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Police can seize more than £2 million from controversial influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan after they failed to pay a penny in tax on £21 million of revenue from their online businesses, the chief magistrate has ruled.

The force made a legal bid to seize the money, held in seven frozen bank accounts, from the Tates and a woman identified only as J. In his judgment handed down at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said what appeared to be a “complex financial matrix” was actually a “straightforward cheat of the revenue”.

The court previously heard the brothers paid just under 12 million US dollars into an account in the name of J, and opened a second account in her name, even though she had no role in their businesses. Part of the money the force applied to seize was cryptocurrency held in an account in J’s name.

Andrew Tate is a controversial influencer and self-proclaimed ‘misogynist’ ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
J received a payment of £805,000 into her Revolut account, the court previously heard. The proceedings are civil, which carries a lower standard of proof than criminal cases.

Andrew and Tristan Tate were earlier accused of paying no tax in any country on their online business revenue between 2014 and 2022. Devon and Cornwall Police were looking to recover around £2.8 million in seven frozen bank accounts, an application that a;; three defendants had contested.

“Andrew Tate and Tristan Tate are serial tax and VAT evaders,” Sarah Clarke KC for Devon and Cornwall Police told Westminster Magistrates’ Court in July. “They, in particular Andrew Tate, are brazen about it.”

Ms Clarke quoted from a video posted to social media by Andrew Tate, where he said: “When I lived in England I refused to pay tax.” The court heard that the brothers had “a huge number of bank accounts” in the UK, seven of which have been frozen, and that Andrew’s approach was to “ignore, ignore, ignore because in the end they go away”.

The Tates are facing a series of separate, criminal allegations in Romania ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
Andrew Tate first rose to fame as a kickboxer before gaining notoriety during a 2016 stint on reality TV show Big Brother, and now controversial influencer and self-proclaimed ‘misogynist’. He has been banned from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook after the platforms accused him of posting hate speech and misogynistic comments, including that women should bear responsibility for being sexually assaulted.

But he remains popular on X, with almost 10 million followers, many of them young men and schoolchildren. He and Tristan, aged 38 and 36, currently face charges in Romania of human trafficking and forming an organised group to sexually exploit women. Andrew is also charged with rape.

Andrew and Tristan face more than 10 years in jail if found guilty. Both have strongly denied the charges against them. The two men are set to be extradited to the UK once those proceedings are concluded to face further accusations here.

The father of American school shooter Natalie Rupnow posted a chilling image months before the tragedy, appearing to show his daughter at a shooting range.

The girl was seen wearing an unsettling black T-shirt similar to one worn by the Columbine school shooters. The top bore the logo of the German industrial band KMFDM, which gained infamy after the 1999 massacre that claimed 13 lives. In the August Facebook post, Jeff Rupnow shared a photo of his daughter aiming a shotgun at clay targets.He referenced their membership at North Bristol Sportsman’s Club, a local shooting range near Madison, Wisconsin. The post, which seemed innocent then, has since drawn scrutiny, given its similarities to Columbine’s chilling prelude. Other images of Rupnow have also emerged from her dad’s social media, including one showing her cuddling a dog while sitting in a pile of leaves.

Natalie Rupnow’s dad posted a photo of her at a shooting range

Rupnow’s dad shared a picture of her with two dogs on his Facebook page
Rupnow, who also went by the name Samantha, carried out the attack on Monday at the Abundant Life Christian School, where she shot and killed a teacher and a fellow student with a 9mm handgun. Six others were injured in the rampage before the 15-year-old turned the gun on herself.

Police issue update on school shooting in Madison

Police have yet to determine a motive but are investigating a manifesto reportedly written by Rupnow, which has been circulating online. The existence and content of the document could provide further insight into her state of mind leading up to the shooting.

The shooting unfolded with terrified students and staff scrambling for safety. First responders arrived at the scene within minutes, where they discovered the bodies of Rupnow and her two victims.

