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The latest edition of Loose Women suddenly became tense on Tuesday afternoon (February 18) after Janet Street-Porter quickly put a stop to her co-star’s line of thinking

Things took an awkward turn during the latest episode of Loose Women as Janet Street-Porter appeared to shut down her co-star minutes into the show.

On Tuesday’s episode (February 18), Janet was back on the panel alongside Ruth Langsford, Brenda Edwards and Kelle Bryan. As the ladies discussed their childhoods and how they had the freedom of playing outdoors, Kelle highlighted the differences effecting children these days.

Sharing her worries about her own offspring, Kelle said she’s afraid of the increasing amount of kidnappers that are patrolling the streets. But Janet, who is familiar with previously playing out with her friends as a youngster quickly put a stop to Kelle’s line of thought.

As Kelle tried to express herself, Janet said: “Can I just stop you right there. The incidents of kidnapping children is very, very low.”

Janet Street-Porter appeared unimpressed with Kelle’s brash statement ( 
Image:
ITV)

She also went on to add that kidnappers have always been around and things haven’t suddenly changed.

Trying to defend Kelle’s argument, Ruth jumped in to say that should could understand Kelle’s worries as a parent of young children today. But she also admitted that although there are dangers, it’s important to remember that kids need a sense of freedom when they get older.

Following Kelle’s brash comments, fans headed straight over to social media site X to share their thoughts. Many viewers seemed to think that maybe Kelle was a bit over the top with her line of reasoning.

One viewer said: “Bl**dy hell Kelly calm down, can’t wrap them in cotton wool, protect them absolutely, don’t smoother them.” Another said: “Kelle very much on the defensive there.”

A third shared: “Are children kidnapped and abducted more nowadays than they were when we were little? I don’t think so,”

While a fourth added: “Kidnappings etc happened in ‘my’ day too – nothing new unfortunately.” Another also fumed: “Kidnapping?? Is she f****n serious??”

Kelle’s comments appeared to rattle viewers ( 
Image:
ITV)Kelle, who has two children, previously said she longed to be a mother from a young age. She told Mother and Baby: “I come from a huge family: mum has eight siblings, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

“It seemed like someone was giving birth every five minutes, but it was never my turn. Fortunately I met Jay, my husband, and now we have healthy, happy babies.”

Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1.

Loose Women star Linda Robson has opened up on her best friend Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis and said that the actress “doesn’t know who anybody is” anymore

Loose Women’s Linda Robson has shared a heart-wrenching update on Pauline Quirke’s battle with dementia, revealing that the actress “doesn’t know who anybody is” anymore.

Last month, Pauline’s husband Steve Sheen announced that his wife would be retiring from acting and all professional duties following her dementia diagnosis in 2021.

Reacting to the news, Pauline’s Birds Of A Feather co-star and lifelong friend Linda Robson expressed her heartbreak for her best mate, whom she’s known since they were both 10 years old.

The pair have been working together since the early days of their careers, but are most famous for their roles as feuding sisters whose husbands are imprisoned in the sitcom that first aired on BBC in 1989.

Loose Women’s Linda Robson recalls tragic miscarriage

Linda recently disclosed that she has FaceTimed Pauline several times this year and plans to visit her later this month, reports Bristol Live.

Speaking at the TV Choice Awards to The Sun, Linda opened up about the harsh reality of Pauline’s condition, stating that they will be “taking everything really slowly for her”.

Pauline Quirke has been diagnosed with dementia ( 
Image:
Anthony Harvey)
She revealed: “She doesn’t know who anybody is. She doesn’t know who I am or who her kids are. Dementia is terrible – I’d rather get cancer, because at least then you’ve got a chance.”

Linda, whose own mother suffered from dementia, declared that she wouldn’t consider doing another episode of Birds Of A Feather as it “wouldn’t be the same without Pauline”.

