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  • Meghan Markle’s engagement ring transformation and staggering cost of tweaks

    Meghan Markle’s engagement ring transformation and staggering cost of tweaks

    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has upgraded her engagement ring, which was made from diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection, three times since Harry popped the question back in 2017

    Meghan Markle is embarking on a brand-new chapter as she’s poised to launch two major new projects in the coming weeks.

    Her highly anticipated cooking show, With Love Meghan, will drop on 4 March. But that isn’t the only deal she’s got brewing with Netflix, as she’s also partnered up with the streaming giant to launch her new lifestyle company, As Ever.

    Originally launched last year as American Riviera Orchard, Meghan announced in a video posted to her Instagram this week that she has switched up the name of the company in a huge U-turn. And she also revealed that her products are due to be sold in Netflix’s new brick-and-mortar stores – Netflix House – which will sell merchandise of many of their hit shows.

    Meghan engagement ring
    Meghan’s original ring featured a yellow gold band and an cushion cut diamond from Botswana 
    Image:
    Henry Nicholls / SWNS.com)

    Meghan ring
    In it’s first form it was estimated to be worth £120,000 
    Image:
    AFP/Getty Images)

    Since Meghan first appeared in public wearing her ring after Prince Harry popped the question back in 2017, eagle-eyed royal fans have spotted tweaks to the gorgeous piece of jewellery on more than one occasion, and an expert has weighed in on just why Meghan has repeatedly opted to upgrade, and how much it may have cost.

    Initially, when Meghan debuted her ring it featured a massive cushion cut diamond as the centre piece, which experts estimated to be worth £120,000. This main stone was from Botswana, where the couple had one of their first dates, and so had a massive sentimental meaning for the pair.

    It was flanked by two smaller diamonds, both from the late Princess Diana’s collection, adding to the emotional meaning behind the ring, and set on a timeless yellow gold band. These classic design points came together to create a ring perfectly fit for a newly minted member of the Royal Family. However, just two years later in 2019, Meghan’s ring got its first upgrade, marking the birth of Prince Archie, the couple’s first child.

    Meghan hand
    Meghan first upgraded her ring in 2019 
    Image:
    Getty Images)
    The redesign was reportedly undertaken by Lorraine Schwarz and replaced the gold band with a diamond pavé band, giving the piece a more modern feel. The glittering new band was also more slim line and saw Meghan transform it into a kind of stacking ring, which was seriously on-trend. She also added another sweet ring to her finger at the same time, which included her, Harry, and Archie’s birthstones.

    In 2022, Meghan’s ring underwent another serious upgrade. Expert Neil Dutta, of engagement ring specialists Angelic Diamonds, said: “In 2022, we saw another subtle yet impactful change to Meghan’s ring. Additional diamonds were added to the central stone setting, debuting at the Invictus Games in The Hague. This enhancement likely boosted the ring’s value to approximately £250,000

    “The additional diamonds serve to amplify the ring’s overall brilliance, drawing more attention to the centre stone. This could be seen as a metaphor for Meghan and Harry’s increased focus on their personal projects and charitable endeavours post-royal life.

    “Interestingly, the Invictus Games hold special significance for the couple – it’s where they made their first public appearance together in 2017. The ring’s upgrade at this event seems to celebrate their journey together and their shared commitment to causes close to their hearts.”

    Most recently, in the trailer for Meghan’s new show, another tweak was spotted, bringing the reported cost of all these adjustments to £130,000. “The most recent iteration of Meghan’s engagement ring glimpsed in the Netflix trailer, showcases what appears to be an emerald-cut centre stone,” the expert noted. “This is a significant departure from the original cushion-cut diamond, reflecting a more contemporary aesthetic.

    Meghan
    Meghan’s ring underwent another transformation in 2022 
    Image:
    Getty Images)

    Meghan
    Most recently, in 2025, fans spotted the ring had been upgraded again 
    Image:
    Meghan/Instagram)“Emerald-cut diamonds are known for their elegant, step-cut facets and elongated shape. This change could potentially increase the ring’s value to around £300,000 ($370,000). The new cut offers a sleeker, more modern look that aligns beautifully with Meghan’s evolving style and public persona.

    “But what’s particularly interesting is how this change symbolises Meghan’s transformation from royal life to her current role in a myriad of things. The emerald cut is often associated with confidence and clarity – qualities Meghan may feel she has since leaving the royal family.”

    Overall, the expert noted that a kind of evolution in Meghan’s style and personal journey could perhaps be tracked through her ring upgrades, noting that while the “original design beautifully encapsulated the fairy-tale nature of their royal romance” her more recent design choices indicated changing priorities.

  • I’m A Celeb’s Richard Coles teases new TV stint with GK Barry in brutal reality series

    I’m A Celeb’s Richard Coles teases new TV stint with GK Barry in brutal reality series

    GK Barry and Richard Coles formed an unlikely bond on this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! but it looks like viewers could see more of them in the future.