Police say they are investigating a manifesto reportedly written by Rupnow ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals, where last night several remain in critical condition. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the shooter moved through hallways, reportedly targeting specific individuals.

Following the tragedy, scrutiny turned to the August Facebook post shared by Rupnow’s father, in which he proudly discussed their membership at the club. The image shows Natalie from the back holding a gun with protective ear muffs on. A user commented on Jeff’s post, “Is that kiddo?” to which he responded, “Sure is!!!!! We joined NBSC this spring, and we have been loving every second of it!” The choice of a KMFDM shirt has struck an unsettling chord.

The Columbine shooters, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold idolised the band, incorporating its lyrics and imagery into their violent worldview. Harris’s website featured KMFDM lyrics alongside disturbing references to Nazi ideology.

While the band denounced the Columbine massacre at the time, their association with one of America’s most infamous school shootings has cemented them as a dark cultural reference point. The investigation into Rupnow’s actions has also raised the question of parental responsibility, echoing cases such as James and Jennifer Crumbley, who were convicted after their son’s involvement in the 2021 Oxford High School shooting.

Terrified students and staff scrambled for safety as gunshots rang out at the school, eyewitnesses said ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Madison Police Chief Shon Barnes addressed the possibility during a press conference. Amid the tragedy, online speculation surrounding Rupnow’s gender identity has fueled controversy. Chief Barnes criticised such discussions, insisting they are irrelevant to the investigation and detract from understanding the root causes of the attack.

When Peter Boxell looks at his grandson Alex, he sees the uncanny likeness of his 15-year-old son Lee, who went missing 36 years ago.

“Alex reminds me so much of our Lee,” says Peter, about the 17-year-old who is now two years older than his uncle was when he disappeared. “The things he does and says… I forget and sometimes call him Lee.”

For nearly four decades Peter, 78, and his wife Christine, 84, have been waiting for their son to return from a Saturday afternoon trip to Sutton High Street in South London.

They refuse to move from their terraced house in a quiet little neighbourhood close nearby in case he ever comes home.

Speaking from their home, festooned with jolly festive decorations, glowing fairy lights, wrapped presents and Christmas cards, Peter says: “We’ve had to stay here in case Lee ever came home. I couldn’t bear to think of him coming knocking on the door and nobody’s here.”

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For many years, the Boxells kept Lee’s bedroom exactly as he left it on September 10, 1988 – with his Sam Fox calendar pinned to the wall, along with Wimbledon and Charlton football pull-outs and posters of 80s pop stars Mel and Kim and a big-haired Kylie.

“It’s 36 years ago, but that day is still so vivid,” sighs Christine.

“The day he went missing was a beautiful sunny Saturday,” recalls Peter. “It was late when Lee got up and he was still in his pyjamas when he came downstairs. I asked him what he was up to that day, and he just mumbled something, you know, like boys do when they’ve just got up.”

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Lee Boxell’s bedroom was left untouched for many years ( 
Image:
COPYRIGHT, 2011)

Missing persons poster for Lee Boxell in 1988 ( 
Image:
The People)
The family all had different plans for the day. Peter went out shopping, Christine went to look after her sick mum, and Lindsey went for a sleepover with a friend.

Lee had a tenner on him – earned from his paper round – and was planning on going to watch a match in Crystal Palace with his friend Russell.

Sitting in the armchair where he last saw his son. Peter adds: “That was the last I saw of him, sitting here… in his pyjamas. Half asleep.”

When Lee didn’t come home that evening, Peter wasn’t immediately worried. “At his age I’d have been down the pub,” he jokes.

“But Lee wasn’t like that – he was shy,” interrupts Christine. “He was a trustworthy and good lad, who always called me from a phone box if he was out. It was completely out of character for him not to come home.”

Lee with father Peter, mum Christine and sister Lindsey ( 
Image:
Boxell Family Handout)
“We rang around all the hospitals that night to see if he’d had an accident, and then called the police next morning on Sunday,” Peter says.

