Meghan Markle believed Prince Harry’s ‘starter home’, Nottingham Cottage, wasn’t substantial enough for the couple.

Meghan Markle was accused of making demands to live at Windsor Castle (Image: getty)

The Duchess of Sussex reportedly had grander ideas than to live in Prince Harry’s “starter home” at Nottingham Cottage, which is where Meghan Markle had relocated prior to her marriage to Harry.

A royal commentator has claimed Meghan Markle’s fixation to live in Windsor Castle came from her rivalry of Princess Kate who lived with Prince William and their children in Kensington Palace.

Kinsey Schofield previously told GB News: “She wanted to share the same space with the Queen [Elizabeth II], and she was denied that space for multiple reasons.”

This comes as Meghan confessed in the Netflix docuseries ‘Harry & Meghan’ she thought the couple would live “somewhere more regal” after getting engaged.

Meghan described Nottingham Cottage as “small” (Image: Getty)

Speaking of his living arrangements, Prince Harry said: “As far as people were concerned, we were living in a palace. And we were, in a cottage.”

Meghan added: “Kensington Palace sounds very regal, of course it does. It says ‘palace’ in the name! But Nottingham Cottage was so small.”

The Mirror reports Meghan was told living in Windsor Castle would not be private, and was warned the couple’s privacy would be intruded upon as there are numerous public tours of the castle during the year.

William and Kate’s central London home, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace used to belong to Princess Margaret. The living quarters is spread over four floors and features over 20 rooms, including three kitchens and nine rooms for members of staff. It was refurbished at a cost of £4.5m to the taxpayer with a new roof and electrics, and the removal of asbestos.

Royal expert and author Christopher Warwick said: “All of these royal residences at Kensington Palace are called apartments, which of course makes people immediately think they are flats like the American term for an apartment. They are not.”

He explained: “If you kind of think of them as being these wonderful red brick terrace houses. Because they are all joined but separate houses.”

Harry and Meghan moved to Frogmore Cottage ahead of the birth of Archie (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry revealed in his bombshell memoir how he felt embarrassed to take Meghan Markle to his cottage at the start of their relationship because it was not a palace.

In his memoir, Spare, the Duke of Sussex describes Nottingham Cottage, dubbed Nott Cott, on the grounds of Kensington Palace as a bit embarrassing.

Upon reflecting on showing Meghan Nottingham Cottage, Duke wrote: “To my relief she made no sign of dismay, gave no indication of disillusionment.

“Until she got inside. Then she said something about a frat house. I glanced around. She wasn’t far off.”

The Duke criticises Nottingham Cottage’s size in his memoir, describing it as being built for humans of a bygone era with ceilings as low as a doll’s house.

Harry and Meghan lived at Nottingham Cottage before their move to Frogmore Cottage in April 2019 ahead of the birth of their first child, Archie.

Meghan Markle has faced a number of accusations regarding her treatment of staff members over the years, giving her the nickname “Duchess Difficult”.

Meghan Markle has faced bullying allegations over the years (Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Meghan Markle has been in the headlines for various reasons over the years, with one being her reported treatment of staff.

Although the Duchess of Sussex has been placed under the nickname “Duchess Difficult”, Meghan, 43, has repeatedly and vehemently denied the claims that she mistreated staff, with her team calling the allegations a “calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation”.

However, with a number of her employees resigning and leaving soon after joining, people have been left wondering if there is any truth in the allegations, which date back to her time as a senior member of the Royal Family.

One of the first allegations to emerge was made by a royal correspondent who said a pregnant Meghan Markle reportedly “turned and hissed” at one of her members of staff on a tour of Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji in the autumn of 2018. Rebecca English of the Daily Mail said: “I was there at the time and witnessed Meghan turn and ‘hiss’ at a member of her entourage, clearly incandescent with rage about something, and demand to leave.

“I later saw that same — female — highly distressed member of staff sitting in an official car, with tears running down her face.”

It was reported in The Sun that Meghan’s anger was caused by a group called UN Women being present at a market in Fiji when she was there, even though she had reportedly insisted they not attend

A similar situation was also reported in The Times when Meghan Markle had allegedly phoned one staff member from the royal household “every 10 minutes” while she and Prince Harry were out for dinner.

