The Princess of Wales has been pipped to the post by Donald Trump for a major award.
It was revealed earlier in the week that Kate has been nominated along with nine other candidates to be TIME magazine’s 2024 Person of the Year. For almost 100 years, the publication has named the person or group who it believes has had the biggest impact on the world – for good or for bad – over the last 12 months. But it was confirmed today that the president-elect who has won a second term in the White House has taken the gong.
TIME said that the princess’s name on the shortlist came after she “made international headlines this year and stirred a conversation about privacy and health for public figures.” Kate’s nomination came several years after sister-in-law Meghan was also nominated for the award in 2018, the year she married Prince Harry. However, she ultimately lost out on the award, which went to killed and imprisoned journalists dubbed “the guardians”.
The Princess of Wales had been in the running to be named 2024 Person of the Year by TIME magazine(
Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The past 12 months have been a rollercoaster of a ride for Kate following abdominal surgery in January before cruel conspiracy theories circulated after she stepped back from the public eye. She later revealed she had been given a cancer diagnosis and started preventative chemotherapy treatment before making a very gradual return to public life, with appearances at Trooping the Colour, Wimbledon and then hosting her Christmas carol concert at Westminster Abbey on Friday.
Princess of Wales arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of Christmas carol service
During the service last Friday, Kate reflected on her tumultuous year by saying she “didn’t know” what this year would bring just 12 months ago. The 42-year-old, who is making a gradual return to public events after completing her cancer treatment around four months ago, was heard on broadcast footage telling singer Paloma Faith: “I didn’t know this year was going to be the year I’ve just had.” When Faith replied “the unplanned”, Kate said: “The unplanned, exactly. But I think lots of people this year have had such challenging times.”
It was the fourth time the princess has held her event at Westminster Abbey in celebration of the positive qualities found in many and to bring festive cheer to the capital and associated events around the country. For Kate to win the coveted award this year, she will have to beat stiff competition from nine other candidates. Others nominated were Kamala Harry, who failed in her bid to become America’s first female president, and billionaire Elon Musk.
Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny who died in February, was also in the running as was Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and chairman of the Federal Reserve Jerome Powell. Controversial podcaster Joe Rogan was also on the shortlist as was the first female president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum. Completing the shortlist was billionaire and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Princess Anne has certainly had a dramatic year – but there is one person she can always count on for quiet support.
After spending five nights in hospital in June after suffering a concussion following a horror horse accident, her husband Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence was at her side, visiting her in hospital and sweetly bringing her “a few little treats” from home. The former naval officer is often a discrete support at his wife’s side as she travels up and down the country, which often earns her the title of the hardest working role.
And it was on this day in 1992 that the couple wed, meaning they are celebrating their 32nd wedding anniversary today. The couple tied the knot in a small, private ceremony at Balmoral following Anne’s divorce from Captain Mark Phillips. But despite their long marriage, Sir Tim appears to keep out of the limelight and is a non-working member of the family with no title….
Early days
Princess Anne with her husband Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence(
Image: Getty Images)
Sir Tim was born in Camberwell, London, in March 1955, making him five years younger than his wife. He attended Durham University, where he was the editor of the famous student newspaper Palatinate and gained a degree in geography.
After graduating, he attended the Royal Naval College Dartmouth and enjoyed an illustrious naval career serving on several ships, including the Royal Yacht Britannia and rising to the rank of commander. In 1986 he was appointed an equerry to the late Queen – a personal assistant, who is usually derived from the armed forces – and it is during this time he is said to have met his future wife.
Stolen letters
The first whispers of a closeness between Sir Tim and Anne – who was still married to first husband Captain Mark Phillips at the time – came in 1989 when personal letters were stolen. A newspaper then reported on the existence of these letters but did not reveal who Anne had received them from.
Buckingham Palace later revealed they were from Sir Tim and issued a statement saying: “The stolen letters were addressed to the Princess Royal by Commander Timothy Laurence, the Queen’s Equerry. We have nothing to say about the contents of personal letters sent to Her Royal Highness by a friend which were stolen and which are the subject of a police investigation.”
Balmoral wedding
The couple on their wedding day in 1992(
Image: Raw/Nre/REX/Shutterstock)
In 1992, once Anne’s divorce from her first husband was finalised, she was then free to marry to Sir Tim. Their wedding took place at Crathie Kirk near Balmoral Castle in a service that was attended by roughly 30 guests, including the late Queen and Prince Philip as well as Anne’s children Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips.
