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Labour MP Diane Abbott has warned Gregg Wallace that ‘the world has moved on’ after he defended himself against accusations of abuse by arguing it was ‘middle class women of a certain age’ complaining about him

Diane Abbott has shared her thoughts on the scandal that is currently engulfing BBC MasterChef star Gregg Wallace.

TV cookery expert Gregg, 60, has been embroiled in scandal in recent days after a number of people stepped forward to claim he had used inappropriate sexual language on the set of his BBC show. While subsequent allegations have emerged to suggest he has groped women and used racist terminology – allegations the star himself has furiously denied.

Attempting to confront the allegations on Sunday, Gregg released a string of videos via Instagram Stories in which he argued those making claims against him were “a handful of middle class women of a certain age”. Appearing on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg – which was hosted by Victoria Derbyshire, Labour MP Diane, 71, lashed back at Gregg for his comments.

She remarked: “It’s not a crime to be a middle class woman over a certain age, I would say. Gregg doesn’t get it. The world has moved on. Back in the day he could touch up women and harass women —” Host Victoria, 56, then interjected to state: “Well, there’s no suggestion that he’s done that. Absolutely no suggestion he has done that at all.”

Diane Abbott made her thoughts about Gregg Wallace crystal clear on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg ( 
Image:
BBC)

Pressing on, Diane said: “Back in the day he could harass women, and it was about power, really. Women weren’t in a position to say anything or do anything. He just doesn’t understand the world has moved on.” And then reiterating her fact, Victoria stated: “And just to repeat, through his lawyers, he has said ‘It is entirely false that he engages in behaviour of a sexual harassing nature.’”

Diane is not the only figure from the world of politics to react to Gregg’s blunt rebuff of the accusations made against him. Former MP Anna Soubry was among those to pan the star for his comments, writing on X: “‘It’s yer ‘ormones luv’ Gregg 2gs Wallace proving he’s not an odious misogynist.”

And there was a deluge of furious comments from others who felt Gregg’s video posts were tone deaf. One X user wrote: “Gregg Wallace explaining how he is totally innocent and it’s all the fault of ‘middle-class women’.” While another blasted the star’s press team for failing to intervene, writing: “Who advised Gregg Wallace to say complaints were coming from women ‘of a certain age’?!?! Has he really got no idea of how that would sound?!”

In his Instagram Stories video address to fans, Gregg said: “I’ve been doing MasterChef for 20 years. Amateur, Celebrity and Professional MasterChef. And in that time, I have worked with over 4,000 contestants of all different ages, all different backgrounds, all walks of life. And apparently now, I’m reading in the paper, there’s been 13 complaints in that time. In the newspaper I can see the complaints coming from a handful of middle class women of a certain age, just from Celebrity MasterChef. This isn’t right.”

He added: “In 20 years of television, can you imagine how many women, female contestants, on MasterChef have made sexual remarks or sexual innuendo. Can you imagine?”

Queen Camilla has earned her sister-in-law Princess Anne’s admiration and respect over the years and shares ‘secrets’ with the senior royal, according to former BBC royal expert Jennie Bond.

Queen Camilla has garnered the “admiration” of sister-in-law Princess Anne and has shared ‘secrets’ with the royal, according to a Royal expert. Former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond has claimed that Camilla, who joined the Royal Family officially in 2005 after marrying King Charles, Anne’s brother, has noticeably made strides in forming strong bonds within the Royal circle, reports OK!.

Jennie explained: “Yes I think Camilla has earned her sister-in-law’s admiration, just as she has won the respect of many people in the country. This was an unusual moment for both women, and I think it showed their mutual respect. Camilla and Anne have known each other for a very long time.”

Camilla married Charles in 2005 and has earned the respect of the royal circle ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

She elaborated on the “history” the two women share and how they will exchange “secrets” through mutual trust. Jennie added: “You have to remember that Camilla was married to Andrew Parker Bowles, who was once a boyfriend of the princess. They share a lot of history and probably a lot of secrets.”

