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  • Exclusive: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘blood-letting move that’s impossible to repair’

    Exclusive: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘blood-letting move that’s impossible to repair’

    Today marks exactly four years since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made one of their most explosive moves since sensationally quitting their royal roles – and one expert believes it is still having a huge impact to this day

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a string of bombshell moves since they dramatically quit their royal roles.

    But their most explosive came on this day four years ago, when their eye-raising interview with Oprah Winfrey was first aired on TV. The highly anticipated interview saw the couple lift the lid on life behind Palace walls and make several shocking allegations about their family.

    One of the biggest talking points that emerged was when they revealed a senior royal questioned the colour of their unborn son’s skin. Harry also confirmed his relationship with brother Prince William had turned sour and that his father King Charles, then Prince of Wales, had stopped taking his calls.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Oprah
    Harry and Meghan’s bombshell chat with Oprah Winfrey was broadcast four years ago today
    After a subsequent Netflix series, which also contained damning claims, and Harry’s memoir Spare, the Sussex appear to have turned their backs on launching attacks at the Royal Family.

    But despite their new track, royal expert Jennie Bond believes that even four years on, the repercussions are still very much being felt. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “The interview was the catalyst for what appears to be an irreversible rift between Harry and William, and a deeply scarred, almost non-existent relationship with his father. It was also a breach of trust that will be impossible to repair.

    “The implied suggestion that certain members of the family were racist cut deep and will never be forgotten. The rift the interview caused probably does work against Harry and Meghan with some potential projects. If it comes to staying onside with either Harry or William, the future King, a lot of people are going to choose William, with all the kudos that kind of connection brings.”

    Harry and Meghan have appeared to turn their backs on criticising the Royal Family
    Harry and Meghan have appeared to turn their backs on criticising the Royal Family
    But even though the interview is still causing huge ramifications, Jennie doesn’t believe that the Sussexes regret doing the chat. She added: “They had a lot to get off their chests and this was a spectacular blood-letting which probably felt good.

    “I think, though, that Harry might have regretted the timing of the interview— with his grandfather lying gravely ill in hospital. Now Meghan is making her own way in her celebrity world, and Harry has a number of charitable projects. So I think they’re pretty OK.”

    The anniversary of the Oprah chat comes a day after Meghan gave another TV interview – this time on daytime US TV, by appearing on the Drew Barrymore Show. During the chat, she told of her love of being able to “hold and touch and embrace” people after previously revealing her hugging had been ‘jarring’ for the royal family.

    Meghan appeared on the show to promote her lifestyle series and brand, and at one point during a baking segment, she was spotted moving a jar of her As Ever jam into the centre of the shot.

    Meghan chatted about her “funniest, sweetest, most charming” husband, the Duke of Sussex and told Barrymore their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have “very American accents” but say the word ‘zebra’ with a British pronunciation. She was introduced to the audience by Barrymore as ‘Meghan Sussex’ after having corrected comedian Mindy Kaling during her Netflix show for referring to her surname as Markle.

  • Real reason Meghan Markle is suddenly using Sussex name revealed by Palace insiders

    Real reason Meghan Markle is suddenly using Sussex name revealed by Palace insiders

    Meghan Markle revealed in her Netflix show that she is now going by the name of Meghan Sussex in a nod to her royal title – and according to insiders, there is a clear reason for the huge change

    Meghan Markle has ‘fired a warning shot’ by suddenly changing her surname to Sussex, according to Palace insiders.

    In her new Netflix show, which has faced brutal reviews, Meghan declared that she is no longer Markle but Sussex – in a nod to her royal title, the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan also doubled down on the name in an interview saying how meaningful the name Sussex was to her, while in a chat on the Drew Barrymore Show, Meghan was referred to as ‘Meghan Sussex’.

    Many have pondered why the duchess has made the change – and so publicly. And according to a royal source, it’s all about Meghan making a public point about her much-debated title.

    Meghan corrected pal Mindy Kaling on her new surname
    Meghan corrected pal Mindy Kaling on her new surname 
    Image:
    JUSTIN COIT/NETFLIX)
    They told the Daily Mail: “It’s clearly a warning shot”. Harry and Meghan no longer use their HRH titles in their business deals – but can still use the Duke and Duchess of Sussex titles given to them on their wedding day, despite no longer carrying out royal duties.

    In her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, the Duchess corrects actress Mindy Kaling regarding her name. As the pair discuss fast food in the second episode, Mindy says: “People wouldn’t believe that Meghan Markle ate at Jack in the Box.”

