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Chris McCausland lost his sight completely by the age of 22 due to a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, a rare disease which slowly diminishes the retina’s function

Strictly Come Dancing finalist Chris McCausland will be taking to the dancefloor one last time this evening as he competes for the glitterball alongside four other celebrities.

The 47-year-old comedian and actor and professional dancer Dianne Buswell have charmed viewers on the TV show and have never once faced the dance-off. Despite being a novice dancer, Chris has impressed the public as well as the judges – also due to the fact that he lost his sight about 25 years ago.

At the age of 22, Chris was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic eye condition which affects the light sensitive cells in the retina at the back of your eyes. This rare disease slowly diminishes the retina’s function, leading to a gradual lost of sight.

Chris has never been in the Strictly dance-off ( 
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PA)
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) says the first symptom you will notice is that you don’t see as well as other people without a sight condition in dim light, for example outside at dusk, or at night – which is commonly known as “night blindness”. While people without a sight condition can usually fully adapt to dim light in 15 to 30 minutes, those with RP find that it takes them much longer to adapt, or it doesn’t happen at all.

As RP progresses, you will start having problems seeing things in your peripheral vision, leaving a central narrow field of vision known as having “tunnel vision”. Since RP is a progressive condition, it means your vision will continue to get worse over the years.

Chris, who is now blind as he lost his sight completely by the age of 22, previously spoke about his condition to the i newspaper as he revealed: “My grandmother had it, and my mum. Basically, I’d been going blind very slowly since I was born, and so didn’t even really notice it happening. Like the frog in the pan of boiling water.”

He went on to describe his experience of blindness, saying: “They say that when you lose your sight, your hearing gets better. It doesn’t. But you do pay more attention to it. So when you’re sat at a beach resort, and you’re hot, and you can’t see what’s around you, then you just end up concentrating on how hot you actually are. I suffer more for it.”

Earlier this week, Chris said he was feeling “worn down” ahead of the Strictly final. In an honest admission, Chris confessed that he hadn’t recovered from the weekend and was struggling with his emotions. He explained that he felt “worn down” and “fell apart a bit” on Saturday.

Speaking on It Takes Two on Wednesday, he said: “I haven’t really truly recovered. It’s been an emotional few days this week for me. I feel worn down. My resilience has been worn down. I kind of fell apart a bit on Saturday, and I haven’t fully recovered, and then we’ve been training this week, and I’ve had a few wobbles. A few emotional wobbles. It’s incredible but I’m still feeling quite emotional.”

After they went through, Dianne and Chris took to social media to issue a joint statement. Dianne wrote: “We did it partner Strictly 2024 FINALISTS!!! You deserve this so much. Thank you for your friendship, kindness, and trust, doing this with you has been one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. We promise to do what we do every week in the final and that is try our very best and enjoy the moment because it’s such a special one.”

At the time, Chris also admitted that he was an “emotional wreck” and felt “overwhelmed”. He explained: “We learned the steps, and we did quite well. I can’t help but get emotional when I look at your face during that because you just look like you’re enjoying it so much. I’ll be honest, I got a bit emotional before.

“I’m weak at the minute, I’m emotionally weak. It doesn’t take much to set me off. We did the waltz before and the way it works on Saturday, we’re going to do our Couple’s Choice, then we’ll do our Show Dance. Then we’ll do the waltz. We rehearsed the waltz, and I realised that this is going to be the last dance that we do, and I imagined it all being over on Saturday and it being the last time we dance on the show and it upset me.” Chris will be competing alongside Sarah Hadland, Tasha Ghouri, and JB Gill this evening.

Meghan Markle’s lifestyle show is reportedly the “last chance” for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to “save their deal” with Netflix, with sources claiming it is “make or break”

Meghan Markle is reportedly facing a crucial moment as her forthcoming cooking and lifestyle show is being touted as the “last chance” to salvage the Sussexes’ Netflix deal. Insiders, including an entertainment executive, have described the situation as “make or break” for Meghan and Harry, who have been living in the US since their Royal departure in 2020.

