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In a jaw-dropping twist that feels straight out of a soap opera, the Markle family has once again sparked a media firestorm. This time, the drama has reached new heights as Thomas Markle casts doubt on the very existence of his royal grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet. Speaking through his daughter, Samantha Markle, the older Markle has added a surreal layer to the already tumultuous story of estrangement and accusations.

Could it be true? Are the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle—the Sussexes, who sought freedom from royal life—nothing more than figments of the imagination or products of deception?

The bombshell emerged during an interview on *Outspoken* with Dan Wootton, where Samantha Markle declared herself the “Arbiter of Truth.”

According to her, Thomas Markle shares her belief that Meghan’s children might not exist, or if they do, they may have been born via surrogacy—a fact that the Sussexes allegedly concealed. “He doesn’t believe that there are kids,” Samantha said wit

h chilling certainty, suggesting that Meghan’s secrecy surrounding Archie and Lilibet is part of a grand manipulative game. She accused Meghan of using the alleged children as pawns, keeping them out of the public eye as a means of control.

Thomas Markle’s claims only added fuel to the fire. In Samantha’s retelling, Thomas described seeing pictures of Archie that appeared suspiciously lifeless, with bandages obscuring his face. He noted that the child didn’t move or blink, prompting him to say, “Every newborn I’ve ever seen moves, blinks, makes a noise.” To the Markles, the supposed secrecy surrounding Archie and Lilibet’s births is part of a larger scheme.

Samantha didn’t hold back, accusing Meghan and Harry of manipulating public sentiment to secure their children’s place in the royal line of succession. “If they used a surrogate, they should have been honest,” Samantha argued. “There’s no legal or ethical reason to hide it. This was all about deception and control.”

Recently, other members of the Markle family have made hard-hitting statements against the Sussexes, especially Meghan. In an interview with *The Daily Mail*, Samantha remarked, “What Meghan did to the royal family was nothing new. She did it to her own family and many other people, including her parents.

I knew that my dad had suffered, but I thought she’d stop at the Queen.” Samantha, who once considered Prince Harry a victim, now believes he played an equal role in alienating the royal family through his memoir *Spare*.

Samantha said, “Meghan has no idea what she’s missing out on. Because when my dad goes, it’ll be too late. Believe me, I know you can’t get back that time. It leaves a hole in your heart.” She added, “When my father passes away, I hope that she can feel and remember that he loved her more than life itself. Or she’ll never be able to look in the mirror.”

While Samantha wants Meghan to reach out to her father, she made it clear that she herself doesn’t want to reconcile with Meghan. “If you accept an olive branch, you’re asking to be hurt again. I think that’d be weird. It’d be hard to trust that she was doing it for the right reason,” she said. “What makes me sad now is that there were so many missed opportunities for love and real family.”

 

Though Prince Harry recently visited Africa alone, it was once a place he used to help solidify his relationship with Meghan Markle – as well as several of his previous girlfriends.

Early in their blossoming romance, Harry invited Meghan on a trip to Botswana in 2017. They stayed ‘in a £1,500 deluxe tent at the Meno a Kwena safari camp,’ Tina Brown claims in her 2022 book The Palace Papers.

However, the royal biographer tells how Prince William was quick to point out to his ‘starry-eyed’ younger brother: ‘You do realise this is the fourth girl you’ve taken to Botswana?’

King Charles‘s younger son had asked a number of romantic interests to accompany him on a trip – including actress Cressida Bonas, who, Ms Brown writes, ‘passed the Africa test on a successful vacation together in the Okavango Delta [in Botswana]’.After visiting several times for charity work, the southern African nation became a favourite place of Harry’s, ‘especially when trying to impress a girlfriend’, Andrew Morton wrote in his 2018 release, Meghan: A Hollywood Princess.

 

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Prince Harry and Prince William are pictured with a cheetah during a visit to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve in Botswana in 2010

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Meghan Markle pictured on the trip to Botswana in 2017. This image was first shown on the couple’s Netflix series Harry & Meghan

He also took television presenter Natalie Pinkham there, reportedly in 2004.

Harry visited again the following year, this time with his on-and-off girlfriend Chelsy Davy, and they are said to have made annual trips there during their seven years together.

While none of these relationships worked out, Harry’s African getaway with Meghan became particularly memorable – for it was where the couple deepened their relationship.

With ‘breath-taking views across the dark-blue waters of the nearby Boteti River’, according to Mr Morton, Harry and Meghan enjoyed long walks, safaris and used the time together to get to know one another.

The Duke of Sussex has returned to the continent many times since, with and without his wife.

Harry and Meghan embarked on their first Royal tour abroad together in 2019. With their son Archie, who was five months old at the time, they visited Cape Town, Angola and Malawi, and undertook a short working visit to Botswana, between September 23 and October 2.

They brought along a camera crew from ITV to film a documentary with Tom Bradby – Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.

Harry returned to Angola to see first-hand the legacy of his mother Diana, whose visit to Huambo in 1997 helped raise awareness of the threat posed by landmines to communities and livelihoods.

However, though the couple’s trip was focused on helping tackle issues in Africa, the documentary also brought to light their own struggles.

At one point during filming Mr Bradby asked Meghan how she was doing. The Duchess responded by saying that ‘not many people have asked if I’m okay’ – in reference to her struggles with the media.

In October this year, Harry visited Lesotho and South Africa. The trip included a meeting with Lesotho prime minister Sam Matekane and a series of engagements relating to his beloved charity, Sentebale, which helps young people living with HIV and Aids.

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Actress Cressida Bonas, who Harry also reportedly took to Botswana, pictured in London in 2014

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Television presenter Natalie Pinkham is said to have travelled to Africa with the Prince. She is  pictured in London in 2006

Harry first visited Lesotho aged 19, during a gap year in 2004. He spent two months there and the experience had a lasting impact on the young prince.

The royal did volunteer work and met children who had been orphaned due to the Aids epidemic. In 2006, he co-founded Sentebale with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso in an effort to continue his mother’s work on the issue.

In July 2008, Harry returned to Lesotho to help build a special needs school as part of a project supported by Sentebale.  At the time, the Thuso Centre was the only school of its kind in the country, the BBC reported.