Instead of a traditional wedding gown, Anne wore a high neck white midi dress with a matching jacket, carried a posy of heather and wore a sprig of flowers in her hair. The couple then settled and still live together on the Gatcombe estate in Gloucestershire close to both Peter as well as Zara and her husband Mike Tindall.
Special privilege
The working members of the Royal Family on the Buckingham Palace balcony earlier this year when Sir Tim was allowed to join them(
Image: Getty Images)
Despite his low-profile nature, it seems Sir Tim holds a special place in the royal family, with the late Queen seemingly fond of him. Although he didn’t receive a royal title upon marriage, he was since been made a Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order and was also a personal aide-de-camp to the late Queen.
Last year at the time of her Platinum Jubilee celebrations, he was given special permission to join the monarch on the Buckingham Palace balcony after Trooping the Colour . It had previously been announced that the Queen would only allow working royals to join her for the flypast, but made a special exception for Sir Tim, two of her grandchildren and three of her great-grandchildren.
A Palace spokesman explained the decision and said: “In addition the Cambridge and Wessex children, also expected to appear as is Sir Tim Laurence, who the Queen is happy to attend as a frequent attendee and support for the Princess Royal on official engagements.”
King Charles’ council bill at Windsor Castle is set to rise by a staggering 25%, it is today reported.
The monarch’s bill will rocket by more than £800 per year if the Government approves Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s proposed plans to hugely hike its council tax.
It is understood the late Queen paid about £2,300 a year in council tax for Windsor Castle, which is in band H, the highest level, but Charles will have to cough up a further £836. It comes at a time when he intends to downsize the monarchy – and his extensive royal property portfolio.
Plans to evict Prince Andrew, 64, from the Royal Lodge, approximately three miles south of Windsor Castle and in the same local authority, derailed when the Duke of York found the necessary funds to retain his keep.And now the council’s brutal intentions will stretch the Royal Estate’s resources further, with no plans officially afoot to reduce its size. Critics say the Lib Dem-led council could “ruin” household finances with its move. More than 150,000 people live across the patch in Berkshire.
Prince Andrew will stay at the Royal Lodge after finding the money to pay(
Image: PA)
The local authority, though, is on a financial knife edge as it has admitted to facing “effective bankruptcy”, while warning residents that its draft budget for the 2025-26 financial year includes a “significant increase to council tax bills”.
It has been criticised after asking the government to approve an “exceptional” £60.3 million loan, alongside being able to raise council tax by an additional 20 per cent above the current limit of 4.99 per cent set by the government. If given the green light, this would mean an annual rise of up to £320 for an average band D property the equivalent of £6.15 a week, it said. Windsor residents currently pay about £1,700 a year in council tax for a band-D property.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, John O’Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, urged ministers to reject the authority’s request, to “send a message to other councils” that also plan huge tax payments.
Windsor Castle is in the centre of the pictureque Berkshire town(
Image: BerkshireLive – Grahame Larter)
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead told The Times the “significant increase to council tax bills” was needed to “enable the council to set a balanced budget and deliver the services residents need to undo years of cuts and underfunding; the council is on the brink of effective bankruptcy”.
MasterChef: The Professionals winner Dan Merriman had nothing but praise for Gregg Wallace as he shared his experience on the show.
Throughout the tight competition, Dan wowed the judges Marcus Wareing, Monica Galetti and controversial star Gregg Wallace. He also impressed restaurant critics and some of the country’s leading chefs – delivering outstanding, innovative food and skilful cookery for them to taste.
Reacting to his win, Dan said recently: “To walk away as MasterChef Champion, it means the world to me. There’s not been that many times where I’ve been proud of myself in my life, but I’ve hit the pinnacle! This whole competition has changed my life. I’m forever grateful.”
And now, he also opened up about his experience with Gregg – who has been under fire over accusations over his behaviour. Gregg was placed under investigation last month due to historic complaints that he’d made “sexual comments” on set of MasterChef, with Newsnight host Kirsty Wark among several people who have accused the MasterChef presenter of making inappropriate sexual comments or jokes.
MasterChef Professionals winner breaks silence on experience with Gregg Wallace
The BBC host stepped away from MasterChef a couple of weeks ago amid the investigation but responded to the accusations with a series of posts on Instagram. In his posts, Gregg vehemently denied having taken part in any wrongdoing. Speaking about his experience with Gregg, Dan said his “experience with Gregg was great”.