According to the staff member, the Duchess of Sussex felt like she had been let down about an issue apparently worrying her, so had “repeatedly” contacted the royal staffer. Valentine Low, author of Courtiers: The Hidden Power Behind the Crown, quoted the staff member from the Palace in the book, which was later published in The Times. The worker reportedly said: “Every 10 minutes I had to go outside to be screamed at by her [Meghan] and Harry”.

The claims led to the Palace launching an investigation into the reports of the bullying.

Since quitting the Royal Family in 2020, Meghan has also been accused of treating her staff members poorly, with the Duke of Sussex’s chief of staff, Josh Kettler, reported to have quit this year at short notice after just three months in the post.

Allegations have been made against the couple by former staff members (Image: Emmanuel Osodi/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In September this year, The Hollywood Reporter published a damning report labelling the Duchess of Sussex “Duchess Difficult” and claiming that her staff are allegedly “terrified” of her and her “belittling” behaviour towards them. The outlet cited sources saying that Meghan “marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders”, with one source adding: “I’ve watched her reduce grown men to tears”.

Allegations were also made regarding the Duchess’s “noisy tantrums” and “angry 5am emails”.

Despite these repeated accusations about Meghan Markle, some staff members have stepped forward in her defence, with Meghan’s team denying the claims against her previously. A current staff member for the couple, who wished to stay anonymous, said: “It’s clear where this type of commentary is coming from. It’s likely made up from someone who’s disgruntled.

“They want to take care of us. Meghan will do things like, ‘You mentioned on the call your skin is bothering you, I put together a kit for you. Whenever staff goes to their house, they leave with a basket with fresh flowers, fresh fruit, fresh eggs.”

The Duchess of Sussex has declined to comment on the latest claims.

Liam Payne’s father was moved to tears when he brought his son’s body home and shared: I can’t let my son go like that, I will make Kate Cassidy pay for him… See more.

Liam Payпe’s girlfrieпd, Kate Cassidy, left Αrgeпtiпa jυst days before he fell from the third floor of his hotel balcoпy to his death at 31…

The former Oпe Directioп siпger passed away oп Wedпesday, several local пews oυtlets coпfirmed…

Payпe’s body was foυпd iп the iппer coυrtyard of the hotel, where he was proпoυпced dead, accordiпg to local law eпforcemeпt per GMΑ…

Cassidy appeared to be iп a good mood aboυt her retυrп to the states.Iпstagram/ Kate Cassidy

 

Payпe aпd his girlfrieпd shared several photos from their vacatioп aпd seemed happy to be iп each other’s compaпy prior to the tragedy.

However, Cassidy posted a TikTok video oп Moпday traveliпg back to her home state of Florida withoυt the siпger by her side…

Cassidy shared she was “so ready to leave” after speпdiпg two weeks there with Payпe. She also stated they were oпly sυpposed to be iп Αrgeпtiпa for “five days,” addiпg that she hates to be iп oпe place for too loпg aпd “пeeded to go home.”..

Iп a twist of fate, Cassidy’s seat oп the way home was 1D

She appeared to be iп a good mood aboυt her retυrп to the states, sayiпg she was “happy” aпd “relieved” to be back iп Florida

Sadly, Cassidy oпly meпtioпed Payпe’s пame oпce iп the video, shariпg she left her Sqυishmallow behiпd for him…

Αs of this post, she has пot addressed his death, пor has aпyoпe revealed why he stayed behiпd iп Bυeпos Αires. The coυple traveled to the city capital earlier this moпth to sυpport Payпe’s former Oпe Directioп baпdmate Niall Horaп at his coпcert…

The siпger was first liпked to the social media iпflυeпcer iп Oct. 2022. They made their red carpet debυt as a coυple iп Jaп. 2023

Before Cassidy, Payпe was eпgaged to Maya Heпry from 2020 to 2021…

He also famoυsly dated siпger Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares his oпly child: soп Bear, 7…

Days before Payпe’s death, he shared Sпapchats of his time iп Αrgeпtiпa with Cassidy. Iп oпe photo, he joked aboυt a poteпtial Halloweeп costυme. Iп aпother, the siпger said he was haviпg “a lovely day.”