The former BBC Royal correspondent pointed out that it might have been “tricky” for Anne to see Camilla assume the role of Queen following the death of her mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

However, Anne recognises the “tremendous support” Camilla provides to her brother Charles. “It may have been quite tricky for both of them to adjust to the new situation with Camilla becoming the senior royal and, indeed, taking on the role of Anne’s beloved mother,” the expert stated.

“But I think Anne has seen what a tremendous support Camilla is to Charles: the King is certainly lucky to have two strong women either side of him, supporting him in his work and caring deeply about his welfare.”

She recently received an Honorary Doctorate of Literature
While Camilla has won over many of the Royals, Jennie notes that she’s yet to win favour with stepson Prince Harry. She concluded: “It’s not easy being a second wife, a stepmother, a step grandmother, or a commoner stepping into the royal goldfish bowl. Camilla has done it all and, for almost all the family, with the exception of Harry and Meghan, she is loved or at least well-liked and has become a key player in the institution of monarchy.”

Recently celebrating a unique moment, Her Majesty was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Literature on 20 November, an accolade that her sister-in-law, Princess Anne, had the delight of presenting at the University of London.

In what was a comparatively infrequent joint appearance, the senior royals posed for official photographs, with Camilla receiving the prestigious honour. Holding the role of Chancellor of the University of London, Princess Anne, aged 72, directed the ceremony at the Senate House venue in Bloomsbury. Commanding the stage, she summoned Camilla, age 77, to inscribe her signature in a significant book and accept her doctorate, subsequently joining together for a photo session.

Camilla, throughout her Royal engagements, has fervently advocated for literacy and literary work, supporting numerous related charities and even establishing her own reading initiative, The Queen’s Reading Room.

The occasion spotlighted not only Camilla’s passion for literature but also her increasingly warm rapport with Anne.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are at the centre of a new German documentary, set to be released in a matter of days – and it looks set to cause a bit of a stir

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be back in the spotlight in the coming weeks thanks to a new documentary from Germany.

On 3 December, the German network ZDF will air Prince Harry – The Lost Prince, which promises to take a closer look at the couple’s life in Montecito and their search for relevance following their exit from royal life in January 2020.

It has been made by award-winning Ulrike Grunewald, who travelled to California with a team to gather insights from the neighbourhood where Harry and Meghan live with their two children.

The film explores the divide in public opinion about Harry and Meghan – and the impact of their sudden exit from royal life. “The Royal Family has to deal with difficult developments and regroup after ‘Megxit’, the death of the Queen and Charles and Kate’s cancer. What role will Harry play in the future?” ZDF has stated.

At the time they quit royal life, Harry and Meghan were criticised in many quarters of the German media. The Süddeutsche Zeitung newspaper said: “Meghan and Harry’s decision is an affront to tradition and the expectations of the British public,” via the Daily Mail. And Die Welt newspaper said: “The withdrawal of Harry and Meghan is a slap in the face of the monarchy and its supporters.”

Ahead of the documentary’s release, filmmaker Ulrike told the Express that the programme will also scrutinise Meghan’s evolving reputation – something that might not sit well with the Duchess.

“She [Meghan] might be embarrassed about the amount of criticism she now gets even in communities that used to back her after the decision to leave the Royal Family as a working member,” she said.

Ulrike further noted that while many individuals involved with Prince Harry’s Invictus Games have allegedly questioned Meghan’s role and attitude, others remain hopeful about the couple’s potential.

“At the moment it is hard to see any big achievement of their Archewell Foundation, which claims to work for the improvement of communities,” she said. “But there are still voices who see the high potential of the couple not only for the British monarchy but also for a liberal society.”

Certainly Harry’s future role will come under careful examination. In the promotional material for the documentary, ZDF stated: “Even in his self-imposed exile in Montecito, California, he remains a figure of public interest. His commitment to charitable organisations – such as the Invictus Games he founded for wounded servicemen and women – always puts him in the spotlight.”

However, the documentary will also touch on Harry’s shift from being a beloved royal to a hugely polarising figure: “King Charles’s second-born, once the Windsors’ most popular royal for a time, is now a controversial figure. He has always struggled with his role as a ‘reserve’.”