Dan Merriman had nothing but praise for Gregg Wallace
The MasterChef: The Professionals winner praised Gregg and told The Times: “He’s a happy-go-lucky kind of bloke, very encouraging and very supportive. He gave me some great comments and feedback.” Dan also doesn’t think the scandal surrounding Wallace has lessened the show’s standing.
“At the end of the day, the programme is all about the contestants. We’ve had a lot of support from the public, from social media, and I don’t feel like it’s been overshadowed. Nor should it be. It shouldn’t take away from the achievements of any one of the 32 chefs who took part,” he said to the publication.
He said Gregg Wallace was ‘very supportive’(
Image: BBC /Shine TV)
Meanwhile, BBC bosses have previously said the corporation will not “tolerate behaviour that falls below the standards we expect” and will continue to champion “a culture that is kind, inclusive and respectful”. A memo sent to staff by the BBC director-general, Tim Davie, and Charlotte Moore, chief content officer, said the corporation would be supporting MasterChef producer Banijay UK in its investigation.
Wallace also apologised for claiming complaints about his behaviour came from “a handful of middle-class women of a certain age”, adding he will “take some time out”. Lawyers for Wallace have previously strongly denied “he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature”, according to BBC News.
The Christmas specials of MasterChef have been pulled from the BBC ’s schedules after allegations surfaced about Gregg.
It’s no secret that Prince William and Prince Harry’s relationship has been pretty icy for some time now, but Queen Camilla’s son has shed fresh light on their troubles.
The brothers were once so close that they seemed to the public totally inseparable – and the challenges both went through together in their young life with the loss of their mother Princess Diana meant that the brothers shared a complete understanding of what growing up in the royal spotlight really meant.
And in a new interview, William and Harry’s stepbrother – Tom Parker Bowles, 49 – opened up about his impressions of the challenges they have faced. Queen Camilla’s told The Telegraph that even though his own experiences with this kind of public scrutiny were far less intense than what William and Harry had dealt with, it gave him a sense of the difficulties they endured, particularly as they were growing up.
Tom – a broadcaster and food writer – is the eldest child of Queen Camilla and her first husband, Andrew Parker Bowles, and saw firsthand the intense public attention that his mother received due to her romantic connection to King Charles during the monarch’s first marriage to Diana.
In his younger years, he got a taste of the constant scrutiny that his stepbrothers William and Harry have been under their entire lives, and called what the brothers have been put through “appalling”.
“I remember being chased at 100mph by paps trying to get a shot. My mother being screamed at to try to get a reaction. Pushing, jostling. It was horrific, and you are protective of your mother. Counting how many paps were at the gates, to see who was watching us and taking photographs: it was all as normal as bacon and eggs in the morning. You didn’t think of it in any other way … [But] it was barbaric.”
While Tom showed some hesitance to speak about his stepbrothers, he could not help but express sympathy for how much worse they have had it. “I learned a long time ago not to put my fat fingers into the world of William and Harry,” the food writer said. “But it was appalling what they went through. I’ve had a billionth of what they’ve had to go through but hell, I sympathise.”
Camilla and Charles were romantically on and off for decades, but it was only in 2005 upon their marriage that William and Harry gained two step-siblings, Tom and Laura, 46
Late pop star Liam Payne allegedly contacted hotel staff “constantly,” requesting alcohol and inquiring about where to obtain cocaine shortly before his death, according to reports.
Now, text messages alleged to be from Payne to an escort have surfaced, in which he allegedly offered her $5,000 (£3,900) to “party.” Argentine journalist Mauro Szeta shared messages on his website VíaSzeta, which appear to show a southeastern Florida phone number sending WhatsApp texts to an escort.
These messages reportedly included a link to Payne’s Instagram profile and an invitation to “play.” The text, that was reportedly from Liam, read: “’I have all day… I’d gift you $5,000… US dollars,’ the message reads. ‘You come to my hotel, we party, just me and u.”
The woman’s WhatsApp profile picture reportedly featured her and a friend, to which he is said to have replied: “Who’s your friend, do you want to bring her?” The escort replied: “Let’s go Noe (sic) until 7pm, 5000 USD both, it’s the whole day the two of us together.” The individual sending the messages, allegedly Payne, responded: “Ok fine, but bank transfer.”