The duke said: ‘Everything here is just so positive and fantastic. This is the only mentally handicapped school within Lesotho and once the project is finished we hope to make another in the centre and one in the south.’

He was accompanied by 20 of his colleagues from the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals regiment, who assisted with the project.

Two years later, in June 2010, Harry embarked on his first joint tour with his brother, Prince William. They combined promoting their charity and humanitarian interests with supporting England, who played Algeria during the FIFA World Cup in Cape Town.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attending a reception in Johannesburg in 2019

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The prince traces his mother’s footsteps and walks through a minefield in Angola in 2019

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Harry with his wife, Meghan Markle, in Cape Town during their Royal tour in 2019

The brother’s kicked off their six-day tour of southern Africa in Botswana and visited the Makelodi Nature Reserve. They were photographed with an 8ft-long African Rock Python wrapped around their shoulders and Harry playfully pointed its head at William.

The pair then travelled to Lesotho and trekked three miles on ponies to visit schools and orphanages at Semonkong, located at a height of 8,000ft.

Both wore knitted grey blankets to tackle the cooler temperatures and Harry held two-year-old orphan Bokang Rapostane on his knee as they watched a play about Aids and HIV.

Harry, who was demonstrating the work of his charity Sentebale, said: ‘This was a fantastic chance to show William what Sentebale is all about – the vulnerable children. I’m just happy to have him here with me.’

The two princes also played football with orphaned teenage girls from Semonkong Children’s Centre.

Harry returned to Lesotho again in 2013 with Prince Seeiso, touring projects that Sentebale had been supporting.

He visited the Kananelo Centre for the Deaf and St Bernadette’s Centre for the Blind.

During his trip, Harry participated in a sign language lesson and was taught several phrases by 14-year-old Nandos Chabalalan including the words for family, father, mother, brother, sister and baby.

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Harry teases William by holding the head of an African Rock Python towards his brother in Botswana in 2010

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The prince hugging a young child in Lesotho during his gap year visit in 2004

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Harry explaining the school-building project to journalists, including the Mail’s Rebecca English (far left), in Lesotho in 2008

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Prince Harry playing with a child in Lesotho, Africa during his visit in 2008

Later on, he put on a Paddington Bear apron and got stuck in with baking ‘fat cakes’, a local doughnut-style delicacy.

Harry also flew to Johannesburg in neighbouring South Africa for the first Sentebale Gala Dinner.

It marked the launch of a £2.4million fundraising campaign to build the first permanent centre for children and young people infected with, or affected by, HIV and Aids in Lesotho.

Two years later, Harry attended the opening of Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho – a facility that works with his charity, Sentebale.  He was photographed dancing with children and Prince Seeiso.

During the visit Harry delivered a speech looking back on the charity’s achievements.

 

 

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is frequently compared to Grace Kelly, the iconic American actress who became Princess of Monaco. Both women captured the world’s imagination with their beauty, talent, and eventual transition from Hollywood to royalty. While they lived in different eras, the striking similarities between Meghan and Grace reveal a shared narrative of love, resilience, and reinvention in the face of tradition.

From Hollywood Spotlight to Royal CourtGrace Kelly was already a celebrated film star when she met Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1955, leaving behind a successful career to marry him and embrace her role as a European royal. Decades later, Meghan Markle would make a similar choice, stepping away from her acting career after her role on Suits to marry Prince Harry. For both women, this decision marked a drastic shift, trading the independence and glamour of Hollywood for the duty-bound life of royalty.

 

Their journeys from Hollywood to royalty transformed their lives but also brought challenges. Grace had to adapt to a life of diplomacy, leaving behind her acting career and adopting a new role as Monaco’s princess. Similarly, Meghan left the familiarity of her career and home in the United States, facing the demanding and traditional life of British royalty.

Bridging Cultures: The American Princesses

As American women entering European royal circles, Meghan and Grace both introduced a fresh perspective. Grace brought a touch of Hollywood sophistication and glamour to Monaco, helping put the small principality on the global stage. Likewise, Meghan’s American background, paired with her modern, progressive ideals, brought diversity and change to the British royal family, attracting a new, younger audience.

Their cultural differences sometimes caused friction with traditional royal circles, but both Grace and Meghan found ways to adapt while staying true to their values. Grace became a beloved figure in Monaco, known for her grace and commitment to philanthropic work, and Meghan, too, has focused on social issues, using her platform to promote causes close to her heart, from mental health to racial justice.

Challenges Within Royal Life

Both Meghan and Grace faced unique pressures in royal life. Grace was said to have struggled with the isolation of royal life in Monaco, which contrasted with the vibrant Hollywood lifestyle she had known. Likewise, Meghan has spoken openly about the personal and mental health challenges she faced within the British monarchy, describing moments of loneliness and feeling misunderstood.

Their struggles reflect the complexities that come with marrying into royalty. While Grace had to navigate the expectations of Monaco’s people and the demands of royal etiquette, Meghan encountered intense media scrutiny in the UK, often amplified by her background and race.

Defining Their Legacy Through Philanthropy

Grace Kelly found purpose in her royal role through her philanthropic work, championing the arts and social causes, which helped endear her to Monaco’s people. She created the Princess Grace Foundation to support emerging artists, securing her legacy as a patron of culture and charity.

Meghan, similarly, has carved out her own path through her charity work. Together with Prince Harry, she founded the Archewell Foundation, focusing on humanitarian projects that align with her progressive values. From promoting gender equality to supporting mental health initiatives, Meghan has used her influence to bring about social change, cementing her role as a modern-day philanthropist.

Challenging Royal Norms

Both Grace and Meghan challenged traditional royal norms in ways that set them apart. Grace’s glamorous, American style was unlike anything seen in European royalty, influencing royal fashion for years to come. Meghan, known for her modern style, broke several fashion protocols of the British royal family, choosing outfits that reflect her personality rather than sticking to conservative royal expectations.

Moreover, Meghan’s openness about issues like mental health and systemic racism has helped destigmatize these topics, breaking with the monarchy’s traditionally reserved stance. Like Grace, Meghan has taken bold steps that challenge the status quo, showing that a royal title doesn’t have to mean sacrificing individuality.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, parents to Archie and Lilibet, are focused on enjoying quality family time as they prepare to celebrate Christmas in California.