The Prince of Wales delivered an inspiring speech at the Tusk wildlife awards ceremony where he shared his worries and hopes for the planet amid climate change – before teaming up with Rolling Stones icon, Ronnie Wood

Prince William was a rock ‘n’ royal star as he teamed up with music legends to help wildlife conservation.

The prince handed out three awards to winners at his 12th annual Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy, in London. He was helped by Rolling Stones icon Ronnie Wood and Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler and met during a pre-wards reception.

Tusk ambassador Wood, 77, previously sold a gorilla statue to raise funds for Tusk and Knopfler, 77, auctioned his guitars which raised £600,000 for the charity. William said there ‘is a lot of creativity here’ and joked they had enough to start band.

William said: “My youngest is learning the drums that’s why I spend my entire life with my fingers in my ears.” Ronnie also told him that the gorilla auctioned for Tusk was given back to him and now sits in his garden.

Prince William met with Rolling Stones legend, Ronnie Wood ( 
Image:
POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Film producer Sally Humphreys Wood, 46, told William that she met his father the King last week at a BAFTA bash at Buckingham Palace. And Knopfler, who was with wife Kittie Aldridge, 62, said he has 100 guitars left and hailed Christie’s for the auction for Tusk earlier this year.

William said to the rock stars ‘thank you for your support.” He also spoke to sponsors including Land Rover and DHL about his Earthshot Prize in Cape Town.

Hearing from Nick Maugham Family foundation about conserving rare bongo (cor) antelopes, of which only around 100 remain in the wild, William said: “People forget how rare they are.”

Hearing the organisations efforts William said he was very ‘excited” and hailed it as a ‘huge conservation success.’ Speaking about his Earthshot Prize he told guests: “We have to scale it up and I’m working on a few things.”

William was seen chatting with the music legend at the event ( 
Image:
PA)
In his speech William, royal patron of Tusk, warned “tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face terrifying environmental concerns”. He hailed the award winners for reminding “us of the importance of living at peace with nature”.

And speaking of George, Charlotte and Louis, he said: “I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia.”

William also presented the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa to Nomba Gname, The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa to Edward Aruna and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award to Claver Ntoyinkima – who works for Prince Harry’s Africa Parks.

Teenage photographer Liz Hatton – who inspired the Princess of Wales after pursuing a photography bucket list while facing a rare form of cancer – has died, her mother has announced

A young cancer patient who met the Princess of Wales after pursuing a photography bucket list has sadly died.

Liz Hatton passed away aged just 17, less than a year after being diagnosed with incurable desmoplastic small round cell tumour. Only 12 cases are found a year and and doctors said the inspirational teenager from Harrogate had six months to three years to live, depending on the effectiveness of chemotherapy.

Her mother Vicky Robayna has now paid tribute to her “incredible daughter” and the “kindness, empathy and courage” she showed. She added that there was now “a gaping Liz-shaped hole in our lives that I am not sure how we will ever fill”.

She stated: “Our lovely Liz died in the early hours of this morning. She remained determined to her last. Even yesterday she was telling me that I had better get nurses sorted so she could do more things. She went out in a blaze of glory with almost everyone she cared about seeing her for the last time at her exhibition last week.”

Liz and guests attending the Liz Hatton photography exhibition in London ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

Liz, had written a bucket list of things she wanted to achieve, including getting her pictures published in magazines. She hit the headlines when she got a hug from the Princess of Wales after being given permission to shoot behind the scenes of an investiture at Windsor Castle.

Liz was joined at the investiture by her mother, stepfather Aaron and brother Mateo, and afterwards she was invited to have tea with the Waleses. She said of meeting the royals at the time: “I never thought I would get to do anything as massive as this. When I did my bucket list I just put some ideas down. I didn’t even think any of these things would happen.”

Last month she worked alongside press photographers at the premiere of Venom: The Last Dance. She was even snapping away on the red carpet of the Royal Variety Show last Friday.