Newly uncovered messages and staff testimonies shed light on Liam Payne’s final hours(
Image: Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)
Women with Liam during his final hours have spoken out(
Image: Supplied)
Another incident at the hotel was also reported. According to a senior employee, Liam frequently called receptionists to request alcohol and inquire about where to purchase cocaine. A bellboy who took him a courtesy platter of fruit shortly after he checked into the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires also told bosses the artist had insulted him after asking him whether he could get him cocaine and receiving a ‘no’ for an answer.
Esteban Grassi, the chief receptionist who made a 999 call requesting urgent medical assistance for Liam before his drink and drug-fuelled balcony plunge and is now under formal investigation along with four other suspects in an ongoing court probe, made the stunning claims.
Respected Argentinian news portal Todo Noticias published WhatsApp messages it said Grassi, one of the three men pictured carrying Liam back up to his third-floor room from the hotel lobby shortly before he died, had handed in to court investigators. One of the text exchanges, from a person registered in Esteban’s phone as Santiago Benitez Bellboy AM, said: “Hello Esteban how are you? Sorry for bothering you but I wanted to let you know about a little situation I had with the person in room 310. When I went to hand him a guest amenity and welcome him to the hotel and Argentina, he invited me into his room (which was a complete mess) and asked me if I could get him cocaine.
“I told him, ‘I’m sorry sir, but neither I or any other staff can help you with that type of service’ to which he replied that I was useless and told me to get out of his sight. I felt a bit threatened because he didn’t behave very politely.” Appearing to reference another hotel worker identified locally as one of the five men under investigation, head of security Gilda Martin, the message from the bellboy continued: “I’m going to tell Gilda this too so you’re both aware and there’s no misunderstandings in case this man mentions my name again at some point in his stay, because he asked me what my name was. I’m just telling you and Gilda this.”
The exchange ended with Mr Grassi trying to reassure the junior hotel worker by telling him “not to worry” about what Liam had said. Mr Grassi also told investigators of Liam’s stay at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in the Argentinian capital, according to Todo Noticias: “I understand he was more active at night, that he ran reception repeatedly to ask for alcohol all the time and ask where he could get drugs, specifically cocaine.” He went on to claim he acted as a translator for the two female escorts Liam spent time with before he died because they didn’t speak English and the singer didn’t speak Spanish.
Confirming earlier claims that the former One Direction singer asked for 300 dollars and alcohol when they went up to his room, Mr Grassi said: “Liam asked me to act as translator. “That’s when they tell me he had to pay them but they didn’t specify why. They told me he owed them 5,000 dollars but it seemed strange to me because he had asked me previously for 300 dollars and although I’m not an expert about these things, the amount of money they were asking for seemed a bit excessive to me.”
Screenshots of WhatsApp messages exchanged with one of the women said to have come from Liam’s phone, an American mobile phone number with the 561 southern Florida area code, were also published by Todo Noticias which said the sex worker had showed Mr Grassi the conversation to prove he owed them the money.
Ahead of the finale of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, rumours are already swirling about potential stars set to grace the dance floor for next year’s BBC spectacle.
There is speculation that television presenter Angellica Bell may throw her hat into the ring for the upcoming series. Rising to fame through her work with CBBC and previously linked with the competition, the 48-year-old has seemingly been on the Strictly radar for some time.
Reports by The Sun in 2016 claimed that Bell was confirmed as a contestant, yet she never appeared on the show. Fresh murmurs arose in 2020 hinting at a stint on the dance floor, suggesting she might have been poised as a reserve dancer.
Now, whispers point towards the possibility of Bell finally joining the line-up next year. A fan alluded to the situation, stating: “Angellica was announced late in the day as confirmed by The Sun one year, and then didn’t actually materialise in the cast. I do think it’s very possible she’s been the reserve before.”
Another indicated: “Definitely a backup squad somewhere – makes sense that she’s in it.”, reports the Mirror.
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First BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star ‘revealed’ ahead of final
Strictly Come Dancing fans are reportedly already convinced that they know one of the celebrities who will be taking part in the 2025 series of the BBC show.
By Leah Stanfield, Assistant Showbiz Editor, Joel Leaver
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There’s already speculation over the next series of Strictly Come Dancing (Image: BBC)
Ahead of the finale of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, rumours are already swirling about potential stars set to grace the dance floor for next year’s BBC spectacle.