    TV star Richard Coles has teased a new career venture alongside GK Barry following their stint on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

    The 62-year-old formed a sweet bond with GK, whose real name is Grace Keeling, in the Australian jungle as they participated in this year’s gruesome show. But while appearing on Tuesday’s Loose Women, Richard seemed to suggest he wouldn’t mind getting involved in another tough reality series with Grace.

    Reuniting with Loose Women star Grace on the panel, Richard was asked by presenter Charlene White if they plan to work together again. Richard said: “Yeah, I think so; I mean the SAS thing, you and me probably.”

    Surprised, Grace replied: “Wow! Can you imagine?”

    Richard Coles teased future work with GK Barry
    Richard Coles teased future work with GK Barry 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Richard replied: “Yes, I can imagine. What I would love to do is take some trips to some interesting places,” he added: “Well, someone said I can take her to the opera, and she can take me for a vajazzle.”

    After seeing the pair together, fans couldn’t get enough of the duo and headed to social media site X to share their thoughts. One viewer said: “Can’t wait for Keeling’s own show with Richard Coles as her sidekick. This is what ITV loves to see.”

    Another chimed in and wrote, “GK Barry is so funny.” Another penned, “Reverend Richard Coles, Saluted. Beautiful man.”

    Since their jungle adventure ended, fans have been longing to see more of Grace and Richard on their TV sets, with some suggesting that they should appear in the next series of Celebrity Gogglebox on Channel 4.

    Richard is happy to work with GK Barry again
    Richard is happy to work with GK Barry again
    While updating her fans on TikTok that she had returned to the UK after filming I’m A Celeb, fans quickly flooded the comment section with suggestions for the new role. One fan wrote, “Your friendship with Richard was so sweet. You two definitely need to be on Celebrity Gogglebox. Please put him on your podcast.”

    More comments came in, with one person writing: “You and the Rev need to go on Gogglebox”. Another social media user said: “Rev Richard for the podcast!”

    While a third claimed: “You and Rev NEED a show together,” alongside the clapping emoji. With fans agreeing as one wrote: “Need a show with Rev called ‘By The Grace of God.’”

    Loose Women airs Mondays-Fridays at 12:30pm on ITV1.

  • Coronation Street brings back huge character seven years on from their exit from ITV soap

    Coronation Street brings back huge character seven years on from their exit from ITV soap

    Coronation Street is reportedly bringing back an icon after they departed seven years ago. They’re expected to be on screens later this year

    Coronation Street is reportedly bringing back a soap legend after seven years away.

    It has been reported Catherine Tyldesley, 41, will be coming back as Eva Price, with the star expected to appear on our screens later this year. Catherine Tyldesley played Eva Price in the ITV soap from 2011 to 2018, taking a brief break back in 2015 when she was pregnant with her first child.

    She departed the role back in 2018 when she decided to pursue new opportunities in her career. In her final scenes, Eva decided to go with baby Susie to France, before returning just a few days later for Aidan’s inquest. Adam – who had initially gone with her – changed his mind and decided to stay, whilst Eva made amends with Johnny, Leanne and Toyah before she departed the Cobbles in the back of a taxi and seemingly left for good.

    Just last year, Catherine teased her possible return during an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain where she told hosts Ben Shephard and Ranvir Singh: “Eva’s making a comeback – everyone thought the same! But never say never. It was just lovely to see everybody.”

    Catherine Tyldesley
    Catherine is said to be returning to the soap

    And now, a source claimed Catherine will start filming in the coming weeks for new scenes. Speaking to The Sun, they said she was approached a few times for a return but ‘the stars never alligned’. They said: “But when she was approached with the idea for Eva’s return, it was too good of an opportunity to pass up.”

    “She’s so excited and can’t wait to get back on the cobbles and it’s definitely not going to be a storyline to miss,” they added. The Mirror have reached out to ITV for comment. Back in 2021, Catherine revealed she had been forced to decline a soap return for a big storyline due to scheduling conflicts.

    “There was a storyline last year where Leanne’s little boy Oliver got very poorly and unfortunately died, and it made total sense for Eva to come back because why wouldn’t she? And they reached out to me, and it was so unfortunate that I’d already signed to do Viewpoint and the dates, we just couldn’t make it work,” she said.

    “As a Corrie fan, I felt like I’d let people down!” she admitted. “Because I really – I’m not one of those actresses that will say ‘no I’m done with Corrie I won’t go back’, I felt like they presented me with this storyline and I was like ‘oh my gosh yeah of course she’d be there, it’s her sister’ and I was just really gutted actually that we couldn’t make it work. Of course I’d nip back, of course I would. It was just such a huge part of my life, and I adore that place, I really do.”

  • Death in Paradise star’s secret role in EastEnders as they make cameo as Mervin’s mum

    Death in Paradise star’s secret role in EastEnders as they make cameo as Mervin’s mum

    Death in Paradise fans saw a cameo from Judith Jacob during Friday night’s episode as she played the role of Mervin’s mum – but some fans may recognise her from EastEnders

    Death in Paradise fans saw a cameo from actress Judith James as Dorna Bray, Mervin’s mum – and some fans may recognise her from BBC soap, EastEnders.