Despite facing ongoing media scrutiny, the couple remains dedicated to one another and their family, balancing both personal and professional commitments.

A source close to the couple shared that they have a strong partnership, despite criticism over their individual pursuits. Although their engagements sometimes differ, the couple believes that this arrangement works well for them. “When they’re together, there are headlines suggesting Meghan is too controlling or trying to steal the spotlight,” the source explained.

 

“They’re a married couple, and in any normal relationship, you don’t do everything together,” they continued. “They have young children—five-year-old Archie and three-year-old Lilibet—and sometimes one of them needs to stay in California while the other is out of state.”

The source emphasized that it would be inappropriate for Meghan to be the focal point of Harry’s patronages, just as it wouldn’t make sense for Harry to take the lead in Meghan’s philanthropic efforts, particularly those focused on women’s issues, which are especially close to her heart.

Despite their separate engagements, Meghan and Harry continue to collaborate on joint projects, including their upcoming Netflix series *Polo*, set to release on December 10.

The source referred to these collaborations as “appropriate overlap,” noting their joint work, such as their trip to Colombia to advance the goals of their foundation.

Since stepping down from their royal duties in 2020, the couple has focused on charitable work through the Archewell Foundation, which they launched that December.

Their philanthropic initiatives have garnered positive attention, though the constant media speculation about their marriage has been emotionally taxing for Meghan.Another source shared that the relentless rumors surrounding their relationship have added strain, with Meghan feeling the burden of public opinion, especially in light of the scrutiny over their personal and professional choices.

 

The source said: “She has really felt the strain in recent weeks, with all the speculation about her and Harry’s marriage.

While Harry has been praised for his appearances, she is criticized for her words, her outfits, and everything she does. It brings back painful memories from her time as a royal.”

 

It’s none other than Meghan Markle and the latest scandal involving inappropriate behavior with married men.

Meghan walks into a high-powered business meeting, supposedly to pitch her latest vanity project—another cooking show that will probably never see the light of day, just like all her other failed endeavors. But instead of acting with the dignity expected of someone who once held a royal title, she goes straight in for an overly intimate hug with a married CEO. I’m talking full-body contact here—something that would make even Hollywood blush. And get this—the CEO’s wife was right there! Can you imagine the absolute audacity? Thank goodness the wife had the backbone to tell Meghan to back off. Finally, someone putting “Little Miss Hugger” in her place.
This isn’t about being friendly or just a “hugger,” as she loves to claim. Notice how she never seems to hug the janitor or the receptionist. No, it’s always the powerful men—the wealthy and connected ones. How convenient. It’s the same pattern we’ve seen throughout her career. From Trevor Engelson to the producer she dated after him, all the way to setting her sights on Prince Harry.

Speaking of Harry, where is he while all this is happening? Remember when he was the proud, strong military man? Now, he’s standing in the background while his wife performs her usual routine. It’s heartbreaking, especially when we compare him to his brother William, who carries himself with such dignity alongside our beloved Catherine.

Remember when Meghan tried to paint Catherine as some cold, formal person for not wanting to be bare-hugged by a virtual stranger? Now we know exactly why Catherine kept her distance. As usual, our future Queen’s instincts were spot on.

It’s fascinating—every time Harry gets involved with meaningful work, Meghan’s attention-seeking behavior escalates. It’s like she can’t stand not being the center of attention. The outfits get tighter, the hugs get longer, and the behavior gets more inappropriate. Let me tell you, I had a drink with Meghan a decade ago on a freezing winter evening in London when she was desperately trying to break into British society. She was reaching out to any journalist who would listen. Most declined, but I met her. Do you know what struck me? How calculated every move was. Even then, she was plotting her ascent up the social ladder. She was trying to get information about Ashley Cole, the famous footballer. When I told her about his history with relationships, her face just dropped. Sometimes, I wonder if she had pursued that path, perhaps our beloved royal family would have been spared all this drama.

People have suggested that her behavior stems from her upbringing. Thomas Markle, for all his faults, seems to have failed to teach his daughter about boundaries and respect. But at some point, don’t we have to hold grown adults accountable for their actions?

And the hypocrisy—let’s talk about it. Remember how possessive Meghan gets when anyone so much as breathes near Harry? Yet, she thinks it’s fine to drape herself over other women’s husbands. The double standard is absolutely staggering. Have you seen those old photos from her Suits days? The way she would hang all over Patrick Adams, who was married? It’s a pattern, my friends—a very disturbing one. And now it’s landed her in hot water with the CEO’s wife. Finally, someone has called her out publicly for this behavior.

You know what’s really telling? Watch any video of Catherine interacting with people. There’s warmth, genuine connection, but also respect and dignity. That’s how a true royal behaves. Class, elegance. But Meghan? It’s like watching a desperate actress who never got out of character from her cable TV show days.

And let’s be honest, this latest incident isn’t isolated. Remember that charity event where Meghan practically glued herself to Kelly, the organization’s leader? The way she clung to Jesse Kalun? It’s always the same routine: find the most influential person in the room and attach yourself to them. It’s cringeworthy.

You know what really gets me? The way Meghan tried to paint herself as this innocent hugger when she met Catherine. “I was just being myself—wearing ripped jeans, barefoot, giving hugs.” Please. We all know now that was pure performance. Try going in for a hug with her when she doesn’t want something from you. Watch how quickly that “hugger” persona disappears.

The timing of all this is fascinating too. Have you noticed how these incidents seem to increase whenever Harry has something important going on? It’s like she can’t stand him having any spotlight of his own. The more he tries to do meaningful work, the more outrageous her behavior becomes. It’s textbook attention-seeking behavior.

Speaking of Harry, my heart breaks for him. Remember the proud prince who served his country, the man who created the Invictus Games? Now he’s reduced to standing in the background, watching his wife’s latest spectacle. The contrast between him and William couldn’t be more stark. While William and Catherine work tirelessly for the monarchy, what do we get from the Sussexes? More attention-seeking behavior and inappropriate touching of married men.

It’s interesting how Meghan only seems to forget about personal boundaries with the wealthy, powerful, and connected. They get the full “Meghan treatment,” while regular folks and staff members might as well be invisible to her. It really shows where her priorities lie, doesn’t it?