There is speculation that television presenter Angellica Bell may throw her hat into the ring for the upcoming series. Rising to fame through her work with CBBC and previously linked with the competition, the 48-year-old has seemingly been on the Strictly radar for some time.
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Reports by The Sun in 2016 claimed that Bell was confirmed as a contestant, yet she never appeared on the show. Fresh murmurs arose in 2020 hinting at a stint on the dance floor, suggesting she might have been poised as a reserve dancer.
Now, whispers point towards the possibility of Bell finally joining the line-up next year. A fan alluded to the situation, stating: “Angellica was announced late in the day as confirmed by The Sun one year, and then didn’t actually materialise in the cast. I do think it’s very possible she’s been the reserve before.”
Another indicated: “Definitely a backup squad somewhere – makes sense that she’s in it.”, reports the Mirror.
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This comes on the heels of Angellica herself discussing the idea of participating in Strictly in an interview with the aforementioned publication last month, where she revealed conversations with former contestants about their experiences on the show.
Angellica revealed: “So when I’ve had like in-depth conversations with people who are my friends and they say it’s great, I would definitely go from their recommendation.”
She admitted her friends have urged her to participate.
Explaining further, Angellica was quoted as saying: “But all I know is I go into it and just be like, right. How much do I have to move my hips?” The publication noted that the self-proclaimed Strictly aficionado has not missed a single episode.
A leading TV chef tipped to take over from Gregg Wallace on MasterChef has slammed the “disingenuous” and “ridiculous” public outcry amidst the ongoing controversy.
Wallace recently stepped back as a judge on the famed culinary competition amid a BBC investigation into claims of his inappropriate sexual remarks and behaviour.
These are allegations which he strongly refutes, asserting through his lawyers: “It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexually harassing nature.”
Andi Oliver, celebrated for her Great British Menu stint, urged restraint in the scandal, saying to the Mail: “The thing to do is not be too melodramatic about it.
“Gregg Wallace is not the only person who’s been given a licence to behave in ways that are inappropriate. And for everybody to pretend that he is a kind of lone wolf is disingenuous and a bit ridiculous, really.”
Andi Oliver could replace Gregg Wallace (Image: Getty)
She emphasised the need to focus on fostering “good, productive, safe spaces” rather than getting caught up in the controversy surrounding the former greengrocer.
MasterChef insiders told the Daily Mail that the BBC is believed to be eyeing either Oliver or food critic Grace Dent as potential replacements to join John Torode for the forthcoming series.
The broadcaster has faced a significant shake-up as more allegations come to light against MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace, leading to the cancellation of the Christmas specials.
The BBC originally connected the claims to 13 individuals over 17 years but has now expanded its focus, reports Devon Live.
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Andi Oliver and John Torode have previously worked together (Image: ITV)Production company Banijay UK emphasised their dedication to “committed to fully co-operating” in light of the ongoing inquiry.
Celebrity chef Marcus Wareing, who alongside Monica Galetti stars with Wallace on The Professionals, recounted prior tensions during the 15th series.
He revealed: “If it was just me and Monica, then we’re good at predicting the winner, but because Gregg is in the mix, it f***s it all up a bit. We have times where we do disagree but everyone’s entitled to their point of view.”
Meanwhile, the “godfather of hospitality” Robert Walton, also president of the Restaurant Association, has been tipped for potentially stepping into Wallace’s shoes on MasterChef.
Despite not knowing Wallace personally, Walton voiced his familiarity with John Torode and readiness for TV work: “can deliver”.
Strictly’s Kevin Clifton issues emotional apology to Stacey Dooley after struggles at home
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton initially met during the 2018 series of Strictly when they were paired together, which they went on to win.
By Alexandra Bullard
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Stacey Dooley accidently called Kevin Clifton’s wife
Kevin Clifton has issued an apology to Stacey Dooley after he was asked in an interview who ‘he would say sorry to.’ The former Strictly Come Dancing professional met Stacey in 2018 when they were initially paired together.
Despite dating since 2019 and sharing a baby girl together, Kevin said to The Times that he has a habit of ‘beating himself up’ and he would apologise to Stacey for ‘going a bit nuts.’
He said: “Stacey (and I have said sorry). Whenever I go into rehearsals for a new show (and it was probably the same when I was in Strictly) I’d get bogged down with figuring out how it would work and go a bit nuts.
