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  • King Charles wants to see Archie and Lilibet as insider gives damning verdict on feud

    King Charles wants to see Archie and Lilibet as insider gives damning verdict on feud

    King Charles is “keener than ever” to have a normal relationship with his estranged grandchildren, sources say.

    King Charles Prince Archie and Prince Harry

    King Charles wants to be fully involved with all of his grandchildren, says source (Image: Getty, Netflix)

    King Charles is “committed” to building a normal relationship with his estranged grandchildren, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as the monarch “values family above everything”, sources have claimed.

    The King’s relationship with his younger son, Prince Harry, may be frostier than it used to be after the latter’s explosive claims against the Firm since his sensational exit and move to the US in 2020, however, he is “keener than ever” to be as involved as he can be with Archie and Lilibet after telling friends he is “not content” with only seeing on video calls.

    Charles has only seen the eldest child of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex a handful of times and his granddaughter only once.

    A source told the Mirror: “The King is absolutely committed to being present in all of his grandchildren’s lives.

    “He values family above everything and whatever the course of his ­relationship with his son he would never be content with just seeing his grandchildren on the odd video call.”

    Meanwhile, royal author Ingrid Seward claimed family “has always been important to the King” and added that it’s “sad” he doesn’t see more of his grandchildren from across the pond.

    She said: “Family has always been important to the King. He remembers his own somewhat fragmented childhood as his parents were always busy doing their duty.

    “It is a great sadness to him he doesn’t see more of Archie and Lilibet.

    “That is why he will never break ties with Harry. He does not want a FaceTime relationship with his son’s children.

     

    Princess Lilibet

    King Charles has only seen Princess Lilibet in person once (Image: Netflix)

    “He wants to know them and be involved with their lives while they are still young enough to be able to learn from his wisdom.

    “His cancer has made it all the more poignant to him as he knows that he won’t be around forever.”

    Following one of his trips back to the UK this year in February and after the only time he was granted a meeting with his father, Prince Harry

  • Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s upbringing is ‘disappointing’ – says expert

    Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s upbringing is ‘disappointing’ – says expert

    Meghan Markle is wanting to raise Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet as true Americans and expose them to little royal influence.

    Meghan wants to raise Prince Archie Princess Lilibet as true Americans - says expert

    Meghan wants to raise Prince Archie Princess Lilibet as true Americans – says expert (Image: Misan Harriman and Getty)

    An insider has called Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s Californian upbringing ‘disappointing’.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have now made their base in Montecito following their departure from the Royal Family in 2020, and although they are regularly spotted out at engagements for the Invictus Games and other charities, their family life in the Golden State is generally kept under wraps

    But an insider said the couple have different ideas on parenting – with Meghan wanting to raise them as true Americans and expose them to little royal influence.

    Hugo Vickers called their upbringing “disappointing” as it appears they don’t know about their bloodline and are both missing out on royal events.

    The young royals don't know about their bloodline

    The young royals don’t know about their bloodline (Image: Getty)

    He told The Sun: “There’s going to come a point when they realise that they are actually cousins to the British Royal Family, and that they could have taken part in all the sort of things that Prince William’s children take part in.

    “And you know they don’t, even, as far as I can see, know, their cousins at all, and that surely must be quite tricky and disappointing really, for them.”

    The Duchess of Sussex, 42, has not been on UK soil since 2022 and made no attempt to return throughout 2023 and, so far, this year either.

    It has also “never been confirmed” whether Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis have ever met Princess Lilibet.

    King Charles has only seen Princess Lilibet in person once

    King Charles has only seen Princess Lilibet in person once (Image: Netflix)

    Although it was previously reported that she visited the UK in 2022 – and celebrated her first birthday at Windsor’s Frogmore Cottage – it has never been reported whether the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children have met her as the meeting may have happened behind closed doors.

    King Charles has not seen Archie or Lilibet since June 2022, when Harry and Meghan brought them over for the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend and they haven’t met Meghan Markle’s father, either, who only lives 70 miles away.

    Hugo said: “It’s really up to Prince Harry to make the effort. If he wants his children to meet him [Charles], he should make the effort to bring them across.

    “Simple as that. The King would, I’m sure, always make time for him if he did that, but there doesn’t seem to be a great willingness to do so.”

  • TIMING IS EVERYTHING Charles ‘deliberately timed’ his second Harry snub after YEARS of relentless attacks – enough is enough, expert says

    TIMING IS EVERYTHING Charles ‘deliberately timed’ his second Harry snub after YEARS of relentless attacks – enough is enough, expert says

    KING Charles’ second snub to Prince Harry was deliberately timed after years of relentless attacks, a royal expert says.

    The monarch yesterday ruled out a face-to-face meeting with the duke while he’s in the UK, saying he was too busy.

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    King Charles' snubs to Prince Harry were deliberate, a royal expert says
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    King Charles’ snubs to Prince Harry were deliberate, a royal expert saysCredit: PA

    Richard Fitzwilliams was speaking after the duke touched down in London yesterday
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    Richard Fitzwilliams was speaking after the duke touched down in London yesterdayCredit: Getty

    Harry revealed within hours of arriving that he would not be seeing his father on his fleeting trip
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    Harry revealed within hours of arriving that he would not be seeing his father on his fleeting tripCredit: Getty

    Meghan Markle and the prince are set to jet off to Nigeria in coming days
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    Meghan Markle and the prince are set to jet off to Nigeria in coming daysCredit: PA
    Hours later, in another snub, the King revealed eldest son William would next week be taking charge of Harry’s former helicopter regiment.