    During the fourth episode of Death in Paradise, fans see a photo of Judith Jacob as Mervin’s (Don Gilet) mother. Don made his entrance during the Christmas special of the show, as Ralf Little’s replacement. It made him the fifth person to helm the BBC murder mystery.

    The detective originally travelled to the island in hopes to meet his birth mother, Dorna Bray. However, he instead discovered that she had recently died. He was informed on her death by Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington), who told him she had died during an accident while scattering her father’s ashes.At the end of episode three, fans heard Mervin listening to a distressing phone call of Dorna being in distress from the boat. He then calls the commissioner and tells him he was right – Dorna’s death was an accident and he’d be shutting the case down. At the start of Friday night’s episode, Mervin was heard saying he was ‘fine’ with his mum’s case being closed

    At the end of the episode, Mervin is seen raising a beer to a photo of his mum, as he says: “To you, Dorna. Mum,” with a picture of actress, Judith Jacob.

    Judith Jacob
    Judith Jacob guest stars in Death in Paradise 
    Image:
    Dave Benett/Getty Images for Women of the Year)

    Judith EastEnders
    Judith is known for her role in EastEnders as Carmel 
    Image:
    BBC)
    EastEnders fans recognised Don for his role as villain Lucas Johnson, who was married to Denise Fox.

    Just like her on screen son, EastEnders fans may recognise Judith from her role in the soap all the way back in 1986. The star is known for her role as health visitor Carmel Roberts from 1985 to 1989. During her time in the role, Judith’s character Carmel suffered from severe marital abuse from her husband, Matthew Jackson, played by Steven Hartley. It marked the first time the show had addressed domestic abuse.

    In chilling scenes, Carmel’s nephew Junior was seen stabbing Matthew, in an attempt to save his aunt. Matthew was admitted to hospital, and despite trying to convince Carmel he’d changed, he hadn’t. In July 1989, Carmel threw Matthew out of the home, as he made his exit from Walford. A month later, Carmel made her own exit from the Square to look after her mother, after learning her father had died.

    Fans were over the moon when Judith was announced as a guest star for the 14th season of the show. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to announce her arrival, the show revealed: “Does Saint Marie have an East End? Either way, we’ll be welcoming Judith Jacob to our shores. #DeathInParadise.”

    “Judith for the killer. She would make a brilliant murderer,” wrote one fan, while another said: “Legend coming to #deathinparadise.”

  • EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton’s moving three word message for Martin Fowler actor James Bye

    EastEnders’ Louisa Lytton’s moving three word message for Martin Fowler actor James Bye

    Martin Fowler – played by James Bye – was killed off during the live episode of EastEnders for its 40th anniversary, with Ruby Allen – played by Louisa Lytton – devastated over it

    Cast member Louisa Lytton has addressed her co-star James Bye’s emotional departure from EastEnders.

    The BBC show celebrated its 40th anniversary throughout this week, including in a live episode on Thursday. It saw long-running character Martin Fowler – played by James, 40 – killed off following an explosion at the Queen Vic pub.

    Fans shared their heartache over the storyline and some of James’ colleagues have also addressed him leaving the show. It includes Louisa, 36, whose character Ruby Allen has been dating Martin following her return last year.

    Louisa posted behind-the-scenes photos from the episode on her Instagram Story following its broadcast, including one of herself stood beside James. The co-stars were seen hugging whilst inside the show’s set for the damaged pub.

    The actor – who first worked with James in 2018 – expressed her sadness over his exit from EastEnders in the caption. Alongside an emoji depicting a broken heart, Louisa wrote in her post: “No words really.” She also tagged James in it.

    Earlier this week, viewers saw Ruby and Martin stuck inside the Queen Vic following the explosion, alongside the likes of his ex-wife Stacey. Martin helped several loved ones escape, including Ruby, but he remained inside to help free Stacey, who had become trapped further inside the building.

    Louisa Lytton outside the Queen Vic set whilst working on EastEnders.
    Louisa Lytton was among the cast members in EastEnders’ live episode on Thursday 
    Image:
    Instagram/louisanastrilytton)

    Louisa Lytton and James Bye inside the Queen Vic set, hugging, whilst working on EastEnders.
    She’s since addressed her co-star James Bye leaving the show 
    Image:
    Instagram/louisanastrilytton)
    Later, as they eventually made their way towards an exit, Martin was struck by a metal beam. It crushed his legs and he was seen struggling to breathe when paramedics and firefighters worked to rescue him. Whilst they waited, Martin and Stacey – who are both said to have been given “code names” in the script, concealing their identities – expressed their love for each other and planned a future together, with him even proposing marriage to her.

