Watch the video above for a royal expert on Meghan and Harry’s Christmas dilemma

 

PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle’s ‘star power’ as a couple is dwindling, according to a PR expert.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have undertaken a number of solo engagements lately, and Mark Borkowski claims Harry is going back to his “Royal Family formula”.

Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

Prince Harry attended s a Sentebale reception in Johannesburg, South Africa this monthCredit: Getty

 

A PR expert has claimed Prince Harry is ‘going back to basics with a formula that worked for him in the royal family’Credit: Getty
At the start of this month, solo Prince Harry jetted to Lesotho in Africa in honour of his charity, Sentebale.

This followed a brief visit to the UK to hail a group of “little legends” honoured at an awards ceremony.

During the trip he did not see his father the King, or have any contact with his brother, Prince William.

Harry also recently attended a string of events in New York unaccompanied by his wife, and also did a surprise TV stint and tour of a haunted maze on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex stunned at the LA Children’s Hospital gala in early October, sporting a red gown she had upcycled from a previous event.

PR guru Mark Borkowski told Best magazine: “There has been a separation [of their work] for a while.

“Harry is ‘going back to basics’ with a formula that worked well for him as a Royal Family member, but there’s also the realisation that the couple’s ‘star power’ wasn’t as successful as they hoped.

“They had to change the narrative.”

Post-royal ventures

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal duties in 2020, and relocated to California, where they now live with their kids Archie, four, and Lilibet, two.

While they no longer do official royal visits, they have kept busy with a number of ventures, including a £82million Netflix deal and a now-defunct £15million Spotify deal.

MEG MYSELF & I Meghan Markle makes surprise appearance without Harry as couple ‘continue to live separate lives’

The couple underwent a joint tour to Colombia in August and we also pictured together the day before Prince Harry’s birthday at the George Zajfen Tennis Tournament in Los Angeles.

However, Harry celebrated the night of his milestone 40th birthday without Meghan.

The duke went on a hiking trip with pals to celebrate his big day, leaving his wife and their kids at home.

Prince Harry spoke about social media’s impact on children’s mental health at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) on September 24Credit: Getty

 

The PR expert claimed Meghan and Harry’s couple star power is dwindlingCredit: Getty

 

Meghan dazzled on the red carpet at the 2024 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) Gala this monthCredit: The Mega Agency
Sources close to the couple insist it was Meghan who organised the lads’ trip.

Their separate plans, followed by Harry’s solo trips across the past few weeks, has sparked speculation surrounding their relationship.

However, a Sussex confidante addressed rumours, insisting: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

With the new term at Lambrook School now well underway, royal fans have been lucky to have seen three royal siblings on numerous occasions so far this year.

Despite their mum Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, have still been able to put on a brave face and make plenty of memories this summer.

Although royal events for the family have been few and far between this year, it is safe to say the three children have not failed to put a smile on the faces of royal fans, particularly Prince Louis.

Royal fans have also been given more insight into the life of the royal children than ever before this year, with behind-the-scenes videos showing what family life is really like for the Wales’ children.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Princess Charlotte telling Prince Louis off for dancing

Trooping the Colour this year was a big deal for the Royal Family as it marked the Princess of Wales’ first return to the spotlight since her cancer diagnosis. While Prince William was riding on horseback for the celebrations, Princess Kate was kept company by her three children and looked so happy to be back on the royal stage with them.

However, like at most royal events, Prince Louis seemed to be in a cheeky mood much to the amusement of his mum. Princess Charlotte on the other hand was quick to step up and tell the young prince off.

As he watched the parade from a balcony, Prince Louis decided to begin dancing in time to the music, however was quickly stopped by his sister Princess Charlotte, who is well-known for keeping her brothers in check at royal events. The sweet interaction put a smile on Kate’s face as she sat back and took in the parade.

Princess Charlotte was quick to tell her brother off at a royal event this year (Image: Karwai Tang/WireImage) 

Trending

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Father’s Day photo

Although not a royal event, it is easy to say that the photo released by the Princess of Wales to mark Father’s Day was a special sibling moment this year as the children issued their first statement on the family Instagram.

Along with a photograph of them all hugging their father Prince William and looking out to sea, the royal siblings wrote: “We love you, Papa. Happy Father’s Day.”

The picture, taken on a beach in Norfolk, sent royal fans into a frenzy with many calling the picture “beautiful”.

Prince William with his three children at the beach (Image: Instagram/ The Prince and Princess of Wales) 

An evening watching Taylor Swift

A photograph shared by the Prince and Princess of Wales of the couple’s two eldest children meeting Taylor Swift took the internet by storm.

After performing at Wembley, Taylor took the time to meet up with her old friend William and his children, with the group even snapping a smiley selfie together.

Although Prince Louis was at home with his mother, George and Charlotte were all smiles at meeting the pop star with their dad and royal fans were quick to take to social media in delight after seeing the photograph.

One fan wrote: “Charlotte looks star stuck and fan girling. Omg she’s so a swifie, it’s too cute!!”

Another said: “Best picture ever! What a memory that will be to treasure forever!”

Jumping for joy

Another photo of the three siblings with their dad Prince William was released this year by The Princess of Wales to mark his birthday.

In another photo taken at the family’s happy place in Norfolk, the three siblings and their dad can be seen holding hands and jumping in the air together with big beaming smiles.

The moment, captured by Kate, was liked by over one million people on Instagram and is one of the most casual photographs to ever be released to mark a senior member of the Royal Family’s birthday.

The family appeared all smiles in another new photograph released this year (Image: Kensington Palace) 

Football memories

While Prince George accompanied his father to The UEFA European Football Championship final in Germany this summer, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis watched the game from the comfort of the sofa.

In a cute picture shared by Kate, the siblings sat side by side in personalised England shirts as they watched the game together.

The photograph is one of very few taken from inside the family’s home in Windsor.

Special video appearance

The sixth and perhaps most special sibling moment this year was in the video released on Monday by the Princess of Wales to mark the end of her chemotherapy.

In the video, which was just over three minutes long, the siblings can be seen enjoying plenty of sweet moments together including playing cards, clambering over logs, running around and splashing in the waves. However, the sweetest sibling moment came when the three were messing around on a picnic blanket in front of the camera.

Prince George gets up close to the camera to find out whether it is on, with Prince Louis quickly jumping in to say “hello” to the lens. Princess Charlotte can then be heard giggling in the background before she also sticks her head in front of the camera and smiles. The clip is one of the most natural moments of the royal siblings ever captured and shared with the public.

The siblings featured heavily in the new video released by the Princess of Wales (Image: Will Warr) 

With the children now back at school, it is unlikely we will see as much of the siblings before the annual Christmas Sandringham walkabout later this year.

Princess Kate is also expected to return to royal duties gradually after taking time away from work after her cancer diagnosis earlier this year.