    To which Meghan replies: “It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now. You have kids, and you go, ‘no I share my name with my children’…I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go ‘this is our family name, our little family name’.”

    Meghan appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show today
    Meghan appeared on the Drew Barrymore Show 
    Image:
    The Drew Barrymore Show)
    And according to royal expert Jennie Bond, the moment she interrupted Mindy in the Netflix show was a very telling moment. The former BBC royal correspondent told the Mirror: “I thought it was rather a pointed remark to make so publicly to a friend – she could have just halted the filming for a moment and privately corrected her guest. But she makes a fair argument: that some women feel it’s important for the family to have a shared surname.

    “As it happens, I don’t. I’ve never understood why a woman should be expected to change her name just because she marries. But I’m probably in the minority.” Jennie explained that despite some arguing that Meghan should not use the Sussex name, she is entitled to do so – and is actually carrying on a long-standing royal tradition.

    She added: “She’s perfectly entitled to use the name Sussex, just as other royal brides have adopted part of their titles as a surname, for example, Sophie Wessex. It’s all rather confusing really, especially as titles change, either when someone dies or a new title is bestowed.

    “The official royal surname for the late Queen’s descendants is Mountbatten-Windsor. But Prince George and his siblings were actually called Cambridge at school, and now Wales. Harry and William adopted the surname Wales in their military careers.

    “So Meghan is quite within her rights to adopt a married name of Sussex and also use this for the children. I don’t think she’s particularly trying to cling to her royal connections – more that she is celebrating the bond with her husband and children.”

  • Meghan Markle offers new glimpse of Archie and Lilibet enjoying ‘best morning’ with Harry

    Meghan Markle offers new glimpse of Archie and Lilibet enjoying ‘best morning’ with Harry

    In a brand new video posted to her Instagram page, Meghan Markle offers a glimpse at Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet carrying out a fun activity at home under the watchful eye of Prince Harry

    Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have made an adorable new appearance in a brand new video shared by mum Meghan Markle.

    In a new clip on her Instagram page, the Duchess of Sussex offers a glimpse of the two youngsters helping out in the kitchen as she makes ‘thumbprint’ cookies with pals under the watchful eye of dad Prince Harry.

    In the sweet clip, Meghan can be seen preparing the cookie dough with a curious three-year-old Lilibet standing on a step to reach the kitchen counter keeping an eye on the electric mixer. The video then shows Meghan rolling the dough into little cookies, aided by close friends Kelly McKee Zajfen and Clare Waight Keller, the fashion designer who created Meghan’s wedding dress – as Harry looks on.

    Meghan with son Archie in a new video posted to Instagram
    Meghan with son Archie in a new video posted to Instagram 
    Image:
    INSTAGRAM)

    Lilibet oversees the mixing process
    Lilibet oversees the mixing process 
    Image:
    INSTAGRAM)
    After getting them out of the oven, the group can be seen packing the cookies in boxes and the clip ends with Archie, five, trying one of the treats as his mum kisses his head. The clip was also shared on Kelly’s Instagram account, which she captioned “best morning!”

    The cookies are the same ones that Meghan gave a demonstration in making during her appearance on US daytime TV yesterday on the Drew Barrymore Show – where she was spotted moving a jar of her As Ever jam into the centre of the shot.

    Part of the same clip was shown during the Drew show – where former child star Drew revealed Meghan had made enough for the audience and crew to try. During the interview yesterday, Drew introduced the duchess as ‘Meghan Sussex’ after having corrected comedian Mindy Kaling during her Netflix show for referring to her surname as Markle.

    Meghan, who was welcomed to the stage by her Hollywood actress host with a big, long hug, joked about Barrymore’s well-known touchy-feely approach, saying: “I’ve heard you like to connect.”

    Meghan with the cookies on the Drew Barrymore Show
    Meghan with the cookies on the Drew Barrymore Show 
    Image:
    The Drew Barrymore Show)The Never Been Kissed and Charlie’s Angels star asked the duchess as they sat on the sofa together: “I’m such a warm person, and I love affection. How do you feel about that?”

    Meghan replied: “We missed human connection, certainly after the pandemic and everything else, we crave being able to go ‘Hi’ and like ‘My friend, are you here?’ and to really be able to hold and touch and embrace someone.”

    In the Sussexes’ controversial Netflix Harry & Meghan documentary about their struggles with royal life, Meghan described her first meeting with the Prince and Princess of Wales, saying she was surprised at the ‘formality’ of the royal family behind closed doors.

    “I’ve always been a hugger, I didn’t realise that that is really jarring for a lot of Brits,” she said on the 2021 series, revealing she had been dressed down in ripped jeans and barefoot.