    Martin however died after the beam was lifted off his legs towards the end of the episode. Stacey had been warned that he was at risk of cardiac arrest in the procedure as a result of crush syndrome. Ruby, who like Stacey has a child with Martin, was among the concerned other residents outside the pub, awaiting updates on the situation inside it. She seemingly received confirmation of his death when Stacey screamed and was then seen falling to the floor herself shortly before the episode’s end credits began.

    Following the news of his departure, James said in a statement: “Saying goodbye is not easy, but after 10 years at EastEnders and on the night of the shows epic 40th anniversary – the time felt right. It’s an honour to leave on a story of this magnitude. A huge thank you to all the fans of the show – EastEnders wouldn’t be what it is without you – and to the BBC and EastEnders team for trusting me with this role for so many years. This fruit and veg man will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s time to look forward, and I’m incredibly excited for what the future holds. RIP Martin Fowler.”

  • Loose Women star’s ‘terrifying’ ordeal as burglars targeted home while she was alone with baby

    Loose Women star’s ‘terrifying’ ordeal as burglars targeted home while she was alone with baby

    TV star Myleene Klass gave an insight on ITV’s Loose Women on Friday about a ‘terrifying’ experience when her home was targeted by burglars

    Loose Women star Myleene Klass has shared her “utterly terrifying” ordeal after her property was targeted by burglars while she was home alone with her baby.

    The 46-year-old appeared on the latest instalment of the ITV show alongside her co-stars Kaye Adams, Nadia Sawalha and Jane Moore. Discussing their thoughts on actress Michelle Keegan and her husband Mark Wright’s recent house break-in, the stars went on to share horrifying experiences of their own.

    Revealing that she had gone through something similar, Myleene disclosed that someone tried to break into her home while she was alone with her baby. She said: “I was sitting on the phone and I just saw a shadow go past and I didn’t even think about it, I thought it was a cat going pass the security lights.

    She added: “I looked into the security camera and there was a van, so worked out that was three people trying to get in the house. I’m on my own, I’m a new mum – it was utterly terrifying.”

    Myleene Klass shared her ordeal
    Myleene Klass shared her ordeal 
    Image:
    ITV)

    Myleene went on to explain that the friend she was on the phone with at the time quickly called the police. But she also shared that she “raised all kinds of hell” as she attempted to scare the men off of her property.

    She said: “I thought that I would be really fearful. I went mad! They must have thought who’s house have they tried to break into. I went mad and chased them off the property!”

    Myleene opened up on ITV's Loose Women
    Myleene opened up on ITV’s Loose Women 
    Image:
    ITV)
    On Thursday (February 21) news outlets revealed police are currently looking into a break-in at the home of TV stars Mark and Michelle after four individuals forced their way into the couple’s Essex property.

    Mark, 38, and 37-year-old Michelle, who are expecting their first child together, reported the intrusion around 6.20pm on Tuesday. Essex Police confirmed that the intruders searched the house before escaping.

    Mark and Michelle had issues as their 'dream home' this week
    Mark and Michelle had issues as their ‘dream home’ this week 
    Image:
    Getty Images for Atlantis The Royal)

    The couple often share updates about their “dream home” on Instagram and have a combined following of 664,000 on their social media account, WrityHome.

    Following the break-in, the police issued a statement which read: “We are exploring a number of lines of inquiry including but not limited to forensic opportunities, CCTV and witness statements. Anyone with information should contact us as soon as possible.”

  • Frank Lampard’s staggering net worth, lucky meeting with wife Christine, £10m mansion

    Frank Lampard’s staggering net worth, lucky meeting with wife Christine, £10m mansion

    The lowdown on Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard’s life, including his net worth, romance with TV presenter wife Christine and his latest crack at football management

    Frank Lampard is one of the most celebrated figures in English football.

    He is revered for his exploits with Chelsea, where he won a host of honours, including the Premier League and the Champions League. Lampard also excelled for England, scoring 29 times in 106 appearances for the Three Lions.

    His transition into management has been a mixed bag, with spells at Derby County, Chelsea (twice), Everton and now Coventry City. But unlike fellow international colleagues Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney, he remains in work.

    Naturally, he has amassed a sizeable fortune, part of which he has spent on a lavish home, which he shares with his TV presenter wife Christine and their children. Here’s the lowdown on his fortune, life with Christine and how he’s revitalised his managerial career…

    What is Frank Lampard’s net worth?

    According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lampard has an estimated fortune of around £75million. The website also claims he earned an annual salary of £9.6million at Everton, although this figure has never been officially verified.

    According to Total Sportal, a sports-focused website, Lampard’s Everton contract was valued at £15million, including a signing bonus and various other incentives, many of which weren’t triggered as the Toffees sacked him in January 2023. He briefly returned to Chelsea at the end of the 2022/23 season for an unsuccessful but presumably well-paid spell as interim manager.


    Frank and Christine will celebrate 10 years of marriage this year 
    Image:
    Adam Davy/PA Wire)

    When did Frank Lampard meet Christine?