The sitcom wasn’t the only project where the best mates teamed up. Quirke, 65, and Robson joined forces in the slapstick movie ‘Junket 89’, and the series ‘You Must Be Joking! ‘ back in the 1970s, before reuniting for ‘Shine On Harvey Moon’ in the 1980s.

Robson also featured on Quirke’s chat show ‘Pauline’s Quirkes’, which she started hosting as a teen. Linda, now 66, was visibly moved to tears when she spoke about Pauline’s diagnosis on Loose Women last month, receiving comfort from her fellow panellists.

In a heartfelt chat with Heat magazine, Linda opened up about those emotional moments, stressing how “so important” it is to discuss the condition.

She revealed: “I’ve known about it for three years. We’d managed to keep it quiet until her husband Steve decided it was time to let everyone know.

“We’ve been best friends since we were 10 years old so it’s been really, really hard. One in two people get dementia now. My mum was one of them and loads of my friends’ mums are starting to get diagnosed.”

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, raced Hamish Greenstreet down the slopes in Whistler, near Vancouver in Canada, where the Invictus Games is taking place this week

Poignant footage captures Prince Harry challenge a 10-year-old boy to a tubing contest at the Invictus Games.

The royal, 40, raced schoolboy Hamish Greenstreet down the slopes in Whistler before celebrating with a triumphant “yes!” at the finish line. Hamish, whose dad is competing in the Games for Team Australia, met the Prince and Meghan alongside his mum Angela and brother Taj at a friends and family event in Whistler on Tuesday morning.

He admitted he had been “a bit nervous” to race Harry, but described the experience as “really fun” and “exciting”. When asked if he had ever met a prince before, he exclaimed: “Hell no!”.

Hamish had earlier urged Meghan: “Go down the thrill lane!”. But the mum-of-two made clear she was too scared and responded: “No way!”. The duchess later completed a ride on the slower lane, before putting her hands on her head and exclaiming: I mean! You guys! Well, we did it!”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Elizabeth Holmes (@eholmes)

Speaking about her husband Harry, she added: “Meanwhile he’s racing on the thrill lane with a ten-year-old!”. Meghan, 43, had earlier squealed as she set off own the snow-covered ramp, admitting: “No, no I really don’t want to do this.”

It comes after it was revealed that the Duchess won’t be joining Harry at the rest of the Games – instead travelling back to Montecito to see her children Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three.

Speaking to Hamish’s brother Taj, the duchess asked: “Did you go down the thrill lane?” “No, I went down the chill one,”. Their mother, Angela Greenstreet, became tearful when asked what Invictus has meant to their family.

The Duke of Sussex went tubing during his Invictus Games trip ( 
Image:
WireImage)

The royal is pictured high-fiving Hamish in Whistler following the race
Speaking to royal writer Elizabeth Holmes, who was given special access to the event, she said: “It’s been a lot of therapy for my husband, just getting into sport and doing things and realizing it’s OK to not be OK. I’m very grateful to Prince Harry for speaking out about mental health. He’s not a normal guy. Prince Harry’s the prince.

“But he suffers just like everybody else, so it’s truly amazing that everybody suffers, no matter where you come from. Everybody is touched by the military. We’re very grateful he’s spoken out and made Invictus what it is.”

Meghan and Harry were filmed walking hand-in-hand to the start of the tube run before she left Whistler shortly afterwards in order to return to California to care for their children Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

She landed back in California on a private jet on Tuesday afternoon local-time after spending five days at the multi-sport competition after arriving in Vancouver alongside Harry, 40, on Friday.

Meghan Markle has taken to Instagram to announce that she is rebranding her lifestyle brand and ditching American Riviera Orchard in favour of a new name – and her new website features a snap of daughter Princess Lilibet

Meghan Markle has announced a huge U-turn by ditching her American Riviera Orchard brand name in favour of another – with a subtle dig at the Royal Family.

The Duchess of Sussex has taken to Instagram to reveal that her brand will now be called As Ever – and its launch will tie in with the release of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which drops on the streaming platform in two weeks. A new website for As Ever has also been launched featuring a picture of Meghan running hand-in-hand with daughter Princess Lilibet.

