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Bake Off legend Sandi Toksvig bluntly reveals the former co-star she no longer speaks to and why she left the show

Sandi also revealed the surprising reason she never enjoyed Bake Off

BAKE Off legend Sandi Toksvig bluntly revealed the former co-star she no longer speaks to and explained why she ultimately left the show.

The 66-year-old hosted the show for three years alongside Noel Fielding, 51.

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Sandi Toksvig reveals why she truly left Bake Off behindCredit: Mark Bourdillon (Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way) CHANN

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Sandi admitted she had never watched the show before joiningCredit: Mark Bourdillon/ Channel 4 images must not be altered or manipulated in any way. This pict
Sandi left the show back in 2020 and was replaced by Matt Lucas and later Alison Hammond.

The star has now revealed her real reasons behind leaving the show.

In an interview with The Times where she was asked if she was still friends with her former co-host Noel, Sandi bluntly said: “No.”

She then opened up about why she left the show saying: “It’s not for me. I walked away from the biggest paycheque of my life, but that’s fine.

“I’d never watched it. I still haven’t watched it. I didn’t understand it.

“Cakes are readily available in the shops. I didn’t enjoy the process. There was this showbiz thing you’d made it with Bake Off, it was a big show, getting a lot of attention.

“But my wife Deb said, ‘It’s not making you happy’.”

Sandi still speaks to Prue Leith but is barely is barely in contact with Paul Hollywood due to his busy schedule.

Earlier this year, Prue reacted to a comment Sandi made about the show where she joked that her brain was turning to mush from “watching meringues dry.”

Prue, 83 has dismissed Sandi’s comment, saying that they actually had a great time in the green room and she wasn’t ‘really bored’.
‘What is going on?’ beg Bake Off fans as TWO contestants collapse and another falls during incredibly stressful day in the tent
Prue shared that Sandi kept herself busy with knitting, writing scripts, and other hobbies during her breaks from filming.

“I don’t think Sandi was so bored because she and I shared a wonderful green room in this posh house, which was where we filmed Bake Off and which was in the library.

“And so we had this wonderful selection of books and she would knit little figures and dress them beautifully. Did you know she’s a knitter? She sells [them] for charity. So she made lots of those. She wrote a few scripts. She did a lot of other things,” Prue told Times Radio.

Prue added that Sandi’s comment about ‘watching meringue dry’ seemed ‘a little heavy’ but assured that it was only meant as a joke.

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Sandi co-hosted the show for three years with Noel FieldingCredit: PA:Press Association

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She also admitted to ‘not liking cake’Credit: PA

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Sandi revealed she didn’t enjoy the process of the showCredit: PA

Meghan Markle has sparked fan frenzy by sporting a recycled red dress to an event in Los Angeles on Saturday.

Meghan Markle stunned at an event in Los Angeles (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle has sparked a fashion fan frenzy after sporting a recycled £4,595 ($5,990) red Carolina Herrera dress to an event in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The Duchess of Sussex, 43, who now resides in California, looked stunning as she took to the red carpet at the LA Children’s Hospital gala.

Appearing to take on the Princess of Wales’s style advice, Meghan chose to rewear a dress that she previously wore to a New York City gala to honour military personnel on the eve of Veterans Day and Armistice Day in 2021.

Princess Kate, 42, is often known for recycling her looks. She chose to rewear her £1,335 peplum-bodice, fit-and-flare frock that she first debuted at Wimbledon in 2022 to an engagement in Southampton last summer.

The glamorous event, held at LA Live’s event deck, featured performances by Demi Lovato and appearances from Hollywood stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Prince Harry was absent from the event last night as he has paid a visit to Lesotho for a series of engagements for his charity, Sentebale.

Express.co.uk revealed yesterday that the Duke has extended his solo trip abroad without Meghan Markle.

According to a well-placed source, the Duke of Sussex, 40, was due to head back to California this weekend to reunite with his wife Meghan, 43, and their two children, but has chosen to prolong his solo trip by an extra few days.

The source added that the Duke will likely head to Johannesburg and Cape Town for “private time” with family and friends. Another secret visit, which has bizarrely been kept out of his official diary, is also planned.

After seeing pictures of Meghan’s look from the LA event last night, Sussex fans took to social media to express their opinions.

Meghan sported the same dress in 2021 (Image: Getty)

One fan commented: “She looks young, beautiful and healthy. Her hair is lovely [pink-heart emoji].”