“I get very laser-focused and have a habit of beating myself up about it. Some people have an easy confidence, but as much as I don’t want to, I tend to go into things worrying that I won’t be good enough, it’ll be a disaster, my career will be over and we’re all going to die. Then once it’s going it’s all fine. That’s why I have that motto to remind myself.”
The couple initially met during the 2018 series when they were paired together, which they went on to win
Strictly’s Kevin Clifton issues emotional apology to Stacey Dooley after struggles at home
Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton initially met during the 2018 series of Strictly when they were paired together, which they went on to win.
Kevin Clifton has issued an apology to Stacey Dooley after he was asked in an interview who ‘he would say sorry to.’ The former Strictly Come Dancing professional met Stacey in 2018 when they were initially paired together.
Despite dating since 2019 and sharing a baby girl together, Kevin said to The Times that he has a habit of ‘beating himself up’ and he would apologise to Stacey for ‘going a bit nuts.’
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He said: “Stacey (and I have said sorry). Whenever I go into rehearsals for a new show (and it was probably the same when I was in Strictly) I’d get bogged down with figuring out how it would work and go a bit nuts.
“I get very laser-focused and have a habit of beating myself up about it. Some people have an easy confidence, but as much as I don’t want to, I tend to go into things worrying that I won’t be good enough, it’ll be a disaster, my career will be over and we’re all going to die. Then once it’s going it’s all fine. That’s why I have that motto to remind myself.”
The couple initially met during the 2018 series when they were paired together, which they went on to win.
Stacey and Kevin met on Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Getty)
However at the time Stacey was dating her then-boyfriend Sam Tucknott. A few months later while Stacey was on the Strictly Live tour – dancing with Aljaz Skorjanec – she split up with Sam.
Despite rumours of an overlap, Stacey claimed she only fell for Kevin after her split with Sam. The couple recently welcomed their first baby together, a girl named Minnie.
Prince Archie’s birth in 2019 made international news, but while the world rejoiced, his parents found themselves feeling trapped within the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were determined to do things their way instead of following strict protocols, like posing for a photograph with their newborn in front of the hospital. They’d been married barely a year, and already the monarchy and the relentless British media was wearing them down.
Even though Harry and Meghan won’t ever be able to escape their fame, their kids will at least get to grow up outside of the fishbowl known as the British monarchy. But many royal experts and authors have since questioned whether that’s truly for the best, because at present, the young royals are estranged from their extended family and might never quite experience what it’s like to be a part of the British royal family. On paper, it may seem like Archie and Lilibet have the best of both worlds, when in reality, their story is full of tragic details.
Some royals were concerned about Archie’s skin color
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After Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the royal family, they sat down for a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in which they discussed life behind the palace walls. In the 2021 interview, the couple made some shocking claims. One thing that really raised viewers’ eyebrows was Meghan’s allegation that some royal family members had made some negative comments about Prince Archie’s skin color. “[There were] concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born,” Meghan said (via People). “It was awkward. I was a bit shocked,” Harry said, adding that the topic was first brought up when he started dating Meghan. “That was right at the beginning: What will the kids look like?”
Meghan also seemed to insinuate that, because Archie is biracial, the palace denied him a title. “They didn’t want him to be a prince … which would be different from protocol, and that he wasn’t going to receive security,” she said. When asked to name who made the comments about Archie’s skin color, neither Harry nor Meghan was forthcoming, saying it would cause a lot of damage. Harry did, however, tell Winfrey that neither Queen Elizabeth II nor Prince Philip made the aforementioned remarks about Archie’s skin color. It’s worth noting that Archie did receive a royal title after King Charles III ascended the throne.
Archie was born during a difficult period for his family
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Prince Archie’s first few years were anything but easy. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry went through an incredibly stressful time before and after Archie’s birth. During the Oprah Winfrey interview, Meghan shared that she had suicidal thoughts while she was pregnant with Archie but that she wasn’t allowed to get the help she needed. “It was very clear and very scary. I just didn’t see a solution,” she said (via Cosmopolitan). “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. That was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.”
When Archie was still a baby, Meghan and Harry embarked on a royal tour. While the family was in South Africa, a heater in Archie’s room caught fire. Luckily, he was downstairs with his nanny at the time. Meghan was understandably shaken but revealed on the first episode of her “Archetypes” podcast that she had to simply continue with royal engagements as if nothing happened.
