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.

The SKIMS founder posted a throwback photo of Beckham skiing in 2006 on her Instagram Story Saturday

Kim Kardashian, Victoria Beckham. Photo: Darren Gerrish/Getty for Victoria Beckham; Marc Piasecki/GC

Kim Kardashian has a wintry weather fashion muse!

On Saturday, the SKIMS founder, 43, posted a series of behind-the-scenes looks at her Aspen ski vacation on Instagram, including one in which she detailed that friend Victoria Beckham is her skiing style icon.

“My fashion ski muse @victoriabeckham” Kardashian wrote over a shot of Beckham, 49, from 2006, wearing a black leather Chanel ski suit.

In the throwback shot, the fashion designer stood in her skis on a slope in the chic winter sports attire, which she accessorized with a large pair of sunglasses and a black headband.

Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Story post.Kim Kardashian / Instagram

Kendall Jenner Walks the Victoria Beckham Catwalk as Sister Kim and Mom Kris Sit Front Row

Kardashian’s other Instagram Story posts included several videos of skiers on the slopes, including one of which appeared to be the reality star wearing a ski outfit resembling the mid-2000s look worn by Beckham, performing a fun trick of skiing between someone else’s legs.

Reposting the video on her own Instagram Story, Kardashian’s younger sister, Khloé Kardashian, revealed she was the person the reality star had performed the stunt with.

“Me and my Keeks,” she wrote over the video.

Kim Kardashian.Rosalind O’Connor/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Kim Kardashian Calls 6-Year-Old Daughter Chicago ‘My Twin’ in Side-by-Side Photos

Elsewhere on her Instagram Story, Kardashian posted photos of the inside of a wooden lodge, which had patterned blankets piled high in one corner, as well as a shot of a tasty-looking hot chocolate with a large marshmallow.

The sweet beverage was sitting atop a napkin featuring the logo for The Little Nell, a luxury hotel in Aspen.

Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Story post.Kim Kardashian / Instagram

Kardashian also shared a photo of her legs on a ski lift and a shot of what appeared to be herself, taken from a distance, as she made her way down a slope.

The SKKN by Kim founder’s shout-out to Beckham isn’t the first time the two friends have bonded over fashion.

Kim Kardashian’s Instagram Story post.Kim Kardashian / Instagram

Victoria Beckham Shares Her and Husband David’s Healthy Eating Routine Including Their Go-To Green Juice Recipe

Last year, Kardashian wore a dress by the star to attend the Victoria Beckham Spring/Summer 2024 womenswear show in Paris, which later prompted Beckham to make a version of the dress for herself.

“Now I’m sure a few of you recognize this dress. This was the dress that I created exclusively for Kim to wear to my last show in Paris,” Beckham explained to her followers in a selfie video of herself in the gown in October.

Beckham added that Kardashian had looked “incredible” in the dress, before revealing it had made her want the dress for herself.

“I think I was the first person to say, ‘I want that dress!’ because Kim really did look sensational in it. So what I decided to do was create an exclusive stock drop only on victoriabeckham.com where you can register on the link below and check out our exclusive drops, which do include this dress, which I love,” she said.

“I love the simple shape. I’m moving around so you can see what happens when the light hits the fabric. It’s a soft baby pink and it’s just incredible. A super flattering shape, very comfortable, a really great fabric. I love it,” Beckham concluded.

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At the September show, Kardashian sat in the front row alongside mom Kris Jenner, as the pair watched Kendall Jenner participate.

Earlier last year, Beckham and the reality star also spent a “girls night” together when they both attended a soccer match between Inter Miami — co-owned by the fashion designer’s husband, David Beckham — against Cruz Azul in July.

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have been the nation’s sweethearts for years, but fans were left concerned when the couple were seen having a row in the street

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash, the much-loved celebrity couple, tugged at heartstrings with their enchanting wedding in 2022 at the picturesque Pickle Cottage. Yet, they had fans fretting over potential discord in paradise, as images surfaced showing what seemed to be an intense public ‘row’—with Stacey in obvious distress.

In the aftermath, Stacey took off for a self-proclaimed ‘much needed’ girl’s trip to Vegas, leaning on her friends for comfort as she shared on Instagram feeling ‘supported’, amidst speculation about the spat with Joe, famed ex-EastEnders actor. The tearful telly fave was captured apart from Joe, who was spotted strolling down the street solo with his vape, as OK! reports.