Ms Robayna has offered her thanks to those who helped the teenager fulfil her dreams in her final months and those who liked and supported her work, adding: “You ensured Liz’s last two months were her very best. She flew high until the end.”

Liz alongside the press photographers during the UK Premiere of “Venom: The Last Dance” ( 
Image:
WireImage)

Liz hugging the Princess of Wales
She asked people to share one of Liz’s photos in tribute, under the hashtag LizHatton, and also to support the family’s mission to fund research into Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, which has no charity specialising in the disease in the UK. Vicky has set up a fundraising page with a goal of raising £100,000.

Kate, who herself was treated for cancer this year, and William, in a personal message earlier in the autumn, described Liz as a “talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both”.

As part of her bucket list, she went on to photograph comedian Michael McIntyre, circus performers, the Royal Ballet, models from the Storm Model Agency, the London Air Ambulances from a helipad, hotel doormen, the red carpet at the MTV Europe Music Awards, and joined acclaimed British photographer Rankin to lead a fashion shoot.

Rankin previously paid tribute to her skill, telling the BBC: “The photos Liz has created… are really sophisticated images… She understands that it’s a creation.” He added: “It’s been a real privilege actually, watching her. I’ve been pretty redundant. She did exactly what an experienced photographer would do. Got involved, gave people directions, almost became the captain of the ship.”

Liz fulfilled what her mother described as her “biggest wish”, spending two days with Los Angeles-based portrait photographer David Suh, who flew from the US to work with her. Her project culminated in her own photography exhibition in London this month, showcasing her work.

Ms Robayna had revealed two days ago that Liz had become increasingly tired and how they were due to be celebrating Christmas early as a family at the end of this week, adding: “We know our time is short now.”

The former Harrogate Grammar School student had launched her own website devoted to her photography. It tells how she began taking photographs as soon as she could walk, saved to buy her first “real” camera aged nine and, at 11, chose her secondary school because they offered photography as a course.

She took GCSE photography and began her A-level to refine her skill. Taking photographs also helped Liz cope with her constant pain. “Every time she picks up her camera and focuses on new and exciting shoots it helps to distract her from the constant pain that she feels every second of every day. When taking photographs, the rest of the world doesn’t seem to matter as much,” the site said.

Queen Camilla recently suffered a very upsetting loss in the build-up to Christmas – and her husband King Charles’s Highgrove home will include a special tribute

King Charles’s country retreat Highgrove has been decked out for Christmas with festive decorations and twinkling lights – and this year it will also include a touching tribute following a recent loss for the royal family.

Among the tree ornaments is an embroidered motif of Beth, Queen Camilla’s beloved Jack Russell, who sadly died on 18 November, leaving the Queen ‘heartbroken.’ Beth, 13, had to be put down after it was discovered that she had cancer. It was a devastating decision for Camilla, who had adopted her as a puppy in 2011 from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home when Beth was just 12 weeks old.

Announcing the sad news on social media, Buckingham Palace posted: “A sad farewell to Beth, the Queen’s much-loved companion from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who brought such joy, whether on walkies, helping on official duties or curled up by the fire.” In the wake of Beth’s passing, Charles and Camilla have made the big decision to welcome another dog into their home.

The King confirmed the news during his solo appearance at the Royal Variety Show on 22 November. Queen Camilla was unable to attend because she was experiencing “lingering post-viral” symptoms from a recent chest infection. Amanda Holden, who hosted the event with Alan Carr, later said: “We mentioned Her Majesty and we wished her well and I gave condolences for the doggy.”I felt for her, I really felt for her when that happened. He said ‘we’re going to get a new one’.”

It’s likely that the new dog will also come from Battersea; the Queen is a patron of the animal charity where she first adopted Beth, alongside her other Jack Russell dog, Bluebell. Meanwhile, fans are now able to get their hands on the Christmas decoration made in Beth’s likeness, alongside a second depicting Bluebell, from the official Highgrove shop. Costing £12.95 each, they show the dogs wearing bandanas embellished with crowns, and were introduced in September as part of a long-planned addition to the Christmas range – before news of Beth’s illness was known, via Hello.