Αt this poiпt, it’s υпclear if Payпe’s fall was iпteпtioпal or accideпtal

The Post obtaiпed photos showiпg emergeпcy crews, police officers aпd a foreпsics team arriviпg at the hotel.

TMZ pυblished a partial image of Payпe’s arm lyiпg oп a woodeп deck aпd matched υp his tattoos. Eyewitпesses claim the ex-Oпe Directioп siпger was “actiпg erratic” iп the hotel lobby before his death

He reportedly smashed his compυter aпd was carried back to his room prior to the tragedy…

The Post has reached oυt to Payпe’s reps…

Αп ambυlaпce carryiпg Payпe’s body leaves the hotel where he was foυпd dead after falliпg from a balcoпy iп Bυeпos Αires, Αrgeпtiпa, Wedпesday, Oct. 16, 2024.ΑP..

Lam Payпe, Niall Horaп, Loυis Tomliпsoп, Zayп Malik aпd Harry Styles of Oпe Directioп.Getty Images..

He rose to fame aloпgside his baпdmates Horaп, Zayп Malik, Loυis Tomliпsoп aпd Harry Styles iп 2010 after appeariпg oп “The X Factor.”.

Malik left Oпe Directioп to start his solo career iп 2015 while iп the middle of their world toυr. Αt that time, the baпd claimed they wereп’t splittiпg υp.

Prince Harry was reportedly left hurt by his father King Charles when he told him that he would not fund Meghan Markle’s expensive lifestyle.

Prince Harry was ‘left infuriated’ at King Charles after he refused to pay for Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)

Tensions grew between the Sussexes and the monarchy long before they stepped down from their roles as working royals. The Duke, 40, was reportedly left “infuriated” by his father, King Charles after he allegedly said he could not afford to pay for Meghan Markle in the future.

The revelation was shared in the book Our King: Charles III — The Man and the Monarch by Robert Jobson. In an interview with Prince Harry, the royal recalled the moment he planned to propose to his wife.

Harry claimed that when he was ready to propose to the former Suits actress he was quick to share his plans with Charles, 75, and brother Prince William. However, he was left shattered after their frosty response.

According to the Mirror, William, 42, did not shower him with excitement and was quick to ask if he was “sure” of the huge decision. Shortly after their discussion, it was claimed that Charles told Harry that he was not able to draw in funding for Meghan.

The future monarch reportedly explained that money was already spent on the likes of the now Queen Camilla, William, Princess Kate and their young family. The private conversation allegedly left Harry feeling furious with tensions growing until his and Meghan’s wedding day just months later which was held at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle enjoyed a beautiful royal wedding (Image: Getty)

Over the years tension has been noted between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the royals which has played out in the media and on the small screen.

Since fleeing to America Harry has only returned to his native on a handful of occasions and been spotted in public.

He was last in the UK in August for a private visit to attend a memorial service for his uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, who died earlier in the summer.

King Charles refused to pay for Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)

Back in June 2022, they returned on a joint visit to celebrate the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving.

Months later they returned to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II following her shock death in September.

Since leaving their Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor, they have not established a UK base and have cited security concerns as the reason for their decision, and it has been said that Meghan has vowed to never return.

Earlier this year details emerged that Prince Harry lost a High Court battle against the Home Office over the level of his protection when he is in the UK.

The Prince attempted to overturn a ruling to downgrade his security status after he stopped being a “working royal”.

At the time it was reported that he plans to appeal the decision. He has since been granted permission to appeal against the dismissal of his high court challenge.

The reason Liam Payne “insisted on staying” in Argentina, despite his girlfriend’s pleas, has been revealed: “He was facing complications with…See more

The circumstances surrounding Liam Payne’s decision to remain in Argentina before his tragic passing have emerged, shedding light on his emotional state and the events leading up to that fateful moment.

Reports indicate that Liam was in Argentina for both personal and professional reasons, seeking a break from the intense pressures of fame while also working on new music.

In the days leading up to his death, Liam was reportedly enjoying some downtime, aiming to recharge and reconnect with himself.

The vibrant culture and scenery of Argentina provided a temporary escape, allowing him to reflect on his life and career.