Daily Mail columnist Alison Boshoff commented in her column that “so much hangs on” Meghan’s culinary programme, particularly following the “apparent failure” of their recent five-part docuseries, ‘Polo’. Despite both Meghan and Harry serving as executive producers, ‘Polo’ has not impressed critics, with Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams branding it “dull” and Charlotte Griffiths from the Mail on Sunday dismissing it as a “load of old tosh”.

Pressure mounts for the Duchess of Sussex after Polo deemed ‘dull’ ( 
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(Image: GETTY))
Regarding Meghan’s upcoming series, a Californian source reportedly told Boshoff: “It’s make or break. People say Netflix are exhausted.” They added: “It’s so much work with her and, bluntly, the ‘deliverable’ does not seem to be worth it.”

Another industry bigwig stated: “Her show will have to be an enormous hit to turn around their deal and their reputations in this town.”,

Meghan, aged 43, hinted at her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard earlier in March, with the show expected to align with her brand launch, as reported by the Express.

The couple made few appearances in Netflix’s Polo ( 
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(Image: GETTY))
However, the series is conspicuously absent from Netflix’s January line-up, leading to speculation that it may be released in late February – following Prince Harry’s Invictus Games in Canada – or even in March. The couple inked the lucrative five-year deal with the streaming giant shortly after they stepped back from Royal duties and relocated to the US.

Meghan and Harry now live in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

The Masked Singer presenter attended a Christmas charity celebration with partner Michael Douglas and her neurosurgeon

Davina McCall has made her first public appearance since undergoing a brain op. She attended a Christmas event for the Brain Tumour Research Campaign charity – where she gave an emotional speech.

The presenter, 57, revealed earlier this month that she was having surgery to remove a colloid cyst, a rare fluid-filled benign tumour in her brain and has kept fans updated with her recovery. In a clip from the Thursday event, Davina tears up as she gives a short speech. “I’m crying already, that didn’t go well,” she said, stepping on to the stage. I lost my sis to a brain tumour in 2012,” she continued, before talking about her own diagnosis. She was at the event at All Saints Church, Fulham supporting her neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill.

Davina at the Christmas event with neurosurgeon Kevin O’Neill and partner Michael Douglas

Davina was all smiles at the Brain Tumour Research Campaign charity eventEarlier this month the Masked Singer host explained how she worried boyfriend Michael Douglas, 49, as she woke up “confused” after the op – but has since been recovering well. Thanking Kevin on Instagram, she said: “I’m gonna out my surgeon. He is called Kevin O’Neill and he has been amazing. Trying to find somebody who knew about colloid cysts was quite a challenge. Kevin is very experienced as a neurosurgeon. He had done another colloid cyst this year. He has been brilliant. He got the whole thing.”

She continued: “I know I gave him and Mike a scare straight after the op because I was so confused but I am doing so well now. I just wanted to thank him and all the team for taking such good care of me. I’m going to take you and your missus out for an amazing dinner, Kevin.”

The charity thanked mum-of-three Davina for her heartfelt speech. Posting pictures of a smiling Davina, they wrote: “We were then moved by the inspiring words of the wonderful @davinamccall who shared her personal story with such courage and grace. Her message about the importance of funding for brain tumour research truly resonated with us all. Thank you, Davina, for being such a powerful voice for this cause.”

Davina has given regular updates on her recovery

She underwent the operation on November 15 for the benign tumour ( 
Image:
davinamccall/Instagram)Davina discovered her condition thanks to a health check as part of her menopause work. She has long advocated on women’s health issues, and presented documentaries on contraception and menopause. Davina had previously said she was feeling “stronger and stronger”. “I am feeling much better now that I’m home,” she posted on Instagram. “I’m being brilliantly looked after by Michael and Gaby, my [step]mum. I’m now just trying to sleep a lot and get better. My short-term memory is really improving a lot every day, and it has been an example to me of how much sleep helps me recover from everything.”

Mum-of-three Davina launched podcast Begin Again in October and is adamant she will continue. Hair stylist Michael, 47 – who has been dating Davina since 2017 – said she plans to resume work around mid-January.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 has crowned its winner, with hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announcing the result live on air during Saturday’s final as Chris McCausland stormed to victory

Chris McCausland has won Strictly Come Dancing 2024, with the result revealed live on Saturday night.