A missing persons hunt was launched as police were immediately concerned for Lee’s safety. They discovered that Lee had been planning to go to a football match with his friend Russell Clark, who then changed his mind and decided not to go.

Back then there was no CCTV and the police investigation had to rely on public sightings, which were not always reliable.

And the Boxells fear that the police investigation paid too much attention to a sighting of Lee heading into town in Sutton, rather than one which had him walking home. “The police latched on to that unfortunately, and decided Lee had been heading off to a football match. But there were sightings of Lee coming the other way – towards home.

“We know Lee wouldn’t go anywhere on his own. He wasn’t street savvy – he wouldn’t have known where to go.”

For Peter, there was one particular sighting which remains heartbreaking. “A man came here looking for me,” he explains. “I was outside washing the car when he came up and said how he lived in Perivale and he was convinced he’d seen Lee serving at a market stall in Greenford.”

While Peter doubted the sighting was Lee, he decided to take a look. “As I approached the stall, I got closer and closer. I thought, ‘My God. It does look like Lee’” he says. ”He looked so much like him, I had to actually go up close to check it wasn’t him.

“I could see his ear lobes were different. And even then, I had to talk to this boy to hear his voice.”

And even though the lad wasn’t Lee, Peter contemplated leaving with him – to fill the yearning gap left by his son’s disappearance. “I know it sounds weird, but the thought went through my mind that I could bring this boy home,” he says.

Earlier this year, the film The Rewakening – a fictional story about a mother who brings a girl who looks like her missing daughter into their family – was based on Peter’s achingly sad story.

It took 18 years for the police investigation to unearth another lead.

Turning the pages of four big scrapbooks, filled with yellowing newspaper clippings from the 1980s and a list of all the times Lee’s appeal appeared on TV on Crime Watch or on the radio, Peter says: “The Missing People charity didn’t exist when Lee went missing.

“We had nobody helping us. And we didn’t know what to do.

“We used to close the door on the press, but then missing estate agent Suzy Lamplugh’s mum Diana taught us how important it was to get our appeal in the press and on TV.”

“She contacted us and came here to advise us what to do. Diana brought Mary Asprey and Janet Newman around and they helped us with the missing campaign to find Lee.”

Sisters Mary and Janet created the Missing People charity in 1993 in the wake of Suzy Lamplugh’s disappearance.

Forever grateful for their support, Peter continues: “They have been with us every step of the way. There is no one else out there who can help when someone goes missing.”

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Peter Boxell on being an original Missing People choir member

Throwing herself into campaigning for Missing People, the couple’s scrapbooks have pictures of Christine with T’Pau’s Carol Decker and Wimbledon footballer John Fashanu, while they were interviewed by everyone from South East News to Gloria Hunniford.

There are even framed pictures on the wall of Peter and daughter Lindsey meeting Princess Diana.

But Christine admits: “I was so focused on finding Lee – I forgot I had a daughter.”

While the family tried to regroup and assemble a normal life, Missing People remained a central part of it.

Peter was invited to sing at one of charity’s annual remembrance events, and in doing so, became one of the founder members of its famous choir. He also appeared along with Peter Lawrence – whose missing daughter Claudia has also never been found – on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017.

“ I’d never sung before then,” recalls Peter. “I could hear my voice echoing round the church walls. I felt so good doing this because I felt that I was singing to Lee. If he had passed on for some reason, he would hear me.”

Lee and his sister Lindsey when they were little ( 
Image:
Boxell Family Handout)
It also proved to be an important distraction when the police got a grim lead in 2013. A local graveyard digger, William Lambert, who was in prison for sexual offences, was overheard saying he’d murdered Lee and buried him in the graveyard.

“It was then the Met started excavating under St Dunstan’s Church graveyard where this unofficial youth club, the ‘Shed’ was supposed to be,” says Peter.