    In his memoir Spare, Harry wrote that Meghan hugging William “completely freaked him out” and his brother had ‘recoiled’, adding: “Willy didn’t hug many strangers. Whereas Meg hugged most strangers.”

    Meanwhile, the Duchess’s With Love, Meghan Netflix has faced harsh criticism since it premiered on Tuesday. In it, Meghan corrected her friend Kaling: “You keep saying, Meghan Markle, you know, I’m Sussex now. You have kids, and you go, ‘no I share my name with my children’… I didn’t know how meaningful it would be to me, but it just means so much to go ‘this is our family name, our little family name’.”

  • Warwick Davis’ Hollywood romance with late wife Samantha as he finds love again

    Warwick Davis’ Hollywood romance with late wife Samantha as he finds love again

    Star Wars and Harry Potter actor Warwick Davis has opened up about a new love in his life, more than a year after the tragic death of his beloved wife Samantha

    Actor Warwick Davis has revealed he has found love again 12 months on from the death of his beloved wife.

    Samantha Davis died last March aged 53, with Warwick and their two children confirming the sad news at the time. The actor has now opened up about a new special person in his life while chatting with Jonathan Ross on the host’s chat show.

    During the interview, set to air on Saturday, Jonathan quizzed Warwick on his moving BAFTAs speech, in which he mentioned a mystery person who had been helping him grieve. The Harry Potter star remained coy about the new lady in his life, referring to her only as ‘Sponge’ or ‘She-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named.”Warwick Davis delivered a poignant tribute to his beloved late wife Samantha as he was honoured with the BAFTA Fellowship last month, the highest accolade from the British Academy. The Star Wars veteran, 55, emotionally dedicated his award to Samantha.

    Warwick and samantha smiling
    Warwick Davis met his late wife on the set of a Hollywood film 
    Image:
    warwickadavis/Instagram)

    In his stirring speech, Warwick acknowledged his late wife’s unwavering support during his professional journey and shared his feelings about life after her loss. “Above all though, I’d like to dedicate and thank my wonderful wife Sammy, who died almost a year ago,” he expressed.

    “She was always so supportive of my career – encouraged me to grab every opportunity with both hands. However, I soon noticed that her level of enthusiasm for me taking a particular role was often relative to how much she wanted that designer handbag.”

    Coping with his sorrow has been challenging, but Warwick extended his gratitude to their children, Annabelle and Harrison, for enabling him to stay active and involved in life. He then fought back tears while disclosing his experience with finding love once more, saying: “Special mention too should go to Sponge. You know who you are. Thank you for showing me that life can still have meaning and for helping me to laugh and to love again.”

    This heartrending address occured not long after the tragic death of Warwick’s wife Samantha at the age of 53. He confirmed the sombre news in March 2024, revealing how her death left an immense void in their family life, in a profoundly moving statement. Warwick described Samantha as his “most trusted confidant and an ardent supporter of everything I did in my career”.

    The couple had been together for 33 years and had two children. Their romantic journey began on the set of the 1988 film Willow, where Warwick, then 17, secured the lead role as Willow Ufgood, with Samantha, then just 16, working as an extra. Sparks flew instantly between them.

    UNITED KINGDOM - 2019/03/19: Warwick Davis in the original Gringotts Wizarding Bank set at Warner Bros. Studio Tour
    The Harry Potter actor has revealed he has found love again 
    Image:
    LightRocket via Getty Images)
    Four years after their enchanting encounter, they exchanged vows in 1991 and expanded their family to include four children. However, they faced heartbreak when their firstborn, Lloyd, tragically passed away at nine days old. Their daughter Anabelle Davis, now 27, has followed in the footsteps of her father, carving out a successful acting career with roles in Hollyoaks and The Dumping Ground.

    Sadly, the family also endured the pain of losing another son, George, during pregnancy, following two prior miscarriages before the arrivals of Annabelle and Harrison. In a candid discussion with Bear Grylls back in 2019, Warwick disclosed: “Prior to Annabelle and Harrison we had a baby boy, Lloyd, who inherited both our conditions… and that is something that proves fatal.” He added, “It’s something that a baby won’t survive. But Lloyd survived for nine days, but yeah he was beautiful. It was a tough time. And yeah, we had a stillborn too.”

    Despite the heartache of their losses, Warwick shares that these tough times only strengthened the bond between him and his wife Samantha. Warwick, who has a rare genetic condition known as spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita (SED), was once told he wouldn’t walk or live beyond his teens.