    The Monarch said that on Monday he will be at a ceremony to confirm the 41-year-old as Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.

    The event will take place in front of an Apache — the type of helicopter Harry flew when serving in Afghanistan.

    And royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams says this was no accident – and the King planned this after his son lobbed bombs at him for years.

    Richard told The Sun: “This timing is deliberate. It’s to send a deliberate message to Harry that the Royal Family has not forgotten what has been happening over the last four years.”

    The expert said it tracks back to when Prince Philip was in hospital – and the Sussexes’ explosive Oprah interview was broadcast to the world.

    Richard continued: “Prince Philip was King Charles’s father – he hasn’t forgotten that.

    “That is just one very, very significant episode, because Oprah did enormous damage to the Royal Family and the Sussexes, as I say, knew exactly what they were doing.”

    The expert said the King’s decision to announce his plan with Wills just hours after snubbing Harry was an extra dig.

    Richard continued: “The facts are that he has an important link with the regiment, and the facts are also that there’s a ceremony next Monday which the King and the the royals do nothing by accident.
    Charles “could have found time” to see Harry but he “didn’t want to” – anger is still there, Sun Royal Photographer says
    “There’s no question that it was meant to be a message to Harry. It’s been timed for now, quite deliberately.

    “This rift is river deep and very, very public now.”

    The expert said going forward, Harry should keep his plans – and meetings with the King – private, rather than announcing them to the world – as he did on Good Morning America.

    Richard continued: “I don’t think that the King wanted Harry to go on television and talk even in general terms, about the family coming together.

    “This was not only a private meeting, but had Harry kept it completely private and not made any comments, I think that would have been preferable.”

    This timing is deliberate. It’s to send a deliberate message to Harry that the Royal Family has not forgotten what has been happening over the last four years.

    Richard FitzwilliamsRoyal expert

    It comes as The Sun’s Royal Photographer revealed he believed there was a way Harry could guarantee a meeting with his dad on his next visit to the UK.

    Arthur Edwards also claimed the King could have found time – but he didn’t want to.

    The Duke of Sussex jetted in from California yesterday for a service marking the 10th anniversary of his Invictus Games St Paul’s Cathedral.

    Arthur told The Sun: “It’s a great triumph that the King is back at work now and back to the grindstone.

    “Obviously his time is packed and there’s so many things to catch up on.

    “But I’m sure if he wanted to he could have found time to see Harry, but obviously doesn’t want to and Harry seems to have accepted it.”

  • TOP SHOW Harry’s solo Invictus bash was clear signal to Charles & William – another family have ‘laid claim’ to duke, expert says

    TOP SHOW Harry’s solo Invictus bash was clear signal to Charles & William – another family have ‘laid claim’ to duke, expert says

    PRINCE Harry’s solo Invictus bash was a clear signal to Charles and William, an expert has said.

    The Duke of Sussex, 39, was all smiles at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday during another whistle-stop tour to the UK in which he didn’t visit his dad or brother.

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    Prince Harry arrived at his Invictus Games 10-year anniversary yesterday without the support of Charles or William
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    Prince Harry arrived at his Invictus Games 10-year anniversary yesterday without the support of Charles or WilliamCredit: Alamy

    The King was occupied hosting the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
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    The King was occupied hosting the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham PalaceCredit: PA

    Princess Diana's brother Earl Spencer and sister Lady Jane Fellowes supported Harry at St Paul's
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    Princess Diana’s brother Earl Spencer and sister Lady Jane Fellowes supported Harry at St Paul’sCredit: Splash
    Despite the King being just two miles away from his youngest son, Charles was too busy hosting Buckingham Palace’s first Garden party of the year to meet him.

    However, Harry was backed by Princess Diana’s siblings Earl Spencer and Lady Jane Fellowes at the service marking 10 years of his Invictus Games.

    Ingrid Seward, editor of Majesty magazine and friend of Princess Diana, said the Spencers’ presence was significant.

    She said: “They are very supportive of Harry and always have been.

    “It sends a clear signal to the Royal Family and to Harry that Diana’s family are there for him.

    “At his address at Diana’s funeral, Charles Spencer said he would look out for William and Harry in her place.

    “He said, ‘We your blood family will do all we can to continue the imaginative way in which you were steering theses two exceptional young men so that their souls are not simply immersed by duty and tradition but can sing openly as you had planned’.

    “Charles Spencer wanted the Spencer family to be prominent above all others, but the boys were sucked up by the Royal Family.

    “Now that Harry has left the Royal Family, the Spencers have laid claim to him again.”

    Harry hugged his late mum’s brother and sister Earl Spencer, 59, and Lady Jane Fellowes, 67, outside St Paul’s ahead of the service yesterday.
    It’ll take time to rebuild Harry & Charles’ relationship – King wants no part of his son Harry’s ‘circus’, expert says
    Three cousins — George McCorquodale, 39, Louis Spencer, 30, and Lara Spencer, 18 — sat in a row behind Harry.