It was thought that Lee had gone there and seen something he shouldn’t have.

“Police were convinced they would find Lee’s remains and arrested Lambert and three others,” he adds.

Christine interjects: “We felt torn – on the one hand, we wanted to find Lee, on the other hand, we didn’t want something horrible to have happened to him. But the huge archaeological dig never found anything.”

A renowned author Barbara Taylor Bradford has claimed that Meghan Markle came to Britain to be the star of the red carpet.

A Woman Of Substance author, gave an impression in her opinion as the Duchess of Sussex came to the UK to outshine the Queen, but failed.

Bradford, who has lived in New York for decades, claimed: ‘Meghan came to the UK imagining she’d be the star of the red carpet, even though she wasn’t much more than a starlet in America.’
“What she didn’t realise is that we already have a shining star on the red carpet, someone who’s been there for 70 years. She’s called the Queen,” the author told The Daily Mail.

Imagine waking up to headlines that challenge everything we thought we knew about the British royal family. What if Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, suddenly revealed evidence questioning Meghan Markle’s pregnancy with Archie Harrison? It sounds like the plot twist of a royal soap opera, doesn’t it?

However, this isn’t just another tabloids’ tale; it’s part of the buzz surrounding the new documentary, Prince William: We Can End Homelessness. This documentary, centered on social justice, has become the epicenter of rumors, speculation, and potentially explosive revelations.Let’s dive into the documentary’s messages, the claims surrounding Meghan’s pregnancy, and the profound impact this could have on the British monarchy. Buckle up as we unpack what might be one of the most sensational chapters in modern royal history.

 

You might be wondering, what does ending homelessness have to do with Meghan Markle’s pregnancy? You’re not alone in asking this question. In *Prince William: We Can End Homelessness*, the Duke’s dedication to addressing social inequality and homelessness takes center stage. For years, he has quietly championed initiatives aimed at tackling homelessness in the UK, seeking sustainable solutions and advocating for vulnerable populations. The documentary showcases Prince William’s unwavering commitment to a humanitarian cause that is close to his heart. It is within the discussions on housing policies and human rights that he allegedly drops a bombshell regarding Meghan Markle’s pregnancy.

Before diving into the claims, let’s rewind a few years. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s marriage shook the royal foundations as Meghan, a biracial American actress, entered the ranks of the British monarchy. This union placed the royal family at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, where their every move was scrutinized, every gesture dissected, and every pregnancy closely monitored, as if the line to the throne depended on it. At the heart of this scrutiny was Meghan’s pregnancy with Archie Harrison, which quickly became a subject of public fascination. Speculation ran rampant, especially among conspiracy theorists questioning the legitimacy of her pregnancy. Fast forward to the present, and the topic is back under the microscope, this time with potential evidence from an unexpected source.

So, what sort of evidence could Prince William possibly have? Rumors are swirling about previously unseen photos, medical reports, or even insider testimonies. However, with no concrete statements from Prince William, the narrative has become fueled by speculation. Could this revelation be an attempt to address public misconceptions, or is it part of a broader strategy to bring transparency to the monarchy’s workings? After all, the royals have faced significant public trust issues in recent years.

To say that the public is fascinated would be an understatement. Social media is buzzing with opinions that swing from disbelief to shock. Supporters of Meghan Markle are rallying, calling the claims baseless and cruel, while others believe this could signify an unprecedented attempt at royal transparency.

The UK press, notorious for its relentless coverage of the royals, has seized upon this new development, fueling an already blazing fire of intrigue around the royal family. Amid all this, one question lingers: what is Prince William’s real motive here?

Interestingly, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have remained silent. Not a tweet, not a statement, not even a subtle Instagram post. For two individuals who have become experts in using their voices, this silence speaks louder than words. Does their quietude indicate a legal strategy, a silent protest, or perhaps even guilt? Maybe they believe there’s no need to respond to what they consider unfounded rumors. Yet, if Prince William’s documentary continues to fuel speculation, they may eventually be compelled to address the controversy.