There has been ‘tension’ at home, claims the source ( 
Image:
Channel 4)

She appeared consoled by a crew member — the pair are currently being followed by a documentary team. An eyewitness reported to a tabloid: “About 15 minutes later Joe was having an animated talk with the man. Eventually Stacey walked towards Joe in the car and shouted something. They ended up leaving separately. It all looked very tense.”

Inside sources now claim that the public dispute wasn’t just for show—it was the real deal and might stem from pressures of their upcoming reality series. “Their recent argument was a real one and both are wondering what they signed up for. It seemed a great idea at the time but they’re worried about exposing themselves even more, which is what this row showed.”

Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash’s fans are all a-buzz on social media as the much-loved couple regularly entertain with snaps of their quirky married life, which includes crafting mischievous pranks and sharing moments that range from heartwarming to hilariously annoying. But the latest scoop promises to put the pair under a different kind of spotlight.

Escape To Pickle Cottage, the rumoured name of their brand-new BBC reality show, promises to be a no-holds-barred series poised to delve deep into the bustling household of Stacey, Joe, and their six kids at their plush Essex home. From Stacey’s knack for interior design, to the energetic youngsters and their pets – including their adored ducks Daisy and Delilah Solomon-Swash – fans are eagerly anticipating this candid look into their favourite stars’ daily antics. While the power couple’s massive online following can’t wait, there’s word from our insider that the filming experience isn’t quite what Stacey bargained for.

Stacey and Joe have been married since 2022 ( 
Image:
apolloniallewellyn/Instagram)

Filming for the new BBC series means cameras following the family around regularly ( 
Image:
Instagram/@staceysolomon)
It seems the pressures of having cameras around the clock might be taking its toll. “It’s really starting to show the strain between her and Joe – she wanted this more than him and he’s not as comfortable being filmed 24/7,” the source revealed. “When Stacey signed up for the reality show she had no idea how much pressure she would be under.”

Reality TV doesn’t shy away from the nitty-gritty, as seen on Netflix’s ‘At Home With the Furys’ and America’s guilty pleasure ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’, where family feuds are just part of the script. It appears though that Stacey Solomon and Joe Swash have felt the sting of too much reality in their own lives.

A source claimed: “Despite people telling her that it’s not as easy as it looks, she just thought it would be like putting up posts and stories on her Instagram. But producers want drama and storylines so it won’t just be her playing happy families,” adding that, “Stacey is quite open about their arguments but this was a big one – and there has been a lot of tension.”

During her trip to Sin City, where Stacey witnessed Adele live and had a personal shout-out, she couldn’t help but gush over her pals for being a rock-solid support system, stating: “they literally lift me up, have my back, keep me going, make me feel so supported and I just couldn’t do life without them.”

The pair regularly banter each other on social media ( 
Image:
Instagram / staceysolomon)

Joe and the kids had a banner ready to great Stacey on her return from Vegas ( 
Image:
Instagram)Back in Britain, any whispers of discord were quashed when Stacey was welcomed home by her jubilant husband Joe and kids Rex, Rose, and Belle, who brandished a touching ‘Love you mum’ banner at the airport. Joe couldn’t hide his joy as he shared heartwarming pics of their lovely reunion, imagining warming up fans’ hearts when he captioned the shots: “The kids were super excited to show mummy the welcome home board they made. We all missed her so much. Just ain’t the same without you Stacey,” while Stacey herself added: “My babies came to the airport for me.”

According to the source, Stacey’s brief jaunt to the US has seemingly worked wonders for everyone involved. “Stacey went away for a few days and in that time Joe realised how much he missed her, needs her – and that they do really love each other.” All eyes are on the couple, hoping that the natural pressures that come with living life in front of cameras won’t spark further disputes. Despite occasional friction, it’s evident these two have a lot of love for one another.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are two of the most well-known people in the world – but are they more glamorous than the royals? Vote here.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been dubbed as ‘glamorous’ (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are been described as “instinctively glamourous” by one expert – as opposed to many members of the Royal Family.

Following King Charles’s red carpet appearance at the Gladiators II London premiere last week, one expert has spoken of the distinct lack of glamour – potentially without some of the more fashion-conscious royals by his side.

Royal historian Dr Tessa Dunlop recently said the King looked “alone” on the red carpet in Leicester Square, with his appearance featuring “no retro glamour, no tinsel, no tiaras”.