    Just down the road, the King, Queen Camilla and other royals mingled among 8,000 guests on the Palace lawns.

    Harry had been keen to meet his dad on a three-day UK visit, but on Tuesday his office said it was not possible due to the King’s busy diary.

    A decade ago Charles, Camilla and Prince William had joined Harry at the first Invictus Games in London.

    Yesterday, Harry arrived at 5pm and greeted his aunt and uncle before taking his seat.

    The King, back to public duties despite cancer treatment, led the royals at Buckingham Palace from 4pm.

    Also on the lawns were Princess Anne, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, Edward and Sophie, plus the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

    The only working royals missing were the Prince and Princess of Wales.

    William had conducted an investiture in Windsor earlier in the day, and Kate is not carrying out public duties due to her own cancer fight.

    Applause erupted from the crowds as the royal party arrived on the Palace terrace.

    A timeline of Prince Harry and William’s ‘feud’: Brothers ‘at war’

    In 2018, the Sun told how “simmering tension” began when William questioned the speed of Harry and Meghan’s engagement.

    The first hints of friction reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace.

    Once she’d returned home to Canada, William and Harry sat down for a brother-to-brother chat.

    He knew Harry was already head-over-heels for her but it has been claimed he advised him to take it slowly.

    The younger prince reportedly didn’t take too kindly to the advice, with one royal source saying he “went mental”.

    Then in June 2019 Harry and Meghan officially split off from the charity they shared with William and Kate.

    The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.

    Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.

    The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.

    The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.

    Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.

    The move further increased rumours of a fallout.

    Harry, 39, also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.

    It came after Prince Philip called Meghan the “D.O.W” after the Duchess of Windsor — the American divorcee who led Edward VIII to abdicate.

    And he warned the late Queen to be “cautious” of Harry’s then bride-to-be, a royal author claims.

    Ingrid Seward revealed in new book My Mother And I that Prince Philip felt it was “uncanny…how much Meghan reminded him of the Duchess of Windsor”.

    In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.

    Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.

    In 2022, just before their grandmother the Queen died, sources claimed Kate acts as a “peacemaker” between the brothers.

    Last year Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan.

    In his book Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.

    Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.

    He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.

    In January this year, Harry flew in to be with Charles after the monarch’s shock cancer diagnosis.

    Harry flew back to the US the following day – without seeing Wills.

    The King then began greeting charity heroes with warm handshakes and big smiles. He was heard saying: “I’m not doing badly”. Asked ‘How are you feeling?’, he replied: “Not too bad.”

    He chatted with Royal Commonwealth Society members plus Team GB’s synchronised swimming team — promising to watch them at the Paris Olympics.

    In all, he spent around an hour with guests despite doctors “calibrating” his engagements.

    This morning he will meet the 3 Royal School of Military Engineering (3RSME) at Gibraltar Barracks in Surrey.

    He and Harry have not seen each other since February when the US-based Duke flew 5,000 miles following his father’s diagnosis.

    The pair then spoke for just 30 minutes. Today is Harry’s last in the UK before he and wife Meghan visit Nigeria for Invictus events.

    He is currently appealing a decision to remove his automatic right to 24-hour armed police in the UK, stripped after Megxit.

  • HIDDEN MEANING Harry sent a secret message to Charles with his statement, you can tell because he didn’t put the boot it, expert claims

    HIDDEN MEANING Harry sent a secret message to Charles with his statement, you can tell because he didn’t put the boot it, expert claims

    PRINCE Harry jetted to the UK for a three-day stay last week but didn’t meet with his cancer-stricken dad King Charles.

    Instead, the Duke of Sussex released a statement saying the monarch’s busy schedule prevented a reunion – and an expert has claimed it sent a message to Charles.

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    Prince Harry visited the UK last week for three days but didn't meet with his family
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    Prince Harry visited the UK last week for three days but didn’t meet with his familyCredit: Reuters

    Prince Harry's spokesperson released a statement about how the duke couldn't meet with Charles due to 'His Majesty’s full programme'
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    Prince Harry’s spokesperson released a statement about how the duke couldn’t meet with Charles due to ‘His Majesty’s full programme’Credit: PA

    Prince Harry flew to Nigeria with Meghan Markle following his UK trip
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    Prince Harry flew to Nigeria with Meghan Markle following his UK tripCredit: Reuters
    Prince Harry arrived last Tuesday and left on Thursday evening, and his spokesperson confirmed: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

    “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Newsweek’s Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston said the message was carefully worded.

    The royal expert told The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson: “This was a very delicately worded statement and Harry isn’t always delicate.

    “Sometimes he’s a bit of a bull in a china shop, but this was actually probably perfectly worded.

    “It said just enough so that we all knew that it was Charles who had prevented the meeting or at least the palace side that had prevented the meeting, and that Harry had wanted to meet his father but it also did keep the tone warm and positive.

    “So he said basically due to his schedule, but also got in there ‘and other priorities’.”

    Jack claimed King Charles had a busy schedule on Wednesday hosting the famous Buckingham Palace Garden Party, he didn’t on Tuesday, which could have been a window for a reunion.