Prince William: We Can End Homelessness* has taken an unexpected turn, raising questions: Is the documentary merely a platform for social change, or does it mark a new chapter in the royal narrative?

The royal family is always mindful of how they are perceived by the public, and they often utilize documentaries to shape their image. Harry and Meghan have already shared their story on Netflix, and William might be doing something similar. This silent battle between the royals is unfolding right before our eyes.

This debate isn’t just about one claim or a couple; it’s about trust in the royal family. If Meghan wasn’t pregnant with Archie, it could shake the very foundation of the monarchy. Imagine the impact of doubts regarding a young royal member—it could lead to calls for more openness and change how the royals are perceived.

The world is watching closely. Will Prince William’s documentary lead to more statements from the royal family? How will Meghan and Harry respond to these rumors? This documentary has raised significant questions about the monarchy and could potentially change its future.

What do you think? Are these claims believable, or are they merely a ploy for attention? Prince William’s documentary has garnered global attention, unlike many royal efforts. As we await further developments, consider the media’s influence, the necessity for transparency, and the impact of family on public figures.

Amid the drama, Prince William’s main goal remains to fight homelessness. While the pregnancy claim might attract headlines, his real focus is on helping those in need. Inspired by his mother, Princess Diana, he aims to make a lasting difference by collaborating with government and charities. Perhaps the pregnancy claim serves as a means to draw attention to William’s message about homelessness.

Why does a story about Meghan Markle’s pregnancy captivate so many? The intrigue surrounding the royal family is part of its allure. They embody tradition and glamour, yet they also face scandals that make them relatable.

The royals represent British culture but grapple with family issues and public scrutiny just like anyone else. This blend of the familiar and the fantastical keeps people engaged, making royal controversies some of the most attention-grabbing stories worldwide.

To understand the current situation, we must consider Meghan Markle’s journey as a royal. Her love story with Harry initially resembled a fairy tale—an American actress becoming a British royal, akin to a modern Cinderella story, with fans cheering them on. However, as their relationship deepened, the challenges they faced became monumental.

Meghan’s background, race, and outspoken nature garnered both praise and criticism. She has candidly discussed her mental health struggles, the pressures of public life, and the difficulties she faced within the royal family. This latest rumor regarding her pregnancy adds further complexity to her narrative. For Meghan’s supporters, it appears to be an attempt to undermine her, while for her critics, it serves as evidence of a pattern of secrecy and manipulation.

This controversy illustrates the ongoing clash between tradition and modernity within the royal family. For centuries, the monarchy adhered to strict customs and protocols, but as society evolves, there is increasing pressure for the royals to adapt.

Harry and Meghan advocate for a more transparent monarchy that discusses personal struggles and social issues openly. In contrast, Prince William, while also traditional, seeks to make a difference by addressing causes such as mental health and homelessness. This latest rumor highlights the tension between old and new.

The interest in this story underscores the monarchy’s evolving role as global connectivity and public expectations shift. The royals must find a balance between maintaining tradition and staying relevant. Prince William’s efforts to combat homelessness represent a move toward modernizing the monarchy’s image.

BBC Breakfast viewers were left divided as they hit out at the government for ‘selling off’ the Royal Mail after a ‘breaking news’ announcement was made on the show

On BBC Breakfast, a sudden breaking news alert regarding Royal Mail’s sale caused a pause in regular programming.

On Monday, December 16, hosts Sally Nugent and Jon Kay returned to the iconic red sofa, delivering the latest headlines across the country and beyond. The major talking point of the programme, however, was the acquisition of Royal Mail by Czech business magnate Daniel Kretinsky.

In an 8am update branded as “breaking news”, both Jon and Sally verified the go-ahead for the highly discussed takeover.

Sally reported: “The government has approved the sale of the Royal Mail parent company to the Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky. It’s understood that the deal worth £3.6billion will be formerly announced later this morning,” reports the Express.

