, Katie Labbett ( 
Image:
Brett D. Cove / Splash News)

The pair split 18 months after announcing they had an open marriage ( 
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Tom Dymond/REX/Shutterstock)

But their marriage hit the rocks in 2018 and they opened their relationship up to other parties, with Katie finding extramarital fun with senior design engineer Scott. Just 18 months later, in 2020, the pair split and Mark moved out of the family home.

Now the newly single quizmaster says he has no plans to couple up again, insisting he’s “content” with his relationship status. “I’m 59 now, I’ve reached the sort of slippers and comfy chair kind of thing. Right now I’m in my PJs and pottering around the place,” he told the Sun.

“I’m settled down a little bit. I am an old man, I might not look it but I am. I’m quite content doing my own thing.”

Coronation Street aired some big scenes with Lauren Bolton tonight, as she faced trial for the murder of her evil ex and attacker Joel Deering

Coronation Street have revealed Lauren Bolton’s future – amid a string of big soap exits.

A number of stars have departed or will be leaving the soap in the coming months. Most have left of their own accord, including the likes of Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, and Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw.

Bethany Platt star Lucy Fallon will be taking a break from the show whilst she goes on maternity leave, whilst Colson Smith, who stars as Craig Tinker, has been axed and Sue Devaney’s character Debbie Webster will leave in sad scenes next year.

Tonight, the fate of another big character was seemingly confirmed as Lauren Bolton faced the court. She has been put on trial for killing her former lover and father of her child Joel Deering. Fans of the show will remember Joel attacked Lauren and left her for dead, before she ended up welcoming his baby into the world.

Evil Joel was killed by Lauren ( 
Image:
ITV)

In shock scenes, it was revealed that Lauren had attacked and killed Joel – despite many other characters being suspects. Whilst Max initially covered for her, it was later confirmed that Lauren wielded the deadly blow.

Tonight, Lauren was found not guilty in the murder of Joel, but will she stay on the Cobbles for good?

A Coronation Street insider recently revealed exclusively to The Mirror that some big scenes were ahead on the soap as they rubbished rumours of a cast ‘cull’ with multiple actors leaving.

The source told us: “Corrie is in no way on the brink of collapse. Corrie’s vision for the future on the show has secured its place on screens for years to come. Fans can ignore any idea that within a decade the soap will be gone, because it’s in no way on the brink of collapse. There’s some really exciting twists ahead for our favourite characters and couples, with a massive stunt that will no doubt bring the drama, as well as some hard-hitting storylines bringing some of soap’s biggest characters to the forefront.

“It really is a case of one door closes and another opens in that some familiar faces will be leaving, but others will be back – and the new faces could be just what the show needs. There’s so much ahead so the idea the end of Corrie is in sight is bonkers.”

Paul Danan, whose funeral was held on Tuesday, had planned to make a return to TV before his tragic death at the age of 46, with producers hoping to sign him up for a popular dating show

Paul Danan had planned a return to TV before his death.

The 46-year-old had previously experienced a health scare six months ago when he almost died from respiratory failure brought on by his addiction to vapes, and had said it was a “miracle” he survived and he was planning on making changes in his life.

Sadly, Paul died at a luxury apartment near Bristol last week. It was later reported that he died after he “slipped and fell” in the property. His management announced his death on Thursday 16 January, hailing Paul as a “beacon of light”. They said in a statement: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of the passing of @pauldanan at just 46 years old.”

“Known for his television presence, exceptional talent, and unwavering kindness, Paul was a beacon of light to so many. His untimely departure will leave irreplaceable voids in the lives of all who knew him. During this difficult time, we kindly request respect and privacy for Paul’s family, friends, and colleagues. No further comments will be made at this time.”

Paul had appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 ( 
Image:
WireImage)

Paul first became known for Celebrity Love Island ( 
Image:
ITV)

His funeral was held on Tuesday 21 January. Paul’s close friends and former co-stars were among those attending his funeral and friends also paid tribute to the actor and reality star online. Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace was among stars paying tribute to Paul, writing: “Paul Danan… a friend of mine… I’m so shocked and heartbroken…. my darling man… I will cherish all our happy memories.” Alongside a broken heart emoji, she concluded: “RIP u beautiful amazing talented human.”

While EastEnders star Michael Greco, who played Beppe di Marco in the soap, also shared a message on X. He wrote: “So, so sad to read about the passing of Paul Danan. In this day and age of falsities and fake people, he was a genuine and caring man who just wanted to please everyone. A lovely warm man that will be missed by many. R.I.P. Buddy.”

The former Hollyoaks and Love Island star was reportedly in talks to appear on the Channel 4 dating series First Dates just weeks before his death.

A source told The Sun: “Paul was feeling so excited about the future again and optimistic about finding someone he could share the rest of his life with. He loved being on telly and First Dates seemed like a great opportunity to get back onto the dating scene. Obviously producers were really keen to sign him up knowing how popular he was and they were in discussions about him joining the next series.” The Mirror has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is set to find out the number of years he will spend behind bars for murdering three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport

A Sky News presenter has broken down in tears for the second time after being left unable to speak while reporting on the Axel Rudakubana sentencing.