The comedian and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell burst into tears and celebrated as they were declared this year’s winners after a close final. Moments after sharing how much the win would mean to him, Chris was announced as this series’ champion.

Four couples remained with their final three performances all they could do to pull off a win. But only one couple could be victorious, as announced on air by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

Chris and Dianne, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, JB Gill and Lauren Oakley and Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec all made it to the live final after months of live shows and training. As Saturday’s result came in, just one couple was awarded the Glitterball Trophy.

As the result came in, Chris and Dianne were in complete shock and quickly hugged it out. Left in tears, they were applauded by the judges, crowd and their co-stars as Claudia congratulated them.

Their fellow finalists rallied around them and embraced them, as Chris wiped back tears. Dianne was shaking, as the hosts asked Chris about his win.

Tess asked how it felt, with a speechless Chris saying: “It’s astonishing, I don’t know what to say. I thought I would go out in the first week or two. We have lasted and lasted and she has got so much out of me, she deserves this so much.”

Chris McCausland has won Strictly Come Dancing
He added: “This is for her and for everyone out there who thought… who got told they couldn’t do something or thought they couldn’t do it. With opportunity and support and determination anything can happen.” A teary Dianne told him it was “for both of them”, screaming: “We did it!”

Comedian Chris has inspired the whole nation with his performances, as the show’s first ever blind contestant. The way he has taken on the show and progressed his dancing skills, thanks to pro dancer Dianne’s help, has inspired viewers with them constantly heaping praise on the finalist.

In recent weeks the star has shared the obstacles he has faced throughout the series, with Dianne often explaining to the hosts, judges and viewers what they are up against in training. In a moving moment on Saturday night, judge Craig Revel Horwood revealed he finally realised just how much Chris and Dianne had to put into every training session in order to deliver such epic performances, as he visited the training room.

With Chris’ sight loss, Craig was able to see how Dianne trained him to dance and to follow the steps to ensure each routine was done correctly. The judge even wrote Chris a poem, after his newfound appreciation for Chris’ skill having seen how much work it takes to learn each step, direction, and to know what is going on around him.

Chris had previously confessed he put off Strictly for so long as he was unsure he could do it, and he also didn’t want to encourage negative comments. He decided to challenge himself and has gone on to win the entire show, something he wasn’t expecting.

The comedian and his pro dance partner Dianne Buswell burst into tears
Dianne was in tears in a recent episode after another amazing routine, as she detailed how Chris’ “safe space” had been looking at the floor for years, with him now changing his posture completely and seeming confident on the dance floor. It followed some critique about the way he was stood and his frame during his dance.

Ahead of the final, Dianne also shared how he had the disadvantage of not being able to see his fellow finalists, and not knowing how well they could perform as he had not seen a single step by anyone else. At the time, host Tess was so choked with emotion she could barely get the next link out. And Di’s words had a similar effect on all the pro dancers gathered in the Clauditorium.

Viewers had believed they knew who would win the series just hours before the finale on Saturday. Chris and Dianne were this year’s favourites amongst fans to claim victory over the three other pairings.

Taking to X before the live final and before any result was announced, one fan said: “Will win: Chris McCausland.” A second viewer agreed: “Chris will win out of highest quality year yet.” A third added: “There appears to be a consensus that Chris McCausland will win,” while another fan commented of who will win: “It’s obvious Chris & Dianne will win and if they do it’ll be well deserved!”

Comedian Chris has inspired the whole nation with his performancesThe comments kept on coming with another reading: “Genuinely never been so assured someone is going to win strictly before then I do think Chris & Dianne will do this evening.” A further theory read: “I think Chris will pass out if they win though, and Dianne needs some sort of special award for what she has achieved.”

Meanwhile, judge Anton Du Beke praised the series before the live finale as the consensus was it was one of the best series in years. With all four couples taking on three routines this weekend, Anton called this year’s series “magical”.