A piece of breaking news was shared on BBC Breakfast ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))

Adding to this, Jon noted: “The firm was established in the 16th century and privatised a decade ago. Ministers will still have a say in how it is run. Our business correspondent and editor, Simon Jack has the story for us.”

Post-announcement, viewers promptly turned to social platform X to express their opinions. A clearly dissatisfied fan remarked: “Sadly, this only confirms that the modern Britain unlike the Britain of old knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. Well done, sell the Tower of London next!”

One viewer commented: “The end of everyday delivery and probably the end of letters.” Another, chiming in on the debate, posted: “#BBCBreakfast running interference for the destruction of the Royal Mail.”

The take over was announced on BBC Breakfast ( 
Image:
(Image: BBC))
A different spectator weighed in on the matter of the company’s title, suggesting: “The ‘Royal’ should be removed if it’s a private concern.”

With the upcoming changes, the government will maintain a special “golden share”, which enables it to sign off on significant shifts concerning Royal Mail’s ownership, the location of its headquarters, and its tax residency status.

Additionally, new arrangements have been made with unions to ensure workers benefit from the company’s profits; they’ll receive 10% of any dividends distributed to Kretinsky. Moreover, there will be the creation of a workers group which will convene monthly with the directors of Royal Mail, amplifying the employees say in the corporate management.

Over time, customers have cast a critical eye on Royal Mail due to what they perceive as rising postage costs and have also voiced concerns over delayed deliveries.

BBC Breakfast airs Monday-Sundays from 6AM on BBC One.

Kay Burley, 63, has been at Sky News for 32 years but a report claims she is expected to leave the breakfast show, with whispers suggesting her final show could be this week

Reports are swirling that Kay Burley may depart from Sky News’ breakfast show after a solid five-year stint, with rumours hinting her last appearance could be imminent, possibly this week.

Insider chit-chat suggests that Burley might even say goodbye to Sky News entirely, although whispers of a reshuffle within the network that might see her stay can’t be dismissed just yet.

Joining Sky News back in 1989 as one of the original faces, Burley, 63, took over the realm of early risers in October 2019.

She’s led coverage on monumental events from the tragic passing of Princess Diana to the shattering 9/11 attacks. Just a month back, Kay took a moment to look back on an illustrious near-four-decade run in broadcasting.

Kay has been at the broadcaster for 32 years ( 
Image:
Sky News/Youtube)

Chilling on a plush blue couch, she hit up X/ Twitter with a snap and noted: “Thirty six years today @skynews and counting..”

This nostalgic throwback cropped up amidst fan worry lines crinkling, following her noticeable absence throughout summer thankfully, she bounced back on air at August’s tail end.

Arrayed for her comeback, she tweeted: “Thanks for all your very kind messages but summer is over and I’m back on Tuesday. Very much looking forward to seeing you from 7am? Do hope so xx”.

In the face of recent shifts, Sky News has trimmed its presenter team and introduced fresh pairs like Gareth Barlow and Mhari Aurora anchoring together.

Sky News’ top business presenter Ian King has announced he’s stepping down from his renowned programme, Business Live with Ian King, after a decade-long tenure.

The revelation follows the relocation of filming for Ian’s show from London’s financial district to Sky Group’s Osterley headquarters.

David Rhodes, Sky News Group Executive Chairman, confirmed Ian’s imminent departure. Ian will stay on board until the spring of next year, while Business Live will maintain its weekday live broadcasts.

Mr Rhodes commented: “Ian has been with Sky for 10 years, enriching our news report with his knowledge of finance and his network in the City of London. We’re delighted that he will continue to be a resource on our digital estate at this time.”

He added, “I met this morning with the Business team to discuss our continued commitment to ‘Business Live’, hosted in recent months principally by Paul Kelso and Darren McCaffrey from our main newsroom.”