Michael Buerk described the late Liam Payne as a ‘drugged up, faded, boy band singer’

Michael Buerk has faced a backlash after he described the late Liam Payne as a ‘drugged-up, faded, boy band singer’.

The One Direction musician, 31, died after he fell 45ft to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony on October 16.

But Buerk, 78, a former newsreader and Moral Maze presenter, took exception to the BBC’s coverage of the tragic death.

Asked on the Radio 4’s Today programme about how foreign journalism had changed, he said: ‘There was more of an appetite for seriousness. It was only last week this programme decided that the most important thing that had happened in the world was that a drugged up, faded, boy band singer had fallen off a balcony.

‘Even the 10 O’clock News, which is normally good on these things, thought it was the second most important thing that happened in the world.’

The insensitive comments faced criticism from listeners .

Jenny Landreth wrote on X: ‘Blimey. Michael Buerk on #R4today expressing his surprise that the death of a ‘drugged-up fading boyband member’ led the news. He seemed so … disdainful.’

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead after the 31 year old fell from the balcony of his third-floor room at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina

One Direction’s Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne in 2010

She added: ‘There was no need for him to be so dismissive, it just felt sneery.’

Stand-up comic and novelist Jenny Eclair simply replied: ‘Urgh’.

Another listener wrote: ‘As soon as I heard this on BBC Radio 4 I was sure Michael Buerk would be trending unfavorably.’

One critic of Mr Buerk said that he was ‘stuck in the past’, and compared the journalist to ‘a dinosaur’.

But the former foreign correspondent’s comments were defended by some.

Richard Butterworth wrote on social media: ‘Thanks, Mr Buerk, for putting into perspective on R4 the hyperbole over Liam Payne. While not wishing to speak ill of the dead, or belittle the grief of the deceased’s young followers, the media overkill attending Payne’s misadventure at such a momentous time was ridiculous.’

Mr Buerk, who took part in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2014, made the controversial remarks on the 40th anniversary of his Ethiopian famine reports.

Asked about the change in television news, he told presenter Amol Rajan: ‘We didn’t have the 24-hour news cycle, which means reporters spend a lot more of their time on rooftops opinionizing rather than finding out what the story is.’

‘I think there was a wider agenda and wider appetite. If you look at the news these days, they seem to be hammering away at the same half dozen stories. While whole continents go unmentioned for months after months.’

The 78-year-old former newsreader and Moral Maze presenter took exception to the BBC ‘s coverage of the tragic death

Droves of fans arrived at the scene in Buenos Aires in the wake of Liam Payne’s death

Shocked fans gather behind a cordon outside the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires

Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most popular boy bands in history. The group was formed on reality competition series The X Factor in 2010, where Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson each auditioned as solo acts before joining the five-piece group.

The singer was pronounced dead on October 16, after emergency services responded to a hotel manager’s call about an ‘aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.’

The final days of the One Direction star will be explored in a Hulu documentary which will air later today.

The special, titled One Direction: Liam Payne’s Final Days, will feature interviews with former X Factor contestants including Mary Byrne.

Tributes have flooded in for the late singer and vigils have been held across the world in London, Glasgow, Paris, Sydney and New York to celebrate his life.

Earlier this week, Argentine police and prosecutors investigating the tragedy said they were treating the star’s death as ‘inconclusive’.

Preliminary results from toxicology tests of Mr Payne’s remains found traces of cocaine, benzodiazepine, crack cocaine and ‘pink cocaine’ — a combination of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA.

While tests on the substances — white powder, traces of chemical crystals and prescription medicines — found at his suite at the boutique hotel continue, results from a post mortem of his body have been completed.

It determined that the singer died instantly from multiple injuries after falling 45ft from the third floor.

Argentine news website Infobae reported: ‘A forensic study carried out in Liam’s body determined the presence of cocaine.

‘A test carried out by the [Buenos Aires] City Police on the substance found on Liam’s room table have not confirmed the white powder as cocaine.

Forensic teams combing the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires where Payne fell to his death

Tearful fans outside the Buenos Aires hotel console each other and connect on social media

Liam Payne performs at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on October 13, 2018

Fans place candles outside the the Casa Sur Hotel during a vigil for the star

‘A second test is to follow to determine the nature of the drug.’

Mr Payne’s body will not be released to his father Geoff Payne until all examinations have been concluded, according to Argentine judicial sources.

Mr Payne Snr is expected to stay in Buenos Aires until he can bring back his son’s body in person.

A funeral is expected to take place in Britain in November.

Meanwhile, more than 65,000 people have signed a petition calling for new legislation, known as ‘Liam’s Law,’ to protect the mental health of artists in the music industry following the death of Liam Payne.

The proposed law would mandate regular mental health check-ups, sufficient rest periods and the availability of mental health professionals on set, as well as ongoing support throughout an artist’s career.

One of Liam Payne’s final selfies in Buenos Aires was captioned: ‘Lovely day in Argentina’

Fans of One Direction and Liam Payne grieve together outside the hotel where he fell to his death

Seeking solace in one another, a crowd of devastated fans gathered after the news broke

The petition, launched anonymously on October 18 by a fan named Day KV on Change.org, states: ‘The entertainment industry must be held accountable and take responsibility for the well-being of its artists.

‘Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high.

‘According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.’

‘Such a law would necessitate regular mental health check-ups, adequate rest periods, and the presence of mental health professionals on-set, including any ongoing support during their career.

‘It will ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working environment for artists to cultivate their talents reducing psychological distress.

‘This would also include early interventions to protect and minimise before it’s too late. It adds: ‘Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide.

‘Please, sign the petition.’

Michael Buerk described the late Liam Payne as a ‘drugged up, faded, boy band singer’

Michael Buerk has faced a backlash after he described the late Liam Payne as a ‘drugged-up, faded, boy band singer’.

The One Direction musician, 31, died after he fell 45ft to his death from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony on October 16.

But Buerk, 78, a former newsreader and Moral Maze presenter, took exception to the BBC’s coverage of the tragic death.

Asked on the Radio 4’s Today programme about how foreign journalism had changed, he said: ‘There was more of an appetite for seriousness. It was only last week this programme decided that the most important thing that had happened in the world was that a drugged up, faded, boy band singer had fallen off a balcony.

‘Even the 10 O’clock News, which is normally good on these things, thought it was the second most important thing that happened in the world.’

The insensitive comments faced criticism from listeners .

Jenny Landreth wrote on X: ‘Blimey. Michael Buerk on #R4today expressing his surprise that the death of a ‘drugged-up fading boyband member’ led the news. He seemed so … disdainful.’

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne was found dead after the 31 year old fell from the balcony of his third-floor room at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina

One Direction’s Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne in 2010

She added: ‘There was no need for him to be so dismissive, it just felt sneery.’