Meghan had suffered a series of setbacks when it comes to trademarking the name American Riviera Orchard, which could explain the switch to As Ever. However, speaking in a video on Instagram that appears to be filmed by Prince Harry, she said: “Cats out of the bag, I’m shocked we’ve kept it a secret for so long…”

Meghan announcing her rebrand as being called As Ever ( 
Image:
@Meghan/Instagram)

Meghan announced the news on Instagram ( 
Image:
@Meghan/Instagram)
“Last year, I thought you know what, American Riviera, that sounds like such a great name, it’s my neighbourhood [and] its a name for Santa Barbara. But it limited me to things that were just manufactured and grown in this area. Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show [With Love, Meghan] but as my partner in business. It was huge

‘So I thought about it, and I’ve been waiting for a moment to share a name that I had secured in 2022, and this is the moment, and it’s called As Ever”.

Meghan is no stranger to sharing lifestyle tips as she previously ran the successful blog The Tig, which she closed down just before marrying Harry. And in a subtle dig at the royals after previously saying she wasn’t allowed to do certain things when she was a member of the Firm, she added: “I’ve always loved cooking, crafting and gardening. This is what I do and I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years but now I can.”

When American Riviera Orchard was first announced last year, Meghan sent out samples of jam to some of her celeb pals who posted about it on Instagram. And teasing her As Ever products, she explained: “Of course there will be fruit preserve. I think we’re are all clear at this point that jam is my jam. There’s so many more products that I loved [and] use in my home. It’s time to share it with you. So I can’t wait for you guys to see it. Thanks guys.”

The snap that features on Meghan’s new website featuring Princess Lilibet ( 
Image:
As Ever)
In the caption of the clip, Meghan wrote: “Some of you may have heard whispers about what I’ve been creating. In two weeks, my series on @netflix launches — but there’s something else I’ve been working on. I’m thrilled to introduce you to As Ever — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into.

“‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’. If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me. This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish — food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the everyday.

“I will keep sharing behind the scenes tidbits with you here as we ramp up to launch, and I can’t wait for you to get your hands on everything we’ve been creating. Sending lots of love…As ever, Meghan.” She does not address her previous trademark woes and it appears that As Ever has also not yet been given a trademark.

Meghan in a teaser for her previous brand American Riviera Orchard ( 
Image:The new website, similar to American Riviera Orchard, also features a place for people to subscribe for updates and features the slogan ‘Save Your Seat At The Table’. The logo shows a palm tree with two hummingbirds. According to a patent application for As Ever, which was made in 2022, it suggests it will sell items such as tablecloths and napkins as well as candles, spreads and jewellery.

Since launching her new Instagram account on New Year’s Day, she has used the sign off As Ever several times, including on the photo she shared of Harry and her kissing to mark Valentine’s Day.

The new launch comes as Meghan struggled with her trademark application for previous brand name American Riviera Orchard. Last September, it emerged her application to have her brand trademark had been rejected. She was then given three months to respond to the “nonfinal officer action” issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She was also warned that failure to do so could result in her application being abandoned.

She then encountered another stumbling block as a protest against trademarking the brand was lodged with the USPTO by the owners of the ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark. The ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark is owned by Harry & David, a US-based premium food and gifts retailer, for its ‘Royal Riviera Pears’, which are grown in the state of Oregon. The letter of protest, seen by The Mirror said there was a ‘likelihood of confusion’ and the case was referred to Marco Wright, the Trademark Office’s examining attorney.

Meghan Markle has posted a brand new bombshell video on her Instagram account revealing her American Riviera Orchard brand has been renamed as As Ever – and it seems the clip is filled with hidden details – plus one thing she fails to address

Meghan Markle has announced a huge U-turn with her lifestyle brand in a bombshell Instagram video.