    Samantha, on the other hand, had achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism. Their children, Annabelle and Harrison, also have SED. In 2018, Samantha faced a life-threatening battle with sepsis after surgery, which left her family fearing the worst. Warwick opened up to The Sun about those dark days: “I broke down every night thinking that this terrible illness that came out of nowhere might take my soulmate away from me.”

    Warwick later admitted that in 2022, Samantha was still dealing with “some PTSD from her experience,” and revealed that he was struggling with it as well. After Samantha’s death last year, Warwick paid tribute to her resilient and joyful nature. “She was a unique character, always seeing the sunny side of life she had a wicked sense of humour and always laughed at my bad jokes,” he reminisced.

    Their children also honoured their mother’s memory, saying: “Mum is our best friend and we’re honoured to have received a love like hers. With her by my side, I was sure I could achieve anything, it was like having a super-power.”

    Warwick credited his professional triumphs to the unwavering support of his wife, admitting: “Without Sammy, there would have been no Tenable quiz show, no Willow series. No Idiot Abroad Series 3. She was passionate about helping people, without judgment. She had time for everyone and a genuine listening ear.”

  • ‘I went for lunch with Meghan Markle – what she did after showed her true character’

    ‘I went for lunch with Meghan Markle – what she did after showed her true character’

    Journalist Bryony Gordon struck up a friendship with Meghan Markle during her time in the UK – and she has revealed the duchess’s unexpected gesture after they enjoyed lunch together

    A pal who struck up a surprise friendship with Meghan Markle has revealed her unexpected gesture after a lunch date.

    Journalist Bryony Gordon became friends with both Meghan and husband Prince Harry when she worked with the couple as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales on the Heads Together mental health campaign several years ago.

    Shortly after marrying Harry, Meghan is said to have invited Bryony to lunch and also accompanied her on several charity visits. And she has now opened up about Meghan’s surprise move after they met up – and what it really says about her character.

    Meghan hugs journalist Bryony Gordon
    Meghan hugs journalist Bryony Gordon 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    Writing in the Daily Mail, she revealed: “Way back in 2018, the woman then known as Meghan Markle sent me a handwritten note, saying how nice it had been to have lunch together a few weeks before.

    “I was delighted by the politeness of this gesture – how often do you receive such a note in this digital day and age? – not to mention stunned by the neatness of her penmanship, which put my own to shame. Anyway, whenever anyone asks what Meghan is really like – and such is the fascination with the 43-year-old and her husband, this happens quite often – I always say, ‘well, she’s the kind of person who writes you a handwritten note after taking you out for lunch’.”

    Meghan with son Archie in a new video posted to Instagram
    Meghan with son Archie in a new video posted to Instagram 
    Image:
    INSTAGRAM)

    Lilibet oversees the mixing process
    Lilibet oversees the mixing process 
    Image:
    INSTAGRAM)
    In recent years, Bryony also visited the Sussexes’ mansion in Montecito to interview Harry ahead of the release of his memoir Spare. And she also revealed that on leaving their home, Meghan gave her a jar of her homemade jam – which she accidentally left in the back of a taxi.

    It comes as Meghan has posted her latest video to Instagram, which features and adorable appearance by Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. In a new clip, the Duchess of Sussex offers a glimpse of the two youngsters helping out in the kitchen as she makes ‘thumbprint’ cookies with pals under the watchful eye of dad Prince Harry.

    In the sweet video, Meghan can be seen preparing the cookie dough with a curious three-year-old Lilibet standing on a step to reach the kitchen counter keeping an eye on the electric mixer. The video then shows Meghan rolling the dough into little cookies, aided by close friends Kelly McKee Zajfen and Clare Waight Keller, the fashion designer who created Meghan’s wedding dress – as Harry looks on.

    After getting them out of the oven, the group can be seen packing the cookies in boxes and the clip ends with Archie, five, trying one of the treats as his mum kisses his head. The clip was also shared on Kelly’s Instagram account, which she captioned “best morning!”

  • Captain Moore’s daughter’s GMB interview most outrageous moments – Shame to late father’s reaction

    Captain Moore’s daughter’s GMB interview most outrageous moments – Shame to late father’s reaction

    Hannah Ingram-Moore gave a lengthy interview to Good Morning Britain, where she was heavily questioned and criticised by hosts Rob Rinder and Kate Garraway about her use of the charity’s funds

    Captain Tom Moore’s daughter made a series of admissions in an interview with Good Morning Britain.

    Hannah Ingram-Moore was asked if she had any shame and what her father would have thought of all that has happened following his death. During an interview with hosts Kate Garraway and Robert Rinder, Hannah squirmed as she was asked about the £1.5 milliona advance from the publishers around the three books Sir Tom wrote before his death

    She was also quizzed about the spa building, described as a memorial for her father – which was knocked down – as well as writing her own self-published book on loss to help others.