Another, noticing that it was the same dress she wore in 2021, wrote: “The way [Duchess] Meghan bought this red gown back but in such a simple but elegant way and then changed up her hair like she is that girl.”

Complementing Meghan’s look, another fan wrote: “She stepped out so beautifully.”

Another commented: “What a woman [heart-eyed emoji]”, whilst another wrote, “She looks great!”

Whilst Harry recently undertook solo trips to New York City and London, Meghan is said to have remained in California with their two children.

The Duchess of Sussex stunned in a glamorous red dress at a star-studded gala event in Los Angeles – she’d previously sported the gown at a 2021 event she attended with husband Harry

Meghan Markle has re-worn an eye-catching dress she’d previously been seen in alongside Prince Harry – but he was nowhere to be seen this time.

The Duchess of Sussex sported the red Carolina Herrera gown for a star-studded night at the LA Children’s Hospital gala on Saturday evening.

And she was noticeably without Harry, who has also been on several trips recently without his wife. Since moving to the United States, the Duke of Sussex has usually been seen at official events with Meghan at his side and yet in recent weeks he has been without her for engagements including in New York, the UK and South Africa.

This time it was Meghan flying solo as she met with children at the event in Los Angeles, presented by Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks. Photos from the event showed her smiling and chatting to the kids while sporting the dress she had previously worn at a 2021 gala in New York on the eve of Armistice Day in the UK and Veterans Day in the US.

Meghan attended the event without Prince Harry ( 
Image:
Variety via Getty Images)

The Duchess of Sussex was dressed in a red Carolina Herrera outfit ( 
Image:
Variety via Getty Images)

Harry has attended 10 engagements without Meghan in the last couple of weeks, as she reportedly skipped one charity event she’d been expected to attend with her husband because she was unwell.

Harry was at a central London hotel at the end of September as he attended the WellChild Awards ceremony to honour some of the country’s bravest children, while supporting a charity he has been a patron of for 16 years.

He then headed off to Lesotho and South Africa for his Sentebale charity with again no mention of Meghan. Dressed in a white shirt, dark blazer and slim-fitting jeans, Harry smiled as he stood with Princess of Lethoso, Senate Seeiso for a snap she posted to her Instagram page. The 22-year-old wrote: “Had a pleasure of hosting a lunch today”, as she shared the image in a reel.

She previously wore the dress at a 2021 gala in New York ( 
Image:
Getty Image

During his visit, Harry is believed to have met with world business leaders and philanthropists in the region to work towards fostering prosperity in Southern African communities, specifically for young people. But the lack of Meghan’s presence has led to plenty of debate and one source in California told the Daily Mail that it is the new “solo Harry” who “wants space”.

And another insider based in London told the outlet it was because he wanted to be taken more seriously. They stated: “This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage. He’s always been desperate to be taken seriously and people I know say his fall from grace will really have got to him.”

The source added: “It is a surprise that he went to Lesotho without Meghan. There may be a good reason she can’t leave the kids, but she’s never been to Lesotho and that surprises me – it is like a second home [to Harry]. He first went there as a teenager and the royal family there is like his second family.”

Maggie and Judi were good friends

Yesterday saw Dame Judi Dench break her silence on the death of Maggie Smith – just days after the actress passed away.

Dame Maggie Smith sadly passed away on September 27. She was 89 years old.

Judi Dench teared up yesterday (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Judi Dench tears up as she talks Maggie Smith death

Yesterday, Dame Judi Dench, 89, was at the Cheltenham Literature Festival.

During a Q&A with the legendary actress, Dame Maggie Smith and Barbara Leigh-Hunt’s deaths were discussed. Both actresses have died within the last month.

Speaking to Judi, the interviewer remarked that “the last week has been tricky for you”. He then encouraged Judi to explain what she meant when she had previously compared grief to petrol.

Tearing up, Judi said: “I suppose the energy that’s created by grief.”

Maggie died last month (Credit: CoverImages.com)

Judi Dench and Maggie Smith

Judi and Maggie first met back in the 50s, whilst backstage at the Old Vic Theatre in London.

Their friendship, which lasted over six decades, saw them star in several films together.

These included 1985’s film A Room With A View, 2004’s Ladies in Lavender, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.

“What I remember mostly about that time, it was the beginning of a friendship, and I remember laughter more than anything in the world,” Maggie said of their friendship once.