Recently speaking to the Mirror, she dubbed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as more “glamorous” than the royals and said that they are likely “waiting in the wings”. She said: “The Royal Family might think they are above such glitzy gimmicks. That would be a mistake. After all, waiting in the wings are ex-royals, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

“Instinctively glamourous with bundles of razzmatazz, the Californian couple have an effortless knack for combining showbiz gloss and public do-gooding. William beware! It would never do for the royal brand to be upstaged.”

If you can’t see the poll above, click here to vote

The expert also referred to royal charity initiatives including Prince William’s homelessness documentary. She claimed that “the public will tolerate a bit of charitable hectoring but only if accompanied with a large dollop of fairytale glamour”.

Speaking of previous royal red-carpet appearances, the expert believes glamour is now lacking. Dr Dunlop said: “That fabulous ‘No Time to Die’ Bond premiere when Camilla and Kate waltzed out in a haze of designer sequins felt like a world away.”

As a former actress, Meghan is used to the “glamorous” lifestyle – frequently attending red carpet events during her days as an actress on the US drama Suits.

King Charles stepped out at the Gladiator II premiere last week (Image: GETTY)

As well as making visits overseas, Harry has now attended a share of glamorous events such as the Bob Marley film premiere in Jamaica earlier this year.

The royal, 40, looked dapper in smart suits at events for the Invictus Games, mostly recently appearing solo for one in Canada.

Since stepping down as senior working royals, Meghan and Harry now reside in California with their children – Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

King Charles’s Coronation was smaller and shorter than the late Queen Elizabeth’s, as the monarch was mindful of the cost of living crisis affecting millions in Britain.

King Charles’s Coronation cost £72million (Image: Getty)

Taxpayers spent £72million on King Charles’s Coronation last May – less than half that of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, according to official Government figures.

Over a third of the cost – £21.7 million – was spent by the Home Office on policing the event, which saw tens of thousands of people gather in central London to catch a glimpse of the lavish display of pomp and ceremony.

In the UK, 18 million more people tuned in to watch the event unfold on their TVs, with viewing peaking at 20.4 million as the King was crowned just after midday.

The remaining £50.3 million was spent by the DCMS, funded by the Treasury, according to the annual report by the Culture Department (DCMS), which was responsible for organising the Coronation.

The Coronation took place on May 6, 2023 and was a huge state occasion. World leaders, politicians and foreign royals attend the once-in-a-generation event, held at Westminster Abbey in London.

The cost of the historic royal event is just a fraction of the amount spent on Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral and related events in 2022, which came in at £162million.

The King was mindful to have a smaller and shorter ceremony amid the cost of living crisis, with a royal source said the 76-year-old monarch was “conscious of costs” and plans for the event “were scaled back”. But due to it being a historic state occasion balance was needed to reflect the grandeur and global significance of the event.

The DCMS described the Coronation as “a once-in-a-generation moment which provided an occasion for the entire country to come together in celebration, and offered a unique opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our national identity and showcase the UK to the world”.

The department said the event had generated more than 100,000 news stories and reached an estimated global audience of 2 billion people in 125 countries

King Charles’s Coronation took place last May (Image: Getty)

King Charles and Queen Camilla were crowned last May (Image: Getty)

The King’s Coronation took place over a long bank holiday weekend and brought a huge boost to the hospitality industry as revellers flocked to pubs, restaurants and cafes to celebrate the crowning of the new monarch.

Ahead of the event, the Daily Express revealed the Coronation was expected to provide a boost of up to £1bn to the UK economy, due to increased revenues from tourism and hospitality.

The Coronation Big Lunch took place the day after the crowning, with the DCMS stating it was celebrated by 1 in 5 people in the UK and raised £14.4million for charity.

Sunday culminated with the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle, which was attended by 20,000 people.

The Coronation celebrations ended on Monday with The Big Help Out, a day dedicated to supporting good causes to showcase ‘the nation in service’.

A DCMS spokesman said: “In line with rules regulating the spending of taxpayers money, all efforts were made to keep costs to a minimum.”

Over 6 million people took part by volunteering and attending an event or informally in their communities – including the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children.

A Detailed Look into Liam Payne’s Cause of Death: What the Autopsy Revealed

The sudden and tragic death of Liam Payne has left a void in the hearts of his fans, friends, and family. Known for his talent, charisma, and the love he inspired, Payne’s passing shocked the world.

With the release of his autopsy report, several key details have come to light about the circumstances surrounding his death.