    He continued: “But Charles did, in Harry’s view, clearly have some other priorities but Harry didn’t put the boot in, he didn’t put venom in the statement.

    “He just made sure that people knew that he had wanted the meeting, and that it was the palace side who had stopped it from happening.”
    Harry arrives at glitzy Invictus bash just 3 MILES from dad Charles’ garden party after king ‘snubbed’ meeting with son
    Prince Harry travelled on Tuesday from his Montecito mansion in a whirlwind three-day visit for the glitzy Invictus event at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8.

    Harry and Charles last reunited at Clarence House in February for their first face-to-face meeting in 16 months.

    The prince flew to the UK alone without Meghan or their children Archie and Lilibet.

    Harry did not see his brother Prince William – but had been “keen” to see his dad while visiting.

    Newsweek’s Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston spoke to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson in our Royal Exclusive show
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    Newsweek’s Chief Royal Correspondent Jack Royston spoke to The Sun’s Royal Editor Matt Wilkinson in our Royal Exclusive showCredit: THE SUN

    A timeline of Prince Harry’s family feud

    In 2018, the Sun told how “simmering tension

    The first hints of friction reportedly came after William was introduced to Meghan when she was staying at Kensington Palace.

    Once she’d returned home to Canada, William and Harry sat down for a brother-to-brother chat.

    He knew Harry was already head-over-heels for her but it has been claimed he advised him to take it slowly.

    The younger prince reportedly didn’t take too kindly to the advice, with one royal source saying he “went mental”.

    Then in June 2019 Harry and Meghan officially split off from the charity they shared with William and Kate.

    The Royal Foundation will be divided between the Sussexes and Cambridges as the couples focus on their own separate charitable endeavours.

    Prince William and Prince Harry first established the Royal Foundation in 2009 before Kate joined two years later shortly after their engagement was announced.

    The trio would often appear together at events and the Foundation had huge successes with projects like the Invictus Games for injured veterans and the mental health Heads Together campaign.

    The Royal Foundation said the decision was made following the conclusion of a review into its structure – but added both couples will continue to work together in the future.

    Harry and Meg were living in close proximity to Kate and Wills within the Kensington Palace estate, but they switched to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor before baby Archie was born.

    The move further increased rumours of a fallout.

    Harry, 39, also hinted in his ITV documentary “Harry and Meghan, An African Journey” that he and his brother had grown apart.

    In 2021, Harry and Meghan give their bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey where Harry accused his dad of cutting him off financially.

    Harry then jetted back to UK to join William in unveiling a statue to their mother Princess Diana in the grounds of Kensington Palace. But sources claimed William didn’t want to attend the memorial amid their ongoing rift.

    In 2022, just before their grandmother the Queen died, sources claimed Kate acts as a “peacemaker” between the brothers.

    Harry claimed his brother “knocked him to the floor” during an argument about Meghan, in his memoir.

    In Spare, Harry said William branded Meghan “rude” and “difficult” during a row.

    Harry alleged William “grabbed me by the collar, ripping my necklace, and … knocked me to the floor”.

    He said he was left with a visible injury to his back following the argument in 2019 at Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace, where he was living at the time.

    In January this year, Harry flew in to be with Charles after the monarch’s shock cancer diagnosis.

    Harry flew back to the US the following day – without seeing Wills.

    William has been stung by his brother’s attacks and has not spoken to Harry since Queen Elizabeth’s funeral.

    This follows Harry slamming his family in his bombshell Spare memoir, and criticising the royals in their Harry & Meghan documentary.

    Charles, 75, resumed public duties last week for the first time since beginning cancer treatment.

    Sources claimed the King had agreed to let his distant son stay in a royal residence for the trip – but the offer was turned down.

    Prince Harry’s statement about meeting up with King Charles

    A spokesperson for the Duke of Sussex said: “It unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full programme.

    “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.”

    Harry is understood to have stayed in a hotel during his visit.

    As reported by the Sunday Times, insiders close to His Majesty alleged it would have been more practical to arrange a meeting between the father and son should Harry have opted for a royal residence.

    However, friends close to the duke insist he did his best to arrange seeing Charles before the long-awaited trip.

    Following his UK trip, Prince Harry flew to Nigeria with Meghan Markle for a three-day visit in an effort to get the country to host the Invictus Games in 2029.

    Harry and Meghan, who is of Nigerian descent, met with service members and their families, and participated in traditional cultural activities.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Africa for their three-day visit on Friday
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    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Africa for their three-day visit on FridayCredit: AFP

    Royal experts hailed their Nigeria trip as an 'old-school royal tour'
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    Royal experts hailed their Nigeria trip as an ‘old-school royal tour

  • Expert reveals real reason ‘desperate’ Harry flew solo without Meghan

    Expert reveals real reason ‘desperate’ Harry flew solo without Meghan

    Prince Harry reportedly wants to spend more time in his home country despite the fact his wife Meghan Markle does not want to return.

    PRINCE HARRY TALKING INTO A MICROPHONE

    Prince Harry wants to spend more time in the UK (Image: John Nacion/Getty Images)

    Prince Harry is “desperate” to return to his home country despite this being against his wife’s wishes, a royal expert has said.