There were so many tributes for Maggie (Credit: BFI / YouTube)

Tributes pour in for Dame Maggie Smith

On September 27, Maggie’s family announced that she had sadly passed away.

In a statement, they said: “She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September. An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”

Tributes poured in, with King Charles even penning some heartfelt words for the late actress.

“My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Dame Maggie Smith. As the curtain comes down on a national treasure, we join all those around the world in remembering with the fondest admiration and affection her many great performances and her warmth and wit that shone through both on and off the stage,” he wrote.

Read more: Dame Maggie Smith’s final public appearances months before her death

 

Meghan Markle took a night away from parenting duties to attend the LA Children’s Hospital gala – but her children weren’t too far from her mind.

Meghan Markle made a sweet comment about her two children (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle made a sweet comment about her two children during a solo appearance at an event in Los Angeles last night.

The royal – who shares Prince Archie, five, Princess Lilibet, three, with Prince Harry – stunned in red on the red carpert at the LA Children’s Hospital gala on Saturday.

Meghan, 43, made the decision to rewear a revealing red Carolina Herrera dress which she previously wore to a New York City gala to honour military personnel on the eve of Veterans Day and Armistice Day in 2021.

Although she was taking a night away from parenting duties, Archie and Lilibet weren’t far from Meghan’s mind – with the proud mum even making a sweet comment about her little ones.

Photographs from the event showed Meghan laughing with a youngster at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital gala. When speaking to the child’s mother, Meghan drew a comparison to Lilibet and Archie.

Meghan asked the mum: “How old are they? Oh so really close to our kids. Three and five.”

The Duchess of Sussex even joked with a little boy in attendance about being out so late at the event, jokingly telling him: “It’s past your bedtime for sure.”

As well as spending time away from her children, Meghan is also currently apart from her husband – who is on a visit to South Africa.

Prince Harry flew to the UK earlier this week to attend the WellChild awards in London, before travelling for a surprise visit to Lesotho as part of a trip for his charity, Sentebale.

Meghan is a doting mum to Archie, five, and Lilibet, three (Image: NETFLIX/Harry and Meghan)

Although he was due to return to his young family this weekend, Harry has reportedly chosen to prolong his solo trip.

According to a well-placed source, Harry made the decision to “extend his trip by another few days”.

“It’s all very cloak and dagger but Harry has extended his trip abroad by another few days,” said the source. “He’ll likely go to Johannesburg and then to visit family and friends.

“The Spencers have a home there [in Cape Town] and he has a lot of friends from that part of the world. There’s also another trip planned which has been blanked out of his diary and he’s keen to keep it very private.”

Meghan Markle turned heads on Saturday as she attended the LA Children’s Hospital gala, stepping out in a striking red Carolina Herrera dress.

Meghan Markle, 43, chose to recycle a revealing red dress which she previously wore to a New York City gala in 2021 to honour military personnel on the eve of Veterans Day and Armistice Day.

The glamorous event on Saturday night, held at LA Live’s event deck, featured performances by Demi Lovato and appearances from Hollywood stars like Kaley Cuoco and Jamie Lee Curtis.

However, Prince Harry was noticeably absent as he continued his solo tour of South Africa.

Rumours of the couple spending more time apart have circulated recently, as Harry has made several solo appearances, including a visit to Lesotho, the United Kingdom and to New York City.

Meghan Markle steps out without Prince Harry as she recycles revealing red dress. (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle turned heads on Saturday as she attended the LA Children’s Hospital gala. (Image: Getty)

Harry and Meghan are now focused on individual goals, according to sources. (Image: Getty)

People magazine reported that both Harry and Meghan are now focused on individual goals, with the Prince concentrating on his patronage work while Meghan pursues her own ventures.

However, sources deny any major tension between the couple, saying they remain strong despite differing priorities.

A source close to Harry told the Daily Mail that his increased solo activities, including his trip to Lesotho, could be part of his efforts to rebuild his image. “I believe he wants space,” the insider said.

They added: “This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.

Meghan Markle attended without Prince Harry. (Image: Getty)

Meghan Markle at the LA Children’s Hospital Gala. (Image: Getty)

Meghan previously wore the dress to a New York City gala in 2021. (Image: Getty)

“He’s always been desperate to be taken seriously and people I know say his fall from grace will really have got to him.