Stand-up comic and novelist Jenny Eclair simply replied: ‘Urgh’.

Another listener wrote: ‘As soon as I heard this on BBC Radio 4 I was sure Michael Buerk would be trending unfavorably.’

One critic of Mr Buerk said that he was ‘stuck in the past’, and compared the journalist to ‘a dinosaur’.

But the former foreign correspondent’s comments were defended by some.

Richard Butterworth wrote on social media: ‘Thanks, Mr Buerk, for putting into perspective on R4 the hyperbole over Liam Payne. While not wishing to speak ill of the dead, or belittle the grief of the deceased’s young followers, the media overkill attending Payne’s misadventure at such a momentous time was ridiculous.’

Mr Buerk, who took part in I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2014, made the controversial remarks on the 40th anniversary of his Ethiopian famine reports.

Asked about the change in television news, he told presenter Amol Rajan: ‘We didn’t have the 24-hour news cycle, which means reporters spend a lot more of their time on rooftops opinionizing rather than finding out what the story is.’

‘I think there was a wider agenda and wider appetite. If you look at the news these days, they seem to be hammering away at the same half dozen stories. While whole continents go unmentioned for months after months.’

The 78-year-old former newsreader and Moral Maze presenter took exception to the BBC ‘s coverage of the tragic death

Droves of fans arrived at the scene in Buenos Aires in the wake of Liam Payne’s death

Shocked fans gather behind a cordon outside the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires

Payne rose to fame as a member of One Direction, one of the most popular boy bands in history. The group was formed on reality competition series The X Factor in 2010, where Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson each auditioned as solo acts before joining the five-piece group.

The singer was pronounced dead on October 16, after emergency services responded to a hotel manager’s call about an ‘aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.’

The final days of the One Direction star will be explored in a Hulu documentary which will air later today.

The special, titled One Direction: Liam Payne’s Final Days, will feature interviews with former X Factor contestants including Mary Byrne.

Tributes have flooded in for the late singer and vigils have been held across the world in London, Glasgow, Paris, Sydney and New York to celebrate his life.

Earlier this week, Argentine police and prosecutors investigating the tragedy said they were treating the star’s death as ‘inconclusive’.

Preliminary results from toxicology tests of Mr Payne’s remains found traces of cocaine, benzodiazepine, crack cocaine and ‘pink cocaine’ — a combination of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA.

While tests on the substances — white powder, traces of chemical crystals and prescription medicines — found at his suite at the boutique hotel continue, results from a post mortem of his body have been completed.

It determined that the singer died instantly from multiple injuries after falling 45ft from the third floor.

Argentine news website Infobae reported: ‘A forensic study carried out in Liam’s body determined the presence of cocaine.

‘A test carried out by the [Buenos Aires] City Police on the substance found on Liam’s room table have not confirmed the white powder as cocaine.

Forensic teams combing the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires where Payne fell to his death

Tearful fans outside the Buenos Aires hotel console each other and connect on social media

Liam Payne performs at Royal Randwick Racecourse in Sydney on October 13, 2018

Fans place candles outside the the Casa Sur Hotel during a vigil for the star

‘A second test is to follow to determine the nature of the drug.’

Mr Payne’s body will not be released to his father Geoff Payne until all examinations have been concluded, according to Argentine judicial sources.

Mr Payne Snr is expected to stay in Buenos Aires until he can bring back his son’s body in person.

A funeral is expected to take place in Britain in November.

Meanwhile, more than 65,000 people have signed a petition calling for new legislation, known as ‘Liam’s Law,’ to protect the mental health of artists in the music industry following the death of Liam Payne.

The proposed law would mandate regular mental health check-ups, sufficient rest periods and the availability of mental health professionals on set, as well as ongoing support throughout an artist’s career.

One of Liam Payne’s final selfies in Buenos Aires was captioned: ‘Lovely day in Argentina’

Fans of One Direction and Liam Payne grieve together outside the hotel where he fell to his death

Seeking solace in one another, a crowd of devastated fans gathered after the news broke

The petition, launched anonymously on October 18 by a fan named Day KV on Change.org, states: ‘The entertainment industry must be held accountable and take responsibility for the well-being of its artists.

‘Resultant issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, substance misuse and even suicide are alarmingly high.

‘According to research, performers are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from these issues compared to the general population.’

‘Such a law would necessitate regular mental health check-ups, adequate rest periods, and the presence of mental health professionals on-set, including any ongoing support during their career.

‘It will ensure a healthier, safer, and more conducive working environment for artists to cultivate their talents reducing psychological distress.

‘This would also include early interventions to protect and minimise before it’s too late. It adds: ‘Your signature could be a lifeline for these talented individuals, contributing to a larger movement of mental health awareness and care in industries worldwide.

Princess Diana would have insisted William and Harry set their feud aside to present award in her name, a royal expert has claimed as pair set to appear at memorial event, but not together.

The brothers will make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London tonight, but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually.

William is expected to give a speech in person to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary and present awards to 20 recipients. The Prince of Wales will appear at the awards event alone as his wife Kate is still recovering from abdominal surgery.

Harry, who lives in California, will then join a video call with the winners, according to reports. However, his involvement will only take place after his brother has left the ceremony.

But Ingrid Seward, the royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine says that the pair’s mother – who the evening is in tribute to – would have forced the warring brothers to reunite to celebrate the prize’s winners.

‘And if she failed, I think she would have insisted that they came together however briefly by speaking over the video link in order to celebrate the winners of the prize organised in her name,’ she told the Mirror.

+5

The brothers will make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London tonight, but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually

+5

Princess Diana, pictured with Prince William and Prince Harry on holiday in Majorca, Spain on August 10, 1987

+5

Ingrid Seward, the royal biographer and editor-in-chief of Majesty Magazine (pictured) says that the pair’s mother – who the evening is in tribute to – would have forced the warring brothers to reunite to celebrate the prize’s winners

‘She would understand that once again it will be the animosity between the brothers that grabs the media’s attention rather than the celebrated young winners. Some day Wills and Harry are going to have to confront one another. What a perfect opportunity this would have been to speak about their mother secure in the knowledge that they were 5,000 miles apart.’

The brothers’ reluctance to acknowledge each other’s presence at the event lays bare the depth of their feud as before their falling out they often appeared together in person to pose with the award winners.

The Diana Award is a charity set up to reflect the Princess of Wales’ belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Ms Seward added that their refusal to honour this confirms the depth of their continuing rift – but said them reuniting would have taken the focus away from the event.

She continued: ‘It is carefully timed so they don’t have the embarrassment of even having to acknowledge each other. Yet they are both honouring the award and their mother’s continuing legacy.

‘The timing confirms their continued animosity. William has no wish to confront his brother on a video screen. It would take the attention away from the point of the evening. It probably will anyway such is the interest in their continuing rift.’