What’s truly sad is the damage she’s doing to the monarchy. King Charles and Queen Camilla are working so hard to modernize it while maintaining its dignity. William and Catherine are showing us what the future of the royal family should look like—modern, relatable, yet still maintaining the respect and decorum that their positions demand. And then we have Meghan.

In all my years covering the royal family, I’ve never seen anything quite like this. The way Meghan is systematically trying to maintain relevance through desperate displays—it’s calculated. And the saddest part? She could have had it all. She could have been a beloved member of the royal family, working alongside William and Catherine, making a real difference. But instead, we’ve got inappropriate hugs at business meetings and desperate grabs for attention.

This latest incident reveals a lot about her character. Instead of pitching her ideas and letting her work speak for itself, she resorts to the same old tactics—using physical touch to manipulate situations. It reminds me of those early days when she was trying to break into British society, always looking for the next big opportunity and powerful connection.

You know what’s truly remarkable? The dignity shown by the other working royals. Princess Anne continues her tireless work without seeking attention, and the Duchess of Edinburgh shows us what true grace looks like. Meanwhile, Catherine, even while recovering, maintains the perfect balance of warmth and propriety befitting a future Queen.

Now, back to Harry for a moment. Don’t you find it interesting how he seems to shrink further into the background with each passing day? The proud prince who once commanded respect is now reduced to standing meekly by while his wife creates yet another spectacle.

The lack of self-awareness here is astounding. Does she really think this behavior is appropriate for someone who once held the title of Duchess? Doesn’t she understand how it reflects on the institution she claims to respect? Or is it all just part of the plan to stay relevant at any cost?

The timing of this incident is especially interesting—just as Harry’s been doing more solo work. It’s like clockwork. The moment Harry gets positive attention, suddenly there’s another Meghan scandal. Coincidence? I think not.

The real tragedy is the missed opportunity. The British public was ready to embrace her. The royal family welcomed her with open arms. She could have been part of something meaningful, working alongside William and Catherine to modernize the monarchy. Instead, we got this. And let’s not forget—it’s not just about inappropriate hugging. It’s about a pattern of behavior that shows complete disregard for boundaries and respect.

Look at how Princess Mary of Denmark or Queen Letizia of Spain carry themselves. They understood that joining a royal family means representing something bigger than yourself. But Meghan? It’s always been about Meghan.

I have to wonder, what would Queen Elizabeth have made of all this? Can you imagine anyone behaving this way during her reign? She had such a perfect understanding of dignity and duty. Now we’re watching her grandson’s wife practically throw herself at business executives in a desperate bid for attention.

The royals have enjoyed spending Christmas at Sandringham for decades, and after creating so many special memories there with the late Queen, the King seems keen for them to keep making more. “Christmas at Sandringham has been absolutely central to the family for years, and that legacy looks certain to continue with Charles,” says royal expert Duncan Larcombe.

“The estate has more of a country house feel than other royal residences, and it reflects the family’s love of the great outdoors.” Queen Victoria bought the 20,000-acre estate for £22,000 in 1862. When the pandemic struck in 2020 it prevented Queen Elizabeth II hosting Christmas there for the first time in 32 years.

King Charles won’t rip up the royal rule book when it comes to Christmas ( 
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“Sandringham had a very special place in the Queen’s heart,” Duncan adds. “It was where her father George VI passed away in 1952, which always gave it extra meaning for her.”

The estate was also a favoured hideaway of her grandfather George V, who once described it as “dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere else in the world”.

Former royal chef Darren McGrady catered for Christmas at Sandringham for many years, and says, “Unlike Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, which belong to the State, Sandringham is owned by the royals so it’s a real home from home, and somewhere to really relax.

For the Queen, it was a place where she swapped her tiara for a headscarf and boots, and where she just loved hanging out with her family.”

The late Queen typically spent Christmas at the Sandringham estate ( 
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After making the 100-mile train journey from King’s Cross in London to King’s Lynn in Norfolk, she would oversee a strict 72-hour festive timetable, with precise time slots for guests who arrived on Christmas Eve.

The schedule included exact timings for when the royals should wake up, gather for drinks, eat meals and go to bed.

Duncan says, “I don’t think Charles will exactly rip up the rule book, but there’s a strong chance he’ll loosen some of the rules. I think a lot of the more stoic aspects of Christmas were down to the Duke of Edinburgh, who was a stickler for timings. But I think the King is more relaxed about these things.”

Sandringham is smaller than other family properties and the youngest royals are required to share bedrooms, while some family members often spill over into the staff quarters.

Sandringham House is typically where the Royal Family spend Christmas ( 
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The Prince and Princess of Wales do not need a room at Sandringham, because they stay at their nearby 10-bedroom home, Anmer Hall, with their three children.

The festivities formally kick off with afternoon tea on 24 December, after which the family follow the European tradition of exchanging presents a day early. There is then a dash to glam up for the Christmas Eve drinks reception and candlelit banquet.

Men wear black Windsor coats with red lapels and cuffs and the women don ball gowns. Again, there are strict rules to follow while dining. “Traditionally they’ve never been allowed to engage in political talk over dinner, and they can’t leave the table until the monarch does,” says Duncan. “But again, those protocols may be gently phased out by Charles now.”

The Prince and Princess of Wales stay at their Anmer Hall home during Christmas ( 
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After dinner, card games are played, while there might be an action movie or romcom on offer in the ballroom – though nothing with too much swearing. Prince William previously revealed that Elf is a firm family favourite, while the late Queen’s festive flick of choice was apparently Flash Gordon.

William also once told how the family embrace the rare sense of togetherness during Christmas at Sandringham.

“It’s always lovely because we’re quite spread out doing our things a lot of the time throughout the year,” he said. “When I see my children meet up with some of my cousins’ children and they will have a wonderful time playing together, it’s very special.”

On Christmas morning, the customary church service at St Mary Magdalene is a must, after which a traditional turkey lunch is served.

The Royal Family attend a church service on Christmas morning ( 
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With food playing such an integral part in proceedings, there’s usually plenty of interest in the action behind the kitchen doors. Diana, the former Princess of Wales, liked to drop in on the chefs.

“I worked for the Princess at Kensington Palace from 1993 until she died in 1997, so I got to know her pretty well,” says Darren. “She would often pop in for a chat and ask me for a piece of fruit or a glass of juice. She was always interested in what we were cooking too.”