Dogs have been loyal companions to many members of the royal family; Camilla’s were so dear to her that her Bruce Oldfield Coronation gown featured emblems of Beth and Bluebell in gold embroidery. Of course, the late Queen was also a known animal lover, and had a love of corgis that stemmed all the way back to her childhood. Having first shared a corgi puppy with her sister Princess Margaret, the monarch received Susan, the first corgi of her own, for her 18th birthday in 1944. Her bond with the dog was so strong that she even took her on her honeymoon with Prince Philip in 1947 and she would go on to have more than 30 corgis during her lifetime, all of which she bred from Susan.

The Queen’s corgis famously went wherever she went – from palace to palace, and on helicopters, trains, and in limousines. At Christmas at Sandringham they reportedly each had their own stocking, filled by the Queen herself. Princess Diana is said to have coined the phrase “a moving carpet” to describe the jumble of dogs that would precede the monarch when she entered a room. The Queen, meanwhile, is said to have called them “the girls” and “the boys”. In all her years of breeding, the monarch never sold any of her puppies. All stayed with her, or were given to breeders, relatives or friends.

Prince William was among the guests at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London on Wednesday and he spoke about his family whilst at the annual awards ceremony this week

It has been revealed by Prince William this week that his youngest child Prince Louis has been learning to play the drums, though he made a teasing remark about his son.

Prince William, 42, spoke about his family whilst at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London on Wednesday. He’s the royal patron of the charity Tusk, which annually honours conservation efforts in Africa with the awards ceremony.

He was joined at the Savoy Hotel by the likes of the Rolling Stones member Ronnie Wood and Dire Straits guitarist Mark Knopfler, whom he met at a reception ahead of the ceremony. Prince William said there was “a lot of creativity” present and joked that they had enough to start a band.

Prince William went on to discuss his son Prince Louis, six – who is the youngest of his three children with Princess Kate – nurturing a potential musical talent himself. Teasing over it, Prince William said: “My youngest is learning the drums that’s why I spend my entire life with my fingers in my ears.”

As previously reported, in his speech at the ceremony, Prince William warned that the event is a “reminder that our planet continues to face terrifying environmental concerns”. He hailed the winners on the evening for reminding “us of the importance of living at peace with nature”.

Prince William was among the presenters at the Tusk Conservation Awards 2024 in London this week ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
Prince William also mentioned his children, sharing a vision for the future that he wants Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, nine, and Prince George to inherit. He said: “I want my children to live in a world where swallows still migrate, gorillas still live in the cloud forests of Uganda and rhinos still roam the arid rangelands of Namibia.”

He also said: “It is only through a collaborative approach, under the guidance of indigenous and local communities, that we can foster lasting and meaningful change. I believe we are the lucky ones. We live in a world in which incredible wildlife exists and I want that for the generations that follow.”

He spoke about his family, which includes wife Princess Kate (centre left) and their kids Prince George (left), Prince Louis (centre) and Princess Charlotte (right), at the event ( 
Image:
Getty Images)Speaking at the event on Wednesday night, King Charles III ‘s eldest son said that now was the time to support those working to protect wildlife and the environment. Addressing guests at the awards ceremony, he said: “Rainforests the size of countries are disappearing. And one million species are at risk of extinction mostly due to human activity.”

Prince William continued with a further message for those listening to his speech. He added at the event: “Now is the time to support those globally that work to prevent future generations from becoming disconnected from nature, we must invest in the natural world around us and understand the value it has for us all, both now and in the future.”

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have recently been making more and more solo public appearances – and a PR crisis management expert has weighed in on why this might be the case and how they can ensure success in 2025

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle look set to make very important public appearances next week.

But rather than appearing side-by-side, the once inseperable pair are going solo yet again with events that are coasts apart. Next Wednesday (December 4), Meghan is expected to appear at a glitzy Hollywood party honouring her celeb pal Tyler Perry. Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in New York, Harry will be at The New York Times DealBook Conference.