    Here are the biggest bombshells from her interview as she attempted to explain a string of ‘errors’ and opened up about her own finances and the “cathartic” nature of writing her own book.

    Taking back control

    Speaking about her new self-published book, she said: “My mother died a very long slow death from dementia, which is why my father moved in with us in the first place. I think we probably buried the loss of her because my father moved in.

    Hannah spoke of her new book in her lengthy interview
    Hannah spoke of her new book in her lengthy interview 
    Image:
    PA)
    “It was truly magical. Of course, then he died in a very public way and the world was grieving for him and not just us … I realised that so many people weren’t able to discuss loss … As the headlines swirled, and we lost control of any sense of the truth, I was looking out and seeing the lie being much more interesting than the truth behind it so I had to bury my own grief.”

    She added: “Writing the book was cathartic, it was a way to put my loss down. But I didn’t want it to be all about me, it was touching those people who came to talk to me about their loss.”

    £1.5 million spend

    Rob later asked Hannah about the £1.5 million advance the family received for the three books, which he said were made clear that they would “go in support of the foundation”. She was then asked how much of that money actually ended up in the foundation?

    “It was going back five years ago now. The book contract was between my father and the publisher,” Hannah told him. Rob then asked if he had signed that contract or if she had signed it. “I tell you why before you answer. The publisher said you signed that contract,” h he then told her as she went to explain.

    “He signed that contract with Penguin Random House and I signed to say where the money was going on his behalf. He was alive and he decided. It never said anywhere that sales would go to the charity, not us,” she said, “We agreed it would go to support the launch of the charity and money from the book revenue did support the charity … There’s no signature to say that it would go to the charity. There was never any contract with the charity ever.”

    When asked how much went to the charity, she added: “I don’t think it’s helpful for anyone because every time there’s a number, it just gets banded around – tens of thousands went in.”

    Hannah Ingram-Moore
    Captain Sir Tom Moore’s daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, was banned from running a charity after a probe by the Charity Commission into the foundation set up in his name 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    £18,000 pay out

    Hannah was also questioned on whether she was paid £18,000 to judge Captain Tom Foundation Connector Awards, with Rob also saying that the charity had redeemed £2,000 of that money.

    “The relationship with Virgin pre-dated the charity. That relationship started way before the charity,” she explained, “He got paid, other judges got paid. The relationship continued with me, with the initial intention not to involve the charity. It was my idea to say let’s include them and let’s make sure they get some money. All that judging takes a lot of time.”

    Foundation wage

    Hannah was paid £60,000 for running the foundation for nine months but insisted she didn’t “ask or demand” a specific salary. She told Rob and Kate: “I didn’t ask or demand. I was asked what I was earning, I told them what I was earning. The charity asked me. There was no demand, there was no ‘I won’t do it unless you pay me that.’ In the end, it was a negotiation and when they offered me the salary … What I was offered and accepted in the end was £85,000. My role could only ever last for nine months, I was employed for three months at a time for a maximum of nine months. So what I earned was about £60,000.”

    Feelings of shame

    In a poignant moment from the chat, Rob asked Hannah if she felt any shame. She told him: “When I look back at the last five years, we know that we own the truth. What I can’t do is sit here and persuade everyone to believe our reality …” as Kate stepped in to say people feel betrayed over what she had done.

    Hannah was interviewed live on Good Morning Britain today
    Hannah was interviewed live on Good Morning Britain today 
    Image:
    ITV)“If you look back to that dark time of Covid, and we as a family were in the same position as everyone else, and we said to my father why don’t you walk up and down a lot of times, and that’s what is being forgotten,” she said, as Kate replied that no one would forget Captain Tom’s spirit but said that “people feel you’ve done something to damage the legacy”.

    “There was no wilful mismanagement, no will to do anything but support the legacy. My father was there with us, we said how can we continue this legacy? … And that was when a friend said why don’t you set up a charity. We didn’t go away and set it up, other people set it up,” she insisted about the charity.

    Father’s reaction

    Hannah was then asked: “What would your father make of you taking £18,000 pounds, what would he think of the £1.5million that was kept. Do you think that’s what he would have wanted?”

    She doubled down on her response, saying: “He was alive when he was paid that money. Neither he – he signed the contract… No, he lived with us and we were all equal. We didn’t think of him diminished man.