The charity runs anti-bullying and mentoring programmes and recognises young people’s inspirational work.

Dr Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, told The Times: ‘It’s a privilege to have the support of both the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex — particularly as we mark our 25th anniversary year.’

While a spokesman for the award told The Telegraph that Harry will be a ‘key part’ of the celebration.

+5

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Diana Award’s at St James’ Palace on May 18, 2017

+5

Earl Spencer, Prince William, Prince Harry and Prince Charles follow the coffin to the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales

‘He is scheduled to speak with the award recipients, virtually, on the evening of the awards to celebrate their accomplishments,’ he said.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said: ‘The Prince [of Wales] will meet key staff and supporters of the Diana Award, before joining the ceremony where he will hear about the recipients’ work, make a short speech and present Legacy Awards to this year’s winners.’

The legacy award was introduced by The Diana Award in 2017 to celebrate the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, on the 20th anniversary of her death.

For most of their lives, the royal brothers have been close, united by the shared trauma of losing their mother who died aged 36 in a 1997 Paris car crash when William was 15 and Harry was 12.

But since Harry’s 2018 wedding to his wife Meghan Markle, relations between them have soured.

An explosive interview that the couple gave chat show host Oprah Winfrey in March 2021 marked a new low, while anecdotes about their relationship in  Harry’s bombshell memoir, Spare, which was released last year, also saw them grow further apart.

Meghan Markle has launched a luxury lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard with a glitzy Instagram video.

The Duchess of Sussex’s new project is said to have been in the works for more than a year – and will feature ‘all the things that are close to her heart’.

The flash company is set to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show featuring Meghan on Netflix – where she will be making and selling her own products. It will lead onto a book and blog to go alongside her cookery displays.

It is ununderstood that a trademark application has been made covering cutlery – knives forks spoons – cookbooks and electronic cookbooks, coffee, jams jellies and butters.

It also extends to a physical shop from which tableware, mugs, jams, tablecloths and recipe books could be sold.

In the new video, Meghan is seen whisking in a stunning rustic kitchen, while a woman’s hands are seen arranging pink and white flowers.

The announcement comes on the same night as Prince Harry and Prince William are set to make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London – but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually.

And it follows a trying week for the Royals – after Princess Kate was forced to admit to editing a photo of her and her children that she released on Mother’s Day after the world’s top picture and news agencies – including PA – ‘killed’ the image over claims it had been digitally manipulated.

An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.

+17

Meghan’s new project is said to have been in the works for more than a year – and feature ‘all the things that are close to her heart’

+17

The plush video comes alongside a series of nine cryptic Instagram posts, making up the logo of the brand alongside the name: ‘American Riviera Orchard Montecito’

The brand is set to work as an extension of her former lifestyle blog The Tig, an insider told Page Six Style

+17

The video starts with a washed-out video of a woman arranging white and pink pastel flowers

+17

It then fades to reveal Meghan cooking in a stunning kitchen, with copper pans hanging over her head as she whisks

‘The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix. Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams.

‘And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.’

The brand will focus on home, garden, food and general lifestyle wares.

The plush video comes alongside a series of nine cryptic Instagram posts, making up the logo of the brand alongside the name: ‘American Riviera Orchard Montecito’.

Comments have been disabled on the Instagram posts and the page links to a new website of the same name where people can enter their email address and ‘join the waitlist’.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told MailOnline: ‘The Sussexes in my opinion do nothing by accident and timing is often absolutely pivotal. We found that out one way over the weekend and we’ve now just been reminded that there may be more shots in their locker than some of us thought. And it’s no accident.

‘For years they’ve been unpredictable but they have been predictable in one sense, and that is the unerring timing when they believe it’s beneficial to get information out. They don’t do anything by accident.’

The announcement comes just hours before William is expected to give a speech in person to mark the Diana Legacy Award’s 25th anniversary and present awards to 20 recipients tonight. The Prince of Wales will appear at the awards event alone as his wife Kate is still recovering from abdominal surgery.

Harry, who lives in California, will then join a video call with the winners, according to reports. However, his involvement will only take place after his brother has left the ceremony.

+17

+17

The video continues with an image of a woman in a long dress, backlit through an Italian-style corridor leading outside.

+17

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, attends the ‘Keynote: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Narratives: How Women Lead On and Off the Screen,’ during the SXSW 2024 Conference

The brothers’ reluctance to acknowledge each other’s presence at the event lays bare the depth of their feud as before their falling out they often appeared together in person to pose with the award winners.

And the Montecito-based pair have had a busy day – also releasing a video to congratulate Dr. Joy Buolamwini, the winner of this year’s NAACP – Archewell Foundation Digital Civil Rights Award.

The computer scientist and activist was seen being surprise by the couple – as Meghan gushed that she was ‘an expert and inspiration’, with Harry adding that she is one of the world’s most ‘inspiring, passionate and impactful figures in AI’.

Meghan’s new venture is said to have been in the works for some time, with rumours of a commercial venture ‘genuine to who she is’ coming out last year.

Insiders claimed future projects for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will ‘reflect their differing professional interests and talents and are the result of significant thought about their future direction and careers’.

A source claimed: ‘They are both working on their own things. They are fully supportive of each other’s concepts and ideas, but they are different from one another, they have different meanings.’

The new show comes as Harry and Meghan are said to be working on ‘a bunch’ of new Netflix projects including a film and two other ‘unscripted’ projects.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a five-year agreement with the California-based streaming giant in 2020 worth an estimated $100million (£80million).

But there has been uncertainty over whether the deal will be renewed next year, especially after their £15million Spotify contract ended early in June last year.

Now, Netflix’s chief content officer Bela Bajaria has revealed that Harry and Meghan ‘actually have a bunch in development’ under their Archewell Productions arm.

+17

The Duchess of Sussex launched her ‘passion project’, a website called The Tig, back in 2014, naming it after her favourite Tignanello red wine

+17

To her devoted fans, Meghan opened up about her struggles of not fitting in during her time at High School, filling her lunch times with endless extra-curriculum activities just so she did not have to ‘eat lunch alone’

 According to The Times, Ms Bajaria told a Netflix promotional event in Hollywood that the Sussexes were working on ‘a couple of unscripted things’ – thought to be documentaries – plus a film and a series which are all in ‘very early development’.

Mr Fitzwilliams added: ‘We’ve only seen the video. We will judge the book, the blog and the cookery show when we see her cooking in the kitchen. To what extent she will become some form of master chef – now that is an totally different matter.

‘Nonetheless so far as they are concerned if this means they stay with Netflix – and this is actual proof of something they are doing for Netflix – for them it is absolutely pivotal.

‘If they lost Netflix they would be cast adrift and I’m not sure on either side of the Atlantic that that many people would want to rescue them.’

The company is set to work as an extension of her former lifestyle blog The Tig, an insider added to Page Six Style.