    According to OK!, expert Phil Dampier said the duke, who turned 40 earlier this month, wants to spend more time in the UK, especially over recent months and since his father King Charles’ cancer diagnosis earlier this year when the duke flew back to the country alone.

    Mr Dampier said Harry was “desperate” to find some new meaning to his life and would have to fly solo even if meant being without Meghan, who doesn’t want to come back to the UK.

    Phil said: “He’s turned 40 and must be asking himself what the future holds. I think he’s desperate to find some new meaning to his life and that seems to involve branching out on his own more.

    “He clearly wants to find some causes he can get involved in and give his life some purpose. Meghan doesn’t want to come back to this country, so he will have to fly solo.”

  • DRIVER’S DEAL Princess Diana’s chauffeur settles slander case with BBC after claim he leaked info about Panorama interview

    DRIVER’S DEAL Princess Diana’s chauffeur settles slander case with BBC after claim he leaked info about Panorama interview

    PRINCESS Diana’s former chauffeur has settled a High Court slander case against the BBC.

    The Corporation has agreed to pay an unspecified sum to Stephen Davies after claiming he leaked information about her before her famous Panorama interview.

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    Princess Diana's former chauffeur Stephen Davies, left, has settled a High Court slander case against the BBC
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    Princess Diana’s former chauffeur Stephen Davies, left, has settled a High Court slander case against the BBCCredit: Alpha Photo Press Agency

    The Corporation claimed Mr Davies leaked information about the late Princess of Wales before her 1995 Panorama interview
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    The Corporation claimed Mr Davies leaked information about the late Princess of Wales before her 1995 Panorama interviewCredit: PA
    He was the Princess of Wales’ chauffeur at the time she spoke to Martin Bashir in November 1995.

    Mr Davies was sacked without explanation four months later.

    He sued the BBC after a probe revealed a document from a meeting in September 1995 which stated that Diana and her brother Earl Spencer were told by Mr Bashir that the driver “feeds Today newspaper . . . change your chauffeur”.

    A spokesman for the BBC said it accepted that the claim in the document “was and is wholly false”.

    The BBC managed to pull off a royal coup at the time when veteran Panorama journalist Martin Bashir spoke to Princess Diana in her first solo interview since her marriage to Prince Charles.

    Diana was still part of the royal family – but only just, after she and Charles legally separated three years before.

    Her scandalous interview was kept a total secret from Buckingham Palace – and within a month of it being broadcast, the Queen wrote to both Diana and Charles personally advising them to divorce.

    Dressed in a powerful black suit and white blouse, Diana sat down with Bashir for an hour in what would become one of the most explosive interviews ever conducted.

    She dropped a number of bombshells as she opened up about her life as a member of the Royal Family.

    A staggering 22.8 million watched it, and it remains one of the highest-rated BBC programmes of all time.

  • KING’S BATTLE How is King Charles? Latest health updates

    KING’S BATTLE How is King Charles? Latest health updates

    KING Charles III will be making his first trip abroad since being diagnosed with cancer.

    He is set to visit France to mark 80 years since D-Day. Here we take a look at the timeline of the events surrounding the monarch’s health.

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    Buckingham palace issued a statement saying King Charles has cancer
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    Buckingham palace issued a statement saying King Charles has cancerCredit: AFP

    How is King Charles?

    King Charles is set to take his first trip out of the UK since he was diagnosed with cancer.

    It has been announced that he will be travelling to France to mark 80 years since D-Day and to stand with World War II veterans.

    He is going to honour those who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy.

    He will attend commemorations in both Portsmouth on June 5 and in northern France on D-Day itself on June 6.

    This comes after the King returned to public duty as doctors were pleased by his response to his cancer treatment.

    The palace confirmed that the King’s treatment is ongoing but doctors are pleased with his progress.

    They said: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that The King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.

    “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”

    The palace revealed that while King Charles underwent surgery for an enlarged prostate, the unspecified cancer was found.

    Friends and family of the Monarch have said his spirits remain high as he fights his latest health battle.

    His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far.

    Buckingham Palace

    While a hospital outpatient, King Charles has continued to carry out his constitutional role — reading government papers and having weekly audiences with the Prime Minister.

    It is understood Charles returned from Sandringham to London for his treatment.

    The King’s family have rallied around him, which also saw his youngest son Prince Harry briefly flying in from America to be by his father’s side.

    Here is a timeline of the King’s health battle so far in 2024:

    January 17

    The monarch sought treatment for an enlarged prostate
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    The monarch sought treatment for an enlarged prostateCredit: PA
    It was announced that the King was to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.

    A statement read: “In common with thousands of men each year, The King has sought treatment for an enlarged prostate.

    “His Majesty’s condition is benign and he will attend hospital next week for a corrective procedure.

    “The King’s public engagements will be postponed for a short period of recuperation.”

    January 26

    The King was admitted to the London Clinic where he underwent a corrective procedure on his enlarged prostate.

    At the time, Buckingham Palace said: “The King was this morning admitted to a London hospital for scheduled treatment.

    “His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week.

    “He is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”

    January 29

    King Charles leaves hospital with Queen Camilla after three night stay following prostate treatment
    The King was discharged from hospital following the procedure.