Co-judge Motsi Mabuse described the series as “one of the most exciting ever” and felt that all the finalists brought “something so unique to the competition”. She continued: “It’s been a joy to watch them grow. They really raised the bar this year. Heading to the final, it’s going to be a tough decision because each finalist brings magic to the dance floor. It’ll be a celebration of their talent and hard work and I can’t wait to see what they all deliver on Saturday night.”

The Loose Women panel jumped to the defence of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here’s Jane Moore after she slammed new camp leasers Barry McGuigan and Danny Jones

The Loose Women ladies were quick to discuss Jane Moore’s I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here antics after Ant and Dec criticised her comments.

Jane, who is a panellist on the hit ITV talk show, hit out at campmates Barry McGuigan and Danny Jones after they were named new camp leaders. They immediately gave Jane, 62, washing up duties after a shift around in camp roles.

The panel consisted of Charlene White, Judi Love, Frankie Bridge and Coleen Nolan. Charlene said Jane just wants to be involved, while Judi said: “I can tell from Jane she definitely wants to do a trial. She is hands on. She’ll get in there… Jane is just like ‘I’ll do whatever needs to get done.”

The Loose Women panel discussed Jane’s comments ( 
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ITV)
Coleen said Jane “not one to handle boredom” and is desperate to do a trial. “She’s gone in there because she wants to do it,” insisted Frankie before saying that when she was put on fire duty during her jungle adventure she felt like she “didn’t exist”. As she opened up on her own gender issues experience, she said: “It does become a bit of a thing”. However, she said she didn’t feel like Danny or Barry meant anything by it in the current series.

Gregg Wallace admits he ‘really worries’ about his son

On Sunday’s show, Danny said: “I think we have to put Jane on washing up but the only thing I want to say is have we gone a bit male heavy on the strenuous jobs?’. But Barry replied: “I think that’s a fair comment but I don’t think they’d thank us after a few days.”

Jane speaking with GK Barry ( 
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ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
However, she was far from impressed and called their decision ageist and sexist. She was then seen throughout the episode huffing and puffing about her new role in camp.

Geordie duo Ant and Dec weren’t convinced with Jane’s outburst as they opened up on the tensions that were brewing Down Under. Ant said: “I think she is being a bit unfair by saying it’s sexist and ageist. I think they were just trying to do a good job in allocating fairly, if I’m honest.”

Dec was of the same opinion as he replied: “Yes, I agree. I feel for Barry, he was only trying to do his best.” Ant added: “Poor little Barry.”

Fans of the series had other ideas, though, claiming she may have made the comments in a bid to ensure she got more air time. While she has been on hand to offer a sound ear to give advice, or a compassionate shoulder to cry on, she has not been selected for any trials as of yet.

That’s in stark contrast to radio DJ Dean McCullough, who has constantly been voted to suffer in the Bushtucker Trials. On two occasions he’s yelled ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’ and Ant has urged viewers to stop voting for him.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are still on the outs with the royal family after leaving the U.K. in 2020, which is why it’s no surprise they were excluded from holiday festivities yet again.

“Relations between Harry and his family are not sufficiently close for an invitation to be sent,” a source told an outlet.

“It’s very sad that things are that bad. We know that Harry wants to mend fences, but there is an awfully long way to go,” they added.

While chatting with bereaved military children on Tuesday, December 10, for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the Duke of Sussex discussed the diversity of emotions experienced during this time of year.

“It’s OK to feel however you feel at Christmas. Some people will be celebrating and happy, other people feel reflective, some people will be sad, and maybe you’ll experience every single one of these emotions and that’s absolutely fine,” Harry said during a virtual holiday party.

“Remember, you’ve got each other, you’ve got Scotty’s and you’ve got the people that love you,” he added.

OK! previously reported experts speculated that the duke’s security concerns impacted his ability to spend the season with his relatives.

“No, I’m not a bit surprised they weren’t invited,” royal expert Ingrid Seward told an outlet. “I think the general feeling is that it would’ve just created an unwarranted atmosphere, and Christmas isn’t about that. Christmas is about everybody being happy and getting on with each other. And… I just think that King Charles just couldn’t deal with the [drama].”

“He’s exhausted by his year,” Seward claimed. “He’s exhausted by his cancer, and he’s a workaholic, so he doesn’t really rest up. And the thought of having Harry and Meghan was probably a bit much. He thought it would be a bit much over this period.”