A source told the American site: ‘She’s been working on this for over a year and it’s all the things that are close to her heart — all the things she’s passionate about.’

The video starts with a washed-out video of a woman arranging white and pink pastel flowers.

It then fades to reveal Meghan cooking in a stunning kitchen, with copper pans hanging over her head as she whisks.

+17

The announcement comes on the same night as Prince Harry and Prince William are set to make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London

+17

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Diana Award’s at St James’ Palace on May 18, 2017

+17

+17

Prince Harry is set to appear by video call at a memorial event for Princess Diana in London today

It continues with an image of a woman in a long dress, backlit through an Italian-style corridor leading outside. 

The glamorous scenes are set against the strains of Nancy Wilson’s 1960 tune I Wish You Love.

The Tig was described as her ‘passion project after she launched it back in 2014, naming it after her favourite Tignanello red wine.

While up and running, the blog was filled with insights into the former actress’s life, including her relationship with her now estranged father and best friend Jessica Mulroney. 

To her devoted fans, Meghan opened up about her struggles of not fitting in during her time at High School, filling her lunch times with endless extra-curriculum activities just so she did not have to ‘eat lunch alone’.

She closed down The Tig after meeting Prince Harry.

It comes as the Sussex’s launch a major rebrand – relaunching their website, Sussex.com, earlier this year. 

The minimalist website has links to the Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as the controversial sussexroyal.com website launched in 2020 to coincide with their decision to step back as working royals.

+17

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at a premiere for the One Love film in Jamaica on January 23

+17

The couple’s six-part bombshell documentary ‘Harry and Meghan’ (pictured) was their first Netflix release in December 2022, which included a series of swipes at the Royal Family

It is thought the Duke and Duchess will use the site to share their personal and official updates, keeping people informed through the ‘News’ section.

READ MORE: Her ‘brutal’ twenties. Her ‘unladylike habits’. And the time she only had $40 in her bank account… Meghan Markle’s MOST revealing posts on her personal blog, The Tig. (Before she met Prince Harry) 

Their ‘About’ page reads: ‘The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy.

‘This includes: The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, ventures, and organizations which receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together.’

There is also a page dedicated to Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, detailing their backgrounds and achievements.

Prince Harry’s biography references his 10-years served in the British Armed Forces and as a New York Times bestselling author of Spare, ‘a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability and unflinching honesty’.

Meghan’s biography refers to her advocacy work, her career in the entertainment industry as a lead role in the TV series ‘Suits’ and as a NY Times bestselling author of children’s book ‘The Bench’ and ‘Together: Our Community Kitchen’.

Their biographies include the line: ‘They are committed to their mission: Show Up, Do Good. They hold the value that charitable work should not simply be ‘a handout, but rather a hand held’.

The Archewell Foundation was set up by the Duke and Duchess to ‘build meaningful initiatives’ and ‘drive long-term change’.

+17

+17

Kate posted the apology on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ Instagram account yesterday

Archewell Productions was founded in 2020 and is ‘dedicated to illuminating thought-provoking and diverse narratives that underscore our common humanity and celebrate community.’

The news comes after a difficult week for the Royal family.

Yesterday, Harry and Meghan broke their silence on the Princess of Wales’ photo editing furore to deny that sources inside their camp made comments about how the Duchess of Sussex would have handled a similar situation.

Amid increasing speculation surrounding the Mother’s Day image of Kate and her children, which was released to the world by Kensington Palace on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s Archewell Foundation spoke out to deny that any official representative for the couple had made comments about the controversy to Page Six.

Speaking to Newsweek, the spokesperson addressed quotes published by the outlet, which stated that a source ‘close to Prince William, Harry and his wife’, had not come ‘from us’.

The source stated to Page Six that the editing error ‘isn’t a mistake that Meghan would ever make’, noting that ‘she has a keen eye and freakish attention to detail’.

However, Archewell’s official spokesperson has now insisted to Newsweek that the information ‘did not come from us’, stating simply: ‘With respect to Page Six, that did not come from us.’

In addition to the claims made about Meghan ‘never making the [same] mistake’, Page Six also published quotes from an insider who stated that the Sussexes ‘would have been annihilated’ had they released a similarly-edited image.

‘If Harry and Meghan had ever encountered the same issue they would have been annihilated,’ the source quotes read.

‘The same rules do not apply to both couples.

‘This isn’t a mistake that Meghan would ever make … she has a keen eye and freakish attention to detail.’

The outlet did not state that the quotes had come from inside Archewell however – and Newsweek noted that the comments could have been made by an acquaintance of the Sussexes who is not officially connected to the Foundation.

The Duchess of Sussex has confused fans with the name of her new lifestyle brand – American Riviera Orchard.

Meghan, 42, announced her new business on Instagram yesterday with a glossy clip plus a few little hints of what the venture may entail.

The launch of her Montecito-based brand has come with substantial speculation about what the venture might be and what the name means.

An insider told the Daily Mail that Meghan’s new business will be a ‘lifestyle and cooking brand’ centred around her passions.

And while it seems likely that the brand is focused on lifestyle entertainment, the name – American Riviera Orchard – is still hotly contested online. However, the moniker holds personal significance to the Duchess.

Royal watchers have branded the brand ‘word salad’ and said it’s ‘not the snappiest name’.

+6

Meghan Markle has baffled fans with the name of her surprise new venture – American Riviera Orchard

Montecito, the area of California where Meghan and Prince Harry, 39, reside, is often referred to as the American Riviera.

The Californian town is associated with the northern Mediterranean Sea Coast, known as the Riviera, due to its geography and climate.

While that accounts for part of the name, the meaning behind ‘orchard’ is yet to be disclosed.

Despite the partial justification, fans remain baffled as to why Meghan would make American Riviera Orchard her brand name.

People took to X to express their confusion. One said: ‘ABC News: Meghan Markle launches American Riviera Orchard. What kind of word salad name is that?’

A second added: ‘I don’t understand the name American Riviera Orchard?’

‘Wishing Meghan all the luck but American Riviera Orchard sounds like a dog’s name at Crufts,’ said a third.

A fourth chimed in and wrote: ‘American Riviera Orchard. Not the world’s snappiest brand name, is it?’

Another questioned: ‘She called it American Riviera Orchard? What on earth does that mean? Is she selling apples now?’

+6

It is thought that the name refers to the Californian town where Harry and Meghan reside, Montecito

Meghan Markle launches long-awaited luxury lifestyle brand

Users took to X to comment on the name American Riviera Orchard, and many were confused about its meaning

‘I’ve been calling for Meghan to get back to influencing for years but could she have picked a worse name than American Riviera Orchard, said a sixth.

Another agreed and said: ‘I’m sorry but American Riviera Orchard is the clunkiest brand name I’ve heard in a long time. All nine syllables just roll off the tongue.’