    There was an element of fate about Frank and Christine getting together. They first met back in October 2009 at the Pride of Britain awards.

    Christine, then Bleakley, almost didn’t make it to the awards ceremony as she had just been hosting The One Show. Speaking on Loose Women about meeting her hubby, she recalled: “I am very, very glad we met when we did, it was definitely about timing for us.”

    It turned out Lampard was a fan of the BBC show she co-hosted with Adrian Chiles, although Christine wasn’t convinced at first. She once said: “Frank came over to me and said, ‘I watch you on The One Show’. I said, ‘No you don’t! Who was my guest last night?’

    Frank Lampard and Christine Lampard
    Frank and Christine have two children together 
    Image:
    Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)
    “And he was able to tell me! I just laughed and we both giggled about it. Then that was it. He somehow got my number, and I had a withheld number call my phone on the way home. I picked up and it was him.

    “I said ‘Wow, you’re keen!’ as a bit of a joke and we chatted. He said he enjoyed meeting me and would like to stay in touch. It was very relaxed.”

    The pair got married in 2015 and have two children together, Patricia and Freddie. Patricia is named after Frank’s late mother. He also has two older children from a previous relationship with Elen Rivas, Luna and Isla.

    Where does Frank Lampard live?

    The Lampards share a stunning £10million mansion in London. During an episode of Loose Women, Christine provided viewers with a glimpse of her home life.


    Christine occasionally shares snaps from inside the family home 
    Image:
    Instagram/christinelampard)
    She revealed that she has her very own “she shed” in the garden where she goes to get some peace and quiet. She said: “It’s tiny but I walked into it the other day and thought, ‘this could be a good hiding place’ – even just a little five minutes.”

    Judging by pictures posted to Instagram, the home appears to have a monochrome feel with bright white walls as part of a modern theme. The kitchen features white glossy wall-to-ceiling cabinets with numerous integrated appliances. It also boasts ample space for meal preparation and a large kitchen island.

    Who does Frank Lampard manage?

    Lampard has revived both Coventry and his own managerial career in the Championship. He had a tough act to follow in replacing club legend Mark Robins, who had led the Sky Blues from the fourth tier to the brink of the Premier League – losing in the 2023 play-off final – and an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United last season.

    Frank Lampard
    Lampard has propelled Coventry up the Championship table 
    Image:
    Richard Sellers/PA Wire)Lampard was already well versed in the second tier, having guided Derby to the play-off final in 2019. And he has put that experience to good use by lifting Coventry to within one point and one place from the play-off zone heading into the weekend.

    Speaking after the midweek win over Sheffield Wednesday, Lampard said: “For the work we’ve done over these last two months and where we are trying to get to, sometimes a game just challenges you in a different way. This one did and the players dug in and we went at it at the end.”

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  • Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘logo copying row’ from furious Mayor to royal dig

    Inside Meghan Markle’s ‘logo copying row’ from furious Mayor to royal dig

    Meghan Markle’s new brand name As Ever and its new logo featuring palm trees and hummingbirds has certainly ruffled feathers – especially with officials in one town on the Spanish island of Majorca and a small US business

    It has been just over 24 hours since Meghan Markle revealed the bombshell news about her lifestyle brand.

    Taking to Instagram, she announced that she was axing its previous name American Riviera Orchard in favour of new moniker, As Ever. But it’s not just her U-turn that has raised eyebrows, as her new logo on her newly-launched website, which features Princess Lilibet, has also ruffled feathers as has the name, which it has emerged is shared by an independent clothing brand.

    The logo features a palm tree, which is understood to be a nod to Prince Harry and Meghan’s home in California, as well as two hummingbirds, which are thought to be a favourite of the Duke of Sussex.

    However, fury has broken out as the Mayoress of Porreres, a town on the Spanish island of Majorca, claims the branding is strikingly similar their coat of arms. To add to Meghan’s brand headache, now the mayor of the town, Xisca Mora has gone as far as saying the logo is a “complete copy”. And not just that – now a small New York-based clothing firm called As Ever NYC has waded into the row, breaking its silence on the name – which one fan joked was “royally scandalous”.

    ‘Rushed job’

    When it came to securing a trademark for her lifestyle brand under its previous name American Riviera Orchard, Meghan came up against a series of legal hurdles. And it could explain why she has made the switch to As Ever.

    Meghan Markle
    Meghan reveals her new brand name, As Ever 
    Image:
    @Meghan/Instagram)

    Meghan revealed the change on Instagram
    Meghan revealed the change on Instagram 
    Image:
    Meghan/Instagram)
    However, in her video, she does not address her legal setbacks and excitedly said: “Last year, I thought you know what, American Riviera, that sounds like such a great name, it’s my neighbourhood [and] its a name for Santa Barbara. But it limited me to things that were just manufactured and grown in this area.