Diana was famously said to find the Sandringham Christmas a huge ordeal, and Darren adds, “I think half the time she was bored, so she just enjoyed being in the kitchen and chatting.”

However, the late Queen was not one to wander among the pots and pans. “She never had time, and she wasn’t a foodie at all,” recalls Darren. “Charles and Prince Philip came in quite a lot though, and would sometimes change the menu a bit.”

The royals would watch the Queen’s Christmas speech on the television at 3pm ( 
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After the big Christmas Day lunch, the family pull bespoke crackers, complete with corny jokes that the late Queen used to love reading aloud. She was even said to personally pick the cracker gifts, which might include cuff links or gold or silver jewellery.

Paper hats are worn by most of those around the table, but Her Majesty always declined out of respect for the real Crown Jewels.

At 3pm, the family gather around the TV to watch the pre-recorded Christmas message, usually in silence. Queen Elizabeth reportedly never liked seeing herself on screen, and was known to take a stroll through the grounds instead. Once the television is switched off it is time for the games, with family favourites including charades and Scrabble.

Monopoly is said to be frowned upon by some members of the family, with one source claiming, “It brings out the worst in the family, with one over-competitive royal once throwing the board across the room.” If the weather allows it, a team of royals may also enjoy a game of football with staff members on the lawns.

The fun spills over into Boxing Day, when a range of outdoor activities swing into action, before everyone goes their separate ways.

The royal Christmas is steeped in tradition ( 
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Rumour has it that at the beginning and end of the Sandringham Christmas, guests have traditionally been weighed. It was a practice said to date back to Edward VII, who wanted to make sure everyone was well fed, with 3lb considered an acceptable gain.

Tina Brown wrote in The Palace Papers, “As anyone who saw the movie Spencer knows, there’s a honk-honk tradition of family members getting weighed like French geese, first on arrival and then on departure, to record precisely how much justice they, and their livers, have done to the artery-clogging feast.”

However, Darren suggests that if such a custom ever did take place, it probably fizzled out many generations ago. “I don’t believe Princess Margaret would ever have agreed to step on to the scales – and nor would Princess Diana,” he says.

As the King celebrates his birthday on November 14, alongside his wife, Queen Camilla, will he also perhaps reflect on what might have been. It could just as easily have been Diana as his Queen if his mother Queen Elizabeth II had had her way.

As heir to the throne at the time, Charles had to seek the permission of Her Majesty to marry, as all those in the line of succession had to. He might have followed the earlier example of his sister, Princess Anne, who when asked how difficult it was, replied: ‘Not half as difficult as asking permission to get divorced.’ Which they both were required to do at some time.

These days, Anne is so far down the line that it isn’t necessary for her to ask anyone’s permission.

A royal birthday still attracts a lot of publicity, from newspapers and television, which is then lapped up by the public. It seems nearly everyone wants to know every detail of Royal Family life.

And if there is any spice in the story, so much the better. When Charles was still Prince of Wales, serving the longest apprenticeship ever by an heir to the throne (he was over 70 before he became monarch), he was allowed the comparative freedom that he lost the day he donned the crown.

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Prince Charles turned 18 on the 14 November 1966 and was  taken at Balmoral Castle wearing the Balmoral tartan

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Prince Charles was considered the most eligible and famous bachelor before he married Lady Diana Spencer in 1981

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There was trouble on both asides. Five years after they married, Diana resumed a relationship with a former old boyfriend, James Hewit, in 1986 when this family photograph was taken

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The couple undertook  a royal tour of Korea in November 1992 and shortly after John Major announced in the House of Commons that the couple were to separate

Charles was regarded as the most eligible and famous bachelor in the world and when he married Lady Diana Spencer, in July 1981, making her the Princess of Wales, and she became the most famous woman on the planet.

But, as we now know, it wasn’t to last. Charles never stopped talking about Camilla Parker Bowles and his friendship with her, even when at last he married Diana. She accepted this, knowing that to object would place her at odds with the Royal Household, as well as against the most powerful family in the world.

On the day Charles and Diana married they became the most photographed couple ever.

However, there were problems almost from the beginning . And, contrary to the general belief, it wasn’t all Charles’s fault. There was trouble on both asides. Five years after they married, Diana resumed a relationship with a former old boyfriend, James Hewit, in 1986.

 Much later, Charles admitted that the love of his life had always been Camilla, and they began another affair. It would never end. To many people throughout the world, it remains one of the greatest love stories ever.

He said at the time that his relationship with Mrs Parker Powles was ‘non-negotiable’.

If there has ever been a year that Charles would describe as the worst in his life, it could well be 1992. His birthday that year was not a time for celebration. Perhaps relief was all he felt now that at last it was all over. This was when he and Diana finally separated.

When the divorce was finalised, the financial settlement was never revealed, as with all royal matters. But it was believed to be around £15million.

There had always been a great deal of speculation about what went wrong with the Waleses. Was it Charles never really having loved her? The massive age difference between them – he was 13 years older than Diana. Or maybe the difference in their upbringing.

Charles had grown up used to the rigid discipline of Palace life and all it involved. With Diana, even though hers was an aristocratic background, there was a certain amount of informality in the Spencer family that was missing with the House of Windsor. She was a tactile, affectionate woman while Charles never really forgets who and what he is or was.

The only bright light being that the way was now clear for him to marry Camilla at last, which he did on April 9, 2005, in a civil ceremony in Windsor Guildhall, followed by a blessing by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Windsor Castle. His mother, the Queen, did not attend the civil ceremony as she believed it would be inappropriate as the Head of the Church of England.

A few years earlier there was another tragedy that had caused Charles to try to forget the past. Diana was involved in a car crash in Paris in 1997, and died immediately.

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Prince Charles and Prince Harry after the devastating news that Diana had died in a crash in Paris the previous night

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There was international mourning for Diana after the crash and the same amount of derision and scorn, aimed at Charles who was blamed, unfairly

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There was happiness for Prince Charles after marrying Camilla Parker Bowles in a Civil Ceremony at the Guildhall in Windsor

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Charles has recently completed an arduous but wonderful tour of Australia and Samoa while continuing to recover from his cancer diagnosis

There was international mourning for her and the same amount of derision and scorn aimed at Charles who was blamed, unfairly, by many millions of men and women. All watched by a worldwide audience.