    “He was paid that money as an advance, him, and he decided where it went. We didn’t take it, he was paid it and not a penny was received by him and us once those books went on sale. The money was paid to him as an advance. He decided where it went … Charity money didn’t pay for the building or the hot tub. It was our personal money on our land.”

    Planning error

    During the lengthy chat, Hannah was also quizzed on why the foundation’s name was used on the planning application for the spa block – which was dubbed a special memorial space for Captain Tom.

    “We did not ever intend for it to say the foundation’s name on it. We did sign it, and we’ve always said it was an error. It should not have had the foundation on it. That building had all the memorabilia in it. It was for legacy. It’s gone. It’s a building that’s not there anymore… we’ve always said we didn’t get it all right. He was paid that money for the books,” Hannah said.

    In an earlier part of the chat, she said: “The building doesn’t exist anymore. It’s taken down. What is there left to talk about. It’s history.”

  • Exclusive: King Charles’s royal trip to visit Pope Francis in doubt after Pontiff’s three-week hospital stay

    Exclusive: King Charles’s royal trip to visit Pope Francis in doubt after Pontiff’s three-week hospital stay

    The King and Queen are set to meet Pope Francis in April, but the trip could be in jeopardy due to the pope’s health battle – he remains in hospital with double pneumonia

    An historic meeting between King Charles and the Pope is in jeopardy as His Holiness remains in hospital battling double pneumonia.

    Charles and Camilla are set to meet Pope Francis, 88, in April as part of a royal tour to Italy and the Vatican. The visit will mark a huge milestone for the King, who is continuing to receive treatment for cancer, and the Catholic Church that is celebrating a special Jubilee Year, which takes place every quarter of a Century.

    But the Holy Father has been in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14 fighting illness and his condition remains “complex”. He has had several setbacks in that time, including two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday, and he is in regular need of oxygen.

    Doctors have not given a prognosis and each night a special rosary prayer takes place in St Peter’s Square, in Vatican City, attended by thousands willing Francis to recover. A voice recording played before the prayer from Pope Francis on Thursday was the first time he had been heard since his hospitalisation, and he sounded frail and breathless.

    The then Prince of Wales with Pope Francis during an audience at the Vatican, 2017
    Charles and Pope Francis in 2017 
    Image:
    PA)

    The Vatican could not confirm whether the meeting would go ahead, with a source saying it was “too early to say”. Although Francis has been making some work calls from his hospital bed, he has had few visitors in the past three weeks and there is no indication of when he could leave hospital.

    Since Monday’s double breathing crises, he has had four days of stability. But he has been sleeping with a breathing mask covering his nose and mouth, which switches to nasal oxygen during the day.

    “Doctors are still being cautious about whether he will leave hospital any time soon,” a Vatican source said. “Whenever we mention ‘stability’ it’s still within a picture of a complex situation and the guarded prognosis remains as it is for the moment.”

    The “guarded prognosis” means he is still not out of danger. Despite nervousness from the Vatican, sources at Buckingham Palace have insisted plans are still in place for the King to meet the Pope.

    Pope Francis (C) exchanges gifts with Britain's then Prince Charles, wife Camilla during a private audience on April 4, 2017
    Buckingham Palace have insisted plans are still in place for the King to meet the Pope 
    Image:
    AFP/Getty Images)
    However, one source did suggest aides are “of course keeping a close watch on the situation”. The source said: “As it stands from our end, plans are still in place for the visit to take place. Our fondest prayers continue to be with the Pope and we wish him a speedy recovery.”

    It is thought the royals’ planned visit to The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, famed for its spectacular frescoes by Michelangelo and being the site where the next pope is chosen, will still go ahead if the meeting with Francis does not. Charles and Camilla’s tour of Italy, during which their 20th wedding anniversary on April 9 will be celebrated, will include engagements in Rome and Ravenna in the northern Emilia-Romagna region.

    That part of the trip should not be affected but a visit to The Pope, depending on his condition, could be skipped. Vatican City had been building up to the meeting, which would be Charles’ first since becoming King, having met Francis twice as Prince of Wales.

    The trip also marks a major sign of intent for the King as he commits to a full work schedule this year while still having weekly cancer treatment. It would be the first time in more than a decade since a British monarch, as head of the Church of England, would have met the head of the Catholic Church.

    The late Queen Elizabeth II had a personal audience with Pope Francis on a trip to the Italian capital in 2014. Rome citizen Angela Maria, who has regularly attended the prayers for Pope Francis, said after hearing his voice on Thursday: “It was wonderful to hear from him, he knows of our nightly rosaries for him. It’s been three trying weeks of suffering, it will take a miracle for him to come back, we know, but we are strong in the Jubilee Year of Speranza (hope).”