These revelations provide clarity, though they also raise further questions about the events leading up to the accident. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the top five findings from the report.

1. It Was an Accidental Fall, Not a Jump

 

 

One of the most pressing questions following Payne’s death was whether it was an accident or an intentional act. The autopsy conclusively determined that Payne fell and did not jump.

This finding offers a sense of relief to many who feared a darker scenario. The confirmation of an accidental fall has helped dispel some of the speculation surrounding the tragedy, offering a modicum of comfort to his grieving family and fans.

2. No Signs of Foul Play

Another critical point addressed by the autopsy was the presence—or lack—of external involvement. The report stated that Payne was alone in the room at the time of the incident, ruling out foul play.

This finding refutes earlier rumors that someone may have pushed him or otherwise contributed to his fall. While it is still unclear why Payne was near the balcony in such a vulnerable state, the absence of evidence pointing to nefarious activity offers closure on this front.

3. Unconscious or Semiconscious During the Fall

One of the most intriguing findings is that Payne was likely unconscious or only semiconscious when he fell. Investigators noted there were no defensive actions, such as bracing for impact, suggesting he was not fully aware when the fall occurred.

This detail has led to speculation about what caused his state of semi-consciousness. Was he unwell? Had he consumed something that impaired his faculties? These questions remain unanswered but underscore the tragic vulnerability he experienced in his final moments.

4. Toxicology Report Still Pending

While the autopsy has provided significant insights, one piece of the puzzle remains incomplete: the toxicology report.

This analysis will determine if there were substances in Payne’s system at the time of his death and, if so, how they may have influenced his behavior or physical condition.

The pending results are eagerly awaited, as they may help explain why Payne was near the balcony and in such a precarious state.

5. Fans and Family Gather to Pay Tribute

In the days following Payne’s passing, fans from around the world have come together to honor his memory. Vigils have been held at the site of the accident, with flowers, messages, and heartfelt tributes left in his name.

 

His father was among those who visited the location, a poignant reminder of the personal and profound loss his family has endured. These gatherings highlight the impact Payne had on those who admired him, creating a sense of unity and collective mourning. 

A Legacy Cut Short

While the findings of the autopsy provide some answers, they also leave lingering questions about the events leading to Payne’s fall.

What caused his impaired state? Was he dealing with personal struggles that went unnoticed? These uncertainties add complexity to an already heartbreaking narrative.

Despite the tragedy, Liam Payne’s legacy endures through the love of his fans and the memories of those who knew him personally. His life, though cut short, remains a testament to his talent, charm, and the joy he brought to others.

As the investigation continues and more information becomes available, his fans and loved ones hold onto the hope that they will eventually have a fuller understanding of his final moments. In the meantime, Payne’s memory lives on, celebrated by those who continue to honor his life and contributions.

Express.co.uk readers have warned against Prince Harry and Meghan Markle allowing their children to spend Christmas at Sandringham.

Archie and Lilibet have spent very little time in the UK (Image: Netflix/Misan Harriman)

Express.co.uk readers have warned against any possibility that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wanted to bring their children to spend Christmas at the Sandringham estate with the Royal Family.

Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, have spent very little time in the UK – with Lilibet thought to have only visited once in 2022. Although he was born in the UK, Archie has lived with his parents in America since he was less than a year old.

It has previously been reported that Meghan and Harry haven’t received an invitation to spend Christmas at Sandringham this year. The couple haven’t spent Christmas with the royals since 2018.

In our poll, which asked whether Harry and Meghan should be allowed to bring their children to Sandringham 1933 readers voted voted and the majority thought the family shouldn’t return to the UK for the festivities.

The results found 1621 readers [84 percent] voted that the couple shouldn’t bring Archie and Lilibet to Sandringham this year. In contrast, 272 votes [14 percent] stated that the couple should bring them, with an additional 40 votes [two percent] in the ‘don’t know’ category.

Taking to the comment section, some royal fans explained why the couple shouldn’t bring Archie and Lilibet to Sandringham – with many stating it was because the Firm cannot trust Harry and Meghan.

Although expressing that it is “sad” for Archie and Lilibet, one fan commented: “It is sad that these kids don’t know their British family but it would be unfair to the Royal Family to ruin their Christmas by inviting the two people [Meghan and Harry] they know they can never trust again and risk details being leaked to the media in another interview or published in another book.”