If there was one thing both Charles and Diana would be jointly proud of it was the fact that they produced two wonderful sons, William and Harry, though Harry, as a typical younger son, is causing certain problems at the moment.

They both love their father and understand the difficulties both parents faced in their early days.

William is working with his father, helping as much as possible and preparing for his own future role.

Anyway, things appear to have settled down for the Royal Family, at last. Charles is behaving impeccably as monarch and has recently completed an arduous tour of Australia while continuing to recover from his cancer diagnosis.

He deserves to enjoy this birthday, more than we know. He’s hard working. He never stops. Now is the time for him to relax, with his wife, and Queen, alongside him. And may we join with many more people, everywhere, in wishing him a Respectful Happy Birthday.

When most people meet King Charles they might get a firm handshake and exchange a few pleasantries.

But as you would expect, he acts in a far more relaxed manner around those close to him – especially his two sons William and Harry in their younger days.

In their company he could be seen fooling around, laughing and joking, playing rough and tumble, and even hugging and kissing, according to one royal biographer.

However in recent years, the King’s private character has come under fire from the disillusioned Prince Harry, who claimed in his tell-all book Spare that the ‘older generation’ of royals had a ‘nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact’.

Despite the mound of photo evidence proving the contrary, he wrote: ‘No hugs, no kisses, no pats. Now and then, maybe a light touching of cheeks – on special occasions.’

Here, on the day King Charles turns 76, MailOnline goes inside his private life and reveals his family persona.

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Prince Charles laughs with his sons as he lifts Prince Harry on to Prince William’s shoulder in Kensington Palace for this sweet family photo in 1985

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Prince Charles and his sons Prince Harry and Prince William at his favourite ski resort in Klosters, Switzerland, on March 28, 2002

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Prince Harry is pictured greeting his father during the 10th Anniversary Memorial Service For Diana, Princess of Wales in 2007

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Despite the mound of photo evidence proving the contrary, Prince Harry (pictured in Klosters)  later claimed in his autobiography that there was ‘nearly a zero-tolerance policy’ on physical contact with senior royals

Throughout Charles’ life, there have always been cameras focused on him, so he makes sure to grab the rare moments of privacy he does have with both hands.

Behind the high walls of his palaces and country estates, Charles’ private persona is ‘completely different from his public one’, writes Penny Junor in the 1998 book Charles: Victim or Villain?

The royal author writes: ‘He fools around with the boys, they tease each other laugh, joke, rough and tumble, and even hug and kiss.

‘On the last farewell dinner party in their hotel restaurant, in the middle of the dinner Harry got to his feet and, in front of a table full of people, made a little speech to thank “Papa” as both boys call him (rhymes with super), for giving him such a wonderful holiday.

‘He then walked smartly up to his father and smothered his face in kisses, until, in mock embarrassment, the prince begged for mercy. It was a touching scene…’

However the scene painted in the biography is far different from the one Harry outlines in his 2023 memoir Spare.

There he wrote: ‘The older generation maintained a nearly zero-tolerance prohibition on all physical contact.

‘No hugs, no kisses, no pats. Now and then, maybe a light touching of cheeks – on special occasions.

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Prince William shares a joke with his father and  his brother during a photocall on the ski slopes in Klosters

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Prince Charles playing football with Prince William when he was young

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Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry at Klosters on April 6, 2000

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Prince Harry with his arm around his father, Prince Charles, on a Christmas card in 1994

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Prince Charles with the Princess of Wales and sons Harry and William at Balmoral August 1988

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Charles, William, and Harry play on the bank of the River Dee, near Balmoral Estate, Scotland, on April 10, 1987

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A photo showing the touching moment Prince Charles hugged Prince Louis was shared on the young prince’s second birthday

‘No matter how much you might love someone, you could never cross that chasm between, say, monarch and child. Or Heir and Spare.’

Harry also details feeling like he was born to be the ‘spare kidney’ for his elder brother.

But Junor’s biography of Charles seems to contradict the claims later made by the prince.

She wrote: ‘When William and Harry were small, one of the biggest problems Charles’ valets had was keeping his suits clean.

‘Whenever Charles arrived home at Highgrove by helicopter, it would land in the front field, where sheep graze. As soon as William and Harry heard it overhead, they could come running out to meet him.

‘Once it had landed safely, they would race across the field and jump up into his arms for a hug, smearing one suit after another with the sheep droppings they had trodden in on the way.’

The book also claimed Charles built his sons a ‘massive’ tree house in a holly tree, which became affectionately known as Holyroodhouse after Holyroodhouse Palace, the Queen’s official residence in Edinburgh.

And like their father, both boys were funny mimics, doing better impressions of him than anyone else.

Although most of the King’s physical affection is thought to have happened away from the camera, there were also many instances that were captured on camera.

Prince Harry’s claim that Charles gave no affection to him growing up was put into further doubt in December 2023, when the King was seen kissing his grandsons while filming a documentary for the coronation.

When the King was a baby! Adorable moments from monarch’s childhood

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Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte gave great big hugs to their grandfather while rehearsing the coronation

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Prince William kisses his father King Charles on the cheek during the monarch’s coronation ceremony in 2023

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Prince William looks on as the his father and brother share a joke during the presentation ceremony of the Gurkha Welfare Challenge Trophy at Cirencester Park Polo Club

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Prince Harry and Prince William greet their father, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, at the Service to celebrate the life of Diana, Princess of Wales at the Guards Chapel on August 31, 2007

Royal fans noticed that during a rehearsal for the Westminster Abbey ceremony in May of that year, Charles is seen bending over to hug and kiss Prince George and Prince Louis.

The King also embraced Princess Charlotte, who curtseyed in homage to him.

However the King’s private enthusiasm for physical contact also sometimes spills over into his public facing role.

A Palace source told The Telegraph in September that the King ‘is a genuinely warm and affectionate man who is not embarrassed to express that in a public way. He’s a human and relatable person’.

They noted that if the late Queen was not hugged, it was out of ‘generational respect’, meaning it ‘would have felt wrong to even attempt it’.