    “Then Netflix came on, not just as my partner in the show, but as my partner in my business. Which was huge. So I thought about it, and I’ve been waiting for a moment to share a name that I had secured in 2022, and this is the moment, and it’s called As Ever.”

    But the move left several PR experts baffled with one saying it appeared the brand had been “rushed out”. Warren Johnson of W Communications, told the Daily Beast: “You wouldn’t catch Kim Kardashian doing this.” While another expert told the outlet: “There are only so many relaunches you can do before you start to look ridiculous.”

    However, on the flip side, other brand experts have called the rebrand a “strategic move”, especially with the challenges she faced getting a trademark for American Riviera Orchard. Personal branding expert Mayah Riaz, of Mayah Media, told the Mirror: “While rebranding close to launch can be risky, addressing potential legal issues early on can prevent significant issues that may arise. The new name, ‘As Ever’, offers a broader appeal beyond a specific geographic reference – this aligns well with Meghan’s lifestyle themes.

    “Meghan choosing to announce the change via her Instagram is a savvy approach, as she is leveraging her following to communicate directly with them. However, any rebrand carries the potential for confusion. It will be crucial for Meghan to offer clear and consistent messaging to ensure her audience seamlessly transitions to the new brand.”

    Spanish slap down

    However, things took a new twist when the new logo for As Ever was compared to that of the Porreres coat of arms, which also features a palm tree and two birds.

    Mayoress Ms Mora told Spanish publication El Pais that the town’s heraldic coat of arms dates back to 1370 and its reproduction is “part of the idiosyncrasy of Porreres, of its heritage and cultural identity”.

    The new logo for As Ever
    The new logo for As Ever 
    Image:
    As Ever)

    The coat of arms for the town of Porreres
    The coat of arms for the town of Porreres 
    Image:
    Supplied)She admitted they are not in a position to sue for plagiarism but said they are calling for the logo to be removed. The Mirror understands that as part of the process of creating the logo, Meghan’s team undertook “comprehensive” global searches of registered trademarks were conducted.

    Ms Mor said: “To sue for plagiarism is complicated and costly, and a small town council like ours is not in a position to fight against the English crown. “At first, we took it as a bit of a joke because we didn’t really understand where it had come from and what their objective was in copying our coat of arms,” she explained to Vanitatis.

    Meanwhile, the mayoress also pointed out another similarity as Meghan’s brand is known to be offering jam – and the preserve is also a popular product of the town. Ms Mora said that Porreres has “the best jam in the world” and quipped “the farmers will be happy” if Meghan wants to market it. A spokesperson for Meghan has been approached for comment.

    Breaking silence

    After her brand announcement yesterday, today Meghan ramped up promotion for As Ever by renaming her American Riviera Orchard Instagram account and sharing a new post. It features the Duchess drizzling honey over a croissant.

    But it’s not just the Majorcan town that has spoken out against the rebrand, small, independent clothing brand As Ever NYC took to Instagram to address the similarities in the names of the two firms.

    A new image posted to Meghan's As Ever Instagram page
    A new image posted to Meghan’s As Ever Instagram page
    Designer Mark Kolski wrote in a post on Instagram: “I want to say thank you to all the old friends who know and love our small family brand As Ever, and also say hi to all those that have just become aware we exist. In the last 36 hours there has been an outpouring of support and concern regarding recent events around our namesake brand. We are aware. We are not affiliated.”

    The designer then explained how the brand dates back to 2015 when it started as a side hobby for him and his wife. He said that it first started manufacturing its clothes in 2017 and added: “It’s 2025. We are grateful to still be here making clothing in New York & New Jersey. We are grateful for all the customers coast to coast and worldwide that have supported our venture. We will continue As Ever.”

    It comes after a trademark application filed in February last year shows the company wishes to offer downloadable and printed recipe books, tableware, textiles, and jams and marmalades, and the duchess said she secured the new name in 2022.

    In what many have seen as a dig at the Royal Family, Meghan explained: “As Ever essentially means as it’s always been, and if you’ve followed me since 2014 with The Tig, you know, I’ve always loved cooking and crafting and gardening.” She added: “This is what I do, and I have’’t been able to share it with you in the same way for the past few years but now I can.”

    Before marrying into the royal family she closed down her lifestyle website called The Tig, which she had used as a platform to discuss social issues such as gender equality in addition to articles on travel, food and fashion.

  • Meghan Markle given stark warning after ‘huge brand failure’

    Meghan Markle given stark warning after ‘huge brand failure’

    Meghan Markle announced her rebrand as she switched American Riviera Orchard to As Ever, but she has been given a stern warning by a PR expert

    Meghan Markle has been warned there is no more room for error after announcing her latest rebrand.

    The Duchess of Sussex revealed she has switched out her American Riviera Orchard branding before it has even had a hard launch. Instead, she is ready to introduce the world to products under the As Ever title.

    While she explained the reason was to ensure she wasn’t confining herself to only products in her neighbourhood, a PR expert has admitted the initial soft launch will be viewed as a “huge failure”. PR to the stars, Jane Owen, exclusively claimed to Mirror that the initial branding was “a complete waste of time and energy”.