  • I’m A Celeb’s Danny Jones explains why wife ‘left home for a few days’ after jungle stint

    I’m A Celeb’s Danny Jones explains why wife ‘left home for a few days’ after jungle stint

    McFly singer Danny Jones, who was recently spotted kissing Maura Higgins at a BRIT Awards afterparty, previously praised his wife for all her hard work while he was on I’m A Celeb

    I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! star Danny Jones revealed his wife left their home for a couple of days after he returned from the Australian jungle.

    Last year, the McFly singer took part in the reality programme – and won – alongside Oti Mabuse, Coleen Rooney, and Maura Higgins – who he was recently spotted kissing at a BRIT Awards afterparty. During his weeks away in the jungle, Danny’s family were in the midst of a house move and his wife Georgia was left to pack up and move house all on her own.

    In a podcast episode released a day before his kiss with Maura, Danny said his wife had a tough time at the beginning of the year. Speaking on the Parenting Hell podcast with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe, he opened up about how his I’m A Celeb stint affected his decade-long marriage.

    Georgia, with who he shares seven-year-old Cooper, was busy moving house while Danny was in Australia and the singer admitted he was ‘surprised she was still with him’. He revealed on the podcast: “When I got back, my wife was like, ‘I just think I need to go away to a hut myself for a few days’.”

    Danny Jones and wife Georgia
    Georgia left their home for a few days after experiencing burnout 
    Image:
    Getty Images for the NTA’s)

    Danny Jones and Georgia
    He made the comments a few days before his kiss with Maura 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images)

    “I said ‘just go and take yourself away. And have a few days”‘ She was overwhelmed. It got too much for her. And I could see it. I was like ‘you need to just need to go’.” He said later in the podcast that her solo house move was ‘absolute God tier’ and called his wife “amazing at making life less complicated”.

    Georgia previously opened up about her exhaustion on Mum’s The Word. She said: “I was like, do you know what? F*** it. I’m going to do it. I need to be on my own. I need silence. I can’t hear – I can’t hear people needing me anymore. I can’t. I can’t do it.

    Maura Higgins and Danny Jones on I'm A Celebrity
    He was spotted kissing Maura at a party after the Brits 
    Image:
    ITV/Shutterstock)

    She also revealed on her social media page that a month of solo parenting, solo house moving and working on her career was ‘a lot’ for her to handle when Danny was in the jungle with ‘snakes in his pants’. She decided to book a woodland retreat and shared updates with fans.

    While in a cabin in Shropshire, she caught on reading time, taking nature and just enjoyed time to herself. Georgia said: “I was going into this New Year burnt out. Everything I didn’t want to feel entering 2025… I felt. So whilst I was still in Australia I decided I needed to do something for me… a solo trip, one to push me out of my comfort zone but also one to give me the break I craved.”

  • Exclusive: This Morning star says ‘I don’t feel safe’ and fears over misogyny in boys and Andrew Tate

    Exclusive: This Morning star says ‘I don’t feel safe’ and fears over misogyny in boys and Andrew Tate

    The mum-of-two says it’s a scary place for girls with the rise of sexism, misogyny and accessing sexualised deepfakes

    This Morning favourite Ashley James has vowed to continue fighting for the safety and equality of girls as she’s announced as ambassador for Girlguiding.

    The mum-of-two says it’s a scary place for girls with the rise of sexism, misogyny and accessing sexualised deepfakes. She’s teamed up with the youth organisation to push for change on International Women’s Day. “Misogynistic voices are becoming louder, more prominent and more powerful,” she said.

    “I remember all the challenges that I had growing up and I just don’t want that for future generations. I’m not able to be complacent, especially in this day and age with the ever increasing threat online. I feel like if I don’t keep fighting then what world does my son and daughter grow up in? Girls deserve better.”

    Ashley, 37, says Girlguiding and their groups Rainbows and Brownies are more important than ever as they provide a safe space for young girls, as they did for her when she was growing up. With the rise of toxic masculinity and with violence against women declared a national emergency, alongside online dangers, Ashley says she’s determined to making the world a safer place for the next generation.

    Ashley James
    Ashley ‘doesn’t feel safe’ due to rising misogyny 
    Image:
    ashleylouisejames/Instagram)

    Ashley James
    She was announced as ambassador for Girlguiding 
    Image:
    Instagram)

    Known for sharing her opinions as a regular guest on This Morning, she visited the Houses of Parliament this week to discuss sexualised deepfakes – videos and pictures made with artificial intelligence to look real – and the harm they’re doing to children. “Girlguiding research showed that more than a quarter, so 26% of children, have seen a sexualised deep fake of a friend or a teacher or a celebrity, which is much higher than I thought. And one in eight girls between 13 and 18 have received sexual threats online.
    “I’m trying to encourage companies to do more to protect people online.”