Robert Jobson, author of Charles’ biography Our King, said the monarch has ‘always been a pretty good hugger, pretty relaxed about it’.

The royal expert added: ‘The people around the Royal Family can be strict, but the actual royals themselves have always been fairly relaxed. He [the King] is quite tactile and always has been. He’s got a twinkle in his eye.’

Showcasing his sometimes ‘informal approach’, Charles, as Prince of Wales, was seen breakdancing in 1985 and was even kissed on the cheek by a Spice Girl in 1997.

Meanwhile, King Charles has often been dubbed ‘approachable’ – and the well-earned label is proven through his sweet and compassionate interactions with the public.

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Prince Charles, Prince William, and Prince Harry play on the bank of the River Dee, near Balmoral Estate, Scotland, on April 10, 1987

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Prince Charles puts his arm around his son Harry, with William watching on, at Klosters in 2005

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Prince Charles and Prince William board the Queen’s Flight plane at Aberdeen Airport in Scotland on September 7, 1984 after a holiday in Balmoral

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Charles and Prince Louis at the Platinum Jubilee Pageant in London on June 5, 2022

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Prince Charles gives Harry a piggy back while swimming

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After his mother died in September 2022, the new King put on a brave face for the country as he shook the hands of well-wishers at Buckingham Palace. In an outpouring of affection, one woman leaned over to kiss his hand (pictured)

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During the King’s trip to the Channel Islands in July, one mischievous 91-year-old local, Kathleen Moriarty, planted a kiss on the monarch’s cheek, much to the delight of onlookers

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Charles was even kissed on the cheek by a Spice Girl in 1997 (pictured)

After his mother died in September 2022, the new King put on a brave face for the country as he shook the hands of well-wishers at Buckingham Palace.

In an outpouring of affection, one woman leaned over to kiss his hand, while another landed one on his cheek.

It was the first sign of what has been dubbed the ‘informal formality’ of King Charles’s reign, reflecting his chilled-out approach to enthusiastic members of the public.

Meanwhile, during the King’s trip to the Channel Islands in July, one mischievous 91-year-old local, Kathleen Moriarty, planted a kiss on the monarch’s cheek, much to the delight of onlookers.

The loud smooch was picked up by nearby cameras, cutting through the noise of the crowd that was gathered in the small town of St Peter Port in Guernsey.

Again, King Charles took it in his stride, shaking Kathleen’s hand and giving her a wry smile.

Yet an act of such intimacy may have provoked a very different response during the reign of the late Queen.

Royal biographers such as Andrew Morton have said Queen Elizabeth II would ‘never’ have allowed a member of the public to kiss her, noting that she had a ‘different kind of style’ from her son.

But it seems for Prince Harry, King Charles’ family persona was still not affectionate enough.

As Victoria Beckham rang in the10th anniversary of her Dover Street store on Thursday she was supported by her nearest and dearest.

And stepping out to ring in the milestone, her daughter Harper looked stylish while posing for photos with her dad David.

The youngest Beckham sibling, 13, wore a chic double-breasted wool coat with a grey top and baggy jeans layered underneath.

Harper appears to be following in the mother’s fashion footsteps, with the family wearing very similar looks.

Former footballer David, 49, wrapped up warm in a stylish navy blue double-breasted coat and navy trousers.

Meanwhile, Victoria, 50, opted for a black lace bodysuit that she teamed with a chic oversized tuxedo which boasted satin lapels.

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As Victoria Beckham rang in the10th anniversary of her Dover Street store on Thursday she was supported by her nearest and dearest

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Stepping out to ring in the milestone, her daughter Harper looked stylish while posing for photos with her dad David

The fashion designer topped off her outfit with a pair of black flared trousers ad boosted her height with heels.

Sharing some photos to Instagram, David captioned the snaps: ‘Celebrating 10yrs of Victoria’s Dover Street store. Love what you’ve created with the space @roseuniake @victoriabeckham.’

During the event, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF appeared in his element as he popped on a pair of green Bowers & Wilkins headphones and got the party going with his DJ skills.

With plans to create a lucrative brand under the watchful eye of her ‘momager’ and possessing a surname that will open numerous doors, Harper‘s career path may soon look a lot like Kim Kardashian‘s.

The 13-year-old took her first bona fide step into the spotlight just a few weeks ago when she presented her mother with a Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year award, even making a speech about her ‘amazing Mummy’.

‘I’m so nervous,’ she told the star-studded audience. ‘Especially as tonight’s a school night. Hopefully, this isn’t going to get me in trouble.’

At her mother’s perfume launch in New York she revealed her ambition for the future is to create an ‘amazing’ brand – just like her mother’s eponymous fashion label.

However, there are plenty of other sources of inspiration close to look up to, namely Victoria’s new friend Kim Kardashian, who the former Spice Girl has been growing closer to in recent years.

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The youngest Beckham sibling, 13, wore a chic double-breasted wool coat with a grey top and baggy jeans layered underneath

Victoria Beckham showcases new partywear collection at event

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The former footballer took to his Instagram to share a slew of snaps with his followers and in one snap he appeared in his element as he got the party going with his DJ skills

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Victoria looked nothing short of sensational as she cut a stylish figure in a black lace bodysuit with a sheer design and a plunging neckline

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The fashion designer topped off her outfit with a pair of black flared trousers ad boosted her height with heels and modelled a handbag from her collection

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Tana Ramsay (second left) and her daughter Holly (right) looked elegant as they supported family friend Victoria

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Victoria’s shop has been remodelled by interior designer Rose Uniacke (left) just in time for Christmas

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Jo Ellison (centre) wore a quirky jumper and wide legged jeans

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Vogue editor Sarah Harris joined Victoria to mark the occasion

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Vogue’s fashion editor Chioma Nnadi joined Rose and Victoria

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It comes as Victoria showed off her ‘Post Balm’ in a new Instagram video

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The fashion mogul showed off the new trio collection from her beauty range which costs £82

In a move away from her reality TV roots, Kim, 44, has carved out an impressive career as a businesswoman and is currently at the helm of billion dollar shapewear brand Skims.

It’s a level of success that Victoria is no doubt eyeing up for her youngest child, and thanks to her being friends with the Calabasas family and hiring Kim’s sister Kendall Jenner to walk for her 2023 Paris Fashion Week show, their worlds have merged.