Harry’s fight for security privileges is ongoing, and he’s been candid about not bringing Prince Archie or Princess Lilibet to his home country unless he can guarantee their safety.

“It doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to see his grandchildren,” Seward added, as the tots haven’t visited London or Charles since 2022.

“I think he’s desperate to see his grandchildren,” she alleged. “But Harry won’t come here unless he has this, that and the other. And he wants an armed escort, and he’s making too many demands. And I completely understand. [But] Charles [is saying], ‘Look, I’m just not going to ask them this yet.’”

Source: MEGAA source claimed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle invited Princess Eugenie to spend Christmas with them in California.

Although Harry and Charles won’t be reunited at Sandringham, Princess Eugenie could travel to California to spend time with her cousin.

“Harry and Meghan have invited Eugenie and Jack to join them in California during the holidays,” a source told an outlet. “It’s a very difficult position for Eugenie because she has also been invited to Sandringham.”

“It would be so nice for the children to spend time with their cousins,” the insider continued. “The diary is very tight over the holidays but there might be a slot free around New Year’s time for everyone to come together at some point.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s latest series, POLO, failed to satisfy critics’ expectations, which could mean the Sussexes’ future in Hollywood is over.

Initially, 2024 was seen as the Sussexes’ “redemption year,” but their projects failed to rehabilitate their public image.

“[Harry and Meghan] have alienated themselves,” American royal commentator Kinsey Schofield told TalkTV. “They’ve made so many wrong moves that I don’t think they’re taken seriously anymore.”

“I’ve never seen a more blissfully unaware couple,” Schofield shared. “Their lack of self-awareness is the only thing they should be receiving trophies for.”

“I do think [The Lost Prince] documentary humiliated them,” the podcaster added while discussing the German film about the duo. “It magnified the fact that Harry and Meghan have had many more failures than successes since they chose to step down as senior members of the royal family.”

OK! previously reported POLO‘s low ratings could affect the Sussexes’ multiyear deal with Netflix.

“The new polo documentary hasn’t received good reviews, and this is another foray into producing from Meghan and Harry,” brand expert Nick Ede said in an interview.

“It could, like the Invictus documentary, start well due to the public’s fascination with the pair and with polo potentially,” he noted.

“I’ve never seen a more blissfully unaware couple,” Schofield shared. “Their lack of self-awareness is the only thing they should be receiving trophies for.”

“I do think [The Lost Prince] documentary humiliated them,” the podcaster added while discussing the German film about the duo. “It magnified the fact that Harry and Meghan have had many more failures than successes since they chose to step down as senior members of the royal family.”

OK! previously reported POLO‘s low ratings could affect the Sussexes’ multiyear deal with Netflix.

“The new polo documentary hasn’t received good reviews, and this is another foray into producing from Meghan and Harry,” brand expert Nick Ede said in an interview.

“It could, like the Invictus documentary, start well due to the public’s fascination with the pair and with polo potentially,” he noted.

The Sussexes’ explosive tell-all series, Harry & Meghan, broke records for Netflix, but Live to Lead, Heart of Invictus and POLO have yet to reach the network’s top ten list.

“With very little airtime, we don’t get to see the pair much and also hardly any PR around the series, this looks like it’s oh no rather than Polo!” Ede explained, as the Sussexes only appeared briefly in the fifth episode of the program.

“We are still waiting for the new food show from Meghan,” Ede said of Meghan’s upcoming series.

Polo is known to be an expensive pastime, which might be why viewers didn’t want to tune into the new documentary.

“Polo is a very niche sport. It’s very much a sport for very wealthy people,” royal expert Phil Dampier told an outlet. “The average person can’t afford a polo mallet or stick let alone a horse or a horse box.”

“I don’t think it’s going to attract many new players,” Dampier continued. “I spent many, many days watching the royals play polo, and I have to say it’s pretty boring.”

Source: MEGAPrince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘POLO’ was perceived as out of touch due to the elite nature of the sport.

When Netflix first released the trailer for POLO, viewers predicted the show wouldn’t perform well.