    The new logo for As Ever
    The new logo for As Ever 
    Image:
    As Ever)

    Meghan recently announced her rebrand
    Meghan recently announced her rebrand 
    Image:
    Meghan/Instagram)
    Jane shared her bold opinion, claiming: “The brand change should have happened before anything was launched. What we saw was a brainstorming process happening in real time. If the name of the brand had been workshopped at all before it was launched the reasons for the change would have happened behind closed doors and not in full public view.

    And she advised the former actress to make sure all the products from now on are “amazing”. “If the brand is amazing quality and beautiful no one will care about this early on mistake,” she said. “However there’s even more pressure for the products to be exceptional. There’s zero room for bad quality anything.”

    Touching on the name change, Jane confessed she agrees with Meghan, saying it now feels more “inclusive”. “The previous name felt very old fashioned and buried in the Santa Barbara theme,” Jane went on. “Extremely preppy and a lot exclusionary.”

    She admitted now she has a new name, there is “no way they can change it again,” saying: “If this doesn’t work it just doesn’t work period. No one is going to give it a third chance.”

    While Meghan is yet to release an official product under either brand, her latest has also faced fresh scrutiny from a small business. Her new logo on her newly-launched website, which features Princess Lilibet, has also ruffled feathers, with it said to be shared with an independent clothing brand.

    The logo features a palm tree, which is understood to be a nod to Prince Harry and Meghan’s home in California. There are also two hummingbirds, which are thought to be a favourite of the Duke of Sussex. However, the Mayoress of Poreress, a town on the Spanish island of Majorca, has claimed the branding is strikingly similar their coat of arms. Now, the mayor of the town, Xisca Mora has gone as far as saying the logo is a “complete copy”.

    A small New York-based clothing firm called As Ever NYC has also waded into the row, breaking its silence on the name – which one fan joked was “royally scandalous”.

  • Liam Payne manslaughter case – huge update as charges against pal Roger Nores dropped

    Liam Payne manslaughter case – huge update as charges against pal Roger Nores dropped

    Mr Nores’ hotshot new lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libarona had centred his fight to get his client off his manslaughter rap on a rebuttal of prosecution claims he was Liam’s representative and had failed in his duty of care towards him

    Roger Nores’ lawyer has said he is “very happy” after manslaughter charges were sensationally dropped against the US businessman over the death of his close friend Liam Payne.

    Appeal court judges also left the two hotel workers accused of the same crime in the clear by reversing an earlier decision to charge them following the singer’s drink and drug-fuelled October 16 third-floor balcony plunge. The pair accused of selling the former One Direction star cocaine before his fall from the CasaSur Palermo Hotel will remain in prison after being told they still face prosecution and probable trial.

    Mr Nores’ hotshot new lawyer Rafael Cuneo Libarona had centred his fight to get his client off his manslaughter rap on a rebuttal of prosecution claims he was Liam’s representative and had failed in his duty of care towards him.

    He said overnight after news of the appeal ruling emerged: “‘We are happy to have reversed the decision by 360 degrees.

    Roger Nores has said he's 'very happy' after his manslaughter case was dropped
    Roger Nores has said he’s ‘very happy’ after charages against the US businessman over the death of his close friend Liam Payne have been dropped 
    Image:
    Gerard Couzens)

    “We have always maintained that Rogelio Nores was not responsible for Liam Payne’s death. He was only his friend and had no duty or legal obligation to ensure his safety,”

    The three appeal court judges announced their ruling in a written document published eight days after a hearing at Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Court in Buenos Aires.

    Mr Cuneo Libarona, the brother of Argentina’s Justice Minister Mariano Cuneo Libarona, had argued in the run-up to the hearing as he attempted to overturn lower court judge Laura Bruniard’s December 27 decision to indict five men including Mr Nores: “My client is not a manager, he is not a nurse, he is not a psychologist, nor a psychiatrist, nor is he dedicated to the recovery of addicts. He is a simple friend in Argentina who helps him in his business affairs.”

    photo released by the Buenos Aires Police showing a candle and traces of white powder on a table of the hotel room where late British musician Liam Payne was staying in Buenos Aires
    Photo released by the Buenos Aires Police showing a candle and traces of white powder on a table of the hotel room where late British musician Liam Payne was staying in Buenos Aires 
    Image:
    Buenos Aires Police/AFP via Gett)
    The other two men now in the clear are Esteban Grassi, the chief receptionist at CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires who made a 911 call moments before Liam died, and its head of security Gilda Martin.

    Grassi was one of the three men identified alongside Martin in the last harrowing photo of the former One Direction singer to emerge showing him being carried back up to his room from his hotel lobby shortly before his balcony plunge.

    Like Mr Nores they would have faced between one and five years in prison if convicted as charged although they had been told they could be eligible for suspended jail sentences.