    After originally expecting to spend one night in hospital, Charles stayed for three days.

    There he was given the all-clear to head back home where he could finish his recovery.

    January 31

    Queen Camilla reveals her husband is 'doing his best' at a royal engagement
    10

    Queen Camilla reveals her husband is ‘doing his best’ at a royal engagementCredit: Reuters
    During a royal engagement, Queen Camilla gave a health update on how the King was doing following his treatment.

    Whilst attending an event at Windsor Castle, she was asked about how the monarch was feeling after his recent procedure.

    To which Queen Camilla replied:  “He’s getting on, doing his best.”

    February 5

    A picture of the King was released by Buckingham Palace as they revealed he has cancer
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    A picture of the King was released by Buckingham Palace as they revealed he has cancerCredit: HMK
    Buckingham Palace announced the King has cancer.

    Although the type of cancer Charles has not been revealed, it was stated that it was not of the prostate.

    The statement read: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted.

    “Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.

    “His Majesty has today commenced a schedule of regular treatments, during which time he has been advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties.”

    You can read the full statement from Buckingham Palace here.

    February 10

    In his first statement since his cancer diagnosis, the King offered his “heartfelt thanks” to the public for their support.

    The monarch said: “I would like to express my most heartfelt thanks for the many messages of support and good wishes I have received in recent days.

    “As all those who have been affected by cancer will know, such kind thoughts are the greatest comfort and encouragement.

    “It is equally heartening to hear how sharing my own diagnosis has helped promote public understanding and shine a light on the work of all those organisations which support cancer patients and their families across the UK and wider world.

    “My lifelong admiration for their tireless care and dedication is all the greater as a result of my own personal experience.”

    February 13

    The King arrives back in London for treatment with wife Queen Camilla
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    The King arrives back in London for treatment with wife Queen CamillaCredit: PA
    King Charles was seen smiling and waving as he arrived back in London for more cancer treatment.

    The monarch was accompanied by Queen Camilla, as they landed together in the capital by helicopter.

    They had been staying at the King’s country residence in Sandringham.

    February 14

    Charles is seen heading back to work after treatment
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    Charles is seen heading back to work after treatmentCredit: Ray Collins
    The King went back to work in London before returning to  Sandringham to recover after his cancer treatment.

    The monarch looked in good spirits as he headed to Buckingham Palace for state business.

    After going through his red boxes and meeting palace officials, Charles headed back to Sandringham via helicopter for some rest.

    March 31

    King Charles III first public appearance for the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle since two months
    10

    King Charles III first public appearance for the Easter Mattins Service at Windsor Castle since two monthsCredit: Getty
    King Charles joined Queen Camilla and other members of the royal family – including Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and the Duchess of York – for the annual Easter Mattins Service at St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.

    It was his first public appearance since his cancer diagnosis.

    The palace said that the King has “responded to treatment very encouragingly”.

    Footage showed the King giving around 60 handshakes to a crowd and one person told him “get well soon Your Majesty”.

    The King replied: “I’m doing my best.”

    King Charles greeting the crowd at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024
    10

    King Charles greeting the crowd at Windsor Castle on March 31, 2024Credit: Getty

    April 26

    It was announced that King Charles is well enough to return to public-facing royal duties.

    This came just 11 weeks after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.

    King Charles is returning to public duties
    10

    King Charles is returning to public dutiesCredit: Peter Jordan
    His first appearance back will be to a cancer hospital where he will be joined by Queen Camilla.

    It was also revealed that he would be visiting Japan later on in the year in the summer.

    May 17

    King Charles is going to France
    10

    King Charles is going to FranceCredit: Getty
    It was announced on Friday May 17, 2024 that King Charles would be travelling to France for his first trip abroad since being diagnosed with cancer.

    Charles is going to stand with World War II veterans and mark 80 years since D-Day.

    He is going to honour those who fought on the beaches of Normandy.

    He is set to go to events in both Portsmouth and in northern France for the occasion.

    What other health problems has King Charles had?

    Charles has had a number of minor health problems throughout his life, including chronic neck and back pain and broken bones.

    The King has also had other medical issues, such as a scratched cornea and undergoing knee surgery.

    He has also undergone procedures to remove a non cancerous growth from his face as well as surgeries on his appendix and a hernia.

    Charles has twice fallen from a horse, luckily not suffering any long term damage on those occasions, and damaged his larynx whilst playing polo in 1981.

  • DIANA’S TEARS Princess Diana’s favourite photograph revealed as part of new exhibition that captures iconic snapper’s images of royals

    DIANA’S TEARS Princess Diana’s favourite photograph revealed as part of new exhibition that captures iconic snapper’s images of royals

    THEY have travelled the world with the royals and been present at some of the family’s most intimate moments.

    Now, for the first time in the UK, photographers Anwar Hussein, 86, and his two sons, Samir, 44, and Zak, 43, are displaying their remarkable images of Princess Diana and her family, along with personal accounts of the stories behind each picture.

    Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

    Photographers Anwar Hussein and his two sons are displaying their remarkable images of Princess Diana
    7

    Photographers Anwar Hussein and his two sons are displaying their remarkable images of Princess DianaCredit: Anwar Hussein
    Zak took The Sun for an exclusive tour of the immersive exhibition in London, giving us a first look at a gallery including snaps he and his brother have taken of William and Kate, the Prince and Princess of Wales, as well as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan.