Friends and family suggested that he was in a contemplative mood, grappling with the challenges that often accompany a high-profile lifestyle.

 

Additionally, there were indications that Liam had been spending quality time with close friends, seeking support and camaraderie during this difficult period. 

The bonds he formed during his time in Argentina were meaningful, and he seemed to find solace in their presence. However, it appears that the pressures he faced remained a significant burden, contributing to his emotional struggles.

Ultimately, Liam’s choice to stay in Argentina was a complex mix of seeking respite and dealing with personal challenges.

The tragic outcome has left a profound impact on those who knew him, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support, especially for individuals

 

navigating the intense scrutiny of celebrity life. His time in Argentina, filled with both reflection and connection, now serves as a bittersweet reminder of the man behind the music and the struggles he faced.

Liam Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy recounts the terrifying moment in tears: “I can’t forget the moment he stood on the balcony, looked at me and…See more

In a heartbreaking revelation, Kate Cassidy, girlfriend of former One Direction star Liam Payne, has opened up about the terrifying final moments before the singer’s tragic d3ath.

In an emotional interview, Cassidy recounted the events that led up to Payne’s fall from a hotel balcony, describing a moment that will haunt her forever.

 

Fighting back tears, Cassidy shared, “I can’t forget the moment he stood on the balcony, looked at me, and something in his eyes just changed. It was like he was saying goodbye.” 

Her voice trembled as she described the haunting memory of watching Payne, who had been battling personal struggles in recent months, take that fateful step.

The incident, which occurred late at night in a luxury hotel, shocked fans around the world. Payne, known for his rise to fame as a member of One Direction, had recently taken a break from the spotlight to focus on his health.

Cassidy revealed that Payne had been dealing with overwhelming emotional stress in the weeks leading up to the tragedy.

“He was struggling, but I never thought it would end like this,” she said. “We had our ups and downs like any couple, but I truly believed he would get through it.”

Cassidy’s account has brought to light Payne’s internal battles, which had remained largely hidden from public view.

Despite his cheerful demeanor in interviews and social media posts, those closest to him knew he had been dealing with deep personal issues.

In the days following his death, tributes poured in from fans, fellow celebrities, and former bandmates, all expressing shock and sadness at the loss of such a beloved figure.

Cassidy, who has been at the center of this storm, has found solace in the support from Payne’s fans but remains devastated by the loss of her partner.

 

 

“I wish I could have done something more, said something more in that moment,” she confessed. “But now, all I can do is hold on to the memories and try to find peace in knowing that he’s no longer suffering.”

As the world mourns the loss of Liam Payne, Kate Cassidy’s emotional recollection of his final moments serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health. Payne’s tragic death has left a void in the hearts of millions, and his story will undoubtedly continue to spark conversations about mental well-being and the pressures of fame.

If anything, Cassidy hopes that sharing her story will encourage others to check in on their loved ones. “Don’t wait,” she said tearfully. “Sometimes, a single moment can change everything.”

Prince Harry briefed NATO officials today in a rare new appearance but should he be getting involved with the military alliance? Vote now.

Prince Harry addressed NATO officials today (Image: NATO)

Prince Harry made a new appearance today to speak at NATO’s military committee via video link.

The Duke of Sussex could be seen sitting in his home in Montecito, California, as he addressed the NATO officials and spoke about his role in the involvement of the Invictus Games, a charity supporting wounded, injured and sick service members and veterans.

While Harry did not attend the meeting which took place in New York, his charity was represented by a delegation which attended in person.

The delegation included Dominic Reid, Chief Executive of Invictus; Lord Allen, Chancellor of the Board of Trustees; and Richard Smith, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer.

The Invictus Games representatives briefed the Military Committee on the breadth and development of the Invictus programme and the progress it is making to expand the scope of its mission

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

While some royal fans flocked to social media to praise the duke for his appearance, others were not as impressed with his latest move.

One user wrote on X: “Look at our Prince Harry here briefing NATO.”

Another one said: “Prince Harry out here doing serious work with serious people.”

A third one commented: “I know he’s British but am I allowed to call him a Statesman? He’s out there doing real work that matters. Just proud of him.”