Setting Harper up for a future in business is a canny move by Victoria, and she will be eager to shield her from the pitfalls her eldest son Brooklyn experienced while trying to find his feet. However, according to PR expert Riley Gardiner from No Strings Public Relations, Harper is in a more profitable position than Kim ever was.

‘What sets Harper apart is the network she’s plugged into—not just in the celebrity world, but also in high fashion and serious business. This gives her an advantage over Kim Kardashian, who built her empire initially through reality TV and by riding the wave of controversy,’ Riley said.

Victoria Beckham has shared a hilarious video of husband David placing a toy elf inside a coffee cup as the couple prepared for Christmas on Monday.

The fashion designer, 50, captured former Manchester United and England ace David, 49, as he attempted to fill their home with festive decorations.

‘Where is the elf going?’ she is heard asking her husband as he proceeded to give the toy an unlikely home inside a coffee mug, next to their Nespresso coffee machine.

Captioning the Instagram post, Victoria wrote: ‘I promise… no alcohol.’

It comes after Geri Horner reportedly ‘derailed a lucrative Spice Girls deal’ – that would have netted all five members £1million each.

According to The Sun, Geri, Mel B, Mel C, Victoria and Emma Bunton were all approached about a drama series that came with a seven-figure payday.

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Victoria Beckham, 50, has shared an hilarious video of her husband David, 49, placing a Christmas elf inside a coffee cup, as the couple got into jovial festive spirits

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As Victoria asks: ‘Where is the elf going?’, David cheekily gave the elf a comfy sit inside a coffee mug and proudly smiled to the camera after

Insiders have claimed talks were going well until Geri decided to back out of her involvement in the project.

A source said: ‘It would have seen five actresses taking on the roles of Posh, Ginger, Scary, Sporty and Baby.

‘The venture would have landed them all pay deals of around £1million for essentially not lifting a finger.

‘But as the negotiations ramped up, the others were told Geri had objected. The plans have basically been thrown out.’

The insider added that, without the agreement of Geri, it will be difficult to make the project happen.

MailOnline has contacted representatives for all five Spice Girls for comment.

It comes after Geri was also said to have pulled the plug on plans for a new Spice Girls reunion tour – after her feud with Mel B turned increasingly ugly.

The group had been in discussions about another run of dates and had even made contact with Victoria Beckham about a possible cameo appearance – with the band excited about replicating the success of their last shows.

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It comes after Geri Horner (pictured last week) reportedly ‘derailed a lucrative Spice Girls deal’ – that would have netted all five members £1million each

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According to The Sun, Geri, Mel B , Mel C, Victoria and Emma Bunton were all approached about a drama series that came with a seven-figure payday

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Insiders have claimed talks were going well until Geri decided to back out of her involvement in the project (Spice Girls pictured in 2012)

But insiders say a bitter rift between the pair – who were once so close they allegedly engaged in a fleeting romance – has now driven a wedge between the group and Geri has now walked away entirely.

A source told MailOnline: ‘Geri has had enough to deal with after all the drama with her husband’s relationship with his assistant – it has been a tough enough time – and she’s just lost patience with Mel and her little digs and jibes.

‘She’s walked away and without Geri it’s really not going to happen – in the past she’s been a driving force in the group, but she doesn’t want to deal with Mel at all at the moment let alone share a stage with her.’

Mel made jibes at her former friend by wishing her a ‘Happy 75th Birthday’ online alongside a series of unflattering photographs from their heyday, seemingly a reference to her previous jibes that Geri had lied about her age in the past.

Insiders say there have been many more digs and jibes behind the scenes which have infuriated Geri – who has had a tough six months amid allegations of her Formula One chief husband Christian Horner‘s inappropriate behaviour with a female assistant.

The source added: ‘They’ve always had a tricky relationship but this has got very messy now and nobody has been able to smooth things over between them – so it’s all off again.’

Mel B’s representative declined to comment.

It’s the latest in a series of rows after their ‘frosty’ reunion at Victoria’s 50th birthday bash in April.

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Mel made a jibe at Geri by wishing her a ‘Happy 75th Birthday’ online alongside a series of unflattering photographs from their heyday

The star-studded soiree saw all five of the Spice Girls come together to party but it was claimed Mel and Geri’s greeting was tense.

Despite having posed for a smiley snap with Victoria, Mel C and Emma Bunton, The Sun claimed Mel and Geri were feeling tense.

The Mail previously revealed that the former girlband plans to mark their 30th anniversary with a documentary had fallen apart.

After the Netflix Beckham documentary, made by David’s TV company, was such a success last year, the Spice Girls started to talk to the streamer about possibly making a similar all-access show about the group and their phenomenal success.

It was to feature lengthy interviews with all of the ‘girls’ and their families, talking about their experiences of fame and of life since their pop heyday.

The idea was to tie the documentary to the 30th anniversary of the group being founded in 1994.

However, although Victoria, Mel B, Mel C and Emma were all keen on the doc, after a number of meetings Geri was still against the idea and they were not able to talk her round.

This disagreement — certainly not the first in the group — created a little bit of frost between Ginger and the other girls, reported Alison Boshoff.

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It’s the latest in a slew of rows after their ‘frosty’ reunion at Victoria Beckham ‘s 50th birthday bash in April, which many had hoped would trigger a planned reunion

The Spice Girls reunite at Victoria Beckham’s 50th birthday bash

Some believe Geri wasn’t keen on the scrutiny due to the looming scandal over her husband Christian Horner, whose role at F1 team Red Bull appeared to be in peril after an employee alleged he had harassed her.

Christian was cleared in March after an inquiry, with the complainant launching an appeal that was subsequently thrown out in August, exonerating the Red Bull boss for a second time.

A statement from Red Bull confirmed: ‘The complainant exercised the right to appeal, and the appeal was carried by another independent KC. All stages of the appeal process have now been concluded , with the final outcome that the appeal is not upheld.

‘The KC’s conclusions have been accepted and adopted by Red Bull. The internal process has concluded.’

A source said: ‘It might have been awkward for Geri to get out there and talk about Girl Power in these circumstances surrounding Christian but in truth even before it all came out she wasn’t keen on revisiting those days. She just didn’t want to go over all the fun, wild times that they had.’