    She continued: “I don’t feel safe online. I’ve been exposed to so much sexual abuse and harassment online. The internet is still the wild west. More than 42% of young people think that more needs to be done to make sure they’re safe online.” Previously condemning influencer Andrew Tate, Ashley says she’s keen to educate others about “toxic” views.

    Andrew tate
    She previously condemned controversial influencer Andrew Tate 
    Image:
    AFP via Getty Images)“We know that toxic masculinity affects boys as well with the rise of incel culture,” says Ashley, who has son Alfie, four, and daughter Ada, two, with partner Tommy Andrews. “I feel just as much responsibility for my son as I do for my daughter, but also I want my son to know that he can have strong female role models and he can look up to women.”
    As Girlguiding research shows that 95% women ages 17 to 21 experience sexism, Ashley says “it’s sad but not surprising”.
    Detailing her own experiences, she said: “I notice it when I’m on This Morning. If I give opinions that people don’t agree with they will insult my intelligence and call me a bimbo on X. Whereas if they don’t agree with Nick Ferrari they don’t insult his intelligence.”Ashley says, as a woman, she doesn’t feel safe on the streets or on the internet. “I don’t feel safe either,” she admits. “I don’t feel safe walking around at night. Violence against women and girls has been declared a national emergency and one woman dies at the hands of a man every three days. So many women and girls report sexist abuse and harassment – and yet I don’t see any meaningful change happening. Misogyny is on the rise, as is the manosphere, and more and more boys are turning to Andrew Tate. It feels like we’re going backwards. This is also why I’m so passionate about Girlguiding and everything they’re doing to support women and girls.”

  • Piers Morgan tears into Meghan Markle’s new show as he brands it ‘unwatchable’

    Piers Morgan tears into Meghan Markle’s new show as he brands it ‘unwatchable’

    Controversial TV presenter Piers Morgan shared his thoughts on Meghan Markle’s new Netflix series, With Love, Meghan

    Piers Morgan was less than impressed by Meghan Markle’s new Netflix show as he branded it ‘unwatchable’.

    The controversial TV presenter is known to slam the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and even sensationally quit Good Morning Britain after ranting about the former actress in 2021. With the release of Meghan’s new show, With Love, Meghan, it’s no surprise Piers was quick to watch a few moments of it before slamming her.

    In an upcoming episode of Piers Morgan Uncensored, he branded the series ‘unwatchable’ after watching only a few minutes of it. He said: “I tried watching it, and after, honestly, about three, four minutes, I was done. It was just unwatchable. It’s just the ultimate kind of vanity project, where it’s all about people telling Meghan how great she is, her telling everyone how great she is.

    “It’s not even her house. She’s doing things like making coffee, making a basic cake. There’s nothing to actually learn here. And it’s interesting to me that in Britain, they’re incredibly unpopular, her and Harry. I mean the most unpopular Royals, which, when you think we have Prince Andrew, is pretty extraordinary to go under that bar. But in terms of Americans, I actually think most Americans that are saying, ‘I’m not interested, but they’re not even energised enough to be angry’. They’re just like, ‘Who cares about these idiots?’”

    Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, on new show
    Piers was unimpressed by Meghan’s new show 
    Image:
    JAKE ROSENBERG/NETFLIX)

    He even shared his thoughts on the Duchess correcting her friend Mindy Kaling, who called her Meghan Markle. Meghan said she goes by ‘Sussex’. Actor Mindy told Meghan: “People wouldn’t believe that Meghan Markle ate at Jack in the Box.” To which Meghan replied: “It’s so funny, too, that you keep saying Meghan Markle. You know I’m Sussex now.”

    Speaking about the Duchess correcting her friend in a clip, Piers reacted: “I come from Sussex, in England, it’s a county on the south coast. It has several million people living in it. I can tell you with some certainty, if you went round and chose 100,000 people from villages and towns in Sussex, have you ever seen Meghan Markle here in the county?

    “You would not find a single person that has ever seen her there. It is reputed she has spent under six hours in the county in her entire lifetime. I was educated there, I have a home there, I grew up there. I spent more time there this week than she has in her lifetime. And also, she’s not a Sussex. She’s a Windsor. You marry into the Windsor family. They were given this title for ‘Duke and Duchess of Sussex’ by Her Majesty the Queen, the late great Queen.”