In a candid clip, seemingly filmed in her garden, Meghan revealed that she is ditching her American Riviera Orchard brand name in favour of new title – As Ever. Its launch will tie in with the release of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, which drops on the streaming platform in two weeks. A new website for As Ever has also been launched, featuring a sweet unseen picture of Meghan running hand-in-hand with daughter Princess Lilibet.

Meghan is no stranger to sharing lifestyle tips as she previously ran the successful blog The Tig, which she closed down just before marrying Prince Harry. And it seems there are several hidden details in the announcement you might have missed – as well as a glaring issue that Meghan fails to address…

Prince Harry cameo

In the new clip where Meghan explains her decision behind the rebrand, she chats to the camera in a garden wearing a casual white shirt and jeans. And it appears she is helped in the filming of the clip by Prince Harry, who can be heard at the very start.

Meghan announcing her rebrand as being called As Ever ( 
Image:
@Meghan/Instagram)

Meghan announced the news on Instagram ( 
Image:
@Meghan/Instagram)

When the video starts, Harry can be heard saying: “It’s recording” before appearing to pass the phone to his wife, who laughs nervously and says: “Okay”.

Last week, Meghan joined Harry at his Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler for several days before returning to California to return home to their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. And it appears Lilibet is also part of the rebrand as a picture of her and mum Meghan appears on the new As Ever website.

Fleeting family member appearance

However, it is not just Harry who is part of the video, in a blink and you’ll miss it moment, another family member appears. Right at the start of the clip, one of the couple’s dogs can be seen wandering around in the background. It appears to be their beagle Mia, who has been a part of their family for the last few years.

The couple also has a black labrador called Pula. Last month, Meghan announced the sad news that their other pet beagle Guy had died.

Subtle dig at royals

During the clip, Meghan explains the thinking behind her new brand, and explains how she has always been a fan of cooking, crafting and gardening. She previously shared similar tips on her lifestyle blog The Tig, which she ran in her days as an actress on Suits but shut down when she married Harry.

Meghan with the Royal Family at Sandringham in 2018 ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
And in a subtle dig at the royals after previously saying she wasn’t allowed to do certain things when she was a member of the Firm, she added: “I’ve always loved cooking, crafting and gardening. This is what I do and I haven’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years but now I can.”

When American Riviera Orchard was first announced last year, Meghan sent out samples of jam to some of her celeb pals who posted about it on Instagram. And teasing her As Ever products, she explained: “Of course, there will be fruit preserve. I think we’re are all clear at this point that jam is my jam. There’s so many more products that I love [and] use in my home. It’s time to share it with you. So I can’t wait for you guys to see it. Thanks, guys.”

Meaningful jewellery

In the video, Meghan appears dressed down in a casual outfit, but also wears her well-known pieces of beloved jewellery, including her engagement ring and Cartier watch. But she also sports another piece – a bold red heart necklace.

Meghan shows a glimpse of her red heart necklace ( 
Image:
Meghan/Instagram)

Meghan with her pal Kelly McKee Zajfen ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Children’s Hosp)And it appears the ‘Heart of Gold’ pendant has been designed in collaboration with her pal Kelly McKee Zafjen, with some of the proceeds going to charity. The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles received 15 per cent of the necklace sales, with Gwenyth Paltrow also being spotted wearing one.

The charity is close to Kelly’s heart as her late son George died in July 2022 aged just nine after being found unresponsive in the family home.

Also on full view in the video is Meghan’s new signet ring, which she has been spotted wearing on her pinky finger that features her and Harry’s joint royal cypher. It has been reported that the piece was a gift from Harry for their wedding anniversary last year.

Name hint

In the caption accompanying her video, Meghan explains the reasoning behind the new name, As Ever.

She says: “‘As ever’ means ‘as it’s always been’ or some even say ‘in the same way as always’. If you’ve followed along since my days of creating The Tig, you’ll know this couldn’t be truer for me. This new chapter is an extension of what has always been my love language, beautifully weaving together everything I cherish — food, gardening, entertaining, thoughtful living, and finding joy in the every day.”