“We’re increasing our investment in this area, for instance in the hit Money Blog – a consistent audience favourite. I want to thank Ian for his commitment to Sky News; we’ll make sure to organise a deserved send-off next year.”

In a break from royal tradition, this year’s Christmas celebration will be missing two much loved faces, as Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie make other plans

Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie are both set to miss out on this year’s royal Christmas gathering at Sandringham, in a huge break from a tradition they have followed for almost all their lives. Ever since they were children, both Princesses have attended the annual soiree hosted at Sandringham, and for nine out of the past ten years, have made a key point of attending.

The news that the sisters would be missing out on a royal Christmas, came shortly after reports emerged that confirmed that their parents Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, would also be skipping the bash hosted by King Charles. It is believed that the Prince and his ex-wife will instead celebrate alone at their Royal Lodge home on the Windsor estate.

The couple’s absence marks a stark change from last year’s celebration, when Prince Andrew and Fergie were permitted to attend the event and even took part in the annual Christmas walk to St. Mary Magdalene Church on the estate’s grounds. However, in the wake the recent scandal over the Prince’s alleged connections to a suspected Chinese spy, the couple are understood to be marking the occasion privately instead.

Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew will also be skipping the annual royal bash in the wake of the ongoing spy scandal
Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice, meanwhile, will not be spending the holidays with their parents either, as it is understood that both royals were invited to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws several months ago, and have decided to take them up on the kind offer.

Beatrice has been married to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi since 2020, with the couple currently expecting their second child due in the New Year. The couple also share daughter Sienna, 3, and son Wolfie, 8, who is Edo’s son from a previous relationship.

Eugenie married Jack Brooksbank in 2018, with the couple sharing two sons together, August, 3 and Ernest, 1.

The York sisters have only missed the Sandringham celebration once in the past decade, and that was due to coronavirus restrictions in 2020 which didn’t allow family gatherings outside of their respective bubbles. Yet despite missing out on the event, which is due to be attended by many key royals including Prince William and his wife Princess Kate – this year will mark a milestone for both sisters, as it is the first time they have spent Christmas with their respective in-laws.

King Charles is due to host the royal family’s Christmas celebration at Sandringham – but several family members will be missing ( 
Image:
Getty)
According to The Independent, it was Fergie’s idea for Prince Andrew to step back from the celebration this year, which meant sacrificing her own invitation to the gathering in the process. “The decision for the pair to stay put at the Royal Lodge is thought to have been made easier by Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie’s plans to spend Christmas with their respective in-laws this year for the first time,” wrote the outlet.

Princess Eugenie has been faced with a ‘tricky situation’ over her Christmas plans, with the royal reportedly having to choose between spending the festive season with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in the US or with the Royal Family at Sandringham

With the festive season fast approaching, all eyes are on Princess Eugenie as she faces a Yuletide dilemma. Recent reports suggest that Eugenie has been extended a warm invite by none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to celebrate Christmas with them in Montecito, California.

Yet at the same time, the 34-year-old royal, along with her husband Jack Brooksbank, aged 38, and their young children, August, who is three, and one-year-old Ernest, have also received an invitation to join the rest of the Royals for the traditional festivities at Sandringham. Insiders speaking to the Express hinted that Princess Eugenie’s brood might opt for a Stateside visit post-Christmas, offering the tots some important cousin bonding time with Archie and Lilibet.

Commenting on Eugenie’s conundrum, Jennie Bond, the veteran former BBC Royal correspondent, expressed her insights to OK!. She mentioned: “This is a tricky situation for Eugenie. It would be pretty bad form to refuse an invitation to Sandringham, and I imagine she would want to be with her mum and dad, after a difficult year for them as well.”

Meghan and Eugenie knew each other before the Duchess met Prince Harry ( 
Image:
GETTY)
She added her view on a potential solution: “But I think she values her relationship with Harry and Meghan too. So a New Year’s visit would be an ideal compromise…and would keep a link between Harry and his UK family, which has to be a good thing all round.”, reports OK!.