    Waiter Braian Nahuel Paiz, 24, and 21-year-old suspended hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra, lost their attempts to overturn Judge Bruniard’s decision to charge them with supplying Liam drugs and remand them in prison.


    Cheryl pictured at the funeral of Liam Payne on November 2024 
    Image:
    Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)

    Liam's One Direction bandmates - including Louis Tomlinson - also paid their resepcts
    Liam’s One Direction bandmates – including Louis Tomlinson – also paid their resepcts 
    Image:
    WireImage)
    They have been warned they could face prison sentences of between four and 15 years if convicted. Prosecutors can appeal the higher court decision on Mr Nores and the two hotel workers but they have not yet indicated if they will do so.

    Local reports say a number of electronic devices have yet to be opened and analysed, including Mr Nores’ iPhone and Liam Payne’s computer. Mr Nores’ alleged managerial role towards Liam, a position he had denied holding, had been key to the decision to prosecute the businessman.

    Judge Bruniard in an indictment ruling at the end of December accused Mr Nores, banned from leaving Argentina following his indictment, of “failing in his duty of care, assistance and help” towards the singer.
    She alleged he “abandoned him to his fate, knowing he couldn’t fend for himself, aware he suffered multiple additions to alcohol and cocaine and fully conscious of the state of intoxication, vulnerably and defenceless he was in.”

    An image of a dark-haired man wearing a suit sitting down and speaking through a head microphone.
    Roger Nores has maintained his innocence in several high profile interviews since Liam’s death 
    Image:
    Bloomberg via Getty Images)
    It subsequently emerged the businessman had been described as Liam’s manager in an internal hotel email after he visited CasaSur Palermo Hotel and was shown a first-floor room he “liked a lot” before the singer ended up checking into the third-floor suite he plunged from after binging on drink and drugs.

    The word ‘Manager’ was written along the name Roger Nores towards the end of an October 11 email and the words assistant manager against the name below Roger’s – that of Lulu Miranda who has been referred to in prior reports about the Liam Payne investigation as a pop star and a friend of Mr Nores.

    She was born in Los Angeles to an Argentinian diplomat father and a Brazilian mother who has lived in Buenos Aires since she was a teenager. She was not among the five people charged.

    Argentinian prosecutors referred to Liam’s friend in a lengthy statement they released on December 30 as the “victim’s representative” although they identified him only by his initials R.L.N.

    Mr Nores told a TMZ documentary aired in December examining the life and death of Liam Payne that he was “in good spirits and perfectly balanced” the day he died as he refuted claims the singer was acting erratically and was intoxicated shortly before his fatal fall.

    The businessman had previously protested his innocence and refuted claims he was Liam’s ‘de facto’ manager which is seen as a key aspect to the prosecution decision.

    He said in a statement shortly after it emerged he was being officially investigated before being charged: “I never abandoned Liam, I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened.
    “There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left. I could have never imagined something like this would happen. I’ve given my statement to the prosecutor on October 17 as a witness and I haven’t spoken to any police officer or prosecutor ever since. I wasn’t Liam’s manager. He was just my very dear friend.”

    Mr Nores also insisted in a written statement he presented to the courts that he “wasn’t Liam’s doctor, lawyer, representative or therapeutic companion” and their relationship was based solely around friendship.

    In deciding to indict hotel chiefs Mr Grassi and Mr Martin, Laura Bruniard had pointed the finger at them over their decision to move Liam from the lobby to his third-floor room when he couldn’t stand on his feet because of his prior drink and drug binge. She said it “created a legally unacceptable risk to his life” which had “foreseeable” consequences.

    Ezequiel Pereyra handed himself in on January 6 after making himself a fugitive the previous week following failed police attempts to locate and arrest him so he could be remanded in pre-trial custody on the orders of the investigating judge.

    Paiz was arrested on January 3 so he could be remanded in prison. His lawyer Fernando Madeo had previously claimed it was “impossible” the charges against his client would stick following Liam’s hotel death.

    He also insisted the 24-year-old was the victim of a “witch hunt” sparked by the authorities’ desire for culprits.
    Waiter Paiz, who met Liam at a restaurant in the upmarket Buenos Aires neighbourhood of Puerto Madero where he had gone to eat with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy and friends, has confessed to consuming drugs with the singer at the hotel where he died but refuted claims he sold him any narcotics.

    Public prosecutors confirmed on December 30 Judge Bruniard had accused Pereyra of “selling Liam cocaine on October 15 at 3.25am and between 3.30pm and 4pm on October 16 so that he could consume it during his hotel stay.”

    They also claimed witness statements and CCTV analysis supported the allegation Pereyra had received US dollars 100 from Liam to buy narcotics for him and the singer had sent a car to his home on another occasion to pick up more drugs.

    In November TMZ published footage showing Liam stepping out of a lift at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel and chatting with a man it identified as Pereyra shortly before the singer died, claiming the 31-year-old Brit had asked him for “seven grams of the same drug he had handed him earlier.”