“It is a surprise that he went to Lesotho without Meghan. There may be a good reason she can’t leave the kids, but she’s never been to Lesotho and that surprises me – it is like a second home [to Harry].

“He first went there as a teenager and the royal family there is like his second family.”

It has also been claimed that disagreements between the couple have emerged over how to raise their two children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three, according to The Sun.

While Harry prefers keeping them out of the public eye, Meghan reportedly wants them to attend more local events.

EXCLUSIVE: This year’s World Mental Health Day, which takes place on Thursday, October 10, will highlight “mental health in the workplace” which will inevitably shine a light on recent stories surrounding the Duchess that described her as a “demon” boss.

World Mental Health Day couldn’t have come at a worse time for Meghan Markle this year (Image: Getty)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to mark World Mental Health Day next week in a rather different fashion to previous years.

Last year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex held their Archewell Foundation’s first in-person event in New York, providing a platform for parents navigating mental health challenges in today’s digital age.

However, this year’s global milestone, which takes place on October 10, will highlight “mental health in the workplace” which will inevitably shine a light on recent stories surrounding the Duchess that described her as a “demon” boss.

“Let’s just say the timing of the ‘demon’ boss article about Meghan hasn’t come at a very good time,” said the source. “World Mental Health Day this year is to help shine a light on mental health in the workplace so it’s a very tricky one for the Sussexes to navigate.

“It’s a scenario where they will be damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

“They obviously advocate for mental health awareness so the day will be marked in some way but not like it has been in previous years with a big event.”

The Duchess, 40, was highly praised by one of her former senior employees last week as she became embroiled in the latest allegation against her regarding her alleged attitude and behaviour towards staff.

The Hollywood Reporter, one of America’s most prestigious entertainment news sources, recently published a scathing report labelling Meghan as “Duchess Difficult” and claimed that her staff are “terrified” of her and her “belittling” behaviour towards them.

However, Mandana Dayani, former Archwell COO, spoke out about the “profound injustice” and described the Duke and Duchess of Sussex as “kind, decent, caring people”.

She told Us Weekly: “Part of the profound injustice of having to speak publicly on this in light of these endless and damaging narratives is that so much of the kindness, mentorship, and support that Prince Harry and Meghan share with others happens quietly behind closed doors.”

Prince Harry joined the Prince of Lesotho as he toured the region (Image: Getty)

Ms Dayani added: “Throughout every global crisis, their first question was always: ‘How can we help?’ Whether they were veterans, women, refugees, animals in harm, they both showed up. Never asking for anything in return. […] Just last week, as Meghan and I were planning our next lunch, I told her how excited I was to pick her brain on my latest ventures. These are kind, decent, caring people who I am very proud to call my friends.”

According to our well-placed source, Prince Harry, 40,will return to Montecito over the weekend to reunite with his wife Meghan and their two children, Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three, following several weeks of solo engagements.

This week, Prince Harry travelled to Lesotho and South Africa for his Sentebale charity on another solo trip without his wife, Meghan Markle. It is Harry’s first visit to the region in five years.

That trip followed the Duke’s appearance at the WellChild Awards in London on Monday.

Harry also visited New York last month, which coincided with the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.

He attended several events including a notable panel at the Clinton Global Initiative, where he highlighted issues within the digital space and paid homage to his late mother, Princess Diana, while discussing the Diana Award.

His stint in the Big Apple wrapped up with a lively episode on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that saw the Prince screaming expletives while braving a haunted maze alongside the comedian host.

The Sussexes have been approached for comment

It has been well documented that Princess Anne is one of the hardest working members of the British Royal Family, taking on more engagements each year than any other senior royal. So it came as unfortunate news earlier this year when the Princess Royal was forced to take a brief hiatus from her duties due to a personal health scare. However, on September 15th Anne delighted crowds with her presence and infectious laughter at the International Sheep Dog Trials in Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland, marking a triumphant return to public life following her recovery.

The event provided Anne, known for her dedication to rural communities and passion for animals, an opportunity to engage with Scotland’s agricultural traditions and connect with people from the farming world. Dressed casually yet stylishly in knee-high boots, trousers and a colorful scarf, the 74-year-old Princess fit right in with the informal, countryside atmosphere. Over the course of her career, Anne has spent much of her life involved in equestrian activities and supporting rural events. It was clear she was very much in her element at the sheepdog trials.