Southport killer Axel Rudakubana is set to find out the number of years he will spend behind bars for murdering three girls at a Taylor Swift dance class in Southport. After he entered the dock at Liverpool Crown Court prosecutors said the injuries suffered by his victims were “difficult to explain as anything other than sadistic in nature”

Earlier today, presenter Sarah-Jane Mee broke down in tears as she reported on the upsetting details that witnesses found the attacker standing over the body of Bebe King “holding a kitchen knife”. “Ugh, just going take a breath after that,” Sarah-Jane could be heard saying. Sarah could be heard breathing deeply as silence fell over the life broadcast.

“Right, sorry, it’s just so distressing isn’t it?” Sarah added. “Look, we’re here for those girls and their families so try not to get upset because it is such an important day for them and this horror that came to their door.”

The Sky News presenter was visibly upset

She broke down for a second time while reporting further on the sentencing while stood outside Liverpool Crown Court today. Reading out one of many victim statements being read in court, the presenter choked up as she read out the statement, which said: “‘I have scars I know that will be with me forever, but I want to look forward.’

“‘When people in school asked me ‘do you wish you weren’t there that day?’ I said that in some ways, I wish I wasn’t. But also, if I wasn’t there, someone….’”. The presenter was then unable to finish her report as she broke down in tears again.

Viewers at home rushed to social media to comment on it, with one user saying: “So awful to hear @SkyNews presenter @skysarahjane break down.. Understandable, it’s horrific…. .” Another said: “I think the Sky news presenter has just broken down. The horrors being described is unreal.” One user posted: “Sky News presenter in tears. Horrendous stuff to hear.”

She broke down twice on air ( 
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Images and documents found in his home “demonstrated he had a longstanding obsession with violence, killing and genocide,” the prosecutor added. “His only purpose was to kill and he targeted the youngest and most vulnerable in our society.”

As an 18-year-old, Rudakubana pleaded guilty to all 16 offences he faced on the first day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday. Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, died following the attack in The Hart Space on a small business park in the seaside town on July 29.

The defendant admitted their murders as well as the attempted murders of eight other children, who cannot be named for legal reasons, as well as class instructor Leanne Lucas and businessman John Hayes.

Rudakubana interrupted the hearing on Thursday to yell out “I feel ill!” He was heard shouting “I’m not fine, I feel ill” in the dock. He added: “I need to speak to a paramedic because I feel ill. They’re not giving me any support. I feel ill.” Liverpool Crown Court also heard Rudakubana said: “I’m glad they’re dead” as he was held in a custody suite after killing three girls in a knife attack at a Southport dance class.

With just days to go before The Traitors’ series three final, the remaining contestants were hit with a major twist in the game by host Claudia Winkleman on the BBC hit show

The Traitors cast were hit with a surprise twist in the latest episode as host Claudia Winkleman made a huge revelation.

The BBC hit show returned tonight for its final week of episodes, with the remaining six contestants fighting their way through the last remaining roundtables to make it to the finale. With two Traitors – Charlotte Berman and Freddie Fraser – left in the competition, it’s not certain which team will take home the £100,000 jackpot prize.

While contestants were only just getting used to the BBC gameplay, Wednesday’s episode proved that you can never predict what will happen on The Traitors as Claudia told the cast that one player would become The Seer.

“The Seer has the power to learn one other player’s identity,” Claudia said. “The Seer will invite one player this evening to a private, face-to-face meeting. That player that they’ve chosen, will have no choice and must reveal if they are a faithful or a traitor. This power could turn the entire game on its head.”

Claudia shocked the Traitors contestant with a massive twist ( 
Image:
BBC)

The big twist was teased last week, with Claudia revealing ahead of the last few episodes: “Someone will win an extraordinary power that could turn the entire game on its head.” Fans took to social media to work out what this meant – and some even spotted a scene in Friday’s episode which showed a bookshelf with The Seer one display.

The Seer is a character from the party game Werewolf, on which The Traitors is loosely based. In the game, The Seer is given the power to secretly find out one player’s true identity to help the Villagers find who the Werewolf – aka The Traitor – is.

The twist was teased last week ahead of the show’s final week ( 
Image:
BBC)
Earlier this week, Traitors contestants were warned that one particular habit could result in their banishment by TV journalist Marina Hyde. Speaking on The Rest is Entertainment podcast, she said that portraying yourself as “very intelligent” would most likely result in your murder after communications director Yin, 34, was the first to be killed off by the traitors.

““Don’t make your character ‘I am very intelligent’ so that when you get in the castle…what about that one girl, she wouldn’t stop going on about how she was a behavioural expert?” she said. “Honestly, almost the last thing she said to a bunch of the contestants of the group was ‘I’m not going to sleep tonight because I’ve not built up enough social capital’. Bye, bye Yin.”

Zara and Mike Tindall have spent more time in the royal spotlight in recent years and it’s seen their popularity grow – and now bettors reckon the pair could be set to quit the UK for good

Zara and Mike Tindall, the royal couple with a love story that began in Australia, are rumoured to be considering a move Down Under. The pair first locked eyes in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup and have described Australia as a “home from home for us” in an interview with HELLO!