The surprising diary decision is just the latest in a string of solo appearances for the couple; a marked difference from just two years ago when Meghan once likened herself and her husband to salt and pepper as they always “move together”.

The couple in a rare joint apperance in a video message last month ( 
Image:
archewell_sussex_ /Instagram)
The Sussexes’ professional distance has increased since they embarked on a joint tour of Colombia in the summer. Sources close to the couple say it shows their new “twin-track approach” with Harry focusing on his charity endeavours and Meghan on her entrepreneurial projects and business, such as her brand, American Rivieria Orchard.

But could there be a more strategic reason for more separate public appearances? According to PR and crisis expert Ed Coram-James, it could be all down to a bid to save their brand. And he has a stern warning for the couple.

The CEO of marketing agency Go Up told the Mirror: “Meghan and Harry’s brand has been tainted beyond repair. The relentless media backlash, fuelled by their misguided PR moves, has left them in a position where joint branding is no longer viable. Harry’s attempts to reclaim his reputation after stepping back from royal duties are overshadowed by his relationship with Meghan, whose own controversies — be it with her family or her public opinions — have made them a lightning rod for criticism.

Meghan in a solo appearance on the red carpet at a charity gala ( 
Image:
Getty)
“If Meghan and Harry want to make 2025 their year, they should focus on what they do best and take a break from their joint projects. Meghan should lean into her strengths — her acting career, her philanthropic work, and her brand as a trailblazer for women’s rights.

“She could easily tap into Hollywood again, using her acting experience, without the baggage of being a Duchess. Acting offers her the opportunity to shape her image, far from the royal narrative that has been forced upon her. A carefully constructed acting comeback could help her rebuild a fanbase and create a new, more positive legacy.

“Harry, on the other hand, should double down on his work with veterans and conservation. He’s been genuinely committed to these causes, like his beloved Invictus Games, long before all the royal drama, and they continue to resonate with people. His role as a war veteran and conservation advocate provides authenticity, which is something the public values.”

Meghan is gearing up to launch her brand American Rivieria Orchard next year, while Harry’s Invictus Games will take place in February in Vancouver and Whistler in Canada. And Ed believes there is a simple way forward for the couple if he were to advise them – and how they can achieve their professional goals.

He explained: “Beyond business, Meghan is already making strides in the philanthropic space. We saw her success with the Archewell Foundation and her ongoing work around gender equality, mental health, and racial justice. She needs to double down on these areas but with less spectacle. More grassroots work, fewer headlines. If she avoids overexposing herself — a la Netflix or Spotify deals — and focuses on deeply meaningful work, Meghan could carve out a legacy that stands the test of time.

“As for Harry, his best path forward might be to establish more independence from Meghan in terms of his public and professional life. He’s the only one who can salvage his career and legacy. By staying true to his work with veterans, conservation, and mental health, Harry could leave the toxic circus behind.

“Let’s face it — his association with Meghan will always be seen as a liability in the eyes of many. He needs to go solo and focus on causes that matter to him, leaving the stories about his marriage and Royal Family behind.”

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be standing firm when it comes to moving away from California, after they made a decision over their son Archie’s schooling

The relocation of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s close friend Ellen DeGeneres to the UK this month has sparked speculation about whether the Royal couple would follow suit and return to Harry’s homeland. However, according to former BBC Royal correspondent Jennie Bond, the pair are standing their ground on remaining in California and have no plans to relocate to the UK or elsewhere. This decision is reinforced by their recent choice to enrol their five year old son Archie in a Californian school, indicating that the family is now firmly settled in the US. “I don’t think they have any plans to move from California,” Jennie revealed to OK!.

She added: “They seem to love their life there…Sun, sea and freedom have a lot to offer. Meghan loves being close to her mother, who plays a big part in their lives. The children are settled and Harry has said he now regards the United States as home, and when he does come back to the UK he spends the shortest possible amount of time here before flying off again.”

Meghan and Harry are said to be settled in California and are building roots in the state ( 
Image:
Archewell Foundation via Getty Images)
Although Ellen’s move may be a disappointment for the couple, Jennie anticipates potential holidays for the friends. “I’m sure they’ll miss Ellen…but maybe they will stay with her if they ever come visiting. But that’s not going to happen while Harry remains in litigation over security. So…I don’t foresee any move from California…except to holiday in their Portugal home,” she said.