But it seems the new name may have been hiding in plain sight on her newly-launched Instagram account all along. In nearly all the posts on the new account, Meghan has signed them off As Ever – possibly as a sign of things to come.

However, one major thing that Meghan fails to address in the video is her struggles with trademarking her previous name American Riviera Orchard, which may have played into the urgent rebranding.

Last September, it emerged her application to have American Riviera Orchard trademarked had been rejected. She was then given three months to respond to the “nonfinal officer action” issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). She was also warned that failure to do so could result in her application being abandoned.

She then encountered another stumbling block as a protest against trademarking the brand was lodged with the USPTO by the owners of the ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark. The ‘Royal Riviera’ trademark is owned by Harry & David, a US-based premium food and gifts retailer, for its ‘Royal Riviera Pears’, which are grown in the state of Oregon. The letter of protest, seen by The Mirror said there was a ‘likelihood of confusion’ and the case was referred to Marco Wright, the Trademark Office’s examining attorney.

The Princess of Wales shared several portrait drawings created by her children – and eagle-eyed fans have claimed they have noticed that Louis’ drawing features an incredible detail of mum, Kate

Prince Louis’ sweet portrait drawing features an incredible detail that royal fans claim shows how much he adores his mum, Kate.

The Princess of Wales and her children released portrait sketches they drew of each other after spending time together being creative. Kate alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Louis completed the exercise aimed at fostering a “moment of connection”.

Prince Louis’ sweet portrait drawing features an incredible detail that royal fans claim shows how much he adores his mum, Kate.

The Princess of Wales and her children released portrait sketches they drew of each other after spending time together being creative. Kate alongside Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Louis completed the exercise aimed at fostering a “moment of connection”.

The four images appear to be drawn in a variety of mediums from charcoal to ink. While it remains uncertain who drew what, the caption on the X, formerly Twitter post appears to correlate with the order in which each portrait is shown. And royal fans believe the drawing in red ink has been created by six-year-old Louis and could show mum, Kate.

Prince Louis’ drawing that was shared by mum Kate

The Princess of Wales on a visit to a prison last week ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
They’ve pointed out that the young prince may have been so eager to get his portrayal correct, he has even included his mum’s beauty spot just above her top lip in the drawing. It has also been pointed out that his subject could also have been his aunt Pippa Matthews, who also has a similar mark to older sister Kate.

The release of the drawings comes as the Wales family are reportedly on holiday together on the Caribbean island of Mustique during the school half-term break. The drawings are related to the princess’s Shaping Us Framework initiative, aimed at increasing awareness of social and emotional skills.

Alongside the artwork posted on the princess’s official social media accounts is the commentary: “…Shaping Us Framework describes the social and emotional skills which start to develop in early childhood. These skills are key throughout our lives, shaping who we are, how we manage our thoughts and emotions, how we communicate with and relate to others, and how we explore the world around us.

Kate with her sister Pippa Matthews“Drawing portraits with children can provide a moment of connection as you spend time looking at and focusing on one another, as well as being creative and – most importantly – having lots of fun together!”

Kate recently visited the National Portrait Gallery to join children taking part in the Bobeam Tree Trail, the art attraction’s interactive project based on the princess’ framework. The trail encourages young children to identify the emotions of the people portrayed in the paintings and to create their own self-portraits – something they can also do at home as part of the project and which the princess completed with her children.

The princess wrote the foreword for a report published to mark the launch of the framework and described how modern life was leaving many feeling “isolated and vulnerable” during troubled periods, resulting in “poor mental health, addiction and abuse” that was “devastating” for those affected and society.

The solution is to “develop and nurture” social and emotional skills from the moment people are born, which are the “bedrock of any healthy, happy society”, but this must be a priority for people to “thrive”, it said.

Royal expert Jennie Bond has reflected on Prince Andrew as he approaches his 65th birthday, including his source of Royal Lodge cash, which has been under immense scrutiny

Prince Andrew will mark his 65th birthday next week, but the celebrations could be tainted by the disputes that surround him, including the funds used to reside at the sprawling Royal Lodge.