The competition celebrates both the intelligence of the working dogs and skills of their handlers. Each dog must herd a group of sheep through a series of obstacles, responding solely to voice or whistle commands from their human partner. The trials not only demonstrate the invaluable bond between farmers and livestock dogs, but also help identify superior bloodlines that produce the most capable sheepdogs. These skills, practiced daily on farms across the UK, are integral to sustaining rural livelihoods.

 

Anne’s commitment to agricultural communities and equestrian causes has long been at the core of her royal work. As a former Olympian and patron of numerous animal welfare charities, she understands the importance of preserving traditions steeped in British culture. Her presence underscored the Royal Family’s ongoing support for rural life even in modern times. Those in attendance were clearly delighted to see the Princess so engaged and in such good spirits after her health setback earlier this year.

In August, Anne suffered a head injury in an accident at her residence that required hospitalization and rest. The serious concussion meant postponing several engagements, no doubt to her disappointment. However, less than two months later she had made a full recovery and was ready to resume her packed schedule. Her recovery and return to public duties so swiftly demonstrates the resilience and determination for which she is renowned.

While most are accustomed to Anne’s serious and duty-bound royal persona, at the sheepdog trials her warm interactions and infectious laughter were on display. She seemed to thoroughly enjoy conversing with handlers and watching the impressive displays of teamwork between humans and canines. Even without her husband Sir Timothy Lawrence in attendance, the solo Princess commanded attention through her passion and interest in the event’s proceedings.

All who witnessed Anne’s appearance would agree it was a celebration not just of the trial’s traditions, but of her own recovery and strength. Two decades into her royal service at age 74, she remains as dedicated as ever to her responsibilities, often taking on more than any other senior family member. Though overshadowed at times by younger generations, Anne inspires through her tireless work ethic, championing the causes important to her across agriculture, conservation, and equestrian fields.

From her poignant question to Prince Harry upon his arrival following the Queen’s death, to her return to public life at the sheepdog trials, Princess Anne continues to demonstrate grace, warmth and commitment through both triumphant and challenging moments. Her presence reassured all of her restored health and vigor for continuing her admirable service to crown and country. As one of the UK’s hardest-working royals, Anne’s deep love and advocacy for rural communities will remain at the heart of her distinguished career for years to come.

Meghan Markle is not likely to return to the UK ever again after a dilemma involving the Princess of Wales, it has been claimed

Meghan will likely never return to the UK after Princess Kate dilemma (Image: GETTY)

Meghan Markle reportedly has “no chance” of returning to the UK due to a dilemma involving the Princess of Wales.

Prince Harry has made several visits to the UK since stepping down as a senior working royal four years ago, but his wife has made very few – with her last visit taking place back in 2022.

Harry has previously expressed concerns over Meghan’s safety in the UK, but there may be more as to why the Duchess of Sussex will likely never step foot in the UK ever again.

According to one royal biographer, a future prospect involving the Princess of Wales may mean Meghan won’t ever make a return.

Appearing on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips in 2023, author Andrew Morton claims that Meghan won’t want to curtsy to Princess Kate in the future.

Meghan has not visited the UK since 2022 (Image: GETTY)

As reported by the Mirror, he said: “What, and have Meghan Markle curtsying to Kate Middleton? I don’t think so. I don’t see that as a runner. They’ve got their own lives in California.”

Royal Highnesses bow and curtsy only to majesties meaning that this is something Meghan would have to do when Kate becomes Queen.

Meghan and Harry have recently created fears that the couple are “drifting apart” – something which has even sparked concerns from their own friends.

Harry, who is still fifth in line to the throne, has travelled solo to various places over the past few weeks – including London, New York and Africa. Meghan is thought to have remained in California with their two children during Harry’s solo trips.

However, following speculation that Harry and Meghan are leading “separate lives”, a source close to the couple told The Sun: “It is normal for couples to not do everything together.”

The Duchess of Sussex caught all eyes tonight as she made a glamorous appearance re-wearing a revealing red Carolina Herrera gown to the LA Children’s Hospital gala.

Meghan Markle, 43, previously wore the stunning gown at a 2021 gala in New York City to celebrate the military on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain.

She was seen Saturday greeting young fans, as the duchess prepares for a star-studded night featuring a performance by Demi Lovato and appearances by presenters Kaley Cuoco, Jamie Lee Curtis and Colin Hanks.