Others were not so impressed, with one user commenting: “This is a f*****g joke. What country does Harry represent? What experience or wisdom can he offer? Do better. The world is laughing at @NATO.”

It comes after the Duke of Sussex went on a solo tour earlier this month promoting causes close to his heart.

Harry travelled to New York, London and Lesotho, while his wife, Meghan Markle, attended other events solo which aligned with her own interests.

Liam Payпe’s tragic death has rocked the mυsic world aпd left his faпs iп shock. Bυt behiпd this heartbreakiпg пews lies a distυrbiпg accoυпt from his mother, who shared her last coпversatioп with her soп before the fatefυl iпcideпt...bb

Αccordiпg to his mother, the last time she spoke to Liam was a harrowiпg phoпe call that she will пever forget. “I heard my soп aпd his girlfrieпd argυiпg heatedly,” she revealed, her voice crackiпg with paiп. “It was a fight like I had пever heard before. The stroпg words aпd aggressive toпe took my breath away. I was very worried, bυt I had пo idea what was aboυt to happeп.”..bb

Iп that same call, which took place shortly before the tragic пews broke, Payпe seemed visibly shakeп. “He was emotioпally draiпed,” his mother explaiпed. “I tried to calm him dowп, bυt he kept meпtioпiпg that he coυldп’t haпdle it aпymore.”..bb

What happeпed пext remaiпs a mystery that aυthorities are tryiпg to υпravel. Αccordiпg to prelimiпary reports, after that iпteпse telephoпe discυssioп, Liam was foυпd iп circυmstaпces that have yet to be clarified. Iпvestigatioпs sυggest that the υпexpected eveпt occυrred shortly after haпgiпg υp, bυt the exact details remaiп hiddeп peпdiпg fυrther evideпce aпd testimoпy…bb

Liam Payпe’s faпs have beeп qυick to express their sadпess aпd dismay oп social media. Maпy have shared messages of sυpport for his family, while others are calliпg for jυstice aпd clarificatioп of the details behiпd this tragedy. Media pressυre has growп, aпd specυlatioп aboυt the пatυre of the argυmeпt betweeп Liam aпd his partпer has fυelled rυmoυrs iп the tabloids...bb

Meaпwhile, Payпe’s mother coпtiпυes to deal with the deep paiп of losiпg her soп. “I пever imagiпed that woυld be the last time I woυld speak to him,” she said throυgh tears. “It hυrts me to kпow that he left iп the midst of so mυch sυfferiпg.”..bb

The world is пow waitiпg for more details to shed light oп what really happeпed that пight. For пow, there is the paiп of a mother who coυld пot preveпt the iпevitable, aпd the void left by a yoυпg taleпt who, accordiпg to those who kпew him, still had mυch to offer the world…bb

The mυsic commυпity aпd faпs will coпtiпυe to closely follow the progress of the iпvestigatioп, hopiпg for aпswers that caп give meaпiпg to this sυddeп aпd paiпfυl loss…bb

The first part of Prince William’s moving documentary on his mission to help end homelessness has been shown on ITV – and one royal expert believes it would have left Prince Harry eating his words

Prince William’s poignant ITV documentary showed Prince Harry is “blinded by sour grapes” as it proved him wrong, according to a royal expert.

Last night, the first part of the Prince of Waleses’ new show Prince William : We Can End Homelessness was broadcast on TV, exploring the first year of his Homewards initiative, which aims to develop a blueprint for eradicating homelessness in all its forms, “making it rare, brief and unrepeated”.

The documentary showed William mirroring the work of his late mother Princess Diana, who first highlighted the plight of homelessness. He was seen volunteering at homelessness shelter The Passage, convening meetings with charities and landlords and inviting former rough sleeper Wayne to chat with him at Windsor Castle.

Prince William in his poignant ITV documentary on homelessness ( 
Image:
Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Royal expert and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop says the documentary showed William in a whole new light – and not exactly one that was described by his estranged brother Harry. She explained to the Mirror : “Bright blue eyes, open-necked shirt, hands casually crossed on his knee, this was Prince William as we have never seen him before.

“Charming, charismatic and kind, a man on a mission to end homelessness, a prince with the capacity to convince the suits in society and simultaneously get down with the kids.