The Duke has come under enormous scrutiny after he stepped back as a working royal in 2019, following his controversial friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Since then, Andrew has not received public funding. He currently lives in the 30-room Royal Lodge home in Windsor with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson. He’s remained at the property, which has a long-term lease, despite his brother, King Charles, reportedly putting pressure on him to vacate the abode for something smaller and less costly to maintain.

It was also reported last year that Charles had stopped the £1m annual allowance that Andrew used to receive from the late Queen, leading many to wonder how the disgraced Duke would manage the maintenance of such a large estate. His finances were also scrutinised in a Channel Five documentary – Prince Andrew: Where Did All the Money Go – which aired in January, sparking further queries about how and where Andrew receives his funding.

The Duke lives in the Royal Lodge in Windsor with his ex-wife, Sarah Ferguson ( 
Image:
Roland Hoskins/ANL/REX/Shutterstock)
Former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond spoke exclusively to OK! about Andrew residing in the Royal Lodge and suggested what needed to be done. She said: “I think Andrew should now either leave Royal Lodge or explain publicly where the money to maintain the terms of the lease is coming from. Assuming it’s all perfectly legitimate and accountable, there should be an end to the so-called ‘siege’.”

“I think, though, that the Duke has a pretty thick skin, and his response to most of the accusations is contempt for those who make them. Even at 65 and after all that’s happened to him, Andrew has remained stuck on his status, and it has to be said, his natural arrogance has not deserted him.

‘His natural arrogance has not deserted him’, said the royal expert ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
“There used to be an expression amongst the Lords Lieutenant around the UK who had to host visits by him…they would ask ‘Have you been Andrewed?’ They meant, had their colleagues had to host this rather pompous and self-important royal?”

Jennie concluded: “As for the future, there will be no return to royal duties or public appearances. But he has a growing and loving family and an immensely privileged lifestyle, so he really has no reason to feel sorry for himself.”

Princess Diana shared a sweet gift that she received from Charles the night before their wedding, which showed that the king was excited to be marrying his bride

On the eve of the highly anticipated Royal wedding between Charles and Diana, the then Prince of Wales sent a heartfelt message and a thoughtful gift to his bride-to-be.

According to Andrew Morton’s book, ‘Diana: In Her Own Words’, Diana recalled: “He sent me a very nice signet ring the night before to Clarence House, with the Prince of Wales feathers on and a very nice card that said: ‘I’m so proud of you and when you come up I’ll be there at the altar for you tomorrow.

“‘Just look ’em in the eye and knock ’em dead.’” The ring, which featured the Prince of Wales crest, was worn by Diana on several occasions, including the Regent Street Christmas lights switch-on event later that year

Charles and Diana leaving St Paul’s Cathedral on their wedding day which was watched by the world ( 
Image:
(Image: Hulton Archive/Getty Images))
Interestingly, the monarch himself is often seen wearing a similar signet ring bearing the official Prince of Wales crest.

The wedding, which took place on July 29, 1981, at St Paul’s Cathedral in London, was a grand affair watched by 750 million people in 74 countries worldwide.

At the time, it was hailed as the “wedding of the century”. Diana’s elaborate wedding gown, crafted over three months, was made from ivory silk taffeta and featured a stunning 25-foot train.

Reflecting on the day, Diana told Mr Morton: “I remember being so in love with my husband that I couldn’t take my eyes off him,” reports the Express.

She added: “I just absolutely thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. He was going to look after me.”

Head florist David Longman disclosed that following Queen Elizabeth’s own wedding flower blunder, she instituted the practice of preparing two identical bouquets to avert such incidents. “We made two bouquets,” Longman stated.

“The first one had to be delivered at 8 o’clock to Buckingham Palace.”