Ellen and her wife, Portia De Rossi, reportedly fled the US following Donald Trump’s election triumph, much like Meghan and Harry, who are also believed to be dissatisfied with the electoral outcome. However, they aren’t letting it drive them away, according to Jennie, who shared: “The Sussexes are living in a very liberal, Democratic part of the United States – and in one of the most expensive and protected areas of California. So I think they can live a life pretty cocooned from Trumpite America. They will obviously not be happy with the result of the election, but I doubt if it is enough for them to uproot their family and move elsewhere.”

They have also made the decision to enrol their children, currently Archie, in school in the US. ( 
Image:
Netflix)

The couple will celebrate their fourth Christmas in the States next month. Meghan recently gave a sneak peek into their holiday spirit when chatting with Marie Claire, saying, “I love the holidays. [The children] are now three and five, so every year it gets better. At first, I think as a mom with children you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year.”

Harry and Meghan shocked fans when they quit royal life in January 2020 – but it was another Sussex announcement that is said to have made the late Queen especially angry

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made the late Queen as “angry as I’d seen her” over one of their major announcements, according to a palace staffer. The Sussexes quit royal life in January 2020, less than two years after their wedding. The following June they welcomed their second child, a daughter they chose to name Lilibet Diana. The moniker certainly raised eyebrows amongst royal fans. Lilibet was the Queen’s affectionate nickname stemming back to when she was a young girl. It’s thought it came about because the young Princess Elizabeth was unable to pronounce her own name properly.

‘Lilibet’ was only used by a handful of people closest to the Queen; her parents King George VI and the Queen Mother, her late sister Princess Margaret, her husband Prince Philip, and a few close friends. As such, there was speculation at the time about whether Harry and Meghan had sought prior permission from Her Majesty. The BBC said it had been told by a source at the palace that the Queen had not been asked, while other publications stated that when she was called by the couple, she did not feel in a position to say ‘no’.

However, a spokesperson for the Sussexes insisted that the couple would not have used the name had the Queen not been ‘supportive’. A statement said, “The duke spoke with his family in advance of the announcement – in fact his grandmother was the first family member he called. During that conversation, he shared their hope of naming their daughter Lilibet in her honour. Had she not been supportive, they would not have used the name.”

But, according to author Robert Hardman in his book Charles III: New King, New Court. The Inside Story, one member of staff “privately recalled that Elizabeth II had been ‘as angry as I’d ever seen her’ in 2021 after the Sussexes announced that she had given them her blessing to call their baby daughter ‘Lilibet’, the Queen’s childhood nickname”.

“The couple subsequently fired off warnings of legal action against anyone who dared to suggest otherwise, as the BBC had done. However, when the Sussexes tried to co-opt the Palace into propping up their version of events, they were rebuffed. Once again, it was a case of ‘recollections may vary’ – the late Queen’s reaction to the Oprah Winfrey interview – as far as Her Majesty was concerned. Those noisy threats of legal action duly evaporated and the libel actions against the BBC never materialised.” The Queen was able to meet her great-granddaughter Lilibet before she passed away – despite the fact the Sussexes live in the States. But she wanted to ensure it was a private family affair.

In June 2022, Harry, Meghan and their children travelled to London to attend the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and it was during this visit that the monarch was able to meet her namesake for the first time. According to multiple reports, Harry and Meghan had requested they be allowed to bring a photographer into Windsor Castle to capture the sweet moment. But the Queen was firm in her decision and they were told, unequivocally, ‘no’.

Following Harry and Meghan’s controversial interview with Oprah Winfrey , there were fears any photos of the Queen and Lilibet taken by the couple’s photographer would be shared by them with American TV networks. An insider told the Sun: “An insider said: “Harry and Meghan wanted their photographer to capture the moment Lilibet met the Queen. But they were told no chance. It was a private family meeting.”