The Duchess of Sussex’s new project is said to have been in the works for more than a year – and will feature ‘all the things that are close to her heart’.

The flash company is set to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show featuring Meghan on Netflix – where she will be making and selling her own products. It will lead onto a book and blog to go alongside her cookery displays.

It is understood that a trademark application has been made covering cutlery – knives forks spoons – cookbooks and electronic cookbooks, coffee, jams jellies and butters.

It also extends to a physical shop from which tableware, mugs, jams, tablecloths and recipe books could be sold.

+6

Meghan’s new project is said to have been in the works for more than a year – and feature ‘all the things that are close to her heart’

The brand is set to work as an extension of her former lifestyle blog The Tig, an insider told Page Six Style

In the new video, Meghan is seen whisking in a stunning rustic kitchen, while a woman’s hands are seen arranging pink and white flowers.

The announcement comes on the same night as Prince Harry and Prince William are set to make a rare joint appearance at the Diana Legacy Award event at the Science Museum in London – but neither will be in the room at the same time, even virtually.

And it follows a trying week for the Royals – after Princess Kate was forced to admit to editing a photo of her and her children that she released on Mother’s Day after the world’s top picture and news agencies – including PA – ‘killed’ the image over claims it had been digitally manipulated.

An insider told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s a lifestyle and cooking brand called American Riviera Orchard.

+6

The video starts with a washed-out video of a woman arranging white and pink pastel flowers

+6

It then fades to reveal Meghan cooking in a stunning kitchen, with copper pans hanging over her head as she whisks

‘The brand is meant to coincide with the launch of a new cookery show for Netflix. Meghan will be making, and selling, products such as jams.

‘And at some point there will be a book and blog etc.’

The brand will focus on home, garden, food and general lifestyle wares.

The plush video comes alongside a series of nine cryptic Instagram posts, making up the logo of the brand alongside the name: ‘American Riviera Orchard Montecito’.

Comments have been disabled on the Instagram posts and the page links to a new website of the same name where people can enter their email address and ‘join the waitlist’.

Royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliam told MailOnline: ‘The Sussexes in my opinion do nothing by accident and timing is often absolutely pivotal. We found that out one way over the weekend and we’ve now just been reminded that there may be more shots in their locker than some of us thought. And it’s no accident.

‘For years they’ve been unpredictable but they have been predictable in one sense, and that is the unerring timing when they believe it’s beneficial to get information out. They don’t do anything by accident.’

The announcement comes just hours before William is expected to give a speech in person to mark the Diana Legacy Award’s 25th anniversary and present awards to 20 recipients tonight. The Prince of Wales will appear at the awards event alone as his wife Kate is still recovering from abdominal surgery.

Harry, who lives in California, will then join a video call with the winners, according to reports. However, his involvement will only take place after his brother has left the ceremony.

Prince William, it is often said, has come a long way.

The ‘Party Prince’ of yesteryear has today been replaced by a loving father who rarely fails to cut a dignified and often humorous figure in public.

At 41, the Prince of Wales is not only a key force in the monarchy but popular with the public, too.

The outlook has not always been so sunny, though, as author Robert Lacey explains in his best-selling biography, Battle of Brothers. Storms were all too frequent.

+7

William looks a less than happy as he follows his father in Glasgow

+7

The brothers are together at Westminster Abbey in March 2020. It is the last official enagement for Harry and Meghan –  and the mood is sombre

+7

William, head bowed down, stands with Prince Charles outside Clarence House as the celebrate the Queen Mother’s 98th birthday

Perhaps that is to have been expected. King Charles himself has been no stranger to the occasional outburst.

Nonetheless, William’s step-mother Camilla was said to have been taken aback by the ferocity of his tantrums.

‘He has proved no Sweet William when roused,’ writes Lacey.

‘In the years after her 2005 marriage to Prince Charles, Camilla recounted to members of her own family and close friends her surprise at discovering this unexpected side to Prince Charming – “the boy’s got a temper!”

‘Charles’s wife was horrified at the ranting and raving that William unleashed on occasion against her husband in her presence.

‘The rows were shattering, by Camilla’s account in the early days, with William doing the shouting and Charles submitting meekly on the receiving end. As she described it, William held nothing back.’

It was a wrath, suggests Lacey, commensurate with William’s sense of himself as future King.

Today, it is largely hidden, but younger brother Harry has his own views on William’s anger.

Writing in his memoir, Spare, Harry claims that in one 2019 row at Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, William had ‘grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and he knocked me to the floor.’

A dog bowl was apparently broken in the fracas. (Prince William has never given his version of events.)

According to Lacey, the anger had been apparent from early on, notably when his mother, Diana, had appeared in a 1995 Panorama interview with the now disgraced Martin Bashir.

To the profound embarrassment of William, then studying at Eton College, his mother had appeared on national television discussing the breakdown of her marriage to his father and her affair with James Hewitt.

According to a friend, the ‘healer’ Simone Simmons, Diana soon felt the full force.

‘’’All hell broke loose,” Diana told Simmons. ‘…He started shouting and crying and when she tried to put her arms around him, he shoved her away.

‘Diana was getting a taste of how William’s intensity could lead to his notorious rages. The following day, he apologised to his mother for his temper with a small bunch of flowers.’

+7

Princess Diana felt the full force of William’s temper after the Panorama interview in 1995

+7

Robert Lacey says that Prince William used to rant and rave against his father

+7

‘The rows were shattering,’ by Camilla’s account to friends

+7

Camilla was said to have been taken aback by the ferocity of William’s tantrums

Writing in the Daily Mail, Lacey concluded:

‘It should be stressed that in recent times — and particularly since the adjustments that the Royal Family had to make in 2019 and 2020 in the wake of their disagreements and the departure of Harry — father and elder son have grown much closer together.

‘Prince Charles and Prince William now clearly appreciate the need to work closely together for the future of the monarchy.’

Despite acrimoniously stepping down as senior working royals in January 2020, full profiles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex separately had remained up alongside of the rest of the Royal Family until this morning.

Tonight those pictures and biographies briefly vanished completely.

Within half an hour they were replaced with a significantly smaller, joint biography at the very bottom of the page – below the Duke of York.

The Sussexes’ entry now reads that they have stepped back as working royals, with just a couple of short paragraphs on each of them.

Prince Andrew’s entry was also updated tonight, setting the seal on his fall from grace.

In what will doubtless be be another humiliating relegation, his vastly-shortened biography now begins with the announcement of his withdrawal from public life over the Epstein scandal and Queen Elizabeth’s decision to strip him of his military affiliations and royal patronages.

Despite growing public anger at the Sussexes’ continued inclusion, Buckingham Palace has always side-stepped questions about why their details remained online despite the couple quitting royal duties four years ago and launching repeated attacks on the royal family in print and television interviews.