    Here he reveals some of the background to his father’s iconic work and recalls what it was like growing up among the royals, plus which photograph was Diana’s all-time favourite . . .

    The Princess Diana: Accredited Access exhibition is running from this Saturday, May 25, to Monday, September 2, at Dockside Vaults in London. For tickets, visit princessdianaexhibit.com.

    Play date plan

    Princess Diana with sons William and Harry on holiday in Majorca, Spain
    7

    Princess Diana with sons William and Harry on holiday in Majorca, SpainCredit: Anwar Hussein
    AS a mum, Diana adored sons William and Harry – and once tried to arrange a play date for them with a young Zak and Samir.

    Zak, who recalls the Princess watching Charles play polo when he was a child, said: “My dad used to bring my brother and I along. William and Harry were roughly the same ages as Samir and me.

    “When I was six or seven, my dad was talking to Diana and when she saw us, she said, ‘You must come to Highgrove!’. My dad said, ‘No, no, you must come to our house’. She said, ‘I think that’s going to be difficult’. Sadly, the meeting never happened.”

    Diana’s tears

    A teary-eyed Diana cradles a young cancer patient in her arms on a private visit to Pakistan
    7

    A teary-eyed Diana cradles a young cancer patient in her arms on a private visit to PakistanCredit: Anwar Hussein
    DIANA herself was captivated by this photo of her cradling a child cancer patient on a private visit to Pakistan in 1997.

    Zak said: “This photo my dad remembers taking extremely well. She visited a cancer hospital and met all these children, including this one boy.

    Iconic car brand loved by Princess Diana up for sale
    “My dad recalls how at ease and comforted the boy looked, and remembers tears in Diana’s eyes as he took the photo.

    “Afterwards, Diana said to my dad, ‘Out of all the pictures you’ve taken, this is probably my favourite one’.”

    Solo Taj Mahal trip

    Princess Diana was pictured at the Taj Mahal alone because Charles had other engagements
    7

    Princess Diana was pictured at the Taj Mahal alone because Charles had other engagementsCredit: Anwar Hussein

    Zak was able to recreate the picture with William and Kate during their trip to India
    7

    Zak was able to recreate the picture with William and Kate during their trip to IndiaCredit: Getty – Contributor
    A VISIT to the Taj Mahal in India in 1992 did not go to plan for Charles and Diana because he had other engagements – so the Princess was pictured there alone.

    Zak said: “The royal tours are definitely my favourite part of the job as you get to go to some amazing places.

    “My father has always spoken proudly about the Taj Mahal picture. It was a place that Charles always promised to take Diana and, when they were in India, it was on the itinerary. But on the day . . . Diana ended up going and posing alone. So it’s outside this huge monument to love and it showed the loneliness she felt at the time.

    “It became such an iconic photo and the bench is now known as the Diana bench.

    “Around 24 years later I was on a tour with William and Kate in India and the last engagement was the Taj Mahal. We weren’t sure if they were going to pose in front of it, but they ended up doing it. So it’s amazing that I took a picture of Diana’s son years after my dad took a picture of Diana.”

    Shaking hands with ‘Untouchable’

    Diana crouches to clasp the hand of a so-called 'Untouchable' – considered the lowest in India’s ancient caste system
    7

    Diana crouches to clasp the hand of a so-called ‘Untouchable’ – considered the lowest in India’s ancient caste systemCredit: Anwar Hussein
    WEARING an elegant cream dress, Princess Diana crouched to clasp the hand of a so-called “Untouchable” – considered the lowest in India’s ancient caste system.

    Zak said of the February 1992 image: “She was so good with people and so kind and compassionate, which can be seen in the photo my father took of her in India, shaking hands with the ‘Untouchable’.

    “She changed how these people were seen because she was interested in all people from different backgrounds.”

    Revenge dress

    Diana walking out in her 'revenge dress' at a Vanity Fair party
    7

    Diana walking out in her ‘revenge dress’ at a Vanity Fair partyCredit: Anwar Hussein
    ON the night in 1994 that the then Prince Charles admitted to cheating on wife Diana, she bravely attended a Vanity Fair party in this figure-hugging outfit which became known as her “revenge dress”.

    Zak explained: “Every day as a royal photographer is so different. You’re documenting history, photographing things like Coronations, royal weddings and royal babies.

    “Sometimes you don’t even realise you’re documenting history until after, like this photo my father took of Diana wearing her ‘revenge dress’ on the night Charles made his notorious adultery admission on television.”

  • BY HIS SIDE Young Queen Camilla: iconic pre-royal photos & moments

    BY HIS SIDE Young Queen Camilla: iconic pre-royal photos & moments

    QUEEN Camilla has been in the public eye for decades.

    Here is her journey from meeting King Charles to becoming Queen.

    Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

    Camilla Parker Bowles met King Charles

    1971

    Charles and Camilla met in 1971
    10

    Charles and Camilla met in 1971Credit: Rex
    King Charles and Queen Camilla met and struck up a friendship way before they eventually went on to get married.

    They were just 23 when their worlds first collided in 1971 thanks to their mutual friend Lucia Santa Cruz.