Another reader wrote: “It would ruin Christmas for the rest of the family. Charles and Catherine have had a dreadful year with their health and will just want to relax with congenial family members.”

But one reader appeared to defend the couple, and wrote: “It’s nothing to do with any of us whether they’re invited or actually attend Sandringham over Christmas.”

The poll ran from 2pm on November 20 to 11am on November 21

Mum Meghan Markle pictured with her children, Archie and Lilibet (Image: Netflix/Harry and Meghan)

Recently speaking to OK!, royal expert Jennie Bond discussed of Archie and Lilibet being “estranged” from the Royal Family – especially over the festive period.

She said: “How curious, and sad, it will be for Archie and Lilibet if they grow up knowing they are part of one of the most famous families in the world — and yet they are estranged from almost all of them.

“To know that their grandfather and uncle were both Kings, and they didn’t know them.”

Prince Harry was full of jokes in a new video released to promote the Invictus Games, however, fans were not impressed with his choice of words.

Prince Harry was criticised for using “bad language” during his new video to promote the Invictus Games.

The Duke of Sussex took part in a sketch in which he appeared to be given a tattoo by US music star Jelly Roll, as part of the build-up to the Invictus Games in Canada which will take place in February.

In the sketch, filmed at New York tattoo parlour East Side Ink, where the royal was pictured weeks ago, the country singer and rapper joked that Harry has agreed to be given his first tattoo.

Jelly Roll – who has been announced as the first headliner at the closing ceremony of the event next year – told Harry: “We are giving you a tattoo about the Invictus Games.” Harry then said he wanted to ask Jelly Roll “to do” the games, not to tattoo him, to which the singer said he would only play the games if Harry let him give him his first tattoo.

In the video, the duke agreed and asked the music star to tattoo his “lower back” or his “a**e”.

Prince Harry appeared to get a ‘tattoo’ in a new video (Image: Invictus Games)

Jelly Roll then suggested he tattooed Harry’s neck instead which he did and told him “I’ll see you in Vancouver!”

However, some watchers and royal fans were not impressed with Harry’s choice of words and took to social media to express their views.

One user shared the video on their profile on X and said: “How is this PR stunt/ Ad with Harold swearing and getting a fake tattoo helping the veterans? It’s cringe.”

Royal commentator Angela Levin agreed and retweeted the video, saying: “His [Harry’s] bad language doesn’t fit comfortably when you have a title and are over 40.”

Some royal fans shared the same opinion, with one commenting: “Harry’s a complete embarrassment, cheapens royalty with every ill-thought-out PR stunt.”

A second one opined: “Foolish. It’s not making this ex-royal any cooler, either.”

A third one said: “What a disgrace Harry making it about him.. swearing & trying to get school children involved .. gross.”

However, others enjoyed Harry’s sketch and praised him with one user writing: “Harry is hilarious!!”

Another one said: “This is brilliant and not one leak well done all involved.”

A third one added: “Harry is brilliant. Reminds me of QEII doing the James Bond 007 stint.”

EXCLUSIVE: The Duke of Sussex is eager to spread festive cheer and acknowledge the challenges faced by grieving children during the holiday season, as he prepares to host a virtual festive event.

Prince Harry has sent out invites for a virtual Christmas event (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry is set to take on yet another solo engagement, stepping into his role as Global Ambassador for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity supporting bereaved military children. 

This year, the Duke of Sussex will host a special video call to share what Christmas is like for a real-life prince.

The festive call is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, at 6pm, and will include as many members of the charity as possible.  

According to Scotty’s Little Soldiers, Prince Harry is eager to spread festive cheer and acknowledge the challenges faced by the children during the holiday season.

“Prince Harry would like to jump on a call with as many of our members as possible to wish them all a Merry Christmas,” outlined an email sent out to the charity’s members.

“He appreciates that the festive season can be hard for our members and wants them to know he is thinking of them.”

During the call, Prince Harry will greet attendees and answer pre-submitted questions.

To manage the high number of participants, most will remain muted, but five lucky members will help run the session and interact directly with the Duke.

“This is your chance to get to know the Duke loads better and find out what Christmas is like for a Prince!” the charity added.

The Duke of Sussex, 40, has been an advocate for Scotty’s since becoming its Global Ambassador.

The organisation was founded in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott, who was inspired by the experiences of her two young children after the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in Afghanistan in 2009.