Charles and Diana on their engagement photo call, 1981 ( 
Image:
(Image: Anwar Hussein/Getty Images))
Ensuring Princess Diana had no floral issues, Longman crafted two matching arrangements. “We had a police escort motorcyclist who took us all through the city to the Palace. Then we came back, and by that time they had finished the second bouquet and back we went again.”

The bouquet was composed of exquisite blooms including gardenias, stephanotis, odontoglossum orchid, lily of the valley, Earl Mountbatten roses, freesia, veronica, ivy, myrtle, and tradescantia.

Althorp staff are reportedly relieved to see the back of Karen Spencer who is ‘finally’ moving onto a ‘new chapter’ following her divorce from Charles Spencer

Karen Spencer, Countess Spencer, has now bid farewell to the Althorp estate, to the apparent relief of staff.

For 13 years, the countess was married to Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer, the younger brother of Princess Diana. During her time at Althorp, Lady Spencer threw herself into ambitious efforts to restore the well-loved stately home. It’s here that the late princess spent her childhood years and was laid to rest following her death at the age of just 36.

Once a united team devoted to the preservation of the Spencer family’s rich history, the couple, who share a daughter, Charlotte Diana Spencer, announced they were planning to divorce in June 2024 amid reports of Earl Spencer’s new romance with archaeologist Professor Cat Jarman.

Unfortunately, there have been some dramatic moments in the months since, with Professor Jarman having previously confirmed she is suing Lady Spencer after she allegedly informed the Earl about her Multiple Sclerosis (MS) diagnosis – something she had not yet felt ready to share with her new partner.

Lady Spencer dedicated herself to the preservation of Althorp ( 
Image:
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)

Now Lady Spencer, 52, is looking ahead to a “new chapter” beyond Althorp, sharing the news with Instagram followers. Uploading a pic of her two sheep, Lucky and Minty, the countryside-loving Canadian social entrepreneur wrote: ‘Well… at long last, three weeks ago, we finally moved into our temporary new home.

“Still waiting for the horses to arrive – hopefully next week! Doesn’t quite feel like home without them. This new chapter is already taking shape.”

The countess accused her ex husband of dumping her by text message ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for BVLGARI and EJAF)

Earl Spencer has dismissed his ex wife’s version of events as ‘absurd’ ( 
Image:
Getty Images for Invictus Games)
This followed an earlier post, where she’d revealed: “It hasn’t been easy finding a temporary rental that can accommodate seven horses, two sheep, four cats, and a dog… but we’ve finally found one.”

While the countess is apparently looking forward to new beginnings, staff at Althorp are apparently pleased to see the end of what has reportedly been a somewhat tempestuous chapter in the estate’s 500-year history.

One staff member told the Mail Online: “Having Lady Spencer on the estate for the year since the split has been very challenging indeed. She was a very big presence at Althorp and one that won’t be missed.”

It’s understood the former couple are no longer on good terms, but mud is being slung around the divorce court. According to High Court papers seen by People, Lady Spencer claimed that her estranged husband had advised her he wanted a divorce via text message.

These documents assert that Earl Spencer’s “behaviour in the run-up to this had been uncaring and deliberately provocative”, adding that “the fact that he finally brought their marriage to an end by text, completely refusing to have any conversation with her in person or even provide an explanation at all, despite her repeated requests over the weeks that followed, was both cruel and inexplicable.”

The earl is now in a relationship with archaologist Professor Cat Jarman ( 
Image:Lady Spencer also accused her aristocratic ex of carrying on an affair with Professor Jarman behind her back since 2022 “and more likely since 2021,” referring to her as Earl Spencer’s “long-term mistress”.

In an email seen by Hello!, Lady Spencer also urged Professor Jarman to keep away from her beloved Althorp, warning: “Not sure what Charles has shared with you of this, but I won’t have you at Althorp while I still live here.

“That is a boundary I intend to hold. It’s not fair to me, our daughter, or to all the staff, who are already distraught at the news of our divorce though having to serve Charles’ long-term mistress. It’s just too much to ask.”