    The pair have had quite the relationship timeline, starting out by constantly talking on the phone and now being the King and Queen of England

    It has been said that it didn’t take long for the two of them to fall for each other but they couldn’t be in a romantic relationship straight away due to warnings from Charles’ great-uncle Lord Mountbatten.

    He had said that Camilla was not sufficiently aristocratic, which meant they went their separate ways.

    Camilla moved on when Charles left to serve in the Royal Navy, and he returned to find her engaged to another man.

    Camilla married Andrew Parker Bowles

    July 1973

    Queen Camilla on her wedding day to Andrew
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    Queen Camilla on her wedding day to AndrewCredit: Hulton Picture Company
    Camilla had been proposed to by Andrew Parker Bowles, who had previously dated Charles’ sister, Princess Anne.

    Camilla got engaged to and married Andrew in 1973, while Charles wed the late Princess Diana on July 29, 1981.

    Camilla and Andrew were married for 22 years and had a son and daughter together.

    Camilla’s sister’s birthday bash

    January 1999

    Camilla and Charles left the venue together
    10

    Camilla and Charles left the venue togetherCredit: Getty
    King Charles threw a 50th birthday party for Camilla’s sister at the Ritz.

    The pair arrived at the party separately but left together.

    The event was the focus of season six, episode one of The Crown.

    Queen Camilla ‘tried to hold King back’ after cancer treatment as she reveals he’s ‘thrilled’ with his return to work

    King Charles and Camilla publically dating

    April 1999

    King Charles and Camilla leaving The Lyric Theatre
    10

    King Charles and Camilla leaving The Lyric TheatreCredit: Nunn Syndication
    King Charles and Camilla went to the Lyric Theatre to see the play “Animal Crackers” by the Marx brothers.

    This picture confirmed that the two were publically dating.

    King Charles and Camilla engaged

    March 2005

    King Charles and Camilla got engaged in 2005
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    King Charles and Camilla got engaged in 2005Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The pair announced their engagement at Windsor in February 2005 – 35 years after they first met.

    Camilla debuted a platinum engagement ring with a five-carat emerald-cut diamond and baguettes along the side in an Art Deco design

    The piece is believed to have come from the Queen Mother’s collection.

    King Charles had to go to his mother to ask for permission to marry Camilla and she gave her consent.

    King Charles and Camilla get married

    April 2005

    King Charles and Camilla on their wedding day
    10

    King Charles and Camilla on their wedding dayCredit: AFP
    The pair wed in an intimate civil ceremony at Windsor Castle on April 9, 2005.

    The couple only had 28 guests in attendance, which included his sister Princess Anne and brother Prince Andrew.

    King Charles wanted things to “run as smoothly as possible”, especially considering the controversy surrounding his relationship with Camilla.

    Phones and cameras were prohibited at the royal ceremony.

    Wedding gifts were banned.

    King Charles and Camilla with their children

    April 2005

    King Charles and Camilla with their children
    10

    King Charles and Camilla with their childrenCredit: Getty
    The newlyweds stood with their children after the civil ceremony.

    Prince William and Prince Harry, and Camilla’s children from her first marriage, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes.

    Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service

    Late Queen Elizabeth

    Camilla Installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter

    June 2022

    Camilla was installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter
    10

    Camilla was installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the GarterCredit: Paul Edwards
    Camilla was installed as a Royal Lady of the Order of the Garter — an appointment made by the late Queen Elizabeth.

    She joined other members of the royal family in the prestigious organisation — including her husband, King Charles, and the Queen’s other children.

    Her appointment is significant as those who marry into the royal family are rarely included in the order.

    Camilla becomes Queen

    September 2022

    Camilla becomes Queen Consort
    10

    Camilla becomes Queen ConsortCredit: Getty
    Camilla became Queen Consort on September 8 2022 upon her husband’s accession as Charles III, following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

    In her Platinum Jubilee message, the late Queen stated that she “sincerely wished” for Camilla to become Queen Consort.

    She said: “I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving support of my family.

    “I was blessed that in Prince Philip, I had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it.

    “It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father’s reign.

    “This anniversary also affords me a time to reflect on the goodwill shown to me by people of all nationalities, faiths and ages in this country and around the world over these years.

    “I would like to express my thanks to you all for your support.

    “I remain eternally grateful for, and humbled by, the loyalty and affection that you continue to give me.

    “And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same support that you have given me; and it is my sincere wish that, when that time comes, Camilla will be known as Queen Consort as she continues her own loyal service.”

    King Charles discharged from the hospital

    January 2024

    Queen Camilla accompanies King Charles III as he leaves the London Clinic in central London
    10

    Queen Camilla accompanies King Charles III as he leaves the London Clinic in central LondonCredit: PA
    Charles stepped back from public duties after he was diagnosed with cancer in January.

    The shock announcement came just eight days after he was released from hospital following a “corrective procedure” for an enlarged prostate.

    But it remains unclear when Charles will be able to resume full-time public appearances.

    Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief for Majesty Magazine told Fabulous: “The responsibility of ‘being in charge’ while he stays in the background has been in her capable hands. She has done brilliantly.

    “Charles is incredibly grateful.”