Following their recent visit this month, betting experts are suggesting the move could become permanent, with odds of 8/13 being offered.

Casinos.com’s James Leyfield commented: “During their latest Australian trip, Zara admitted the couple ‘couldn’t ask for a better way to start the year.’ The pair’s connection to Australia is deeply rooted.”

He recounted their romantic beginnings: “They first met in Sydney in 2003-introduced by Zara’s cousin, Prince Harry-while Mike was playing rugby for England during the World Cup and Zara was on a gap year.”

Despite Mike’s career hiccup at the time, having been dropped before the semi-final, their romance flourished after a ‘boozy lunch. ‘ Mike eventually played in England’s historic World Cup final win over Australia, reports Gloucestershire Live.

The happy couple met Down Under
Leyfield added, “Despite a low point for Mike, having just been dropped ahead of the semi-final, the pair hit it off, with their relationship blossoming over a ‘boozy lunch.’ Mike went on to regain his place in the starting line-up for England’s iconic World Cup final victory against Australia. Their story almost reads like a fairy tale-what better way to begin a new chapter than by returning to where it all started?”

Zara, 43, and Mike Tindall, 46, have increasingly been in the limelight, winning the public’s affection along the way. Royal insiders hint they might ‘step up’ to support key royals like Prince William, given their unique position.

“They enjoy the very best of both worlds,” royal commentator Jennie Bond claimed, highlighting their non-titled status yet significant Royal ties. She noted: “Although they don’t have titles, they obviously have the cachet of being so much part of the extended Royal Family. They have managed to use that commercially without getting into too much bother.”

They “enjoy the best of both worlds” according to one royal commentator

Reflecting on their readiness to assist William, Bond concluded: “They are both very close to William, and if he calls on them again (as he did at a garden party last year), they will definitely agree. Not to an official working role, nor do I think the public would want to fund any more working royals.”

Captured during their recent Australian visit, the couple’s affection was evident, with Jennie Bond telling the Mirror: “Zara really is a remarkably beautiful woman, no wonder Mike always looks so proud and happy. The feeling is mutual: she oozes love for her big bear of a rugby star husband, with his crooked nose and rugged appeal. I think we all enjoy seeing them out and about together, usually arm in arm or having a cuddle – living life to the full.”

Amid whispers that Zara and her brother, Peter Phillips, might hop over to Australia, curious minds are buzzing about the future of their Gatcombe Park abode once Princess Anne passes away. The scoop comes from none other than Majesty Magazine’s top dog, Ingrid Stewart, who confidently stated: “I think it’s absolutely no doubt that Zara and Peter [Philips] will keep Gatcombe going, the last thing in the world they’d want to do is to have to sell it and they won’t.”

The Princess of Wales has forged close bonds with the Royal Family – and she had a surprising connection to her in-laws long before she fell in love with the future king

Princess Kate officially became a member of the Royal Family when she married Prince William in Westminster Abbey in April 2011.

But she had a connection to The Firm long before she had even met her future husband. Kate actually shared a special bond with the late Prince Philip, having completed the DofE programme during her time at Marlborough College.

And in 2016, Kate – who was presented with the award at St James’s Palace – appeared in a documentary celebrating the 60th anniversary of the scheme.

She confessed: “I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet. Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we’re just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter!”

The Princess forged a close connection with Prince Philip ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Little did she know at the time that the Duke of Edinburgh would later become her grandfather-in-law – and that they would share a touching bond.

According to insiders, the pair shared a similar sense of humour and devotion to duty. Royal expert Ingrid Seward, who met Philip several times, previously said, “It is known Prince Philip likes her.”

And in his book, Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, royal author and long-time friend Gyles Brandreth revealed the compliment Philip gave to Kate. He wrote, “When Catherine Middleton came along as a potential bride for his grandson, Prince William, the Duke of Edinburgh was, he told me, ‘relieved to find her such a level-headed girl’.”

Gyles also revealed the advice Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, gave to the Princess. He said, “‘If you believe the attention is for you personally’, he warned her, ‘you’re going to end up in trouble. The attention is for your role, what you do, what you’re supporting.

“‘It isn’t for you as an individual. You are not a celebrity. You are representing the royal family. That’s all. Don’t look at the camera. The Queen never looks at the camera. Never. Look at who you’re talking to’.”

The Duke was said to be ‘relieved’ that his grandson had found ‘such a level-headed girl’ in Kate
After his death, Prince William reflected on Kate’s relationship with the Duke, saying, “I will always be grateful that my wife had so many years to get to know my grandfather and for the kindness he showed her.”

Prince Philip founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1956. Following his death, his youngest son Prince Edward took over as the new Duke of Edinburgh, and also patron of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Edward – along with his wife Sophie – had long been key ambassadors of the award, often standing in for Philip to hand out the gold, or top, honours to young people

Edward said in a statement at the time: “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time.”

“Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility. Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing the Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate.

“Above all, I hope to ensure the Award to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve,” Edward – who achieved his own gold award in 1986 – added.