The duchess went stag to the event at LA Live’s event deck in downtown Los Angeles as her husband, Prince Harry, spent the night of his 40th birthday hiking with some friends.

Sources close to the couple say the duchess booked the hiking trip for Harry and his pals.

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The Duchess of Sussex caught all eyes Saturday night as she re-wore a revealing red Carolina Herrera gown to the LA Children’s Hospital gala

The duchess went stag to the event at LA Live’s event deck in downtown Los Angeles as her husband, Prince Harry, spent the night of his 40th birthday hiking with some friends

Meghan with model pal Kelly McKee Zajfen at Children’s Hospital gala

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Markle was seen greeting a young fan at the LA Children’s Hospital gala Saturday night

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Yet it comes after the couple made a series of separate plans, including Harry’s solo trips to London and Lesotho in recent weeks.

The Duke has appeared at ten solo engagements in the last 15 days without his wife as he embarked on a ‘quasi-royal tour’ across three countries, including New York, London and Lesotho.

It has also been reported that Meghan bailed out on a charity event she was set to attend with Prince Harry because she was ‘sick.’

And when Prince Harry was goofing around with chat show host Jimmy Fallon in New York, film star George Clooney – a guest at his wedding in 2018 – was hosting a humanitarian awards ceremony in the Big Apple – and Harry was noticeably absent.

Meghan Markle hugs Paul S Viviano at Children’s Hospital gala

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Markle, 43, previously wore the stunning gown at a 2021 gala in New York City to celebrate the military on the eve of Veterans Day in the US and Armistice Day in Britain

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The couple have made a series of separate plans, including Harry’s solo trips to London and Lesotho in recent weeks

Meghan talks about being a mother at Children’s Hospital LA Gala

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Meghan has reportedly grown ­frustrated with Harry’s court cases in the UK over his security entitlement

Prince Harry in South Africa: Calls for people at top to listen

The last time Meghan was seen was the day before Harry’s birthday and she was barely staying at their home in Montecito for periods of time earlier this year whilst he was said to be ‘moping around’ by himself at a local café.

Last year, it was claimed that the pair spent extended spells apart but this was denied by sources close to them. It was said that, like any couple, they have disagreements but remained strong.

But Meghan has reportedly grown ­frustrated with Harry’s court cases in the UK over his security entitlement.

It has also been reported that the couple have been in disagreement over how to raise their children, Archie, five, and Lilibet, three.

Harry did not want the children to be seen in ­public in case they were photographed but Meghan would apparently prefer to allow them to attend more local events, a source told The Sun.

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Prince Harry has gone solo from New York to London to Lesotho, undertaking various speaking engagements at awards ceremonies and charitable panels and summits

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Meghan and Harry in Colombia in August as they visited the country as representatives of their Archewell Foundation

Some now believe the new ‘solo Harry’ is the duke’s own idea, as he tries to rebuild his image.

‘I hear he wanted it this way,’ a well-placed Californian source told DailyMail. ‘I believe he wants space.’

Others said the duke and duchess are pursuing different goals.

‘The duke and duchess have now hit their stride as individuals – not just as a couple,’ an insider told People.

‘The Duke appears focused on his patronage work, and the Duchess focused on her enterprise track.

‘But there will be joint efforts around those cause-driven areas of work.’

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Some say the duke and duchess are focusing on their own ambitions

Prince Harry makes a speech at WellChild Awards in London

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Others now believe the new ‘solo Harry’ is the duke’s own idea, as he tries to rebuild his image

Another insider in London offered a slightly different explanation, saying: ‘This definitely feels like he is upping his game to cement his position as a serious player on the international stage.

‘He’s always been desperate to be taken seriously and people I know say his fall from grace will really have got to him.’

Still, the source added: ‘It is a surprise that he went to Lesotho without Meghan. There may be a good reason she can’t leave the kids, but she’s never been to Lesotho and that surprises me – it is like a second home [to Harry].

‘He first went there as a teenager and the royal family there is like his second family.’

They’re so close that Harry and Prince Seeiso, the younger brother of Lesotho’s king with whom he founded the charity Sentebale, call each other ‘brother’.

‘Sentebale is such a big part of his life you’d think he would want to share it,’ the source said.

Share or comment on this article: Now Meghan goes solo: Duchess of Sussex ensures all eyes are on her as she rewears revealing red Carolina Herrera gown in surprise appearance at LA children’s hospital gala