It has been suggested that the palace press office was ‘slowly’ updating the website following the death of Queen Elizabeth and would ‘get round to it in time’.

+15

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been removed from the Royal Family’s official website – four years after Megixt. Pictured: The couple pictured in May 2023

The Royal Family’s website before the Sussexes’ demotion today compared with the site on Monday afternoon – where neither royal appeared

+15

The Royal Family’s official website as of Monday evening, showing the couple alongside the Duke of York

Harry’s original profile described him as fifth in line to the throne and the younger son of The King and Diana, Princess of Wales.

His 2,700-word biography included details of the prince’s early life, education and army career and was peppered with glossy pictures.

It also included details of his work setting up the Invictus Games, children with HIV/Aids and sporting initiatives, as well as African conservation and as his joint work on the mental health Heads Together initiative with the Prince and Princess of Wales.

There was also an entire section devoted entitled ‘Supporting the Monarch’, which included his time as a working royal for his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth.

It stated he represented her at events in the UK and abroad, as well as attending state and ceremonial occasions, including Remembrance events.

Meghan’s separate profile was slightly shorter – around 1,300 words – and included her education and career as an actress, as well as the charitable engagements she undertook during her brief time as a member of the Royal Family.

Interestingly, there was no mention of her parents, including her own family including estranged father Thomas Markle.

In what many will view as a marked downgrading of their status, however, the couple now only share a joint biography showing a picture of them arm in arm on a beach in South Africa, with a combined word count of just 577 words.

+15

Harry’s original profile described him as fifth in line to the throne and the younger son of The King and Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured: Prince Harry and Prince William attending the late Queen’s funeral in September 2022

+15

Meghan’s separate profile was slightly shorter – around 1,300 words – and included her education and career as an actress. Pictured: Harry and Meghan together in March 2019, before Megixt

+15

Buckingham Palace declined to comment tonight but noted that website design and content is updated from ‘time to time’. Pictured: King Charles and Prince Harry pictured together in 2019

They are the only married members of the Royal Family now not to have their own individual profiles.

Harry’s includes just a few words about his birth and upbringing, as well as his career in the armed forces and work with the Invictus Games.

Meghan’s merely says she was an actress and ran a website, as well as briefly including her patronages as a working royal and her official titles.

Their new entry begins by stating they stepped back at as working royals in January 2020 and concludes with the three official statements released by Buckingham Palace between 2020 and 2021 official confirming their departure.

In a gracious move, however, Buckingham Palace have also included a link to Harry and Meghan’s new Sussex.com website.

The link reads: Information about the current work of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex can be found on their official website: Sussex.com Sources insisted that the changes should not be seen as a snub, but a long overdue update.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment but noted that website design and content is updated from ‘time to time’.

A source said the couple’s separate pages had been combined into one as part of a routine update of content. A ‘technical glitch’ meant it took a while for the system to update to include the new joint profile.

Last month Harry and Meghan launched a new personal website, Sussex.com, which persistently refers to them by their titles, and uses the coat of arms Meghan was given when she married Harry.

A picture of the couple’s dominates the main web page overlaid with the text: ‘The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.’

+15

The Sussexes’ removal from the Royal Family ‘s website comes just days after Meghan launched her latest business venture – American Riviera Orchard under her official title the Duchess of Sussex .

The Sussexes’ demotion on the Royal Family‘s website comes just days after Meghan launched her latest business venture – American Riviera Orchard under her official title the Duchess of Sussex.

Royal experts claimed the project – which will see Meghan, selling products such as cooking utensils and jams – was just another attempt for the California-based royals to ‘cash in’ on Meghan’s royal status.

Others said it could be a breach of the agreement they struck with the late Queen, which said that publicity materials make no attempts to hide Meghan’s royal links or her brand’s nakedly commercial nature.

Phil Dampier, who wrote a book about Harry and Meghan’s romance in 2018, said: ‘It’s hard to believe that Harry and Meghan would have used their titles for commercial gain so blatantly if Queen Elizabeth was still alive – now that she is no longer with us they sense a weakness and are exploiting it,’

‘The King won’t have the will or energy at the moment to fight this and so will let it go, but it just shows the hypocrisy of the Sussexes who criticise Harry’s family yet cling on to their royal titles for commercial gain.’

The website apparent snub also coincides with the fourth anniversary of their  ‘freedom’ day – the date they moved from Canada to California following Megixt – which they celebrated on Friday.

+15

The website apparent snub comes as the Sussexes’ celebrated the anniversary of their ‘freedom’ day on Friday, which marked four years since they arrived in the United States

+15

King Charles has sought a ‘slimmed down monarchy’ which has seen half the number of working royals compared with 2017. Pictured: The King and Queen Camilla on their Coronation Day last May

+15

The official Coronation portrait of the Royal Family taken in May 2023. It reveals Charles’ slimmed down monarchy

Ever since the death of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022, King Charles has sought a ‘slimmed down monarchy’ which has seen half the number of working royals compared with 2017.

Back then, royal engagements such as trips abroad, investitures and state functions, were covered by 12 senior and around six minor working royals.

By 2024, however, there were only seven working royals – the King and Queen, Prince and Princess of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh – alongside minor royals such as The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

Yet a series of health woes to hit the royal family in January, with the King being diagnosed with an unnamed cancer and Kate undergoing planned abdominal surgery within days of each other, laid bare the reality of a stripped back monarchy.

The monarch has taken a step back from his public facing duties, although continues to meet the Prime Minister for his weekly audiences and still reads through his daily red boxes as he undergoes treatment.

Meanwhile, Kate left the hospital on January 29 – almost two weeks after her surgery – and returned to Adelaide Cottage in Windsor. Kensington Palace said she would be stepping back from public duty as she recovers.

The reality of the smaller-functioning royal family was revealed dramatically last month when Prince Andrew and his divorced wife Fergie, the Duchess of York, led the royal reserves into a thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of Greece.

The Duke of York took a step back from royal life after he settled a sexual assault case filed against him by Virginia Giuffre , a sex slave victim of Andrew’s friend Jeffrey Epstein.

+15

Prince Andrew and his divorced wife Fergie, the Duchess of York, led the royal reserves into a thanksgiving service for the late King Constantine of Greece last month

+15

The Princess of Wales is not expected to return to official duties until after Easter. She is pictured with her husband Prince William and her children during her last public appearance on Christmas Day

+15

Kensington Palace released the picture of the Princess of Wales since surgery

Yet after Prince William was forced to miss the memorial service to his late godfather for unexplained ‘personal reasons’, with Queen Camilla arriving separately, Andrew was seen beaming as he led the other royals into the service at Windsor Castle.

One royal watcher told MailOnline: ‘Prince Andrew and the Yorks are firmly back in the fold’.

The Princess of Wales, who made her last public engagement at Sandringham on Christmas Day, is expected to return to public duty after April 17, when her children start back at Lambrook School, near Ascot, following the Easter Holidays.