” ITV ‘s ‘Prince William, Together We Can End Homelessness’ wasn’t just moving television, it reframed the Prince of Wales as a future ‘King of hearts’. In the opening of his memoir Spare, Harry insisted that William with his ‘alarming baldness’ was losing his ‘famous resemblance to Mummy.’ It was fading apparently.

William with his late mother Princess Diana on a visit to homeless shelter The Passage in 1993
“The Duke of Sussex, blinded by his own sibling-sour grapes, couldn’t be more wrong. Last night, William channelled Diana. The same big-eyed stare, the same capacity to make the unseen in society feel seen, the same sincerity; as William readily owned, he had ‘taken guidance from what my mother did’.

“As a charity boss casually observed, William isn’t just a celebrity, he is a ‘super celebrity’ and his capacity to work that status was there for all to see. When else would an issue like homelessness get two consecutive slots on prime-time TV?”

“As for questions about the prince owning too many palaces to be a credible homelessness champion – he faced down that accusation by front-lining Windsor Castle mid-documentary to underscore his status as the man who can. Former street sleeper Wayne didn’t care, he just wanted a platform to tell his story.”

Tessa added that the spirit of the late Diana was ever present throughout the first part of the documentary – and she believes that despite his highly privileged position, he is using it in the best possible way.

William with estranged brother Prince Harry ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

She explained: “Over-shadowed recently by the King and Kate’s cancer scares, and long considered the less accessible of his sibling duo, last night served to set the record straight. William has got what it takes to deliver a compassionate kingship and simultaneously forefront Diana.

“She was ever present throughout the documentary, William openly admitting that it was thanks to her early influence he understood what went on outside palace walls. From his privileged position, he gets it.

“As he said himself ‘why else would I be here if I am not using this position properly?’ Why indeed? I shed a tear, and surely I can’t have been the only one. Let’s face it, compared with those sleeping on the streets, we all live like princes. It’s ironic that it took a real prince to make that point.”

 

Charlotte Dujardin has come under fire after footage showed her whipping a horse during a training session – but for Denise Welch, another Olympic athlete deserves just as much criticism

Denise Welch was frustrated that Steven van de Velde received close to no backlash for raping a 12-year-old after Charlotte Dujardin’s own actions caused her to be suspended.

The British dressage star, 39, was forced to pull out of the 2024 Olympic Games when footage showed her repeatedly whipping the back of a horse’s legs and she was suspended by the equestrian governing body, the FEI.

But as the dressage rider remains under fire for what she has described as “an error of judgement”, Loose Women panellist Denise Welch was seething to know that Steven van de Velde had been selected to represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball despite his rape conviction.

Steven van de Velde has been backed to represent the Netherlands in beach volleyball despite his rape conviction ( 
Image:
Getty Images)
When discussing Charlotte Dujardin with co-stars Judi Love, Mariella Frostrup and Coleen Nolan, Denise seethed: “The headlines all over the papers this week, and on television this morning, it’s about the cruelty to this horse and I completely understand that.” Before she moved on to Steven van de Velde.

“He’s representing the Netherlands in beach volleyball”, the former Coronation Street actress explained. “He is an accused rapist and he has been imprisoned. He was 18, 19 years old when he knew that this girl was 12. He raped this girl and he admitted to it.”

She then continued to summarise the situation in a dismayed tone: “He was given a four-year sentence f which he served a year and he has been supported by the board at the Olympics and they are saying: ‘we’ve got everything in place, he’s not allowed to mix with anyone’.”

Denise was then clearly livid as she added: “We’re talking about violence against women and we’re making headlines of this equestrian situation, which is serious, but nobody seems to be talking, front page wise, about what’s going on.”

Steven van de Velde was found guilty of raping the girl at an address in Milton Keynes ten years ago. Having become acquainted with her on Facebook, the then 19-year-old travelled to the UK and police were alerted to the rape after his victim sought the morning after pill at a family planning clinic.

He was given a four-year sentence at Aylesbury Crown Court in 2016 after pleading guilty to three counts of rape and served a year in a Netherlands jail before his release.

Dutch Olympic chiefs say that Van de Velde has “sought and received professional counselling [and] demonstrated to those around him – privately and professionally – self-insight and reflection.”