After the Sussexes left the royal family behind, Meghan and Harry stayed in Vancouver for a short while. However, it became clear rather quickly that they would not catch a break across the pond: Shortly after relocating, Meghan was followed by a photographer while she was out at a park with Archie. Paparazzi reportedly surrounded the couple’s home and tried to take pictures of them and Archie inside with long range lenses.
Archie and Lilibet are largely estranged from King Charles III
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Even though Prince Archie spent some of his childhood in the U.K., King Charles III has only seen him a few times, according to reports. Princess Lilibet, on the other hand, has only seen her grandfather once. Charles’ relationship with Prince Harry might be fraught, but it’s said that the monarch adores his youngest grandchildren and was “delighted” when Archie was born. Princess Lilibet first got to meet her grandfather in person in 2022 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attended some of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations. “He hadn’t met Lili, his granddaughter, and so to meet her was very emotional, a very, very wonderful thing,” a source told the Mirror.
These days, however, Charles only gets to see his grandchildren over FaceTime. “The antipathy between Prince Harry and his wife Meghan and the royal family has created a deep divide that makes normal family relationships so fraught as to be almost impossible,” royal commentator Michael Cole told the Daily Mail. He added that Harry’s actions since he left the monarchy have only contributed to the family divide, and as a result, the divide his children now experience between them and their extended family in the U.K. Cole also criticized the Sussexes for failing to baptize Lilibet in the U.K. when they visited for the Platinum Jubilee. Instead, the princess was baptized in the U.S., with none of the royals present.
Archie and Lilibet never knew Princess Diana
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Princess Diana’s tragic death continues to echo throughout the monarchy to this day, and ever since Prince Harry and Prince William welcomed children of their own, one can’t help but imagine what a lovely grandmother Diana would have been. Just like their cousins Prince George, Prince Louis, and Princess Charlotte won’t ever know the People’s Princess, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will also grow up simply hearing stories about their late grandmother.
In Harry and Meghan’s Netflix docuseries “Harry & Meghan,” the couple noted that Diana is very much a part of their children’s lives. A photograph of the late princess hung in the nursery at the time, and in one scene, Meghan can be seen talking to Archie about his grandmother while looking at the photograph. “Who’s that? Grandma? Yeah. It’s your Grandma Diana,” Meghan can be heard saying to baby Archie.
Aside from barely seeing their grandfather King Charles III, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet also have no contact with their grandfather on their mother’s side, Thomas Markle. Meghan Markle’s relationship with her father disintegrated completely after he staged photos for the paparazzi in the lead-up to Meghan and Harry’s wedding and then failed to show up to escort Meghan down the aisle on the big day. After a personal letter sent to Thomas was leaked to the press, Meghan broke all contact with him. And yes, Meghan’s father has admitted that he was the one who leaked the letter to the press. Le gasp!
Needless to say, Archie and Lilibet have, as far as we know, never met Thomas Markle, and neither has Prince Harry. Thomas doesn’t appear to understand why he’s been denied meeting his grandchildren, telling “Good Morning Britain” that he was very upset about the whole affair. “This is a cruel thing to do to a grandparent…To deny the right to see their grandchild,” he said. He also accused Meghan of changing and exerting her influence on Harry. Thomas told the outlet that he wasn’t planning on taking legal action to see Archie and Lilibet because he didn’t want to involve them in so much drama. “I don’t want to involve my grandchildren as pawns in a game they’re not part of,” he said.
Archie and Lilibet barely have contact with the Waleses
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Aside from having very little contact with their grandfathers, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are also pretty much estranged from their cousins in the U.K. Archie barely spent any time with Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and it’s not clear whether Lilibet has ever met them. According to some reports, Prince Harry tries to stay in contact with his niece and nephews, with Charlotte apparently sending Harry and her cousins gifts from time to time. “Charlotte will send everyone in the family thoughtful gifts and cards, and at the very least they’ll call as a family to sing happy birthdays and so on,” an insider told Express.
According to royal expert Tom Quinn, Meghan is worried about her children’s non-existent relationship with their cousins. “Meghan loves the idea of having a big happy family and hates it when people describe her childhood and her family as dysfunctional. She’s terrified history is going to repeat itself,” Quinn told the Mirror. He also claimed that one of Meghan’s friends told him that the duchess is concerned about her kids blaming her for their lack of a relationship with their cousins.