“It’s hilarious, but not in a good way. It’s so tacky and cringey, it is literally all the worst things about polo. I watched it in appalled hysterics,” a source told an outlet after seeing the promotional video.

“The irony is that polo is actually a surprisingly inclusive sport these days,” they added. “You do see plenty of rich kids but there are also plenty of kids from less rarefied backgrounds who just happen to be fantastic riders who are sponsored by the teams.”

Prince William and Kate Middleton are beloved members of the royal family, but Queen Camilla might have found a way to humble the power couple.

Source: MEGA

According to Robert Jobson, Camilla threw “subtle jabs” at the Prince and Princess of Wales to remind them of their place within the royal hierarchy.

“When Charles was kept waiting several minutes for the couple, Camilla insisted they go without them,” the author wrote in Catherine, the Princess of Wales. “As William and Catherine emerged, all they could see were the blue flashing lights of the motorbikes disappearing in the distance.”

Source: MEGAKate Middleton is considered the most popular member of the royal family.

Despite the tension between them, the Waleses’ relationship with Camilla has changed as Kate and King Charles battle cancer.

“Recent events have obviously brought William and Camilla much closer,” Jennie Bond told an outlet. “They have been left, almost literally, nursing The Crown while the king and the princess recover.”

“Apart from the business side of things, I’m sure they will have been an emotional help to one another as well,” Bond continued. “Both will have been so worried about these unexpected health issues and I imagine they will have shared their concerns.”

Source: MEGAKing Charles sees Kate Middleton as his ‘beloved’ daughter-in-law.

OK! previously reported Jobson claimed the Princess of Wales played a role in strengthening William and Charles’ bond.

“There were moments when the relationship between the king and the Prince of Wales was frosty,” Jobson said in an interview. “There have been problems like that in the past.”

According to Jobson, the brunette beauty is “the hub, the conduit to good relations” between William and Charles.

Source: MEGAKate Middleton returned to public duties at Trooping the Colour.

Kate, who is Charles’ “beloved” daughter-in-law, is often seen as a grounding force within the royal family.

“She’s been brilliant. I think the king absolutely adores her,” Jobson added. “You can see his eyes light up when he sees her.”

The author noted that Charles sees the princess as “the daughter he never had.”

“Navigating such tricky flare-ups between her husband and her father-in-law has put the princess in an invidious position over the years,” Jobson wrote in his new book. “She has learned to tread carefully on occasion and let time heal.”

Charles and Kate’s dynamic was on full display during Trooping the Colour, as it was the mom-of-three’s first public engagement since being diagnosed with cancer.

“The protocol is that traditionally Kate and William would be standing next to each other and the King and Camilla standing next to each other,” Grant Harrold said on behalf of Slingo. “It is planned but it is also changing the protocol to show the King and Kate united with each other and going through similar battles, so I would say this is down to the King’s preference. The balcony is all orchestrated, but I have a feeling the King said to Kate, ‘You stand next to me.’”

“It was nice that Charles and Catherine were standing next to each other, they are very close and it showed they are supporting each other,” the former royal butler continued. “I think it was a nice gesture and I’m sure William is pleased they were there beside each other.”

Prince Harry‘s latest series, POLO, was ripped apart by critics, and Meghan Markle‘s upcoming cooking show could be the couple’s last opportinity to make it in Hollywood.

Source: MEGAMeghan Markle and Prince Harry signed a multiyear deal with Netflix in 2020.

“With Made in Wrexham, you’re kind of really gunning for the boys, and they to succeed in this football club, to do well. But with these polo players, it doesn’t matter,” royal editor Charlotte Griffiths told GB News.

“There’s no members of the royal family, not even really Prince Harry,” Griffiths added.

Source: MEGAMeghan Markle began promoting American Riviera Orchard in March, but the brand has yet to hit retailers.

Aside from POLO‘s low approval rating, organizations like PETA criticized the players’ treatment of animals.

“One of the guys in the show doesn’t even know the names of his horses. If you have four horses you’d learn the names — it’s not that hard is it?” Griffiths asked.

Griffiths revealed that Harry’s close friend Nacho Figueras “had played a real hand in the show and basically organized a lot of it, seems to do a lot of the hard graft.”