Despite Kensington Palace laying out a clear timeline for Kate’s recovery and return to her work as a senior royal, her visible absence from public life has sparked a tsunami of speculation and crazed conspiracy theories about her wellbeing.

In recent weeks, wild rumours – fuelled by social media and the foreign press – have speculated over the reason why Kate has not been seen.

‘Katespiracies’ online have ranged from claims she was recovering from a ‘Brazilian bum lift’ or in a coma, a theory sparked by a journalist on Spanish television.

Some joked she was a contestant on The Masked Singer television show – or may have even been bumped from the Royal Family.

Other trolls and conspiracy theorists have used her absence and the lawlessness of social media to spread deeply sinister claims. Even Kim Kardashian has weighed in posting selfies captioned: ‘On my way to go find Kate.’

+15

William and Kate were spotted leaving Windsor for Westminster Abbey to attend The Commonwealth Day Service last Monday

+15

The Princess of Wales has reportedly been spotted out and about for the first time since her abdominal surgery, visiting a local farm shop in Windsor with William. Pictured: Kate in May 2023

+15

According to The Sun, members of the public saw Kate, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, looking ‘happy, healthy and relaxed’. Pictured: The Windsor Farm Shop where the couple were allegedly spotted on Saturday

The absurd claims only intensified when the Princess took the blame for the family photograph released by Kensington Palace on Mother’s Day, which was ‘killed’ by six of the world’s top picture agencies over concerns that it had been ‘manipulated’.

It came after it was pointed out that part of Princess Charlotte‘s sleeve and the misaligned edge of her skirt were missing, with other speculation including the positioning of Kate’s zip.

In addition to the numerous imperfections in the image, viewers also spotted that Kate appeared to not be wearing her wedding ring, which sparked multiple unfounded theories online about the state of her marriage.

The furor on social media led the Princess to make a personal apology on X, writing ‘Like many amateur photographers, I do occasionally experiment with editing.’

It is understood that Kate had only intended to ‘bring a bit of joy’ and release a reassuring image to thank the public for their ongoing support, and that she and William are both ‘shaken and devastated’ at the speculation about their marriage.

In a much needed boost to the public, however, Kate was spotted out and about for the first time this weekend as she visited The Windsor Farm Shop, about a mile away from Adelaide Cottage.

The Princess of Wales was reportedly spotted looking ‘happy, healthy and relaxed’ alongside William after having watched their three children – George, ten, Charlotte, eight, and Louis, five – take part in sports.

A fellow shopper told the Sun: ‘After all the rumours that had been going round I was stunned to see them there. Kate was out shopping with William and she looked happy and she looked well.

‘The kids weren’t with them but it’s such a good sign she was healthy enough to pop down to the shops.’

The appearance is an encouraging sign that she is taking her first steps towards a return to official royal engagements.

It looks like Cruz Beckham’s new girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, has the stamp of approval from the person who might matter the most – and that’s Victoria Beckham herself.

Cruz, 19, who is Posh Spice’s youngest son, recently went public with songwriter and producer Apostel, 29.

The two, who were first seen together in June, were spotted putting on a loved-up display in Beverly Hills this weekend, and Cruz even declared that he ‘loved’ his partner in an Instagram Story posted on Friday in honor of her birthday.

And, it looks like mom approves, as Apostel recently posed for a mirror photo on Instagram in a sexy, black lace dress that was seemingly given to her by Victoria.

‘Hot sauce and hotter outfits. thank u for the laciest dream piece @victoriabeckham,’ Apostel wrote in the caption of the Instagram post.

+5

Cruz Beckham’s new girlfriend, Jackie Apostel, 29, recently posed for a mirror photo on Instagram in a sexy, black lace dress that was seemingly given to her by Victoria

+5

Cruz, 19, who is Posh Spice’s youngest son, recently went public with songwriter and producer Apostel, 29

She also included a few other snaps of herself in the stunning, curve-hugging, cut-out outfit in the post, showing herself laughing and smiling while sitting outdoors.

The dress doesn’t currently seem to be available as a part of Victoria Beckham’s clothing collection, so it appears that Beckham may have picked it out just for Apostel.

During Paris Fashion Week in September, the producer also congratulated her boyfriend’s mom in another sweet post on Instagram.

‘The most beautiful show and the most beautiful dress. Congratulations @victoriabeckham,’ Apostel wrote in the caption, showing off a few slides of herself wearing a silky, white dress.

She sat front-row at Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week show, alongside boyfriend Cruz, and his siblings Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.

Of course, Beckham’s husband, David, was also seated front and center to see her gorgeous new collection.

Apostel’s post came just a few days short of the weekend, before she joined his mom and dad, as well as his sister, Harper, 13, for a day in Miami.

On Saturday, the group supported football-club owner David as they watched Inter Miami play the New England Revolution at the Chase Stadium.

+5

Apostel sat front-row at Beckham’s Paris Fashion Week show, alongside boyfriend Cruz, and his siblings Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper

+5

During Paris Fashion Week in September, the producer also congratulated her boyfriend’s mom in another sweet post on Instagram

+5

Cruz even declared that he ‘loved’ his partner in an Instagram story posted on Friday in honor of her birthday

The couple appeared smitten with each other, as Apostel was snapped lovingly placing her hand behind Cruz’s head.

They also held hands as they sat together in a luxury suite at the game.

Cruz wore a casual gray t-shirt and gold chain around his neck, while Apostel stunned in a strapless black top and black pants.

Her hair was in a chic, slicked-back bun complete with light makeup.

Beckham’s seemingly positive stamp of approval comes after rumors that she had been feuding with her eldest son Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz.

Peltz addressed the feud during a 2022 interview with The Times.

She had previously confirmed that the rumors had begun after she didn’t wear Victoria’s wedding dress design when she tied the knot with the 48-year-old’s eldest son Brooklyn, doubled down on the claims.

But during the interview, she denied that the frosty tensions were a ‘feud’ and explained that the Victoria ‘s atelier simply hadn’t had time to make the dress, as she insisted: ‘No family is perfect.’

Now, however, it seems like things are pretty harmonious between the two of them, as Peltz gushed about how close she was to both of Brooklyn’s parents earlier this year.

‘I’m so close to mine and Brooklyn’s family and I think there’s no better feeling than knowing you have a strong support system,’ she told Byrdie. 

‘It’s such a blessing, and I never take it for granted. I go to Florida any chance I get, and we stay at my parents’ house,’ she continued.

Peltz also added that she was ‘inspired’ by both Victoria and David Beckham’s 24-year marriage, as well as her parents, who have been married for 40 years.

‘He’s [David Beckham] so amazing with Victoria, and Brooklyn is so amazing to me,’ she says. ‘I’m so thankful they raised such an incredible guy I got to marry.’