Prince Harry has spent the last few days in Vancouver (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry has made previous efforts to bring joy to the charity’s members during the holiday season.

Last year, he surprised them with a Christmas message while dressed as Spider-Man.

He also handed out sweets to children from Scotty’s Little Soldiers during their participation in the Remembrance Sunday march past the Cenotaph.

Harry’s latest engagement follows a string of solo events in recent months which included a trip to the UK for the WellChild awards, solo engagements in New York and a visit to Africa.

The Duke also made a surprise visit to Vancouver in Canada earlier this week where he helped promote the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

Harry’s Canada visit comes shortly after his wife Meghan Markle made yet another appearance on her own last week, attending a glitzy launch party in LA to celebrate a new haircare line she has invested in from Highbrow Hippie.

Throughout Princess Diana‘s 15-year marriage to Prince Charles there were dozens of instances where their clashing personalities were displayed for all to see.

But perhaps the most high-profile example was when the princess danced with ballet star Wayne Sleep as a surprise present for her husband’s 37th birthday in 1985.

They performed a three-minute dance to Billy Joel‘s 80s hit Uptown Girl to uproarious applause and eight curtain calls from the 2,500 VIP-only audience.

But despite the crowd’s reaction, Charles did not stand. When the 25-year-old Diana left the stage and went to him enthused and desperately wanting his approval, he simply said ‘well done, darling’, and turned to talk to someone else.

No video footage exists of the now stuff-of-legend moment, and only a few pictures were taken by the in-house photographer who swore to never release them (although he did sell them in 1995 for around $250,000).

The performance became so iconic that it was since recreated in The Crown, where Charles was depicted as being furious at his wife’s ‘grotesque, mortifying display’.

Here MailOnline looks back at one of Diana’s most beloved stunts and how it revealed to everyone she and Charles were very different people.

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Princess Diana and Wayne Sleep performed a three-minute dance to Billy Joel’s 80s hit Uptown Girl to uproarious applause from the audience in 1985

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The dance number was perhaps the most high-profile example of Diana and Charles’s different personalities. Pictured: The during their Australia tour in 1985

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No video footage exists of the now stuff-of-legend moment, and only a few pictures were taken by the in-house photographer who swore to never release them, although he did eventually sell them in 1995 for around $250,000

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The duo’s iconic 1985 dance was recreated in Season four of The Crown (above) with Jay Webb playing the flamboyant star accompanying the Princess, portrayed by Emma Corrin

It was Diana’s decision to do the secret performance with Sleep at the annual VIP show for Friends of Covent Garden at London‘s Royal Opera House in December 1985.

Sleep at the time was a well-known British dancer who performed for some years with the Royal Ballet, but when he was approached by Diana he expressed scepticism that they could perform together due to his small 5ft 2in frame.

But they quickly became friends with Sleep saying they bonded over ‘schoolboy humour’ after Diana, who became a lifelong friend, called him a ‘naughty boy’ after he confessed to having a ‘very late night’ during their first early morning meeting.

Diana had studied classical ballet as a child but grew too tall at 5ft 10in to dance at the highest level but she still loved dancing throughout her life and was a supporter of the English National Ballet.

Years after the famous performance, Sleep wrote in The Guardian: ‘She loved the freedom dancing gave her.’

The duo practised in various locations such as Sleep’s personal studio in Kensington or in the drawing room of Kensington Palace to keep the Press in the dark about her movements.

The only people who were in on the secret plan were a detective and one of Diana’s ladies-in-waiting Anne Beckwith-Smith – although neither knew what the actual dance was.

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Diana and Wayne Sleep at the ‘Bits and Pieces’ show at the Royalty Theatre in London in 1989

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Sleep said when the princess walked on stage: ‘Everyone’s mouths gaped open. There was an intake of breath like they couldn’t believe it’

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One the performance itself Sleep said ‘it wasn’t a serious dance by any means’ but it ‘brought the house down with humor because the audience didn’t know what was coming next’

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During the dance they did double pirouettes and a lift, and there was also a combination of jazz hip rolls

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Although there was just the two of them, they ran the diagonals and really covered the whole stage

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Wayne Sleep after dancing with Princess Diana at the Royal Opera House in 1985

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Prince Charles and Princess Diana on their last official trip together – a visit to South Korea in 1992

When it came time to perform, Sleep raised his hand on stage to give the signal and Diana slipped out of the royal box to change and join him.