POLO highlighted Figueras’ career but failed to showcase the Sussexes’ personal history of playing the sport.

“When Netflix gave them this deal, they were hoping for lots of Meghan and Harry content because actually, Meghan and Harry content does very well,” Griffiths explained.

Source: MEGAPrince Harry’s ‘POLO’ series was branded as boring.

POLO was criticized for its elite nature, and now, the pressure is on Meghan to save the Sussexes’ brand.

“It’s probably their last chance of keeping Archewell as a really successful TV production brand, so there’s a lot riding on the new year,” Griffiths shared.

OK! previously reported Meghan’s Netflix show could be a lucrative opportunity for her.

“This is a profound change of direction for Meghan — in some ways to become like a Martha Stewart. If Meghan can pull it off, it’s a very rich seam to mine,” PR expert Mark Borkowski told an outlet.

“If it succeeds, then it’s a massive leap forward and will take away from a lot of the negativity she’s had. And it will make a lot of people take her very seriously,” he added.

Meghan is pursuing independent endeavors, as she is building American Riviera Orchard while developing her culinary series.

“So, as an income stream, it’s huge… if she gets it right,” Borkowski continued. “But it could be make-or-break for the Duchess if the show is yet another failure.”

“I don’t believe you can have so many failed ventures without people questioning what you’re going to do next,” he concluded.

Source: MEGAPrince Harry and Meghan Marle are developing ‘unscripted things’ for Netflix.

Meghan’s show will “celebrate the joys of cooking, gardening, entertaining, and friendship.” Netflix has yet to announce the release date, but their Chief Content Officer, Bela Bajaria, confirmed the Sussexes are still working on content.

“They have a couple of unscripted things they’re working on with Brandon [Reigg],” Bajaria said.

“And they actually have, like, a bunch of development, they have a movie in development, a (scripted) series that they’re working on,” the executive continued. “So all very early development, with a movie, a TV show and a couple of unscripted shows. But yeah, the movie’s great.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle celebrated Princess Lilibet‘s first birthday in the U.K., but a former royal employee claimed Queen Elizabeth was “offended” by how the parents chose to spend the special day.

Source: NETFLIX

“On Lilibet’s first birthday, the Queen didn’t see her — she saw her the day before,” Princess Diana‘s butler, Paul Burrell, told an outlet. “But on her birthday, the Queen had a birthday cake made with one candle in it. And they never turned up. That candle was never lit.”

“Well, I don’t understand anyone that could do that. Not her family, why would you want to? She was devoid of jealousy, anger, envy, all those traits that we associate with other people she didn’t have,” Burrell continued. “She was just a very simple soul. I wish the world could have known her the way I knew her.”

Source: NETFLIXPrince Harry and Meghan Markle are raising their kids in California.

OK! previously reported journalist Camilla Tominey claimed the Duke of Sussex hoped to take a snapshot of his grandmother with his youngest child during Lilibet’s first trip to his homeland.

“When the couple made another beeline for Windsor Castle, traveling straight there after landing at Farnborough Airport, she refused their request to have professional photographs taken with Archie, 5, and her namesake Lilibet, 3,” Tominey wrote in an article.

“Claiming she had a bloodshot eye, she adroitly denied the Sussexes the photo opportunity they craved. Harry was ‘persistent,’ according to those party to the meeting, expressing a desire to get an official snap of the two Lilibets together at some point in the future. But of course, it was never to be. She died three months later,” she noted.

Source: MEGAMeghan Markle’s final royal event was Queen Elizabeth”s funeral.

Despite the rift between Harry and the royals, he and Meghan wanted to name their daughter after the monarch.

“She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we’ve felt from across the globe,” the Sussexes said in a statement after Lilibet’s birth. “Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.”

“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales,” they explained.

Source: NETFLIXPrincess Lilibet was born in 2021.

However, when the princess was born, it was rumored that Elizabeth didn’t give her blessing to use the moniker, but the Sussexes denied the claims.

“The duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement — in fact, his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honor,” a spokesperson for the Sussexes clarified. “Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.”

Burell spoke to The Mirror.