It’s no secret that Eugenie and Prince Harry share a special bond; amid ongoing family frictions, the Duke remains close to both Eugenie and her sister Beatrice, who have stood by him through thick and thin.

Earlier this week, Royal watchers noted Princess Eugenie’s absence from Kate Middleton’s “Together At Christmas” Carol Service at Westminster Abbey. The mum-of-one skipped the event for the first time since it began in 2021.

Prince Harry enjoys a laugh with Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Nonetheless, the Yorks made their presence felt as Princess Beatrice arrived with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his son, Wolfie. The festive season is extra special for the couple as they prepare to welcome their second child, making this their final Christmas as a four-piece unit.

They got hitched back in 2020 and are parents to Sienna, who’s three, and now look forward to the new arrival, set to be the latest addition to the Royal lineage as the 11th in line for the throne. This means younger sis Eugenie will shift to 12th spot.

Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York pose together in 2023 ( 
Image:
Dave Benett/Getty Images for The)

Eugenie has a dilemma ( 
Image:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)The palace disclosed in a statement: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together early in the new year; a sibling for Wolfie and Sienna. His Majesty The King has been informed, and both families are delighted with the news.”

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse is back on BBC for Christmas and admits she and her husband are not great cooks

I’m A Celebrity star Oti Mabuse has only just jetted back from Australia but she won’t escape the nightmare of a jungle rice diet. The former Strictly dancer has revealed that at home neither she nor her husband Marius likes cooking.

And when he does have a go in the kitchen, he only serves up only one signature dish. She said: “He will make you rice with ketchup for dinner. That’s it! We have so many cook books. None are used.” Oti – who struggled in the TV Aussie camp having to eat rice and beans for breakfast, lunch and dinner some days – admits she is not a great chef either. She admits: “I would say it is more functional cooking. I haven’t got to a stage yet where I’m going ‘I’m enjoying this’.”

Oti, 34, and her husband are flying to South Africa for Christmas with their 13 month old daughter for a big family gathering. She tells Mary Berry in her festive special Mary Makes Christmas: “My daughter will be having first Christmas ever in South Africa. It will be about 32 degrees. We are not dressed in blankets and hats.”

Oti Mabuse and Mary Berry have fun on new BBC show ( 
Image:
BBC/Sidney Street Productions/ © Neil Genower)
But when Mary asks if she will attempt to cook a turkey dinner for the whole family, she gasps: “Please don’t cancel me Dame Mary Berry! We usually book somewhere because no one wants to cook over Christmas. But a lot of families do this in South Africa. It’s outside and it’s a picnic and the sun will be shining.”

In the show Mary decides to give Oti a lesson in how to make some home-made Christmas treats including snowball meringues and spicy chutney. The dance professional, who is now a judge on Dancing On Ice, also reckons Mary should take a turn on Strictly next year.

She thinks the baker, who is now 89 years old, is still very “light on her feet” when she moves around the kitchen and even sees her manage to touch her toes. And she says: “I think you will be good.” But Mary protests: “You should see me on the dance floor I am not a good mover. No. Don’t talk about it.”

In the BBC show, Mary reveals how she puts her ”heart and soul” into making home-made presents to give to her friends and family at Christmas because she reckons it makes things more special. And viewers will see her bake mini Christmas cakes, jars of apricots in brandy and bags of ginger flapjacks to hand out as gifts. She says: “I love Christmas. It never stops being magical for me and there is nothing more special than a home-made gift. Beautiful presents to say thank you to all the important people in your life.

“Every year I make gifts and some of my most treasured possessions are ones I get in return. On Christmas Day, the most important thing for me is to have my family around me. All the generations – and I sit back and listen.” However, despite being such a talented baker, Mary reveals she does not have to slave in the kitchen on her own on December 25.

She adds: “We all share it. We all do part of the meal so it’s not too much for anybody.”