As soon as the princess stepped out on the stage, the whole audience was in shock, and it took a moment for them to realise who it really was.

Sleep told Vulture in 2020: ‘Everyone’s mouths gaped open. There was an intake of breath like they couldn’t believe it.’

One the performance itself he said, ‘it wasn’t a serious dance by any means’ but it ‘brought the house down with humor because the audience didn’t know what was coming next’.

He said they did double pirouettes and a lift, and there was also a combination of jazz hip rolls.

It was very dynamic but ‘nothing too difficult’ with steps, lounges and transfers of weight. Sleep also said they had a few innuendos in the performance.

Although there was just the two of them, they ran the diagonals and really covered the whole stage.

Sleep later said ‘she couldn’t have danced it better’ and that he was the nervous one, not Diana, out of fear he would drop the future Queen of England.

What’s more, the dancer claims he even gave Diana a gentle push to bow to her husband – who was seated in the Royal Box.

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Diana speaking to Wayne Sleep in November 1991. They stayed friends until Diana died in 1997

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Wayne Sleep, pictured in 2021, later said his dance with Diana is what most people will remember him by

Diana said to Sleep: ‘No, I’m not bowing to him, he’s my hubby. You won’t get your OBE with those comments!’

She enjoyed the dance so much she wanted to perform an encore, but Sleep refused – saying his motto was to ‘leave them wanting more’.

A few days after the performance, he got a letter from Diana which read: ‘Now I understand the buzz you get from performing.’

But although the audience and press seemed to love Diana’s performance, Charles strongly disapproved.

He had watched it completely oblivious to his wife’s plan and in public confessed himself as ‘absolutely amazed’ by the display.

But according to Andrew Morton’s famous book on Diana, Her True Story – In Her Own Words, in private he thought it was ‘undignified’ as she was ‘too thin and too showy’.

He wrote: ‘No matter how hard she tried or what she did, every time she struggled to express something of herself, he crushed her spirit. It wore her down.’

Diana’s private dance tutor Anne Allan wrote in her new memoir: ‘After repeated curtain calls, an elated Diana left the stage and enthused, “Beats the wedding!”

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A few days after the performance, Sleep got a letter from Diana which read: ‘Now I understand the buzz you get from performing’

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Charles had watched the performance completely oblivious to his wife’s plan

‘She made her way to Charles, and as she stood before him, I could sense she desperately wanted his approval.

‘He said, “Well done, darling”, and turned to talk to someone else.’

Meanwhile royal expert Richard Kay claimed the ‘Uptown Girl’ routine was a ‘present that backfired’ on Diana.

He said: ‘She did it as a tribute to Charles. Charles wasn’t terribly impressed.

‘He thought she was showing off. In fact, it was incredibly courageous of her to go on stage at the home of English ballet at Covent Garden and to do a routine with the great Wayne Sleep.’

According to royal biographer Tina Brown, Charles’s reaction was interpreted, as ‘frigid disapproval of Diana’s lapse in royal etiquette’.

The iconic dance was also documented in the fourth season of The Crown in 2020, where Jay Webb (playing Sleep) and Emma Corrin (playing Diana) re-created the moment.

During the scene, Charles appears sullen and deeply focused on the music. But as soon as Diana makes her surprise appearance on stage, Charles tenses.

Afterwards, he becomes cold, asking his wife ‘What were you thinking?’ and calling the surprise a ‘grotesque, mortifying display’.

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Princess Diana and Prince Charles at on the British Royal Tour of Australia in 1983

Reflecting on the night of the performance itself, Wayne said it was drastically different to how it was portrayed in the TV show.

He said The Crown made it ‘so shoulder-y’ when in ‘reality it was a little more elegant’.

But despite the fallout from the performance, Anne Allan said in the controversial documentary Diana: In Her Own Words how dancing helped Diana cope with the stress of her turbulent marriage to Charles.

She said: ‘When I first met her you could see that there was a huge shyness. But over time as we went through our dance class realised just how much dance meant to her.

‘She had dance in her soul. I realised the pure enjoyment that it gave her. She loved the freeness of being able to move and dance. She loved it. I could see it helped to alleviate her emotional life. That was hard for her at that time.’

Although it has been almost 39 years since the Uptown Girl dance, the moment has lived on in the minds of the British public as an iconic Diana moment.

As Charles, now King, looks back on all the birthday presents he received in his 76 years, he will no doubt remember the dance, and be glad there are a lot fewer surprises these days.