In a frosty sign-off, the furious chatelaine continued: “Good luck Cat, you’re in for a hell of a ride. I think that you’ll find having him to deal with full-time will be much trickier than the odd five-day escape to Norfolk and a night or two in London here and there.”

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Earl Spencer, 60, dismissed his ex-wife’s version of events as “an absurd attempt to blacken [his] name”. He told the publication: ‘The notion that I would end my marriage by text is an absurd attempt to blacken my name. Karen ended the marriage in early March after endless threats to do so over the years.

‘She asked me to confirm the end of the marriage in a text of 18 March and my reply that day was a simple acceptance of her decision. I have those texts still, and will share them in court when I clear my name.’

Meanwhile, Professor Jarman spoke of her “dismay” after Lady Spencer divulged her MS diagnosis to the earl before she had the chance to discuss her sensitive health issue with her new lover. Professor Jarman said: “I am shocked and utterly dismayed that my rightful attempt to stop the unlawful dissemination of my status as a person with Multiple Sclerosis – a protected disability – has been hijacked in such an appallingly untruthful way.

Lady Spencer warned Professor Jarman to stay away from Althorp ( 
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Getty Images)

“It seems that Karen Spencer is not so much mounting a legal defence to my legitimate action, but has rather stooped to make a hideous and defamatory attack on Charles and me. In the meantime, the stress of this matter, which could have been resolved by Karen Spencer in a few minutes many months ago, further seriously impacts my health. Stress is a well-known driver of MS.

“My full response to this outrage will be with the Courts at the earliest possible opportunity, and at the same time, we are urgently looking at all available legal redress, including that relating to the breaking of legally binding oaths.”

It has been reported that the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children are on holiday on an exclusive island in the Caribbean

The Prince and Princess of Wales will miss tonight’s BAFTAs as they are on holiday 4,000 miles away.

As the president of BAFTA, Prince William has attended the annual film awards in London for several years running – and has been joined in the past by wife Kate on the red carpet. However, earlier this week, Kensington Palace revealed that neither of them would be at the glitzy event tonight at the Royal Festival Hall.

The awards fall at the start of their children’s half-term holiday from school, with both William and Kate often taking time away from royal duties to spend time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis when on their breaks from class.

The Wales family have reportedly headed off to Mustique ( 
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PA)
According to the Mail On Sunday, the family is using the school holiday to enjoy a sun-drenched getaway on the exclusive luxury Caribbean island of Mustique. The publication reports that the family flew business class on a commercial British Airways flight to St Lucia before then heading on to Mustique, where Kate’s mum, Carole, is also believed to be on holiday.

The island is a favourite among A-list celebrities and was a particular favourite destination of William’s great aunt, Princess Margaret. The Wales family has been to Mustique several times before, including in 2019, when George spent his sixth birthday on the island. It is owned by a private company and has no hotels, meaning visitors must own a villa there or be invited to stay in one.

The royals will also be able to enjoy their privacy on the trip as Mustique enforces a no-fly zone, preventing paparazzi from getting any photographs from the air.

The exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique ( 
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Getty Images)
The trip is believed to have been their second holiday in as many months after it was reported the family enjoyed a New Year skiing break. The getaway also comes just weeks after Kate revealed she is now in remission from cancer and has been gradually returning to royal duties.

However, despite missing the BAFTAs tonight, William did drop in on budding moviemakers during a special visit last week. The Prince of Wales operated a camera while sitting on the dolly and track as he took shots for part of a film scene at the London Screen Academy (LSA) in Highbury, north London, on Wednesday.

The free-to-attend academy provides students skills and training with courses in film production, costume, editing and animation – and was created to address the skills shortage and lack of diversity in the UK screen and creative industries.

Among the academy’s co-founders are David Heyman, producer of all eight Harry Potter films, and Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson, who oversee the James Bond franchise.

William has been the president of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (Bafta) since 2010, when he succeeded the actor and director Richard Attenborough.

Kensington Palace has been contacted by The Mirror for comment.